Going to meet Diana Abbott and Tony Benn
Discussion
The responses to this thread are really, really depressing...
I am no follower of Tony Benn's politics. On so many points of policy I would fundamentally disagree with him. But the fact remains that he is one of the most experienced statesmen in UK political scene, has seen and observed world changing events from a uniquely privileged position, and has always remained true to his beliefs even when they are unfashionable.
While it seems that PH does not respect this, every single politician and political commentator in the UK does have enormous RESPECT for Tony Benn, even if they disagree with everything he says.
Surely we can have a more intelligent debate than addressing the guy as a "marxist to$$er" ? Is this really a 5th form debating chamber?
Bad form.
Anyhow, for me , I would love to hear about his perspective about historical events such as the end of the cold war , or the formation of the EEC. I'd like to hear his ideas on the great experiment that is the EU, and whether it is a noble cause by well meaning leftist social democrats or the work of a secret cabal of European control freaks.
I'd like to hear about his thoughts on Iraq since the Shah, the future for countries like Iran and the future of the monarchy's in the middle east. In fact, there are many issues where Benn was around and experienced first hand what was going on.
While I may well not agree with his analysis, it is certainly worth hearing.
Not sure about Dianne Abbot though...
I am no follower of Tony Benn's politics. On so many points of policy I would fundamentally disagree with him. But the fact remains that he is one of the most experienced statesmen in UK political scene, has seen and observed world changing events from a uniquely privileged position, and has always remained true to his beliefs even when they are unfashionable.
While it seems that PH does not respect this, every single politician and political commentator in the UK does have enormous RESPECT for Tony Benn, even if they disagree with everything he says.
Surely we can have a more intelligent debate than addressing the guy as a "marxist to$$er" ? Is this really a 5th form debating chamber?
Bad form.
Anyhow, for me , I would love to hear about his perspective about historical events such as the end of the cold war , or the formation of the EEC. I'd like to hear his ideas on the great experiment that is the EU, and whether it is a noble cause by well meaning leftist social democrats or the work of a secret cabal of European control freaks.
I'd like to hear about his thoughts on Iraq since the Shah, the future for countries like Iran and the future of the monarchy's in the middle east. In fact, there are many issues where Benn was around and experienced first hand what was going on.
While I may well not agree with his analysis, it is certainly worth hearing.
Not sure about Dianne Abbot though...
egoboss said:
Any questions you want answered?
how is life as a champagne socialist, nowadays?
Just not true. I am not a socialist, but i do recognise one when I see one.
Tony Benn is as much a champagne socialist as Maggie Thatcher was.
Tony Benn is an old school socialist. Think warm beer and a pipe. He is FAR removed from the Blair and Mandelsons of this world.
Did anyone ever see Ali G's interview with Tony Benn ? brilliant stuff. Tony Benn and Tommy Sheridan happen to be my favourite politicians although a lot of my politics are almost at different ends of the spectrum. They're both great orators and vehemently fight their corners.
I would ask Tony for his views on drug decriminalisation and Scottish independence.
I wouldn't give Diane Abbott the time of day.
I would ask Tony for his views on drug decriminalisation and Scottish independence.
I wouldn't give Diane Abbott the time of day.
Thom said:
the great experiment that is the EU
Do you mean "great" in the sense of "big" or "fantastic" ?
Great as in BIG
I am not a total euro-sceptic, equally I am not a card-carrying member of the EU.
It is clearly a big experiment, but I don't know if its being run by genuinely visionary people who see a way to build a community of nations who won't ever go to war again and will grow and prosper together, OR if it is a sinister attempt to create a over-governed elitist socialist utopia with one set of rules for those in charge and another for the poor schmucks who are the citizens.
Tony Benn, at least, has some insight into this and I think his past record shows he has the integrity to tell it as he sees it.
I have a lot of respect for Tony Benn - he is a man of integrity and although I disagree with much of his personal beliefs, I also agree with him on some. He renounced his peerage on a point of principle - so he is one of the very few who have actually put their money where their mouths are.
Diane Abbott, on the other hand, I have little time for.
Diane Abbott, on the other hand, I have little time for.
toppstuff said:
The responses to this thread are really, really depressing...
I am no follower of Tony Benn's politics. On so many points of policy I would fundamentally disagree with him. But the fact remains that he is one of the most experienced statesmen in UK political scene, has seen and observed world changing events from a uniquely privileged position, and has always remained true to his beliefs even when they are unfashionable.
While it seems that PH does not respect this, every single politician and political commentator in the UK does have enormous RESPECT for Tony Benn, even if they disagree with everything he says.
Surely we can have a more intelligent debate than addressing the guy as a "marxist to$$er" ? Is this really a 5th form debating chamber?
Bad form.
Anyhow, for me , I would love to hear about his perspective about historical events such as the end of the cold war , or the formation of the EEC. I'd like to hear his ideas on the great experiment that is the EU, and whether it is a noble cause by well meaning leftist social democrats or the work of a secret cabal of European control freaks.
I'd like to hear about his thoughts on Iraq since the Shah, the future for countries like Iran and the future of the monarchy's in the middle east. In fact, there are many issues where Benn was around and experienced first hand what was going on.
While I may well not agree with his analysis, it is certainly worth hearing.
Not sure about Dianne Abbot though...
Tony Benn agreed, do not agree with many views but actually a politician with integrity. Give him my regards beaconbuoy, though he won't remember me as FiF.
As for Diane Abbott sorry but ....
[French soldier in MP & Holy Grail]
I pharte in your general direction!
[/Fs in MP & HG]
for me. toppstuff said:
OR if it is a sinister attempt to create a over-governed elitist socialist utopia with one set of rules for those in charge and another for the poor schmucks who are the citizens.
Well, judging from some paragraphs of what it supposed to become the EU constitution it looks more like an attempt to create a federalised liberal union, some sort of United States of Europe. Actually I haven't much spotted anything "socialist" in this constitution, or perhaps we have different perceptions of "socialism".
>> Edited by Thom on Sunday 20th March 20:36
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