On Friday 3rd March 2006, the Management Board of the Metropolitan Police Service issued the following statement to all members of staff:
'Recently the organisation has become aware of a series of web-logs or blogs - where authors - claiming to be police officers - have offered their views on a number of issues in a highly personalised, often controversial manner.'
This statement is followed by 'guidance' on writing blogs. In summary, this states that although 'blogging' cannot be stopped, the 'impact of expressing views and opinions that are damaging to the organisation or bring the organisation into disrepute' must be considered. Disciplinary proceedings may be considered against posters of material that may be (among other things) defamatory, offensive or otherwise inappropriate.
I have committed no crime. I have compromised no police operations. I have received no payment for anything published on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own.
It is therefore with deep regret and great sadness that I must announce that I will no longer be submitting posts to this blog. I cannot challenge New Scotland Yard. I am weary indeed and cowardice is my bedmate. The protection of my family must take precedence.
To each and every one of you - take note of what has happened here and be afraid.
If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. - George Orwell
Saturday, 4 March 2006
And so it begins.........
Read this. It shows the state to which a once great Police Force has sunk. Instead of doing anything about the matters commented upon, it has chosen to shoot the messenger. Not so long ago, much was being spouted from on high about freedom of speech and how essential such a freedom was; how highly it was valued and how it had to be protected. I put the rot in the Met down to the day it changed from being a Police Force to a Police Service.
Major police victory in fight against racism
Gollies public enemy No1
By ANDREW PARKER
COPS raided Donald Reynolds’ shop — and seized three GOLLIES on display in his window.
Stunned Donald, 53, is being investigated over the “racially offensive” black dolls and could face prosecution.
Police rang on a Sunday saying there had been “an incident” at his premises.
Fearing a break-in, he dashed to the shop — but was told there had been a complaint about the gollies.
Donald said: “I thought it was a joke but the officer loaded them in his car.
“I’m furious. It’s political correctness gone mad. I’m not racist, just trying to make a living.”
Donald had stocked up with several hundred gollies along with other gift items to sell in his hardware shop in Bromyard, Herefordshire.
Dozens of the gollies were snapped up in weeks.
Donald said: “They went to to middle-aged people who remembered them from childhood. I’m in shock. If the police put as much time into catching criminals as they have into this nonsense, the country would be a safer place.”
West Mercia Police acted under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. It outlaws displaying “offensive material likely to lead to alarm, harassment or distress”.
A spokesman said: “It is not a crime to sell these dolls but a member of the public found them racially offensive. We take these matters very seriously.
“Inquiries are ongoing. We cannot say yet if Mr Reynolds will face charges.”
Worcester Racial Equality Council said gollies “may worsen race relations”.
SUN journalist Anthony France, a black Briton, called the police action “lunacy”.
He said: “I spoke to several black and Asian friends about this. None had a problem.
“We do have a problem with rap records which use the N-word in lyrics. But I can’t see the police raiding HMV.”
Yep, tax payers money well spent on that police force.
The problem used to be that they were referred to as golliwogs; wog being a name that gives great offence to our middle-eastern friends. I've never found out why. A very serious word went around the Army in about '65 stamping very hard on the word 'wog'. Within about two days, all soldiers had changed to 'golli' Similar ability with words in Hong Kong when Sir Murray MacLehose was Governor. In a very short time he became 'Jock the Sock'
On the stupied p.c. front, I heard from an old colleague the other day. He had used an old buzz-word from the '90s - 'brain storming' He was immediately jumped by tyhe bright eyed young things who claimed it was a very offensive term to people with cerebral palsy. Of whom there were none at his meeting.
By ANDREW PARKER
COPS raided Donald Reynolds’ shop — and seized three GOLLIES on display in his window.
Stunned Donald, 53, is being investigated over the “racially offensive” black dolls and could face prosecution.
Police rang on a Sunday saying there had been “an incident” at his premises.
Fearing a break-in, he dashed to the shop — but was told there had been a complaint about the gollies.
Donald said: “I thought it was a joke but the officer loaded them in his car.
“I’m furious. It’s political correctness gone mad. I’m not racist, just trying to make a living.”
Donald had stocked up with several hundred gollies along with other gift items to sell in his hardware shop in Bromyard, Herefordshire.
Dozens of the gollies were snapped up in weeks.
Donald said: “They went to to middle-aged people who remembered them from childhood. I’m in shock. If the police put as much time into catching criminals as they have into this nonsense, the country would be a safer place.”
West Mercia Police acted under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. It outlaws displaying “offensive material likely to lead to alarm, harassment or distress”.
A spokesman said: “It is not a crime to sell these dolls but a member of the public found them racially offensive. We take these matters very seriously.
“Inquiries are ongoing. We cannot say yet if Mr Reynolds will face charges.”
Worcester Racial Equality Council said gollies “may worsen race relations”.
SUN journalist Anthony France, a black Briton, called the police action “lunacy”.
He said: “I spoke to several black and Asian friends about this. None had a problem.
“We do have a problem with rap records which use the N-word in lyrics. But I can’t see the police raiding HMV.”
Yep, tax payers money well spent on that police force.
The problem used to be that they were referred to as golliwogs; wog being a name that gives great offence to our middle-eastern friends. I've never found out why. A very serious word went around the Army in about '65 stamping very hard on the word 'wog'. Within about two days, all soldiers had changed to 'golli' Similar ability with words in Hong Kong when Sir Murray MacLehose was Governor. In a very short time he became 'Jock the Sock'
On the stupied p.c. front, I heard from an old colleague the other day. He had used an old buzz-word from the '90s - 'brain storming' He was immediately jumped by tyhe bright eyed young things who claimed it was a very offensive term to people with cerebral palsy. Of whom there were none at his meeting.
| Your Birthdate: August 15 |
 You take life as it is, and you find happiness in a variety of things. You tend to be close to family and friends. But it's hard to get into your inner circle. Making the little things wonderful is important to you, and you probably have an inviting home. You seek harmony with others, but occasionally you have a very stubborn streak. Your strength: Your intense optimism Your weakness: You shy away from exploring your talents Your power color: Jade Your power symbol: Flower Your power month: June |
Education - with an agenda?
'Britishness' Looks like the Fabian Society want our schools to teach the British Empire to kids in order to integrate our society.
Thats nice.
Who bets that the history they wish to teach will centre on nasty philistine British Colonials massacring peaceful natives.
The fabian society presents itself as 'left of centre'. Perhaps the BBC should give some time to a right of centre 'Think Tank.'
What we really need is some honest history taught in schools, history which shows both sides of the coin, the good and the bad. And what we really need is a BBC which gives air time to people other than woolly minded 'left of centre' intellectuals.
Thats nice.
Who bets that the history they wish to teach will centre on nasty philistine British Colonials massacring peaceful natives.
The fabian society presents itself as 'left of centre'. Perhaps the BBC should give some time to a right of centre 'Think Tank.'
What we really need is some honest history taught in schools, history which shows both sides of the coin, the good and the bad. And what we really need is a BBC which gives air time to people other than woolly minded 'left of centre' intellectuals.
Friday, 3 March 2006
Ah - conspiracy
Wanted - full metal jacket world
I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor.
From now on you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be sir.
Do you maggots understand that?
A very scary man. Just what we need to have training people. Not just soldiers but everyone - students, traffic wardens, community liaison officers. The discipline would be good for them.
Thursday, 2 March 2006
Were THESE the good old ways that went with good old days?
From our local paper’s archive of 100 years ago –
At Kelso Burgh Police Court on Saturday, Bailee Neil on the Bench, a tramp who is blacklisted in Berwickshire, was charged with having attempted to purchase a glass of beer at the Red Lion Hotel. He pleaded guilty and was dismissed with an admonition, being warned that he would be punished if he repeated the offence.
Happy days eh? Proceedings on a Saturday, blacklisted – one assumes this means barred from pubs and not outlawed just by his presence in the County. Mere use of the ‘black’ in listed would draw howls of condemnation today.
At Kelso Burgh Police Court on Saturday, Bailee Neil on the Bench, a tramp who is blacklisted in Berwickshire, was charged with having attempted to purchase a glass of beer at the Red Lion Hotel. He pleaded guilty and was dismissed with an admonition, being warned that he would be punished if he repeated the offence.
Happy days eh? Proceedings on a Saturday, blacklisted – one assumes this means barred from pubs and not outlawed just by his presence in the County. Mere use of the ‘black’ in listed would draw howls of condemnation today.
Wednesday, 1 March 2006
My life
I sit here in my well-heated study. Messing around in my own time, at my own pace on my chosen subjects. Other than SWMBO, no one is in a position to tell me what I have to do. Within reason, I have no financial worries and my health, whilst not faultless, is well enough and under control.
So – where am I failing? Why am I not like almost everyone whose plight is described in detail in endless blogs as hard, miserable and unfulfilling?
I suppose it is because I am a smug bastard and, after a number of years on the same stormy waters as those I read, I have found a safe harbour. What is that saying about me and lifeboats?
So – where am I failing? Why am I not like almost everyone whose plight is described in detail in endless blogs as hard, miserable and unfulfilling?
I suppose it is because I am a smug bastard and, after a number of years on the same stormy waters as those I read, I have found a safe harbour. What is that saying about me and lifeboats?
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
Angel food
Whilst I do not 'do' Lent, I make a point of the appropriate festive meal.I just love pancakes. With lemon. And sugar. And in quantity.
View from the other side
There are plenty of blogs from coalition forces in Iraq which allow some insight as to how things are running from an individual's point of view. Doubtless, the writers have to exercise some form of self-control over their content. What has not been so easy to locate however, are blogs from Iraqi residents. Some have to be discounted as ranting. Others are very parochial. Just now and again, one comes across something worth while. I've been following this woman for some time and I think I'm hooked.
Columnists
Thought today looked as if it would be a bare news day. No – come on, behave. I meant that there would be little of interest. I took the wallet for an airing when I went to collect our usual paper and got a slack handful of the other papers just to have a change of diet.
What gets me is the number of columnists. Each paper has about five or more who are obviously hung on hooks somewhere and lifted down to do a 1,000 words on just about anything under the sun. They are instant opinion shouters. I wonder if their columns are genuinely felt or written from hacking into someone else’s conscience.
What would be interesting would be to follow them for a few weeks and see if they slip up and contradict themselves in any one column against another. What I will do is set myself the task of writing a column on a random subject and then seeing how one compiles things to get a finished result. I do not think they will figure here or anywhere else though.
What gets me is the number of columnists. Each paper has about five or more who are obviously hung on hooks somewhere and lifted down to do a 1,000 words on just about anything under the sun. They are instant opinion shouters. I wonder if their columns are genuinely felt or written from hacking into someone else’s conscience.
What would be interesting would be to follow them for a few weeks and see if they slip up and contradict themselves in any one column against another. What I will do is set myself the task of writing a column on a random subject and then seeing how one compiles things to get a finished result. I do not think they will figure here or anywhere else though.
Monday, 27 February 2006
ID Cards
This deserves the wildest readership. Not that I fool myself by thinking that this blog is more widely read than where this extract came from. If just one extra pair of eyes sees it, that be worth the effort.
The scene: An anonymous provincial town in middle England somewhere. Four plotters gather together in a darkened room. The year is 2008.
Plotter 1: Right everyone. Today is the day. Is everyone ready?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone a 'clean skin' that has avoided the attention of the greatest security agencies in the world?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Does everyone have a rucksack packed with explosive?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone fully aware of our warped religious justification for committing mass murder?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone suitably brainwashed that they will follow my commands without question?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone willing to die in the name of their cause?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone in possession of their ID cards?
All: Errr....
Plotter 1: What? What if you require access to key services on the way to cause carnage on the transport infrastructure of Britain?
All: Err...
Plotter 1: Right that's it. Take off those bloody suicide belts. No ID card no mass murder. If it wasn't for that blasted Blair we would have got away with it.....
The scene: An anonymous provincial town in middle England somewhere. Four plotters gather together in a darkened room. The year is 2008.
Plotter 1: Right everyone. Today is the day. Is everyone ready?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone a 'clean skin' that has avoided the attention of the greatest security agencies in the world?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Does everyone have a rucksack packed with explosive?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone fully aware of our warped religious justification for committing mass murder?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone suitably brainwashed that they will follow my commands without question?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone willing to die in the name of their cause?
All: YES!
Plotter 1: Is everyone in possession of their ID cards?
All: Errr....
Plotter 1: What? What if you require access to key services on the way to cause carnage on the transport infrastructure of Britain?
All: Err...
Plotter 1: Right that's it. Take off those bloody suicide belts. No ID card no mass murder. If it wasn't for that blasted Blair we would have got away with it.....
Laid back
Say what you like but police here in Scotland are really very laid back.
For example, where else would they have security at a high-risk event provided by constables on pedal-cycles?
For example, where else would they have security at a high-risk event provided by constables on pedal-cycles?
Pile it high - get it cheap
I sometimes go wandering off into the realms of the financial advice givers. Not that I wish to put my pennies in the stock market but just to see what is happening. Who is giving what? Who is screwing us this week? What is the latest clever idea?
Turns out that I knew the guy who does this one. Not that that makes it anything special but he does have the 'sod 'em' attitude that I like to read. Don't just look at the front page - have a wander round the departments as well.
No - he does not buy me drinks for clicks!
Turns out that I knew the guy who does this one. Not that that makes it anything special but he does have the 'sod 'em' attitude that I like to read. Don't just look at the front page - have a wander round the departments as well.
No - he does not buy me drinks for clicks!
Sunday, 26 February 2006
HOW many millions?
That Tonbridge raid seems to have re-awakened the general publics' fascination with rogues, dodgy geezers and 'faces' from the days of The Sweeney. I do not think today's likely lads will end up with the advice "You're nicked my son" as the half-nelson is applied following the obligatory chase over what looked like a World War II bombsite. There has been a bit too much 'The Krays only hurt their own sort and, anyway, were kind to old ladies" apologia for widespread admiration of a good job well done. The police are making much of the trauma that the family - including a young kid - sustained. They do not want to encourage others to have a go at what is a fairly easy target. It does look as if the gang were not as well advised as they might have been. Taking easily-identified readies took up time in the depot that could have been put to better use and having to abandon it just opens up further forensic avenues for the fuzz. Even I have dropped the argot - fuzz and not The Filth!
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