State of the parties as 2015 General Election looms.

[ahinton]

Can't you see that I think it is?

I have no reason to doubt that jean can indeed see that but this doesn't make it right, does it?

[Beef Oven!]

Ah, so UKIP hot air after all, then! - which said, I rather suspect that your mixing of metaphors here doesn't quite do you full justice...

I haven't mixed any metaphors. I can plainly see two distinct ones. I gave one to PGTips, and one to your favourite people, the UKIP.

[Beef Oven!]

I have no reason to doubt that jean can indeed see that but this doesn't make it right, does it?

But they are not 'poor bastards' anyway. Does that have any bearing on this?

[P. G. Tipps]

Ah yes, I remember Dave Whelan. He's the one who said “Jewish people chase money more than everybody else” , isn't he?

Well, er, yes, but that was taken completely out of context when you look at the full transcript. He also said he had many Jewish friends which wasn't quite as well reported!!

Scots, particuarly Aberdonians, are regularly labelled in exactly the same way yet not a word of censure from any in the PC Brigade.

Of course we Scots are well used to such teasing and, in fact, we rather enjoy it, it all adds to life's silliness which is just as important as all the serious stuff in order to remain relatively sane.

I suspect the Chinese & Jews, two of the most talented races on earth, couldn't give a toss what others think or say about them either!

[jean]

But they are not 'poor bastards' anyway. Does that have any bearing on this?

They are poor in the sense of unfortunate in having IDS for a father (a statement which insults IDS, but not his children).

They are not poor in the sense of indigent.

(But I think you knew that.)

[Beef Oven!]

They are poor in the sense of unfortunate in having IDS for a father (a statement which insults IDS, but not his children).

They are not poor in the sense of indigent.

(But I think you knew that.)

You may be thinking too much about what is in my head - so I'll tell you again. I do not think they are poor or indignant or whatever, because IDS is their dad. He may be a very good father, for all you know. I think he probably is. The kids are probably quite lucky to come from such a home.

As I said before, nothing wrong with having a go at IDS, but through his children (as you explain), is wrong.

I'm not fond of him and if the whim catches me, I'll slag him off - but not through his kids.

[Beef Oven!]

Well, er, yes, but that was taken completely out of context when you look at the full transcript. He also said he had many Jewish friends which wasn't quite as well reported!!

Scots, particuarly Aberdonians, are regularly labelled in exactly the same way yet not a word of censure from any in the PC Brigade.

Of course we Scots are well used to such teasing and, in fact, we rather enjoy it, it all adds to life's silliness which is just as important as all the serious stuff in order to remain relatively sane.

I suspect the Chinese & Jews, two of the most talented races on earth, couldn't give a toss what others think or say about them either!

Ralfy the whisky commentator tells it thus:

If you go to a Glaswegian home, they'll say "would you like to eat tea with us?"

If you go to an Aberdonian home, they'll say "you will have had your tea!"

(Or was it Edinburgh?!!)

[jean]

...nothing wrong with having a go at IDS, but through his children (as you explain), is wrong.

It would be wrong - but what I have explained is that nobody has done that.

[jean]

Well, er, yes, but that was taken completely out of context when you look at the full transcript. He also said he had many Jewish friends which wasn't quite as well reported!!

This is the nearest we can get to what he originally said:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/20/wigan-dave-whelan-accused-antisemitism-jewish-people

There is a transcript of the damage-limitation interview he gave afterwards, but that doesn't really count.

Scots, particuarly Aberdonians, are regularly labelled in exactly the same way yet not a word of censure from any in the PC Brigade.

You think not? Then you haven't been listening.

[P. G. Tipps]

Ralfy the whisky commentator tells it thus:

If you go to a Glaswegian home, they'll say "would you like to eat tea with us?"

If you go to an Aberdonian home, they'll say "you will have had your tea!"

(Or was it Edinburgh?!!)

Definitely Edinburgh, Beefy ... :laugh:

[P. G. Tipps]

You think not? Then you haven't been listening.

I'm certainly all ears now ... please go ahead!

[Beef Oven!]

It would be wrong - but what I have explained is that nobody has done that.

You are not seeing an important fact. Somebody has had a go at IDS through his kids. It wasn't said that IDS has big nose or smells of loganberries. The illustration was that his children are poor bastards, because IDS is horrible. Look, I know I go in for this stubborn pedantry, but I didn't know you did.

[P. G. Tipps]

Originally Posted by P. G. Tipps: (according to Mr GongGong)

'it's the idea that we can make negative comments about a politician's children, so long as he's a right-wing politician. That's the point.'

I don't remember saying that ... ? (though there is one heck of a lot of truth in it!)

Are you permanently lodged in your own little 'make it up as you go along' world, Mr GongGong ... ? :laugh:

[jean]

Look, I know I go in for this stubborn pedantry, but I didn't know you did.

The first rule of pedantry is to be consistent.

Your original objection was to foul language:

...You are quite sensitive about foul language, even pulling me up a couple of days ago for 'implied' foul language. IDS' children were not born out of wedlock so there is no reason to call them bastards...

Now, you've changed the grounds of your objection rather:

You are not seeing an important fact. Somebody has had a go at IDS through his kids. It wasn't said that IDS has big nose or smells of loganberries. The illustration was that his children are poor bastards, because IDS is horrible.

[jean]

I'm certainly all ears now ... please go ahead!

Stereotypes based on supposed ethnic characteristics are unpleasant, potentially hurtful and to be avoided, whoever the targeted groups are.

Now you know what I think.

Plenty of people agree with me. Just listen a bit more.