| Flags 09:29 - Aug 22 with 1199 views | SonicBoom |
Seems to be a touchy subject - but on my commute to Whiteley each day I notice people are tying uion jacks to bridges over the motorways. Also close to Redbridge roundabout there's a bridge with flags on stating "Southampton Patriots".
I'm not entirely sure what the point is? |  | | |  |
| Flags on 09:43 - Aug 22 with 1165 views | SaintNick |
Coming home from Ipswich due to a crash on the M11 I got diverted through Epping, there were literally a hundred or so Union Jacks or Cross of St George flags tied to lamp posts, they were all high up and it would have needed a ladder to get them up there so quite a concerted effort, after passing all these we went past the Bell Hotel which is the subject of much news items at the moment.
I liked one post on social media that said if your road has a pot hole in it, spray it white with a red cross and the council will come and repair it within 24 hours.
Personally I have no problem with people flying British flags, if you go to the USA its fairly common every where for houses to have their flag flying and I am talking 20-30 years ago long before Trump.
No one gets shirty with seeing a Scottish or Welsh flag being flown, indeed they are incorporated in the Union Jack, so why the issue with the Cross of St George or the Union Jack being flown.
These flags were being seen as an issue by some long before the Asylum seekers in hotels thing, |  |
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| Flags on 10:20 - Aug 22 with 1103 views | 1885_SFC |
My neighbours are French and they are joining in. They are flying a white flag... |  |
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| Flags on 10:30 - Aug 22 with 1077 views | franniesTache |
| Flags on 09:43 - Aug 22 by SaintNick |
Coming home from Ipswich due to a crash on the M11 I got diverted through Epping, there were literally a hundred or so Union Jacks or Cross of St George flags tied to lamp posts, they were all high up and it would have needed a ladder to get them up there so quite a concerted effort, after passing all these we went past the Bell Hotel which is the subject of much news items at the moment.
I liked one post on social media that said if your road has a pot hole in it, spray it white with a red cross and the council will come and repair it within 24 hours.
Personally I have no problem with people flying British flags, if you go to the USA its fairly common every where for houses to have their flag flying and I am talking 20-30 years ago long before Trump.
No one gets shirty with seeing a Scottish or Welsh flag being flown, indeed they are incorporated in the Union Jack, so why the issue with the Cross of St George or the Union Jack being flown.
These flags were being seen as an issue by some long before the Asylum seekers in hotels thing, |
I've always had a deep sense of mistrust of any country that goes overtly over the top with flags and nationalism.
For most of my life i've been quietly proud of that the fact that in this country, unlike somewhere like the states, we don't go in for that stuff and just get on with life without too much fuss.
This new "patriots" thing does - somewhat ironically - seem to be an export from the USA to here and a relatively recent thing, probably no more than the last 10years. |  | | |
| Flags on 11:51 - Aug 22 with 919 views | SonicBoom |
I thinks it's more like a combination of Trump, Farage and the furore around immigration and the boats.
This seems to have the effect of making people want to climb a lamp post and hang a flag on it.
Don't see it myself. Re-claiming our country? To when? I don't remember a time when this place was a paradise. Every period in time had its issues.
Or maybe they just want immigrants booted out and everything will be miraculously fine. | | | |
| Flags on 11:54 - Aug 22 with 913 views | Wints76 |
I'm looking forward to seeing all the flags in Southampton tomorrow. It will be fabulous.
If people want to put flags up to celebrate the country, then fine. As long as you aren't creating any sort of risk, then do it if flags are your thing. If people want to put flags up to intimidate people, then take a look at yourself. Only the person putting the flag up would know his/her intention. |  | | |
| Flags on 12:49 - Aug 22 with 802 views | solent_toffee |
| Flags on 11:51 - Aug 22 by SonicBoom |
I thinks it's more like a combination of Trump, Farage and the furore around immigration and the boats.
This seems to have the effect of making people want to climb a lamp post and hang a flag on it.
Don't see it myself. Re-claiming our country? To when? I don't remember a time when this place was a paradise. Every period in time had its issues.
Or maybe they just want immigrants booted out and everything will be miraculously fine. |
Watching the crowds outside The Bell Hotel the other day celebrating and singing Ingerland when the high court decision came through, it was all a bit sad.
How does it improve their day to day life?
It’s a bit odd that we have loads of approved premises across the UK, many of them near schools and slap back in the middle of residential areas and similar half way houses, all full of people who have been actually convicted for murder, sex offences, you name it. Don’t recall crowds gathering to protest about them and waving their flags about. I wonder why that is? |  | | |
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| Flags on 12:53 - Aug 22 with 794 views | Chesham_Saint |
I kind of agree that it’s nice that the English in particular don’t usually feel the need to be too overt in displaying national pride. However Birmingham council seem to have taken the piss on this.
So, here’s my plan. I’m thinking of getting a St George’s cross made with the words “I hate the council (and 20mph speed limits other than outside schools - oh and I hate PortsMouth football club, Man Utd, Tottenham, Liverpool and Celtic too)!!
I’m gonna need a big flag.
And have to move to Birmingham.
FFS, time for a re-think… |  |
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| Flags on 12:56 - Aug 22 with 789 views | 1885_SFC |
| Flags on 12:49 - Aug 22 by solent_toffee |
Watching the crowds outside The Bell Hotel the other day celebrating and singing Ingerland when the high court decision came through, it was all a bit sad.
How does it improve their day to day life?
It’s a bit odd that we have loads of approved premises across the UK, many of them near schools and slap back in the middle of residential areas and similar half way houses, all full of people who have been actually convicted for murder, sex offences, you name it. Don’t recall crowds gathering to protest about them and waving their flags about. I wonder why that is? |
That's because the convicted wrong'uns have, rightfully so, gone through our judicial system and are now paying the price for murder, sex offences, you name it.
How many of those men crammed into the boats, for example, are really fleeing their homelands because they're wanted for murder, sex crimes, terrorism, etc?
You don't know. Neither do I. That's the problem. | |
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| Flags on 13:02 - Aug 22 with 760 views | Chesham_Saint |
| Flags on 12:56 - Aug 22 by 1885_SFC |
That's because the convicted wrong'uns have, rightfully so, gone through our judicial system and are now paying the price for murder, sex offences, you name it.
How many of those men crammed into the boats, for example, are really fleeing their homelands because they're wanted for murder, sex crimes, terrorism, etc?
You don't know. Neither do I. That's the problem. |
That is indeed the problem.
How ridiculous do you fee these days, queuing up at passport control at say, Gatwick, knowing you’ll be going back to work to pay taxes to pay for people who don’t bother to queue…. Er, if you see what I mean? | |
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| Flags on 13:04 - Aug 22 with 752 views | Bazza |
| Flags on 12:49 - Aug 22 by solent_toffee |
Watching the crowds outside The Bell Hotel the other day celebrating and singing Ingerland when the high court decision came through, it was all a bit sad.
How does it improve their day to day life?
It’s a bit odd that we have loads of approved premises across the UK, many of them near schools and slap back in the middle of residential areas and similar half way houses, all full of people who have been actually convicted for murder, sex offences, you name it. Don’t recall crowds gathering to protest about them and waving their flags about. I wonder why that is? |
The issue for flags has erupted in Birmingham where the local Muslim majority council have flooded the area with Palestine flags. Locals responded with St George flags but these were promptly removed overnight by council employees as ‘dangerous’ . The city’s bins are still not emptied.
I remember Labour councils flying red flags. Personally I think UK country flags or the union flags should be the only ones allowed on council buildings. | | | |
| Flags on 13:07 - Aug 22 with 743 views | SonicBoom |
There are much larger problems that affect people day to day but people are distracted by this nonsense.
For example, we have the worst performing and lowest pensions in Europe. Bottom of the pile.
Not only that, the age is going up and up all the time so fewer and fewer people will even live to claim it. We've all paid in all our lives. So where has that money gone? That is billions of pounds. People should be protesting about stuff like that.
I also just interacted with someone on X who said he's hanging flags cos he's "proud of his country". I've asked exactly what he's proud of - the royal family, the nice countryside, the statues...what exactly. I guess he's going to get back to me. | | | |
| Flags on 13:14 - Aug 22 with 727 views | Chesham_Saint |
| Flags on 13:07 - Aug 22 by SonicBoom |
There are much larger problems that affect people day to day but people are distracted by this nonsense.
For example, we have the worst performing and lowest pensions in Europe. Bottom of the pile.
Not only that, the age is going up and up all the time so fewer and fewer people will even live to claim it. We've all paid in all our lives. So where has that money gone? That is billions of pounds. People should be protesting about stuff like that.
I also just interacted with someone on X who said he's hanging flags cos he's "proud of his country". I've asked exactly what he's proud of - the royal family, the nice countryside, the statues...what exactly. I guess he's going to get back to me. |
There a lot of things to be proud of. We are still generally a very tolerant place for starters. Also our legal system (ECHR issues aside) is the envy of the world (for example the world centre for international disputes), non politicised armed services, creative industries, sports, literature and innovative financial services, low levels of corruption etc etc
There are far worse places in the world. | |
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| Flags on 13:25 - Aug 22 with 699 views | franniesTache |
| Flags on 13:07 - Aug 22 by SonicBoom |
There are much larger problems that affect people day to day but people are distracted by this nonsense.
For example, we have the worst performing and lowest pensions in Europe. Bottom of the pile.
Not only that, the age is going up and up all the time so fewer and fewer people will even live to claim it. We've all paid in all our lives. So where has that money gone? That is billions of pounds. People should be protesting about stuff like that.
I also just interacted with someone on X who said he's hanging flags cos he's "proud of his country". I've asked exactly what he's proud of - the royal family, the nice countryside, the statues...what exactly. I guess he's going to get back to me. |
There's a huge amount to be proud of when it comes to this country, it's the home to the diggers and levellers, the birthplace of parliament, it's a widely tolerant and secular country and has a long history (post empire at least) of trying to do good around the world.
I'd also add to that for a nation of our size the cultural footprint in music, film, art, literature etc. is pound for pound the most impressive in the world, as our things like our science and engineering (we invented the internet for example).
We also invented or were a big part in inventing global bodies and systems, like the ECHR; UN etc. that are about justness and the right to a dignified life for all people in the world
But as i said before it's the quiet pride i admire, i think a lot of that stems from grandparents generation, the generation who'd actually been through world wars.
They all deeply mistrusted overt nationalism whilst still being proud of their country, and instead taught the mindset of pride without confrontation.
I've always thought the american way of "flags everywhere, saluting the flag, national anthems before everything and pledging at schools" is both creepy and weird, but also shows a deep insecurity of themselves.
It's a bit like the way the skates have to go round telling everyone their bestest fans, because when you actually look into it they're not [Post edited 22 Aug 13:27]
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| Flags on 13:45 - Aug 22 with 613 views | Butty101 |
| Flags on 13:07 - Aug 22 by SonicBoom |
There are much larger problems that affect people day to day but people are distracted by this nonsense.
For example, we have the worst performing and lowest pensions in Europe. Bottom of the pile.
Not only that, the age is going up and up all the time so fewer and fewer people will even live to claim it. We've all paid in all our lives. So where has that money gone? That is billions of pounds. People should be protesting about stuff like that.
I also just interacted with someone on X who said he's hanging flags cos he's "proud of his country". I've asked exactly what he's proud of - the royal family, the nice countryside, the statues...what exactly. I guess he's going to get back to me. |
Pensions are an odd thing to pick up. It’s blindingly obvious why the money pot isn’t big enough. We are having a population explosion but contributing les per head. All the while the ageing nation is living longer.
Basically we all need to die the day after we retire |  |
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| Flags on 14:15 - Aug 22 with 563 views | Southamptonfan |
The problems are deeper and have been going on a for a long time. Many British people are struggling in one way or another, taxes keep rising, bills keep going up, pubs closing, shops boarded up, people visiting food banks, homelessness continues and so on. Most of us value all of the immigrants who have served our NHS and other aspects of our country, but presumably these people came through the legal routes. The vast majority welcome these people,.who do wonderful things.
But the boats, in particular and it is true that they are mostly young men, arriving completely unchecked, is a big concern for a large part of the population. Reform are surging in the poles, and a protest vote, may mean that they get in. It probably wouldn't be the best thing for this country, but people are angry that nothing is being done or there is a lack of honesty. Labour came in promising to smash the gangs. A record number of boats came over in the summer. The Tories did nothing either. Seemingly, there is nothing they can do. So people will say f@ck this, it can't be any worse, and vote reform.
A little bit of research suggests that it cost nearly 5 billion (a year?) to house asylum seekers and in simple terms, struggling people who visit food banks are looking on thinking how come they get free food, a hotel, no taxes to pay when they can barely survive. The money is there, but it's only for people who come over on a boat, and have never paid into the system before is that they think. We are told that the welfare bill is far too high, yet nearly 5 billion is spent on these people. I can understand anyone struggling, thinking things arn't fair and they are being fobbed off.
https://icai.independent.gov.uk/use-of-the-aid-budget-to-host-refugees-in-the-uk
Last year we had the riots. This year, we have councils going to the high court to stop the hotels, the flags going up. There.is sense that there is a fight to be had, that people arn't being listened to. Some racists jump on the bandwagon, but there are many people who arn't racist, they are just struggling and think it's unfair.
In Birmingham, Palestinian flags were flew throughout Birmingham. Muhammed is now Britain's most popular name. There is a bit of a moral panic going on about various things relating to Britain not being Britain anymore. People feel the need to fight back and out go all the England flags.
Ultimately, the Rwanda scheme wasn't going to work. The one in one out wont work. They will still keep coming and are still coming. People feel like they should just be stopped, like you would stop a gang of rioters through force. Successive governments have failed and there will more trouble ahead, if people are not listened to. [Post edited 22 Aug 14:26]
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| Flags on 14:24 - Aug 22 with 518 views | SaintNick |
| Flags on 13:07 - Aug 22 by SonicBoom |
There are much larger problems that affect people day to day but people are distracted by this nonsense.
For example, we have the worst performing and lowest pensions in Europe. Bottom of the pile.
Not only that, the age is going up and up all the time so fewer and fewer people will even live to claim it. We've all paid in all our lives. So where has that money gone? That is billions of pounds. People should be protesting about stuff like that.
I also just interacted with someone on X who said he's hanging flags cos he's "proud of his country". I've asked exactly what he's proud of - the royal family, the nice countryside, the statues...what exactly. I guess he's going to get back to me. |
In many respects paying into the state pension is a form of life assurance, it is all about living longer and if you die before you get it all that money for nothing.
Obviously this is my line of business so when you ask where is the money going to I can answer.
In simple terms in 1950 a couple of years after the modern state pension came into force, if you made it to 65 to collect it the average life expectancy was about 67 years, so you could expect to collect it for a little over 2 years.
So yes the age will increase to 67 by November 2027 and to 68 between the years of 2044& 2046. So by 2046 you will need to be 68 to collect your state pension thats just a 3 year increase in age in 98 years.
But the problem is that it is still funded by NationaI Insurance contributions the same as it was in 1948, the calculations then were based on that average life span of 67.
BY 1965 the average life span was 71 and by 1975 it was 72, yet subsequent governments both Labour & Tory did nothing despite the fact that life expectancy was going up at an increasing rate.
In simple terms the state pension age will have risen to 67 by 2027, but the life expectancy will have increase from 67 to around 84, the maths are simple the money has gone on funding those extra 17 years .
So it is incorrect that fewer people will live to claim it, in fact more will live to claim it and they will live much longer and that is putting a burden on the state , | |
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| Flags on 16:46 - Aug 22 with 387 views | Gennaro_Contaldo |
| Flags on 14:24 - Aug 22 by SaintNick |
In many respects paying into the state pension is a form of life assurance, it is all about living longer and if you die before you get it all that money for nothing.
Obviously this is my line of business so when you ask where is the money going to I can answer.
In simple terms in 1950 a couple of years after the modern state pension came into force, if you made it to 65 to collect it the average life expectancy was about 67 years, so you could expect to collect it for a little over 2 years.
So yes the age will increase to 67 by November 2027 and to 68 between the years of 2044& 2046. So by 2046 you will need to be 68 to collect your state pension thats just a 3 year increase in age in 98 years.
But the problem is that it is still funded by NationaI Insurance contributions the same as it was in 1948, the calculations then were based on that average life span of 67.
BY 1965 the average life span was 71 and by 1975 it was 72, yet subsequent governments both Labour & Tory did nothing despite the fact that life expectancy was going up at an increasing rate.
In simple terms the state pension age will have risen to 67 by 2027, but the life expectancy will have increase from 67 to around 84, the maths are simple the money has gone on funding those extra 17 years .
So it is incorrect that fewer people will live to claim it, in fact more will live to claim it and they will live much longer and that is putting a burden on the state , |
Spot on. The country is a burden to itself, we look after people better, we treat people better and the NHS is still amazing, so of course we live longer because we are more aware of symptoms earlier, treated better (whether NHS or private) and therefore live longer.
So by helping ourselves to have such a great life expectancy we therefore shot ourselves in the foot with state pensions. It'll only get "worse" (if that's the right word) as the Gen Z, Gen A bunch are not drinking, not smoking (good!) and even more aware and medicinal advances get better and better.
But today's 65 year olds are a damn site more healthy and flexible than the 65 year olds I remember from the 1980s (and even 90s) - so working longer anyway.
To be honest, if I'm in good shape at that age I'd like to still be working too - maybe "semi retired", but I'd like the mental stimulation still ... he says at 49 so that view maybe subject to change ... |  |
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| Flags on 17:25 - Aug 22 with 329 views | Heisenberg |
| Flags on 16:46 - Aug 22 by Gennaro_Contaldo |
Spot on. The country is a burden to itself, we look after people better, we treat people better and the NHS is still amazing, so of course we live longer because we are more aware of symptoms earlier, treated better (whether NHS or private) and therefore live longer.
So by helping ourselves to have such a great life expectancy we therefore shot ourselves in the foot with state pensions. It'll only get "worse" (if that's the right word) as the Gen Z, Gen A bunch are not drinking, not smoking (good!) and even more aware and medicinal advances get better and better.
But today's 65 year olds are a damn site more healthy and flexible than the 65 year olds I remember from the 1980s (and even 90s) - so working longer anyway.
To be honest, if I'm in good shape at that age I'd like to still be working too - maybe "semi retired", but I'd like the mental stimulation still ... he says at 49 so that view maybe subject to change ... |
Wait till you get to 60. Hopefully in good health and the realisation that you can do loads more with your life than working. Very few people say with their final breath ‘I wish I had worked more’ |  |
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