Well, Blair wanted a Presidential style of leadership where the buck stops with him. He has now been drawn into the saga of The Hostages Tales. The Defence Minister has accepted that the idea of serving personnel selling their stories was a mistake. The revised arrangements still centre on money
On Monday Mr Browne, who had waved through a Navy recommendation that two of the hostages could sell their stories, reacted to public outrage at the decision by ordering a ban on any future sales of stories pending the result of an MoD review. It is understood that this is likely to recommend a complete ban on Service personnel selling any stories unless all the money goes to good causes or where individuals work on articles, books or films in their spare time with authorisation.
I cannot understand this fascination with money. It is the idea that the people involved should profit from their experience that causes most ire. We have seen the way in which the present government takes every opportunity to line their pockets. Their financial integrity is appalling. Even the wide mouth frog gets in on the action trolling around America on high-priced speaking tours. The freebie holidays at the homes of synchophantic pop stars and businessmen have figured under Blair's watch.
I doubt that there would have been even ten percent of the bother had the returned personnel been put before the media to answer questions. No payment was needed. They are on duty and get paid for that.
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