dippyhippy

Your correct, Clarkester. The whole point of a forum is debate..... and of course, that means differing views! I was making the point, perhaps badly, that as some members have said they have little interest in issues outside of Hereford, perhaps avoiding them would be a good idea?? I should have worded that better! In fact re reading this post, I still don't think I've really got across what I wanted..... Perhaps a coffee and a roll up will help....! (On the positive side.....I seem to have posted a lot on this thread! If you're only pulling me up on one point, I see that as a very good thing my friend!!)

And he's not just a "keyboard warrior" Steve. This man is out and about. Getting up front and in the faces of those who have much to hide.

Hi Rebecca, you may not like the words.... and it's not a phrase that I would ever use..... but I can assure you that Paul is NOT an idiot. He's about as far removed from that as it's possible to be!

Hi Colin! Thanks for the info. I'm hopeful that perhaps things will simmer down? Perhaps if folks who disagree/don't like a thread or posting style; avoid/ignore it? And - as it works both ways - if Paul perhaps moderates his responses to comments he disagrees with..... then maybe harmony could be restored??? It may never happen of course. But I'm eternally optimistic, on my sunny side of the street.......! And I'd love for Mr Cardin to return..... and keep ruffling those feathers of the turkeys who roost at Plough Lane! (Now you've confirmed he's not banned, I'm a little more optimistic than I was an hour ago!)

Afternoon again, Alex. Firstly, thank you for the kind words.... always appreciated. Secondly, I'm not in the Facebook or Twitter gang, so am not following any responses. Thirdly, I feel Colin is an excellent moderator. You'll not hear a bad word about him from me. And finally.... and perhaps this will rub folks up the wrong way..... on balance, even though toes have been trodden on, feelings hurt and harsh exchanges have taken place.... I still feel that we have shot ourselves in the foot. I can forgive the odd outburst, because what this man has done, and is doing...... is in a different league to the rest of us. Paul..... if you should be reading this... thank you.

Afternoon M.Preece. I do appreciate your response. I absolutely understand where you're coming from, when you say you refrain from commenting if you feel a topic is out of your depth..... however, what happens with the Tory Government, is going to effect us all. If your disabled, vulnerable, poor..... it's going to effect you badly. There will hopefully come a time in this country, when ordinary folk - like you and me - stand up, and say enough is enough! Paul has been doing precisely this for a long time. He realised long ago, what many are only just beginning to realise.

Hi Alex, thanks for responding! It's subjective isn't it?? And I guess we need to get a little perspective....... 1.A few posts, perhaps with hastily chosen and terse/harsh words..... 2.A life ruined. A career wrecked. A reputation ...gone. Do we compare the two, in the same terms?? I wouldn't. But that's just my opinion.

Afternoon Amanda! An organised meeting is a great idea. The Kindle Centre would make an excellent venue. I'm sure that with all the different aspects, SLR, Tram Plan, (possible)Eastern Crossing alternative, it would be well attended by interested parties.

Thanks for your response, Alex. And yes, Paul does work. (Extremely hard!) So your apology is appreciated!

Afternoon Alex! A quick question. Who are "They" that you refer to?? Hi M Preece, could you clarify for me..... "Moaning about this and groaning about that." Would this be Bullying? Abuse? Organised grooming gangs?? I don't believe I've ever noticed a contribution from you on any of the threads covering these subjects, so I'm unaware on your thoughts. Perhaps you don't feel that bullying, abuse etc. are worthy of a "moan"? I am interested to hear your opinion!

Well. I'm honestly disappointed that Paul has gone. I know he has trodden on toes. I know some members feel he has overstepped the mark. As a person who always tries to advocate good manners, I'm not condoning rudeness.... BUT. This is a man who delves into subject matter which few folks are willing to do. And this is a messy business. One, which doesn't always sit comfortably with sanitised, sunny responses. Paul moves in this world, day in and day out. I hope no member on this site thinks that Hereford is a place where nothing untoward ever happens...... because you would be very wrong. These things do happen. I guess perhaps we have to ask ourselves, is there a line in the sand?? Are some subjects off limits because we actually don't want to discuss them? We don't want to hear the detail? If the answer is yes, then maybe we should just stick with refuse collection and grass cutting schedules. Much less contentious. Much more comfortable all round.

Great! Lets make sure this petition gets plenty of publicity!

Oooops! I was attempting to say definite .....BUT! I typed it in a defiant manner!!! Yes. That's what happened. It was all carefully planned. A carefully planned comment, executed precisely as intended. Honestly.....

And that's a defiant plus! I hear he's a pretty good guy! Let's hope we can count on his support, should we need it in the future.

Chortle, chortle! Yes, and I'm on my well deserved post election blogging break..... that worked out brilliantly as well!!! Catch up soon..... and try to avoid that frying pan!

Absolutely, Pete. No matter where you live.... even in sleepy old Hereford, there is a need to be vigilant. Folks think "things like that" don't happen in the communities they live in. Abuse, bullying..... it's all here. There is plenty to be concerned about. (Great to have you back Mr.47!)

Indeed Denise. We need to be vigilant.

I guess the question remains...... Will Jesse back a campaign to stop the SLR.....or won't he??? I'm guessing from the wording of the rest of Archie's reply, that he won't. But on this issue, I would so love to be proved wrong.

Time to start anew then. I hope that now everybody has been honest about the failings, those of us that still yearn for a better political landscape in Hereford can start putting in the hard work that's going to be required over the next few years. I'm up for that challenge!

Completely unnecessary, yet somehow predictable. It's a sad fact, Clarkester, that the few will often ruin it for the many. Lots of folks were delighted when this was first installed. I know it has been used by many. Unfortunately, the mindless actions of a minority will see this spoilt. With the purse empty, it could be a while before anything vandalized is repaired or replaced. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if some of the equipment wasn't removed altogether, before it too becomes the subject of wanton destruction. A real shame. I only hope the two new play areas don't suffer the same fate.

Cambo..... I've looked at your sums.... they don't add up at all, do they???? Here in Hereford, where the preferred method of arithmetic is Council Maths, we are used to this. However, in this instance I feel that this anomaly needs further investigation. The question is..... by whom???

I've been following, with interest, the arguments surrounding The UK's plans to scrap the Human Rights Act. This is going to explode..... There maybe fallout that few were expecting.....

My ward Councillor is Anthony Powers, Denise. He's fully aware of this situation with the road, and I'm sure will be supportive of any attempts to get it halted.

A great idea. Let's give Jesse plenty to read.....! Can I ask.... are online objections now all systems go????

Very, very sad. The indefensible can never be defended. I'm touched that this post has been shared with us.