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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 5:32 am Post subject: General Election |
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So the campaigning starts to see who will run the next government.
Economy is one of the big key issues on the battle ground. |
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Minx
Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 4088 Location: France/Spain/Peterborough/Tenerife
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:34 am Post subject: Re: General Election |
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mark occomore wrote: |
Economy is one of the big key issues on the battle ground. |
What makes you think that, Mark? _________________ Minx
To err is human, to forgive - canine. |
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MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 3130 Location: The Beautiful South
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:35 am Post subject: |
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Really? Next you'll be telling us we've had a recession _________________ MiS |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 9:19 am Post subject: |
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Mark is right. We all need to economise, so economy is important. I'm very economical - as are a lot of leading politicians. |
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Rachel Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 9:50 am Post subject: |
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I disagree “we” the people, the residents of the UK, need to spend more money, and all of it in the UK on stuff that is made here. We the country, need to spend much less of our taxes on stuff that we don’t need or want. I wouldn’t want to be a middle-manager, part of a focus committee or a positive diversity action team in any public service over the next few years. |
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RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Rachel wrote: | I disagree “we” the people, the residents of the UK, need to spend more money, and all of it in the UK on stuff that is made here. We the country, need to spend much less of our taxes on stuff that we don’t need or want. I wouldn’t want to be a middle-manager, part of a focus committee or a positive diversity action team in any public service over the next few years. |
Hoorah! Easy for us to say. Try convincing any of the 3,000+ candidates seeking election of it. (Well, perhaps you can, but there will be 630 simultaneous cases of amnesia the moment they're elected)
I never thought I would look back with a nostalgic smile at something Harold Wilson and Robert Maxwell did, but that opening phrase reminded me of "I'm Backing Britain" and "Buy British", and I nearly managed it. Except of course they both flopped (the unions objected to the first and Maxwell imported his Union Jack T-shirts from Portugal), and trying to find anything of everyday use which has actually been made in Britain today requires the detective brain of a Morse or Frost. _________________ Ron |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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RockitRon wrote: | and trying to find anything of everyday use which has actually been made in Britain today requires the detective brain of a Morse or Frost. |
Maybe not a consumer product, but how about the Soundcraft EPM8 sound mixer that I bought over the weekend? That's made (beautifully) in Potter's Bar in sunny Hertfordshire.
There's no point in mass-producing consumer products if they can be made under cheap labour conditions elsewhere for much less (the consumers wouldn't pay the cost of anything but) but Britain is still hot on R&D and specialised manufacturing.
For instance, my son's company makes diesel injector calibration systems that are sold to major engine and automobile manufacturers all over the world. They have the lead - nobody does it better.
Anyhow, Morse is dead and Frost is now getting on a bit so I wouldn't rely on either! |
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Rachel Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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It doesn’t have to be a purely British product, you could buy for example; a Honda car made in Swindon or a Nissan made in Sunderland, the profits may leave the UK but the salaries of the workers get spent here in Tescos and Morrisons etc. It all helps with our economy. You could holiday in this country, buy home grown food products, shop a little more locally, although you have to be careful with that, I was looking at a small garden table only this morning in a local shop; made in Vietnam. Be a little more selective when choosing things, it takes only a small shift from everyone to swing things back into our favour. I’m doing my bit with my new Kayak , the one I really would like is American and is £30 less expensive than the one I’m getting, which is made in England. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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The other thing to remember is that the production of cars in the UK relies on a lot of components or technology that has been either produced in the UK or developed here. British auto technology is exported worldwide and development expertise is as good as anywhere - you only have to look at the reason why almost all the Formula One racing teams are based here. I have one just down the road (Red Bull) with others not far away at Silverstone, Northampton, Brackley, etc. My son knows at least one engineer in nearly all of them.
It's a miracle really, considering the hatchet job Thatcher did on British industry in the 80s. |
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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I guess the Tories are all out to bring Labour down. I just have a feeling they will not make Number 10 - because they just get very weak whilst campaigning, and some voters want change - but just not ready for this - and believe Labour can continue to deliver?
Thats my view. |
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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Digital bill was rushed through without proper debate. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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mark occomore wrote: | Digital bill was rushed through without proper debate. |
Who? |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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mark occomore wrote: | I guess the Tories are all out to bring Labour down. |
Party politics being what it is (and always has been), I have a sneaky feeling you might be right there, Mark.
mark occomore wrote: | Digital bill was rushed through without proper debate. |
Who? |
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Toggy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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Is there an election? I hadn't heard |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:31 pm Post subject: |
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Toggy wrote: | Is there an election? I hadn't heard |
I might have to listen to Jeremy Vine tomorrow. I'm sure there'll be a mention somewhere in his show over the coming month! |
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iwarburton
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:59 am Post subject: |
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I'm the original floating voter and have no idea where to put my x.
Ian. |
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Mark Mayhew
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 2897
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:34 am Post subject: |
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I have a worrying feeling, that the BNP are going to do quite well in this General Election. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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If that's the case then those that vote for their BNP candidate get what they deserve. If such a candidate ever knocked on my door (which will never happen) I'd give him/her such a hard time over issues such as health, education, the economy, social services, broadcasting, etc etc. and I'd enjoy the experience immensely. |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:28 pm Post subject: |
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I'm a floating voter in this Election too.. I even thought about voting for Gordon's lot recently for the first time but now I just don't know.
The thought of " I'll say anything you want to hear" Cameron in power makes me cringe...
As many people on Question Time have commented, "I'm sick of hearing about personalities - what are your Policies!"
Maybe I'll just float off and not vote at all... _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject: Brown first Heckler |
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Quote: |
Gordon Brown was leaving his campaign event at Centrepoint in London's West End. He was heckled by a member of the public, who was complaining he could not get his son into the school of his choice.
The man, who followed Mr Brown to his car, is caught on camera saying: “Can you tell us why my children can’t get into the state schools of their choice in our area? Gordon! Can you tell me why my children can’t get into the state schools of their choice in our area. Gordon I thought you wanted to talk to the public. You’re not talking to us Gordon. Can you tell me why my children can’t get into the state schools of their choice Gordon? Hello!” |
_________________
Later he said - "didn't answer the heckler as he was 'on his way from one meeting to another' but happy to answer Qs at public meetings"
Er... what pubic meetings? |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: Brown first Heckler |
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mark occomore wrote: | Er... what pubic meetings? |
Hustings? |
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Lord Evan Elpuss
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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Wasn't that the big battle in 1066 that was actually fought at Battle? _________________ Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack. |
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Minx
Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 4088 Location: France/Spain/Peterborough/Tenerife
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Brown first Heckler |
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mark occomore wrote: |
_________________
Er... what pubic meetings? |
Somehow I could never imagine Gordon getting that close to anyone... _________________ Minx
To err is human, to forgive - canine. |
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MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 3130 Location: The Beautiful South
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 7:35 am Post subject: |
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Quote: | Er... what pubic meetings? |
That paints a truly ghastly picture _________________ MiS |
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iwarburton
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Last night's Question Time made me feel more like voting for nobody.
Ian. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject: |
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I'm voting for a candidate I've known personally for years who was born and raised locally, whose father and grandfather have worked in local industries, and who himself went to school just up the road. He's worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of elderly people and has given up a huge amount of his time in support of others. He's not only a good guy but he won't be bullied and won't take no for an answer!
He's a Parliamentary Candidate for the first time and I'll vote for him irrespective of the party he's affiliated with.
And I will avoid all TV and radio election debates because they're irrelevant to me! |
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Toggy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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iwarburton wrote: | Last night's Question Time made me feel more like voting for nobody.
Ian. |
I definitely won't be voting. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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I will. When I was 18 my grandad was telling me about what it was like as a 15-year-old Bombadier in the Somme during WW1 and I happened to mention that I didn't see the point of voting. His reply was "I put up with the mud, guns and blood for 3 years so that you could be free to vote so you'll bloody well vote!".
He had a point. Many other countries don't allow their citizens to vote. |
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Toggy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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That is true and I see your point but part of being in a democracy is having the choice whether to vote or not.
Foregone conclusion where I live anyway. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Toggy wrote: | That is true and I see your point but part of being in a democracy is having the choice whether to vote or not. |
That's true, but I personally feel that it's a cop-out.
Toggy wrote: | Foregone conclusion where I live anyway. |
And mine. However, one of the candidates is a friend of mine and I'll support him anyway. |
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Toggy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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Not a cop out, I don't like any of the candidates. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:52 pm Post subject: |
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Toggy wrote: | Not a cop out, I don't like any of the candidates. |
Fair enough. It's a good argument in favour of having a "None of the above" box, actually. |
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MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 3130 Location: The Beautiful South
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:22 am Post subject: |
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I urge everyone to vote, even if you spoil the ballot paper. It's a democratic right that millions of people would kill for, literally.
It is not an acceptable argument to say that your constituency is a "foregone conclusion". Who knows what the results will be? _________________ MiS |
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Helen May
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19406 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:04 am Post subject: |
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Yes everyone should vote. If you don't you've no right to complain about anything that the Government or your council does.
H _________________ 88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!
I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005 |
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Minx
Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 4088 Location: France/Spain/Peterborough/Tenerife
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:27 am Post subject: |
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We've applied for a postal vote as we hope to be back in France by then. We both feel it's important to use your vote, though I have no idea which way I will vote. I was raised as a socialist, became a conservative once I bought my first home, and now am truly disenchanted with the bunch of them. But I'll have my say, whatever. _________________ Minx
To err is human, to forgive - canine. |
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ColinB Guest
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:55 am Post subject: |
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Helen May wrote: | Yes everyone should vote. If you don't you've no right to complain about anything that the Government or your council does. |
My thoughts entirely. Put the other way, if you don't vote you're giving "them" tacit approval to do whatever they like and you no right at all to complain (in my opinion). |
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mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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I couldn't agree more. I also think those who are able to vote should do so. They can't moan when things go tits up who evers in power. |
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Toggy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239
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Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry I don't agree, I pay my taxes and so on, I have every right to moan.
As for spoiling the paper, totally pointless. |
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