Here in Worthing we have an infrequent newsletter – The Pork-Bolter – published anonymously; I know more about the people behind it than they think I do, but I’m happy to let their anonymity carry on if that’s the way they want it, as some of what they publish is worthwhile. Suffice to say that there is a loose group of activists: chiefly environmental, generally left of centre, and definitely anti-establishment.
That doesn’t make them LibDem of course; and it certainly doesn’t make them liberal, even if they might consider themselves so.
In the Yule issue, which I received over Christmas, there was an article titled ‘Twigging Hazel’, which concerned itself with Cllr Hazel Thorpe’s appearance on the Politics Show. [Full disclosure: Hazel is a fellow LibDem cllr, a fellow PPC, and a good colleague I've known for many years]. Now, the Pork-Bolter might disagree with Hazel’s approach, or previous actions, but to my mind it’s decidedly illiberal to describe someone as ‘tottering across the Downs in high heels and an expensive-looking red coat’. I thought that those on the left prided themselves on not judging on appearances but on actions, unlike those across on the opposite benches.
I find it slightly saddening to read someone – and a potential ally of the Pork-Bolter – damned so unthinkingly. Hopefully the Pork-Bolter will have recovered some liberality over the Christmas festivities, and be dispensing bonhomie for the next few issues.
Hello James
May I suggest it’s wise not to make such criticisms when this is published on one of your Councllors websites ?
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\» Tory Watch Bob Smytherman Borough Councillor for Tarring ward.mht
This is, to say the least, disappointing
Regards
Fred
I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, Fred – linking to a document on your hard drive doesn’t really work, does it?
But if you want to discuss items on Bob’s blog, I suggest you do it there.