I’ve blogged a few times about the absurd lengths to which the government’s “tough on crime” rhetoric takes it, but now Helen Duffett on Lib Dem Voice has done an excellent job rounding up some of the most recent stories:

So far-fetched have been recent grounds for arrest, or for flagging yourself up as a terrorist suspect, that people keep asking me if Lib Dem Voice is running a series of hoax posts. (We’ve had lingering near street ironworks, ordering vegetarian airline meals, handing in lost property, scaring ducks, putting your bin out on the wrong day, looking at things and – easily the most heinous, in my opinion – going equipped with balloons.)

I thought I was joking (albeit darkly) when I said on LibDig that people might one day be singled out for their taste in music, but even that now appears to have happened. Home Office Watch features the terrifying ordeal of a jazz musician arrested by anti-terror police who had taken his soundproofed studio, replete with wires, as a sign of bomb-making.

You can read Helen’s full piece here. The serious point of course is that there are all examples of how keen the state is to keep tabs on the innocent and suspecting on the flimsiest of grounds – rather than concentrating on going after the guilty and genuinely suspicious activity. Each time there is one of these silly stories – remember not just the innocent victims, but also that it’s police time and resources that could have been going on something more worthwhile.

Big event of the day Sunday was – no not the footie – the Centenary of Hornsey Bowling Club. To celebrate one hundred years there was a tea and a match with the Francis Drake Bowling Club.

What a great institution this is. But as the members said – they need some new and younger blood. It is such a lovely sport – with the pure, manicured bowling green. Thank heavens I wore wedge shoes – as heels are a no no!

I only had to go on the green for the ‘spider’. This is where they place a spider on a white bowl – and then everyone stands around the edge of the green and rolls their wood to try and knock the spider off the white bowl. I didn’t get mine anywhere near – so thank goodness it’s the taking part that matters.

I talked to lots of the members who were there – and it is quite clear – that for many folk (particularly those who at this stage of their life find they are on their own) that this fulfils a really important social function. Sadly – no photos – as my batteries had run out.

Later I went over to Ilford and Cranbook ward to help Lib Dem Helen Duffett campaign in a council by-election.

Given that this is virgin territory for Liberal Democrats – it was very positive on the doorstep.

And as you can see from the damaged street name sign – lots of work for to take up and run with!

One of my interns, Helen Duffett, has started her own blog. Hurrah! More women political bloggers I say!