Rotten Boroughs : Waveney

Councillor are pillars of the community; outstanding examples of how we should all behave; people who can be relied on to do the right thing...

Well, not it seems in Waveney District Council where Conservative councillor Andrew Draper was arrested and convicted of drink driving and kicking a police officer. He was convicted at Lowestoft Magistrates Court , fined £800 and banned from driving for 2 years.

Now of course the Conservative Party is quite big on law and order, so it's a bit surprising that after Draper resigned from the council’s cabinet, he was backed to remain as a Conservative councillor by group leader Colin Law. It could perhaps have something to do with the fact that the balance of power on the council is on a knife edge?

But, following calls for him to resign or for the Tories to take stronger action, Draper announced last week he had resigned from the Conservative group – although he would remain on the council as an Independent member.

Here's part of what he had to say for himself : "It is not in my character to wilfully attack police officers. I was not resisting arrest, or in any way acting violently. I had been pepper sprayed at close range whilst in the back of the police vehicle. My hitting out was an involuntary act of self defence. I have always and will continue to respect the work of the police in Suffolk.

“In all, this is a deeply regrettable incident, which I want to put behind me and move on from. I intend to remain as a councillor on Waveney District Council, now as an Independent representing my ward. I see it as an opportunity to put something back into the community."

A perfectly natural reaction to brutal police officers needlessly pepper spraying an innocent member of the public, no doubt...

Now you might well think that he should have resigned altogether in disgrace, but none of it! You might also think that Draper's resignation is a bit of a damp squib as although he is no longer a Conservative member he will undoubtedly continue to vote with them. You might well be right!

And just a postscript to this story, Draper was again in trouble just the day after his court appearance when his 'dangerous dog' bit a postman. Apparently, the police had 'strong words' with him about the incident.

"Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime..."

( You can read more about this story here and here )

Rotten Boroughs : Waveney

Councillor are pillars of the community; outstanding examples of how we should all behave; people who can be relied on to do the right thing...

Well, not it seems in Waveney District Council where Conservative councillor Andrew Draper was arrested and convicted of drink driving and kicking a police officer. He was convicted at Lowestoft Magistrates Court , fined £800 and banned from driving for 2 years.

Now of course the Conservative Party is quite big on law and order, so it's a bit surprising that after Draper resigned from the council’s cabinet, he was backed to remain as a Conservative councillor by group leader Colin Law. It could perhaps have something to do with the fact that the balance of power on the council is on a knife edge?

But, following calls for him to resign or for the Tories to take stronger action, Draper announced last week he had resigned from the Conservative group – although he would remain on the council as an Independent member.

Here's part of what he had to say for himself : "It is not in my character to wilfully attack police officers. I was not resisting arrest, or in any way acting violently. I had been pepper sprayed at close range whilst in the back of the police vehicle. My hitting out was an involuntary act of self defence. I have always and will continue to respect the work of the police in Suffolk.

“In all, this is a deeply regrettable incident, which I want to put behind me and move on from. I intend to remain as a councillor on Waveney District Council, now as an Independent representing my ward. I see it as an opportunity to put something back into the community."

A perfectly natural reaction to brutal police officers needlessly pepper spraying an innocent member of the public, no doubt...

Now you might well think that he should have resigned altogether in disgrace, but none of it! You might also think that Draper's resignation is a bit of a damp squib as although he is no longer a Conservative member he will undoubtedly continue to vote with them. You might well be right!

And just a postscript to this story, Draper was again in trouble just the day after his court appearance when his 'dangerous dog' bit a postman. Apparently, the police had 'strong words' with him about the incident.

"Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime..."

( You can read more about this story here and here )

That special relationship....

Obummer has just had a birthday and we've had a change of leader. So why not take a moment to reflect on the 'Special Relationship'?

America is pulling its troops out of Iraq, so there's a glimmer of hope that we might get out of there soon too. Unfortunately, this means that there will be troops released to go to Afghanistan - where, as we already know, it is dangerous for our troops to stand in front of theirs - or indeed to be found anywhere under the USAF.

Still, we junior partners know our place - which is why we are being directed by an American general.

Then there is the impending takeover of BP by Exxon much whispered about by the underground press. They've already got rid of Tony Hayward and replaced him with one of their own. And they have also conveniently overlooked the fact that the troubled well was drilled by a rig leased from them and operated by Americans. If Dave allows that to happen, then we might as well apply to be the next state! At least that will get us out of the EU...

And then there is the Magrahi affair. These cheeky fuckers have the nerve to summon Jack Straw, the Scottish Justice Minister and Tony Hayward to attend a Congressional Enquiry. When they all declined, the yanks decided to send one of theirs over to interview them. Thankfully, the Scots showed some admirable backbone and told them to get stuffed thus halting yet another devious manoeuvre in the BP takeover.

Well done Scotland. Your country is not an American state, although ours appears to be in danger of becoming one...

That special relationship....

Obummer has just had a birthday and we've had a change of leader. So why not take a moment to reflect on the 'Special Relationship'?

America is pulling its troops out of Iraq, so there's a glimmer of hope that we might get out of there soon too. Unfortunately, this means that there will be troops released to go to Afghanistan - where, as we already know, it is dangerous for our troops to stand in front of theirs - or indeed to be found anywhere under the USAF.

Still, we junior partners know our place - which is why we are being directed by an American general.

Then there is the impending takeover of BP by Exxon much whispered about by the underground press. They've already got rid of Tony Hayward and replaced him with one of their own. And they have also conveniently overlooked the fact that the troubled well was drilled by a rig leased from them and operated by Americans. If Dave allows that to happen, then we might as well apply to be the next state! At least that will get us out of the EU...

And then there is the Magrahi affair. These cheeky fuckers have the nerve to summon Jack Straw, the Scottish Justice Minister and Tony Hayward to attend a Congressional Enquiry. When they all declined, the yanks decided to send one of theirs over to interview them. Thankfully, the Scots showed some admirable backbone and told them to get stuffed thus halting yet another devious manoeuvre in the BP takeover.

Well done Scotland. Your country is not an American state, although ours appears to be in danger of becoming one...

ANT and DEC - The Charity Appeal

As the President of Pakistan is visiting Chequers today, I thought it would be a good time to roll out my good friends, ANT and DEC.

No - not that Ant and Dec! - ANT (Another Natural Tragedy) and DEC (the Disasters Emergency Committee). These two are once again asking for your money to bail out the flood victims in Pakistan.

Perhaps when Asif Ali Zardari is taking to David Cameron today and, no doubt holding out the begging bowl for Britains cash, he should be reminded that Pakistan is the same nation whose people last week were out in the streets burning our national flag and effigies of the man he is talking to. Perhaps he should also be reminded that our government has already pledged millions for their aid.

That aid is, of course, not government money. It is taxpayers' money. Donated without a mandate on our behalf. Money we don't actually have.

So whilst the appeal launched last night is tugging at your heart strings, do what I do and remind yourself of this : "I already gave"

ANT and DEC - The Charity Appeal

As the President of Pakistan is visiting Chequers today, I thought it would be a good time to roll out my good friends, ANT and DEC.

No - not that Ant and Dec! - ANT (Another Natural Tragedy) and DEC (the Disasters Emergency Committee). These two are once again asking for your money to bail out the flood victims in Pakistan.

Perhaps when Asif Ali Zardari is taking to David Cameron today and, no doubt holding out the begging bowl for Britains cash, he should be reminded that Pakistan is the same nation whose people last week were out in the streets burning our national flag and effigies of the man he is talking to. Perhaps he should also be reminded that our government has already pledged millions for their aid.

That aid is, of course, not government money. It is taxpayers' money. Donated without a mandate on our behalf. Money we don't actually have.

So whilst the appeal launched last night is tugging at your heart strings, do what I do and remind yourself of this : "I already gave"

Paki bashing

Seems that Call-me-Dave has pissed off the Pakis!

Those of us that grew up in the sixties will remember that Paki bashing was a national pastime in those days. Then we got used to seeing them everywhere and them having a shop on every corner, so we accepted them as part of the national landscape.

Nothing wrong with that. The vast majority are law abiding, hard working citizens - so it's a good thing that the bigotry has gone.

Also, the Pakistanis in this country are a damn sight safer than they would be in their country of origin. It should be remembered that until recently, Pakistan was a military dictatorship which is about as far from a democracy as it is possibe to get! And old habits die hard...

Pakistan nominally allys itself with the United States in the global war on terror. However, terrorism is rife in the country mainly due to reactions to General Zia ul-Haq's controversial "Islamization" policies and his involvement in the Soviet-Afghan War, which led to greater influx of ideologically driven Afghan Arabs in the tribal areas and the explosion of kalashnikov and drugs culture. The state and the CIA encouraged the "mujahideen" to fight the proxy war against the Soviet Union, most of these groups were never disarmed after the war and were later encouraged by the Taliban to achieve the state's agenda in Kashmir and Afghanistan. The same groups are now taking on the state itself.

Between 2007 and 2009, more than 5,500 people were killed in terrorist attacks on civilians. These are attributed to a number of sources: sectarian violence - mainly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the easy availability of guns and explosives of a "kalishnikov culture" and influx of ideologically driven "Afghan Arabs" based in or near Pakistan, Islamist insurgent groups and forces such as the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and secessionists movements blamed on regionalism problematic in a country with Pakistan's diverse cultures, languages, traditions and customs.

So Pakistan has a double problem. It needs to be seen to support the US in its war in Afghanistan, and at the same time is being terrorised at home by sectarian and separatist terrorists. But on the other hand, it has been manouevred by the Taliban to support actions in disputed areas such as Kashmir. So at the same time it is trying to both fight and support the Taliban.

This would seem to make David Cameron's remarks about them trying to look both ways highly pertinent...

Paki bashing

Seems that Call-me-Dave has pissed off the Pakis!

Those of us that grew up in the sixties will remember that Paki bashing was a national pastime in those days. Then we got used to seeing them everywhere and them having a shop on every corner, so we accepted them as part of the national landscape.

Nothing wrong with that. The vast majority are law abiding, hard working citizens - so it's a good thing that the bigotry has gone.

Also, the Pakistanis in this country are a damn sight safer than they would be in their country of origin. It should be remembered that until recently, Pakistan was a military dictatorship which is about as far from a democracy as it is possibe to get! And old habits die hard...

Pakistan nominally allys itself with the United States in the global war on terror. However, terrorism is rife in the country mainly due to reactions to General Zia ul-Haq's controversial "Islamization" policies and his involvement in the Soviet-Afghan War, which led to greater influx of ideologically driven Afghan Arabs in the tribal areas and the explosion of kalashnikov and drugs culture. The state and the CIA encouraged the "mujahideen" to fight the proxy war against the Soviet Union, most of these groups were never disarmed after the war and were later encouraged by the Taliban to achieve the state's agenda in Kashmir and Afghanistan. The same groups are now taking on the state itself.

Between 2007 and 2009, more than 5,500 people were killed in terrorist attacks on civilians. These are attributed to a number of sources: sectarian violence - mainly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the easy availability of guns and explosives of a "kalishnikov culture" and influx of ideologically driven "Afghan Arabs" based in or near Pakistan, Islamist insurgent groups and forces such as the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and secessionists movements blamed on regionalism problematic in a country with Pakistan's diverse cultures, languages, traditions and customs.

So Pakistan has a double problem. It needs to be seen to support the US in its war in Afghanistan, and at the same time is being terrorised at home by sectarian and separatist terrorists. But on the other hand, it has been manouevred by the Taliban to support actions in disputed areas such as Kashmir. So at the same time it is trying to both fight and support the Taliban.

This would seem to make David Cameron's remarks about them trying to look both ways highly pertinent...

War - a fresh perspective

Seems there have been one or two fuck ups lately on the warfare front.

First, Nick Clegg stands up in his first Prime Minister's Questions and describes the Iraq War as 'illegal'. Oh dear. Sharp intakes of breath from the Tories behind him who voted for the war.

It should, however, be remembered that the Lib Dems have always regarded the war as illegal. It should also be remembered that just because someone voted for the war, that didn't make it legal. Show me the dodgy dossier and persuade me that Blair has integrity (difficult in my case), and I might have voted for it. But that still doesn't make it legal - so I reckon fair enough, Cleggy.

Then Call-me-Dave pops across the water to liaise with the great black hope. Unfortunately, he then pisses off the yanks by describing Britain's presence in Iraq as a 'supporting role'. True, but not very palatable. It's America's war, they're fucking it up and we seem to be covering all the difficult stuff. Truth hurts!

But just to show that he's not biased, Dave then pisses off his own veterans by saying that Britain played a junior role in World War II. Well, Dave, that's bollocks because if the Japs hadn't bombed Pearl Harbour we'd still be waiting for the yanks to arrive - just like in the first war.

So, all in all, I reckon that's 2-1 on the war front. Not a great result, but a result nevertheless...

War - a fresh perspective

Seems there have been one or two fuck ups lately on the warfare front.

First, Nick Clegg stands up in his first Prime Minister's Questions and describes the Iraq War as 'illegal'. Oh dear. Sharp intakes of breath from the Tories behind him who voted for the war.

It should, however, be remembered that the Lib Dems have always regarded the war as illegal. It should also be remembered that just because someone voted for the war, that didn't make it legal. Show me the dodgy dossier and persuade me that Blair has integrity (difficult in my case), and I might have voted for it. But that still doesn't make it legal - so I reckon fair enough, Cleggy.

Then Call-me-Dave pops across the water to liaise with the great black hope. Unfortunately, he then pisses off the yanks by describing Britain's presence in Iraq as a 'supporting role'. True, but not very palatable. It's America's war, they're fucking it up and we seem to be covering all the difficult stuff. Truth hurts!

But just to show that he's not biased, Dave then pisses off his own veterans by saying that Britain played a junior role in World War II. Well, Dave, that's bollocks because if the Japs hadn't bombed Pearl Harbour we'd still be waiting for the yanks to arrive - just like in the first war.

So, all in all, I reckon that's 2-1 on the war front. Not a great result, but a result nevertheless...

Obama and Cameron have 'frank' discussion

Obama - hanging on the telephone...

US President,Barack Obama, has had a 'frank but friendly' discussion with Prime Minister, David Cameron.

This blog has received an exclusive transcript of their conversation :

Pres : "Hi, Dave. BO here. How's it hanging, ol' buddy?"

PM : "Great. And can I just say right away how much I really appreciate your troops not shooting me while I was in Afghanistan the other day."

Pres : "Don't sweat it, Dave. You just have to remember not to stand in front of our guys and you'll be just fine!"

PM : "This line is secure, right?" (There is a sound of sniggering in the background)

Pres : "Absolutely, Dave. We can say anything we want and not even MI5 or the CIA will know anything about it. Say, can we talk about this oil thing with British Petroleum. It's kinda giving me a hard time here..."

PM : "Well, I can see that would be difficult - but you know I have had strong words with Tony Hayward and he tells me that the oil's not hemorrhaging half as fast BPs share price."

Pres : "That guy couldn't plug a hole in his own ass, least of all a Gulf oil spill! Guess you know we're gonna insist on you guys paying for all this shit."

PM : "That could be a problem. You see we're flat broke over here at the moment. Perhaps we could pay you in some other way?"

Pres : "As long as you're not gonna suggest oil. We've got rather too much of that over here at the moment"

PM : "No, actually I was going to suggest double or quits on the football on Saturday. If we win, you pick up the tab. If you win, we'll let you have BP!"

Pres : "You're on, Dave. We'll whoop you assholes good!"

At this point, there is a twenty minute argument about the relative merits of soccer and basketball after which the President hangs up. Cameron is heard to remark "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

Obama and Cameron have 'frank' discussion

Obama - hanging on the telephone...

US President,Barack Obama, has had a 'frank but friendly' discussion with Prime Minister, David Cameron.

This blog has received an exclusive transcript of their conversation :

Pres : "Hi, Dave. BO here. How's it hanging, ol' buddy?"

PM : "Great. And can I just say right away how much I really appreciate your troops not shooting me while I was in Afghanistan the other day."

Pres : "Don't sweat it, Dave. You just have to remember not to stand in front of our guys and you'll be just fine!"

PM : "This line is secure, right?" (There is a sound of sniggering in the background)

Pres : "Absolutely, Dave. We can say anything we want and not even MI5 or the CIA will know anything about it. Say, can we talk about this oil thing with British Petroleum. It's kinda giving me a hard time here..."

PM : "Well, I can see that would be difficult - but you know I have had strong words with Tony Hayward and he tells me that the oil's not hemorrhaging half as fast BPs share price."

Pres : "That guy couldn't plug a hole in his own ass, least of all a Gulf oil spill! Guess you know we're gonna insist on you guys paying for all this shit."

PM : "That could be a problem. You see we're flat broke over here at the moment. Perhaps we could pay you in some other way?"

Pres : "As long as you're not gonna suggest oil. We've got rather too much of that over here at the moment"

PM : "No, actually I was going to suggest double or quits on the football on Saturday. If we win, you pick up the tab. If you win, we'll let you have BP!"

Pres : "You're on, Dave. We'll whoop you assholes good!"

At this point, there is a twenty minute argument about the relative merits of soccer and basketball after which the President hangs up. Cameron is heard to remark "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

That election result in full!

That election result in full!

David Cameron's sing-a-long-a-voter

Here's Dave doing a bit of Elton John with his personal appeal to you to elect him on May 6th.



"I guess that's why you vote for the blues
You've had enough of the lies and untruths
They treat you like children
Think that it's funny
Raise all your taxes
And spend all your money
So I guess that's why you vote for the blues"

David Cameron's sing-a-long-a-voter

Here's Dave doing a bit of Elton John with his personal appeal to you to elect him on May 6th.



"I guess that's why you vote for the blues
You've had enough of the lies and untruths
They treat you like children
Think that it's funny
Raise all your taxes
And spend all your money
So I guess that's why you vote for the blues"

Timing is everything

At last! I have been highly critical over the last few weeks of the lack of policy statements coming out of the Conservative Party.

When this campaign started at the beginning of the year, I understood why David Cameron was reluctant to put detailed policies on paper. Only an idiot would give his opponents the opportunity to steal their policies and present them as their own - and let's be honest, Labour are experts at doing precisely that.

Even in Thursday night's debate, I felt that Cameron did not nail Brown by coming out with concrete promises and guarantees, and consigning the Labour scaremongerng machine to the dustbin of history.

Well, I'm sorry Dave. I apologize. Your leaflet today leaves me in no doubt that I have greatly underestimated you because here it is at last.

I'm also sorry that I waited until today to vote, because like many others I was swayed by the polish and style of the LibDem performance. But while I think the electoral system is wrong, I'm not going to pay for changing it by giving amnesties to illegal immigrants and joining the Euro.

But there is one thing I am not sorry about - watching the death throes of a man who has done more damage to this nation than Hitler. Better start booking the removal van, Gordon - and good riddance!

I am now beginning to really believe that the Labour nightmare is drawing to a close - and frankly I can't wait to see the destruction of Brown by his own party once the voting is over. Never has it been more richly deserved.

My vote is in the post. Now let's get on with sorting this shambles out...

Timing is everything

At last! I have been highly critical over the last few weeks of the lack of policy statements coming out of the Conservative Party.

When this campaign started at the beginning of the year, I understood why David Cameron was reluctant to put detailed policies on paper. Only an idiot would give his opponents the opportunity to steal their policies and present them as their own - and let's be honest, Labour are experts at doing precisely that.

Even in Thursday night's debate, I felt that Cameron did not nail Brown by coming out with concrete promises and guarantees, and consigning the Labour scaremongerng machine to the dustbin of history.

Well, I'm sorry Dave. I apologize. Your leaflet today leaves me in no doubt that I have greatly underestimated you because here it is at last.

I'm also sorry that I waited until today to vote, because like many others I was swayed by the polish and style of the LibDem performance. But while I think the electoral system is wrong, I'm not going to pay for changing it by giving amnesties to illegal immigrants and joining the Euro.

But there is one thing I am not sorry about - watching the death throes of a man who has done more damage to this nation than Hitler. Better start booking the removal van, Gordon - and good riddance!

I am now beginning to really believe that the Labour nightmare is drawing to a close - and frankly I can't wait to see the destruction of Brown by his own party once the voting is over. Never has it been more richly deserved.

My vote is in the post. Now let's get on with sorting this shambles out...

Come clean Cleggy - who ya gonna sleep with?

Tonight's the night of the third debate - but I bet no-one is going to put these questions forward :

To Cameron and Brown : What are you going to promise Nick Clegg to get him in bed with you?

To Nick Clegg : Can you trust either of these buggers to honour their promises?

First it's Labour, then you can't work with Brown, then you can again. It's not inspiring me with confidence...

I think we have a right to have these questions answered before we decide where to put our votes.

And just in case you need a lighter note, here's a cracking litte Clegg song I nicked off YouTube (Thanks to TommyReckless - nice one!)

Come clean Cleggy - who ya gonna sleep with?

Tonight's the night of the third debate - but I bet no-one is going to put these questions forward :

To Cameron and Brown : What are you going to promise Nick Clegg to get him in bed with you?

To Nick Clegg : Can you trust either of these buggers to honour their promises?

First it's Labour, then you can't work with Brown, then you can again. It's not inspiring me with confidence...

I think we have a right to have these questions answered before we decide where to put our votes.

And just in case you need a lighter note, here's a cracking litte Clegg song I nicked off YouTube (Thanks to TommyReckless - nice one!)