For once, Ed Miliband is correct

This is not 1926, the 70s or the 80s. The sky has not fallen and revolution is not in the air; the scaremongering failed to materialise the apparent ‘chaos’ predicted by the media. The two teaching unions and PCS are not affiliated to the Labour party; Ed Miliband is not, in the words of the Prime Minister, ‘in the unions pocket.’

The Labour leader is proving he is far from a militant socialist, even though he did attend a sponsored TUC rally. But still, he understands the limited or non-existent sympathy for strikes. Miliband is desperate to reduce the influence of the unions within the Labour party, and will likely exploit strikes for his own political advantage.

TUC may have given vocal support, but Brendan Barber is still negotiating with the government. And rightly so. Barber does not want the prospect of tighter union laws, which the public support, and is not going to play into the government hands – unlike the PCS and teaching unions. The TUC and Ed Miliband should be praised, not insulted, for not pandering to the ‘awkward squad.’

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Friends, liberals, countrymen, lend me your ears

£932 billion is the national debt-as of today-of the United Kingdom. We owe £14,819 per every man, women and child and it equates to £32,250 for every person who is currently employed. This year, we will increase the nation debt by £170 billion – taking the grand total to over £1 trillion.

In order to be able to finance and reduce the national debt, reform of the public services and economy are needed. There is no giant money tree. When the state borrows money, it borrows against our savings. You and I are not only associated to the debt, but we are liable for it, too.

Health and education reform are vital to the long term finances of this country, and to the taxpayer. The continuation of the status-quo is a vulnerable path towards generational austerity; a continuous cycle of the same crisis.

Worst policy for the coalition is to keep undermining reform with lightweight legislation. Competition and, yes, private sector capital will be required – the government can no longer afford the cheques. And it is about time we face reality.

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So much for austerity, Charles

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall Annual Review is out today. Oh boy, it’s certainly a fascinating read – especially the 18% income rise from taxpayers. Charles, over the years, has accumulated numerous salaries due to ceremonial roles in the armed forces.  Which he has earned based on birth right and the disgusting hereditary system of monarchy.

Rather insulting to the military, who are facing the reality of pay freezes and redundancies. Some animals are more equal than others, especially when your mother creates the laws in this country.

Taken from page two of the AR 2011, we can view the accounts for the year. With government implementing cuts, I cannot comprehended a legitimate scenario to increase the Prince’s pocket-money.

In all honesty, the British public should not be subsiding the avaricious and gluttonous behaviour of an undemocratic pleb. I’m still waiting for the explanation from Clarence House; I doubt we will receive any adequate justification.

The heir also increased his luxury travel by 56 per cent. What a wonderful man.

The annual review is available online at http://addison.ceros.com/trh/ar2011/page/1/

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Too Liberal Review: Skyline

Hell have no fury like a sleep deprived blogger. This film was meant to bring peace and tranquility to my mundane world. Alas, it did not. And now I’m pissed.

I’ll be honest. I hate this film; really, really, really hate it. The protagonist, Jarrod (played by Eric Balfour), is the most uninspiring character in the history of cinema. Eric does a fantastic ability to personify how empty and hollow this film is.

Donald Faison’s role as ‘Turk’, in Scrubs, will always maintain a special place in my heart. But why has he betrayed me? His character, Terry, is agonising and torturous. Truthfully, it is execrable and bordering on nauseating

The film is 94 minutes long and is literally based entirely in one location. That apartment block will be burned into your retina, because the directors provided free marketing to a luxury apartment in L.A. I assumed the CGI budget accumulated so much resources and finance, that the directors could not afford another location. It’s the only explanation.

Skyline reminds me of a limited version of Independence Days; which I quite enjoyed as a child. However, the narrative provides no justification or explanation for an alien invasion and the relationships of the fringe characters, too.

Everything just happens for no reason. Aliens randomly mount a bloodthirsty and belligerent crusade. The disjointed and nonlinear narrative has ruined a potentially good film; the trailer was extremely stimulating and inspiring.

Jarrod’s nonchalant and ambivalent attitude to life could’ve been explored. Terry is meant to be an special effects expert, yet he comes across as a gangsta rapper. I’m not being facetious, wikipedia confirmed his background and, yet, the movie presented a completely contradictory back story.  Continuity, sub-plot, character depth and expansion are all missing in this film.

But the biggest criticism of them all is the ending. It is beyond ridiculous and parody; very, very lazy of the script writers. The ending effectively represents the vacuum and lack of imagination of the entire movie. I felt cheated, very cheated.

I beg of you, no, I implore you not to watch this film.

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Only in Britain…

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The Awkward Minister

Vince is starting to irritate me. Greatly. His ‘interventions’ are untimely and, well, quite annoying. A liability might be too harsh, but Nick Clegg needs to question the Business Secretary’s loyalty to the government and the party.

Whether the government is considering altering union laws or combating the deficit, Vince has a desire to deliberately take an opposite position. Either its arrogance or a narcissistic personality, it’s indecisive and damaging. As the junior party in the coalition, we cannot afford to be interpreted as weak and inconsistent.

There is a time and a place to show distinction from the Tories, and oppose them. But it’s not every five minutes. It is somewhat tedious and puerile to keep criticising colleagues – we recently won a Tory seat in a by election, on a 14% swing. Without calling them a bunch of bastards.

Vince Cable is very waxed lyrical on his Scottish Labour past life, which makes you wonder if Vince’s heart is really with the government or the opposition. The ‘maverick’, in the words of the pop group ‘Saturdays’, needs to sit down with his ego.

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The Liberal Agenda

I’m currently considering writing a book on liberalism. This is a draft, for a potential introduction. Please let me know what you think. Still quite unsure on this project, but I’m carefully pondering the idea.

Liberalism is a doctrine based on equality and liberty. It originates with the Latin word liberalis, which translates into “of freedom.” In the 21^st Century and all the turbulence of the New Millennium, we need a guiding philosophy to govern this world; The new world order-system of geopolitics and economic management-requires a philosophy, an idea. Liberalism should be the platform, or manifesto, for Western Civilisation.

The political dominance of conservatism and socialism is no longer relevant to the era of globalisation. Both are authoritarian ideas, which are outdated and difficult to achieve the aspirations of the populis. Conservatism contradicts and denies equality to persons based on their race, gender or sexuality; whereas socialism regularly denounces individual sovereignty and recognises the authority of the state as the final arbitrator in our lives. Apartheid South Africa and Soviet Russia are conclusive evidence, representing the failure of conservative and socialist politics. Both regimes soaked the land in blood of the innocent, driven by a belligerent and vindictive attitude towards dissidents and rivals.

During the 17^th Century and the bloody period of the English Civil Wars, it was the forefathers of liberalism, who tried to provide tranquility and stability to a war torn nation. The Agreement of the People,was a manifesto drafted by The Levellers. This political vanguard rose to prominence and actively campaigned for universal suffrage, equality in law and religious tolerance. Popular sovereignty did not occur until 1689, with the introduction of the English Bill of Rights, but The Levellers were among the first liberals. Sadly, these political pioneers were persecuted, but the belief in liberty and equality did not die on the gallows. It subsequently transcended throughout history, inspiring the American and French Revolutions. Liberty is a very powerful calling, which has destroyed countless tyrants and liberated the repressed. Liberals are the sworn enemies of dictators and totalitarian regimes.

But in order to achieve stability and political oversight, whilst moderately accumulating the wealth of globalisation, we do need international liberalism to be the human tutelage of human political evolution. And liberalism is the means to expand global integration, whilst protecting the liberties and rights of the individual.

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A liberal view: Defending your home

A fundamental principle of any democracy, and liberal society, is private property. We are free to own and control the land. It liberates us from public ownership, which is a method to control the lives of the occupants; it’s why I disagree with social housing.

But importantly, as owners of the property, how do we respond to a violation of our home? The intruder is not welcomed nor invited, and used aggression to gain entry. You and your family might be facing injury or, potentially, death.

The response is not premeditated; it is a reaction to a intrusive antagonist. Of course, every action has a consequence and individuals have duties and responsibilities. I assert, though, our lives are sacred and free from any form of coercion; if endangered, it is natural to defend yourself and your home. Whilst acknowledging the consequences.

In a true liberal society, self defence is mandatory and a necessity.

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New York Senate says YES to gay marriage.

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Sorry for the lack of blogging

I’m extremely busy at the moment. Finishing off a few articles, which is limiting the time I have for blogging. Normal service will resume in the next few weeks. Current posts will be limited, once or twice a week.

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