Something Rotten in the House of Commons

Watching cross party MPs turn on the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, was somewhat perplexing. On one hand, his lack of leadership was instrumental in allowing recent expenses scandals to take place. On the other, it is hypocritical of MPs to expect one man to take the blame for something they all seem to have been aware of, if not actively involved in; not dissimilar to seeing a gang of criminals blaming their crimes on the chief inspector of their local police force. If only he'd arrested them before they robbed that bank ...

It is impossible to overstate the significance of today's events. If Mr Martin does resign, he will become the first speaker since the 17th century to be forced to do so, and I'm sure the House hope this will draw a line under the whole affair. He will become a high profile sacrifice to placate a public who have lost all confidence in the democratic process and those who administer it. But will it be enough? Do we really believe the entire blame lies at his door? I think not.

The expenses system was drawn up by the very people who so readily abused it, yet, they seriously expect us to believe with one sacking honesty and transparency will be restored. This belief that we can be so easily hoodwinked smacks of extreme arrogance! These are the people we elected to represent us, they do not seem to be doing that. They appear to be more interested in lining their pockets and advancing their own interests, which really isn't good enough. We deserve better!

Politics used to be seen as a form of public service. That may be an old fashioned idea, and it may not have always been true, but that ideal did set the tone of the House; MPs were there to speak for the interests of their constituents, not to further their own. Unless we return to that old fashioned notion the voting public will continue to feel unrepresented and disenchanted with the political process, and that could have far-reaching and disastrous consequences.

Hazel Blears says 'newspapers no substitute for town criers'

Image via Wikipedia

"In a clear reference to the prime minister, who has been ridiculed for his appearance on YouTube, the strongly Blairite cabinet minister says such use of 'new media' by politicians is far less effective than old-fashioned campaigning. 'YouTube if you want to,' she says in an article in today's Observer. 'But it is no substitute for knocking on doors or setting up a stall in the town centre.' "
Hazel Blears savages Gordon Brown over 'lamentable' failures - The Guardian

While I agree with the central point Ms Blears is trying to make - that politicians need to reconnect with voters - I do think she is denigrating the use of new technology unnecessarily. As other politicians have shown, it can be a valuable tool in the political process. And it's one that will only become more so.

Every year thousands of teenagers who don't really remember a world without social media become eligible to vote. Of course, talking to them is incredibly important. At the same time, given the choice between reading a pamphlet handed out in the street, or watching a video on YouTube, they are nearly always going to choose the latter. The same is true of many older people who make up a significant percentage of users on many networks. A leaflet is easily discarded, if someone has gone to the trouble of clicking a link they are likely view at least a small part of the content the page contains.

To dismiss new methods of campaigning as less effective is very short-sighted; in effect it's giving up the chance to reach people who would not have accepted a leaflet, or talked on their doorstep. It would negate their chance to make an informed vote by denying them the opportunity to hear a range of opinions. While some might argue that these people should take advantage of more traditional methods, I disagree. If they expect us to make the effort to vote for them, politicians should reach out to us using the mediums of our choice!

To come back to my earlier statement; I can see Ms Blears' point, but if new media has proved ineffective, it is not because people don't want to engage with it. It's because it has been used ineffectively.With the exception of some governmental and political Twitter accounts and the e-petitions site, Labour-style new media has been all about them talking at us, there is little interaction which is contrary to it's whole ethos. It's supposed to be a conversation, but I haven't noticed much dialogue.

Tony Benn to BBC "If you won't broadcast the Gaza appeal then I will myself"

Unlike the BBC I don't have to be impartial, so here's the appeal address:

Disaster Emergency Commitee (DEC)
Gaza Crisis
PO BOX 999
LONDON
EC3A 3AA

Sustainable Communities Act launched today

"The Sustainable Communities Act gives new powers to communities and their elected councils to drive government policy to tackle local economic, social and environmental issues. It was supported by 80 national organisations, 300 local organisations, over 1000 parish and town councils and thousands of individuals."

Today sees the launch of the Sustainable Communities Act which was brought in to give local councils and communities to find and implement local resolutions to local problems.  The effects of the act could be quite wide-ranging, but could include initiatives to tackle crime, unemployment and housing; the protection of post-offices, shops, police stations and other other important services; plans to improve or implement local transport systems. You can read more about the act here and here,  you will also find sample letters you can send to your local councillor if you wish to ask your council to get involved.

UK government use anti-terror laws against Icelandic bank

When I first saw this news story I thought I'd misread the headline, but no, it's true. Obviously, people who have invested in Landsbanki would dearly like to get their money back, but still, this seems pretty harsh.

I am Vlad! Hear me roar!

There's a humorous piece about Vladimir Putin (aka Pootie Poot) by Barbara Ellen in today's Observer - you need to scroll down some way to find it.

Say what you like about Bush and Brown, at least neither man has ever resorted to assailing our eyes with his nekkid flesh or tramping around jungles like a diminutive Ernest Hemmingway.

If you were Sarah Palin's child . . .

what would your name be? I'd be Dust Chinstrap Palin. Hmm. That's got quite a ring to it, much better than boring Kate, I may take it up. Look out for posts from Dust Chinstrap in future.

Foreign policy of US presidential candidates

Wondering what a new administration in Washington will mean for the rest of us? Me too. So, I went in search of the foreign policies of both Barack Obama and John McCain.

Mr Obama seems to have a very well developed foreign policy which covers several pages of his website. You can find it here, and if you (like me) live in Europe here are his plans for us.

I couldn't find a definitive foreign policy for Mr McCain - I'm sure he has one, I just couldn't find it, maybe it's secret - but I did this transcript on his website.

As ever, share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Enjoy your weekend!

Local councils request guarantees for Icelandic investments

The Times has published a list of local councils which may lose money invested in the Icelandic banking system. I notice my own local authority is among them - is yours?

What are your thoughts about the situation? Are you concerned about possible rises in council tax and/or loss of services. Would you support a government rescue package? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bored of the US elections?

Pop over here and read Pete's thoughts about our own beleaguered leader who probably wishes dodgy friends and rebellious teenagers were all he had to worry about.