Western Daily Press. . On-Line Comments
Re.Letter.
IS THIS THE END FOR THE ALLIANCE?. . Chris Gale
A George Bailey says he hopes he’s right. .
When Pigs learn to Fly George! . . Don’t hold your breath. . .
Charles Henry
It might be interesting to compare the CA to the organisation Chris Gale so avidly supports. Responsible for the unnecessary deaths of millions of farm animals in the FMD crisis. Where was Chris when lambs in the West Country were wriggling to their deaths in the mud of rain sodden west country fields? Oh and then there is the war in Iraq. Fought on the basis of a lie and placing British troops and civilians at increased risk. Not to mention countless thousands of Iraqis dead and a country plunged into chaos. Labour party membership? More than HALVED since Tony Blair came into power and if the tend continues they will cease to exist by 2013. Oh and what about their finances? Debts of £23.4m propped up by dubious loans currently the subject of criminal investigations.
Giles Bradshaw, Rose Ash
You are still talking the usual rubbish Chris and are now making up ’stories’ like a naughty schoolboy. . You have obviously completely deleted the London March from your memory. . Your interpretation of all events is about as reliable as the New-Labour Government’s Crime Statistics have always been. . . People just no longer believe you.
And on the subject of ‘facts’ rather than ’statistics’ Chris; did you know that a SHOPKEEPER is now more likely to get killed than a POLICEMAN(officer)! . . It’s truths like that people remember. . Not all your your distortions and propaganda. . .
And did you also know the average country dweller is about £60 a week worse off than their urban cousin, but pays more Council Tax Chris? . . The truth is so much more interesting than your fiction I think. . Don’t you? . .
Charles Henry
Read what Chris Gale says Charles! He’s against the whole of what he calls the countryside alliance’s “sordid agenda” not just country sports. That makes him pro closing down post offices, anti rural communities, pro fly tipping, anti affordable housing, anti farmers and other rural businesses, anti giving rural crime equal priority to urban crime and antio the empowerment of rural communities through local democracy. Basically he is New-Labour through and through.
Giles Bradshaw, Rose Ash
I think you will find Chris works out of the New-Labour office in Chippenham Giles. . That’s what he ‘does’. . Another one ‘Gainfully Employed’. . If he does have a ‘real’ job. . I apologise of course.
Charles Henry
Ah, well that explains it. Maybe Chris could explain what Labour have done for rural people?
Giles Bradshaw, Rose Ash
Remind me, how many members has the Labour Party (or whatever it calls itself nowadays) lost since the 1997 election? And how many millions it is in debt? And exactly HOW has it attempted to improve its financial situation, by selling….. what was it now?
Sarah, Surrey
Oh Lordy Lordy! . . I’m blowed if I can remember now Sarah!
Charles Henry
Re. DAVE IS DOING A GOOD JOB IN JOHN TURNER’S OLD RADIO SLOT. 18/07/07
John old mate; they are obviously all missing you at Radio Bristol now. . . I don’t know where you are getting your tablets from these days, but if you are having any problems ask the editor for my email address. . I know it’s tough as we are all getting older but if things get really hard there’s always the ‘Big Issue’ for you again. . .
Best regards. . Charles.
I was thinking John. . . I am being a bit harsh. . . If you’d rather do a bit of ‘mucking out’ and you feel up to it; or even some ‘washing up’; I do have a few contacts. .
Charles Henry
(re. the recent Royal Photoshoot).
Do you really know ANY Woman who will be dictated to in 2007 Brian?
Charles Henry
( The Government is considering an amnesty for the half-a-million illegal immigrants who are currently living in Britain)
Anyone who believes their ‘half-a-million’ figure also probably still believe in the Tooth Fairy. . . Hasn’t anyone else noticed this country is rapidly becoming the most over crowded place on the planet? . . And thousands of those are already having to live on our flood plains! . .
Charles Henry
Chris. The object of Fox Hunting is to try and reduce the numbers of the foxes. . . Is it not? . . Now whether or not it offends your sensibilities is not really important. . They are vermin, and they DO take poultry and lambs, and they are also known to attack any mammal whilst giving birth if the chance arises. . . Now we are all agreed, I thought; the success rates of the hunts is pretty dismal.. And there are far fewer of them around these days anyway. . So what’s your gripe? . . Would you rather they were out catching rats in the cities? . . I mean we all know some dogs are really great ratters. . My retriever is!. . The real problem here is the League Against Cruel Sports.. . They are obsolete now; certainly in this country!. . Mind you some foreigners (oops; people in other countries) do get up to some pretty dodgy practices.
Charles Henry
Charles, Hunting has always been about so called ’sport’ as in the sick thrill that some people get from hounding an animal to its death. Only in recent times did Simon Hart of the CA warn about a shortage of foxes, which is why hunts have always bred these ‘vermin’ so they have plenty to terrorise to their death. Ritualised killing of wild animals for ’sport’ is now banned under the law, quite rightly. Of course there will always be sick individuals who break wildlife laws but the public no longer tolerate them being legal. You are living in 21st Century Britain with a 19th Century mentality.
Chris Gale, Chippenham
I am sorry Chris you are just spouting bigoted nonsence. There is probably some truth in that certain hunts took steps to maintain a fox level closer to home to ensure a chase; even if they didn’t get a ‘kill’. This probably included discouraging farmers and other ‘rough shooters’ from taking them; but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the vast majority of ‘working’ hunts maintain a service for farmers, keeping fox levels down and dispursing them; and also removing/taking deadstock etc. You really should find out more about some these hunts around the country. You just seem to have a problem with the more ‘up market’ ones. . . Their principal is no different. They are just more able to do it in style; and so appear to get more enjoyment more from the occasion with their horses. But I assure you horses are no ‘fair weather’ pastime. Dawn till last thing; 365 days a year. . . And no; I am not a hunting man, but I have shot a few.
Charles Henry
Oh dear Charles you do stetch things rather, without these so called ‘vermin’ your hunter friends would have nothing to terrorise to death. That they cant take up real drag hunting and instead want the bloodlust shows their real agenda. The decent majority in this country, not stuck in the past rednecks like yourself, have no time for the barbarity that is hunting with dogs. Which is why it is banned and will stay banned.
Chris Gale, Chippenham
“Sticks and Stones” Chris! . . We’ll have to continue this another day. . . Perhaps we can discuss this wonderful ‘A Murder Every Day’ ‘Broken Society’ you and your ilk seem to be celebrating. . .
Charles Henry
Peter Bunce is right in many respects with his comments about foxes. Firstly it is now almost certainly the badger that has the dubious title ‘Most Universally Loathed’, always leaving its filthy latrines and threatening to ‘move in’ and leave holes for stock to break legs in. However I note he has only been looking at the problem for 13 years, so he is obviously only an inexperienced novice!
To a farmer that no longer keeps poultry or sheep the fox is now just a spreader of mange; and that really disgusting odour when the dog finds any of their faeces to roll in; but no less is their concern for the neighbours who still do.
His remark about fox predation on viable lambs is an insult to those hill farmers who still struggle in very harsh conditions; and it explains why he and his ilk are probably even more loathed now than the badger. . . But even more it begs the question. If hunting is so inefficient; why was hunting ever really banned in the first place? It’s a very quick death for the vermin fox that is caught.
Of course we all know the reason really. . . They are all PASKUDNIKS and sometimes Tories! . . And some of them even wear Red Coats!
For those of you interested; PASKUDNIKS is the Yiddishized English vernacular of PASKUDNYAKS .
Charles Henry
“Britain’s greatest wartime leader Winston Churchill has been cut from a list of key historical figures recommended for teaching in schools.". . .
Western Daily Press.
Now here we have it at last the indisputable evidence of how we are having to bow to the teachings of the new European Soviet. . . And you all thought Communism was dead in the West since the fall of the Berlin Wall. . . . But no! . . Next it will be all public buildings adorned with huge portaits of our New-Labour Masters. . . Idi Amin; Pol Pot; Sadam Hudssein, . . “EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!!". . Is it any wonder they all want George.W.Bush toppled!
Charles Henry
You ‘Seem to remember’ do you Gill? . . I don’t think you really know anything about REAL country life at all. . . . I have met an awful lot of farmers’ wives in my life, but I have never come across one like you before. . . . . . . Why don’t you search GOOGLE for ‘Kingsdown Memories by Victor Painter’. . . You might just learn something.
Charles Henry
The W.D.P. is constantly being used as a vehicle to accuse good people of being cruel to animals; particularly the vermin the fox, and they are very often encouraged by sections of The State. . . Here we have a case where a HUMAN BEING whose life and daily work has been given up to becoming a doctor and to saving life; has been put on trial for causing a death. . . Any suggestion that the loss of life she is accused of causing can have been anything other than an aberration or a terrible accident, that she bitterly regrets; is obscene.
It is of course a terrible tragedy for the family concerned, but do they or does anyone else really believe that days of torture the lady has already endured leading up to the trial; and now the days she has to endure awaiting sentence is in any way a moral way for a civilised society to behave?
I sincerely hope that the voice of the Western Daily Press can bring this ladies suffering to an end. . She will have her whole life ahead of her to bear her remorse.
Charles Henry
You should try your hand as a fiction writer Mr.Forsyth. You certainly have the talent. . . . It must be really ‘eating you all up’ as you all suddenly begin to realise that out in the Countryside and in the Tory party; and in the Countryside Alliance particularly; there never has been a ‘class war’. We just get annoyed if people can breed better stock or grow bigger cabbages than us. “It don’t matter if ‘ee can’t speak proper.". . “An if theym daft enuff ta wanna go ‘unting, then thas up ta they! . . Issa free country!. . Well it yoosed ta be!”
Charles Henry
William Hague would certainly not have considered joining UKIP Mr.Craig. . . . He aspired to be the leader of our great country not the skipper of ‘a packet-steamer going nowhere’. . . When the European project was launched it was like a great super-tanker with a dozen Masters, none of whom could agree on the final destination, or the course that should be set. . . . It has only narrowly avoided becoming the next Titanic as it continues to steam ahead blindly towards every iceberg. . What is now becoming clear is that all other political parties are becoming extremely rattled as David Cameron continues to set the political agenda. . He is sure to be aiming to start turning this hulk of Super-Tanker into a Cruise Liner from which we all can benefit. . And one thing you can be sure. . It will have to change from being a polluting ‘Torrey Canyon’ into a many masted ‘Clipper’, securing our trading links and our independence, when he joins them on the Bridge and sets the ‘Moonraker’ (the moonsail). . . I think it’s called ‘The Wind of Change’ Mr.Craig
Charles Henry
Helen Weeks tries to make her self-appointed position as a Hunt Monitor sound as if it is some official government appointment Editor, whereas we all know it has a closer association to the Third Reich . . . Here are some interesting facts.
“Like the Drafters of Mr Foster’s Bill, the Nazis faced the problem of how to define a hunt. In order to avoid ambiguity even following a pack on horseback was made illegal. Hitler’s ban on hunting with dogs remains in force.
The teetotal and vegetarian (Well there’s a coincidence!) Fuhrer was by nature against hunting on grounds of cruelty, but riding to hounds roused the ire of the socialist in Hitler’s National Socialism. German fox-hunters tended to be aristocratic, in his view effete and probably Anglophile. Goebbels, too, on occasion derided the social world of riding. In the politics of resentment, few could beat the Nazis.
Hitler’s first dictatorial act, after the passing of the Enabling Act (1933) was to regulate the cooking of lobsters (he was distressed by their screams when tossed into boiling water). Only then did he abolish free trade unions.
Apart from their opposition to hunting, what Hitler and some of the most extreme contemporary animal rights activists tend to share are an implacable self-righteousness and misanthropy. Advocates of “good causes” all too often confuse the justice of their cause with their own moral worth. Since they support a holy cause they are sanctified by it and brook no criticism. When that sort of self-righteousness peaks in an extreme animus, other moral considerations go out of the window. Supporting animal rights for instance can legitimise violence against human beings in such people’s minds.". . Mark Almond- Lecturer in Modern History, Oriel College,Oxford.
Charles Henry
Controlling Mycobacterium bovis was costing the Tax Payer a relatively paltry amount until the lunatic fringe became involved and put some arbitrary value to mankind allowing the badger population to multiply to its present disastrous level. . Why?. . Because they are perceived as ‘cuddly’!. . . Not only have they endangered the very fabric of our whole agricultural base in this Green and Pleasant land; but by allowing M.bovis to become endemic in an animal that lives underground they have now endangered virtually all other mammals, including ourselves! A vaccine for all mammals!. . This is a World Wide problem you stupid people!
Charles Henry
You obviously have not read the ISG report Charles, either that or your prefer NFU lies to scientific fact.
Chris Gale, Chippenham, Wiltshire
One line from that report that blows your argument wide apart Chris. . . “Implicit in our approach is the recognition that the widespread elimination of badgers from large tracts of the countryside would not be politically or socially acceptable, hence we have sought to explore a much wider consideration of the problem and its possible solution(s).” . . That’s a really typical New-Labour enquiry. . DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE FACTS THEY DON’T FIT IN . I repeat my previous statement. This is a world wide problem you stupid people. . And it’s getting worse by the day.
M.R.S.A.(methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) ‘Staph a’ as it is known by the enlightened, will be a ‘Walk in the Park’ compared to tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis; and it will almost certainly be caused by one of the Multi-drug resistant strains that have been taking hold in many parts of the world for more than 10 years now.
Charles Henry
Well if ever there was a place that needed the benefit of a new trunk road, it is Banwell Mr Stanley, many years ago.
You can’t have any efficient services without a road system to sustain them.
Charles Henry
John Pritchard thinks people defying the smoking ban is not an important issue. . . This is, or was; supposed to be a ‘Free Country’. . . Millions have died defending this freedom. . I certainly don’t smoke, and I certainly don’t remember anyone ever forcing me to go into, or remain in, a smoky atmosphere if I did not wish to. . . I always chose not to. . . To deny people the right to join others in a smoky atmosphere if that is their communal wish, is a denial of Civil Liberty which ever way they try and wrap it up. . . Yes John Pritchard; this IS a very important issue and rather like hunting; I DON’T THINK WE’VE HEARD THE LAST OF IT!
Charles Henry
Well just how bright is Chris Gale, Labour Party activist really?…… Which type of indebtedness would you rather have?………..Conservative:……. A big over draught debt with 15% interest rates and 10% inflation;……..or………… Labour:…………. A big Credit Card debt, with 18% interest rates and 2% inflation……..And remember the Tories 15% was caused by the E.R.M. and our ‘partners’ refusal to honour the arrangement and support the Pound………………Be very aware. REAL INTEREST RATES HAVE NEVER BEFORE BEEN SO HIGH, and BANKING HAS NEVER BEEN SO PROFITABLE……….. Thank you Gordon Brown for destroying the hopes of Britain’s young people.
Charles Henry
How much more nonsense about slavery do we have to endure from people like D.F.Courtney. I believe most of these claims are simply hysterical conjecture; being made by trouble makers trying to engender feelings of guilt from the indigenous population; whilst at the same time inflaming the feelings between them and the denizens. The majority of people in the Southwest hadn’t even seen a black man until well into the 20th century; let alone experienced any animosity or racist feelings towards them; and they had certainly not experienced any financial gain. If people were honest; they would admit that it wasn’t until the mass immigration of the 20th. Century that any adverse sentiment was really being expressed, and then only in the cities. Thankfully most people are now mature and not judgemental and take others as they find them.
Charles Henry
Brussels has had a change of heart about its final doctrinal stupidity! . . It would have become illegal, for instance, to talk of a “42in” television screen; for garages to have pumps measuring the air we put into car tyres at pounds per square inch; even to print the size in inches on tyres themselves, although this is a WORLD WIDE STANDARD. . . All this was ordered by the EU in its desire to stamp out any last reference to the non-metric measures it hates. (Furthermore, as was reported by Christopher Booker; Sunday Telegraph, at the time; the EU’s ban on allowing any further choice in such matters was whistled through by our own Government in 2002, so it is already the law of the land!) . . Not because it (the EU) could see anything wrong in banning small traders like Mr Steve Thoburn from selling fruit and veg in the measures the VAST MAJORITY of their customers prefer. . . What changed its mind was the last-minute realisation that this draconian new law was going to inflict untold damage on the EU’s trade with the non-metric US. . . You couldn’t make it up!
Charles Henry
I couldn’t agree more with Mat Coward. . This is just another case of a Minority being talked down to by these New-Labour ‘Control Freaks’. . For the record; I haven’t smoked for 30 years and I think smoking is a filthy habit; and people certainly would not smoke in my home!. . But I have two minds to make a protest by lighting up a cigar somewhere ‘illegal’ now. . . I AM SURE MANY WILL! . . And I would like to know who they are expecting to pay all the taxes that are not going to be collected if people quit! . . And don’t anyone try and tell me the NHS will save money. . . “When Pigs Learn To Fly!”
P.S. “Giles! . . . Do you fancy taking a trip into Taunton Town Hall!!??”
Charles Henry
Is Brian L.Viner ‘for real’ Editor? . . You can MAYBE forgive people like him for their early exuberance for this failed European experiment; but what world is he living in now!? . . With the speed of advancement of the billions in China and India; and China now surreptitiously securing its potential for world financial dominance, by huge investment in Africa; the last thing we need is to be completely ham-strung by this new ‘European Soviet’. . . They have caused us far too many problems already, and I can’t think of any Chancellor who would seriously consider such a move at this time! . Their base lending rate has been held at 4% because of their poor performance and ours is heading for 6%. . . . Why does he think we now have so many immigrants clambering to come. . OUR HOT SUNNY CLIMATE!. .
Charles Henry
Obviously Mr.Craig didn’t watch Prime Ministers questions on Wednesday! . . I don’t think it’s David Cameron that is feeling the pressure. . . He listens to his followers; unlike many others including UKIP!.. . Didn’t they throw out their best campaigner and hope for election success; . . Robert Kilroy Silk!!??? . . Conservatives will always listen; as long as they have a ‘listening leader’. . . John Major wasn’t one; . . David Cameron is. . If he’s good enough for William Hague; . . He’s certainly good enough for me!
PS. Wasn’t it Tony Blair who had to teach the Labour Party, that without ‘Election Success’ they would still be just ‘Cleaning Windows’!??
Charles Henry
A Palmer is just another fantasist Editor. . A farmer and landowner who didn’t know where his farm was? . . Carmarthen is in WEST Wales not MID Wales!. . . Now I HAVE farmed there; at a place called Pencader about 16 miles north of Carmarthen. . . . The fox hounds are of a different type over there; more ragged looking. . . The terrain is beautiful and wild, with valleys, rivers and streams. . I can hear the locals laughing from here as he explains, “We did have a rogue fox once.” . . They may have lamped them for you when out doing a bit of poaching for salmon or sea trout; but more likely they’d have set a wire trap; illegal of course; but then so was burning down cottages!
P.S. . . . These ‘activists’ don’t realise just how lucky they are that the English farming community are so civilised and law-abiding Editor. . . The ‘Sons of Glendower’ wouldn’t have put up with all of their nonsense I can assure you! . . . .
Charles Henry
The problem with all these statistics that are continually quoted since New-Labour came to power is that we can no longer believe any of them!. . Each time a new Bill has been passed, it has very soon been followed up with wonderful statistics telling us how successful the new measure has been. . We have now seen it with Education, The Health Service, Law and Order, The cost of living, Inflation, and almost any important measure of our well being you care to mention. . . But in real life; what are we all really experiencing? . . The rich have undoubtedly got richer; and the clever manipulators of the Well-fare State have certainly experienced a bonanza. . . But what about your average ‘Hardworking Joe’. . Higher taxes; higher bills; both parents working now; no longer just for luxuries; an indebtedness never previously contemplated, and an enduring worry about how they will survive in old age. . Giving up smoking is something that should of course be encouraged; and we would certainly all benefit; but prohibition has never worked in the past. Not even in communist China or Russia; and I doubt it will work in the UK now; even if they continue to enforce this CCTV driven Police State they are building.
Charles Henry
Editor. . The ignorance of these people to the real problems this country is facing is astounding. . . . . Experts have been warning the problem of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis may be even more severe than previously thought. . . . A survey of 79 countries by the World Health Organization published in the Lancet found TB drug resistance in virtually every one. . .
Particularly high levels of resistance were seen in regions of the former Soviet Union and parts of China. . . . . About a third of the world’s population is infected with the TB bug, with 8.9 million developing TB each year. . . . In 2004, the respiratory disease caused 1.7 million deaths worldwide and the numbers are increasing. . . . . . We have now have M.R.S.A.; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in all our hospitals that they seem incapable of removing or dealing with, and next it will be Mycobacterium bovis if the government don’t act now. . . . . May I once again draw everybody’s attention to some quite prophetic quotes from Dr. Jerome Harms. University of Wisconsin-Madison back in 1997. . . . . . . Mycobacterium bovis the cause of Bovine Tuberculosis; . . “In contrast (to 1 in 10 immunocompetent humans), nearly all cattle infected with M. bovis develop active disease and can transmit the organism to other animals or humans.” . . . . . “Recently, there have been many outbreaks of M.bovis caused tuberculosis in humans especially HIV+ patients. Most have occurred in countries where M.bovis is endemic in the animal agriculture population. Multi-drug resistant strains of M. bovis are now appearing as well. The significance of this TB threat from M. bovis has not been taken as seriously as the threat from Mycobacterium TB.” . . . “However, the scientific and medical community must not ignore the potential of an M.bovis TB epidemic.” . . . . Well they are doing just that now! . . . Ignoring it! . . Only fools believe their is any point in slaughtering cattle that are in a controlled environment if it is not first dealt with out in the wild.
Charles Henry
Mr.Barrett; our democracy has never just been a matter of majorities dictating to minorities. . . Surely you know all about the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Women’s Suffrage. . . We are mostly all brought to know right from wrong;(or at least we used to be); but the British have very strong instincts when it comes to righting injustices. You should know that! . . Or are you just a New-Labour bigot?
Charles Henry
Oh dear Editor; this letter really does explain some of the naivety and stupidity of those arranging themselves of the side of ‘foxy-woxy’ in this now very tiresome debate. A.Palmer, a fine upstanding citizen no doubt (well that’s probably an exaggeration); obviously has no experience of mangy foxes in town or country; or had to pay the vet bills! . . Not only that, he thinks they are only nocturnal hunters!! . . . “Doesn’t it make you want to weep", as my dear old mother used to say. . . . But still I suppose it’s good for circulation. . . . . By the way, a neighbour of mine had a very late calving heifer’s calf being attacked and eaten as it was trying to give birth. . . Of course; it’s only nature so they think that’s okay!
Charles Henry
Do you really think 21st Century man would survive now Mr Harvey?. . Many ‘Can do’ and ‘Will do’; but many more still ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t', and still think the world ‘owes them’. . . Despite the propaganda that suggests differently from the ‘Anti-Toffs’; there is no demarcation or time for all the human-rights and sentiment people keep affording themselves . . . When there is work to do it has to be done. . . Nature waits for no man! . . Glastonbury clearly demonstrated that. . Even Pagans learn to be God-Fearing eventually. . .
Charles Henry
I don’t think Gordon is going to agree with you Chris. . . He’s far too shrewd a politician. . . . . It wasn’t the countryside that was descending into anarchy. . It was the education of our young people since they introduced Comprehensive schools and abolished corporal punishment. . . . He wants an ‘inclusive government’ for all the people; not another ‘Peasants Revolt’.
Charles Henry
Gordon Brown is a very clever man; a thinker also. . . You have to respect that. . . He’s a Euro-Sceptic! . . He is expedient! . . Even devious or worse some might say; . and judging from the noises he has already started making; he may yet end up ‘Shooting David Cameron’s Fox’. . . Now wouldn’t that be a turn up for the books! . .
Charles Henry
We have the Government releasing thousands of criminals because the jails are too full. . We have a Police Force that now ignores Credit Card fraud because there is so much of it now they just can’t cope; and so the Banks are left to ‘write off’ the majority of it. . . But together with that; we now have imbecile Judges, and imbecile politicians who are making criminals out of law-abiding people because neurotics like Helen Weeks cannot cope with life in the ‘real world’. I really don’t this will continue for much longer. There is an Election in the offing.
Charles Henry
Unfortunately Mr.Mcnally this is what happens with all these issues. Minorities organise themselves and then have a disproportionate amount to say. . . Governments start listening to them, and issues become contentious. . The media love it. . The solution is to beat these people at their own game. . . It wasn’t until the Countryside Alliance and ‘others’ started fighting back that we have been able to start putting the animal rights activists ‘back in their boxes’ and defend the rights of those who mostly want a peaceful law-abiding life. The silent majority must start speaking up.
Charles Henry
This letter shows two of the problems we have in this country at this time.. . The first; the use of the word ‘CRUEL’ by the editor of this and other columns; and the sensitivity of many of the readers. . . Most of us would have wished the lady would have let her ‘babies’ be re-homed; but she made her decision. . The act of putting them down was not cruel. . . Veterinary Surgeons do not act in a cruel manner and the animals would have felt no pain. . . It is a cruel death when a fox takes a baby lamb, and at worst an act of vengeance when a hunter kills a fox on behalf of a farmer, but they are vermin; . no better than rats in the city; make no mistake.
Charles Henry
The hypocrisy of these obsessional badger lovers is astonishing! Does it know no bounds!?? . . . . . . . How many thousands of cattle have now been slaughtered? . . . And just how many more have to needlessly die; not forgetting the risk to human health (that they conveniently ignore); before the Government grasps the nettle and tells these neurotic nincompoops to ‘Find a river and jump in it’!
Charles Henry
The way to stop knife crime, and ALL crime come to that; is to return to the days of discipline that well meaning ‘liberals’ have spent decades dismantling. . . . Discipline for children; just like the institution of marriage; was not some fly-by-night’s sudden mad-brain idea. . . Intelligent, loving people, over hundreds of years, realised that these things are necessary (rather like the ten commandments), if we are all to ever have peace and stability in our lives.
Charles Henry
Editor, . . David Thomas’s short thesis had some merit until he started saying things like “The real suffering inflicted on farm animals by humans.” and “Media people like Bill Oddie are more realistic and understanding of nature, but the cruel-sports lot don’t like him.". . . This immediately betrayed his true foundations and his objective; which is really to once more insult the traditional agricultural community. . Farmers have been dealing with the traumas that food production and nature inevitably throws at them, for hundreds of years; and the only Hysteria they have to contend with is that generated by animal rights activists. . The problem with the likes of Bill Oddie and those newly discovering the delights of the countryside is that they tend to engender a “Don’t try and tell us how to suck eggs Mr.” response from people born and brought up with it.
Charles Henry
Editor, . . Adam Postans doesn’t say what age he is, or how old his children are, but I cannot believe as a journalist he is really so naive, or so irresponsible. . . . The problem seems to be not what dangers children and young people face in this modern world; those are really indisputable! But the interpretation of the answers given by different aged adults and children to the loaded questions. . . . Innocently riding down a dual carriage way is not going to be something that should worry him as long as they are not alone; but when Madeleine McCann has just been taken from her bed; and the biggest, most well advertised World Wide search ever launched, has yet to discover her whereabouts; how can he be so blase’ and unconcerned? . . Mr Postans and many others should believe people , when they tell them that in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, this world really was a much more wholesome place to bring up children. . . . The late 20th Century has spawned a Country dependant on high security, locks, bolts, alarms, CCTV cameras, and a Media that shames us all.
Charles Henry
Editor, . . I find it quite extraordinary that there is often cynicism and mistrust about some of the ‘organic’ produce sold at local farmer’s markets; yet people are happy to blithely put all their trust in the vast majority of ‘organic’ produce that is sold in our supermarkets; most of which comes from ‘unregulated’ overseas sources. . . . Home grown ‘normal’ asparagus or Spanish sourced ‘organic’. . . I know which I would rather purchase.
Charles Henry
The response from Tracy Gumbleton about the ‘WISE’ pyramid scam very disturbing Editor…It just goes to show how far educational standards have fallen when people are being seduced by these claims… The words ‘gift’ and ‘WISE’ have obviously been carefully chosen; and if they had been used in an advertising campaign by a Bono-fide business they would clearly incurred the wrath of the advertising standards agency. . . In fact FarePak was saintly by comparison. . . The only way there would be any legitimacy would be if people were told that the majority would being giving, interest-free, non-returnable loans. Just like Tony Blair’s General Election Fund. . . Remember?
Charles Henry
Jen Coles is not alone with her thoughts on waste disposal and energy production. . . This clearly has to be the way forward. . . The most worrying thing about this whole debate is that China still appears to care only about China; Russia clearly still cares only cares only about Russia and getting one over on America, whilst cosying up to the emerging Muslim nations; but America; now always portrayed as the ‘villain of the piece’ by the ‘liberal’ world media; is the only major power with a coherent strategy… It declares that their high investment in new science and innovation will drastically cut their CO2 emissions as they move further into the new century. . . . Meanwhile all of the main protagonists and commentators will go flying around the world in ever-increasing numbers. . . . And they worry about my 4x4 that only does about 3000 miles a year!! . You couldn’t make it up!
Charles Henry
People used to be able to manage with just an ordinary dustbin Editor. . . Many of us still do!!. . . The ‘dustmen’ would once cheerfully empty them! . . . We used to give them a Chrismas Box. . .Now they won’t ’strain themselves except to just pick out the black plastic bag… And people try to tell us the ‘Good Old Days’ weren’t really better. . . Oh yes they were!!!. . “By miles"..
Charles Henry
I am sure you mean ‘anecdotal’ David not antidotal. You are obviously as confused with your knowledge of TB in cattle, and the culling of badgers, as you are with your use of the English language. The image of country people is fine thank you David; really!. . Our crime rate is lower and everybody wants to live out here these days. . . . Why don’t you worry more about all the good city folk a bit more? . . . They need help with all their rats, seagulls, and all their mangy foxes. . . We can shoot ours.
Charles Henry
As usual the response from these fanatics when badgers are mentioned is yet even more twaddle…The activity of the Badger baiting fraternity was always illegal. . What was always difficult was getting proof. . Nothing has changed. . The reason they don’t get some of the anti-hunt monitors onto it is because hunters are law-abiding country people; but badger baiters are from the criminal class. . . They wouldn’t survive. . Like travellers camps; the police just don’t want to know. . .
Charles Henry
To carry Alex Alder’s original thinking for disposal of our waste a bit further forward Editor. . .If Hong Kong can build its airports out over the sea; would it not make a lot of sense for us to do something similar? . . We might even be able to incorporate ‘Energy Generation’ as part of the construction. . . People appear to be determined to continue flying whatever the cost.
Charles Henry
It seems to me City Academies are nothing more than Posh Comprehensives with too much money to waste on I.T.. . There no longer seems to be a work ethic. . . Just ‘get it off the internet’. . . Learning has always needed hard work and discipline. . . . Only the bright ones can get away with this lackadaisical approach.
Charles Henry
Get Kilroy-Silk back and I will consider joining you Mr.Smith. . . So will many others I believe; even if he is Left of Centre!. . . We have to have consensus in modern politics. . Left or/and Right; we all care about the United Kingdom.
Charles Henry
Grammar Schools was a very stupid argument for David Cameron to pick with the Party. . . Who is he trying to impress? . . . . . Everybody knows it’s the COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM that has been such a diabolical failure, especially the Labour voters who don’t have the means to ‘OPT OUT’. . . . .The trouble with UKIP is they didn’t even have the brains to retain the promotional expertise and skills of KILROY-SILK. They shot themselves in the foot.
Charles Henry
Gill Purser, along with many others, obviously has anthropomorphic tendencies; but I wonder if any of them have ever considered just how unpleasant or what an ordeal it must be for a fox to die a long lingering death from mange. . .These people are not animal lovers; they are psychopaths.
Charles Henry
W.Furness is obviously blissfully unaware that after hundreds of years as a Nation with horses; and as a Nation that once had an Empire; every single horse in the country now has to have a passport and a full record of its medication, just in case some French geezer wants to EAT one. . . Half the population haven’t got a passport, but all the horses have!(Except ‘Travellers’ of course; they are above the law.) . . . And people worry about MONARCHY!! . . You couldn’t make it up!! . .
Charles Henry
“Tally Ho, Tally Ho! . . A hunting they will have go!". . . Are we about to see ‘Rat Packs’ on our streets? . . Or will they look for another ‘Pied Piper’. . . . ."In 1284, the town of Hamelin was suffering from a rat infestation. One day, a man claiming to be a rat-catcher approached the villagers with a solution. They promised to pay him for the removal of the rats. The man accepted and thus took a pipe and lured the rats with a song into the Weser river, where all of them drowned.. . . . . . Despite his success, the people reneged on their promise and refused to pay the rat-catcher. The man left the town angrily, but returned some time later, on June 26th, seeking revenge. . . . . While the inhabitants were in church, he played his pipe again, this time attracting the children of Hamelin. One hundred and thirty boys and girls followed him out of the town, where they were lured into a cave and never seen again. Depending on the version, at most two children remained behind, who informed the villagers what had happened when they came out of the church".. . . . Courtesy Wilkipedia the free encyclopaedia.
Charles Henry
I also believe that in the same way as the TV program ‘Country File’ was taken over, and taken away from the agricultural community by people with a ‘political agenda’; other media organisations have been infiltrated with the same intent. . Does anyone know any farmers or people from the horse world who have the time to start watching television at 11.00am. on a Sunday Morning??? . . . I rest my case.
Charles Henry
The R.S.P.C.A. has now long been a discredited organisation in the eyes of many; always unable to react quickly and appropriately when many cases of animal neglect and cruelty have been presented to them. They have always blamed different aspects of the ‘law’ for their failures. . . . I believe this amazingly wealthy and well-funded ‘charity’ showed its true colours;(what it is really ‘all about’); when it appointed the failed ‘rural politician’, Ms Jackie Ballard as its Director General, on a salary most rural-givers can only dream about. Many self-respecting ordinary people now chose to give their hard earned cash organisations more worthy of their trust.
Charles Henry
Greg Heathcliffe speaks for the overwhelming majority of us I believe, when defending free speech for the BNP. There are far too many ‘Conrol Freaks’ in the world going unchallenged already and political history is littered with the casualties.
Charles Henry
R.S.Blackmore’s grasp of political history is obviously tainted by his gullibleness and ‘Love of Tony’.
In case anyone has forgotten, the last recession was the post ‘Black Monday’ period and Nigel Lawson was shadowing the D Mark at about three to the mighty pound, which was then worth about 2.1 dollars. Mrs Thatcher’s famous words “You can’t buck the market” were ignored and her Chancellor got cold feet over the pound’s strength.
The pro-European cabinet consensus was clearly against Mrs.Thatcher by then and Mr. Lawson cut base rate to 7.5%. The property market took off and inflation with it. We didn’t have all the cheap Chinese imports then. . . (There was then the change of Leadership.)
Britain was saddled with the ERM so Mr. Major’s Chancellor, Norman Lamont, had little choice but to take on the market place. After being abandoned by the French and Germans to fight the speculators alone, he was forced to raise Interest rates until they reached 15%, all to no avail. He succeeded only in bankrupting half the country and collapsing the property market. The nations equity, its lifeblood had been needlessly sapped. Instead of a ’soft landing’, we crashed.
Probably the biggest mistake the Tories made was to bay for the blood of Norman Lamont. There was a True Blue Tory being being hoisted by the petard of the Euro federalists. . . . The recession here was caused by the ERM. (Exchange-Rate Mechanism). Hardly a ‘business-plan’ anywhere could stand the doubling of interest rates. Then instead of the British people owing £50 billion and working their butts off to service it, the government owed £50 billion and we were all left standing around with our hands in our pockets. . . Norman Lamont’s only real crime was trying to make ERM work.
As far as BSE is concerned, the farming community know only too well that BSE; once discovered and dealt with; was then just turned into a Political Disease to try and destroy them, and it very nearly succeeded.
Charles Henry
I don’t think Robert Readman should rejoice Tony Blair’s departure too soon!. . . With no one left to talk the talk and take the flak; a wounded Gordon Brown could yet prove to be everyone’s undoing. . . I remember once trying to free a dog hung up on some barbed wire. I was bitten and became badly blooded. The dog then freed himself and ran off relatively unscathed. . .
Charles Henry
Dear Editor, . . . I am getting a little confused by M.J.Haines identity crisis. It’s probably my age. Last time he was “I, myself” but today he is “I, personally". I would be very interested to know who he is when he is not either himself or ‘personally’. Or is it perhaps that ‘I’, ‘personally’ and ‘myself’ are all one in the same; and he wanted to make sure we don’t all forget who he is? . . I know the feeling. . . Best regards.
Charles Henry
The trouble with the Global Warming theorists is that they never really produce any new science with their evidence; it is all anecdotal. Furthermore as soon as they think it might interfere with their air travel, they manage to find reasons why everyone else should change their ways so they can continue to ‘pollute’ when they fly to their global conferences. With the billions of the rest-of-the-world’s population now joining us in the developed world. If global-warming is ‘man-made’; which I still doubt; we may as well all start saying goodbye now.
Charles Henry
Editor, That’s an interesting dichotomy Ken Dowding retired dairy farmer has drawn between David Hanley and Arthur Scargill, though I think he is a little mistaken. Arthur Skargill was using well-paid miners and trade union power to bring down a Government. David Hanley would be happy if he could achieve even the Minimum Wage for those involved. In truth Mrs Thatcher was a ‘Strong Woman’ in a man’s world trying defiantly to resolve the corruption and inequalities of agriculture in the ‘European environment’. It is true in the end she failed miserably; but judging by the result of the French presidential election, the ‘worms are turning’. Hard work and diligence may yet win the day.
Charles Henry, ‘The Vocal Yokel’
Julian Brown, and the ‘gang’ are now really becoming a bore. I can only assume he and they had deprived childhoods. I really think it’s time they all saw a Doctor. . . Why don’t they campaign for something beneficial for the underprivileged or disabled in society? . .. There is so much that still needs to be done.
Charles Henry
Banking on line, although advocated by many, is still an anathema to large numbers of us. Even those of us who are completely computer literate are still much too aware of the computers ‘frailties’ to be yet convinced. However most banks offer telephone banking with direct access and contact with an account manager. P.B.Miles should contact their Bank and obtain a contact number of a personal banker. They will find that all their banking needs; payments or movement of funds can be done from the comfort of their armchair.
Charles Henry
There is now no doubt that what Peter Furnell of Salisbury points out, showing that the Supermarkets are being selective; assuring they continue avoid paying all the milk producers a realistic and fair price for the product they slavishly produce for the good of the nation; proves what many of us already realised. The Supermarket operators are a duplicitous bunch of sharks; aided and abetted by a government that is made up of a nasty bunch of haters of the rural community.
Charles Henry
I believe people will find Gordon Brown will turn out to be the most dangerous Chancellor this country has ever known. It’s not all over until ‘The Fat Lady Sings’ as the saying goes. . . . . . The idea that the inflated housing market with people’s pensions based others renting from you; rather than the stock market, commercial letting, or some other commercial venture is foolhardy in the extreme. It is The Pyramid to end all Pyramids I believe.
Charles Henry
Ms Purser says most of us don’t break the law. Has anyone reading this got an outside tap - the sort of thing you have in the garage or garden? Yes? Well, you’re breaking the law. Apparently the danger is that water in puddles might somehow leap up the tap, force its way past the mechanism, against the water pressure and somehow get into the mains supply, so they’re all banned, unless they’re fitted with non-returning valves, properly insulated and sheltered from direct sunlight. Nobody told you? At the moment, Defra are only pursuing what they call “at risk” business such as farms and garages, just don’t pick a fight with the government over any issue in case they come round and find something you’re conveniently guilty of.
Sarah, Surrey
You really are being silly now Gill. We all respect good law; but we all know that the boundaries of the law are being ‘challenged’ by thousands every day. With so many ‘bad’ laws being introduced on a daily basis by this government is it any wonder? Of course I am sure you are saintly; as am I.
Charles Henry
A teenager in West Yorkshire has recently been convicted for allowing his dog to savage a cat to death. The incident was caught on CCTV and the magistrates are described as being shocked to see the defendant stand by and watch as the cat dies a ‘horrible death’. Magistrates are reported as saying that the boy’s actions were ‘repulsive’. Replace the boy, dog and cat with hounds, hunt followers and a fox and there is no difference in the suffering caused and the repulsion felt by the majority of people witnessing such needlessly cruel behaviour. We have a law that can be used on the boy and we have a law that can be used on the hunt supporter. If one of these laws is declared as ‘bad’ then the other must be also. I vote for keeping both.
Gill Purser, Cheltenham
This atrocity would have been adequately covered by existing laws Gill. I am sure the Magistrate would not have been concerned if it had been a RAT. . . Despite some peoples perception of foxes as cuddly pets, particularly if they have been deloused and tamed; they are vermin and need controlling.
Charles Henry
Norah Pound’s concern for wildlife is laudable and I applaud her good heart, but again we have another case of misinformation being fed to the well meaning. Foxes controlling rabbits is an urban myth. It is true a fox will take a rabbit if the situation permits, but a rabbit not far from it’s burrow is more than a match for any fox, in fact they can often be seen taking the summer evening air together; the rabbits sitting out, the fox passing through. Rabbits are more likely to be taken by stoats or badgers; particularly the young. Sadly that is the reason myxomatosis was introduced; which most of us believe was a grave mistake and a cruel death.
Charles Henry
I very much agree with Norah Pound, we must be very wary about disturbing the balance of nature. I know from the experience of managing our own 120 acre farm that foxes do contribute greatly to keeping down the number of rabbits. It’s the young rabbits which are vulnerable and more easily caught, which I believe is how Mother Nature intended it to work, especially as they are in abundance when the predators have their own young to feed. I heard the perfect description on a recent radio 4 program of the trouble man can cause by interfering with animals such as the fox which are at the top of the food chain: “Predators are the architects of their surroundings. They have a huge influence on the animals and plants beneath them in the food web. Remove that predator and the prey species flourish changing the world around them.”
Gill Purser, Cheltenham
Well we will have to disagree Gill. . I think you exaggerate their contribution. . . . The blood-curdling scream of a rabbit at night, that is being taken by a badger; is a chilling experience. The quick death of the fox by the hounds would be envied . . . A badger is not a ‘cuddly bear’. . That’s something many would do well to remember. Most rabbits still meet their end from myxomatosis you will find.
Charles Henry
Myxomatosis (from the Greek uvca (mucus), and uarwvw (to bleed). is caused by the myxoma virus. First observed in Uruguay in the early 1900s, it was deliberately introduced into Australia in an attempt to control rabbit infestation there. In rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus, myxomatosis only causes localized skin tumors, but the European rabbit is more severely affected. At first, normally the disease is visible by lumps (myxomata) and puffiness around the head and genitals. It then may progress to acute conjunctivitis and possibly blindness, however this also may be the first indication of the disease. The rabbits become listless, lose appetite, and develop a fever. Secondary bacterial infections occur in most cases, which cause pneumonia and purulent inflammation of the lumps. In typical cases where the rabbit has no resistance, death takes an average of 13 days. Myxomatosis was accidentally introduced to France by the bacteriologist Dr. Paul Armand Delille, following his use of the virus to rid his private estate of rabbits in June 1952. (Controversially, he inoculated two of the rabbits on his land). Within four months the virus had spread 50 km; Armand suspected this was due to poachers taking infected rabbits from his estate. By 1954 90% of the wild rabbits in France were dead. The disease spread throughout Europe. It reached the UK in 1953, apparently without human action. It is believed some in the UK deliberately spread the disease, placing sick rabbits in burrows, while many others deplored the cruelty and suffering. The government refused to legislate to make deliberate spread of the disease illegal. By 1955, about 95% of rabbits in the UK were dead. Rabbits suffering in the last stages of the disease, commonly called “mixy” or “myxie” rabbits, are still a common sight in the UK in now. It is not uncommon for shooters to specifically target myxie rabbits, viewing the act as being merciful…. Courtesy Wilkipedia
Charles Henry
Charles, When you’ve finished talking to yourself, maybe you’d like to consider that most people can cope with nature in the raw because they know that animals such as the fox have to hunt and kill their prey in order to eat and survive. Hounding a fox to a savage death is an act engineered by man for the sake of amusement. It is needlessly brutal and causes unnecessary suffering and cannot be justified on any level no matter how you try. Animals behave like animals because they are animals. The hunting set has no such excuse.
Gill Purser, Cheltenham
Well Gill, that is obviously your strongly held view, and it is also the lie that you and others have successfully managed to propagate for many years; till now that is. I have been on both sides . . . I have banned a hunt from my land because of the litter left by followers; but I have also been very happy that they had been taking foxes and dispersing others to the forestry; thus reducing my losses. I have bred both pedigree Border Leicester’s, and Welsh Half Breds…Hunting is probably the least successful way of controlling foxes; but once caught gives the most certain and speedy death for the fox. Most of mine have been lambed undercover, but there were still occasions when the fox got the better of me. If people have the time to ride out to hunt that can only be good for the fox.
Charles Henry
With the greatest respect to the Reverend; I too am a Christian; I was brought up as a Methodist. But he was/is obviously a ‘city boy’, and does not have the real life experience of the subject on which he is choosing to preach today. . . .Times do change it is true; and things move on; but the Wildebeest still get taken by the crocs as they cross the river, and shepherds still take any steps necessary to guard their flocks at night. This whole debate is nothing about ‘culture change’; and it is certainly nothing about cruelty either. We all abhor cruelty!. . . . It’s about the majority; who sadly know little about breeding animals any more; or controlling vermin; you only have to take a count of the rat population in the cities; . . being persuaded by an hysteric an bigoted minority to agree to a ‘minority’ government passing a bad law.
. . . . I am glad the reverend is reading my words and listening to this debate. That was the whole point of my getting involved in the first place. And I also hope he has noticed I have ‘embraced change’ and am using the Internet to respond. . I wish him well.
Charles Henry
Us Gill? . . Us!? . . That’s a grand statement. I’m not a betting man; or a hunting man come to that; . . but I’ll wager a great deal that if a proper census was taken; the vast majority would let those that have to deal with the problem, take care of it. . . They are far to busy worrying about Rats and Sea Gulls I think! . . Or maybe they’re not worried about that either!
Charles Henry
I don’t think there is any doubt that BSE was turned into a ‘Political Disease’ John; and even today it is still being used as such. . . . Statistically you are about 25 times MORE likely to die from Tuberculosis than vCJD; but animal rights come before people with this government.
Charles Henry
How much more attractive the Sinclair C5 would have been, or something similar; if they had had a Hydrogen Fuel Cell. . . I think they might be the solution. . . I would certainly buy one. Think of it; a Bubble Car with Fuel Cell! What fun!
Charles Henry
Councillor Booth is correct I believe. No Government can have it BOTH ways. Either there IS a problem with C02 emissions or there ISN’T! I think the saying “What’s sauce for the Goose” may be appropriate. I may well be voting GREEN myself next time.
Charles Henry
I’ve told you before about it John. You have got to stop rubbing people up the ‘wrong way’. You obviously haven’t been taking your tablets again. . I’ll send you some more. Charles. . .
Charles Henry
I don’t agree with Robert Craig’s idea of translating Shakespeare into modern language. I am not a scholar, but “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” would lose something in translation to “Romeo! Ware tha **** R U?”
Charles Henry
Well you took my original ‘playful’ reply down Editor; and as I am no scholar, I asked a pal of mine who got a 1st.in English at Cambridge what she thought. . Her reply!! . . “As if the Americans had ever learnt to speak or write English correctly……words fail me, although I might just wander off to find a succinct quote. I think the gentleman concerned has rather misunderstood what he considers Anglo-US language and that of the 15th Century - hence the following from HAMLET: Act III Sc.4, line 206: ‘For ’tis the sport to have the enginer Hoist with his own petar’.
PS. . She did also say. “Loved your interpretation of Juliet’s enquiry..very up to date, but I doubt that it had the true lyricism of Shakespeare’s original work!". . . Of course this was my original point!
Charles Henry
How interesting. Considering how widely asbestos has been used over the last 70 years; and how hazardous it is; it’s amazing there is any one left alive in this country! It sounds to be even more dangerous than vCJD (BSE). Definitely another panic job for the ‘Health and Safety’ Mafia. How did we ever survive without them. Deaths from vCJD about 150 in 10 years. Deaths from Tuberculosis about 2 Million a year world wide.
Charles Henry
I do believe this is twaddle to surpass all twaddle ever previously written by anyone from the animal rights fraternity. We all love our children, and we all love our pets. In fact, I’m even thinking of coming back as a horse next time myself. But by taking anthropomorphism to such a degree, this now proves just how unbalanced some of these animal rights protesters have become.
Charles Henry
That’s a bit harsh Simon!. . I was thinking more of cart horse on the beer wagon. You are right of course! I have noticed lately that after about my third my spelling does go to pot.
Charles Henry
The climate change doom-mongers and green 4x4-haters have wasted no time in latching on to the latest figures emerging from weather centres at this time.I find their statistics to be, at the very least, dubious, when winter 1995/96 was without question the coldest winter for at least 10 years. A telephone call to any heating oil supplier will confirm this fact. We just keep getting lies and statistics from all those involved.
Few in any Government department or public service can any longer be trusted to give us the unadulterated truth, whether it be crime figures, the health service, standards of education, our national security, our border controls or any other subject anyone cares to mention.
Charles Henry
Far be it from me to question the assumed learned challenge of Steve Martin to my comedic interpretation of the statement “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"; but perhaps he also needs help with the construal.
It is the interpretation of the information question or adverb ‘wherefore’ that causes these well documented differences. I believe Juliet was simply verbalising her despair at the realisation of the impossibility of their liaison, and wanted a solution; her being a Capulet and he a Montague. She called out to the night not knowing he was already in the garden and listening. She desperately wanted him to deny his father if she would hers; so they could resolve the impossible situation. She could then take his name. I believe that bearing in mind the circumstances described, Shakespeare most probably meant both ‘where’ and ‘why’.
The interpretation would in the final analysis, depend upon the manner of the spoken word.
Charles Henry
Note that word again everybody!. .’ESTIMATE’. Just who are these ‘ESTIMATORS’ I wonder?. . The Fabian Society? . . Jehovahs Witnesses? .. The RSPCA even .
I THINK NOT. . Just another fabrication from the lunatic fringe.
Charles Henry
I think Elaine Iffland is very brave to ’speak out’ against things we all know to be true. She needs supporting I believe. In truth though; besides the obvious unfairness that has occurred because of political correctness; has the real problem not been the government’s insistence on concentrating on ‘Multiculturalism’ and acceptance, which can cause discord; rather than our ‘Multi-Racial ness’? . . An historic thing that is surely part of what makes us ‘British’. . .This is the United Kingdom after all; even if it is not ‘Rome’.
Charles Henry
Peggy Taylor is wrong on two points. Firstly, great numbers of us have been angered and have protested about the lack of action against Mugabi in Zimbabwe, including Mr Readman. But to suggest it was wrong for world leaders to depose a despot like Saddam Hussein when they are able, is completely in-humane. 