A Silly Country
"No one is held to account. No one accepts responsibility.”
At the top, Britain is a profoundly corrupt and decayed place. The fair-minded and tolerant majority of people don't deserve the dreadful ruling class that governs out of self-interest.
The rot is present throughout all the institutions, including political parties, the courts, the police, the military, and the media. The list continues. No one is held accountable. No one takes responsibility.
The two-decade Post Office scandal highlights the bleak condition of a society that has lost honesty and integrity. Only ideological stories and Machiavellian motives dominate.
The Post Office saga began in the late 1990s when self-employed sub-postmasters were required to use a Fujitsu IT system that, due to glitches, made it appear as if they'd stolen cash. The Horizon System was part of a scheme to modernise the Post Office—another well-intentioned idea driven by politicians eager to sell off a public service.
Sub-postmasters are, in many ways, the pillars of the community, especially in remote areas. They serve as a focal point for isolated communities, providing essential services through their shops. Furthermore, in an age when banks have withdrawn all physical presence from suburban areas, the sub-postmasters have stepped in to fill the gap.
Shortly after its launch, the Horizon IT system began to display errors. There might be discrepancies in the billing records of many sub-postmasters. However, instead of viewing this sudden increase in alleged criminal activity as a potential system fault, the Post Office accused the postmasters.
In response, the Post Office deployed its private police force. Operating without oversight and employing coercive interrogation techniques, they trapped the accused, forcing them to plead guilty. In one instance, an individual was locked in a room for six hours without food or water and subjected to an interrogation while denied legal representation.
Between 700 and 900 postmasters faced convictions, and only 93 were overturned. Along the way, some have died, others committed suicide, and many went to prison as their lives fell apart. They faced bankruptcy, loss of mortgages and savings, mental breakdowns, and unjustified criminal records.
Computer Weekly began investigating the matter in 2004, and by 2009, had collected substantial evidence that the Horizon System was at fault. Yet, the Post Office ignored the truth. Then, Private Eye magazine covered the story for years, starting in September 2011. Meanwhile, although some attempted to raise awareness, the mainstream media did not entirely give the story the attention it deserved.
Only last week, after a TV drama ignited public outrage over the scandalous behaviour of Post Office leaders, did the media take a serious interest. Due to this reaction, the politicians stepped away from their usual dull Westminster disputes to address the issue.
There are several villains in this saga. Fujitsu, the Japanese tech firm that supplies the Horizon software, allegedly knew about system faults but covered them up. Paula Vennells, who ran the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, repeatedly denied that the IT system was problematic when internal reports concluded it was.
During her tenure, the Post Office opposed the subpostmasters at every turn. They even attempted to remove judges from cases where it was apparent they would side with the postmasters. So, here was an institution intent on a cover-up and willing to break the law to save face. Vennells left the post with a large bonus and a gong.
She continues to evade the issue, offering only apologies. In a mealy-mouthed statement, she blamed the Horizon system as she returned her CBE.
To be clear, humans managed the product vetting at each stage of implementing Horizon. And humans chose to pursue the postmasters rather than acknowledge the malfunctioning system as the cause.
Vennells, who moonlights as an Anglican priest, has been described as "a cruel and incompetent leader" and criticised by a judge for fostering "institutional obstinacy". And yet, she has faced no consequences for her actions, poor judgment, and lack of honesty, although she is now a hate figure.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Party, as minister for postal affairs, did not investigate the matter when whistle-blowers contacted him. He is accused of uncritically accepting assurances from Post Office management despite credible evidence that Horizon had gone Hal 2000.
Then there are the numerous Post Office managers, IT experts, and lawyers who could be liable for perjury and fraud. They have participated in a widespread cover-up, including misleading the courts.
To understand how this occurred, reading the book "Mistakes were made (but not by me)" could be helpful. The two psychologist authors explain how self-justification, conceit, arrogance, and entrenched bureaucratic systems combine to foster an unwillingness to admit failings.
But the Post Office saga is just one episode in a long history of institutional corruption that pervades the British landscape.
Other cases of officials evading responsibility in horrific incidents include the Rotherham gang rapes, the BBC Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, and numerous instances of child sexual abuse by religious groups. What about the NHS's tainted blood scandal?
Who is accountable for the malpractice surrounding RAF recruitment that has undermined the ability to attract quality staff by excluding white men?
Then consider the Covid PPE procurement wrongdoing, with a special channel for the friends of politicians. And how many people are aware of the ongoing shady dealings around Tees Freeport - a developing scandal? The list continues.
Is it any wonder that Britain continues to slip down the international corruption index rankings? The UK has already dropped out of the top tier, which includes Denmark, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
As the saying goes, the rot starts at the head of a fish. This brings me to Prince Andrew, who remains unchallenged in court despite an apparent case to answer. Should Lord (Petie) Mandelson's close relationship with the late sex offender Epstein be scrutinised? Mandelson remains an adviser to Labour leader Keir Starmer and sits in the House of Lords.
And while we're on the subject, why did Epstein have numerous telephone numbers for Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell, and other notable UK political figures? That includes their home numbers.
Similarly, allowing Boris Johnson to walk away from parliament despite his blatant lies is shocking. Behaviour that was once considered disgraceful is now mainstream or at least acceptable, and those who are disturbed by it are portrayed as discriminatory and wrong.
That's it. I'm exhausted, and I haven't scratched the surface of the corruption. It saddens me to say it, but Britain has become a silly country that only wakes up to a massive injustice when it's on the telly.
January 2024
The rot is present throughout all the institutions, including political parties, the courts, the police, the military, and the media. The list continues. No one is held accountable. No one takes responsibility.
The two-decade Post Office scandal highlights the bleak condition of a society that has lost honesty and integrity. Only ideological stories and Machiavellian motives dominate.
The Post Office saga began in the late 1990s when self-employed sub-postmasters were required to use a Fujitsu IT system that, due to glitches, made it appear as if they'd stolen cash. The Horizon System was part of a scheme to modernise the Post Office—another well-intentioned idea driven by politicians eager to sell off a public service.
Sub-postmasters are, in many ways, the pillars of the community, especially in remote areas. They serve as a focal point for isolated communities, providing essential services through their shops. Furthermore, in an age when banks have withdrawn all physical presence from suburban areas, the sub-postmasters have stepped in to fill the gap.
Shortly after its launch, the Horizon IT system began to display errors. There might be discrepancies in the billing records of many sub-postmasters. However, instead of viewing this sudden increase in alleged criminal activity as a potential system fault, the Post Office accused the postmasters.
In response, the Post Office deployed its private police force. Operating without oversight and employing coercive interrogation techniques, they trapped the accused, forcing them to plead guilty. In one instance, an individual was locked in a room for six hours without food or water and subjected to an interrogation while denied legal representation.
Between 700 and 900 postmasters faced convictions, and only 93 were overturned. Along the way, some have died, others committed suicide, and many went to prison as their lives fell apart. They faced bankruptcy, loss of mortgages and savings, mental breakdowns, and unjustified criminal records.
Computer Weekly began investigating the matter in 2004, and by 2009, had collected substantial evidence that the Horizon System was at fault. Yet, the Post Office ignored the truth. Then, Private Eye magazine covered the story for years, starting in September 2011. Meanwhile, although some attempted to raise awareness, the mainstream media did not entirely give the story the attention it deserved.
Only last week, after a TV drama ignited public outrage over the scandalous behaviour of Post Office leaders, did the media take a serious interest. Due to this reaction, the politicians stepped away from their usual dull Westminster disputes to address the issue.
There are several villains in this saga. Fujitsu, the Japanese tech firm that supplies the Horizon software, allegedly knew about system faults but covered them up. Paula Vennells, who ran the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, repeatedly denied that the IT system was problematic when internal reports concluded it was.
During her tenure, the Post Office opposed the subpostmasters at every turn. They even attempted to remove judges from cases where it was apparent they would side with the postmasters. So, here was an institution intent on a cover-up and willing to break the law to save face. Vennells left the post with a large bonus and a gong.
She continues to evade the issue, offering only apologies. In a mealy-mouthed statement, she blamed the Horizon system as she returned her CBE.
To be clear, humans managed the product vetting at each stage of implementing Horizon. And humans chose to pursue the postmasters rather than acknowledge the malfunctioning system as the cause.
Vennells, who moonlights as an Anglican priest, has been described as "a cruel and incompetent leader" and criticised by a judge for fostering "institutional obstinacy". And yet, she has faced no consequences for her actions, poor judgment, and lack of honesty, although she is now a hate figure.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Party, as minister for postal affairs, did not investigate the matter when whistle-blowers contacted him. He is accused of uncritically accepting assurances from Post Office management despite credible evidence that Horizon had gone Hal 2000.
Then there are the numerous Post Office managers, IT experts, and lawyers who could be liable for perjury and fraud. They have participated in a widespread cover-up, including misleading the courts.
To understand how this occurred, reading the book "Mistakes were made (but not by me)" could be helpful. The two psychologist authors explain how self-justification, conceit, arrogance, and entrenched bureaucratic systems combine to foster an unwillingness to admit failings.
But the Post Office saga is just one episode in a long history of institutional corruption that pervades the British landscape.
Other cases of officials evading responsibility in horrific incidents include the Rotherham gang rapes, the BBC Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, and numerous instances of child sexual abuse by religious groups. What about the NHS's tainted blood scandal?
Who is accountable for the malpractice surrounding RAF recruitment that has undermined the ability to attract quality staff by excluding white men?
Then consider the Covid PPE procurement wrongdoing, with a special channel for the friends of politicians. And how many people are aware of the ongoing shady dealings around Tees Freeport - a developing scandal? The list continues.
Is it any wonder that Britain continues to slip down the international corruption index rankings? The UK has already dropped out of the top tier, which includes Denmark, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
As the saying goes, the rot starts at the head of a fish. This brings me to Prince Andrew, who remains unchallenged in court despite an apparent case to answer. Should Lord (Petie) Mandelson's close relationship with the late sex offender Epstein be scrutinised? Mandelson remains an adviser to Labour leader Keir Starmer and sits in the House of Lords.
And while we're on the subject, why did Epstein have numerous telephone numbers for Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell, and other notable UK political figures? That includes their home numbers.
Similarly, allowing Boris Johnson to walk away from parliament despite his blatant lies is shocking. Behaviour that was once considered disgraceful is now mainstream or at least acceptable, and those who are disturbed by it are portrayed as discriminatory and wrong.
That's it. I'm exhausted, and I haven't scratched the surface of the corruption. It saddens me to say it, but Britain has become a silly country that only wakes up to a massive injustice when it's on the telly.
January 2024
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