Rochdale and Oldham — Towns That Lost Their Souls

Editorial

Let’s not pretend any longer. In our opinion, Rochdale has become a shithole — a town run by crooks, crackpots, and self-serving charlatans who have turned public service into a protection racket. It’s a civic swamp where the powerful protect their own and the decent are left to rot or worse. The so-called leadership team, a club of compromised officials and moral cowards, has presided over decay so deep it stinks.

The health system — yes, the one supposed to heal and protect — has, on at least one occassion, been twisted into a mafia’s weapon, used to silence and punish he who advocates for kids and young people, stands up to and challenges the ‘CHOMO leadership’ and their hangers-on with benefits (whatever they may be), if you know what we mean?!

Let’s be clear: The Dale Blues is not of Rochdale. Our editor was born in Oldham, Lancashire. But we’re not sentimental about Oldham either. In our opinion, Oldham has become a partner shithole led by small-minded no-mark gang leader types like Jason Keast that are no better than ex-Rochdale policeman Bill Thirsk. Both represent that same tired brand of nasty coercive petty authority and moral vacancy that has dragged North East Manchester into humiliation.

Rochdale, and towns like it, once stood for honest work, with dignity, and some pride. Now they stand as warnings — examples of what happens when corruption becomes culture and cowardice becomes policy. The only cure is exposure. The only treatment is truth. And that’s what The Dale Blues exists to deliver.