RIPA and file-sharing??

[David Hansen]

On 1 Feb 2008 at 12:37, Ian Batten wrote:

> There was also a slightly less plausible attempt  
> on the lives of the cabinet (mortar bombing of 10 Downing Street  
> under Major).

I recall a television programme about a bomb disposal chap who was 
quite impressed with that attempt. I agree. Looked at dispassionately 
it was a well planned operation with a fair chance of success. However 
I agree that the attack in Brighton was even better planned. Thankfully 
they didn't succeed with either.
 
> In that time, the Tory Party did not collectively wet its pants.   

I generally agree. However, the Labour Party did not erect the Thatcher 
Memorial Gates at Downing Street.

> Dennis Healy  
> was a beachmaster at Anzio.  Benn served in the RAF and his brother  
> died in the RAF.  Perhaps David Milliband and Ed Balls could fill us  
> in on their experience of the military?

Jim Callaghan was another one. He spent many years at sea. 
 
> The IRA were a genuine threat to this country.  They had weapons,  
> backing, training, organisation, and were able to act on a monthly  
> basis throughout the 1970s.  The purported terrorists of today are  
> none of those things.

I don't think even they were a threat to the life of the nation. They 
were certainly a threat to individuals, but the only thing to do was to 
face them down by doing things like deliberately shopping in London 
during their campaigns.

> ``He left his telephone number and home address in the local  
> Telephone Directory''.  He would not be bowed by terrorism.  Compare  
> with the actions of our politicians today, and weep for what we have  
> lost.

Some of them today. I do know at least one Labour minister here who 
could be looked up in the telephone directory.

-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents 
me   
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54