There is also an appropriate anagram of the word 'nations' in the phrase 'one nations conservative'.

Edited by georgenorman (09 Jan 2022 9.49am)

I am not privy to any information - but at the time that all this was unfolding I definitely felt that Blair & the British Government were doing all they could to buy more time, time to either get more intel on the state of things on the ground or for the UN to clarify its position on exactly which resolution mattered most ( & did we need another one) or for someone / anyone to come up with a better / different plan, one which avoided military action - in the end the Americans started their engines & whether we wanted to or not it was go time.

Yes it is.

When we choose our representatives we delegate all decisions to them.

The petitions are just a way to let people vent their frustrations safely, keeping them off the streets and avoiding tying up Police time. They, quite rightly, have no impact at all on our democracy. Do you seriously think policy ought to be impacted by a bunch of impassioned activists, sufficiently motivated to sign an online petition.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

That is a disgusting thing to say about our Armed Forces Veterans, of which I'm one. You sir, have no grasp of reality nor do you understand what that traitor bLIAR has done.

If I responded to this disgusting post as I wanted, I'd get an immediate ban, you ain't worth that.

This operation, will make the 'Charge Of The Light Brigade' seem like a simple military exercise.

If I was saying it about our Armed Forces Veterans you might have a point. As I am not, you are getting upset for no reason. My remark was aimed at those who sign petitions. All kinds of petitions, on every subject under the sun. No doubt a few are also Vets, who feel passionately about certain things, which they are, of course, fully entitled to. People feel passionate about things close to their heart. Some no doubt feel as you do, but not all will. No-one though, whatever their background or passion, can expect to override the decisions of Parliament. Just consider the consequences of such an idea, for things that you are passionately opposed to.

The whole point about a petition is to allow people to express their views, without feeling a need to demonstrate. It's an outlet for feelings. If people think they are going to change anything then they are likely to be disappointed. The best they can expect is to get the petition debated in Westminster Hall, with a response from a Minister and support from some sympathetic MPs. I cannot recall any occasion when there was a change of policy as a consequence.

Those remarks are not directed to Vets. They are directed to petition signers.

You express a personal opinion. You no more speak for all Vets than I speak for all sales and marketing managers, managing directors or business owners. All of which I have been.

Neither of us though are politicians in the tight circle around Tony Blair at the time and aware of all the issues. We only see things from our own perspectives.

In your case that's a very specific one which seems to have made you very disillusioned and angry.

Mine was a more detached observation, which has produced a more sympathetic opinion.

Surely both ought to be respected?

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, including pompous asses

Responsibility Deficit Disorder is a medical condition. Symptoms include inability to be corrected when wrong, false sense of superiority, desire to share personal info no else cares about, general hubris. It's a medical issue rather than pure arrogance.