Plot to kidnap Tony Blair's 5 year old son.

[noxlumos]

A "Father's Right's" group allegedly planned to kidnap Leo Blair, 5 year old child of Tony.Whilst apparently they were "only" planning to hold him for a short while, does anyone see how this ludicrously stupid and dangerous idea could have possibly helped their cause?

[Drisgirl]

I aopologise for being sensitive last night.I dont like seeing my name highlighted because I dont see it necessary and it is usually a critisism and like others I dont like being slagged for having an opinion.However I realise I shouldnt bite and react.- so to Stevie and brachiopod I'm sorry.Its me that needs to grow up and accept personal slights.

[brachiopod]

No problems !

As for highlighting names - it's not meant to emphasise having a dig or anything - it's quite a common convention here on AB that a fair few people put user names in bold type when mentioning others in their posts. It's not meant to imply annoyance with anyone, as in;
"Hi Drisgirl, did you see stevie_c2it's post on that Newguy 's thread?" etc.

Anyway, enough for now - I really ought to do some work, have a good day !!

[stevie_c2it]

Noxlumos, just re-read the thread and wanted to make it clear I wasn�t being critical of your question (posted when the story was just beginning to unfold).
I guess this episode will be rolled out as a prime example of the �spin-doctors� art, a text book illustration of how to achieve a �win � win� scenario.
The Labour Press office who gave the briefing were well aware how the story would be taken up by the tabloids, and whether you are for or against the aims of �Fathers for Justice� clearly it would damage there creditability.
Bearing in mind this group represents a clear irritation to the Government, with there loud criticism of the CSA ((Child support Agency), seen even by the Government currently as a costly failure), it presented a good opportunity to �reign them in�.
Additionally, as Tony isn�t the most popular bloke currently, what with the war and the lies etc, it wouldn�t do him any harm if people felt a bit more sympathetic towards him.
Win, win!

Let�s be absolutely clear on this, despite the fact that no kidnap attempt took place, no kidnap attempt was foiled, no kidnap attempt was going to be attempted, no recognised member of the group proposed or supported even the idea of kidnapping, it has still been forced to disband due to the adverse publicity.
What a masterstroke! How to silence a group of people who are questioning and criticising your failing policies.
I think my general frustration in this thread is directed at a certain sector of our society who, as Brachiopod put it are �unable to think around the issue�. Not realising the harm that supine unquestioning acceptance of media manipulation can cause.

P.S. Sorry took so long to re-post, had to answer all my drisgirl fan mail

[noxlumos]

Hi Steve, no offence taken whatsoever and besides since I asked for people's opinions I could hardly get upset when you voice them.I did use the word "allegedly" as even reading it moments after it had broken it seemed more than unlikely, and I have to agree with you, a masterstroke in removal of a fractious group by old Tony.