The race relations circus

It is with particular sadness  I recently heard that James McGrath (Chief of staff to our previous Chairman) has been pushed out of his job with Boris Johnson.  Accusations of racism have been levelled against him as a few words have been taken out of context and jumped upon by the PC brigade. I’ve met James on numerous occasions and found him to be a warm, witty and charming individual. As someone who prides himself as being fairly astute at spotting such things, I am wholly convinced that he does not possess a racist bone in his body.

Rather he appears to be the victim of the McCarthyistic mouth foaming utterances of the race relations industry, which through accusation alone can slay political careers and stifle well intentioned and principled debate. I say this because I have seen with my very own eyes the modus operandi of this circus, employing individuals to perpetuate this climate of political correctness. In reality this industry/business does dreadful damage to Britain’s race relations. It seems more concerned with securing it’s own funding streams and non jobs for it’s membership of zealots. The cost of this is all is so much more than financial, as we lose decent people and gag those who point to the emperor’s new clothes.

Paul

 

Wolverhampton Pensioners’ Action Group

I recently met with the Wolverhampton Pensioners’ group. We discussed issues from Iraq to local housing. In particular concerns were raised about the cost of living and the difficulties almost all of us now face in making ends meet.

Perhaps they should take advice from Transport Minister Tom Harris  who has claimed that the credit crunch is over-hyped and  that crime has been reduced. He even goes on to ask ”why is everybody so bloody miserable?” and states that the public is prone to moaning. Yesterday I spent over £ 70.00 filling up on a tank of diesel. 

Almost every time I’m at the forecourt now you end up chatting to people who are being pushed to the financial edge in relation to basic necessities that they can’t do without. Some of these ministers need to get out in the real world and away from their Westminster bubble.

Paul.  

Police Patrol in the City Centre

Following on from a police patrol visit over Christmas, I recently went out on a Friday night / early Saturday morning with Inspector John Smith. I thought it would be a good idea to see exactly what goes on in the centre of Wolverhampton on a Friday night.

Again we spoke about the public wishing to see an increased Police presence and a confirmation that officers want to do the job they joined the force to do, and not be tied down by bureaucracy and paperwork. Inspector Smith particularly emphasised the importance of dialogue and his wish that the police be constantly involved in discussions with politicians, locally and nationally.

How appalling it is to see a Labour government unwilling to backdate police pay, which was recommend by an independent body and would have cost the government 40 million pounds.  It is all the more galling for police officers to have then witnessed the Prime Minister approve a loan of 2.7 billion pounds of our own money, to raise personal tax allowances (for one year only! ) in an attempt to save the Crewe by-election.  To govern through such a short term prism, to set policy to meet the political objectives of the Labour party and indeed to so spectacularly fail in these aims points to a tired, vacuous and incompetent leadership. It really is time for a change. 

Paul.