JimLike Barney Rogerson, Alan Barry and various of our other critics on the forum Sheldon would appear to be new to the area, which makes his vocal and oft-peddled hostility towards an independent and non-party political community organisation which is just trying to empower local people difficult to understand. This is why most users of this forum to whom I have spoken suspect that he is not, as the saying goes, what it says on the tin.If Sheldon really exists then I unreservedly apologise for doubting him, although under the circumstances and given the proliferation of anti-ICG postings on this forum from non-existent people which have had to be removed by the mods for breaching the Code of Conduct I don't think my doubts are unreasonable.If Sheldon is who I think he is then his nerve in questioning the ICG's selection procedures is astounding. New Labour selection meetings are the stuff of legend, with legal challenges, fist-fights, allegations of vote-rigging, internal inquiries, whole families and even whole streets being signed up to influence the vote and much more besides. It is frequently the case that more votes are cast than there are people at the meeting. The selection process in Hounslow Central is currently in the hands of the courts, and one could reasonably ask, if they treat each other like this, just how much honesty and openness can us lesser mortals expect from them when they are running the council?What Sheldon doesn't mention is how easy it is for people to join the ICG. Unlike with the political parties there is no party line or ideological discipline. There isn;t even a membership fee. You fill out a form and you're a member. As a result, and in consideration of the fact that our most vociferous critics demonstrably operate at the opposite end of the moral spectrum, it is necessary as Paul states for us to have a degree of internal security which would prevent those who wish us ill from taking advantage of our openness and transparency.For these of all people to suggest that it is the ICG which operates in an undemocratic or underhand manner just demonstrates their sheer unmitigated gall, and the fact that they demand of others standards which they fall a very long way below themselves.
Phil Andrews ● 7045d