Social Dependency – Doesn’t Help Anyone
Whenever you hear people talking about the reform of the “Welfare State” it’s usually best to duck, shove on a Kevlar helmet and run for the nearest cover. There are few areas of political life which are used to better effect to empasise the tribal allegiances of political parties. For me, it’s irrelevant because I … Continue reading
Sit back and take the medicine
More on pensions. Are you getting the idea that there’s a certain amount of jealousy here on my part? Today the British Medical Association has declared that they will be ballotting their members on strike action over proposed reforms to the NHS. The BMA is a trade union for doctors and consultants, and it is … Continue reading
European Stitch-Up
Last week we had a pretty unanimous conclusion from within the government about the impact of the meetings on Thursday night. The use of the British veto was necessary, because, as he said last Friday: “The demands Britain made for safeguards, on which the Coalition Government was united, were modest and reasonable. They were safeguards … Continue reading
What next for the Euro?
So once again, it’s the bad old Brits who’ve ruined things in Europe. OK, don’t expect this to be entirely rational. I was up until early this morning signing Christmas cards. Still, my natural grumpiness has been enhanced today by the entirely predictable sulkiness of Mr Sarkozy this morning. It’s all Britain’s fault. Mr Sarkozy … Continue reading
The Emperor’s New Clothes
As an ex-computer salesman, this really grabbed my interest today. The idea that a man could propose stopping using emails is pretty remarkable for any business. But for a senior exec? The article’s here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16055310 The first thing to strike you is that it’s ludicrous that a senior businessman could suggest not using email. I … Continue reading
Europe: the Locomotive without brakes
There is nothing wrong with the idea of Europe. Right. I’ve said it. I don’t object to Europe, and in fact since it’s been a project on the go since I was a boy in shorts, I’m quite used to it – sort of. However, I’m not quite sure what it is I’m supposed to … Continue reading
Pensions and Strikes
There is to be a strike tomorrow. Thousands of people are going to down tools, stop work, and march shouting slogans first thought up by their ancestors long, long ago. Do I support them? No. To be fair (I try to be, sometimes), my first annoyance with this whole matter was the money, but then … Continue reading
BBC Short Story Slashing!
It really is BBC Lunacy. Oh, I know. There are so many aspects of the BBC that call for the searing satire of a Swift, and yet here I am, a mentally meandering crime hack, doing my best with one aspect only. Which? The latest changes to the Radio 4 schedule, of course. Ok, so … Continue reading
So, is this one a real or a political promise, Dave?
Just for the record, let me state that I love Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and every other European country I’ve visited. I like Europe. And the european people. And I especially like going to Europe, partaking of their foods and wines, and enjoying their cultures. That, though, is the point. They all have different cultures. … Continue reading
Smoking Rears its Head Again
It seems as though all my time just now is spend blogging about various legal or illegal substances. Last week it was illegal drugs – this week it’s been announced that the UK doctors are asking that smoking in private cars should also become illegal. There are good reasons why British doctors should feel that … Continue reading
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