| Politics and The Human Element |
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| Written by John Franklyn | |||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 26 February 2008 | |||||||||||||
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Politics and the Human Element
A critical element of politics has been missing for sometime, that critical element is
“The human element”
The most recent element and longest running example of politics loosing touch with the human element, is Sutton Hill.
This problem is only enhanced by access to media coverage and that being within the Shropshire Star, unfortunately there is no other local choice and residents more often than not, get, at best, a very limited voice in this paper.
One route residents can have their say is via the “letters page”, even that will get withdrawn if you criticise inaccurate bias reporting.
To show how long this bias has been happening is,
February 5th 2003 – JB Caractacus places a letter on the letters page entitled
“The Rise and rise of Council Tax”
On February 7th 2003 the the Council Chief Phil Davis responded and was given a large profile coverage
This reporting bias continues with the Shropshire Star never giving balanced reporting and fair inclusion of the resident.
Former resident, serviceman, school governor and Magistrate John Barnes, who features in an excellent pod cast interview conducted by George Ashcroft, campaigned for years on behalf of Sutton Hill residents.
I have copies of letters published in the Shropshire Star going back as far as August 2002, but never was he given a large coverage as was afforded to the then, but now fallen leader Phil Davis.
For years, John Barnes campaigned, writing to MP’s, Councillors, arranging meetings, estate walk rounds, only to be let down by the then elected members – including the likes of Cllr Mckenzie.
Despite no investment and inadequate representation, the residents still faced increasing council taxes.
Recent events have managed to redress the balance, but not with the Shropshire Star though.
Websites, blogs and online videos now give residents an alternative and one that is needed to enable a more rounded view and give the little man a voice.
Telford and Wrekin Council now promises to get tough with the owners of “neglected properties”.
The following comment under the topic BBC MIDLANDS TODAY really sums a lot up,
So, after ALL this time
“One of the best performing authorities in the West Midlands”
Isn’t capable of recognising the horrendous problems faced by residents, except when it’s being rammed down their throats by a private individual from the other end of town?
And how much do they spend researching and consulting on the views of the local residents?
Every decision made by politicians, regardless of their level or seniority affects people, maybe, just maybe, the “Human Element” will become an increasing factor in politics, rather than cheap point scoring and back stabbing.
The following article is well worth reading http://www...uk/blogview.html?blog=38
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