Current Affairs 2024

[screwy]

Just thought I’d throw this in.
I worked my last shift 8 yrs ago today, then spent the next 2 months on leave,toil and rest days till officially retiring on 14 th June 2016.

[Mervyn and Trish]

And I bet you've never missed it for a minute since.

[screwy]

You’re right there Merv,not one minute.

There was an article on BBC NW the other day saying 70 Prisoners at my old place were waiting for mental health treatments. Well there’s a lot more on the outside waiting too.!

[Mervyn and Trish]

I have deepest sympathy for anyone with genuine mental health issues but I reckon it's probably 10% of those who claim it. The biggest single number of people "unable" to work are those with mental rather than physical issues. In too many cases it means can't be arsed to get out of bed!

[oldbluefox]

I think for some 'mental wellbeing' has replaced 'bad back' as a reason for not working. I am staggered how many 'children' have mental health issues of one sort or another.

[oldbluefox]

I do believe Israel has a right to defend itself and if that means neutralising the threat of another Oct 7th which I remind you, Hamas has repeatedly threatened to do again, then yes, I do Support Israel. That being said I have constantly said there are two sides to this conflict and have stated on more than one occasion that the oppression of the Palestinian people is unacceptable.
I would never condone the killing of civilians and to this end I think Hamas should stop doing so by using their civilians as human shields. I also think if Hamas want this conflict to end then they should hand back the hostages in an attempt to win more world support in condemning how this war is being conducted.
As you say John, any peace will be an uneasy peace but Imo peace will never happen until Hamas no longer holds power …I personally think that the other 48% of Palestinians that don’t support Hamas should be given the chance of forming a new government, one which is prepared to negotiate a way forward, one where both peoples can live alongside each other in their own lands… which obviously would have to be part of the negotiations.

I agree. Every war has concluded with a negotiated settlement. Unfortunately it appears to me that Hamas are determined to hold onto power and would insist on being part of any negotiated agreement. How do you negotiate with a terrorist organisation whose main objective is to eradicate the Jewish people?
I find it difficult to take sides with either of the warring factions. The treatment of the Palestinian people and land grabs by Israelis in the West Bank does not help in creating a shared space, but neither do acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hamas.

[Onelife]

I think for some 'mental wellbeing' has replaced 'bad back' as a reason for not working. I am staggered how many 'children' have mental health issues of one sort or another.

I’m inclined to agree with your “bad luck” theory but also acknowledge that bad Luck can in many cases lead to depression… of varying degrees.

It is indeed staggering how many children appear to be having mental issues but not at all surprising when you see the garbage that they are subjected too via media influences telling them what they should look like and how not to behave.

[screwy]

So, OJ Simpson has snuffed it.

[Onelife]

So, OJ Simpson has snuffed it.

Simpson portrayed himself as a devout Christian…he must be sh*ting himself now that he’s about to meet his maker.

[david63]

Perhaps a silly question (you know I like asking them!) but why are we (as in the UK) getting involved with the Iran/Israel war that appears to be developing? It has nothing to do with us and Israel should be left to sort out its own mess.

[Stephen]

Because we’re busy bodies and don’t like to lose face with America, and that ‘close’ relationship.

They say jump and we say how high.

[oldbluefox]

So, OJ Simpson has snuffed it.

Simpson portrayed himself as a devout Christian…he must be sh*ting himself now that he’s about to meet his maker.

Alright....who's nicked the pearly gates?

[Onelife]

So, OJ Simpson has snuffed it.

Simpson portrayed himself as a devout Christian…he must be sh*ting himself now that he’s about to meet his maker.

Alright....who's nicked the pearly gates?

I would imagine it would be Nicole Brown if there is any justice to be had in this life or the next.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Perhaps a silly question (you know I like asking them!) but why are we (as in the UK) getting involved with the Iran/Israel war that appears to be developing? It has nothing to do with us and Israel should be left to sort out its own mess.

I agree David. Israel knew exactly what would happen when they attacked Iranian interests. They knew Iran would have to respond and, bingo, they have. So Israel is now playing the victim card again and their allies that were becoming uneasy about their behaviour in Gaza are suddenly back on side. A totally cynical move with no regard for the consequences for the wider world.

[Onelife]

Perhaps UK’s involvement has something to do with Iran’s support for terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and others who want to see the complete destruction of Israel and those living within.
If the UK and its allies withdrew support for Israel, we would eventually see the same thing happening to Israel people as is happening to the people Gaza…but in a far more brutal way.

[towny44]

Perhaps UK’s involvement has something to do with Iran’s support for terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and others who want to see the complete destruction of Israel and those living within.
If the UK and its allies withdrew support for Israel, we would eventually see the same thing happening to Israel people as is happening to the people Gaza…but in a far more brutal way.

Although I agree with much of your comments, I am not sure that the citizens of Gaza would agree that what they are suffering could be any less brutal.

[oldbluefox]

I think the manner by which Hamas attacked the Israelis was extremely brutal. It was entirely wicked and atrocious in equal measure.
In terms of suffering imposed neither side can claim the moral high ground.

[Onelife]

Perhaps UK’s involvement has something to do with Iran’s support for terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and others who want to see the complete destruction of Israel and those living within.
If the UK and its allies withdrew support for Israel, we would eventually see the same thing happening to Israel people as is happening to the people Gaza…but in a far more brutal way.

Although I agree with much of your comments, I am not sure that the citizens of Gaza would agree that what they are suffering could be any less brutal.

There is undoubtably suffering on both sides but I doubt many will have gone through what this young girl, and others have/are having to endure.

I think if the citizens of Gaza really knew what happened on Oct 7th, then they would understand why they are suffering.

https://www.dw.com/en/mother-of-gaza-ho ... o-68088174

[Mervyn and Trish]

I fully agree that what Hamas did was truly awful. I also agree Israel has a right to self defence and to respond.

Where we disagree totally is that I do not believe it justifies Israel's disproportionate (in numbers) and equally brutal slaughter of women, children, babies and other innocents.

I also do not believe that will solve the problem. It will be impossible to eliminate Hamas totally and every fresh attack will recruit more. Unless of course Israel plan to wipe out the entire Palestinian population, which would be equally as appalling an any such plan Hamas, Iran or anyone else has for them.

The only solution is the two state solution, and under that for both to be content with the land they have and Israel to desist from the pattern of wars, land grabs and illegal settling that it has indulged in for years, which is at the root of why their neighbours hate them.

[Onelife]

Whilst I agree that a two-state system could be the best solution, it is the doctrine of Hamas and the fear of Israel that keeps them miles apart.

Take away the fear and you have the platform to negotiate a better way forward.

[Mervyn and Trish]

A managed two state solution, perhaps by the UN, could remove both. The current slaughter will solve neither.

[Ray B]

It's always been a volatile area and always will. Religion seems to be the problem to live in peace

[Onelife]

I suppose in its purest sence religion has its place for those who believe, but for those like myself, religion is nothing more than invented stories to be used and manipulated by those who wish to control.

Throughout history many wars have been justified by having God/s of every description on its side. I therefore agree with Ray in that religion is often the obstacle to negotiated peace.

[Onelife]

I found this article very interesting/enlightening...it’s long but well worth a read.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/20 ... -the-west/

[david63]

I found this article very interesting/enlightening...it’s long but well worth a read.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/20 ... -the-west/

Having seen some of her interview last night I am of the opinion that she is somewhat delusional.