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Fraser (there we go how's that? :)) - Sorry my mistake, phoned up my friend Safi and she says it's a niqab her and her sisters wear not a burqa (although her aunt wears a burqa apparently, but she's the only one in the family who does) I didn't realise there was a difference in name to the garment which actually covers the whole face and the one that is open around the eyes, are they also different in length or does that not matter? (just out of curiosity)I never said the rubbish and cars were in any way connected to Islamic culture, sorry if it came across that way. All I meant by questioning whether anyone had asked about it in the mosque is that it may just be a misunderstanding and something that had been overlooked, or it may have been a handful of people being inconsiderate and the imam could've brought it up, and reminded them of the importance of cleanliness and regard for others. I don't really think I'd go so far as calling crappy parking antisocial, only because it I feel it undermines real antisocial behaviour (that is aggressive, intimidating or disruptive as apposed to just thoughtless, inconvenient and a bit selfish) but that's just my opinion, it's not necessarily the right one, or a shared one.I've never once doubted Robin's passion in his beliefs, I like passion, passion is good (without it the world would be a very slow and boring place indeed) which is why I suggested he perhaps relook the way he engages in debates and puts his points across, because I think quite often he does himself and the people he's defending a bit of a disservice. Again, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say brave (I mean, I've never met him so he may be, I'm just going by forum standards), after all this is only a forum, on the internet and no matter what you say there probably aren't going to be any life-altering consequences, and nobody's going to turn around and give you a black eye.Without wanting to sound patronising I find it deeply upsetting to hear what you're going through, it must be awful for you and your family, I don't even want to imagine what it must be like to have that lurking in your mind every day. Everything you've said in regards to the BNP, scale, etc. in the last paragraph or so of your post is true. The only thing I will say is not to belittle the danger of what something has the capacity to be just because other dangers are currently bigger or more imminent. I'm sure nobody knew the Nazis would do what they did in the beginning either. There's alot more violence, hatred, danger and blind racism in the BNP than they'd have you believe in their syrupy manifestos.Anyway enough of all that, hope you have a great time with your family and enjoy Eid and your time away. :)

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6098d

IanIf I have Fran's permission to respond to you, yes the original raison d'etre of the ALMOs has been fulfilled and as things currently stand there is certainly a lot of discussion going on, not least amongst the ALMOs themselves, as to what the future might hold as we could conceivably be left with a hard choice to make, or indeed no choice.  This has nothing to do with political malice or some dogmatic fixation about wanting to sell off stock as Dave seems to believe, it's just a hard fact and would be no less of a fact under a different administration.At the worst moments during the Review I seriously toyed with the idea of bringing the service back in-house, but I did so only because the ALMO was politically out of control and effectively refusing to recognise the new administration and to work with its own parent company, which was of course a completely ridiculous and unacceptable situation.  This created problems for me as Lead Member because there was likely to have been some resistance to such a move from our own coalition partners, somw of whom are ideologically committed to smaller rather than larger government locally and nationally.In the event there were some organisational changes at Hounslow Homes and just at the right moment I sensed a certain amount of "give", which I felt could be encouraged.  As I result I took the risk of continuing with the ALMO and thankfully the relationship now is infinitely better.This doesn't of course change the fact of the situation that you speak of.  At some point it could possibly be that for reasons beyond our control either we or another administration might have to make a decision about either taking the service back in-house or considering stock transfer.  My personal preference, like yours, would be for an in-house service but if whatever government is in office at that time decides to "encourage" one option and/or to "discourage" another then we may not have the luxury of effectively being able to take that decision for ourselves.The good news is that, if stock trnasfer is to become the only realistic option, there are some new community-led models coming on stream in various parts of the country which at least have the advantage of not being profit-driven.But all that is speculation at this moment in time.  As things stand today we have Hounslow Homes and, whilst there are always problems and improvements can always be made, I believe it is doing a pretty good job under difficult circumstances.

Phil Andrews ● 6098d

Stephanie, -Forgive me but it’s unclear to whom you’re addressing your comments... With respect, I think you’re confusing a burqa with a tarha or even a niqab. If the women you know really do wear a burqa for evening prayer, however, they’re in a very small minority. It's custom to cover the head and bosom, not the whole face.Furthermore, “the rubbish and cars” that you mention do not adhere to Islamic culture or belief. Given the requirement for ritual ablution, cleanliness, modesty and regard for others, one may argue the “the rubbish and cars” may have not only have been antisocial, but contrary to the spirit of Islam.If the local football club behaved in a similar manner, they too would be antisocial.  ---We can all be comical at times. Robin, however, is evidently passionate about what he believes - and brave too. His personal loyalty is a virtue.As for Redwatch, it’s disgusting. I do know what it’s like to be “on a website knowing that it's only there so people can pick you out with the intention of doing you harm”... ...I’ve been name-checked for this reason on a British Islamist website and, more to the point, my family in the Middle East are subject to a death sentence issued by a ‘cleric’ granted asylum in the UK. Technically, this fatwa also applies to my wife, children and me. I hope you’ll forgive me for regarding this as more of a personal clear and present danger than the BNP.Likewise, my Arab father-in-law also regards recent British foreign policy as more of a danger than the BNP.So, as I’ve said once here already, fisking a ‘big’ evil doesn’t excuse the smaller ones, but does provide a sense of scale.As for the BNP, I imagine both of us could give a list of “absolutely disgusting things they have said and done”. Fortunately, the list wouldn’t include playing a pivotal role in manipulating events that led to the violent deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.Thankfully, the BNP don’t have access to official intelligence. While we can all speculate as to what the BNP might or might not do, a Labour government spun the UK into the Iraq invasion, helping precipitate the needless chaos, suffering and slaughter. This is not open to speculation. ---I’m flying tomorrow morning to celebrate Eid with family. Excuse me if I don’t contribute for a few weeks. Peace, health and happiness to everyone here.

Fraser Pearce ● 6098d

“Ah, as I thought, you can give no examples.”Refusing to repeat puerile, deliberate and disrespectful mangling of peoples’ names ain’t the same as not being able to provide examples. ---“You have chosen to ally yourself with them in forum debates.”People have attempted to portray others as racists. By attempting to ally me with them, have tried to tar me with the same brush.I would defend you should similar circumstances arise. ----“Probably because an Asian or North African Muslim would be unlikely to associate themselves with the utterances and the people that you choose to.”Another example of the old Muslims-think-alike meme.  Nowt like a bit of stereotyping.----“Sorry, but are you now acting as an apologist for the BNP? If not, then why bring them into it? I have heard Nick Griffin point out that it was Labour, not the BNP, that took us to war." At last, an apology – coupled with another attempted smear.Was Nick Griffin wrong on the above point, by the way?I was repeating a point raised by my father-in-law when over here during the recent elections - the point being that the real-life consequences of Labour policy in Iraq are orders of magnitude worse than the actions of the BNP.Then again, perhaps my brown skinned Arab father’s an apologist for the BNP too.----"As someone who distributed leaflets against the projected war myself I fail to see how what happened in Iraq is any excuse for racism at home.”It isn’t. Fisking a ‘big’ evil doesn’t excuse the smaller ones, it merely provides a sense of scale.---“With all the Europhobia you have come out with, your accusations of "bigotry" have a very hollow ring.”Nice try, but you’re out of your depth on this one - seemingly unable to distinguish between a 16 year old political construct called the ‘European Union’ and the venerable group of countries that constitute ‘Europe’ (clue: Switzerland’s in one but ain’t in the other, whereas Turkey or Algeria may one day be in one but definitely not in the other).I also presume you’re unaware the EU itself makes official distinction between the EU, the countries of Europe and the citizens within these countries – a distinction I adhere to here when explaining the consequences of policy, law, Regulation and Directive.Just for the record though, my children are German, their nationality chosen thanks to our shame over the British government’s actions in Iraq. Their godparents are German (Europe and EU), French (Europe and EU), Spanish (Europe and EU) and Danish (Europe and EU) – all these people seconded like me to the Commission (EU, not Europe). Regardless, don’t let nuance, policy and the law stand in the way of another attempted smear. Such accusations of ‘Europhobia’, however, have a very hollow ring when you seemingly can’t tell the difference between a political bureaucracy and a geographical landmass.

Fraser Pearce ● 6098d

DaveThat was a complete non-answer, even by your standards.  The Hounslow Homes Management Review of 2006/07 set out our stall for the management of the local authority's housing stock until 2012, well into the next administration of which the ICG may or may not be a part.  At that Review I faced a barrage of hostility right across the board - from both senior officers and the Board at Hounslow Homes, from political elements within the unions, and from HFTRA.  All of this was being orchestrated by my political opponents in the Labour Party.  Having faced all that opposition down, the temptation to get Hounslow Homes out of my community's life for once and for all was huge.  And yet in spite of everything I had been subjected to I took the decision to give the ALMO a vote of confidence for a minimum of five more years subject to a few small changes on the Tenant Participation front (which were the cause of all the disquiet), which in my view was the correct thing to do given its generally good performance.I am at a loss to understand what you mean by the sale of homes unless you are referring to those we lose under RTB, which these days are down to single figures in any given year.  I cannot stop homes being sold under RTB, it was national legislation introduced by the Conservative government in the 1980s and maintained by the Labour government post-1997.Whether it computes with you or not it is a simple fact that the current non-Labour administration, under myself and more recently under Councillor Jon Hardy, has authorised the first local authority New Build for many years.You clearly don't read my reports, only your own completely baseless propaganda.  But no doubt the facts won't stop you telling residents on your election leaflets that we've privatised all the local authority's housing stock.  After all, some might call it dishonesty but you guys call it politics, don't you?

Phil Andrews ● 6098d

"I was kind of struck by this half-sentence and by your reference to your "pro-diversity views", which kind of implies that those who disagree with you are in some way "anti-diversity"."Hmm, I'm don't think that was a deliberate implication (if at all, I can't say that was how it came across to me).I'd like to think we're all mature enough here to accept and acknowledge that we can share some views and similarities while at the same time be divided on others. This is also what I was trying to say to Robin before about not basing your immediate opinions of people on what political party they support, it's rarely the best way to define someones character."I still can't see to way you think it's ok for jim to be repeatedy abusive in regards to myself" I saw the thing about the sheep, I didn't really get it. Is it just because your name sounds a bit like 'Ewes' or is there more substance to the sheep issue?To be honest I didn't really think that was particularly funny either, although I get the impression he's only doing it because he knows it winds you up, just ignore it.And before you say 'well why should I ignore it but everyone gets up in arms about me retaliating?' making a silly sheep pun on someones name is juvenile (I'd almost stretch it to mildly irritating) but it's hardly up there with telling someone you hope they die soon. Don't insult your own intelligence by implying you think it is."You are new here or by the length of your message it's another Andrews wind ups."Beg your pardon, are you insinuating what I think you are?? Yep, you've got me there, that's absolutely what it is, I'm definately Phil Andrews. *rolls eyes*

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6098d

I agree with so much of what you say, Stephanie, especially in defence of Muslim women and against the BNP. (It's an additional and interesting fact that despite your major differences with the local MP, if there's one thing she has always stood firm on it's her utter revulsion of the NF/BNP).I understand, also, what you say about Dave Hughes. All I can say is that I don't think his remark was intended to be serious. If someone told me to "drop dead" or something similar, I would just laugh it off as good old fashioned political banter.Regarding your comment about me to the effect that:-"You don't just quote back things people say though Robin, you get really overdefensive and to be honest quite melodramatic as soon as someone says something you don't like. It's like I said to you before, it's a huge character flaw because people become completely desensitised to you. It makes you quite a comical figure, so at your own disservice when you do say anything that would ordinarily hold weight people automatically dismiss it because they're so used to listening to the petty cheap shots and the ranting. It's a shame, because sometimes you make good points, you're just not very good at making them!"I'm really sorry if that's the way I come across, Stephanie, and I will reflect upon what you say - because I can tell you mean it sincerely (and you do seem to share my own pro-diversity views, so it's not as if you're saying this as an ideological opponent).It's hard to believe but I spend so much of my spare time posting on here - and doing other Labour Party stuff - that I've actually never had the chance to re-read some of my own postings. I'll now make time to review some of these and reflect accordingly.

Robin Taylor ● 6098d

Ok, to start with lets all take a deep cleansing breath... Are you sitting comfortably? Good, then I'll begin.."it’s fine to wish someone were “dead soon” but beyond the pale to describe the antisocial behaviour of a local religious/community centre."No it's not ok to wish someone were dead soon, and I think David has cut off his nose to spite his face with that one really because personally I have little interest in anything else someone may have to say if that's how he chooses to conduct himself in an argument/debate/whatever you'll call it, which is a pity, and I'm sure I'm not alone.However it's also definately not ok to describe someones behaviour as 'antisocial' (and actually I never saw Jim use that word, so that's an opinion of yours?) when all they're doing is behaving in a way that adheres to their culture and religious beliefs. Burkas are black, and most muslim women wear burkas (even modern muslims who are a little more lax with the traditional requirements and tend to just wear a hijab will still wear a full burka for evening prayer, well at least the ones I know do.)They couldn't help it if it was raining, just like Jim couldn't either. He was driving carefully in the rain and nobody got hurt, what's the problem? If there are so many people attending prayer in that particular building that they are spilling out into the streets in a manner that's dangerous then that says to me that perhaps they need some bigger/better facilities? Like.. Say.. An extension? (how would this have affected the residents exactly?)I can understand that the rubbish and cars would be a problem but did anyone talk to the imam about it?As for "engulfing the dainty Englishness of the area", as you said, this is no longer the dynamic of London, we are fortunate to be a diverse, vibrant, multiracial city, benefiting from a wealth of culture, food, language and knowledge from all over the world. It's something we should be very proud of.“What, you mean I smear people just by quoting back at them the things they say? In that case, surely they have smeared themselves.”You don't just quote back things people say though Robin, you get really overdefensive and to be honest quite melodramatic as soon as someone says something you don't like. It's like I said to you before, it's a huge character flaw because people become completely desensitised to you. It makes you quite a comical figure, so at your own disservice when you do say anything that would ordinarily hold weight people automatically dismiss it because they're so used to listening to the petty cheap shots and the ranting. It's a shame, because sometimes you make good points, you're just not very good at making them!Oh the BNP, where on earth do I start? for your little list of things the BNP 'didn't do' I could give you a list of absolutely disgusting things they have said and done (I'll post it if you like, but only at request because this post is getting mammoth enough already). Somebody (David I think) mentioned Redwatch, it's very real and completely vile. Last time I checked I was on it, so are many many friends of mine. Do you know what it's like to have your picture up on a website knowing that it's only there so people can pick you out with the intention of doing you harm? I live alone with my 2 year old daughter and the idea of it sometimes keeps me awake at night."Likewise, it wasn’t the BNP who deliberately distorted sound intelligence that helped spin Britain into a war that precipitated the violent deaths of thousands of brown-skinned people"The BNP DO deliberately distort sound intelligence, with the purpose of fearmongering and trying to incite racial hatred and sugar-coat policies the Nazis used (I believe some are almost verbatum). The only difference is the war they're after will be a war at home.This thread is rapidly decending into a very ugly train wreck, I think perhaps it would be best to abandon it.

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6098d

"Examples of getting names wrong? I'll leave it to you to check your past postings."Ah, as I thought, you can give no examples."You just, for example, attempted an oblique smear by extrapolating a connection between AMJA, Jim Lawes and me."And precisely how does that constitute a "smear"? You have chosen to ally yourself with them in forum debates."As for racism and Islamophobia, why do I get the feeling you wouldn't smear an Asian or North African Muslim in the guilt-by-association way you just smeared me?"Probably because an Asian or North African Muslim would be unlikely to associate themselves with the utterances and the people that you choose to."Likewise, it wasn't the BNP who deliberately distorted sound intelligence that helped spin Britain into a war that precipitated the violent deaths of thousands of brown-skinned people. Nor did the BNP out, humiliate and chase Dr David Kelly into an early grave to help spin us into that war (and the BNP didn't out Orcada either)."Sorry, but are you now acting as an apologist for the BNP? If not, then why bring them into it? I have heard Nick Griffin point out that it was Labour, not the BNP, that took us to war. As someone who distributed leaflets against the projected war myself I fail to see how what happened in Iraq is any excuse for racism at home."Your lectures on racism might have greater resonance if you didn't so regularly broadcast your own prejudice or so rarely stray outside the narrow tramlines of your own bigotry."Lol! With all the Europhobia you have come out with, your accusations of "bigotry" have a very hollow ring.

Robin Taylor ● 6098d

Robin – Examples of getting people’s names wrong? I’ll leave it to you to check your past postings.----“What, you mean I smear people just by quoting back at them the things they say? In that case, surely they have smeared themselves.”Nope. By extrapolating what others say and then using your own conclusions against them, that’s what I mean. You just, for example, attempted an oblique smear by extrapolating a connection between AMJA, Jim Lawes and me.As for racism and Islamophobia, why do I get the feeling you wouldn’t smear an Asian or North African Muslim in the guilt-by-association way you just smeared me?Then again, what’s good for the goose ain’t good for the gander and, in the apparatchik world of tribal relativism, it’s fine to wish someone were “dead soon” but beyond the pale to describe the antisocial behaviour of a local religious/community centre.Likewise, it wasn’t the BNP who deliberately distorted sound intelligence that helped spin Britain into a war that precipitated the violent deaths of thousands of brown-skinned people. Nor did the BNP out, humiliate and chase Dr David Kelly into an early grave to help spin us into that war (and the BNP didn’t out Orcada either).As for ‘broadcasting’ my personal circumstances, these have been mentioned to qualify specific statements on specific subjects. Once again though, I doubt you’d use such a loaded word against an Asian or North African when describing personal examples of being on the receiving end of racism or ‘Islamophobia’. Your lectures on racism might have greater resonance if you didn’t so regularly broadcast your own prejudice or so rarely stray outside the narrow tramlines of your own bigotry. Four legs good, two legs bad.

Fraser Pearce ● 6098d

Mr "I've got bleeding lips W4.com" Taylor, you do keep stirring and stirring twaddle don't you.Why shouldn't Phil be able to dis-associate himself from remarks I made some three/four years about black clad women in Isleworth? Why?  They were my remarks not Phil's. Leave 'im alone!And why shouldn't I be able to describe the scene as I saw it. I passed my "O" level English exam so why shouldn't I use descriptive language if it was appropriate and more clearly able to describe what I observed. .I had been concerned that the old Church of England Hall in Thornbury Road...that for many many years had be used as a mailing house ...had been taken over by an Islamic Group for gatherings.More than anything it was the rubbish that was allowed to accumulate outside the building, the cars parked all over the place, the threat of expansion to the rear..affecting many residencies..and the prospect of masses of people from 4am till late in the evening assembling in the area. Local residents were mightily concerned.I certainly wasn't happy about the arrival of perhaps a Saudi Arabian financed mosque in Spring Grove...but one has to accept that the colossal number of incomers that has moved into the area in the past 15 years..will engulf the dainty Englishness of the area that one had so long cherished.So one evening I was easing down Thornbury Road in my van, headlights on and in the rain..and I came upon the area of the new prayer hall.  Now these women weren't wearing white clothing..nor did they have torches, nor did they pay any attention the the Highway Code for pedestrians.They swarmed across th road from all angles (from their cars) paying no attention to my having right of way. It was as though my path had been invaded by a swarm of black ants.  Lucky no one got injured.  That's it.So what's the problem?

Jim Lawes ● 6098d

GarethThe following message was posted yesterday on the TW7 site by a Mr. Robin Guest.  Have you ever encountered a person of this name?  He seems remarkably well-informed, if a little economical with the actualité:"...you need to understand the other side of the story before you can make a considered judgement. Councillor Andrews is using the review of Hounslow Homes to force changes which will not be for the benefit of your residents and tenants. He has found himself in a position of immense power, literally the power to bring down the council executive at any time of his choosing if it doesn't follow his agenda. He is using this power to drive changes which are motivated by a personal vendetta against the Chief Executive of Hounslow Homes. Either that or he will bring it under his own control by introducing new measures which will enable him to keep a tight rein on the organisation's purse strings, despite its proven effectiveness in the field. Where this suggestion is concerned he has cleverly manipulated the situation to bring officers of the council on side, knowing they would be impressed by proposals to transfer responsibility and hence control back to themselves. In exchange they are now assisting him in his other schemes."Councillor Andrews continues to peddle the untruth that he and other Isleworth councillors have lacked the co-operation of Hounslow Homes staff, even to the extent of blaming the unfortunate stand-off on Ivybridge solely on officers. At a very recent meeting of the review working party he effectively issued an ultimatum that unless he gets exactly what he wants on Ivybridge he will wind-up an organisation which has achieved an excellent three-star rating from the Audit Commission and which is the envy of housing providers everywhere."This is utterly proposterous and is the reason why Hounslow Homes and HFTRA have been taking a tough stance against him. Everybody recognises that there is a problem on Ivybridge which needs to be dealt with and officers as well as HFTRA have been working hard for ymany ears for a solution, obstructed along the way I have to say by Councillor Andrews who would appear to have successfully advised Ivytag and its supporters to boycott the various initiatives and to keep the estate in a state of conflict. Six invitations from an independent member of the Hounslow Homes board to Councillor Andrews trying to facilitate discussions were not answered. He was asked to pass these letters on to other protagonists such as yourself. Were you aware of them?"If the new executive permits Councillor Andrews to continue using his position of power to pursue his objectives it will be impossible for Hounslow Homes to operate effectively, morale will deteriorate and performance will inevitably suffer. Staff are already considering leaving the organisation. But he has closed all channels of communication between the ALMO and the leadership of the council, meaning that everything has to pass through him. The new executive needs to take a bold decision and relieve him of his office before he can deliver his agenda. It should leave him to deal with the community safety aspect of his portfolio, where he seems to be performing a good job and enjoying a very good working relationship with officers."Ivytag would do itself a big favour if it were to reduce Councillor Andrews influence in any negotiations to an absolute minimum and work constructively with Hounslow Homes and HFTRA to produce a viable solution to Ivybridge's problems."

Phil Andrews ● 7178d

DavidYou seem to have boundless mental energy,be crazily misdirected and make ..in my view..appalling judgements about fairly important matters. Thankfully you were not re-elected for your west of Hounslow ward.Yes, you will no doubt be delighted with your wife's  achievement in having your swaddle story about Cllr Thompson's pay and attendance at the Civic Centre being splattered on the front page of the BC&I Times today. Let's hope that readers will have sense to stand back and think about it...and about the Conservative leader's team and style of operation and direction.I don't know the facts..but I would assume that Cllr Thompson will attend many many meetings per month..and will spend much time pouring over Reports and Statistics and after thinking time..will be making important opinions and liaising with his talented team.You boldly state that he will be paid £500 for one days work each week..and then base your stupid opinion on that lone incorrect fact. I reckon he will still spend some 150 hours per month on Council business..at a high level..and that could be deemed to amount to 1800 hours in a year..and for £20,000 that will work out at £11 per hour.Now few of your Union mates will do an hours work for that sum of money..and therefore I reckon Cllr Thompson will be very good value for money.You ask..""I am sure the public would be delighted to see what Cllr Thompson gets?????""  It really is beyond belief that the previous Labour Party Council placed you in such a key position at the Civic Centre. No wonder they rarely appear on this Forum these days.  I don't wish to be rude to you..but you're irrepressible ..like other difficult cases floating around the Forums.I'll never forget your outburst (10 new Topics..all in capital letters) when you took over the Chiswick Forum one Saturday evening. Fortunately the Webmaster deleted them all...fairly quickly.Thank goodness that Ruth Cadbury and Matt Harmer are still around doing well...offsetting in part some poor performances from local Labour Party activists like your goodself.

Jim Lawes ● 7180d