[MikeSz]

The challenge we face is differentiating between the political and non-political. Almost all of these threads have a political element of national or local significance, be that in the directly applicable abstract sense. Politics is by nature the discussion of how we operate as a community and as a country, what we value and what we consider important - politics exists because we disagree, and is enriched because we are allowed to. The thread on the death penalty, whilst not directly applicable in the UK has political consequences and people could be called to justify or clarify their views should they contribute to the debate.

This is neither a defence nor attack on Mr Jones - I am merely playing Devil's advocate.

The nature of local politics is sometimes seen as petty and petulant where members of all parties seize opportunities to score political points on their opponents. That is the way of politics and it is for people to decide as individuals how to judge their representatives - and the criteria for how they wish to do that.

MikeSz