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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 18, 2023 12:52:17 GMT
Fascinating to here the lawyer on the BBC's 'Context' show commenting on Rishi Sunak's plan to bring in emergency law after the supreme court’s Rwanda ruling. His analogy is that just because you pass a law to say 'black is white' it doesn't mean black is white. The inference being the new law will not make a scrap of difference to the ruling just passed. I am not a lawyer but I can see exactly where he is coming from. I think the government knows that full well and, from what I read and hear, no planes will be leaving for Rwanda ahead of any general election, even if called as late as possible in January 2025. But, rather like MrCoke and Brexit, the government has backed itself firmly into a corner on this, their flagship policy, and they can't simply admit that they got it very wrong. Looks like they are just kicking the can down the road to the general election and leave it up to Labour to drop the policy and then blame them for it not happening. They know full well the UK would be an international pariah if they backed out of our commitments to human rights - it's just a charade to retain as much of the right wing vote as they can.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 18, 2023 12:43:00 GMT
The Rwanda plan is really just a way of doing what we should be doing on our own soil on the cheap. It really isn't. It's far, far worse than that. It is the UK signalling to the world that we no longer take ANY refugees that haven't come here with a visa, so essentially, refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong and maybe a tiny handful from Afghanistan. It's a policy that disgraces us all. Good point
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Israel
Nov 18, 2023 12:42:19 GMT
via mobile
Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 18, 2023 12:42:19 GMT
You do realise that Australia has the highest numbers of foreign based residents in both total numbers and per capita don't you? Ofcourse you don't. Also it has one of the highest immigration rates in the world with thirty percent of the population immigrants. The more shit you come out with the stupider you seem you know. You've got to get a visa to get in there and show what you bring to the country before you get in Australia has signed up to the same conventions for dealing with refugees and asylum seekers as us and are dealing with thousands of cases as is virtually every other country on the planet. The good news is if you can't get a job in Australia you could always apply for asylum on the grounds that there are too many asylum seekers in the UK. It's as logical and hypocritical as solving your dislike for immigrants by becoming one.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 17, 2023 16:19:24 GMT
As the US Constitution stands he can pardon himself of crimes prosecuted by the federal government but he can't pardon himself of crimes prosecuted in some states - one of which is Georgia. Lose that one he would have to change the US Constitution to get out of jail - which won't be that easy. Georgia has a boars that can do pardons. If the Republicans get their way they'll just get a pardon even if they have to send soldiers in to hold a gun to the heads of the boardmembers. I think they'd try to force it through the governorship and state senate first to get a veneer of legitimacy though. It's reaally up to american voters. Most polls say they will vote for Trump now so it seems a lot of americans want to Putinise their own country. Thanks for the clarification. If he does get found guilty in Georgia (and it's looking odds on) and gets voted in as President I'm sure his supporters will do everything they can to get him out of jail but it isn't going to be straightforward or pretty. He's going to have to take direct ownership of the legal system and basically tear up the US Constitution. The US have a massive problem if they vote in Trump - as you say it pretty much ends democracy there. You are right he is a Putin wannabe but also a coward - Putin is ex KGB and is perfectly capable of killing someone, Trump is a playground bully who would wet himself in a fight.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 20:55:26 GMT
I understand the problem and my ideal outcome if the next election would be a minority Labour government who adopt PR as part of the deal to firm a government. The Labour Party voted to adopt PR as party policy at last year's party conference - it's the Starmer leadership that's preventing it from being in the manifesto. A change of leadership could result in the will of party members being adopted and many potential candidates (including Andy Burnham) are in favour of PR. While Labour refuse to adopt PR I won't vote for them. If enough potential Labour voters make it known they won't either the current leadership might actually think again. Can't say I agree with not voting for them on that principle alone, but fair enough if that is your breaking point. I've always approached our party politics and FPTP electoral system very much with pragmatism in mind. I'm not prepared to throw the baby out with the bath water in most cases and will vote for whoever I feel is more likely to do the right thing more of the time for more of the people. Currently that is quite clearly not the present government. A broadly pragmatic approach also allows you to be less dismissive of aspects of other parties' policies that might appeal where the overall approach doesn't. I agree about the need for PR. Just not prepared to risk another five years of the current Tory Party by abandoning a vote to get rid of them on the altar of PR. That probably doesn't help to see it implemented, I'd agree, but that's where the pragmatism comes in - is that more important than hopefully having a government that moves the country back to a saner, healthier, less hate-filled and less divisive position? For me, it isn't. Yes and I fully respect that position. However got me the two party system that FPTP creates is for massive issue for democratic representation and engagement with politics. You are right that is my breaking point and I'm not going to let the Labour Party cajole me into voting for them while they milk the unfair advantage they get out of the voting system. Why should I sacrifice my principles for them benefitting from an unfair system? It just perpetuates the issue. If I were a member of the Labour Party I might think different but I'm not.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 20:47:42 GMT
Wow - that's bad. My Labour MP is a good constituency MP but while Labour haven't got PR in their manifesto I won't vote for them. It's pointless voting for anyone else because under FPTP they won't get in so I'm intending to spoil my ballot paper as a protest against being forced into a false choice by a system that completely distorts Parliamentary representation. if all labour supporters did what you are doing you would lose a very good constituency MP Nose Spite Face Correct. But that won't buy my vote.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 15:11:15 GMT
Wow - that's bad. My Labour MP is a good constituency MP but while Labour haven't got PR in their manifesto I won't vote for them. It's pointless voting for anyone else because under FPTP they won't get in so I'm intending to spoil my ballot paper as a protest against being forced into a false choice by a system that completely distorts Parliamentary representation. I think you’ll be waiting a long time for PR. It would mean the end of the two party system so neither of them is ever likely to go for it. It would be like turkeys voting for Xmas I agree with you by the way that it’s a fairer system. I understand the problem and my ideal outcome if the next election would be a minority Labour government who adopt PR as part of the deal to firm a government. The Labour Party voted to adopt PR as party policy at last year's party conference - it's the Starmer leadership that's preventing it from being in the manifesto. A change of leadership could result in the will of party members being adopted and many potential candidates (including Andy Burnham) are in favour of PR. While Labour refuse to adopt PR I won't vote for them. If enough potential Labour voters make it known they won't either the current leadership might actually think again.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 15:05:17 GMT
I think you’ll be waiting a long time for PR. It would mean the end of the two party system so neither of them is ever likely to go for it. It would be like turkeys voting for Xmas I agree with you by the way that it’s a fairer system. Is that the same PR that the government in Spain will be propped up by the votes of a party of convicted criminals Who by coincidence the government gave amnesties to No it's the same PR system that has resulted in a perfectly stable Germany and many other democracies around the world. This latest government, brought into being by the genius of FPTP, has resulted in 3 Prime Ministers (one of whom was outlasted by a lettuce and still managed to crash the economy), political chaos and a world looking in astonishment at the farce being played out in Parliament. People in glass houses....
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 14:13:34 GMT
Public - it's a natural monopoly and a public service.
If you want to go between Stoke and Manchester you don't get to choose the provider or line - it's the same train owned by the same people on the same line. The only "choice" you have is who you buy your ticket from and how much you are prepared to be scalped for the privilege. It's a completely artificial "free" market.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 15, 2023 14:02:54 GMT
2 hotels here in Stevenage now full of immigrants, which has meant my normal place has gone up £50 a night absolute disgrace, the country is a cesspit of illegal immigrants, economic migrants, drugs, crime and sex slavery. The problem with illegal immigration is that government hasn't invested enough in an efficient processing system. Get that right and those with no claim for asylum would be returned to their country of origin much quicker and those with a genuine claim for asylum get to stay. It would hopefully also mean picking up anyone with a criminal record from doing any harm. The Rwanda plan is really just a way of doing what we should be doing on our own soil on the cheap. Only it's proved anything but cheap. And illegal. Every migrant who settles perfectly legally in the UK is in effect an economic migrant and those migrants make a net positive contribution to the UK economy. Zero immigration would be an economic disaster for the UK, especially as the birthrate would mean the population would shrink and the proportion of economically inactive older people would increase which in turn would drive more people to emigrate. A rational immigration policy has to allow for some degree of immigration and that means having a system in place to manage the policy. None of the main parties want to admit this and as a result we don't have an effective system to deal with legal immigration either which in turn drives people through the illegal route. Some migrants may well be involved in drugs, crime and sex slavery but reducing immigration to zero isn't going to resolve those issues. Conflating those issues with the issue of immigration is just cheap mud slinging. It does nothing to address the real issues and just serves to unfairly represent those who have settled here, the vast majority of whom are hardworking and make a positive contribution to the UK.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 14, 2023 13:52:57 GMT
Wow - that's bad. My Labour MP is a good constituency MP but while Labour haven't got PR in their manifesto I won't vote for them. It's pointless voting for anyone else because under FPTP they won't get in so I'm intending to spoil my ballot paper as a protest against being forced into a false choice by a system that completely distorts Parliamentary representation.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 14, 2023 13:40:10 GMT
I’m not rising to it Gawa. The lefties tried to drive me out for using a word. I don’t use it any more and they’re still not happy. Makes you think what all the fuss was about really You and me both Badge... WOKIES...I SHIT EM... Classy. To be fair if the culture war is to be fought in a Petri dish you're going to win hands down.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 14, 2023 13:33:44 GMT
If she carries on like this she will lose the Tory whip and have to stand as an independent at the next election. Could end up in a night of the long knives and a cull of the Tory right if they back her. Sunak is taking the Tories back to the centre ground and could end up doing what Starmer has done with the Corbynistas. Reform must be salivating at the prospect. Makes the 2 party system look even less representative than it already is.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 20:15:48 GMT
I was reading about this case at the weekend. The Times covered it in some depth. According to the legal experts they spoke to, Trump's on a hiding to nothing on this one and his legal team is fighting a losing battle. They know this which is why they've been trying to goad the judge into doing or saying something that'd provide grounds for a retrial. This could be the first of many financially and personally costly verdicts against him. There are a growing number of commentators thinking he could well be president from jail or house arrest. Absolutely nuts! Presumably if he gets elected as president whilst in jail he just pardons himself does he not? The scariest prospect of him getting re-elected is that come the end of 4 years he simply won't leave - he'll spend his term rigging the judiciary and military that he can't be kicked out. It's well known he's in awe of Putin's grip on Russia. He'll set out to do the same in the US. As the US Constitution stands he can pardon himself of crimes prosecuted by the federal government but he can't pardon himself of crimes prosecuted in some states - one of which is Georgia. Lose that one he would have to change the US Constitution to get out of jail - which won't be that easy.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 17:20:35 GMT
We beat 3 form teams and ground out draws against 2 teams with very good defensive records - that's one of the best sequence of results we've had since relegation. If we maintain that form we will easily make the playoffs. Whether we will is a different matter but drawing negative conclusions from the last 5 games is just a bit desperate. Am drawing conclusions from 50 odd games You're doing it from 5 games Great to be on an unbeaten run but kidding yourself everything is suddenly all good after we had a similar run last season and we are in no better condition than when he took the job over a year ago That's a bit desperate I explicitly said that I couldn't predict whether the current good run in form would continue. What I did say was that your claim that the last two games were indicative of us being a bottom half team was nonsense. It is you who is making unfounded conclusions from recent games, not me. If anything the recent run of games undermines your negative view of the manager and what the team is capable of isn't backed up by the facts.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 16:44:33 GMT
There have been numerous protests on Armistice Day, including by those that fought in the wars. “ In the early years of commemoration there had been regular protests by militant sections of the ex-service community. In 1922 there was a memorable march by the unemployed to the Cenotaph after the official ceremonies on 11 November where veterans wore pawn tickets instead of medals. There were frequent local protests on the same lines. At the same time there was a rejection of Armistice Day solemnity by other veterans, who wanted a more straightforward victory celebration of their achievements. Through much of the 1920s there were regular ‘Armistice Day Balls’ where veterans partied to mark the anniversary of the ceasefire. These came under attack as the decade wore on as disrespectful and inappropriate, which was a major impetus towards their replacement by the consensus of a ‘Festival of Remembrance’.” www.historyandpolicy.org/opinion-articles/articles/the-complicated-history-of-remembranceThere is nothing more British than maintaining the right to peaceful protest. 300,000 people protested the death of a people yesterday and probably about 99.5% did so respectfully. The others should be dealt with appropriately by the law. That's national issues that belong on these shores. These people don't belong here, if they can't respect the British culture or even indulge in it then they should sod off back home. I find it disturbing watching that many march through London with a different countries flag, not least at a time when we're under invasion without weapons but rubber dingies and a time when police bend over backwards to appease non natives because of fear of offence, on our own shores. All well the british tax payers foots the bill Second class citizens in our own country and the numbers of non natives are going to carry on growing. Its all going to kick off at some point, the average man is sick of what this country is becoming, it should have been nipped in the bud a long time ago You are just rehashing Enoch Powell's rivers of blood speech. It never happened and bar a few lunatics on the far right occasionally kicking off it won't because the majority of people are fine with living in a multi cultural country - in fact many prefer it that way. And like it or not we are a multi cultural country and have been for decades. And we aren't going back - none of the political parties likely to get in power have the slightest inclination to do that - not event the Tories. The only option I can see to accommodate you and those who wish to live in a traditional Brit only mono culture is some form of apartheid - a system where towns and cities self declare as multi cultural or Brit only. After a few years people will gravitate to where they feel welcome and we can live our separate lives and know what areas to avoid. I want to live in a multicultural area - I'd hate living in a boring Brit only enclave. And I've just as much right to that as you have of living in your ideal environment.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 15:25:56 GMT
The key to us this season, will be when he finally lets the shackles off and play Haks or Junho as a 10 behind Mmaee, with Vidigal on the left and Campbell/Leris on the right. If he ever has the balls to do it, we shall see. Yep, turning a bit dull and the last 2 games have been as bad as seen in a long time. Is ok keeping clean sheets but we've created bugger all at the other end v 2 sides who are hardly quality. We're still a bottom half side despite all the talk and signings and nothing has changed We beat 3 form teams and ground out draws against 2 teams with very good defensive records - that's one of the best sequence of results we've had since relegation. If we maintain that form we will easily make the playoffs. Whether we will is a different matter but drawing negative conclusions from the last 5 games is just a bit desperate.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 14:52:59 GMT
What a shitshow. Is David Cameron even an elected MP? I didn't think you could be a part of the cabinet if you weren't elected. The government of the day can appointment unelected members of the House of Lords as a minister. You didn't think we lived in a democracy did you?
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 14:50:46 GMT
Options for what? For neither of them to get elected? That's what would happen under our ridiculous FPTP system. If we had PR, I'd agree with you, but I just can't see anyone being brave/stupid enough to commit electoral suicide by leaving the main parties and subsequently trying to get elected under a FPTP system against the main Tory or Labour parties (and possibly even LDs). Has there been a time in your life when the entire country (regardless of political viewpoint) seemed so disinterested in politics? Typically, one party splinters and the minor party loses out. When have the two extremes ever sat down and tried to pull the rug out? I imagine that a lot of people on this thread would consider voting for Corbyn if he pulled away. I imagine a lot of others would vote for Braverman if she ran her expected campaign of making Britain White Again. I think that it would present a completely different situation to what has come before. It's impossible for the smaller parties to have a significant impact under FPTP. Things will only change with the introduction of PR. Part of the reason for apathy is that people are presented with a false choice of Labour or Tory neither of which properly represent most people's views. Effectively millions of people are disenfranchised because if you aren't in a marginal constituency your vote is worthless unless you vote for the dominant party. If PR were introduced (and I hope it does) not only will those supporting the smaller parties get a voice but I think it would precipitate a split in the Tory and Labour parties with the Labour left breaking away to create a genuinely socialist party of the left and the Tory right breaking away to form a party of the hard right - either that or merge with Reform. I think that would actually benefit The Tory and Labour parties as it get rid of the in fighting that has had such a detrimental effect on government and it would benefit the electorate because they are more likely to find a political home. It would also mean political parties could be more honest - it's obvious that both the Tory's and Labour are lying to sections of the electorate to con them into voting for them. The socially conservative working class is particularly badly served - neither party represents them and both are bullshitting them purely on the basis of getting their vote and once in will just ignore them (levelling up anyone?). Our current political system isn't fit for purpose - the views of the electorate are far too diverse to be represented by a two party system. Parliament should facilitate a debate where the diversity of views get aired and a compromise reached. As it stands political debate is stifled and it's just the views of the faction currently holding the reins of either the Labour or Tory party that has any say. That isn't the basis for anyone to have a healthy interest in politics. Apathy just facilitates the tiny minority in either if the two main parties who have any chance of actually gaining power.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 13:47:31 GMT
I think it's becoming apparent that Sunak has decided that the only chance (if any) that he's got in a GE, is to drop the right of the party. Braverman isn’t right wing. She’s just an asshole. She believed in big government more than anyone. Look at how much she wanted to control the police. That’s not right wing. You can't get a better definition of a right wing party than one that wants to control the police. Supporting an independent police force is essentially a centre ground liberal principle shared by both mainstream Tory and Labour. It's only parties of the extreme right and left who want to control the police. Which just shows how far right the Tories have travelled.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 13, 2023 13:28:21 GMT
If you spoil your ballot paper it gets recorded in the official result and the number of spoiled ballot papers is seen as a vote of dissatisfaction with politics. I effect it is the none of the above option. I would also like to see it returned as the winner.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 22:56:36 GMT
I'm not really convinced by any of them.
Wilmott is technically a better player than Rose but Rose is a better out and out defender. However both make suicidal passes and are error prone. The one thing going for Rose is that he appears to get away with his errors and Wilmott doesn't.
I really wasn't impressed by McNally at first but he has settled down and started to look the part. Still a bit raw but looks to have some potential.
At the moment I'd stick with Rose and McNally based on the if it ain't broke principle but there really isn't a lot between them and Wilmott could easily get the nod if either of the incumbents have a dip in form or luck.
If we have money to blow on improving the squad I'd invest it all on the defence (including the keeper) - despite recent results I think this is still our weakest area.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 22:19:29 GMT
Some managers base their entire strategy on the defence and winning by nicking the odd goal. That was what Pulis did and that is why we had binary results. And to be fair it worked.
I don't think for a minute that is what Neil is trying to do. Yes he's currently concentrating on getting the defensive side right - which is what any sane manager would do - but I don't think that's the be all and end all of what he's setting the team up to do.
I think once the defensive side becomes automatic the attacking side of the game will start to show. Once all parts of the team start to click we will be far from a binary side and if it comes together we will batter some sides when we are on it.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 21:34:02 GMT
Probably my earliest musical memories was one of the older kids on the school bus playing some Lemmy era Hawkwind on a cassette tape. It was weird and fascinating and didn't get it at the time but they are now one of my all time favourite bands.
The first band I got into was The Sweet and then Judas Priest. Which for the first time has got me thinking....but no, Suzie Quatro had already confirmed that particular inclination...
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 21:12:11 GMT
Thanks but I think I have some form of PTSD as far as SQ are concerned, if a radio station plays one of their songs I can't change channel quick enough! Fair enough - I get the same reaction to Coldplay. Having said that I do have a story that probably amounts to the most interesting thing that has ever happened at a Coldplay concert... One beer fueled evening a friend of a friend admitted to taking his then girlfriend to a small local venue staging a gig by an unknown up and coming band called Coldplay. This being the frisky early stages of a budding romance and the band being rather dull and pretentious (who'd have thought) the friend of a friend's girlfriend decided to go for a rummage in his trousers and give him an impromptu handjob in the dark of the auditorium. However before the grand finale the singer, an even more annoyingly tousle haired Chris Martin, stopped the show to thank his mum and dad for the support they'd given him over the years and asked the light engineer to turn the spotlight on them in a blatant attempt to ratchet up the schmaltz level to 11 - now an established feature of a Coldplay concert. Unfortunately the dewey eyed Mr and Mrs Martin just happened to be sitting right behind my friend of a friend...and let's just say it was not the proud parents that caught the attention of the crowd...
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 20:46:56 GMT
Before giving up completely give Live! a go - nothing complicated but one of the best rock and roll albums of the 70s. Thanks but I think I have some form of PTSD as far as SQ are concerned, if a radio station plays one of their songs I can't change channel quick enough! Fair enough - I get the same reaction to Coldplay.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 20:39:39 GMT
Pink Floyd Think they released mainly albums tho so I didn't get to hear them much as a kid. Always hated Status Quo, can't see that changing. Before giving up completely give Live! a go - nothing complicated but one of the best rock and roll albums of the 70s.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 20:34:32 GMT
Rage Against the Machine Spiritualised War on Drugs Tool Gil Scott-Heron
Passed me by at the time but now can't think why. Rage Against the Machine and Tool on my band's bucket list.
Music was tribal when I was a teenager and the two tribes at the time were Metal or Northern Soul. As a headbanger it was off limits to like soul but now I really get the greats like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Al Green.
I didn't get Hip Hop at the time either but there's a really good BBC documentary called Fight the Power that got me to give it some time. Never realised there was an appreciation of Metal in the scene, which brings us back to Rage Against the Machine...
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 12, 2023 16:47:10 GMT
This tit for tat trading of videos really isn't helpful - it just proves the power of selection bias and does nothing to put what happened yesterday into any perspective. The only way of doing that would be to post thousands of really boring videos showing people walking very slowly across a bridge, somebody picking their nose, an exasperated mum telling her toddler it's nearly over, a couple bickering over which tube is the best to go for to get home and nigh on 300,000 people doing equally mundane things that only the Daily Mail and Suella Braverman would claim to constitute a hate crime.
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Iceland
Nov 11, 2023 20:05:00 GMT
via mobile
Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Nov 11, 2023 20:05:00 GMT
Nah, Lidl.
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