Ken the Brave

southside Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 11:55:18 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

I listened to the interview with Ken Livingstone on the Today programme this morning and my respect for Ken has increased significantly.



He could have issued a press release defending Ian Blair, but he felt strongly enough about the subject to go into the studio with Humphreys and publicly defend his views (in the face of almost all the media) .

I don't feel I am qualified to make any sort of judgement on the merits of the De Menezes case, which is unbelievably tragic and complex and my feeling of respect for Ken is regardless of his views on the subject.

Standing up for your convictions when they are unlikely to make you more popular is a brave thing to do for a politician and I wish more of them (of any party) did the right thing, rather than the popular or politically expedient thing.

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Ken the Brave | 4 comments (4 topical)

Re: Ken the Brave (#1)

by TonyH on Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 04:05:20 PM GMT

Disagreed:

The respect I had for him has absolutley plummeted. Curse his cowardice and bloody-mindedness for the following remark.

He's quoted in Reuters as saying now Police would be frightened of potentially wrong decisions in the heat of the moment.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKLAL00192620071102
"As the law now stands based on this court case, an officer has got to have at the back of their mind ... the implications of this judgement in the sort of situation that might occur again".

Yes Ken!!! Damn straight they do. That's because taxpayers spend huge amounts of money training them. That's why the authorites are meticulous about recruiting them. That's why there are procedures to make sure things are done properly and that different operatives are communicating with one another. That's why we are supposed to have the very best of people in this clearly very difficult job.

After an innocent man was shot dead, then killed in the press again when "Police sources" told the BBC he was jumping turnstyles and running from them, after a horrific series of errors and mis-steps in an overcrowded control room, several guns pointed on "Ivor" the man who mistakenly identified De Menezes and was dragged across a carraige - after all that - Ken thinks the RULING was a disaster. The Ruling Ken??? Really???

It is very difficult to be a Policeman and I am completely grateful that they do a job to protect me and other Londoners. But it is, after all, their job. It is someone's job to take responsibility for this catastrophe - disgracefully, nobody will. It just won't do at all.

You really think, Southside, that it was through conviction Ken made this defence? I really doubt it.

I'm only half sorry for ranting but I am so angry at this whole sorry affair and now enraged further at the Mayor's apologetics - I'm almost tempted to write a cheque for Boris Johnson.


Re: Ken the Brave (#2)

by southside on Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 04:44:10 PM GMT

"You really think, Southside, that it was through conviction Ken made this defence? I really doubt it."

I am not sure how he can possibly benefit from speaking out. 

If he'd said nothing, or given a bit of support from the sideline, nobody would have noticed and he wouldn't have had the blame for the situation either way.



[ Parent ]

Re: Ken the Brave (#3)

by TonyH on Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 05:33:04 PM GMT

I should've been more clear - I suspect having read his statement on Reuters and his press release on the Mayor of London website, that it was politiking that had him go for the Lib Dems and Tories calling for Ian Blair to quit.

Whenever there's danger for a politician - safety lies in attacking the enemy, calling to his base. I'm appauled in this instance when there are serious flaws which lead to the death of a completely innocent man and he's out attacking the opposition.

Has he no grace? I do agree that it is admirable to defend what you believe in but in this case I this the premise is tragically mis-applied.


[ Parent ]

Re: Ken the Brave (#4)

by lastword on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 09:04:37 PM GMT

I am pleased Ken Livingstone is defending Ian Blair.  It's the right thing to do.


[ Parent ]

Ken the Brave | 4 comments (4 topical)