sadoldgit

Here, in four words, is your issue. There are no rights or wrongs, only opinions. You have this thing about “lefties” which shows how closed your mind is given most of the people you calls “lefties” are liberals which, you should know, are general centrists. So then, opinions. Cameron and Osbourne decided that austerity was the best way forward for this country over 14 years ago. Other had a completely different opinion because they were of the opinion that public services would suffer badly. Whilst they were of the opinion that was proved right in actuality, you won’t find Cameron and Osbourne backtracking on their decision because they will stand by their original opinion that was the only way forward given Tory dogma. It was the right thing to do in their opinion because social services were not their priority. There will be consequences of the new rent reform bill, some will benefit some people, some will benefit others. There will be knock on effects down the road too, just like every other reform bill. Politicians will either support it for xyz reasons or attack it for xyz reasons, there will all feel that they are right and the others wrong. The same goes for economists. The bottom line is that one group of people want a fairer, more humane world where the “haves” do more to help the “have nots” and another group of people are more of the Darwinism mindset, the survival of the fittest where the “haves” do what they can to keep what they can whilst throwing a few crumbs to the “have nots” to salve their consciences when they feel a bit guilty. I think I know which group you are in. And yes, I know, it is only an opinion. A Christmas message for you Ralph (let’s drop the “Sir” shall we?). In 2026 maybe try to be less Trump and more Ed Davey?

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/us/trump-new-battleships-analysis-intl-hnk-ml Several reasons why this might not be one of Trump’s better cunning plans.

If you like blue cheese and you like Brie you will not be disappointed!

Blue Brie. Best of both worlds. Grated Parmesan on pretty much everything.

Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Indeed. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/22/man-in-uk-charged-alongside-five-others-with-sexual-offences-against-his-wife

Sad news. It’s tough to lose a loved one but more so just before Christmas. The BBC gave the story prime spot and five minutes on the 6pm news tonight. With all due respect to Chris Rhea and his career, he was no Eric Clapton or Paul McCartney. RIP

As a dyed in the wool capitalist Sir Ralph, do you think it is ok that the oil companies continue to make massive profits or do you think that they should be taxed more to help pay for the crumbling public services that are desperate for more investment? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dzk4kz722o.amp

Do you recall when you told us that you asked the mods to change your name from Delldays to Batman because no one was taking your posts seriously? The above post is the reason why.

Our housing issues go all the way back to Thatcher who sold off council houses and failed to reinvest in new ones.

Sorry to disappoint, but just to state the obvious, there isn’t a goalkeeper on the planet who doesn’t let goals in.

I don’t disagree, but as soon as you bring up immigration you will invoke the ire of the growing number of xenophobes and Reform voters.

Jackson Pollock. A load of Pollocks.

Can’t believe that I forgot to add Not The Nine O’Clock News!

And still it continues… https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/21/israel-approves-new-jewish-settlements-occupied-west-bank

Again, another embarrassment for Farage from his flagship council. They promised to slash waste and make savings, now this… https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/dec/20/kent-council-reform-condemned-spending-thousands-political-assistants

Bob Dylan’s older stuff “absolute crap?” Blowin’ In The Wind, Mr.Tambourine Man, Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright, Like A Rolling Stone, Lay Lady Lay, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, Hurricane, Girl From The North Country, Just Like A Woman, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, It Ain’t Me Babe, The Mighty Quinn etc….

Perhaps there is a gap in the market?

With the birth rate dropping surely it makes more sense to encourage people to have more children? It’s that or increase immigration and we know what a hot potato that subject is.

Just for you Whelk, to show that I do understand the purpose of this thread… Tesco running out of our favourite wine when the 25% off offer for 6 bottles or more is on. 😘

To come on and give us pace when Scienza is knackered and comes off?

I also “pony up” for a load of rubbish I don’t want to watch on streaming channels. What did Springsteen say? 57 channels and nothing on. The BBC offers a great deal more choice across than many media organisations. I don’t think that anybody disagrees that there needs to be changes, but there will always be some who will find fault just because they hate the BBC. When I was growing up all I heard was that it was run by a bunch of “Commies” (“Pinkos” to some). Now all I hear is that it is run by those of the right! For all of its faults, this country has been better off for it.

I see the forum curmudgeon has got out of the bed the wrong side this morning again. Liz Truss is small and she annoys me. Ok?

I’m going for a 2-2 thriller with us hanging on for dear life in the final 10 minutes.

Exactly. Perhaps we could ask that Mr. Putin starts to treat the rest of the world with respect.