Prosecution, prosecution, prosecution.....

[digger_R]

So the only question with respect to clear fraud and misuse of power/position and authority is how many MPs/Lords will end up in the dock for what has ocurred over the last few years. I don't remember who it was (I think a Thatcher era Tory) who stated it was just one of the 'perks' but the obvious and clear use of expenses for swindling the public purse and as a clear example of 'payment in kind' means that Shirley a significant number of serving and retired PUBLIC SERVANTS 'should' be in the dock for clear misuse of their individual positions.
I doubt I'm in minority when I say this but I'd prefer the those that are there to SERVE US do not see it as an easy way to take advantage of the system in place but are there to provide a service to citizens of the realm.
In my honest opinion, I think the system of governance requires massive reform in the same way that certain elements of the financial system do.
A revolution in terms of perspective on what government should provide and be responsible for alongside accountabilty is required, at the same time it is clear that the current system needs to be torn down and replaced with something that actually fulfils its purpose.

apologies for lack of profanity....


over to you

[Somewhatfoolish]

All you need is someone non lazy (i.e. not me) to arrange a spontaneous protest of the 2 million newly unemployed in this country and anyone else who doesn't like the government, say another 5 million, in London one day - travel would be free to get there (just storm the fking trains, what are they going to do) and there is no way the authorities could stop that many people from storming the commons.

I think this is feasible. We're just too comfy and apathetic to do it...

[Martial Arts Man]

Somewhatfoolish said:

there is no way the authorities could stop that many people from storming the commons.

And do what?

Edited by Martial Arts Man on Friday 15th May 00:44

[ShadownINja]

I've been thinking... how difficult is it for an honest person to become an MP these days? Surely someone on PH could do it?

[GreenV8S]

Somewhatfoolish said:

(just storm the fking trains, what are they going to do)

Well it's clutching at straws, but if a mob has taken over the trains the driver could just, y'know, stop at the next station? The logistics involved in moving millions of people into the city at short notice would be overwhelming - never mind that there's nobody to pay for it or do anything tangible to organise it.

[Chuffer]

Well I don't really want to be the one to post this from 'this' source but See you in court Mwahaahaahaa

I know it's only the Mail, but at least they're trying to stick the knife in and twist it slightly.

[ShadownINja]

It needs something like this to kick them in to order. I don't think they can suddenly be honest after all this time. It's like expecting a straying husband to suddenly be devoted to his wife. He can promise all he wants but we all know it's load of lies and he will stray again.

[unrepentant]

ShadownINja said:

I've been thinking... how difficult is it for an honest person to become an MP these days? Surely someone on PH could do it?

I assume you mean outside of the main partys? You need to be a celebrity or tap in to a specific local issue. Martin Bell did it when he ousted the execrable Neil Hamilton from one of the safest Tory seats in the country and a GP in Kidderminster? did it when he opposed the closure of his local hospital.

In Bells case Labour and I believe the Lib Dems both withdrew their candidates to give him a clear run. I do think that an independent candidate of standing in a local community would stand a good chance against any of the high profile miscreants if they stood on an anti sleaze ticket. Assuminng the electorate haven't forgotten all about it by then...

[Chuffer]

Reading from the article

Boris said:

'I think, frankly, looking at some of these cases it looks to me as though Plod needs to come in.'

'I must be careful what I say because I am chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, but it looks to me as though some people may very well have a serious case to answer.'

[ShadownINja]

unrepentant said:

ShadownINja said:

I've been thinking... how difficult is it for an honest person to become an MP these days? Surely someone on PH could do it?

I assume you mean outside of the main partys? You need to be a celebrity or tap in to a specific local issue. Martin Bell did it when he ousted the execrable Neil Hamilton from one of the safest Tory seats in the country and a GP in Kidderminster? did it when he opposed the closure of his local hospital.

In Bells case Labour and I believe the Lib Dems both withdrew their candidates to give him a clear run. I do think that an independent candidate of standing in a local community would stand a good chance against any of the high profile miscreants if they stood on an anti sleaze ticket. Assuminng the electorate haven't forgotten all about it by then...

Well, really I meant by representing one of the main parties. Someone who is good, honest and is there for the people (ie not anyone currently in politics).

PS I know next to nothing about politics and the political process or I'd have a crack at it.

PPS I suppose anything's possible... the US have a black president. Maybe it's time for a ninja in the houses of parliament.

Edited by ShadownINja on Friday 15th May 01:09

[All Jagged Up]

They say they "only made a mistake"??


I think I would have noticed several thousand pounds worth somehow. These "people" really do have no concept of reality. Is dishonesty a prerequisite for politicians on selection? Sleaze sells headlines?


"Mistake" I spent part of yesterday observing the local court - I noted that all in the dock who pleaded guilty claimed they had "only made a mistake". Yep = THEY GOT CAUGHT!

They still got fines/driving bans/short prison sentences etc.

[Jasandjules]

I am thinking that they won't get away without prosecuting one or two at least (I mean, claiming interest on a mortgage you have paid off? Theft/Fraud, end of) because public confidence and anger is such that nothing less will even come close to placating us.

Paying it back is not good enough either.

[Somewhatfoolish]

Martial Arts Man said:

Somewhatfoolish said:

there is no way the authorities could stop that many people from storming the commons.

And do what?

Edited by Martial Arts Man on Friday 15th May 00:44

Hang the fkers from lamposts and then call an election.

Mandatory lynching for misconduct in a public office would be an excellent deterrent you know

[ShadownINja]

It would appear that most MPs don't think they've done anything wrong. They really just don't get it. Sack the lot of them.

[MikeyT]

I find it absolutely incredible that now the info is out in the open, they are all pleading for more 'transparency' - if I hear that fking word once more, I'll do damage to something ... yet the bloody speaker tried to keep it all from coming out - he shold be sacked immediately, no questions, just sacked.

They certainly didn't mind taking the cash when the public didn't know all the details, so why do they think they can suddenly right all these wrongs by becoming all sorry now and offering to pay it back.

Agreed. Sack the lot and have an election now. but old Broon wouldn't do it - he can't get his head round the fact that the govenment of this once great country is rotten to the core and needs a massive overhaul and him calling an election and sacfificing his own ugly head and political ambitions *might* go some way to at least attempting to save it.

[herewego]

ShadownINja said:

It would appear that most MPs don't think they've done anything wrong. They really just don't get it. Sack the lot of them.

I don't think we should sack the ones who've done nothing wrong.

[ShadownINja]

herewego said:

ShadownINja said:

It would appear that most MPs don't think they've done anything wrong. They really just don't get it. Sack the lot of them.

I don't think we should sack the ones who've done nothing wrong.

By "nothing wrong" do you mean "nothing wrong" or "followed the rules"?

[herewego]

ShadownINja said:

herewego said:

ShadownINja said:

It would appear that most MPs don't think they've done anything wrong. They really just don't get it. Sack the lot of them.

I don't think we should sack the ones who've done nothing wrong.

By "nothing wrong" do you mean "nothing wrong" or "followed the rules"?

I mean those who have only put in expense claims to cover necessary expenditure to do the job.
Clearly some have done wrong e.g. claiming for property neither in London nor in the constituency, claiming for a property that was being rented out, claiming for alternate properties with you wife. Others will be less clearcut and others will be completely free of questions.
I'm not keen on a kneejerk hanging.

[ShadownINja]

herewego said:

ShadownINja said:

herewego said:

ShadownINja said:

It would appear that most MPs don't think they've done anything wrong. They really just don't get it. Sack the lot of them.

I don't think we should sack the ones who've done nothing wrong.

By "nothing wrong" do you mean "nothing wrong" or "followed the rules"?

I mean those who have only put in expense claims to cover necessary expenditure to do the job.
Clearly some have done wrong e.g. claiming for property neither in London nor in the constituency, claiming for a property that was being rented out, claiming for alternate properties with you wife. Others will be less clearcut and others will be completely free of questions.
I'm not keen on a kneejerk hanging.

Yeah, I was just being an arse. I agree. Are there many who've remained honest and made the right choices? Actually, is there a list of MPs who are considered to have only made the right expenses claims?

[Oakey]

ShadownINja said:

I've been thinking... how difficult is it for an honest person to become an MP these days? Surely someone on PH could do it?

There was one on PH, racingdude I think. And he was a tt