NO MORE COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE
I have little time for the idea flighted in the House of Commons yesterday, as a sop to the DUP, that there should be a "VICTIMS COMMISSIONER". Wee Jeffrey D has been calling for one but I don't see the point. It is one more utterly un-necessary quango overlord position, and the timing of this - a few months out from an election -makes me think that the Government is more concerned about handing out goodies to the DUP in anticipation of times to come than worrying a damn about the thousands of people who have suffered at the hands of the terrorist mafiosa over the decades.
We have a sceme in NY state (NYS Crime Victims Board) that addresses crime victims' needs. There's an appointed chairperson, which I suppose would be equivalent to your commissioner. The Board funds local groups that focus on finding victims the help that they need, which includes financial assistance, if need be. It is an extremely valuable service.
Posted by: mairin | February 24, 2005 at 03:08 PM
Maybe you dont agree with a Victims Commissioner David, but victims do want one. The cost of this wont exactly break the bank but maybe the plight of innocent victims will be highlighted and what they have gone. This has largely been forgotten - I'd far rather have a victims commissioner than a 'truth' commission any day.
Posted by: victim | February 25, 2005 at 12:15 AM
A Truth Commission would be an obscenity since we all know how it would be abused by the killers. I respect your opinion, and do not want to in any way disregard it. Let's agree to differ - my main concern is to see the guilty brought to book and the innocent granted justice. I do not believe a Victims Commissioner will advance that cause - another brick in the quango wall.
Posted by: David Vance | February 25, 2005 at 12:36 AM
Well done David! (to coin a phrase)
It seems you done even have the power of understanding to work out what was said.
This is a VICTIMS Commissioner, not a 'Truth' Commission - they are two entirely seperate things!!!!!
Posted by: victim | March 01, 2005 at 04:20 PM
Interesting to see that David has found his only friends on this issue amongst the Trimble Youth of the Young Unionists - seems you and your pro-Agreement buddies have found common cause!
Posted by: victim | March 04, 2005 at 06:50 PM
Victim.
Don't be so modest. You and your DUP pals have much more in common with the UUP than I do. Just admit that you, like they, just love unelected quangos. You term yourself a "victim" - it strikes me that you are indeed a victim - of those who sell you idle political whims instead of solid justice.
Posted by: David Vance | March 04, 2005 at 07:03 PM