Quote: Renegade Carpark @ May 18 2009, 1:38 PM BST£50 a year to keep the UK safe from invasion, that's pretty darn cheap in my book
Yes, because if the Russians or Chinese really wanted to invade us, we'd easily be able to stop them...
Stephen Fry hits the nail on the head! Page 6
Quote: Lee Henman @ May 18 2009, 1:41 PM BSTYes, because if the Russians or Chinese really wanted to invade us, we'd easily be able to stop them...
Well we could drop some nukes on them - hmmm, wonder if that's why they haven't invaded so far?
Quote: Renegade Carpark @ May 18 2009, 1:44 PM BSTWell we could drop some nukes on them - hmmm, wonder if that's why they haven't invaded so far?
No, I'm pretty sure it's got something to do with Middlesbrough.
Quote: Lee Henman @ May 18 2009, 1:46 PM BSTNo, I'm pretty sure it's got something to do with Middlesbrough.
As much as I respect and admire Stephen Fry, I think he's got it spectacularly wrong here. He hasn't so much as hit the nail on the head as shot himself in the foot.
There's no excuse for dishonesty from the people who set themselves as examples to the rest of us. Sorry but there's no excuse. Also if benefits cheats or tax evaders are caught, they are expected to repay all the money, if not imprisoned.
They should dissolve the whole parliament and start again because these people cannot be trusted again and will never be taken seriously on issues regarding morals and integrity.
I shall bump this earlier post of mine to assure you that Stephen thought pretty much the same himself, Old Cow!
Quote: john lucas 101 @ May 15 2009, 11:17 AM BSTMake your mind up Stephen! Ha! (From Chortle):
Stephen Fry said there were bigger issues than MP's pay when confronted by a journalist this week – and instantly regretted it. 'Oh, I'm such an arse. Why can't I keep my mouth shut?' he Twittered. 'Miserable all day at being portrayed as "the MPs' friend". As if. My own fault tho...' Watch his comments here.
Quote: john lucas 101 @ May 15 2009, 11:17 AM BSTStephen Fry said there were bigger issues than MP's pay when confronted by a journalist this week – and instantly regretted it. 'Oh, I'm such an arse. Why can't I keep my mouth shut?' he Twittered. 'Miserable all day at being portrayed as "the MPs' friend". As if. My own fault tho...' Watch his comments here.
Heh. Silly rabbit!
Quote: oldcowgrazing @ May 18 2009, 2:09 PM BSTAs much as I respect and admire Stephen Fry, I think he's got it spectacularly wrong here. He hasn't so much as hit the nail on the head as shot himself in the foot.
There's no excuse for dishonesty from the people who set themselves as examples to the rest of us. Sorry but there's no excuse. Also if benefits cheats or tax evaders are caught, they are expected to repay all the money, if not imprisoned.
They should dissolve the whole parliament and start again because these people cannot be trusted again and will never be taken seriously on issues regarding morals and integrity.
I'm amazed that ANYONE is surprised at what's been going on. "What?! Our beloved politicians have been DISHONEST??? But how can this be??? Surely they are beyond reproach!" Come on... 
And I don't see how Fry has shot himself in the foot at all. What he's done is flagged up an uncomfortable truth - that we've all been manipulated by the press (again) into getting into a flap about something relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Quote: Lee Henman @ May 18 2009, 2:28 PM BSTI'm amazed that ANYONE is surprised at what's been going on. "What?! Our beloved politicians have been DISHONEST??? But how can this be??? Surely they are beyond reproach!" Come on...
And I don't see how Fry has shot himself in the foot at all. What he's done is flagged up an uncomfortable truth - that we've all been manipulated by the press (again) into getting into a flap about something relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
It may be relatively unimportant and it may not be that surprising, Lee, but it's still an issue. Of course the media love getting us into a flap to sell more of their rags, but it doesn't mean that they won't, occasionally, get something right. If the issue could be addressed with less hyberbole, then great. But better to have a bit of fuss than to ignore it. It's not all cat food, you know.
The whole thing is a bit of a joke really. Some of the claims take the piss, but a lot of them are just petty nothings which wouldn't have arisen if salaries were at a decent level. £65k is a damn sight more than I've ever earned, but I'm not required to keep two homes on the go, one either in or within a sane commuting distance of central London, and the other an expensive train ride away. Raise MPs salaries by the average of however much they're spending on furniture, TVs, etc, and no one would complain.
Quote: Aaron @ May 18 2009, 2:49 PM BSTThe whole thing is a bit of a joke really. Some of the claims take the piss, but a lot of them are just petty nothings which wouldn't have arisen if salaries were at a decent level. £65k is a damn sight more than I've ever earned, but I'm not required to keep two homes on the go, one either in or within a sane commuting distance of central London, and the other an expensive train ride away. Raise MPs salaries by the average of however much they're spending on furniture, TVs, etc, and no one would complain.
Agreed.
Quote: Aaron @ May 18 2009, 2:49 PM BSTThe whole thing is a bit of a joke really. Some of the claims take the piss, but a lot of them are just petty nothings which wouldn't have arisen if salaries were at a decent level. £65k is a damn sight more than I've ever earned, but I'm not required to keep two homes on the go, one either in or within a sane commuting distance of central London, and the other an expensive train ride away. Raise MPs salaries by the average of however much they're spending on furniture, TVs, etc, and no one would complain.
Vote Aaron for Prime Minister.
Quote: Lee Henman @ May 18 2009, 2:51 PM BSTAgreed.
Me too.
Quote: john lucas 101 @ May 18 2009, 2:38 PM BSTIt may be relatively unimportant and it may not be that surprising, Lee, but it's still an issue. Of course the media love getting us into a flap to sell more of their rags, but it doesn't mean that they won't, occasionally, get something right. If the issue could be addressed with less hyberbole, then great. But better to have a bit of fuss than to ignore it. It's not all cat food, you know.
Far as I can see most of the MPs have stuck to the rules, and some have taken the piss, just like in every other walk of life. Have I ever claimed for something I probably shouldn't have on expenses? Yes. Haven't most people with an expense account?
Why is everyone so surprised at this? And the thing that sticks in my throat most are the very journalists who're pushing this story are the worst offenders. I used to go out with a journo and she used to rape her expenses account royally, as did all her colleagues. Hypocritical bastards one and all.
Quote: Rob H @ May 18 2009, 2:52 PM BSTVote Aaron for Prime Minister.
We did, he was called John Major. 