BEAN THERE, SEEN THAT, MADE THE T-SHIRT

A poster on a blog made a suggestion to which I had to reply:

Perhaps we should all work for the Government?

Or quangos, or any other of the myriad non-income generating entities that nonetheless do require money, from somewhere, to function.

The trouble with a bean-counting, bean-assessing, bean-managing and bean-taxing economy, overseen by a beano-philic national media, is that there is a slight problem with an ever-reducing number of folk actually making beans being burdened by all of the above.

They collapse, and we all starve. Even the parasites.

QUOTE OF THE DAY Defensive actions

From the mouths of Beebs. Or... the gifts that keep on giving...

Alan Yentob defends BBC over Arlene Phillips ageism claims

You have to hand it to the market rate talents, who 'we' might lose were they not paid massive amounts to be retained from going to... er... ITV?

'...normal people found it "difficult to understand" why they needed thousands of pounds for dinners and expensive gifts.'

Now, you might see where I am going here, but does this suggest that Mr. Yentob seem to be saying that they are 'not normal', or is it ab...

All roads lead... er... that way... no... that way...

Leadership for the Nu Age: The definitive answer is Yes... or No.

Just watched on BBC Breakfast Mr. Burnham's on-air 'advice' regarding swine flu. If what he... er... 'said' is anything to go by, I don't hold out much hope for the value of his much vaunted swine flu 'advice line'.

Despite the interviewer's best efforts, he committed to, and hence said nothing of substance or value. Pure fudge when discussing the nation trying to get clear direction.

Which begs the question of what a Secretary of State is for, and why they bother with such appearances.

I am sure lessons have been learned, though.

And I'll bet Mr. Brown is just 'furious'. Again. Management by reactive anger. New Nokias, please, Ball-boy!

I asked the missus how we should 'consider our going into public places'.

She asked me what on earth I was talking about. Indeed. I said a senior member of Gordon's GOAT herd had shared this pearl of well-directed leadership.

Bless.

Us.

ps: How well qualified/trained for this role is the young Mr.B, in light of our country's Home Secretary role being entrusted to another such competent and confident a GOAT in recent times.

Maybe Sarah Brown as Minister for Tweeting, and then over to Climate Change and on to Defence by the end of the year before her Jimmy Choos get too troubled by all this knowing a blind thing about the department you run and its responsibilities?

Guardian - Conflicting swine flu advice for women causes chaos -

Political reporting reaches new levels

In convenience Speakership exchange

If there is a joke in here somewhere, it's perhaps not the one intended.

Though 'Tales from the Urinal Gutter' does seem a promising avenue for political reporting from within Westminster.

Fun with words

I do confess, I am enjoying playing with this...

Newsnight neologisms needed

'Proxymoron' went down well, though 'enviROI' and 'helicopter environmentalists' passed without trace.

So I have lobbed a few more into the literary frag pit to see what might get flushed.

'Revoltaire' - New era democratic rallying concept, often supported and even promoted by soem who know what's best for us in the MSM ; 'We may not agree with what you say, but we will sort of tolerate it... so long as you are not an Israeli/BNP/[insert folk that you really... really don't agree with and hence reckon need silencing here]'.

Which is an odd caveat from those seeking to be seen as credible libertarians. But usually they are those as dogmatic and convinced of their rectitude as those they oppose.

So, to 'a little bit pregnant' I guess we need to add 'freeishdom of speech'.
complain about this comment

'Enhancing the narrative'
'Interpreting events'
'Emerging truths'

The first two are mechanisms by which objective facts can be passed through a special process managed by those who 'know better' to ensure 'news' is shared in a way that those it gets presented to get to think 'more correctly' about it all.

Often, when it really rather flies in the face of clear evidence, and may in fact be unsupportable, it can still be assisted to the point that it becomes an 'emerging truth'.

Poohbahood - the act of seeking, conferring and/or being conferred with ever longer and more daft un-earned, unwarranted titles in an attempt to confer long lost respectability and reverence, but which actually fools, and impresses few outside a very small world. And probably just makes things worse.

As in...

The Right Honourable Baron Mandelson of Foy in the County of Herefordshire and Hartlepool in the County of Durham, First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord President of the Council.

NKorean leader's son is 'Brilliant Comrade'

"Grandiose titles are part of a tradition to stimulate public support in a nation where the media is tightly controlled and little information about the inner workings of the government is available."

Boxtickocracy, Beancounterhood & Targetmeetering - All complementing versions of the same, less than startlingly successful form of nu-governance whereby anything tangible and/or possibly useful is suborned to simply looking like things are going to be done, being done and will be done as opposed to dedicating any funds or personnel to actually just doing a good job in the first place.

Interestingly, it seems that these systems all seem to cost a lot more to implement and run, and despite this are actually self-generating by virtue of limitless funds on tap (if now on the 'never never' - thanks, kids) and a culture of zero accountability, no responsibility and 'Whocaresaboutability?' (oo, another one) so long as the right boxes are ticked, targets are met and ... you get the picture.

Revoltaire

Was reading how the guys really in charge of the Iranian elections were a bunch called the Council of Guardians.

That all sounds suitably Marvel(as in comic)icious.

Sort of Voltaire-lite: 'We may not agree with what you say, but we will sort of tolerate it... so long as you are not an Israeli'.

Which is the odd caveat we seem to be seeing from libertarians closer to home.

To 'a little bit pregnant' I guess we need to add 'freeishdom of speech'.

Makes you proud to be in a cradle of democracy.

Having fun with words

And I have...

Newsnight neologisms needed

proxymoron - derived from 'proxy' - 'a person authorized to act for another - which one could argue is what the person you give your vote to is... er... was. Our beloved MPs.

The second part - oxymoron - is also relevant in more than a few contexts: 'a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms'

There may well be other allusions, but I could not imagine what:)

What price 'respect'

Around £130k, it would seem.

That is the hostage to fortune of our country vs. what I thought was a largely ceremonial but now realise is yet another hugely over-powerful unelected (by us) position: The Speaker of the House.

This is the amount this petty little man will 'lose' if he stands down now, rather than clinging onto the wreckage that is the credibility of our nation's Parliament to maximise his gilded retirement.

It is ironic that it all still boils down to money in a grubby individual, public 'servant's' pocket.

And as the attempts to make it just about him, and his office, continue, and fail to distract the public disgust at the whole rotten system, egged on by too many in the privileged media classes jockeying for position and favour in the new Westminster order, I am also struck by the disconnect of the way this little lot behave vs. the way they have required the rest of us to, often with ever more draconian laws and penalties.

What private organisation would be allowed to function for so long with rampant bullying? Even Mr. Martin's few supporters, eerily reminiscent of Mr. Brown's, seem to concede that while he can be affable, he has a vile temper and is not to be crossed.

Our country seems to be suffering from a culture of thugees who got to the top by truly awful behaviour and practices, and in their (inevitable - fear can command power, but respect is the foundation of true leadership) falls are more interested in dragging us all down with them for minor personal gains.

As I hear of the Tamil Tiger leader fighting to his last youthful acolyte before topping himself in yet another deluded Downfall remake, I wonder how often we are to be cursed by history repeating itself?

Addendum:

Quite proud of this one:

As to the hapless Mr. Martin and those who surround him (with the best and worst of interests at heart), to mangle another of Stephen Fry's inspirational heroes, maybe a case of 'The unspeakable selecting the next un-Speaker able'?

Couldn't think of a nicer bunch to watch at work.

Addendum:

I stumble somewhat over what I have just read in a newspaper report: 'one thing MPs should remember in making their choice is that the next Speaker will have more power than any of his predecessors.'

Until very recently, I thought it was some old geezer who dresses funny and says 'Order, order' a lot. Hey, whatever floats their yachts.

However, it has now been made quite clear that there is great power here but, unlike Spiderman, pretty much zippy by way of accountability. Especially to folk like me. You know; the public. Voters. Guys who foot the bill and shoulder the consequences.

So.... with the great job that has served the country so well so far in recent mind, the intention is to hand the choice of the next one... again... to our current 600+ 'government of all the talents' (including in all from all parties under that glorious misnomer).

'Because that is the way it has always been done'.

I. do. not. blooming. well. think. so.

Better Late...?

I found it...interesting... that today we at last had through the letterbox our Swine Flu advice leaflet.

Maybe we should read it, but it's hard to imagine what it can tell us we don't already know.

And what the money it cost could have been used for.

BBC - NEW - Human noses too cold for bird flu - 'May' it not, indeed?

Too many in the media, with too much money, trying to fill too much time, with not enough skill or sensible oversight being deployed at almost any level. IMHO.

Yet the whole silly charade grinds on, getting ratings pumping up, and then shooting down the very thing they have stirred.

One law for them...

Putting aside violence, I'd presume that most times the law gets involved is when money ends up in pockets it shouldn't for reasons that are not acceptable.

Until now, I have not been aware that 'putting it back' was deemed a solution smiled upon by the authorities, or society, in the much-loved manner of 'putting it all behind us'.

I regret to inform the deluded ones that this will not 'regain my trust' in any way.

And trying to pool guilt ain't going to do it for me either, so apologists from all sides trotted out still trying to peddle the 'we need to change the system' as an attempted 'solution' to a stupid, spun distraction that is their preferred notion of the 'real problem' are merely tarring themselves with their more venal colleagues' brushes. It fools no one.

Apologies not enough. Actions not words. And MPs being dealt with in the same way as the public upon whom they have imposed, so poorly, for so long. End the hypocrisy.

Yet to discuss this on BBC Breakfast with the bouffant and brunette £XXXkgrand inquisitors ("Sorry, I misread what I was told to say") we get... Kevin Maguire? Again. And by way of 'balance'... Andrew Pierce. Again.

With great power comes great responsibility (hat tip: Stan Lee). And with those, above all, comes accountability. Why, at the moment, when one asks 'who is in charge here?' (and has been for over a decade -where's Al Haig when you need him?), do I suspect a sets of digits, and a few stumpy ones, will suddenly mutely point in every direction save one.

Campaign - Channel 4 staff attacked for "grossly excessive" pay

Market rate talent requiring public subsidy as the money model doesn't add up. Interesting.
And I do rather think that pointing wherever else possible in comparison in a 'two wrongs make a god given right' isn't working too well at the moment in the public domain

Telegraph - If it were you, could you get away with an 'oops!' and a cheque?

I like precedents.

When I accidentally cancel my TV licence DD and then forget to stump up the chekky, despite all those polite reminders, I'm guessing I can take it to the wire and then... ta-da!

Or, am I likely to be a tad less unique in the official sympathies to my funding arrangements than others?

Over to the £92-grand inquisitors at Aunty, who are asking all the tough questions on our behalves currently. Sometimes.

But at least there's new legal defence precedent for the land... 'Feeling terrible' about 'mistakes'. It has support in some media. And may gain ground. I await the next demand for payment for unique services rendered that I may get (even if they are not to a standard I find acceptable and indeed are contractually specified) from various 'suppliers'.

A capita idea?

Or... Report tax evasion

"Two Peers found to have abused their position"

I am a little intrigued that in the news broadcast during the Jeremy 'let's stir the country into a rabid froth over nothing by getting on two loons to discuss a stupid PR punt, and then let the dogs of the switchboard loose' Vine Show how the two Lord's punishment was viewed by the house and hence reported.

Let me get this straight... you take a bung to rig the law and you get suspended for 6 months... and then what? Welcome back to the House Partay! (on ex's no doubt).

Yes there was an inappropriately forgetful Conservative couple, a distraught Labour ex-Cabinet Minister (certainly mentioned) as well, but two Lords a rigging don't even get fired on the spot????! Or the odd comment gets made on that odd discrepancy?

Mind you, on the Steve Wright Show it has just been mentioned someone bought Kevin Spacey a Lordship, so the exchange of cash in this arena is certainly thriving.

Why would anyone want to become an MP? - A voice from within laments. Sadly, I think, like many, by be too close, and too cerebral, he miss the mood, and a key point.

I couldn't agree more about the perils of mass tarring by broad brushes.

But...

Who got 'us' to a point where those who we give our proxy to govern are seen not as individuals, but merely, at best, drones in the hive?

I have no sense any more my MP does anything he was voted in to do through his own mind.

Hence it is little wonder that I might be tempted to include him, unfairly or not, with the actions of colleagues it seems he has at been woefully oblivious about until now.

Their lips are moving

I think 'we' could do with 'them' getting a reality check...

This shambolic blame game is set to pull Labour apart

'Let's start with one curious and well-made point from Alan Johnson today. He observed that when it came to the big issues, Gordon Brown's government hadn't done so badly.'

A few have already cranked an eyebrow at that one, as much for the person who tried to make it stick as the one trying to stop in sliding down the wall.

There does seem to be an interesting breed of clearly delusional Emperors with New Clothes and sycophantic fashion critics in the politico-media establishment these days, operating on a 'Not My Fawltyesque' 'I think I may have got away with it' by dint of only listening to those who tell them what they want to hear.

Watching Mr. Marr amble along with Mr. Johnson yesterday, and Steven Pound just now on SKY, with both trying to tell us what Hazel meant when she said 'YouTurn if you want to' was really highly supportive, was worth it indeed.

But I really am getting a tad tested with certain folk from this same discredited cabal telling me what I think and am really concerned with, when... they haven't a clue.

Indy - NEW - It's almost heartbreaking – these people are so clueless - Not a usual hat-tip, but this one is tellingly spot on.

It is a source of some irritation to me that in my county Old/Nu/Whatever hue Lab doesn't even bother putting up a candidate. Because, whatever else I do in the election, I want the whole sorry crew to know what I think of them.

And I want it to be so crushing, so humiliating, that even the promise of dodgy pay systems and unwarranted pensions and unethical non-exec directorships won't be enough to make it worth it in compo.

But also so that whichever of the remaining venal bunch that I get presented with as alternatives grasp that my 'mandate' is a precious thing, and I am getting a tad tetchy with it being totally abused by dishonest incompetents, much less idiotically claimed as such from a poor % of an even poorer turn out.

Hey, let's annoy 50% of the population

I do so only in affectionate jest...

Want a job done well? Ask an older woman

I am not sure this - '...a 66-year-old Prime Minister of Iceland, or at least what's left of it' -quite endorses the spirit of the headline.

However, I am sure we have much to look forward to as Jackie, Hazel, Harriet, Margaret et al... um... mature.

Addendum -

Hmmn. I seem to either have been banned from the Torygraph comments section, or have failed to understand how it works...

Patronising Harriet Harman's gaffe on black, disabled people

All will be well soon, when she, and a few others (Jaquie, Hazel, Margaret (not that one, natch), etc) have been allowed to 'mature' a little:

Apparently.

Though I am not sure that citing the PM of Iceland, especially with the qualifier the author herself introduces, is necessarily a great endorsement.

Things seem to be working out sooo well under the boxtickocracy currently in vogue.

Maybe... I don't know... just ensure negative discrimination is dealt with harshly and let talent flourish where it is encouraged, regardless of an PC targets?

I just had real fun with a town hall munchkin that, as far as I was concerned, Pink Jedi was entirely acceptable as race an religion in my book.

At least I know what I don't know

Sadly, I can no longer have much faith in what to believe.

The first beneficiary in war is now ratings; truth, sadly, is still what the person holding the camera, mic or edit mouse chooses to conjure.

Another day, another 'interesting' development

Damian Green's arrest triggers a constitutional crisis

I first learned about the arrest via a special e-mail from the BBC. Maybe they were as appalled as many, but seemed only to mention the arrest rather than any background. Hence I do not anticipate as prompt a sharing of info as the actual situation gets explained subsequently.

Damian Green arrested, Conservative spokesman says

History repeating?

Gaurdian - Worth a look

Anti-terror police arrest opposition MP - and the only comment from the Guardianistas is to point to what other people have said?

Well, to be fair, we are in an era of guilt even by association, so just being on the wrong blog (even defending a view) is probably enough to have Hazel's Blogstapo alerted by the Draperjugend.

Originating one is now probably enough for the midnight knock on the door. It's night, and the knives are long.

Gaurdian - Damien Green: arrested for doing his job

Well, we can be thankful some still thinking there is no danger in the police becoming politicised might now give pause.

Newsnight - The BBC has a few tricky choices to make now. And keeping schtum will be very much still be an active choice, much as it might be felt of as an out.

Signs are good that this may be discussed, though perhaps not as much as might happen in other circumstances, and I am still wondering about the overnight special email that merely said: 'Conservative MP arrested', with the following by way of clarification: 'Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green, MP for Ashford in Kent, has been arrested but not charged, says the Conservative Party.'

Not exactly how it's panning out in the cold hard light of day.

Often what is not mentioned (or who is invited to comment) can be as telling as what (or who) is.

Telegraph - Damian Green arrest 'like Mugabe's Zimbabwe'

Telegraph - Show trial for disgraced Comrade Green

You are right to insert the caveat in your initially-imagined description.

But when I see others elsewhere trying to intercept just such notions with pre-pared 'some will says and how dare they equates' one does have to wonder.

Frankly I hark back more to the mid 30's and one of our EU partners.

So as I have been stating for a wee while, I'll stick with Night of the Long Knives by way of historically repeating caution.

At least all media is not under state control. Yet. Though an awful lot have an awful lot of sympathisers with an awful lot to lose if they stray from the party line.

Newsnight - Mumbai - rumour and misinformation

Newsnight - one of the few remaining UK national political news outlets.

Now, what in the world could they decide needs their full attention...?

Yes... with a citywide bunfight - that might be a tad preoccupying - still going down, those awful 3rd world types haven't had the decency to put in place a proper hype & spin set-up so they can blame someone else for having to make stuff up rather than sitting back and waiting until the dust settles. No, 24/7 live news demands minute by minute content, no matter what, and who may get messed up... 'Tell us, are they pointing the gun at you? Our viewers are off to work soon and we need to know now or we'll lose ratings'

Speaking of spinning... closer to home nothing much... except...

Gordon Brown and his wife watch X Factor! And they have written to the losers!

Ah, gotta love those priorities in that bubble.

Telegraph - Damian Green: Whistle-blowers versus political activism

Cassius Writes - Ruth Turner, Damian Green and the Law which Mugabe would give his right arm for - via a link of a link, so I cannot testify to accuracy, but he does offer viable URLs and facts. More than we seem able to get from our national broadcaster.

Telegraph - Jacqui Smith under pressure over Damian Green arrest

Daily Mail - Police state Britain: Tory MP Damian Green's crime was to reveal truths Labour didn't want you to know

Newsnight -

I am usually more interested in what happens and how it gets reported, but a few things shared here have resonated..

I'm not sure what the fuss is.

Could make a nifty inscription.

On the web site have you thought about showing how many logins a poster has. It would help show those people trying to multiple post to create the impression of a crowd of devoted advocates of the Crackpot Tendency.

Though I am aware of claims that there are 'teams' now in place to seed key blogs with (mis)information, I suspect 'they' may be wise to this. Also my estimate of posters on this blog, regular, infrequent and new, would suggest this is hardly worth the effort. Might be interesting mind, I concede.

Just getting nervous these days of more and ways of tracking information and people.

But anything that assists those who are 'right', and 'know' it, deal with those who are 'wrong' (or are crackpots) may have an attraction.

Me, I tend to rely on the power of arguments, or not, along with such as the use of pejoratives, to get a feel for who is making sense, and in a persuasive, civilised manner.

Now, let's see how much more Newsnight has dealt with a what does seem a major national issue of some interest to many still.

The rights and wrongs may yet still have to come, but usually that happens through reporting and discussion.

The subsequent posts in this blog series would suggest a low interest editorially, for some reason, and I am sure President-elect Obama may be prevailed upon to join PM Gordon 'I think I may speak for the world even if a lot that happens here was done without my knowledge....' Brown with some further insights as to the whole X Factor situation.

Telegraph - Damian Green arrest shows how Labour is destroying our political system

...ing?

Telegraph - Damian Green arrest: Parliament, freedom of conscience and trojan horses...

Order-order - Then and Now - Another way of describing the multiplicity of standards under the current regime.

Times - Comment Central's leak dossier brings down another politician - (above - pix from one G. Brown's interview explaining how the public had a right to know about covertly-obtained info. Plus an older, wiser PM who seesm to know things we no longer need to) I know two wrongs do not make a right, but....

Just saw Kevin Maguire allude to some dodgy relationships on the BBC, but whilst potentially interesting and relevant it was no more for now than a nudge, nudge, wink, wink, so what heft should be accorded is dubious. But I don't think the BBC should allow proxy stooges on solo to say something as if fact, especially without counter opportunity or query by presenter.

Order-order - Those who would rule?

I have heard this government referred to as one 'Of All Talents' (GOATS). If her stuttering, defensive/belligerent performance was anything to go by I'd be hard pressed to feel comfort to be under the care of what more seemed a Rabbit Frozen in Headlights.

However, she did manage to make clear the origins of some accusations of Nanny State as part of the GOAT herd when on more comfortable grounds of banning everything in sight.

Telegraph - Hear, hear for Harriet Harman

Gaurdian - Ignorance is no defence. Smith failed in her first duty

Telegraph - Parliament's rare moment of clarity

Iain Dale - Leaked Email From Harman: No Tories or LibDems Invited

If they did a bit more running the country rather than falling over each other mis-'managing' their careers and Westminster Useful Village Idiot perceptions 'we' might be in a better situation. Not looking too likely though, is it?

Telegraph - Arrogant police chiefs despise democracy

Telegraph - Putting Gus on the guest list looked sus

Telegraph - Peter Mandelson's shameless intervention may backfire

Telegraph - Peter Mandelson raises the stakes on Damian Green arrest

The government, and BBC, often seem to make much of not commenting on ongoing events 'lest they prejudice the outcome'.

I'm a little intrigued as to how this may/will be deemed 'different' by both parties (or, in the case of the latter, perhaps a more favoured word would be 'unique') involved in bringing the news to us in ways we need to understand it 'better'.

Resistance is futile

I share this exchange from a site I post on a fair bit, but don't usually duplicate here.

It regards the BBC, (and I would commend 'Aunty and me' to get a background to where I am with regards to this entity) but also goes to my beliefs of freedom of speech, and their erosion through many, often innocuous means.

It also includes a bon mot I am proud of, and hope I invented... 'Blogstapo'.

This is going way off the topic of BBC bias
The mods may agree, but I fear I may not. From government through its mouthpiece to those who roam blogs to try and sideline 'off-message' threads, 'being a team player', 'not rocking the boat', and how such views get represented goes to the very core of how such as the BBC plays it part. I would reference any pol who is daft enough to query 'accepted dogma' and ends up not debating the issue but defending against accusations of 'talking down..', 'stirring hatred...', etc.

but have you considered that it may be your dogmatic individualism that is beyond reason?
Not in those terms, no. But then I have decided I am not... yet... the Borg. And would prefer not to be assimilated.

I simply claim my right (while I can) to have an opinion, reject others' attempts to tell me what I am thinking, and fail to accept that just because you might end up chatting in a group at a party you can thereafter be deemed to somehow to have absorbed some collective view... concocted by observers from across the room because they don't happen to like the background of one of the participants.

There would be a certain irony if... when Ms. Blears' Blogstapo kicks in that certain IP addresses gleaned from certain 'non-sycophant' sites were from those who were in fact defending the cause, but were lumped together when the squads move in. That's the problem with catch-alls. And hence why I am more of a fan of rugged individualism in deed... and description.

Human beings are adapted to work as a group,
Granted, but only to an extent. It's not, or at least shouldn't be 'you are either totally with us or you are totally against us', unless you are George W. (in daft word, mostly), various religious entities (often in dastardly deed, mostly).. or certain media outlets that now see all needs to be 'interpreted' to ensure it is 'understood' in the 'correct' way.

or do you believe a loose collection of individuals can out-compete a tight nit group held together by a strong culture?
Compete in what way? If you mean such as the loose collection of voices that come, stay and often leave the park corner soapbox that is this site raising concerns about what I think is now the near propaganda broadcast arm of the current power base, then I blooming well hope so. If nothing else, there is a commitment to giving voice to the individual, to debate, and if that focus starts to attract the interest of others then great. Just... let's hope with such growing power the inevitable does not soon follow. Then I'll be off.

It is my personal view, and one I seek to impose no more than by sharing it here, that there is an unhealthy groupthink from an out of touch minority 'elite' in Westminster, being brought to the majority in a less than balanced manner by another, this time unelected minority who think 'they' 'know' 'better'.

I beg to differ. And would seek to say so. Preferably through fact and proof above hype, spin, and 'interpretation' a la Jon Humphrys.

Or I could get absorbed by the hive and end up 'only obeying orders'.

No ta.

Careful of all inclusive claims

As I know everyone else in this country is:)

Writers don't need bandwagons

More from the Brownstuffed

When the mine falls in on Gordon, he'll be quite happy

Oh, heavens.

The fate of my family and country is in the hands of Gordon 'Look at me, Ma, Top of the World!' Brown, and his Village useful idiot cheerleaders.

Super (no hero).

Times - If this is a triumph, I'd hate to see a disaster

Guardian - Brown gets room to breathe, not to boast - Not the piece, as they are now jokes; the comments: they are not laughing.

What the heck is going on? There is such a disconnect between what is, and is being portrayed, successfully, that Labour must have had a seance and dredged up Josef Goebbels somehow. Now who does he remind you of again? 'You just came and you took without giving... oh..'

Gaurdian - Banking rescue: Is this Brown's finest hour?

I just got an Xmas tat gadget brochure.

Every useless item headlined 'Could this be...?"

No, I ain't buying.

ps: If the best 'defence' Josef's new squad has is 'but think of what may replace him?', I'll take my chances.

Somone using the ship of state like The Titanic in an iceberg-filled dodgems (cheered on by the 1st class Village useful idiots already in the few lifeboats) is getting rather stressful.

Telegraph - Gordon Brown's most cretinous comment ever

Guardian - Northern Rock - nobody negligent

Bodes well for a certain heroic taxpayer's representative's offer to pad out the shark set's coffers still further by sickin' 'em on any miscreants from the latest bail-out.

Telegraph - Gordon Brown: After saving the EU, the world?

Or... not?

Indy - Game on: Brown recovery cuts Tory lead to single figures

Note to those inside the Westminster Useful Village Idiot bubble from one without, and suffering the consequences of too many playing with our futures as if it is:

'It is NOT a game'.

Just got my latest gas bill, too.

Guardian - Should Gordon Brown quit while he's ahead?

Please define 'ahead' in a way someone outside the Westminster Village Useful Idiot bubble may get to grips with.

Ch4 - Brown wades into Rock row

Indy - Experience can be too much of a good thing

'Gordon Brown is now a global superhero'

I must say that he, and those who buy into that, must be on a different globe.

Indy - Game on: Brown recovery cuts Tory lead to single figures

My comment:

'Note to those inside the Westminster Useful Village Idiot bubble from one without, and suffering the consequences of too many playing with our futures as if it is:

'It is NOT a game'.'

...has been challenged.

'A good lawyer will tell you to treat any serious case as if it were a game. When the stakes are high the last thing you want a government to do is freeze with fear like a rabbit in the car headlights. It's a game but a very serious game and you are a pawn in it.'

Well I have to say that with a Parliament packed with lawyers of various degrees of competence, I am unsure if where we find ourselves as a consequence makes it a very good thing to still be playing ball on a pitch chosen by the mindset of such a profession.

You are of course right when you say '... the last thing you want a government to do is freeze with fear...'. No evidence of that at almost any turn, then.

My concern is the 'game' played within a small chamber where a witty retort or a gambit that serves more to confound your opponents is given acres of excited coverage by those within the media bubble morning, noon and night. But too often at the expense of anything remotely that explains, engages or persuades with this pawn, who can still, for now, opt to not buy a paper, switch off a TV show and decide where is 'x' goes come voting time. Well, for now.

Telegraph - Why should I pay for MPs to have a comfortable retirement?

Gaurdian - Don't cut public pensions - Another view from another place. I'm sensing the 'taxes go up OR services go down' twofer is going to play louder than the third option.

Newsnight

As I have resigned myself to nothing about the UK cropping up any time soon I popped across to a blog by one Nick Robinson, and got to this...

'...What's more, Gordon Brown, fresh from taking the plaudits for saving the world's financial system, is busy laying a new trap for the Tories. He's pledging to carry on spending and borrowing in the downturn...'

Plus a few hundred comments.

At which point I wondered if he was actually laying it out, heavy with irony, for the audience as we are all too thick, or whether it really is better to lay traps and stuff for the opposition and get the glee club cheering rather than help the country get back on an even keel.

Hard to tell these days.

Guardian - Brown's dreams and reality: a poll apart

Well, golly. And that's a fact.

But really... Brown's dreams and reality????!

Too much to hope some from the Westminster Useful Village Idiot cheerleading troupe might have a wee gander in the mirror now?

I sure as heck am dreading the calibre of choices by way of alternatives, but PM Queeg and his merry crew in the Titanic Ice Dodgems Party have shown a level of ability on top of a past record that has me gagging for another category on my voting form to 'NOTA' (None Of The Above): 'ENABL' (Enough Now, Anyone But Labour)

Telegraph - Is this Gordon Brown's dead cat bounce?

Telegraph - Gordon Brown, not Iceland, acted like a terrorist

Brown Stuff & Wife

It deserves a whole new blog post..

Haven't seen it yet, and might not be bothered, but it is a concern that our national communicators of 'vision' seem to have even pro commentators confused as to whom some snipes were directed: Cameron or Milliband.

Newsnight

Sisters at War - I have been pondering a collective term for our current Government of all the talents...

Maybe it could be a 'Flounce' of Ministers?

Though 'Strop' is also good, unless you happen to be one of those being governed by this 'meritocratic-that's-not' system we now have to call democracy.

I'll have to check with my wife, when she gets back from real work, and we go over the finances and budget. Oh, the empathy....

'Sisters, keeping doing it...'

Food for thought

Sniggers aside, don't these defenders of the working class know the price of fish and spuds these days???

What kind of signal does this extravagence send out?

Popularity snapshot

No, it's too tempting. And as I work down the list see Barrie is there in the mod squad queue first.

The phrase ending '...on a plate' occurs, but I could have used that on the dinner list blog above, as he might have already.

Let's just see how it pans out.

And which hand gets used.

And what is in the other... if not in clear view.

No way to run a party, or government, or country... is it?

Me, I just await my chance to wield my vote... when the time comes.

Now, as to when THAT might be...

Old Etonians stick together - Meanwhile, back in the bubble...

'We're all peers together...'

So in the spirit of sticking together, the blood relative of a bloke being slagged off, if to an appreciative audience, by another bloke has a wee moment on the pause button, professionally speaking.

This being a German TV crew I am shocked, but not surprised. The world is going to pot, because the crisis is Global, see. I've been told that a lot, lately.

Can you imagine anyone from say, the BBC allowing personal feelings or editorial agenda creeping in to influence the flow of someone whose views they did not hold.

The very idea!

ps: technical point... is it possible to stop filming 'noisily'? Just asking.

Prospects for Tuesday 23rd September

'3. At 1:09pm on 23 Sep 2008, thegangofone
How about a pensions financial sector expert?'

Or... and here's a thought, a balanced, objective collection of moderate folk who know what they are talking about around the topic at hand, and not the usual ratings-cranking, PR/producer-concocted, extreme bookend, 'usual-suspects on the speed-dial' classic Newsnight 'twofer', at the expense of anyone who knows what's really going on and what the average joe can make of it all, much less do about it.

No? Oh, well. Plus ca change.

Telegraph

Sarah Brown surprises the Labour Party Conference - 'It's fair to say that the Lobby were rather charmed by Mrs B in China..'

Say no more, luv, say no more...

So long as you and 'The Lobby' are OK, all else will fall into place.

ps: Take that, from this MoP at least, as a 'No'. I have real issues to deal with and kids to support.

pps: And what is it with Mr. Fudge and shoving the ladies out of the lifeboat left, lefter and really left to try and pull the thing to safety (or is it to distract those few actually still trying to rescue anything... or one) as the menfolk discuss how they feel each other's pain?

First JKR and now the missus. Who next?

Not sure, but maybe even the last Labour voter who is waiting to switch out the lights might be keen on, oh, I don't know... some substance?

Old Flash is almost willing that hypocritical, well-spun pan to come arcing in.

Is Sarah Brown Labour's Sarah Palin? - Mrs. Fudge introduces hubby and the Westminster Village is whipped into a frenzy. Substance? Pah! Tonight's TV news and tomorrow's headlines write themselves.

Who'd have thunkit?

ps: She does do things right? And was elected to some office or other, I presume? Otherwise he may as well have been big upped by a set of moose antlers. Ah well, let the 4th rate estate go wild..

Gordon Brown wants to "rebuild the world's financial system" - Just on a diplomatic train of thought...

If he has spent all his time saying the mess we're in is all their faults, what is the likelihood of them letting him within a bargepole's length of even getting in the room for dealing with anything bar whose 'non-political accessory' spouse gets the tea and biscuits.

A Coke, maybe. Then he 'Can teach the world to sing...'

ANOTHER DAY DAWNS...

A blogger on a forum asked, and I answered... and then went off at a tangent...

Do they have editors ? Does anyone actually read or check stuff before it goes public ?

No. I know it is 'just a blog', but online I often have to ask Newsnight's Michael Crick if what he wrote is what he meant.

Often it can be funny, but on occasion meanings can be distorted... from the writings of a senior political commentator on a significant news blog from our 20k+ staffed, £3.5B funded national broadcaster. I'd have thought running it by more than the tea lady, security guard or work experience student (if he even does that) might be in order for professional integrity. As they often get left up I am not even sure they ever check back. 'Post & forget' seems to be the order of the day.

As to Mrs. Brown's hubby's Churchill moment...

'Churchill... what exactly will be happening and how will it be paid for...?'

'Ohhhh... yersh'

... credit to BBC Breakfast for revisiting the two (major statistical x-section there, mind) families they were tracking, neither of whom shared the Westminster Village and its media camp followers' shock and awe at the genius of wheeling out the family to say it will not be used as a prop.

When it comes to substance, I am reassured that the general public have more sensible heads on their shoulders than the hype and spin-obsessed numpties who think they speak for 'us'.

I await the blonde's moment with Dear Leader later with... well... 'interest'.

Telegraph - Gordon Brown pitches to stay in the game - I didn't think that Gordon's speech was particularly good until I saw the lack of withering comments on here !!
That good, ehh !!

I guess that rather depends on who you mean 'good' for?

Aside from the rather self-delusional opinion that what I have read here so far is 'lacking in wither' (I'd hate to be around if the authors really express their displeasure), it sort of sums up the state of play that only fouling up big time and being trashed only moderately can be deemed a good sign.

Odd way to run a country, mind.

ps: how many pitches, and strikes, does Mrs. Brown's hubby (aw... bless) get before he's out?

BBC - A quick e-mail having seen the BBC Breakfast interview:

Quick question for Mrs. Brown's hubby...

How many others of those seeking to be paid and pensioned to 'have a go' at 'leading' our country have not quite figured out what is involved running a country whilst also managing a family?

And may loyally choose, having run it by the Party Leader four months previously, 'totally understandably' drop this decision on him with truly exquisite timing?

Just how daft is the public thought to be?

Newsnight - Tuesday 23rd September 2008

Telegraph - Gordon Brown delivers a rare rapier thrust - 'As an obsessive about the inner workings of politics, my main interest is in who dreamed it up'

As a working joe who obsesses only about the tangible manifestations of politics on my family's future, I could give a rodent's pitootie.

Other than to note that if one accepts that communication of one's ideas is pretty key, if no one with real jobs seems to have a clue who or what he was an about yet, it seems to be about as much use as free theatre tickets to most who don't live inside the M25

Telegraph - Gordon Brown doublespeak: what it means for business - 'Getting it', even if true, is a tad different to doing it.

And after over a decade of saying one thing and not doing anything that has been other than the assembly of a pig's ear, I feel you are cutting waaaaaaaay too much slack for one who has long ceased to deserve it.

Indy - One of Brown's best, but history was not made - It was a speech, guys.

Gaurdian - Gordon Brown connected with his audience and bought himself time - Would that be the audience of a few thousand there (and wanted to be), or the other 60M in the real world?

Guardian - 'Re-energised' Brown puts Tories on the back foot -

A who put the who on the what now?

Well, everyone is entitled to their delu... opinion I guess.

Wishing it don't make it so.

Though it is sensible of them to stay mute, a small peep from M. C's merry crew would be nice once the real world has finished chewing over this stale bone you have become so attached to.

Newsnight - speaking of wives, hubbys, kiddies and the like...

'We broke the story last night.....but what's the truth behind Ruth Kelly leaving the Cabinet?'

Always a little intrigued how that works and why it matters, outside certain circles and pay grades.

Is there some investigative journalism at play, or just who happens to be on duty with the only national broadcaster around to share messages passed out at the time?

As to getting the truth from anything to do with this government, especially behind the locked doors of our 'Oh, I didn't realise this job would make juggling the family tricky until now' wooden Cabinet of all the talents, well, good luck with that.

I know you're trying.

Telegraph - Is there more to Ruth Kelly's resignation? - Actually, who cares if she told him to get stuffed?

Nope, sorry.

Still trying to figure out how one who fought tooth and claw to achieve one of the higher offices of the land hadn't quite sussed what it would take beforehand.

And then, knowing the impact bailing would have/has had these days, in four months chose last night to do the dirty.

I know to all in the bubble it is a silly game that needs playing, but to the likes of me outside trying to cope with the consequences, I fear faith in anyone worthy of governing or with the professional ability to report upon them is like the supply of broadband to my sons' glossy new PC toys before they retire (they are 12).

WSJ - Britain's Brown Bust - A view from abroad. Not saying this is a good or bad example, but I do pine for reporting and, yes, opinion that must be to a degree subjective, that is not immediately tainted by the partisan duties of the author's overlords.

Indy - NEW - Oh Sarah, you've just taken a step back for women - Actually, could as easily have been posted in the preceding post on 'Ladies who 'do' charity': 'Jetting off to New York to host a celebrity-laden lunch supports my belief that many famous women use charity as the ultimate form of networking – no matter how worthy the cause. When Sarah hosted a lunch in the UK, attended by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, female journalists were thrilled to receive free tickets, ensuring a tidal wave of gush about Carla and Sarah. '

Observer - NEW - Why did my heart sink when Sarah stepped on to the stage?

As will mine if Mrs. Cameron comes within a mile of anything other than offering due familial support to her husband whilst looking after the fmaily when he is away from home.

'Let them watch Pinter... online'

'Let them watch Pinter... online'

Gotta say, the latest from the Marie Antoin... er... Celest... er... Brownette 'bright idea a day' crew seems a winner.

Except, possibly with almost the entire electorate a wee bit keener on dealing with a few basics than yet more over-spun, over-hyped tinkering that most likely will never happen (at least I never seem to get informed officially) anyway.

Indy - PM pledges internet access for all children

Telegraph - Gordon Brown's speech is a health and safety hazard

Telegraph - Gordon Brown's promise of computer vouchers and theatre tickets won't save him

Guardian - If it acts as if the election is lost, Labour could still win it - Winning is an end, of sorts, but what does it mean without wanting to do so with a decent reason?

Brown stuff

Andrew Marr Show

Nice to see Mr. Brown prepared to be interviewed live after a long while.

Not so easy to sit through what seems a series of repeats: 'Not good enough', 'Lessons need to be learned', "We're going to look at this', 'We'll review that', etc. After how long in power?

Good of Andrew to ponder just how long one can point at history and everyone else (well, America) for why the UK seems to be in the unique situation it is. Is 'Global Financial System' - trotted out how many times per spinmeisters mantra - code for 'nowt to do with me!'.

Yet for all this, tangibly, I heard a man claim what may be wrong, yet then little could be done, especially by many of the systems that permitted excesses being put in place either by him or on his watch!

And if bonus-culture is to blame, why is his 'target-meeting over common sense'-administration riddled with this very practice... from public servants!

And I really, really would prefer that pols will stop telling me 'what the country wants' with no basis whatever to support that or include me.

The man's connection with reality is zero. And his default to not 'accept' fact to 'solve' his situation, at least in his own mind is ridiculous. Just like the head of the Ministry of Magic. And this voter knows it... longer term.

Telegraph - NEW - 'Ordinary' Gordon Brown's class war

Telegraph - NEW - Gordon Brown's preposterous excuses for the financial crisis

Actually, I rather expect before long to see a quango created, headed by great and good beneficiaries of FOG largesse, called the Excuse Ministry of Excellence, Or 'Excuse ME' for short.

Then it could be tasked with looking for any poor excuse for a Prime Minister.

Oh, too late

Telegraph - NEW - Gordon Brown warns Labour to focus on the economic crisis

Ch 4- NEW - LABOUR LEADERSHIP DEBATE

Everything’s fine with the Labour party it seems. There's no need to make the captain of the ship walk the plank, just because the engine room’s giving out a death-rattle.

Unlike the putsch against Tony Blair, there simply isn’t any credible alternative to Gordon Brown. So it is that the SS New Labour steams ever on towards the obvious looming iceberg of a general election.

Today’s Observer poll underlines the Titanic analogy. Nonetheless Gordon Brown evokes sympathy, with his heartfelt plea that he must do better, painful in its pathos, surely?

Meanwhile the big beast lurches around the mezzanines of Manchester. Charles Clarke is already repeating his belief that there can and must be a leadership challenge. Cue the other big beast of yesteryear, John Prescott, letting it be known that this would be a one-way ticket to oblivion.

Why I am I only minded of that surreal 80's music video with two clowns whacking each other in sequence?

Newsnight -

Telegraph - Labour party conference: Andrew Gimson's sketch - You know what is awful? I can think of no alternative. But what we have cannot endure. The unknown devil in this case is looking a lot better than what we have. He will have served a purpose if he purges the dross with him when he goes, but that is a void I fear will soon enough be filled. Then definition of the role and who best to fill has been corrupted... for now... but with luck not lost.

Indy - NEW - Rebels hold fire as PM fights back / Rebels hold fire as PM goes on the attack - I know it's just publishing a press release from the Labour Party, but I am intrigued as to the editorial thought processes behind labelling the limp, self-interested efforts of Mr. Brown with such martial words as 'fighting back' or 'going on the attack'.

When you get out of Westminster for an outing you might find some would prefer 'PM puts country before party to unravel unholy mess'.

Though the evidence of this interesting world-class (I think he has been dropped like a hot coal everywhere as tarnished goods) statement being passed on "..his vast experience after 10 years as chancellor makes him the right man to force through the international and domestic reforms needed to solve the global financial crisis." in this manner does not encourage.

Indy - All I hear is 'blah-blah-blah'

Order-Order - NEW - Peston "Fisks" Marrs Brown Interview

Gaurdian - NEW - Gordon Brown takes inspiration from Michael Foot -

He does like projecting himself pretty much anywhere but, well, himself, eh?

And to such great effect.

I think he'd best get some advice closer to home.

Maybe from one of the world's 'greatest living authors'?

She could perhaps suggest Cornelius Fudge (even the name has synergy)?

Seems to work. Well, maybe not for the rest of us, but you know what I mean.