Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement


Crackdown on addicts 'blocked by SNP'

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 25 January 2009
By Eddie Barnes
Political Editor
UK MINISTERS are accusing the SNP Government of deliberately sabotaging a key policy that would force drug addicts to seek help or lose benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell claims the Scottish Government is refusing to hand over details of the drug problem north of the border, effectively "blocking" the UK-wide policy.

On Tuesday, Purnell will outline moves to stop benefits being paid to crack and heroin addicts unless they agree to try to break their habit.

He says it is unacceptable for taxpayers' money to be effectively handed straight to drug dealers across Britain.

SNP ministers oppose the measures, arguing that they will force drug addicts to fall back into a life of crime. Purnell claims that when UK officials tried to find out how many crack and heroin addicts were on benefits in Scotland, they were denied the information by the Scottish Government.

The row now looks set to throw the Edinburgh and London administrations into an unprecedented constitutional battle.

The UK Government has control over benefits payments across the UK. But Scottish ministers are in overall charge of the NHS and anti-drugs policy in Scotland, meaning they would have to administer the changes.

Speaking exclusively to Scotland on Sunday, Purnell said: "The SNP Government has complained that there is not enough evidence (to push through the plans], yet they are now blocking attempts to reassess the problem in Scotland."

Purnell said researchers at Glasgow University had been asked to compile new data on the number of drug addicts on benefits. He added: "They (the SNP Government] are saying they're not prepared to release the evidence. I challenge Alex Salmond to allow his officials to release this data, stop blocking NHS drug treatment for people on benefits and tell his MPs to vote for these plans on Tuesday."

A UK Government source said: "A revised estimate using more recent data has been carried out elsewhere in the UK. However, despite complaining there was not enough evidence to support the UK Labour Government's plans, the SNP Government has blocked our statisticians from having access to the new data."

Page 1 of 1

 
1

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:13:13
If the public purse is paying for this data collection and evidence gathering and research, then it ought to be available to everybody, never mind which bureaucrat wants it. The Scottish Nationalist Party seems to be treating this information as some kind of official secret. It doesn't matter what the cottish Nationalist Party thinks of the policy that drug abusers have to commit to gettng treatment if they want benefit handouts. The Scottish Nationalist Party doesn't control who gets welfare benefits.
2

,

25/01/2009 00:14:16
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
3

Scotindy,

Los Angeles 25/01/2009 00:16:42
The english really do'nt get it do they,Devolved means Devolved. Next year INDEPENDENCE means INDEPENDENCE.The colonies have gone so behave yourselves and play at home alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4

danbob,

25/01/2009 00:19:34
The SNP are right in what they say. No druggie is going to stop feeding their habbit because Broon denies them £48 a week. They will commit more crime. I do wish though that this political bickering will stop. I thought I had seen the last of the playground stuff when I left primary school.
5

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 00:20:13
3 I think you'll find it is a secret unless the patient gives permission for the NHS to provide the data to the DWP. Or do you think FiFi that all our personal data should be made available to any Government official who asks for it ? To claim this is the SNP ''blocking'' treatment for drug addicts is ridiculous, they just appear to be unwilling to hand over confidential medical records so that drug addicts can get their benefits slashed, and we all know what will happen if that does happen - the addicts will just steal from us to feed their habits. That's what drug addicts do.

It's a daft policy and the Scottish and Welsh governments are right to oppose it.
6

Dougie Douglas,

Brisbane 25/01/2009 00:20:54
Hmmm...

'Westminister fails to consult with Holyrood, again' just dosen't seem appropriate for a SOS headline does it. They just can't get their head around that this is a two way street and that there can be a price to pay for them frustrating (witholding of payments etc)the elected government at Holyrood.
7

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 00:21:11

Purnell is a disgrace....

"On Tuesday, Purnell will outline moves to stop benefits being paid to crack and heroin ADDICTS unless they agree to try to break their habit...."

"...He (purnell) says it is unacceptable for taxpayers' money to be effectively handed straight to drug DEALERS across Britain....."



Labour have no soul left.

The SNP should stick to there guns, the SNP's Drug REHABILITATION programme has been widely welcomed by all the charities involved with it in Scotland, unlike Purnell's New Labour attack on the vulnerable.

8

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:31:25
#8 - you didn't read the story. The DWP isn't looking for information to identify "vulnerable" individuals, but rather is seeking the overall results of research.

I imagine that the new benefit rules would depend on an indivdual "vulnerable" person claiming Employtment and Support Allowance, saying that the medical condition that made them unable to work was drug abuse. The "vulnerable" drug abuser would be paid benefit on condition that he or she agreed to undergo treatment for their drug abuse.

But it doesn't matter what the Scottish Nationalist Party thinks about the policy. They are just doing what they always do, picking a fight with the UK government, this time posing as the friend of Scotland's "vulnerable" junkies, and withholding publicly funded academic research as a weapon.

Fought an' died for, eh?
9

Dougie Douglas,

Brisbae 25/01/2009 00:34:38
#14 can you confirm that in the last 19 months every disagreement between Holyrood and Westminister has been a result of the SNP 'picking fights'?.

Thought so
10

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:35:07
For what it's worth, I think the Labour government is being too soft on drug abusers. I don't think drug abuse should be considered as a medical condition, but rather a crime. So there should be no question of paying benefits to drug abusers. Just the jail. But the Scottish Nationalist Party doesn't believe in jail, does it?
11

,

25/01/2009 00:36:02
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
12

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:38:13
#15 - most of them, yes. I think the Scottish Nationalist Party administration is fundamentally a project to break the United Kingdom, and its presnce in the Scottish Executive is primarily there to advance that project rather than to govern for the benefit of citizens. They aren't really serious, as can be seen by the presence of the "Justice Minister" in Toronto when he should have been at the crime conference.
13

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 00:38:56
14 What are you wittering on about ''fought and died for'' are you on drugs ? You are further to the right than the Tories, Atilla the Hen.
14

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:39:36
#17 - "The alien Fifi..." - a superb example of the cybernat mentality - if you disagree with the nationalist project you're not a real Scot, but an alien.
15

Fifi la Bonbon,

25/01/2009 00:41:24
#19 - it sometimes pleases me to pepper my apercus with quotes from the nationalist dirge.

Tae be a nation again!
16

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 00:41:52
18 ''The Scottish Nationalist Party administration is fundamentally a project to break up the United Kingdom''

Someone give Atilla the Hen a prize.
17

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 00:49:50

22. lol, superb
18

Dougie Douglas,

Brisbane 25/01/2009 00:50:00
Wow, what a keen observer of the political scene our Fifi is:- "Scottish Nationalist Party administration is fundamentally a project to break the United Kingdom"

Well done Fifi. ]

I'd suggest you are being ridiculed by the 'alien' tag because of your stance on this issue, amongst others. Suggesting that the best place for addicts is in prison misunderstands the problem on more than one level but illustrtates the depth of your thinking quite well.



19

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 01:00:49
#Fifi.

What do you believe drug addicts losing their benefit will achieve?

You, also, say that they should all be gaoled. What do you think is the weekly cost of keeping someone in gaol? What is the recidivism rate of gaoled drug addicts?

What is the weekly rate of dole money?

This is another case of NuLabTory policy, "a' fur coat an' nae knickers".

This policy will have little or no effect on the level of drug addiction, but it will, most certainly, have the serious effect of increasing crime at all levels.
20

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 01:09:38
14 I missed your point earlier. You say the DWP is looking for research stats. That's not how I read it. The article says that as the SG is in charge of the NHS they would have to administer the changes (7th paragraph). I read that as cross-referencing records, not research. Personally I find that unacceptable, unless the patient gives permission, which I think would be unlikely.
21

The real dracula,

25/01/2009 01:10:59
#16 i agree , to categorise drug addicts with the genuinely disabled IMO is an insult to the genuinely disabled.

Drug and alcohol addicts can be said to have made a lifestyle choice.

A person with MS cannot wake up one morning and say right i have had enough Im gonna give up this MS , a drug addict can.

A person who is crippled with arthritis cannot wake one morning and say right Im gonna give up this crippling disease , an alcoholic can.

ETC ETC.

We are too soft on drug and alcohol problems but we also dont provide enough resources to help folks stop.
22

,

25/01/2009 01:15:05
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
23

Marga,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 01:27:28
Maybe people who want to put addicts in jail for their "choice" of lifestyle should have a look at articles like this:

Drug addiction genes identified

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSHKG24467620080108
24

,

25/01/2009 01:34:38
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
25

,

25/01/2009 01:44:10
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
26

,

25/01/2009 01:52:56
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
27

,

25/01/2009 02:03:46
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
28

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 02:30:26
From the Times.....

Salmond sets things straight

On the financial crisis: “I am angry at the activities of lots of people in the financial sector. I am angry about the regulators. I am angry about the people who were meant to be in charge of things, who didn’t do their job. Anger doesn’t cut it. What cuts it is doing something about it.”

On RBS: “It had within in it some strong, great-earning businesses, and still has. And much of what the Royal Bank have done over the last 20 years has been extraordinary and wonderful. But the big error . . . was earth-shattering. The acquisition of ABN Amro was the most disastrous takeover bid of all time.”

On the damage to the case for independence: “I dare say there’s lots of people who will use it politically and say, ‘Oh you cannae be independent cause Scottish banks got into trouble.’ On that basis America wouldn’t be independent at the present moment.”

On lessons from Obama: “The case for optimism sometimes emerges even stronger in the middle of a crisis. American unemployment is much higher, American poverty is much greater than ours. Yet in the context of the biggest crisis . . . an election was conducted on a platform of hope or fear. Hope won.”

On renewable energy: “President Obama talked about harnessing the power of the sun, the wind and the earth. That leaves the seas to us. We can rule the waves. We can dominate marine technology for renewables. That is a big, big idea.”

On the parliament’s lack of borrowing powers: “Every country in the world is reflating the economy. In Scotland we must cut expenditure in one area to boost it in another. That’s the position we are in. We need that power. That’s an obvious and overwhelming lesson nobody in their right mind could disagree with.”

On the end of public-private partnerships: “As of this April everything comes on balance sheet. The Labour dodge of saying: We’ll build a school and we’ll let the next administration, and the one after that pay through
29

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 02:31:37
con't

On the end of public-private partnerships: “As of this April everything comes on balance sheet. The Labour dodge of saying: We’ll build a school and we’ll let the next administration, and the one after that pay through the nose over the next 20 to 40 years is no longer available. What happened to the banking sector is off-balance- sheet finance. PPP and PFI were part of that age of irresponsibility.”

On a better kind of bank: “There is a case for a different type of institution — a bank whose concentration is providing loan capital for long-term investment. It could invest in things that were good for the country, knowledge-based investment that takes a long time to come to fruition.”
30

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 03:48:18


Is there no end to Jenny Hujl's cringe on the Times Online site, her comments articles become more ludicrous by the week.

I felt her sneering, cynical and bigoted outlook and had to turn away from her article for a moment before becoming consumed by her impoverished outlook.

Pathetic journalism.

31

W Smith,

Middle East 25/01/2009 04:05:53
ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE SNP.

"The revelation last week that 60 former inmates have returned to terrorism - and one is now deputy leader of Al Qaeda's Yemeni branch - was unfotunate timing for the President."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/4331839/Barack-Obama-picks-a-fight-with-Rush-Limbaugh-as-bipartisan-spirit-crumbles.html

No wonder hug-a-jihadist Salmond loves Obama.

The term used by Lenin, "useful idiot", comes to mind.
32

jarmon,

25/01/2009 04:18:28
From my experiences of living with a hard core drug addict,here are some conclusions i've reached: No matter what you do to try and get them to go to treatment,they won't go.The only way to dry them out is in jail.But when they get out,they'll eventually mess up again,even if they intended on staying straight when they got out of jail.Reasons they go back to doping up is no one wants to hire them for a legitament job,and they tend to hang out with old friends who do drugs.Plus that lifestyle gets in their bones,so to speak.So they screw up again.It's one big cycle
33

Stewart_in_Oz,

Alexandra Hills 25/01/2009 05:00:19
#39
Disaggree.
In the early 1970's a man from Wick had a good success rate with Heroin Addicts. Get them off 'Cold Turkey' and when thay are at their lowest point, gave them a chance of a better life with purpose, which of course only comes with accepting Jesus Christ as saviour.
He used to be invited to Drug Conferences because of the results that were achieved.
Sadly I can't remember his name but he told me he lived originally in Cairndhuna Terrace.
34

karin.m,

25/01/2009 06:51:11
just suppose the snp had agreed to this and it went ahead. If your a drug addict are you going to go to your doctor and seek help for your heroin addiction.

Just imagine for a moment that you have an addiction now do you declare it and get help which MIGHT or MIGHT NOT work. and if it doesnt get your benefits cut or do you keep quiet about it. You cannot force anyone to give up an addiction it has to be something they decide to do for themselves.
35

For Scotlands Future,

Vote for the SNP 25/01/2009 07:38:32
More of "Westminster knows best, and everyone else is wrong".

#37
I agree. I used to look at the site for news that the Scottish Press tries to bury, but the anti-SNP/ Pro-Unionist monologue is sickening. I complained about it several times (politely - no swear words), and now I am blocked from posting comments. Seems press in the UK has one thing in common: they suppress anything they don't like.
36

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 08:00:29
Vote SNP.

Drug dealers need to be able to maintain their lifestyles.
37

Robert Mason,

Larkhall 25/01/2009 08:17:05
SNP - soft on drugs abuse, soft on the causes of drugs abuse.
38

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 08:18:12
#31 So. . . .

State of the Union =
Union is Best =
Aberdeenshire Scot =
Ayrshire Scot =
We are Responsible For Ourselves =
McKellerator =
Kyle the Carrot =
Pee Stained Pyjama Pants Man =
weirdo

has resurfaced from his sewer.

And what is his first post about?

Me, as usual.

Yes, Aberdeenshire Scot the most obsessive, spineless psychotic poster on here just can't get me out his system.

This Poor little man should really be locked up as he is very probably a danger to the general public.
39

john z,

edinburgh 25/01/2009 08:28:49
This is just anti-SNP piffle from the snivellin James Purnell.

Quite frankly, it seems Labour in London or Scotland just can't seem to help themselves offending Scots.

They keep forgetting one important point. The SNP gvernment were elected by the people of Scotland, and I like many other Scots just can't stand this constant 'poor loser' sniping from Labour slimeballs. Get over it Labour, oyu lost the election in Scotland. The SNP are doing a prettu good job f things, the odd mistake here and there, but by and large, they are doing a damm sight better that Labour/libdems did when they were in power.

Anybody in Scotland not yet convinced that Independence is the right thing for Scotland, needs only to read the following;

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/simonheffer/4325471/Scots-have-brought-Britain-to-its-knees.html

What a wonderful english union!!
40

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 08:31:51
john z, I think you need a new keyboard or was it because you are on drugs?
41

daveserviceman,

edinburgh 25/01/2009 08:51:00
Maybe these stats should be got under the freedom of information act, I do object to my taxes being used to finance drug addicts adictions, I wonder if the snp support the drug barons or visa versa?
incidently My Son has been a drug addict on cocain for the last 20 years and has no intention of giving up he draws disability allowance for that. He has been thrown out of the family for this and crime and will not be allowed back untill he gives up drugs and crime perminantly
42

cabrach loon,

inverness 25/01/2009 08:57:21
I see the vogue word that drips off every pc persoins lips now is "vulnerable", used until it becomes meaningless!
43

Cadgers,

Perth 25/01/2009 09:01:47
I still say legalise the whole lot and set the inland revenue and the vat men after them. At least then the country would be generating some money towards all those benefit claimers.

44

,

25/01/2009 09:05:37
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
45

JimP,

Wokingham 25/01/2009 09:09:25
39 I agree with you as I have a step daughter who committed crime, was imprisoned, came out clean and is now back on crack cocaine and heroin. She got all the help she needed from her family but it is the circle she prefers to live in. Unfortunately the only way to get real help is for them to commit more crime. Her benefit is not enough to feed her habit so guess what, she steals. If she can find drug dealers why can't the authorities? 41 I do not know what world you are living in but it is not the real one.
46

walter,

25/01/2009 09:16:15
Wonderful, The SNP government in Scotland wish to inflict mass punishment on all adults who drink sensibly for the actions of a minority who don't by setting minimum prices and ending two-for-one deals.
They also want to inflict mass punishment on the majority of 18 to 20 year old for the actions of a minority by raising the minimum age for buying drink in off-licences from 18 to 21.
Yet when the UK government try to punish the individuals who claim benefits and take drugs by refusing them benefits if they do not seek help to get off drugs the SNP refuse to give them the data required.
Hopefully those 82 MSPs who represent the majority of Scots will force the 47 MSPs who represent the minority of Scots into releasing the data and refusing to allow mass punishment.
47

MoiraMac,

25/01/2009 09:16:55
Sorry if this is a bit off topic, (please don't shout) I'm just trying to reach as many people as possible. Anyone thinking of coming to Edinburgh please do local residents a favour and avoid the Tartan Tat shops especially the ones that blast music into the neighbourhood and display all their merchandise outside their shops. The music and the clutter drives the people living in the vicinity bonkers and makes the Royal Mile look like an Eastern Bazaar. The shop-keepers are aware of this but they don't care. I'm pretty sure none of the merchandise on sale in these shops is from Scotland. Please pass this message on to as many people as possible. Thank you.
48

pehman,

sussex 25/01/2009 09:23:11
32 Traquair / 33 Aberdeenshire, Wow now there's a real story the hootsman can follow up on. Indeed no one is better placed to do so
49

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 09:24:24
James Purnell (whoever he is) has no remit over drugs policy in this country.

He should be politely told to go and take a running jump.
50

ddmc,

25/01/2009 09:27:41
give them as much FREE crack & smack they want & let darwinism take its course ! FREE drugs put a major dent in the criminals pockets & keep down the rate of drug addict induced crime
51

,

25/01/2009 09:34:19
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
52

Tweedmouth,

Coldstream 25/01/2009 09:38:57
Alex Salmond:
"They may be jukies, but they're OUR junkies"
53

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 09:46:05
#65 Wardog,

Thats a bit rich coming from the man that was posting links on this very forum to a disgusting gay pornographic website on Thursday night.
54

pehman,

sussex 25/01/2009 09:46:11
43 yeah I know the feeling, I've been banned from the herald site for months now.
55

whitegold,

Shire 25/01/2009 09:50:00
There have been cases of elderly people going blind in one eye being refused treatment because the NHS can't afford it; of elderly people desperately needing care in the community - but the resources aren't there.

But apparently people who choose a lifestyle of addictive drugs are given money for treatment & benefits even though they are not seeking employment.

This recession is going to reduce public spending further. Personally I would advocate forcing prisoners going cold turkey, rather money being spent on them. And when they come out they have to go and live elsewhere if they want to receive benefits, so that hopefully they won't go back to their previous friends/haunts and break the cycle.
56

Mikey,

25/01/2009 10:04:19
#65 Wardog. Ach, what are you doing, man? Don't answer the racist, BNP creep!
57

Anonym,

25/01/2009 10:07:10
"...He (Purnell) says it is unacceptable for taxpayers' money to be effectively handed straight to drug DEALERS across Britain....."

Semantics, maybe, but not all dealers are addicts and not all addicts are dealers.

Besides that, it is precisely because of existing laws that dealers are able to profit!
58

Nevsky;,

25/01/2009 10:08:49
67 Rufus#

You take a good photo. Nice to put a face to the poster! Did you get over the carpet burns yet?

Best answer to this problem is the Swiss approach to give heroin to the addicts supervised by the state which has had a huge impact on crime.

Get rid of the black market and you get rid of the crime. Get the addicts under supervision and direct appropriate treatment where it works.

Stoppin benefits and forcing addicts onto methodone programs (90% of which fails) is ridiculous.

There will just be more crime when the benefits are witdrawn!
59

WKKB,

25/01/2009 10:15:15
so let me get this straight... in the last article I read they want to put all kinds of measures into place to stop irresponsible drinking but they won't do as much to stop drug abuse?????????

Purnell said it is unacceptable for taxpayers' money to be effectively handed straight to drug dealers across Britain."

I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE!!!

I don't want to pay for drug dealers, drugees, alcholics or any other kind of abusers.

I'd much rather see my tax dollars put into the education system and teach kids at an early stage about the dangers BUT if that's to work then parents must also become responsible.

Parents much teach about the problem in the home... they must also make the kids attend school.

I lived in a building when I first moved back here... there were kids sitting around the entrance every day when they should have been at school. I finally asked one day why they weren't in school. Their answer was "It doesn't suit us, it's boring"

Now there's a HUGE problem. More money is needed for education in this country rather than hearing about schools closing and programs being cut.

This country is going to be scr**ed in a few years.
60

karin.m,

25/01/2009 10:19:46
73 im confused which country are you in?

and if your in america or some other country then your tax dollars wont be used here?

so what are you going on about?
61

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 10:22:35
#72 Nevsky, yes I knew you would like that website.

No doubt saved in your favourites folder alongside all your Norwegian Puffin and whale slaughtering websites.
62

walter,

25/01/2009 10:26:07
#73
As soon as I seen the words tax dollars I knew one of the SNiPers would jump upon it.
I did not have to wait long the very next post.
63

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 10:26:22
What country are you in Karin?

For the record I am in the United Kingdom.

Also for the record, Nevsky is in Russia but he really wishes he was in Norway.
64

Phil1,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 10:30:05
5 Scotindy,Los Angeles 25/01/2009 00:16:42

Talks about colonies and independence but from America - Were you tired and emotional when you wrote your message and your connection to contemprary Scotland is what? your great great great great grandmother was a mistress of Bonny Prince Charlie.

You have enough problems in American Society without worrying about what we are doing in our society. Remember this is the SNP Government that wants the UK Government to give it £3 billion to build a too small bridge across the Forth.

SNP are going to increase drug taking by reducing the punishments. Drug takers carry out many crimes ti fund their addiction and must be forced off it - its we who end up paying and so we must be defendedx by our government. In future SNP have said small crimes
like assault, theft, burglary, mugging, knifings (under 5 stiches needed by victims) etc anything that means less than 6 months in prison is to be punished by compulsory TV watching at home laughingly called community service.
65

JimC,

Kilmarnock 25/01/2009 10:31:06
There seems to be something wrong in this story. In Scotland and I assume the whole UK, once unemployed for 18 months you are sent on a 13 week course, CV, spec letters etc. If you are a junky, then you find these folks do not attend, nor do they forfit any benefits like others. So the DWP already have this information, so what the hell are the Scotsman talking about? On a personal note, its about time they were forced to face up to their problems.
66

Phil1,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 10:33:44
43 For Scotlands Future,Vote for the SNP 25/01/2009 07:38:32
Come on 'pull the other leg' someone from the nasty party claiming to post polite messages when they disagree with another post?
If it costs the taxpayer anything then taxayers have the right to know where and on what their money is being spent or wasted.
67

Alec M,

Falkirk 25/01/2009 10:35:31
Now to the Sunday Times, to learn about money-making activities. Maybe I can make as much as these labour lordlings.
68

Queen D,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 10:40:38
Yesterday I read Simon Heffers article of a racist nature in the Telegraph, today I read mrs Cochranes rubbish in the Times.Does Jenny Hjul actually write anything which contains NO derogatory reference to Alec Salmond / SNP ?
At least three posters from England have commented on this in the past.Every time I have tried to post on her website , I got no where so I don't bother to try anymore.
This morning while eating a healthy fry up , I watched Nicky and co tell me that Scotland was a racist place and how horrid we all are to the English and implying that it was all to do with the Nationalists.
It put me off my breakfast and I had to stop watching.

I want my country FREE of Westminster and its Labour Nut Jobs( whatever their nationality!)
I have absolutely NOTHING against the English people.
And I will welcome them to Scotland at all times.
That said ,in every nation there are the obnoxious, the bigotted and the arrogant.
I doubt that the English football commentators will ever learn the modesty lesson , therefore anyone inclined ( of whatever nationality) who feels they can't support England in football has my sympathy!
69

noswod,

Honestas 25/01/2009 10:44:50
The spend as reported by the Scotsman on Methadrone was £80m last year. Yes this is Scotland free drugs frae the druggies as well as free everything else. This accounts for £16 of the additional £1,600 that Whitehall gees us over the other Britons. When will the SNP start to grow up and act in the long term interests of the Scots. If they don't like whiteha's drugs policy develop a viable alternative. To continue the Methedrone strategy is that a real policy ?.
70

awhl,

Uk 25/01/2009 10:46:47
Why don't the govt. use the freedom of information act to get the info?
I see this is doing its job in exposing the awful behaviour of the nats and liberals in feathering their nests at our expense.
Why would the SNP mind they are promoting crime by cutting sentences and getting rid of the strong police force that the previous labour/liberal administration created. Watch the turn around in the crime figures over the next few years from declining to increasing.
Lets face it the SNP lied to get into power why stop there?
71

arc of insolvency,

25/01/2009 10:52:23
The SNP proven again they put their parties objectives above that of Scotland. They are only interested in themselves, wake up SNP supporters!
72

Queen D,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 11:07:16
Might I refer posters 84 and 85 to the Times of this morning.
Do enjoy reading of the Labour Peers funds ,to think that the laws of the UK can be influenced in this way is astonishing.
Banana republic springs to mind.
In fact I take that back. in a Banana rpublic the chance of the wrongdoer being knocked off their perch is almost guaranteed.
Whereas in the UK ,it would seem we have to grin and bear it.
73

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 11:08:10
84 You can't use freedom of information laws to access personal records. The article states ''Scottish ministers are in overall charge of the NHS and anti-drugs policy in Scotland, meaning they would have to administer the changes''.

It's not just research they want to access, it's a whole lot more. If the SNP judge (rightly as I see it) that it is not in the interests of the population to introduce this half baked and crazy policy, then they have a responsibility not to co-operate in the interests of the people who elected them, just like the Welsh Government are also doing.
74

Tris,

25/01/2009 11:18:14


I say don't give Purnell anything except a booting into obscurity at the next election.

He is a ghastly right-wing bag of hate, who is determined to have targets to set to everyone and to h*ll with the PEOPLE.

He'd be a disgrace to the right wing of the Tory party, but he seems to fit in nicely in Labour.

One of the HUGE problems about addiction is that there aren't anything like enough places for people to get a detox. They can wait for months and sometimes years to be seen, and when they come out of detox, it's back to the same dirty, fetted, cold, poor life that made them want to escape to drugs in the first place.

Before you start with the stick Purnell, you have to have some way forward..... never mind a carrot.

Don't give in Welsh and Scottish governments. Make them rethink their odious policies.

They really are much better at fiddling expenses than running a government. I wonder if the new scandal in the House of Horrors will bring them down and give us peace from all their hate.
75

Scythia,

25/01/2009 11:20:39
People are starting to wake up to the fact that the SNP are more 'old labour' than 'old labour' ever was, and that they need to sustain their client state. What would the burgeoning (50k +) social worker industry do without the drug addicts ?

Does Salmond agree it is unacceptable for taxpayers' money to be effectively handed straight to drug dealers across Britain ?.


76

Tris,

25/01/2009 11:21:51
#88.

The freedom of information act is available to everyone. It doesn't, nor should it, allow anyone to access ANY information about anyone else.

You wouldn't care for it if I could demand to see your health records, or your credit rating, or your social security records, just by making a request, would you?

Think on.
77

Tris,

25/01/2009 11:23:38
Sorry that last post was in reply to 84, not 88.
78

zorba,

airdrie 25/01/2009 11:56:37
its not those people with addiction problems the government should be tackling but the dealers. lets get real. Life without parole, for those dealing in heroin and crack cocaine. And lets put these prisons underground maximun security. let them rot, no phones or visits. make life hell for them just as they have by giving people drugs. lets now look after the human rights of the victim not the criminal.
79

SILVANA,

glasgow 25/01/2009 12:00:39
Alcoholism is classed as a disease but if there is knowledge of a family history of alcoholism then the person has the choice to abstain or not. Drugs thats another kettle of fish or coke/heroin, as be the case. I am disabled and there is no cure only a means of alleviating the pain. I would be over the moon if I could "Give it up" it would mean that I could have my life back albeit that I am happy to be alive and I do not take drugs nor drink even if my life can be quite S****y. No, I am not a saint just have enough common sense to not increase the problems
80

Allan(handofgod137),

25/01/2009 12:07:16
Once more the cybergnats rush to the defence of the indefensible. Why shouldn't addicts be forced to seek help for their addiction, which they claim prevents them from being usefull productive members of society?
81

Tris,

25/01/2009 12:13:27
98... where do you suggest they look for help to kick the habit? The Betty Ford Clinic...?

There's not anywhere near enough places available in Scotlan, or for that matter England, and there aren't enough trained staff. We can't afford them.

Simply stopping their money will do what to rehabilitate them?

82

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 12:29:44
This is another non-story. Labour in London have come with another daft policy which the SNP disagree with. End of story really!
83

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 12:32:35
72 Nevsky

That's far to sensible an idea. London Labour prefer the blame and punishment policies. The fact that they won't work seems to go right over their heads.
84

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 12:39:22
98 Thank god you are not in a position of power or influence !
85

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 12:47:00
There seems to be a great deal of fuzzy thinking going on on this thread.

Before making comments, I would suggest that people ask themselves a few questions about the content of the article.

1. What is the cost of 1 week's dole money?

2. What is the cost to society of drug abuse?

3. What is the cost of 1 week's accommodation in prison?

4. What is the rescidivism rate for drug addicts?

5. Why do drug addicts resort to crime?

6. Why is drug related crime not confined to the "petty" level?

7. Why, when the the SG has a policy to tackle the drug problem, which has very wide support, is Westminster demanding that its policy be enacted?

8. Why does the problem of drug addiction have such a low priority?

9. Why has no government been prepared to tackle the real drugs problem? The obscene amount of money to be made on the Black Market?

10. Why are some people on these threads railling at the SG, and the WG, for not being prepared to conspire with the Westminster government on a patently, incredibly stupid policy which everyone, who has so far commented, is cleary aware will have little or no effect on drug abuse, but will most certainly have a dilliterious social effect, and lead to much more money for the real criminals, the dealers?
86

Nevsky;,

Moscow 25/01/2009 12:50:23
101 Connaught#

I remember reading about this a while ago and the Swiss approach. Their thought was that many people do not want, can't or are incapable of coming off heroin.

I also remember reading that some heroin addicts can maintain a relatively 'normal' life so long as they have a minimum ammount of heroin in their system...i.e not out of their box.

If the government was to offer heroin to users it would surely reduce crime and the £200 a day needed to fund a habit or whatever it is.

The government would also know then the full scale of the problem and it would probably have a huge effect on the demand for illegal heroin and reduce the number who are seduced into the lifestyle.

We need grown up thinking on this problem and not threats to remove benefits...they will just all go along, sign up..get the methodone and spike up somewhere later...
87

,

25/01/2009 12:53:52
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
88

English flag,

25/01/2009 12:54:00
Why should drug addicts in both scotland and wales still receive benefits,both the scottish and welsh executives are doing these poor people no favours.
89

Tris,

25/01/2009 12:54:40
#104

Oh that the Westminster Government would ever have a quarter of the common sense that the Swiss government shows ever day.... What heaven.......
90

Tris,

25/01/2009 12:58:11
105 Britsh and Proud

What intellect.... I'm stunned.... brilliant strategy!

I'd take all the stupid people that come out with idiotic ideas and put them on the same island... how would you like that ....? Numpty.
91

Queen D,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 13:06:01
I feel a crime wave coming on!
92

English flag,

25/01/2009 13:06:34
And i'd put you on the outer hebradies,why sould these junkies be paid full benefit,so they can buy more drugs!
93

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 13:13:02

#110

"And i'd put you on the outer hebradies"

Pray tell, where might that be ?


94

English flag,

25/01/2009 13:15:39
11hebrides,don't be a smart ar-e.
95

Tris,

25/01/2009 13:17:14
#110

Well, duh. If the answer were just to take away their £60 a week, do you think that someone else might have thought of it before?

In all the years, with all the tight fisted penny pinching (on the poor) governments that this awful union has foisted on us, would they not have tried it out, if there had even been the slightest chance that it would work?

They haven't, because even the most blinkered, stupid, right wing nutter can see that it would simply cause more problems.

Really! Try thinking it through.
96

Tris,

25/01/2009 13:18:30
Incidentally, I'd love to be on the Hebrides.

Would pay good money for it.

Thanks.
97

English flag,

25/01/2009 13:22:15
114.It would help
98

English flag,

25/01/2009 13:23:03
115.Another thickazoid.
99

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 13:24:24
#112
The civil parish of Stornoway, including various nearby villages, has a population of approximately 12,000.

I am sure the population there will all be enamoured by your well thought out proposal.
100

Tris,

25/01/2009 13:28:33
#117.

In what way?

Read what the Swiss did, and remember that it worked... and then explain to me how on earth taking £60 a week away people who are ill would help.

Only British Labour could come up with a scheme like that.

No wait, I'm sure Zimbabwe could do it too.
101

English flag,

25/01/2009 13:28:48
120. maybe they will have more snse than you.
102

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 13:53:02
English Flag, Britsh & Proud.

I see sm753's other personalities are in evidence today.
103

Allan(handofgod137),

25/01/2009 13:58:47
#99
It's quite simple really, either they stop taking the drugs or they lose all entitlement to state sponsered charity. No dole, no free housing and no free medical services, in the words of a good mate of mine who was a former junkie "I got myself on it and I got myself of it".
#102 Not yet!
104

Observer,,

25/01/2009 14:27:01
103 Don't expect any responses to your post Frank, you have laid the case against this daft policy out very elegantly. And there really isn't a sensible answer to the case against implementing a policy which has been designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator elector, ones who think that ''they''ie drug addcits, should all be put on an island, or forced into cold turkey, or jailed (where there are an abundance of drugs, or destituted. People who advocate responses like that clearly have not thought the problem through, which is why they will be unable to respond to your post.

Mind you I will tell you who would approve of this policy - organised crime. With no access to benefits addicts will have no access to housing, so would be even more at the mercy of the criminals who make their living out of them. They would be able to pack them into flats like sardines, a ready market, willing to do whatever they are told for a roof over their head and a fix when they need one.

Purnell is a moron.
105

e-sterka,

25/01/2009 14:52:32
Scotty, when will be the beast removed?

What do you want to hear?

YES?
...
and - if (in that case) would be the beast removed definitely? Tell me, because it´s very important.
106

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 14:59:20
#127, Ob.

I wasn't expecting many, or any, responses, but it was intended to make people think about a serious issue, in a serious way.

This is a policy statement made in response to Harriet Harman's assessment of NuLabTory's fear of the BNP. And, the fact that Brown's government is prepared to go down this road makes it quite clear how authoritarian it has become.
107

e-sterka,

25/01/2009 15:10:03
I will annonce results on Monday, because I already know you.
You would inform Cody in 20 seconds. And I don´t want that.
So - I am sorry. I already know you....
Monday is tomorrow...
108

e-sterka,

25/01/2009 15:12:58
But you and other guys can start vote already today!

Jesterka o--,---,---------
109

radge dug,

25/01/2009 15:30:39
SNP TO GIVE OUT FREE SMACK AT NURSERY SCHOOL
by La. Bour Pressrelease
110

radge dug,

25/01/2009 15:32:00
There was never any drug addicts and related crime under the old-style London-based Union.

Is Broon gonna take away the dole money at give it to his arms-dealer pals?
111

,

25/01/2009 15:32:30
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
112

,

25/01/2009 15:43:47
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
113

Sam the man the snp Fear most,

VIVA ISRAEL 25/01/2009 15:51:25
Aye-The left winger do gooder who claims not to like the Scotsmans comment system, is your life that sad that you post on here day and night, 24/7, if you did not have terrorist views i would feel sorry for you but on the other hand with your views that is why you are on here all the time.lol, i this one is the wardog of the Scotsman, feels she should respond to every post.

As someone posted just before Christmas(an snp supporter at that), people like her just damage the snp, please keep up the good work.

BIG SMILE.
114

Sam the man the snp Fear most,

25/01/2009 15:54:14
138#

Forgot to ask after the snp are finished which party will it be next as you have been involved with most, SSP and along those lines.

DO NOT DONATE TO gaza.

115

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 16:00:13
140 People should have a choice whether to donate or not. The BBC ran an appeal for aid to Kosova before the UN bombing of Serbia. That was a far more controversial issue politically. They are just being complete hypocrites.

I take note that you condemn the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, and Save the Children.
116

,

25/01/2009 16:00:28
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
117

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 16:01:42
141 I meant the NATO bombing of Serbia.
118

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 16:07:56
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...st/7850003.stm

Motherwell could become the fourth town in Lanarkshire to be named the most dismal in Scotland in this year's Carbuncle Awards.

The town joins Glenrothes and New Cumnock as nominees for the infamous "Plook on the Plinth" award.

Coatbridge took the 2008 title, with Cumbernauld and Airdrie - the other Lanarkshire towns - named past winner

Motherwell suffered from "bland housing estates going up near the town centre", Mr Young said, arguing that these could "interfere with the natural rhythm of the place and perhaps threaten the town's future development".

"It has some nice fragments, but lacks logic in terms of how the whole thing fits together. The residents are being badly let down."
119

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 16:09:37
Mind you, Livingston is one of the bleakest places I've ever been to and there are places there worse than anywhere in Motherwell.

If you spend more than 5 minutes in Livingston you get the urge to kill yourself

120

,

25/01/2009 16:12:21
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
121

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 16:18:23
146 I would substitute ''Zionist'' for ''Jewish'' in your post, as the two words are not inter-changeable, and agree with you completely.
122

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 16:20:24
#136, Sam.

If you're the man that the SNP fears most, then it has nothing to fear.

The BNP, along with its policies, will find little, or no, resonance with the people of Scotland, and this is proved by the failure of their propaganda blitz at Ibrox.

The BNP's insidious quasi-Britishness is simply a means to their end of authoritarian government and racial ghettoism: support of Israel, at the moment, is convenient because it allows the white supremicists to target "the terrorist threat".

In this, it is, clearly, at one with the American Neo-cons and their white supremicist agenda.
In this, it is, clearly supportive of NuLabTory's agenda of State control through fear of alien threat; I believe this was the tactic used in Germany in the 1930s.

The intention of the BNP is to replace NuLabTory and accellerate the authoritarian agenda.

Once again I say, your agenda will find no resonance in Scotland.

Begone! And take your white supremicist, quasi-Britishness with you.
123

,

25/01/2009 16:20:40
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
124

,

25/01/2009 16:26:05
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
125

,

25/01/2009 16:27:12
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
126

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 16:29:55
151 In fairness to Rufus ( did I type that?) someone has made a vicious blog allegedly featuring him. That kind of behaviour is childish, whoever indulges in it.
127

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 16:34:16
151 Jwil,25/01/2009 16:27:12
#149 I won't look at your website, but I would say you are pathetic. You just demonstrate that Wardog's comments are worrying you because they are true and make sense.
=================================================

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Are you sure you did not take a peek?

The visitor count certainly went up.
128

Conan the Librarian™,

25/01/2009 16:42:26
153

Who are you calling a count?
129

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 16:43:24
#149 Rufus
Would that “Burns Supper” be one of those where you and your school chums sit around wearing your “See me Jimmy hats”, discussing River City and indulging in lashings of Irn Bru?

Thou of an independent mind,
With soul resolv'd, with soul resign'd;
Prepar'd Power's proudest frown to brave,
Who wilt not be, nor have a slave;
Virtue alone who dost revere,
Thy own reproach alone dost fear-
Approach this shrine, and worship here.
130

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 16:46:57
106 English Flag

You are as mad as a hatter !!
131

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 16:49:24
112 Capital "H" for a proper name !
132

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 16:56:01
155 bully wee alba,Edinburgh 25/01/2009 16:43:24
#149 Rufus
Would that “Burns Supper” be one of those where you and your school chums sit around wearing your “See me Jimmy hats”, discussing River City and indulging in lashings of Irn Bru?
=====================================================
Bully Wee, how did you guess??

You are welcome to join us next year.
133

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 16:59:42
140 Sam the Bam

What makes you think that anyone will pay any attention to someone as inconsequential as you?
134

blabbsy1,

glasgow 25/01/2009 17:05:18
this is a tricky one -a policy like this could lead to loss of innocent lives through burglary,robbery etc.however we need to 'serious up' about this.taking heroin is a crime.if people consistently fail to kick the habit they must be sent to work camps built on our offshore islands and made to break rocks.this would make them think twice about reoffending and would keep the population at large safer.
135

Sam the man the snp Fear most,

Glenrothes-The end of the snp. 25/01/2009 17:10:40
159# You will find that i am one of the best posters at getting results, i destroyed the snp propaganda on the Herald stopped it becoming an snp chatroom which bullied anyone who was not an snp handbook reader, i played a part in making sure Glenrothes was told the truth about the real snp and it payed, i even got the result right almost to the number.

Are you wardogs cousin and what is it with you east coasters, anyway fit like the day and bon accord.

I am looking forward to QT from Fort William as there will be a few of the posters on here at it from the snp, i will not name and shame you............YET.

Sam.
136

,

25/01/2009 17:15:36
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
137

,

25/01/2009 17:21:40
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
138

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 17:27:48
#161, Sam................?

Delusions of greatness does not make it so!

Your discursive ability leaves a lot to be desired.

However, having said that, your disruptive and destructive ability is not in doubt.
Anyone who has to destroy, mechanically, comments threads to achieve his/her aim is a coward.

Any reasonable person would attempt to make his/her point; you, however, choose to deny free speech.

Is this BNP policy?

Are you prepared to debate your political views or are we to be subjected, once again, to a torrent of meaningless post that result in the denial of free speech.

Sir/Madam, your contribution to these debates is as insidious as your tactics.
139

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 17:31:05
164 You've got him spot on Frank. Sam's one and only ability is to close down posting. He's damn good at that. That's why I don't rise to any of his troll-bait. I just use his posts to make the counter-point, and otherwise ignore the sad little creature.
140

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 17:38:26
#163, Sam..................?

Why are you commenting in medieval french? Was it in response to my "Begone"?

Is this a precursor to your electronic blitz to stifle free speech?

#162, Sam.................?

Please enlighten me as to where I'm wrong, in fact? You see, it's impossible to have an enlightened debate if one of the contributors can only respond with vacant statements.
141

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 17:43:24
#165, Ob.

Once again, it's an education thing. The likes of Sam has to be confronted and exposed for what s/he is.

He has to be shown for the antipathy to free speech that he is, and not the supporter of the Union that he purports to be.
142

,

25/01/2009 18:06:37
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
143

fair scunnered,

edinburgh 25/01/2009 18:08:13
so ,take away junkies dole cash?,hmm seems ok written on paper,but if done,we all know what desperate junkies will do for a fix
house breaking will rocket,like in the 80s with the theft of vcr,s
street robberies and violence will rise
some junkie will kill to get their fix,so does the gov plan to compensate people,who get robbed,stabbed,or family members killed?
dont think so
all this headline has done,is to stir up hatred towards the snp gov,rufus and the rest are having a field day,with articles like this one
why did scotland on sunday change the jim sillers story this morning
it was dated as sunday 25th jan 2008
yet postings were from last novembers by election
such a parcel eh
ah well should be fun watching junkies staggering all about like michael jacksons video thriller
the scotsman newspaper,evening news,and scotland on sunday have now become edinburghs disgrace,i for one will never vote again in an election as im sick and tired of westminsters lies ,and numpties like rufus who swore on these sites on new years day and blamed a hacker,yes very handy rufus eh
still why not just admit it you are employed by these papers to spout lies,and cause division,why old adolf would have embrace you and given you an iron cross
seig heil rufus,our new quisling of the broon order
144

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 18:45:00
#171 Fair Scun-nerd.

You my friend are an idiot.

I was not swearing on here on New Years Day. It was someone faking my id. Hugh Roscombe confirmed that to be the case.

So stop talking rot you demented fool.

As for the statement that you will never vote again, well all I can say is BIG DEAL!

Do you really think anyone gives a monkeys whether you vote or not? Judging by your posts on here, you should not be allowed to vote anyway.
145

karin.m,

25/01/2009 18:56:32
here i found this great site that lists what journalists have written the most about in go here

http://www.journalisted.com

here is what it says about eddie barnes

Eddie Barnes has written...
More about 'labour' than anything else
A lot about 'snp' in the last month
More bylined articles than the average journalist


The topics Eddie Barnes mentions most:
alexander britain british brown edinburgh england glasgow gordon brown government holyrood labour lottery prime minister salmond scotland scottish scottish government snp uk westminster
146

,

25/01/2009 18:58:26
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
147

Wardog™,

25/01/2009 18:59:31

172. Please stop spitting when you type.

148

bully wee alba,

Edinburgh 25/01/2009 19:04:08
#170 Sam the Bam

Guess who wrote (or rather dictated) the following:-

(I will give you some clues; it was not Robert Burns, neither was it by anyone associated with the current Scottish Government, but look to the origin of your preferred political philosophy).

“Historical experience offers countless proofs of this. It shows with terrifying clarity that in every mingling of Aryan blood with that of lower peoples the result was the end of the cultured people.

North America, whose population consists in by far the largest part of Germanic elements who mixed but little with the lower colored peoples, shows a different humanity and culture from Central and South America, where the predominantly Latin immigrants often mixed with the aborigines on a large scale.

By this one example, we can clearly and distinctly recognize the effect of racial mixture. The Germanic inhabitant of the American continent, who has remained racially pure and unmixed, rose to be master of the continent; he will remain the master as long as he does not fall a victim to defilement of the blood.”

Nae luck then!
149

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 19:10:03
#170, Sam.

Yet more ramblings from the "man that the SNP is most frightened of".

The only thing that everyone should be frightened of Sam's incoherence.

Only being a footsoldier of the Quasi-Brits he becomes rather confused when asked simple questions e.g. what are your policies?

When asked said simple questions, not having been told the answers, he rages in a very perplexing incoherent fashion, even to the extent of making a reply in something akin to medieval french.

His only purpose on these comments' pages is to disrupt them and prevent free speech. If he can't disrupt them, he will use electronic means to have them shut down.

This is the methodology of the BNP: very similar to tactics used, in Germany, in the 1930s.

As I have already said, Sam, if you are willing to debate, I'm ready. Unfortunately, it's more likely that you will behave in the manner I have just outlined, as rational debate is not in the lexicon of the Quasi-Brit BNP.
150

Raspberry Rabbit,

Scotland 25/01/2009 19:14:39
I can't imagine any piece of legislation less worthy of support from the Scottish government. Love them or hate them they'be read this one correctly. What? Should addicts and their families starve? Should they be forced out of lodgings? This sort of tabloid-style punishing of troubled individuals and families needs to be opposed whenever it appears. I didn't vote SNP but if they were the only ones capable of opposing this sort of stupid legislation I might have changed my vote.
151

,

25/01/2009 19:19:44
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
152

karin.m,

25/01/2009 19:20:58
dont forget hit post comment or it wont work
153

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 19:33:11
It is you that is the idiot Karin.
154

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 19:34:15
I thought it was quite funny.
155

karin.m,

25/01/2009 19:35:49
mwa ha ha ha lol still laughing
156

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 19:37:24
178 RR

I totally agree.
157

karin.m,

25/01/2009 19:39:30
rufus oo are you annoyed. he he lol i may die of laughter
158

karin.m,

25/01/2009 19:46:40
jeez rufus you have no sense of humnour no wonda u a unionist. oh no wait you think gordon saved the world and abolished boom and bust

actually no i was wrong you have an excellent sense of humour its me that likes politicians like the snp to be serious.
159

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 19:46:58
178 You make a good point. Without access to benefits drug addicts will not have access to housing benefit, meaning that they will become homeless. Any kids they have will be taken into care, and their prospects of obtaining any kind of legal employment willl be zilch.

That would cost the state a fortune and have socially disastrous results. This policy is so silly I am amazed they are actually attempting to implement it.
160

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 19:47:24
I see it took you about 12 minutes to work it out roofus.

Ha ha.

Thanks karin
161

karin.m,

25/01/2009 19:50:37
everytime i think of rufus frantically sitting typing that i go into another fit of laughter

he he he he he he

im waiting for him to say he didnt actually try it but worked it out before he did

he he

oh dear he he hehe
162

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 19:52:37
170 Still jabbering nonsense Sam ? You do an excellent job illustrating why the BNP are gathered from the bottom end of the gene pool. BIG SMILE.
163

Calum Crubag,

25/01/2009 19:53:26
Funny how English Flag, British and Proud and Sam the BNP man (the same person?) have such a poor grasp of English?

Try Gaelic amadain a' chac.
164

Rufus-T-Firefly,

25/01/2009 19:58:22
#189 karin, you should lay off the drugs. They are warping your tiny brain.
165

karin.m,

25/01/2009 20:15:21
192 oo good comeback alleges drug abuse and alludes to smallness of my brain. wow you should be a writer or a comedian or something rufus i mean there has to be demand for that kind of comedy somewhere doesnt there...


oh wait thats right your hoping to get on in the labour party

well go for it i say look at gordon brown theres a role model for you rufus.

i mean that bloke saved the world. and abolished boom and bust and came up with a plan to start banks lending again by giving them loads of money.

comic genius.

round of applause for rufus.....yay..........
166

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:15:26
Eddie Barnes deserves his headline writer.
167

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:24:22
I'll put 194 another way.

Any decent journalist would have asked why this proposed legislation could not have been introduced in England first as they had the information they required.

Then we could have had 100s of posts telling us why not.

So, someone tell me why not.
168

Ugly George,

25/01/2009 20:28:05
#192 Rufus-T-Firefly,

URANRS
169

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:28:11
If they can introduce legislation like the Poll Tax at will, they can introduce their Benefit scheme at will - they are a law unto themselves, no?
170

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:31:16
So, Eddie, do you advocate the proposed benefit cut for England as a test?
171

awhl,

25/01/2009 20:33:21
Now that these comments no longer how down like klingons from the Heralds stories. These jokers are on here ruining and traducing good journalism. Shouldn't this paper also institute a proper comments page like the heralds to keep these jokers from insulting the papers workers?
From comments on the Heralds pages it was fairly obvious that all of the all day everyday posters were acting on behalf of head office. If I was journo I might think that worth investigating and getting angry about.
172

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:34:19
Then, Eddie, if the testmarket is successful, the Scottish government should consider adopting it?
173

awhl,

25/01/2009 20:34:37
SOrry that should be hang down. Like toilet roll or klingons
174

karin.m,

25/01/2009 20:42:36
199 toilet roll klingons!

eh!
175

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 25/01/2009 20:43:28
199, awhl, Scottish newspaper journalists shed their skins quicker than snakes.

They also change their colours quicker than chameleons.

They deserve all they get for working under the auspices of the colonial overlords.
176

karin.m,

25/01/2009 20:57:39
oh hello there col.
177

motorcal,

southgate 25/01/2009 20:58:54
It has been proposed countless times by many people in many countries that we should give addicts what they need in a controlled environment by professional medical staff (No leaving the premises with drugs in their possession} give them their "fix" under supervision. This solution is repeatedly opposed by many organization (Churches etc.), but I feel that the benefits outweigh the negative aspects; among these are firstly, since the government will be able to supply the drugs much cheaper that the cost charged by drug dealers, it will no longer be profitable for dealers to continue to operate. Secondly, having their drugs legally, will drastically cut the crime rate, since a great deal of it is drug related. there will be less home invasion, and much less street violence involving serious personal injury to the general public.
No one wants to supply illegal drugs to anyone for any reason, but addicts will get drugs any way by means any means, usually by sticking a gun or knife an "innocent" person's face or by ripping off your personal property so why don't we supply it to them in a controlled atmosphere. Thirdly, dealers will not find it profitable to entice potential users to "try something; you'll like it." Since authorities will certainly be able to buy the drugs much cheaper than the dealers, and no one will buy from them; eliminate the source. I can just hear the howls of righteous indignity from religious organizations, but I think this approach will work.
178

karin.m,

25/01/2009 21:01:45
have you seen this site col very informative as to journalists political persuasions and level of bias you can see that only some refer to first minister while others will refer to prime minister


http://www.journalisted.com
179

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 21:03:17
199 You are singing from Grahamski's script there. Bad nats how dare they point out there is bias in the media. Aye, I have no doubt you would want a comment site like the Herald's on here. It is moderated, unlike this one where people can exchange views without (immediate) censorship.
180

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 21:06:26
207 You are spot on. But as you say, the howls of the morally indignant usually drown out common sense.
181

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 21:07:43
#207, Motorcal.

Such a sensible will never be adopted by Westminster as the politicians are afraid that there may be a backlash.

In particular, it will not be countenanced by this current NuLabTory administration as their key policy plank is maintaining fear among the people.
182

,

25/01/2009 21:16:22
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
183

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 21:25:21
213 Poor Sam you used to sing the same mantra about chat-rooms on the Herald. This is not a chat-room there have actually been some very good posts made on the subject at hand (see 207). Just drop your chip-on-the-shoulder and you could join in.

214 A good point Colonel, the more we prohibit drugs, the more we glamorise them and make them attractive.
184

,

25/01/2009 21:26:09
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
185

Observer,,

Glasgow 25/01/2009 21:37:10
217 You really have to stop making a fool of yourself all over this paper, the same as you did on the Herald. Now I have, yet again, extended the hand of friendship to you, and you have, yet again, rebuffed it.

There is no place for the BNP in Scotland, just get that through what it is you call your brain.

You can continue posting rubbish to your hearts content, it doesn't bother me, but don't think for one moment that anything you say is going to be effective.

You are just making a complete bunt of yourself.
186

frank mcbride,

lusitania 25/01/2009 21:40:43
#217, Sam.................?

Hear we go again! Sam "the man the SNP fears most" is frightened of his own shadow.

Every time he is on these threads, what do we hear?

"Be afraid, be very very afraid!!!!"

The standard propaganda mode of the Quasi-Brit BNP.

Give it a rest, Sam, or carry out your threat to deny free speech. Show people what you really think of freedom and democracy.

The offer to debate is still open if you care to state your policies. Unfortunately, I think that is unlikely as you are only a foot soldier of the Quasi-Brit BNP, and foot soldiers are not informed of the Master Plan.
187

The Busman,

25/01/2009 22:06:49
Why are people using drugs in the first place?
188

Eve,

Scotland 25/01/2009 22:34:46
Smart move. Move drug adict have an addition, this is an illness, yes they need help and they should be able to acess it and should be encouraged to do so.

It has to be taken in to account that the drug addition mite be a secondary problem. i.e they have been a victum of some sort of abuse and they do drugs to numb the painfull memoraies. In these case the primary problem has to be treated too and some people only try and treat the prolem they can see.

But if the addict is no ready to face thier demonds, and they get no benfit. And less face it a person has to be ready to seek help. Research shows that thoes who haven't made the conseous dession them selfs to concore their addition will be impossable to help. A person has to be ready for change to acept the help they need.

If these people get no money and they can't hold down a job for some reason. Then they'll be on the streets steeling to feed their habbit it makes much more sence to give them benfits to prevent them form comiting crimes, so they can aford fixes.
189

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 25/01/2009 23:44:53
223 Sam the Ba, a mentalist without a shadow of doubt.
190

im brian and so is my wife,

edinburgh 26/01/2009 00:21:35
#171 fair sunnered,yes junkies will do anything to maintain a fix,so denying them benefit will cause all sorts of social upset,do vote again for who you think you can trust
#172 rufus
why do you take pleasure in annoying people?,here in scotland we voted in a gov by the ballot box,im sorry your party got beat,but that is democracy,and if you dont like it,you cast your vote accordingly to which way you vote
belittling people who have used their democratic right to say what the want
you sir beat down on those who dont vote your way,also your bleating in defence of the union is making people sick and and tired of your rantings
you seem to get away with an awfy lot of slagging ,to which others are censored
therefore you must be an employee of the scotsman and sister papers
what your doing is strangling democracy in favour for what you want
so therefore a complaint has been made to the press council for all the guff on here and all the blatant lying on the front pages
everyone should just ignore this little man,dont reply or rise to his bait
he will then appear stupid as he will be talking to himself
191

,

26/01/2009 00:35:17
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
192

,

26/01/2009 00:40:56
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
193

Al's maw,

in your face 27/01/2009 12:32:49
I've never seen so many red pens through comments on any discussion on this forum.
What have you people been saying to each other?

However, thanks again to all for providing a very entertaining discussion. I think half of you should be on stage and the other half secured somewhere!



194

Truth Teller www.oilofscotland.org,

1 DAYS OIL MONEY could start a decent DRUG PROGRAM 28/01/2009 23:44:29
If 1 DAYS OIL MONEY could buy the Greens £33 million of Insulation another day it could finance a anti drug program in Scotland.

Imagine Scotland with an additional £12 Billion pounds a Year, £32 Million a Day, £22,830 a Second. THE SCOTISH GOVENMENT WITH CONTROL OF ALL OF SCOTLAND'S NORTH SEA OIL & GAS REVENUE opposed to NONE.

For more facts and figures on YOUR LOST WEALTH visit

http://www.oilofscotland.org

IT IS YOUR £32 MILLION A DAY - STOP GIVING IT AWAY - NORTH SEA OIL & GAS WILL LAST ANOTHER 100 YEARS
195

Gazza1,

edinburgh 08/02/2009 04:22:36
Rubbish. oil revenue is dead, only a few years left.

But UK govt has no business telling scotland what to do with policy on benefits and rehabilitation.

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
  

 
 

More News

More News >>

More Drugs policy

More Drugs policy >>

Features

Paperboy Paperboy Customised news
Scotsman Hotels Scotsman Hotels

Featured Advertising



Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.