Anna Raccoon has had a busy day, again. This time the blogger with the claws has torn some flesh from a pretty shoddy sounding local rag.
Additional to the entertaining read there was a lesson I had not been aware of. In researching the law behind reporting during a General Election Anna reveals that the print media are under no obligation to employ balanced reporting when describing Parliamentary candidates, it is the broadcast media which must take these steps.
Good job Anna! I'm more of a read then rant blogger so you have gone to much more effort than I would have gone to, but I am glad there are many people like Anna on the Blogosphere who are willing to put in a shift on these things.
Showing posts with label Blogosphere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogosphere. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Budget Reactions
Thanks to everyone who joined in today's Live Blogging session which was simultaneously carried by 10 blogs across the Blogosphere. My reactions whilst listening live was much the same as those also taking part.
What did people think of today's budget?
What did the Tax Payers Alliance think to Darling's last Budget Speech? Chief Executive Matthew Elliot is quoted on their web page as saying:
BTW the TPA has released their manifesto ahead of the General Election which is riddled with common sense ideas which no doubt millions of people would vote for - expect the political parties to brand it as "popularist" as they do with most ideas which people might actually like.
What did Fraser Nelson think?
What did the BBC's Douglas Fraser think?
What did Sky New's Jon Craig think?
What did the Adam Smith Institute think? Dr Eamonn Butler replies:
What did The Fink, think?
What did Michael White of the Guardian Think?
What did Gentle Ben think?
What did I think now I have had some time to mull things over?
In some regards this was a "pointless budget" but in having said that, the fact that our finances are in grave turmoil and the Chancellor had nothing to offer the people who work in this country but dry humour about tax arrangements with Belize highlights exactly how vacuous the people who make up our cabinet are.
We are screwed. Royally screwed. What do Labour propose to do? Tax us more and borrow more. Great, thanks, because that has been working really well for the last decade or so hasn't it!
Take the pulse of the people you meet tomorrow and ask them about the budget. When they have finished bumbling along and regurgitating TV news sound-bites ask them how they will personally benefit? Cue vacant stares.
This is a budget that does not benefit individuals, and it does not benefit society, nor set a course to correct the ugly vandalism that has defaced our Exchequer. It is a Budget by the Labour Party, of the Labour Party and for the Labour Party. Alistair Darling could not offer anybody any reason to vote Labour even with the control that the Chancellor has; he has crystallised how impotent the Government has become. The sooner the election is called, the better.
Finally, what did Paul Waugh think? He wants to know how you can deliver a budget with a straight face when it has so many holes in it!
What did people think of today's budget?
What did the Tax Payers Alliance think to Darling's last Budget Speech? Chief Executive Matthew Elliot is quoted on their web page as saying:
"The Chancellor has utterly failed to face up to the horrific scale of Government borrowing and debt. There was a handful of tax holidays and spending cuts, but nothing to deal with the debt addiction which threatens to make Britain the next Greece. The public are crying out for serious and sizeable spending cuts to rebalance the books, but the Government is living in La-La Land. Large spending cuts are essential for taxpayers and for the health of the economy but Gordon Brown only knows how to spend more, not less. We need a real Budget after the election that faces up to the serious realities of our situation."
BTW the TPA has released their manifesto ahead of the General Election which is riddled with common sense ideas which no doubt millions of people would vote for - expect the political parties to brand it as "popularist" as they do with most ideas which people might actually like.
What did Fraser Nelson think?
Personally, I forgive Darling all the partisan stuff in his speech - this is a pre-election Budget after all. There is no act of wanton vandalism, like the 50p tax. Stamp duty on properties over 1m is rising from 4 percent to 5 percent, but does anyone seriously think this would not have happened under the Tories? And there was quite a bit of sense. Entrepreneurs’ tax relief for capital gains tax was doubled to £2 million. There was no extra splurge. All told, Darling did what he could to salvage his own reputation before he passes into history as the Chancellor who picked up the most poisoned of all chalices from his predecessor.
What did the BBC's Douglas Fraser think?
It's a bad day for scrumpy, cider and the Wurzels, and a good day for kids who make their living making and playing computer games.
Duty on cider is soaring by 10%, on top of an alcohol tax accelerator.
The cynic might look at a map of the cider-producing counties of England, and find few marginal constituencies in which Labour is a contender at the general election.
What did Sky New's Jon Craig think?
After the Budget, I asked the Treasury pointyheads who always give a thoroughly baffling briefing to economically illiterate political correspondents just how many people would be affected by the Belize crackdown.
"Errrr," came the reply. Embarrassed shuffling of feet and staring at their shiny shoes.
"How much will this raise for the Treasury?" someone else asked. No answer to that, either.
Never mind, a shameless piece of tribal, class war, stuff-the-Tories politics had cheered up Labour MPs as they prepare to go back to their constituencies and defend their seats in the weeks ahead.
What did the Adam Smith Institute think? Dr Eamonn Butler replies:
the Chancellor did not mention that the trade deficit had risen by £7bn or that business investment has fallen 5%. Nor that a government which was borrowing £6bn a year when it came in is now borrowing 27 times that, at £167bn in 2009/10 and another £163bn forecast for next year.
What did The Fink, think?
Basically nothing happened in this Budget because he had already announced policy earlier.
The entire Budget was anchoring.
What did Michael White of the Guardian Think?
Alistair Darling struck a tone of high-minded responsibility but I was not convinced by the way he magicked away those mountainous deficit and national debt figures
What did Gentle Ben think?
This was his Budget, we are told by the Treasury, meaning that while Mr Brown may have been allowed to have his say (do you think he ever stops to say to his Chancellor ‘thanks for not treating me the way I treated Mr Tony’? no), Mr Darling was in charge. And while he has emerged with credit as one of the few straight-talkers in the gang who kept a cool head while others flapped, he is also a Labour politician who has an election to fight. So in addition to the narrative about tough choices (that Tories would not have made), there were specific digs: the rejection of a unilateral bank tax, the offsetting of a stamp duty cut for first time buyers with an increase for those buying million-pound properties, the boast that most additional tax was coming from the top 5pc of earners, the decision to pay for long term care by freezing IHT allowances, the extension of the ‘temporary’ rise in winter fuel payments for a year inviting a campaign question to the Tories – ‘will you extend it?’ and particularly the partisan attack on Lord Ashcroft via a convenient tax information exchange deal with Belize. It was a pointless Budget without a spending review, but it was above all an election Budget from a Labour politician.
What did I think now I have had some time to mull things over?
In some regards this was a "pointless budget" but in having said that, the fact that our finances are in grave turmoil and the Chancellor had nothing to offer the people who work in this country but dry humour about tax arrangements with Belize highlights exactly how vacuous the people who make up our cabinet are.
We are screwed. Royally screwed. What do Labour propose to do? Tax us more and borrow more. Great, thanks, because that has been working really well for the last decade or so hasn't it!
Take the pulse of the people you meet tomorrow and ask them about the budget. When they have finished bumbling along and regurgitating TV news sound-bites ask them how they will personally benefit? Cue vacant stares.
This is a budget that does not benefit individuals, and it does not benefit society, nor set a course to correct the ugly vandalism that has defaced our Exchequer. It is a Budget by the Labour Party, of the Labour Party and for the Labour Party. Alistair Darling could not offer anybody any reason to vote Labour even with the control that the Chancellor has; he has crystallised how impotent the Government has become. The sooner the election is called, the better.
Finally, what did Paul Waugh think? He wants to know how you can deliver a budget with a straight face when it has so many holes in it!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Boiling Frog Is....
Running for Parliament!
It is nice to see the circle coming complete, with politicians having crossed over into blogging and now a number of bloggers running for Parliament. I have had the opportunity to meet the Boiling Frog a few times at blogger get-togethers, and from having had conversations with him as well of course from having read his fine blog I have no doubt that he would be an excellent MP.
It is nice to see the circle coming complete, with politicians having crossed over into blogging and now a number of bloggers running for Parliament. I have had the opportunity to meet the Boiling Frog a few times at blogger get-togethers, and from having had conversations with him as well of course from having read his fine blog I have no doubt that he would be an excellent MP.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Where's Slugger?
Saw this this morning..
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So I did this..
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So I thought I would try this...
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And then this...
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But only got this...
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So I did this..
So I thought I would try this...
And then this...
But only got this...
So I missed why Slugger will be down, so if someone read it could you pop me a note in the comments and this being the day of the Lisbon Count I was going to be keeping an eye on this blog... I do not want to be the one advancing conspiracy theories, but I did see THIS earlier today already and it is an easy, perhaps too easy leap to make.
No tin foil hat, yet.
Update: Have tried the direct question:
Update 2: Asked & answered:
I really should not be up so early and without coffee on Saturdays!
Friday, August 28, 2009
That Sound You Heard Last Night At Around 11.10pm…
...Was my jaw dropping and hitting the floor.
I am quite frankly in a state of disbelief, but I see that the good, sensible and beautiful people that read this blog actually went out and voted for it in the Total Politics Top Blogs Poll.
The top 100 right of centre blogs listing was published last night, and this blog has made a fantastic 48th place. I have no idea how many votes that would have required, but I know it is more that I thought I was likely to get. I shall be adding the appropriate badge to my side bar over the weekend.
I am left with a sense that this blog is punching well above its weight. My readership numbers are still quite low, and I would guess massively lower than some of the other blogs that finished around a similar position; which means that those of you who come here regularly has made me exceptionally proud by taking time out of your lives to register your votes. Please know that I am touched and exceptionally grateful, and I will endeavor to keep doing better to make the blog better.
My surprise did not end there…
I contribute to three blogs, this one, Football Banter which is obviously non-political, and also The Voice of the Resistance, which is a collaborative right of centre political blog that has only been running since late June. This blog also broke into the Top 100 finishing in 58th position which is astounding really as it could only have been going a few weeks before the poll started and illustrates the massive potential of this project.
I want to say Thank You to everyone who voted for this blog and/or The Voice of the Resistance, it is very much appreciated!
Now, back to reality and back to work.
I am quite frankly in a state of disbelief, but I see that the good, sensible and beautiful people that read this blog actually went out and voted for it in the Total Politics Top Blogs Poll.
The top 100 right of centre blogs listing was published last night, and this blog has made a fantastic 48th place. I have no idea how many votes that would have required, but I know it is more that I thought I was likely to get. I shall be adding the appropriate badge to my side bar over the weekend.
I am left with a sense that this blog is punching well above its weight. My readership numbers are still quite low, and I would guess massively lower than some of the other blogs that finished around a similar position; which means that those of you who come here regularly has made me exceptionally proud by taking time out of your lives to register your votes. Please know that I am touched and exceptionally grateful, and I will endeavor to keep doing better to make the blog better.
My surprise did not end there…
I contribute to three blogs, this one, Football Banter which is obviously non-political, and also The Voice of the Resistance, which is a collaborative right of centre political blog that has only been running since late June. This blog also broke into the Top 100 finishing in 58th position which is astounding really as it could only have been going a few weeks before the poll started and illustrates the massive potential of this project.
I want to say Thank You to everyone who voted for this blog and/or The Voice of the Resistance, it is very much appreciated!
Now, back to reality and back to work.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Back In The Saddle
I am back blogging again after a short break, I apologise to both my readers for my absence, but as explained before, the ol' noggin was going a little screwy - for some reason I felt fine writing about football, but every time I tried to apply myself here it just wasn't working. I am feeling better now in that respect.
Work however has gone crazy in recent months. Not because we are bucking the credit crunch, but because we have less than half the staff we had this time last year to do even more work. Things were bad enough but in late July another member of our team was "let go," and progress from his consultation seems to indicate there will be no way back unless others leave of their own accord.
This is of course a roundabout way of trying to evoke a mild feeling of understanding whilst subtly prodding your thoughts to the competition for what used to be amusing referred to as "my free time". Blogging is becoming less fun, and I have less time in which to do it.
You will perhaps scoff aloud, but about a year ago now in the lead up to my wedding I shared a thought with my intended. We talked about how I was contributing in the comments occasionally on mainstream blogs like Mr Hannans, and Guido's and I shared my frustration at not being able to shape the questions being asked and take the debate I thought it should go in. My genius idea was to start a blog after our wedding; but I had absolutely no idea of the length and breadth of the existing blogosphere. Turns out, if I had of looked a little harder I would have found more outlets for that frustration.
Fear not. I have taken stock and I am not packing my bags just yet. It occurs that given the extent of the blogs on offer I am hardly doing anything original enough to warrant stretching myself needlessly. Largely for the last 9 months I have enjoyed writing here, and it is helping me tap into a literary muscle that I knew was always in me but seldom exercised. So, and this is not carved in stone and is just my intentions now; I am looking to keep blogging here until about 100 days passed the UK General Election, whenever that may be. Please bare with me should I not post for a couple of days.
I may regret sharing that fact with you all in advance, but it is nearly always best to be honest about these things. I think by that point I will have been doing this long enough and will hopefully have vented my spleen and expressed what I hope will be considered some original thinking in a few areas...at least to a sufficient degree to be able to not ruin any more parties by ranting on about politics!! I also assume that by then it will feel about right to wind things down. If however, by some miracle Gordon Brown wins the next election, then I may well have topped myself moments after, and in that situation the blog will simply stop being updated at that point. I also have spared a thought for The Voice Of The Resistance, where I hope to be more active than I have been in recent weeks, as it is shaping up to being an excellent center for like minded opinions and seems to be growing support nicely.
It seems right to me, in my head to do as Cato suggested and keep buggering on for now and I hope that I have not peaked too soon, I feel that there are a few good posts left in me, and that I can join with others in running what seems like the most unpopular and incompetent Government ever out of town. As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions at my nonsensical ramblings, and there is plenty more of those to come.
Work however has gone crazy in recent months. Not because we are bucking the credit crunch, but because we have less than half the staff we had this time last year to do even more work. Things were bad enough but in late July another member of our team was "let go," and progress from his consultation seems to indicate there will be no way back unless others leave of their own accord.
This is of course a roundabout way of trying to evoke a mild feeling of understanding whilst subtly prodding your thoughts to the competition for what used to be amusing referred to as "my free time". Blogging is becoming less fun, and I have less time in which to do it.
You will perhaps scoff aloud, but about a year ago now in the lead up to my wedding I shared a thought with my intended. We talked about how I was contributing in the comments occasionally on mainstream blogs like Mr Hannans, and Guido's and I shared my frustration at not being able to shape the questions being asked and take the debate I thought it should go in. My genius idea was to start a blog after our wedding; but I had absolutely no idea of the length and breadth of the existing blogosphere. Turns out, if I had of looked a little harder I would have found more outlets for that frustration.
Fear not. I have taken stock and I am not packing my bags just yet. It occurs that given the extent of the blogs on offer I am hardly doing anything original enough to warrant stretching myself needlessly. Largely for the last 9 months I have enjoyed writing here, and it is helping me tap into a literary muscle that I knew was always in me but seldom exercised. So, and this is not carved in stone and is just my intentions now; I am looking to keep blogging here until about 100 days passed the UK General Election, whenever that may be. Please bare with me should I not post for a couple of days.
I may regret sharing that fact with you all in advance, but it is nearly always best to be honest about these things. I think by that point I will have been doing this long enough and will hopefully have vented my spleen and expressed what I hope will be considered some original thinking in a few areas...at least to a sufficient degree to be able to not ruin any more parties by ranting on about politics!! I also assume that by then it will feel about right to wind things down. If however, by some miracle Gordon Brown wins the next election, then I may well have topped myself moments after, and in that situation the blog will simply stop being updated at that point. I also have spared a thought for The Voice Of The Resistance, where I hope to be more active than I have been in recent weeks, as it is shaping up to being an excellent center for like minded opinions and seems to be growing support nicely.
It seems right to me, in my head to do as Cato suggested and keep buggering on for now and I hope that I have not peaked too soon, I feel that there are a few good posts left in me, and that I can join with others in running what seems like the most unpopular and incompetent Government ever out of town. As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions at my nonsensical ramblings, and there is plenty more of those to come.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chicken Soup For The Devil, A Tory & The King
I am saddened to read that so many bloggers are down, but the truth is I have had a bout of it myself in recent weeks. The following bloggers are so de-motivated they have said they have thought about giving it up. Lord Elvis has recently reversed his decision, but they all need a hug, so please stop by and cheer them up:
Devils Kitchen
Steve Green
Lord Elvis
There are others, and to all who are down I have written this post just for you.
In respects to Nightjacks outing, I do not know what to say to alleviate the fears that may persist that a newspaper or a fellow blogger may unveil you against your wishes and I have no magic wand that I can use to lift anybodies spirits or make it easier for bloggers to find time around work and family.
But I do know that I do not want to see any blogger give up their blogs through dissatisfaction or because of the fear of what others may do. I am under no illusions of my own blogs size or authority but I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. That is how I approach each post, and hope that my message is reaching at least some people some of the time.
Like wise to those named, it may seem a bit trite, but it is apt:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Your blogs are helping to make our system better, even if it is slowly and incrementally.
I need to borrow others words, for they have stood the tests of time and accuracy.
Furthermore, here are 10 reasons I have come up with off the top of my head as to why you should carry on:
1. Because there is an increase of journalists who openly state that they hate centre-right blogs and bloggers and if you stop blogging that may very well make them, and certian newspaper owners very happy.
2. Because even though this Labour Government is going to get kicked out sometime in the next year, the intellectual battle has not been won, yet. Labours opinion polls are based on Browns Personality more than a shift in the country’s political compass.
3. Because, if you had never started your blogs we might not have had a great Bloggers get together in May in the St Stephens Tavern…
4. … And we can have plenty more of those in the future!!
5. Because, blogs are a big reason why the Libertarian Party has become so well known and played a huge part in the rejuvenation of the Conservative Party – Every blog post counts!
6. Because I like reading all of your blogs and the Blogosphere would be a poorer, emptier place without your contributions.
7. Because thousands of others have visited your blogs and would like to do so in the future!
Devils Kitchen
Steve Green
Lord Elvis
There are others, and to all who are down I have written this post just for you.
In respects to Nightjacks outing, I do not know what to say to alleviate the fears that may persist that a newspaper or a fellow blogger may unveil you against your wishes and I have no magic wand that I can use to lift anybodies spirits or make it easier for bloggers to find time around work and family.
But I do know that I do not want to see any blogger give up their blogs through dissatisfaction or because of the fear of what others may do. I am under no illusions of my own blogs size or authority but I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. That is how I approach each post, and hope that my message is reaching at least some people some of the time.
Like wise to those named, it may seem a bit trite, but it is apt:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Your blogs are helping to make our system better, even if it is slowly and incrementally.
I need to borrow others words, for they have stood the tests of time and accuracy.
Furthermore, here are 10 reasons I have come up with off the top of my head as to why you should carry on:
1. Because there is an increase of journalists who openly state that they hate centre-right blogs and bloggers and if you stop blogging that may very well make them, and certian newspaper owners very happy.
2. Because even though this Labour Government is going to get kicked out sometime in the next year, the intellectual battle has not been won, yet. Labours opinion polls are based on Browns Personality more than a shift in the country’s political compass.
3. Because, if you had never started your blogs we might not have had a great Bloggers get together in May in the St Stephens Tavern…
4. … And we can have plenty more of those in the future!!
5. Because, blogs are a big reason why the Libertarian Party has become so well known and played a huge part in the rejuvenation of the Conservative Party – Every blog post counts!
6. Because I like reading all of your blogs and the Blogosphere would be a poorer, emptier place without your contributions.
7. Because thousands of others have visited your blogs and would like to do so in the future!
8. Because, you may not know it now, but there is the possibility that through your blog you may achieve your life defining moment.
9. Because you have made an impact in people’s lives and that is a good thing. New and aspiring bloggers look to establish blogs for ideas and inspiration, I have taken much from reading your blogs.
10. Because when Mr Brown is finally deposed of his office, there will never in your lives be a more satisfying post than the one you will write immediately after hearing that news! Do you really want to miss that opportunity?
Now, take what time you need, but I look forward to reading a lot more from you guys in the future and hope you all are back in front of the keyboard soon.
10. Because when Mr Brown is finally deposed of his office, there will never in your lives be a more satisfying post than the one you will write immediately after hearing that news! Do you really want to miss that opportunity?
Now, take what time you need, but I look forward to reading a lot more from you guys in the future and hope you all are back in front of the keyboard soon.
Update:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The King Is Back
I missed the post from Lord Elvis from last Friday when he decided to pack in the blogging game in the wake of the Nightjack outing; but I did see the following post from yesterday whereby he declared a change of heart and is to start blogging again. Great news.
Today, Lord Elvis has posted an intriguing post with a call to arms of sorts, it is a nice story, but will be of particular interest to those who have their own blogs. I have already emailed the King to indicate I would like to be a part of his new venture.
Today, Lord Elvis has posted an intriguing post with a call to arms of sorts, it is a nice story, but will be of particular interest to those who have their own blogs. I have already emailed the King to indicate I would like to be a part of his new venture.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Conservative Bloggers Get Together
I just wanted to say thanks to Steve for organising what was a great day out yesterday at the St Stephens Inn opposite Parliament.
If anyone is interested there are some photo's up on Steve's blog, though somehow I managed to avoid being in any of them.
It was good fun meeting up and being able to put faces to the blogs, and just have a bit of banter with fellow bloggers. Not all are active Conservative Party members, which made for some interesting conversations. I see that through DK talking to Mark (Marks Any Musings) he has today joined the Libertarian Party. I also discovered Badger Beer, which went down very well on a hot summers day.
As the day drew on and a numbers began to dwindle myself, Steve and John Ward went exploring for a final drink in the Westminster Arms, but found it to be shut which surprised us.
Needless to say I was fairly drunk by the time we left Westminster.
I had a little trouble finding my way back, and having got on the tube form Westminster to Embankment, I somehow managed to find my way back to Westminster Tube Station. I made it home at about 10:45... thanks, in part to my wife meeting me at the train station at the other end and guiding me back.
I had a bit of a sore head this morning which has thankfully subsided with the application of water and plenty of Tea.
Steve has said he will look to organise another event in about 4 months time, so if you couldn't make it yesterday there will be another chance to meet up. I would certainly recommend it as a good day out with some fine and hospitable company.
If anyone is interested there are some photo's up on Steve's blog, though somehow I managed to avoid being in any of them.
It was good fun meeting up and being able to put faces to the blogs, and just have a bit of banter with fellow bloggers. Not all are active Conservative Party members, which made for some interesting conversations. I see that through DK talking to Mark (Marks Any Musings) he has today joined the Libertarian Party. I also discovered Badger Beer, which went down very well on a hot summers day.
As the day drew on and a numbers began to dwindle myself, Steve and John Ward went exploring for a final drink in the Westminster Arms, but found it to be shut which surprised us.
Needless to say I was fairly drunk by the time we left Westminster.
I had a little trouble finding my way back, and having got on the tube form Westminster to Embankment, I somehow managed to find my way back to Westminster Tube Station. I made it home at about 10:45... thanks, in part to my wife meeting me at the train station at the other end and guiding me back.
I had a bit of a sore head this morning which has thankfully subsided with the application of water and plenty of Tea.
Steve has said he will look to organise another event in about 4 months time, so if you couldn't make it yesterday there will be another chance to meet up. I would certainly recommend it as a good day out with some fine and hospitable company.
Iain & Hopi Election Results - Friday & Sunday
Iain & Hopi are look for an audience and some citizen bloggers to help cover the Election results on Friday and on Sunday. It sounds like it will be good fun. I have posted the link with an additional motivation - that of a chance of being included within the Daley Dozen. I have read wondrous tales of glee from bloggers who have received additional traffic beyond their wildest dreams when they have been linked previously and would like the same for myself.
On the Friday I have volunteered to count votes locally; that is if I am permitted the day off of work anyway.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Saturday Get Together
For those keeping track, I had previously rated my chances at 70% to attend due to a large project that we have on at work.
The bad news is that there is no way we will be meeting my 31st May deadline; the good news is that we are so far off that I have not been asked to work this weekend in the summary meeting I just attended.
As such, I am upgrading my chances to 90% - and I now expect to be there. Wahay! (Hopefully when the news sinks with HQ they won't turn the screw and ask for some Saturday hours.)
See here for main thread and list of likely attendees.
The bad news is that there is no way we will be meeting my 31st May deadline; the good news is that we are so far off that I have not been asked to work this weekend in the summary meeting I just attended.
As such, I am upgrading my chances to 90% - and I now expect to be there. Wahay! (Hopefully when the news sinks with HQ they won't turn the screw and ask for some Saturday hours.)
See here for main thread and list of likely attendees.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Conservative Blogger Get Together
As organised by Steve Green over on Daily Referendum, there is to be a "get together"Date: Saturday 30th May 2009
Time: Starts @12:00:00, will run as long as people want to stay on for
Place: St Stephens Tavern, Westminster (opposite Big Ben)
Purpose: Drinking, meeting fellow bloggers, general merriment
As Steve says, it's called Conservative blogger's piss up, but it is open to anyone really.
So I am just doing my bit to help spread the word.
I have permission from by better half to attend (cos she is nice like that!), however, I have a hard deadline of 31st May on an important project at work so I am only at about 70% at the moment, but I hope to know for sure by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Blogs And Blogging - My Take On It
There has been much written over the weekend about blogs and blogging in general, especially in comparison with the established print media. I have a little piece about why I started blogging to come later, (It was a therapeutic exercise for me to write). But I wanted to have a bit of a say as well on where I see blogs and blogging in general.
So leaving aside the “Why did I start a blog” question, which I am sure literally some, perhaps even a dozen of you would like to know about, let me answer another point that has been raised. The Character of all bloggers seems to be defined by some in the MSM as pretty seedy. The assertion by some is that blogs, and by extension bloggers are somewhat ego-maniacal, and that we are not good enough to be Journalist or Politicians so we sit on the sidelines spreading spurious gossip and murmuring out loud. Well, maybe some bloggers are, but I think the overall assertion has been unfair. They say bloggers claim Guido’s story is being heralded as the rise of the blogosphere in place of the established media.
Well not by me.
The way I see it is that the use of the NotW Guido to break the Smeargate story means this is not some grand transition whereby newspaper subscriptions are cancelled, paperboys rounded up and nationalised as we all switch on to blogs. It was not the Drudge style scoop that the MSM is both projecting and rejecting in the same assertion. The blog itself has not replaced the newspaper. But it is claimed that certain journalists were already aware of the emails and the allegations yet did not break the story themselves, indeed Guido even names Kevin McGuire and asks aloud why he didn’t break the story? Thus, the blogger has outdone the Journalist by breaking the story, albeit, through conventional media.
That’s the point; a blogger and his or her blog are not the same. Nor is a Journalist the same as a newspaper. Certainly Blogs are more personal and are often individual, but in this point scoring exercise it is a draw. Blogger, not Journalist using MSM not blog.
Disagree with this? Fine, put it in the comments field.
What do you do if you disagree with a newspaper? Usually nothing, but maybe go home, write a letter or an email, you won’t know what others have thought because they are not there to tell you but none the less write it, post it, wait a few days to see if it will be published or ignored.
Most blogs are not there to break stories, and write journalistic analysis. If I want to write about a story, I can, and I do not need to go off on a tangent to explain details and back-story, I simple use a hyperlink to the source (which I can’t then misquote). If I want to garner opinion I simply ask question. If I make an assertion, there is a comments field whereby my arguments can be immediately dissected and trashed.
Blogs will not replace the Print media, but they will transform it. Already most of the major publications have some form of blog platform for their writers. The line between Journalist and Blogger is blurring; is Frasier Nelson to you a Journalist or a blogger? Ditto Iain Martin, Melanie Phillips, Daniel Finkelstein, et al. Let me ask further, would you read a blog written by Richard Littlejohn? Matthew Parris? Christopher Booker? [Who I consider to be good writers, who are to my knowledge sans-blog] - Do you seriously think that Young Journalists are being told not to worry about blogging? Of course not, now it is the little Brother to online Journalism, but as we all get more and more online, it is increasingly becoming a more important part of media. There may have been a point when blogging for Journalists was seen as extra work, but I am not sure that is the case anymore.
There is a talent to writing a piece for a blog in a few minutes that will accessible to the entire world at a click of a button. That piece needs to be clear, concise, accurate whilst telling the story and/or expressing the opinion, and in a competitive global age, it needs to be written quickly so as to be on the Internet before the competition. With this there comes disintermediation or at least reduced editorial control from a central Editor. It is a consequence of the technological age. This is the element in which so many in the established media are afraid, it is not just jobs it is that those who previously set an agenda on many topics were the news chiefs, and that is simply no longer the case.
The line between Politician and Blogger also offers a blurred distinction. Is Daniel Hannan a politician or a blogger? How about Doug Carswell? How about Tom Harris? – Again, blogs are allowing people to get closer to politicians and to be heard. This is an enhancement; it is progress in line with technological advances and social demands.
People’s opinions should count, and if people did not want to have their opinions heard, there would be no Speakers Corner, there would be no letters to the editor, and there would be no democracy. Thanks to satellite TV and the Internet people have become more individual in their opinions than they were 10, 25 or 50 years ago. Where there were once maybe 4 or 5 broadsheets, 4 or 5 tabloids, and 4 or 5 news magazines in which a person could choose from before, there are now literally hundreds of thousands of blogs that exist to educate, to inform, to entertain, and all do so allowing the reader to participate, to allow their opinions to be heard. There is nothing scurrilous about it. If I was to draw a parallel with TV, there is more quality programmes on TV today than there was in the 4 channel set-up in 1980’s, it might not feel like it always because you have to wade through so many channels on Satellite to find them.
And that is how I see things going, blogging creep into and enhancing news. We look at politics where blogs are now established, but I think there is a big scope for an explosion in other areas, such as sports (like football, rugby, and golf), TV Programmes, health and lots of areas. The blogs are there, and readership is slowly growing. What people like is the interaction, the choice and the chance to participate and have their views heard.
So leaving aside the “Why did I start a blog” question, which I am sure literally some, perhaps even a dozen of you would like to know about, let me answer another point that has been raised. The Character of all bloggers seems to be defined by some in the MSM as pretty seedy. The assertion by some is that blogs, and by extension bloggers are somewhat ego-maniacal, and that we are not good enough to be Journalist or Politicians so we sit on the sidelines spreading spurious gossip and murmuring out loud. Well, maybe some bloggers are, but I think the overall assertion has been unfair. They say bloggers claim Guido’s story is being heralded as the rise of the blogosphere in place of the established media.
Well not by me.
The way I see it is that the use of the NotW Guido to break the Smeargate story means this is not some grand transition whereby newspaper subscriptions are cancelled, paperboys rounded up and nationalised as we all switch on to blogs. It was not the Drudge style scoop that the MSM is both projecting and rejecting in the same assertion. The blog itself has not replaced the newspaper. But it is claimed that certain journalists were already aware of the emails and the allegations yet did not break the story themselves, indeed Guido even names Kevin McGuire and asks aloud why he didn’t break the story? Thus, the blogger has outdone the Journalist by breaking the story, albeit, through conventional media.
That’s the point; a blogger and his or her blog are not the same. Nor is a Journalist the same as a newspaper. Certainly Blogs are more personal and are often individual, but in this point scoring exercise it is a draw. Blogger, not Journalist using MSM not blog.
Disagree with this? Fine, put it in the comments field.
What do you do if you disagree with a newspaper? Usually nothing, but maybe go home, write a letter or an email, you won’t know what others have thought because they are not there to tell you but none the less write it, post it, wait a few days to see if it will be published or ignored.
Most blogs are not there to break stories, and write journalistic analysis. If I want to write about a story, I can, and I do not need to go off on a tangent to explain details and back-story, I simple use a hyperlink to the source (which I can’t then misquote). If I want to garner opinion I simply ask question. If I make an assertion, there is a comments field whereby my arguments can be immediately dissected and trashed.
Blogs will not replace the Print media, but they will transform it. Already most of the major publications have some form of blog platform for their writers. The line between Journalist and Blogger is blurring; is Frasier Nelson to you a Journalist or a blogger? Ditto Iain Martin, Melanie Phillips, Daniel Finkelstein, et al. Let me ask further, would you read a blog written by Richard Littlejohn? Matthew Parris? Christopher Booker? [Who I consider to be good writers, who are to my knowledge sans-blog] - Do you seriously think that Young Journalists are being told not to worry about blogging? Of course not, now it is the little Brother to online Journalism, but as we all get more and more online, it is increasingly becoming a more important part of media. There may have been a point when blogging for Journalists was seen as extra work, but I am not sure that is the case anymore.
There is a talent to writing a piece for a blog in a few minutes that will accessible to the entire world at a click of a button. That piece needs to be clear, concise, accurate whilst telling the story and/or expressing the opinion, and in a competitive global age, it needs to be written quickly so as to be on the Internet before the competition. With this there comes disintermediation or at least reduced editorial control from a central Editor. It is a consequence of the technological age. This is the element in which so many in the established media are afraid, it is not just jobs it is that those who previously set an agenda on many topics were the news chiefs, and that is simply no longer the case.
The line between Politician and Blogger also offers a blurred distinction. Is Daniel Hannan a politician or a blogger? How about Doug Carswell? How about Tom Harris? – Again, blogs are allowing people to get closer to politicians and to be heard. This is an enhancement; it is progress in line with technological advances and social demands.
People’s opinions should count, and if people did not want to have their opinions heard, there would be no Speakers Corner, there would be no letters to the editor, and there would be no democracy. Thanks to satellite TV and the Internet people have become more individual in their opinions than they were 10, 25 or 50 years ago. Where there were once maybe 4 or 5 broadsheets, 4 or 5 tabloids, and 4 or 5 news magazines in which a person could choose from before, there are now literally hundreds of thousands of blogs that exist to educate, to inform, to entertain, and all do so allowing the reader to participate, to allow their opinions to be heard. There is nothing scurrilous about it. If I was to draw a parallel with TV, there is more quality programmes on TV today than there was in the 4 channel set-up in 1980’s, it might not feel like it always because you have to wade through so many channels on Satellite to find them.
And that is how I see things going, blogging creep into and enhancing news. We look at politics where blogs are now established, but I think there is a big scope for an explosion in other areas, such as sports (like football, rugby, and golf), TV Programmes, health and lots of areas. The blogs are there, and readership is slowly growing. What people like is the interaction, the choice and the chance to participate and have their views heard.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Internet Censorship
Is the blogosphere being Censored?
In recent days a number of blogs have been "taken down". So far, I can see that Tractor Stats and Electro Kevin have disappeared. Thanks to the comment thread on the post by Obnoxio I have learned a few things about what has been potentially going on.
This article shed some light on who may be behind this.
If we are not free as bloggers to express our opinions and art on the Internet then there is (yet, another) severe problem with our "democracy" in the UK.
In these two examples it isn't blog posts that went missing, it was the entire blog. There are other blogs and other platforms, just because expression is not free, it does not mean it will not be seen and heard.
Freedom of Speech is protected in the Magna Carta and by the UN under article 19 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. I can not know what the stated reason is for these blogs having been taken down, but the reason had better be good or TS and Kevin will have grounds for a counter action. They may also, if they haven't already wish to read this.
For Tractor Stats fans, his work is also showcased here.
Tractor Stats & Electro Kevin will hopefully be back on new platforms. Guys, email me when you are and you will have a link from this blog.
In recent days a number of blogs have been "taken down". So far, I can see that Tractor Stats and Electro Kevin have disappeared. Thanks to the comment thread on the post by Obnoxio I have learned a few things about what has been potentially going on.
This article shed some light on who may be behind this.
If we are not free as bloggers to express our opinions and art on the Internet then there is (yet, another) severe problem with our "democracy" in the UK.
In these two examples it isn't blog posts that went missing, it was the entire blog. There are other blogs and other platforms, just because expression is not free, it does not mean it will not be seen and heard.
Freedom of Speech is protected in the Magna Carta and by the UN under article 19 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. I can not know what the stated reason is for these blogs having been taken down, but the reason had better be good or TS and Kevin will have grounds for a counter action. They may also, if they haven't already wish to read this.
For Tractor Stats fans, his work is also showcased here.
Tractor Stats & Electro Kevin will hopefully be back on new platforms. Guys, email me when you are and you will have a link from this blog.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
OMG - Where Has Tractor Stats Gone??!!
Update: 19:20: I see Advanced Media Watch and Obo have also asked the question... Come back Tractor Stats!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Where Is The Public Outrage & Protest?
If a centre-right UK government was in power right now and presided over an approximate £22,000 drop in property value in every house in the UK, the media, led by the BBC would be calling for the PM’s head. Our TV screens would be full of Left leaning MPs calling for the uncaring and inactive government to be overhauled. “Economic Experts” would be in the news telling viewers and readers that people are struggling because of the Governments actions and/or inactions.
If a centre-right UK Government passed a law that allowed NATO to make and impose legislation governing UK border policy, defence policy or any law really, there would be protests in the streets. Petitions would be organised and passed around. The reaction would be stronger if, that government was elected with a specific promise of allowing the electorate to make that decision, via referendum.
If a centre-right government had been in charge of a monetary policy that had saw Sterling plummet to a 23 year low against the dollar, and all time low against the Euro, and we were witnessing loses of thousands of Manufacturing Jobs; the trade unions would be protesting in the streets about the tough market conditions and the increased jobless numbers.
If a centre-right government was proven in the media to have Parliamentarians selling, openly, their time and professional influence in making and changing laws; we would be calling it a “Constitutional Crisis”, and every law passed during that parliament would come under immense scrutiny. Lawyers would be having a field day. An immediate General Election would be called for by the left-wing leader of the opposition.
If a centre-right PM appointed his most influential minister to the House of Lords, free from the scrutiny of public election and being shadowed by an elected member of the shadow cabinet, then everybody would be calling it exactly what it is; an attempt to undermine Parliamentary accountability.
If a combination of the above situations had occurred we would likely have a combination, or all of the above consequences and responses. Eastenders would have story lines families going broke and being evicted, there would be students organising protests and recruiting members to radical organisations, and the Labour and Union conferences would be getting in depth media coverage. We would be told that there is an unprecedented social crisis taking place in the country.
So why is it, with a left-wing government in power, with The EU Lisbon Constitutional Treaty being forced on the UK without the promised referendum, with house prices nose-diving, with Sterling crashing, stock prices crashing, with a seemingly irreversible trend of the rich-poor divide growing further, with unpopular and oppressive laws being passed, with Peers being caught on tape selling their influence within the upper chamber of our national legislature; why is there no coherent, organised, public outcry of any significance? Why haven’t the people taken to the streets?
It is my assertion that if we currently had a Conservative Government, and were facing the scale of problems that we currently are, things would be very different. The opposition would be in a much stronger position. In fact, I suspect the calls from the public for a general election would be deafening.
There are no mass protests against the government in the streets, there is no radical student band amassing at St Stephens Gate.
The blogosphere has become an established force, and though there is balance and a real spectrum of views and approaches, it is noticeable that the centre-right opinions are prevalent. Have people taken to their computer keyboards rather than marching in the streets. Has the blog become the voice of the right, where the strikers placard is the voice of the left?
I am not sure that it has, or is. But I do not think the blogosphere realised its full reach and influence. Where there seems to be a balance in favour of influence to the political right on the blogosphere, there seems to be the reverse in the organising and effect of public protesting. With the Left targeting the blogosphere more and more, is now the correct time for the centre-right parties to be looking at getting people involved in rallies and protests, for which there is much to target? If they did, we may, just possibly, see that general election in 2009 that nobody is expecting.
If a centre-right UK Government passed a law that allowed NATO to make and impose legislation governing UK border policy, defence policy or any law really, there would be protests in the streets. Petitions would be organised and passed around. The reaction would be stronger if, that government was elected with a specific promise of allowing the electorate to make that decision, via referendum.
If a centre-right government had been in charge of a monetary policy that had saw Sterling plummet to a 23 year low against the dollar, and all time low against the Euro, and we were witnessing loses of thousands of Manufacturing Jobs; the trade unions would be protesting in the streets about the tough market conditions and the increased jobless numbers.
If a centre-right government was proven in the media to have Parliamentarians selling, openly, their time and professional influence in making and changing laws; we would be calling it a “Constitutional Crisis”, and every law passed during that parliament would come under immense scrutiny. Lawyers would be having a field day. An immediate General Election would be called for by the left-wing leader of the opposition.
If a centre-right PM appointed his most influential minister to the House of Lords, free from the scrutiny of public election and being shadowed by an elected member of the shadow cabinet, then everybody would be calling it exactly what it is; an attempt to undermine Parliamentary accountability.
If a combination of the above situations had occurred we would likely have a combination, or all of the above consequences and responses. Eastenders would have story lines families going broke and being evicted, there would be students organising protests and recruiting members to radical organisations, and the Labour and Union conferences would be getting in depth media coverage. We would be told that there is an unprecedented social crisis taking place in the country.
So why is it, with a left-wing government in power, with The EU Lisbon Constitutional Treaty being forced on the UK without the promised referendum, with house prices nose-diving, with Sterling crashing, stock prices crashing, with a seemingly irreversible trend of the rich-poor divide growing further, with unpopular and oppressive laws being passed, with Peers being caught on tape selling their influence within the upper chamber of our national legislature; why is there no coherent, organised, public outcry of any significance? Why haven’t the people taken to the streets?
It is my assertion that if we currently had a Conservative Government, and were facing the scale of problems that we currently are, things would be very different. The opposition would be in a much stronger position. In fact, I suspect the calls from the public for a general election would be deafening.
There are no mass protests against the government in the streets, there is no radical student band amassing at St Stephens Gate.
The blogosphere has become an established force, and though there is balance and a real spectrum of views and approaches, it is noticeable that the centre-right opinions are prevalent. Have people taken to their computer keyboards rather than marching in the streets. Has the blog become the voice of the right, where the strikers placard is the voice of the left?
I am not sure that it has, or is. But I do not think the blogosphere realised its full reach and influence. Where there seems to be a balance in favour of influence to the political right on the blogosphere, there seems to be the reverse in the organising and effect of public protesting. With the Left targeting the blogosphere more and more, is now the correct time for the centre-right parties to be looking at getting people involved in rallies and protests, for which there is much to target? If they did, we may, just possibly, see that general election in 2009 that nobody is expecting.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Whatcha Gonna Do?
So Peers can sell their influence on an open market to lobbyists, the Government can't see that it is their very existance and size that is bankrupting the nation, The Irish will be asked to vote for something they have already voted against, the Greeks are rioting, the people of Iceland are rioting, Sterling is crashing, and tax payers are covering bankers wild international splurges.
The BNP seems close to getting elected in Bexley, Lib/Lab/Con all love the EU even though two-thirds of the people they represent dislike the EU, and MPs were prepared to vote to reduce their accountability to tax payers by covering up their expense details.
Our history has placed us with a position of global responsibilities that a great number of people take great pride in, others see this as a great sin, and a stain on our nation. Our armed forces are asked to serve to defend the very principles that this country has been abandoning for a generation. They are sent into battle with insufficient supplies and armour. An experienced squaddie knows that he must even ensure that a sufficient supply of toilet roll is packed as we are often unable to provide such basic provisions.
Our schools maintain a continued decline in standards, with Maths and English coming second to social studies and humanities. They are taught to pass exams, not provided the tools and skills to succeed in life. And what is the point anyway, their parents will have told them that if they can not get a job they can sign on and earn a living by fulfilling some small requirements that ensure that government targets are met. Don't rock the boat and the benefits will keep on coming.
After ten years of proclaiming that schools and hospitals are over stretched, this government has overseen that poor immigrants have entered the UK, en masse for over a decade. Stretching the those services further and further. A whole underclass of poverty stricken immigrants in place to ensure Labour Support for another 25 years is secured. The Labour Party, creating Poverty in the UK to further its own interests.
The Liberals have abandoned any pretence of true Liberal thinking and share no resemblance with the party was founded to oppose the Corn Laws, and now gloriously urinate on the principles of Gladstone, Asquith and Lloyd George. The Liberal Democrats in their present form would not recognise a principle if they tripped over one.
The Conservatives are the only mainstream party whose views countenance to the problems of the nation, but only in terms that slow the progressive visions of the insane and righteous; not to reverse it and set forward a new independent mantra of individual and collective responsibilities, freedom of individuals, especially freedom from state interference, and trust in the free market... which by the way, has lifted more people out of poverty and released more people from the yolk of tyranny than any charity, institution or international law ever conceived.
I really feel that 2009 could be the most radical for a very long time for setting out a shift in the direction of political parties ever... As politicians listen less, the louder we must shout. You may not answer our questions directly and offer soundbites when we need solutions, but we will not go away, and we will not be ignored forever.
When the EU meets to discuss civil unrest in nation states it demonstrates exactly how important the EU considers itself in the governing of Europe. Did anybody actually vote for this? Do we have Democracy and true Civil representation today? I could only answer yes if I could afford to buy a Peer, (and I can't).
There is something fundamentally rotten in our Constitution that the opinions and wishes of so many people can be ignored, and where the tactical application of smear and innuendo has replaced the presentation of facts in our media. We need to change the way politician's are able to govern from above. More accountability, less cost, less intrusion, and these and other rights enshrined and guaranteed. Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty." Which do you think we have in the UK today? Are we moving towards or away from Tyranny?
Do we wish to form a more perfect country for the betterment of ourselves and mankind? or shall we hand ourselves, and our minds over, as requested, to the people who dictate that the way you live is killing the planet, the way you think is the cause of oppression, that you should be subject to laws that they should not? I have my voice now, here in blogosphere. Is your voice, and are your wishes being heard?
The BNP seems close to getting elected in Bexley, Lib/Lab/Con all love the EU even though two-thirds of the people they represent dislike the EU, and MPs were prepared to vote to reduce their accountability to tax payers by covering up their expense details.
Our history has placed us with a position of global responsibilities that a great number of people take great pride in, others see this as a great sin, and a stain on our nation. Our armed forces are asked to serve to defend the very principles that this country has been abandoning for a generation. They are sent into battle with insufficient supplies and armour. An experienced squaddie knows that he must even ensure that a sufficient supply of toilet roll is packed as we are often unable to provide such basic provisions.
Our schools maintain a continued decline in standards, with Maths and English coming second to social studies and humanities. They are taught to pass exams, not provided the tools and skills to succeed in life. And what is the point anyway, their parents will have told them that if they can not get a job they can sign on and earn a living by fulfilling some small requirements that ensure that government targets are met. Don't rock the boat and the benefits will keep on coming.
After ten years of proclaiming that schools and hospitals are over stretched, this government has overseen that poor immigrants have entered the UK, en masse for over a decade. Stretching the those services further and further. A whole underclass of poverty stricken immigrants in place to ensure Labour Support for another 25 years is secured. The Labour Party, creating Poverty in the UK to further its own interests.
The Liberals have abandoned any pretence of true Liberal thinking and share no resemblance with the party was founded to oppose the Corn Laws, and now gloriously urinate on the principles of Gladstone, Asquith and Lloyd George. The Liberal Democrats in their present form would not recognise a principle if they tripped over one.
The Conservatives are the only mainstream party whose views countenance to the problems of the nation, but only in terms that slow the progressive visions of the insane and righteous; not to reverse it and set forward a new independent mantra of individual and collective responsibilities, freedom of individuals, especially freedom from state interference, and trust in the free market... which by the way, has lifted more people out of poverty and released more people from the yolk of tyranny than any charity, institution or international law ever conceived.
I really feel that 2009 could be the most radical for a very long time for setting out a shift in the direction of political parties ever... As politicians listen less, the louder we must shout. You may not answer our questions directly and offer soundbites when we need solutions, but we will not go away, and we will not be ignored forever.
When the EU meets to discuss civil unrest in nation states it demonstrates exactly how important the EU considers itself in the governing of Europe. Did anybody actually vote for this? Do we have Democracy and true Civil representation today? I could only answer yes if I could afford to buy a Peer, (and I can't).
There is something fundamentally rotten in our Constitution that the opinions and wishes of so many people can be ignored, and where the tactical application of smear and innuendo has replaced the presentation of facts in our media. We need to change the way politician's are able to govern from above. More accountability, less cost, less intrusion, and these and other rights enshrined and guaranteed. Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty." Which do you think we have in the UK today? Are we moving towards or away from Tyranny?
Do we wish to form a more perfect country for the betterment of ourselves and mankind? or shall we hand ourselves, and our minds over, as requested, to the people who dictate that the way you live is killing the planet, the way you think is the cause of oppression, that you should be subject to laws that they should not? I have my voice now, here in blogosphere. Is your voice, and are your wishes being heard?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Brown U-Turn On MP Expenses
The other day I picked up on what was written in the blogosphere online about the MPs expenses scandal. Thanks to Mick Fealty I found out about the MySociety campaign through theyworkforyou.com to try and force MPs to vote against the proposals (and against decent standards of Democratic process). I also read on Douglas Carswell MP blog that he was going to publish details of his expenses, inspired by a pledge from Ben Wallace MP.
Last night I was having a flick through the blogs and I saw on Doug Carswells Blog that he had top slot at PMQ's today, and that he was looking for suggestions for questions... seemed simple really - ask about the expenses, and see if he can get Gordon Brown to make a similar pledge. So, this was what I suggested, (twice actually, as my post last night was not visible on his blog this morning, so I posted it again today).
I have not seen the footage yet, I will be looking for it when I get home.
Anyway, The Times is already reporting that Gordon Brown is to perform a U-Turn after having been asked the question by Doug Carswell MP. You can read the Time Report here.
Here is a snippet: Mr Brown made the announcement in response to a question from Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, who asked why he was whipping he MPs to pass the matter.
The change is a victory for the opposition parties and for the huge grassroots campaign by groups such as mySociety and Unlock Democracy. The Tories announced yesterday they were opposing the measure, while Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat, has led the case for the opposition.
I am pretty sure that Mr Carswell would have had this thought on his own, he is after all one of the smarter of the MPs we have in Westminster, but I am grateful that he did ask on this particular matter. I am more grateful really that such a counter-productive law will not be passed.
Unfortunately, despite the apparent u-turn we can be sure that this will be slipped back in as soon as the Government thinks no one is looking, or when outrage is so high against them, this will pale in comparison to whatever cock up we are lambasting them for.
My final thought is this, Doug Carswell knew in advance that he was to get the lead question, I understand that the Speaker sets out who is to get that particular privilege each week. I am sure it will not have escaped the Speakers attention that Doug Carswell had pledged to publish his expenses on the Internet. I wonder if the Speaker wanted Doug Carswell to ask that particular Question? Perhaps Mr Speaker wishes avoid himself being cast in yet another embarassing expenses story?
Last night I was having a flick through the blogs and I saw on Doug Carswells Blog that he had top slot at PMQ's today, and that he was looking for suggestions for questions... seemed simple really - ask about the expenses, and see if he can get Gordon Brown to make a similar pledge. So, this was what I suggested, (twice actually, as my post last night was not visible on his blog this morning, so I posted it again today).
I have not seen the footage yet, I will be looking for it when I get home.
Anyway, The Times is already reporting that Gordon Brown is to perform a U-Turn after having been asked the question by Doug Carswell MP. You can read the Time Report here.
Here is a snippet: Mr Brown made the announcement in response to a question from Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, who asked why he was whipping he MPs to pass the matter.
The change is a victory for the opposition parties and for the huge grassroots campaign by groups such as mySociety and Unlock Democracy. The Tories announced yesterday they were opposing the measure, while Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat, has led the case for the opposition.
I am pretty sure that Mr Carswell would have had this thought on his own, he is after all one of the smarter of the MPs we have in Westminster, but I am grateful that he did ask on this particular matter. I am more grateful really that such a counter-productive law will not be passed.
Unfortunately, despite the apparent u-turn we can be sure that this will be slipped back in as soon as the Government thinks no one is looking, or when outrage is so high against them, this will pale in comparison to whatever cock up we are lambasting them for.
My final thought is this, Doug Carswell knew in advance that he was to get the lead question, I understand that the Speaker sets out who is to get that particular privilege each week. I am sure it will not have escaped the Speakers attention that Doug Carswell had pledged to publish his expenses on the Internet. I wonder if the Speaker wanted Doug Carswell to ask that particular Question? Perhaps Mr Speaker wishes avoid himself being cast in yet another embarassing expenses story?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What Is The Hurry?
There have been a few opinions in the blogosphere in the last week or so urging David Cameron to have his re-shuffle and be done with it. Where as I understand points being made and that it seems that Cameron is dithering a bit.
I say, why hurry?
There has been some good opinions and debate heard because of this speculation. The MSM does not deem much going on in Westminster to be sexy enough to write about, so we are getting re-shuffle stories.
When the talk moves to Osborne and the Shadow Chancellors job the points made are that Osborne is a good operative, but perhaps not best suited to this particular position. We See instead that the real big beast here is John Redwood, who is doing such a good job in a proxy-shadow chancellor role, especially through his Blog and newspaper work that David Cameron will probably feel safe enough to keep Osborne by his side as Shadow Chancellor.... until elected at least. The Tories are the party with a selection of people who can speak well on the economy. Point being, David Cameron could be viewed as making The Economy his top priority, so much so that he has placed his most trusted and valued advisor in the role to help shape that vision.
Discussion over William Hague has reminded Conservatives that they do have candidates who can play well in the North of England, and that there are people in David Cameron's circle that are not of the Bullingdon Club. Hague is is allowed to speak on EU Sceptic issues (If perhaps not as often as some would like to hear.)
Ken Clarke's heralded return reminds the Conservatives where they were in the 1990's and that if they do attain power they strive to rebut the arrogance that comes from holding office. I shudder at the notion that Ken Clarke could one day be making key decisions on the EU and The Euro - however, he is a conservative and they will get attacked on Europe forever more until the Conservative Party can find a way to talk about it without imploding. Having Ken at the table can remind the top team of the what they can and can not do because of the EU, and how they can avoid stoking the EU debate in the wrong direction. [Though i acknowledge, this is pretty much on Kens terms and for as long as he decides he wants to do that].
I do not share the opinion that Ken Clarke is "The Big Beast", I do not find him a convincing communicator, and I feel he serves as a reminder of a bitter past. Better then that he can talk to those issue directly. He also can bring in support that no other Tory can, something that might tip the balance between a hung parliament and a Conservative Government. As long as Ken Clarke is on board, and David Cameron is honest about the extent Ken Clarke can reach in terms of Ministerial position it may work.
The point to all this is that some of these issues in the recent past would have been very negative talking points in the MSM and the debate would possibly have made the Conservatives look bad to floating voters (EU, Economy, Party Inclusion, Ministers in the Lords etc...). That has not happened. David Cameron has stalled on the proposed re-shuffle, but he isn't having his hand forced on decisions, there is no real question of indecisiveness, only the fear of being perceived as such. Imagine how this would all be playing out in the media if it was Gordon Brown stalling over a re-shuffle.
It also shows that Conservatives do not know how to spin. The official line should be that David Cameron is wading through an extensive list of impressive CV's to determine, in his estimation the very best shadow cabinet available and one in which the people of the UK deserve. This is going to take a little time. The current shadow cabinet is functioning so well that the leader feels no need to make decisions in haste. There, simple really.
I am myself still an undecided voter, but the I just feel it was worth mentioning that the Conservatives are appearing more and more as an electable, desirable party.
I say, why hurry?
There has been some good opinions and debate heard because of this speculation. The MSM does not deem much going on in Westminster to be sexy enough to write about, so we are getting re-shuffle stories.
When the talk moves to Osborne and the Shadow Chancellors job the points made are that Osborne is a good operative, but perhaps not best suited to this particular position. We See instead that the real big beast here is John Redwood, who is doing such a good job in a proxy-shadow chancellor role, especially through his Blog and newspaper work that David Cameron will probably feel safe enough to keep Osborne by his side as Shadow Chancellor.... until elected at least. The Tories are the party with a selection of people who can speak well on the economy. Point being, David Cameron could be viewed as making The Economy his top priority, so much so that he has placed his most trusted and valued advisor in the role to help shape that vision.
Discussion over William Hague has reminded Conservatives that they do have candidates who can play well in the North of England, and that there are people in David Cameron's circle that are not of the Bullingdon Club. Hague is is allowed to speak on EU Sceptic issues (If perhaps not as often as some would like to hear.)
Talk of Alan Duncan's position has reminded Conservatives of a few matters. Firstly he serves as an example of inclusion within the party. Secondly that inclusion is not trumpeted, and points are not attempted to be made off of Mr Duncan's personal business. His position was secured of professional merit, not to pad out the party manifesto or meet a quota. Thirdly, Mandleson's return, in the Lords requires someone to shadow him exclusively. And fourthly, how quick public opinion, especially at the grass roots of the Conservative Party will turn if personal attacks are conducted via the media.
Ken Clarke's heralded return reminds the Conservatives where they were in the 1990's and that if they do attain power they strive to rebut the arrogance that comes from holding office. I shudder at the notion that Ken Clarke could one day be making key decisions on the EU and The Euro - however, he is a conservative and they will get attacked on Europe forever more until the Conservative Party can find a way to talk about it without imploding. Having Ken at the table can remind the top team of the what they can and can not do because of the EU, and how they can avoid stoking the EU debate in the wrong direction. [Though i acknowledge, this is pretty much on Kens terms and for as long as he decides he wants to do that].
I do not share the opinion that Ken Clarke is "The Big Beast", I do not find him a convincing communicator, and I feel he serves as a reminder of a bitter past. Better then that he can talk to those issue directly. He also can bring in support that no other Tory can, something that might tip the balance between a hung parliament and a Conservative Government. As long as Ken Clarke is on board, and David Cameron is honest about the extent Ken Clarke can reach in terms of Ministerial position it may work.
The point to all this is that some of these issues in the recent past would have been very negative talking points in the MSM and the debate would possibly have made the Conservatives look bad to floating voters (EU, Economy, Party Inclusion, Ministers in the Lords etc...). That has not happened. David Cameron has stalled on the proposed re-shuffle, but he isn't having his hand forced on decisions, there is no real question of indecisiveness, only the fear of being perceived as such. Imagine how this would all be playing out in the media if it was Gordon Brown stalling over a re-shuffle.
It also shows that Conservatives do not know how to spin. The official line should be that David Cameron is wading through an extensive list of impressive CV's to determine, in his estimation the very best shadow cabinet available and one in which the people of the UK deserve. This is going to take a little time. The current shadow cabinet is functioning so well that the leader feels no need to make decisions in haste. There, simple really.
I am myself still an undecided voter, but the I just feel it was worth mentioning that the Conservatives are appearing more and more as an electable, desirable party.
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