c_cubed51

What a sick tirade against men and women who are far more brave and empathetic than yourself. They uphold the charter of the RNLI, as pointed out by both me and explorer1954. You cannot hold a candle to any of these people.

ruby lives in the Thurrock Council area. On the northern bank of the Thames, opposite Gravesend. Some way from the confluence of the English Channel and the North Sea.

My argument was that people who choose to buy or rent in close proximity to venues which host music festivals and carnivals do so in the full knowledge that their lives will occasionally be disrupted by noise, huge crowds and the possibility of criminal behaviour. Because of this, they have no cause to complain about the revelry! I fully appreciate why you find it difficult to understand my argument, and that the two scenarios do have important things in common. Might I suggest you visit the Twickenham Stadium and take a look at the notices encouraging local residents to complain about plans to hold more music concerts at the stadium. Then, perhaps, you might understand. Catch a SWR train to Twickenham, and then a 281 bus towards Hounslow. It's only three stops from the station, so you can decide to walk.

But then again, possibly not, Jessica. Reform UK council leader Graham Harrison quits after four months in charge of Hartlepool Borough Council | The Independent Reform are not proving to be much good at governing in the areas they control. People do notice.

Abuse of RNLI volunteers 'wholly unacceptable', chief says - BBC News You do realise that you are part of the group which is demonising the good people who risk their lives, don't you? My view is hardly one-dimensional when I see the connection between your POV that sending the RNLI out to protect those migrants from possible death by drowning is a waste of personal and corporate time and money, and the thugs who hide behind masks and hoodies. You are one of those abusers who is hiding behind your keyboard, Jessica. I agree we will have to disagree on this issue.

About a decade ago (geddit?), Helen Clark, the then Prime Minister of New Zealand, who lived close to Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland, objected strongly to plans to hold more music concerts there (exactly the same thing is happening at Twickenham rugby stadium right now!!!). Her objections fell on deaf ears. The counter-argument was that residents in the area knew that there would be noise and disruption at the stadium, when they bought into the area. So, I understand that at least 12 music concerts are held there each year. I myself have attended one in the early 2020s. I shared that POV at the time, and still hold that POV concerning the residents of Notting Hill. They know there will be a carnival each year and if they don't like it, they know what to do ... move! Don't mutter and complain, they knew about the carnival when they moved into the area. After all, it has been held there for 60 years now. So, to answer your request in a possibly unexpected manner, I don't care what surveys have recently been held in the area, or may be held there in the future. The carnival is a celebration of life and does bring enormous benefits to the area. Residents take precautions against vandalism. If they can't stand the joy, they go on holiday elsewhere. Don't be a killjoy.

Love that hat! Warm and sunny over there!

It's a sensible move designed to assuage your guilt. At least your local lifeboat station will be able to continue saving the lives of people in distress upon the seas, thanks to your donations. Good for you!!!

So, some lives are worth more than others! You have disappointed me, Jessica.

Perhaps the two of you are ignorant about the ethos of the RNLI and didn't quite understand this bit in italics I quoted above: It has said its “one purpose is to save lives at sea” and justified its participation by stating “all small boats crossing the Channel are classed as being in distress”. Lives in possible danger matter more than apportioning blame for the situation, at least to the men and women of the RNLI who volunteer; and to the companies which employ them. I realise both of you probably belong to the group which sees lifeboat crews as taxi drivers for people who don't need saving, but I share the purpose and idealism of the RNLI and its members. Lives matter! No matter what the status of the boats and the people in distress they contain. It's a very necessary shout!

An unnecessary shout? Who knows if any of the 140 people might have died had the RNLI not gone to their rescue. Let's not waste our time. Some may die, but who cares? Up there with rowlf's ridiculous suggestion, IMHO. Thank God those volunteers and their companies hold a view which differs from your own!

My ex-wife is a dancer who wears two pairs of knickers ... one under and one over to keep the hose from sagging.

RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants denied entry to two ports Interesting report! A quote from the report ... The RNLI aided more than 36,000 people across its lifeboat and lifeguard services in recent annual figures, with crews launching over 9,000 times per year to assist those in distress at sea. Its lifeboat crews have always launched to rescue those at sea without judgment or preference but throughout the small boat crisis, the charity has come under fire for its involvement in bringing migrants to British shores. It has said its “one purpose is to save lives at sea” and justified its participation by stating “all small boats crossing the Channel are classed as being in distress”. Some have compared lifeboat crews to a “taxi service” for people who do not actually need saving and are instead given a ride to Britain.

IMHO this comment of yours about rescuing 140 people in peril on the sea is just as callous as rowlf's suggestion that they should simply be fired upon by cannon, and #47's "small potatoes" comment on the death and destruction in Iran.

At the time of saving the individuals, the RNLI doesn't ask questions about the preparedness or nautical prowess of those at risk of dying at sea. Your anecdote is pointless. You remain a petty-minded bigot.