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Trainspotter’s guide
The first locomotive on the Stockton and Darlington Railway was Locomotion No 1 rather than Locomotive No 1 [the Big Picture, Issue 1685]. I enjoy reading TBI, which I purchase from Joe outside my local Waitrose. Best Regards.
Martin Sims
We don’t need this fascist groove
Robin Ince writes: “If we are to defeat the fascists who wish to brainwash those who suffer by telling them those to blame are the refugees or trans community, then we have to move forward with love”. What, if anything, does this actually mean? Who are these fascist brainwashers whom we must defeat by moving forward with love? Who are “those who suffer” and what do they suffer from?
I suspect what Mr Ince means by “fascists” is “people who disagree with him on certain social issues” and by “wish to brainwash” he means “seek to persuade by expressing opinions different to his own”.
I have heard critics of uncontrolled immigration put the blame for such things as the unavailability of NHS dentistry on illegal economic migrants, but never on genuine refugees. As for the trans community being blamed for other people’s woes, I doubt he could provide a single instance in which those who suffer were brain-washed by fascists into blaming the trans community for their sufferings.
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But if fascist brainwashers do actually exist, shall we really defeat them by moving forward with love? How would that have worked against the fascist regimes of the 20th century in Germany, Italy or the Soviet Union?
David Wheeler
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We asked: What single picture sums up your life in Britain right now? Chris sent us this artwork.
Dear Big issue, Here are my realities and far, far away dreams.
Chris Burns, email
Build back better
The problem with new developments is they are often sterile with no shops, cafes, probably no public library. Green space often with nowhere to sit. These are not the kind of towns I want to see being built.
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How would I manage housing if it were my remit?
I would remove the ridiculous points system that means most people will never reach the top of the list. I would bring back council housing and not force people into private rentals. I’d introduce a two-tier housing system. Those on tier one would be those in dire housing need. They would be housed in temporary accommodation until they get their permanent council home. Those on tier two would be those who are waiting for their permanent home. On this list there would be no queue jumping. No one should have to wait more than five years for a permanent home.
Rents should be pegged to the national minimum wage; you should not have
to pay more than 25% of your income on rent. Anyone, and I mean anyone should be able to apply for and receive a council home.
Graham Smith
There are some things he’s done well but I don’t think he is doing enough to lower energy costs. I also want to see higher taxes on the rich.
Anne Wall, Facebook
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He’s not as terrible as people think. He inherited an absolute mess and is trying to fix it. I disagree with a lot of what his government’s done but it could be a lot worse. I think there’s a lot of good going on behind the scenes.
Jay Henderson, Facebook
‘Could do better.’
Robert Campbell-Roscoe, Facebook
He’s betrayed Labour voters, who hoped and voted for change. Instead we got more of the same Tory austerity. Unless he starts delivering real socialist policies, he is paving the way for Reform to become a serious contender.
Diana Foster, Facebook
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It’s a thankless job I can see that. I think he is in the business of grown-up politics. His difficulty is a lack of charisma, lack of clear vision and a lack of decent PR.
Ieuan Phillips, Facebook
He is completely out of touch with what the people want.
Michael Frankson-Wells, Facebook
As a life-long Labour supporter I’m sorry to say I’m very disappointed in him.
Joanne Miles, Facebook
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Bearing up under the strain of working to repair 14 years of Tory incompetence, in a hostile environment.
Derek Tschemerys, Facebook
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