This is the text of Paul Lakin’s first, but not in fact his last, comment today:
Dear Rothpol
Calling people Clowns, Muppets, Grunters, Labour Scum and even worse, Low Life’s when used in a way to goad, humiliate or spark some form of negative reaction is a perfect example of bullying and when used through this form of media cyber bullying.
Then you Wonder why councillors don’t respond!
Experience tells us that the best way to deal with the bullies is to ignore their jibes. It hurts them more than they hurt you.
The alternative approach- if you know who who these people are -is to front them up face to face and let them explain why they are acting in the way they are.
So here we go.
Cerberus – You make many accusations about the silence on Child sexual exploitation and grooming, you appear to speak with some knowledge of children’s services although this is very selective, yet appear to have very little or no knowledge of what we are doing and propose to-do in Rotherham.
So I make the offer to you and any of your colleagues to meet with me and the service face to face so we can listen to your concerns and tell you what we are doing to help tackle what can only be described as evil criminals.
I know of no councillor in the country let alone RMBC who agrees with the exploitation or harming of children in any way and who would not support the need to rid our borough of such criminal activity and the criminals that commit such heinous and vile acts.
Be assured that there is no silence, no media blackout and nobody is ducking the problem, but there will be no posting on this site, no matter how much name calling there is or how vexatious the comments become.
The time When people start attacking personalities rather than policies is the time their argument is lost.
Graldhunter – Although I have seen you several times in and around the council chamber, I cannot recall ever having met or spoken to you but I assure you that I do not quake or quiver and I do not back away from the bully – school for me was made a place of hell for me by the constant bullying the memories of which never leave you and I’m sure that as a qualified teacher this is something with which you can concur – but I respect your views (not your observations) as I do those of Cerberus and will refrain from making judgement about either of your characters. On a lighter note my bowels and bladder are in fine fettle and good working order, but if you have a cure for a 19 week persistent cough i’d love to hear it – other than suggesting I cut my throat.
There will be no further reply to this blog.
If you want to take me up on the offer to meet then just call or email but please do not use the issue of child abuse and exploitation as a means of dirty politics to attack me or other councillors in RMBC.
Paul Lakin
Paul Lakin raises some very thought provoking issues for Rotherham Politics, an appropriate and considered response will be made soonest, but suffice it to say, everyone is welcome to comment or to make a contribution on Rotherham Politics save for the far right that is! Rothpol.