Striking a blow??

In years gone by, a strike would grind the country to a halt. We have all heard the tales of violence filled days in the Mining strikes; of the need to have police protection for the Scabs, and the clashes between law and protest.



Strikers in action



As I've posted before, I was involved in a film about the 1926 General Strike over the Summer. This was a strike of massive proportions, and lasted approximately 15 days. It was, however, a lost cause, and the miners had to return to work for longer hours, and less pay.

Even then, when the entire country was out in support of them, the miners couldn't win a strike. Maybe this is a sign that they just don't work.

Strike

The feelings of anger and frustration displayed quite clearly by the strikers, seems to have very little effect on the Government. In reality, a day without teachers causes more problems for an adult needing childcare, than it does to Mr Cameron and Clegg.

 Maybe we need a new way of making a point, that will have more of an impact on the Government. The riots certainly made a point, yet resulted in punishment for all involved. There are plenty of other ways to raise issues in Parliament nowadays as well. Petitions for example. If a certain number of signatures are on your petition, it is taken to the House of Commons for debate. Although this is a good way of making Parliament more accessible, I doubt that it would in fact make much difference.

I'm not saying that this strike was a failure, I have no doubt it has, but unless it is followed through by more action, its effect is unlikely to last. Talk is being made of a longer strike of 6-8 weeks, being held by Border Control, Teachers etc. Now that would make a difference.



Jeremy Clarkson ~ Top Gear



Two months of uncontrolled entry into the country would almost certainly stop the Con-Dems in their tracks. It is that sort of protest that the Unions need.

As for Jeremy Clarkson, who appeared on the One show last night, your comments are apalling and disgusting. He said on the hit BBC show "I'd have them all shot. I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families."





From a man who does very little for an awful lot of money, it is completely ludicrous to make such insulting and violent comments. I can quite understand that the union Unison is now seeking legal advice to take action against you Mr Clarkson. It's been a long time coming.

David Cameron, meanwhile, has called the strike action "futile" despite an estimated 2 million workers going on strike. To be fair, they just saved him 2 million days worth of salary, but the fact his proposed changes are going to clearly affect 2 million people, maybe he should take the hint and change his ideas.