Current Affairs

[david63]

I listened to the Cummings "press conference" (well most of it until the questions) and the first thing that struck me was that he either has a excellent memory or he should become an author as it was mostly a load of waffle.

The one thing that I did agree with, if it is true and I have no reason to doubt it, was the part where in London he was being harassed at his house, whether he was there or not. That is totally unacceptable for anyone.

Now if he did not feel that he and his family were safe at their London residence then he had no other option but to go elsewhere and where else would any of us go but to family. That being the case then I would not criticise him for doing just that.

Also he did not consult with Boris about it as Boris was unwell at the time - that I can also accept.

Other than that the rest was just a waste of time and I did not hear any apology for his actions which would have tempered the issue.

[Gill W]

So now it’s ok to test your eye sight by driving your spouse and child 25 miles to a local beauty spot. As if anybody would think that was a good idea.

The whole statement was reverse engineered to cover every aspect of the story. I particularly liked the bit where the kid needed a toilet stop on the way back from Barnard Castle (strange that he managed to last the whole of the journey to Durham from London and back again, without a toilet break). The little detail that the wife and child ‘played’ for a while and saw some people in the distance. It’s so obvious this was included, just in case the people ever came forward.

And the little smirk Cummings gave as he walked off..... he knows he was playing people.

David - I thought that too, there was no contrition at all.

[towny44]

From The Guardian,

"a number of people are flagging the government’s Code of Conduct for Special Advisers which states they must not take “public part in political controversy”.

Point 14 states:

Special advisers must not take public part in political controversy, through any form of statement whether in speeches or letters to the press, or in books, social media, articles or leaflets.

Your understanding of a political controversy is different to mine, if the media had confined their criticism to the govt, rather than make Cummings the lead element of the story then he would not have been put in this situation.

It was Cummings himself that caused all this furore by his Covidiotic behaviour.

Spads are not allowed to be caught in the public eye. They are supposed to lurk in the background whispering advice from the shadows.

So his deep unpopularity with certain members of the press mafia had nothing to do with how this has been handled by them?

[towny44]

Those among us who are actually in the vulnerable group will bemoan the change in attitude to the lockdown due to this guys abuse of the rules.

Two fatalities down here today in the sea because people think it’s all over, despite lifeguards not working (due to lockdown)

It’s just the start.

Everybody is going to do what they want, as the message is that you can act on your instincts.

This is what I’m going to do anyway. I don’t trust the government to safeguard me, so my instinct is to stay at home for the foreseeable future.

However, there will be people who think differently to me, and will just start going out and getting on with life. It’s not what I’m going to do, but, due to the government messaging now being undermined, I can no longer criticise those who are flocking to the beach.

I imagine that those using Cummings as an excuse not to social distance or stay at home for most of the time, would probably have done exactly the same whatever Cummings had done. But they are still only a small fraction of the total, and since they have been avoiding playing fair since day 1, then they have probably already had covid19 and may have some immunity anyway as a consequence.

[Manoverboard]

So the bayIng mob wasn’t an issue after all, if they were happy enough to stay until the point the wife started to feel ill. I believe that was 27th March, and lockdown started 23rd March, so there shouldn’t be anybody left outside their house anyway.

Au contraire ... the baying Mob were, and still are, an utter disgrace. Mass picketing was banned and so should mass harassment by the Press. Social Media Groups are also getting out of control.

The ' Cummingses ' wished to remain as a family unit in London but had to re-think that idea because of consideration for their four year old son. You seem to dismiss the importance of the child is this matter, why is that ?
.

[Manoverboard]

I listened to the Cummings "press conference" (well most of it until the questions) and the first thing that struck me was that he either has a excellent memory or he should become an author as it was mostly a load of waffle.
.......
Other than that the rest was just a waste of time and I did not hear any apology for his actions which would have tempered the issue.

My assessment is that Mr Cummings is a Mr Fix-It person / problem solver ( spare me the problem maker comments y’all ) with a broom cupboard mentality which basically means that everything he does is measured and will be on a list else a spreadsheet, TV personality he is not and never will be. Facing a hostile interview he would have had to dissect his every move because there were too many smart arses waiting to trip him up. He has therefore several pages of notes, mainly one liners I would guess so his delivery by default would be wooden. I have no problem with that. Could any of us give a fluid account of our exact action at some date in March, I couldn't and I haven't been anywhere.

He was never going to apologise. His logical mind would coldly evaluate the situation and it was inevitable that he believes that he did nothing that was beyond the scope of the guidelines. An apology wasn’t needed in reality, the baying mob just wanted to see him grovel. In the circumstance and his obvious focus on his family I do not believe that he needed to apologise for anything.
.

[Kendhni]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

[Manoverboard]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

The last time we met you had a brain ... what’s happened ?

[barney]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

As long as you Stay Alert, you’ll be fine.

Stay Alert to BS, that is.

I think that I might owe Sir Dom an apology.
There was me thinking that he was flicking two fingers at us and giving the whole country a massive FU when all the time, he was doing it for us.
He openly said he was doing it to protect us.
The man is a saint.
Arise Sir Dom

[towny44]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

You jest and joke, but in all honesty your actions are not going to be influenced by what Cummings did or said, and neither will the vast majority of the UK population, and those that will use him as an excuse would have broken the rules regardless.
What he did might have bent the rules quite significantly, but it is highly unlikely that he in anyway contributed to the spread of the virus, indeed it could be argued that by isolating near his family he was able to ensure that his likely spread of the virus was reduced well below the "R" of 1, which might not have been the case had his family stayed in London.
Unfortunately the media are extremely unlikely to let him off the hook, and like hound dogs with the scent of blood in their nostrils, they are going to chase him until he collapses in exhaustion and resigns, or Boris decides to sack him.

[barney]

I’m absolutely amazed that the good folk on here who have followed the rules to the letter can leap to the defence of an individual who did exactly the opposite.

In my view, this isn’t a political issue.
Cummings supported Brexit
I supported Brexit.

The simple fact of the matter is that he did wrong and then basically said last night, balls to what anyone thinks of him.

It won’t go away and eventually he will be such damaged goods that Johnson will have no choice but to fire him.
He could have left with a bit of grace and dignity and returned some time in the future.

When the Mail turns, then it’s all over.

[Onelife]

I listened to the Cummings "press conference" (well most of it until the questions) and the first thing that struck me was that he either has a excellent memory or he should become an author as it was mostly a load of waffle.
.......
Other than that the rest was just a waste of time and I did not hear any apology for his actions which would have tempered the issue.

My assessment is that Mr Cummings is a Mr Fix-It person / problem solver ( spare me the problem maker comments y’all ) with a broom cupboard mentality which basically means that everything he does is measured and will be on a list else a spreadsheet, TV personality he is not and never will be. Facing a hostile interview he would have had to dissect his every move because there were too many smart arses waiting to trip him up. He has therefore several pages of notes, mainly one liners I would guess so his delivery by default would be wooden. I have no problem with that. Could any of us give a fluid account of our exact action at some date in March, I couldn't and I haven't been anywhere.

He was never going to apologise. His logical mind would coldly evaluate the situation and it was inevitable that he believes that he did nothing that was beyond the scope of the guidelines. An apology wasn’t needed in reality, the baying mob just wanted to see him grovel. In the circumstance and his obvious focus on his family I do not believe that he needed to apologise for anything.
.

In a nutshell

Apart from mine this is Deffo best post of the month

[Manoverboard]

IWhen the Mail turns, then it’s all over.

The Mail has changed it's ownereship and direction I thought .... yes / no ?

ps ... the ' Get out clause ' is in the directive ;

However, it does acknowledge that it is not always straightforward when children are involved.

It says: " If you have children, keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible."

My own support for his actions is simply because I can identify with his need to protect his four year old child ... end of.
.

[Gill W]

So the bayIng mob wasn’t an issue after all, if they were happy enough to stay until the point the wife started to feel ill. I believe that was 27th March, and lockdown started 23rd March, so there shouldn’t be anybody left outside their house anyway.

Au contraire ... the baying Mob were, and still are, an utter disgrace. Mass picketing was banned and so should mass harassment by the Press. Social Media Groups are also getting out of control.

The ' Cummingses ' wished to remain as a family unit in London but had to re-think that idea because of consideration for their four year old son. You seem to dismiss the importance of the child is this matter, why is that ?
.

So they wished to remain as a family unit, which they could have done in London, isolating at their home.

I’ve not dismissed the child at all - the poor kid is never going to live this down. However, he’s no more or less important than the children of anybody else - who’s parents observed the lockdown, sometimes in difficult or trying circumstances.

[Onelife]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

You jest and joke, but in all honesty your actions are not going to be influenced by what Cummings did or said, and neither will the vast majority of the UK population, and those that will use him as an excuse would have broken the rules regardless.
What he did might have bent the rules quite significantly, but it is highly unlikely that he in anyway contributed to the spread of the virus, indeed it could be argued that by isolating near his family he was able to ensure that his likely spread of the virus was reduced well below the "R" of 1, which might not have been the case had his family stayed in London.
Unfortunately the media are extremely unlikely to let him off the hook, and like hound dogs with the scent of blood in their nostrils, they are going to chase him until he collapses in exhaustion and resigns, or Boris decides to sack him.

In a nutshell


This is Deffo third best post of the month

[towny44]

Just one further thought on rules.
Why is it that Boris relies on appealing to the good sense of the people of the UK to do their best to follow the rules in driving down the spread of the virus, leaving some wiggle room for them to apply the rules differently if need be.
Whilst the left demand total adherence to the rules and stern consequences to anyone who dares bend them in even the slightest way.
Which society do you all want to live in, a tolerant fair society prepared to rely on a collective desire to do the right thing.
Or a harsh dictat style society, with everyone encouraged to spy on their neighbours and report every minor infringement they see.
I leave you to decide.

[barney]

Many years ago, I worked in a job that bought me into contact with many dubious characters.

I prided myself on having a highly tuned BS detector

Last night it went into overdrive.

Sociopaths often convince themselves that they are telling the truth.
That is what has happened here.
He genuinely believes that he has done nothing wrong even though he is the self confessed architect of the Stay Home Stay Safe Protect the NHS policy.

This government will lose confidence from the general public.

[Kendhni]

We are just packing the car up for a long drive to some attractions.
If the police stop us it appears 'I need to check my vision' is perfectly valid excuse.

You jest and joke,

Indeed - sadly I am still at work on this lovely day

but in all honesty your actions are not going to be influenced by what Cummings did or said, and neither will the vast majority of the UK population, and those that will use him as an excuse would have broken the rules regardless.

Unfortunately, looking at pictures from various tourist areas from yesterday, there are far too many that do not have the intelligence to follow any rules.

What he did might have bent the rules quite significantly, but it is highly unlikely that he in anyway contributed to the spread of the virus, indeed it could be argued that by isolating near his family he was able to ensure that his likely spread of the virus was reduced well below the "R" of 1, which might not have been the case had his family stayed in London.

My attitude is very simple, if you want to go out then carry on and do so, if you want to meet up with your family or friends then do so, just do not come anywhere near me (and preferably sign a waiver to your rights to use the NHS). I am quite happy for those sorts to be the guinea pigs allowing me to judge what the danger is to my family.

[Manoverboard]

So they wished to remain as a family unit, which they could have done in London, isolating at their home.

If they had stayed in London and had both been poorly / hospitalised there wouldn't have been anybody to look after their little boy. There were however rellies in Durham who could take care of him .... obvious if one's name is Cummings.

[Onelife]

So the bayIng mob wasn’t an issue after all, if they were happy enough to stay until the point the wife started to feel ill. I believe that was 27th March, and lockdown started 23rd March, so there shouldn’t be anybody left outside their house anyway.

Au contraire ... the baying Mob were, and still are, an utter disgrace. Mass picketing was banned and so should mass harassment by the Press. Social Media Groups are also getting out of control.

The ' Cummingses ' wished to remain as a family unit in London but had to re-think that idea because of consideration for their four year old son. You seem to dismiss the importance of the child is this matter, why is that ?
.

So they wished to remain as a family unit, which they could have done in London, isolating at their home.

I’ve not dismissed the child at all - the poor kid is never going to live this down. However, he’s no more or less important than the children of anybody else - who’s parents observed the lockdown, sometimes in difficult or trying circumstances.

Apart that is, that Cummings is a far easier/ accessible/ high profile target than the hundred if not thousands who will have breached the rules....l did it on one occasion but they ain't been banging on my door and let's face it there are many on this forum who would argue l'm of a higher profile than that Cummings.

[screwy]

I have a supply of Brasso I can let the Halo Polishers have for free.

Talk about throwing the Baby out with the Bath water.

That is definitely my last post until the subject changes.

[johnds]

25 miles to a local beauty spot.

Have you ever been to Barnard Castle ?
I've been dozens of times
I would'n't describe it as a beauty spot.
The main attraction for me is the Bowes Museum which as far as I am aware he did not visit

[Quizzical Bob]

I listened to the Cummings "press conference" (well most of it until the questions) and the first thing that struck me was that he either has a excellent memory or he should become an author as it was mostly a load of waffle.

The one thing that I did agree with, if it is true and I have no reason to doubt it, was the part where in London he was being harassed at his house, whether he was there or not. That is totally unacceptable for anyone.

Now if he did not feel that he and his family were safe at their London residence then he had no other option but to go elsewhere and where else would any of us go but to family. That being the case then I would not criticise him for doing just that.

Also he did not consult with Boris about it as Boris was unwell at the time - that I can also accept.

Other than that the rest was just a waste of time and I did not hear any apology for his actions which would have tempered the issue.

Harassed at his house? This was at the height of lockdown. He only had to call the police. I’m surprised that anybody delivers a word of it.

[Quizzical Bob]

Your understanding of a political controversy is different to mine, if the media had confined their criticism to the govt, rather than make Cummings the lead element of the story then he would not have been put in this situation.

It was Cummings himself that caused all this furore by his Covidiotic behaviour.

Spads are not allowed to be caught in the public eye. They are supposed to lurk in the background whispering advice from the shadows.

So his deep unpopularity with certain members of the press mafia had nothing to do with how this has been handled by them?

And what if it did?

His actions are indefensible and he deserves every bit of criticism that comes his way. He is unelected yet he is running the country and without the media to bring him to account he would be free to act as he desired.

[Quizzical Bob]

So the bayIng mob wasn’t an issue after all, if they were happy enough to stay until the point the wife started to feel ill. I believe that was 27th March, and lockdown started 23rd March, so there shouldn’t be anybody left outside their house anyway.

Au contraire ... the baying Mob were, and still are, an utter disgrace. Mass picketing was banned and so should mass harassment by the Press. Social Media Groups are also getting out of control.

The ' Cummingses ' wished to remain as a family unit in London but had to re-think that idea because of consideration for their four year old son. You seem to dismiss the importance of the child is this matter, why is that ?
.

Because they are using their child as a political football.