dippyhippy

Only 1,979 people responded to this consultation. Of these, 37% said that they thought the tenanted farms should be sold off... so less than 740 people. If the council insist that the results of this 'consultation' give them a mandate to act, then perhaps they should keep in mind that top of the list of services folks want to keep, is keeping children and young people safe. Yet in the last few months, we have had the fight to save Ledbury Road and now the battle to keep SHYPP. I struggle to separate the plan to sell off all of the counties small holdings, and the SLR. To me, they are inextricably linked. I would have gone down the route that Scrutiny suggested. Alas.... the recommendations from this committee were not worth the paper they were printed on. Which makes me even more certain, that the decision regarding the fate of these farms had already been made. I too, have previously stated my support for an increase in council tax to enable vital services and resources to be protected. However, my faith in this conservative council to protect the vulnerable is exceptionally low. As with the government, they have no real interest in helping those with the most need in society.

Interesting point, Rebecca, about 'the debt left by the labour government'. I quote 'A lie gets halfway round the world, before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.' Try reading 'Finally Exposed! The Deficit Myth' by blogger Ramesh Patel..... it's extremely enlightening!

Succinctly put, Osmosis. This is exactly what the Tories want. Interesting to note that nobody has picked up on The Guardian news story, that a German teen age girl has now admitted that she lied about being kidnapped and raped by migrants. I guess this wouldn't fit the agenda of the majority view on this thread.....

A lot of activity on this thread, in the past 24 hours.... A really good read, is a piece called "What History Can Teach Us About The Worst Refugee Crisis Since WW2" A few quotes..' Some nations have locked down their borders, crammed refugees into transit camps, and said they won't take in Muslims, creating alarming echoes of the past for WW2 historians and holocaust survivors.' 'Over 2,700 people have died this year at Europe's borders. A lot of these would have been preventable, with a greater sense of urgency, and better political choices.' 'From the start of the Syria crisis, there has been an inadequate willingness to resettle Syrian refugees. The unspoken reason for this has been fear of admitting large numbers of Muslims. In Europe today, many people have a fear of immigration and terrorism, but there is a small but growing element of latent fascism.... xenophobic narratives need to be countered.' 'We need to help people to be able to help themselves. Refugees have skills, talents and aspirations, and the ability to contribute socially and economically. We should not be leaving people in limbo.' We can do more, we should do more. These folks are human, and deserve to have a decent life. Why is that such an alien concept for some to grasp??

Very interesting. Thanks for posting the link, Osmosis. Evening Ubique, yes... I've seen that story online at HT. I've left my two pence worth...

I've just watched a really positive and informative report on Central News. Herefordshire Council are reported as stating that we are welcoming 60 refugees. This is terrific news... and a great start. Hopefully we will be able to welcome many more.

Evening Steve! I guess it's just how I read it. Perhaps aggressive was not the best choice of word.... terse, sharp, maybe??.... that said, your response above comes across in a much less confrontational manner! I wasn't joking about the meditation. Honestly, once you get into it, it's brilliant! Helps with getting a good nights sleep too. A few minutes during the day leaves you re-energised.... it's fabulous! I've been using it for about ten years, and I can promise you, it has some real benefits!

In response to AP..... and others. This is how I interpreted your comment, in the context of the thread. However, there are some master manipulators who post on here. Folks who skew events to suit their views. Who deliberately misinterpret, take as gospel anything that is printed in The Daily Mail, and thinks Katie Hopkins speaks sense. So I bow to your greater knowledge and experience in this field... Obviously if I have misconstrued the thought processes behind your post, you have my most sincere and heartfelt apologies. (Evening Steve, I hope you don't mind me mentioning this.... your posts do come across in a rather aggressive manner! Have you considered meditation? It's a great way to relax, and a real stress buster.)

Precisely!

Good evening,Adrian Pitt. Sorry for the delay in response....Post number 175. So... it's fine for us to go to a foreign country, abuse the hospitality, break their laws, disrespect their culture.... because we've paid for the privilege, and it's part of the holiday??? This is a ridiculous statement. You're right. In as much as it is not a fair comparison. (I alluded to this in my post.) But not for the reasons you state. These children have endured more in their short lives, then you will hopefully ever have to see.

Bobby!!! Two posts.... two terrific posts! Wonderful words, from a wonderful man. So good to hear from you.

Actually, yes. I do get frustrated. But not because folks don't see things from my point of view. More that many don't seem willing to even try to see another perspective. I can put myself in others shoes, and understand concern, fear and worry about the situation. However, some don't want to try to imagine what it's like for refugees... and particularly child refugees. It's the repetition of arguments that frustrates me! Not any particular poster. When my blood pressure lowers, I'll return to this thread! It's late, so for now, me and my principles are off to the Land of Nod! Take care.

Oh, believe me... I don't feel in the least bit bullied or intimidated by you, Paul. Good grief. I've had trickier exchanges with a stroppy teenager! I just have better things to do with my time, than keep banging my head against this particular brick wall. Take care!

Predictably.... the usual pile on occurs, and any hope of a reasoned exchange of views goes out the window. I think I'll leave you to it for now.

And tattooing folks who end up in camps....I bet you would be all for that as well. Just a way of identifying them......

And you're perfectly entitled to that opinion, Frank! Obviously, I disagree. (Post number 166 above.... you were too quick, adding another comment.... then mine didn't make sense!)

Evening Steve.That is such a poor argument.... it really isn't worth any response. H..these are children. Children. Damaged, traumatised children. (And of course, no British youngsters ever go abroad and misbehave in any way??? Club 18 - 30 anyone?? Malia. Sex, drugs, binge drinking and fights....! Not that the two can really be compared in terms of where they come from, and what they've endured. )

Good evening. Well....Surprise, surprise....I completely disagree with Katie Hopkins.... self appointed "voice of the people". (She certainly does not speak for me.) Her only purpose is to come out with 'controversial' statements, which she knows will be reported. This then feeds her addiction for media coverage. A very sad individual. Why should a refugee have to wear a wristband, which is the equivalent of having a sign around their neck stating "I am a refugee"?? It surely can't have escaped your attention, but there is hostility in some sections of the community towards helping refugees, and the wearing of a wristband just makes it easier for them to be targeted! Personally, I'd like to see Katie Hopkins arrival anywhere, heralded by a large fog horn.That way, folks have a chance to avoid her, and not have to listen to the sanctimonious, divisive clap trap that she comes out with. Truly, the woman is an embarrassment .

Perhaps if I was still a child, had witnessed war, death and uncertainty. Had probably lost my parents, had to leave my homeland and all that I knew and loved. Had to make a dangerous trek to a foreign land, risked my life, possibly been targeted by child abusers/paedophiles/people traffickers, and ended up in a strange place where I didn't understand the language..... my behaviour might be affected. Just a thought.

You're so right, Adrian. Misuse of the services A and E provide is a continuing issue. Whether that be turning up, or ringing an ambulance first.... it's a problem that needs a radical rethink if we are to move forwards. Thank you for your kind wishes, I'm absolutely fine! Sending you my warmest regards, and a hope that your recovery continues.

Afternoon Cambo! The unaccompanied children I have mentioned, have arrived in Europe.... so not just in France, or specifically Calais. They are in camps right across the EU. This figure does not take into account the children who are in camps in Syria. Save the Children have provided the "best estimate" on numbers, which is 3000 in Europe. Hope this helps to clarify!

Hi Bill, in answer to your question about helping those in poverty here... to me the solution is that we don't help either/or, we help both. We can't solve the worlds problems, but I certainly feel that we can do more to help. Again, I'd like to reiterate that I have no intention of repeating past arguments! I have my principles... and I'm sticking with them!

Hi Frank, sorry just seen your reply. For me, children always take priority. That's not to say that we shouldn't be helping others, who are in desperate straits..... I'm not going to go through the lengthy debate I had on the other thread on this subject, I feel I've made my views very well known. I haven't changed my thoughts on this, and still feel there is far more that we as a country can do. Apologies for the 'bold' text... slight technical issue this evening.

I understand that the top three countries to host refugees are, Turkey, Pakistan and Lebanon.

Evening Frank, figures from Save The Children estimate there are well over 5000 unaccompanied children currently in camps across Europe... so not just Calais by any means. These kids are sitting ducks for the worst sort of predators; many may have already been lost. As a parent and a human, this breaks my heart. As Osmosis pointed out, the majority are orphans in all probability. They are in desperate need.