Kent Watch - BBC bigs up Conservative police candidate?

As you will know, from time to time I query the objectivity and quality of news reporting particularly from the BBC in the south east, on some occasions I also question the direction and conduct of our Police, well the two subjects were combined, in a single news report last week.

Tuesday (7th) BBC South East Today had a story concerning retired Col. Tim Collins, who is to stand as a candidate for the new role of elected police commissioner in Kent, with the backing of the Tory establishment, now clearly Col.Tim Collins is a serious candidate, who not surprisingly having retired from military service a hero, might perhaps just be the man to take on the role.

However for me a couple of issues not really connected with Tim Collins, arise from this report and the quandry for me, is about fairness and balance, just to remind you of some of the detail, as I recall, if I've got this right Col. Tim Collins is of the view that he could perform the duties of Police Commissioner, part time stating "It would be a part-time role for me. I don't see there's full time work in it." apparently also making light of the responsibilities of this post suggesting "What we need is someone who can listen to the public" (as I understand the role is also about decisions making, budget, setting the agenda and appointing the chief constable, not as simple as it Tim Collins would have it)

No surprise Kent Police Federation described the idea, as  " nonsence", myself I'd use stronger language, but that is not what bothers me, having done my own research, to me this report lacked both balance and background, firstly my worry is of a bias, Tim Collins has as a result, of what seems to me,  a flippant attitude to policing in Kent, and for all we know Kent conservatives may have massaged up a story, in which Ian Pointon chairman of Kent Police Federation has responded with a pertinent comment but all this resulted in Tim Collins, getting prominent prime time, publicity resulting in name recognition, now just briefly mentioning the background, as I understand talking to those, who know these things, the nitty gritty of the election has yet to be finalised, such things as  nominations for candidates, perhaps a deposit such as in elections for MP's etc, so we don't know who else will be standing.

To summarise, I think this news story, could be seen, as an early but important bit of publicity for the the conservative candidate, in the election for Kent Police Commissioner, and of course its worth pointing out Dover council who are organising or administering the elections are not expecting the details of the electoral process until sometime in the spring.  

I feel that the BBC should take greater care in its news reporting. The BBC speak of "opposing voices" in reports to achieve political balance, a somewhat banal phrase, I guess from the BBC wallah I spoke  to, that role was taken by the chairman of Kent Police Federation, but I cannot help feel that a potential rival for the post, should have been used to prevent suggestions, such as mine that this report, favoured the proposed  conservative candidate.

Maybe should I announce my candidacy for the role, BBC South East, will send one of it's journos out to report on a candidate who believes that whoever is elected as Police Commissioner for Kent takes a more serious attitude toward the role.

BBC Judge and Jury?

Chris Huhne resigns, having no choice following allegations, as I understand by his ex-wife, who suddenly if I've got this right, confessed to having taken penalty points for a speeding offence (way back in 2003), some years later in 2011, which should have gone taken by her then husband.

Both will now appear in court to answer charges of perverting the course of justice, now I cannot help thinking, the rights and wrongs of this will be decided by a jury, however I cannot help thinking that the over  the top coverage being played out just now on the BBC's News channel is prejudicial, and if I was unkind might suggest its also biased and plain boring.

Switching channels, I see Sky news have other items on their news, maybe as I often suspect, BBC Journalist are just too lazy, why bother reporting news when, you can chit chat in a vaguely relevant way to a colleague standing somewhere in Westminster talking well informed bollix.

Time on my side

It's that time of year for me, a rare treat to be awake and at home at this time (00:50 Sunday), normally at the weekend if I`m up at this time it's because I've just started a 12hr shift on the railway, with all that entails.

However that's not the case this weekend, so its interesting to sometime step back a bit, one subject in the news of recent that still intrigues me is the slow way in which our society is dealing with the newspaper scandal centering on the defunct News of the World,  I have to say that recently listening to snippets of evidence given by former investigative NOTW journalist Mazher Mahmood to the leveson inquiry I just wonder, whether he was ever curious about his colleagues skills to delve deep into the lives of the rich and famous.

For a long time I've been skeptical about the ethics of our press and whether they're as er  honest as you and I might wish, in the past five and half years of blogging I've mentioned the murdoch press more than once, and find it amazing its taken the "establishment" to so long to question things.

Myself I just wonder when or if the handcuffs will be placed on the wrists of management?

You'll most likely be reading this Sunday and for some of you, myself included, you'll still be missing the News of the World, although I had long ago become bored witless by the affairs of celebrities and footballers I'd never heard of, I liked the inventiveness of journalists, sexing up or embellishing stories, and  I note that a previous posting (from last year) on this same subject has received a lot of hits, hence me dragging up this long running scandal.

Still if your stuck for a scandal fix, what with demise of the disgraceful News of the World, you could entertain yourself reading all about Britain's purveyors of  "news", this page on the Leveson Inquiry,  you'll find it a bit more sleazy than anything footballers, politicians or celebrities could come up with. 

Anyway I've a few days off for Christmas and although I've been reminded why I write a blog, because I don't trust the press, the lights are twinkling on the christmas tree so I shall get on with chilling, if I  cant be asked to blog again  before Christmas (unlikely) have a good one. Cheers

Oxford City Council - Jobsworths gone crazy?

I know people think I have downer on local authorities, and local government "officers" and God knows we've seen some extremes locally at both district and county level but blimey, it's looks like Oxford city council have elevated themselves to a new high in terms of well, either righteous regulation, stupidity or contempt for privacy and civil liberties. 

In the unlikely event that this hasn't cropped up on your news radar, Oxford's city council, has decided to insist that all taxis must be fitted with CCTV or what most of us would view as spy cameras recording, what would otherwise be private conversations, read this report in the Mirror, if your unfamiliar.

Still it seems that Oxford City council publicrats are, defiant in the face of mix of astonishment, incredulity,  and outrage at the casual way the Oxford City council presumably advised by "officers" have decided to treat this invasion of privacy which what appears that contemptible "we know best attitude" common in the public sector.

Here's some excerpts from their recent statement on the matter ""Most licensed vehicles will only require one camera positioned above the rear view mirror, however larger vehicles (such as people carriers) may require an additional camera to ensure that the whole of the vehicle interior is viewable. Only one?

“Oxford City Council considers that so long as clear notices are provided in vehicles which inform passengers that video and audio recording may be taking place, the risk of intrusion is acceptable  I suppose the like Stazi in the old East Germany.

Anyway of if you'd like to read Oxford City's view and make you mind up as to whether they are bonkers or what?

My advice is simple this, if you value your privacy and freedom Keep away from Oxford City, if you know whats good for you.

Kent Police Authority could they be clearer?

A while back I wrote to Kent Police authority chief executive Graham Hooper, to express my irritation about inappropriate use of KPA resources, see below details of my email 12/9/11 to the chief executive

Hi Graham Hooper

  

I am writing to express concern that Kent Police Authority appear to be conducting a political campaign at taxpayer expense.

As evidenced by these two “news items” from your website this on 16th August (click) and more recently this from the 24th August** which are critical of government plans to introduce directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners.

We’re all entitled as citizens of this country to hold and express political views, however, as I understand it, that doesn’t extend to public authorities, using resources paid for by the public, to provide services for the community.

I’d appreciate it if you could pass this on to Anne Barnes and her fellow appointees on the KPA.

Cheers tony flaig Bignews Margate

** The item from the 24th August has now been removed from the KPA website** 

Having now read this weekends copy of the Kent on Sunday, I see that the chief executive Graham Hooper has now considered the matter and according to the paper had this to say about complaints  " in my capacity as monitoring officer  for the authority with a number of actions.  These included reminding the members of their responsibilities under the code of conduct and local authority guidance on publicity."

Not too sure why, details of deliberations into complaints are not available on the Kent Police Authority website which Graham Hooper, informed me were to be "considered by the independently chaired authority Standards Committee",  I suppose the KPA are acting in the best interests of the public, I mean you can't have the  public getting to involved in the machinations of Kent Police Authority, crikey it could lead to people  coming to the conclusion that maybe elected Police Crime Commissioners are not such a bad idea after all, I mean at least, we get to choose, who we think might, question the performance of the police.

It will be interesting to see if members of the Kent Police Authority comment, particularly Anne Barnes the Chair of the Authority, also whether they actually make public the findings of their "Standards Committee"I think they should.

Kent on Sunday Story 

Labour’s Vigilante Scare

Labour locally, like their colleagues nationally, are in somewhat of a crisis, aware that most of the electorate have rumble them and realising that the Blair and Brown years, were based on mortgaging our future, and covered up by a whooping lie from Brown “the years of boom and bust are over”.

Local labour have played a pretty poor game of late, own goals like fighting against jobs, social housing, de-selection of Mark Nottingham who has been replaced Ian Driver of whom, it’s not clear (at least as I see it) whether he's still a member of the Labour party or not.

Still I have to say, its difficult not to admire, Cllr Driver who seems to have run rings round not just Labour but also the Tories particularly his deft influence and handling of the appalling cross channel export of live animals.

Getting back on topic, Labour have little to campaign on, as regards social issues they’ve gone the extra mile to stuff job opportunities and object to affordable housing, still crime, is always a good one for any party who’ve lost their way.

We told by the Gazette that, Labour councillors, Clive Hart, Linda Aldred and Doug Clark, are worried about gangs, vandalism and drug-dealing, and complaints are increasing in Cliftonville, something needs to be done. So serious is the problem that Clive Hart, no less has “written a letter to Kent Police and the council's chief executive to demand action.” and then something I find insulting, this comment  "We have serious concerns that decent local people could take matters into their own hands."

The inference is that you and I are so, stupid and bonkers, that we are about to tool up, and presumably stalk the streets of Thanet and what?  of course it’s utter nonsense but it makes for a good photo, Clive Hart looking determined and his colleagues maybe a little surprised and puzzled.

I’m not belittling the fact that crime, may be on the rise, and here in Margate we clearly have problems exacerbated, if not created by Labour’s time in office particularly the social experiment in mass migration, which the Labour cabinet showed scant regard nationally for the welfare of either millions of low paid workers or easily exploitable migrants.

Despite what Cllr Clive Hart has to say, what he needs to take on board, is that Labour are to blame for a crass policy of social engineering that has caused considerable stress and strain on society, however most of us a little smarter and more tolerant than he gives us credit, clearly Thanet Labour are a disgrace, if they are following Clive Hart’s lead in what I’m sure is inflammatory scare mongering.

If anyone can answer this, just exactly what is the basis of Cllr Clive Hart’s  “serious concerns” slur against his own constituents, you couldn’t make it up!

Kent Police Authority, self perpetuating disgrace?–and non rape?

This week, a BBC report highlighted the rather disturbing news that here in Kent, our Kent police service classified 30% of rape allegations as, “non crimes”, this is the worst in the country.

Of course Kent police put up, some technical argument, as to why they appear to be so awful, which goes to prove one thing, and that, is this, they have a well resourced public relations office to protect managers, senior officers, so when your robbed, assaulted, burgled or raped at least there will always be, an almost plausible excuse, as to why Kent police are not as good as they should be.

Kent police are overseen by Kent Police Authority, who you would think, since they represent you and I, might stand up for the public and express concern, indeed you would like to think that Anne Barnes, as Chair of KPA would in representing you and I be asking the Chief Constable Ian Learmonth to explain.

Do Anne Barnes and Ian Learmonth, actually expect the public to believe that almost  3 in 10 women are inventing crimes? I don’t suppose it could be anything to do with Kent police making their clear up rate look better by er “reviewing” and then as a result finding “rape being categorised as a 'no crime'”.

TAX PAYER FUNDED POLITICS FROM KPA?

This weekend Kent on Sunday carries a report on page 10, suggesting that the Kent Police Authority is making political moves at the taxpayers expenses, as if…, well I know that Kent Council frequently use their press office to promote allsorts of nonsense making the Conservative look better than they are.

Kent seems to me to be a sort of political Bermuda Triangle in which Tories have become sort of vaguely bonkers lefties, with ever more cranky ways to waste money, whether it’s pay vast sums of money to Fat Cats or opening up its own pointless health service or dabbling in the Arts (Kent TV). Best of all is witnessing how time and again Kent’s Conservative leader looks to be  fighting his own party on issues like education or the pointless self serving (In my opinion) Kent Police Authority.

Is it just me, well apparently not, even Conservatives are miffed, as you can appreciate I’m not a regular reader of ConservativeHome /Local Government website but this posting is pretty much how I feel referring to a recent statement from the authority  mentions “intemperate and highly political language used is not something that should have been put out at taxpayer's expense” I couldn’t agree more.

Anne Barnes blogs on Huffington post, in which she has quite bit to say about keeping the police authority and surprisingly little about Kent police and non crimes.

Finally Anne Barnes, might like to tell us what the authority does for a change, other than promote itself, has she as chair ever taken the Chief Constable to task on such things as the controversial policing methods used by Kent police, or indeed will she be seeking something a bit more substantial than a press officers explanation as to the Kent police’s  almost one in three alleged rapes being “non rapes”.

PS We’re not all stupid, surely it is time for Anne Barnes and her colleagues on the police authority to prove that they actually do a proper job of making Kent Police accountable.

FALSE REPORTS–RUMOURS AND HYSTERIA

Not surprisingly rumour and utter bollix run riot during events such as last nights disturbances in London, I note increased traffic goggling on to this site as feeble minded yoofs check out the latest rumours. Suggest two things keep precious teens under observation and trust in the police (500+ arrested in London). KENT POLICE TWITTER STREAM FOR LATEST ALSO CLICK ON THIS SITE TO READ OF TWO ARRESTED FOR ARRANGING RIOTS AND REPORT OTHERS

MARGATE - NO FIRE! NO RIOT!

Riots–No excuses

There are no excuses for the riots in London and other towns and cities, clear and simple, commentators who suggest otherwise are brainwashed idiots, the fact is the country has witnessed a moment of madness, as lazy young immoral thieving scum organised themselves into cowardly ruthless groups of violent thieves.

It was clear to me last night, as I drove to work, that kids were out on the streets in London, not to demonstrate about being victims of some great social injustice but to cause violent mayhem.

Lets face it on mass and on the streets, these kids are little more than pack animals, I think it would not be unreasonable if normal considerations of "rights" were suspended in respect of individual liberty, however "we" society are better than that, so it's unlikely that we will see any curfews or dispensation of normal legal process in dealing with this scum.

Excuses don't hold water, the vision of some lazy uneducated workshy teenage kid, on the television news, mumbling about respect, typifies the senselessness and worthlessness of this criminal minority.

This country certainly has structural problems and even self-destructive polices and without a doubt, many of these kids will be the product of deprived families, some of whom, will genuinely be the casualties of economic woes, however I suspect most are the product of generations of workshy parasites.

Ordinary people have been terrorised and inconvenienced, on the way to work last night in central London, the roads were populated with kids, their faces covered, I just wondered why these yobs are out and about rather than sleeping in preparation for a days work.

As much as you can judge these things, driving down the Old Kent Road, enroute to work I have to say, the police were showing commendable restraint in handling groups of these feral kids, in a way that makes you proud to be British, unlike the conduct of these yobs.

These kids are wallowing in the delusion that the world owes them, and probably think that they're somehow victims, unlike those in my world who just get on with life, who like one co-worker, take whatever work is on offer, change their travel plans because Croydon, Clapham, and Lewisham are under siege or another having to return home because these bastards are threating their home and family.

After this is over, lets tackle the real social problem, which is the "it's my rights" attitude of feckless scum, who've never if ever held down a job or earned "rights" because "it's not worth it" unless it's being a state funded mum or dad.

Ordinary people like me will of course be at work today, tomorrow and the next day despite these self obsessed criminals and those who like some of my colleagues couldn't get in last night, will just get on with things and despite having lost a days pay, wont be breaking in to shops or destroying peoples homes to make up for it.

There are no excuses!

Roger Gales - Press Release on Recall of Parliament

Recall of Parliament

North Thanet`s MP, Roger Gale , has this (Tuesday) morning welcomed the recall of Parliament (on Thursday) in order that the House may receive a statement from the Prime Minister in relation to the acts of criminality that have taken place throughout London and elsewhere in recent nights.

“It is absolutely right that Parliament should have the opportunity to hear from the Prime Minister and to question the action that is being taken and the facilities that are being made available to enforce the law, to restore order and to bring to conviction and sentence those that are responsible.  Not one of us is immune from the effects of these acts of violence and vandalism – those that have not been directly damaged today may, unless appropriate action is taken, be damaged tonight or tomorrow.

In expressing sympathy with those that have suffered injury and loss and damage I think that we have also to condemn those – including some media commentators – who have sought to make political capital out of these riots and to somehow excuse the perpetrators as the victims of “cuts” or “deprivation”. What we have all seen reported on television is straightforward vandalism, theft, criminality and brute violence and it cannot be excused or apologised for in any way at all.

The robust line taken by the Home Secretary and by the Prime Minister upon his return to the United Kingdom this morning indicate, I think, how very seriously the authorities are taking these matters and I would hope and expect that every measure – up to and including the use of water cannon and, if necessary, the armed forces – is deployed to protect people and property, nationwide, from further injury and damage.

In paying tribute to the constabulary – who have certainly been stretched to the limit by unpredicted and unanticipated events over the last 48 hours – we also have to call upon the decent people of every community in the country to deny any comfort, protection or safe haven to anyone at all who has participated in, or is planning to participate in, further riots.”

Kent Police take part in Westminster Demo

67 Police officers from Kent are off on a day out, to take part in a "Day of Action" in Westminster which will involve over 2,000 off duty police officers demonstrating their concern over proposed cuts to police service budgets, a particular worry seems to be over pay.

Life is tough for everybody just now, in the business and private sector people have been suffering for some time, the money has run out. The public sector and the police are part of the same economy so why should they be different, maybe they ought to show some flexibility on pay and conditions, which might allow fewer job losses.

Anyway lets hope there's none of the normal unpleasantness which accompanies demonstrations in London, I don't suppose we will see any of that Kettling nonsense or illegal arrests, assaults and searches some of which Kent Police have indulged in themselves.

Police officers on the front line, do a tough job, and of course they should get paid accordingly which is currently the case, most people are unfortunately going to get poorer over the next few years, we all need to adjust, including the police.

Here's how Kent police have dealt with protesters themselves (the blame should be apportioned to senior officers) , lets hope their London colleagues take better care.

Click Here to view a Guardian filmed report on a rather disturbing and heavy handed Kent Police operation.

Thank you twitter, the rich and famous have just become a bit more equal

I believe in equality, fairness and honesty and so do the majority of British people not words I necessarily associate with some sections of the legal industry.

 

Its the case that we expect not just as a right but a matter of course, that should we be physically attacked, that the law, as enforce by the police and judged by the courts will treated pretty much, similarly irrespective of position or wealth.

 

Of course when it comes to reputations, there is no facade of equality, if you have the money, fine, if you don't its a case of tough tits.

 

Just look at some of the specimens in recent times who've attempted to side step the consequences of shabby hedonistic deceitful little lives.

 

The argument is often put that if a someone wishes to cheat on his partner and family it's a matter for them alone, forgetting that if you screw your nearest and dearest, then a work colleague or business partner can expect no loyalty.

 

The law concerning defamation is the privilege of the rich and famous who can afford to pay a lawyer a grand or two. Still its not just individuals, businesses with deep pockets are more than happy to pervert the ebb and flow of information.

 

Currently the media are being all high and mighty about press freedom but its worth remembering that newspapers routinely, malign the those of modest means in the knowledge that it's unlikely that those on the end of slip shod stories can get legal representation.

 

Perhaps defamation, the right to privacy and all these vexatious infringements on the right to express yourself ought to be treated as other offences like physical assault.

 

Also a sense of proportion wouldn't go amiss, how for instance could a former boss of a  bank ever consider being a called a banker offensive, maybe if he'd been called a ..er....

 

I'm afraid that this popular uprising against the greedy lawyers their rich and famous clients will be short lived.

Kent's Police from Old Bill to Barnacle Bill

Kent police it appears are showing some contempt for tax payers and their own staff as they continue to extend their role past that of policing us landlubbers on an expensive maritime project.

Some time back about 2008 they acquired an ocean going boat Alexandra III. Which myself have only seen once moored off Margate when a security alert involving terrorists, organised crime, drugs smuggling and all that sort of stuff just happened to coincide with an air show taking place somewhere between the shoreline and the boat.

Today they have announced their new base for Kent Police maritime section, has been opened at the Sheerness Port, which I suppose is more appropriate than the previous base near Maidstone.

Personally think this a bit of mission creep, surely most crime, incidents and threats are already dealt with quite well by other organisations such as the Navy, RNLI, Coastguard and Customs.

I will take a guess that this will be costing you and I millions from our combined tax bill and so far I've yet to hear of what significant crimes have been resolved thwarted or even deterred in the last. few years by the marine section.

Listening to reports on the radio tonight it seems that Kent police have a big tool and a big budget item they're just trying to justify. The sooner we have elected heads police of authorities the better, this just seems like a waste of precious resources. (your money)

BBC for unchallenging coverage

My item from 2008 Police at sea

Who are these people?

It's probably me but sometimes you just get the hump, with all the busy bodies that interfere and pry for reasons best known to themselves into your daily comings and goings.

Anyhow I pulled up on a garage forecourt, this morning to fill up on scotch eggs and get a paper "The I" ( not bad just gives the news straight, unlike the Mail & Express only 20P) anyhow as I walked to shop I spotted a van as per the above illustration "Mobile Surveillance Unit" splattered on the side .

Naturally I thought who are these people, snooping and poking about into my daily routine, decided to take a photograph and clearly I'm not the only person with a inquisitive mind, since the anonymous guy in the van, happy to record my comings and goings, was not to happy either, in fact I'd say he was more miffed than I.

As I walk back to my vehicle Mr Nosy-Parker displays a clearly empathetical reaction, getting out of his van, unused to ad hoc amateur surveillance, asks " Who are you?" inclined to retort "Who the heck are you?" however worried I may be suffering a mild form of Tourettes, exacerbated by confrontational situations, I instead pointed out that I happened to be a member of the public, this  he found unsatisfactory, demanding to look at my camera phone.

I declined by commenting no further, and continued my journey, it's a sobering thought that any Muppet, myself included can just point a camera and expect not to be challenged.

Anyhow the bloke with his surveillance van, is probably still offended that someone should dare to respond in a similarly obtrusive manner to that of his own, without pondering on the irony.

I'm probably now on a list of dangerous and suspicious characters as I suspect is much of the British population.

It's the same old story as BBC come clean on discrimination

A glance in the mirror is not something I look forward too since I have little pleasure in studying my weather beaten features of fifty plus years and I doubt anyone would be that taken with them either, still enough of you read this stuff so it can't be that important.

Anyway the BBC has behaved in a rather disgraceful way to former Country File presenter Miriam O'Reilly and clearly discriminated against her on grounds of ageism.

Of course I'm sure this sort of thing has never occurred in the past and this earlier posting of mine from June 17, 2009 is in no way evidence of a policy of side-lining mature presenters.

Still I had an interesting insight into what goes on in the mind of BBC managers and presume the organisation, when one of them told me that by plonking a weather girl sorry presenter, on the late news edition of South East Today, viewing figures increased by ten per cent.

How shallow, the BBC gets its licence fee, in part by being unique, so we are told, so how about respecting presenters and journalists on the basis of experience knowledge depth rather than whether Muppets like you and I find a presenter attractive or not.

Still the BBC looks to me to be another part of the bloated selfish public sector, run by smug politically correct elite that has perverted the idea of public services delivered in a fair and equitable manner.

Perhaps the most irritating aspect of BBC news coverage was the "interview " with Alan Yentob, Creative Director, I feel the reporter could have been a bit more adventurous, perhaps by asking  a hypothetical question like this, "Mr Yentob, your no spring chicken yourself, your balding, old, so how would you feel, if you found your career destroyed simply because you were knocking on a bit and then after months of legal argument, some grisly, very well paid, senior executive, gave a miserly contrived apology?

Internet broken – Mr Puss is safe – other stuff

A long day yesterday, I thought I would relax chill out and blog a little, however on arriving home once I fought past decorations Christmas trees and blooming Santa's, there by the main tree (M&S) was the wi-fi box with an unfamiliar orange light (usually green) showing.

A quick attempt to surf the web with my phone confirmed my worse fears, the internet is broken, all I can tell you is this evening has been an emotional rollercoaster, at times I had that yes sorted feeling, only to realise no I haven't, eventually  I cracked and phoned technical support, thirty minutes later after doing as I was told the wi-fi was back.

Frankly I'm drained, 

RE Mr Puss who was recently on the missing list, I can report that shortly after I posted a blog on the subject, he was found  safe and well sleeping in the front room, on top of washing which was airing on the radiator. (it was one of the coldest days of the year) this makes a change from hogging the heat from my computer and sitting on or near the sky box.

Had I the time ,I was going to contrast the deserved concern shown by the metropolitan police chief for Prince Charles and Mrs Prince Charles, over a few moronic students, with that shown to the family of Ian Tomlinson who died during another protest on his way home after work having apparently been hit from behind by a metropolitan officer, odd world we live in really.

With that I shall carry on watching tonight's soaps. Talking of emotional roller coasters, must get back to Corrie, crikey how much more can we take!

Socialist Workers Party–Recruitment Drive?

Crikey had email forwarded today from where I'm not quite sure, anyhow, it was to announce a meeting promoted by the Socialist Workers Party, now maybe I don't get out too often but I thought that the old SWP had withered and died with Mrs T's departure.

However its clear that recent resurgence in political violence from Britain's inarticulate students, who eschew discussion, preferring to shout rather than talk is creating fertile ground for eccentric groups like the SWP to recruit.

If you accept democracy, parties like SWP on the left and BNP on flipside have the unfortunate right to exist despite their extreme views, however because of the baggage they bring to any debate free objective debate is stifled.

The existence of the BNP is one reason we don't have a reasoned debate on migration and the SWP is similar re employment and social justice. One you might connect with the horrors of fascism and the other Stalinist regimes.

Anyhow if you suffer from "It's my rights" syndrome, you know that overwhelming sense that whether you've ever contributed to society or not the world owes you a living, you'll find yourself in good company at the "How do we stop the Tory Cuts" meeting somewhere in Ramsgate next Monday, since it appears to be organised by the East Kent Right to Work Campaign, I'll set the ball rolling by giving you the job of find out the details.

I must say it's a pity these activist kept such a low profile when their mates in the Labour party were encouraging and exploiting migrant labour, doing all those deals with big business and finally the banks.

News of the World in Royal Security Blunder ? - How stupid do journalists get?

A rare weekend off, for me, a reminder of what life use to be when I had a proper job, anyhow. The Sunday papers are the highlight of any weekend, the politics, scandal and best of all "Stories" that entertain and enrage.

A classic weekend for Royal "stories" most of which appear to me to be facts embellished with spin and fantasy. That section owned by Murdoch seem to have their own agenda, skewed as I see it the Times and News of the World put forward an opinion poll that suggest that most would prefer William to be the next King, however the NOTW also has poll in which the public accept that Prince Charles should be the next King, a bit like, being a queue and thinking I'd like to be next and accepting that person in front has a prior claim.

Anyway all the above is just the sort of dross you'd expect from a foreign owned press, particularly with a proprietor who likes to  involve himself and has access to top knobs whether its inviting Blair half way round the world for a chat or indeed entering through the back door to visit our current Prime minister David Cameron.

SECURITY BLUNDER?

Excuse the preamble, in todays News of the World, on page 7, I noticed an item I consider, assuming it's true, both dangerous and stupid. Lucy Panton (Crime Editor) in a piece with this headline "SECRET TRACK DEVICE ON HER" the tale starts with this "Kate has been given a piece of jewellery fitted with a secret James Bond-style tracking device which she must wear at all times to foil any kidnap attempts" It waffles on a bit more and then the Crime Editor, Lucy Panton adds this gem "The exact location of the tracker will remain a closely guarded secret" surely I'm not the only one, thinking no it wont since your first sentence identifies where the tracker will be hidden.

Either Lucy Panton's story is complete bollix or she has just given useful information to criminals and terrorists, you'd like to think that editors and even crime editors would be more responsible. 

Although I view the Royal Family as an anachronism, they are an important part our country and whether we like it or not, provide our nations head of state and therefore ought to be shown a bit more respect than Murdoch's news organisation can muster.

I view Murdoch's influence in the British media, as a danger to this countries interest, which is why I hope his plans to strengthen his grip on the media are stopped.  This country is one of the few that would allow its media to be dominated in the way Murdoch does, which might sound good and liberal but its crap at representing the national interest, assuming we still have one.

Finally its worth reminding ourselves that this country has a considerable number of supporters and sympathisers of Al-Qaida and the press have some duty to think before they print.

Pleading Time! - Police cuts is there another way

Cuts proposed by the government have resulted in much criticism, one area being policing I just wonder if there is another way, recently police officers senior and junior have gone to the media griping about the governments proposed cuts and I just wonder if there is another way.

One employee rep pointed out that its the case that something like 80% of the police budget goes on wages, therefore meaning efficiency savings elsewhere would be of minimal effect.  The conclusion therefore has to be wide scale cuts in staff, resulting in much more crime, civil disturbance and the end of civilisation as we know it.

Without a doubt many police officers, are by the very nature of their work at considerable risk, unlike most of us, as an example, chatting to a British Transport police officer, working on the railway, telling me criminals had in the past attempted to throw him onto the conductor rail (750volts (always live) not a pleasant end ), so I would suggest that earnings and benefits are rightly above average, however currently we are experiencing a unique economic crisis.

Now even accepting that police officers (those actually out doing the work) are worthy of the money they currently get, the fact is that, we are told, the publics money has been spent (note left by retiring by shameless Labour minister), so why isn't anyone suggesting police take a pay cut, or for that matter the whole public sector.

Every day some Labour politician or public sector spokesperson is bleating about cuts, to jobs and true to type I've not one heard one make the suggestion that they've been doing alright for the last few years (according to recent reports about £7,000 per year better than the private sector) all of this crowd are talking about civil unrest, social cohesion and all that malarkey, so how about the public sector  take a pay cut around 15-25% they'd have to adjust maybe drop expensive holidays, chose value products rather than finest, in a few months I'm sure they'd adjust and since even now public sector jobs are almost bomb proof what could they complain about.

Out in the commercial world such cuts are not unfamiliar, and have been occurring for some years now in construction and agriculture, since Labour accepted and actively encouraged the principle of importing cheap labour, to be ruthlessly exploited undercutting British workers and social institutions like education and health.

Nobody is forced to join the police service or indeed any other service, so surely pay could be adjusted to balance the books, millions in the private sector have had no choice in pay cuts, except of course, changing jobs however that is pretty limited although most papers are still have plenty of public sector non- jobs.

Currently this country is divided, on one side you have people who work in the market place and get on with what's on offer, and then you have what the government refer to as the special pleaders! which as well as the police includes public sector workers and workshy scroungers, its about pleading time, the later shared the wealth!

Councillor resigns from Tory group

The "this is Kent" website is reporting that councillor Ewen Cameron has stood down from the conservative group and will now act as an independent on Thanet council, this follows on apparently, after a second charge of drink driving.

Simon Moore is quoted in the article and praises Mr Cameron's contribution to the council however he makes the point that these charges are serious and  incompatible with membership of the conservative group a tough and uncompromising position.

There is no doubt that drink-driving is indeed a serious matter as of course are other things such as speeding to which I believe that Simon has had a slightly more tolerant view in the past.

However as bad as drink-driving is I don't see quite how this would be viewed as incompatible with membership of the Tory party, particularly given his past sympathy for speeding motorists and even challenging safety cameras operators doing their job, detailed in this post of his blog back in 2007.

I think it rather hasty for Simon to condemn a colleague, before these cases have reached court and Cllr Cameron and has had a chance to explain the circumstances around these cases.

Simon Moore (2007)"I had a sharp exchange of words today with the civilian contractor inside the “Kent Road Safety Partnership” van."

Simon Moore Challenging  Safety Camera Bod "This has nothing to do with law-enforcement, face it you’re just a tax collector and you’re criminalising people for no reasonable purpose. Are you telling me you’ve never exceeded the speed limit?"

Well but for the grace of god.