You are correct but it's also worth pointing out the Hazchem card for gasoline.



For the uninitiated, the "E" stands for evacuate. So if you see any vehicle, in a problem situation (accidsent etc), displaying an "E" on it's Hazchem plate, get the fook out of there

Once you start talking about 'economic realities', then that includes all the things that I – and others – have mentioned.

You cannot suddenly pretend that you can pick and choose what those 'economic realities' are. Those economic realities – the idea that YOU raised – includes the constant attack on ordinary people via the cost of living by big businesses that, frankly, couldn't give a poop about anything beyond the bank balances of their own head honchos.

If they can make even more profit by screwing some plebs, then who the eff cares? You clearly don't – or at least you don't think there's any alternative.

But you don't need to be embarrassed if you think like this – it's the current orthodoxy that the majority don't matter and it's only the minority that does. That's the 'economic reality' – and heaven help us when anyone dares to object to their profit-making employer trying to slash their wages and their terms and conditions, and health and safety.

And you will personally do your bit to help those companies by pointing out that not meekly doing what they want is ignoring 'economic reality' and, when anyone points out that 'economic reality' is about a hell of a lot more than just companies increasing profits, you'll try to pretend that a greater picture suddenly doesn't matter.

BTW – how are those forelock-tugging lessons going?

I burst out laughing when I read this.

I will try and make it simple as that is clearly required here. You seem to think that because the government made rich people richer, less well off people, who are in fact seemingly very vital to the economy and the company(ies) that employs them, should accept poorer terms and conditions because it was a private company that decided that was a good idea.

I am not sure I dare ask but why the f c u k does that follow?

I think I know your answer already anyway. If the tanker drivers got what they wanted the companies would not be able to be "competitive". All I can say to that is rubbish. They have a captive market as do apparently bankers who we have to pay 6 and 7 figure salaries to, to get them in the first place. Vital employees of Barclay's et al get £100K and above salaries. Don't you find it odd that just because tanker drivers get their hands dirty their clearly vital jobs are so undervalued in comparison?

[quote="DaveO"]I burst out laughing when I read this.

I will try and make it simple as that is clearly required here. You seem to think that because the government made rich people richer, less well off people, who are in fact seemingly very vital to the economy and the company(ies) that employs them, should accept poorer terms and conditions because it was a private company that decided that was a good idea.[quote]

I just don't see why you are morally linking the two subjects, when they are completely seperate issues.

You are clearly a labour voting 'burn the rich' type. Why can't you see that high earners pay MORE tax as a % of their income than those on lower tax rates? Don't be so bitter about it, they've done well for themselves (Or someone else has on their behalf) and they are paying 45% tax. I pay 20%. I don't see how you can have too much of an issue with that.

But even if you do, what the hell has that got to do with private oil delivery companies changing the T&Cs of their employees. Explain that to me.

I don't see the problem with the rich paying 45% of their wages - as you're well aware, that isn't correct, it's only 45% above 'only' £150,000 IIRC, below that it's less - as they'll not exactly be short of a bob or two after tax anyway.

It's just plain greed.

Quite simply, without all the politics guff, a good %age of this "crisis" has been caused by the media.

This was a non story, early on in the week, which has been snowballed into hysteria by ALL tabloid editors, and the bosses at the Beeb/Sky/ITN.

There is no strike, non has been announced (yet), but the sheep (the "Great" British public) have been whipped into panic.

If it wasn't so pathetic, it'd be funny.

Well acting on government instructions I've been out and panic bought some petrol today, couldn't find any at the first five garages I went to but Morrisons didn't let me down.

I like to think I've done my bit to keep Francis in a job...

Always surprised me how often you see people parked up in close proximity to a car fire on the motorway. While I applaud their willingness to stop and help out, some of them a really risking life and limb.

Tories believe the tanker drivers' strike was their "Thatcher moment" If that really is the message they're sending out to the constituencies, they'll be lucky to have any support left come 2015

Tories believe the tanker drivers' strike was their "Thatcher moment" If that really is the message they're sending out to the constituencies, they'll be lucky to have any support left come 2015

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