Friday, March 31, 2006
To Russia with Condescention
News stories about Russia are treated by our media in a condescending and ill-informed manner.
Instead of the facts, we get the same old themes about the Kremlin acting dictatorially. We never get the detailed background behind the Kremlin’s actions. Take new Russian laws to regulate NGO’s. What is never reported is how the Russian mafia is using them to launder money or bribe politicians, yet, we in Europe, have similar regulations, to prevent such criminal activities.
The Russian - Ukrainian gas dispute, our media portrayed Russia as the big bad wolf threatening its former region. The truth seems to be that the old contract was providing cheaper fuel to Ukrainian industry than to Russian industry, and so Gazprom had to take action.
In a recent television programme, it was clear that the presenter/chairman did not comprehend the complex issues involved and pursued the media bias against the Russian government.
The British media must try to stop being condescending and try to present the underlying facts behind the story.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
PR Inaction?
PR Inaction?
What a way to run an election. Low turnout and Israel condemned to having another weak coalition government. The voters’ verdict under PR means that only by a coalition of parties can a government be formed. Very small extremist parties will again be able to determine the agenda of mainstream politics.
As for the future, Hamas must be disappointed, dealing with a weak Israeli leadership, unable to take the tough decisions so essential for negotiations. In addition, Israeli business is disappointed that the coalition will not be strong enough to implement essential economic reform. Washington meanwhile, must be in despair, whilst still acting as paymaster.
PR has many good points, but in cases like Israel, it can clearly be disastrous.
What a way to run an election. Low turnout and Israel condemned to having another weak coalition government. The voters’ verdict under PR means that only by a coalition of parties can a government be formed. Very small extremist parties will again be able to determine the agenda of mainstream politics.
As for the future, Hamas must be disappointed, dealing with a weak Israeli leadership, unable to take the tough decisions so essential for negotiations. In addition, Israeli business is disappointed that the coalition will not be strong enough to implement essential economic reform. Washington meanwhile, must be in despair, whilst still acting as paymaster.
PR has many good points, but in cases like Israel, it can clearly be disastrous.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Party Political Funding
Party Political Funding
The Westminster media village is all hot and bothered about the alleged payment for peerages. The solution is glaringly obvious – state party political funding!
This way, no political parties will have to depend on donations, dubious loans or alleged bribery for their election activities. Democracy costs money! From my campaign experience, it is obvious that voters are desperate for well-informed knowledge and plentiful information, on which to base their choice. They want to hear more, not less, arguments and debate. Dependence on old-fashioned leafleting (otherwise known as junk mail?) is ridiculous and the use of advertising, particularly the internet, is essential, so that the voter can make an informed and democratic choice. This involves, more, not less, money. Clearly, the present system is not up to it. Yes, state funding is inevitable.
The Westminster media village is all hot and bothered about the alleged payment for peerages. The solution is glaringly obvious – state party political funding!
This way, no political parties will have to depend on donations, dubious loans or alleged bribery for their election activities. Democracy costs money! From my campaign experience, it is obvious that voters are desperate for well-informed knowledge and plentiful information, on which to base their choice. They want to hear more, not less, arguments and debate. Dependence on old-fashioned leafleting (otherwise known as junk mail?) is ridiculous and the use of advertising, particularly the internet, is essential, so that the voter can make an informed and democratic choice. This involves, more, not less, money. Clearly, the present system is not up to it. Yes, state funding is inevitable.
French Strikes
On the bus to Oxford recently, I met Tom a staunch conservative of the old school. The conversation soon turned to the violent student demonstrations in Paris.
I was surprised when he argued that the French government should give in to the demonstrator’s demands. Tom thought it iniquitous of the French PM Devillepin to introduce new labour laws that that would discriminate against young workers. I pointed out that France was at a tipping point, if Devillepin surrendered on his Thatcherite reforms, France would soon turn into the sick man of Europe. I began to suspect that Tom was more concerned about the potential disruption to his planned Spring break at his Dordogne estate?
french strikes
I was surprised when he argued that the French government should give in to the demonstrator’s demands. Tom thought it iniquitous of the French PM Devillepin to introduce new labour laws that that would discriminate against young workers. I pointed out that France was at a tipping point, if Devillepin surrendered on his Thatcherite reforms, France would soon turn into the sick man of Europe. I began to suspect that Tom was more concerned about the potential disruption to his planned Spring break at his Dordogne estate?
french strikes
Thursday, March 16, 2006
European Common Energy Policy
European green paper in energy march 2006
BRUSSELS
March 8 should be celebrated as Europe’s energy independence day, when Commission President launched the EU’s Green Paper on providing the community with a Common Energy Policy. However, Europe’s energy dinosaurs greeted the prospect of the EU finally taking action to tackle the continent’s energy problems with fear and trepidation. Immediately calls for defence of national interests have been made to protect national energy companies from the threat of liberalisation of Europe’s energy markets was demanded. Energy lobbyists in both France and Spain struck up the banner of patriotism, the need to protect jobs and the local equivalent of the American dream. Little did they care for the damage such action would have on Europe’s business competitiveness, nor for the people that they were going to make unemployed or even the nightmare for pensioners living in fear of the next energy bill. Instead, their promotion of national champions will result as Commission President Barrosso says in the creation second division champions, when Europe needs Premier class champions to fight its corner in the world energy markets. To Read More http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Europe%20Watch.htm
BRUSSELS
March 8 should be celebrated as Europe’s energy independence day, when Commission President launched the EU’s Green Paper on providing the community with a Common Energy Policy. However, Europe’s energy dinosaurs greeted the prospect of the EU finally taking action to tackle the continent’s energy problems with fear and trepidation. Immediately calls for defence of national interests have been made to protect national energy companies from the threat of liberalisation of Europe’s energy markets was demanded. Energy lobbyists in both France and Spain struck up the banner of patriotism, the need to protect jobs and the local equivalent of the American dream. Little did they care for the damage such action would have on Europe’s business competitiveness, nor for the people that they were going to make unemployed or even the nightmare for pensioners living in fear of the next energy bill. Instead, their promotion of national champions will result as Commission President Barrosso says in the creation second division champions, when Europe needs Premier class champions to fight its corner in the world energy markets. To Read More http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Europe%20Watch.htm
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