When your political opponents present a target it's good to hit it hard, when the target is one of your own party's elected members it's a sad business and usually kept inside the party but, when someone chooses to go public with their own mistaken and reactionary views on an issue, the gloves have to come off.
Step forward then Margaret Hodge MP who wants to change the system of allocating social housing based on need to one which would see a 'British first' system, some people think that immigrants get preferential treatment, this is not so and she has now helped to perpetuate this vile lie. She is a disgrace and should be deselected, there's no place in the Labour Party for this kind of behaviour.
Into the rammy steps the contemptible Frank Field MP (Labour) this socialist paragon wants to sound more reasonable and would like to change from having homelessness as the top priority to giving top priority to those who 'pay their taxes' what a charming man, what a charming phrase.
I have a message for these two cowards, when you feel the heat coming from the BNP racists and fascists, that's the time to get off your knees and do the right thing - both of you are a disgrace to the party - do the decent thing and resign.
How about campaigning for a proper social house building programme instead of capitulating to the racists, there's a novel idea, decent socialists in the party now have to apologise for you, for god's sake go !
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
BARACK OBAMA
BARACK OBAMA My previous post called 'yanks n fitba' refers to Barack Obama as being pro capital punishment and pro Iraq. One of my readers takes exception to this saying that I've got Mr. Obama wrong so, here is my source, not something I usually do, I regard it mostly as time wasting diversions.
You will see from a reasonably sound source that I got him right, I forgot to add that Clinton, Edwards and Obama were up to their necks in hedge funds.
Strangely enough I'm not saying that my critic is entirely wrong because the political ground in America is shifting fast and Obama and the rest of the candidates are keeping up with that shift which is becoming more and more anti Bush ( thank god ) thus we see him becoming anti Iraq to suit the public mood.
This is of course a diversion and does not alter what I said, I could have chosen many who are too scared to declare themselves as being on the left because of fear, think about what happened recently to the 'Dixie Chicks' and remember 'Old Joe McCarthy' American democracy still lies bleeding under the reactionary jackboot of the Gangsters Bush and Chaney and not much has changed.
They need a Castro to clean out the thugs and crooks the same as he did in Cuba.
You will see from a reasonably sound source that I got him right, I forgot to add that Clinton, Edwards and Obama were up to their necks in hedge funds.
Strangely enough I'm not saying that my critic is entirely wrong because the political ground in America is shifting fast and Obama and the rest of the candidates are keeping up with that shift which is becoming more and more anti Bush ( thank god ) thus we see him becoming anti Iraq to suit the public mood.
This is of course a diversion and does not alter what I said, I could have chosen many who are too scared to declare themselves as being on the left because of fear, think about what happened recently to the 'Dixie Chicks' and remember 'Old Joe McCarthy' American democracy still lies bleeding under the reactionary jackboot of the Gangsters Bush and Chaney and not much has changed.
They need a Castro to clean out the thugs and crooks the same as he did in Cuba.
Monday, May 21, 2007
YANKS N FITBA
The USA media call Hilary Clinton a communist agitator, that's an indication of where the centre of their politics is. When her husband Bill ran for President while Governor of Arkansas he interrupted his campaign in a blaze of publicity to return home and sign a death warrant for a prisoner on death row who had appealed, this was done to show his 'toughness' on crime. When the condemned man was asked for his last words he asked if he could have ice cream later for dessert, he had a mental age of 8 yrs. 'Land of the Free'.
Hilary and the other democrat hopeful Barack Obama both support the death penalty, and Iraq, in the USA they are left wingers, Edwards, a third so called left wing democratic candidate recently spent 800 dollars on his hair cut, that's normal according to left wing senator Edwards, seriously.
Meanwhile, one of the gangster Bush's hate figures Michael Moore is back in his face with a documentary about America's deplorable health provision 'or lack of it' 50 million without health care and child mortality worse in some areas than some 3rd. world countries, that's the USA today, the world's richest country !
Brave people who helped to rescue and care for victims of 9/11 and suffered injuries and illness as a consequence were told that they were not entitled to treatment because their Medical Insurance did not cover them for such an incident. Moore took them to Cuba to get treatment and he is now being pursued by American authorities for visiting the tiny island which scares them so much.
The Americans want to confiscate his documentary, they don't want the world to see the scandalous situation in the worlds richest capitalist country, this is the Home of the Brave !
Americans should start telling the truth by adding to the Statue of Liberty ' give me your tired , your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breath free.
AND I WILL EXPLOIT THEM
FITBA - Dramatic contrast was provided by two cup finals one was a non event at the world's greatest and newest stadium between two of the world's richest, most famous teams, that was of course the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United. Cat and mouse tactics by both managers made this a major disappointment, people paid £60 for a ticket and were charged £5 for a programme, £8 for a burger and £10 for a pint of beer, the working man's game eh ?
There were famous rich players on show who didn't enhance their reputation in any way, with the honourable exception of Didier Drogba who is quite simply a force of nature. IMO if you sat down a panel of experts and asked them to come up with a perfect centre forward, Didier would emerge, big, strong, brave, fast, skillful and a mentality which does not allow failure, he gave the fans their money's worth.
The other final at historic Hampden Park, by contrast had the lot, a roaring battle between two relatively modest Spanish teams, Seville and Espanyol, with every player giving everything and a brilliant level of talent and skill.
These players were completely uninhibited, play flowed from end to end at an astonishing speed, a 2-2 score and the whole thing ended in an agonising shoot out ( bring back replays I say ) I watched the penalties from behind the couch. Wembley and Hampden showed the best and worst of the beautiful game, Wembley was awful with a bill of £83 for the game, a programme, a burger and a beer while Hampden was great at £35 for the same, and even that IMO makes it tough for the working man. The Spanish at least showed us the beautiful game. muchos gracias.
Hilary and the other democrat hopeful Barack Obama both support the death penalty, and Iraq, in the USA they are left wingers, Edwards, a third so called left wing democratic candidate recently spent 800 dollars on his hair cut, that's normal according to left wing senator Edwards, seriously.
Meanwhile, one of the gangster Bush's hate figures Michael Moore is back in his face with a documentary about America's deplorable health provision 'or lack of it' 50 million without health care and child mortality worse in some areas than some 3rd. world countries, that's the USA today, the world's richest country !
Brave people who helped to rescue and care for victims of 9/11 and suffered injuries and illness as a consequence were told that they were not entitled to treatment because their Medical Insurance did not cover them for such an incident. Moore took them to Cuba to get treatment and he is now being pursued by American authorities for visiting the tiny island which scares them so much.
The Americans want to confiscate his documentary, they don't want the world to see the scandalous situation in the worlds richest capitalist country, this is the Home of the Brave !
Americans should start telling the truth by adding to the Statue of Liberty ' give me your tired , your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breath free.
AND I WILL EXPLOIT THEM
FITBA - Dramatic contrast was provided by two cup finals one was a non event at the world's greatest and newest stadium between two of the world's richest, most famous teams, that was of course the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United. Cat and mouse tactics by both managers made this a major disappointment, people paid £60 for a ticket and were charged £5 for a programme, £8 for a burger and £10 for a pint of beer, the working man's game eh ?
There were famous rich players on show who didn't enhance their reputation in any way, with the honourable exception of Didier Drogba who is quite simply a force of nature. IMO if you sat down a panel of experts and asked them to come up with a perfect centre forward, Didier would emerge, big, strong, brave, fast, skillful and a mentality which does not allow failure, he gave the fans their money's worth.
The other final at historic Hampden Park, by contrast had the lot, a roaring battle between two relatively modest Spanish teams, Seville and Espanyol, with every player giving everything and a brilliant level of talent and skill.
These players were completely uninhibited, play flowed from end to end at an astonishing speed, a 2-2 score and the whole thing ended in an agonising shoot out ( bring back replays I say ) I watched the penalties from behind the couch. Wembley and Hampden showed the best and worst of the beautiful game, Wembley was awful with a bill of £83 for the game, a programme, a burger and a beer while Hampden was great at £35 for the same, and even that IMO makes it tough for the working man. The Spanish at least showed us the beautiful game. muchos gracias.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
THE NEW WEST LOTHIAN QUESTION ! AND CHRISTIANS
"We, the SNP have the moral right to govern, we won the most seats" ( Alex Salmond ) so when is a moral right not a moral right ? well, if it's in West Lothian apparently where Labour won the most seats 14 to the SNP's 13. The SNP are now in power in a coalition, SNP morals ?
A big Christian rammy is going on in the Church of Scotland, should the clergy bless same sex partnerships ? threats are being made by some who say that ministers who do this will be dismissed, it's not just the Catholics and Muslims etc. who are in a mess over this.
The well known columnist Rev Ron Ferguson rises above this to say he will respond positively to anyone who asks for this blessing and if he is disciplined he will take the consequences, he has in fact reacted IMO in the way that Jesus would, well done that man.
A big Christian rammy is going on in the Church of Scotland, should the clergy bless same sex partnerships ? threats are being made by some who say that ministers who do this will be dismissed, it's not just the Catholics and Muslims etc. who are in a mess over this.
The well known columnist Rev Ron Ferguson rises above this to say he will respond positively to anyone who asks for this blessing and if he is disciplined he will take the consequences, he has in fact reacted IMO in the way that Jesus would, well done that man.
Friday, May 11, 2007
NEW POLITICS ?
Renfrewshire Council now has a new administration, a pact has been formed between the SNP who were second behind Labour in the popular vote and the Lib. Dems. who were last behind Labour, SNP and Tory in that order.
To my unease and embarrassment, Labour tried to do a deal with the Lib. Dems. as well and failed, the SNP offered more than us, the Lib. Dem. leader Cllr. Eileen McCartin has now been bought and paid for, the Lib. Dems. remind me of the great comedy actress Margaret DuMont, she was asked if she would bestow a kiss on Groucho Marx for money, her outraged reply was "what kind of woman do you think I am" to which Groucho replied " we've already established what kind of woman you are, now we're haggling about your price"
This is the reality of P.R. it's meant to be a better, more democratic system, the Lib. Dems. have just formed an administration with less than 10 % of the vote is there a political prize anywhere for breathtaking hypocrisy ?
Meanwhile Scotland takes a step backwards, at a time when the world needs more integration and cooperation, Scotland takes a regressive slide into parochialism. The conman Salmond makes bellicose statements about the moral right to govern based on a one seat majority gained in an election which could have been run by the aforementioned Marx Brothers, a wee bit of overkill Alex ? LIb. Dems. ? Morality my a - - - . I will return to this.
To my unease and embarrassment, Labour tried to do a deal with the Lib. Dems. as well and failed, the SNP offered more than us, the Lib. Dem. leader Cllr. Eileen McCartin has now been bought and paid for, the Lib. Dems. remind me of the great comedy actress Margaret DuMont, she was asked if she would bestow a kiss on Groucho Marx for money, her outraged reply was "what kind of woman do you think I am" to which Groucho replied " we've already established what kind of woman you are, now we're haggling about your price"
This is the reality of P.R. it's meant to be a better, more democratic system, the Lib. Dems. have just formed an administration with less than 10 % of the vote is there a political prize anywhere for breathtaking hypocrisy ?
Meanwhile Scotland takes a step backwards, at a time when the world needs more integration and cooperation, Scotland takes a regressive slide into parochialism. The conman Salmond makes bellicose statements about the moral right to govern based on a one seat majority gained in an election which could have been run by the aforementioned Marx Brothers, a wee bit of overkill Alex ? LIb. Dems. ? Morality my a - - - . I will return to this.
WITH GRATEFUL THANKS
I want to thank all the people who have read my site over the past couple of years, I hope and trust that the majority found it interesting and stimulating, politics can be rough and I make no apology for going head to head with my enemies, most of them beneath me of course but I've still enjoyed most of it. It's like poking a nest of rats with a stick, and I intend to carry on.
I particularly thank those devious cretins from the reactionary right, their hate campaign against me backfired spectacularly and I won my personal vote easily, I say to them now, KEEP IT COMING. 15,000 new and returning visitors since Jan. 07 thank you. ( IT WAS MY BLOG WOT WON IT )
I particularly thank those devious cretins from the reactionary right, their hate campaign against me backfired spectacularly and I won my personal vote easily, I say to them now, KEEP IT COMING. 15,000 new and returning visitors since Jan. 07 thank you. ( IT WAS MY BLOG WOT WON IT )
Thursday, May 10, 2007
POLITICS N STUFF MAY 10 TH.
The dust is settling, some good people have gone and new ones are here, that's politics, PR is in and deals are now being done. Here in Renfrewshire the Lib. Dems. got 4 seats and they are in a position to tell Labour & SNP ( 17 seats each ) what their demands are, apart from the sheer dishonesty and hypocrisy of their position, we now see what PR really means, with 4 out of 40 seats they get to make policy, that's what the Lib Dems call democracy.
I was delighted to be elected with more first preference votes than anyone else and doubly delighted to defy those reactionary thugs in the blogesphere who have been attacking me for over a year.
Is there no one in the SNP who is prepared to admit to embarrassment and unease with the 'sharp practice' of "Alex Salmond for First Minister" con trick, true leadership SNP style eh ? someone all Scots can be proud of ? a shyster, an absolute fraud, poor Scotland with that kind of political leader.
These poison pen writers all anonymous cowards, are a revolting bunch, they even went to the length of setting up a hate site dedicated to getting me voted out, a sweet victory for me and abject failure for them, ordinary people are disgusted by people like them. The blog sites ought to be looked at with a view to cleaning these diseased individuals out. Why should they be allowed to get away with the kind of opinions and language which would get them locked up if they said these things in the street ? The language they use would make decent people shun them, read some of it and ask yourself if you would want any of them near you, or your family.
THE NUMBERS GAME _ The SNP have never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen that they got more of the overall vote at the last election than Labour therefore they had the moral right to form the administration of Renfrewshire Council. You've guessed what's coming next haven't you ? Labour 25,878 votes SNP 24, 875 votes Tories 8,115 votes Lib. Dems. 6,831 oh dear eh does anyone think that they will comment on this, will they concede that Labour have the moral right etc. I doubt it.
I was delighted to be elected with more first preference votes than anyone else and doubly delighted to defy those reactionary thugs in the blogesphere who have been attacking me for over a year.
Is there no one in the SNP who is prepared to admit to embarrassment and unease with the 'sharp practice' of "Alex Salmond for First Minister" con trick, true leadership SNP style eh ? someone all Scots can be proud of ? a shyster, an absolute fraud, poor Scotland with that kind of political leader.
These poison pen writers all anonymous cowards, are a revolting bunch, they even went to the length of setting up a hate site dedicated to getting me voted out, a sweet victory for me and abject failure for them, ordinary people are disgusted by people like them. The blog sites ought to be looked at with a view to cleaning these diseased individuals out. Why should they be allowed to get away with the kind of opinions and language which would get them locked up if they said these things in the street ? The language they use would make decent people shun them, read some of it and ask yourself if you would want any of them near you, or your family.
THE NUMBERS GAME _ The SNP have never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen that they got more of the overall vote at the last election than Labour therefore they had the moral right to form the administration of Renfrewshire Council. You've guessed what's coming next haven't you ? Labour 25,878 votes SNP 24, 875 votes Tories 8,115 votes Lib. Dems. 6,831 oh dear eh does anyone think that they will comment on this, will they concede that Labour have the moral right etc. I doubt it.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
OPPOSITION ?
Here's the last post before the election and I'm even happier. The mob who have been attacking me are now suggesting that I have broken election rules by arranging a free night at the fairground for youngsters from my ward, that's the level of these morons. One of them who hides behind the title of 'right for Scotland' has threatened me so often, because of the ridicule I've subjected him to that I've given up waiting for him to do something - he prefers lies and smears, a typical right winger in fact !
This smear is despite the fact that this free night happened last year as well and the fact that on both occasions the contact was initiated by the fairground people. Lots of kids were able to enjoy this gesture and no mention was made in any way shape or form about politics, the contact by the residents association was also initiated by them.
So are they getting desperate ? smear someone on a blog because you can't beat him despite being mob handed and vicious liars and having a year or so to do it.
This is the reality of right wing, nationalist, SSP and so called Libertarians who share a common hatred of Labour, have a good look at this vicious bunch of thugs and get out and, VOTE LABOUR ON MAY 3RD.
This smear is despite the fact that this free night happened last year as well and the fact that on both occasions the contact was initiated by the fairground people. Lots of kids were able to enjoy this gesture and no mention was made in any way shape or form about politics, the contact by the residents association was also initiated by them.
So are they getting desperate ? smear someone on a blog because you can't beat him despite being mob handed and vicious liars and having a year or so to do it.
This is the reality of right wing, nationalist, SSP and so called Libertarians who share a common hatred of Labour, have a good look at this vicious bunch of thugs and get out and, VOTE LABOUR ON MAY 3RD.
VOTE LABOUR
I'm even more confident now than when I wrote the article below - John Curtice eminent professor of politics says that Labour have moved in the last week from being behind to nosing in front.
Salmond and the SNP have been rumbled.
VOTE LABOUR
Salmond and the SNP have been rumbled.
VOTE LABOUR
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
MAY 3RD. VOTE LABOUR
It looks like it's between Labour and the SNP and I think we are doing much better than the polls are saying, I'm quietly confident.
I won't rehearse the arguments again here, suffice to say that the SNP have been challenged repeatedly to explain where they will get the money to cover their spending proposals and have failed to do so, so beware.
My final point is this, what candidate worth their salt would allow their name to go forward with the name of the party leader on every ballot paper ie Salmond, it's an insult to every SNP candidate, it says that they are not up to the job without him, it also shouts loudly that they are a one man band.
Having asked lots of people lately to name someone else in the SNP no one managed to do so - Pathetic isn't it ? VOTE LABOUR
I won't rehearse the arguments again here, suffice to say that the SNP have been challenged repeatedly to explain where they will get the money to cover their spending proposals and have failed to do so, so beware.
My final point is this, what candidate worth their salt would allow their name to go forward with the name of the party leader on every ballot paper ie Salmond, it's an insult to every SNP candidate, it says that they are not up to the job without him, it also shouts loudly that they are a one man band.
Having asked lots of people lately to name someone else in the SNP no one managed to do so - Pathetic isn't it ? VOTE LABOUR
Thursday, April 26, 2007
FREE THE RENFREWSHIRE SEVEN
Today saw the last full council meeting of the present Renfrewshire Council and the last meeting for the seven people pictured below. All seven are retiring as councillors after 140 years of service between them. Longest server 35 yrs. shortest 8 yrs.
Barbara Adams 8 yrs a councillor and daughter of two MP's Irene and the late Allen, mother of Mirin 8yrs. A dynamic young woman with energy, and commitment to the cause, we will here more of her in the future.
What makes her different from the others apart from being an attractive young woman is the fact that she has her own teeth and doesn't have a deaf aid. A fierce intellect and a tongue like an adder - a go ahead business woman, lecturer and politician, a right clever clogs in fact - we will miss her.
John ( papa ) McDowall reputed to be around 70 yrs old, claims that the dead sea was only sick when he was a boy, life long member of the 'Paisley Man Society' ' puts a fork in the sugar bowl ' before having a hip replacement he asked the surgeon if he could have the old bone for the dug. 35 yrs a councillor with Paisley Burgh, Strathclyde Region and Renfrewshire Council, ex taxi driver who once took suit cases to Glasgow and left their owner standing at Glasgow Airport. Ex Provost and Mr. Popular ( he knows where the bodies are buried ) a good natured and genial old buffer with a permatan and an outrageous dress sense, in a previous age he would have been referred to as a 'dandy' sometimes gives the impression that he doesn't have both paddles in the water but many have found to their cost that he's as sharp as a tack - we miss him already.
Bob McGerty 'BIG BOAB' to everyone, 19 yrs. no remission, another survivor of the Strathclyde Regional Gulag, an honorary Renfrew man originally from the wild Northern Glasgow area of Springburn. A musician and singer of some repute, his neighbours have been known to smash his windows when he is practicing, the better to hear him says Boab. One of the genuine 'good guys' I haven't met anyone who doesn't get along with 'big McGerty'. A survivor and gourmet who leaves at a time when everyone was convinced he was trying to burn down the building with his cooking in the wee council kitchen. He wears the same size clothes as he did 40 yrs. ago despite putting away grub like a starving dug in a black puddin factory, like his fellow Renfrew man Cllr. Alex Murrin he never leaves the house without his knife and fork in a wee case in his pocket. He has been a constant fighter for the rights of workers, race and sex equality and many more good causes he typifies the good decent Labour man and is a Socialist to his fingertips. He intends now to spend time with his wife Joyce, at the caravan with her and the dog 'jooking' out for a pint then into the bookies, back for a wee hauf, we are all jealous. Good luck big man.
Burns, 'Ronnie' - Provost of this parish, over seventy since you ask, reputedly of Glaswegian origin now domiciled in Linwood, old style trade union fixer with a long memory, 20 yrs service. Clings to Glasgow roots by regularly visiting well known football shrine in the east end, possibly Shettleston Juniors ? Known for getting the job done and no nonsense, could easily have been a stand up comedian, you wouldn't dare not laugh. A comrade of the old school who knows the score, you can't replace experience like that. His motto was "Genghis Khan didn't become great by calling meetings, he did it by killing all his opponents" Happy Retirement.
Jim ( Tony Soprano ) Harkins - ( The Boss ) - ( Big Jim ) ( Mr. Johnstone ) and the leader of the council and of the Labour Group, a well nigh impossible task carried out with aplomb by him, 23 yrs. service. Known for his prodigious memory and his habit of swatting aside his political opponents in the chamber like flies, could have been 'done' for cruelty many times against the hapless SNP leader Cllr. Mackay and the bumbling Lib. Dem. leader Cllr. McCartin both of whom are destined to carry the mental scars and bruises that he has inflicted on them, they beamed with content and relief as Jim said farewell today. His whole family are Labour stalwarts and they make up a formidable team. Jim leaves a legacy of New Schools, New Elderly Homes, New Respite Centres, A smoke free council, and much more, he has left his mark, when the Queen visited Johnstone locals were heard to say "who's the wee wumman talking tae big Jim" Happy retirement.
Manser, Richard - Able Seaman in a former life, once boarded a Chinese Junk in Hong Kong Harbour to search for contraband and, while struggling to climb the boarding net he passed his rifle up to the smiling wee Chinaman who was watching him with bemusement, thanks China said he when he got on board, it's bloody well true, honest to god it is. Hard line Marxist Socialist who has never taken a backward step in his life, incredibly hard political worker with a brain like a gin trap - generous to a fault and a talented scribbler - by contrast can become a big sixties softy hippy with an encyclopedic knowledge of the beatles but, above all, a loyal and faithful friend and comrade - the Labour Party needs more like him, he doesn't want or need your sympathy or even your agreement, he settles for being allowed to put his argument, which I can assure you is formidable. The first name on the team sheet when the going gets tough.
McNally, 'Rab' 12 yrs. a 'trustee' - an Erskine man but, sound for all that, originally frae Partick, ex trade union convener in Babbies and a fan of Partick Thistle nil. All time winner of the award for the funniest heckle I've ever heard, we (Labour) pulled a stroke in the chamber which caused the SNP Cllrs. to explode in fury, shouting, swearing, threatening, foaming at the mouth and chewing the carpet, amid all this uproar and hullabaloo McNally was heard to shout "they don't like it up em captain" cue chaos, everyone, including those who think themselves above this kind of thing were completely undone and fell apart at the hilarious brilliance and timing of Rab's intervention ( I still wonder if he had it planned, was he saving it up ? ) Everyone, including the most senior of senior executives gave in to laughter, as chief whip responsible for discipline I also gave up and laughed myself into a black knot. When Rab isn't singing (his description ) he is working out ways to wind someone up. Best of luck to him.
Barbara Adams 8 yrs a councillor and daughter of two MP's Irene and the late Allen, mother of Mirin 8yrs. A dynamic young woman with energy, and commitment to the cause, we will here more of her in the future.What makes her different from the others apart from being an attractive young woman is the fact that she has her own teeth and doesn't have a deaf aid. A fierce intellect and a tongue like an adder - a go ahead business woman, lecturer and politician, a right clever clogs in fact - we will miss her.
John ( papa ) McDowall reputed to be around 70 yrs old, claims that the dead sea was only sick when he was a boy, life long member of the 'Paisley Man Society' ' puts a fork in the sugar bowl ' before having a hip replacement he asked the surgeon if he could have the old bone for the dug. 35 yrs a councillor with Paisley Burgh, Strathclyde Region and Renfrewshire Council, ex taxi driver who once took suit cases to Glasgow and left their owner standing at Glasgow Airport. Ex Provost and Mr. Popular ( he knows where the bodies are buried ) a good natured and genial old buffer with a permatan and an outrageous dress sense, in a previous age he would have been referred to as a 'dandy' sometimes gives the impression that he doesn't have both paddles in the water but many have found to their cost that he's as sharp as a tack - we miss him already.
Bob McGerty 'BIG BOAB' to everyone, 19 yrs. no remission, another survivor of the Strathclyde Regional Gulag, an honorary Renfrew man originally from the wild Northern Glasgow area of Springburn. A musician and singer of some repute, his neighbours have been known to smash his windows when he is practicing, the better to hear him says Boab. One of the genuine 'good guys' I haven't met anyone who doesn't get along with 'big McGerty'. A survivor and gourmet who leaves at a time when everyone was convinced he was trying to burn down the building with his cooking in the wee council kitchen. He wears the same size clothes as he did 40 yrs. ago despite putting away grub like a starving dug in a black puddin factory, like his fellow Renfrew man Cllr. Alex Murrin he never leaves the house without his knife and fork in a wee case in his pocket. He has been a constant fighter for the rights of workers, race and sex equality and many more good causes he typifies the good decent Labour man and is a Socialist to his fingertips. He intends now to spend time with his wife Joyce, at the caravan with her and the dog 'jooking' out for a pint then into the bookies, back for a wee hauf, we are all jealous. Good luck big man.
Burns, 'Ronnie' - Provost of this parish, over seventy since you ask, reputedly of Glaswegian origin now domiciled in Linwood, old style trade union fixer with a long memory, 20 yrs service. Clings to Glasgow roots by regularly visiting well known football shrine in the east end, possibly Shettleston Juniors ? Known for getting the job done and no nonsense, could easily have been a stand up comedian, you wouldn't dare not laugh. A comrade of the old school who knows the score, you can't replace experience like that. His motto was "Genghis Khan didn't become great by calling meetings, he did it by killing all his opponents" Happy Retirement.
Jim ( Tony Soprano ) Harkins - ( The Boss ) - ( Big Jim ) ( Mr. Johnstone ) and the leader of the council and of the Labour Group, a well nigh impossible task carried out with aplomb by him, 23 yrs. service. Known for his prodigious memory and his habit of swatting aside his political opponents in the chamber like flies, could have been 'done' for cruelty many times against the hapless SNP leader Cllr. Mackay and the bumbling Lib. Dem. leader Cllr. McCartin both of whom are destined to carry the mental scars and bruises that he has inflicted on them, they beamed with content and relief as Jim said farewell today. His whole family are Labour stalwarts and they make up a formidable team. Jim leaves a legacy of New Schools, New Elderly Homes, New Respite Centres, A smoke free council, and much more, he has left his mark, when the Queen visited Johnstone locals were heard to say "who's the wee wumman talking tae big Jim" Happy retirement.
Manser, Richard - Able Seaman in a former life, once boarded a Chinese Junk in Hong Kong Harbour to search for contraband and, while struggling to climb the boarding net he passed his rifle up to the smiling wee Chinaman who was watching him with bemusement, thanks China said he when he got on board, it's bloody well true, honest to god it is. Hard line Marxist Socialist who has never taken a backward step in his life, incredibly hard political worker with a brain like a gin trap - generous to a fault and a talented scribbler - by contrast can become a big sixties softy hippy with an encyclopedic knowledge of the beatles but, above all, a loyal and faithful friend and comrade - the Labour Party needs more like him, he doesn't want or need your sympathy or even your agreement, he settles for being allowed to put his argument, which I can assure you is formidable. The first name on the team sheet when the going gets tough.
McNally, 'Rab' 12 yrs. a 'trustee' - an Erskine man but, sound for all that, originally frae Partick, ex trade union convener in Babbies and a fan of Partick Thistle nil. All time winner of the award for the funniest heckle I've ever heard, we (Labour) pulled a stroke in the chamber which caused the SNP Cllrs. to explode in fury, shouting, swearing, threatening, foaming at the mouth and chewing the carpet, amid all this uproar and hullabaloo McNally was heard to shout "they don't like it up em captain" cue chaos, everyone, including those who think themselves above this kind of thing were completely undone and fell apart at the hilarious brilliance and timing of Rab's intervention ( I still wonder if he had it planned, was he saving it up ? ) Everyone, including the most senior of senior executives gave in to laughter, as chief whip responsible for discipline I also gave up and laughed myself into a black knot. When Rab isn't singing (his description ) he is working out ways to wind someone up. Best of luck to him.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
RACIST HATE MAIL
Some time ago I reported that I was receiving hate mail, filth and racist abuse, really terrible stuff which targeted my family as well.
Some of the right wing libertarian thugs who were attacking me on my blog accused me of making all of this up, particularly the coward who hides behind the nom de plume 'right for Scotland' He went so far as to call me a liar, I accused him and the others of encouraging this kind of thing and indeed indulging in it, I still stand by these remarks.
Over the past six months or so the police have been investigating this hate mail, I have met with them on several occasions and today I had a meeting with them again.
Today they confirmed that they are unable to pursue the matter further because they say it is extremely difficult to prove these things, they went on to confirm that the hate mail had been sent from such diverse places as the Philippines, Holland and Russia.
I now invite 'right for Scotland' to contact the C.I.D. at Strathclyde Police K division at Mill St. Paisley and they will confirm to him and anyone else who wants to call that I was not lying.
Who knows maybe 'right for Scotland' will comment further when he has done this, but I won't hold my breath.
Some of the right wing libertarian thugs who were attacking me on my blog accused me of making all of this up, particularly the coward who hides behind the nom de plume 'right for Scotland' He went so far as to call me a liar, I accused him and the others of encouraging this kind of thing and indeed indulging in it, I still stand by these remarks.
Over the past six months or so the police have been investigating this hate mail, I have met with them on several occasions and today I had a meeting with them again.
Today they confirmed that they are unable to pursue the matter further because they say it is extremely difficult to prove these things, they went on to confirm that the hate mail had been sent from such diverse places as the Philippines, Holland and Russia.
I now invite 'right for Scotland' to contact the C.I.D. at Strathclyde Police K division at Mill St. Paisley and they will confirm to him and anyone else who wants to call that I was not lying.
Who knows maybe 'right for Scotland' will comment further when he has done this, but I won't hold my breath.
Monday, April 23, 2007
SNP SOUTERED
The gay hate figure, bus tycoon Brian Souter rejoins the SNP and gives them £500,000, weeks later the SNP's pledge to re-regulate buses has gone.
"Brian Souter is one of Scotland's greatest entrepreneurs I'm delighted to have his support" ( Alex Salmond )
The SNP shames Scotland, again.
"Brian Souter is one of Scotland's greatest entrepreneurs I'm delighted to have his support" ( Alex Salmond )
The SNP shames Scotland, again.
THE DEVIOUS SNP LEADER
Who is that do you think ? yes of course it's Salmond, why do I say this again ? The Scotsman Newspaper on Saturday carried an article by prominent Scottish businessman Brian Dempsey, in this article Mr. Dempsey stated that Annabelle Goldie, Jack McConnell, Nicol Steven and Alex Salmond were all capable of doing a good job as first minister, nothing wrong with that you might think, notwithstanding my own antipathy to Salmond, Mr. Dempsey is entitled to his opinion.
So, what happened next ? well, Salmond then attended a business breakfast where he told the assembled press that he had been endorsed by one of Scotland's best known business leaders, the hapless and blameless Mr. Dempsey which of course he had.
He deliberately misled everyone however by not mentioning the endorsement by Mr. Dempsey of the other three party leaders, what kind of man carries on like this ? what kind of charlatan is Mr. Salmond ? can he get any lower ? can you vote for someone as deceitful as Salmond ?
Mr. Dempsey actually went on to say that he would be voting Labour and guess what ? the slippery Salmond didn't mention this either. I wonder how Mr. Dempsey feels about Salmond as first minister now, is this suitable behaviour for a man who wants to lead the country ? you must decide.
So, what happened next ? well, Salmond then attended a business breakfast where he told the assembled press that he had been endorsed by one of Scotland's best known business leaders, the hapless and blameless Mr. Dempsey which of course he had.
He deliberately misled everyone however by not mentioning the endorsement by Mr. Dempsey of the other three party leaders, what kind of man carries on like this ? what kind of charlatan is Mr. Salmond ? can he get any lower ? can you vote for someone as deceitful as Salmond ?
Mr. Dempsey actually went on to say that he would be voting Labour and guess what ? the slippery Salmond didn't mention this either. I wonder how Mr. Dempsey feels about Salmond as first minister now, is this suitable behaviour for a man who wants to lead the country ? you must decide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
