Wednesday 4 January 2012

Dear TDC Councillors...



“The Campaigner” – Cllr John Worrow - revealed last night that the author of the Facebook comment referring to “backs against the wall know what I mean” was Cllr Goodwin. This comment was published some time ago and originally the full message was published by Cllr Worrow (there was nothing offensive in that missing part) in his “Cllr Goodwin NAMED” post.

Cllr Goodwin is one of the first Councillors I met way back in 2003 and I’ve not one bad word to say about him. He is the sort of Councillor I hoped to be when I stood for Salmestone Ward back in 2007 and if I’m lucky, he’s the sort of politician I might be down the line.

He is also extremely ill.  

Cllr Worrow has crossed a line in doing this. At least before this, those accused could defend themselves and show that he was wrong. In this case, Cllr Goodwin isn’t able to. There are few rules in politics but one of them is that you NEVER attack someone who is unable to respond. Cllr Worrow makes it sound like he’s being generous to Cllr Goodwin, but all he's doing is dragging this out for his own benefit.

I’ve made it clear from the outset that I won’t tolerate homophobia, or any other form of discrimination, in the Conservative Party. If I come across it, I will expose it and rout it out along with anyone peddling those outdated views. There’s no place for it anymore. Anyone coming across this, please let me know (details are on the profile).

Cllr Simon Moores and I have both been attacked for apparently being homophobic, but no evidence has ever appeared to justify this. Cllr Worrow threatened me with both a solicitor and the police (within the space of 4 hours) just before Christmas.

I think it’s a disgrace that someone can call themselves a Thanet District Councillor but treat other Members with such disrespect. Add to that the bullying of a member of the public and you have a member who brings the Council into disrepute.

Every Councillor must ask themselves whether they think it’s acceptable that a Member of their Council behaves like this. Labour, Conservative, Independent, I don’t care what colours you carry, surely this is NOT something we want to see.

114 comments:

Peter C said...

I've met & chatted to cllr Goodwin many times, & while he's probably not the most PC of people I really couldn't imagine him saying anything bigotted or homophobic. Very sorry to hear that he's ill too.

Kentish Tory said...

I responded to a post made by John regarding Anastasia Beaumont-Bott, telling him what she was really like, but then he deleted me for no reason.

Councillors like that really disappoint me

Cllr Hornus said...

James I totally second your feelings and comments about Brian Goodwin. I also am glad for the stance you have taken with this blog and comments (+ threats) that have been made.

While the issue of homophobia or any other form of discrimination does need to be dealt with it seems for some councillors (well, one) to be something that has only just been brought up to try to cover desperate power play tactics.

Has anyone asked how someone was comfortable to represent the conservative party to get into power? So far I have not seen an answer to this question (hopefully one will be posted in the comments pages of this blog).

Keep up the excellent work.

Anonymous said...

If Goodwin crossed the line, it is right for that to be made clear, whatever his current personal status. And you may not "tolerate homophobia", James, but you have no means or power to ensure that is true of the Party to which you belong. Would you resign if you saw evidence of it?

Anonymous said...

And precisely where does Worrow accuse you of being homophobic - rather than accusing you of allowing potentially homophobic comments?

And where does he specifically accuse Moores of being homophobic?

And who is the member of the public who has been bullied?

You may be right on all these points, but just as Worrow was pressed to reveal Goodwin's name - and you are now criticising him for it - you need to provide the details.

Unknown said...

I visited Cllr Goodwin before Xmas and as James said, he is not well but battling hard against a serious illness. I am sure that everyone wishes him well and I share James concern that he is quite unable to defend himself at present from the allegations made by John Worrow who is well aware of Brian Goodwin's condition and has been for months.

Anonymous said...

Councillor Hornus, you acknowledge that homophobia and any other form of discrimination need to be dealt with. You go on to question why Councillor Worrow was comfortable to represent the Conservative Party - a good and valid point. Are you therefore acknowledging that homophobia/other discrimination exists in the Party locally?

Cllr Hornus said...

@Anon 8:02

Thank you very much for your comment, and as a direct answer to your question no I am not, nor do I believe that it exists in the conservative group.

The point I want to make (and indeed has been made several times on other blogs by others) is that their is an individual trying to make this claim without evidence to support it.

I know of no councillors in the group who hold this view, and let us remember that at this point the only evidence presented is from someone who has not been able to defend himself and explain what he meant. Lots of claims have been made but there is no evidence to support it.

Support has been shown with Thanet Gay Pride and this link from the blog of Councillor Ken Gregory is a good example of how councillors feel about this issue (if link does not work visit the blog Village Voice and look for the article marked Bigotry):

http://villagevoices.blogspot.com/2011/06/bigotry.html

Anonymous said...

James well done a very balanced Blog, the attack by Worrow is uncalled for and for him to attack a man that is so seriously ill over a casual remark that can be taken anyway,is a step too far.TDC Democracy department should look at the Blog activity and decide whether Worrow has gone a step too far,He attacks a seriously ill Cllr, he undermines local politics.
I think Birchington South Conservative Electors will wonder what is going on to see their candidate vilifying the Party he stood for. what is going on?, time for action

Anonymous said...

When John Worrow first resigned the Conservative whip, I thought he did so on some matters of principle, particularly animal exports and Birchington parking. The allegations of homophobia came later, almost as an after thought based, no doubt, on some opposition view that such is a Tory Achilles heel.

Since then his ranting on his own and around other blogs has become increasingly desperate and pathetic. Has this arisen because he has seen his early support, mainly from delighted Labour members, melt away as they realise what a loose cannon he has become.

Even I have been told in a response that the police are watching, though what precisely is not defined. James is right where he says that, in addition to police action, there have been threats to sue and accusations of blackmail. Where and what are the details of these alleged slanders, libels or blackmail attempts.

Sadly, I think the man has gone off his trolley and yet he remains the representative on the council for the people of his ward.

Anonymous said...

6:46

The way to tackle problems in any organisation is to face them and root out the perpetrators, not to resign as you ask of James. As a Conservative I know the party has made massive strides over the years to deal with prejudice of any kind.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your reply Councillor Hornus. I am perfectly content to take your personal reassurance and word that the views expressed by Councillor Gregory represent the collective view of the TDC Conservative Group and each constituent member of it.

Anonymous said...

12:59

That is not what Cllr Hornus said and well you know it.

Perhaps you should look within your own party for prejudice since we 'whites seek to divide and rule' or was that just a slip of a Shadow Minister's finger.

Anonymous said...

12;59 Seems I owe you an apology for I misread your response placing a negative where there was not one. Time for a trip to Specsavers!

Cllr Shirley Tomlinson said...

I don't respond normally to blogs, but will on behalf of Cllr Goodwin - I see him regularly and although he has finished part of his treatment he still has an op to go through, however he and Mrs Goodwin are both unwell and I hope he does not become aware of this vile tripe hurled at him as that may just tip him over the edge. He is at hospital this very moment having bone scans. Brian has indeed frequented the bar as many of us have, which Mr Worrow used to go to as it has a great atmosphere and a good bloke runs it, on many occasions and has often been in the company of gay friends we have. Perhaps it was just the "person" he was against. I would be very happy to discuss this with Mr Worrow although I think somehow he will decline! I hope he can sleep at night - to do such a disgraceful thing when a man is down just shows what, in my opinion an arrogant, hurtful,frightened weak little man he is, when it was not really necessary.

Anonymous said...

Well done Shirley, I think Worrow should "put that in his pipe and smoke it" your description is apt and accurate of this "little" man

Peter C said...

Well done indeed Shirley. I look forward to JW telling us whether he'll accept your invitation...

James Maskell said...

Thanks Shirley for the update on Cllr Goodwin and on his wife. Please pass on all our best wishes to them both. I hope to see him in the Council Chamber later this year.

Thanks everyone for the support. Any other Councillors wishing to give their opinion on this, please do so.

I've seen the comments/update on Cllr Worrow's blog and it only underlines the second to last paragraph.

Anonymous said...

As I said before, there's nowt so vindictive and vicious as the Tory Party scorned. What a hateful, horrible bunch you all are.

Peter C said...

Actually 19:22, I'd say a paranoid & self-serving cllr can be more vindictive.

Anonymous said...

Anon 19:22, perhaps you could explain to us all just what is horrible and vindictive about Cllr Shirley Tomlinson's comment. If there has been any nasty and vindictive behaviour, I think it stems from he who seeks to malign the good name of a man too sick to defend himself.

Clearly, sir, you are so blinkered by your own hatred of Conservatives that you cannot see the wood for the trees. I think you at least owe Cllr Shirley an aplology for including her in your collective accusation, but I doubt it will be forthcoming.

Breeding and manners do not figure in your world.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, given your personally insulting comments towards me recently, and your "premature enunciation" a little earlier today, you are in no position to demand apologies of anyone.

I am referring to the hostile comments toward Worrow made by you, Moores, Wells, AND now Tomlinson. In the case of Moores and your "good self", you have deployed and shared puerile playground-style jokes and continued to make provocative remarks. It is a collective outpouring of bile and vindictiveness by those in or associated with the Tory Party.

Hence my comment. If you don't like it, well, frankly, that's tough.

Anonymous said...

So Worrow the great campaigner couldn't be bothered to turn up at the council meeting tonight.
Maybe he's finally realised that people can't stand him because of his personality. He bleats and threatens at every imagined slight, but is happy to kick a very sick man when he is down.
Shame on you Worrow, you are a disgrace without honour. Brian Goodwin may not be very PC but at least he's not a vindictive sleaze.

Anonymous said...

"Disgrace without honour"..."vindictive sleaze"...
How nice. Should've stayed in the Tory Party, with those credentials.

Anonymous said...

07:00 what a sad person you are, it is clear that the blogs are not the issue it is your "hatred" of the the conservatives and the "Worrow Bandwagon" serves your cause, get a life and face the facts, Worrow has betrayed the Electorate who was elected for his Tory credentials.
So he could'nt turn up last night, that just about sums him up

Peter C said...

I'm STILL convinced that cllr Goodwin was referring to backstabbing rather than homosexuality. I don't think JW's (alledged) sexuality was well-known at the time, but his turn-coat attitude certainly was & still is.

Anonymous said...

Anon 21;19 - I apologised for my premature enunciation, as you put it, something evidently you are incapable of it would seem.

Some explanation of personal insults directed at you would not go amiss. Perhaps, on the other hand, this is you doing one of your usual tricks of associating me with other commentators or seeking to malign without substantiation.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, I refer to your jibes about sickness absence. Whether you meant them insultingly or not, I couldn't care less. I took it as an insult.

And I am not prone to premature enunciation, no.

And to Anon of 09.01, I have said, and believe, that Worrow should resign and put himself before the electorate, as should all those who "cross the floor". The electorate should demand this, but no Party can, since they all applaud the action when it benefits them and condemn it when it does not. And, no, I'm not sad - pointing out the hatefulness in others does not make me hateful.

Anonymous said...

My gosh, anon, you are a master at twist and turn. I never accused you of premature enunciation, as you did of me, but simply pointed out that I was prepared to apologise, something you seem incapable off.

As to your sickness, I recall you discussing being off work at the time of the public sector workers strike which you supported. If you want to take a chatty reference to that and an enquiry as to whether you are back at your desk as an insult, so be it. I would suggest, however, it is mild compared with the labels you append to anyone you perceive as Conservative.

You should also think carefully about your response to another poster on hatefulness. You seem increasingly paranoid about Tories and the hatefulness you perceive in them, often imagined by the interpretation you put on their comments. This kind of thing eats away at your soul especially if, as it would appear, you have little else to do at the moment, but dwell on things.

Anonymous said...

I believe, that David Cameron should resign and put himself before the electorate because I did not vote for the Lib-Dems, who came last - when this happens I'll ask the same of John, but not before

I find it rather odd that they seemed to think that it was ok when a councillor was done for drink driving, and another for animal neglect yet they conduct a hate campaign against the victim of a possible crime...

Anonymous said...

Shirley Tomlinson has been to a gay bar so she can't be homophobic.. Jean-Marie Le Pen said the same thing

Anonymous said...

I think people are still entitled to their personal views. It is only homophobic when voiced to give rise to offence or where discrimination or abuse against someone on the grounds of their sexuality takes place.

There is an awful lot of presumption going on here about what people may be. One might say that comparisons drawn between Jean-Marie Le Pen and a local councillor are offensive.

Anonymous said...

Who is Jean-Marie Le Pen?

Anonymous said...

He was the leader of a far right party in France some consider to be like the BNP here. At times he enjoyed for more political success and popularity in France than Nick Griffin ever dreamed of in UK.

Whether he was homophobic, as an earlier commentator implies, I have no idea, but for some anyone who does not actually embrace the LGBT world must be.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, I don't believe in souls and other spiritual concepts. And nothing is eating away at me. I am simply observing the outpouring of bile, vitriol, nastiness and hatefulness - and commenting on it. I am not paranoid about Tories, nor do I hate them. I hate their all-too-frequent bad behaviour, which is all too evident among their/your local representatives. Enough said.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe that Roger Gale is allowing this blog to attack the victim of what appears to be a homophobia.

The newly-extended criminal offence of incitement to hatred goes some way towards addressing the hatred directed towards LGBT people at a time when homophobic attacks are on the increase.

Just like race, a person’s sexual orientation is an intrinsic characteristic for which no citizen should ever feel under threat of verbal attack

Hidding behind someones health in order to put salt into the wound of a victim may make some people with far-right for feel better but its no defence.

http://newingtonblogspot.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Stirring up hatred against homosexuals is a serious crime.

Homophobic bullying can involve mental abuse by a group or an individual.What distinguishes it from other forms of bullying is the language that is used which in some cases have led to suicide

Anonymous said...

Looks like a certain cllr has been commenting anonymously here. If only he spent as much effort serving the people who voted for him and turned up at council meetings.

Anonymous said...

Or better still, Anon 00:19, let those people who elected him as a Conservative decide if they still want him.

JW is directly responsible for a stirring up of feelings, some I would agree that are best kept to oneself, as opposite sides, not just political, give vent to their views.

At this time Thanet could be better served all round by both councillors and people pulling together.

Worrow is not really being attacked because of his sexual orientation but because he is a self opinionated weakling with delusions of grandeur.

Anonymous said...

James,
Jean Cretien a Canadian Liberal statesman said
" The art of politics is learning to walk with your back to the wall, your elbows high and a smile on your face.It's a survival gameplayed under the glare of lights" (Quote from Oxford Dictionary of Quotations)
The phrase has been long associated with getting on with the job. attacking a seriously ill fellow Cllr is a step too far.

Anonymous said...

It is quite clear that Goodwin's remark on Facebook was related to Worrow's sexuality and as such was outrageous and inadmissible. He may not be homophobic, but his contribution is typical of those people who are. At best it is an outdated and unacceptable form of "humour". The Councillor's current state of health does not change that nor does it remove any culpability that can properly be placed on him.

Worrow was pushed by some Tories to reveal precisely what had been said, and by whom. He did so. He has now been rounded on with vicious personal attacks, sick and puerile jokes and a continuing barrage of innuendo. Much of that has appeared, and been led, by Moores on his blog, with contributions by fellow Tories Wells and Tomlinson, and other anonymous commentators.

If that does not show the Tory Party in a very poor light, I don't know what does. Before he resigned the whip, the political charade - of all parties - is such that no Tory would have let a word be said about one of their own. Once defected, the bile has gushed from every blogging Tory.

I agree that Worrow should resign and fight a by-election, but no Tory Councillor has any right to demand that, given their stance on other defections.

Peter C said...

Will John accept the invitation to talk to Shirley privately?

Anonymous said...

Mr Checksfield. From reading John's blog it seems that she prefers to talk hehind his back - why would he trust her now after a possible crime has been commited and all she seems to have done so far is said things about the alleged victim ? Could you imagine if that happened in a company? The law is the law and trying to demonise an alleged victim won't change that...

Anonymous said...

9:32

Why would someone that talks about going over seas for a long time and calls all of his colleagues mogs be concerned about getting on with the job?

I can understand why you lot are spending so much time trying to demonise an alleged victim when his said that he won't take legal action..

for people that claim to care about Cllr Goodwin you have a funny way of showing it -

its almost as if you are trying to proke legal action from the alleged victim.

Anonymous said...

"Worrow is not really being attacked because of his sexual orientation but because he is a self opinionated weakling with delusions of grandeur"

I remember this kind of thing being said about a black gentleman who protested because he was called the 'N word'

He was called a weakling that was acting above his station.

Ren Wood said...

Now who was that, 13:06, Robert Mugabe? Well he made a right mess of his country and its unfortunate people. Then maybe it was some other 'freedom fighter' you meant.

Really is time to stop all this accusation and counter accusation. If Worrow genuinely feels he has a case let him pursue it, either through the civil courts or by a complaint to the police.

If most people are like me, they will be sick and tired of all this nonsense now though I do agree with 9:57 that John Worrow should let the electorate have their say.

Anonymous said...

The Conservatives in Thanet, which do not represent the views of the rest of us, appear to be in very deep water. By attacking someone who has clearly been driven out of the party by hate is not very sensible. The councillor's words on facebook speak volumes. They have shot themseves in the foot by attacking the victim instead of making an apology - How can they call themselves conservatives?

Peter C said...

Strange that every single one of the comments defending JW are (a) anonymous & (b) have a very similar style to JW.

Maybe it's purely coincidental though.

Anonymous said...

Well spotted, Peter, although there is one troll amongst them using it to spit out his intense hatred of all things Conservative.

Anonymous said...

I'm appalled by the gay stereotyping that still exists in Thanet. We'll be having Village People tribute acts & Boy George lookalike competitions next.

Anonymous said...

10:01 well theres a coincidence read Worrow's latest Blog he is putting on such an Event for the benefit of his electorate!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Tom Clarke, you are even parroting the words - "troll" - of your anti-Worrow campaign leader, Councillor Moores. How interesting.

You continue to condemn (at least) me for hatred towards the Tory Party, despite a) often revealing your own hatred of the Labour Party and b) the evidence that more than one person has presented on blogs recently.

You studiously ignore - because it suits your bias - the venomous remarks or pathetic "jokes" about Worrow that have been posted by Councillor Moores, Councillor Wells, and Councillor Tomlinson - as well as the originating remark from Councillor Goodwin. All Tories.

Moving beyond the Worrow campaign, Moores has recently posted a reference about someone who is proud to have been on a disability pension for 15 years. He has been pressed - not by me - to spell out who he means, but he childishly refers to it being an "open secret". Why? He is either lying - which I doubt given his overly keen interest in libel laws (to protect himself) - or, as we have seen before he is "muck-spreading" without the courage to offer the detail behind the smear.

All of this emanates from your beloved Tory Party. If you are content with that behaviour, fine. Others of us think it stinks. The Party is rotten.

And before you refer to previous comments, the last one from me was 09.47 yesterday. So at least there is more than one of your (offensively dubbed) "trolls". And, also, before you return with an anti-Labour jibe - your sole form of defence, it seems - you've played that card too often.

Anonymous said...

No question of you playing your 'nasty party' jibe too often then. Frankly your once reasonably literate and accomplished debating style has deteriorated to the level of the playgound, and in a spiteful school at that.

I warned you about your soul getting eaten away by dwelling on your hatred and you do not have to be religious to accept there is more to a man than just a suit.

No, I am not going to attack your beloved Labour party though, if that is the company you enjoy, frankly you are welcome to it. As for my friends you list, I do not know Cllrs. Moores or Tomlinson, but I do know Chris Wells and he is a really decent chap. If knowing him makes me a baddie in your book then I plead guilty.

Ren Wood said...

OMG, a Boy George lookalike contest at Minnis Bay. Whatever next one wonders. That is what we elect councillors for I suppose. To think up really original ways to enjoy ourselves in the summer.

Nothing old hat and dull like sailing, swimming, surfing, fishing, diving or playing with the kids building sandcastles. No, now we can dress up as some drug habit weirdo who is hardly a choice role model for our modern youngsters.

I imagine little things please sad little minds, but I will not be there with my kids. They would think I had gone cuckoo or something.

Peter C said...

Even as a supporter of "Pride" events I find this very insulting. The supposedly homophobic Tory-led TDC showed how to do modern pride events properly, without reinforcing stereotypes that were out of date 25 years ago (who's hosting it, a Larry Grayson lookalike?). Absolutely dreadful.

Anonymous said...

With you, Peter, and it is very much a case of "shut that door" on this one.

Anonymous said...

This proposed event is totally unsuited to the location proposed, your Ward is Birchington South, has Quex Park a much better location.Not Minnis Bay I understand your last "Band Event" was not well received by Residents and to inflict another one on them , it would seem that you are not listening John,

Ian Driver said...

Just dropped by to catch up on the gossip. I know Cllr Goodwin to be a very hard working Councillor. I am extremely sorry about his poor health. I hope he and his wife get better very soon. However if it is true that he wrote the alleged comment then it is a very serious matter. Like it or not Councillors are community leaders. They should lead by example. To make what many people many people may construe as a homophopic remark cannot be right and merits an immediate apology.
Its unfortunate that Cllr Goodwin is not well and taking that into consideration, I would ask him when he is feeling better, to issue an apology to Cllr Worrow if he did in fact wrote the comments.

Anonymous said...

I see its being hosted by Ian Driver?

Horrified of Minnis Bay said...

John, I am afraid, is motivated entirely by self interest not those of the people of Birchington.

How bad taste can you get to promote an event seemingly idolising a former drug addict and jailbird. As, Peter, says a seventies stereotype of what was once everyone's idea of a gay man.

Then, thinking about it, is this perhaps not a further attempt by JW to provoke still more criticism from Tory ranks that he can point to as homophobia.

Anonymous said...

What, not that lefty who doesn't know his wrote from his write.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, you really do like to mimic others and plagiarise, don't you - even those whom you are condemning. You are funny - not overly so, but...

Anonymous said...

17:36 I responded to you shortly after 2pm, drove my daughter over to Deal, returned home, had my dinner and have just switched on my PC to find your latest comment.

What exactly have I plagiarised? Who precisely of those you allege I condemn have I copied or is it you off on one of your confusion trips.

If you want to engage in reparté why not respond to the comment I directed at you earlier. Meantime, I see there is a new thread on Minnis Bay.

Peter C said...

According to JW's blog "The show is to be compared by Cllr Ian Driver". I wonder what he'll be comparing, & I also wonder who'll be compering?

Anonymous said...

What did Birchington do to deserve this line up. Scargill's disciple comparing one Boy George lookalike with another and everyone's favourite councillor giving out the prizes. What a gay day that will be.

Anonymous said...

19:30 It is not the Gay Pride event that folk seem to be getting excited about, but the Boy George lookalike contest. Hardly family fun for a sea side resort in high season. Wonder what they will say down the yacht club.

Anonymous said...

What is an alternative dog event? The mind boggles!

Peter C said...

19:30, Wow, yet another anonymous blogger with a very similar style to JW! Amazing how many of you there are!

19:34 & others, I personally don't have a problem with Boy George, nor his drug & criminal past (the same thing could just as easily apply to The Beatles, amongst many others), & indeed loved his show at The Winter Gardens a few years back; it's the gay stereotyping that I find offensive. I've spoken to several local gay & lesbian friends about this today, & none of them would be interested in attending such an event.

Anonymous said...

Obviously 12.48 Blog is from Worrow

Anonymous said...

Maybe if this abuse against Worrow is kept up he might actually be pressured in to taking legal action against the homophobe that named him - but of course thats not the aim of the hateful people on this blog because they care about Mr Goodwin

Peter C said...

What abuse?

Anonymous said...

"Arrogant, hurtful, weak little man..." will do for starters. Peter. If you don't consider that to be abusive, we have different standards.

Anonymous said...

We are all supposed to know homophobia is wrong but there still seem to be people who don't realise that the old jokes can't be made any more - and were always hurtful and offensive anyhow. So how can we help people to understand that jokes about gay people, disabled people, sick people, ethnic minorities - and women - are unkind - and may even be illegal?
Christine

Anonymous said...

'Arrogant, hurtful, weak little man' may not actually amount to praise, but I doubt it is enough for legal action. Indeed, is it any more abusive than 12:48 Anon's attack on me.

Because this person sees me as a Tory he seems to think this gives him the right to blame me for the actions of other Tories I do not even know. That's a bit like me blaming him for the cock up Brown made of our national finances.

Frankly I am sick to death of Worrow, but what did interest me was the same anonymous blogger's charge that I plagiarise others. That is all I wanted clarification on, not a whole diatribe yet again about what a nasty lot we Tories are.

Obviously a meaningful debate with this person is impossible because of his deeply ingrained hatred, which has also destroyed his powers of reasoning.

Anonymous said...

Not the Christine of tree hugger fame? How are you my dear? Still fighting the same old causes I see. When will you people ever realise that you cannot legislate love thy neighbour.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, simply review the exchanges over time and the extent to which you do what I have said you do. Do the work. End of. There really is no point in our continuing to exchange insults.

Peter C said...

Christine (& others), I really don't think the words "Arrogant, hurtful, weak little man" have anything whatsoever to do with John's sexuality, no matter how much he continues to be a big drama queen about it all.

I personally (as an openly bisexual man) am far more offended by outdated Village People / Boy George stereotypes than a little light banter.

Anonymous said...

Indeed, Peter, for didn't some gay men make a good living out of gay humour in days gone by. Larry Grayson and Frankie Howerd quickly spring to mind.

Times have moved on and I can understand those old stereotypes now giving offence. Obviously the likes of JW and Christine don't and confuse the whole issue. All the one can see is the justification of his own dishonest behaviour and the other is up to her neck in PC nonsense.

Anonymous said...

15:24 Pleased to read your comment, so PLEASE do take your own advice and stop always reacting to anything I write. You have your opinions and I mine and, to plagiarise you, END OF!!

James Maskell said...

I think its time to knock this one on the head. Its been done to death and nothing meaningful has resulted.

There will be attempts made to provoke a reaction. Please don't react, as reacting will only give them what they want.

Its time for us all to move on to more important things.

Anonymous said...

I agree James. Hopefully all cllrs will get on with their jobs now (and that includes turning up for meetings).

Anonymous said...

Having selectively pruned some of the latest contributions on this thread, you should now delete Anon's 21.44 posting, which includes a further pop at Worrow. And then delete this one of course.

Anonymous said...

James says "will only give them what they want" and he says hes not one of them

Anonymous said...

JW is one of them!

Anonymous said...

JW is one of them?

Anonymous said...

In most parts of the world, homophobia is in decline. The global trend is for the repeal of anti-gay laws and for greater public understanding and acceptance of sexual difference. Overall, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are gradually gaining respect and rights – not losing them.


As homophobia diminishes and as future societies eventually embrace a post-homophobic culture, how will this transition to equality, dignity, understanding and acceptance affect the expression of sexuality?

If human civilisation evolves into a state of sexual enlightenment, where the differences between hetero and homo no longer matter, what would this mean for the future of same-sex desire and same-sex identity?

Anonymous said...

James, you have handled yourself, through these exchanges, with a rather higher standard of honesty and integrity than others in the shabby and tawdry political party of which you are a member. I hope that your failure to delete various recent contributions - which continue to malign Worrow - is because you have been otherwise engaged and not because you have dropped to the level of Moores, Tomlinson and company. That would be a shame.

Anonymous said...

Keep your cool, James, and don't let him flush you out.

Anonymous said...

James is just as bad for allowing an attack on someones private live after the victim exposed an unlawful action

Anonymous said...

I see that JW has now removed the Minnis Bay Pride post from his blog. Anyone know why?

Anonymous said...

Usual Labour spelling I see.

Anonymous said...

14:55 Perhaps the thought of Ian Driver in drag was too much for him.

Anonymous said...

Well if any of these latest posts are from card-carrying members of the Tory Party, it certainly provides proof positive of continuing institutional homophobia. Again, James, you need to act.

Anonymous said...

I don't see any homophobic comments.

Anonymous said...

Was John at the Dreamland enquiry last night?

Anonymous said...

15:21 To a certain contributor all comments are homophobic. Ask if John was at a meeting, that's homophobic. Query someone's spelling, why homophobic of course. Say Ian Driver in drag and that is like homophobic to the power of 10 at least. In fact, everything is homophobic.

Peter C said...

So who's one of them & who's not? It's all getting very confusing.

Anonymous said...

I see he's now billing himself as "Thanet's New Diversity Champion" (*cue generic photo of smiling black family*).

Anonymous said...

Anyone would think that Worrow is Thanet Councillor the way he goes on

Peter C said...

He's replaced it with a generic photo of a mixed race family now 17:34! Presumably one of them is gay & another one is disabled.

Anonymous said...

Peter, you really do need to get a life!

Peter C said...

And you really need to learn how to sign in John.

Ian Driver said...

Haha I don't think I would find a dress big enough to fit me. Another good reason to go a diet

Ian Driver said...

All this navel gazing about sexuality is becoming tiresome. Madonna got it right years ago "it don't really matter if your a girl or a boy, if your black or your white come on lets vogue". Wise words indeed which have guided me most of my life

Peter C said...

I agree Ian; now perhaps you'd like to tell your buddy John that?

(and what's happened to the Minnis Bay thingy anyway?)

Anonymous said...

James, you are clearly not "otherwise engaged" because you have posted a new item. A great shame that, having very selectively deleted a handful of contributions on this thread that criticised your Tory colleagues, you then called time - but have since allowed more contributions. Most of those have offered furrher - and highly questionable - snipes at Worrow.

I can only conclude that fundamentally, you have the same low standards as your Tory friends, Moores, Tomlinson, Goodwin and Wells, and that you have decided to continue to support Moores's visceral, childish campaign.

I am genuinely disappointed.

Anonymous said...

He lives in Herne Bay!

Anonymous said...

Not sure who you have in mind, 15.20, but I am the author of the 08.25 post and you are quite wrong. I am interested in how you would know where any anonymous blogger lives, though, unless they have revealed the fact. On what, precisely, do you base your information?

As for moving to Brighton, earlier Anon, I presume this is another of the "innocent" remarks from the political right wing that actually reveal the deep-seated prejudice that you clearly feel, and probably practice.

It is because of that prejudice and bigotry that the decision to have a Diversity Champion within Thanet District Council is entirely appropriate. One can only question why it has been so roundly condemned in the latest manic post over on the poor person's version of the Daily Torygraph - Thanet Life.

Councillor Harrison is bang on when he writes about the nature of Thanet North Tories and how they are seen by their Party colleagues around the country.

Anonymous said...

15:44 If Cllr Harrison, and John Worrow for that matter, are bang on with their assertions that North Thanet Tories are poorly regarded by Conservatives elsewhere, why do you keep condemning the whole party.

Even John Worrow says that David Cameron has continued the good work started by Tony Blair on diversity issues, yet you wax lyrical around the blogs about racist and homophobic Tories with your constant references to the 'nasty' party. Seems we ain't all bad according to some folks.

As to your jealously guarded anonymous label, you are almost certainly right that no other commentator could know where you live. A blogsite owner with the right skill and software could, however, trace you back to source.

Anonymous said...

Tom Clarke, you asked me to stop reacting to your contributions. Why do you not operate by your own rules?

Anonymous said...

I asked you to stop, not me!

Anonymous said...

Ok, Tom Clarke, that demonstrates your (lack of) honesty and integrity. As it happens, I don't wish to exchange with such an offensive and unprincipled character. So end of again.

Anonymous said...

Oh, just one (more) point, Tom Clarke, as I know you crave the attention these exchanges have given you.

As I understand it - and I am no IT specialist - a blogsite owner could only trace a contributor to his or her "electronic" address. They would, presumably, have to obtain the individual's personal details - name, home address etc., - from the Internet Service Provider. - This, if provided, I would suggest is likely to be a breach of the Data Protection Act.

More to the point, unless criminal or civil law is being breached, why would any blogsite owner want to trace people in this way? Sounds paranoid at best and very Stalinist at worst, and I am shocked that you might support such an activity.

Anonymous said...

Anon, I do not support any invasion of privacy and I merely pointed out, for interest, the facility to roll back the URL. Beyond that, as you so rightly say, one would need the co-operation of the provider which only law enforcement agencies could demand.

Hopefully we have yet to totally lose our rights and freedoms in this country though we went a bit too close for my liking under the last government.