@AC
"Mmmm! and now the criminals know where they can get guns"
There are plenty of guns around for the criminals. Its the law abiding that go through the many hoops of insanity.
7085 publicly visible posts • joined 24 Oct 2011
Since the government isnt much good at this we can slim the government and civil service and have them not throw our money away on such projects. And since there are often off the shelf products and services able to achieve the same thing but actually exists (and less than the final blown budget) the UK gets stuff that works, on time and costs the tax payer less.
@TRT
"I was being sarcastic."
Ffs I saw your sarc tag and still hedged the wrong way. There was a time I could distinguish the difference between such humour/stupidity. Sorry for my mistake.
"I'll upvote you for continuing the discussion without resorting too much to personal abuse as so often can happen."
Appreciated and likewise. The line of personal responsibility and danger to others must be balanced but the way we are going we will be locking down for fear of the flu.
@AC
"A simple, "No." would have sufficed."
So no answer? You cant suggest a point in which we open back up? For a virus that isnt going away, will continue to mutate regardless of our actions, that the vulnerable are vaccinated for already and reopening the economy is absolutely necessary.
Instead you want a simple no to an irrelevant question which you would just move the goalposts? Stay posting as AC.
@TRT
"I'm going for a five mile hike to the shops without any sunscreen on. Bleeding nanny state."
I am not sure your making the argument you think your making. If you want to go on a 5 mile hike with no sunscreen in the heat wave guess what, go for it. Your an adult (assuming) so you are responsible for yourself. You have the information and so expected to use personal judgement.
If your argument is that mommy aint telling you what to do then there is little respect I can give to people with that view. Those are children and they need rearing into adults. Adults have to make their own decisions.
@AC
"Is your analysis based on a particular study/studies of single shot vaccine efficacy with respect to Delta variant infection and outcome? Could you share it/them?"
Let me guess where your next goal posts move to-
Is your analysis based on a particular study/studies of double shot vaccine efficacy with respect to Delta variant infection and outcome? Could you share it/them?
So at what point can we open the economy back up and people get on with their lives? That is an actual necessity so at what point can we do so?
@AC
"36 Million, out of a population of 67 Million, have received two jabs. Is that really, "Mission Accomplished"? (Hint: No it isn't.)"
And yet the vast majority of the protection is from the first jab AND its against a virus who's lethality is against those with underlying health conditions and the elderly. 2 groups vaccinated.
@Howard Sway
"How is someone expected to take "personal responsibility" and use "common sense" against an invisible virus?"
Great argument. And since there are many viruses out there and we manage to cope we can lift lockdown.
"The point of the precautionary principle is that it sets standards for minimising risk and helps to protect others from irresponsibility."
And then we got the vaccine for a virus that was dangerous to those who are vulnerable to the flu and a little more. So now we open up. This virus isnt going away. Its here, its staying and its gonna keep mutating. So we open back up again and live our lives because there aint much else to do about it.
"Why is there a speed limit outside schools?"
And yet the we dont grind the whole freaking country to horse and carriage speeds because that would be stupid.
"Surely that should also be left to personal responsibility too if your beliefs are consistent"
Why? Before covid in banks you specifically had to have no face coverings for security reasons. Limited restrictions with actual reason makes sense. Thats why we dont have school speeds on the motorway or anywhere outside of very restrictive usage. Because its a stupidly dumb idea.
"This stuff is too subtle and complex to be restricted to political slogans in my opinion."
Ok. So end lockdown as the easy to process 'slogans' for clapping and saving the NHS and instead return to the real world which is more complex than everyone gets a holiday.
"And if you want to know what will happen in a few weeks when everybody's been out partying after the end of restrictions, just look at what happened in Holland over the past month"
Hollands vaccination process is so bad people are pissed. They cant believe how slow it is (in the EU ofc) but also aint taking well to the lockdowns. The previous lockdowns got lifted after various riots and you should hear how happy they are about the increasing lockdowns to come.
Compare that to the UK who is vaccinated and its no longer considered a pandemic in the UK but also we actually need to reopen the economy. Its not a desire but damn necessary.
"It's the same virus, so expect the same here. Again."
And if we cant get rid of the virus and lockdown is not a valid solution as proven by all the complaining about the virus, the only choice is to open back up and people take their own precautions.
"many restrictions are being lifted with a shift of emphasis onto greater personal judgement and responsibility"
Those words strike so much fear in some people. How many people are crying how bad the government is but then want the nanny state telling them what to do. I guess it works to shift the blame and take no personal responsibility.
The UK is pretty much vaccinated. The situation was downgraded from being a pandemic. People lined up for vaccine so they could get back to their lives. The people who want to be wrapped in bubble wrap can go suffocate in it if they wish. For the rest sensible precautions based on our will to risk.
@AC
"So there are two Gibraltars?"
Nope. There is the Gibraltar that voted to remain part of the UK and participated in the UK vote on membership of the EU.
Gibraltar could request to no longer be part of our territory and could join the EU/Spain if they wish.
"Thorny issue solved! Spain can have one"
Maybe the idea of Gibraltar making their own choice is nicer instead of just handing them off to a country they dont want to be part of. That is why when Spain pushes its luck we respond.
@gandalfcn
"in fact 7th out of 222 means nearly all. i.e "far more deaths than other countries""
You may need to reread my comment, or try to understand it. As an absolute number the UK is 7th, but it doesnt take into account the fact that we have more people. To try and make this simpler- if you have an island of 5 people and another of 5000 you will see a difference in the numbers. That is why the number you need to look at isnt absolute number of deaths but the deaths per million.
Also what is your definition of far more? Hopefully your not in one of those struggling EU countries, in Europe we are 15th per 1M.
"i have been watching the "worldometers.info/coronavirus" for quite a wie, which is why I know the facts and why you don't."
And yet you seem to be counting absolute numbers. For example today UK: 128,593, US: 624,214 in absolute numbers, yet per million we have almost the same. None of these figures taking anything else into account such as geography, response and even more importantly reporting methods!
"So you lied. Again."
How is it no matter how dumb your post you assume I am lying.
@gandalfcn
"I would have preferred it if the UK had stayed in the UK, yes, but my stating facts is separate from that, it is just that I do not like liars."
Step 1, present some facts. Hell you even call my simple question lying. How the hell am I lying asking you such a simple question? I dont even know how you could interpret the question, which isnt a statement, as a lie.
"If Brexiteers stopped lying about how superior and world beating the UK is in every respect, honest people would have no need to tell you the facts, would we."
Except I havnt been saying that and you havnt been telling us facts. You have been complaining lying and insulting but bereft of fact.
@AC
"https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/Traitorous-Critic-Fallacy"
And how does that apply? Seriously. Based on your link-
There is nothing disingenuous about my question as he is stating his preference for the EU and not only that but actively complaining about Britain after brexit. Now he states he is an expat which makes this conversation moot as it seems he has gone to where he would prefer to be (and so theoretically should be happier).
Assuming you are the same AC of accusing me of saying "Throwing everyone who disagrees with them/isn't like them out of our country?" then I have already explained how you are wrong and that I am not talking about throwing anyone out (appeal to force), only on acting out their preference so this example doesnt apply.
Sometimes a question is really a question. Often an answer can lead to further discussion. However if you read his comments that isnt his forte
@tip pc
"It’s fair to pay something, not sure £40bn for something we won’t have access to is fair."
True. I think the 'strictly speaking' part of your link is the UK just not being willing to give the EU a penny as we tell em to sod off. I do think that a bit harsh myself although the thought of us not paying seemed to make the EU twitch when it was suggested.
You are right we could have cut all ties with the EU and maybe got away without paying anything. I imagine their vaccine tantrum would have been worse though.
"I’m glad we can split hairs on this without resorting to childish name calling :)"
I am appreciating the mature conversation too ;)
@gandalfcn
"Taking the piss is not a sticking point, it is taking the piss."
Ahhh so your saying remainers are taking the piss when they are writing anti-foreigner posts. And that its not a sticking point that remainers cant get past passports being made in a foreign country but when they are complaining about it they are just taking the piss out of the group who is not anti-foreigner and doesnt care the passports are made in foreign lands?
And then you call me a lier, ignorant and a loser. How far does your parody account go? Do you also have a twitter where you post all your inane ramblings like Titania McGrath? You really do seem to have that persona down well.
@gandalfcn
"You claim "decided against EU membership" but the fact, not your lies, is it was a "cooperation agreement with the EU,""
It was an agreement to pull the Swiss closer to the EU, the Swiss rejected it and that impacts any possible future EU agreements and those already established as they expire. Technically not membership, just the same buggery they like to pull on members.
https://www.politico.eu/article/switzerland-eu-talks-partnership-treaty-end/
@gandalfcn
"yu seem to be avoiding the fact that UK had far more deaths than other countries"
No it hasnt. As an absolute number we are 7th which is a worthless stat anyway as it ignores population. Per 1M we are 20th in the world. In Europe we are 15th.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
"SARS has been around for a while"
At what point does that change the fact that we are in an unprecedented situation? This is a global pandemic in the modern world.
"You should try reading what it says and then what the government does."
To be honest I dont read the mail unless someone posts a specific link to an article and even then I look for another reference if I can find one.
"You should try it. I do and get downvoted, as do others. Maybe you should stop lying and stop downvoting facts."
You do get downvoted I see that. And I downvote some of your hilarious crap too on occasion. But your insistence that I am lying while not being able to demonstrate a single lie isnt facts.
@gandalfcn
"The government was responsible for all the deaths, The government was not responsible for the vaccines, that was scientists."
The government is responsible for the deaths? Within reason I agree, which also applies to every country with an unprecedented situation. The government also being responsible for facilitating the scientists and ordering vaccine. So within reason of blaming the UK gov we also do the same with the EU who failed miserably at procuring the vaccine necessary and then making the situation worse.
"All you do is bang on about the vaccine"
Again am I not to mention the most recent and still very relevant screw up of the EU? Which follows their pattern of dealing with crisis?
"you disngeuous twatwaffle"
I am seeing a lot of insults in your comments and they are amusing (not heard twatwaffle in a while). But if you focus on putting some valid content in your posts too that would be nice.
@gandalfcn
"also a Grammar Nazi to boot."
I have never ever been called that before, thank you. I am dyslexic and often cop remarks against my comments for my mistakes. If you consider me a grammar nazi you really must have difficulty. I dont knock people for having difficulty writing but I assume you are referring to your other comment (not this thread) where you tell me "Try learning English." while your comments are full of mistakes.
Its less of me being a grammar nazi as you acting like a child.
"Given you are claiming the UK is now better off outside the EU that comment proves indisputably you are a blatant liar, doesn't it"
Not at all. Its your unsubstantiated claim so I am still waiting for you to back it up. I did notice you posted such a response to Phil O'Sophical where you demonstrate how disingenuous your question was. Hence I didnt answer it.
"Haven't you noticed that commerce and industry in the EU and the rest of the world is leaving the UK behind?"
No. In fact it seems the UK is so far ahead in its pandemic response to now have downgraded the situation to epidemic and opening up vaccinated while the EU members have a variety of conflicting approaches (particularly those trying to attract UK and US tourists).
"Maybe I did you fucking idiot and I just like to prove what lying idiots you Brexiteers are."
Why would it make me an idiot to suggest you move to where you claim to want to be? And if you are there then why are your panties in such a knot?
"Why don't you move to Russia?"
Because I dont want to...
@doublelayer
"Payment cards went from unknown to optional and now we're seeing more businesses rejecting cash payments. I don't like that last change, but that won't prevent it."
Same here. I deal in cash. Its my preference. People look at me odd for going to the ATM or bank to fill my wallet but I remind them how insane it used to be considered to pay for fast food with a card.
@LDS
"use any smartphone and you can only decide if your data are sent to Apple or Google. There's no way to pay and have a phone without slurping."
This is where paying customers could use Blackberry as a smarter than dumb phone. Now its dumb phone or Apple/Google. There are alternative OS's out there but for all their effort to start up they cant really compete. Even microsoft couldnt.
"Heck, even my bank is full of tracking"
Your bank can track transactions limited to what you use them for. Its a convenience vs logging transactions with the bank.
Its all trade and trade offs. Convenience often wins for most people.
@Mooseman
"https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/twitter-takes-down-washington-protest-disinformation-bot-behavior-n1221456"
Messages on twitter? Serious damage in the riots causing actual physical damage and destruction. I have purposefully chosen a source desperate to make the situation not so bad-
https://time.com/5886348/report-peaceful-protests/
Remember that Trump had to send federal forces to protect federal buildings from these riots. It is a wishful dream to think far right infiltrators did all (or most) of the damage.
"https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/jul/21/black-lives-matter-marxist-movement/"
Quoting from your link "Marxism envisioned the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat (working class people) and eventually a classless communist society". BLM was founded by 3 women, 2 of whom are 'trained marxists'. Even the article you source seems desperate to avoid saying the movement is marxist while effectively saying it-
Noting Cullors’ declaration of being Marxist trained, "one has to take that seriously: if the leadership says it is Marxist, then there's a good chance they are," said Russell Berman, a professor at Stanford University and a senior fellow at its conservative Hoover Institution who has written critically about Marxism.
But "this does not mean every supporter is Marxist — Marxists often have used ‘useful idiots.’ And a Marxist movement can be more or less radical, at different points in time," he said.
"https://obamacarefacts.com/2017/07/12/did-the-aca-lead-to-high-medical-costs/"
Your source seems to agree that Obamacare pushed up the cost.
"Again, please show me one example of "radical left" in US politics."
The most obvious would be AOC and Sanders. Hell if your admiration and praise is for the communist approach then there is more than a little leaning to the left.
@Mooseman
"Well, plenty of people turn up with t shirts with daft things on them. I'm wearing a Monty Python Spanish Inquisition t shirt as I write this, it doesn't mean I'm in favour of torture and auto da fe."
While I too wear amusing tshirts are you seriously going to claim the socialist crowds who wish to overthrow capitalism etc are not socialist?
"BLM is not marxist"
Useful idiots might not be but yes it is.
"striving for equality after decades of oppression is not the same thing at all"
Agreed but we are talking about BLM.
"and neither were they burning cities"
Holy shit and propaganda. Really?
"most fo the damage was done by far right groups pretending to be BLM supporters"
I cant take this seriously. You are kidding? Please tell me you are kidding.
"go ahead and look there is plenty of evidence"
Please do. Please go look.
"You are still pushing the "radical left" idea about anything that doesn't wholeheartedly prop up the far right idiocy of trump et al, and have yet to actually offer any evidence other than "because I said so" to prove it."
Eh what? Sorry you need to rewrite that because I have no idea what you are on about. That you dont think there is a radical left in the US is your belief. You even accuse the radical left of being far right pretending to be left.
Just to further the difference between the doctors and nurses vs the monolith behind it the NHS has been overpaying considerably for an easily available medication for almost a decade-
https://www.expunct.com/business/hydrocortisone-the-nhs-as-idiot-shopper/
A pack of hydrocortisone worth 70p being charged at £88. We might clap for some but hopefully not for others.
@gandalfcn
"Brought by the stunningly incompetent then-health secretary Jeremy Hunt."
And how many decades has he been in charge of the NHS? Do you believe the health secretaries actually go and develop the required systems personally?
As I said at some point 'the administrative bureaucracy will be split from the actual health providers when discussing the institution'.
"three years after it missed a self-imposed deadline of going paperless."
Brought by the stunning healthcare service that still uses fax. At some point the religious defence of the NHS will fail and the administrative bureaucracy will be split from the actual health providers when discussing the institution.
@Cynic_999
"Not unless we also have some sort of international exchequer."
You are probably right. Its a cartel attempt to extort more money and only needs one to 'fiddle' or break from the pack to gain the benefits. I do wonder how long it would take for countries not in the cartel to take advantage.
@gandalfcn
So other countries dont consider Ireland as stealing their tax revenue?
https://www.independent.ie/business/budget/ireland-stealing-eu-tax-revenues-nobel-economist-says-40371482.html
or the longer version-
https://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-corporate-tax-rate-davos-stealing-3817678-Jan2018/
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20466283.html
Ireland is considered a tax haven. So you may have problems with his use of caps but still he isnt wrong.
@gandalfcn
You appear to have posted the same link twice but as it says-
"When asked if this would be looked upon favourably, Mr Tusk said there would be enthusiasm but he warned the country would not be automatically accepted."
In fact apart from saying there is some enthusiasm (brexiters shocked I tell you) it basically says Scotland would have to agree to no opt outs, would be just another country waiting to get ascension and would have to meet the criteria for joining. So the situation hasnt improved for Scotland joining it seems.
@gandalfcn
"The truth, as usual is readily available to all but Brexiteers"
That being the truth that Scotland doesnt meet the required criteria to join the EU? Especially under the proposed independence voted on last time. That Scotland wants to join with the opt outs the UK had, which is a pipe dream.
@AC
"The best bit about the anti-tax brigade is"
They probably dont want their earnings to be stolen. These tax's having a bad habit of working their way down to the little people.
Remember that income tax is only on the rich land barons as a temporary measure to pay for the war against France.
I have 4 downvotes but nobody suggesting that robots.txt exists on those news sites nor that it wouldnt solve the problem.
Its a serious question. If they dont want google offering up their news (with links to drive them more traffic as I understand it) then why not just exclude pages from the web crawling?
"Unite – the UK's largest trade union, with some 1.4 million members – has accused Amazon of inflating prices for items such as hand sanitiser and other health products during the pandemic."
And that is why we are glad the world isnt run by trade unions. Items not typically bought by many is suddenly in vast demand. These just so happen to be items being reserved by professional services e.g. hospitals which requires suppliers to up production quickly.
Would Unite have preferred that these items were just out of stock everywhere? How else do they think supply would have been ramped up?
@89724102172714182892114I7551670349743096734346773478647892349863592355648544996312855148587659264921
Nice name btw. I do believe there can be issues running Mint >17.3 on some dual core processors. The boot up and shutdown seems to take much longer although I dont think it affects the running of the machine beyond that.
If you are using XP its probably an old enough machine to be dual core.