New Year's Honours 2016

[Serial_Apologist]

In a democracy there's only one real 'ruling class' and that's the voters!

Not if our only chance comes but once in 4 years, while in the meantime the ruling class just carries on ruling!

Our politicians are there to SERVE not to rule.

Then why don't they? (Actually I'd be quite glad if they led as well as serving, leading potentially being one aspect of serving. But until we have a more accountable system that would get rid of them, it's asking too much.

In fact, Cameron keeps using the word 'serve' when he lectures the country on his virtual daily TV slot.

And not believing him is the first step along a different way of thinking.

French Frank is correct. The honours system has long lost its intrinsic purpose. It is no longer just a 'joke' but a shabby, corrupt and sometimes even offensive charade.

Exactly.

Certainly, such awards certainly should be taken out of the hands of politicians. They simply cannot be trusted.

Well, that would probably take a revolution in order to happen.

[MrGongGong]

In a democracy there's only one real 'ruling class' and that's the voters!

.

aaah how sweet of you to say so

[P. G. Tipps]

aaah how sweet of you to say so

Something I might have said that may have unnecessarily upset you, Ms GongGong?...

[teamsaint]

The Iraq war proved decisively, comprehensively, unequivocally that politicians are NOT there to do what the electorate want.

[ahinton]

The Iraq war proved decisively, comprehensively, unequivocally that politicians are NOT there to do what the electorate want.

No, it didn't. It was worse than that. It proved decisively that, whilst they are there to do what the electorate want, they still won't do it if it suits them to do something else and they couldn't care less about that for the most part, on the grounds of their view that voters are simply a necessary inconvenience to get them into office and no more. Of course not all professional politicians are like that, but there are sufficient that are like that to have made such things as Britain's participation in the Iraq war a reality.

I still wonder when Anthony will be invited for a long taxpayer-funded vacation in den Haag...

[teamsaint]

No, it didn't. It was worse than that. It proved decisively that, whilst they are there to do what the electorate want, they still won't do it if it suits them to do something else and they couldn't care less about that for the most part, on the grounds of their view that voters are simply a necessary inconvenience to get them into office and no more. Of course not all professional politicians are like that, but there are sufficient that are like that to have made such things as Britain's participation in the Iraq war a reality.

I still wonder when Anthony will be invited for a long taxpayer-funded vacation in den Haag...

Very simple really.
We didnt want the war.
They did.
They went in.

The rest is window dressing.

[Beef Oven!]

The Iraq war proved decisively, comprehensively, unequivocally that politicians are NOT there to do what the electorate want.

Some politicians, not all. But it's true of Blair, Bush et al.

[teamsaint]

Some politicians, not all. But it's true of Blair, Bush et al.

but enough, sadly.

[ahinton]

Very simple really.
We didnt want the war.
They did.
They went in.

The rest is window dressing.

I didn't know that there were any unbroken windows left after it that could possibly be dressed with anything.

[MrGongGong]

Some politicians, not all. But it's true of Blair, Bush et al.

You can leave Boulez out of it

(that's for the cryptic song lyrics quiz 2016)

[ahinton]

Some politicians, not all. But it's true of Blair, Bush et al.

Too true, unfortunately. But back to those "honours".

Alina Ibragomiva's been around for 30 years but for several of those rather than a mere five minutes (as has been suggested) as a known professional violinist - admittedly nowhere near as long as Ida Haendel (who's also been mentioned) who gave her first Prom almost half a century before Alina Ibragimova was even born, but Alina's honour is, as has also been pointed out, only an MBE. If such "honours" are to continue, I see no reasonable objection to one such being bestowed upon Ms Ibragimova.

[pastoralguy]

Ida Haendel doesn't need so called 'honours' to be appreciated for the genius she is!

However, it is nice to see Alina being given one.

[Beef Oven!]

Too true, unfortunately. But back to those "honours".

Alina Ibragomiva's been around for 30 years but for several of those rather than a mere five minutes (as has been suggested) as a known professional violinist - admittedly nowhere near as long as Ida Haendel (who's also been mentioned) who gave her first Prom almost half a century before Alina Ibragimova was even born, but Alina's honour is, as has also been pointed out, only an MBE. If such "honours" are to continue, I see no reasonable objection to one such being bestowed upon Ms Ibragimova.

Alina must be patient. It always come to those who deserve it - take Lord Sugar, for example.

[Beef Oven!]

You can leave Boulez out of it

(that's for the cryptic song lyrics quiz 2016)

Do not take the name of Maestro Boulez in vain.

[P. G. Tipps]

Alina must be patient. It always come to those who deserve it - take Lord Sugar, for example.

But an ex-Man Yoo player ... ?

For goodness sake!