Forum Topic

Well deserved and not before time.

I'll be rising a glass to Sir Ian Botham,scourge of the Aussies and a man who played it hard,fair and to the limit.Wish we had another one like him.

Keith Iddon ● 6558d17 Comments

'Hardly a justification for a knighthood''This sounds more like my enemy's enemy is my friend'bet we can guess on the next grouping of 2 for a life peerage.

Sarah Felstead ● 6555d

This sounds more like my enemy's enemy is my friend. I can't see what he has done that is culturally or personally worthwhile.

Colin Murphy ● 6555d

'Hardly a justification for a knighthood'Aren't many knighthoods difficult to justify? I'll freely admit that the whole system is rubbish but at least in this case a positive message has been sent out. I'm no royalist but  the Queen in particular deserves praise. She probably didn't pick Rushdie but she certainly could have vetoed him.

Andy Jones ● 6555d

Hardly a justification for a knighthood

John Connelly ● 6555d

I did struggle through Midnight's Children but can't say I enjoyed it. Apart from that nothing.To me his merits as an author are irrelevant. The important thing is that it has been shown that no compromise has been made on free speech. I would be happy to concede that Rushdie wrote Satanic Verses in order to deliberately court controversy and underestimated the backlash but it is important to send out a message to those calling for him to be killed that we will be steadfast in opposition to them.

Andy Jones ● 6555d

Have you ever read one of his books ?

Pat Kingham ● 6556d

I think it is fantastic that Rushdie has been awarded a knighthood. It sends out a very clear message that there is no compromise on the support for free speech in this country. Some bearded morons have been burning the Queen in effigy since it happened. Personally I'm in favour of anything that annoys these people.

Andy Jones ● 6556d

Oh well.  Try againIt often occurs to me that if 'somebody' were out to undermine and ridicule the honours system, they would run it in the way it is being (seemingly) run at present.:-(

Sarah Felstead ● 6557d

It often occurs to me that is 'somebody' was out to ridicule and undermine the honours system, they would run it in the way it is being (seemingly) run at present.

Sarah Felstead ● 6557d

Patricia,At the time Islamic Fundamentalists were yelling for Salman Rushdie's  head, I borrowed "The Satanic Verses" from our local library;  couldn't make head nor tale of it, and didn't try any others.  He would be a bit high fallutin' for my taste.Isn't he a pal of Tony's and a frequent visitor to No. 10?  Might this explain the knighthood?  Or am I simply being unkind?

Ann S. Allridge ● 6557d

I just can't believe that Salman Rushdie was knighted - what was that all about, when he cost us millions in protection. Has anyone ever read anything of his ?

Pat Kingham ● 6557d

Jim,You and I know only too well how an brief comment can bring down upon one's head the fires of conflict...........!

Ann S. Allridge ● 6557d

Is this how wars start?

Jim Lawes ● 6558d

John,I agree that her work is worthy of recognition but what has it to do with Ian Botham?If you are not interested in commenting on the subject of the thread,especially as it is the first reply,start your own celebrating her activities.

Keith Iddon ● 6558d

Locally, Kathryn Turner, who has worked tirelessly for years to establish the Shooting Star Children's Hospice has received an MBE.I am not a fan of honours lists. However, unsung heroes like Kathryn deserve recognition if anybody does.

John Connelly ● 6558d