A question the Labour Party has to ask itself

Tuesday 28 July 2015 / Letters

IT IS becoming increasingly rare to find a politician who has sincere convictions.
Most politicians appear desperate to curry favour with the electorate and change their fickle opinions according to which way the wind blows.
Therefore, when a conviction politician comes along things are bound to get lively.
It is hardly surprising then that Jeremy Corbyn has stirred up a hornets’ nest.
He is that rare phenomenon, namely a conviction politician as was my ancestor, the political firebrand, David Lloyd George.
Lloyd George was firm in his convictions and this strategic wizard felt that oppositional political strategy was the only way to success.
Now we have Jeremy Corbyn, who has strong convictions and this plainly comes across when he speaks.
Whether his convictions are good for the country or not, people sense that he is sincere.
This is in stark contrast to the likes of Ed Miliband, who employed an expensive American spin doctor, namely David Axelrod.
Axelrod never even set foot in this country during the election campaign and he did not have a clue about the germane political issues.

Had Miliband possessed his own inner convictions he would not have needed to waste £300,000 of Labour donors’ money.
So now Jeremy Corbyn has set the cat among the pigeons and the Labour Party is in disarray.
They need to ask themselves an intelligent question.

Do voters wish for an opposition party or a pale, watered-down imitation of the party in power?
SUSAN THOMAS
Magdalen Road, Oxford

Our street musicians are not antisocial nuisances

Decision looms: Buskers in Cornmarket Street

Thursday 11 June 2015 / Letters

Thursday 11 June 2015

HAVING experienced serious antisocial behaviour for years, sadly from someone now deceased from a drug overdose, I know first-hand how upsetting and thoroughly draining it can be.
I am therefore rather perplexed as to the new antisocial public protection order regarding busking in Cornmarket Street.
I find the experience of venturing into town to be somewhat stressful and grim. However whenever I hear the wonderful music played by the street musicians I feel instantly calm and uplifted.
One day the most beautiful rendition of the classical tune of Ave Maria was being played. I was instantly transported to my father’s funeral where this song was played as his last request. It was a magical moment.

Another time a young student was playing her violin to raise funds for her music studies. I certainly cannot compare these wonderful street musicians to the harassment my family suffered that resulted in an Asbo being issued by Oxford City Council.
SUSAN THOMAS
Magdalen Road
Oxford

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Our street musicians are not antisocial nuisances

JanetJ says... 6:56pm Thu 11 Jun 15 From what I have read nobody is seeking to stop buskers as you describe. Just limit the number/time they operate. Is that so unreasonable?

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