Labour supporter Eric Potts watched the Birmingham Labour hustings Thursday August 18 and has shared his opinion:
I wanted a little time to reflect before posting on last night's Hustings. 1. I thought Jeremy was, and looked, very tired. That's an observation, not a criticism. He has every right to be tired, given the punishing schedule he is having to maintain. It is a crime that he is being put through all this, especially as each session covers virtually the same ground and is, largely, a huge waste of time and resources. Even so, he still came across as the man to trust, the man who has given and will give everything for the good of humanity. 2. Owen Smith says lots of the right things, but this just makes him seem untrustworthy since he was saying virtually none of these things before the contest. His flash presentation and empty rhetoric will only win over those whose approach is as shallow as his to begin with. 3. Who does Owen think he is kidding on Brexit? Apart from a personal and unproven allegation against Jeremy - which Jeremy sensibly ignored - he pretends that he can reverse the referendum, or ignore it. No one is more passionately pro-EU than me; I desperately wish the result had been different. But it wasn't and we have no choice but to live with it. Owen pretends that he knows what's best for all those "stupid" people who voted for Brexit. In truth, he is treating them and democracy with contempt and that contempt will rebound on him. 4. Jeremy is attacked for not "being there" and speaking out on specific occasions. Now, this is an attack that might cause damage, and it needs to be dealt with. The simple truth is that, to Smith's and the media's chagrin, Jeremy is not and has no intention of acting Presidentially, of hogging all the limelight. He allows, instead, his Shadow Cabinet their own time in the sun, letting them speak out without always trying to draw all attention back to him. After all, it was Owen Smith who was Shadow Pensions Secretary: so if anyone was going to attack on IDS's resignation, it should have been Smith! Jeremy will not play the media game. That is why they hate him. That is why we love him. 5. That said, there have been a number of occasions when Jeremy and the team's response could have been better and sharper, without selling the pass. We need his advisers to think on their feet more quickly, to understand how things are likely to play out in the media, and to help prepare a response which remains principled but which will deflect or at least minimise unfair criticism. All that said, Jeremy still marches on to victory. I hope, too, that there are people already preparing for what happens then, working out how to bring more of the PLP on board, and how to respond if Paul Mason proves right and all this turns out to be just a skirmish before the real war begins. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/commentisfree/2016/aug/15/the-parallels-between-jeremy-corbyn-and-michael-foot-are-almost-all-false Op-ed: Acclaimed film maker Ken Loach has joined the so-called Corbyn circus as it rolled into Sheffield Friday. A former Labour political hopeful and wealthy donor, Michael Foster, was published widely in the mainstream media last weekend calling the Corbyn leadership election 2016 campaign a circus and causing anger with his choice of words to describe supporters at rallies; he used the term Nazi stormtroopers and refused to apologise instead defending his verbal attack. But many ordinary people are supporting Jeremy Corbyn and want him to stay on as Labour Party leader. In Sheffield Friday living legend and lifelong socialist Ken Loach is turning his film making talents on Corbyn supporters. Loach has already gone on record to support Corbyn. Mr Corbyn arrived in Sheffield Friday morning by train. "The politician was pictured arriving at the railway station and posing for pictures with fans after stepping from his train - including larking around and making faces for a youngster and her mum" reports the Star. As always Corbyn manages to charm without effort. It does not come across as staged or political opportunity just a genuine man responding to people. Friday many parts of the country are experiencing heavy rain and Sheffield could be someting of a damp squib tonight; it is doubtful though that will dampen enthusiam or limit the number of people attending. A few thousand supporters turned out in Liverpool recently for a Corbyn rally in spite of the rain. "Fri 19 Aug 2016, 6pm-8pm, Barkers Pool, outside City Hall, city centre - Jeremy Corbyn is coming to Sheffield for a public open air "Jeremy4Labour" rally. Let's hope Sheffield gives him as big a turnout as his last visit! (Rumour has it that Ken Loach will be there as well, to film the event.) Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock held a disastrous rally in Sheffield in 1992. He arrived by helicopter and with a great deal of razzmatazz. What followed was an American styled rally that was embarrassing to watch. Whichever spin doctor or campaign manager was responsible was over paid and not fit for purpose. That rally was in a stadium but Corbyn's is outside in the city to keep costs down; he is not for sale to the highest bidder, donor or lobbyist. But in the end Kinnock, caught in the moment, let down his own campaign and Labour supporters. Labour lost the 92 election and as they say the rest is history. Mr Corbyn is a substance over style veteran politician and hopefully his rally in Sheffield will be a huge success. http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/jeremy-corbyn-makes-funny-faces-at-youngster-as-he-arrives-in-sheffield-ahead-of-huge-city-centre-rally-1-8078559 'Celebrities' supporting Corbyn: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/madness-star-suggs-think-corbyn-8646119 https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/03/sean-bean-lauds-jeremy-corbyn-for-standing-up-for-working-class-people Claudine Cole is sticking with Corbyn in the party leadership and here is why:
The leadership contest is not only about two people and their abilities. The result of this contest will ultimately decide who rules our party. The PLP or the membership. Over the years a large section of the PLP have manoeuvred and plotted to silence the membership and secure themselves a position of ultimate power within the party. All accountability has been stripped away and they have disregarded their CLPs wishes and instructions. This has now come to a head with the question of statutory reselection of MPs being suggested. Those with their noses in the trough and a poor voting record went into a panic. They knew that if they faced reselection they would be sacked. This is why some MPs and former Shadow Cabinet resigned. To save their place on the gravy train. To ensure that we would be the good little mushrooms that they wanted us to be, kept in the dark and fed on bullshit. We have seen some atrocious behaviour from the coup leaders over the past few weeks. In their desperate attempt to hold onto to their lavish lifestyles they have ignored instructions from their CLPs; slandered and bullied Jeremy and his supporters while crying that they were being bullied; banned 130000 members from taking part in the vote then spent thousands of pounds that those members had paid into the party to uphold the decision. This is not democracy it is dictatorship. Anyone thinking of voting for Owen Smith should think very carefully and do some research into Smith, a man who worked for a pharmaceutical giant who got into parliament to try to change the way that the NHS bought its drugs. They should look long and hard at his voting record and abstentions. While living a life of luxury he abstained on the welfare bill that pushed millions more people into poverty. They should look at how fast he changes his policies to suit who is listening and they should ask, CAN I TRUST HIM? A vote for Owen Smith is a vote to return the party to the undemocratic tail wagging the dog party where the MPs do what they want and the members have no say. A vote for Jeremy Corbyn will see the party restored to the membership with a million members willing to work for real change in our communities. [Images from Derby rally August 16] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-leadership-jeremy-corbyn-owen-smith-poll-a7194051.html Bear with me and it may all become clear-then again it may not. Christopher Michael Leslie is a British Labour Co-operative politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Nottingham East since 2010. He was briefly shadow chancellor of the Labour Party in 2015. Mr Leslie, was number two to Ed Balls when he was Miliband's Chancellor and promoted to his job after Balls lost his seat last year. Moments after Jeremy Corbyn was announced the new elected leader of the Labour Party on September 12, 2015, Mr Leslie resigned. Jamie Reed MP also resigned with a public flurry on social media; an action that was to be repeated over and over again during the organised and orchestrated coup Summer 2016. It is fair to say that Leslie was one of the few who openly failed to embrace change from day one if not earlier. In fact he actually turned his back on Corbyn and virtually ran to the backbenches along with Ed Ball's wife Yvette Cooper who Leslie had supported for party leader. Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendal were up for party leader election last year but both refused point blank to take on any supporting roles in a Corbyn shadow cabinet following their defeat. Instead they joined others undermining Corbyn and his team from behind. This Labour saga appears to have it all. Intrigue, family, dynasties, hypocrisy, deviousness, money, power and more. Leslie is married to a former Gordon Brown aide Nicola Murphy. Ms Murphy has made mainstream news stories this week for her links to Labour Tomorrow. In our earlier report today we mentioned Murphy and others funding an anti Corbyn group. "Brenda Zaman on Facebook writes "Electoral Commission records show the hedge fund manager Martin Taylor, who under Ed Miliband's leadership donated £600,000 to the party, has given £180,000 to the group. Labour Tomorrow was founded by the former Gordon Brown aide Nicola Murphy. Her fellow directors are former home secretary Lord Blunkett and Labour peer Baroness Dean. The Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oakeshott - who has also funded Labour candidates like Dan Jarvis in the past - has given £25,000. The group was founded in April but records on Companies House show that Lord Blunkett and Lady Dean were not appointed until 28 June - at the start of the coup by Labour moderates to try to unseat Mr Corbyn." So it looks as if people with political links back to Blairite politicians and with plenty of money want to remove Corbyn. We always knew that as it was an open secret but now it is public knowledge. The conclusion has to be that Labour Tomorrow is not for philanthropic reasons or the benefit of we the people. It's aim is smash Corbyn but what then? Chris Leslie led Gordon Brown's successful (and uncontested) campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party in 2007. http://www.thejeremycorbyneffect.com/jeremy-corbyn-blog/does-labours-broad-church-have-room-for-labour-tomorrow
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/11859694/Labours-shadow-health-minister-resigns-moments-after-Jeremy-Corbyn-victory.html
If you are supporting Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party leadership campaign 2016 there are many ways you can offer real hands on support.
Raising money to donate to the Corbyn Nation Builder is one way. Try a sponsored walk, jumble and or car boot sale, coffee, wine or beer, evening or afternoon, or both, or just let your imagination run wild. But what about taking part by offering your communication skill at a Corbyn phone bank? Liz Hames has been doing just that and this is what she has to say: "So, who is a big JC supporter and wants to get involved in his campaign but is mostly stuck at home? These lovely ladies [see above] are Katy and Freya, at the Jeremy For Labour phone bank. They are organising phone canvassing from home through an app. All you need to be is a Labour Party member and have an internet connection and a phone. If you want to get involved and you are a Labour Party member email them at [email protected] stating Canvasapp info in the subject line. There are thousands of people to call before the leadership ballot ends on 22nd Sept, so please do get involved! #Solidarity #KeepCorbyn." September 22 may sound a way off but it is not. Ballot papers will be arriving soon. The Labour Party will begin sending ballot papers out Monday August 22. We need to get the message out before people vote, and some will vote quick as a flash almost as soon as their ballot paper arrives. Many like us will have already decided who gets our vote. But there will be plenty of 'undecideds' and floating voters still weighing up the pros and cons of the two candidates, Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith. Can you help at least some of them make up their mind and choose to support Jeremy Corbyn? http://jeremyforlabour.nationbuilder.com/news Opinion: The accepted left-wing of British politics was nicely occupied by the Labour Party for decades. After a series of reformations and makeovers the party's identity became muddied. If it is not on the left of politics surely it is irrelevant? Gone are the days of a two-Party system with the old Liberal party filling the centre ground but failing to form a government. Change can be good; moving with the times is essential; but where you draw the line matters. Old Labour, New Labour, Momentum, The Fabian Society, Progress, Saving Labour and now Labour Tomorrow. The last, Labour Tomorrow, may be new to you but that could soon change. The rest are existing groups within the Party or an earlier state of play. So what is Labour Tommorow and who is behind it. Brenda Zaman on Facebook writes "Electoral Commission records show the hedge fund manager Martin Taylor, who under Ed Miliband's leadership donated £600,000 to the party, has given £180,000 to the group. Labour Tomorrow was founded by the former Gordon Brown aide Nicola Murphy. Her fellow directors are former home secretary Lord Blunkett and Labour peer Baroness Dean. The Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oakeshott - who has also funded Labour candidates like Dan Jarvis in the past - has given £25,000. The group was founded in April but records on Companies House show that Lord Blunkett and Lady Dean were not appointed until 28 June - at the start of the coup by Labour moderates to try to unseat Mr Corbyn." You can check out the company here https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10097916/officers Tuesday Sky News opted for "Anti-Corbyn Group Amasses £250,000 Fighting Fund" as title for a Labour Tomorrow report It seems those who have done deals behind closed doors and worked to remove Corbyn as Labour Party leader are out of the closet and getting ready for their next move. SkyNews continues "Influential Labour moderates are raising cash to battle Jeremy Corbyn's Momentum campaign and "rebalance" the party." That is a great deal of hyperbole. Terminology matters. For moderates replace with centre, right of centre and right wing of Labour. For influential replace with wealthy. Money talks and is playing its part in the coup and Labour Party struggles. Owen Smith and his team may not like the words plot, plotters and coup but they are all valid. Plans to remove Corbyn were hatched before he was elected. Why is a Liberal Democrat Peer investing in Labour Tomorrow? "Matthew Alan Oakeshott, Baron Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay, is a British investment manager and member of the House of Lords, formerly sitting in Parliament as a Liberal Democrat." He was expelled from the Liberal Democratic Party. Isabel Oakeshott, a distant cousin, was involved in Cameron's piggate as a part author of Call Me Dave. In January 2015 he made a huge cash donation to the Labour Party but why? Oakeshott worked in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning of Kenya from 1968 to 1970. During 1970 to 1972, he undertook post-graduate studies at Nuffield College, Oxford, although he did not complete a graduate degree. He joined the Labour Party and served as a Councillor on Oxford City Council. That tells me he is a very wealthy man but also has flip flop politics. He may also have his own agenda.
But while those with wealth screw with the Labour Party and our democracy some of the poorest and most vulnerable people of the UK are left to struggle on. Labour Tomorrow is a watch this space project. "It will provide funds for centre-Left political bloggers, activists and campaigners in an attempt to "re-build" the Labour party after successive election failures" reports Sky News. Is it only that or is it set to be a new Labour Party? Will it launch if Corbyn is re-elected party leader? If it divides Labour in much the same way the gang of four did in the 80's the only big winner will be the Tory Party. Will they hope to take the role of the official opposition in the House of Commons? But what will you do when they want support? I will say thanks but no thanks.. Looking at their website it is all about money and buying support. Why would I trust my vote and or support to devious, flip flop politicians with money to burn who want to buy democracy in the UK? I would rather not vote. Should I apply for funding for this Corbyn orientated website or does my support for that man make me a hard-left Trotskyite? Do we really need bought and paid for political bloggers? Further reading: David Blunkett and Brenda Dean http://www.labourtomorrow.co.uk/2016/07/25/the-challenge-ahead/ http://www.labourtomorrow.co.uk http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/01/former-lib-dem-lord-oakeshott-donates-300000-labour-candidates http://news.sky.com/story/blairite-group-amasses-163250000-corbyn-fighting-fund-1053900 http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/british-political-scene/continuity-labour-or-kinnock-self-indulgent-party http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3744417/Labour-donors-anti-Corbyn-fund-Thousands-pumped-fight-group-poised-strike-Corbyn-elected-leader.html http://anotherangryvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/what-is-labour-tomorrow.html Opinion: Rachel Garrick a former founder of a Momentum group has posted in Left Foot Forward this week writing "Jeremy Corbyn has inspired change in Labour, now Smith should be trusted to carry it forwards." It is also published by Progress the right-wing group within the Labour Party; a group that prefer to call themselves moderates and define Corbyn and his supporters as on the 'hard left' of politics.
But that is no surprise to followers on social media. Garrick came out of the Owen Smith cupboard a couple of weeks back. Initially some followers agreed to differ as that after all is democracy. But we moved on. Her timeline became rather vitriolic and it was not a one-sided affair. I opted for the block don't bicker on social media being pushed by Labour MP Richard Burgon. Party leader Jeremy Corbyn does not do personal either but that is never easy especially when you are being goaded or taunted for a reaction. Block don't bicker is the best way forward for Labour supporters at least for now. Garrick's Twitter bio says "Welsh. Vice Chair Rochester & Strood Labour Party. Nuclear Industry. Trade unionist with Prospect. CMIOSH. Left. EDS. My opinions. Landing back in Wales soon." The pertinent part of that bio in considering her change over to Smith is NUCLEAR INDUSTRY. Why someone who is an avid supporter of the nuclear industry would support Mr Corbyn in the first place is not clear. He has always been clear that he is not a supporter of nuclear. But this is nuclear energy not weapons. Garrick says "The final straw came after EDF finally made a decision to proceed with the Hinkley Point C project, which I have worked on for five years as a Branch Councillor with Prospect. As a union, we have worked solidly with our colleagues in Unite, GMB and UCATT to support this project, which represents an £11 billion investment in the UK business economy, which will create over 25,000 UK jobs. It will produce seven per cent of the UK’s power needs with a vastly reduced carbon footprint, avoiding 90 million tonnes of CO2 production annually and is predicted to generate three per cent of the UK’s entire corporation tax when in production. The project was initially conceived under a Labour government and has been supported by Labour, but team Corbyn’s response was derogatory and facile." Following that text in the opinion piece is this tweet from Jeremy Corbyn "Tories have just put up the cost of your electricity by giving a blank cheque to EDF for a power station that doesn't work 8:19 PM - 28 Jul 2016." The opinion piece posted in Left Foot Forward however is dated August 15. The text continues "This tweet mocked the work of hundreds of nuclear engineers who have worked doggedly for years devising design solutions to combat the safety concerns raised by Fukushima. There was no advised policy, there was no coherent response and there was no support for the work of the unions. I have felt immense relief in leaving the Corbyn camp and joining with Smith. We need a strong, organised Labour Party and he is offering that." The rest of the report is personal background and why Owen Smith is Garrick's choice for party leader. She describes him as "soft left" politically although Mr Smith appears a flip flop politician who is something of a chameleon changing his political colour to suit the audience. He is attempting to paint him self as a socialist. Corbyn's quoted tweet referred to the cost of energy but Garrick opted for alleged safety concerns. Many of us have similar concerns. But if it is only ever about jobs, money and the economy will we sell our souls for a quick buck? Will we also hand over our nuclear future to countries such as China and France? Chancellor George Osborne handed the keys to Britain's nuclear future and more over to foreign hands particularly China before he was sacked by Theresa May this year. This writer remains unconvinced on EDF, China and the UK's nuclear future. She does however remain convinced that Jeremy Corbyn is a decent, honest individual who is not for sale to the highest bidder and at this time the best person to put Labour back on track. @RC_Garrick. Ooer I am on that list. ProgressOnline @ProgressOnlineWhat We’re Reading: @TomBlenkinsop @RC_Garrick @e_casalicchio @benrileysmith @syalrajeev (link: http://prog.rs/8bk) prog.rs/8bk https://leftfootforward.org/2016/08/i-founded-a-momentum-branch-but-will-be-supporting-owen-smith/ http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/british-political-scene/tories-committing-industrial-suicide-with-tata-steel http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/eileen-kersey/theresa-may-postpones-hinkley-c-deal Opinion: Another day another anti Corbyn smear or rather another attempt to twist a Corbyn supporters words to suit. This time it is long-time political activist Billy Bragg. Tuesday supporters of Mr Corbyn and fans of Mr Bragg reacted with a mixture of anger and amazement at reports that appeared to show Billy was turning his back on Jeremy. Bragg has pinned a tweet offering clarification on his Twitter timeline but if you are not active on social media all you will see is the truth twisters at work. "Can everyone please stay calm about the Times twisting my words to attack Corbyn. I remain a JC supporter. Don't let Murdoch sow discord" says Billy and he is spot on. The fact that leadership challenger Owen Smith is getting a fairly free ride in the mainstream media is telling. Do you really think they want Corbyn replaced by Smith as he is the best option for Labour, the country and YOU? Wake up people. The Daily Mirror reporting from an event in Edinburgh went with: Left-wing singer Billy Bragg said Jeremy Corbyn is a "20th Century" man and worries about the party's ability to represent "ordinary working people". That sounds like a sensible debate to me. Aged sixty something Corbyn IS a 20th Century man obviously. Tuesday however opinion pieces posted as real news have the following headlines:
Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch gifted the Tories the 2015 General Election with a little help from we the people. Are you going to let him gift the Labour leadership to Owen Smith? Owen Jones was the mainstream media's first blood with a badly timed over promoted opinion piece. Don't let Bragg become second blood. Latest updates Twitter: Billy Bragg Twitter › billybragg Can everyone please stay calm about the Times twisting my words to attack Corbyn. I remain a JC supporter. Don't let Murdoch sow discord. 2 hours ago - Twitter Mark Steel Twitter › mrmarksteel I was with @billybragg as he made his comment about Corbyn, clearly in support. Who'd guess a Murdoch paper might twist the truth like that? Éoin Twitter › LabourEoin 16 August 2016. The day the plotters attempted to peddle Billy Bragg as anti-Corbyn. twitter.com/billybra… 7 mins ago - Twitter http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/billy-bragg-fears-labours-wont-8641150
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/16/billy-bragg-insists-he-still-backs-jeremy-corbyn-after-warning-t/ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3742871/Now-lefty-singer-Billy-Bragg-thinks-Corbyn-stuck-past-Labour-leader-defies-public-fury-join-protest-rail-unions.html http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/corbyn-is-stuck-in-the-last-century-says-bragg-trhv6tqvj http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/robert-weller/mind-manipulation-with-the-media-the-message
Opinion: You either get the attraction of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn or you don't. If you are a fan, supporter or whatever this story is probably one of the many reasons he is the political leader for you. It highlights he has the common touch, is just one of us and does not harbour ideas of grandeur. Over to the Guardian: Spending a busy train journey without a seat, crushed up against other commuters in the aisle, or crouched uncomfortably in the luggage compartment is an all-too-common experience for many. But you don’t expect to spot the leader of the opposition on the floor of a train on your way to work.
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/your-voice/parliamentary-snobbery-which-lacks-common-humanity
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/get-off-train-floor-corbyn-i-dont-buy-pr-stunt/ http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/16/jeremy-corbyn-floor-three-hour-train-journey-london-newcastle? There can't be many organisations that you actually pay £3.92 a month to for the privilege of being called a 'Trot' 'Thug' 'Moonie' 'Nazi Storm Trooper' 'Anti Semitic' 'Racist' 'Mob' 'Jihadist' 'Bully'.
The same organisation then pays its court fees with your membership money, disrespects you, bans you if you dare to defend yourself/support democracy/support the elected leader of the party. Also stops you from attending meetings and in some cases stops you voting at CLP level. Did I forget this organisation lies about threats made against it and blames you for vandalism of it's property that wasn't its property? Oh and all that money, members money that it has wasted trying to suppress the truth and democracy. Welcome to the Labour Party, no friend of the working man or woman! How can such an organisation be tolerated in modern society? How is it that rich corporations can infiltrate and pervert to the core an organisation set up by working class people for the improvement of society? A Party that gave us social housing, publicly owned transport and energy, the NHS, free schooling, better working conditions to name but a few policies that made our lives so much better. This party is now rotten to the very core and we are made to feel that it is our fault! If you are working class and do not see that the Labour Party's war against its own leader and supporters is not a clear and present danger against your livelihood and that of your children then there is no hope for any of our futures. You will bow under the weight of corporate tyranny and live in a constant state of war and economic despair. The Blairite Labour Party is the Establishments way of bi-passing democracy and the will of the people. The 'Punch and Judy' show will carry on between Labour and Conservative Parties for your entertainment, but with both parties well and truly in the paid service of the rich and powerful your lives will only get harder and the blame for your hardship will always fall on the immigrants and every war blamed on people who do not share our civilised values, the closing of public services and the loss of jobs on the recession whilst the rich go on paying no tax! You may not be a member of the Labour Party or in a Trade Union, but you have a voice, make it heard in the halls of power, show solidarity with those of us who took this fight to those who would deny us our liberties! Do not stand idly by, do something however small to help in this struggle even if it is only to 'share' this message! If you are a Labour Party member 'stand your ground', if you are in a Trade Union, raise your voices! People please wake up before it is too late! Thanks to Steve Yeti Flip Flop Facebook for his thoughts on the Labour leadership challenge and the Labour Party In December 2015 I thought I would take a brief look online to see what I could learn about Jeremy Corbyn. Certainly since he was elected Labour Party leader on September 12, 2015, there had been moire than a fair share of bad press about the man, his supporters and his team. This is what I wrote following a quick scout around the Internet: Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has a huge grassroots following, is both popular and yet called a clown by some members of the electorate and his own party, is a principled man and a veteran campaigner. Jeremy Corbyn consistently voted against introducing foundation hospitals, while most Labour MPs generally voted for. As I said in December "Personally I see nothing above to cause concern. On the contrary many people in 2015 would agree with all of the above except for possibly the renewal of our nuclear deterrent Trident which remains a divisive issue.
Born in 1946 age is against Mr Corbyn and I say that as one of his contemporaries. He has the benefit of experience and is a wise man but by the 2020 general election he will be aged around 71. Of course we are being expected to work into older age and the House of Lords is packed to the rafters with the country's law-makers and many are extremely aged. But in spite or perhaps because of his age Corbyn has inspired a generation to become politically active, vote and take an interest in current affairs. Corbyn's register of interests is fairly meagre compared to other politicians. For instance - he received £150 for a lecture on December 16, 2014. Hours: 1 hr - compared to David Cameron - his page shows donations such as - name of donor: Mrs Marjorie Glasgow, Address of donor: private, amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: £5,000. Mr Corbyn lives by his own admission a fairly frugal life, is a vegetarian [reportedly following a stint working on a pig farm], has been married a couple of times, has children, does not have a car, still rides a bicycle, speaks fluent Spanish and is an ardent Arsenal supporter. Even in football he manages to campaign - this time for the Arsenal football club to pay its staff a living wage. There are many many more reasons why Corbyn should be applauded and welcomed rather than attacked and undermined such as "in 2013, Corbyn was awarded the Gandhi International Peace Award for his "consistent efforts over a 30-year parliamentary career to uphold the Gandhian values of social justice and non‐violence." Monday the Daily Telegraph prefers to try having a laugh at Corbyn's expense with a report that dates back to 2006 -"Jeremy Corbyn dresses as Father Christmas on live television. Footage emerges of the Labour leader dressed as a 'Secret Santa' on the BBC's Daily Politics show handing mince pies out. The Telegraph tries to make him sound the fool saying "Jeremy Corbyn's perfect role has emerged – not as Labour leader – but as none other than Father Christmas." However Corbyn spent Saturday December 5 collecting donations for refugees in a Santa hat and what is so wrong with that? He joined his local Labour group to sing Carols and shake the collection tin - and it was not a fake publicity stunt. Again he shows his human and common touch which appeals to many of us. Corbyn has a 'momentum' of support behind him that other politicians can only yearn to achieve. He has caught the 'mood' of many. He may have disagreed with the party on some issues but looking at the list of some of those disagreements above you have to say - Kudos to Corbyn. You can check out Mr Corbyn further here Monday the Daily Mirror is reporting "Jeremy Corbyn's advice to Labour MPs receiving online abuse: 'Ignore it'." The Mirror claims that Corbyn has said he receives more abuse than anyone but has denied the level of abuse is being ramped up during the leadership election race 2016 and is now worse than ever. Whether the Mirror report is insinuating Corbyn and or his supporters are responsible is not clear. If you use social media, or as it ought to be renamed sometimes anti-social media, sooner or later you will experience nastiness. It could be vile, spiteful, dangerous, silly and more. In some cases it should be reported to Twitter or even the police but the extent and level of abuse is relevant. Jess Philips has previously bragged online and in the mainstream media that as a new MP she told Diane Abbot MP to f**k off. She has since apologised but once said words cannot be unsaid. If you can dish it out expect a reaction, and probably an unpleasant one. The murder of MP Jo Cox in June was a lesson to us all. Hate can sometimes spill over into the real world with terrible consequences. But those who cry foul when it is non-existent or exaggerated belittle those with genuine concerns. And people like Jess Philips, happy to tweet a vile Dan Hodges Daily Mail piece about "Kill Vampire Corbyn", undermine any real issues. Philips has had some terrible abuse thrown at her online which is wrong but so have many others. Sometimes abuse comes out of nowhere and the mute or block button will need rapid use. Contacting the site support may also be necessary including filing a report. But those using unspecified online abuse to undermine the Labour leadership election are playing a silly and potentially dangerous game. And the Daily Mirror spinning yet another story with Corbyn as the villain of the piece does not add up: Several MPs and party figures have been forced to increase security at their homes in recent months after being sent threatening messages. Jess Philips a Labour Birmingham MP said via Twitter social media, July 28, "Locksmith spending 6hrs to make my home safe. Think about how my kids feel next time you mock."
But why publicise that with an image of her home? Perhaps this is what Corbyn meant by "ignore"? Supporters of Mr Corbyn have been called a fan club, rabble, dogs, Trotskyites and Nazi Stormtroopers by some with links to the right wing of the Labour Party but that seems to be accepted as OK. As you sow you tend to reap. Except in the case of Corbyn. Jeremy Corbyn does not do personal attacks but is verbally attacked time and time again. The Mirror Monday spins a tale of nothing into something and manages to attack Corbyn yet again. Isn't that abuse? http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/jeremy-corbyns-advice-labour-mps-8636983 The word was changed from Kill To Dump but http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3660328/Labour-dump-vampire-Jeremy-Corbyn-DAN-HODGES-says.html Monday Jewish Labour have tweeted their decision to support Owen Smith in the 2016 Labour Party leadership race.
It is a two politician race between the incumbent Labour Party leader and the challenger Owen Smith MP. Sunday a leading Jewish Labour Party donor Michael Foster hit the mainstream media with a report damning Corbyn supporters as Nazi Stormtroopers. Some believe his report was simply a way to make some money as he faces court costs following the legal action he lost; an attempt to keep Corbyn off the ballot. Why is that important to this story? Jewish Labour's earlier tweet included a link to this story from April 13, 2016: "The Jewish Labour Movement, with help from supporters in the Labour Party will be proposing a change to the Labour Party rulebook calling for stricter rules and sanctions to be placed upon members who have made racist, antisemitic or islamophobic statements. BBC News covered the proposed change today. Jewish Labour Movement National Chairman Jeremy Newmark also appeared on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme today to advocate the rule changes which will be proposed by members across the country at local constituency meetings before the June deadline. If you you think that your CLP would like to consider supporting the rule change you can download the rule change motion by clicking here. If you have tabled the motion at your branch or CLP please let us know by emailing: [email protected] For further queries please contact [email protected] or tweet us at @JewishLabour." So what about when the boot is on the other foot? Corbyn supporters responded angrilly to Foster's damning terminolgy Sunday. But at time of writing Owen Smith, party deputy leader Tom Watson and party General Secretary Iain McNicol have been noticeable by their silence. Formal complaints have been lodged. But when vague allegations of anti-Semetisim were made earlier in the year against some party members the mainstream media were all over it like an infectious rash. So where is the outcry levied at Foster and the Mail for calling young, old or is that ALL Corbyn supporters Nazi Stormtroopers? Instead Monday the Huffington Post opts to cover the Smith nomination with "Jeremy Corbyn’s Response To Claims Of Anti-Semitism ‘Fuelled Jewish Members’ Support For Owen Smith." That may or may not be the truth. Having tweeted Jewish Labour for a responce to Foster's abusive words we await a response. Kevin Neil, Plymouth, has this to say with regard to Michael Foster's Daily Mail piece Sunday August 13: The Labour leadership election campaign needs to be about principles and policies, not about personalities. True enough I was openly critical of Michael Foster when I was invited to comment by the Plymouth Herald and Western Morning News, on the court case brought by Foster. However it's hard to comment on the actions of an individual without discussing that individual. My view was and is that nobody is bigger than the party and that donations however generous, must never buy influence. I believe too that Michael Foster has used his wealth to influence the party, when only words and ideas should do so. This article in the Daily Mail now drags the leadership debate to a new and shameful low and Michael Foster is solely responsible for this. Firstly I need to say that I was actually present throughout the Camborne event and that I played a small part in organising it. Second that I heard every speech in full and therefore can say with certainty that Michael Foster misrepresents the event and presumably willfully so. Not one speaker presented as divisive or aggressive, most being ordinary local Cornish people, giving their own testimony of life in Conservative Britain and bringing their own hopes and ambitions for a better future. Those who doubt my evidence need only to access my Facebook page and to listen to the main speeches I 'live streamed'. These are small matters though and perhaps in the politics of the current Labour establishment we should expect misrepresentation. What is more significant and quite despicable is the deeper, darker meaning, running through Foster's article. His headline itself, "Why I despise Jeremy Corbyn and his Nazi stormtroopers", is vile and despicable. I've never met Foster so cannot comment on him as a person, but his words are vile, insulting and offensive. There should be no place for language like this within the Labour Party or within the leadership campaign. If Foster thinks this is acceptable within political debate then I truly hope he never stands as a Labour candidate at any level ever again. Incidentally I had no idea that Foster is Jewish and it's of no relevance to his position in the party. It does however make it astonishing that he's chosen to use words like these. Surely he understands the difference between 'Nazi stormtroopers' and the local mums, teachers, health workers and others who spoke from the platform. Surely he can't expect to be taken seriously when he uses this label to describe the man who addressed us from his wheelchair? Even more astonishing that he chose as his vehicle the Daily Mail, the paper that once carried the headline, "Hurrah for the Blackshirts". I have no expectation that the loud mouths and bullies like Foster will tone down their behaviours during this leadership election campaign. However I do hope that they are decisively rejected by the party members when the result is announced. I also hope that in the case of Foster that he is never elected into any role within the party again. For us to heal the damage being done to the party by people like Foster, we surely need to demonstrate that we all distance ourselves from loathsome remarks like these. If he is to have any credibility at all, surely even Owen Smith must condemn Foster's remarks? |
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