A simple answer to a simple question? (71)

I was wondering why the press conference is aimed at the time of the Queen's Speech (if it still is as I am a bit confused as to who has said what right now)?

If the actually debate is sometime in the future (I believe someone mentioned a year) would it not be better to have it a couple of months or so before that? I would worry that it will get lost in the rest of the topics arising from the Quens Speech and that, anyway, in a year's time any impact it would have would have been lost. Given that there appear to be scant financial resources too maybe later would be better

there are definite points in a piece of legislation's amble through parliament where it becomes 'news' to the wider population (ie other than those of us who are a tad fixated on it for whatever reason).

The first is when the consulation is initially put out at which point the 'pro' lobby got all the say.

The second point was the governments response to the consultation a couple of months ago.... which due to the efforts of the opposition to it (in which backlash featured pretty damn high) the reporting was far more centred.

Since then...it grumbled back under the surface and the next point when it will maybe rear its head is the Queens Speech. Before that its not news... too late after that and you have missed the opportunity. That is the governments first actual declaration of real intent... at that point the opposition need to make a big enough impact to make enough people notice and create enough momentum to keep things moving awhile. Its like waves on a beach... you need progressively powerful surges to make real impact on a sandcastle because if you leave it all to the last minute and pray for a really BIG wave chances are it won't come along and you've then missed the boat...but thats mixing seaside metaphors a tad...

The main point is that the government intend to get this proposed legislation onto the statute books...'at some point' and until that happens or they change their mind the opposition has to keep opposing it...and a certain amount of momentum has to be maintained, that may mean one press conference... it may mean several, its not going to be as easy as one press conference and the government will change their mind so you better choose your moment wisely...its more like keep hammering away at any sensible opportunity till the buggers get the idea.

...anyway...does that help?

redcat

and no thats not an 'officail backlash answer'...its personal opinion of what will be effective. And obviously as the Queens speech IS the choice for the first Backlash press conference it may be that backlash are doing what many political campaigning organisations have done before them and making the most of every opportunity where they may have some effect.

"I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance"
e.e.cummings

Yes redcat -- thank you.

I must admit I am not sure it's the right tactics but I am not involved so good luck to those who are

As another question then. Could the backlash site not be updated as has been promised to show what is happening and what funds are needed? I know that backlash have said it's in hand but the Queens speech is not that far away and I can't see a problem in putting up a basic budget and what funds are needed for what

If there is likely to be a series of press conferences etc I suspect the budget needed may increase accordingly. The issue very much for me (as with others) is that I do find it confusing about who is doing what when etc etc

Edited 4 Oct 06, 6:44 PM by lisal

Curiously, I raised similar questions back here:

http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/boards/activism...

Where one person seemed to be saying that the money was going to be lunching talking heads.

And another person said that such a suggestion was "risible"

One can only assume that since neither of them speak "officially" for Backlash then neither of them know what they are talking about.

I also suggested here http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/boards/activism...

that:

------

Why don't Backlash have "official" spokespeople who can answer questions in a public forum?

They claim to represent "us" to official bodies. But they can't put up someone who is accountable to "us"? On a web board.

And yes, I would expect that sort of accountability

------

I got jumped on, both in public and in private, for asking questions.

Yet...

(heavy irony here)

Backlash subsequently created an "official profile".

Except that they still don't seem to have worked out whether they are posting as an individual or a organisation.

In the interests of transparency, perhaps Backlash should announce who currently has access to that profile???

--
Not one but three websites:
http://www.docklandsmunch.co.uk (meet me)
http://www.lionheart.me.uk (just me)
and also, for your delight and delectation, there's also http://www.cdlcreative.org.uk (pretty pictures by me)

I don't think Backlash have access to a time machine just yet... (really, you do seem to have an a bit of an over inflated idea of your importance)

Why would you expect a lobbying or campaigning group to be transparent to people who don't agree with their aims?

I think most of the misunderstanding you seem to have stems from the idea that backlash somehow is trying to be representative of the BDSM community. Even a casual read of its website shows that this isn't the case.

It's all very simple really. Backlash represent people who think the proposed law is not needed in any form, that isn't justification from the government is entirely specious and that it will do harm in various ways if it is passed. What's difficult to understand about that?

- Chris

Old member names: Backdoor, 1999-2002; Notvelvet, 2003-2004; Thought, 2004-2005.

Edited 5 Oct 06, 9:08 AM by Backdooruk

Chris and I may have the occasional different views on some topics but I am with him on this one.

As far as I am aware:-

Backlash is Backlash - it is not Unfettered or any other organisation.

It provides a banner to rally under for those that wish to oppose some repressive legislation and to give some focus for the diverse energies of that opposition.

****

Just as an aside - this profile - the_dungeoneers - has more than one 'contributor' - I am the main one it is true but that is because I tend to write more. All we do is make sure we sign our respective posts.

Laurence

.

don't know if it was there before or magically added in response to you lisal...but....

http://www.backlash-uk.org.uk/donations.html

redcat

"I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance"
e.e.cummings

Blimey redcat - as if by magic!!

I am sure I checked before posting

It was already there. It doesn't tally, but it was already there.

judy