"If you repeat the same statements time after time people will eventually believe you," so we are told. If anybody watched the P.M's embarrassing press conference on Sky TV today these are the messages which came over, and over, and over again:
"I shall not be moved....we have work to do....we will continue to do what has to be done, for the economy, for people's jobs, for the nation......." (blah, blah.......)
Calls for dissolution of parliament and a general election fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile, in the middle of the press conference came the breaking news of the resignation of another member of the government (or the outer circle of the Cabinet) Caroline Flint, Minister for Europe, and right in the middle of the EU elections. Zut, flut, alors! Mama mia!
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
Friday, 5 June 2009
Thursday, 4 June 2009
I Shall Not Be Moved - Song Nos. 10 & 11
Song No.10 in the parliamentary hit parade.
I'm on my way to heaven,
I shall not be moved.
I'm on my way to heaven,
I shall not be moved.
Just like the tree that's standing by the water
I shall not be moved.
The captain clings on desperately to the wreckage but the flood sweeps all away.
Caution. It does not favour one to cross the great water.
After "I Ching" - the Book of Changes.
Song No 11 in the parliamentary hit parade
Let Gordon be my leader,
We shall not be moved.
Let Gordon be my leader,
We shall not be moved.
Just like the tree that's standing by the water
We shall not be moved.
His foes rise up against him but he rallies his loyal supporters to his side.
Caution. Danger lurks in the massed ranks of the populus.
Taken from the "I Ching".
I'm on my way to heaven,
I shall not be moved.
I'm on my way to heaven,
I shall not be moved.
Just like the tree that's standing by the water
I shall not be moved.
The captain clings on desperately to the wreckage but the flood sweeps all away.
Caution. It does not favour one to cross the great water.
After "I Ching" - the Book of Changes.
Song No 11 in the parliamentary hit parade
Let Gordon be my leader,
We shall not be moved.
Let Gordon be my leader,
We shall not be moved.
Just like the tree that's standing by the water
We shall not be moved.
His foes rise up against him but he rallies his loyal supporters to his side.
Caution. Danger lurks in the massed ranks of the populus.
Taken from the "I Ching".
Political Party Woes in the UK and Ireland
As with Labour in the UK so with Fianna Fail in Ireland. Both parties are in deep water with the electorate and are suffering from a withdrawal of support in these recessionary times. Both are accused of spending the taxpayers' money wastefully and extravagantly. Both will suffer losses in the European elections. How heavily they will lose remains to be seen, but in Ireland Fianna Fail and the Greens are in alliance in government and the danger to the Greens is that they will inevitably be tainted by association and tarred with the same brush in the Irish public's estimation.
Is there a lesson here for Plaid Cymru?
Is there a lesson here for Plaid Cymru?
Independent Heyday on the Way
In the local Council elections and possibly in the General Election to come we can expect a huge rise in the number of independent candidates elected to office. This reflects the public disapproval and distaste of MPs of all parties who have abused the system of claiming for personal expenses in parliament, and in particular for claiming expenses for mortgages when these mortgages have been redeemed already. Smaller parties, such as Plaid Cymru, the SNP and the Greens, as well as UKIP should also benefit, particularly in the current European parliament elections.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
What Europe Means to Us
Mother Europe (Gr. "Europa") is our homeland, quite apart from the nation in which we reside. Our nation is just one nation in a multi-faceted, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic grouping of peoples with common interests and common aspirations. Europe is a family of geo-political, geo-economic nations which depend upon one another for trade and security.
More or less 75% of the laws which govern our country are handed down from Europe and we must abide by them. Our representatives in the European Parliament, in Brussels and Strasburg, are the legislators who help to formulate the policies which govern us. Our own Parliaments at Westminter and Holyrood, and our Assemblies at Cardiff and Stormont are cogs in the machine of European democracy. There is no turning back the clock on Europe.
These are the reasons why tomorrow's vote on electing MEPs to the European Parliament is important. Those who are elected represent us and legislate for us. If you do not vote you will be obliged to accept the laws which are passed by people who you did not wish to be elected. It's your choice: vote for Plaid Cymru, the SNP, the Greens.
Do not vote for the BNP. You have been warned....
More or less 75% of the laws which govern our country are handed down from Europe and we must abide by them. Our representatives in the European Parliament, in Brussels and Strasburg, are the legislators who help to formulate the policies which govern us. Our own Parliaments at Westminter and Holyrood, and our Assemblies at Cardiff and Stormont are cogs in the machine of European democracy. There is no turning back the clock on Europe.
These are the reasons why tomorrow's vote on electing MEPs to the European Parliament is important. Those who are elected represent us and legislate for us. If you do not vote you will be obliged to accept the laws which are passed by people who you did not wish to be elected. It's your choice: vote for Plaid Cymru, the SNP, the Greens.
Do not vote for the BNP. You have been warned....
signonnow@hotmail.co.uk
This is where the rebel back-bench MPs are signing up in a bid to topple the Prime Minister. If they succeed Alan Johnson is tipped to become the next leader to steer the government towards the next General Election which could take place in October.
PM in Crisis Mode
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-559576/MP-claims-raging-Gordon-breaks-phones-week-hurling-wall.html
Scotland+Wales to Sink Westminster Parliament?
SNP and Plaid Cymru to ask for dissolution debate at Westminster
newsroom published this on 8:30 pm, Tuesday, 2nd June, 2009
MPs could be given an opportunity next week to dissolve parliament and call an early General Election after the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru announced they would seek to use debating time allotted to them to force a dissolution debate.
Whatever your politics, there’s a sense that we’re all living in limbo. The country is stalled. No one knows what will happen next.
We have Ministers stepping down and others who will obviously have to do so.
We have MPs standing down and others now blocked from standing for their party again.
There are the elections to the European Parliament and the English Local Authorities on Thursday, with the local authority results due on Friday and the European Parliament results on Monday.
There is to be a reshuffle of Government Ministers within days which, if it sees Ed Balls replace Alistair Darling as Chancellor will see Balls and his wife, Yvette Cooper, forced from office in short order in a well-earned media storm because their expenses claims are even more dubious than Darling’s. And if Darling is sent to the Home Office to replace the departing Jacqui Smith, how is it OK for a flipper to hold one of the great departments of state but not another? Is anyone in the Government even capable of thinking just now? They still don’t get it.
Then there are more forensic details of MP’s expense claims to be revelaed under the Freedom of Information Act in July.
It is unimaginable that the ship of state can struggle on, rudderless, like this for another year.
On the SNP / Plaid Cymru move, Angus Robertson, the SNP Westminster leader, says: ‘This dissolution motion is about confidence in the whole Westminster political system which has been mired in the expenses scandal.
‘It is not just the UK Government that is out of step with public opinion, but Parliament itself.
‘The only way to sort this mess out is for Parliament to be dissolved and for the people to have their say in a general election. There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected it.
‘This political crisis was created by politicians and the SNP and Plaid Cymru will give Parliament the chance to give the people their say’.
Comment: Indications suggest that the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties will give their full backing.
newsroom published this on 8:30 pm, Tuesday, 2nd June, 2009
MPs could be given an opportunity next week to dissolve parliament and call an early General Election after the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru announced they would seek to use debating time allotted to them to force a dissolution debate.
Whatever your politics, there’s a sense that we’re all living in limbo. The country is stalled. No one knows what will happen next.
We have Ministers stepping down and others who will obviously have to do so.
We have MPs standing down and others now blocked from standing for their party again.
There are the elections to the European Parliament and the English Local Authorities on Thursday, with the local authority results due on Friday and the European Parliament results on Monday.
There is to be a reshuffle of Government Ministers within days which, if it sees Ed Balls replace Alistair Darling as Chancellor will see Balls and his wife, Yvette Cooper, forced from office in short order in a well-earned media storm because their expenses claims are even more dubious than Darling’s. And if Darling is sent to the Home Office to replace the departing Jacqui Smith, how is it OK for a flipper to hold one of the great departments of state but not another? Is anyone in the Government even capable of thinking just now? They still don’t get it.
Then there are more forensic details of MP’s expense claims to be revelaed under the Freedom of Information Act in July.
It is unimaginable that the ship of state can struggle on, rudderless, like this for another year.
On the SNP / Plaid Cymru move, Angus Robertson, the SNP Westminster leader, says: ‘This dissolution motion is about confidence in the whole Westminster political system which has been mired in the expenses scandal.
‘It is not just the UK Government that is out of step with public opinion, but Parliament itself.
‘The only way to sort this mess out is for Parliament to be dissolved and for the people to have their say in a general election. There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected it.
‘This political crisis was created by politicians and the SNP and Plaid Cymru will give Parliament the chance to give the people their say’.
Comment: Indications suggest that the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties will give their full backing.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The Dissolution of Parliament
Motion seeks dissolution of parliament
Tuesday, 02 Jun 2009 16:00
Motion calling for dissolution of parliament tabled by Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru
A motion calling for the dissolution of parliament is to be tabled by the Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru.
The two nationalist parties are joining forces in a bid to force the prime minister to hold a general election.
The motion is expected to be tabled next week and could feasibly receive the backing of both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
David Cameron has repeatedly demanded Gordon Brown call a general election, with the prime minister resisting on the grounds that constitutional reform must be instigated beforehand.
The motion comes as three Labour MPs said they would stand down at the next election and news of home secretary Jacqui Smith's resignation emerged.
Tuesday, 02 Jun 2009 16:00
Motion calling for dissolution of parliament tabled by Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru
A motion calling for the dissolution of parliament is to be tabled by the Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru.
The two nationalist parties are joining forces in a bid to force the prime minister to hold a general election.
The motion is expected to be tabled next week and could feasibly receive the backing of both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
David Cameron has repeatedly demanded Gordon Brown call a general election, with the prime minister resisting on the grounds that constitutional reform must be instigated beforehand.
The motion comes as three Labour MPs said they would stand down at the next election and news of home secretary Jacqui Smith's resignation emerged.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Where Do We Go From Here?
"The only way to restore authority to the people is to give more power to the devolved institutions." Ieuan Wyn Jones.
Read more : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8072534.stm
Tighter border controls introduced to fight terrorism and illegal immigration are stopping foreign pupils attending private schools in the UK, the head of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) is set to announce.
Another example of the government's failed immigration policy.
The Demise of Great Britain
by Johnny K.Knowly aged 9 3/4 (July 2006)
Yep it's true... Britain is officially the 'stupidest country in Europe' (if not the world) and everyone knows it except us! Though since we've increased opening hours I prefer to call us 'The Drunk Man of Europe'! Whilst it may come as a shock to some, my dad's been predicting this country's downfall since 1990 - seeing weak, self serving politicians, lax laws, unbridled advertising and media, a stupid welfare state that funds crime and irresponsibility, a Euro government that quietly gains total power over us (regaining its lost pride dented by our tiny country during the war) and worse, political correctness subtly but surely eating away the core of this country's values and stability. I'm not anti-Blair or anyone... Im anti-stupidity and spin - what politics has always been about - only now they've gone too far.
Read more : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8072534.stm
Tighter border controls introduced to fight terrorism and illegal immigration are stopping foreign pupils attending private schools in the UK, the head of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) is set to announce.
Another example of the government's failed immigration policy.
The Demise of Great Britain
by Johnny K.Knowly aged 9 3/4 (July 2006)
Yep it's true... Britain is officially the 'stupidest country in Europe' (if not the world) and everyone knows it except us! Though since we've increased opening hours I prefer to call us 'The Drunk Man of Europe'! Whilst it may come as a shock to some, my dad's been predicting this country's downfall since 1990 - seeing weak, self serving politicians, lax laws, unbridled advertising and media, a stupid welfare state that funds crime and irresponsibility, a Euro government that quietly gains total power over us (regaining its lost pride dented by our tiny country during the war) and worse, political correctness subtly but surely eating away the core of this country's values and stability. I'm not anti-Blair or anyone... Im anti-stupidity and spin - what politics has always been about - only now they've gone too far.
The Game is Up
The expression on the faces of Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown on television today spoke volumes. Peter Mandleson put a brave face on it but without doubt the game is up for Labour. With the growing number of discredited cabinet Ministers (not to mention Secretaries of State) making the headlines every day there is no shadow of a doubt that Labour is drawing its last breath. Its popularity ratings in one poll are down to 18%,
on a par with the Liberal Democrats whose spokesmen Nick Clegg and Vince Cable show political astuteness, financial prudence and stature and command increasing respect from public and pundits alike.
The best solution is to sweep the decks clean, dissolve parliament and call an election. The grass-roots public must decide the fate of the constitution, not the overweening politicians.
on a par with the Liberal Democrats whose spokesmen Nick Clegg and Vince Cable show political astuteness, financial prudence and stature and command increasing respect from public and pundits alike.
The best solution is to sweep the decks clean, dissolve parliament and call an election. The grass-roots public must decide the fate of the constitution, not the overweening politicians.
Calling for a Cornish Assembly
History of the Cornish self-government movement
The history of modern Cornish nationalism goes back to the end of the 19th century. The failure of Irish home rule caused Gladstone's Liberal party to revise and make more relevant its devolution policy by advocating the idea of 'home rule all round' applying to Scotland and Wales but opening the door for Cornish Liberals to use cultural themes for political purposes.
Henry Jenner was an important figure in early 20th-century Cornish national awareness. He made the case for Cornwall's membership in the Celtic Congress, pioneered the movement to revive the Cornish language, and founded the Cornish Gorseth.
Traditionally, much support to Cornish self-government has come from supporters of Welsh self-government, who have often seen the Cornish as their Brythonic Celtic kindred. For example, Mebyon Kernow has a twinning arrangement with the Blaenau Gwent branch of Plaid Cymru.
Some intellectual support for Cornish self-government has come from the Institute of Cornish Studies, affiliated to the University of Exeter.
In 2000, the Cornish Constitutional Convention launched a campaign for a Cornish Assembly. This was a cross-party movement representing many political voices and positions in Cornwall, from Mebyon Kernow and Cornish Solidarity to the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. It collected over 50,000 petition signatures.
Cornwall County Council commissioned an opinion poll by MORI on this subject. The poll was conducted in February 2003 and showed 55% of the Cornish public in favour of an assembly.
"If you want elected representatives who live in the Duchy and who will put Cornwall and ALL her residents first then MK are really the only choice. When I write 'ALL' that's exactly what is meant. This video from Plaid -Why do some peddle the myth that being pro-Welsh independence means you're anti-English?- rings 100% true for Mebyon Kernow. MK are the only party who are totally committed to giving more power to all Cornwall's residents whilst equally being 100% against all forms of prejudice."
The Cornish Democrat
The history of modern Cornish nationalism goes back to the end of the 19th century. The failure of Irish home rule caused Gladstone's Liberal party to revise and make more relevant its devolution policy by advocating the idea of 'home rule all round' applying to Scotland and Wales but opening the door for Cornish Liberals to use cultural themes for political purposes.
Henry Jenner was an important figure in early 20th-century Cornish national awareness. He made the case for Cornwall's membership in the Celtic Congress, pioneered the movement to revive the Cornish language, and founded the Cornish Gorseth.
Traditionally, much support to Cornish self-government has come from supporters of Welsh self-government, who have often seen the Cornish as their Brythonic Celtic kindred. For example, Mebyon Kernow has a twinning arrangement with the Blaenau Gwent branch of Plaid Cymru.
Some intellectual support for Cornish self-government has come from the Institute of Cornish Studies, affiliated to the University of Exeter.
In 2000, the Cornish Constitutional Convention launched a campaign for a Cornish Assembly. This was a cross-party movement representing many political voices and positions in Cornwall, from Mebyon Kernow and Cornish Solidarity to the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. It collected over 50,000 petition signatures.
Cornwall County Council commissioned an opinion poll by MORI on this subject. The poll was conducted in February 2003 and showed 55% of the Cornish public in favour of an assembly.
"If you want elected representatives who live in the Duchy and who will put Cornwall and ALL her residents first then MK are really the only choice. When I write 'ALL' that's exactly what is meant. This video from Plaid -Why do some peddle the myth that being pro-Welsh independence means you're anti-English?- rings 100% true for Mebyon Kernow. MK are the only party who are totally committed to giving more power to all Cornwall's residents whilst equally being 100% against all forms of prejudice."
The Cornish Democrat
Europe Needs You!
For the voters of Scotland:
Hi folks,
If you are free tomorrow, Alex will be in Inverurie tomorrow to do some streetwork and to help us knock in our supporters letters.
The weather forecast for tomorow is great, and the reaction we're getting in advance of Thursday's poll is even better. We had a fantastic day in the North East yesterday with Alex and Euro hopefuls Aileen McLeod and Drew Hendry - with today's poll of polls putting that third Euro spot on a knife-edge, your support could be crucial in identifying the supporters we need to get 3 out of of Scotland's 6 MEPs.
If you're up for it, give me a call on 07968 325634 or email on richard.thomson@snp.org. We'll be meeting in Inverurie from 11am.
Yours for Scotland,
Richard
Sunday, 31 May 2009
the mystics dream of avalon
Three people declared that they would return -
General MacArthur
Jesus Christ
King Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, the scourge of the Saxon invaders, the leader of the British resistance, the bearer of Excalibur - the once and future king.
Departure from a Political Position
The time has come in my opinion for a re-evaluation of Plaid's position in the political line-up at the Welsh National Assembly. Whatever the major parties in Wales may say to the contrary they are British parties dedicated to the maintenance of the Union. Plaid Cymru, in this perspective, is the only party of Wales, a party formed for the aim of severing the connection with the United Kingdom and establishing an independent social and democratic republic as Ireland has done. Saunders Lewis and his fellow republicans followed in the footsteps of Padraig Pearse, Eamonn de Valera and other patriots who saw England as a brutal colonising power which did not respect the rights of other nationalities to govern themselves and live in a free society.
In northern Ireland the Unionists are in coalition with Sinn Fein. In the Welsh Assembly Labour is in coalition with Plaid. With a General Election in the offing this is an unhealthy situation for both Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru. The public will associate both nationalist parties with the failed and discredited policies of the Labour government and these parties could well be damaged by the association. In recent polls support for Labour has collapsed and the party is becoming increasingly seen as a party of spin, sleaze, deception and incompetency. Leading figures have been exposed and discredited and their slick words are no longer believed. Labour has fallen to third place in the polls beneath the Lib Dems for the first time in 22 years, and in the European context they have fallen beneath the UKIP party.
Therefore it would seem that the interests of Plaid and consequently the interests of the Welsh nation are not well-served by remaining in coalition with Labour. It may well be in the strategic interests of Plaid to pull out of the tenuous political association. Thus Plaid would be enabled to pursue its own unadulterated policies unencumbered by restraints and as a result would gain stature with the electorate.
It would reinforce the party as a party with principle and purpose, focused on a campaign for a Welsh Parliament leading to independence, while at the same time attending to more pressing and immediate matters, both social and economic and of great public concern, and subsequently the fundamental reformation of Welsh society.
Comments welcomed...!
In northern Ireland the Unionists are in coalition with Sinn Fein. In the Welsh Assembly Labour is in coalition with Plaid. With a General Election in the offing this is an unhealthy situation for both Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru. The public will associate both nationalist parties with the failed and discredited policies of the Labour government and these parties could well be damaged by the association. In recent polls support for Labour has collapsed and the party is becoming increasingly seen as a party of spin, sleaze, deception and incompetency. Leading figures have been exposed and discredited and their slick words are no longer believed. Labour has fallen to third place in the polls beneath the Lib Dems for the first time in 22 years, and in the European context they have fallen beneath the UKIP party.
Therefore it would seem that the interests of Plaid and consequently the interests of the Welsh nation are not well-served by remaining in coalition with Labour. It may well be in the strategic interests of Plaid to pull out of the tenuous political association. Thus Plaid would be enabled to pursue its own unadulterated policies unencumbered by restraints and as a result would gain stature with the electorate.
It would reinforce the party as a party with principle and purpose, focused on a campaign for a Welsh Parliament leading to independence, while at the same time attending to more pressing and immediate matters, both social and economic and of great public concern, and subsequently the fundamental reformation of Welsh society.
Comments welcomed...!
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