The Conservatives have floated the idea that they may abolish the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and George Osborne welcomes the report by Sir James Sassoon.
It should be mentioned that the report also suggests that the FSA be split into two - what a typical bureaucratese solution to a bureaucratic problem!
As Richard North, over at EUReferendum, points out the report also states:
"......the UK authorities' voice has been publicly silent on the European dimension......."
For the UK authorities read Conservative, Liberal Democrats and Labour parties.
And politicians ask us to take them seriously? Bah! Humbug!
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Er - BT We Have A Problem
Broadband down - only dial-up so posting suspended for a while - apologies
Monday, 9 March 2009
Purpose? Expert?
Courtesy of England Expects, I am directed to this.
Picking up on the central question posed by EE, if anyone can answer the question 'What is the purpose of the European Union' they will have solved the 'Conundrum Of All Time', hereinafter known as 'COAT'.
Possibly an even more unanswerable 'COAT' is this: David Miliband - Expert?
Picking up on the central question posed by EE, if anyone can answer the question 'What is the purpose of the European Union' they will have solved the 'Conundrum Of All Time', hereinafter known as 'COAT'.
Possibly an even more unanswerable 'COAT' is this: David Miliband - Expert?
This Sorry Business
Lately I have blogged about this tendency of 'political journalists' writing article after article about the non-apology of Gordon Brown and the need for him to say that word - 'sorry'.
What should he say 'sorry' for?
For turning Britain into a gigantic welfare stare with what, 12million, on state benefit either through welfare or salary?
For selling off our gold at rock bottom prices?
For decimating our pensions sector?
For 'wasting' 12 years in office?
For the failure of his party's education, health and law & order policies?
For failing our armed forces through insufficient funding?
For lying to the British people over the non-existent differences in the EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty?
For totally screwing up our economy?
For being an incompetent idiot leading a collection of the same?
When are the 'political journalists' going to realise that Gordon Brown CANNOT say 'sorry' because to do so would mean he would, on principle alone, be forced to call a General Election.
Mind you - when did this politician ever show he had 'principles'?
What should he say 'sorry' for?
For turning Britain into a gigantic welfare stare with what, 12million, on state benefit either through welfare or salary?
For selling off our gold at rock bottom prices?
For decimating our pensions sector?
For 'wasting' 12 years in office?
For the failure of his party's education, health and law & order policies?
For failing our armed forces through insufficient funding?
For lying to the British people over the non-existent differences in the EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty?
For totally screwing up our economy?
For being an incompetent idiot leading a collection of the same?
When are the 'political journalists' going to realise that Gordon Brown CANNOT say 'sorry' because to do so would mean he would, on principle alone, be forced to call a General Election.
Mind you - when did this politician ever show he had 'principles'?
Welcome To The Police State
One of the 'rights' we are supposed to have in our democracy is that of protest. We are assured by politicians that we do not live in a police state.
First statement, arguably true - second statement, definitely not true. 25 years after '1984'................
From the Guardian of Friday last:
First statement, arguably true - second statement, definitely not true. 25 years after '1984'................
From the Guardian of Friday last:
"private information about activists gathered through surveillance is being stored
without the knowledge of the people monitored."
without the knowledge of the people monitored."
Big Brother Really Will Be Watching You
An interesting paper by Statewatch has just come to light and makes chilling reading for those amongst us who have concerns about our loss of privacy.
“Every object the individual uses, every transaction they make and almost
everywhere they go will create a detailed digital record."
everywhere they go will create a detailed digital record."
“All credit or debit-related purchases already generate monitorable and
searchable real-time information; but more and more transactions will be
of this kind as we move towards a cashless society...
These trends will be reinforced as biometric measurements are used to
enhance security at more and more locations - whether public places such
as town halls or train stations; private locations such as amusement
venues; or places of work.”
Every object the individual uses, every transaction they make and almost
everywhere they go will create a detailed digital record. This will generate
a wealth of information for public security organisations, and create huge
opportunities for more effective and productive public security efforts.”
searchable real-time information; but more and more transactions will be
of this kind as we move towards a cashless society...
These trends will be reinforced as biometric measurements are used to
enhance security at more and more locations - whether public places such
as town halls or train stations; private locations such as amusement
venues; or places of work.”
Every object the individual uses, every transaction they make and almost
everywhere they go will create a detailed digital record. This will generate
a wealth of information for public security organisations, and create huge
opportunities for more effective and productive public security efforts.”
Be afraid people - be very, very afraid!
Jacqui Smith Takes Refuge From Verbal Assault
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that our 'Second Home' Secretary was taken to task, during a discussion on the subject of domestic violence, by Sandra Holey, chief executive of Refuge.
The government is launching the action plan, entitled 'The Together we can end Violence against Women and Girls Strategy' tomorrow and the paper is reporting that:
"Abusive partners may be placed on a register and monitored by police, who would then be able to alert their future lovers."
How nice to know that the police will be able to forewarn potential victims before they get - whats the word I'm looking for, oh yes - shafted.
The government is launching the action plan, entitled 'The Together we can end Violence against Women and Girls Strategy' tomorrow and the paper is reporting that:
"Abusive partners may be placed on a register and monitored by police, who would then be able to alert their future lovers."
How nice to know that the police will be able to forewarn potential victims before they get - whats the word I'm looking for, oh yes - shafted.
Sock It To Them Woman!
Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Minister 'Up North', has lambasted the 'throw-away society' of today and suggested that to become greener we should even consider darning our socks.
Will someone please do something that would definitely benefit this country's environmental problem and recycle this damn woman - please?
Will someone please do something that would definitely benefit this country's environmental problem and recycle this damn woman - please?
Malloch Brown Telegraphs His 'Retirement'?
According to the Daily Telegraph Lord Malloch Brown, Development Minister, has stated that Gordon Brown should say 'sorry', although that is not what the article actually quotes him as having said on Radio 4's Start The Week.
It does rather beg the question whether MB is 'telegraphing' to GB that he has had enough of 'government'.
With the growing chorus for the word 'sorry' (Darling's, Mandelson's, Balls' - I think that is the right order) the words 'rats' and 'sinking ships' spring to mind.
It does rather beg the question whether MB is 'telegraphing' to GB that he has had enough of 'government'.
With the growing chorus for the word 'sorry' (Darling's, Mandelson's, Balls' - I think that is the right order) the words 'rats' and 'sinking ships' spring to mind.
Can Harriet Cope?
The Mail is reporting that Harriet Harwoman is being lined up to 'carry the can' for Labour's expected humiliation in the Local and European elections to be held in June.
If it (humiliation) happens, probably even before it happens, this latest news will open up a host of intriguing scenarios upon which the media 'can' and will, no doubt, expend masses of print.
'Can' Harriet pull off the impossible?
Will the press 'can' her before she even starts?
Will Gordon 'give her her head' or is this a ploy to 'have her head' 'Can' we know which Gordon?
When Harriet retires from British politics, will she do so in 'Cannes'?
OK - puns over, you 'can' stop reading now!
If it (humiliation) happens, probably even before it happens, this latest news will open up a host of intriguing scenarios upon which the media 'can' and will, no doubt, expend masses of print.
'Can' Harriet pull off the impossible?
Will the press 'can' her before she even starts?
Will Gordon 'give her her head' or is this a ploy to 'have her head' 'Can' we know which Gordon?
When Harriet retires from British politics, will she do so in 'Cannes'?
OK - puns over, you 'can' stop reading now!
Bureaucrats - A Cross To Bear?
One item in the Open Europe press summary today picks up on a story by the Mail on Sunday yesterday dealing with the display of symbols.
If the Mail on Sunday is correct, the EU is proposing to legislate to outlaw discrimination by businesses. According to the paper, any group offering a service to the public, including hospitals, charities and prisons, could be liable and it could affect, say, Christian charities displaying a crucifix.
The point of this post is not the ever increasing intrusions in our lives as a result of this country's membership of the European Union but that of the statement by a spokeswoman of the Government Equalities Office who is reported as saying that the department felt existing UK law was 'adequate'.
Why is it that this numpty, nay all numpties, seem unable to accept, or even recognise, that whilst we may consider our laws 'adequate', if our masters in Brussels decide to legislate they will do so regardless of what we think?
If the Mail on Sunday is correct, the EU is proposing to legislate to outlaw discrimination by businesses. According to the paper, any group offering a service to the public, including hospitals, charities and prisons, could be liable and it could affect, say, Christian charities displaying a crucifix.
The point of this post is not the ever increasing intrusions in our lives as a result of this country's membership of the European Union but that of the statement by a spokeswoman of the Government Equalities Office who is reported as saying that the department felt existing UK law was 'adequate'.
Why is it that this numpty, nay all numpties, seem unable to accept, or even recognise, that whilst we may consider our laws 'adequate', if our masters in Brussels decide to legislate they will do so regardless of what we think?
Potential Increase In Taxes?
Open Europe, in their daily press summary today, reports on the EU's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive which currently targets heavy industries such as power stations and extraction and mining industries.
The press summary, which quotes the Press Association, states that plans are to widen the scope and establish a permit system to prevent and limit pollution from "large-scale industrial installations." and that this could well effect 70 NHS hospitals.
A Conservative MEP, Caroline Jackson, has tabled an amendment to exclude hospitals and is hopeful that this amendment will be agreed at the first reading in the EU Parliament. Whats the betting?
This latest story is but another reason why this country should just get the hell out of the European Union. Some 'greenie-loving' bureaucrat dreams up an addition to a piece of existing legislation which will no doubt result in our taxes having to rise - something that will not affect said bureaucrat.
Why the blazes are we paying the billions we are for the pleasure of some bureaucrat's costly 'whim' when we have one of our own - the self-annointed Saviour of the World?
The press summary, which quotes the Press Association, states that plans are to widen the scope and establish a permit system to prevent and limit pollution from "large-scale industrial installations." and that this could well effect 70 NHS hospitals.
A Conservative MEP, Caroline Jackson, has tabled an amendment to exclude hospitals and is hopeful that this amendment will be agreed at the first reading in the EU Parliament. Whats the betting?
This latest story is but another reason why this country should just get the hell out of the European Union. Some 'greenie-loving' bureaucrat dreams up an addition to a piece of existing legislation which will no doubt result in our taxes having to rise - something that will not affect said bureaucrat.
Why the blazes are we paying the billions we are for the pleasure of some bureaucrat's costly 'whim' when we have one of our own - the self-annointed Saviour of the World?
Late Posting Monday 8th March
Just to advise that today I am heavily involved in EU and Local Election bureaucracy, coupled with questions relating to the next edition of our local newspaper.
As a result will not be able to start posting much before late afternoon - apologies to all.
As a result will not be able to start posting much before late afternoon - apologies to all.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Yet Another Political Party?
It would appear that on March 16th another political party is to be launched. In an article by its founder, highlighting the deficit in our democratic system, he states:
"Everybody knows that the system is broken, everyone agrees that reform is required. However turkeys do not vote for Christmas. It seems that if we want to change the system we have to change the turkeys."
Interestingly the only comment to the article - at the time of writing this blog - perfectly encapsulates the reason why the LibDems earned the nickname 'LibDums!
Unfortunately the central idea proposed by Sir Paul Judge is flawed in that it would, in effect, create a 'rudderless ship of state'.
All three main political parties pontificate about 'bringing decision making down to the lowest level', yet seem to do precisely the opposite. At least the UK Independence Party does have a policy that would do just that and which can be read here.
If the electorate really are disenchanted with the present political parties then they do have an opportunity to 'change the turkeys'
Give your vote to the UK Independence Party!
"Everybody knows that the system is broken, everyone agrees that reform is required. However turkeys do not vote for Christmas. It seems that if we want to change the system we have to change the turkeys."
Interestingly the only comment to the article - at the time of writing this blog - perfectly encapsulates the reason why the LibDems earned the nickname 'LibDums!
Unfortunately the central idea proposed by Sir Paul Judge is flawed in that it would, in effect, create a 'rudderless ship of state'.
All three main political parties pontificate about 'bringing decision making down to the lowest level', yet seem to do precisely the opposite. At least the UK Independence Party does have a policy that would do just that and which can be read here.
If the electorate really are disenchanted with the present political parties then they do have an opportunity to 'change the turkeys'
Give your vote to the UK Independence Party!
Is David Cameron Plugged In?
Writing his weekly column in the Sunday Telegraph, the inimitable Christopher Booker homes in on one of the two pressing problems David Cameron will face when he takes up residence at 10 Downing Street, a fact Booker states is increasingly likely. Interestingly, the print edition features a picture of David Cameron and Zac Goldsmith 'signing up' for 'green' electricity using their laptops whilst the on-line edition substitutes a picture of power stations 'belching' out smoke!
What Booker highlights in his article is Cameron's and the Conservative Party's naivete of the energy 'shortfall' that this country is facing, coupled with the vacuum that constitutes their policy.
Should David Cameron or one of his minions, sorry colleagues, deign to read this blog may I suggest that he and his party come down to 'earth', ditch their 'negative' outlook and thereby become a little more 'positive' about this issue?
Surely this question of the country's energy supply is important, so the question has to be asked of David Cameron - 'Wire' we waiting for you to say something?
What Booker highlights in his article is Cameron's and the Conservative Party's naivete of the energy 'shortfall' that this country is facing, coupled with the vacuum that constitutes their policy.
Should David Cameron or one of his minions, sorry colleagues, deign to read this blog may I suggest that he and his party come down to 'earth', ditch their 'negative' outlook and thereby become a little more 'positive' about this issue?
Surely this question of the country's energy supply is important, so the question has to be asked of David Cameron - 'Wire' we waiting for you to say something?
Taxiing Taxpayers
No - the heading is not a 'typo'!
It would appear from a report in today's Sunday Telegraph that the Speaker and his staff have been working extremely hard. The article informs us that a Freedom of Information request shows that their taxi bill has risen, in four years, from £215,204 to £445,565!
As the Sunday Telegraph points out, this is puzzling in that the number of late sittings has decreased over the same period.
Unless of course Mrs. Martin has been shopping more often and in so doing 'quantatively easing' the physical effort involved?
It would appear from a report in today's Sunday Telegraph that the Speaker and his staff have been working extremely hard. The article informs us that a Freedom of Information request shows that their taxi bill has risen, in four years, from £215,204 to £445,565!
As the Sunday Telegraph points out, this is puzzling in that the number of late sittings has decreased over the same period.
Unless of course Mrs. Martin has been shopping more often and in so doing 'quantatively easing' the physical effort involved?
Yet Another Profit Of Doom
As if one 'expert' is not sufficient, along comes another one - bit like buses really which all seem to be funded, one way or another, by taxpayer's money.
Besides Gordon Brown et all basing their 'reasoned opinions' on unsubstantiated 'beliefs' with regard to economic salvation, we now have Dr. Hayley Fowler, Newcastle University, informing us we should prepare for devastating storms and flash floods caused by climate change.
Leaving aside the question of, yet again, a newspaper 'parroting' one person's opinion without any questioning whatsoever, this is but another example of 'research' based on unproven facts.
Listen you numpty, 'doctorated' or not, climate change and/or global warming is still open to question. Those two matters are not yet fully understood or proven. To opine a view on 'doctored' facts, facts that have been proven incorrect time and time again by the website 'Watts Up With That' , is a bit of 'doctoring' we can do without - thank you!
Besides Gordon Brown et all basing their 'reasoned opinions' on unsubstantiated 'beliefs' with regard to economic salvation, we now have Dr. Hayley Fowler, Newcastle University, informing us we should prepare for devastating storms and flash floods caused by climate change.
Leaving aside the question of, yet again, a newspaper 'parroting' one person's opinion without any questioning whatsoever, this is but another example of 'research' based on unproven facts.
Listen you numpty, 'doctorated' or not, climate change and/or global warming is still open to question. Those two matters are not yet fully understood or proven. To opine a view on 'doctored' facts, facts that have been proven incorrect time and time again by the website 'Watts Up With That' , is a bit of 'doctoring' we can do without - thank you!
Conservative Security Spokesman Use Of Language
The Sunday Telegraph leader today comments on the forthcoming visit of Dr. Ibrahim Moussawi, who is a spokesman for Hizbollah, the Islamist group responsible for kidnappings, murders and bombings in Lebanon coupled with violent jihad against Israel.
The editorial notes that Baroness Neville-Jones, Conservative security spokesman, has written to our 'Second Home' Secretary that, viz-a-viz Wilders, there should be "no double standards".
Wrong choice of words Baroness - whilst this government only too well understand the meaning of the word 'double', as in double announcements and double taxation - to name but two examples - they have no idea of the meaning of the word 'standards'!
The editorial notes that Baroness Neville-Jones, Conservative security spokesman, has written to our 'Second Home' Secretary that, viz-a-viz Wilders, there should be "no double standards".
Wrong choice of words Baroness - whilst this government only too well understand the meaning of the word 'double', as in double announcements and double taxation - to name but two examples - they have no idea of the meaning of the word 'standards'!
Matthew D'Ancona - Political Journalist?
In his column today, Matthew D'Ancona waffles on, in his usual self-important manner, about Gordon Brown and the apology from him that we all know we won't get.
Listen Mr. D'Ancona, like most of the electorate I could not care less whether Gordon Brown apologises or not, whether it is on bended knee or not - it is of no consequence, understand? So why don't you write on a subject of importance, such as the undermining of democracy in this country?
Finally, for the avoidance of doubt where Mr. D'Ancona and his kind who are pushing this 'apology' line are concerned, come the next election Gordon Brown and New Labour will get the 'good kicking in the eds' that they so thoroughly deserve.
Listen Mr. D'Ancona, like most of the electorate I could not care less whether Gordon Brown apologises or not, whether it is on bended knee or not - it is of no consequence, understand? So why don't you write on a subject of importance, such as the undermining of democracy in this country?
Finally, for the avoidance of doubt where Mr. D'Ancona and his kind who are pushing this 'apology' line are concerned, come the next election Gordon Brown and New Labour will get the 'good kicking in the eds' that they so thoroughly deserve.
Election Next Year?
In an interview, published by the Sunday Telegraph today, Peter Hain talking about the continuance of 'New Labour' states
"If we want to be the government for the next five years, assuming there is an election next year, we are going to have to offer a very different prospectus or the people won't buy it" (my emphasis)
Does Peter Hain know something about the introduction of the Civil Contingencies Act that we don't?
Afterthought: Just noticed another 'unfortunate' phrase: What do you mean Hain, 'buy it'? So manifestos are a 'con' then?
"If we want to be the government for the next five years, assuming there is an election next year, we are going to have to offer a very different prospectus or the people won't buy it" (my emphasis)
Does Peter Hain know something about the introduction of the Civil Contingencies Act that we don't?
Afterthought: Just noticed another 'unfortunate' phrase: What do you mean Hain, 'buy it'? So manifestos are a 'con' then?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
