BROWN – THE BUST CHANCELLOR
Your Lordship pretty accurately predicted the sorry state our economy would find itself in some years ago, most particularly in respect of the Chancellor’s lack of any abilities. I called him the Chancellor of Boom and Bust. I was mistaken. Let us just call him the Chancellor of Bust.And yes - I am schadenfroh, bugger him !
February 2003
A REVELATION FOR TONY
So - in order to stop imigrants from arriving into this country, we have to stop them from leaving for it. Is the man for real? Of course we bloody do, and should have been doing for the last 10-12 years. It is an insult for this evil piece of shite to insult us with such imbecilic statements.February 2003.
CRICKET
So Blair is prepared to go to war against Iraq and, who knows, if Bush beckons, against other nations. BUT HE WILL DO NOTHING against this evil piece of shite - Mugabe ! When all he has to do is make but a small gesture - to dissuade our cricket team of visiting Zimbabwe next year. It should have been made from day one. But no, he does not want to court controversy of any kind. He wants, in view of the PR disasters he has faced recently to keep his head down. Say nothing - do nothing.When will the people rid themselves of this disgusting little man.December 2002.
WELL DONE, FRANCOIS!
So Boy Blair is getting too big for his boots in the eyes of a number of European leaders, although the present problem vis a vis France would appear to stem from Downing Streets lack of diplomatic skills. Oh well, Campbell is losing his touch, such as it ever was.
PRINCE CHARLES
What a pity that Buckingham Palace has muzzled Prince Charles. He may have become the only effective opposition to this Government. What pressure was brought to bear on him ? Was it perhaps the carrot of Camilla one day becoming Queen after all ? For the life of me I cannot remember that idiot's name who is meant to be leading the opposition party.... Come to think of it, I've forgotten the party's name too!
DEAR JOHN
How quiet it has been around John Major. Is it perhaps because free-masons around the country have closed ranks to protect him ?
5.10.2002
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
£80m is a hell of a lot of money for EMI to recoup. We are not privy to the details of the deal, and I am sure it is complicated.I gather EMI have a share of other earnings such as merchandising and advertising. I trust they will try and recoup as much as possible on the first album. He is not, in my opinion, that talented a singer or song-writer. But did they have any option ? To have lost him to another label may have depressed their shares even further. May the game plan not be to find a buyer for the company now that Robbie is again on board ? The probability is that a buyer will come from the ranks, to be counted on the fingers of one hand, of those labels that were unsuccessful in tempting him away from EMI in the first place. Perhaps there will be a new player in the market using EMI’s assets as a base to build up a new, possibly more forward looking entertainment conglomerate. How does that song from West Side Story go… Mariah, Mariah, Mariah…I’ve just… of what the hell. Finally, what about those people who cocked up on his last contract ? 2.10.02
BIG BOY BLAIR
As far as Blair’s performance on the world stage is concerned, it is a part any B movie actor can adequately play. It was always so, before the war in Afghanistan, then in Kossovo and now again prior to hostilities against Iraq. After all, he only as to play the role, he does not have to deliver the goodies.Those who will have to deliver are the USA, their and our military. The feigned gravitas, the feigned sincerity, and statements such as ‘the military action I took against Kossovo…!’ are quite sickening.
And then there was Bill Clinton’s speech. I always had a soft spot for Bill; and what a performance he gave us! Did he not realise,however, that his oblique criticisms of Bush and the Republicans fitted most appositely to Blair and his cronies here in Britain. Was this really lost on everyone. ? It reminds me of the remark recently made by the German minister in respect of Bush, which fits Blair like a glove. In his press conference of 3rd October Blair distanced himself from all that is relevant to and of importance to the daily lives of the people of this country.
Oh yes, I wonder whether Bill had been promised an honorary knighthood for his support. Yet it will prove to be a two edged sword for Blair. What the hell does he think his buddy Bush thought of it ? You can’t dance at two weddings at the same time.
3.10.2002
THE BRITISH PRESS, STILL A MESS, BUT……….
It has been refreshing to at long last over the past 6 - 8 months read articles analysing and criticizing the performance of Blair and his cronies. These were long overdue and, as I said in an earlier piece, totally predictable. We have people like Max Hastings writing oh so, so…. analytically; Simon Heffer so very eloquently; Quentin Letts with so much wit and Richard Littlejohn with his usual rumbustuous style. Well done lads! And do continue dipping into my site while you’re at it.
3.10.2002
BLAIR GAY ? NO WAY !
I was amazed a few weeks ago by the comment a friend made. Having just returned from a holiday in Greece, he told me the Greeks, as incidentally the Ialians, were quite amazed that we, in Britain, were unaware of the fact that Blair is gay, or to be fair, at least bi-sexual. Ir is common ‘knowledge’ in these countries.
Well, I do think that is a malicious rumour which has to be nipped in the bud right now. No ! No way ! He may have been a very pretty boy in his youth, with his long flowing hair, and he was rather cut up when Mandy had to give up his positions, but no.
POOR TONY
I do admit Blair has some good speech writers ( I should say copy writers ). He has also done well over the years to improve the quality and effectiveness of his delivery with much assistance, no doubt, from tutors in these matters, as did Maggy Thatcher. As she did, he puts the stresses words within a sentence where you least expect it – a good technique of ensuring the audience don’t fall asleep. What his tutors have failed to remedy his tendency to have a lack of stress, of emphasis on every nth word, usually at the end of a sentence. This demonstrates a lack of sincerity. It shows he does not believe in what he is saying – but then nor does anyone else, so that’s OK
POSTSCRIPT
One word he simply cannot articulate properly is ‘gonna’.Do listen next time.When he uses the phrase ‘let me be absolutely clear about this…’ you know that clarity is the very last thing you can expect. ‘Let me just say…’ is quite contagious, used by much of the front bench. When used it means nothing of relevance will be said.September 2002
STREET CRIME DOWN ?
We hear from Blunkett that street crime is down. Once again I have to say, get out onto the streets and see for yourself. Well, perhapsnot in his case. The fact is, that most muggings, be they actual, attempted or threatened, go unreported. The public quite simply have no faith in the police to take any action.Were we to add these to those muggings that were reported, we would have quite different statistics.
LABOUR’S CRIMES
Blair, his Government and their cronies, as also those who have profited from New Labour, must be brought to account in due course for the crimes they have committed against the British people. They must be brought to account in a court of law. One cannot commit the crimes they have and plead ‘but I was a politician at the time, ergo anything goes’. It will not wash.
They should face trial, imprisonment in many instances and confiscation of their assets, which should be given over to the Exchequer.
I wish Blair could be arraigned before parliament, but that cannot be at present. To see people like J Archer imprisoned for perjury is a farce, when Blair and his cronies commit it on a daily basis.
August 2002.
LOTTO BLOTTO
Lottery sales are down; this is surely good news. Gambling is morally indefensible, is it not? Has it not caused much misery to those in the community who can least afford the weekly expenditure on the Lottery? Perhaps some of these have wised up, given the odds stacked against them. For the Government however it is a loss of revenue. More importantly, there will be less money available to be distributed for ‘good causes’. The Lottery has to be regarded in this context as one of many forms of indirect taxation, but one with a certain feel good factor about it. In line with this anti-social attitude, which attacks all family values that any decent person would hold dear, the Government want to create Las Vegas’s out of cities such as Blackpool, to make Britain the gambling Mecca of Europe. I know our economy is on the slide, but this is a most cynical line to adopt. The tax take is going down and any means of propping up the Treasury (and that is what it may come to in due course) is acceptable to them. July 2002
ON THE BUSES
I fondly remember the days when buses were driven by trained bus drivers. I mean, they drove off bus-stops slowly without throwing their often elderly and infirm passengers around within. Ah, but gone are those days. Now, with exacting schedules to which to adhere, that seems no longer possible. But I do get a little fed up with some drivers. Yesterday was a case in point. The driver of the bus I was on, was winding in and out of traffic at speed, driving with one hand, whilst with the other holding a lengthy conversation on his mobile with, I presumed, a friend. Unfortunately I did not understand the language. It was obviously an interesting conversation, as he did not wish to interrupt it, totally ignoring passengers waiting to board at a bus stop. Later on another driver came in the opposite direction and they stopped to have a chat and arrange to meet up later that evening. I suspect he learnt his driving skills driving military vehicles on the dusty roads of Ethiopia, or Somalia or somewhere in that region. But, never mind, I am sure the Government and Ken Livingstone know what they are doing and will get on top of all this. After all, they have a transport policy, don't they? June 2002.
FOOTBALL RELIEF
I know it’s a shame that we lost to Brazil in the quarter-finals; but it COULD have been worse. Imagine if we had gone on to win the world cup ! Tony ‘What’s my real name’ Blair would have taken the credit for it. I can see him walking hand in hand with the team through London and God knows what others cities. To offer the British ( or was it just the English ) people a bank holiday had we won is taking his sycophancy too far.
Actually, I think our opponents had a secret weapon, and that was the adulation shown for some of our players, particularly in Japan – and most especially for David Beckham. He may not have recovered completely from his injury, but his ego, growing by the day, must surely have adversely affected his performance. Or is the team a bit like our Government, a lot of hype, but not enough substance.June 2002.
GORDON BROWN – WHO ? Our chancellor has kept such a low profile since he became Chancellor of the Exchequer. Not wanting to put a foot wrong, he is biding his time to make a take-over bid. But has he got what it takes to be PM ? He has not the image, the looks, he is a little too rugged and he lacks charisma. And then there is his unfortunate Scottish accent. On the plus side – he is not going bald ! But no, I think not. What about Blunkett ? He is scoring points for his honesty, his demonstrative ability to do a U-turn, to admit he was wrong – yes, very clever. He also has the sympathy factor in respect of his impediment. Again, I think not. He lacks appeal with the Middle Class. His guide dog on the other hand would make an excellent candidate. No, Tony ‘I can’t hear you Alistair, speak up’ Blair will go down as one of our worst Prime Ministers. Do you know what ? Gordon Brown will go down as one of our worst Chancellors, the harbinger of Boom and Bust. Time is not on his side. June 2002
BUSHKI AND POOTIE POOT
I must say, I love Bush's nick-name for Putin! The events of 11th September have changed President Bush's attitudes towards foreign policy. He has 'gotten' a real taste for it. He needs partners and has decided that Putin is a man he can do business with. In many respects they have a similar outlook towards the world at large. Bush knows Europe is weak and does not speak with one voice; nor will it in the forseeable future. Its leading players are weak, Germany, France, the UK and Italy and are, I believe, perceived to be so by Bush. An American-Russian axis could work. The most powerful nation in the world getting together with the former second most powerful nation in the world. We in Europe should keep a weary eye on this. Certainly the Germans have long understood the importance and the potential of Russia, given the trade between them, support given by Germany ( in view in part of the problem of the two Germanies ), and the traditional historical and cultural ties which go back several centuries. Yet Russians still harbour a certain distrust of Germany. Most Russians, of those who aspire to the Western way of life,like the American life-style. They would soonere mmigrate to the USA, rather than to Germany, the UK or France. No, it is the American way of life they admire. So such an alliance, forgetting for the moment whether the treaty really has that much substance, may bring results for both parties.June 2002
RAIL-TRACK
So by talking to the workers within Railtrack, one is told about failings and carelessness within the industry, especially in relation to maintenance.
I have to admit it is three years or more since I had contacts within that industry, but this is nothing new. It was also indicated to me at the time that there was a significant amount of corruption within it. Keep talking to the workers lads !
Oh yes, they are taking on Rumanian engineers I read.I think NHS managers, all members of Quangos, all non-elected political advisers, as also management consultants should be sacked and made to work for Railtrack. But on a more serious note, this demonstrates the paucity of apprenticeships and the fact that they are no longer held in the esteem they once were; this unlike with many of our European counterparts.May 2002
NO MORE TALIBAN
So we have defeated the Taliban and terrorists in Afghanistan. Such a politically expedient statement for the British Army to have to make. Where do they think all the Taliban have gone ? Have they all fled to Pakistan. I don't think so. They have trimmed their beards and have melted away largely into the countryside, especially in South Eastern Afghanistan. The tribal Lords, under whose protection many are, will profess loyalty to the new Government and 'smile' solemnly at our troops or look at them with that Afghan blank expression - whilst biding their time.May 2002
IMMIGRATION
So the French are not guarding their end of the tunnel adequately. Surprise, surprise. But yes, I believe one can negotiate a settlement of the WHOLE migrant affair within the EU, but who will do this ? The Foreign Secretary ? I remember Straw as a student leader in the early 70s. He's a nice guy now, one I could have a pint with (just the one, mind). Yet he is also a man of no consequence. So, what about Tony 'I can't hear you Alistair, speak up!' Blair ?
Hardly ! The French and the Germans do not take him seriously. They percieve his fundamental weakness, even though few in this country do yet. In fact, few foreign leaders take him seriously, especially, in my opinion, George Bush. I'm sure he is aware that Cherry and Tony(What's my real name)Blair think he's a jerk, but a jerk he is not.
Anyhow, the Franco/German Axis will prevail. It will also prevail when it comes to Blair wanting to be the first President of the EU. I do fear that he may do a deal on Gibralter to get Spain's vote for his drang to be elected.
It would be a waste, quite apart from hanging fellow Brits out to dry, but then, he does that all the time.
DEAR MR AL-FAYED
I have always been rather fond of Harrod's. It is a British institution. I used to shop there in the 70s and 80s, mainly in the Food Halls and the Wine Dept.. I also happen to have a soft spot for Mohamed Al-Fayed. I went there window shopping a few times recently. Many alterations have certainly taken place - but the prices ! Why should I pay twice the price for vegetables, say, when the same or even better quality is now available in some supermarkets and in many corner shops. And the wine prices ! Profits have fallen, I hear. I'm not surprised. It was the middle classes who created the success for Harrod's in the first place. They have more money to spend now than they had in the 20s or 30s, but they also have become more astute in their buying behaviour. Bring prices down and get them in again ! To market Harrod's for the super-wealthy and for tourists won't, in my opinion, work.May 2002
TOADIES
I enjoy listening to the Today program on Radio 4. OK, so John Humphries has lost a bit of his edge, haven't we all. It is still an excellent early morning news program, BBC managment notwithstanding. The only thing that irritates me are toadying politicians. By toadying I particularly resent the constant, incessant use of first names. John this, John that, or Jim...
I know they all attend the same courses on 'how to get on with interviewers,how to get them on your side, how not to answer the question, how to make out to the listener that they and you are really the best of pals (no matter how they may dislike one another) etc etc. To hear Robin Cook in particular is dreadful. John and Jim, if I may call you by your first name, why don't you insist they all call you by your surnames!May 2002