I am rather a novice when it comes to economics and I'm sure plenty of my colleagues in the Green Party have a far more insightful view on the current problems than myself. But anyhoo, here are my views...
Banks should be at the back of the queue when it comes to nationalisation. The rail network and energy companies would be a good start considering we currently subsidise the rail network while paying shareholders and allow energy companies to rip their customers off to guarantee profits to their shareholders.
So, the banks. I don't have all the answers, but my suggestion is for the future that banks and other financial institutions should pay into a government scheme to protect customer's savings. Then, at the end of the day if they get into trouble it is tough, they may act a bit more cautiously in future. If it wasn't for all the buy to let mortgages it is likely property prices would be lower than the current insane levels they are at.
There is however a major concern for trade unionists. Pension schemes are at real risk due to the current state of the market. We should never have got into the position where we are so reliant on work based pensions, but we are here now and a major fall in share prices will result in schemes closing down or requiring employees to pay a lot more in. More than ever, we need a reliable state pension which gives pensioners a living income so it does not have to be supplemented by work based pensions.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Press release from York Green Party
York Green Party has reacted with great dismay to the announcement that the Remploy factory in York has been recently sold on the day that the GMB union announced at the Labour Party conference that it would campaign to re-open the factory.
Of the 54 workers who lost their jobs when the York factory closed down around half have been unable to find alternative employment.
Green Party Trades Union Spokesperson Andrew Collingwood stated, "Remploy workers from York and across the country have been seriously let down by the Labour government. They have been forced into menial jobs well below their skill levels or, even worse, unemployment. We call for an immediate and independent review of the factory closures and for the government to support those Remploy workers who have been unable to find employment after 6 months."
The Green Party's candidate for York Central, Andy Chase, added,"We should stop mumbling platitudes about 'mainstream employment' and instead sit down and listen to the Remploy workers themselves."
Of the 54 workers who lost their jobs when the York factory closed down around half have been unable to find alternative employment.
Green Party Trades Union Spokesperson Andrew Collingwood stated, "Remploy workers from York and across the country have been seriously let down by the Labour government. They have been forced into menial jobs well below their skill levels or, even worse, unemployment. We call for an immediate and independent review of the factory closures and for the government to support those Remploy workers who have been unable to find employment after 6 months."
The Green Party's candidate for York Central, Andy Chase, added,"We should stop mumbling platitudes about 'mainstream employment' and instead sit down and listen to the Remploy workers themselves."
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Labour lets down Remploy workers
It is with great dismay that I must report the announcement that the Remploy factory in York has been recently sold on the day that the GMB announced at Labour party conference that they would campaign to re-open the factory.
Of the 54 workers who lost their job when the York factory closed down half have failed to find alternative employment.
The government has seriously let down Remploy workers across the country through its series of factory closures.
Of the 54 workers who lost their job when the York factory closed down half have failed to find alternative employment.
The government has seriously let down Remploy workers across the country through its series of factory closures.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Stephen Fry's Podgrams
I'm currently suffering from a bout of illness. While lying in bed I have found the delights of the Stephen Fry Podgram, which I have been downloading through ITunes. This following excerpt about his views on dancing made me laugh out loud:
http://stephenfry.com/blog/?paged=2#more-41
At a pinch I would welcome that over the continued existence of endless long ballroom routines in which you have to be taught the steps of quadrilles, cotillions, gavottes, waltzes and so forth. I suppose the descendant of that ghastly form of entertainment is the vile terror known as Line Dancing, a proceeding so fatuous and horrible as to defy language. I have twice been caught with nowhere to run in one of those events. It was like being on the gymnastics mat at school, or in the infant Music and Movement room. The sweaty, ghastliness of it all and the silly hats and embarrassing clapping. Oh god, I’ve given myself hives just thinking of it.
And hell, that reminds me of childhood Scottish dancing lessons, hopping over swords. Or more recent holidays with friends with Highland Reels promised as an after dinner treat. ‘In this life,’ Sir Arnold Bax is reputed to have said, ‘you should try everything once, except incest and folk dancing.’ Eightsome reels. Stripping the Willow. The Roger de Coverley, whoever the arse he was. Morris Dancing, which is fashionable to loathe, I really don’t mind at all. In fact I quite like it, because there is never the faintest chance of being invited to join in. Organised dancing and disorganised dancing in which one is supposed to participate. Both of them fill me with dread and disgust. Yes, probably self-disgust more than any other kind.
Maybe it all springs from having to sing at school the Worst Song Ever Written — Lord of the Dance. ‘Dance then, wherever you may be, for I am the Lord of the Dance said he. I’ll dance with you if you dance with me, for I am the lord of the dance said he.’ And so bloody on. If ever a song were guaranteed to create a generation of atheists and non-dancers it is that one. ‘I danced for the sun and I danced for the moon. I danced at night and I danced at noon.’ I mean, come on. Seriously shut up. Shut so up and go so dreadfully and entirely away.
http://stephenfry.com/blog/?paged=2#more-41
Friday, 12 September 2008
We're all f**ked is this woman gets elected
And with John McCain being close to his sell by date she may even become president. Barack Obama my not be the panacea to American's ailments but he has to be a better choice than the McCain/Palin ticket.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Meh
I've come away from my first GP conference feeling rather apathetic and not very motivated to campaign for the party nationally. (However, I still strongly support York Central's candidate Andy Chase, who does motivate me to get out there and campaign).
I was particularly disappointed that the original maximum/minimum wage motion was not passed with an amendment changing this:
to this:
There was a lot of talk about how having a 100% tax rate would alienate some of our potential voters. I seriously doubt it. Under the current motion it would mean workers would not be able to earn over £81,700. The vast majority of the UK populace earns under this level, we would be talking about a policy which would affect under 1% of workers, people who most probably would never consider voting for us in the first place, as many of our other policies would not be in their interest. It is only with radical policies that we will really catch the attention of voters, not by putting out watered down policies for fear of upsetting a few Tory voters. There is real potential for the Green Party to attract disillusioned trade unionists who can no longer stomach New Labour and we will not do it by tinkering around the status quo.
I was also surprised by the amount of suits wandering round conference. It appears this number has grown year on year, and the suits seemed to be the those who did not support the good motions put through on maximum wage and right to rent.
The conference venue was also very dreary. No communal area for socialising (or networking if you prefer) was available until the evening. Thankfully the Malborough Arms proved a good venue for Green Left to meet in :-)
Oh well, let's see what this year brings with a new leader and GPEx. To quote this Simpsons:
I was particularly disappointed that the original maximum/minimum wage motion was not passed with an amendment changing this:
C. For maximum income limit of 10 times the National Minimum Wage, through the establishment of a 100% rate of income tax on taxable personal income above that level.
to this:
(c) a new top rate of income tax to be levied on incomes over 10 times the National Minimum Wage
There was a lot of talk about how having a 100% tax rate would alienate some of our potential voters. I seriously doubt it. Under the current motion it would mean workers would not be able to earn over £81,700. The vast majority of the UK populace earns under this level, we would be talking about a policy which would affect under 1% of workers, people who most probably would never consider voting for us in the first place, as many of our other policies would not be in their interest. It is only with radical policies that we will really catch the attention of voters, not by putting out watered down policies for fear of upsetting a few Tory voters. There is real potential for the Green Party to attract disillusioned trade unionists who can no longer stomach New Labour and we will not do it by tinkering around the status quo.
I was also surprised by the amount of suits wandering round conference. It appears this number has grown year on year, and the suits seemed to be the those who did not support the good motions put through on maximum wage and right to rent.
The conference venue was also very dreary. No communal area for socialising (or networking if you prefer) was available until the evening. Thankfully the Malborough Arms proved a good venue for Green Left to meet in :-)
Oh well, let's see what this year brings with a new leader and GPEx. To quote this Simpsons:
The leader is good,
the leader is great.
We surrender our will,
as of this day.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Back to gloomy York
I'm now back in gloomy York after a wonderful sunny week in the Alps. It is great to finally have some colour and stop looking like a pasty northerner.
Returning back to normality after a week away emphasises just how much time you spend during the week dealing with emails. On return I had over 300 non-work emails, over 100 of which were GP related. Work a bit quiter with only about 100 emails over 4 days, it would have probably been triple that if I went a couple of months later.
Anyhow, off to the York Green Festival today and hoping for sun.
Friday, 22 August 2008
Rain, rain, rain
Wednesday - Rain
Thursday - Rain
Friday - A little bit of sun, then rain.
Leave for France tomorrow, in the hope of finding summer.
Listening to: Reading 08, earlier Mahler 5 at the Proms for a bit of contrast.
Thursday - Rain
Friday - A little bit of sun, then rain.
Leave for France tomorrow, in the hope of finding summer.
Listening to: Reading 08, earlier Mahler 5 at the Proms for a bit of contrast.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
House of Saddam / US Presidential Election
Churchill was right, history is written by the victors. A perfect example of this has been the BBC's 'House of Saddam'. Although well written and acted, the whole programme was a half truth. It made no reference to the death and carnage caused by the so called International coalition. I can imagine when children are reading about this in history classes in the future it will be portrayed as an humanitarian intervention with little reference to any casualties caused by the shock and awe strategy and the subsequent unrest caused by the war.
And over in the US, McCain is winning in the latest poll, 46 to 41. You cannot help but wonder whether the latest Republican sabre rattling against Russia has not helped McCain's chances. Unfortunately it would not even surprise me if Bush took the US into another conflict, most probably Iran, before the end of his term, which would most likely boosy McCain's chances.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Greens support RMT
I was glad to see the following blog post from Derek Wall on the Socialist Unity site:
http://www.socialistunity.com/?p=2739
After New Labour's betrayal of trade unions it is time trade unionists started looking elsewhere for a party which will support their claims for decent pay offers and working conditions. Grass root trade unionists in the unions such as Unite and Unison also need to start questioning why they are bank rolling a Labour party which treats them with contempt.
The Green Party offers an alternative to New Labour. Visit the Green Party Trade Union group at http://gptu.net/pssess4X/3c/hpage.shtml
Weather: Friday - Tuesday rain, rain and more bloody rain. Cannot wait for my escape to France, the weather looks a lot nicer in Morzine
Listening to: Metallica
‘full support’ for RMT strike action in Tubelines: Green Party Trade Union Group
Green solidarity with public transport workers
Greens question Tory transport policy for London
The Green Party Trade Union Group fully supports the 1,000 Tubelines’ workers who intend to start the first of two 72-hour strikes, after the company tabled a poor offer on pay and conditions.
In line with trade union legislation, the RMT gave notice of their industrial action last Wednesday but have neither heard from Tubelines’ management, not Chief Executive Terry Morgan.
RMT members voted by a margin of three to one to take strike action over pay, pensions and travel facilities. The RMT’s general secretary. Bob Crow, has made the comparison with Metronet where workers doing exactly the same job as those who maintain track and trains for Tubelines on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, have been offered higher pay rates, a superior pension and better travel facilities.
“While the management of Tubelines has put much effort into scapegoating the RMT in this dispute by calling their action ‘political’, they haven’t bothered to sit down and negotiate a settlement. The only guarantee of a quick resolution to this crisis is for Morgan and co to sit down with the RMT and listen to the grave concerns the RMT have about the pay settlement for their members in Tubelines.” Stated Pete Murray.
Meanwhile, the break-down in communication between the management and unions has taken another turn for the worse with the resignation of Tim Parker, Chair of Transport for London. Parker’s resignation is the third resignation, as Darren Johnson, Green GLA member stated “Tim Parker is the third key figure to resign in less than four months, reflecting the rushed nature of appointments and giving an appearance of chaos in the new administration. Londoners deserve a
better deal from the man they have entrusted to run their city.”
Principal Speaker Dr Derek Wall said of RMT’s Bob Crow ‘Buy the man a drink’.
http://www.socialistunity.com/?p=2739
After New Labour's betrayal of trade unions it is time trade unionists started looking elsewhere for a party which will support their claims for decent pay offers and working conditions. Grass root trade unionists in the unions such as Unite and Unison also need to start questioning why they are bank rolling a Labour party which treats them with contempt.
The Green Party offers an alternative to New Labour. Visit the Green Party Trade Union group at http://gptu.net/pssess4X/3c/hpage.shtml
Weather: Friday - Tuesday rain, rain and more bloody rain. Cannot wait for my escape to France, the weather looks a lot nicer in Morzine
Listening to: Metallica
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Questionnaire
Total Politics has interviewed the two candidates from Green leader, Ashley Gunstock and Caroline Lucas. Weggis has now answered the questions on his blog, and I will now follow suit:
Q1. Why did you get involved in the political world?
A1. 2002, I was very angry about the proposed war on Iraq
Q2. When did you join The Green Party?
A2. 2005 after becoming disillusioned with RESPECT
Q3. What is your earliest political memory?
A3. The Miner's strike
Q4. Which one law would you repeal?
A4. 42 days
Q5. Which one law would you introduce?
A5. A maximum wage
Q6. What’s your favourite view in the world?
A6. River Derwent in Elvington
Q7. What’s your favourite political quotation?
A7. "Our objective is complete freedom, justice and equality by any means necessary." Malcolm X
Q8. What music gets you up to dance?
A8. Cheesy pop
Q9. If you could have been present at any debate in the House of Commons over the last three hundred years, which would it have been, and why?
A9. The debate on the vote to go to war with Iraq
Q10. Imagine you are planning a dinner party, pick six people (living or dead) to invite.
A10. Leon Trotsky, Stephen Fry, Judy Garland, Armistead Maupin, Mark Steel, Hugo Chavez
Q11. Who is your best friend in politics?
A11. Most of my friends are less political than me
Q12. What’s your favourite form of transport?
A12. Train (when its not too crowded)
Q13. What’s your favourite dish?
A13. Pizza
Q14. Do you have any phobias?
A14. Wasps
Q15. What do you dream about?
A15. Bizarre randomness
Q16. When did you last cry, and why?
A16. Can't remember, quite a while ago
Q17. What’s the last thing you bought in a shop?
A17. A sandwich meal deal
Q18. What’s the funniest You Tube video you’ve recently seen?
A18. Clips from Robot Chicken Star Wars
Q19. What is the best speech you have ever heard (and been present at)?
A19. Probably George Galloway, even though I don't like the man
Q20. Who’s your favourite comedian?
A20. Jeremy Hardy
Q21. Have you ever cried at a film? Which one(s)?
A21. E.T.
Q22. Which is your favourite political biography or autobiography?
A22. Christopher Isherwood - Christopher and his Kind
Q23. What is your favourite novel?
A23. Armistead Maupin - Tales of the City
Q24. Name a book you have read which has failed to live up to expectations.
A24. Moby Dick
Q25. Who would you like to say sorry to, and why?
A25. No one
Q26. What job would you be doing if you weren’t involved in the political world?
A26. Comic store.
Q27. Do you have a party trick, or hidden talent?
A27. Doing Elvis on karaoke
Q28. What’s the best holiday you have been on?
A28. France 2006
Q29. Where in the world would you most like to go on holiday?
A29. San Francisco
Q30. When was the last time you used public transport?
A30. Today
Q31. When was the last time you went to the theatre and what did you see?
A31. The London revival of Cabaret
Q32. What do you collect?
A32. DVDs
Q33. What is your most unusual hobby?
A33. I think my hobbies are relatively normal
Q34. Which newspapers do you read regularly?
A34. Guardian and Morning Star on a weekend
Q35. Which websites do you visit regularly?
A35. Facebook. Far too much.
Q36. Which blogs do you love or hate?
A36. Read Derek Wall's regularly
Q37. Which magazines do you subscribe to?
A37. Economist, Time, Radio Times
Q38. Which five words would your friends use about you?
A38. Sleepy, Lush, Opinionated, Odd, Unfit
Q39. Which five words would your enemies use about you?
A39. I would hope I don't have any enemies
Q40. Are you into sport? If so, which ones?
A40. None
Q41. Which is your favourite football team and player?
A41. Don't care for football
Q42. Who is your political hero?
A42. Karl Marx
Q43. Who is your political hate figure?
A43. Norman Tebbit. Obnoxious bigoted old fool.
Q44. What’s your most memorable time in politics?
A44. 2003 anti-war march
Q45. What’s your most embarrassing moment in politics?
A45. Don't have one
Q46. What’s your prediction for the next general election?
A46. Probably the Tories, doubt it will make much difference.
Q47. Who is your favourite and least favourite political interviewer?
A47. Paxman - Montague.
Q48. What do you never miss on TV?
A48. Usually catch Doctor Who
Q49. Which current foreign politician do you most admire?
A49. Hugo Chavez
Q50. What do you listen to/watch when you get up in the morning?
A50. Today programme
Q51. Complete this sentence: The thing I hate about politics is...
A51. people who are in it to server their own interests
Q52. Complete this sentence: The thing I love about politics is...
A52. the chance to make a difference
Q53. What would you like your political epitaph to be?
A53. Meh
Q1. Why did you get involved in the political world?
A1. 2002, I was very angry about the proposed war on Iraq
Q2. When did you join The Green Party?
A2. 2005 after becoming disillusioned with RESPECT
Q3. What is your earliest political memory?
A3. The Miner's strike
Q4. Which one law would you repeal?
A4. 42 days
Q5. Which one law would you introduce?
A5. A maximum wage
Q6. What’s your favourite view in the world?
A6. River Derwent in Elvington
Q7. What’s your favourite political quotation?
A7. "Our objective is complete freedom, justice and equality by any means necessary." Malcolm X
Q8. What music gets you up to dance?
A8. Cheesy pop
Q9. If you could have been present at any debate in the House of Commons over the last three hundred years, which would it have been, and why?
A9. The debate on the vote to go to war with Iraq
Q10. Imagine you are planning a dinner party, pick six people (living or dead) to invite.
A10. Leon Trotsky, Stephen Fry, Judy Garland, Armistead Maupin, Mark Steel, Hugo Chavez
Q11. Who is your best friend in politics?
A11. Most of my friends are less political than me
Q12. What’s your favourite form of transport?
A12. Train (when its not too crowded)
Q13. What’s your favourite dish?
A13. Pizza
Q14. Do you have any phobias?
A14. Wasps
Q15. What do you dream about?
A15. Bizarre randomness
Q16. When did you last cry, and why?
A16. Can't remember, quite a while ago
Q17. What’s the last thing you bought in a shop?
A17. A sandwich meal deal
Q18. What’s the funniest You Tube video you’ve recently seen?
A18. Clips from Robot Chicken Star Wars
Q19. What is the best speech you have ever heard (and been present at)?
A19. Probably George Galloway, even though I don't like the man
Q20. Who’s your favourite comedian?
A20. Jeremy Hardy
Q21. Have you ever cried at a film? Which one(s)?
A21. E.T.
Q22. Which is your favourite political biography or autobiography?
A22. Christopher Isherwood - Christopher and his Kind
Q23. What is your favourite novel?
A23. Armistead Maupin - Tales of the City
Q24. Name a book you have read which has failed to live up to expectations.
A24. Moby Dick
Q25. Who would you like to say sorry to, and why?
A25. No one
Q26. What job would you be doing if you weren’t involved in the political world?
A26. Comic store.
Q27. Do you have a party trick, or hidden talent?
A27. Doing Elvis on karaoke
Q28. What’s the best holiday you have been on?
A28. France 2006
Q29. Where in the world would you most like to go on holiday?
A29. San Francisco
Q30. When was the last time you used public transport?
A30. Today
Q31. When was the last time you went to the theatre and what did you see?
A31. The London revival of Cabaret
Q32. What do you collect?
A32. DVDs
Q33. What is your most unusual hobby?
A33. I think my hobbies are relatively normal
Q34. Which newspapers do you read regularly?
A34. Guardian and Morning Star on a weekend
Q35. Which websites do you visit regularly?
A35. Facebook. Far too much.
Q36. Which blogs do you love or hate?
A36. Read Derek Wall's regularly
Q37. Which magazines do you subscribe to?
A37. Economist, Time, Radio Times
Q38. Which five words would your friends use about you?
A38. Sleepy, Lush, Opinionated, Odd, Unfit
Q39. Which five words would your enemies use about you?
A39. I would hope I don't have any enemies
Q40. Are you into sport? If so, which ones?
A40. None
Q41. Which is your favourite football team and player?
A41. Don't care for football
Q42. Who is your political hero?
A42. Karl Marx
Q43. Who is your political hate figure?
A43. Norman Tebbit. Obnoxious bigoted old fool.
Q44. What’s your most memorable time in politics?
A44. 2003 anti-war march
Q45. What’s your most embarrassing moment in politics?
A45. Don't have one
Q46. What’s your prediction for the next general election?
A46. Probably the Tories, doubt it will make much difference.
Q47. Who is your favourite and least favourite political interviewer?
A47. Paxman - Montague.
Q48. What do you never miss on TV?
A48. Usually catch Doctor Who
Q49. Which current foreign politician do you most admire?
A49. Hugo Chavez
Q50. What do you listen to/watch when you get up in the morning?
A50. Today programme
Q51. Complete this sentence: The thing I hate about politics is...
A51. people who are in it to server their own interests
Q52. Complete this sentence: The thing I love about politics is...
A52. the chance to make a difference
Q53. What would you like your political epitaph to be?
A53. Meh
Friday, 15 August 2008
Bush the hypocrite - part II
Last week I was commenting on Bush's hypocrisy commenting on China's human rights abuses. Just a week later we are now faced with yet more sickening displays of double standards from Dubya.
His full speech can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815.html. I will highlight a few of the worst parts here:
The United States were notably quiet in condemning the attempted overthrow of democratically elected Hugo Chavez in 2002. They also supported the overthrow of democratically elected Allende in the 1973 Chilean coup which installed dictator Pinochet. These are just two examples of the US's constant interference in the affairs of democratically elected governments.
Surely the constant belligerent rhetoric and threats towards Iran could be seen as bullying. Certainly invading Afghanistan and Iraq without a UN mandate are not only bullying but illegal under international law.
How about the number of countries with US bases in. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_military_bases
At the end of the day it is the US's constant push to expand NATO to Russia's borders and the creation of missile defence system in Eastern Europe which are provoking Russia.
Russia should not be invading and occupying Georgia, but the US is by no means an innocent by-stander.
Weather: Monday - Thursday rain, today had a bit of sun.
Listening to: Foo Fighters
His full speech can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815.html. I will highlight a few of the worst parts here:
"The United States and our allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected."
The United States were notably quiet in condemning the attempted overthrow of democratically elected Hugo Chavez in 2002. They also supported the overthrow of democratically elected Allende in the 1973 Chilean coup which installed dictator Pinochet. These are just two examples of the US's constant interference in the affairs of democratically elected governments.
"Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century."
Surely the constant belligerent rhetoric and threats towards Iran could be seen as bullying. Certainly invading Afghanistan and Iraq without a UN mandate are not only bullying but illegal under international law.
"The Cold War is over. The days of satellite states and spheres of influence are behind us."
How about the number of countries with US bases in. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_military_bases
At the end of the day it is the US's constant push to expand NATO to Russia's borders and the creation of missile defence system in Eastern Europe which are provoking Russia.
Russia should not be invading and occupying Georgia, but the US is by no means an innocent by-stander.
Weather: Monday - Thursday rain, today had a bit of sun.
Listening to: Foo Fighters
Monday, 11 August 2008
RIP Chef / Georgia / Leadership Ballot
It was sad to hear of Isaac Hayes death. Most younger viewers will best know him as Chef from South Park, which he unfortunately left because of their ridicule of Scientology which Hayes was a member of. Most of us do not understand how people can follow Scientology and see it as something of a sinister cult, but Hayes did work with Scientology based initiatives to help impoverished inner-city schools.
The situation is Georgia is looking grim, with Russia clearly looking like the aggressor. Georgia's enthusiasm to join NATO has probably helped provoke some of the hostilities. The question is why does NATO still exist? It was supposed to be a western alliance set up as a mutual defence pact against the Soviet Union, surely it should have disbanded once the iron wall fell. Its continuing existence and constant expansion towards Russia's border is clearly going to provoke a response.
Once again the US is doing its usual bang up job of pouring petrol onto the fire with Cheney quoted as saying aggression against Georgia "must not go unanswered."
You have to wonder whether there would be as much international interest if there wasn't an oil pipeline running through Georgia to feed the fuel hunger west?
Got my voting papers for Green Leadership and Exec today. I have cast my vote for Ashley Gunstock, who I believe is the best choice for grass roots activists. And RON got my vote for Deputy Leader.
Weather: Friday - Monday wet and bloody miserable
Listening to: Brett Anderson
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Bush the hypocrite
George W Bush today condemned China saying "The US believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7546376.stm). Fair enough, no one would argue with that, but Bush has no moral authority to come out with such statements.
The US is a serial flouter of human rights and international law. Only this week the US executed Jose Medellin despite condemnation from the ICJ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7542794.stm).
We are also still faced the hell-hole which is Guantanamo Bay, where the detainees human rights are ignored with many being incarcerated for over 7 years without the right to trial.
Perhaps Mr Bush you should get your own house in order before condemning others. Particularly the selective condemnation you apply which ignores the human rights abuses of Israel, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and many others.
Or maybe you should just shut up and spend the rest of your lame duck presidency dancing away like the monkey you are:
Weather: Rainy and overcast Monday - Wednesday. Yesterday the rain was torrential:
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
LGBT Greens launch petition to push Urgent review of Home Office approaches to LGBT asylum
NEWS FROM THE GREEN PARTY of England and Wales LGBT GROUP
http://www.lgbtgreens.org.uk/
LGBT Greens launch petition to push Urgent review of Home Office approaches to LGBT asylum
Calls for instruction, training and guidance for all asylum staff
5.8.8
Phelim Mac Cafferty, media spokesperson for LGBT Greens stated:
“After much campaigning on the issue since the cases of Iranian LGBT asylum seekers Pegah Emembakhsh and Mehdi Kazemi came to light, we have got clearance from the web team on the Prime Minister’s website for our petition.
“We now challenge the government to start treating LGBT asylum seekers with the fairness that they deserve. These are people who’ve often fled persecution, rape and torture who flee to our country and our response is to lock them up like criminals. We say enough is enough of this inhumane policy- we need to stick our necks out now and stand up for LGBT asylum seekers.”
The full text of the petition is at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lgbtasylum/ and below-
In the light of the cases of Pegah Emembakhsh and Mehdi Kazemi, Iranian LGBT asylum seekers, who sought asylum in the UK , we call upon the Prime Minister for an urgent review of the services provided for all LGBT asylum seekers. In particular we think that the following are needed for fair treatment -
1. Compulsory training for all asylum staff on sexual-orientation and trans-awareness.
2. Explicit instructions to all immigration and asylum staff, and asylum judges, that homophobic and transphobic persecution are legitimate grounds for granting asylum.
3. Clearer and up-to-date guidance from the Home Office for asylum judges to reflect the accurate scale of LGBT persecution throughout the world using expert information from NGOs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
4. Legal-aid funding for asylum claims needs to be substantially increased.
http://www.lgbtgreens.org.uk/
LGBT Greens launch petition to push Urgent review of Home Office approaches to LGBT asylum
Calls for instruction, training and guidance for all asylum staff
5.8.8
Phelim Mac Cafferty, media spokesperson for LGBT Greens stated:
“After much campaigning on the issue since the cases of Iranian LGBT asylum seekers Pegah Emembakhsh and Mehdi Kazemi came to light, we have got clearance from the web team on the Prime Minister’s website for our petition.
“We now challenge the government to start treating LGBT asylum seekers with the fairness that they deserve. These are people who’ve often fled persecution, rape and torture who flee to our country and our response is to lock them up like criminals. We say enough is enough of this inhumane policy- we need to stick our necks out now and stand up for LGBT asylum seekers.”
The full text of the petition is at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lgbtasylum/ and below-
In the light of the cases of Pegah Emembakhsh and Mehdi Kazemi, Iranian LGBT asylum seekers, who sought asylum in the UK , we call upon the Prime Minister for an urgent review of the services provided for all LGBT asylum seekers. In particular we think that the following are needed for fair treatment -
1. Compulsory training for all asylum staff on sexual-orientation and trans-awareness.
2. Explicit instructions to all immigration and asylum staff, and asylum judges, that homophobic and transphobic persecution are legitimate grounds for granting asylum.
3. Clearer and up-to-date guidance from the Home Office for asylum judges to reflect the accurate scale of LGBT persecution throughout the world using expert information from NGOs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
4. Legal-aid funding for asylum claims needs to be substantially increased.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)