The print edition of the Daily Telegraph (it would appear there is no on-line link) reports that if proposed laws by the present government are introduced it would make homophobia a crime.
So no more Mr. Humphries 'serving' us with his witticisms then.
Why the surprise and condemnation by Rowan Atkinson, cited in the article, as after all the Government are only adhering to Article 19 (ex Article 13 TEC) of the consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which states:
".......combat discrimination based on sex,............sexual orientation."
When considering the reasons for this proposed law, one may be forgiven for paraphrasing another well known adage - Theres nowt so queer as the present government!
Thursday, 19 March 2009
If It Walks Like A Duck Etc
So Tony Blair is of the opinion that 'politicians must do God'.
Why not Tone Old Son - you all think you are so you may as well act like Him/Her/It. (just trying to be 'gender neutral' and 'politcally correct')
Why not Tone Old Son - you all think you are so you may as well act like Him/Her/It. (just trying to be 'gender neutral' and 'politcally correct')
'Socialist' Conservatives' (2)
Courtesy of Politics Home I have now found a copy of 'the speech' by our 'Great Leader II', which in my opinion is just a collection of words, words which in effect tell us nothing!
How much better it would have been had his speech just said:
"An incoming Conservative government will immediately begin implementation of the procedures outlined in 'The Plan', a strategy paper written by Hannan and Carswell"
Job done, Mr. Cameron!
The chances of that happening are so remote that it is yet another reason to vote for the UK Independence Party whose policy for governance of this country can be found here.
How much better it would have been had his speech just said:
"An incoming Conservative government will immediately begin implementation of the procedures outlined in 'The Plan', a strategy paper written by Hannan and Carswell"
Job done, Mr. Cameron!
The chances of that happening are so remote that it is yet another reason to vote for the UK Independence Party whose policy for governance of this country can be found here.
Democracy - Labour Style?
So Labour MPs are to get 'work contracts' to ensure that they 'pull their weight' in Parliament?
The amusing comment comes at the end of the report as when asked what the MPs would get in return for 'pulling their weight', Chief Whip Nick Brown replied that they would win his support - particularly when it came to re-selection time.
At which point, no doubt, all the Labour MPs replied with one voice 'Jawohl Mein General!
The amusing comment comes at the end of the report as when asked what the MPs would get in return for 'pulling their weight', Chief Whip Nick Brown replied that they would win his support - particularly when it came to re-selection time.
At which point, no doubt, all the Labour MPs replied with one voice 'Jawohl Mein General!
'Socialist' Conservatives
Yet another 'pronouncement' from the 'Great Leader II' on the aspirations of the next probable government.
It would seem to me that before the richest pay a fair share of the burden for the mistakes they have made, it might be an idea if the bloody politicians paid their fair share for mistakes made!
On the Government side, for mistakes made in signing the Lisbon treaty, the economic mess the country finds itself in, the erosion of democracy and the general contempt in which the electorate is held. On the Conservative side; for the total lack of creditable opposition and the contempt which they also exhibit towards the electorate.
To coin a phrase - Oh Boy!
It would seem to me that before the richest pay a fair share of the burden for the mistakes they have made, it might be an idea if the bloody politicians paid their fair share for mistakes made!
On the Government side, for mistakes made in signing the Lisbon treaty, the economic mess the country finds itself in, the erosion of democracy and the general contempt in which the electorate is held. On the Conservative side; for the total lack of creditable opposition and the contempt which they also exhibit towards the electorate.
To coin a phrase - Oh Boy!
Government And The Mail Problem
On Politics Home we have the news that the government is still listening on the question of the privatisation of Royal Mail.
Prattling on the subject, Nick Brown Labour Chief Whip, says that the modernisation programme must go ahead and that it would be irresponsible not to.
Listen, 'richard'head - not only would it be 'irresponsible' but also, more to the point, illegal under EU membership rules on competition.
Might it be an idea to start a list of MPs qualifying for the additonal title of 'richard'head?
Prattling on the subject, Nick Brown Labour Chief Whip, says that the modernisation programme must go ahead and that it would be irresponsible not to.
Listen, 'richard'head - not only would it be 'irresponsible' but also, more to the point, illegal under EU membership rules on competition.
Might it be an idea to start a list of MPs qualifying for the additonal title of 'richard'head?
Another Money-Raising Scheme?
Via The Taxpayers Alliance comes a story from the Shropshire Star regarding a proposal by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council to fine motorists for leaving their engines running, an offence which would mean a £60 fine.
Under cover of trying to 'improve air quality', 'environmental protection' and 'showing the council's 'green' good intentions' comes what is but a cynical move to raise money.
One can but wonder whether, if this goes ahead, how long it will be before other councils jump on this 'nice little earner'?
Ah, but it is good for the environment I can hear the cry - Spheroids!
Under cover of trying to 'improve air quality', 'environmental protection' and 'showing the council's 'green' good intentions' comes what is but a cynical move to raise money.
One can but wonder whether, if this goes ahead, how long it will be before other councils jump on this 'nice little earner'?
Ah, but it is good for the environment I can hear the cry - Spheroids!
Law-breaking Peers To Be Expelled?
The Daily Telegraph reports on the possibility of law-breaking peers being 'kicked out', according to new proposals.
Right - that is the peers sorted, now what about MPs?
The problem is that, at present, any possible penalty/retribution is decided by an 'in-house' committee. Far better if any peer or MP, suspected of misconduct, were judged by '12 good men and true', which would be far more democratic.
Mind you, that won't work as we don't do 'democracy' any more in this country!
Right - that is the peers sorted, now what about MPs?
The problem is that, at present, any possible penalty/retribution is decided by an 'in-house' committee. Far better if any peer or MP, suspected of misconduct, were judged by '12 good men and true', which would be far more democratic.
Mind you, that won't work as we don't do 'democracy' any more in this country!
BBC Poll Shock
Open Europe, in today's press summary, reports on the BBC/ComRes poll which shows that 84 percent want a referendum on this country's membership of the EU, with 55 percent wanting out.
You listening Brown/Cameron/Clegg?
You listening Brown/Cameron/Clegg?
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Responding to Public Opinion
Daniel Hannan - for whom I have a lot of time, mainly due his anti-EU, withdrawal stance coupled with his views on local democracy - states in a recent blog, on the subject of Cameron 'intending to freeze' the licence fee:
"If by "populism" you mean "a politician responding to public opinion", let's have more of it. It's what we used to call "democracy."
Daniel, if the decision to 'freeze the licence fee' is a politician responding to public opinion" then it is a pity that his principles do not extend to membership of the European Union!
Oh sorry, I forgot - this is a politician I am applying the word 'principles' to!
Ahem, silly me - slapped wrists!
"If by "populism" you mean "a politician responding to public opinion", let's have more of it. It's what we used to call "democracy."
Daniel, if the decision to 'freeze the licence fee' is a politician responding to public opinion" then it is a pity that his principles do not extend to membership of the European Union!
Oh sorry, I forgot - this is a politician I am applying the word 'principles' to!
Ahem, silly me - slapped wrists!
Cameron The Vacuous
David Cameron the next prime minister? Heaven help us then if this is an example of 'clear thinking and leadership'.
"I profoundly believe that we should be in the European Union but we don't want to see a further transfer of power from Westminster to Brussels." (my emphasis)
Has this potential leader of the country not realised that if the European Union wish to transfer power to themselves they have the means already to do just that? How does he believe he can stop that, even without ratification of the Lisbon Treaty?
The fact that David Cameron does not wish to see 'further transfer of power' is neither here not there. You and I know that, however it seems that our 'Great Leader Mark II' has not grasped what is a basic, present condition of EU membership.
Does he really know what he is 'profoundly believing in' and more importantly, has the Conservative Party grasped this point?
Are 'blinkers' a sartorial requirement for prime ministers?
"I profoundly believe that we should be in the European Union but we don't want to see a further transfer of power from Westminster to Brussels." (my emphasis)
Has this potential leader of the country not realised that if the European Union wish to transfer power to themselves they have the means already to do just that? How does he believe he can stop that, even without ratification of the Lisbon Treaty?
The fact that David Cameron does not wish to see 'further transfer of power' is neither here not there. You and I know that, however it seems that our 'Great Leader Mark II' has not grasped what is a basic, present condition of EU membership.
Does he really know what he is 'profoundly believing in' and more importantly, has the Conservative Party grasped this point?
Are 'blinkers' a sartorial requirement for prime ministers?
The Good Of Conservatism
Boris Johnson, writing in today's Telegraph on the subject of his party's "triumphant and election-winning transformation" and which is resented by the die-hard Tories of old, states:
"They want to hear some of that old-time religion: cut taxes, bang em up, kick em out, crack down on single mums – and all they get is the sweet reason and common sense of the current Opposition."
Now Boris is an extremely well-educated fellow - I take my hat off to anyone who can "do you a dozen Shakespeare sonnets, the whole of Lycidas (186 lines of the thing) and the first 100 lines of the Iliad in Greek" - but I feel forced to question him in two main areas.
Firstly, "sweet reason and common sense of the current Opposition"? - Whaaat? - Where?
Secondly, maybe a little of the "tax-cutting, bang em up, kick em out old-time religion" would not go amiss - eh, Boris?
"They want to hear some of that old-time religion: cut taxes, bang em up, kick em out, crack down on single mums – and all they get is the sweet reason and common sense of the current Opposition."
Now Boris is an extremely well-educated fellow - I take my hat off to anyone who can "do you a dozen Shakespeare sonnets, the whole of Lycidas (186 lines of the thing) and the first 100 lines of the Iliad in Greek" - but I feel forced to question him in two main areas.
Firstly, "sweet reason and common sense of the current Opposition"? - Whaaat? - Where?
Secondly, maybe a little of the "tax-cutting, bang em up, kick em out old-time religion" would not go amiss - eh, Boris?
Monday, 16 March 2009
Self Help Before Helping Others?
The Taxpayers Alliance has published a report which, according to them, shows that this country donated £100million to the Palestinian territories in 2007.
Now I am all for helping others, providing we have helped ourselves to the extent that we can afford to help others. £100million? Now lets consider how that money might help us.
More 'proper' police? Free nursing home care for the elderly? Better rail services? Better state pensions? A new nuclear power station? A reduction in Council Tax? More equipment/better housing for our armed forces? Better allowances for our MPs (I jest, of course!) The list is endless.
If the findings of the TPA are correct it just confirms what we all know - that this government has no idea of what is in this country's best interests.
Now I am all for helping others, providing we have helped ourselves to the extent that we can afford to help others. £100million? Now lets consider how that money might help us.
More 'proper' police? Free nursing home care for the elderly? Better rail services? Better state pensions? A new nuclear power station? A reduction in Council Tax? More equipment/better housing for our armed forces? Better allowances for our MPs (I jest, of course!) The list is endless.
If the findings of the TPA are correct it just confirms what we all know - that this government has no idea of what is in this country's best interests.
Mandelson's 'Conflict Of Interest' (2)
Yes its that man again! (with apologies to ITMA) As Open Europe points out:
"Crucial negotiations will begin in Brussels tomorrow to try to find a compromise over the EU's controversial Working Time Directive.You may remember that MEPs - led by Labour's very own Stephen Hughes - voted against a Council deal to keep the UK's opt-out from the EU's 48-hour week, back in December.
Now, the negotiations are at what's called the 'conciliation' stage - where MEPs and the Council have to come up with a compromise. In theory, this stage can last for up to six weeks, but rumour has it that tomorrow's negotiations are likely to be the end of the story - and if not, it's likely there will be only one other meeting, in around two weeks' time.
Crucially, the UK Government - which is in favour of the keeping the opt-out - does not have a veto over whatever is decided at the 'conciliation' state." (my emphasis)
And who is representing the United Kingdom in these 'negotiations'? You've guessed it - Mandelson. (The man who can spend over £2,000 a month on flowers - probably pansies - to brighten his office) You may also recall that we have a conflict of interest here.
Hey Ho!
"Crucial negotiations will begin in Brussels tomorrow to try to find a compromise over the EU's controversial Working Time Directive.You may remember that MEPs - led by Labour's very own Stephen Hughes - voted against a Council deal to keep the UK's opt-out from the EU's 48-hour week, back in December.
Now, the negotiations are at what's called the 'conciliation' stage - where MEPs and the Council have to come up with a compromise. In theory, this stage can last for up to six weeks, but rumour has it that tomorrow's negotiations are likely to be the end of the story - and if not, it's likely there will be only one other meeting, in around two weeks' time.
Crucially, the UK Government - which is in favour of the keeping the opt-out - does not have a veto over whatever is decided at the 'conciliation' state." (my emphasis)
And who is representing the United Kingdom in these 'negotiations'? You've guessed it - Mandelson. (The man who can spend over £2,000 a month on flowers - probably pansies - to brighten his office) You may also recall that we have a conflict of interest here.
Hey Ho!
Gordon Brown - Double Standards/Principles
So Gordon Brown does not agree with the views of his lackey, Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer as he has twigged one important fact which Donaldson obviously hadn't considered.
Rather than admit that on this question of pricing he has no power to act, it falling within a competence of the European Union, he comes out with:
"We don't want the responsible, sensible majority of moderate drinkers to have to pay more or suffer as a result of the excesses of a minority."
So Gordon Brown's principles apply to one subject yet not to another? If this was not the case then he would not have allowed the majority - the people of this country - to suffer as a result of the minority - the Labour Party and Europhile MPs -and granted the electorate a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
In the spirit of fairness it should of course be made clear that we are talking about a politician's principles here and a politician's 'principles' do not comply with the normal and generally accepted definition of the word!
Rather than admit that on this question of pricing he has no power to act, it falling within a competence of the European Union, he comes out with:
"We don't want the responsible, sensible majority of moderate drinkers to have to pay more or suffer as a result of the excesses of a minority."
So Gordon Brown's principles apply to one subject yet not to another? If this was not the case then he would not have allowed the majority - the people of this country - to suffer as a result of the minority - the Labour Party and Europhile MPs -and granted the electorate a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
In the spirit of fairness it should of course be made clear that we are talking about a politician's principles here and a politician's 'principles' do not comply with the normal and generally accepted definition of the word!
Labour To Scrap 'Cool Britannia' Policy For Musicians
Come on! Why stop at just this one?
Why not do everyone a favour and scrap all your policies?
And then just bugger off!
Why not do everyone a favour and scrap all your policies?
And then just bugger off!
£780,000 Flower Bill?
How much??????
Mandelson spent £24,155 in 11 months?
That is one hell of a lot for pansies!
Mandelson spent £24,155 in 11 months?
That is one hell of a lot for pansies!
Conservatives Cry Foul
Oh dear! The Conservatives don't much like the latest proposal from the EU Commission to create two 'economic watchdogs' which would, they say, hand over control of the British economy to the EU.
Just a cott'n pick'n minute you load of hypocritical greenie loving blues!
Who is content to continue our membership of the European Union?
Who won't admit that due to the nature of the Treaty of Lisbon, ie being a self-amending treaty, the EU can decide to take any area of government and make it a 'competence'?
Who has got their 'head in the sand' over the fact that one of the statements in said treaty is that 'The currency of the European Union shall be the euro' and that, whilst it is maintained a referendum would be held prior to any such change in the unit of currency, if the EU dccides to do it, any British government's 'input' will be of no consequence?
Who produces an energy policy without admitting that said policy is dictated by the European Union?
Whose Leader has flatly refused to debate, locally, with his constituents the matter of his avowed intention to maintain our membership of the EU?
And the Conservative Party ask this country to trust them? Now that is a joke!
Just a cott'n pick'n minute you load of hypocritical greenie loving blues!
Who is content to continue our membership of the European Union?
Who won't admit that due to the nature of the Treaty of Lisbon, ie being a self-amending treaty, the EU can decide to take any area of government and make it a 'competence'?
Who has got their 'head in the sand' over the fact that one of the statements in said treaty is that 'The currency of the European Union shall be the euro' and that, whilst it is maintained a referendum would be held prior to any such change in the unit of currency, if the EU dccides to do it, any British government's 'input' will be of no consequence?
Who produces an energy policy without admitting that said policy is dictated by the European Union?
Whose Leader has flatly refused to debate, locally, with his constituents the matter of his avowed intention to maintain our membership of the EU?
And the Conservative Party ask this country to trust them? Now that is a joke!
MP Accused Of Being Unsuitably At(tie)red
So an MP has been rebuked for not wearing a tie in the House of Commons.
It should be mandatory for all politicians and bureaucrats to be so attired.
This will save the electorate the expense of purchasing hemp when the time comes that they adorn our lamp posts!
It should be mandatory for all politicians and bureaucrats to be so attired.
This will save the electorate the expense of purchasing hemp when the time comes that they adorn our lamp posts!
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