Forum Topic

Where is the editor?

Some of the subject matter and content of posts is distasteful at best and rarely pertains to local issues.

Shirley Gillbe ● 17d32 Comments

Why don’t you just email them?

Sue Hammond ● 17d

Funnily enough I did email the editor about the moderation of this forum, or rather, the lack of it. No response at all. That was weeks ago. I think the tone of too many on this forum is driving a lot of potential contributors away. Not sure about viewing stats but the number of contributors is well down on years gone by.

Jonathan Callaway ● 17d

‘driving a lot of potential contributors away’Eh?  How do you quantify ‘potential’? 🤔

Sue Hammond ● 17d

People who might have contributed, may well have done so in the past, but don’t any more. They could potentially return of course.

Jonathan Callaway ● 17d

Methinks the lady doth protest too much. Posts ĺon the Forum are occasionally rude but seldom grossly abusive. It seems to me that some  people simply don't like to see their views challenged. And one or two of those who have complained about the tone of the debates have themselves been less than courteous at times.

Steven Rose ● 17d

Really? So you don't think that multiple vile - and utterly false - accusations of antisemitism are just rude rather than grossly abusive? Only when they're posted by your allies, presumably...

Richard Carter ● 17d

Unfortunately politics is currently in such a mess that it impacts everywhere and affects everyone.  I think if you find a particular poster offensive don’t read their postings, it’s not rocket science.  The forum has a code of conduct but it is entitled to free speech.

Robert Wheeler ● 17d

@RC 21.00I can hardly believe you have the gall to accuse anyone else of being abusive Richard!  Members who’ve been on the forum during the pre-Brexit years might remember how you repeatedly labelled me as racist because I was a member of UKIP and then the Brexit Party.  I certainly have not forgotten your vitriol of that time; however I also know that you can be very kind, which I discovered when I was in hospital 3 years ago.

Sue Hammond ● 17d

Antisemites are not just people who abuse Jews in the street or make snide remarks about the influence wielded by Jews. They include people who single out Israel for especial condemnation above other nations or who make gratuitous comparisons between the Israelis and the Nazis, including baseless accusations of genocide.

Steven Rose ● 17d

One of the characteristics of so-called progressives is an unshakeable belief in their own virtue. Unlike those selfish Tories and bigoted Reform supporters, progressives supposedly care about those less well off than themselves and welcome diversity. Now the worst thing anyone can be accused of nowadays is racism. It is the modern equivalent of the sin against the Holy Ghost, the sin for which there can be no forgiveness. So when progressives are accused of racism, in particular antisemitism, they are outraged. They angrily point out that criticising Israel doesn’t make you an antisemite. No it doesn’t. It is perfectly legitimate to criticise Israel. Many Israelis are critical of their own government’s conduct of the war in Gaza. But judging Israel by standards which are not applied to other nations, including Britain, and repeatedly accusing the Israelis of behaving like Nazis to the extent of carrying out genocide, is antisemitic, as the protocols of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (accepted by the UK and the EU) make clear. So if you don’t want to be accused on the Forum of antisemitism, don’t engage in this extreme form of criticism.

Steven Rose ● 17d

Grow UP, My DAD'S BIGGER THAN YOUR DAD

Patrick D Barrs ● 17d

I know Richard personally and can vouch for the fact that he is not an antisemite. Nevertheless there is an ideological obsession with Israel on the left of the political divide which can invite accusations of antisemitism.

Steven Rose ● 17d

Well, than you for that, much appreciated - and I hope your ally Hawkes, reads that (likely) and absorbs it (much less likely).However, your other point, claiming that "there is an ideological obsession with Israel" and that this supposedly "can invite accusations of antisemitism" is a different matter. The crucial difference between comments on the actions of the Israeli government and/or IDF and those of other others (two examples: the murderous attacks on the Rohingya by Myanmar forces and the ongoing assault on Ukraine by Russia, the most recent of which is the particularly evil bombing of the country's major research institute, the National Academy of Science) is that Israel is an ally of ours, one we sell arms to for goodness' sake - and a democracy, the only genuine one in the whole of the Middle East. Although Israel's status as a democracy is at least deserving of query in the light of actions by Netanyahu's government: trying to get rid of the country's Supreme Court, for example, and now the threat to remove the citizenship of Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, makers of the film NAZA about the targeting of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Those are not the actions of a genuine democracy.

Richard Carter ● 16d

It's also worth pointing out that, because of our administration of the Palestine Mandate between 1923 and 1948, Britain naturally feels some element of responsibility for how things have turned out there. This, perhaps, helps to some extent to explain people's interest in Palestine.

Richard Carter ● 16d

Mr Carter'So you don't think that multiple vile - and utterly false - accusations of antisemitism are just rude rather than grossly abusive?' "Calm down dear, calm down" !If you have been accused of antisemitism might that be because you have a proven track record of posting much anti-Israel material and many attacks on Israeli politicians.You would probably retort that you are not antisemitic but 'anti-Zionist' or 'anti-Israeli government' or just 'anti-Netanyahu'.It just so happens that Israel is a country where Jews predominate and the people concerned are Jewish.And your condemnation of Islamic and Palestinian terrorism is rare and always covered by caveats relating to their oppression.October 2023 ?And you never post about the racial killings between tribes in Africa of differing religions.Yet Islamists have killed many of your compatriots (I assume you still acknowledge you are British) whilst Jews and Israelis have killed none.You are judged by what you write and how it reads.

John Hawkes ● 16d

Mr Carter'It's also worth pointing out that, because of our administration of the Palestine Mandate between 1923 and 1948, Britain naturally feels some element of responsibility for how things have turned out there. This, perhaps, helps to some extent to explain people's interest in Palestine.'Please don't take this so personally.I am sure your ancestors meant well.

John Hawkes ● 16d

Mr Carter'The crucial difference between comments on the actions of the Israeli government and/or IDF and those of other others (two examples: the murderous attacks on the Rohingya by Myanmar forces and the ongoing assault on Ukraine by Russia, the most recent of which is the particularly evil bombing of the country's major research institute, the National Academy of Science) is that Israel is an ally of ours, one we sell arms to for goodness' sake - and a democracy, the only genuine one in the whole of the Middle East.'So all your anti-Israel comments are made more in sorrow than in anger that one of our allies - under constant threat of annihilation by its Muslim neighbours - at times acts injudiciously.You have nothing at all against the Jewish inhabitants of that country nor overall its Government.For you admit 'Israel is an ally of ours, one we sell arms to for goodness' sake - and a democracy, the only genuine one in the whole of the Middle East'.So why do you concentrate your comments on the Middle East conflict in terms that all can see are biased and racially prejudiced against Israel ?Why not come clean about it ? But then comes the "However" justification for your anti-Israel comments.'Although Israel's status as a democracy is at least deserving of query in the light of actions by Netanyahu's government: trying to get rid of the country's Supreme Court, for example, and now the threat to remove the citizenship of Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, makers of the film NAZA about the targeting of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Those are not the actions of a genuine democracy'.Seemingly you worry about Israel's future.Don't bother, they can look after themselves.They need neither you sympathy or support.And as for removal of these two people's Israeli citizenship, this is what our Labour Government tried and failed to do to so called 'British-Pakistani' paedophiles. 'The ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang is set to be released from jail this week and cannot be deported, his victims have been told.Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as "Daddy", had dual British-Pakistani citizenship but was stripped of the former following his conviction in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls'.Was Starmer as oppressive as Netanyahu ?

John Hawkes ● 16d

Mr Hawkes  - You make an awful lot of presumptions!There are Jews living in countries all over the world and from what you say you would think that Israel was the only place they have to live.  Many living in Israel have moved there simply because of Israel's open door immigration policy for Jews whereas the situation is made difficult for Palestinians with both homes and historical ties to the area.  You never ever mention the Nakba!You also ignore what it says in the Balfour Declaration.https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/text-of-the-balfour-declarationI think that you'll find that many people think that we shouldn't be selling arms to Israel!

Philippa Bond ● 16d

Ms Bond'You also ignore what it says in the Balfour Declaration.'While we are delving into history you ignore the Old Testament !'Many living in Israel have moved there simply because of Israel's open door immigration policy for Jews whereas the situation is made difficult for Palestinians with both homes and historical ties to the area. 'Many moved there because of the Nazi genocide with a determination they were sure it would never happen again.6,000,000 Jews massacred on an industrial scale ?Remember ?'I think that you'll find that many people think that we shouldn't be selling arms to Israel!'Sadly true yet I wonder how many of them are ethnic British and not Palestinian immigrants ?Still our Foreign Secretary agrees with you and I am sure he will get a rousing roar of support from Labour supporters at their Conference when he declares it.

John Hawkes ● 16d

Ms Bond'whereas the situation is made difficult for Palestinians with both homes and historical ties to the area'The Palestinians have the right to live in Israel as citizens as the composition of the Knesset proves.Those that are kept at bay are Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups who seek the annihilation of Israel and its people.Read the Hamas declaration yet ?What do you think of it ?Where these Palestinians to seek a lasting and genuine reproachment with Israel then a Palestinian state made up of Gaza and the West Bank would be plausible.Except for the fact that the unelected leaders in these areas hate each others guts !

John Hawkes ● 16d

FINALLY! Thank you for saying this, Shirley. You’ve highlighted something that I think is really worth considering.This is supposed to be a local community forum, yet of the many threads currently on the first page, only a handful actually relate to local news, issues or community life. I’d urge everyone to take a moment to revisit the Code of Conduct and think about whether what we’re posting is helping to build the kind of constructive, inclusive community this forum was intended to support, rather than creating division.If anyone wants to see what genuine community building can look like, take a look at Wandsworth Beat on social media. It’s a good example of how a local platform can bring people together, share relevant information and create a real sense of connection across the community.More seriously, who actually oversees and moderates this forum, and how do we contact them? There appear to be a number of repeat posters whose contributions regularly seem to fall outside the Code of Conduct, and at times, basic standards of courtesy and common decency. If the rules are there, surely they need to be applied consistently.And perhaps we should also ask what this forum is actually for. When a local community forum becomes dominated by subjects that have little or no direct connection to the local area, it inevitably pushes genuinely local issues and conversations down the page. There are plenty of places online for wider political and national debate. This should be a place where our local community can actually come together.The fact that this very thread has now digressed so wildly from its original topic is a case in point. It rather neatly demonstrates how quickly constructive local discussion can get lost.This isn’t the Daily Mail. It’s our community forum. Let’s keep it focused on the community we’re here to build.

Laura Kaye ● 14d

Why don’t you post something that people can comment on.National issues affect local issues and do have a direct connection to the quality of our lives.  Otherwise what is the point of our MP?  A simple example is our current rate rise, however having lived in Putney for 30+ years l am pleased to see it is diverse area with lots of different views and opinions.  Many residential roads have WhatsApp groups for direct local news and information.This forum has survived for years and as adults l take the view that if you don’t like it, don’t visit it.

Robert Wheeler ● 14d

Ms KayeDefinition of a Forum'A meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged'.Putney Forum is such a medium.Some might like to discuss local issues such as M&S which I see is wonderfully improved and has a fine range of Halloween gifts and clothes and of course its excellent ready-meals.Others might like to engage over geo-political issues; what I would describe as 'intellectual pub talk'.This I concede can get heated but so what.We are adults and can take it,If you see from the thread title what it is about and it does not interest you then don't read it.You don't have to.But for some having reached an age where 'the little grey cells' need constant attention and activation such political argy-bargy is beneficial and enjoyable.And after all do we not all favour freedom of speech ?

John Hawkes ● 14d

Mr. Hawkes, has Putney M & S  now got clothes or only food. When I went in there they didn't have any men as no maned tills.

Barbara Stevens ● 14d

“If you don’t like it, don’t visit it.”“If you’re not interested, don’t read it.”Hardly the community spirit I was referring to. But sure, carry on bleating about the same old Daily Fail headlines. Knock yourselves out.

Laura Kaye ● 14d

Please don't upset yourself, a lot of us have been on putney forum years. We do like an argument if you don't like a subject don't reply on it. If you have something you want to put on here about Putney or surrounding area please do. I'm fed up with all the takeaway food shops. Please more clothes or shoe shops. Also open what was Wilko or the old RDyas, anything except food. What about a Primark.

Barbara Stevens ● 14d

I read the Guardian, Telegraph, and the “i” actually so please don’t be so snobby on where people get their news and views from.  A community is a group of people with varying views and opinions not a communist state.Put a post on that you want people to comment on.

Robert Wheeler ● 14d

@Laura Kaye 15.29“bleating”  Daily Fail” Words often used by Richard Carter.  Uncanny🤔

Sue Hammond ● 14d

Ms Kaye'But sure, carry on bleating about the same old Daily Fail headlines.'And you keep boring us with the same old Guardian cliches !

John Hawkes ● 14d

Ms Hammond'@Laura Kaye 15.29“bleating”  Daily Fail” Words often used by Richard Carter.  Uncanny🤔'Surely not true.But as they used to say in the Sunday Express "I think we should be told".But it is good that Ms Kaye has joined our happy band 😊I wonder what topic she would like to kick off and share her opinions on !

John Hawkes ● 14d

Ms Stevens'Mr. Hawkes, has Putney M & S  now got clothes or only food. When I went in there they didn't have any men as no maned tills.'Interesting but M&S is not a place I would immediately think of if I wanted to buy a man !😉😁

John Hawkes ● 12d

Mr.Hawkes a man on a till would be better than no man at all.

Barbara Stevens ● 12d