Daily Musings — 24th February 2017
I went into work today.
The session was cancelled but I didn’t see the email before I left home. Which was a shame because the weather has been poor for a while but today it was really good.
If I had known a bit further in advance, I’d have planned something nice this morning. Instead, I went for a nice walk around Ilford. When I volunteered, I’d do that at least once a week but having little reason to go there nowadays, I haven’t for some time. I enjoyed it. Next week is reading week, so I hope the weather improves more and I can enjoy some events and stuff with friends and get started on my essays. London is still the best city in the world after all.
Incidentally, on the bus back home, ticket inspectors came on, twice. Which is weird because that’s double the amount of times I’ve encountered one in the entire rest of my life.
Anyway, back on point. It’s always nice to have a calm walk to relax your mind. Much better than sitting at home doing nothing.
I’d also like to discuss the Copeland and Stoke Central by-elections. Victory in Copeland is historic for the Tories. This is the first time since 1982 that a governing party has gained a seat at a by-election. It is also a case of the Conservative Party striking and winning a seat in the so called Labour heartlands. This would no doubt cause alarm to Jeremy Corbyn, although with three and a bit years before the next General Election, I’m not sure how indicative it is of future election results. Though I don’t see a positive spin you can put on that result (Cat Smith has tried though), he needs to do something if he wants to keep in his job.
It does however raise an important question. What do the resignations of Tristram Hunt and Jamie Reed show us? After all, only in May 2015, Hunt threw his name in the ring for Labour leader, but pulled out as he couldn’t secure enough nominations. The political situation in this country requires strong characters who want to help their constituents. But Hunt and Reed have both left their jobs at this time. Hunt, not long after trying to become Leader of the Opposition. From my point of view, this seems to suggest a feeling their skills are better used elsewhere — which is a damming indictment of Corbyn’s leadership. As a Tory supporter, I am alarmed due to Corbyn. Not because I think he’ll beat the Conservatives. Quite the opposite, he will almost certainly see Labour make losses in 2020, if he’s still around. That is a concern. If the Opposition in this country is not credible, the Government will become complacent. That is bad for the country. A strong Official Opposition will keep the Government focused on the task at hand, and that will benefit everyone. I do not see that happening under Corbyn’s leadership.
Lastly, anyone who knows me, knows I’ve been rather annoyed with Virgin Media since summer 2015. This is because the WiFi went down several times a day and we’d get more productive use from a guy with a bucket providing our internet. The excuses they gave us were hilarious. “Must be the software, it must be out of date” — why does it not work on our newer devices then? “Might just be the wireless” — why does it not then not work on the main PC where the modem is plugged in? “Must be the device” — why does it work everywhere else then?
We finally went back to BT this month. They may operate at slightly slower speeds, but at least their service works. Anyway, Virgin sent us a package to send back their equipment in. No-one was at home when they came, so guess where they left it? Out on the doorstep, just lying there. Someone could’ve taken it, someone could’ve easily trodden on it. It’s this inability to do the things they are supposed to do that led us to leave in the first place. For the sake of your insanity, don’t choose Virgin Media.