Jeremy Corbyn, thoughts?

[bristolman]

A darn great time. Plenty of work. Cheap to eat out and booze. Cheap to live in London (coolest city in the world at the time) Not just anywhere but a good location. Everything affordable. Education was free. Corbyn is speaking up for the fading memory of those that know better times and those too young that want better times.

 

It was a good time for me as a teenager because I didn't have to worry about anything until I started work right at the very end. Now the 80s were a fantastic time. We all want better times but they must be attainable. Things have changed and not all for the best but one thing that can't be done is to turn back the clock.

[flag of convenience]

It was a good time for me as a teenager because I didn't have to worry about anything until I started work right at the very end. Now the 80s were a fantastic time. We all want better times but they must be attainable. Things have changed and not all for the best but one thing that can't be done is to turn back the clock.

 

The 80's were fantastic? Were they really? 70's kids called that lot, ' the lost generation'. Thatcher turning the screws would hardly have been called fantastic by those in the know, but that's your take so be it. Even the music sucked to a large extent. It has been a gradual decline ever sense. London became close to becoming unliveable at a point in the 90's. Life became ever so serious, competitive and sheer hard work.

[Slean Wolfhead]

Old age pension in China.:laugh: You need to watch the two men in China series. In Beijing there was an old woman they managed to interview in secret. They had to wait as they were watched like hawks by Chinese minders who only wanted them to film the good bits. The old lady was pushing a wheelbarrow with her grandson on around the streets, picking things up out of the gutter.

When they managed to speak to her turned out that was how she got by, her and a lot of others. Picking up anything that looked like they could get something for when they took it for scrap. The young grandson was there helping because they couldn't afford to send him to school. Eye opening program that was.

 

There's a zone in Guangzhou, I'll try and find a link for it.

It holds recycling bits...everything and anything you can think of. They walk the streets collecting rubbish, scrap, copper, iron, cans, bottles, rubber, plastics, bicycle wheels and parts, engine blocks, old moped engines from now banned machines, it's astounding. Whole garages full of every type and size of screw or nail you can think of. They collect from the streets and tie to carts to wheel it back for sorting out, selling on, returning, melting, shredding. Hundreds of lock up garages, open to the air for anyone to go in and browse. You stick something outside, somebody will make use of it.

My dad said it reminded him of old streets in Birmingham's Jewellery and Gun Quarters, the "city of a thousand trades". He said "so this is where it moved to". Fascinating stuff.

Sadly, with 17 million people living there it's not enough, so the Government is now paying companies to recycle properly and creating huge industry out of it, so traditional ways will disappear.

 

As for pensions, my mum and dad go there often to visit grandkids and are treated far better than they get treated in the UK. We were standing at Macau immigration after getting off the hovercraft and some official came marching up, pulled them out the queue and marched them straight through to the front and through the gate.

They never pay for a bus trip, ever. Younger people will stand back and wait for all the old people to get on, and none of them pay. It took my dad 7 years to go there because he thought it would be like a Triad movie, now he goes for 3 months at a time, takes the kid to school, goes shopping, walks around nodding at people and really loves it. He can't speak a bloody word of Cantonese, but he feels very safe there. It's weird how things can actually be not what you're led to expect.

It's not like that for everybody because some people fall on hard times as they do everywhere, but you might be right in thinking that the Chinese always expect Western media organisations to paint a bad picture of them, because that's what they usually try and do.

Edited September 17, 2015 by Slean Wolfhead

[Gbye grey sky]

What a sad life you must have lived in the 70s. Even as a teenager I was never out of work. Never had trouble get a job. In fact I had three jobs in one week once when walked out after a day on the other two. Lived in the best Borough of London, could afford it on an average wage in those days, Ate out most nights.

You are taking an entire decade in one hot. These things did not occur together. I never worked a three day work. Yes I recall the lights going out from time to time, but candles done fine. I have never been on strike in my life. Good luck to those that felt the need.

You forget IRA attacks. There was far more political awareness. Far more togetherness. Better times all around. But hey, too bad you missed all that.

 

This only demonstrates that no matter how bad times are some always will thrive. Anyone who remembers the 70s as halcyon times was walking around with blinkers on and totally politically unaware. But then you were only a teenager so that is understandable.

[flag of convenience]

This only demonstrates that no matter how bad times are some always will thrive. Anyone who remembers the 70s as halcyon times was walking around with blinkers on and totally politically unaware. But then you were only a teenager so that is understandable.

 

No not blinkers at all. I relayed how it exactly was. I was still young in the 80's I know which decade I preferred. I said life was cheap. I never said there was a lot of prosperity.

These days with far more wealth around fewer could live the life we had in those times as impossible to afford.

[ramot]

This only demonstrates that no matter how bad times are some always will thrive. Anyone who remembers the 70s as halcyon times was walking around with blinkers on and totally politically unaware. But then you were only a teenager so that is understandable.

 

Of course when you get older apparently you mainly remember the good times, and memories of the bad times fade!!?

[BacktoDemocracy]

I do find myself asking the same questions. It's like when I hear that the Government controls the media, the media may be left or right leaning but that doesn't equate to Government control.

Just try exploring who the chairpersons are on any number of advisory committee's that make decisions on the curriculum and where the advisor's to education ministers come from, and where the money for the Conservative party comes from and how many of those donors are involved in seeking to run academies which are virtually free to structure education to suit themselves free from constraints about employing qualified teachers.

Same in the NHS, there is a central body which vets Chairpersons for hospital boards, just to make sure they have the right qualities, don'tcha know, we couldn't have somebody who'se not one of us running the countr.

So don't tell me it's all a figment of my fevered socialist conspiracy theory.

[bristolman]

The 80's were fantastic? Were they really? 70's kids called that lot, ' the lost generation'. Thatcher turning the screws would hardly have been called fantastic by those in the know, but that's your take so be it. Even the music sucked to a large extent. It has been a gradual decline ever sense. London became close to becoming unliveable at a point in the 90's. Life became ever so serious, competitive and sheer hard work.

 

The 80s were brilliant, never out of work, got married, rode motorbikes, went to more concerts than I can remember, the music was fantastic everything from Bon Jovi to Pink Floyd, the Eagles, Motorhead, Def Leppard, Meatloaf and endless others. It is definitely the decade that I look back on with the most fondness, what I remember of them anyway lol. It was all about having a good time, going down the pub, going to live music gigs, riding bikes every chance we had. Fanbloodytastic.

[bristolman]

Just try exploring who the chairpersons are on any number of advisory committee's that make decisions on the curriculum and where the advisor's to education ministers come from, and where the money for the Conservative party comes from and how many of those donors are involved in seeking to run academies which are virtually free to structure education to suit themselves free from constraints about employing qualified teachers.

Same in the NHS, there is a central body which vets Chairpersons for hospital boards, just to make sure they have the right qualities, don'tcha know, we couldn't have somebody who'se not one of us running the countr.

So don't tell me it's all a figment of my fevered socialist conspiracy theory.

 

Life is too short for conspiracy theories, our kids are getting a great well rounded education judging by what they tell us when they come home. We have all received fantastic service from the NHS since arriving. It really doesn't bother me what the political leanings of those in 'control' are. As I say, life's too short, just enjoy lol

[Gbye grey sky]

Of course when you get older apparently you mainly remember the good times, and memories of the bad times fade!!?

 

So true. I well remember all older folk when I was young stating how much better times were in the past despite the depression, the war, and rationing. I resolved not to make that mistake when I grow old and maintain my objectivity. Time will tell if I achieve that.

[MARYROSE02]

Just try exploring who the chairpersons are on any number of advisory committee's that make decisions on the curriculum and where the advisor's to education ministers come from, and where the money for the Conservative party comes from and how many of those donors are involved in seeking to run academies which are virtually free to structure education to suit themselves free from constraints about employing qualified teachers.

Same in the NHS, there is a central body which vets Chairpersons for hospital boards, just to make sure they have the right qualities, don'tcha know, we couldn't have somebody who'se not one of us running the countr.

So don't tell me it's all a figment of my fevered socialist conspiracy theory.

 

Supply a list of said 'chairpersons' and ministerial advisers so we can all assess their alleged bias/prejudices.

[MARYROSE02]

Here is the first person I could find involved in 'THE CONSPIRACY!'

 

[h=1]Madeleine Atkins[/h] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Professor Madeleine Julia Atkins, CBE, DL is a former vice-chancellor of Coventry University, and current (from 2014) Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

[h=2]Life[/h]

Atkins was born 1952 and took a degree in Law and History at Cambridge.^[1][2] After a PhD at University of Nottingham she was a school teacher before joining Newcastle University, where she rose to be pro-vice-chancellor.^[2] She was vice-chancellor of Coventry University from 2004 to 2013, becoming Chief Executive of HEFCE on 1 January 2014.^[2]

[h=2]Honours[/h] She was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to Higher Education.^[3] and she is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands

[bristolman]

Supply a list of said 'chairpersons' and ministerial advisers so we can all assess their alleged bias/prejudices.

 

Really though does it matter ? Who cares ? As long as it doesn't affect us what does it really matter ? In recent times I have learned to reassess and not worry about stuff.

[BacktoDemocracy]

Not many remember those days, but ok lets tale a look at them. I suppose you mean the fact that working people could afford to live in London. The fact that jobs were plentiful. The fact that private rents were possible due to rent protection. Eating out in London could be done dirt cheap.

 

Or the dreadful days of going to spend a summer in Portugal for a few hundred quid all up and remain more than three months. Spanish and Greek destinations dirt cheap to live. Or perhaps the free education where students actually thought beyond self interest and economics. Gosh there were so many hardships during those times difficult to know where to start.

 

Always recall a right wing commentator in the Evening Standard, circular 78/79 complaining about Londoners in particular, but Brit's in general being to content in their lives as to not want to go a more American path of greater materialism and working harder for more., Pretty much says it all really. People were content with far less and somewhere along the path that contentment was knocked sideways and an unsatisfiable desire for ever more came in.

Great music, folk freer to pursue individualism and London was a magnet for those young people escaping the provinces or coming from abroad to experience a great vibe that didn't cost the earth.

 

Really though does it matter ? Who cares ? As long as it doesn't affect us what does it really matter ? In recent times I have learned to reassess and not worry about stuff.

As a position it has its attractions but unfortunately the consequences from the actions of those who make global decisions will not differentiate between those who voted for them, voted against them and those who didn't give a t**s, so the tsunami of refugees from wars and famines as climate change really kicks in will not excuse you from the angst that the advanced world will have to cope with over the remainder of this century and through your children's future as one example of what is happening around you and will impact on you.

Edited September 17, 2015 by BacktoDemocracy

[HappyHeart]

I just watched Jeremy's interview with Jon Snow. The more I watch him the more I love him. I don't really care what anyone else thinks. He's genuine, honest, real, has integrity...he's just different. He's inspiring and I for one hope he goes all the way. He gives me hope. He really gives me hope. Get behind him Britain. He stands for everything you need.

[BacktoDemocracy]

I stay off here for weeks and then log in idly and see a interesting thread where I think it might be possible to have a discussion about what is happening in the world and have a discourse where there might be an exchange of thought through ideas, even if some of the ideas might not be to my liking, but what do I find but entrenched positions based on opinions and an obsession with self interest.

I find myself having a reflective moment that countries get the governments they deserve and that education is wasted if it is not used for the good of society, but maybe that is the ramblings of a discontented old age.

[HappyHeart]

It's sad to say the least isn't it btd. Bothers me.

Edited September 17, 2015 by HappyHeart

[BacktoDemocracy]

Here is the first person I could find involved in 'THE CONSPIRACY!'

 

Madeleine Atkins

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Professor Madeleine Julia Atkins, CBE, DL is a former vice-chancellor of Coventry University, and current (from 2014) Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Life

 

 

Atkins was born 1952 and took a degree in Law and History at Cambridge.^[1][2] After a PhD at University of Nottingham she was a school teacher before joining Newcastle University, where she rose to be pro-vice-chancellor.^[2] She was vice-chancellor of Coventry University from 2004 to 2013, becoming Chief Executive of HEFCE on 1 January 2014.^[2]

Honours

 

She was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to Higher Education.^[3] and she is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands

Does that mean that she sides with the working class, I know a couple of doctorates who are scarily right wing and believe in the freedom to do as you please, including the freedom to shoot intruders on their property.

[bristolman]

Does that mean that she sides with the working class, I know a couple of doctorates who are scarily right wing and believe in the freedom to do as you please, including the freedom to shoot intruders on their property.

 

I'm anything but right wing but agree about being able to shoot an intruder. Once they step on your property for criiminal purposes they are fair game.

[bristolman]

I just watched Jeremy's interview with Jon Snow. The more I watch him the more I love him. I don't really care what anyone else thinks. He's genuine, honest, real, has integrity...he's just different. He's inspiring and I for one hope he goes all the way. He gives me hope. He really gives me hope. Get behind him Britain. He stands for everything you need.

 

You shouldn't care what anyone else thinks, quite right. I happen to think he will disappear into obscurity before the next election because I don't think Labour will risk going into a general election with him at the helm.

[Bungo]

Does that mean that she sides with the working class, I know a couple of doctorates who are scarily right wing and believe in the freedom to do as you please, including the freedom to shoot intruders on their property.

 

Well I don't believe in guns, so can't really say that I believe in the right to shoot people on ones own property, because there should be no gun there in the first place. I do believe in self defence though, I had no idea self defence was just a right wing thing.

[bristolman]

Well I don't believe in guns, so can't really say that I believe in the right to shoot people on ones own property, because there should be no gun there in the first place. I do believe in self defence though, I had no idea self defence was just a right wing thing.

 

Actually I am with you on the guns thing, I do think a person has a total right to defend their property with as much force as is necessary. What's the alternative, sit by and watch ?

[MARYROSE02]

Does that mean that she sides with the working class, I know a couple of doctorates who are scarily right wing and believe in the freedom to do as you please, including the freedom to shoot intruders on their property.

 

I don't know where you have picked up this skill to infer/detect so much from so little. Post the names of the two doctorates so we can research them.

Edited September 17, 2015 by MaggieMay24
Fixing quote

[MARYROSE02]

Really though does it matter ? Who cares ? As long as it doesn't affect us what does it really matter ? In recent times I have learned to reassess and not worry about stuff.

I'm always interested in the facts especially in a case like this which is obviously a fantasy.

As a position it has its attractions but unfortunately the consequences from the actions of those who make global decisions will not differentiate between those who voted for them, voted against them and those who didn't give a t**s, so the tsunami of refugees from wars and famines as climate change really kicks in will not excuse you from the angst that the advanced world will have to cope with over the remainder of this century and through your children's future as one example of what is happening around you and will impact on you.

[BacktoDemocracy]

I'm anything but right wing but agree about being able to shoot an intruder. Once they step on your property for criiminal purposes they are fair game.

 

I rest my case m'lud.