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AlanOn 4th October 2004, in response to a question on the Chiswick W4 forum asking whether the London Borough of Hounslow would be paying Regal Distribution for distribution of its magazine, which went out with Labour Party leaflets "contrary to instructions", you replied:  "i do not know about LBH but the Labour Party is certainly seeking a reduction in the charge for the problems caused"Several other postings from yourself similarly indicated that the Labour Party had a contract with Regal for distribution of its own election material.The following day you posted: "I will consider a complaint to the appropriate authority if (Councillor Andrews) doesn't withdraw his accusation."This statement was accompanied by a lot of the bluster and bombast to which seasoned Alan-watchers will know you always resort when you are in a corner. I didn't withdraw my accusation, and at a subsequent meeting of the Borough Council (after several attempts by the majority Labour Group to prevent the subject from being debated) I revealed that there had been no mention whatsoever in the Labour Party's Declaration of Election Expenses of any payment to or invoice from Regal, as would be required under electoral law had any arrangement existed between the party and Regal.As far as I am aware you have yet to file your promised complaint.I still have a copy of your expense returns from that election of which I am happy to publish a copy, and the meeting can still be viewed in full on the Council's webcast at www.hounslow.gov.uk.Despite the fact that the Labour Party had been so completely caught out lying and misusing taxpayer's money both local newspaper groups declined to carry what was obviously a major local news story.  The Times would not even publish a letter on the subject.  One can only presume that the same kind of pressure was brought to bear as that which has resulted in the Labour Party being granted the unique privilege of being able to view and respond to any readers' letters critical of the party before they are published, a ludicrous situation which remains in place today.There is an old adage about "when in a hole..." which you would be well advised to heed on this particular subject.

Phil Andrews ● 7283d

S’cuze me, but I will take that grin as a huge toothy cheesy one.  Don’t know about the eye patch though, especially with all these digs around about tunnel vision – I understand that you lose your 3D vision looking through one eye.  Maybe that is what we should be accusing the political people of, not so much tunnel vision but lacking 3D vision – “how does it work?”  My Father was an architect and I remember discussions between him and my Mother about things being ‘architecturally designed’.  She had an array of designer kitchen gadgets he used to bring home which she said looked good, but were often totally impractical.  I particularly remember this term being used during a discussion about siting kitchens in the middle of a house, with no windows.  Might even have been in one of Gareths tower blocks.  I think she held a good point of view, and it was valued and considered and maybe small points of view held these architectural ideas in check,the basis of teamwork.  The GB team here being the other elected representatives both in Labour and the other parties, who have been given their seats as MP’s for valuable reasons.As an observer I have often said that the whole political thing is quite strange.  And to a great extent you are right – I admit I am uneducated in these matters.  I find it very difficult to establish reason and values in all the squabbling.  This new notion we hear of in ‘respect’ - where in the political process, do you think this can be found?  It might be quite a novel idea, but how’s about somebody respecting my vote?  At the present it appears as if Parliament is controlled by a gang of ex double glazing salesmen – and what’s the first thing a double glazing salesman might do to get his sale?  Lie?I don’t know what you think I am being ‘presumptuous’ about.    I received an e-mail stating that the Lib Dems were proposing to give the vote to convicted paedophiles in prison.  I said in my posting I thought that the idea was to make me think ill of the Lib Dems and to switch my vote in a huff.  Doesn’t my impression of the e-mail, give you an understanding of where I am coming from?  … the e-mail didn’t actually say ‘this is intended to put you off the Lib Dems’.As far as flyers go – the worst one we received was on the election morning itself, from Labour.

Sarah Felstead ● 7284d