Things Noticeable this week

[chupachups]

Originally Posted by palo5

Nato soldiers parade on Red Square

But they didn't bring their tanks, and were guarded by Siberians

Doesn't that make them POWs ?

What are they doing skiving in red square when they should be setting off IEDs in helmand ?

[Greenman]

Wasn't it only a few years ago that relations with Russia were slightly soured when they allegedly found a secret camera disguised as a rock? Its a great honour but don't forget that they were sent only because the Prince of Wales couldn't make it-he was busy commemorating the 65th Anniversary of V.E. Day in London.

Is this really MAY? Just been out for a walk and its perishing out there, sun maybe out but its cold-just goes to show you that the old adage "Cast ne'er a clout, til May be out," still holds true today. In this instance I think a clout was a plant of some sort rather than a smack etc.

Oh good! Another pointless friendly, this time on my birthday so something to watch during my birthday then. England v Mexico-should be good but I wonder with the World Cup so near now risking players getting the slightest injury might not be such a good idea-I also learn that England are to play Thailand(managed by Bryan Robson) in 2011 and there is no truth to the rumour that they have a player called FUK YU.

[rotobott]

Originally Posted by Greenman

Is this really MAY? Just been out for a walk and its perishing out there, sun maybe out but its cold-just goes to show you that the old adage "Cast ne'er a clout, til May be out," still holds true today. In this instance I think a clout was a plant of some sort rather than a smack etc.

A clout is an archaic term for an item of clothing.May could mean the month, or the buds of the hawthorn aka may tree.

[chupachups]

Originally Posted by meshandlace

No, it probably isn't 100% safe. Perhaps nothing in this life is. But I think it is safer to leave the decision on any political reform up to the people, rather than up to politicians and their sponsors. No more decisions by the few "patricians" for us many "plebeians" behind closed doors. Not any more.

I would agree, leave the decisions to the people, not the politicians whom almost always have hidden agendas. The people are not perfect by any imagination, but we know most professional politicians are "dirty"

As for PR itself, my 2cents worth is that it makes a mockery of strong government. It is typically advocated by minorities and fringe groups whom have no say in a "1st past the post" electoral system

We can see the effects of PR in our current hung parliament. The lib dems, which polled the least number of votes/seats of the 3 parties in the election now hold an incredible amount of power, similarly the welsh nationalists want a deal with new lie-bour. These smaller parties, in a fragile coalition government will be leveraging their few seats to maximum effort, not for the country, but for their own selfish aims

Having said that, the scottish nationalists have a line that says they don't vote on english only issues (implying they can't be bought off), unless the issue has a knock on effect on scotland. Nice rhetoric, shame politics is such a dirty game, any spin can be put on this statement

Those that point out european countries have PR working well as their electoral system should take a look at the effect, frequently there is paralysis when it comes to unpopular, but necessary policies. What tends to happen is that backroom deals are done so the policy is forced through, but so are dozens of other crappy policies that the minorities have forced through in exchange for their cooperation. Dirty politics indeed

IMHO PR is like that popular saying "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one"

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by fleetwood77

I wonder if the electorate are intelligent or informed enough to be trusted with deciding between electoral systems.

They were stupid enough up here in Sporranland a few years ago to vote for a Scottish Parliament - I ask you - what sort of morons would vote for MORE politicians? So is it safe to let the public at large decide about PR?

I have a sneaking sympathy for your point of view, fleeters. Less politicians would always be preferable to more politicians: fewer moats to clean and duckhouses to build at the taxpayers' expense.

However:

It would be quite wrong to change the voting system without a referendum. Safe or not, the constitution is the property of the people and not of arrogant and elitist politicians. A change to PR without asking for and receiving the consent of the people would be as bad as politicians refusing to change the constitution because they know what's best for the people regardless of what the people think.

Stupid people are legion, though we ourselves are never one of them. But stupid people also have to pay their taxes and bend their knee to the law. They are entitled to have their say in who oppresses them, just the same as clever people

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by rotobott

A clout is an archaic term for an item of clothing.May could mean the month, or the buds of the hawthorn aka may tree.

Ah thanks for that I had heard something like that in the distant past but the memory eluded me. Its quite feasible to be the may tree and yes you're right about the item of clothing. Its funny how these old rhymes are still referred to after all these years.

[rotobott]

I just noticed Gordon Brown has resigned,so now we get all the excitement of seeing who will be the new labour leader.

Better crank up the dvd player.

[Greenman]

Well I think we will be regretting this for months to come, the Conservatives back again and old bloody Tories still around like Clarke, Mr Nasal(Hague) Oliver Letwin(who was missing in the last election when he was Hague's advisor), all of the Thatcher/Major cronies coming out of the woodwork and others - Clegg has made a mistake siding with the wrong people...only time will tell. Personally I am going to miss Gordon Brown and his goofy smile and Sarah(who I found a lot sexier than Sam Cam)

[Mal Hombre]

I fear Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have sold their souls for nothing-a referendum on AV?He may live to regret this.

[bravemouth]

It has taken 5 days for the Lib Dems to decide which party to form a coalition with,if every decision the new government make is met with the same amount of debate and discussion from within it looks like a recipe for failure


On a separate note,I'm no fan of the man but credit to Gordon Brown for the dignified speech he gave when he finally resigned