Meeting my MP

SnowdropExplodes, 26 May 2006 18:14:27

I've finally managed to get through on the telephone to my MPs secretary/assistant (or whatever his job title is).

I have managed to arrange a 1/2hr meeting with my MP on 14th July to discuss the proposals and the consultation. I explained that the HO had informed us that report would be made before the summer Recess, and the secretary suggested the date as being one that should allow me (us) to prepare my presentation based on the report having been made, and the contents of the report.

I would appreciate any and all constructive advice on how to conduct myself and which points to emphasise. In particular, if there's any information or data that would be useful, I would like to be able to have that at my fingertips.

I'd have to say, my persistence in writing to him (repeatedly) seems to have paid off.

Ta,
SnowdropExplodes


Graham Marsden, 31 May 2006 18:40:05

Hi there,

snowdrop-explodes@talk21.com wrote:

> I would appreciate any and all constructive advice on how to
> conduct myself and which points to emphasise.

I'd suggest checking your MP's record on http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
and seeing what issues they are strongly for or against and tailoring
your responses to that, eg if they are very pro "law and order" point
out how much Police and CPS time and money could be wasted on frivolous
prosecutions.

If they are strongly for Human Rights bring up the issues of privacy,
the presumption of innocence and so on.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Graham.


Paul Tavener, 01 Jun 2006 03:18:21

Public whip is also a good site see www.ofwatch.org.uk for a comparison of Goggins and his replacement in terms of voting preferences (just posted)4th item in Junes post

Author wrote:
> Hi there,
> snowdrop-explodes@talk21.com wrote:
> > I would appreciate any and all constructive advice on how to
> > conduct myself and which points to emphasise.
> I'd suggest checking your MP's record on http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
> and seeing what issues they are strongly for or against and tailoring
> your responses to that, eg if they are very pro "law and order" point
> out how much Police and CPS time and money could be wasted on frivolous
> prosecutions.
> If they are strongly for Human Rights bring up the issues of privacy,
> the presumption of innocence and so on.
> Hope this helps.
> Cheers,
> Graham.


SnowdropExplodes, 01 Jun 2006 05:32:57

Author wrote:
> Hi there,
> snowdrop-explodes@talk21.com wrote:
> > I would appreciate any and all constructive advice on how to
> > conduct myself and which points to emphasise.
> I'd suggest checking your MP's record on http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
> and seeing what issues they are strongly for or against and tailoring
> your responses to that, eg if they are very pro "law and order" point
> out how much Police and CPS time and money could be wasted on frivolous
> prosecutions.
> If they are strongly for Human Rights bring up the issues of privacy,
> the presumption of innocence and so on.

Already done it via publicwhip.org.uk - I did that before I started writing to him. He shows a very good voting record in terms of alternative sexuality, such as supporting the Gender Identity Act. I also checked out his website when I started writing to him, and he's strongly involved in protecting children.

I certainly intend to tailor my presentation, but I want to be able to claim to be representative of Backlash (although not necessarily a Backlash Representative), so it would be nice to know what the general push is, and which points in particular people think should be included.

Ta,

SnowdropExplodes


Paul Tavener, 01 Jun 2006 23:59:41

There are so many possible angles that it would be difficult to go through them all and impractical to discuss them with him, so I will stick to what I see as central.

First the whole idea of this bill is muddle headed. It is not based on proper evidence but on hearsay, gut reaction and subjective opinion that has no place in the criminal law. On these grounds alone it should be scrapped.

Other than that if pushed the one thing that I would particularly focus on is the issue of “realistic depictions”. There is (arguably) some merit in applying some restrictions to “real” non-consensual images, but the only rationale for applying the same restrictions to fake non-consensual images is that it is impossible to distinguish between the two types of image.

This is a little like saying some men are guilty of rape and some men are not, but its too hard to tell who is telling the truth and who is telling a lie therefore we will consider all men guilty.

The comparison that they make with child pornography is not accurate. It is in fact the reverse of what they claim. The overwhelming majority of child porn is illegal by definition (with a few exceptions such as 16/17 year olds who can consent and pseudo images). The overwhelming majority of violent porn images are consensual (with a few exceptions where real people have been abused regardless of consent) evidence for this can be seen from US websites which have strict controls.


Author wrote:
> I certainly intend to tailor my presentation, but I want to be able to claim to be representative of Backlash (although not necessarily a Backlash Representative), so it would be nice to know what the general push is, and which points in particular people think should be included.
> Ta,
> SnowdropExplodes