Spotlight Comments

2012-03-02T10:39:00.000Z

http://english.pnn.ps/index.php/national/984-palestinian-authority-threatens-to-reevaluate-its-agreements-with-israel

These "Agreements" with Israel do not need to be reevaluated. Israel has never fully committed to them and has only paid lip service to the process of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. The illegal Israeli settlements continue to be built, new sections of the occupied territories are grabbed for new settlements and outpost, the evil inhuman blockade of Gaza continues, the terrorism of the IOF continue in Palestinian towns and villages, crops and water systems are destroyed by settlers protected by the IOF, homes and children's playgrounds are demolished in East Jerusalem more arrests are made under the Administrative Detention provisions. No. The Agreements do not need to be reevaluated. They need to be ripped up into thousands of pieces and thrown to the wind.

Israel will not last for ever in its present form.

2012-03-02T08:45:00.000Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/mar/01/lib-dem-lady-tonge-beware-israel-remarks

More hand wringing andjumping up and down to apologise to the Israeli's for making acomment on a matter of public interest. As it happens, I think thatshe was right. Israel will not last for ever in its present form. Thesooner politicians and in many cases the media get rid of theircollective guilty conscience with regard to Israel and recognise thereality of what is happening in the Middle East, the sooner Israelwill recognise that they are wrong in their actions and attitude. Theworld does not owe them a living.Their treatment of Palestinians andtheir barbaric blockade of Gaza is criminal. Israel will not last forever in its present form and the sooner it changes the better.

Harriet, you are wrong.

2012-03-01T06:15:00.000Z

http://www.labour.org.uk/olympics-are-fantastically-important-for-london-and-country,2012-02-29

No Harriet, you are wrong. The Olympics are important only to business interests, corporate hospitality industry and the media.The largest part of the people in this country will only see the extravaganza, the excesses and waste. They will see the costs, rising everyday, being funded from government coffers while more cuts in services, pensions, salaries and jobs are imposed, as the "Because We can't afford it" argument is trotted out of Whitehall. At the same time, rising prices will rise even faster as real incomes fall. We, the British people will be paying for this Olympic madness for years as every other host nation has found to their long term costs.

Olympics Protests?

2012-02-29T12:06:00.000Z

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/nick-clegg/9112676/Nick-Clegg-urges-Ed-Miliband-to-rein-in-Len-McCluskey-over-Olympics-threat.html

Clegg. Hypocrite, liar and unprincipled opportunist. Warsi. Hysterical outpourings (again) from a person who would be better employed getting a job (if she could find one) in the real world, like school assistant, care worker or even lollipop lady. Both from privileged backgrounds, both very well off thank you very much, both who have never had to worry about heat or eat, both who never had to consider how they will get on when reaching retirement age, both representing no one except their own class and interests. Don't lecture me on the rights and wrongs of public protest when you are spending £Billions on an event which will only benefit business interests, and the elite few. The rest of us will be paying for this extravaganza for years. When working people are subjected to the excesses you and your ConDem coalition inflict on us every day, do not bleat if we fight back with any weapon which we may have. A message for D. Milliband. support working people and agree with protest.

wind and solar energy projects on West Bank have been put on a ‘demolition list’ by Israel

2012-02-28T08:53:00.001Z

http://jfjfp.com/?p=28613

Collective punishment of Palestinians by a vindictive and barbaric Israeli Occupation Force.

The price of petrol

2012-02-24T11:02:00.001Z

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/oilprices/9093934/Oil-price-hits-eight-month-high-on-Iran-sanctions.html

Could someone, preferably from the oil companies, please explain the following mystery. On Sunday, there was a stock of petrol in the tanks at filling stations across the country. The Oil refineries in the UK were perhaps almost full of imported oil. There were many oil tankers on the high seas, bound for destinations all over the world and in particular Europe. All of the oil in these locations was brought and paid for some days if not weeks previously at the price level then in existence. At the same time, (Sunday) the price at the pumps,at least in the filling stations round here, was about £1.379 per litre. Also on Sunday, Iran announced that it was placing an oil Embargo on France and the UK, in addition to the measures against 6 other European countries announced last Friday. HEY PRESTO !! overnight the price of petrol at our local filling stations jumps to £1399 per litre !! I have a knowledge of Economics after 4 years of study, and the only model that these facts can fit is the one marked "Profiteering Greed".

A constant drip feed

2012-02-24T11:00:00.004Z

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/americans-consider-iran-to-be-u-s-s-greatest-enemy-poll-shows-1.413839

The constant drip feed of disinformation and propaganda appears to be working, at least in the United States. As someone once said, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it"

HEY PRESTO

2012-02-24T10:59:00.000Z

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/west-bank-outposts-spreading-into-area-b-in-violation-of-oslo-accords-1.413655

Lebensraum Israeli style. Grab the land for illegal occupation. remove the population with a bit of ethnic cleansing, build a few houses with a bit of infrastructure thrown in and HEY PRESTO! another little bit of Eretz Israel has been created.
"............the takeover of land in Area B is a combination of unbridled thievery by settlers and impotence on the part of the Israeli authorities."

If the "authorities" cant stop them, others will have to. The "playground bully" will always be a bully until someone gives him a bloody nose.

It used to be Rotten Boroughs, now its a Rotten Parliament.

2012-02-24T10:57:00.000Z

http://socialinvestigations.blogspot.com/2012/02/nhs-privatisation-compilation-of.html

More exposure of Westminster self interest. The whole structure of Parliament is rotten to the core. It used to be Rotten Boroughs, now its a Rotten Parliament.

THEY are all in it together and WE pay the price.

2012-02-24T10:54:00.004Z

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9090668/Ministry-of-Defence-civil-servant-awarded-86000-bonus.html

The lunacy of the ConDem coalition bonus culture MOD style. "WE are all in this together"? No............THEY are all in it together and WE pay the price.

don't expect me to follow you.

2012-02-24T10:52:00.002Z

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2102960/Irans-nuclear-programme-tip-world-new-Cold-War-warns-William-Hague-U-S-says-strike-Tehran-inevitable.html#comments

Hague doing what Hague does best. Spouting sabre rattling rhetoric, in support of the warmongering morons in Washington and Tel Aviv. They are all itching to attack Iran and expect the rest of us to believe that their hysteria is in our best interests. Well Hague, Clinton and Bibi, when you launch this insane adventure, don't expect me to follow you.

Extradition Treaty which only works one way

2012-02-24T10:49:00.000Z

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17146487

Another example of the Extradition Treaty which only works one way. The Torries in opposition pledged to change the system, but as ever, in Government the ConDem's prove yet again to be subservient to Washington. If this guy has committed a crime, which seems doubtful, then he should be tried in this country, not handcuffed, placed in an orange jump suit a la Guantanamo, and practically kidnapped off to the USA. .

It is not just a question of Cameron being a hypocrite.

2012-02-24T10:47:00.000Z

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pm-accused-of-hypocrisy-after-attacking-critics-of-big-business-7440162.html

It is not just a question of Cameron being a hypocrite. He intentionally, or worse, deliberately, misses the point. It is not big business per se that is being attacked. The attack is targeted at the financial excesses of big business. The greed and in some cases corruption associated with business, the "Rip Off" activities and profiteering.. The connivance and the individual involvement of many politicians in the business sector and the way in which Government actions appears to encourage business at the expense of the public. Companies allowed and encouraged to exploit consumers with higher and higher prices whilst announcing higher and higher profits. Energy companies making millions of pounds while people have to choose between heat or eat ,Banks awarding themselves huge bonuses while others have their basic pay frozen again, in some cases for the 3rd year in a row. The list of criticisms is endless and will continue for as long as Governments of any political persuasion, allow these obscene practices to continue. The whole business and political structure is rotten to the core and filled with those who think more of their pockets than their principles.

DWP, the Government and A4e.

2012-02-24T10:45:00.001Z

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2105486/Back-work-tsar-Emma-Harrison-steps-Government-role-firm-faces-second-fraud-inquiry.html

Benefit claimants have their benefits suspended if they are subject to investigation, yet this company who have been investigated by The by the DWP and are currently under 2 separate police investigations for fraud, still receive payments AND are now awarded a new contract. What the hell is going on? There is something very fishy about the whole set up between the DWP, the Government and A4e. Hundreds of millions of Pounds of OUR money has already been poured into A4e. WHY? Who is becoming very rich at our expense?

A time to choose?

2012-01-24T08:41:00.000Z

It is only necessary to have a surf around the Israeli on line newspapers and media (Haaretz The Jerusalem Post Ynetnews Arutz Sheva etc) to recognise a worrying aspect of media coverage of the Iran and Palestinian situations. Not so much in the actual reporting of events and editorial comments, although even these are themselves indicative of the preparation of their readership for future events, but more markedly in the comments and opinion sections to the articles. With a few exceptions, the submissions from the public are over the last 12 months or so, are becoming more and more extreme and vitriolic in content. In many ways, it is reminiscent of the press in Germany in 1938/1939 preparing the population for an inevitable war, to right the wrongs and injustices inflicted upon the German peoples during previous decades. Notwithstanding the injustices and wrongs of the Treaty of Versailles, the whole proposition was of course preposterous but the effects on public opinion were dramatic, leading to the acceptance by probably 95% of the population, of the idea that the only way to achieve justice was through a war of aggression. The great and sinister difference in 2012 is that the arguments of the threat from Iran with its “Nuclear Ambitions” and from Palestine with its quest for a Palestinian State, are not restricted to circulation within one specific country. On the contrary, the rush to impose sanction, the threat of military action, and in the case of Palestine the actual strikes against the civilian population, have been endorsed and taken up by some other nations of the world. The United States, an unconditional supporter of Israel since 1947, and now The European Union, led by a coalition of The United Kingdom, France and Germany are leading the clamour for more and more draconian sanctions against Iran and the deployment of military forces in the Gulf area and Strait of Hormuz.There is little doubt that in the propaganda war, the west, Israel, The United States and The EU have the advantage, since there has been a constant flow of disinformation and distortion for may years which is now becoming a torrent of belligerent output for public consumption. The Governments in the west appear to assume that the general population have short memories and soon forget the lies and hypocrisy associated with military conflicts and interventions since 1945, justified by the “spreading peace and democracy” argument. In George Orwell’s prophetic novel 1984 the concept of a perpetual enemy and constant warfare was muted as a means of control of the people. The similarities between the novel and reality now is remarkable.Soon, I believe, peoples of the west will be faced with the stark choice of either blindly following the path set by their Governments, or resisting the cul-de-sac of notion that all countries of the world are destined to be subservient to our values and systems. I have made my choice.

A Dangerous development

2011-11-14T07:14:00.004Z

A dangerous situation is developing in the Capitals of Europe, as un elected “Technocrats” are appointed to form governments of other un elected individuals with the objective of managing the Eurozone financial crisis. This solution originated in Athens following pressure from Berlin and Paris and now, with the demise of Berlusconi, has reached Rome. As the speculators of “The Markets” move against other countries in the Eurozone, how long will it be before Paris, Madrid, Dublin and the other vulnerable members of the Euroclub are forced to appoint these un accountable mandarins to form un elected Governments? The problem with this solution, which strangely enough, is praised and accepted by the “Markets” is that the new Governments are accountable to no one. Elected politicians, whether one agrees with their political position or not, are accountable to the people of the country who do have an influence on who governs them. The “technocrats” on the other hand are accountable to no one and have as their first allegiance, the maintenance and growth of the financial institutions, business and status quo of the market/speculator system who caused this crisis in the first place. There is another, even more sinister aspect to these new “Governments” and those still to be established. How do the people of any given country change the make up of their Government? Is there any means of removing the “Technocrats”, in the event that they determine that the “National Interest” is best served by extending their term of tenure as the “circumstances are not yet right” to hold elections and return to normal political activity. It is not only the reins of economic power that they hold. By definition, as the Government, they are able to carry out all those acts normally in the domain of politicians, but without any checks and balances which, by and large, maintain the democratic structure of a nation.The un elected technocratic clique, can and may, quite easily turn into the appointed dictatorship perpetuating its life for its own and its vested interests at the expense of the people and country it was supposed to rescue. We have seen it all before. The 21st Century could become a fulfilment of the old quotation, “Those who do not learn the lessons of history, are condemned to relive it.”

A New Egypt

2011-02-12T07:22:00.001Z

Within hours of the abdication of Hosni Mubarak, President Obama appears on the world television networks to welcome the resignation and call for “the military to ensure a credible political transition to a genuine democracy“.
That seems a bit rich from the President of a country which has propped up a tin pot dictator with arms, munitions and financial support for 30 years whilst at the same time turning a blind eye to the excesses of the despot who has abused human rights, destroyed all political opposition, employed thugs and criminals disguised as police, to retain a grip on power with the use of torture, imprisonment without trial and “renditions” on behalf of the US Government. However, the world observers may be excused for giving the US the benefit of doubt, and assuming that there has been a change of heart in Washington and they have now realised that the days of US interference in the politics of Middle Eastern Countries and the shameless hypocrisy of justifications, have come to an end. This hope was very short lived. Within hours of the Obama speech, we were informed that The White House says it is important that the next government of Egypt recognize existing accords with Israel. An instruction from the Americans to a Government of another Country, which has not yet been elected.
Whatever Government the people of Egypt, or Tunisia elect, or any other country in the region which replaces its existing Government within the coming months, then so be it. We in the West, particularly in the United States and to a lesser extent in Europe, have no right to interfere, whatever our own personal views or preference may be. The people of the Middle East were betrayed by the West in 1917, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. The peoples of these Countries, although not necessarily their propped up Governments, have mistrusted the West ever since. We must stop trading in hypocrisy, stop propping up tin pot tyrannical regimes in the name of political expediency, stop demonising Islam and start building bridges with the people of these countries, or we shall all be the losers

Empty rhetoric

2010-12-20T07:44:00.001Z

More empty rhetoric from Cable, the co conspiratorial hypocrite along with Clegg, Alexander and the others. Does this naive moron really believe that Osborne and Cameron will allow integrity to overcome bias? This latest ConDem hobby horse is only for public consumption and represents no threat to the cosy existance of the "City".
No one, Darling, Brown, Osborne, Cameron, Clegg et al has or had the political wiil or the personal inclination to take on their friends in the Banking and Finance sectors.
They cause the crisis and reap vast financial and influential benifits. The people of this Country pay the price.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/banks-face-warning-over-secrecy-of-lavish-bonuses-2164834.html

The Government may have won the vote, but ...........

2010-12-10T06:55:00.000Z

Now we see in what contempt this ConDem Government holds the people of this country.For the benifit of those people commenting to the fact that it is the fault of the last Government that we are in this mess, I would say that I agree. However, it is also the fault of the Banking and Finance sectors who have made vast sums of money from gambling in the property and exchange rate markets. then when the gamble failed, went cap in hand to a Government for bail out packages. It isalso the fault of the "markets" who speculate against Countries and reap huge profits when the enonomies fail, as in the case of Ireland, Greece, Portugal etc. (Who is next?)
It is not the fault of Students, Lecturers,Pensioners, Working families, Nurses, benifit claimants, taxpayers generally, or beleive it or not, the Police.
Why should ordinary people pay for the excesses of Markets, Financilal institutions, and the gutless acquiecence of Governments, too terrified to take the measures necessary to control the "City".
People may well criticise the events which took place in Parliament Square yesterday.
This is only the begining. When this Government introduces the measures which will effect people personally, cuts in services, reduction of minimum wage, cuts in expenditre, job losses, reductions in benifits, etc. etc.then we shall see demonstrations of public anger which will make the events of yesterday pale into insignificance.When the Police have to implement cuts to their own front line services, expenditure and support personell, will they too demonstrate?
On News 24 last night, Nick Robinson speaking from the lobby of the Palace of Westminster, concluded his report with the phrase "The Government may have won the vote, but they have lost control of the Streets".
A little premature perhaps, but prophetic in context.

Witch Hunt in UK Sweden and USA

2010-12-07T12:07:00.002Z

Julian Assange is the victim of a thinly disguised Witch Hunt. The collaboration of Governments in an attempt to save face and hide their embarrasment at these disclosures is another example of how Free Speach is being systematically destroyed by dis information, inuendo and judicial collaboration.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/wikileaks-founder-assange-arrested-in-london-2153390.html

All of their own making

2010-12-07T07:10:00.000Z

The LibDem's are in chaos, and all of their own making. No matter what Clegg, Cable and the others may say in a futile attempt to justify their positions on this issue, the fact remains that they are perceived as people more interested in office and it's trappings, people who have no honour and no conscience. All 57 of them signed a pledge. The argument that adherence to that pledge can be discarded, since the pledge was made for a scenario where they would be in power, is a cynical proclamation from shameless hypocrites. They are in power. They hold 23 ministries. They appear in the media introducing new Government policies. They sit on the right-hand side of the Speakers Chair on the Government benches. That is being in power, no matter what they may argue to the contrary. The vote on Thursday next could be the last chance that any of them may have to redeem themselves from the stigma of being puppets interested only in the position of power, and the limelight of temporary fame.
For the sake of this country, may they take the opportunity to restore a shred of credibility.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/three-lib-dems-threaten-to-quit-posts-over-fees-2153041.html

Chaos in the ranks

2010-12-06T06:31:00.001Z

Having been put in the position of holding a balance in the House of Commons, Clegg obviously found the prospect of a seat at the table in Number 10, together with the luxury limo more attractive than maintaining any semblance of honour or principle. Cable, Alexander and others followed Clegg’s lead and grasped this opportunity for all the privileges of Ministerial office and convinced the remaining LibDem MP’s to endorse the concept of Coalition. The arguments made by Clegg and others in respect of providing the country with stable Government are nothing more that a smoke screen put forward to camouflage a grubby grasp for power at any price. The honourable thing would have been to remain in opposition and watch the Conservatives Govern in a minority.
The Lib Dem’s are now reaping what they (or perhaps Clegg) have sown. Chaos, alarm and confusion rattle around Westminster as they scrabble for some semblance of justification for their abandonment of principle and betrayal of the all those who voted LibDem at the last election, in the vain belief that British politics could be lifted from the gutter,

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/chaos-in-lib-dem-ranks-as-vote-on-tuition-fees-creates-party-split-2152171.html

mounted police charging London crowd

2010-11-28T05:48:00.003Z

BBC News, Sky News, Fox News and the rest of the establishment mouth pieces, only ever point their cameras at windows being smashed or some other "out rage" commited by demonstrators. Where are these "Reporters" when the real thugery takes place? Why is it that the only recordings of demonstrators being attacked, like Ian Tomlinson (who was only going home from work anyway), are only caught on mobile phones or digital cameras of the public? It is only demonstrators behaving badly who are filmed. This has always been the case. The excesses of the police are often overlooked.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/nov/26/police-student-protests-horses-charge

History repeats itself annualy

2010-11-26T08:39:00.002Z

When Gas and Electricity were privatised in 1986 and 1989, in was argued that this is "Good News for the consumer as prices will be driven down by competition".
There were however those of us who argued that we would see the energy suppliers making huge profits as a result of increasing prices in line with each other at the expense of the consumer. The energy suppliers are not in business to provide some philanthropic service for society. The energy suppliers are in business to make profits. The bigger the better, for them at least.
Nothing will come of the latest "investigation" by the industry watchdog. Such investigations are only a public relations exercise seeking to persuade a sceptical public
that their interests are being looked after. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The watchdog will report. Their will be another few days of public complaint, then we will all return to the status quo. The energy supplers will return to checking their ever expanding balance sheets while preparing the next round of price increases.
History repeats itself annualy.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/probe-launched-into-rising-energy-profits-2144307.html

Financial Crisis Another victim

2010-11-22T08:56:00.002Z

After days of intense pressure from the EU, the Irish government caves in and agrees to beg for a loan that they (say) they did not want. The EU wrings its hands, arranges another crisis meeting and agrees to grant the Irish request. A complete farce designed it seems to satisfy "the markets" and frighten the "speculators", who will now move to the next target economy and start the whole processes off again.The winners in this act of economic terrorism are again (of course) the Banks and Financial Institutions who created this crisis in the first place, the speculators (who are the same organisations) the "markets" who know how to make a quick profit anywhere, and the EU Governments who support these institutions and try to convince the people who elected them that they are acting in the best interests of their respective countries.
The loosers in this cosy arrangement are (again) the tax payers in each of the contributing countries who will have to find additional Billions of £,s or Euro's to finance the bailout. This is in addition to the Billions already earmarked in additional tax and duties, higher VAT etc and the Billions arising from Government cuts in expenditure.
The EU Governments would do well to contemplate that the "bottomless pit" of tax payers money is not, in fact, bottomless and that public opinion will sooner rather than later, turn against policies which are recognised as devicive, unfair and not for the good of working people and their families or in the interest of wider society generally.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/will-irish-bailout-spark-contagion-2140288.html

Friends of Israel — Enemies Inside the Gates

2010-11-22T07:09:00.001Z

This ia a video everyone should watch, whether they believe a conspiracy theory or not.

Who created this problem?

2010-11-18T07:21:00.001Z

What I do not accept is that I, and millions of other people in this country,including students, health care workers, firemen, working families generally, benifit claimants, etc etc should be punished for circumstances which are not of their making. Lets get one fact crystal clear. The present economic situation was caused, created and perpetuated by the Banking and Finacial sectors of this (and other) ecomomies. The New Labour Governements cure for this crisis was to create a bottomless pit of taxpayers money for these inept, incompetent and corrupt organisations to tap into at will, with little if any public control or monitoring of their actions. The bill ran to tens of Billions of Pounds and is still rising on a daily basis with the prospect of pouring more billions into the Irish Banking system within the next few weeks. The previous Government was a financial disaster and the ConDem coalition has perpetuated and expanded the mess. Until such times as this Government (or any Government) get to grips with the fundemental problem and introduce proper and enforceable controls, monitors and balances on the Banks and Financial Institutions, I shall require a great deal of convincing that the British People should pay (in every sense) for the crimes and failings of Governments and "the markets"

A Royal Wedding tonic. It's what we all need?

2010-11-18T06:57:00.001Z

You know what? I think it’s time all these people who have been (or are about to be) made redundant should stop complaining. They should count themselves lucky to have the chance to sit at home all day watching the run up to the royal wedding for the next few months and even better they’ll be able to watch the event without having to take a day off! (although the whole nation might be given the day off, that would be sooo amazing wouldn’t it?) Yes, they should be truly grateful to be given such a wonderful morale booster in their time of need. Their hearts should be filled with joy now, not dread and fear of the future. Now, all you miserable and worried people out there, start being thankful, much happiness and excitement is in store for you, there is going to be a royal wedding (how many more times do you have to be told before you cheer up!) So relax, put your feet up, crack open the champagne and rejoice! There is one little thing I will concede though, maybe you will have lost your homes because you can’t pay the rent or mortgage so, okay, you can moan a little then!

Resist the Cuts

2010-11-11T06:23:00.001Z

In May 1968, the Students took to the streets in Paris, occupied the Sorbonne University (amongst many buildings) and brought Paris to a virtual standstill. Shortly after, the French TU movement joined the students and brought France to a virtual standstill. Soon after that President De Gaulle and all his cabinet resigned and was replaced by a fresh administration.The TUC and others should join the students and lecturers here in the UK today and organise protests against this Governments unfair policies.
Resistance to the ConDem cuts is not just about University fees. It is about unfair cuts to services, spending and jobs which will ultimately effect all of us. The actions of this disasterous ConDem Co alition must be resisted by everyone.

Student fees protest: 'This is just the beginning' | Education | The Guardian

www.guardian.co.uk

Conservative party headquarters attacked in what ministers acknowledge is likely to be 'just the beginning'

The Banks and finacial sector created the mess.

2010-10-03T07:03:00.002+01:00

The Banks and finacial sector created the mess.The last Government, and now the Condem Coalition are pouring billions of Pounds of our money into a rotten and corrupt system, while the people pay the price with punative cuts in services and benifits, huge increases in taxes and duties, rising prices and more job losses. This is a global situation and the protests are growing in an increasing numbers of countries. The protest will be here soon.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/liamhalligan/8038931/Why-we-need-to-follow-the-Irish-and-restructure-our-zombie-banks.html

Labour Leadership Result and media hysteria

2010-09-26T08:02:00.001+01:00

Within minutes of the Labour Party Leadership election results being announced, the rabid fascist right wing media release their name calling scaremongering excrement reminiscent of the days of Thatcher. The first out of the starting blocks was the obnoxious Adam Boulton (of the Alastair Campbell interview fame) closely followed by the lass from Wigan, Kay Burley. (The “Sack Kay Burley” campaign on Facebook should have Adam Boulton added to its aims.) How Sky News manages to continue masquerading as a balanced news programme remains a mystery to us all. Perhaps the fact that it is part of the Rupert Murdoch media empire has something to do with its biased presenters and story lines.
The BBC news coverage was not much better, with various presenters mentioning the “Red Ed“ label. Today (Sunday 26th September 2010) it is the turn of the Sunday Papers to seek to compete with each other for the title of “Who can produce the most hysterical headline and associated story content”. The sad, and worrying thing is that many people in this country actually believe what they see on television and read in the papers. .

Mandelson triggers Labour Civil War

2010-08-31T07:10:00.001+01:00

The tentacles of Mandelson again casting their evil shadows. This discredited manipulator should find himself some dark recess in the House of Lords and spend his time dreaming about being Tony's Goblin . He has already done enough damage to anything he touches. I have no axe to grind in respect of the Leadership election, as my preffered candidate has already withdrawn. However, for Mandelson, one third of the biggest disaster ever to strike the Labour movement, to seek again to manipulate the outcome of the election and the direction of the Party, is odious in the extreme.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1307302/Mandelson-triggers-Labour-civil-war-bids-stop-Red-Ed-Miliband-winning-leader-race.html

Drive Safely

2010-08-14T09:57:00.001+01:00

I do not speak French.
With these images, I do not have to.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1325279345216&ref=mf

Call for a Full Inquest

2010-08-13T07:48:00.002+01:00

At the risk of being labeled a "Conspiracy Theorist", it seems to me that there are more questions to be answered now then there were at the time. To all those who are convinced that there was no conspiracy, and to all those in the establishment who keep telling the rest of us that there was no cover up (and those responsible for concealing evidence for the next 70 years) simply answer the questions and the whole matter can be brought to a close. Let's have a full enquiry now.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Group-Of-Experts-Call-For-Full-Inquest-Into-Death-Of-Government-Weapons-Inspector-David-Kelly/Article/201008215682564?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15682564_Group_Of_Experts_Call_For_Full_Inquest_Into_Death_Of_Government_Weapons_Inspector_David_Kelly

Illegal settlements

2010-08-10T10:14:00.001+01:00

Once again, the Israeli's demonstrate that they have no interest in resolving the Palestinian/Israeli situation. No matter what lip service they may give to settling the issues, their actions reveal only self interest, arrogance, greed and hypocrisy.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/09/world/main6281882.shtml

"broad movement of active resistance"

2010-08-05T06:13:00.002+01:00

Not many people listened to Tony Benn in the 70's and 80's, and that ultimately led to the disaterous New Labour clique. Not many people listened in the 90's onwards, and now we have the disaterous ConDem Tweedledumb and TweedleDumber pantomime.
Apathy will destroy this country if we do not believe that direct action can make a difference. I agree with Tony (to borrow a phrase)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/aug/04/tony-benn-coalition-cuts-campaign

criticism of Israel is not synonomous with being anti semetic

2010-08-01T07:52:00.003+01:00

Another Israeli peabrain with a chip on each of his shoulders about being Jewish. When will these people accept that criticism of Israel is not synonomous with being anti semetic. There are many reasonable Israeli's who do not expect the rest of humanity to have a collective guilty conscience for another millenium. He, Peres, conveniently forgets that in 1947 aged 24 he joined the Haganah, a terrorist organisation closely linked to Irgun and others, and was responsible for personnel and arms purchases. These two organisations were primarilly responsible for the terrorist attacks against British personnel during the British Mandate in Palestine.
Not really qualified to criticise is he.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7920330/Fury-as-Israel-president-claims-English-are-anti-semitic.html

Another Step

2010-07-29T06:10:00.003+01:00

This video report was on Al Jazeera last night

(Wednesday, July 28, 2010) . It is a frightening report as Israel takes another step on its road to a totalitarian fascist state. Bills now before the Knesset, if passed, will amonst other things, make it illegal to be part of any boycot of Israeli good and serices. or even to criticise the Israeli Government. There are resistance groups in Israel who are resisting these outrageous measures. We should support the moderate Israeli's who recognise the excesses of their Government actions.

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2010/07/201072816515308172.html

Ethnic cleansing continues

2010-07-28T08:43:00.001+01:00

Another Israeli attrocity.
Watch this video. It shows crimes by the Israeli Government against what are, in fact, it's own people. We went to war over a similar crime in another country. Perhaps Bedouins, Palastinians and other Arabs in the occupied territories do not count in Western justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQdRytw2GM

This family deserve justice

2010-07-23T07:02:00.002+01:00

This family deserve justice. The British people generally, deserve a CPS who acts in the public interest and not as an official body to provide cover up for criminal acts.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Ian-Tomlinson-G20-Death-Police-Officer-Will-Not-Be-Charged/Article/201007315668758?lpos=UK_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15668758_Ian_Tomlinson_G20_Death%3A_Police_Officer_Will_Not_Be_Charged

There is a widening gulf between the CPS and the British public. This is the latest in a long list of outrageous decisions. The CPS has lost most if not all credibility by making decisions which are blatent use of official status to cover up truth. The CPS are not acting "in the public interset" when their only function is perceived as providing a means of concealing truth.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-10723274

Judge for yourself. Where but in the murky depths of the CPS minds can the headline "Masked thug attacks unarmed man. Video catches criminal assault", be viwed as insufficient evidence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsWJ9j8LuHI

Judge for yourself. Another view of the same crime. Masked thug attacks un armed man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsWJ9j8LuHI

This CPS "decision", must be challenged.

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/835844-g20-death-decision-a-disgrace-claim-ian-tomlinsons-family

Blair, Bush, unecessary war?

2010-07-21T07:07:00.002+01:00

As the inquiry goes on and more evidence becomes available, it seems that not only was the invasion illegal, it was also un necessary! Blair and his inner circle "dragooned" the Intelligence services into providing fabricated evidence to justify the adventure. It is to his, ( and those who supported the war), eternal shame that our service personnel and others, had to pay the price for Blair's obsessive devotion to Bush and the neocons.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/20/iraq-inquiry-saddam-mi5-chief

Another harebrained contrick

2010-07-19T09:02:00.002+01:00

Nick Clegg sold the LibDems "down the river"(and everyone else who voted Libdem) so that Cameron could indulge in these fairyland contricks.
Who pays for this lunatic scheme? "The Big Society Bank is based on legislation passed by Labour allowing money untouched for 15 years to be diverted to good causes if account holders cannot be traced by banks."
The Tweedledumb and Tweedledumber double act following the disaster that was New Labour.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-says-big-society-is-not-about-saving-money-2029927.html

More American military aid to Israel.

2010-07-17T07:39:00.001+01:00

The United States is to provide Israel with its most extensive security aid package in history.It is argued that this will help to bring about a settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict. The reality is, of course, a little different. This aid package will be seen in Israel as endorsement of Israeli actions in the occupiUS military aid to Israeled territories, and approval of the Israeli governments continuing policies of ethnic cleansing and aggression towards the Palestinians. The US should be applying an embargo on all exports of goods, services and technology to Israel, not pouring more oil onto the fire. However, we all know that the pro Israel lobby in the United States and the role of Israel in the Middle East ensures that the Americans will only pay lip service to the concept of resolving the crisis.

U.S. official: More U.S. aid will help Israel make 'tough' decisions - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Lies, Damn lies and Statistics

2010-07-16T06:50:00.000+01:00

Crime down. Un employment down.
Just two of the recent headline grabbing stories churned out in the press and media in an attempt by this version of Whitehall/Downing Street, to convince the great British public that all is getting better. What is really mind blowing is that some people actually believe this to be true!
Why are there so many un employed on Incapacity Benefit? Simply, it is because that during the eighties and nineties, it was the only way to move the figures from the un employed list. Then, due to the fact that the way the unemployed figure was established was to count only those who were claiming un employment benefit, it could be “proved” that un employment had fallen! This, coupled with the deceitful practice of removing from the unemployed list, all those people who had been claiming unemployment (job seekers allowance) benefit for more than twelve months, and hey presto, the number of unemployed had fallen overnight!
This, of course, is yet another example of Government lies for the sake of expediency. Taking names off one list and moving them to another list with a different name does not solve the problem. It merely moves people from one box to another and conveniently conceals an embarrassing Government problem.
The same is the case with the Crime figures. The dubious system of reclassifying some crimes to a list which is not counted, and the fact that a vast number of people do not even bother to report criminal incidents due to the fact that they know little if anything will be done. What is the actual figure for “Un reported Crimes”?
There are lies, damn lies and statistics. Have people been so numbed down in this country that they are prepared to accept any “official figures” that the Government produce?
Wake up Britain. As long as these Government “facts” remain unchallenged, so the politicians will sit back, draw their expenses and think we will believe anything that they tell us.

Theives fall out.

2010-07-14T08:07:00.002+01:00

More "Kiss and Tell" revelations from one third of a reprehensible trio, who destroyed the Labour party. The Liar, the Meglomaniac Bafoon and the slithering Snake. Now all three consigned to the Dustbin of History where they belong. (We hope!!)May they now destroy each other.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/14/mandelson-memoirs-blair-brown-mad-bad

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/10/blair-sources-deny-diary-wars

In defiance of the UN and Global public opinion

2010-07-11T08:08:00.004+01:00

These reports must be circulated as widely as possible. Please post this wherever you can. Only by placing the actions of Israeli occupying forces and the continuing hostility of successive Israeli Governments towards the Palestinian people, squarely in the spotlight of global publicity, can there be any possibility of a settlement to this problem. For far too long has world public opinion been moulded into having a collective guilty conscience by large elements of the media and successive Governments in the some Western states.
Criticism of the Israeli government and its policies in the occupied lands is not anti Semitic. It is a fair comment on State behaviour which would not be tolerated if it were practiced in any other country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qbRSPN3RJg&playnext_from=TL&videos=XURTEaHcMyQ&feature=sub

http://www.operationdove.org/?p=346

http://www.operationdove.org/?p=349

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/opinion/01kristof.html?_r=4

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/world/middleeast/23mideast.html?fta=y

Smiley's people or the Goon show?

2010-07-10T06:13:00.005+01:00

Is this the biggest Non-story in the entire history of news coverage? Russian spies who "spied" on nothing, gathering information that they could have got from Google or Facebook.
"Sleepers", living and working in the UK and USA some with children born in their respective countries, trying to "influence policy making" in the US and UK.
Fat chance of achieving that with New Labour here and George "Dubya" Bush there, then in charge.Even less chance with control freak Obama in the White House and Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber in Downing Street
The these 10 low level "spooks"are being exchanged for proper espionage agents jailed in Russia,just because the Russians want to become members of the World Trade Organisation !!
The mind boggles

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Russian-Spies-Anna-Chapmans-British-Citizenship-Reconsidered/Article/201007215661852?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_4&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15661852_Russian_Spies%3A_Anna_Chapmans_British_Citizenship_Reconsidered

A new Rambo?

2010-07-09T08:40:00.003+01:00

Another case of an American beleiving that they
are a cross between John Wayne and Al Capone.Mattis was reprimanded by the Marine Corps for telling a San Diego, California conference in 2005 that "it's fun to
shoot some people".

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/07/201078233717799692.html

Breaking the silenece

2010-07-09T08:36:00.001+01:00

An interesting read which confirms much of what some of us have been arguing for years.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/head-to-head-breaking-the-silence-founder-yehuda-shaul-is-there-a-crack-in-the-israeli-army-s-wall-of-silence-1.300681

American Aid for illegal settlements

2010-07-06T11:29:00.003+01:00

Americans gave a lot of money to the IRA too.

Report: U.S. tax breaks aiding illegal outposts in West Bank - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Hope for future generations?

2010-07-05T07:50:00.002+01:00

Something positive at last on the Israeli Palastine border?

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2010/07/20107413163536836.html

Another invasion inevitable?

2010-07-05T06:09:00.005+01:00

Israel, has accused Hezbollah of violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Whenever (frequently), there are reports of Israel accusing others of violations of UN Security Council Resolutions, the words kettle, pot and black immediately spring to mind. Judging by most of the comments published in response to this article, pro Israeli paranoia, both inside and from outside that country seems to be running at such a pitch that another "defensive operation" against Lebanon is inevitable.

Israel: UN 'ignored reality' by blaming us for tensions along Lebanon border - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Crisis? What crisis?

2010-07-03T08:05:00.004+01:00

Israeli officials insist that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/20106138352642602.html

More rewards for crime

2010-07-01T07:40:00.003+01:00

War criminal and liar Tony Blair to receive an award and $100,000 in cash !

http://twitter.com/TelegraphNews

You could not make this up !!

RT @TelegraphNews Tony Blair to be awarded Liberty Medal http://bit.ly/aakQLb

Dr. Kelly

2010-07-01T07:32:00.001+01:00

We will probably never get to the truth of this matter. The establishment pro war lobby have too much to hide.
Why are the initial post mortem results to be kept secret for the next 70 years?

http://bit.ly/aOU3le

Hidden Agenda

2010-06-28T09:01:00.002+01:00

There are some in Israel who really want to resolve their differences with the Arabs. Its the warmongering Israeli Governments of all political sides who seem to have a secret agenda to perpetuate the conflict and expand their borders to create "Greater Israel". "Eretz Yisrael" from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates ...from the Mediterranean to the red sea.

We won't relinquish the enemy - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Another illegal act in defiance of United Nations Resolutions

2010-06-27T06:03:00.002+01:00

Another illegal act in defiance of United Nations Resolutions.
This time Resolution 478 of 20th August 1980.

http://imeu.net/news/article005891.shtml

Wake up World and smell the coffee !

Planning committee to release blueprint outlining takeover of East Jerusalem -

Haaretz Daily Newspap www.haaretz.com

Approval of the plan is expected to result in a wave of protest from Palestinians and Arab states, as well as international criticism of the government in Israel

In defence of the indifensible

2010-06-23T07:02:00.003+01:00

Demolish homes, make people homeless just to make way for tourism.

Mayor defends plan to raze Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Ethnic Cleansing as Government Policy

2010-06-23T06:51:00.002+01:00

The Government approved "Official" policy of ethnic cleansing.

The silent expulsion - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Ethnic Cleansing

2010-06-22T07:53:00.003+01:00

Still building settlements in defiance of UN resolutions.
Clearly the West and the UN have double standards when it comes to Israeli non compliance.

Settlers target 'shared cities' - Focus - Al Jazeera English

A Facebook page which seems to be gaining members!

2010-06-20T08:31:00.002+01:00

Don't stop at KB. Marshall,Boulton,Botting all have the same problem. Biased, ignorant and bloody rude "presenters".Perhaps Rupert Murdoch interviews all applicants for Sky News positions to ensure that they have the necessary qualities.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sack-Kay-Burley/109109012465276

Neo-cons lead charge against Turkey

2010-06-17T05:30:00.003+01:00

The Neocons come crawling out of the woodwork at last.

Neo-cons lead charge against Turkey - Focus - Al Jazeera English

Israel to allow aid cargo into Gaza

2010-06-16T06:01:00.003+01:00

It would be nice to believe that this is a direct result of the International protest not only at the attack on the flotilla, but also at the continuing blockade of Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Perhaps the tide is finally turning................time will tell.

Israel to allow aid cargo into Gaza - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Red Cross: Gaza blockade illegal - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

2010-06-14T08:59:00.001+01:00

Red Cross: Gaza blockade illegal - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The Unacceptable face of Israeli aggression

2010-06-14T07:11:00.001+01:00

Two articles which will receive little, if any coverage in the western media.

Abuse of Palestinians 'widespread' - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

http://www.btselem.org/English/

A Voyage of Life and Death

2010-06-11T06:03:00.003+01:00

As the UK media, papers and TV channels, loose interest in what happened in International waters only 11 days ago, perhaps we should remember that 9 passengers of the Mavi Marmara were killed.
Two days after this outrage took place, another "Israeli Government spokesperson" said on TV "In a week or 10 days from now, the world will have forgotten this incident and moved on."

Attack on Aid Convoy. Huge own goal

2010-06-07T13:36:00.001+01:00

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/2010624659743443.html

An interesting piece by Daniel Levy, a former Israeli negotiator in the peace process

Palestinians killed by Israeli fire - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

2010-06-07T06:35:00.001+01:00

Palestinians killed by Israeli fire - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The protest must continue.

2010-06-01T09:03:00.003+01:00

The images on our television screens, of outrage and protest from all parts of the world, perhaps marks the point where the International Community finally lost patience and any remaining sympathy with Israel and its excesses in the Middle East. The blockade of Palestine, imposed by Israel over many years, is in itself a crime against humanity. This, coupled with the continuing occupation of Arab lands, the building of settlement on the West Bank and the occupation of East Jerusalem is indicative of the way in which Israel totally ignores and rejects criticism from any source. The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions,(many of which are in fact under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter) critical of Israeli Government actions and policies and all have been ignored. This latest atrocity shows the contempt in which Israel holds International opinion, and the lies and distortions trotted out by various Israeli spokespersons are an affront to collective public intelligence.
Yet, the Government of the European Community, and others, hesitate as if unable to decide on where to go from here or what measures should be undertaken.
Action should be initiated now to implement measures to impress upon the Israeli Government that the world will no longer tolerate their behaviour.
Suspend all diplomatic contact with Israel.
Suspend all imports of goods and services including financial services from Israel or of Israeli origin.
Suspend all exports of goods and services where the country of ultimate destination is Israel.
Boycott all products in shops and supermarkets where the country of origin is Israel
If Governments are unwilling or unable to implement such policies (as will no doubt be the case), the people should impose their own boycott’s of Israeli goods and services in the same way that South Africa was boycotted during the apartheid years. In itself, this will not stop the Israeli actions, but as in the case of South Africa, it may go a little way to help.

Attack on Aid Convoy

2010-05-31T11:20:00.002+01:00

The world must no longer stand by with its collective “guilty conscience” and allow the Israeli Government to continue their policies of State Terrorism against the Palestinians and other Countries of the Middle East.
Now, before the usual culprits immediately spring into action with their hysterical screams of calling me an anti-Semite, lets make one thing abundantly clear. I make no apology for criticising Governments of any country including my own, when they commit acts of aggression or state terrorism against others. It seems that this latest act took place in International waters against ships carrying around 10,000 tonnes of aid for Gaza. In any interpretation, this is an act of piracy. Israel and its supporters will no doubt seek to justify this latest aggression with the “Israel’s right to exist and defend itself” argument. However, this cliché no longer has any credibility. What is abundantly clear is that had the ships not been attacked by the Israeli forces, the protesters (predominately Turkish nationals it seems ) would not have been killed.
For many years the Israeli Government has imposed a rigid blockade by land and sea against the people of (Gaza) Palestine, and the International Community has done little if anything, to resolve the situation. Now, a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid of food, medical supplies and home building materials, has been attacked in International waters. Already, the lies and distortions have been trotted out on TV from Israeli Government spokespersons, Knesset members and other pro Israeli experts, to justify this outrage.
Spain and Sweden have now withdrawn their Ambassadors from Israel, and perhaps other countries will follow this example. It will however require a concerted International response to ensure that the Israeli Government clearly understands that their actions are totally un acceptable.

The Expenses scandal goes on

2010-05-31T06:08:00.003+01:00

Enough of this whining and hand wringing nonsense about what a noble and wonderful person David Laws is/was. Even Nick Clegg has joined the “Westminster Club” and the sound of doors banging shut as MP’s of all persuasions band together in closed ranks, defending the indefensible. The cold hard fact is that, had the question of £40k expenses claims not been brought into the public domain, David Laws would still be in the cabinet, would not have announced that he would immediately pay back the costs of the rent and other housing costs, and he would not have referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. His personal life has little, if anything, to do with the expenses claim. He was exposed as having made claims which should not have been made. How this equates with being an “honourable” man defies logic.
It seems that the age of a new cleaner political environment, much promised before the election, has lasted less than 30 days and we have reverted to the same old self interest of distortion and hypocrisy, as the Con/Lib cabinet of Clegg and Cameron perpetuate the “It’s ok if you pay the money back” philosophy.
With the newsreaders on Sky News and BBC News24 reporting that the Prime Minister is leading the tributes to David Laws, we should all remember that this is not reporting a death in the family, it’s reporting the discovery of another grubby little British MP with his fingers in the till.

Electoral Reform

2010-05-13T06:18:00.001+01:00

During my time as a very active member of the Labour Party, there was always s difference of opinion, one of many, between those on the on the traditional right of the Party and those of us who believed that PR was a more democratic system of voting. First Past the Post will always favour Labour but will invariably produce Governments elected by less than 4 in every 10 of people voting. That, in my opinion is just one of the fundamental reasons why the total number of people turning out to vote has, until this election, been falling. Ironically, it is the FPTP voting system which has produced the current coalition perhaps as a result of many people voting tactically to try to ensure that, this time, their votes were not wasted and a change in the voting system could be made. At this election, there was a 65% turnout. This is a 4% increase on the previous election, when all expectations prior to polling day, were that turnout would be down.
Perhaps the Labour Party leadership election will produce a result which would allow me to rejoin a party of principle and vision rather a collection of populist opportunists called Nu Labour.
In his Compass publication THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, Jon Cruddas writes

Democracy
To build equality, to create community and to secure a sustainable future we
must strengthen our democracy. We need constitutional change and proportional
representation – to push power out of Whitehall and closer to the people.

Now there, if he stands, is a candidate that I would campaign for and support, if I were still a member of the Labour Party

A coalition of the centre right

2010-05-12T11:54:00.002+01:00

We now have a new Government. A coalition of centre right Conservatives and Liberal Democrats has replaced a centre right coalition of Labour. The prospect of a new political philosophy , shown at times during the election campaign by Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, has been extinguished by the vision of seats in the cabinet and some political power for Lib Dems, albeit limited, for the first time in some seventy years. This has clearly been more attractive to the Liberal Democrat MP’s and Executive Committee members than remaining on the opposition benches in the House of Commons. The losers in this arrangement are of course a substantial number of Liberal Democrat Party members, and a significant number of people in the Country who voted Lib Dem in a number of Constituencies in the hope and belief that, at last, this time something may come as a result of their votes. Alas, the arrangement with the Conservatives has dashed that prospect.
Notwithstanding the agreement with the Tories in connection with a referendum on changes to the electoral system, the system to be proposed is the Alternative Vote, which the vast majority of people will argue is little better than First Past the Post and can often produce results which are even more distorted and un representative of electoral preference. Only one method of PR has any credibility and that is Single Transferable Vote. It is the system used in other Countries and ensures that a true reflection of voters preferences are shown in the resulting Parliaments. It is argued by critics of PR that the election results produce minority Governments which lead to protracted discussions between parties seeking to create a coalition. It is therefore ironic that our current FPTP system has produced in this election, exactly the same result. There also seems to be no timescale for the holding of this referendum. It could be that nothing will happen within the lifetime, however long that may be, before the first Thursday of May in 2015 !
Leaving aside the matter of Proportional Representation and the other points in the coalition deal, there remains the wider issue of how a progressive left of centre party can remain in such a close relationship with right of centre party and retain any impression of credibility with the voters. Many people voted Liberal Democrat on May 6th 2010, many for the first and in the light of subsequent events perhaps the last time, in the belief that their votes may have an effect in brining about change in the political and electoral system in this country. It seems that now, on May 12th 2010, we still have the same old attitudes but now disguised with some new faces. What ever happened to the belief in principle before expediency.

Calm down..........calm down.

2010-05-11T05:31:00.003+01:00

Adam Boulton on Sky News. showing how he has really overdone it and should go and lie down in a dark room with a glass of milk and an asprin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gkHwU4DRA8

Nick Clegg for Prime Minister?

2010-05-08T11:33:00.000+01:00

As we now have a “balanced Parliament”, it is crucially important to put together a working Government as soon as possible. It seems to me that the discussions between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats will be unable to resolve what are in effect, fundamental differences between their respective political positions. On the question of Electoral Reform alone, Clegg could not accept the offer of “setting up a committee” to look at the subject, and expect to retain any semblance of credibility with his party and more over the British people. On Europe, Defence, Nuclear power Public Expenditure, their differences are mountainous.
What then is the alternative? Clearly it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to create some form of coalition with the Labour Party. However, in this scenario, there is one huge problem. That problem is Gordon Brown. Never really accepted by many in the party as its proper leader, or in the Country as a rightful Prime Minister, Mr Brown ascended to the title through a coronation. It is already clear from comments made by or attributed to Mr. Clegg that the Lib/Dems will not accept any arrangement with the Labour Party under the leadership of Gordon Brown. This seems to be a significant obstacle.
However, there are already signs that moves are underway to replace Brown as leader.
In the event that a leadership contest is initiated, circumstances could arise whereby the question of stability in Government and a regeneration of Labour could be created.
Clearly, in my view, the British people would have great difficulty accepting yet another leader of the Labour Party as Prime Minister, where they had not had any opportunity to express an opinion as to whether the person was acceptable. Yet another coronation within the Labour Party, of an un apposed candidate assuming the position of holding the greatest office of State in this country, would be equally unacceptable to both people and institutions of Gt. Britain.
This problem could be resolved by a radical rethink of political attitude.
If Nick Clegg were to become Prime Minister of a Coalition Government, the way might be clear to resolving a number of issues to bring some form of stability to the economy, resolve the question of reform to the Electoral System and provide a basis for economic growth.
At the same time, the Labour Party would commence a leadership contest to replace Gordon Brown as Party Leader, and whoever became leader would also immediately assume the position of Deputy Prime Minister (and probably some other cabinet position) in Mr Clegg’s administration. The balance of such a coalition would of course, be the subject of agreement between the parties, and would no doubt raise eyebrows in the media.

Electoral Reform

2010-05-08T07:30:00.003+01:00

Which result is the most representative of the way the people of this country voted on May 6th 2010?

A: What the result actually shows

..........................................Seats.............% of seats................% share of vote

Conservative........................307...............47%...........................36

Labour..................................258..............39%...........................29

Lib/Dem.............................57..................9%.............................23

Others.................................28.................5%............................. 12

B: What the result could show.

..........................................Seats.............% of seats................% share of vote

Conservative.......................234..............36%...........................36

Labour..................................188..............29%...........................29

Lib/Dem............................150.................23%.............................23

Others................................78................12%............................. 12

The case for electoral reform is compelling!!

How to come last and still win.

2010-04-24T07:35:00.002+01:00

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Election/HowManyMPs

An illustrated demonstration of how to cheat people out of a democratic result. If you get 28% of the votes and come last in the popular vote, you can stay on as Prime Minister, and Johnson,Milliband, Mandelsson, Darling, et al can continue to draw their perks! Nice work if you can get it And if you come top of the popular vote, you can have half of the number of seats that the looser got!! Sheer lunacy.

Electoral Reform

2010-04-21T12:31:00.001+01:00

This rag-bag of political opportunists known as Nu Labour, do not deserve another period in Government. On another Blog, I read “ Lets make sure that everyone knows what we have achieved since coming to power.”

We must be careful what we ask for.

*The Banking System bail out at our expense and the higher taxes to pay for it.
*M P’s expenses scandal.
* Blair, Mandellson and Brown’s betrayal of the Labour Party and the destruction of its
traditional links with the Trades Union movement.
* Retention of the John Lewis List.
*Attempting to exclude M P’s from the Freedom of Information Act.
*Illegal war in Iraq.
*Unquestioned support for the American adventure in Afghanistan.
* Provision for our service personnel of obsolete or inadequate equipment.
* Extension of detention without charge provisions

Yes, we must be careful. However, as a direct result of the outrageous electoral system in this Country, we may well be presented with the situation where Brown and his lightweight non-entity Cabinet, remain the largest party in the Commons with less than 30% of the votes cast. We would then be faced with the prospect of another indeterminate period of Brown, Darling, Mandellson, Adonis, Johnson and the Brother’s Milliband leading us to even more disastrous escapades at home and abroad.
The case for electoral reform is compelling. There is no excuse or logic to the proposition that in the 21st Century the fortunes of a Great Nation can be left to a party in Government elected on a minority vote.
I wrote the following text in response to a letter criticising those who will not vote to retain the present Government and believe that the “modernisation” of the Labour was good for the Country and democracy.

“…………………In a nutshell. This is the reason that I left the (Nu)Labour Party. The same unprincipled one size fits all cynicism that should be consigned to the dustbin of history along with the "Gang of Four". No wonder people are turning away from politics in their droves and fewer people turn out to vote now than ever before. "You are all the same" has never been more true.
This was the same argument that we had with the right of the party back when Labour was clerly an alternative. You may not agree with the politics, but at least principle was more important than opportunism and populist rhetoric.
Blair, Mandellson and Brown destroyed the Labour Party and have all but destroyed its traditional links with the Trades Union movement. You would do well to recall that the TUC provided the first Labour MP's and its Constitution contained cross references to the Labour Party Constitution. (Now of course conveniently deleted by the Blair/Brown/Mandellson cabal).
Well you can keep your ragbag of Nu Labour and its opportunistic "flexible" principles. I will continue to argue for what I actually believe in.
Some day it may dawn on you (and others of Nu Labour), that We must do things, not because they are popular, but because they are right.”

So, the wives are out supporting their ‘men’!

2010-04-09T15:52:00.002+01:00

Contribution from Guest Blogger Sandra Yates.

So, the wives are out supporting their ‘men’!
What an insult to most reasonably intelligent women to think that a pregnant wife who buys her clothes at Top Shop and Marks and Spencer will bolster the female vote! But no, sorry! That is not why Samantha Cameron (I refuse to join the ranks of those who have dubbed her Sam Cam, Glam Cam or any other (S)Cam!) is parading herself around visiting the underprivileged, it is purely coincidence that she chooses to do it now during the election campaign!
However I do have sympathy for Sarah Brown. She seems totally out of her depth,so dutifully following her ‘man’ around. Although, that said, I do believe she is doing it for the right reasons. She doesn’t seem to have the luxury of shopping at Top Shop or Marks and Spencer’s though does she? More Oxfam or Help the aged maybe?
Now, what of Mrs. Clegg? Elegant, beautiful and a lawyer! She does seem to have the balance right. Supportive but ‘not in your face’. Clever tactics? Or, a genuine respect for the intelligence of the voting public?
We are not voting for the wives or the younger and / or better looking candidate or the one that tells the most plausible lie. We are voting for the person who can most quickly and efficiently get society as a whole back on track- or we should be!
There is a lot of talk about ‘affordable housing’ but this is only for those who can somehow scrape together a deposit to buy a home. And, on immigration, no one should deny someone sanctuary or even the right to live and work in this country but there should be more stringent rules and regulations. Crime should be tackled with stiffer sentences and penalties. And as for the child benefit system, what a nice little earner that is! But, of course, that in itself is not the only thing that is bleeding the coffers dry is it? MP’s expenses (have we forgotten already?) Defence, funding two wars we shouldn’t have got involved in in the first place. The Olympic village, (no, apologies again, it will bring in jobs and revenue. Yeah right!) It’s funny you know, there is always money in the pot for all manner of things but not for some of the important things like the NHS for instance. I could go on but you get the picture.
It all sounds very simple doesn’t it? Of course I know it is not that simple but I am not a politician in charge of the country. You would think someone who is would have the wit and the will to implement these changes .They can’t even talk a good talk any more! So for goodness sake don’t continue to be fooled any longer. They are not ‘one of us’, They do not live as the majority of us live, despite their inane efforts to convince us otherwise. This is an election campaign, they all put forward the same lies at this time, visiting homeless shelters, the disabled, hospitals etc. etc. etc. and of course, not forgetting ‘the ignored’. Did they not know they were there before? And if they did why has it taken so long for someone to find a solution?

Election 2010

2010-04-09T11:03:00.001+01:00

The General Election will be on Thursday May 6th. On Friday May 7th the British people will wake up to what will be a new , fresh Parliament. Or will it?
To a great extent it will be the same old faces, saying the same old things and behaving in the same old way. Many of those MP’s who have survived the great “Expenses Scandal”, (albeit that some but not all may have repaid a part their dubious ill gotten gains) will be returned to the House knowing that they have managed to hang on for another Parliament.
During the course of the next 6 weeks, the media and an assortment of political “pundits”, will put forward the proposition that this election is all about the economy, or the health service, or education, or law and order, or public service cuts, or public service non cuts, or counter terrorism measures or the Green agenda. To an extent of course this is true, but where there is no discernable difference between the parties except in the question of degree, the argument is essentially academic.
Paradoxically, the campaign promises to be the most negative and nasty campaign in recent political history. Each party rubbishing the people and arguments proposed by the other. An alliance of Nu-Labour and Tories attacking the Liberals and within hours an new alliance of Tories and Liberals attacking Nu-Labour and all other possible combinations of the three. The prospect of almost 6 weeks of these charades is equally as absurd as it is demeaning. For many years, the public have become more and more disillusioned with Politics and politicians generally in this country. This has been reflected in less people actually bothering to vote in the General election than ever before. There is no reason to believe that this election will be any different than those which have gone before.
The reasons for this set of circumstances is plainly obvious. The Labour Party had abandoned its historical roots, it’s principles and any claim to represent working people in this country. In adopting the label of “Nu Labour” and rushing off to gain control of the “Centre Ground” in British politics, the differences between the political parties has become blurred as each party seeks to portray themselves as all things to all people, the “one size fits all” scenario. It is little wonder that people are turning away from politics as their cynicism gains momentum.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, competing with Nu Labour in this frantic morass of mud slinging, hope that their performances will somehow deter the voting public from raising questions about issues which they would prefer not to be drawn on.
For example, what actions will be taken to stamp out the corrupt practices of second homes, second (and more) jobs outside the Houses of Parliament, consultancies, lobbying, the “noses in the trough” syndrome. What will be done to redress the scandalous situation where our service personnel have none of the standard of equipment which we should expect them to have, in addition to vehicles, helicopters and other weapons. Why should the British tax payer pay billions and billions of Pounds into the Banking system to rescue the banks from the ineptitude of their senior management, without taking full control to ensure that the Banks function in the interests of society rather than the interests of shareholders and other financial institutions. Why should those same taxpayers then have to foot the bill in higher taxes, National Insurance charges and higher VAT, in order for the same inept banking management to remain in control of their incompetent organisations.
The much publicised “Leaders Debate” to be televised on three evenings prior to election day, should provide some insight into the political differences, if any, between the Party leaders. Let us hope that the planted questions do not produce just more mud slinging.

2010-03-03T13:13:00.001Z

A truly great man of the Labour movement. RIP

Have they “Got away with it ?” (or Should we vote for the Independent ?)

2010-02-05T05:51:00.002Z

The next United Kingdom general election is due to take place on or before Thursday 3 June 2010, barring exceptional circumstances.

Before the election takes place, the British people will be, and have already been to a certain extent, bombarded with the usual hysterical party propaganda screaming how hypocritical and untrustworthy the other parties are, and to a lesser extent, what they would do to make all the countries ill’s better and why we should therefore vote for them. The broad hint of May 6th for the election date, should focus our minds on the issues which we will be urged to consider when casting our votes.
Education, Health Service, Law and Order, Inflation and public expenditure will be thrust upon us as the only topics which really matter and therefore should be given our un divided attention.
Televised debates between the party leaders will be filling our screens and no doubt the press and television news will repeat every sound bite and spin from most of the constituencies.
However, before we all (well, perhaps only half or even less of those entitled to vote) rush off to that anonymous little booth to place our cross in the appropriate box, please, please, please, think about what has happened in the House of Commons over the last number of years.
I am not referring to Iraq, or the Banking crisis, or recession, or the credit crunch, or stealth taxes, or terrorism measures, or numerous enquiries into numerous matters and all the other mind numbing activities of “the House”.
I am referring to the way in which most of the current crop of MP’s have become detached from the reality of the world where the remainder of us live and have become obsessed with their own position and their own financial well being.
Specifically, how did your existing “Honourable Member” (of Parliament), vote in the debate keeping details of members expenses secret? Did they support the proposition put to the vote in the Commons that the Freedom of Information Act should not apply to Parliament, its workings or its members ? Was your “Honourable Member” involved in the subsequent scandal of electrical goods, televisions, blue movies, second home allowances, moats, duck houses etc etc etc ? How many times did your MP “Flip” the designation of their second home or claim mortgage repayments for a mortgage which did not exist ?
The fact is, that all Members of Parliament regardless of political allegiance have been tainted by the actions of those involved in these outrageous activities. Guilt by association.
In addition, the guilty ones have attempted to keep this scandal secret. It is only with the investigative journalism of the Telegraph, that the matter has been exposed. This is surely a case where the media have provided a great public service.
But, as usual, probably nothing will come of the exposure. A number of MP’s will refund excessive claims. Many will not. Some MP’s will stand down at the next election. Most will not. Some MP’s will have their cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service where a decision will be made by the DPP as to whether a prosecution will be initiated (or perhaps a prosecution will “not be in the public interest“).
Apart from that little blip, it will be “business as usual”. The Tories will form a Government, or perhaps it will be “New Labour” or perhaps even the Liberal Democrats will hold a balance between the two major parties. Whatever the case it will be the same old faces, many thinking to themselves “Well, we got away with that one then!”
Sadly, many people think that there is little if anything, that can be done to redress this situation and that nothing will ever change.
Well, perhaps there is !
When election day comes, the British people have the opportunity to demonstrate their opinions and pass judgement on this rag bag of political opportunists currently riding the “Gravy Train” at Westminster. Some good MP’s will be caught in the net, but it is perhaps the price which has to be paid.

We can, together show our anger at their arrogance and cast our votes accordingly.

VOTE FOR THE INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE.

Where there is no Independent in your constituency,

VOTE FOR THE OTHER CANDIDATE, NOT THE SITING MP.

Pass the content of this post on to all your contacts.
Post this message on all your blogs, message boards, web sites, network sites and anywhere else for others to see.
There is something positive that you can do to show how you feel about this subject and make your vote count.

Spotlight Comments

Israel will not last for ever in its present form.

Harriet, you are wrong.

Olympics Protests?

wind and solar energy projects on West Bank have been put on a ‘demolition list’ by Israel

The price of petrol

A constant drip feed

HEY PRESTO

It used to be Rotten Boroughs, now its a Rotten Parliament.

THEY are all in it together and WE pay the price.

don't expect me to follow you.

Extradition Treaty which only works one way

It is not just a question of Cameron being a hypocrite.

DWP, the Government and A4e.

A time to choose?

A Dangerous development

A New Egypt

Empty rhetoric

The Government may have won the vote, but ...........

Witch Hunt in UK Sweden and USA

All of their own making

Chaos in the ranks

mounted police charging London crowd

History repeats itself annualy

Financial Crisis Another victim

Friends of Israel — Enemies Inside the Gates

Who created this problem?

A Royal Wedding tonic. It's what we all need?

Resist the Cuts

The Banks and finacial sector created the mess.

Labour Leadership Result and media hysteria

Mandelson triggers Labour Civil War

Drive Safely

I do not speak French.With these images, I do not have to.

Call for a Full Inquest

Illegal settlements

Once again, the Israeli's demonstrate that they have no interest in resolving the Palestinian/Israeli situation. No matter what lip service they may give to settling the issues, their actions reveal only self interest, arrogance, greed and hypocrisy.

"broad movement of active resistance"

criticism of Israel is not synonomous with being anti semetic

Another Step

This video report was on Al Jazeera last night

Ethnic cleansing continues

Another Israeli attrocity.Watch this video. It shows crimes by the Israeli Government against what are, in fact, it's own people. We went to war over a similar crime in another country. Perhaps Bedouins, Palastinians and other Arabs in the occupied territories do not count in Western justice.

This family deserve justice

This family deserve justice. The British people generally, deserve a CPS who acts in the public interest and not as an official body to provide cover up for criminal acts.

Judge for yourself. Another view of the same crime. Masked thug attacks un armed man.

This CPS "decision", must be challenged.

Blair, Bush, unecessary war?

Another harebrained contrick

More American military aid to Israel.

Lies, Damn lies and Statistics

Theives fall out.

More "Kiss and Tell" revelations from one third of a reprehensible trio, who destroyed the Labour party. The Liar, the Meglomaniac Bafoon and the slithering Snake. Now all three consigned to the Dustbin of History where they belong. (We hope!!)May they now destroy each other.

In defiance of the UN and Global public opinion

Smiley's people or the Goon show?

A new Rambo?

Breaking the silenece

American Aid for illegal settlements

Hope for future generations?

Another invasion inevitable?

Crisis? What crisis?

Israeli officials insist that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza

More rewards for crime

Dr. Kelly

Hidden Agenda

Another illegal act in defiance of United Nations Resolutions

In defence of the indifensible

Ethnic Cleansing as Government Policy

Ethnic Cleansing

A Facebook page which seems to be gaining members!

Neo-cons lead charge against Turkey

Israel to allow aid cargo into Gaza

Red Cross: Gaza blockade illegal - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The Unacceptable face of Israeli aggression

A Voyage of Life and Death

Attack on Aid Convoy. Huge own goal

Palestinians killed by Israeli fire - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The protest must continue.

Attack on Aid Convoy

The Expenses scandal goes on

I do not speak French.
With these images, I do not have to.

Another Israeli attrocity.
Watch this video. It shows crimes by the Israeli Government against what are, in fact, it's own people. We went to war over a similar crime in another country. Perhaps Bedouins, Palastinians and other Arabs in the occupied territories do not count in Western justice.