Council chief takes to Twitter to slam store for selling ‘fun’ Hitler T-shirts

Blue Moon Trading Blue Moon Trading

YORK’S council leader has hit out at a “sick” slogan on a T-shirt on sale in a city centre shop.

Labour’s Coun James Alexander voiced his outrage on a social networking site over the shirt on sale at Blue Moon Trading in Goodramgate.

The clothing, made to resemble T-shirts sold by rock bands when on world tours, bares the slogan: “Adolf Hitler’s tour of Europe”, underneath which it says destinations England and Russia have been “cancelled”, in reference to Hitler’s failed attempts to conquer both countries during the Second World War.

On his Twitter feed yesterday Coun Alexander branded the store “sick” and a “disgraceful shop”.

He said: “It gives a terrible impression, it’s not the tolerant and welcoming York I know.”

The shop, which sells guns, shooting accessories, and military memorabilia, is run by Stuart Sykes.

Mr Sykes said: “It’s been a saga for the last 12 months.

“We have T-shirts from all sorts of wars, from World War Two to Vietnam. If the councillor had the common sense to read the T-shirt, he’d see it’s not promoting Hitler – it is making fun of him.”

Mr Sykes admits that some people might find his T-shirts offensive but said he was not breaking any rules.

He said: “One couple thought it was hilarious and bought four and another said we were the most disgusting retailer in York.

“There are over 600 shops in UK retailing exactly the same product, it’s perfectly legal. Everything we sell is checked with our solicitor; we’re not as daft as we look.” He rejected Coun Alexander’s comments that it gives a bad image of York.

He said: “We sell hundreds to tourists, they’re certainly the biggest buyers. I’d say I’ve sold 20 this week.”

Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before.

This is not the first time the shop has made headlines. In 2010, police investigated complaints the shop was selling T- shirts emblazoned with the official Nazi state insignia.

In December 2008, Mr Sykes was criticised for his decision to sell and display Nazi memorabilia including pendants with swastika designs.

Comments(140)

Waspish1 says...
11:01am Fri 27 Jul 12

He's only got 650 followers so not many people are interested in what he tweets.

MrsHoney says...
11:05am Fri 27 Jul 12

"He said: “One couple thought it was hilarious and bought four and another said we were the most disgusting retailer in York."

I have to agree with the latter, not particularly because of the t-shirts but just in general. I hate this shop and don't even like walking past as it riles me so much. I don't particularly like to see somewhere promoting gun useage and other weaponry. It's a shame they've not done anything illegal as I'd love it be closed down!!

And to think it used to be the Bead Machine, a hippy kind of shop. How ironic!!

Von_Dutch says...
11:07am Fri 27 Jul 12

Chill out James. Haven't you got more important things to be concerning yourself with as Leader of the Council?!

Personally i don't see what the big deal is. I'm not offended by this. Yes, a few people in this country just LOVE to take offense on others' behalfs, but to be honest, you see more offensive t-shirt slogans in some of our supermarkets and high street shops.

As for the whole thing about selling swastika pendants, WWII and the nazis happened ok - You can't erase history or gloss over it. If people are willing to buy such things, then why shouldn't this shop sell it. They're not 'glamourizing' naziism.

3.8liter says...
11:09am Fri 27 Jul 12

These T shirts have been on the go for about 30 years. I thought they were hilarious then, and still think so today.
The trouble is, we now have a generation of politically correct types who are lacking a sense of humour.
My mother is 86, was born in Germany and also thinks they are funny.
I hope the shop selling these benefits from the publicity this has created and sells a shed load of them.

JC42 says...
11:11am Fri 27 Jul 12

Von_Dutch wrote:
Chill out James. Haven't you got more important things to be concerning yourself with as Leader of the Council?! Personally i don't see what the big deal is. I'm not offended by this. Yes, a few people in this country just LOVE to take offense on others' behalfs, but to be honest, you see more offensive t-shirt slogans in some of our supermarkets and high street shops. As for the whole thing about selling swastika pendants, WWII and the nazis happened ok - You can't erase history or gloss over it. If people are willing to buy such things, then why shouldn't this shop sell it. They're not 'glamourizing' naziism.
I agree I think its funny this country is pathetic people are so easily offended this day and age get a life.

Ichabod76 says...
11:13am Fri 27 Jul 12

The only people making York look bad at the moment are the council

Don't you have more important things to be doing than tweeting what shops are selling ?

Woody G Mellor says...
11:15am Fri 27 Jul 12

I think James, and people in genaral misunderstand the meaning of that t shirt. I used to wear one of these t shirts back in the early 80's. I wore it as a two fingered salute to Hitler and a jibe at his defeat.

I don't care much for that shop though.

Sillybillies says...
11:29am Fri 27 Jul 12

Von_Dutch says...
11:07am Fri 27 Jul 12

Chill out James. Haven't you got more important things to be concerning yourself with as Leader of the Council?!

Personally i don't see what the big deal is. I'm not offended by this. Yes, a few people in this country just LOVE to take offense on others' behalfs, but to be honest, you see more offensive t-shirt slogans in some of our supermarkets and high street shops.

As for the whole thing about selling swastika pendants, WWII and the nazis happened ok - You can't erase history or gloss over it. If people are willing to buy such things, then why shouldn't this shop sell it. They're not 'glamourizing' naziism.

Heaven help me, I agree with Von_Dutch for once! Alexander is an idiot who should be voted out of office at the first opportunity.

mickrick says...
11:30am Fri 27 Jul 12

Not many people know about that shop but they do now !!!!
And they say the Irish are tic

Paula_T says...
11:37am Fri 27 Jul 12

mickrick wrote:
Not many people know about that shop but they do now !!!!
And they say the Irish are tic
Absolutely spot on !!! People will flock to buy these t shirts now ...we are all too quick to jump on the PC bandwagon now

Kevin Turvey says...
11:41am Fri 27 Jul 12

‘3.8liter says... 11:09am Fri 27 Jul 12
These T shirts have been on the go for about 30 years. I thought they were hilarious then, and still think so today.
The trouble is, we now have a generation of politically correct types who are lacking a sense of humour.
My mother is 86, was born in Germany and also thinks they are funny.
I hope the shop selling these benefits from the publicity this has created and sells a shed load of them.’

Spot on!
I also can remember these T shirts from the very early 1980’s whilst living in the Northeast of England. I seem to remember they were sold at the Virgin record store in Eldon Square Newcastle and they sold in huge numbers.
Obviously this was before the mass levels of indoctrinated political correctness and complete lack of any sense of humour that has taken over this country in the last 15 years.

They were funny then and they are funny now, history has not changed only that some people are ‘offended’ by a tenuous link to the past and a 30 year delay or are attention seeking. The problem is mass accessible media that lets everyone have their say so therefore they do, no matter how banal!

akuma says...
11:43am Fri 27 Jul 12

He said: “It gives a terrible impression, it’s not the tolerant and welcoming York I know.”


Is it an irony that while claiming that people may not think York is tolerant, and at the same time NOT tolerating a shop selling a perfectly legal product. OK it might be bad taste, but its legal.

If we truely beleive we are tolerant people we need to allow people to express there opinion and views so long as they are within the laws and not only tolerate things that fall under our own morale compass as acceptable, otherwise we become the oppressors and only allow things that we personally like.

Pedro says...
11:49am Fri 27 Jul 12

The worst shop in York. I don't even like walking past.

Gary Gilmores Eyes says...
11:51am Fri 27 Jul 12

Does the council know that the Toyota Pries that is sold at the Toyota dealer has chemicals in the battery that is mined with slave/child labour?

Does the council know that HMV sell CD’s by Gary Glitter – his actions since making those recordings are offensive?

Does the council know that all the sports shops that pay business rates to them sell NIKE trainers and others that use labour that is paid below the minimum wage in those countries and the working conditions are on the boundary of slavery/oppression?
But yet they still take the money from the business rates.

Anybody want to add some more that is offensive or morally wrong that the council says nothing about?

Or is it all about PR? Shallow vote grabbing council members as usual.

Torrey Canyon says...
12:06pm Fri 27 Jul 12

‘Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before.
This is not the first time the shop has made headlines. In 2010, police investigated complaints the shop was selling T- shirts emblazoned with the official Nazi state insignia.
In December 2008, Mr Sykes was criticised for his decision to sell and display Nazi memorabilia including pendants with swastika designs.’


The shop has a right to sell what he likes as long as it’s legal.
If he wanted to sell communist items so be it.
The ‘leader’ of the council was not even born when these T shirts first saw the light of day. Does he have a personal problem with the shop/its owner or is it easy political material to spout about to polarise the proles?

In the 1970’s I had a T shirt that was a parody of the Ford logo with FCUK written on it, shame that the FCUK brand was created and modernised the idea.
Surely if there was a Nazi or indeed a communist problem it is not that someone is selling the items that is the issue more that people are that disenfranchised with the current political situation/representa
tion that they feel that have to move to the more extreme fringes of politics to get their views/opinions/wants raised by the individuals who purport to represent them.

Chrido81 says...
12:12pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Not to mention the shops which sell ****. Or the light hearted **** on sale in full view of kids in Scarborough gift shops. I dont see how that is any different. I's popular, but offensive to many. The council should be mindful of this and keep their noses out.

Chrido81 says...
12:14pm Fri 27 Jul 12

what? the word p o r n o is censored on here? Really Press, really?

mickrick says...
12:25pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Che Guevara pictures and T shirts everywhere.

Do some history folks and read what a murdering bandit the man was.
Care to make a comment Mr Alexander, a little bird tells me you once had one, probably still have!!!

retribution says...
12:28pm Fri 27 Jul 12

quote from idiot Alexander above:
'...On his Twitter feed yesterday Coun Alexander branded the store “sick” and a “disgraceful shop”.

He said: “It gives a terrible impression, it’s not the tolerant and welcoming York I know.”

I think the slogan is a brilliant joke and as said in a comment above it is actually poking fun at Hitler's failures. In no way is it supporting Hitler or the Nazis.

The only thing that is 'sick and disgraceful' is Mr Alexander. He's another on the professional political career gravy train and like Chancellor Osborne allegedly has never had a proper job.

Here he's simply trying to get street cred by doing something he thinks voters will agree with.

Now another comment from him above:

Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before.

I do hope this persuing is done in a capcity as private citizen, in his own time and not using council resourses.

After all we wouldn't want Calamity James to be compared with the Great Liberal Traffic Light Incident, in terms of using Council position and influence for personal gain.

eboracum says...
12:31pm Fri 27 Jul 12

So Coun. Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further. The case being, a legal shop selling legal goods legally - rather highlights his view of democracy .... Doesn't it?

Big Bad Wolf says...
12:59pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Well...If Mr Alexander is on the case.... It will be Bye Bye Blue Moon...Or an upturn in profit as people go to see what all the fuss is about.
I would have thought someone in Mr Alexanders position should keep their opinions on what is tasteful and what is not to themselves.
I also think that Twitter is a very cowardly way of attacking anyone as Mr Sykes may not have an account to see what is being said about him.

Trustmeiknoweverything&every1 says...
1:00pm Fri 27 Jul 12

He said: “It gives a terrible impression, it’s not the tolerant and welcoming York I know.” (TRUE)

But on the other hand it is deemed acceptable to flaunt "i love York" t-shirt's in the window of CACTUS TRADING POST on gillygate. have people seen the paraphernalia equipment sold within that shop & exactly what its associated with!
pretty certain its why it has statue of a cat outside the shop aswell.

All bow to the tourist's

Older Sometimes Wiser says...
1:02pm Fri 27 Jul 12

I agree with James Alexander on this. This shop degrades York, and to sell Nazi tee shirts is yet another reason to find a way to remove it.
Search for "news Bavarian neo Nazi party?", and you will find that the principles of the German Reich are still going strong.This may mean nothing to those born post war or those who glorify violence, but hopefully they are in a minority.

Buzz Light-year says...
1:03pm Fri 27 Jul 12

There's always someone periodically having a go at this shop and Mr Sykes. As is usual this will be water off a ducks back for him.

He and his wife are friendly, nice people running a local business. Isn't that what we should be encouraging?

I'm much more disgusted by kids t-shirts which say "future p0rn star" and the like.
As for the shop, I loathe McDonald's and feel that their products have a more detrimental effect on society and general public health than airguns and Hitler shirts. But I'm not going to kick up a fuss and "pursue" it.

Is JA on a mission to become the least popular man in York's history?

oldgoat says...
1:13pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Pedro wrote:
The worst shop in York. I don't even like walking past.
The worst shops in York are the ones that are closed!

Regardless of the products being sold, and I'm not a fan of guns, the fact that its a small business, supplying a need and giving people jobs, is far more important.

Right, Cllr Alexander?

lowbeam says...
1:16pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Blue moon 1 - James Alexander 0

bpk68 says...
1:19pm Fri 27 Jul 12

hahahahaha I think the council and it's members want a word with themselves as some of their decisions could equally be branded as 'sick' and 'disgusting'...

also: “It gives a terrible impression, it’s not the tolerant and welcoming York I know.”

Mate, it's a gun and light munitions shop. I don't think they typically foster tolerance and a welcoming spirit.....but no you're right, the T-Shirt is what's done it....

Isn't the T-Shirt mocking Hitler anyway, you can't say it's promoting Nazism, just because it features one.

NickPheas says...
1:25pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Seems very silly to have a go at t-shirts that have been sold for donkey's years.

Man's got a point as far as the guns go.

bar_wench says...
1:54pm Fri 27 Jul 12

I hate this shop with a passion but not because of its tshirts. Its the weapons and gas masks etc I have the issue with, I think some of the tshirt slogans are quite funny. Councillor Alexander needs get his head out of his **** "taking this matter further" HOW? the shops is selling legal items, legally. Good luck with that james

redbluelion says...
2:02pm Fri 27 Jul 12

ITS ONLY A T'SHIRT...MAKING FUN AT HITLER...WHATS WRONG WITH THAT..GET A LIFE MUPPETS..

Geoffers says...
2:25pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Surely, there must be a better way of earning a living than making money out of Hitler and Naziism?

retrorigg says...
2:32pm Fri 27 Jul 12

jeeeez, get a llife misery ****, this country and YORK is getting pathetic..seriously

sr2222 says...
2:51pm Fri 27 Jul 12

I have done business with Mr Sykes and he is a very pleasant and intelligent man . I cannot see what the fuss is about and maybe he should get some t shirts done with William the Conquerer on it or maybe viking blood axe . How far back to we go ? Oh what about the Romans v Boudica ? That wasnt too pleasant at times either but we dont make a fuss about that . Get a life and James Alexander can go to H***. Wasn't that long ago he was a student and did all the things that students do. Time to move on and let bygones be bygones . I must go and celebrate Agincourt. good win... Bullseye. ! Good for Blue moon keep us amused please.

JulieRed says...
2:52pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Is this a joke? Seriously ppl have way toooo much time on their hands. Like there are not bigger issues to deal with in York....get over it, move on, let it go, blah blah blah....

Geoffers says...
2:53pm Fri 27 Jul 12

retrorigg wrote:
jeeeez, get a llife misery ****, this country and YORK is getting pathetic..seriously
Pathetic!

mitchellrj says...
2:53pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Invoke "tolerance" while trying to inhibit freedom of speech.

Up is down.

Left is right.

Alexander is powerless to do anything and merely spoke out to pander to overly-sensitive types.

Dave Taylor says...
2:54pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Although loathsome, the 'Hitler' tee-shirts have been around for year and they are not the worst thing that Mr Sykes sells.

The tee-shirts are hardly likely to kill anyone... however, Sykes also sells guns which may be used to kill or maim people and animals. Now that is sick and disgusting!

lezyork1966 says...
2:55pm Fri 27 Jul 12

think i first saw these shirts about 1980, wished i had thought of it I could be living off the royalties...

bad taste is always subjective, its as much bad taste for these t shirts glorifying war as its bad taste to display a USA flag alongside native american pictures!

maybe we need some england tour shirts listing all the countries we screwed over.... would that be good taste?

Andy1675 says...
3:05pm Fri 27 Jul 12

I think the Twerps of St. Athony's should all get those T-shirts!!

Kevin Turvey says...
3:19pm Fri 27 Jul 12

‘lezyork1966 says... 2:55pm Fri 27 Jul 12

maybe we need some england tour shirts listing all the countries we screwed over.... would that be good taste?’

Good idea, although the list would be far too long to fit on a T shirt maybe a Tapestry or a very long scarf?

yawn.. says...
3:23pm Fri 27 Jul 12

That's one of the best free adverts I've seen in a long time.. well done BMT.. :D

Sillybillies says...
3:31pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Its the weapons and gas masks etc I have the issue with

Why, they are all legal if sold in compliance with the law?

Caecilius says...
4:05pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Older Sometimes Wiser wrote:
I agree with James Alexander on this. This shop degrades York, and to sell Nazi tee shirts is yet another reason to find a way to remove it. Search for "news Bavarian neo Nazi party?", and you will find that the principles of the German Reich are still going strong.This may mean nothing to those born post war or those who glorify violence, but hopefully they are in a minority.
And do members of the Bavarian neo-Nazi party goosestep about in comedy "Adolf Hitler's Tour of Europe" teeshirts that are taking the mickey out of their beloved Fuhrer? Somehow, I doubt it.

This is typical of Alexander. The man who justifies arbitrary decisions by referring to manifesto commitments that can't actually be found in his party's manifesto. The man whose Cabinet, according to last night's Press, decided not to consult the public on the wholesale removal of litter bins because we insignificant little people "would have inevitably debated the decisions", and who now proposes to "pursue" a shopkeeper for conducting legitimate business. The teeshirts are a harmless joke - the fact that we have a council leader who tries to run York the way James Alexander does is infinitely more worrying.

El Clinton says...
4:25pm Fri 27 Jul 12

To me the worst impression of York is left by the council who refuse (ha!) to clear litter away and leave graffiti on buildings for months.

I don't particularly like the shop either, its not in good taste but each to their own. You can't realistically start meddling with what shops sell unless it happens to be illegal.

Mr Crabtree says...
4:35pm Fri 27 Jul 12

i'd like to report the Council for holding back housebuilding with it's unworkable affordable housing policy. It gives a bad impression to people who might want to move here to set up businesses, as there are so few new houses being built.

I's time James Alexander made better use of his time, and got his own house in order (sorry, he doesn't have one, does he, but, I meant council policy). He spends far too much time on national and regional political issues, twittering and self-promotion. Where are all these extra houses you promised in your manifesto, James ?

This latest publicity stunt, is to divert attention from all his cabinet c*ck-ups; Union Terrace, Beckfield Lane tip, Burnholme Community College, Green wheelie bin charges, cuts to care, housing failure..... the list gets longer everyday, meanwhile he is borrowing millions for his vanity projects. Bring back Galloway, admittedly he made a few mistakes, but, Calamity James is making SG look half-decent !

Mr Crabtree says...
4:40pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Buzz Light-year wrote:
There's always someone periodically having a go at this shop and Mr Sykes. As is usual this will be water off a ducks back for him. He and his wife are friendly, nice people running a local business. Isn't that what we should be encouraging? I'm much more disgusted by kids t-shirts which say "future p0rn star" and the like. As for the shop, I loathe McDonald's and feel that their products have a more detrimental effect on society and general public health than airguns and Hitler shirts. But I'm not going to kick up a fuss and "pursue" it. Is JA on a mission to become the least popular man in York's history?
Well said, Buzz !

Totally agree with you on this.

Glad we can see eye to eye on something for a change.

Nice one, mate ;-)

Mr Crabtree says...
4:42pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Ichabod76 wrote:
The only people making York look bad at the moment are the council Don't you have more important things to be doing than tweeting what shops are selling ?
So soooooo true !

Alexander is a joke !

Sawday2 says...
5:19pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Alexander - Have you nothing more important to worry about. For goodness sake - get a life!

mickrick says...
5:47pm Fri 27 Jul 12

James Alexander please resign.

Guy Fawkes says...
5:50pm Fri 27 Jul 12

The ironic thing is that the Hitler T-shirt is probably the least offensive and least dangerous object that place sells, given some of the stuff on display in the window.

There's nothing new under the sun, though. In the mid-50s my grandpa, on a trip to the US, bought a plastic model of Julius Rosenberg in the electric chair in a toy shop. You put two AA batteries in it, pressed the button, and it buzzed and glowed. At the time he bought it they were selling by the lorry load, apparently.

yorky1979 says...
7:37pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Think I'll go and buy one on Monday,

Mr Crabtree says...
8:01pm Fri 27 Jul 12

What has James Alexander, his Labour cabinet and York Council all got in common with Adolf Hitler's WW" bombing raids ?

One demolished housing in York, the others demolished housebuilding in York !!!

Please put that slogan on a T-shirt Mr Sykes, with pictures of Alexander and Hitler, and myself and many out of work builders will all buy one !

Mr Crabtree says...
8:04pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Blue Moon Trading seem to be beating James Alexander in this popularity contest. Seems that Calamity James is even more disliked than Adolf Hitler !!!

mickrick says...
8:16pm Fri 27 Jul 12

I wear an obscene T shirt with a loathsome effigy on it that will offend and insult many.

Its got James alexanders picture on it.

i expect to be arrested any time for indecency.

Gramayre says...
8:35pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Maybe James Alexander should join Sandy Fraser and resign.

big smiffy says...
9:00pm Fri 27 Jul 12

what a load of rubbish york council need to focus on more important things.
like sorting out silly ideas about charging us to empty our green bins

sperare e coraggio says...
9:36pm Fri 27 Jul 12

BREAKING NEWS
THIS BROADCAST JUST BEEN HEARD ON RADIO RAGTAG:

"I am speaking to you now from the cabinet room at York Council.

This morning the Council office boy handed the Blue Moon Trading Company a final note, stating that unless we heard from them by eleven o'clock that they were prepared at once to remove their T shirts from their shop window a state of war would exist between us.

I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently this council leader is at war with Blue Moon shop.

Now may God bless you all and may He defend the right. For it is petty things that I shall be fighting against, toy guns, fake weapons, harmless military outfits and freedom to choose. And against them I am certain that right will prevail."

sperare e coraggio says...
9:47pm Fri 27 Jul 12

MORE BREAKING NEWS
THIS BROADCAST HAS JUST BEEN HEARD ON RADIO BLUE MOON:

All I have to offer is blood, toil, T Shirts and swastikas.

sperare e coraggio says...
9:52pm Fri 27 Jul 12

ANOTHER UPDATE FROM RADIO BLUE MOON:

"Never before in the field of retailing have so many T-shirts been sold by so few to so many.

sperare e coraggio says...
9:57pm Fri 27 Jul 12

RADIO RAGTAG HAS RESPONDED:

"If the Alexander tweets last for a thousand years men will still say that this was his finest sour."

sperare e coraggio says...
10:06pm Fri 27 Jul 12

RADIO BLUE MOON IS HAVING NONE OF IT:

We will sell them on the beaches, in the fields and the streets, in the towns, on the landing grounds and in the hills. We will never surrender our T shirts.

Ageing Hippy says...
10:56pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Pedro wrote:
The worst shop in York. I don't even like walking past.
Try jogging!

Ageing Hippy says...
10:56pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Pedro wrote:
The worst shop in York. I don't even like walking past.
Try jogging!

Yorkborneinbse says...
11:08pm Fri 27 Jul 12

Oh James, you really are a disgrace. I offer you an open invite to walk around York with me and i will point out what does offend Tourists. For one, your Council has allowed a Chinese ' buffet of dangerous sh*te to continue to trade to the likely detriment of said tourists. Now, this is clearly illegal but you allow it to continue. What a waster you are.

Lanky129 says...
1:06am Sat 28 Jul 12

Waspish1 wrote:
He's only got 650 followers so not many people are interested in what he tweets.
This is the same alexander who dosent listen to the people who elected him, the owner of the shop pays his rent and tax. If people are offended ignore it if it really bothers you close your eyes or act like a adult and pretend you didn't see it.

Old_Man says...
1:36am Sat 28 Jul 12

It doesn't matter what you think of James Alexander. Blue Moon trading is a disgrace and should be closed down.

Magicman! says...
2:50am Sat 28 Jul 12

I'm not suprised it's Blue Moon selling this... they're the ones selling ai rifles and guns to chav kids, and so are the likely suppliers to the braindead morons who go out shooting pets and vehicles... Or like the chav next door neighbours I used to live next to, take pot shots at the trees with an air rifle from a loft window.

If York councillors think the shop is "a disgrace" why do they allow it to remain in place and paying rent?

AnotherPointofView says...
7:39am Sat 28 Jul 12

Loads of comments, mostly critical of JA but none from him.

Come on Mr Alexander aren't you going to respond??

RingoStarr says...
10:30am Sat 28 Jul 12

WHAT FANTASTIC PUBLICITY FOR 'BLUE MOON'! Bet they sell out of these T-shirts!

eboracum99 says...
11:27am Sat 28 Jul 12

Actually he does not just sell this t.shirt he also sells one with a large swastika which used to be hung outside with a card attached saying get your nazi paraphanalia here and also a waffen ss t. shirt. Adolph Hitler World Tour 1939 - 1945. He is not a nice individual and i personally find it disgusting and very worrying. I mean who is buying these t.shirts? as for the comment: my mother thinks they are hilarious and she is german well that about sums it all up!

Sillybillies says...
12:17pm Sat 28 Jul 12

i personally find it disgusting and very worrying.

What would you do if there was anything really worth worrying about?

Sillybillies says...
12:24pm Sat 28 Jul 12

If York councillors think the shop is "a disgrace" why do they allow it to remain in place and paying rent?

It doesn't matter what you think of James Alexander. Blue Moon trading is a disgrace and should be closed down.

This is (still in some matters) a free country, and the Blue Moon is trading within the law. Get over it!

I'm sure the owner is grateful for the free publicity.

eboracum99 says...
12:32pm Sat 28 Jul 12

silly billies: So you do not think a shop selling t.shirts with swastikas et al on is not worrying? My 84 year old father is very upset today, he fought at the battle of Anzio fighting nazism, today he is wondering what is happening to this country! This is my last comment i do not wish to engage in any further comments with you as it is utterly pointless! I would rather try and help my dad he is crying and it is really upsetting me!

Sillybillies says...
12:42pm Sat 28 Jul 12

The clothing, made to resemble T-shirts sold by rock bands when on world tours, bares the slogan: “Adolf Hitler’s tour of Europe”, underneath which it says destinations England and Russia have been “cancelled”, in reference to Hitler’s failed attempts to conquer both countries during the Second World War.

eboracum99, it's taking the p1ss, it's mocking Hitler and the Nazis, have you had a humour bypass? Grow up for heaven's sake.

Yorkborneinbse says...
12:47pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Old_Man wrote:
It doesn't matter what you think of James Alexander. Blue Moon trading is a disgrace and should be closed down.
And so should food outlets registering zero on the scores in the doors system. These will cause 'real' harm and not the feelings of some who have had a sense of humour transplant.

Sillybillies says...
12:49pm Sat 28 Jul 12

My 84 year old father is very upset today, he fought at the battle of Anzio fighting nazism

Unlikely, the battle of Anzio was Jan - May 1944, when he was only 16.

eboracum99 says...
12:56pm Sat 28 Jul 12

silly billies or are you stuart sykes? I made an error should have said 94 he was 26 served with Major John Osborne. I lived Anzio every day of my childhood now go away and leave me alone!

sperare e coraggio says...
1:30pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.

Geoffers says...
3:17pm Sat 28 Jul 12

sperare e coraggio wrote:
Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.
You're too young to know the effect the last war had on families.

Hitler was responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Some died in the most horrible and cruel circumstances.
Many good people died to give us the freedom we now enjoy.

To glorify, in any way, what he was responsible for is just not acceptable.

I suggest that the vast number of posters here take the time to find out what he did to the 6 million jews, gypsies, homosexuals & mentally retarded.

The man was evil, evil, evil!!!

Sillybillies says...
3:31pm Sat 28 Jul 12

You're too young to know the effect the last war had on families.

You don't know how old any of us are, and a very effective weapon against evil is humour - ever heard of it?

Even AndyD says...
3:33pm Sat 28 Jul 12

sperare e coraggio wrote:
Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.
Freedom cuts both ways, doesn't it? Man puts his opinion on Twitter, but you want to stop him. If that isn't suppression of speech, I don't know what is. You little dictator, you... ;-)

Even AndyD says...
3:51pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Sillybillies wrote:
You're too young to know the effect the last war had on families.

You don't know how old any of us are, and a very effective weapon against evil is humour - ever heard of it?
One of the most effective I'd say, against any bully, in fact. A good and apposite example is Mel Brooks' comedy. A Jewish individual who certainly did not shy away from depicting Hitler.

Mr Crabtree says...
5:21pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Geoffers wrote:
sperare e coraggio wrote:
Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.
You're too young to know the effect the last war had on families.

Hitler was responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Some died in the most horrible and cruel circumstances.
Many good people died to give us the freedom we now enjoy.

To glorify, in any way, what he was responsible for is just not acceptable.

I suggest that the vast number of posters here take the time to find out what he did to the 6 million jews, gypsies, homosexuals & mentally retarded.

The man was evil, evil, evil!!!
There was no glorification intended with the T-shirt - it was making fun of Hitler. It's the same as putting the image of a devil on a T-shirt, it isn't meant to glorify evil. You, like the objectors on here are taking this completely out of context. You will be calling those of us who disagree with Alexander's stance, nazi's next. Using the fascist card, to gag us. Aleander needs to use his time more productively, on serious issues like the housing problem ;-)

Mr Crabtree says...
5:25pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
sperare e coraggio wrote:
Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.
Freedom cuts both ways, doesn't it? Man puts his opinion on Twitter, but you want to stop him. If that isn't suppression of speech, I don't know what is. You little dictator, you... ;-)
Where did sperare say that ?

Are you trying to put words in his mouth ?

He is all for freedom of speech, and the freedom of BMT to sell what is not illegal.

Tigerlady says...
5:49pm Sat 28 Jul 12

sr2222 wrote:
I have done business with Mr Sykes and he is a very pleasant and intelligent man . I cannot see what the fuss is about and maybe he should get some t shirts done with William the Conquerer on it or maybe viking blood axe . How far back to we go ? Oh what about the Romans v Boudica ? That wasnt too pleasant at times either but we dont make a fuss about that . Get a life and James Alexander can go to H***. Wasn't that long ago he was a student and did all the things that students do. Time to move on and let bygones be bygones . I must go and celebrate Agincourt. good win... Bullseye. ! Good for Blue moon keep us amused please.
Lol ! I have an Erik Bloodaxe tshirt I bought in the 80's from York Archaelogical Trust !!

Sillybillies says...
6:14pm Sat 28 Jul 12

It is disgraceful that Alexander is the leader of the City of York Council as he's making yet another laughing stock of himself. Can't the other councillors and especially members of his own party depose him?

And it's all rather rich that the last two leaders of his party were for their lying to parliament and the illegal bombing of Serbia and the invasion of Iraq, war criminals of a calibre not far removed from the Nazi leadership, and well deserve the punishment handed down at Nuremberg.

Even AndyD says...
7:39pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
sperare e coraggio wrote:
Too late Eboracum99!

You have lost your credibility.
No one is going to believe you suddenly remembered your dad is actually ten years older than previously mentioned.

My dad is crying too.

"He drove a tank
Held a private's rank
When the blitzkreig raged
And the bodies stank."

He thought he fought the war to achieve freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of thought. Freedom of choice.

Turns out it was only freedom to do as you are told and buy only items which would-be dictators like you say he should be allowed to buy.

Just because you don't like what Mr Sykes is selling doesn't give you or James Alexander the right tell others what they should or should not choose to purchase.

Just look at yourself - and the way you are behaving. People who were around in the 1930's find something very familiar about your attitude.
Freedom cuts both ways, doesn't it? Man puts his opinion on Twitter, but you want to stop him. If that isn't suppression of speech, I don't know what is. You little dictator, you... ;-)
Where did sperare say that ?

Are you trying to put words in his mouth ?

He is all for freedom of speech, and the freedom of BMT to sell what is not illegal.
Wonderful. Well that is alright then, isn't it?

kirchheim says...
8:37pm Sat 28 Jul 12

From the quality of Mr Sykes' goods and the standard of his humour I would venture to suggest that the signwriter made a mistake and omitted a letter when preparing the shop front - it should read 'Blue Moron Trading'

Guy Fawkes says...
8:59pm Sat 28 Jul 12

Hitler was responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Some died in the most horrible and cruel circumstances.


So was Stalin. And if you replace millions with hundreds of thousands, you could add a list of at least dozens and probably hundreds of leaders (some of them dictators but many, like Hitler, democratically elected), many of whom are the subject of humour and satire that passes largely without comment.

It would take a PhD dissertation in modern history to explore properly the variant of Godwin's law whereby humour about Hitler and the Nazis is considered by many, Alexander included, it seems, to be taboo and off limits. I don't think that the promotion of that taboo is helpful, because by suppressing humour you run the risk of suppressing attempts to understand what he did and why, too.

highhat says...
7:52am Sun 29 Jul 12

Are they open on Sundays ???

Wouldnt mind a browse and I quite fancy a novelty T shirt.

sperare e coraggio says...
8:45am Sun 29 Jul 12

EVEN ANDY D

You are utterly wrong.

At no time have I ever called for James Alexander to be banned from tweeting.

On the contrary, I support freedom of expression - including the freedom to respond to political opportunist publicity seekers.

I want Alexander to keep tweeting. The more he does it the more he exposes himself as the twit that he is.

Even AndyD says...
9:25am Sun 29 Jul 12

People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.

nowthen says...
9:54am Sun 29 Jul 12

Hitler; he only had one ball,
Goering; had two but they were small,
Himmler; was somewhat similar
But poor old Goebbels--had no balls--at all.
And as for Jimmy the kid Alexander; I'll leave it to the panel to discuss and only hope that the Union Terrace Buffoon's bleeding heart , loony left sensibilities aren't " sickened and disgusted " by the humorous verse above.

Older Sometimes Wiser says...
11:09am Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
"People exposing their true character by what they post. "
A phase that everyone who posts here should dwell on !

YSTClinguist says...
12:37pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Did the Fat Controller get any further complaining about the ridiculously loud music being played outside by the Fox pub? On a street with listed buildings and sash windows I'm sure his fellow neighbours would prefer he followed up on that instead.

Mr Crabtree says...
1:21pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
That makes 'sperare' an honest and decent man, who says it like it is.

Some, on the other hand, are mischief-makers, who say things that are not true, and then avoid apologising by trying to change the subject ? !!!

Mr Crabtree says...
1:26pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
Cheating liars, full of bitterness, prejudice and resentment - they know who they are !!!!

Even AndyD says...
1:31pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
Cheating liars, full of bitterness, prejudice and resentment - they know who they are !!!!
I think we all do.

sperare e coraggio says...
1:51pm Sun 29 Jul 12

ANOTHER BROADCAST HEARD FROM RADIO RAGTAG:

"Calamity calling, Calamity Calling.

Our T-shirt police will be over tonight to round up all you who are wearing slogans I disapprove of.

You will be taken to T-shirt resettlement camps where you will be taught the error of your ways.

My opinion must prevail. I am the duly appointed Leader and you will do as I say or face the consequences. You will obey my orders.

We will crush your resistance movement. Anyone caught wearing a prohibited T-shirt will be severely dealt with. You will be strapped into a chair and forced to sit through a full council meeting where I, the glorious Leader, will espouse my vision for the greater socialist republic of Yorkshire.

There will be no dissent. My word is Law. I am Leader. You are unimportant.

Even AndyD says...
5:02pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Older Sometimes Wiser wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
"People exposing their true character by what they post. "
A phase that everyone who posts here should dwell on !
Quite.

Buzz Light-year says...
5:38pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote: People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
That makes 'sperare' an honest and decent man, who says it like it is. Some, on the other hand, are mischief-makers, who say things that are not true, and then avoid apologising by trying to change the subject ? !!!
Actually that makes him someone who makes false accusations, refuses to retract or apologise and then hypocritically demands other people retract their claims on another thread.

Buzz Light-year says...
5:40pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote: There's always someone periodically having a go at this shop and Mr Sykes. As is usual this will be water off a ducks back for him. He and his wife are friendly, nice people running a local business. Isn't that what we should be encouraging? I'm much more disgusted by kids t-shirts which say "future p0rn star" and the like. As for the shop, I loathe McDonald's and feel that their products have a more detrimental effect on society and general public health than airguns and Hitler shirts. But I'm not going to kick up a fuss and "pursue" it. Is JA on a mission to become the least popular man in York's history?
Well said, Buzz ! Totally agree with you on this. Glad we can see eye to eye on something for a change. Nice one, mate ;-)
Yes, well it's nice that we can agree on something for a change but my mates can call me a tw*t without me being offended.
You offended me.

Mr Crabtree says...
5:54pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
Older Sometimes Wiser wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
"People exposing their true character by what they post. "
A phase that everyone who posts here should dwell on !
Quite.
Glad you have been dwelling on it :-), but, sad that there is no contrition forthcoming :-(

Mr Crabtree says...
5:55pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote: There's always someone periodically having a go at this shop and Mr Sykes. As is usual this will be water off a ducks back for him. He and his wife are friendly, nice people running a local business. Isn't that what we should be encouraging? I'm much more disgusted by kids t-shirts which say "future p0rn star" and the like. As for the shop, I loathe McDonald's and feel that their products have a more detrimental effect on society and general public health than airguns and Hitler shirts. But I'm not going to kick up a fuss and "pursue" it. Is JA on a mission to become the least popular man in York's history?
Well said, Buzz ! Totally agree with you on this. Glad we can see eye to eye on something for a change. Nice one, mate ;-)
Yes, well it's nice that we can agree on something for a change but my mates can call me a tw*t without me being offended.
You offended me.
Never mind, you deserved it !

ouseswimmer says...
5:57pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Luckily we live in a free country which says people are able to go about their business so long as they break no laws. I don't agree with lots of places such as say Starbucks who deprive UK dairy farmers of the true cost 29p producing a pint milk then charge £2.50 for half a pint of milk in a Latté. We are all free to choose where to buy and where not to.

Mr Crabtree says...
6:23pm Sun 29 Jul 12

The Labour cabinet are now forming a football team, so they can make better use of their uniforms.

The problem is that they all want to play left wing, but, hope to make a new signing from the conservatives to play on the right !

Their first game is against Housebuilders United in the Anti Affordable Housing League. It is expected to be a very one-sided game, with plenty of cheating, own goals and red cards !

Mr Crabtree says...
6:31pm Sun 29 Jul 12

NEWSFLASH !

Unfortunately, Housebuilders United were well and truly beaten and missed their 50% target. They have been forced into receivership, and are to be rescued by Labour as a state owned, nationalised team, and will not be allowed to make any profits in future. In this political football game, will there be only one winner ?

Even AndyD says...
6:32pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
Older Sometimes Wiser wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
"People exposing their true character by what they post. "
A phase that everyone who posts here should dwell on !
Quite.
Glad you have been dwelling on it :-), but, sad that there is no contrition forthcoming :-(
Don't be ridiculous. I was gently pointing out irony (with a smile, to boot!) that castigating someone for having an opinion on Twitter wasn't a million miles away from what Sperare was accusing JA of. As well you know!

And what do I get for a friendly, tongue-in-cheek comment? Look above - apparently I'm now either a sheep, or part of some Orwellian thought police. Same old ridicule, same old insults, same false outrage.

A word of advice - if you genuinely want people to have sympathy with your AH cause, then perhaps the way to go about it would be not to constantly insult them. The same goes for council employees and Labour politicians. Most people respond to reason - but humans are what they are - constantly snipe at them and even the most reasonable might start being obstructive!

bolero says...
7:23pm Sun 29 Jul 12

When are we going to get a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Mr Crabtree says" and "EvenandyD replied"?

York1900 says...
7:24pm Sun 29 Jul 12

James Alexander makes a fuss shop gets lots of publicity that it could not buy
Shop wins thanks to James Alexander

it is time James Alexander thinks before he gets on twitter and tweets

As council leader he needs to know when keep quite instead of giving publicity to thing that are not worthy of publicity


.

Even AndyD says...
7:35pm Sun 29 Jul 12

York1900 wrote:
James Alexander makes a fuss shop gets lots of publicity that it could not buy
Shop wins thanks to James Alexander

it is time James Alexander thinks before he gets on twitter and tweets

As council leader he needs to know when keep quite instead of giving publicity to thing that are not worthy of publicity


.
I'd agree in that it was a little naive. But that is the man to a certain extent - some would call it naive, others refreshing.

Not sure about the publicity. There are how many people using these forums do you think? Me, Mr C and occasionally a few others! And I don't like guns. :-)

sperare e coraggio says...
8:43pm Sun 29 Jul 12

James Alexander has made himself look foolish and has no one to blame but himself for the bashing he has got on here.

When the leader of the Council starts getting excited about a T shirt it is time to question his ability, his priorities and his judgement.

The issue is not whether or not things on sale at Blue Moon Trading are offensive to some people. Of course they are. That is not the point. (though the T shirt itself taking the mickey out of Adolph Hitler is far less offensive than other products.)

The real cause for concern here is the actions of the council leader in wanting to ban products even though they are perfectly legal; and openly threatening to do what he can to close down a Legitimate small business, just because he personally dislikes what they are selling.

This is disgraceful conduct. James Alexander talks about "tolerance" but he is being totally intolerant. He is abusing his position as an elected local politician to try to bring about the destruction of a local retail outlet. Ok so guns, uniforms, daggers badges and the like are not what you would find inside Mary Poppins' bag but so what? This is supposed to be a free country. Some people are into that world and if they aren't hurting anyone or doing anything illegal why should Calamity James start his own little war against them. I have never bought anything from Blue Moon and never will; but I am sick and tired of seeing people have a go at them. For goodness sake live and let live. What is that quotation? I disagree with what you say but I will fight to defend your right to say it? Well I don't like the products on sale at Blue Moon but I will fight for their right to sell it and for their customers to buy it.

This city is facing a lot of problems and the leader should be using all his energy to address those more serious matters.

This row over the design of a T shirt is petty and unnecessary. There are far more important things for the glorious leader to deal with.

This is "a storm in a T-shirt" .

Get a life Councillor Alexander and move on.

Even AndyD says...
8:57pm Sun 29 Jul 12

But the guy just expressed his opinion on Twitter, didn't he? Did he genuinely call for a ban ?(I'm asking here - not necessarily disagreeing). If he was really seeking to impose sanctions on legal trading, then I'd say that was wrong. But its not how it read to me.

I agree though its a little naive and I can't imagine Ian Gillies falling into the same trap. But really the Press have whipped it up into something it isn't. I've sympathy with JA more than anything else- politicians have to be word perfect nowadays. You will doubtless be aware of Aiden Burley who made a similar gaff on his own Twitter account yesterday. The question is, do we want our politicians to be human, or to be utterly 'on duty' at all times.

Me - I find it kind of refreshing that politicians are just like us and can wade in with their size tens. But as you will doubtless observe, I'm a wet, sheep-like, liberal, who should be shot with a gun from Blue Moon. :-)

spockboy2 says...
9:54pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Its just fun ,nobody is asking you to buy one.
The guns on the website look a bit worrying especially if you are a rat, pigeon or cat .
Most are just pop pistols not real guns.

http://www.bluemoong
uns.com/Budgetrifles
.htm

mickrick says...
9:59pm Sun 29 Jul 12

I wonder if wonderboy Alexander would care to have a carp about some of the disgusting items in
ANNE SUMMERS Bit of exposure wouldnt do them any harm either.

Even AndyD says...
10:19pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Anne Summers disgusting? You've led a sheltered life, mickrick! ;-)

Mr Crabtree says...
11:12pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
Older Sometimes Wiser wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
People exposing their true character by what they post. Hmmm. Do you know, you could well be right.
"People exposing their true character by what they post. "
A phase that everyone who posts here should dwell on !
Quite.
Glad you have been dwelling on it :-), but, sad that there is no contrition forthcoming :-(
Don't be ridiculous. I was gently pointing out irony (with a smile, to boot!) that castigating someone for having an opinion on Twitter wasn't a million miles away from what Sperare was accusing JA of. As well you know!

And what do I get for a friendly, tongue-in-cheek comment? Look above - apparently I'm now either a sheep, or part of some Orwellian thought police. Same old ridicule, same old insults, same false outrage.

A word of advice - if you genuinely want people to have sympathy with your AH cause, then perhaps the way to go about it would be not to constantly insult them. The same goes for council employees and Labour politicians. Most people respond to reason - but humans are what they are - constantly snipe at them and even the most reasonable might start being obstructive!
Sympathy ? Now that is ridiculous.

As you well know, our posts in the main are factual, reasoned and only insult the politicised cheats at the council. This always provokes the left to cast the first stone, and then we retaliate in kind. No matter how reasonable we put our case across, with substantiation of the indefensible discrimination and unfairness that these policies use, there are a group who cannot resist attacking us with their bitter irrelevant wind-ups.

No, we don't look for sympathy. We look for support against a policy that has killed private housebuilding in York, losing jobs and depriving York's economy of hundreds of millions in the last seven years. Housing is required in York, and throughout the UK, but, the York's council are useless at delivering the numbers that they require.

Mr Crabtree says...
11:22pm Sun 29 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
But the guy just expressed his opinion on Twitter, didn't he? Did he genuinely call for a ban ?(I'm asking here - not necessarily disagreeing). If he was really seeking to impose sanctions on legal trading, then I'd say that was wrong. But its not how it read to me.

I agree though its a little naive and I can't imagine Ian Gillies falling into the same trap. But really the Press have whipped it up into something it isn't. I've sympathy with JA more than anything else- politicians have to be word perfect nowadays. You will doubtless be aware of Aiden Burley who made a similar gaff on his own Twitter account yesterday. The question is, do we want our politicians to be human, or to be utterly 'on duty' at all times.

Me - I find it kind of refreshing that politicians are just like us and can wade in with their size tens. But as you will doubtless observe, I'm a wet, sheep-like, liberal, who should be shot with a gun from Blue Moon. :-)
"Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before."


What do you say to the above ? (taken from the story).

There is nothing refreshing about Alexander's interference with matters which are a waste of a council leaders time. There are more serious matters that he should be sorting out !

Are you sure that you are not a Labour or JA apologist/defender ?

Even AndyD says...
8:19am Mon 30 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote:
But the guy just expressed his opinion on Twitter, didn't he? Did he genuinely call for a ban ?(I'm asking here - not necessarily disagreeing). If he was really seeking to impose sanctions on legal trading, then I'd say that was wrong. But its not how it read to me.

I agree though its a little naive and I can't imagine Ian Gillies falling into the same trap. But really the Press have whipped it up into something it isn't. I've sympathy with JA more than anything else- politicians have to be word perfect nowadays. You will doubtless be aware of Aiden Burley who made a similar gaff on his own Twitter account yesterday. The question is, do we want our politicians to be human, or to be utterly 'on duty' at all times.

Me - I find it kind of refreshing that politicians are just like us and can wade in with their size tens. But as you will doubtless observe, I'm a wet, sheep-like, liberal, who should be shot with a gun from Blue Moon. :-)
"Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before."


What do you say to the above ? (taken from the story).

There is nothing refreshing about Alexander's interference with matters which are a waste of a council leaders time. There are more serious matters that he should be sorting out !

Are you sure that you are not a Labour or JA apologist/defender ?
Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error.

No, I'm not an apologist - I think you will see that my post above is critical of JA too. But you overlook that, as always, blinkered to anything that doesn't suit the label you wish to apply to those who don't share your viewpoint.

Good luck with your campaign, it obviously means a lot to you. As I've said umpteen times before, I can see that AH isn't the answer.

EvenAndyD is now retiring. This isn't a 'flounce' - I'm just spending way too much of my time on here - best to go cold turkey as obviously I just can't resist.

Cya.

Sillybillies says...
10:27am Mon 30 Jul 12

Oh dear Mr Oi oi savaloy, you are about to find out that the Thought Police won't let you express opinions like that, and that freedom of speech is not truly allowed.

Rockmamma says...
10:54am Mon 30 Jul 12

The t-shirt in question supports Hitler and Nazi-ism about as much as Dad's Army does. Is Mr Alexander going to ban HMV from selling Dad's Army dvds?

Sssh, don't tell him your name, Sykes!

xXx

oi oi savaloy says...
11:57am Mon 30 Jul 12

Sillybillies wrote:
Oh dear Mr Oi oi savaloy, you are about to find out that the Thought Police won't let you express opinions like that, and that freedom of speech is not truly allowed.
How right you were rockmama! My comment has been removed! Yet it was a perfect legitimate statement!

Freedom of speech on the York press website is non existent !

oi oi savaloy says...
12:05pm Mon 30 Jul 12

oi oi savaloy wrote:
Sillybillies wrote: Oh dear Mr Oi oi savaloy, you are about to find out that the Thought Police won't let you express opinions like that, and that freedom of speech is not truly allowed.
How right you were rockmama! My comment has been removed! Yet it was a perfect legitimate statement! Freedom of speech on the York press website is non existent !
Oops sorry it was silly billy

As for this t shirt I had one in the 80's it is a joke and does not promote nazism or racism, get real Alexander this city as bigger problems like you greedy greedy lot , do you lot know exactly how many councillors are creaming the council tax payers for well over £100,000 a year? Check the list at the tax payers alliance !!

And let's fly a pretty flag promoting something that shall not b talked about on here in a anti kind of way because the truth hurts

Mr Crabtree says...
1:19pm Mon 30 Jul 12

Even AndyD wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Even AndyD wrote: But the guy just expressed his opinion on Twitter, didn't he? Did he genuinely call for a ban ?(I'm asking here - not necessarily disagreeing). If he was really seeking to impose sanctions on legal trading, then I'd say that was wrong. But its not how it read to me. I agree though its a little naive and I can't imagine Ian Gillies falling into the same trap. But really the Press have whipped it up into something it isn't. I've sympathy with JA more than anything else- politicians have to be word perfect nowadays. You will doubtless be aware of Aiden Burley who made a similar gaff on his own Twitter account yesterday. The question is, do we want our politicians to be human, or to be utterly 'on duty' at all times. Me - I find it kind of refreshing that politicians are just like us and can wade in with their size tens. But as you will doubtless observe, I'm a wet, sheep-like, liberal, who should be shot with a gun from Blue Moon. :-)
"Coun Alexander responded by saying he will pursue the case further, although he has reported the shop numerous times before."
What do you say to the above ? (taken from the story). There is nothing refreshing about Alexander's interference with matters which are a waste of a council leaders time. There are more serious matters that he should be sorting out ! Are you sure that you are not a Labour or JA apologist/defender ?
Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error. No, I'm not an apologist - I think you will see that my post above is critical of JA too. But you overlook that, as always, blinkered to anything that doesn't suit the label you wish to apply to those who don't share your viewpoint. Good luck with your campaign, it obviously means a lot to you. As I've said umpteen times before, I can see that AH isn't the answer. EvenAndyD is now retiring. This isn't a 'flounce' - I'm just spending way too much of my time on here - best to go cold turkey as obviously I just can't resist. Cya.
Actually, I'm not blinkered at all. I look at what you and others say, consider it, then give an opinion.

I did not overlook your carefully inserted criticism of JA, but, have to ask if you were hedging your bets and attempting to come across as less of a supporter/defender ?

Your posts were in the main, as they usually are, pro-Labour, Pro-Alexander and critical of us lot. When we point out your errors, you do what you always do - take your bat home.

Like Arnie, you will be back !

See you very soon, Andy ;-)

Buzz Light-year says...
1:30pm Mon 30 Jul 12

EvenAndyD wrote:
Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error

Crabtree and sperare -
See, that's how it's done.
To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do.
Real men know when to hold their hand up.
You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.

lis0r says...
1:31pm Mon 30 Jul 12

mickrick wrote:
I wonder if wonderboy Alexander would care to have a carp about some of the disgusting items in
ANNE SUMMERS Bit of exposure wouldnt do them any harm either.
Dear god, how straight and vanilla can you be? Anne Summer's doesn't sell any toys that in the least bit interesting, let alone truly disgusting.

Firedrake says...
2:23pm Mon 30 Jul 12

Spare a thought for theatrical types: BMT can be a useful source for props ... depending on the production!

GoodDoc says...
4:07pm Mon 30 Jul 12

Just have to say how gutting it is to see all the commenters here unable to understand the true meaning of free-speech. Anyone who has been to other, less fortunate countries would know how embarassingly inappropriate and dim it is to use the 'free-speech' argument to defend outright abuse, to defend libellous rants on privately owned websites (eg. here), and to defend those who would deny others that very freedom. There are a least 3 or 4 people using that very argument. There is no way (apart from for the utmost sheltered folk) that suggesting nazi symbolism shouldn't be on sale in York is denying freedom. Not everything that is not illegal is therefore automatically acceptable, appropriate or decent. Heck, some people don't know they were born. I can't bear Alexander, but seriously, if you think this is oppressive you're beyond help!

Mr Crabtree says...
12:34am Tue 31 Jul 12

Buzz Light-year wrote:
EvenAndyD wrote: Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error
Crabtree and sperare - See, that's how it's done. To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do. Real men know when to hold their hand up. You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.
Er, sorry..... I think you will find that AndyD was in the wrong, not us. We listened to him, then put him right !

Now waiting for you to stop giving us crap.......

heworth.28 says...
11:17am Tue 31 Jul 12

Most of the shirts on sale there are clearly poking fun at certain figures (surely it's only a matter of time before they produce one featuring Herr Alexander?) but I have seen the odd one or two there in the past depicting the swastika and/or SS logo, without any humourous message attached, can't imagine why anyone would find that appropriate?

Sillybillies says...
3:48pm Tue 31 Jul 12

I have seen the odd one or two there in the past depicting the swastika and/or SS logo, without any humourous message attached, can't imagine why anyone would find that appropriate?

Appropriate or not it isn't illegal so it can be done. In English law it's a fundamental principle that if it ain't forbidden by law you can do it.

Buzz Light-year says...
8:54pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
EvenAndyD wrote: Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error
Crabtree and sperare - See, that's how it's done. To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do. Real men know when to hold their hand up. You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.
Er, sorry..... I think you will find that AndyD was in the wrong, not us. We listened to him, then put him right ! Now waiting for you to stop giving us crap.......
Yep and he responded by admitting it, something you've never done.

When you show even half the humility, understanding, respect and dignity of EAD, you will be starting out on the path to becoming as big a man as him.
Maybe then I'll stop pointing out your disgraceful behaviour, or as you arrogantly call it, "giving you crap"

Mr Crabtree says...
12:48am Wed 1 Aug 12

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
EvenAndyD wrote: Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error
Crabtree and sperare - See, that's how it's done. To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do. Real men know when to hold their hand up. You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.
Er, sorry..... I think you will find that AndyD was in the wrong, not us. We listened to him, then put him right ! Now waiting for you to stop giving us crap.......
Yep and he responded by admitting it, something you've never done. When you show even half the humility, understanding, respect and dignity of EAD, you will be starting out on the path to becoming as big a man as him. Maybe then I'll stop pointing out your disgraceful behaviour, or as you arrogantly call it, "giving you crap"
Support your allegations with evidence of me personally getting something wrong and not admitting or apologising for it. Point out this specific disgraceful behaviour.

Buzz Light-year says...
9:09am Wed 1 Aug 12

Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
EvenAndyD wrote: Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error
Crabtree and sperare - See, that's how it's done. To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do. Real men know when to hold their hand up. You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.
Er, sorry..... I think you will find that AndyD was in the wrong, not us. We listened to him, then put him right ! Now waiting for you to stop giving us crap.......
Yep and he responded by admitting it, something you've never done. When you show even half the humility, understanding, respect and dignity of EAD, you will be starting out on the path to becoming as big a man as him. Maybe then I'll stop pointing out your disgraceful behaviour, or as you arrogantly call it, "giving you crap"
Support your allegations with evidence of me personally getting something wrong and not admitting or apologising for it. Point out this specific disgraceful behaviour.
I could quote so many but I'm not sure the formatting of this website can run to so many characters.
I don't need to quote you, the record stands. Anyone who reads this site knows what a nasty player you are.

Besides, whatever I say to you I'm just going to get called a Labour stooge or a loony left or whatever inappropriate, immature name you next dream up. How far you are willing to concede or capitulate is inversely proportionate to how much disrespect you routinely dish out on a daily basis.

You are the king of arrogance.

ReginaldBiscuit says...
12:35pm Wed 1 Aug 12

One of the funniest T-shirts I saw at Glastonbury last year was a picture of Gordon Brown's head superimposed on a picture of Gene Wilder from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Underneath it read, "Gordon Brown is a Wonka" - Brilliant!

Loving the fact that the 5th Teletubbie is finding offence at T-shirts. I'd hate to think of him getting wound up over real issues.

capt spaulding says...
6:17pm Wed 1 Aug 12

5TH Teletubbie who do you mean ?

baldiebiker says...
7:03pm Wed 1 Aug 12

I bought a T shirt from ASDA with PHYS ED on it thinking it was physical education till my daughter asked me why I had **** HEAD on my T shirt?

The Great Buda says...
3:00pm Thu 2 Aug 12

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
Mr Crabtree wrote:
Buzz Light-year wrote:
EvenAndyD wrote: Didn't see that. Fair enough - my error
Crabtree and sperare - See, that's how it's done. To admit you are wrong with such ease and dignity is something you guys seem unable to do. Real men know when to hold their hand up. You could learn a lot from EAD if you stopped giving him crap and just listened to what he actually says.
Er, sorry..... I think you will find that AndyD was in the wrong, not us. We listened to him, then put him right ! Now waiting for you to stop giving us crap.......
Yep and he responded by admitting it, something you've never done. When you show even half the humility, understanding, respect and dignity of EAD, you will be starting out on the path to becoming as big a man as him. Maybe then I'll stop pointing out your disgraceful behaviour, or as you arrogantly call it, "giving you crap"
Support your allegations with evidence of me personally getting something wrong and not admitting or apologising for it. Point out this specific disgraceful behaviour.
I could quote so many but I'm not sure the formatting of this website can run to so many characters.
I don't need to quote you, the record stands. Anyone who reads this site knows what a nasty player you are.

Besides, whatever I say to you I'm just going to get called a Labour stooge or a loony left or whatever inappropriate, immature name you next dream up. How far you are willing to concede or capitulate is inversely proportionate to how much disrespect you routinely dish out on a daily basis.

You are the king of arrogance.
I've suggested to Mr Crabtree that he may want to seek help, but I fear he is to dug in to his own little world now.

PinzaC55 says...
8:21pm Thu 2 Aug 12

I wonder if James Alexander would like to meet the Dali Lama? If you Google the question "What was Tibet like before the Chinese took over?" the results are fascinating.

Buzz Light-year says...
9:49pm Thu 2 Aug 12

I feel I should change "You are the king of arrogance" to "You can be the king of arrogance".
Thank you.

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