Sports writers have this thing where we say that we only write about politics when we have to and that, in an ideal world, sports and politics shouldn’t mix.
I remember those 'oranges' back in the day at half-time. Fortunately cricket lunches were more substantial. Just don't ask a cricketer during a match 'who is winning?" ;)
Neil has homed in on both Rees-Mogg and Dorries and struck a direct hit. However, the broader point is also true. There is nothing more frustrating for the sports fan than the galling spectacle of politicians pretending to be men of the people, whilst exposing their ignorance of the art. At least (British Prime Minister) John Major had (and has) a genuine love of cricket. But politicians the world over will forever be drawn to the photo op.
And I defend Neil's right to comment on British politics and politicians.
So Mr Manthorpe, what gives you the right to verbally attack elected MPs of the UK, when you yourself are a South African citizen. I don’t see Nasser Hussain or Mike Atherton having a go at ANC politicians. How can you know anything about Jacob Rees-Mogg who you dissed by calling him ‘out of touch’ and an ‘old Etonian flubber’, whatever that is? As a British citizen I don’t appreciate a South African cricket hack having a go at elected officials of my country. Have a look at the quality of your own officials and get back to me with the good news.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't expect you had the time or inclination to check so let me tell you I was born in Wantage and I am a British citizen although my career has largely been in South Africa. My formative years were spent in South Africa but I was schooled in England. You are quite right about SA politicians, many of them are beneath contempt. I stay in touch with British politics and I care about the country. I care about both countries, if that is acceptable to you. I believe elected politicians who chose to place themselves in the public eye can expect critical observation.
Now that’s funny. I went all in and yet you are sort of one of us. It’s easy to make assumptions and I like the way you quietly put me in my place. I still think you’re wrong about our politicians and suspect you don’t vote Tory? I don’t like the current trend in this country for lefties to just slag off the tories because they believe them to be toffs and spivs. But if you can have civil debate without nastiness then I’m all for it.
But he IS a toff--whether you regard that as a good or bad thing, a prep school, public school and Oxford (and not one of the more social mixed Oxford colleges in the 1980s either) education and growing up in a large country house is not an ordinary British existence for most people.
You're making another assumption or two here--first about Neil's politics (you might be right, but why is that relevant just because you disagree with him?), second the obsession that a lot of "righties" have about the assumptions of those on the left. The right have quite enough assumptions about social class, some of them extremely toxic, so if you (as you imply you do) identify as a "Tory" it might be worth trying to eradicate some of those before wading in at someone who's made a fairly innocuous comment about an MP's sporting ignorance. People who live in glass houses and all that....
As for Neil not being British...I'm assuming you haven't ventured a single opinion about the war in Ukraine, for example, on the assumption that you're neither Russian nor Ukrainian. EVERYBODY talks about politicians in other countries--including you, I think I can say fairly confidently despite not knowing you.
And if you're going to make condescending comments about debating without nastiness (what's this, a right-wing assumption that the only civilised people are themselves?!) , it would behove you to be rather less snide and rude than parts of your first post were. Again, remove the mote from your own eye etc...
I remember those 'oranges' back in the day at half-time. Fortunately cricket lunches were more substantial. Just don't ask a cricketer during a match 'who is winning?" ;)
Ha! Ha! :)
Neil has homed in on both Rees-Mogg and Dorries and struck a direct hit. However, the broader point is also true. There is nothing more frustrating for the sports fan than the galling spectacle of politicians pretending to be men of the people, whilst exposing their ignorance of the art. At least (British Prime Minister) John Major had (and has) a genuine love of cricket. But politicians the world over will forever be drawn to the photo op.
And I defend Neil's right to comment on British politics and politicians.
Cheers Colin, it would appear that the UK has really outdone itself with these two...
a good read as always
Cheers Gwen, trust you are well and will take a few weeks off this winter!
So Mr Manthorpe, what gives you the right to verbally attack elected MPs of the UK, when you yourself are a South African citizen. I don’t see Nasser Hussain or Mike Atherton having a go at ANC politicians. How can you know anything about Jacob Rees-Mogg who you dissed by calling him ‘out of touch’ and an ‘old Etonian flubber’, whatever that is? As a British citizen I don’t appreciate a South African cricket hack having a go at elected officials of my country. Have a look at the quality of your own officials and get back to me with the good news.
Hello Anthony,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't expect you had the time or inclination to check so let me tell you I was born in Wantage and I am a British citizen although my career has largely been in South Africa. My formative years were spent in South Africa but I was schooled in England. You are quite right about SA politicians, many of them are beneath contempt. I stay in touch with British politics and I care about the country. I care about both countries, if that is acceptable to you. I believe elected politicians who chose to place themselves in the public eye can expect critical observation.
All bests
Now that’s funny. I went all in and yet you are sort of one of us. It’s easy to make assumptions and I like the way you quietly put me in my place. I still think you’re wrong about our politicians and suspect you don’t vote Tory? I don’t like the current trend in this country for lefties to just slag off the tories because they believe them to be toffs and spivs. But if you can have civil debate without nastiness then I’m all for it.
But he IS a toff--whether you regard that as a good or bad thing, a prep school, public school and Oxford (and not one of the more social mixed Oxford colleges in the 1980s either) education and growing up in a large country house is not an ordinary British existence for most people.
You're making another assumption or two here--first about Neil's politics (you might be right, but why is that relevant just because you disagree with him?), second the obsession that a lot of "righties" have about the assumptions of those on the left. The right have quite enough assumptions about social class, some of them extremely toxic, so if you (as you imply you do) identify as a "Tory" it might be worth trying to eradicate some of those before wading in at someone who's made a fairly innocuous comment about an MP's sporting ignorance. People who live in glass houses and all that....
As for Neil not being British...I'm assuming you haven't ventured a single opinion about the war in Ukraine, for example, on the assumption that you're neither Russian nor Ukrainian. EVERYBODY talks about politicians in other countries--including you, I think I can say fairly confidently despite not knowing you.
And if you're going to make condescending comments about debating without nastiness (what's this, a right-wing assumption that the only civilised people are themselves?!) , it would behove you to be rather less snide and rude than parts of your first post were. Again, remove the mote from your own eye etc...
Marvelous stuff, Marek. Enjoyed this very much... thanks for the support. I'll have you on my team any day!