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[Dishevelled Den]

One of the greatest problems we face in our society is a feeling of helplessness.

We have endured so much political correctness rammed down our throats over the past decade, it is hard to know where to start.

Essentially, by government diktat, many of our freedoms have been eeked away, ostensibly to make our lives better.

So,
We can't have a smoke in a pub anymore and anyway, the pubs are closing at a frightening rate.

We can't drive in a relaxed manner for fear that we may stray over the limit and get several points on our licence. We're being watched constantly.

We can't tell a risqué joke in case we're deemed sexist, racist, homophobic.

We can't defend our properties lest we end up being charge with assault.

...and as shown recently, we can't even blow our nose when sitting in a traffic jam.

..and much else.

The problem with all this is that  thing is we can't seem to do anything about it. The government has achieved total power over the smallest parts of our lives. It has politicised all our great institutions.

And, to rub salt in the wound, as it were, the Members of our esteemed Parliament have achieved all this whilst having their noses firmly in the trough.

Deep frustration is building up in society. There is a complete disconnect between the lawmakers and the masses.
        

Precisely. This single post has the whole she bang sewn up in a reasoned & constructive manner whilst getting all relative points through succinctly. Well put Nick.

Maybe I am in denial, but it seems like Daily Mail sensationalisation to me-most of this has some grounding in fact but highlighting the extremes does not represent normality-it just sells newspapers  :-?

I think Nick makes some very important observations here C.

The end result of the points made - and many more - has been responsible, in large measure, for the steady erosion in how we, as individuals, perceive our quality of life to be in society.

It is important to highlight how our patterns of behaviour are being altered by government will, as the drip feed nature of these constantly up-dated and burgeoning regulations seem to pass over the heads of many.

People like sensational stories, so tabloids and pub-experts whip it up to get noticed-they have a ready market.

AFAIK many things have improved, some things are worse-it is as much to do with human nature as politicians but the whole whingeing and stirring it up is pointless and futile.

If you feel society needs changing, do something about it-set up a political party and see it through.

The worst thing about modern culture is pointless moaning: thinking you could do it better but not doing it is part of our "I'm an expert, but will leave someone else to sort it out, while I whinge" culture 

I assume that you are not referring to me in particular C.

I think it important that we all should be able to make justifiable comments about how we view society, if we were to desist what would be the outcome?  In doing so it isn’t necessary to take to the streets with a banner proclaiming our dissatisfaction or demanding the dissolution of parliament.

In exchanging views in this way (far from stirring it up) we can constructively discuss the many things that effect each and every one living here, in this country, at the moment

[cruisetopoland]

One of the greatest problems we face in our society is a feeling of helplessness.

We have endured so much political correctness rammed down our throats over the past decade, it is hard to know where to start.

Essentially, by government diktat, many of our freedoms have been eeked away, ostensibly to make our lives better.

So,
We can't have a smoke in a pub anymore and anyway, the pubs are closing at a frightening rate.

We can't drive in a relaxed manner for fear that we may stray over the limit and get several points on our licence. We're being watched constantly.

We can't tell a risqué joke in case we're deemed sexist, racist, homophobic.

We can't defend our properties lest we end up being charge with assault.

...and as shown recently, we can't even blow our nose when sitting in a traffic jam.

..and much else.

The problem with all this is that  thing is we can't seem to do anything about it. The government has achieved total power over the smallest parts of our lives. It has politicised all our great institutions.

And, to rub salt in the wound, as it were, the Members of our esteemed Parliament have achieved all this whilst having their noses firmly in the trough.

Deep frustration is building up in society. There is a complete disconnect between the lawmakers and the masses.
        

Precisely. This single post has the whole she bang sewn up in a reasoned & constructive manner whilst getting all relative points through succinctly. Well put Nick.

Maybe I am in denial, but it seems like Daily Mail sensationalisation to me-most of this has some grounding in fact but highlighting the extremes does not represent normality-it just sells newspapers  :-?

I think Nick makes some very important observations here C.

The end result of the points made - and many more - has been responsible, in large measure, for the steady erosion in how we, as individuals, perceive our quality of life to be in society.

It is important to highlight how our patterns of behaviour are being altered by government will, as the drip feed nature of these constantly up-dated and burgeoning regulations seem to pass over the heads of many.

People like sensational stories, so tabloids and pub-experts whip it up to get noticed-they have a ready market.

AFAIK many things have improved, some things are worse-it is as much to do with human nature as politicians but the whole whingeing and stirring it up is pointless and futile.

If you feel society needs changing, do something about it-set up a political party and see it through.

The worst thing about modern culture is pointless moaning: thinking you could do it better but not doing it is part of our "I'm an expert, but will leave someone else to sort it out, while I whinge" culture 

I assume that you are not referring to me in particular C.

I think it important that we all should be able to make justifiable comments about how we view society, if we were to desist what would be the outcome?  In doing so it isn’t necessary to take to the streets with a banner proclaiming our dissatisfaction or demanding the dissolution of parliament.

In exchanging views in this way (far from stirring it up) we can constructively discuss the many things that effect each and every one living here, in this country, at the moment

Partly, NB-many posts seem to be a stinging criticism of some policy, decision, law or other.
I've never seen a "Now this is a great idea" post  :-?

I usually keep out of these threads with the thought 

OOF wouldn't be the same without you and your followers ;

I'll read and  to stay out of controversy 

[Nickbat]

One of the greatest problems we face in our society is a feeling of helplessness.

We have endured so much political correctness rammed down our throats over the past decade, it is hard to know where to start.

Essentially, by government diktat, many of our freedoms have been eeked away, ostensibly to make our lives better.

So,
We can't have a smoke in a pub anymore and anyway, the pubs are closing at a frightening rate.

We can't drive in a relaxed manner for fear that we may stray over the limit and get several points on our licence. We're being watched constantly.

We can't tell a risqué joke in case we're deemed sexist, racist, homophobic.

We can't defend our properties lest we end up being charge with assault.

...and as shown recently, we can't even blow our nose when sitting in a traffic jam.

..and much else.

The problem with all this is that  thing is we can't seem to do anything about it. The government has achieved total power over the smallest parts of our lives. It has politicised all our great institutions.

And, to rub salt in the wound, as it were, the Members of our esteemed Parliament have achieved all this whilst having their noses firmly in the trough.

Deep frustration is building up in society. There is a complete disconnect between the lawmakers and the masses.
        

Precisely. This single post has the whole she bang sewn up in a reasoned & constructive manner whilst getting all relative points through succinctly. Well put Nick.

Maybe I am in denial, but it seems like Daily Mail sensationalisation to me-most of this has some grounding in fact but highlighting the extremes does not represent normality-it just sells newspapers  :-?

I think Nick makes some very important observations here C.

The end result of the points made - and many more - has been responsible, in large measure, for the steady erosion in how we, as individuals, perceive our quality of life to be in society.

It is important to highlight how our patterns of behaviour are being altered by government will, as the drip feed nature of these constantly up-dated and burgeoning regulations seem to pass over the heads of many.

People like sensational stories, so tabloids and pub-experts whip it up to get noticed-they have a ready market.

AFAIK many things have improved, some things are worse-it is as much to do with human nature as politicians but the whole whingeing and stirring it up is pointless and futile.

If you feel society needs changing, do something about it-set up a political party and see it through.

The worst thing about modern culture is pointless moaning: thinking you could do it better but not doing it is part of our "I'm an expert, but will leave someone else to sort it out, while I whinge" culture 

It is, of course, the very pointlessness and futility of  "whinging" (may I substitute the word "disagreement"?) that is creating the situation of discontent we have. I feel you perhaps underestimate the feelings of the general public - and I see it as serious.

"If you feel society needs changing, do something about it-set up a political party and see it through."

It is impossible to set up a viable political party unless you happen to be billionaire (NuLabour is millions in debt).

[cruisetopoland]

I think the hobgoblins (as per sig) are working late shift tonight 

I'll dwell on it NB 

[Dishevelled Den]

Partly, NB-many posts seem to be a stinging criticism of some policy, decision, law or other.
I've never seen a "Now this is a great idea" post  :-?

I usually keep out of these threads with the thought 

OOF wouldn't be the same without you and your followers ;

I'll read and  to stay out of controversy 

I have to say that I'm not some sort of Svengali to whom many in this forum look for guidance I'm simply commenting on a thread started by a member raising a legitimate view on how he feels our society to be placed at present. I have no desire to influence others.

It is right and indeed necessary to comment on how the policies of this present government are affecting many people not only on this forum but in the country as a whole.  Furthermore, far from being an armchair critic, my extensive correspondence with government officials has ensured that my light - howsoever dim – has shone in directions other than the OOF.

Finally, you should not desist from comment on threads such as this as your views and comments are as valid, considered and worthwhile as anyone’s.

[Amigo]

I hate the lack of production/export, most towns are turning into clones of eachother with the same brand retail parks & f/food joints. Breweries have priced "local" pubs into collapse hence yet another "brand" of so called plastic pubs/carveries/whacky wharehouse god awful places & the smoking ban has'nt helped (pubs should be given the choice to cater for all) ie no smoking here or a smoking pub or one smoking bar & one non smoking within the same pub so everyone's happy. I like to smoke & defend my right too but i also understand non smokers don't want thier evening ruined sat in someone elses fug & having to take it home with them...fair go, but the pub landlords should be able to make thier own minds up.
    Given my job i travel the country & despair at the run down boarded up sh*tholes some of our towns have become which takes us back to the first point, the loss of manufacturing & rise of cloned retail parks.

  That said i could never live anywhere else, i'd get homesick & despite the mess we're in we're much better off than many others. It's my home & i'm staying put.

[albitz]

Anyone who thinks that the erosion of freedoms and the social engineering which have taken place under the current regime is purely Daily Mail sensationalism and negativity spouted by a bunch of whingers should maybe conduct a bit of a study into just how many thousands of pieces of legislation this lot have introduced since they took office, and more importantly the acual wording and contents of many of them.
But as some of us have said many times the situation is pretty hopeless unless we can extract ourselves from the totally undemocratic institutions of Europe.
I dont feel european, I dont want to be european and I strongly believe that most of the British people feel the same way.

[alfie]

Good morning everyone,well there are lots of comments on here good and bad,but one of the points that has not been mentioned is personnel safety. Do you feel safe going out at night,walking past a group of hoodies,drunks and druggies.
Do you place yourself between them and your wife/girl friend. This kind of action wasn,t heard of  before.
             Alfie.

[kevinminton]

Good Morning! Seems like I missed out on the debate last night … so here are three observations:

Curious how any members of this forum can claim to hate “Europe” when the one thing that brings us together is owning German cars. It is interesting to see what the people who complain about the run down of British industry are actually driving.

Smoking ban - I can imagine a picture now of the tobacco companies like devils rubbing their hands and cackling at how their slaves are squabbling about where and how they can get their fix. The real criminal here is the greed of the corporations for making a cynical profit out of human weakness. Or is it the governments over the years who have failed to regulate becuase they are afraid of losing the tax revenue? Or is it me because I allow (encourage) my pension fund to lend my money to the tobacco companies? Answers on a postcard please. Address it to yourself.

One member complained about the consequences of breaking the speed limit when on a “relaxing” drive. Another wrote about being fearful of letting his kids play in the street because of speeding cars. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s any connection here? [/sarcasm]

I reiterate my point yesterday about mutual obligations as well as “rights”.

Yesterday I said “stop moaning and do something about it”.  CtP suggested forming a new party - for which the response was along the lines of “oh no! can’t do that!”. So, instead, make sure you vote! How many of the moaners don’t vote because of ... whatever moany reason they have. Have you written to your MP? Do you know how your MP is? Ditto for MEP. Ditto for local councillor. Spoken to the independent candidate? Joined a trade union? Professional body? Trade association? Become an active member of a campaigning organisation - be it Amnesty, ASH, AA - whatever suits your need. Go to a local council meeting. And so on.

It starts with you …

[/patronise]

[Dishevelled Den]

Good Morning! Seems like I missed out on the debate last night … so here are three observations:

Curious how any members of this forum can claim to hate “Europe” when the one thing that brings us together is owning German cars. It is interesting to see what the people who complain about the run down of British industry are actually driving.

Smoking ban - I can imagine a picture now of the tobacco companies like devils rubbing their hands and cackling at how their slaves are squabbling about where and how they can get their fix. The real criminal here is the greed of the corporations for making a cynical profit out of human weakness. Or is it the governments over the years who have failed to regulate becuase they are afraid of losing the tax revenue? Or is it me because I allow (encourage) my pension fund to lend my money to the tobacco companies? Answers on a postcard please. Address it to yourself.

One member complained about the consequences of breaking the speed limit when on a “relaxing” drive. Another wrote about being fearful of letting his kids play in the street because of speeding cars. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s any connection here? [/sarcasm]

I reiterate my point yesterday about mutual obligations as well as “rights”.

Yesterday I said “stop moaning and do something about it”.  CtP suggested forming a new party - for which the response was along the lines of “oh no! can’t do that!”. So, instead, make sure you vote! How many of the moaners don’t vote because of ... whatever moany reason they have. Have you written to your MP? Do you know how your MP is? Ditto for MEP. Ditto for local councillor. Spoken to the independent candidate? Joined a trade union? Professional body? Trade association? Become an active member of a campaigning organisation - be it Amnesty, ASH, AA - whatever suits your need. Go to a local council meeting. And so on.

It starts with you …

[/patronise]

 Good morning to you K  8-) 8-)

Some splendid points to address when I get back from a funeral I'll be attending shortly.

In the meantime, plenty to ponder.

[Banjax]

What's it all about alfie? Is it just for the moment we live?

What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
or are we meant to be kind?

[Varche]

Spot on Kevin.

Plenty of people moan about rules and regs but don't actually excercise their democratic rights (hard won at that) to get things changed.

The Europe link is very tenuous. If you visit our European neighbours you will find they are "more relaxed" about life. There was a poll on the best countries to live in the world recently. Britain was 25th from memory. France, Belgium, Switzerland and Oz were up there in the top 5 or so. It was based on a wide criteria.

As I have said before, a lot of todays problems are derived from the (parents) "Can't say NO" culture of the 90's . We reap what we sowed.

[Debs.]

......I get back from a funeral I'll be attending shortly........

That put`s EVERYTHING into perspective....... 

[cruisetopoland]

Good Morning! Seems like I missed out on the debate last night … so here are three observations:

Curious how any members of this forum can claim to hate “Europe” when the one thing that brings us together is owning German cars. It is interesting to see what the people who complain about the run down of British industry are actually driving.

Smoking ban - I can imagine a picture now of the tobacco companies like devils rubbing their hands and cackling at how their slaves are squabbling about where and how they can get their fix. The real criminal here is the greed of the corporations for making a cynical profit out of human weakness. Or is it the governments over the years who have failed to regulate becuase they are afraid of losing the tax revenue? Or is it me because I allow (encourage) my pension fund to lend my money to the tobacco companies? Answers on a postcard please. Address it to yourself.

One member complained about the consequences of breaking the speed limit when on a “relaxing” drive. Another wrote about being fearful of letting his kids play in the street because of speeding cars. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s any connection here? [/sarcasm]

I reiterate my point yesterday about mutual obligations as well as “rights”.

Yesterday I said “stop moaning and do something about it”.  CtP suggested forming a new party - for which the response was along the lines of “oh no! can’t do that!”. So, instead, make sure you vote! How many of the moaners don’t vote because of ... whatever moany reason they have. Have you written to your MP? Do you know how your MP is? Ditto for MEP. Ditto for local councillor. Spoken to the independent candidate? Joined a trade union? Professional body? Trade association? Become an active member of a campaigning organisation - be it Amnesty, ASH, AA - whatever suits your need. Go to a local council meeting. And so on.

It starts with you …

[/patronise]

You can trust Kevin to hit the nail on the head-I echo the sentiments, but my postings were not as cleverly put and concise as this one 

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Good Morning! Seems like I missed out on the debate last night … so here are three observations:

Curious how any members of this forum can claim to hate “Europe” when the one thing that brings us together is owning German cars. It is interesting to see what the people who complain about the run down of British industry are actually driving.

Smoking ban - I can imagine a picture now of the tobacco companies like devils rubbing their hands and cackling at how their slaves are squabbling about where and how they can get their fix. The real criminal here is the greed of the corporations for making a cynical profit out of human weakness. Or is it the governments over the years who have failed to regulate becuase they are afraid of losing the tax revenue? Or is it me because I allow (encourage) my pension fund to lend my money to the tobacco companies? Answers on a postcard please. Address it to yourself.

One member complained about the consequences of breaking the speed limit when on a “relaxing” drive. Another wrote about being fearful of letting his kids play in the street because of speeding cars. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s any connection here? [/sarcasm]

I reiterate my point yesterday about mutual obligations as well as “rights”.

Yesterday I said “stop moaning and do something about it”.  CtP suggested forming a new party - for which the response was along the lines of “oh no! can’t do that!”. So, instead, make sure you vote! How many of the moaners don’t vote because of ... whatever moany reason they have. Have you written to your MP? Do you know how your MP is? Ditto for MEP. Ditto for local councillor. Spoken to the independent candidate? Joined a trade union? Professional body? Trade association? Become an active member of a campaigning organisation - be it Amnesty, ASH, AA - whatever suits your need. Go to a local council meeting. And so on.

It starts with you …

[/patronise]

Yes Kevin, you are really singing off the same hymn sheet as me!

I am delighted that my freedom to walk into a pub, club, cinema and not be assulted by cancer giving polution from cigerattes is being protected!

I am delighted that when driving any one who is "relaxing" into a state of unconsciousness of their surroundings and 'distant' from their driving responsibilities have a chance of perhaps being stopped, and picking up a sizeable fine, before smashing into me and my passengers!

I am delighted that anyone who uses hateful, spiteful, destructive, racist language or actions in public (as they did when I was a kid) is properly brought to book and disowned by society, with my freedom to not hear such offensive expressions being upheld!

I am delighted that CCTV has spread and is indeed monitoring what is going on in the street with crime being reduced as a result, and here in Ashford the police cells being closed down due to a lack of occupants!

I am delighted to live in the Britain of today without all the issues of yesterday handicapping our lives!