Tony Blair

Maybe he's writing a book-"How I saved Britain and the EU?"
You mean after his book 'How I Brought Peace to the Middle East' was rejected by the publishers, trisher?

I have tried mrsmopp but if you look at some of my other posts even when I am being lighthearted and posting humorously someone will enevitably post something contradicting me. So I think "why not have a go back?" I actually stayed off political threads for a bit and was limiting my posts because I was so fed up of it, but (and I know we're not supposed to discuss other threads) I was contradicted even when I made a joke. I'm not leaving GN just because someone can't stop getting at me and I will give as good as I get.

Boris Johnson hit the nail on the head! We all have our own opinions and should respect others, it would be sad if we all agreed upon things (even if we think the other person is wrong)

I don't usually post on the politics threads - and I never thought the day would come when I would be agreeing with Tony Blair! No, I don't have any time for the man, but shooting the messenger never served any purpose. I agree with everything Welshwife said at 11.16. Very well put!

It is amusing to see more interest in Blair an ex leader of the Labour Party than in Corbyn the present leader of the Labour Party

Mrsmopp, I do not snipe but I will defend myself when others snipe at me

I watched the Tony Blair speech at the 'OPEN EUROPE' event and the first thing that hit me was he was introduced by Labour MP Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South.

I think McFadden is a reasonable MP but I did wonder how his prominent role at the ' 'OPEN EUROPE' event would be seen by the voters in another Midlands constituency ,Stoke - On - Trent. Wolverhampton like Stoke-On-Trent was a high percentage 'LEAVE' area and Labour are trying to retain Stoke Central in the upcoming by-election. Did he and Tony Blair help Labour with the timing of this speech?

Tony Blair is a cup of cold sick to many, feted by others. We will each have our own opinions as to whether Blair words were 'wisely/democratic' or 'trouble making/undemocratic' I suppose.

To my mind the likes of Tony Blair are toxic and could well have the opposite effect to what 'OPEN EUROPE' had hoped for by using him as a spokesperson.

Why toxic? Because he is a political elite, Millionaire, globalist, property owning, self serving individual who is known to mix with and give 'guidance' to some pretty undemocratic Leaders and people will consider anything he says as suspicious.

Tony Blair making this speech will probably make those who voted 'LEAVE' to dig their heels in all the more, let's face it he wasn't speaking to those who voted 'REMAIN' was he, other than telling them to 'RISE UP'.

His speech was possibly one of the most undemocratic speeches made over result of the EU Referendum. His attack on both the government and Labour won't have fooled many.

His use of the term 'RISE UP' simply does not sit well with a hell of a lot of voters who are not given to activism and demonstrations and whether or not it was meant to be taken literally it will be viewed by some to do exactly that. He might just cause more trouble than he expected, or did he knowingly understand what reaction his speech 'could possibly' have and trouble making was the point?

Anniebell and Trisher please stop sniping at one another. Have noticed on other threads too. You can disagree without getting personal. For all our sakes please make up! Yes? ???

I think we should all have badges Baden so we can recognise each other in the street! I think so many people are feeling as you describe - the world has changed and after a lifetime of improvemement it is falling apart so quickly.

The depressing thing is dd that so many people do bury their head in the sand or don't read or listen or something!!! I watched a woman from Stoke yesterday who said she was going to vote for UKIP because they were the only ones who would look after the NHS!! What can you do? Please I'd like to know, because quite frankly I'm sitting here totally depressed at what's going on in the world.

Well said Welshwife

Trisher I post what I know, my experiences, some of what I am told by reliable sources and my opinions , your sarcasm was wasted

Nick Clegg and AC Grayling are so interesting to listen to and watch - or read their articles. I would like to know if any member of the Govt could have delivered the speech Clegg gave in all those languages last week. It must grate sometimes that he is able to understand these people in their own tongue.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the 'day without us' campaign which is I think on Monday. I do hope a lot of people take part but many in vital jobs are unlikely to put people at risk. It will also be interesting to see how people react to the protest.

I agree with everything you've written Welshwife. If you have the time, watch the video I posted with Nick Clegg and Jonathan Haidt. Unfortunately, it's an hour and a half, so most people won't watch. I really think Clegg has matured a lot since the coalition. AC Grayling is too easily dismissed as an out of touch academic, which is a great shame, because he's a philosopher who has made it his mission to relate philosophy to everyday life. Unfortunately, they're dismissed as 'experts'.

Jonathan Haidt's specialism is voters who don't listen to reason and do hide their heads in the sand, if something doesn't support their viewpoint. Clegg acknowledges that too.

As well as all the other stuff you post about 'knowing' Anniebach no who or whom about it.

He made what turned out to be a dreadful error with the Iraq war - but we can never be sure that any other Prime minister at the time would not have done the same thing - hindsight is wonderful.
However what is happening now is entirely different - no one is listening to Nick Clegg or Grayling or anyone else who is telling it like it is - they maybe do not have a strong enough image. But ask yourself if you were in the situation of a likely flood or forest fire and someone you didn't like was a fireman and started shouting to evacuate the place - would you ignore them because you did not like them and maybe were not to be trusted even though you could see the flames?
To say that you will simply not listen or ignore the sense simply because you dislike the man is ridiculous - head in sand and all that. It is unfortunate that it is this particular person giving this message but that does not invalidate the force of the argument.

I have inside knowledge as well as whom Trisher?

Maybe he's writing a book-"How I saved Britain and the EU?"

He was re-elected because folk did not want a return to the Thatcher years I would guess.

I really haven't a clue what has motivated Blair to speak out. Of course he has the right to say whatever he wants about the EU (and I even happen to think he's right), but if he seriously thinks he's going to influence people to change their minds, he's sadly deluded.

All smacks of a hidden agenda in the career prospects of Mr Blair! Is it just coincidence that Herr Junker has announced that he is stepping down in 2019, therefore creating a vacancy? Just coincidence that he (Herr Junker) was photographed hugging Mr Blair a few days ago?! 'Get this Brexit overturned and???) Just a thought you understand!!! This sudden love for, and the need to rescue Briton doesn't seem to QUITE add up.

I don't have any "insider knowledge" but I think he still has designs on being President of the EU. Whilst he may not have been paid as Middle East Peace Envoy (and wasn't that a great success!), he certainly took the opportunity to make some very lucrative contacts.

As well as who Trisher?

Anniebach don't tell me you have 'insider' knowledge about Tony's plans as well? Because as far as I remember most Labour Party members were surprised by his sudden meteoric rise the first time round. (I was going to put 'by his first coming' but really one shouldn't encourage the Messiah complex)