Hello,
As an opinionated old cow, it's not often I have to report that I have no opinion on something, however George Galloway's appearance on Celebrity Big Brother is something I don't know what to think about. I've run the gamut from outraged to cock-a-hoop. The nearest I've got to an opinion is below.
I believe George's constituents are rather upset, which is understandable. However they may be wrong on that score, I believe most of the hard graft is done by the staff, the MP just signs the letters. As a former constituent of Mr Galloway's and frequent MP botherer I always found him to be an excellent constituency MP even when he was being described as 'The Rt Hon Member for Baghdad South' or whatever it was. I just think it is demeaning for MPs to appear on game shows. I felt similar seeing Gordon Brown and Tony Blair on 'This Morning' and similar programmes. it may not be demeaning for them personally but it demeans the position of MP.
Our new friend Mr Duff writes about the decline of tie wearing in public life on his blog. Whilst I am poles apart from Mr Duff politically on just about everything. I think he is on to something regarding ties. Political life is now unashamed window dressing. The minute Tony Blair walked into a press conference carrying a mug, it was all over. It is insulting on all levels and to all sides.
If you are an informal type, you hopefully wouldn't be stupid enough to identify with Tony and vote Labour because he's not wearing a tie and carries a tea mug. Honestly what do they expect, that mechanics and manual workers the nation over will suddenly wipe their overalls in admiration and vote for Tony 'cos he don't wear a a tie to work, ees like us ee is?'
David Cameron, the Tory Tony has now relinquished the tie, to show how much he cares about people. Can the mug be far behind? I think we're doomed to the politics of pointless and insulting informality for quite some time to come.
I will now crack open that bottle of Raki, I think I need it.
Cheerio
11 comments:
I must admit, I despise the tie. Having worked somewhere in which it was compulsory and now working somewhere it isnt, I can understand why ANYONE would want rid of the fucking thing.
I do agree however that there is more than an element of contrivance in Blair and Camerons's shedding of the tie. If it became known to them tomorrow that not wearing a tie was damaging their popularity............well, you know the rest of the equation....
I think it would be good to see both leaders at the front bench in pyjamas with tea and toast. Unshaven. Possibly discussing celebrity Big Brother.
Tony Blair would gobble the devil if he thought it would get him more votes.Cameron is a monkey see monkey do politician but George Galloway has gone down in my estimation.
I'm afraid to say that 'ill man' is obviously one of life's natural slobs. By all means go tieless when wearing a sports jacket but a suit without a tie is like a suit without the trousers; I mean, what is the point of wearing the suit, which is a formal garb, in the first place? Anyway, the tie is a gentleman's one and only chance to act the part of the male peacock, to decorate, to add colour and dash, to show off, to preen. Mind you, it is also a test because, whilst the suit might be mass produced, the tie is obviously a personal choice and will say more about you than anything else. Perhaps that explains 'ill man's' aversion to it!
As to 'the anti barney', I am at a loss to know how George Galloway could ever have been 'up' in his estimation. One does not require him to wear a tie to know exactly what he is all about!
Damn! I forgot the most important question. What, please tell me, is "raki"?
Hello all,
I personally think 'dress codes' are a good way of showing a bit creativity and ironically expressing a bit of individuality. I noticed this at school, when my friends and I would spend hours coming up with ways of bending the uniform rules in an effort to stand out. When people are allowed to wear whatever they want they end up slobbing about in mass produced, virtually identical tracksuits or jeans. As for politicians the thought of expressing a bit of creativity or individuality probably brings them out in a cold sweat, which may explain their sheep like behaviour regarding ties.
On an entirely different subject it is an honour to be joined by the anti-barney, the recipient of a coveted 'Tugged Beard' award.
Oh and sorry Mr Duff, I forgot to answer your very important question. Raki is a very strong Turkish spirit which should only be drunk in very, very small doses. To be honest I'm slightly scared of it.
David, i'm just not terribly partial to having things around my neck. I find ties uncomfortable, it has nothing to do with aesthetics whatsoever. I merely expressed a personal opinion on the matter, if a tad vociferously.....
I approve, for whatever that's worth, your formality, 'Clairwil', in addressing me as "Mr. Duff". However, in this brief 'Christmas truce' that has evolved between us, please feel free to use my Christian name. We both know, do we not, that it is only a matter of time before we will be locked in a thumb-in-the-eye, knee-in-the-groin dispute over something or other! Also, thanks for the tip on Raki, for a moment I thought you had discovered a new single malt that had escaped my attention.
'Ill man', I suggest you try a larger collar. It sounds as if you are rather like me in that I spend most of my time in 'slob mode' which makes it all the more exciting when, on occasions, I get the chance to 'peacock' for a bit. Unhappily, these days, my suit is used mainly for funerals when I have to wear a black tie. Oh, the cuelty of life - and death!
Mr.Duff,re.George Galloway,if the press don't like him,if politicians don't like him,if the Americans don't like him and if you don't like him,he must be doing something right.
Thanks for making me feel welcome,Clairwil.
Oddly, i'm the first to despair at people who look like they just fell out of bed. I am a weekend slob, but even in my unwashed, slightly hungover sunday afternoon slope to the shops I see people who have obviously tried very hard to look like shit, people who make me look an ideal of sartorial elegance.
I think the tie is just something I'll never enjoy wearing though I agree it should always be worn with a suit.
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