Message Board Archive
| JIM 14/07/2004 |
Just a brief comment about Europe – at last! The three principal institutions are 1) the European Parliament, 2) tyhe Council of (Member State) Ministers and 3) the (executive) European Commission. Because the European Parliament is not taken seriously by the Member State governments (it seems that it is not unusual for Political Party duffers to be sent to the House of Lords or to serve as European Commissioners and only super-duffers are consigned to the European Parliament. This means that the Parliament is effectively neutralised and the Council of Ministers is free to direct the Commission. Well, as anyone who has watched “Yes Minister” could testify, the Commission (Sir Humphrey-like) can “run rings around” the Ministers who, in any case, are more interested in “Photo-calls”. It is essential that the European Parliament exert its proper authority in the development of the European Community.I promise to write more on specifically European matters in future – as well as answering Messages and personal E-mails. I certainly must give up wasting my time writing to the BBC – please find below what may be my last effort in that direction. (Talk to the wall!) BBC1307. It seems that the BBC carry out very little “in-house” research but perhaps prefer to accept unquestioned whatever material is fed to them. I offer two further examples from tonight’s edition of “Today in Parliament”. 1) The question of British “sailors” (some explanation is required as it would be reasonable to assume that they were in fact “marines”) was raised. When I worked in Iraq, many years ago, it was a source of grievance by Iraqis that the entire width of the Shatt-al-Arab waterway lay within Iran; the border ran along the Iraqi shore. Worse still, this had been internationally agreed largely at the behest of the UK! Am I correct? Was this where the “sailors were apprehended? If so, why did the USA/UK/ETC. not negotiate passage with Iran? 2) It seems that there is a move afoot to create a “Supreme Court” in the UK. In fact, I myself hold documents, issued in the Royal Courts of Justice, which bear the (red) stamp including the title “Supreme Court” so there appears to be a Supreme Court already! No comment, BBC? Finally, can I appeal for the removal of the “north-american presence in the BBC – at least as far as Today in Parliament is concerned. I do not accept the argument that this accent is required in order to sell the programme in north-america. The task of the BBC is “Public Service Broadcasting” – FOR THE UK! I am thinking of a trip to Vietnam and (South-Western) China – during August when the High Court will be out-of session. This would be in connection with my interest in small Hydro-Electric projects. Goodnight. JIM. |
| JIM 12/07/2004 |
Monday Night. Had a day off today. Note sent to BBC tonight:Re: Panarama Sunday 11/07/04. The BBC have done it again. Blathering on about Middle East misleading intelligence for a full hour yet never a mention of Israel! Surely the reason the USA (and therefore also the UK) had no direct reports from agents in Iraq was because they (both) relied entirely on Israel. I believe there is now (officially) an Israeli representative appointed to the BBC to ensure that any unfavorable news is always counterbalanced by something in Israel’s favour but surely this is taking things too far. Some say there have always been a host of (unofficial) Israeli representatives within the BBC. On a separate matter but as a further example of the BBC’s assiduous aversion to “the whole truth”, I cite recent reporting on the Marks and Spencer issue. Surly it would be reasonable to include speculation that, if Ph. Green acquired M & S, it would be only a matter of time before BHS was “phased out” of the High Street. |
| JIM 09/07/2004 |
Friday 09/07/04 midnight. Well, I now have a date for Application for Directions (Preliminary Hearing before a Judge) in the HIgh Court – 28/07/04. If this is successful, my Petition will be Heard fully in Court in late September or October. I found the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Electoral Commision very co-operative in providing information regarding the conduct of the Election and the function of the Regional Returning Officer.I really have to start some sort of proceedings against the Royal Mail for their poor delivery of my Election Address which certainly lost me my printing costs and may even have cost me my deposit. As there is some perculiar relationship between the Royal Mail and the Regional Returning Officer, I may have to wait until 28/07/04 to get started.
I really have to get this place tidies up. I was reading a passage from the Book of Wisdom this morning – Wisdom is not attainable without Discipline. Oh dear! Goodnight. JIM. |
| JIM 08/07/2004 |
Thursday night. The Regional Returning Officer (David Monks at Huntingdon) is hiding behind solicitors but it is not clear whether this is in his capacity as RRO or simply as the individual, David Monks. In the latter case, there is no need for him to contract such expense as I have made it clear that I have no complaint against him as a private individual. I must now apply for a further Court Order to establish whether, as RRO, he is allowed to appoint solicitors; this may be the prerogative of the (Deputy) Prime Minister’s Office. Staff at Huntingdon have apparently been instructed to refuse to provide legitimate information to me. I must therefore include in the Court Order a request that the RRO fulfil his Statutory Duties (to myself and to any other interested persons). This whole business is beginning to smell rather badly. I have already received threats of financial attack; will it extend to physical threats, I wonder?Otherwise. I had quite a good day. Visited the European Parliament Office in London where I obtained the information refused me by staff at Huntingdon (Mr. Roberts). Then met an old Kashmiri friend and an ex-Indian Army Officer for a good chat about “old times”. Collected some info on a project in China – for small Hydro-electric turbines plus Rural Electrification. I would realy like to get in or this sort of project. Good-night. JIM. |
| JIM 07/07/2004 |
Wed. morning. I got to Luton to pay my Parking Fine; the ticket recorded that I was parked for SIX minutes. However. There was a young Kenyan at the payment office who was requesting reconsideration of his fine. He had stopped outside his own house but his Resident’s (paid-for) allocated parking spot was blocked. He had forgotten some documents so he called his wife, who was inside the house, on his mobile phone. While he was sitting in his car, with the engine running, a Parking Ticket was stuck on his windscreen! It seems that I had been treated very leniently- in Luton! How are things in the rest of Bedfordshire – or in Herts., Cambs., Essex, Suffolk or Norfolk (i.e. in the whole of Anglia)?Later, I went down to the High Court, London. Apparently, there was a Formula One parade in London last night. Perhaps that was why my tube train did not stop at Bond Street or Oxford Circus. People were packed in like illegal Chinese immigrants (as found in truck at Dover); This was about 7 pm on board an inner-London bound train. Heaven knows what it was like on trains leaving inner London – if they were running. Earlier in the afternoon, I (TWICE) saw double-decker London (red) buses doing three (or five/seven?) point turns – in Whitehall and in the Strand. I fear Britain may have difficulty qualifying even as a Banana Republic. “Quaint” is appropriate as a description of a Cotswold cottage but surely not for the Capital City. London has become one giant Transport Museum. How can they be serious about holding the Olympic games there. Keeping London “in the frame” can only be a dodge to extract more “Consultancy” fees which would certainly require contributions from the rest of Britain. I was thinking of attending the ENO performance of La Boheme in Trafalgar Square, tonight but perhaps I’ll attend AA instead. When life in general is so frustrating, it’s better to minimise indulgences which can promote anger and even violence.
At least, I had some success at the High Court. After shelling out another GBP 60, I drafted out an Application for Directions which will set up a preliminary hearing to clarify exactly what is the basis of my Petition – before the end of July, when the Courts close down for a month. I am currently looking into the position of the Regional Returning Officer; as a Government Appointee, I cannot understand why he wishes to appoint a PERSONAL solicitor, which of course increases the COST of the process. During the afternoon, I visited the Library at the European Parliament office in Westminster. I obtained copies of the current and the previous Euro-Elections together with other data and references which will assist my case. I now need to get a copy of the Document which guides the Regional Returning Officer in the conduct of the Election. I am just listening (Radio 5; fed up with Radio 4 Smart Alecs) to the Ray Parlour (Arsenal) divorce case sequel. His wife is claiming half his future earnings. As I still haven’t seen my wife for 10 days, our permanent separation may well be on the cards – in which case, I would only receive half the salary as a Euro-MP. Would there be any point in working at all – after all, I’ve just turned 65. Fortunately, my Petition against the conduct of the 2004 Euro-election is not for personal gain (it may cost me in excess of GBP 25k !) I honestly believe it to be “in the Public Interest”. I don’t intend to make a habit of this sort of thing. Must get some breakfast now then some shopping on St. Albans. Then back to the High Court to sign up the Application I started yesterday. If I costed my own time, I dread to think what it would amount to. I hope to get round to some comments on Europe in due course. For instance, I believe that, even in “communist” France, Local Authorities do not suffer the same amount as of Central Government control as in Britain. Westminster seems to produce new laws faster than our window cleaner treats windows. TTFN. JIM. |
| JIM 05/07/2004 |
1) Thanks for your contribution, Mark. It is not my intention to close down the House of Commons but merely to make Commons decisions subject to ratification by a House of Peers. There would be no stratified selection to the Peers but Random Selection would tend to generate representation, of the various groups present in our society, roughly in the proportion in which they occur in society; anything else would surely be undemocratic. Our present system of electing MPs effectively as our Agents may be because that is exactly what the first Commons were. They represented the bourgoisie and actually were given power of attorney – to pledge taxes to the king – usually for foreign wars! The Lords – both Spiritual and Temporal – represented themselves before the King.2) I am a bit preoccupied with the impending case in the High Court. I am chalenging the Nature of the recent Euro-Elections, mostly because of the use of the d’Hondt system of electing SEVEN candidates from ONE vote. This takes away from the voter the ability to choose 7 candidates personally. I doubt if I would be elected if my Petition should prove successful (perhaps Martin Bell might be!) but I believe the system employed represents a severe diminution in the Human Rights of the Electorate and that this is the result (concious or otherwise) of those who have devised and imposed the system.
3) I am also in the process of making an offer on a property here in St. Albans but I may have to set that aside due to other demands on my time. 4) Professionally, I have an interest in a hydro-electric project study (for China). I will try to keep this active but, once again, time may not be available. 5) Finally, the strain of the legal chalenge I have undertaken is having a serious affect on my marriage (of 42 years). I am not sure what the outcome will be. Almost midnight now. Fracas at station today so must go to London tomorrow. Tried to pay a parking fine in Luton this afternoon but found the Payment Office closed at 16.30. Tried later to pay by phone but “auto-pay” line could not recognise the number on the “ticket”. If I don’t pay by tomorrow mid-day, it will go up from GBP 30 to GBP 60. [Luton is in the direction opposite to London. The ticket records that I was parked for SIX MINUTES -while I went to seek some change! Good-night! |
| Mark Reynolds 03/07/2004 |
Jim wrote:"Anyway, wouldn’t you agree that selecting at random, from the UK eligible population, is unlikely to produce a worse collection of representatives than we get from a General Election. At least, it would be representative; 50% women, appropriate numbers of Christians, Moslems, Jews, etc. This principle could be applied at every level of Government. What do you think?"
First of all, hello Jim. I was one of the few lucky recpients of your pamphlet, and was greatly impressed by your dedication to politics, your desire for reform, and your valorisation of ideals. On the issue highlighted above, however, I feel compelled to emphatically disagree. In a democracy, proxies are required to temper the will of the people, to best decide how to manifest that will, and sometimes, to decide when to utterly ignore it. Elected representatives are that proxy. If we wanted an unmediated transition between public will and legislation, then all laws would best be passed by referenda. A good idea, you might say, why should we not have direct democracy? The reason is because the general public does not have the time nor the inclination to inform itself about all the issues and intricacies that make up a piece of legislation. It would be an impossible demand to make of the populace at large. Indeed, professional politicians are unable to keep astride of all the issues, and thus we have specialisation, ministries, and committees by which the general will of parliament can be _further_ mediated. Your suggestion therefore to replace politicians with chosen representatives, randomly picked but otherwise representative of the demographics of the UK, is fraught with difficulty. I will take the obvious point first. Randomly selected people are highly unlikely to be as useful politicians as people who have devoted their lives to doing so. Their only advantage is their apparent impartiality. More of that in a moment. Their disadvantages are legion. Firstly there is the case that random people are unlikely to care as much about politics as professional politicians do. One only needs a brief perusal of the election turnout to see that 30-35% of people don't care enough about politics even to _vote_. They are therefore not going to research issues and get involved, even if they find themselves in a position where they can. You might suggest that them being given this position will vitalise them. I have my doubts. Secondly, randomly selected people are simply not going to be as bright or able as professional politicians currently are. This is not an indictment of the intelligence and ability of the UK population, it is simply an acknowledgment of something that is rarely mentioned when we talk of our politicians. For the most part they are extremely bright and able people. I think this is difficult to deny. Certainly they are more bright and more able than a random cross section of the population. A suitable analogy that comes to mind is Jury duty, I'm not sure if you've ever done Jury duty, but although I have not, my acquaintances who have come back with a very poor opinion of the ability of random groups of people to make rational decisions. So all that randomly selected people have going for them is their impartiality, and even that is questionable. What precisely do we mean by impartiality? Everyone brings with them a set of beliefs and modes of thought that inform their decisions. In short, everyone is biased. You might argue that this bias will not run through party lines, that these biases will play off each other so that a general standard is eventually agreed to. My question is this: How long will such a process take? Say what you will for the party system and how restrictive it can be, what it provides is expediency, and when a parliament is facing myriad important decisions every day, expediency is vital. Issue with theory aside, I move to issues with practice. You suggested that people be selected according to gender and race. This to me is fine, I don't see the necessity for it, but I see no problem. Where I see the problem is that you have added in relgious belief. Religious belief is something beyond genetics and gender, it's a set of decisions made by someone. If we are to equally divide along religious lines, why not other lines? Might I suggest vegetarians and omnivores, homosexuals, bisexuals and heterosexuals, creationists and evolutionists, Tottenham supporters and people with taste? Where is the line to be drawn? I eargerly await your reply, Mark |
| JIM 02/07/2004 |
Did some essential work on the car and the camper van, including scouring countrysid for parts. Pursuaded Seyyid - ex mechanical engineer from Malaysia and currently computer whiz-kid - to come round. He worked wonders with the in-service machine and took away the other left for me here by my youngest son, Nick. Amazingly, it had not exploded when I touched it! I felt obliged to contact the Regional Returning Officer (David Monks at Huntingdon); the text was as follows; The Regional Returning Officer, Eastern Region (England).I have received a strange communication which appears to emanate from Messrs Steele and Shamash, claiming to be solicitors – I have not yet had time to check the Law Society lists. Furthermore, they claim to be acting for the Regional Returning Officer, David Monks, although they have not yet made any approach to the High Court. I would be grateful if you will confirm that this firm will indeed be acting for you (David Monks). Please clarify whether they will be acting for David Monks the Individual, David Monks the Chief Executive Officer, Huntingdon District Council or David Monks the Regional Returning Officer, Eastern Region (England). Possibly it is some combination of these entities? I would be interested to learn (and perhaps thebCourt also) exactly who has engaged Steele and Shamash – that is, who will be paying their fees – yourself in person, Huntingdon District Council, some department of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office or some other party. I regret that I cannot respond to the aforesaid communication (from Messrs Steele and Shamash - ?) as it bears neither name nor signature – it could have come from anyone! I also note that none of the firm’s staff listed appear to have any qualifications! All his may be normal among solicitors but it would not pass muster in my own profession. Please be advised that, in accordance with the Election Petition Rules 1960 Art. 21 (3), I shall continue to serve notices directly on the Regional Returning Officer. The High Court has informed me that, although there are four Petitions against the Local Elections, mine is the only one concerning the European Parliament; we should therefore have the Court’s fullest attention. I shall make an Application for Directions next week after which I may request certain items or information to be provided to the Court – by yourself mostly but also possibly by others. J.J. Naisbitt B.Sc., M.I.C.E. PS. Messrs. Steele and Shamash appear to specialise in Family and Mental Health Law. Was this a wise choice? JJN. I would just add to this that I have no significant grievance against Mr. Monks personally nor against Huntingdon District Council. It is simply that the person for the time being who is the RRO has (initial) responsibility for the (Euro-) Election. It may transpire that the RRO can legitimately transfer responsibility upwards to the Electoral Commission or other dept. of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. We shall see. 23.00 h now; having an early night. Goodnight. JIM. |
| JIM 01/07/2004 |
Thursday. I did some household chores then went to church at 10.00 h. Ended with a flaming row with people who just don't want to be disturbed from their comfortable daily routines - including their permanent illnesses and other misfortunes. I'm beginning to realise how the people reacted to Jonah, Jobe and the others and even (just a tad) how Christ himself must have felt!I was reading the "Rules" governing the presentation of my "Petition". Among other things, I must give notice "in the constituency". This could mean only on the tree outside my house or in a newspaper covering the entire constituency ( of almost 5 million people!). So I called on a local newspaper to try to get some estimate of what that would cost. In passing, I had it confirmed that MOST British local newspapers (plus some national ones also) are owned by companies based in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I wonder if the UKIParty will campaign for British independence fron the USA? I must make a start by writing a "letter to the editor".
About a week ago, I requested one list of Ward/Parish councils to see if the Euro-election Notice had been correctly advertised on their official Notice Boards - it seems that it was. I now wonder if it would be acceptable for notice of my Petition to be given on these same Notice Boards. I found that there appear to be only Parish Councils (each with a Clerk) - no Ward councils. I wonder if there is any land which does NOT lie within a Parish? Anyway, For Huntingdon Local Authority, there are about ONE HUNDRED Parishes so, given that there are 48 Local Authorities in the whole Eastern Region (England), I will have about ONE THOUSAND Parishes to contact. Printing will not be too big a problem but DELIVERY will be, if my initial inquiry is any guide. The Parish Clerk told me (on the telephone) that she could not print an attachment from an e-mail. If I have to use even second-class mail, the cost is going to be over ONE THOUSAND POUNDS - even assuming the Royal Mail actually deliver them; it seems that only about 10% of my Election Addresses were delivered. Finished the day with a good meal (prepared by myself) and watched the Euro-footie which was a great match. So, not all doom and gloom. Let's see what tomorrow brings. PS. Has anyone seen my wife? |
| JIM 30/06/2004 |
Stayed in St Albans today. Visited Bank to discuss message from my wife that we were overdrawn. An Insurance fee had been INCORRECTLY charged on a short-term loan (taken to enable me to pay my printers pending arrival of other funds). As the loan was fully paid back within the permissable one month period there should have been no charges whatsoever; the Manager corrected this error. A further item was more serious and will be investigated by the Manager (16 years at the bank!). We think this may relate to the annual charge by the Fund Manager of my wife's Investment portfolio. I decided that we will close our joint account and operate separate Current Accounts from next week. Bought some prawns and some mince and prepared a prawn and capsicum curry and a bolognese sauce (for separate consumption). Watched Euro 2004. Yesterday I had received a (totally unprofessionally written) letter purporting to have come from solicitors claiming to represent David Monks, the Regional Returning Officer. Telephoned DM and received petulent abuse before line was closed against me - so that's another letter I must write - to the Chairman of Huntingdon District Council or should it be to the Deputy Prime Minister as the Regional Returning Officer is the DPM's agent at Elections. Contacted the Electoral Reform Society today. They seemed to be only interested in their own pet system of Proportional Representation, the Single Transferable Vote STV. This seems even more complicated than d'Hondt! Served a Court Injunction to prevent the sale of a property in which I am interested - this could provide separate flats for my wife and myself (only 42 years married) plus further accommodation to let as a source of income. Our present (family type) house is of a similar value but has no similar potential. I need some information (which is being obscured) so that I can make the correct offer; more unprofessional professionals - this time surveyors not lawyers! Found someone (Malaysian) who may sort out my computer/internet problems; he's coming tomorrow - before it drives me crazy. That's about it for today. 23.30 h. |
| JIM 29/06/2004 |
Set out from home at 07.30 h. Brentwood eventually coughed up their Electoral Register but it took me all morning. Unfortunately, I can't read it! It seems I need some extra software - down another snake! Visited Brentwood R.C. Cathedral (!) - looks a bit Masonic to me - the Bishop's chair is definitely "on the square". Spent the afternoon buying some items at Maldon, for working on my old boat then scoured Ipswich for the previous owner - unsuccessfully. Got home at 8 pm to learn that the (joint) Bank Account is overdrawn. If this is due to my wife's Credit Card, I shall disown her. Midnight so good-night. |
| JIM 28/06/2004 |
Spent all day today at the High Court, London and eventually obtained a Court Order requiring Brentwood Borough Council to provide me personally with a copy of their Electoral Register. Envisaged more problems when this is presented tomorrow at Brentwood. I have just now found an e-mail from Brentwood informing me (together with a liberal dose of umbrage) that the Register is available for my collection. I shall record here how I get on - another opportunity for "Glasnost" and "Perestroika"? Must have a bath and get to bed - before "Sailing By"! |
| JIM 27/06/2004 |
Sorry, I have neglected my web-site. This has been partly due to prevarication by Brentwood Council regarding provision of their Electoral Register. It has been necessary to apply for a Court Order to oblige them to carry out their Statutory Duty. On Tuesday, if they tell me to take a seat then leave me sitting there until their offices close, I'm not sure what I will be able to do about it. The Brentwood Police have made it clear that they will do nothing - unless I am provoked into losing my temper when they will act in support of the Council. Perhaps I will have to engage a Bailiff? Yet more expense for me but no cost at all to the Chief Executive and Electoral Officer at Brentwood! More later.PS. Someone sent me an e-mail concerning Free-masonry; I wonder if that is part of the problem at Brentwood? - or perhaps Council staff have some grievance and they are simply taking it out on Joe Public, especially on someone NOT from Brentwood! Hopefully, all will be revealed in due course. In fact, I thought Brentwood a neat and clean community.
I have already received the other 47 Electoral Registers; only this one remains. |
| JIM 17/06/2004 |
Forgot to mention that - thanks to BT-Yahoo, I am currently unable to access my e-mail service - send or receive. |
| JIM 17/06/2004 |
Sorry about the jagged spelling etc. in my last message |
| JIM 17/06/2004 |
To-day I have pai a further GBP 5,000 this time inti the High Court (London). This now makes my Petition effective. As usual, it was not a simple matter as I had to go personally to the Co-op Bank in Luton to get the Banker's Draft for the Court. As I progress, I am finding many minor issues - which could nevertheless could cause litigants like myself to give up. I cannot afford to be distracted from my main aim but I will try to address these problems "on the way back". I must now choose a location for my Petition to be heard. As the Defendant is based at Huntingdon, somewhere between there and St. Albans would seem fair; I think Luton may have the edge over Bedford. I must decide this within 28 days. I must also decide - before Saturday - on anyone else on whome I wish to serve a copy of my Petition. Included will be - the BBC (because they gave web-site references to all the parties but NOT to the (2) Independents, to BT (because I was FORCIBLY transfered from "BTCLICK" to BT-YAHOO" which has caused be untold difficulties and a huge telephone bill - which I intend to refuse to pay), the royal Mail (for failure to fully deliver my Election Address - this may have to be done through the Regional Returning Officer) and possibly others (eg the State of Israel - for introducing the d'Hondt System to (inter-) national Elections!). If anyone has any further suggestions, please add them to this Message-Board ASAP. 01.00 h (Thursday) - Good-night and God Bless. JIM. |
| JIM 15/06/2004 |
This election may not yet be over. I have been granted a Petition (in the High Court, London) to contest, not so much the result, as the form of the Election which promotes the Herd(s) at the expense of the Individual(s); this is contrary to British Tradition - and possibly also to Common Law. In my view, a fairer method may have resulted in quite a different outcome. I have today personally served Copies of the Petition on the Regional Returning Officer (at Huntingdon) and on the Crown Prosecution Service (at St. Albans). Tomorrow, I must place a Surety of GBP 5,000 at the High Court. Needless to say, I am approaching the limit of what I am prepared to spend personally, in the Public Interest. Please keep watching this web-site. |
| Justin 15/06/2004 |
Just seen the results, hard luck I voted for you. |
| JIM 13/06/2004 |
Post Script to all my replies:I received a rather critical e-mail alleging that my stated Printing Costs – and therefore everything else I have stated – are inaccurate. In fact, the figure of GBP 14,000 was the estimate (best of three) given me at the time. It was subsequently negotiated down to GBP 7,900 (plus delivery costs to Royal Mail distribution points). I am prepared to invest the balance in a Legal Challenge to the Election itself. One LETTER (among many – including 2 abusive and 2 containing financial contributions!) castigated me for using "GBP" instead of "the Pound sign". In fact, the latter comes up as "#" on my keyboard. So, not all of the people, all of the time! I cannot speak too highly of my Printer who co-ordinated a number of firms and worked all night on Thursday 03/06/04 in order to meet the Royal Mail dead-line for distribution. I also had an e-mail in defence of Free-masonry – which I neither support or persecute; I hereby invite the sender to provide a web-site which I will publish on this site so that people can decide if they would like to join. |
| Linda (Site Webmaster) 12/06/2004 |
To all visitors:Jim has registered a complaint with the Regional Returning Officer - please visit the Bulletin Board to learn more. |
| Andrew 11/06/2004 |
I am afraid that I did not know you were standing until I saw the ballot paper, despite trying to follow politics closely.I refuse to vote for a party since I believe in democracy and I went to the polling station with little optimism that I would actually be able to vote.
Unfortunately, I knew something of the background and views of the other independant candidate and I knew nothing of your views (and still don't). However, for the sake of democracy I hope you retain your deposit. |
| Martin Bristow 10/06/2004 |
As stated by a lot of others on this board it would've been good if you'd been a bit clearer on your policies, however you sound like a genuinely sound individual and the 'promise of a lively 5 years' was enough for me to put a cross next to your name. Good luck mate. |
| Dave 10/06/2004 |
Martin Bell 1:0 JIMEnough said. |
| Cathy 10/06/2004 |
Thought your policy admirable - to explain to us all whats going on in words we understand. Good Luck. |
| Mark 10/06/2004 |
Unfortunately, I must have been in the 80% who did not receive a leaflet, as the first I heard of you was when I read the name on the ballot paper. This was too late, as I could not vote for someone whose policies I did not know. I decided to find out more upon my return, but must agree with others that I do not really know, having read your site, what you stand for so I feel that you would not have got my vote anyway. I would like to think that if you recoup some of your money, and stand again in the future, that with a more detailed manifesto you may obtain greater support. |
| Linda 10/06/2004 |
When I saw the ballot paper, I found the other independent for this region is Martin Bell.Sorry, Jim. |
| Sarah 10/06/2004 |
I, too, read your leaflet with great interest. Not having used my opportunity to vote before, I was determined to exercise it this time, but found myself lacking enough interest in any of the candidates.Your leaflet pursuaded me to go with an independant vote, however I was hoping to read more on your goals should you get a seat. Not having found what I was looking for, I think I will have to pass this time. Had you told us your agenda, the vote probably would have been yours! |
| Chris G 10/06/2004 |
It's about time honest people felt able to say they are putting their money where their mouth is. Providing your comments are truthful (and I have no reason to suspect they are not) then I am willing to give you my vote. I am not a radical but I will admit to Liberal Democrat sympathies. Sometimes it is better to put your faith into the corner shop rather than the supermarket giants. Good luck, and I hope that you manage to retain your (brave) deposit at the very least. |
| Sue 10/06/2004 |
Quite simply, I would like to vote for an independent candidate. Jim is obviously keen, but what on or what for we don't yet know. I had hoped to find your manifesto on this website: I have been sorely disappointed.I don't know whether you'd represent me as I would wish, so I cannot vote for you in these elections. Perhaps more time and thought, as well as money, would have helped you to secure more support. |
| Andrew 10/06/2004 |
If you want any of the correspondents on your site to vote for you, you will need to respond to their concerns before the day is out. Euro or non Euro? Anti-abortion? What degree of Euro parliament intervention do you find acceptable? Are you with France or the US on Iraq? etc. etc.. Good CV and honourable intentions, but we need some policies and views. |
| Linda 10/06/2004 |
We read your leaflet with interest and my husband wants to vote for you. I'm more cautious though, which is why I'm here. You mention the Movement for Christian Democracy founded by David Alton; does this mean you are anti-abortion? |
| Nadia 10/06/2004 |
Hello Jim Disappointed to see no picture of you! How else can we check if your eyes aren't too close together and if you look like the type who would wear womans underwear. These are very important attributes when it comes to deciding whom to vote for. Good luck to you sir |
| MDane 10/06/2004 |
I am a voter who will vote independent in this election. I did not know what you stood for so here I am at your site. It is obviously very expensive to stand in this election, and whilst I wish you luck, the lack of aims will tell against you in the voting. |
| David 09/06/2004 |
No policies? No vote. |
| Peter Cavanna 09/06/2004 |
Thank you for your leaflet which fell through the door this week.I feel a lot happier knowing that I am voting for a Christian man. |
| Until your leaflet dropped through the door I probably wouldn't have bothered voting. I'm fed up with party politics but as you are obviously going to carry out your tasks guided by Christian principles, you have two votes here! A breath of fresh air! | |
| Melvin 09/06/2004 |
Although I don't entirely beleive in christian democratic values their close enough for me to vote for a man of principles. |
| Evelyn 09/06/2004 |
You have my vote Jim which was undecided up until yesterday when your leaflet fell through my letter box. You seem an honest Christian gentleman so good luck for Thursday. I hope to be hearing more of you. |
| Colm 09/06/2004 |
Although I probably wont vote for you because of your anti-abortion views, I wouldn't like to see you lose your deposit against the big boys, so good luck. |
| M 0/06/2004 |
I came to this site to find out what you were standing for but could not find any clue. Why should I vote for you? As much as I know you could argue on MY behalf in Brussels absolutely anything that is contrary to my beliefs and values. The same can happen with "party people" but at least they have a programme that they can be held accountable to. You only seem to be accountable to yourself.
Jim: I will be arguing for Truth, Justice, Peace and Honesty in ALL spheres of application. I repeat that I will investigate activity at Strasbourg/Brussels to enable us to make a valued Judgement on to what extent, if any, we should seek to be in Europe. Our relationship with the USA is politically less formal (more clandestine?) but must be considered in the context of our European connection. |
| Ruby 08/06/2004 |
I have to agree with Ray from Stevenage: you havent stated what you stand for Mr Naisbitt. As such, you are a dark horse. I cant even consider using my vote for you. I suggest that this website would have been an ideal place to explain your political stance. Probably too late for Thursday now...
Jim: Pls see above (M, Camb). Sorry, I have not used my web-site fully; it's a new field for me. Also, I am working alone while trying to carry on a normal life, at home. I am not taking on any employment but I have been obliged to visit Germany (Chemnitz, Saxony) and France (Rouen, Normandy) during the past 3 weeks. I hope this entry satisfies your enquiry. Furthermore, I have now concluded that the d'Hondt Method of evaluating the successful candidates, from a single "X" vote, is unfair to me; I have begun Legal Proceedings against the Regional Returning Officer, as the government's representative. |
| Ray 08/06/2004 |
The problem with "Jim" is that he has failed to say what he actually stands for. Instead he has gone for the sympathy vote buy saying how much it has cost him. Jim’s CV suggests he is a clever man, but so was Adolph Hitler.
Jim: Have you read any of "Mein Kampf" (A. Hitler Esq.) – or even visited the BNP web-site? Both set out fine principles – it’s the action which follows that matters. I will be in nobody’s pocket (except my Maker's). |
| Suzanne 08/06/2004 |
I am impressed Jim! I will be watching your progress and hope you come out on top on Thursday, you have my vote.Good luck!
Jim: Pls see also Ruby, Herts. Only in UK (plus the Netherlands?) do the Euro-elections take place on Thursday 10/06/04 which is a Public Holiday (Corpus Christi) on mainland Europe. Elsewhere, the Election takes place on Sunday, 13/06/04. That is why counting in England cannot take place until the last Polling Station closes (probably in Portugal) on Sunday evening, although the Netherlands appears to be challenging this regulation – whether for the sake of challenging the European Commission or in order to enjoy a long week-end (the Friday after each of the THREE Thursday Public Holidays is usually taken as a holiday also), is not clear. It seems that England (and Wales but not Scotland and N.I.?) are trying to save a few coppers by combining Local and European Elections; this may turn out to be a false economy. In fact, if there had been proper consultation, the Rest of Europe may have been agreeable to adopt the Thursday and possibly declare the Friday a Public Holiday instead. |
| Naomi 08/06/2004 |
Good Luck on Thursday Jim. Well done for the site, very impressive. Naomi Jim: Thanks. Credit for the web-site goes to linda @ virtualtapestry.co.uk. Pls see also the web-site mcdpolitics.org. |
| Mr George 08/06/2004 |
good luck jim. i didnt know what was invoved in getting elected to be a euro mep typical carve up.we need to remember what last sunday was about
Jim: Please note that no "Party Candidate" - nor even Martin Bell – appears to have remarked on the Diminution of Human Rights of the Electorate resulting from the d’Hondt System. |
| Sue 08/06/2004 |
Jim, Your site srambled the word Cons#@*%!ution in my message. Is this deliberate and does it indicate your feelings about the proposals? (Only joking) Webmaster: Hi Sue, I think we may have an over-zealous vulgar word filter! I'm off to sort it out ... |
| Sue 08/06/2004 |
Jim, You mention Israel / Palestine in your leaflet. What is your view of the situation there? What do you think of the proposed Cons#@*%!ution and do you want us to stay in Europe? Jim: We often drive between St. Albans and our daughter's home on the Isle of Dogs. Sometimes we "short-cut" through Loughton. Talking of jokes; This penguin goes into a bar and asks the barman; "Have you seen my brother in here today?" "Dunno" says the barman. "What does he look like?" [Thanks for the opportunity. More jokes later!] |
| Paul Saunders 08/06/2004 |
At last.Someone talking sense.Leave the Europeans to their own mess and let us get on with being British.Makes senseto me.ALL THE VERY BEST ON THURSDAY JIM. PAUL Jim: “Shum mishtake here; Ed”. Surely we are part of the Euro-mess? Our Ministers participate in the Council which directs the European Commission which therefore has the scope to “dodge” between that Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. This is probably the main problem in Europe. This “menage a trois” must be “regularised”.- Transport appears to work better in Europe (French TGV etc.). Sadly, London is one giant Transport Museum. The word “quaint” should may be applied to a thatched cottage but not to the Capital City! Perhaps Britain is being used as a “laboratory” by the USA; this may partly account for the “frenetic malais” which seems to beset us today. Personally, I am dreading the potential manifestations of the outcome of the France – England football match on Sunday evening. I wouldn’t replace any broken windows before then! I AM British. I want to do SOMETHING to bring Britain (+ N.I.) to it’s senses – have you seen the level of debt – much of it to purchase imported goods? – we have abandoned our young people and they have abandoned our pensioners, including ME! I feel I must make an effort so that no-one can say that I didn’t try. |
| Serendipity 07/06/2004 |
As far as I can tell, very few of the candidates have any real policies or any substance to anything they say, other than their party line and point scoring nonsense in the laughable world, which is party politics.The fact that this man has stood up and said “vote for me, I want to make a difference” rather than “vote for us, because our gang is better than theirs”, says to me that he has values and NO obvious hidden agenda, I doubt one could say the same of a party puppet, who with the d’Hondt system, may or may not be a candidate with the larger proportion of votes.
I would also like to point out that having met a number of people in various social circles I have had the pleasure of meeting a number of people with aspirations to become MPs and MEPs, (a couple of whom are on Party candidate lists) but one meeting with somebody does not make me an authority on what a person is capable of. Jim: Government Economics seems to consist of “a penny on this and a penny on that”. Also, I don’t recall the Invasion of Iraq as an item in the Manifesto of ANY party at the last UK Election. I didn’t vote my taxes to attack some remote country which threatened only Israel – as far as I am aware, Israel did not ask us to attack Iraq, but I’m not always well informed! We (and even moreso the USA) do seem to grant Israel special (even illegitimate?) privileges. For instance, Israel – not being within even the wildest definition of Europe) should not be a member of the of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) – but they are welcome to the Euro-vision Song Contest! |
| Dave 06/06/2004 |
As far as I can tell, this man has no real policies and no substance to anything he says. His major policy seems to be to place a wedge in the steam-roller of democracy by launching ridiculous court actions against the very fair d’Hondt system. Having met the man once I can categorically say he is not the material that this country needs for its MEPs. An impressive CV does not imply any skill in the world of politics.
Jim: Sorry Dave – to describe d’Hondt as fair is to condemn the Israeli people to interminable oppression. d’Hondt makes it virtually impossible to get rid of any Party Leader. Also on this subject; I could end Palestinian suicide bombers tomorrow – just give them Abrahams tanks, Apache gunships and F-16s. Then they could fight on equal terms. |
| Nick R 06/06/2004 |
Good Luck to you Its refreshing in a world of near zero tolerance to see your near zero policy. If I can figure out how its tactical you will have mine! NR Jim: Give Honesty (Glasnost + Perestroika) a chance and everything else will follow. There were 2 ways of tactical voting; 1) – probably favourable to myself; go with ONE friend and choose TWO different Candidates/ Party Blocks 2) – probably overcoming the d’Hondt system completely; go with SIX friends and chose SEVEN different Candidates/Party Blocks. I was horrified when I saw that the Ballot paper allowed only ONE vote yet FAILED TO MENTION that SEVEN candidates will be elected; also, there was no mention of UK or England. It appeared that we were voting in the Eastern Region of Europe, namely Poland Hungary, Slovakia, etc.! The whole exercise is a shambles, not merely the Postal Voting fiasco. |
| JIM 05/06/2004 |
As you can see, I haven’t quite mastered thisweb-site thing yet. Anyway, thanks for all (13?) messages received so far plus e-mails direct to my e-address. It’s about noon (Saturday) now so I’m just off to chivvy the Royal Mail up a bit -I received THREE leaFLETS YESTERDAY SO CLEARLY TWO HOUSES MAY NO\T HAVE RECEIVED ANY (sORRY ABOUT THE “CAPS LOCK”). Then down to the Irish Club to see if “Brummie Dave@ (” = @ on my keyboard!)is in – AKA the “Soak of Peterborough”. Up to town (Farrier’s Arms) then a quick kip then over to Maldon – to see if the boat (temporarily named the Marie-Celeste II – registered in Gaza) hasn’t slipped her leash. Best to sleep on board then down to NEW Maldoin to pick up my Kashmiri pal (Brij Kaul). We’re off to Boulogne/Rouen to see our former neighbours (Bertrand et Veronoque) . Also, I have to visit my bank in Paris (Credit Lyonnaise, Blde des Italiens) on Monday mmorning then back to UK to get the court case going against the Regional Returning Officer (one David Monkes, Huntingdon). We (me and Linda) should get this board into some kind of order by then. TTFN – JIM. |
| Peter 05/06/2004 |
Good luck Jim, you have my vote.
Jim: Thanks. I can promise you an interesting 5 years but I may ask for your continuing support – even attendance at Strasbourg/Brussels. |
| James M 04/06/2004 |
Good Luck, try to go door to door as much as possible. None of the other candidates are.
Jim: Door to door is impossible for myself, alone. However, I talk to everyone I meet including Local Authority officials; I hope they will pass it on I have been relying on the Royal Mail for delivery of my Election Address to 900,000 homes (I could not afford the printing costs for the full electorate, 4.85 millions). Unfortunately, it seems that delivery has been very “patchy”; I am not sure what redress I have against the Royal Mail/Regional Returning Officer. |
| Michelle O’Connor 04/06/2004 |
Loved the election communication. As a fellow AGS sufferer I feel an affinity. Wishing you success in your campaign. I am a dissolussioned labour voter and had not yet decided who to vote for, however, after reading your communication the decision is made. You can count on my vote! |
| R D Martin 04/06/2004 |
Thank you for your election communication received yesterday.The very best of luck to you. Two votes here for certain. I hope you get many others and that we can look forward to a bit of proper representation. |
| Phil A 04/06/2004 |
An excellent CV for an MEP – as was said before, you’ll be wasted in Strasbourg, but I’m confident that you’ll communicate your findings to your const ituents. We need representing in Europe because we are part of Europe – I hope your multi-cultural experience gets used to great effect. Don’t waste too much energy (& money) on the courts – get elected! Good luck – yes you have another vote!
Jim: Sadly, we must (eventually) resort to the Courts – but I shall try to get most of the details done myself to avoid excessive lawyers fees. It’s amazing what one can do, oneself. |
| Dee 04/06/2004 |
What a relief to read your election communication!Far more useful info about both you and the whole Euro election than on most of the others while no glossy paper and coloured ink to cost the environment dearly.I have read the Westminster Declaration(link from your website) and thoroughly approve.We need more people in politics who are not freemasons.I hope my vote will help to save your deposit and like ‘Serendipity ‘and ‘Kakes’would like to know what help would be useful.
Jim: The easiest way to help was to talk to people. As “the Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet”, pls continue the good work. If (miraculously!) elected, I would hope for some (small) further input during the coming 5 years period. |
| Serendipity 03/06/2004 |
What a breath of fresh air! You have my vote Jim.. and if there’s anything I can do to help your campaign, just email me, i will be more than happy to oblige.Should you be elected, (and i have everything crossable crossed that this will be the case), and a co-ordinating office appears in Cambridge, again, please don’t hesitate to call on me for support in anyway i can give. The very best of luck to you, sir! Jim: Pls. (continue to) talk to as many people as possible. |
| Mark 03/06/2004 |
Good luck. Your CV suggests that you are vastly overqualified to sit in Strasbourg. I hope that you get there, and that you don’t find it totally frustrating once having arrived there.
Jim: Certainly, I am used to earning more than the GBP 57,000 p/a which is the salary of a (British) M.E.P. – plus various Expenses but this is NOT about money. |
| Peter Taylor 03/06/2004 |
Good luck Jim!I shall certainly be voting for you and believe that many others will too if they find out what you are offering.
Try and get publicity and keep your message simple. Regular and reliable information about how our taxes are spent in Europe is what we need. I hope you are successful. Jim: The cost of Euro-burocracy is, I believe, relatively low. Nevertheless, the European Commission (including Paton, Britain, Kinnock and Kinock) must be kept under control. |
| Geoff 03/06/2004 |
Last time I didn’t vote in the Euro elections chiefly because I believed it lacked democracy not least in the way one has to vote for a party rather than an individual and as you point out the main candidate from each party is almost guaranteed to become a MEP. What sort of democracy is that? Reading your leaflet which came today you have given me another more positive option to either abstaining or spoiling my paper by voting for ‘None of the above’.I wish you good luck.
Jim: You are right. The Herd tramples on the Individual – or allows the outsider be picked of by the predators. I hope to give the Herd(s) something to think about, albeit after the Election. Pls. See also “Nick R.”. |
| Andy B 02/06/2004 |
I salute your single-minded, if slightly obsessive, appeal to common sense. I also note your huge experience of other cultures and ways. I agree that having you in Strasbourg would be a (probably unwelcome) stimulus to all those along for a ride on the political gravy train. I wish you well and you have my vote.
Jim: Thanks. Other Candidates can also free themselves to think honestly, if they discard their party “Whips” but perhaps that would itself be dishonest? |
| Brenda 02/06/2004 |
I was very undecided on who to vote for next week and was even contemplating NOT voting at all because over the years I have become sadly disenchanted with the whole lot of them But today your leaflet dropped through my letter-box and suddenly my mind was made up. I shall vote for YOU. Good luck in your endeavours and I shall be looking to see you returned as the MEP for us.Keep up the good work.
Brenda Although I am not exactly a Geordie – I was born in Blackhall, Co.Durham, so I feel a tenuous affinity. |
| Kakes 02/06/2004 |
Jim,You have courage to do what you are doing. You are a professional, your CV is excellent and illustrates you can think and solve problems with people from many nations.
What have I to gain by voting for you ? Sending a clear message to the current government I don’t approve of their policies and arrogance. What have I to lose – nothing. Good luck. My only suggestion is you include on you site an area where you can let people know how they can help you; you may have underestimated the affinity others may have with you. Jim: Yes, I am a professional (Chartered Civil Engineer) yet still a bit of an amateur at “electioneering”. |