I cannot give a timely response to the Salmond/Darling debate, because I am visiting family seven time zones away from the UK. Instead, I am writing this a few days before the event.
I'm going to go out on a limb here, and predict that the debate consisted of two middle aged men in suits. It covered talking points which they have rehearsed ad nauseam for months if not years, and it did not change many hearts or minds.
If the debate degenerated into hand-to-hand combat, ending with one participant triumphantly holding aloft the severed head of his opponent, I will have to admit I was wrong.
Either way, a post on an older referendum story will appear tomorrow and you may find it interesting.
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Monday, 4 August 2014
Vacation notice
I am visiting my ancestral homeland in Canada for the next couple of weeks, so blogging will be a little light.
Fear not, Cute Cat Friday will remain on schedule. I might be late with social media posting, but the feline photos will go up automatically at noon on Fridays. I will also schedule a couple of midweek posts on non-cat-related matters.
Speaking of social media, my Twitter handle is @iainrobertsblog -- follow me for notification of posts and occasional other tweetings.
Fear not, Cute Cat Friday will remain on schedule. I might be late with social media posting, but the feline photos will go up automatically at noon on Fridays. I will also schedule a couple of midweek posts on non-cat-related matters.
Speaking of social media, my Twitter handle is @iainrobertsblog -- follow me for notification of posts and occasional other tweetings.
Friday, 1 August 2014
Thursday, 31 July 2014
On Incompetence and Apathy
This is a story of two middle-ranking politicians of very different character.
Iain Duncan Smith, also known as IDS, is the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He was leader of the Conservative Party from 2001-03 until his party overthrew him for manifest incompetence. The Conservatives were led into the 2005 election by Michael Howard, who once was memorably described as having "something of the night about him". Howard may be evil, but he was capable enough to lead them to a narrow defeat rather than a repeat of the Labour landslides in 1997 and 2001.
IDS claims he was inspired to address the plight of the poor by visiting Glasgow housing estates; he may even be sincere. As Work and Pensions Secretary, he launched an ambitious attempt to overhaul the benefits system, which has degenerated into a very expensive catastrophe. It is unlikely this came as a surprise to his colleagues. It is alleged they think IDS is just not intelligent enough to manage a large and complex department of government.
On behalf of Iains everywhere, I am most annoyed that IDS is bringing such disgrace to our name.
Iain Duncan Smith, also known as IDS, is the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He was leader of the Conservative Party from 2001-03 until his party overthrew him for manifest incompetence. The Conservatives were led into the 2005 election by Michael Howard, who once was memorably described as having "something of the night about him". Howard may be evil, but he was capable enough to lead them to a narrow defeat rather than a repeat of the Labour landslides in 1997 and 2001.
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| Iain Duncan Smith |
IDS claims he was inspired to address the plight of the poor by visiting Glasgow housing estates; he may even be sincere. As Work and Pensions Secretary, he launched an ambitious attempt to overhaul the benefits system, which has degenerated into a very expensive catastrophe. It is unlikely this came as a surprise to his colleagues. It is alleged they think IDS is just not intelligent enough to manage a large and complex department of government.
On behalf of Iains everywhere, I am most annoyed that IDS is bringing such disgrace to our name.
Friday, 25 July 2014
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Scotland's Vote 8: The Independent Republic of Edinburgh
Much of the referendum debate hinges on whether Scotland's economy will be better or worse off under independence. Here is a thought experiment which may put this discussion into perspective.
From the preamble to the manifesto of the Free Edinburgh Party, for the 2027 General Election in an independent Scotland:
We believe Edinburgh should be a free city-state, a member of the UN and the European Union in its own right. We will no longer tolerate being ruled by Glasgow and other areas which do not have Edinburgh's interests at heart.
Free Edinburgh in 2027
From the preamble to the manifesto of the Free Edinburgh Party, for the 2027 General Election in an independent Scotland:
We believe Edinburgh should be a free city-state, a member of the UN and the European Union in its own right. We will no longer tolerate being ruled by Glasgow and other areas which do not have Edinburgh's interests at heart.
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| Edinburgh: The next member of the UN? Source: PhotoEverywhere |
Friday, 18 July 2014
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