When I was left-leaning, back in the day I remember being scornful of Ann's traditional Catholic brand pf conservatism and opinions on gay marriage and other liberal ideas.
I was also not a fan of Harvey Proctor, as another "Tory enemy".
Things changed when I went through the nightmare of arrest and charge for false allegations of rape,
I soon discovered that friends on the left dismissed my innocence without looking at the evidence.
I also discovered that I was getting support from the few genuinely conservative friends I had.
they did look at the evidence. I went through a road to Damascus period of about 4 years.
Eventually I made friends with both Harvey Proctor and Ann Widdecombe because they were champions of the falsely accused.
The most telling tribute to Ann came from Harvey (Daily Express - Ann's own employer) and it very effectively slammed into Peter Tatchell and other Pink News fans, pointing out how Ann's anti- Gay marriage stance was a belief, and could never trump her pro-human kindness soul.
she stood by him, one of the very very few, personally and publicly when the Tiki-torch judgemental types had condemned him and were believing the crazed fantasist Carl Beech.
I interviewed Ann at her home for my film, "We Believe You", she was charming, hospitable, and patient, incredibly knowledgeable on the subject and a great campaigner for the falsely accused.
Her piece did not end up in the film as it just didn't suit the edit - that happens with film making, but I am deeply saddened to know that her delightful view from Widdecombe's Rest has been taken by a crazy individual- and that leftists with whom I may have once been friends, actually celebrate this I find sickening in the extreme.
Excellent piece, I fear we will never see the likes of Ann Widdecombe again!!! I shall take the short walk from my Bristol Harbourside home to St.Mary on the Quay and light a candle, offer a short prayer and a donation for the candle fund in Ann’s name. I have no doubt that the priest will be surprised to see this somewhat lapsed catholic in the pews. However in the current political climate I feel it’s more important than ever to honour her extraordinary leadership and societal achievements.
Because you are very polite, I will say it for you - some people are idiots and we just didn't know about them. I am not even sure it is ideological problem or moral failure anymore. I think they are born this way.
Sounds like you haven't done vacuum cleaning of your 'friends' list. I admit of keeping some of my left wing friends so that I can occasionally read what they have written, shake my head and say 'Oh, wow!' and then moved on astonished by their remarks. No point to reply in such cases.
P.S So the Bluesky has turn brown after all that s...
When I was left-leaning, back in the day I remember being scornful of Ann's traditional Catholic brand pf conservatism and opinions on gay marriage and other liberal ideas.
I was also not a fan of Harvey Proctor, as another "Tory enemy".
Things changed when I went through the nightmare of arrest and charge for false allegations of rape,
I soon discovered that friends on the left dismissed my innocence without looking at the evidence.
I also discovered that I was getting support from the few genuinely conservative friends I had.
they did look at the evidence. I went through a road to Damascus period of about 4 years.
Eventually I made friends with both Harvey Proctor and Ann Widdecombe because they were champions of the falsely accused.
The most telling tribute to Ann came from Harvey (Daily Express - Ann's own employer) and it very effectively slammed into Peter Tatchell and other Pink News fans, pointing out how Ann's anti- Gay marriage stance was a belief, and could never trump her pro-human kindness soul.
she stood by him, one of the very very few, personally and publicly when the Tiki-torch judgemental types had condemned him and were believing the crazed fantasist Carl Beech.
I interviewed Ann at her home for my film, "We Believe You", she was charming, hospitable, and patient, incredibly knowledgeable on the subject and a great campaigner for the falsely accused.
Her piece did not end up in the film as it just didn't suit the edit - that happens with film making, but I am deeply saddened to know that her delightful view from Widdecombe's Rest has been taken by a crazy individual- and that leftists with whom I may have once been friends, actually celebrate this I find sickening in the extreme.
As (almost) always Andrew, beautifully written and spot on. Thank you.
Excellent piece, I fear we will never see the likes of Ann Widdecombe again!!! I shall take the short walk from my Bristol Harbourside home to St.Mary on the Quay and light a candle, offer a short prayer and a donation for the candle fund in Ann’s name. I have no doubt that the priest will be surprised to see this somewhat lapsed catholic in the pews. However in the current political climate I feel it’s more important than ever to honour her extraordinary leadership and societal achievements.
Because you are very polite, I will say it for you - some people are idiots and we just didn't know about them. I am not even sure it is ideological problem or moral failure anymore. I think they are born this way.
Sounds like you haven't done vacuum cleaning of your 'friends' list. I admit of keeping some of my left wing friends so that I can occasionally read what they have written, shake my head and say 'Oh, wow!' and then moved on astonished by their remarks. No point to reply in such cases.
P.S So the Bluesky has turn brown after all that s...
Well said Andrew!