Politicians

[filippos]

There's a piece in the Telegraph Online today that sums up the modern politician, especially those at or near the top. It happens to be about David Milliband (just announced his resignation as an MP) but it could equally apply to just about all the others.

It's people (if that's not too flattering a description) of this ilk that have landed us in the current mess. Βυγγερ the people as long as I get rich; I don't care about my constituents, let alone folks in far off places like Greece, Cyprus or Spain.

[fuzer]

Dont get me started LoL
If you believe in a cause and stand in politics you do not up stakes and rush off when you dont get the top job. Good riddance to David Miliband he has done us all a favour.

[johnincrete]

Are we looking at the past through rose-tinted spectacles?

Were politicians 20 years or more ago any better?

Or is it that today, they seem not to care that their selfishness is so well publicised?

Or is it that the electronic age means nobody can hide?

[altohb]

Are we looking at the past through rose-tinted spectacles?

Were politicians 20 years or more ago any better?

Or is it that today, they seem not to care that their selfishness is so well publicised?

Or is it that the electronic age means nobody can hide?

I think that it is, mainly, that more people are realising what is going on. The behaviour of today's politicians is no different from those of the past; more of us know what they are up to - that is all.

[Topdriller]

Neil and Glynis Kinnock would suggest politicians are the same today as they were 25 years ago.

Margaret Thatcher would seem to be the exception - go figure!!

Jon

[Al]

In what way could Margaret Thatcher be the "exception"? The most reviled prime minister in recent history. If you want conviction with honesty your on a loser with them all. Can't really think of a good prime minister, but for straight dealing and honesty Tony Benn takes a bit of beating.

[Topdriller]

I think you misspelt the word 'revered' and wrote 'reviled' by mistake.

I'm kinda thinking history will judge Thatcher in a far better light than it will Blair. Thatcher took over a country on its knees and near bankrupt, whereas Blair took over a country in the black and with a healthy surplus. Like it or not, Thatcher took the tough decisions and saw them through to the end, Blair listened to focus groups (and Alistair Campbell) and frittered away the surplus whilst allowing Brown to pour ever more money into the NHS so it could be mis managed ever more expensively!

You perhaps didn't like her policies, her decisions, her determination to see them through but in the main I think she was and will be remembered as one of our more honest politicians.

Jon

[filippos]

......... for straight dealing and honesty Tony Benn takes a bit of beating.

I disagree. When an MP in Bristol, shortly after giving up his title, reverting to plain Mr. Anthony Wedgwood Benn, he bought three identical cars with very similar registrations: one for him, one for Mrs. WB and one for children. This was with the hope that most people would be deceived into thinking there was one shared car.

Around the same time he approached the editor of the main Bristol newspaper asking that future reports refer to him as Tony Benn, rather than Anthony Wedgwood Benn, to cultivate his popular image. The editor readily agreed; thereafter, until AWB moved to another constituency, all reports referred to 'Tony Benn, the former Viscount Stansgate'.

For straight talking, despite disagreeing with virtually every one of his political utterances, my vote would go to 'The Beast of Bolsover': you know exactly where he stands. Apparently, he's never missed a Commons session, too, which must make him unique.

[bobscott]

For straight talking, despite disagreeing with virtually every one of his political utterances, my vote would go to 'The Beast of Bolsover': you know exactly where he stands. Apparently, he's never missed a Commons session, too, which must make him unique.

I agree Phil, but sadly poor old Dennis seems to be losing the plot when he's on his feet.

He did do some sterling work for a couple of dyed-in-the-wool Tories here some time ago and got them into a much better financial situation than their local Tory MP had managed. It didn't change their overall views, but the Beast was certainly top of their hit parade!

[filippos]

I agree Phil, but sadly poor old Dennis seems to be losing the plot when he's on his feet.

Well, he was 81 in February. I'll be happy to be on my feet at that age, losing the plot or otherwise.

[scooby]

Thatcher? is she not dead yet? all that is happening today with the biggest global crisis ever seen is a direct consequence of that womans greedy policies. Short term profit and greed. Rant over..for now.

[fuzer]

I was a committed/active Socialist most of my life. I hated Thatcher but I can say in all honesty that Tony Blair is the most despicable politician in history. I never thought I would dislike a politician more than Thatcher.
But, I judge people by their integrity - policy's will always be up for argument - and Thatcher had integrity. I even lived in Grantham, opposite her parents shop - Mr Mrs Roberts Grocery store.
Thatcher stated her objective and you could vote for her or not - thats fair game for me. But liar Blair changed the face of politics. He set a trend just as a new pop band sets a new sound. Lies, more lies - Ask the Pope for forgiveness and he performs just as any psychopath performs.
I will have a pint when Clegg loses his seat. Not because of his policy's but because he is another lying piece of slime who has set the bar for integrity at an all time low.

[Retired in Crete]

Thatcher? is she not dead yet?

What a despicable thing to say!

As she is to be given a state funeral I am sure you will know when she has died.

As you feel so strongly you could sign the petition opposing this here:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/45966

You could have the distinction of being signatory No.4!

John

[George]

Or you can come to Scotland where we will have the mother of all parties when she goes........

[scooby]

Thatcher? is she not dead yet?

What a despicable thing to say!

As she is to be given a state funeral I am sure you will know when she has died.

As you feel so strongly you could sign the petition opposing this here:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/45966

You could have the distinction of being signatory No.4!

John

Why the hell should she have a state funeral? I am sure some people are crazy. Yes it might have been a despicable thing to say, but she was a despicable person, which is worse?