Office fair trading

Questions and Answers

So the Office of Fair Trading has said they don't have the resources to cope with internet/email scams......

Q) ...but really, should they have to? Are people really so stupid that they can't see that an email asking you to send X amount of money to someone that you don't know in order to make ten times your money back is a scam? Would you really invest your own money in a company that you heard of in an email sent by someone who didn't even know your name? Too many of us nowadays seem to have the attitude of 'If I want something I want it now and I don't want to work for it'. Can these people not see that something that seems to good to be true usually is? Mictlan_KISS - My question is about INTERNET scams so I put it in the INTERNET section. Obviously.

A) The "Nigerian Banker" letters are fairly obvious, but other phishing scams, such as dummy websites for banks etc. are a lot more plausible, particularly with the rise of internet banking. The most recent addition in the UK is phoney rebates from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs) for comparatively small sums. Best advice, as someone who works in the financial sector? Always err on the side of caution, don't reply to ANY emails. Any genuine email will most likely include a phone number, which you can check against correspondence from the bank.

do you agree with the office of fair trading?

Q) should banks be made to refund charges made on peoples accounts or should people accept responsibility for their own mistakes?

A) I think people should accept their own mistakes but the banks charge far too much for being just a small amount overdrawn. Maybe if the banks lowered their charges people wouldn't keep trying to claim refunds back.

Can anyone tell me the basic difference between Trading Standards and the Office Of Fair Trading?

Q) I wish to make a complaint against a company that I had a contract with. Due to no fault of my own, I was unfairly hit with a number of financial penalties during my time with them. I have been advised to forward complaints to both of these, by different people. There is also a company that owes me money and once paid me with a cheque that bounced. I also wish to make a complaint against these. If someone could explain the fundamental differences in these two organisations, I would appreciate it.

A) Trading standards deals mainly with breaches of legislation, like failure to complete a contract, using shoddy materials etc and is run by each local authority The OFT deals with market issues like are bank charges reasonable, will a merger give a company to big a market share, Are the supermarkets operating a cartel. Thay are also responsible for overseeing and coordinating the local trading standards services. If you are having problems with a company it would be trading standards that you would contact in the area that the company are based. Personally I have never found them to be much use. They may stop a company trading, but are of little help if you are in dispute.

Are insurance contracts in the UK governed by the office of fair trading?

A) Dont know

my vet refused me a prescription but sells me the drugs himself. petmeds.co.uk says this is illegal, true?

Q) my robbie (alsatian) is on medication daily. i asked my vet for a prescription but he said no because i want to buy online. i spoke to petmeds.co.uk who were nice and said the vet is actiing illegally by refusing in this instance. they suggested i tell the vet i had spoke to the rcvs and i know what my rights are. i need a prescription because i can't afford the cost of the drugs at the vets. is petmeds right? what can i do apart from change vets? they said i can complain to rcvs and office fair trading but said it takes a while. what else can i do? thank you for reply, i will look up my nearest centre. i'm just retired, not on benefits as such but don't hvae lots of money. does that mean i would be entitled do you know

A) I agree with everyone who has answered this question. How come he can sell the drugs yet you can get them on prescription, what this vet is doing is most definitely illegal. He is obviously able to charge you more for the drugs than what he would get if they were put on prescription, I think that he's a chancer and you have unfortunately had to buy these drugs for your dog and he knows this. I have a small dog and yes if he needed drugs I would do the same as yourself but its time to stand up for yourself. If necessary CHANGE your vet to one recommended to you by other dog owners or the rspca. They will also help you out in the mean time with your drugs for your dog, then if you are able to and they do help you find a decent vet you could always give a small donation as the drugs would probably would have cost you a fortune anyway and the RSPCA are always looking for help with their worthy cause. The Very Best Of Luck x P.s. Don't be afraid of this hood of a dentist he shouldn't be allowed to practise and If I were you I would make sure I started the wheels get in motion to that direction. He should also be made to compensate you for the worry he has put you through.

What do you do if your council is refusing to grant you a licnence to....?

Q) carry out your business even though the government, office of fair trading, department of trade and industry and the National consumer council have said that it is unfair of them to do so and by doing so it imposes a risk on public safety and represses innovation....?

A) You might consider talking to your the congressman for your district. While he may not decide to intervene, if what they are doing is illegal, he may know who to refer it to for prosecution. Good luck!

Has anyone been refunded an unjust bank charge, if so how?

Q) My bank is a pain, it refused to pay a cheque even though there was money in my account to cover the balance of the cheque. They charged me £35 even though I have a letter saying it was their mistake, but the charge is going to stand because of the costs they incurred by refusing payment. I have since researched the UK law and the office of fair trading reported on the 5th April 2006 that the bank charge are wrong because they can not charge more money then what it cost them to deal with the issue therefore they are presumed to be unlawful in the absence of specific proof to the contrary. How do I get my bank to give me back my money seeing that they have stolen it. And how much does it cost a bank to refuse payment of a cheque, in time and actual resources. Already spoken with the bank manager and he said even though it was their fault the charge is going to stick because it is what it cost them to deal with the issue.

A) Try the latest edition of WHICH. They have picked up many of the same points as you. If you visit their website (below) they have procedures you can follow.

television licence.. should we pay?

Q) The bbc should be made to compete on a level playing field.It is inherently unfair to commercial channels. I cannot believe that the office of fair trading has not put a stop to this years ago KLEWLESS

A) It should be abolished and paid for by advertising,and just like ilickgash, I got away with not paying for 6 years,but the worry and theat of being fined £1000, or more did my head in so I relented and joined the mugged masses and pay for it on a payment scheme,well it save having to hide the tv everytime the licence people are in my area,besides, my poor knackered back can't be doing with the strain.(29inch screen and it's flippin heavy)...

Help with very rude Link Financial Debt Collectors ....?

Q) I am being harassed by this company for a debt they cant/wont prove I owe and I have complained to the Office of Fair Trading about them but the OFT cant get involved, who can I go to who can step in and help me get to the bottom of the matter/ would it be the financial ombudsman?

A) Go to the consumer action group forums, address below, and ask for help there. They have a lot of people with good legal knowledge who can help you. Im sure you`ll get a number of answers that would help you out. My own advice would be not to talk to them at all over the phone (will stop the rudeness!) and only communicate by letter. Its much better if you have everything in writing. You can also do a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act to get details of the alleged debt. If they can't send the original credit agreement, then after 30 days they can't collect the debt. They are also not allowed to harass you while a debt is in dispute. I had the same thing happen to me, and I made the subject access request to see a copy of the original credit agreement behind the supposed debt. The debt collectors wrote back and said they would pass the details on to the people they were persuing the debt for, and would put the account on hold in the mean time. That was the last I ever heard about it!

Bank Charges - Can you still reclaim them?

Q) I have recently looked into claiming my bank charges from the Halifax PLC. I got absolutely stung with these charges while I was at university - making things 10 times harder for me at the time, However, I noticed this article on the Halifax's website: "On 27 July, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and 7 UK banks and a building society started a court case to decide on the legality of unauthorised overdraft charges. The British Bankers' Association has made a statement on behalf of the banks involved. You can read this statement at www.bba.org.uk This case is being called a "test case" because the decision will clarify the law in this area and is likely to apply to all current and new claims against current account providers about unauthorised overdraft charges. We will continue to post updates on our website to keep customers informed of progress on the test case as this could run for at least a year." Does this mean that we can no longer claim - can we still go ahead?

A) The answer to this is both yes and no. As you've seen the banks have been granted a hold by the FSA on dealing with claims, and claims in court have stays put on them suspending the cases for the time being. You can still claim, and if you plan to, its worth doing now. All you need to do is to write to the bank saying you are unhappy with the charges and want to claim them back (you can use the template letter on my site). You need to send the letter by recorded delivery. When the letter is delivered, the banks have to log it, and send acknowledgement within 5 days. The claim will then be put on hold. Putting the claim in now though "locks" the date of the claim, so no matter how long the test case takes, you will still be able to claim back to August 2001. The test case is going to be at the beginning of next year, but no one knows how long it will take to reach a conclusion, and then theres likely to be appeals by the loser. If the OFT win, then all cases will be resumed, and it will be much easier for everyone to get their charges back. If the banks win, then it will mean an end to claims. Putting your claim in now also has the advantage that if the OFT win, your claim will be dealt with quicker. You are only gambling with the cost of postage so its definately worth doing! For a more detailed guide to the current situation, along with template letters and spreadsheets, have a look at my site below. The site is free to use!

Sent to the office of fair trading re Gerry, Kate Mccann and missing Madeleine. Will you do the same please?

Q) https://ssl.certifiedmail.com/(cvv3hg45mk5ytgbtcwsep455)/form.aspx?co=891&frm=complainform&ri=NE&to=advice As a matter or urgency I find a Limited company receiving funds illegally from the public, they claim to be a fund and are not making the public aware clearly that they are not a charity but a Ltd Company who can do what they like with the money donated in good faith. Can you point me in the right direction to get this stopped and save people from being further scammed. I believe the fund amount that is being shown is wrong and that with events being held for this company under false pretences the fund must be far higher.Who can regulate this? This needs to stop as a matter of urgency. The Ltd company are advertising on TV, cinemas, the internet the press and their message of " DONATE TO THE FUND " is far reaching. Surely it should say dontate to our " Ltd Company "Can you advise as a matter of urgency please

A) well said

Unfair Bank charges. The company that helped me claim back - should I pay them...?

Q) I had a company help me claim my bank charges back since January. It was for £3,785. Early April, Barclays offered me £1,700 as a good will gesture, I decided to go for the full amount so the claims company handling this put my claim through the Final Ombudsman but didn't do it until the end of may. What with the many claims going on, I was told it would take a while, then end of June I had a letter stating they're working on my case. ... now this is where i need your advice... I contacted the claims company who said everything was on stop due to the Office of Fair trading test going on now. I asked if they would reopen my case after the test, and they said probably not... So, I rang the final ombudsman myself to ask about time limits etc.. and to my surprise, they said they'd sent me a letter with an offer of £2,780 and had i not recieved the letter??? So, I rang back my claims company, asked if they had got the letter from the FOM, and they put me on hold for 10 minutes and lo and behold - they said they had a "back log" of settlement letters Now they're asking for £580 for their service but i dont want to pay them becuase 1. they wasn't pleasant to deal with, 2. they gave me the wrong information, 3. they took their time & 4. they had my letter there for 2 weeks so i've incurred more interest waiting What would happen if i didnt pay them? and its a new company, so if it went into liquidation,would i still have to pay? BTW, the £2780 will be paid straight into my bank in 4 weeks, they want their £580 when that goes in by cheque

A) Will they release the money if you don't pay them? I actually think you should pay them something but see if you can pay them a lesser amount due to the reasons you listed. I would call and be very pleasant but also detail how much pain you were in waiting for this money and that they could have lessened your grief by a number of weeks if they had only been current with their bookkeeping. Explain that this is why you went to them in the first place, that you had heard how competent they were and how they had good customer service and that now you feel that you had to so some of the legwork yourself and now you feel that the price they are wanting to charge is too much. Only talk to a supervision because you don't want to waste time with someone that has no authority to change prices. Be very nice (but firm) because it is better to start off nice and then go to not so nice than the other way around. Good luck and I hope you get your money!

Tell if this is a fair trade for the Lakers and pacers?

Q) Ok the Lakers need to stop b.s around and get Kobe bryant somebody .Since the lakers feel like there giving up to much they need to ask for someone else back with o'neal. so the Lakers should trade Odom, Bynum and Radmonivic for O'neal and Daniels. That way it's somewhat fair.But man they need to get something going Can't blame kobe for being pissed off at the front office damn lets get something going.

A) I am a Laker fan and I would do that trade. Odom is not consistant, Bynum is all potintial, and Radmonovic stopped being a great shooter after he got traded to the Lakers. I would do it.

I was scammed by Sandra Merry, Marry Sandra, Faith Lawson, Imoh Bassey, Stella Johnson, for £16,500GBP.?

Q) Scammer's emails, lovelyfaith212@yahoo.com, S_jo10@yahoo.com, whale_4_love@yahoo.com, scammers has destroyed my personal life and they are trying to send me postal cons to my home address, now the scams are getting worse, I told the Office of the fair trading about the scammed, and Yahoo, Western Union, NatWest Bank, Natiownide Building Soicety, the scammers are keep calling me on the phone asking for my personal details I nearly gave in to the ladies scammers on the phone by giving my credit card details and a women scammer was outside my house asking me to see her for a Visa Card, I thought this must be a scam trap, to lure more money from me, I have scammers hunting me down where ever I go, the problem just get's worse and worse an nothing cannot be done about the situation I am in, more scammers are out there for using me to make money of out me things are getting really spooky over here, I dont know why I was duped, and con from women online and they are always asking me for money

A) You don't mention reporting this to the local law enforcement agencies, which would seem to me the best choice for getting an investigation into the activities of this person or persons.

NAFTA Super Highway: Is this the Highway to HELL?

Q) The evidence is mounting more with each passing day-our government has sold us out! The North American Free Trade Agreement-was passed by the Clinton Administration in 1994,we were told that NAFTA would lead to better prices and more fair trade for American Business. But there was a prophet among us--he was running for the office of President when he uttered the following words "WITH NAFTA YOU WILL HEAR A GIANT SUCKING SOUND COMING FROM SOUTH OF OUR BORDER-THAT WILL BE OUR MONEY AND JOBS HEADING SOUTH" We all should remember this guy Ross Perot. What those in power did not tell us about NAFTA was the agreement would encourage millions of illegal aliens to sneak into America for low paying jobs. That NAFTA would lead to the destruction of America's manufacturing base and millions of good-paying jobs along with (remember what Ross Perot said "Giant sucking sound")driving down the value of the American dollar. But it gets worse, the long term goal of NAFTA is the dissolution of our borders with Canada and Mexico. This final stage of NAFTA is underway with the construction of a massive Superhighway from Mexico to Canada, the NAFTA agreements called for a massive corridor that would allow international goods to flow into America through a "SENTRI" system of "FAST" lanes that would only perform electronic security checks on vehicles carrying goods from Mexico and Canada. Official customs checks on these foreign trucks carrying who knows what would be performed in Kansas City, Missouri roughly 1000 miles from our northern and southern borders-this custom check center will soon be under construction...From Kansas City Missouri these foreign goods would be allowed to fan out across our country via railroad. These new NAFTA corridors will begin with the TTC-35 (The Trans Texas Corridor), future plans include a CANA-MEX corridor that will span the west from Mexico to Canada through Arizona,Nevada,Utah,Idaho and Montana, and the TTC-69 that will run from House,Texas to Memphis,Tennessee to Port Huron,Michigan to Toronto,Canada. Eventually,the NAFTA SUPERHIGHWAY will be expanded to a system of 80 large,small and moderate size corridors crisscrossing the United States,Mexico and Canada which will all but eliminate any form of a border between the three countries.. Find this hard to believe-well President Bush just finished up a meeting in Canada with both Canada and Mexico leaders discussing trade. In the future it is envisioned that there will be one currency,one North American Community with a single North American Government with no borders--thus our illegal alien problem--NO MORE we will all become citizens of the North American Community/Government this is the long term future of our great country if our government is permitted to continue building the "SUPERHIGHWAY SYSTEM" The immediate damage of this globalist creation will be catastrophic 1. Millions of homes,ranches,farms,businesses and whole communities will be bulldozed under "eminent domain"as thousands of miles of new highway is constructed. 2. Taxes and tolls will increase all across the country to help pay for the SUPERHIGHWAY. 3. Americans will be forced to pay for the Mexican portion of the Superhighway since the Mexican government claims it can't afford to pay its own way. 4. There will be no security on what was once our borders, terrorist and other enemies who wish America harm will have access to our country via the Superhighway.. Question to all that read this "Do we really want to abolish our borders and become just one big happy family with Mexico and Canada--do we really want to become the likes of the European Union?? Do we really want our country all of it's heritage,customs,freedoms to be flushed down the toilet of Globalism? I think not--we must not let our Government who seems hell bent on sending our nation on the HIGHWAY TO HELL--we must stop them dead in their tracks. Our own government has become a threat to its own people--selling us to the highest bidder. This has to stop We must pressure President Bush and his Administration into canceling this globalist nightmare while there is still time. Call the White House-send e-mails-letters-call you Senator and Congressmen tell them we want this GLOBALIST sellout to stop and to stop now. We want to remain the United States of America-we damn sure don't want our borders shutdown and we damn sure don't want to become North American Community under some Globalist Central Government. People this is a real threat to not just us but to our children and their children their very future as Americans is under attack--we must stop this NOW.. Ross Perot predicted this, and folks it's happening right under our noses. Do you feel comfortable with this? Will you be willing to help put a stop to this insanity? The map: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=15497

A) I voted for Ross Perot and thought he was the right man for the job at the time. he had some good ideas and was going to serve this nation for free. I guess he wasn't in the right click though. You failed to mention that Bush Sr. started NAFTA. Clinton just followed along like a good corporate elitist should. I laugh when I hear people arguing about immigration because it's all a big facade. All three governments want the NAU and I don't know who will really help us to defeat this plan except for another Perot personality and that is Ron Paul. I have no faith in the voting system though. We will get what they want us to have unless there is a huge revolution in this country and we will probably utterly fail.

why world hates somaliland ???? i wonder god help us?

Q) ony Blair's Africa Commission has a profound historic opportunity to, firstly, facilitate development in Africa and, secondly, to focus on promoting peace and stability. MEET THE PANEL Name: Iqbal Dawood Jhazbhay Age: 41 Lives: Pretoria, South Africa Occupation: Community activist and Senior Lecturer, University of South Africa Born: Durban, South Africa Religion: Islam with strong focus on spirituality In 10 words or less: Activist, loves swimming, Zikr meditation and country walks with family Often, Africa as an agenda item has fallen off the table. The time to bring it to the centre stage is well overdue, in the interest of world peace and security. Clearly, the world's security lies in the continent's development and stability. I am hopeful that this Commission can focus on solving the most neglected conflict of Western Sahara, which is 28 years old. Another area I would suggest needs focus is the current democratic transition in Somaliland (former British Protectorate), now the northern section of the defunct Somalia. The Commission must support its parliamentary elections on 29 March 2005, which is the first in the area since 1968. African voices: See where our panel live Enlarge Image I agree with South African President Mbeki that it is "shameful and regretful" that we have neglected Western Sahara. Why neglect the wishes of the people of Western Sahara and Somaliland for self-determination? Mercifully, South African NGO's, political parties and the business sector have started working with Somaliland. I have travelled seven times to Somaliland via Addis Ababa. Tony Blair's Africa Commission will be fondly remembered if it succeeds in highlighting the key development concern of fair trade and market access and, moving towards resolving the situation of the two neglected peoples of Western Sahara and Somaliland. We all indeed have a positive role to play in contributing to a better life for all. As a success story, Somaliland is Africa's best kept secret" Iqbal Jhazbhay Click here to read Iqbal's essay Our own humanity remains compromised as long as the people of Africa, Western Sahara and Somaliland, remain shackled by redundant policies, which do not see the urgency for creative action. We all recall it took the ANC in South Africa 82 long years before the first democratic election in 1994 (1912-1994). Surely, we all can do better. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your comments: 97% of the Somaliland people voted in 2001 to end the union with the rest of Somalia. In December 2002 there were elections to elect the three parties that would run for the president's office. And in April 2003 we elected our own leader. Somaliland has already done more to accommodate the will of the people which is more than I can say about other African countries. Hopefully Mr Jhazbhay will have given the commission a great deal to think about in regards to the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara and Somaliland. Said Mahad, Copenhagen, Denmark Bravo Iqbal and those who support the cause of the neglected states, such as Somaliland! It is now time to give credit to those who deserve it. Somalis are not the same. Unity is good if it is fair and balanced. But when it gets inclined to one side, it leads to disaster, rather than progress. We, the Somalilanders, have seen it, and we are not ready to go back to the failed unity with our poor brothers, in Somalia. We are not ready to lose our independence that easily. I think that is very clear to all. Omer Hassan, Bloomington, MN, USA To me Tony Blair has no real desire to alleviate poverty, disease, illiteracy and to bring stability in the content of Africa Alganesh Weldu, Norway I am an Eritrean woman who lives abroad looking for peace of mind and struggling to prop up the worst life situation of my family who live in one of the countries in Africa that has an imminent threat of war. To me Tony Blair has no real desire to alleviate poverty, disease, illiteracy and to bring stability in the content of Africa. If we try to scrutinize and review his speech, his blue print and his close relation with Prime Minister Melles Zenawi it shows the existence of something behind the curtain. To see prominent persons like Tony Blair and Bush supporting those who are violating and offending laws for those who respect laws is great sorrow for majority of Eritreans and it will take aeons of time to forget/obliterate it from our minds. Alganesh Weldu, Oslo, Norway A new dawn and fresh page for the Somali people after a long struggle and suffering Mohamed Abdi Hassan The new election of President of Somali's interim parliament Sharif and the newly sworn president of Somalia Hon. Abdullahi Yusuf are a new dawn and fresh page for the Somali people after a long struggle and suffering. Let us put aside personal grudges and emotions and support the new system. I am from Sanag region and the majority of the people in Sanaag, Sool and Buhodle and many others from Hargeisa and Buroa and Borama regions whole heartedly support the new government. I was really moved by the support of many African head of states and Middle Eastern who presented themselves at the ceremony in Nairobi. It is time for healing our wounds and forgiving one another. Finger pointing and creating unnecessary alarms are never forgiving. A federal government where each state has its autonomy is what we missed in the sixties. Time has come where we can all stand together and built our shattered nation. Let's give maximum support to the new President. Abdullahi Yusuf. May God bless you. Mohamed Abdi Hassan I'm welcoming the commission's initiatives for Africa, I would like to see Africa to come up ideas to help and resolve their problems rather outside figures always coming first to help Africa's issues. I also appreciate Iqbal's brilliant view and I urge Africa countries to take an example from Somaliland's popular method for solving the issues, and it is about the time Africa get realistic and recognize Somaliland. Omar Abdul, Ottawa, Canada Those who think South Africa was right to recognise Western Sahara are wrong Ari Ayour, London Those who think South Africa was right to recognise Western Sahara are wrong. Western Sahara was and is Moroccan land before Spain occupation. The Almoravides dynasty was extended even to Mauritania and Mali. The inhabitants of Western Sahara were African Berbers. The issue of Western Sahara was made up with help of Algeria. Please read the historical facts about African issues. In order to go forward with Africa, we need to work harder, not rely on anybody to solve our problems. Africa has all the resources needed to do so. Africa is already subdivided. Ari Ayour, London, UK Whether you live in Sool or Burao in Somaliland you shouldn't be thinking like one who has only been created for clans. You need a life, development for you and your family. If I am from Burao and the government of Hargaysa did nothing for me. I must vote for the other party for the next election. Some people are claiming they have been in the USA and UK for 25 years and still travelling the world. Get up and tell us how we can develop Djibouti, Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. We know Africa is a good place but has had bad management and it needs improvement. Mohamoud Abdirahman Ali, Birmingham, UK Somalis are one people, one ethnicity, one religion, one language and one culture so it would make sense to have one country. Somali problems will only be fixed by Somalis who can understand what is going on from grassroots on up. Not by outsiders who only have a peripheral vision of the problem, just as you have a disagreement in your household it is most hurtful when an outsider comes in who not only knows of your problems but also takes sides. We as Somalis must move forward and forgive one another. Dr Hussien Ali Abdulahi, London I hope South Africa will lead the rightful diplomatic recognition of Somaliland Yassin, Somaliland It is a great pleasure to read Iqbal's views about neglected countries like Somaliland. I hope South Africa will lead the rightful diplomatic recognition of Somaliland as they did last month for recognition of Western Sahara. Yassin Abdillahi Ahmed, Hargeisa, Somaliland I agreed with Mr Iqbal's idea of freeness and self determination. It's a will of the person(s) and we will never ever get a life until we accept the self determination and free of speech. Ismail Keyse (Dheere), Oslo, Norway But now after the election of Somalia and when Abdullah Yusuf became president I lost my hope Mohamed Saeed, UK I am a 26-year-old Somaliland man. I have been away from my country for 23 years. I was born in Somaliland but I have never been there except for only one small visit for two months. Now I have a wife and two children. I want from deep within my heart that my children will be able to have a life in Somaliland after the election of parliament on 25 March 2005. That was my hope until a month ago. But now after the election of Somalia and when Abdullah Yusuf became president I lost my hope. So I now prefer to continue living in the UK. I think many feel the same. Africa is the no hope land because of dictatorships and because when the people remove them, the international community then gives them back their chair again and again. I hope to live in my country once again but I think this is not a possible dream for now. Until that day comes I would like to thank the UK government for all the help that they give us. Mohamed Saeed, UK (ex Hergisa, Somaliland) I commend the true vision and honest idea of Mr Iqbal D Jhazbhay. It is way overdue for Africans to recognize and respect the will of the people of any African nation or group. Both Somalilanders and Sahawarians have spoken and it must be respected. Well done Jhazbhay. Hassan M Ogeh Hirsi, Los Angeles, California, USA Surely, you will agree with me that one person's right to self-determination should not result in the oppression of another Mohamoud Jibrell, USA I am a Somali from the Sanaag region of Somalia and I have been living in the US for the past 24 years. I understand that you are an advocate of Somaliland independence/recognition but are you aware of the simple fact that inhabitants of 50% of the land that Somaliland claims do not want to be part of Somaliland? If the inhabitants of Hargeysa and Burco do not want to be dominated by any Mogadishu based government, I respect their right to self-determination. Surely, you will agree with me that one person's right to self-determination should not result in the oppression of another. Unfortunately, Somalis are a clan based society and the Hargeysa regime is dominated by one clan. The inhabitants of Hargeysa, Burco and Borama absolutely have the right to say they don't want to be a minority in Mogadishu. Both you and they should also respect the fact that the inhabitants of Sanaag and Sool regions do not want to be a minority in Hargeysa. I spent part of my very happy childhood in Hargeysa in the early 70s; unfortunately, I also have very sad memories of the atrocities committed by both the SNM militia and the NSS of the Siad Barre regime in Northern Somalia in the late 80s and early 90s. If you are ever in New York, I hope you will contact me so we may have a friendly debate. Insha Allah all of Somalia and indeed all of Africa will have a peaceful and prosperous future. Best regards, Mohamoud Jibrell, New York, USA To Mohamoud Jibrell, USA: If you have been following the news, you would know that 97% approved the referendum. I am from Sanaag; every one in Sanaag does not share your opinion. If you disagree please check the referendum. Mr Jhazbhay, thank you for your hard work. Ahmed M, Ohio, USA To Mohamoud Jibrell, USA: It is one step forward. Personally, I have a close attachment to professor Iqbal's activities and articles. In my opinion he is one of a few African intellectuals pushing for past wrongs to be rectified so that neglected people's rights are addressed once and for all! Let me say one thing to my fellow Somalilander from Sanaag region: You know that 97% Somalilanders voted for reclaim of their sovereignty and for Somaliland's constitution. From that vote, Somalilanders decided to take the fate of their nation in their own hands. Mr Iqbal was there when Somalilanders were voting. Mr Iqbal, keep up the good work, may Allah bless you. Mohamoud H Nugidoon, Ottawa, Canada I continuously followed the contradictory statements of Mr Iqbal, but I did not find it intellectually stimulating or academically inspiring, particularly when he calls for the division of Muslim territories, while vehemently supporting the unity of his country. Thank you. Omer Kulmiye, UK Iqbal's views about the neglected countries like Somaliland and Western Sahara is a mirror image reflection of what South Africa went through for all those years. It's time the Western countries realise the need to help those countries where the help can make a difference in life economically, politically and socially. Somaliland is an example of success; all it needs is to have common ground officially among the rest of the world. It doesn't cost that much, does it? Max Horeh, London, UK This is very sincere advice for the international community in order that they do not make the same mistake as they did denying the people of South Africa their right of self determination. Allowing the same ordeal in the 21st century means we never learn from mistakes. Mohammed Yousuf Abdi, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia I too hope that this commission will play a positive role in contributing a better life for all Asmahan Sh Mussa, Canada Thank you Iqbal for being such a staunch supporter of Somaliland. I too hope that this commission will play a positive role in contributing a better life for all and will take a hard look at both the Western Sahara and Somaliland. In the case of Somaliland a union that was illegal to begin with should not he upheld at any cost. It is time for Africa to take a hard look at its old and compromising policies and come up with solutions for those who have been held hostage by a union that is illegal. Once again I on behalf of the people of Somaliland thank you for your tireless efforts in bringing to the attention of the world this neglected country that has risen from the ashes. Also, I congratulate South Africa for doing the right thing in recognizing Western Sahara and also thank this nation for being a friend of Somaliland. Asmahan Sh Mussa, Toronto, Canada

A) This is a forum for short, funny, witty appreciative questions and answers. You are at the wrong address. Please create your own blog and worry someone else with the world's problems.

If Clinton gets blamed for 9/11, isn't it only fair to blame Bush Sr. for the 1993 WTC bombing?

Q) 9/11 occured eight months after Clinton left office, and Bush and the Republicans blame him for it. The 1993 Word Trade Center bombing occured ONE month after George HW Bush left office, yet Clinton and the Democrats never blamed him for it. chance20, I think you're thinking of the Oklahoma City bombing.

A) And President Carter was responsible for the release of the American hostages in Iran. Reagan was still responsible for the Iran/Contra arms scandal.

can some1 help wit this homework simplify the paragraph or 10 paragraph essay thing?

Q) 1 A True US Patriot realizes if the rights of one are violated, the rights of all are at risk, and objects to any attempt to alter the Constitution in order to specifically undermine the rights and freedoms of others, ensuring that the Constitution will never be amended to endorse discrimination of any kind. 2 A True US Patriot holds the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence to be self-evident, and defends the Constitutional rights of others even when those rights conflict with personal and religious beliefs; believing that all men are created equal, even in times of war, the basic principles of humanity apply not only to one group of people or nation, but to all. 3 A True US Patriot supports the checks and balances within the three branches of government and rejects any attempts to circumvent or undermine them. 4 A True US Patriot exercises the right to openly challenge and hold accountable at all times, even and most particularly in times of war, those who do not honor their oaths of office, who purposely mislead the nation, who abdicate responsibility when those in their employ are caught engaging in criminal and unethical activities, and who fail to serve the nation with integrity. 5 A True US Patriot recognizes the contributions of the older generation and values the potential of the next, and that in order to promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves, our elders, and our Posterity, we must ensure that the basic rights of those we hold dear to access quality healthcare and education is steadfastly supported, uncompromisingly and without discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, or orientation. 6 A True US Patriot believes that human rights are inherent to the human condition and should not be given to non-living entities; the rights of corporations should not equal or exceed the rights of any individual, and the right to fair and equal trade as well as fair and equal pay are a vital part of those expectations. 7 A True US Patriot recalls that our citizens consist of the tired and the poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the ‘wretched refuse’, and homeless, tempest-tossed people, and welcomes fair and balanced immigration with managed borders to ensure an open policy while maintaining and increasing security for both those who would call this land their home as well as those who already dwell within. 8 A True US Patriot respects the personal religious choices of others, refrains from imposing their own beliefs upon others, refuses to support war in the name of religion, and offers foreign humanitarian aid unconditionally without tying it to religious dogma. 9 A True US Patriot knows that due process of law and the protections against illegal search and seizure are core principles upon which our nation is founded, and the respect of an individual's right to privacy and security within their own home is critical to the preservation of our freedom. 10 A True US Patriot respects the diversity and culture of all nations, recognizing that our continued success lay not in spite of other nations but in alliance with them in a uniform approach toward promoting the global general welfare

A) Does not look easy.

can some1 simplify the following paragraph:?

Q) 1 A True US Patriot realizes if the rights of one are violated, the rights of all are at risk, and objects to any attempt to alter the Constitution in order to specifically undermine the rights and freedoms of others, ensuring that the Constitution will never be amended to endorse discrimination of any kind. 2 A True US Patriot holds the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence to be self-evident, and defends the Constitutional rights of others even when those rights conflict with personal and religious beliefs; believing that all men are created equal, even in times of war, the basic principles of humanity apply not only to one group of people or nation, but to all. 3 A True US Patriot supports the checks and balances within the three branches of government and rejects any attempts to circumvent or undermine them. 4 A True US Patriot exercises the right to openly challenge and hold accountable at all times, even and most particularly in times of war, those who do not honor their oaths of office, who purposely mislead the nation, who abdicate responsibility when those in their employ are caught engaging in criminal and unethical activities, and who fail to serve the nation with integrity. 5 A True US Patriot recognizes the contributions of the older generation and values the potential of the next, and that in order to promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves, our elders, and our Posterity, we must ensure that the basic rights of those we hold dear to access quality healthcare and education is steadfastly supported, uncompromisingly and without discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, or orientation. 6 A True US Patriot believes that human rights are inherent to the human condition and should not be given to non-living entities; the rights of corporations should not equal or exceed the rights of any individual, and the right to fair and equal trade as well as fair and equal pay are a vital part of those expectations. 7 A True US Patriot recalls that our citizens consist of the tired and the poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the ‘wretched refuse’, and homeless, tempest-tossed people, and welcomes fair and balanced immigration with managed borders to ensure an open policy while maintaining and increasing security for both those who would call this land their home as well as those who already dwell within. 8 A True US Patriot respects the personal religious choices of others, refrains from imposing their own beliefs upon others, refuses to support war in the name of religion, and offers foreign humanitarian aid unconditionally without tying it to religious dogma. 9 A True US Patriot knows that due process of law and the protections against illegal search and seizure are core principles upon which our nation is founded, and the respect of an individual's right to privacy and security within their own home is critical to the preservation of our freedom. 10 A True US Patriot respects the diversity and culture of all nations, recognizing that our continued success lay not in spite of other nations but in alliance with them in a uniform approach toward promoting the global general welfare

A) 1. the good people will look out for the rights of them selves and as well as everyones elses. 2. The good citiztens basicly no that the Declaration is correct and are loyal to it and that beleveie in everything in it and defend its purpose. 3. They no that goverements system is good and they have nothing to worry about. 4. The good ppl will give them selves up for war for the country and the bad people will be who fail to sereve there country will be put to jail. 5. That you should respect each and every generation from old to young must repect everyone. cause they will be hte next generation. 6. thats rights are important and shouldnt be given to non human things. everyone should have ewual rights. 7. everyone in this land belongs here and no one should discrimated cause everyone is welcome 8. repcts everyone religion 9. will follow the laws. 10. repecst all culutres and our country wow that was alot hope it helped lol

Former Employer Being Illegally Unfair?

Q) My husband had gotten laid off from his job on September 11, and had to file for unemployment. The unemployment office said that he would not receive any benefits because his former employer had fired him instead of laid him off like they told him. His boss even said that they told him it was a layoff because they "didn't want to hurt his feelings"! Also, every company that my husband has applied to, including his new company said they bashed him and said extremely bad things about him when they were called for a reference! Nothing was ever said to my husband while he worked there, they even told him they would send him to trade school and give him a raise! They said they laid him off because it was "slow and there wasn't enough work to give him", and now they are saying this! Is this fair, and legal? Is this something we should let go, or do we have a strong case to fight for? There are other former co-workers who got "laid off" the same day as my husband and all say that the employer told them the same things. I understand that I have really only heard my husband's side of the story, but wouldn't they have fired him instead of promising him raises and education? (And I HAVE heard them say this!) This is in the U.S.A. Ok, the company is a small second-class (that is what other companies labeled them as, not me) heating and air conditioning company. My husband's new boss told him that when he talked to his old supervisor, he said my husband was a "nothing worker" and that he "practically wasted his whole year there" and told his new boss that if he were smart he wouldn't hire him! Also, now his former employer is saying that he was "fired" for mistakes he had made in the past because they "added up" and because "nobody wanted to work with him" which isn't true because his co-workers always told me what a job worker he was and how nice it was to have a person with enthusiasm! The company has no HR department, just a few office workers (its a very small company) and when my husband tried to ask them if they could talk about why he was "fired" they laughed at him, told him they didn't have time, to go find a job, and HUNG UP ON HIM! Is that fair?!

A) Assuming you didn't left anything out, no it's not fair, yes you could do something about it. 1- Gather proof (from the would be new employer) that your husband did not get those jobs because of what the previous employer said. 2- Subpoena the work record from the former employer 3- File a lawsuit for libel and defamation claiming loss of income as a consequence. [edited to add] If there were other employees 'fired' at the same time, then by definition they were all laid off not fired. You fire somebody for negligent behavior unless all those other employees were negligent at the same time they couldn't possibly have all been fired.