Were you one as well? Options

[GMR]

Where you one as well?

I went into a shop today to purchase something and all eyes were on me, as if I had just bought a porn mag, or knitting for mothers, the picture of the Madonna with the big bobbies, Viagra and 101 easy ways, Woman’s Own, Gay news, or whatever. As I hesitantly approached the counter I thought of asking the girl behind the till if she could put my purchase in a brown paper bag. I kid you not, as I left people kept staring at me. It was either because of my purchase or they’ve never seen an extremely good looking man before (I know what you are thinking, it has to be the second.... wrong! That shocked you). OK, so now you are asking; what did I purchase then? Only the Journey by Tony Blair, his autobiography.

It seems the book had sold out of most shops and i had to try 4 different shops. According to the news it has become one of the fastest selling books - ever.

So, will anybody else tip their toe in the water and read it? I am not a fan of his but I would be interested in what he says about certain controversial matters.

[Iommi]

If Blair said it was raining out-side, I'd have to check for myself. I'd take what he says with a pinch of salt.

[GMR]

If Blair said it was raining out-side, I'd have to check for myself. I'd take what he says with a pinch of salt.

I agree and reading this book shouldn't be taken at face value. But what you do do is read what he said, against what others have said and then draw your conclusions when you've analysed everything.... As Sherlock would expect of somebody who was impartial and fair. If one is biased then that is a different matter.

[Iommi]

I think 'witness statements' are a poor form of getting to the truth.

[On the edge]

You should have told her you were only buying it to read what he'd said about you!

[GMR]

I think 'witness statements' are a poor form of getting to the truth.

Not just 'witness statements' but also look at the evidence.

[GMR]

You should have told her you were only buying it to read what he'd said about you!

True, but then I might have got kicked out, never mind me being able to buy the book.

[Iommi]

Not just 'witness statements' but also look at the evidence.

Yes, but at least the evidence comes 'free'!

[GMR]

Yes, but at least the evidence comes 'free'!

That maybe true, but we should at least here his side of the story.

[Iommi]

That maybe true, but we should at least here his side of the story.

I have no quarrel there, but evidence suggests he is not to be trusted.

[GMR]

I have no quarrel there, but evidence suggests he is not to be trusted.

The trouble is doesn't democracy create that? What PM or politician can totally speak freely and honestly under the umbrella of democracy?

[Iommi]

The trouble is doesn't democracy create that? What PM or politician can totally speak freely and honestly under the umbrella of democracy?

Which reinforces my point. I'm sure it would be a good read, but is likely to be 'doped' with fiction.

[GMR]

Which reinforces my point. I'm sure it would be a good read, but is likely to be 'doped' with fiction.

But the only way we are going to know that is by reading it.

[On the edge]

But they only way we are going to know that is by reading it.

I know its a long book but I heard a long debate about it on the radio this morning. The people talking couldn't possibly have read it right through but knew what was in it - that was the unbiased BBC. There was also a lot of comment in the Sun and the Daily Mail - so it must be true!!! So no wonder the bookseller was surprised you purchased a copy; everyone else interested has had it by telepathy!

[Iommi]

But they only way we are going to know that is by reading it.

Probably to a good cause as well!

[GMR]

I know its a long book but I heard a long debate about it on the radio this morning. The people talking couldn't possibly have read it right through but knew what was in it - that was the unbiased BBC. There was also a lot of comment in the Sun and the Daily Mail - so it must be true!!! So no wonder the bookseller was surprised you purchased a copy; everyone else interested has had it by telepathy!

I also noticed that a few people have reviewed it on Amazon. Before they publish they check them first. Nobody can read that quickly and then get it published.

What people did do is pick bits and skim read.

[GMR]

Probably to a good cause as well!

What good cause? And what has that got to do with reading it?

[Iommi]

What good cause? And what has that got to do with reading it?

Are you on a wind up? You bought it, right? All proceeds are going to the Royal British Legion. It was in the news every where! So regardless of the quality of the contents, at least some of your money is going to possibly a worthy cause!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics...ish-Legion.html

[GMR]

Are you on a wind up? You bought it, right? All proceeds are going to the Royal British Legion. It was in the news every where! So regardless of the quality of the contents, at least some of your money is going to possibly a worthy cause!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics...ish-Legion.html

No i am not on a wind up and I know where the money is going. But that isn't what this is about.

I said: But they only way we are going to know that is by reading it.

You then replied with: Probably to a good cause as well!

So what has 'reading about it' got to do with a 'good cause'?

[Iommi]

No i am not on a wind up and I know where the money is going. But that isn't what this is about.

I said: But they only way we are going to know that is by reading it.

You then replied with: Probably to a good cause as well!

So what has 'reading about it' got to do with a 'good cause'?

Reading about what? Is that a typo?

Reading it means buying it somewhere along the line, so if the contents end-up being factually suspect, at least there is value in the donation from the purchase.