SubJeff on 25/6/2014 at 11:44
I case you haven't been following it, this happened:
(
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jun/24/andy-coulson-criminal-david-cameron-confidence-conspiracy-phone-hacking)
Andy Coulson has been found guilty of conspiracy to intercept voicemails with others and is awaiting the verdict on two accusations of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office (actually the jury has been unable to come to a decision and has been discharged - just happened).
I'm not that fussed about chasing this guy and getting him convicted, but more with the fact that he was a Cameron lacky (for which Cameron is having to answer all sorts of questions) and that soooo much time and money has been spent on this whole affair. And that it's been in the news on and off here for an age. I also get the impression that the BBC has enjoyed having this in their back pocket to pull out as a smokescreen.
This wasn't reported at all on the BBC: (
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/21/protest-march-austerity-london-russell-brand-peoples-assembly)
Not on the TV, not on the site. They just talked about Iraq and how somehow ISIS is a big threat to the UK :rolleyes: and the phone hacking trial.
This is all so dull.
nickie on 25/6/2014 at 15:37
I was following it to start with but lost interest along the way. I'm surprised Brooks was found not guilty though, but perhaps that's because I don't like her much though I don't have a reason why. Except she works/ed for that man and that rag. Wonder what Cameron was thinking about, making a statement while the jury was still deliberating on Coulson. Conspiracy!
(
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24894403) Background info for anyone who's wanting to know about the despicable behaviour of some of the British press, particularly in relation to Milly Dowler.
Edit. I remember in my demonstrating days that demonstrations would often not be reported in the papers especially if they were slightly/very controversial so I'm not really surprised the austerity demo wasn't reported. On the car radio just now, though, I did hear of the Pensioners against loss of free train travel scuffle in Sheffield. Obligatory (
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10922230/Video-shows-pensioner-protesting-against-cuts-to-free-travel-being-restrained-by-police.html) video of 'elderly' man being arrested. I was a bit shocked when I read he was actually 64 or 65. How do they describe people of 80 odd?
SubJeff on 25/6/2014 at 17:14
Demonstrating days? Do tell.
nickie on 25/6/2014 at 17:26
I'm not falling for that. I know Special Branch lurk everywhere.
Edit. @ Special Branch - that was a joke.
SubJeff on 25/6/2014 at 18:58
Demonstrating isn't ordinarily illegal. I know lots of people from uni days (hippies) who did all sorts of protesting, climbing on roofs, getting arrested, going to communes, changing the world one organic hand-weaved yoghurt at a time.
nickie on 25/6/2014 at 19:55
This is all rather personal I suppose but whatever. I was mildly joking although I have been interviewed very briefly by Special Branch on a matter unrelated to demonstrating. It wasn't my fault, honest! And I was interviewed by the police after I had separated from someone who bought An Phoblacht. It would seem that it was still being delivered to an old address and the new occupant reported it to the police.
Of course it's not illegal but in the very old days, they used to wander round car parks and note car number plates. They don't need to use their legs so much now.
It was the late 80s/early 90s and I did the usual anti-apartheid, poll tax, ambulance stuff but it was the Irish self-determination demos that got the interest. Although my brother was in the army, was in N Ireland, was shot by the IRA, only avoided being blown up by a bomb because the detonator failed, I didn't think we should be there. I think it was only one or two demos that I went on because it was just about the most difficult thing at that time. And I was always in two minds.
But about the hacking and the press today. I've been remembering something from 28 or so years ago. I read an article in the Guardian about the Butler-Sloss inquiry by someone called Tom something. I took exception to the article and rang the paper. Eventually I had a phone call from Tom and talked to him for quite a long time about the 'language' he'd used. And he listened to me and took note of what I said. And I never had any reason to complain again about anything he wrote. And I've still got his card. I really don't think that that would happen now. The story is everything, beating the opposition is everything. Maybe it's just cynicism, maybe it's experience, but I have very little confidence in anything much - except the NHS. And you're right. I didn't know anything about it after I was stabbed a few times in my left hand. :D
SubJeff on 25/6/2014 at 21:34
Tom was probably after something if you no wat i mean
A "few times"? Tut tut. Should a one shot deal and sleeeeeeeeep
nickie on 26/6/2014 at 09:43
:) She had an L plate on - I didn't mind, people have to learn somehow.
SubJeff on 26/6/2014 at 10:37
Yes they do. I dislike the "I'm not having someone inexperienced doing X on me" attitude we often get. No one learns if everyone said that and the learners always have senior supervision.
This is totally OT now though. Your demonstrating history is pretty interesting. I knew you were a hippy. I just knew.
nickie on 26/6/2014 at 12:47
It wasn't my fault, teenagers are designed to rebel. I grew up in a C/conservative household. What else could I do? Demonstrating didn't come till quite a long time after though.
