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Where are the good people in power?

(104 Posts)
maryeliza54 Fri 10-Nov-17 09:56:01

I have just listened to Desert Island Discs with Phil Scranton. The contrast between him, his dignity, compassion, morality ,courage and love for his fellow human beings and the sorry excuse we have for a Government, lying and scheming all in their own self interest could not be sharper.

paddyann Fri 10-Nov-17 10:05:01

have a listen to Alex Salmond with Edie Stark on BBC radio Scotland ,broadcast on Wednesday.I think you'll find a man who has a good heart and who has worked all his life for his country .Who keeps his private life private and who cares for the folk he has worked for .Its a shame we cant clone him...lol

gillybob Fri 10-Nov-17 10:21:41

I just listened to it too maryeliza54 what a wonderful man he seems to be.

hildajenniJ Fri 10-Nov-17 10:54:14

Self interest seems to drive most people in high office. I'd like to think that our politicians made the interests of these islands their highest priorities. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, I can't be hopeful of that. Speaking of Alex Salmond, how about his new venture into television. have a read of this article. I think it might be the wrong thing to do, considering the Trump Russia debacle.

Greta Fri 10-Nov-17 10:58:41

I also listened to Phil Scranton. He is an inspiration to us all. Our leaders would be wise to listen and learn.

M0nica Fri 10-Nov-17 16:39:18

Do you mean the Alex Salmond who is about to host a talk show on the Russian state-funded broadcaster RT.

RT has been described as a Kremlin-controlled Russian propaganda channel, only recruiting people who can convey Russian strategic messaging because of their ideological beliefs.'. In the US it has just had to register as an "agent of the Russian state"

Yes, that Mr Salmond who has a good heart and who has worked all his life for his country and who cares for the folk he has worked for happily selling his services to a Kremlin operated news station that makes sure all broadcasters fit their ideological beliefs, like killing political opponents and journalists who seek the truth or imprisoning them on trumped up charges. Yes, that Mr Salmond.

lemongrove Fri 10-Nov-17 16:42:05

I agree Monica and in fact DH and I both said ‘unbelievable’! When we heard about this today.

Baggs Fri 10-Nov-17 16:46:38

Power corrupts.

FarNorth Fri 10-Nov-17 16:51:37

Here's what that Mr Salmond had to say about it-

But speaking to the BBC's Newsnight programme, Mr Salmond said: "Over the last year or two, 50 Labour MPs - including the current Labour Party leader - 37 Conservative MPs and 17 SNP MPs have appeared on RT programmes.

"It would be a bit strange if I said, now that I'm no longer a member of parliament, that I'm refusing to make my own show with my own production company over which I have total editorial control, which is broadcast on RT."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-41934399

Day6 Fri 10-Nov-17 16:56:14

maryeliza54 you are extremely naive if you believe people go into politics for altruistic reasons. They may have an interest in people and politics when they enter the fray, but they cling to the power and perks once they are in office/at Westminster, reducing most to baby-kissing, smiling creeps for a week or so before an election is due to take place. Once out of office they retain many perks including a nice pension. It happens at local level too.

Politics is a career and once in, most blow with the prevailing political wind and cover their backs at every turn. They may be nice people but self-interest drives them. Look at the expenses scandal.. Many were on the fiddle. I include all political parties in that too.

Why do you think the phrase 'champagne socialist' exists?

Day6 Fri 10-Nov-17 17:00:45

From Business Insider.

This is no secret. The sainted Jeremy Corbyn sold his soul for money.

"Jeremy Corbyn was paid by an Iranian state TV station that was complicit in the forced confession of a tortured journalist.

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn accepted up to £20,000 (about $27,000) for appearances on the Iranian state broadcast network Press TV — a channel that was banned in the UK for its part in filming the detention and torture of an Iranian journalist.

Corbyn was paid for appearances on Press TV five times between 2009 and 2012, according to his register of interests."

Anya Fri 10-Nov-17 17:08:53

Actually having listened to the Russian channel, I find it quite refreshing to hear a completely opposite point of view. Not everyone working on there is a stooge of Putin. In the USA they have Fox News which has allied itself with Trump. So left or right or in the middle, I’ll listen and make up my own mind thank you.

hildajenniJ Fri 10-Nov-17 17:13:34

I posted the same link to the story about Alex Salmond and the Russian TV programme! Am I being ignored, or did nobody notice the blue words?

Anya Fri 10-Nov-17 17:16:12

You’re probably being ignored Hilda - everyone is too busy saying their piece to listen to others ??

At least I’ve replied!

Smithy Fri 10-Nov-17 17:20:12

One of the valid points you made in your recent post about MOBs, Anya

lemongrove Fri 10-Nov-17 17:22:14

Mother Of The Bride? ?

lemongrove Fri 10-Nov-17 17:23:02

Hilda I didn’t register the blued words, so no not ignoring.

petra Fri 10-Nov-17 17:36:34

hilda
You would do well to notice that some masters in the art of blue linking put the blue link first grin

M0nica Fri 10-Nov-17 17:52:06

There is a big difference between ^50 Labour MPs - including the current Labour Party leader - 37 Conservative MPs and 17 SNP MPs have APPEARING on RT programmes and having your own chat show week in week out.

Of course MPs of all kinds, and others will have APPEARED on RT as part of the normal interviews they give reporters. Russian MP's, and from many other countries we do or not support, have appeared on British broadcast media, in interviews, but as far as I know, no senior Kremlin supporting politician, retired or not, has yet hosted a programme series in this country.

PamelaJ1 Fri 10-Nov-17 17:53:58

Just reread your post Hilda, must be the light ?.

M0nica Fri 10-Nov-17 17:55:06

Alex Salmond is by far the smartest political operator we have in the British Isles. I think he could even outsmart and out manoeuvre Peter Mandelson. He is the Houdini of political sleight of hand.

Jane10 Fri 10-Nov-17 19:04:26

paddyann" I know and respect that you are a keen SNP supporter and fan of Alec Salmond but he really is a marmite character and for many, DH and I included, the very sight of him and sound of his voice makes us reach for the off switch!
He's out of politics and trying to make a living for himself as a media 'personality'. He's in it for the money and self promotion just like other ex politicians (and ones still in parliament!)

FarNorth Fri 10-Nov-17 19:11:45

Sorry, hilda. Not ignoring you, but as I was putting a quote from the article I thought I better put the link, as well.

maryeliza54 Fri 10-Nov-17 19:34:31

Don’t be so bloody rude Day I’m not in the slightest bit naive about politics - that wasn’t the point of my thread at all but about how inspiring and wonderful PS and the contrast with what at the moment is the sorriest bunch of politicians for a long time to be in power.

Jalima1108 Fri 10-Nov-17 19:38:39

I posted the same link to the story about Alex Salmond and the Russian TV programme! Am I being ignored, or did nobody notice the blue words?
I only notice a link if it is blatant

That was very clever hildajenni - how did you do that?
(I really would like to know!)