Gloucestershire MPs cost taxpayers £800,000

“Hi GlosCityRes
Despite the fact that I suspect the motives of all Politicians – no matter which party they represent - I must defend Richard Graham on your point:
"I do think it's interesting that we pay for his office, yet it is inaccessible to many of his constituents as it is on the second floor with no access for the disabled or infirm."

I am disabled and unable to get "up the stairs", I asked Richard to represent me on a disability related issue and he ensured a comfortable ground floor meeting room was made available for our discussions. Following the meeting he put my case forward to the highest authorities. Even though I disagree with the Political outcome of his representations he did do his job correctly by representing me and made every effort to accommodate my disability, he even made sure I got safely from his office to my Motability vehicle.”

“What is he doing about the beggars in Gloucester. I am fed up of it, the marks and spencers bloke, standing at the cross at 10pm holding out his big issue and asking people for money when they have had a drink and might be a soft touch. If he approaches my mother again, I will be taking further action. She works in the town centre and comes home late,. She shouldn't have to be approached by him saying, can you help me. Why should she, him and his habits are not her problem. Why should see work to give him money?

Then I was approached, only sat there having coffee by the cathedral to be approached by another one, Excuse me, I don;t smoke and drink but I am really hungry can you buy me something. Why? Why should I?

I am sick to the back teeth of it. And people wonder why Gloucester is going downhill.”

“The Common Market, thats a classic lie that was sold to us.

Nothing wrong with closer trading, Tariff free area for the transport of goods is a good thing.

But what we are now signed up to is not the Deal that we voted on back in the 70 (at no time has the electorate been given a chance to say no/ or yes for that matter) everything just been steam rolled though.

Yes I'm all for Demoncracy but most of all a bit of honesty”

“Intheforest.

Whatever your grandparents motives in fighting for their country, they have my respect and admiration. I have never faced that test and am in awe of those who did

For what its worth, my father returned from the war a dedicated pro-European, not a view I necessarily shared at the time, but do now. He used to reply to my arguments about the agricultural policy and so forth as follows:

..." if the Common Market means that Britain will not lose another young generation to a world war then I am all for it" ...

Maybe we need to express our views with more historical perspective. Our parents and grandparents experienced two appalling world conflicts just 20 years apart. Perhaps we are losing our understanding of what it cost to establish our liberal democracy and what it is worth to our way of living.

I've had my say. Think what you like”

“Best not to be distracted by the "revealing" stories in the mainstream media. We have a two point five party political system with all candidates and choices ultimately taking their cues from the rich and powerful who really dictate policy in this country. It's time for a change which wont come about until the majority of people refuse to participate in the fake democracy of choosing the colour-scheme facade of the virtual dictatorship we are ruled by.”

“Hello again Intheforest.

You are not insulting anyone? ... "At the end of the Day they are just Sheep and follow the Party line or Brown nosing their to Ministerial job (even through they may not have a clue on the new brief)... "

"seemingly vested interest". Wrong again. I am not a member of any political party, nor a politician, nor have I ever been one. Don't jump to conclusions. Simply, in the course of my work (mainly with charitable organisations) I have come to know several MPs who have certainly earned my respect. I try to be fair minded, that's all

Nor have I thrown any toys out of the pram, simply I have expressed my point of view but prefer to stick to what I know rather than issue insults and innuendo. Exaggeration does not improve debate

My main point, which you appear to have missed, is that democracy is imperfect and always will be. However it allows you and I free speech and expression. But don't kid yourself that the grass is greener else where, or infer that our elected politicians are crooks or pigs with snouts in the trough, just because it suits your prejudice. That demeans democracy not enhances it

Most of all, if you don't like what your representatives are doing, do something about it.”

“Chrisgump2011

Just been advised my Grandparents went to War to keep Britain, British !!

Nothing to do with the so called rights we enjoy today (or not)”

“I do think its interesting that we pay for his office, yet it is inaccessible to many of his constituants as it is on the second floor with no access for the disabled or infirm.”

“Chrisgump2011

Didn't think I insulted anyone, just expressed free speech (bet you forgot that old Cherry)

Its not me with a seemingly vested interest, or throwing my Toys out of the Pram if someone doesn't agree with you.

I will enjoy my day and work hard, because I know the Country needs the money for Expenses lol

P.S my Grandparents fought in WW1 and WW11 for our so called democracy, and the State of the Country today isnt it !!”

“Glad I amuse you Intheforest but my comments are made out of direct knowledge. Are yours? -

I note you did not address any of the points I made other than issue yet more unfounded insults. Your smear and generalisation does no one any good and is worse than the least effective politician could manage.

Sorry guys but if you don't like UK democracy suggest 3 courses of action:

1. Get off your rears and do something about it. Get elected to Parish, Council or National representation or work with those that have more gumption than you do. Try to change what you despise. You will of course find that you have to work within the law and satisfy broad bands of differing opinion, not just your narrow prejudice. Complicated isn't it children. That is democracy and it is what our parents and grandparents fought for last century and the current adult generation do now.

2 If you can't hack it here, try Syria, China, Russia and so on. You might just find out how spoilt you are in UK

3 Continue to shout the odds and disparage everyone else. That's bound to help

Have a nice day”