Huguenot

AfN.... "Talking of organic bush how is the ED knocking shop doing?"

Iceland. Very scary guys. Edited to say that it would have to be in the 'unjust' box.

We even got CPP delivered to Singapore!

I can see the point on Iraq. The only argument I'd have is that this is nothing new surely? The only difference now is that the issues are exposed - which is a media and society consideration, not a governmental one. There is a good argument that the 'disrepute' that the army is suffering is a direct consequence of the opportunity to discuss the problems on public websites such as this one. Absolutely no disrespect intended, but it's entirely possible Santerme, that your observations are the cause of the problem, not the solution.

I'm not sure about the details of the situation, and feel uneasy about signing up to such a political agenda. Are there any details about the NHS position?

I'm with AfN

Nunhead resident in threatening language with violent overtones shocker...

Strikes me Mike that you'll be playing fast and loose with 'service' there. Clearly the presenter presents, and by dint of this service keeps us informed on the views of our politicians, and gives you stuff to talk about. All you're really saying is that you don't apply much value to the service that presenters provide. Pretty subjective view. I paid 30% of my taxes annually into the health service for 16 years, a shit load of money for one visit to the doctor. Conversely I watched telly for two hours a day for a hundred quid a year. Bargain. Interesting in that context that Abe Lincoln put more store by media than he did government - by his logic the presenter should be paid more!

GPs earn about a 100 grand (and more if they do over 40 hrs), would they work for less? Should they?

I understand Terry's all paid up and legit. He's behaving irresponsibly, but within his rights!

Much as I don't like to be contentious, to imagine that the armed forces have ever been anything other than an extension of political will is a wee bit rose-tinted. The advantage that the political leadership has had over the last five centuries (why pick those?) is control over the dissemination of information. "This government" has done nothing unique to destroy the reputation etc. etc., what's happened is the democratisation of information lifting a veil from the eyes of both the electorate and the military.

I don't think that you could isolate Tezza, he does no more than the Estate Agents. There is a law to combat this, involved with using the public highway for commercial storage, but you'd need a few quid to pursue it.

targeTTing, widgeTTing, snoteTTing T or double TT Who is to know?

So she makes more money than an MP, so how is that? Expenses anyone?

All valid points. The most annoying one is that by paying rent you're papering someone else's pockets. Having said that, most of us would wave a silky finger at the winner if we were rich, rich, as a result.

Too long gone? Weird?

None of these back-of-the-envelope calculations are ultimately persuading me yet. The upside on the house purchase is final sale price, less costs (capital, interest and maintenance payments). On the "average UK house" 1975 to 2000 (twenty five years) you'd expect that to be 100k (2000 price) less 10k capital (1975 price), 40k interest and 30k maintenance. Everybody ignores maintenance, but it's an intrinsic part of the cost of a house. For rent it's the "costs on equivalent house minus actual rent payments" reinvested over a 25 year investment period. You'd be shocked to discover that the reinvested rent differential often comes very close to the equity asset you have in the house over a 25 year period. The differential is tight enough for it to be utterly dependent upon exact timing as to whether you're better off (in terms of final assets) renting or buying over a 25 year period.

Sometimes I wonder if AfN copies insults used on other websites because they sound good, rather than because they're relevant ;-) "maybe blogging at the window, wearing the face that you keep in that organic jar by the door, tell me Who is it for?" erm... what? I imagine that was copied from a comment on someone's blog? I've no doubt there will be some idiots trying to drag this into court, I also have sufficient faith in the judiciary that it'll be tossed out for the frivolous litigation it is. It won't be the end of parliament, the anarchist pipedream. It is an embarrassment, and this petty embezzlement is amongst the many things the Freedom of Information Act was designed to expose. It demonstrates that UK society is working, and reminds us why the UK is so near the top of the anti-corruption tables. Demand more from your MPs and vote accordingly!

They don't fight for Britain, they fight for money.

But this is Mornington Crescent? Brendan knows better, I think that gambit deserves nothing more sleek than Bromley-by-Bow?

I heart AfN

Outside is one word.

RosieH

It's all bollix with a tidy corner of colonial guilt. How many nations with Gurkha regiments? 6 Please stop this nonsense. Good debate, cheeky cheeks. Cuddly knives. These guys go to war and die because they'd hang around at home and die. People die.

Embarrassed kissing, but sense of righteousness erm.... boooyaka?