For the powerful, crimes are those that others commit- Noam Chomsky


Ed Balls- Hypocritical, he is

I know I am biased in such a rant against Labour, but never have I seen such a huge flaw in a statement since Gordon Brown called a Labour supporter a "bigot". But with George Osborne releasing news of an extra £2 billion to the NHS, it can be nothing but good news. Can it, Labour? After all, you did mention nearly exactly the same proposal in your 2014 party conference.

But no.... Out comes Ed Balls... And I thought Ed Miliband didn't know what he was talking about. The Andrew Marr Show today gave another perspective to Labours' position as Leader of the Opposition... Hypocritical without justification. That's how low they have gone. Ed Balls heavily criticized Osborne's proposal, for not saying where the money is coming from, fair enough, until you realise that he's going to do so on Wednesday.... If that's not enough hypo criticism for you, check out what he said next...

Mr. Balls believes that this extra 2 billion pounds will come from savings, like the ones used to bail the country out of recession etc... Does the year 2008 ring a bell? Or does the crash of banks make a better bell? Yep, the one party that was responsible for the UK going through one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression of the 1920's, has publicly lauded the party that got us OUT OF IT, that they are spending too much.... That's too much for my mind to take. I struggle to comprehend the sheer lack of common sense in Balls' response.

Okay, back down on planet earth, I realise that as part of the Opposition, he can't commend the proposals. But as part of the Labour party, you must realise that the Conservatives have done the right thing. They have cut until the tills were going again, and then rewarded them. Positive motivation for a failing economy, and just when Labour were complaining of living standards in the UK, BAM, another 2 billion into the NHS. And whilst the Conservatives have had snags along the way e.g. EU and UKIP, but they've done a better job than Labour would've done if they'd stayed in government with the economic policies of a kid with a £50 note in Toys R Us.

Jordan Ifield ((Shut up, Ed) Family Guy reference #563)

 

 

Be warned: A person content to sit with you and criticize others will speak critically of you out of earshot- Richelle E. Goodrich


England bites back

Don't we all remember the festivities of the Scottish Independence referendum? Remember the gathering of thousands round the Christmas tree e.g. Holyrood, awaiting the announcement of their present: Independence. And they only got a tangerine and staying part of the UK. But with the promise of devolution from the Government, will the tangerine turn into an xbox one?

Well... We still don't know the answer to that.... 2 months have now passed, with no conclusive result; no law, no policy, no SNP victory. As a result, many Scots gave become agitated by the lack of reforms, and pin the blame on Gordon Brown. One, because its Gordon Brown, and two, he was arguably one of the most influential politicians in the referendum, and promised reform.... Which hasn't arrived. And even the English are getting a bit puzzled by this... And want their reforms back.




English councils, are never happy. They have the widest spectrum imaginable, between recycling your rubbish they are helping fix the national debt. So reward them why not? Even though they are arguably lousy at their jobs, there's no need to cut their funding dare I say, or even let Scots (who are not involved in any way shape or form) vote on their issues? Now that would be wrong, wouldn't it Mr. Blair in 1997? Or Mr. Cutameron?




As far as I can see, the councils have a right to be angry, Scottish councils have been largely well protected, as they have been promised reforms and devolution, and whilst it hasn't arrived yet, it's almost inevitable. Whilst English councils have been left in no mans land, with counting coppers becoming a sport in some counties, and with no new reforms for greater control, and those north of the border gaining a pot more control, I can only really see a one way ticket to a debate in the House of Commons, and Gordon Brown. Cue the canned laughter.


Jordan Ifield (because we all laughing at Gordon Brown)

In, out, in, out and shake it all about- Nursery Rhyme and Monster Raving Loony Party Manifesto

EU- Cameron given "Major" Blow

Think Blair and Brown, or Thatcher and Major, one things is always told from one Prime Minister to another before their time. Most of it is almost like a telling off, e.g. Don't cock up the economy with HUGE public spending and have no reserves, cough* Brown *cough* . But one thing that I and many others weren't expecting, was a 90's Prime Minister to have a say on modern EU politics and David Cameron. And for once, the odd ball was right!

Sir John Major, not remembered very well, maybe the creepy eyes and glasses spring to mind, and then Blair straight after him. However, he does have some brains, and some will, when it comes to the EU, and has hit the nail on the head with its issues and resolutions. Problem: Over immigration. Resolution: Reform EU and restrict immigration. Simple as that.




Well, it's easier said than done I can imagine, but it's what the UK needs. The UK's population has risen by 7% over a decade, which isn't purely down to immigration, but holds a large proportions of it. We'd run out of room and resources by then, and in contrast, in the next couple of decades, Germany is predicted to stay the same, or in some cases, go down! No wonder Merkel is opposed to any EU reforms... I can just see Germany opposing any restrictions on the EU based on democracy, but if they had the same problem of overpopulation as us, she would be begging for the same reforms we are. Unfortunately, I can only see the conservatives bottling it, we all saw their complacency with the EU Arrest Warrant, but Cameron will see the bulging puppy eyes of Merkel and follow anything she says. And only one person in British politics would dare defy her, and if I saw Nigel Farage as Britain's Prime Minister in my life time, I'd probably move to France and wear a stripy shirt and eat cheese for the rest of my life.


So, what now for the EU? Leave, reform, or stay? The only issue is, I can see only 2 options being picked if any, and those are the wrong ones. If Mr. Blunt Racist Farage gets his way and we leave the EU, despite his claims, our economy would falter due to the lack of faith in trade, and we'd lose precious allies, or lose trust. But if we stayed in the EU without reform, we'd keep loaning money for the rest of our lives to failing countries e.g. Greece. And we'd lose faith in allies due to overpopulation and Merkels conservative attitude. The UK and David Cameron are too weak to challenge anyone, and make the reforms that this country needs, to give us breathing space from immigrants, appease our population and shut Mr.Farage up for good... And then I'll be happy. Especially with a lack of Mr. Farage.


Jordan Ifield (Merkel + Garage = WW3)

It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low- Bill Nicholson

Conservatives and Labour- Lying through gritted teeth

Where to start... Europe isn't to be meddled with, especially in this current climate of divide between pro-EU and Eu-skeptics. UKIP have become very prominent on such a climate, and now pose a serious threat in "stealing" constituencies from both Labour and Conservatives come May 2015.


 So when it comes to promises about the EU, you should stick to them... Stand up the Conservatives.

Promising a vote in the House of Commons over the controversial EU Arrest Warrant was always going to be double edged sword. The Conservative's bottled it, but why? Surely Labour's promise to vote Yes would be enough wouldn't it. Labour and Conservative make up the vast majority of the Commons, so it was guaranteed result. Wasn't it? However, the Conservative's claim that whilst Labour had told them that they would vote Yes, their whip would actually instruct them to do otherwise...

Hard times call for hard measures... And here is the extreme case, this week has been, quite frankly, disastrous for Miliband and Labour. When several Labour MP's have called for Miliband to resign, or in most cases, something worse, Labour needed to get the bit back in between their teeth, and realise that the General Election was just round the corner. It was almost another "bigot" moment, and one that was, as it turns out, made worse.

The phrase "offence is the best defence" couldn't be more precise here, and going all out against the Conservatives, is arguably, their favourite and most used policy over their history. So when it came to the EU Arrest Warrant, which if you look at Labours pro-EU ideology and past, you would think they'd vote yes, but because of their audacious and pathetic plan, they fell face first into the puddle of shame. Not before they had given the tories a kick up the backside though, and arguably relieving the pressure off Red Ed.


It was a compromise for Labour, and one which was short term, but it worked. Because there was no other alternative. If the Conservatives had decided to keep their promise, which they should've done, and held a vote on the EU Arrest Warrant, many MP's, including Labour would've voted no, due to controversy. And most likely, they would've lost, which would leave egg on their face... Again.


However, the alternative, of breaking the promise and not holding a vote, gave Labour an excuse to call the Conservatives undemocratic and untrustworthy, which in this case, they were. This relieved pressure off Miliband and Labour, and for once, since the Scottish Independence Referendum, Labour aren't the ones to blame. They were only partially to blame. For such an audacious and incompetent plan, that won due to the Conservatives dead end.


Jordan Ifield (Ed Miliband still needs to step down)

The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says: "It's a girl"- Shirley Chisholm

Ummm... UKIP... What have you done?..

Racism is often an accusation made against UKIP, with their often considered racist policies and ideology. I'm one of them to be honest, and another is Baroness Wheatcroft, however sexist isn't one I had associated with them... Until now...

Janusz Korwin-Mikke- He's certainly off my Christmas list

Don't we all remember when UKIP lost their ally to make their "Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group" (and very radical right wing, unnecessary immigration policies). It made UKIP's membership in the EU Parliament look like a farce, and to save themselves from me laughing at them for another day, they rescue their group by gaining another ally. And in terms of me laughing at UKIP, they have only given me ammunition, and suprisingly, sexual slurs which NEED addressing.

Janusz Korwin-Mikke has a treacherous and VERY controversial past, so why did UKIP hire him? He said that women SHOULDN'T have the right to vote in 2007, that is undemocratic and he shouldn't have any place in politics for that alone, and as UKIP have probably realized by now, has tainted their image horrendously, not that is was in good shape anyway! Maybe he could be forgived though, if he apologized and kept a low profile, but under UKIP, who have a racist-sceptic approach, he's been able to spread his controversial wings and announced that some women who are rape victims, actually want sex.... Has he by any chance heard of the word sexist?

I can't see his logic, or his common sense for that matter. Usually I wouldn't comment on political matters outside of mainstream or unrelated nonsense. But this case in particular wanted me to send a message to UKIP and their supporters. You are supporting a party, who are so desperate to make a group, that they have the ethical mind of sexist dinosaur, to make up the numbers.Whilst this isn't the first time UKIP have been under the spotlight, and aren't (supposedly) as racist as the BNP (who don't even deserve my breath saying) I do think they crossed a definite line. Politics is supposed to problems, whatever they may be, not creating a series of ethical and moral issues that are as dated as medieval.

Jordan Ifield (As you may gather, I'm not a UKIP supporter...)

If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble,
 you wouldn't sit for a month-  Theodore Roosevelt

Ed Miliband- Give up now

Every week Miliband is often in the front pages, and never for the right reason. And has now got to the extent that Labour MP's have noticed this, to which they have let their insults fly and truths (yes, they are) be told. However, it is with deepest regret and well, laughing stock continued, that Miliband actually has an ally... Pfftttt.... What now? Labour to win the next General Election? Don't be daft....

Well, as it turns out... No they won't, but it's always reassuring that the loser, Ed Miliband, won't be alone. Former Leader of the Labour Party, Lord Kinnock, has defended Miliband's position as Leader, and labelled challenges to his position as "nonsense". So those 3 out of 4 electorate groups for the Labour Leader vote were wrong to choose David Miliband? And that there isn't enough evidence to show that Miliband isn't worthy of Labour Leader? I mean, if you look at Ed's track record, it isn't the brightest. His position before Labour Leader was the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change... Hardly a good background, and forging an alliance with arch-rivals over the Scottish Independence Referendum, exposing your weakest link in Scottish Constituencies, wasn't the best idea either. OR forgetting the deficit in your 2014 Labour Party Conference... THE BIGGEST ISSUE IN BRITAIN TODAY.... I'm sorry, but to justify Ed Miliband, either you have lost your marbles, or I have lost mine.


So, where now for the blundering buffoon? The best scenario for many, would've been for David Miliband to be Labour Leader. As I and many others believe he is more mature and has the background with (common sense) where Ed lacks. However, as David has flew off to the USA, what is the best scenario? The resignation of Ed would be welcomed in many areas, but would be putting a white flag out before the 2015 General Election. So he's stuck in a "messy" situation, but as far as I can see, Labour don't have many chances winning the General Election next year, as they have lost too much faith in Miliband and in Scotland devolution, so why not resign? It would be the turning point for Labour (again), but one that would be welcomed. They need a strong willed Leader with a direction and identity to lead Labour into the 21st Century and to win a General Election.


Jordan Ifield (being a Tory, I don't mind if Miliband still looks like a fool though)

Fairness is not an attitude. It's a professional

skill that must be developed and exercised.- Brit Hume

Undermining Authority

When MP's are elected by their constituency, a certain level of decency is often expected of them, one not only to his constituents, but his common sense. Because, MP or not, stealing is illegal. The law stands firm on this, or does it? The expenses scandal over claims made by MP's that were invalid have undoubtedly made some of the public lose faith in the political system. And why should they trust it? As far as we get to see is the backdoors of Westminster and the newspapers showing us all of these scandals. Hardly a transparent system if you ask me.

So why is the news that claims made by MP's are destroyed after 3 years not surprising? And that it stops the investigation into the scandal dead. It's just beggars belief how the public can believe in a system which covers up scandals. Covers up investigations. Covers up criminals. How can we be politically be lead by people who are potentially criminals? We can't, and whilst I saw this newsflash unsurprising, it does make me wonder why anyone bothers thinking about the turnout problem in the UK.


Its obvious, the system is flawed, or more importantly, the people who lead us are flawed. I can't vote for a MP in my constituency if I knew he was going to claim millions on second homes or duck houses. It's criminal, and whilst the loop hole existed, I blame the MP's who exploited it. That loop hole could've existed for a thousand years, and no one would've batted an eye lid if no one exploited it. But if the by-election in my constituency had an MP formerly accused of over claiming expenses, they're not getting my vote. They're the reason I wouldn't vote at all. They're the reason I would lose faith in the political system.


Jordan Ifield (It sounds more like a mafia than a government if you ask me)

The only difference between suicide and martyrdom really is the
amount of press coverage- Chuck Palahniuk

Labour-1983 all over again?

It was only around a month ago when I got the pleasure of talking to a Baroness of the House of Lords, and we talked, strangely enough, over the need for reform in the House of Lords. We agreed on the need for change in terms of age, with the average currently at 70 and all but ruled out the possibility of a 2nd elected Chamber over the contradicting function of it and the House of Commons. According to me and the rest of the room, this made sense, because whilst we admitted it wasn't perfect, nothing was and alternatives looked scarce. Reform was unanimously and silently preferred in a room of around 50 along a Baroness, strong opposition against, a very weak and reactionary Ed Miliband...  There will be riots...

The USA has many things that the UK doesn't, for example: bad cars, fake bacon and the fact that I can't walk in an alcoholic shop without getting decapitated under suspicion of age drinking. But whilst, unfortunately, some of these ideas are filtering over to the UK, there's one I'm well and truly against, and it just happens to be Labour's next big proposal... What a surprise...

In 1983, Labour infamously made the "Longest suicide note in history" with their manifesto for that years election favoring extremely left wing policies and ideologies, which frankly bewildered many Labour supporters to voting Conservative in a landslide victory for the right wing party. This has been argued as a reason for the rebirth of Labour under Blair in 1997, and whilst this is in the past, events seem to be re-occurring. One of the proposals in the infamous 1983 "suicide" manifesto was to abolish the House of Lords, and it has striking similarities with the proposal by Miliband today to replace the House of Lords with a Senate. Cue the canned laughter.

Recently resigned  Scottish Labour Leader, Johann Lamont, accused several Labour MP's of being dinosaurs over the treatment of a Scotland wanting to devolve. It has been very clear that the conviction of the promises made by Miliband to Scotland have been poor, and that her resignation left a scar in his Scottish reputation (it's hard to believe he had one anyway). So in clear retaliation, much like the one made by the "Big Three" in the Scottish Referendum, Miliband has proposed a senate which would elect Senators from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. But as far as I see, it's just glorified false hope with no more potential of his hopes of being Prime Minister next year. Miliband has clearly just seen warning signs from Lamont's resignation, realized he was in a hole, made a very shoddy glorified proposal and stuck a sticker on it. Admittedly, there is a problem in the ratio of members of Lords from constituencies, especially in London, but how does this solve the issue? Not the ratio issue, the wider picture, the one that shows the UK's falling turnouts. This would have no affect on turnouts, and because it's only a glorified House of Lords, people would perhaps have less faith in politics, after all, no one wants an expensive change in politics only for it to have no impact. In conclusion: Miliband, actually have some creativity and come up with clever proposals that will work, not retaliate like a 5 year old on the naughty step.

Jordan Ifield (or should Miliband just step down?...)

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail- Benjamin Franklin

Labour- Act your Age

I'm sure to many of you, that with the General Election only 191 days away (I was sad enough to look it up) Labour look like they're in shambles. The Scottish Independence Referendum seemed to expose their lack of structure or form, and more importantly, how little faith they have in Ed Miliband. And we can see why. 

On Friday, rather unexpectedly, Johann Lamont resigned from her post as Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. This may not surprise you or me at any other time of the year, but right here, right now, it exposes Labour's weaknesses and it is clearly not a coincidence. Here resignation is after the Scottish Independence and the annual Labour Party Conference, with the General Election looming round the corner. So what significance does this have? Firstly, Miliband publicly embarrassed himself in the Scottish Independence Referendum, according to Labour MP's, by joining forces with Cameron and Clegg (he still exists?) and promising further Scottish Devolution, and now that they are still part of the UK, these promises aren't exactly taking 5 minutes. And with Labour having strong support in Scotland, its likely they may lose constituencies because of it. This is crucial, considering the General Election next year now has the potential for Labour to look like a laughing stock.

So where does this leave Labour? Quite frankly, a sitting duck. It's bad enough for one of your most popular leaders to stand down, in one of your most popular areas. But to leave on the grounds that Scotland didn't get enough power in the UK through Labour, really shows that the Scottish people have been betrayed. 45% of the turnout in Scotlan'ds Independence Referendum voted yes, and those people will be absolutely fuming, not only over those that voted no, but also Labour. Who's not going to vote for Labour, them. And so many more from those who voted no, and realize that they have been betrayed by Labour and the other parties. I wouldn't be half surprised if the Monster Raving Loony Party got an MP in Scotland now, because if you don't vote SNP in Scotland, who else do you vote for? If you choose Conservative, Labour or Lib Dems (they've still not imploded?) you're going to be betraying Scotland's democratic future. If you vote SNP, you're just voting for a party who are regretting not winning the referendum and won't make many changes because of it. And that leaves UKIP.... Just no. I think even Scotland know that leaving the EU is not the answer to everything. Anyone for the Monster Raving Loony Party? Free owl on membership!

Jordan Ifield