Making the news today....

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

That is exactly as I see it only put more eloquently than my recent rantings at the TV ( for which I have just renewed my license ) .

 

 

Since I am now (for the past 14 years really) reformed, conformist and suitably supervised by Mrs J, I too have just (legally) watched the Andrew Marr show.

 

Refreshing to hear these questions now being asked and even better to hear the suggestion that the Borough council should be suspended or put under (OFSTED style) special measures.

 

If only the PM had done something decisive like that instead of appearing to shoulder the "blame" for things that other people are paid, rather handsomely, to do as their day job.

 

👍🏻

[eggsarascal]

Perhaps I should try and clarify earlier words which might be perceived as "support" for the PM.

 

It would be more appropriate to think of it, rather than "explicit" support for the PM, as frustration with the obvious and appropriate despair, passion and anger perhaps not being channelled in the right direction.

 

But there are 2 distinct groups involved in the PM bashing.

 

For those directly affected by the tragedy, of course, they will just have anger, grief and frustration, and will look to channel that in the direction of least resistance, or towards any direction that will listen. That's just dissipation and they are perfectly entitled and expected to do what ever helps.

 

The other group (including the media) should be thinking with a bit more clarity rather than progressing an agenda of bringing additional political upheaval at a time when the country perhaps least needs it just because they would rather have Jeremy Corbyn in No. 10.

 

Why is nobody asking where is the LA in this aftermath? What are the financial reserves of the LA? Having collected council tax from high density housing tenants, why are central government providing funds that might be provided by LA? What are the LA contingency plans for events such as this? Why have we not heard anything from the council leader (or even any of the lower level minions?)

 

So rather than appearing to "support" the PM, I am actually much more concerned and frustrated by, what I read as, opportunistic malevolent intent to create even greater instability at a time when we (the country) perhaps least need it.

 

Just my thoughts (others may differ) as I'm seeing it, shared in the hope that other perspectives may be offered and create a broader understanding....

Morning Mr Johnson.

 

LA's haven't got contingency money for these sort of disasters. They've had their budgets cut through austerity. Less staff over the last few years yet less money to spend. I know you say throwing money at stuff isn't the answer but we need more money to sort these things out. If it's to be believed the Cladding on Grenfel tower was done on the cheap, not to insulate the building but to make it easier on the eye for those who's multi million pound houses surround it.

 

Why have we allowed Tower blocks to be built and left empty? One reason and one reason only, they are Bricks and Mortar Bullion for the rich. People are sick of it. This is how Sick society has become.

 

I could go on, and on, and on.

 

My Bullishness was due to spending yesterday afternoon in the pub. Not some sort of power trip.

Edited June 18, 2017 by eggsarascal

[the village idiot]

Perhaps I should try and clarify earlier words which might be perceived as "support" for the PM.

 

It would be more appropriate to think of it, rather than "explicit" support for the PM, as frustration with the obvious and appropriate despair, passion and anger perhaps not being channelled in the right direction.

 

But there are 2 distinct groups involved in the PM bashing.

 

For those directly affected by the tragedy, of course, they will just have anger, grief and frustration, and will look to channel that in the direction of least resistance, or towards any direction that will listen. That's just dissipation and they are perfectly entitled and expected to do what ever helps.

 

The other group (including the media) should be thinking with a bit more clarity rather than progressing an agenda of bringing additional political upheaval at a time when the country perhaps least needs it just because they would rather have Jeremy Corbyn in No. 10.

 

Why is nobody asking where is the LA in this aftermath? What are the financial reserves of the LA? Having collected council tax from high density housing tenants, why are central government providing funds that might be provided by LA? What are the LA contingency plans for events such as this? Why have we not heard anything from the council leader (or even any of the lower level minions?)

 

So rather than appearing to "support" the PM, I am actually much more concerned and frustrated by, what I read as, opportunistic malevolent intent to create even greater instability at a time when we (the country) perhaps least need it.

 

Just my thoughts (others may differ) as I'm seeing it, shared in the hope that other perspectives may be offered and create a broader understanding....

 

Very good post Kevin.

 

There seems to be a feeling amongst the population that if only we can get the right person into no.10 our lives will become dramatically improved and bad things will stop happening.

 

Whenever something unwanted happens in our lives we look to what the government did to cause it, or didn't do to stop it.

 

Obviously with the tower block there are some very legitimate questions to be asked of the powers that be, but with the majority of our perceived 'problems' the buck of responsibility should stop much lower down- more often than not with ourselves.

 

Blame consitently gets passed upwards until we hit the ceiling of central government. They can't blame God any more so responsibility for everything is seen to be theirs. Political leaders are hounded out for things that really weren't their fault, some other schmuck takes the mantle of the source of all ills and the cycle starts again.

 

In my view, our lives can't really improve until we take more responsibility for how we get on in them.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Morning Mr Johnson.

 

LA's haven't got contingency money for these sort of disasters. They've had their budgets cut through austerity. Less staff over the last few years yet less money to spend. I know you say throwing money at stuff isn't the answer but we need more money to sort these things out. If it's to be believed the Cladding on Grenfel tower was done on the cheap, not to insulate the building but to make it easier on the eye for those who's multi million pound houses surround it.

 

Why have we allowed Tower blocks to be built and left empty? One reason and one reason only, they are Bricks and Mortar Bullion for the rich. People are sick of it. This is how Sick society has become.

 

I could go on, and on, and on.

 

My Bullishness was due to spending yesterday afternoon in the pub. Not some sort of power trip.

 

 

Regions and councils will vary, and I reference only Cornwall council for the purpose of example: http://www.cllrandrewwallis.co.uk/cornwall-council-its-reserves-and-why-it-needs-them/

 

It will be interesting, when time allows, to do some googling of RBK&C financial status.

 

The cladding for visual appeal, if found to be true & accurate, should deliver some heads on pikes, not that that will help those that are affected, maybe change future behaviour though?

 

It's all just words after the event Mr E and I share your frustration!

 

If only we could change what we did do for what we could do....

 

PS, sympathies for the after effects, I had a session in Falmouth Friday night and kipped in the back of the van. Only just starting to feel human again. Pub fitness went South quite a while back....

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Very good post Kevin.

 

 

 

There seems to be a feeling amongst the population that if only we can get the right person into no.10 our lives will become dramatically improved and bad things will stop happening.

 

 

 

Whenever something unwanted happens in our lives we look to what the government did to cause it, or didn't do to stop it.

 

 

 

Obviously with the tower block there are some very legitimate questions to be asked of the powers that be, but with the majority of our perceived 'problems' the buck of responsibility should stop much lower down- more often than not with ourselves.

 

 

 

Blame consitently gets passed upwards until we hit the ceiling of central government. They can't blame God any more so responsibility for everything is seen to be theirs. Political leaders are hounded out for things that really weren't their fault, some other schmuck takes the mantle of the source of all ills and the cycle starts again.

 

 

 

In my view, our lives can't really improve until we take more responsibility for how we get on in them.

 

 

👍🏻

 

(Bring back compulsory God??)

 

(Seriously, only teasing..... 😂)

[aspenarb]

Regions and councils will vary, and I reference only Cornwall council for the purpose of example: Cornwall Council, its reserves and why it needs them – Cllr Andrew Wallis

 

It will be interesting, when time allows, to do some googling of RBK&C financial status.

 

The cladding for visual appeal, if found to be true & accurate, should deliver some heads on pikes, not that that will help those that are affected, maybe change future behaviour though?

It's all just words after the event Mr E and I share your frustration!

 

If only we could change what we did do for what we could do....

/QUOTE]

 

 

Typical of council run projects and spending Kevin, £10,000,0000 spent on those one and two bedroom flats so about £78k a piece. A couple of windows , bathrooms, kitchens and some plastic panels on the outside, all to current spec of course. Only a council could spend so much money on so little and regard at few meters of pipe with some sprinklers unnecessary. Beggars belief but is true of any council or government run projects, they all represent piss poor value for money.

 

Bob

[eggsarascal]

That's because all the lads are sat with their feet on the dash waiting for parts.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Regions and councils will vary, and I reference only Cornwall council for the purpose of example: Cornwall Council, its reserves and why it needs them – Cllr Andrew Wallis

 

 

 

It will be interesting, when time allows, to do some googling of RBK&C financial status.

 

 

 

The cladding for visual appeal, if found to be true & accurate, should deliver some heads on pikes, not that that will help those that are affected, maybe change future behaviour though?

 

 

It's all just words after the event Mr E and I share your frustration!

 

 

 

If only we could change what we did do for what we could do....

 

/QUOTE]

 

 

 

 

 

Typical of council run projects and spending Kevin, £10,000,0000 spent on those one and two bedroom flats so about £78k a piece. A couple of windows , bathrooms, kitchens and some plastic panels on the outside, all to current spec of course. Only a council could spend so much money on so little and regard at few meters of pipe with some sprinklers unnecessary. Beggars belief but is true of any council or government run projects, they all represent piss poor value for money.

 

 

 

Bob

 

 

Beggars belief!

 

At those figures, each flat could have been replaced with a factory built, modern, carbon neutral dwelling in a small plot with garden and shared green space. By any measure, a desirable and efficient means of living.

 

Down side....

 

Well of course it wouldn't be K&C borough obviously.

 

Some parts of the puzzle I can't reconcile:

 

Assuming, as it seems, that block had a high racial & ethnic mix, and if we accept that these people are "the most vulnerable and economically deprived" in our society, then the stance that immigration provides a net gain to the economy must be inaccurate? Both parts can't be true??

 

And if it is majority first, or perhaps even 2nd gen immigrants, what plausible tie is there to the area?

 

Why wouldn't someone give up high density housing for an off site new development of low-zero cost to run housing?

 

Maybe a lack of jobs?

 

If they're on the dole, can't be a job tying them to the area - unless it's dole in one hand, cash casual in the other?

 

But here we are looking at ways and means to solve a symptom whilst ignoring the obvious cause.

 

Too many people in too small a space is a consequence of uncontrolled immigration. Can't fill a vessel past its capacity without a spillage...

 

PS

 

I'm expecting the pseudo argument of "ethnic cleansing" to be a part of any responses from the Comrades.

 

If it does happen, please do say why it's better to live on the 20+ floor of a tower in Kensington rather than on (preferably) a brown but possibly a green field site elsewhere?

Edited June 18, 2017 by kevinjohnsonmbe

[TIMON]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-40317341

 

How was this possible?

 

It's worrying that a war ship can't look where it's going!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

 

 

I read about this in disbelief. State of the art navigation, radar , defence technology.

KERUNCHHH!!!!! "Er........ what was that captain??????"

 

Unbelievable!

 

 

Timon.

[matelot]

I've read elsewhere that the flats at Grenfel would rent for £2k a month to private tenants. It seems bizarre that we give council flats in one of the best areas of London to people that have nothing to do with the UK...