Police launch an investigation into Ann Widdecombe death

eazybee

I feel it is inappropriate at the first acknowledgement of death, particularly one that was so unexpected, before we knew the horrible details.
Time and a place for debate, certainly, but an expression of condolence is not the place for it.

I don't understand your post sorry.

Doodledog

eazybee

Why do so many people find it necessary to point out how much they disliked Ann Widdecombe's political views before
writing condolences about her tragic death.
Surely there is no need to refer to her political stance?
It seems almost an apology for expressing sympathy.

I agree, it's odd. But people often do here on Gransnet - 'I don't often agree with your views, XX, but on this occasion. . .'

There is no reason why someone can't have views that don't fit neatly into 'left', 'right' or whatever, is there? So many people think they are in the centre, but that's because they are judging what is right or left from that standpoint.

I might more usually agree with some people than others, but I take each topic as it arises and decide based on what I think, not what my politics dictate. I'd worry if my viewpoints were 'dyed in the wool' - I prefer to think for myself.

Same here, I take each thread/ subject as it comes.

Oh dear.
Would you send a letter or card of condolence starting with, I didn't like your husband's methods of running his business, or I didn't agree with her stance on net zero........but I am very sorry to hear of death of..........?
Perhaps because people post on social media it becomes anonymous, and more about that person's feelings rather than what was the original purpose, an expression of sorrow designed to bring comfort to the bereaved.

I don’t suppose you intended it eazybee but that did give me a laugh.😁

Is this actually thread about a thread? The comments in the last posts can’t be about this thread, as that’s about the investigation, unless I’m missing something important.

eazybee

Oh dear.
Would you send a letter or card of condolence starting with, I didn't like your husband's methods of running his business, or I didn't agree with her stance on net zero........but I am very sorry to hear of death of..........?
Perhaps because people post on social media it becomes anonymous, and more about that person's feelings rather than what was the original purpose, an expression of sorrow designed to bring comfort to the bereaved.

Spot on.

I think people do sometimes say weird stuff about people that have died in real life

I didn't think Gransnet posts were messages of condolence.

Just saying.

The OP actually kicked off the first post with I didn't always agree with her opinions of her politics but would hate that her death had been tragic Its a post surely and Gransnetters can choose to comment or not in the way they chose within talk guide lines? 🤷‍♀️

I joined this thread only yesterday late afternoon was the thread intended solely for messages of condolence ? It didn't read that way to me and many issues had been raised by that stage.

greyfur

*Why do so many people find it necessary to point out how much they disliked Ann Widdecombe's political views before
writing condolences about her tragic death*

Because it is possible to think and feel more than one thing concurrently.

The same way people say X has died suddenly, he was a great actor.

Yes, it becomes something of an 'obituary', and it happens when the death of a high-profile individual, actor, etc, is announced.

A 'book of condolences' or a thread purely for the same would be a different matter, where opinions would be out of place.

But this was an announcement on a News & Politics thread, not the same thing.

... what's more, I think posters are highlighting the fact that they didn't chime with her world-view in, order to emphasise that those who use this as an excuse to make vile comments, do not have our approval, nor do we align with them.

The O/P is quite clear, we are in News and Politics, the poster stated, (as happened with Jo Cox and David Amery) that although one didn't agree with their politics, this death is dreadful, the persons activities on such and such were greatly to be admired and so on.

If posters want to disagree with the form of the O/P, and want a condolences only thread, then start another, you may not like some posts but - it's only simply the form of the O/P.

And some posts make good queries - whats happening in SM? What sort of protection is X or Y actually entitled to both when they are an MP, and subsequently.

In time we will get some clarity on why this particular attack happened, what drove it, as it matters in terms of understanding such a tragedy, but no one has attempted, quite rightly, to take that road.

The BBC is currently headlining that it was a targeted attack

That was always going to be quite a strong possibility.

I still remain shocked by the number of people who found it necessary to express their feelings about Ann Widdecombe's beliefs following the news about her sudden and unexpected death, as though it mattered that they did not approve of her views.

But no motive yet has been mentioned, I dont think.

fancythat

But no motive yet has been mentioned, I dont think.

The motive is obvious. It was a targeted attack and left wing (communist) literature was found at the suspect’s home. Counter terrorism police leading the investigations.

She was murdered for her beliefs and she was a very easy target. 5’1” tall, elderly and lived alone in a remote area. Murdered by a coward.

I don't think the thread is about messages of condolences, but it does seem to me that prefacing shock and distress at the means of her death with 'I didn't agree with her politics, but' is rather disrespectful.

I think when one person does it, others follow suit as not to do so may indicate support of policies Anne W espoused.

As I say, though, we see the same sort of thing on here, and it usually passes without comment.

The current police information is very confusing: the murder has "not been declared a terrorist incident" and yet the counter-terrorist police have taken charge of it all.

It either is or it isn't. Or is there some odd kind of rivalry as regards who is running any investigation?

Blimey - the police are suggesting a “hit job” - so someone paid to have her killed.

All getting worse and worse.
The poor family and friends.

There is a big difference between:
- saying that you did not like her views and recognise that they caused people distress but also being horrified by the manner of her death.
And:
- posting offensive hate messages on SM.

Padstow13

The current police information is very confusing: the murder has "not been declared a terrorist incident" and yet the counter-terrorist police have taken charge of it all.

It either is or it isn't. Or is there some odd kind of rivalry as regards who is running any investigation?

I'm confused too, flabbergasted even.
And the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police said over the weekend, This is clearly British policing at its very best.

Saddened by every bit of breaking news.
Anne was targeted by the individual who murdered her presumably due to his twisted views. Before Anne was a person with strong opinions she was also just an ordinary older woman living alone, with friends and loved ones. I think is good to recall this from time to time during our discussions on this thread.