Time for some local politics instead of the three ring circus that is the US Presidential Campaign.
While checking out the Geordie Translator I saw a banner ad in support of the North East Regional Assembly campaign (yes4thenortheast) so I went to their site to have a squint. The first page has a truly laughable quote on it:
On November 4th 2004 we will have the chance to vote for a regional assembly. It will take power from government in London and hand it to the people of the North East.
What a load of shite! As far as I'm aware hardly any power is being devolved from London so surely that should be 'London will patronisingly give us a token bit of power just so we can make this ludicrous claim'. The proposed Regional Assembly is just another excuse for well connected people to get their nose into a trough and
From their FAQ:
What powers will it have that will make a difference to my life?
An elected North East Assembly with significant powers over economic and social issues will be able to implement policies that can have enormous impact on our day-to-day lives - for example: economic development, transport, environment, land-use planning, public health and further education. What can be more important than jobs, education, health and the environment?
The modern world in which we live requires flexible and efficient regional government which can react quickly to changing events. Whitehall cannot respond quickly or appropriately enough to our needs.
An elected assembly will also give this region a distinctive political voice. Too often we have lost out to other regions ? whether it?s over the Barnett formula or the Capital of Culture bid ? and we?re not being listened to under the current system
There seems to be a lot of overlap with local councils and One North East in that statement. Where are the powers they are taking from central government? Or are they just taking powers we already have in various bodies already? Some detail on actual powers being devolved would be useful so you would know what you were actually voting as the vote is very soon - 4th November in fact. That's a NO from me then.
Roll on the rebirth of the Kingdom of Northumbria - we'll show them what real power in the North East is! ;)
10 comments:
I've yet to cast a vote in my lifetime but i think i may be time to start now. I don't fancy the idea a regional assembly and if i can be @r53d i may get off my lazy old behind and vote NO.
I would however be willing to give my life, well possibly some time, to the NewLinks reclaim Northumbria campaign.
I can't see it being apolitical at all. No one stands for something like this without an agenda of some sort.
The only background requirement for shares in the toon was money. Same as everything else really.
What would you check for in someone's background? Having stood previously for a party? Having previously been a member of a party? Having previously voted for a party?
At what level do you decide someone is non political? Every person is a political animal to some extent.
Where did ypou see it was supposed to be non political? A reference would be nice. All the devolved assemblies so far are very political (Scotland, Wales, London) with candidates representing political parties - I can't see why this one should be any different.
FFS it's Big Fat John's last big plan - so he can say he left a mark other than the very deep indentation in the back seat of his Jags.
I see what you mean about about a fascist - he's got that 'Mussolini looking down his nose in an imperial manner' thing going on. The slaphead on him doesn't help either.
If it's based on the London Assembly model then it will be political. Cast your eyes over the Assembly Member list.
There are two main levels of government in this country so far, national and municipal. There are already arguments over where the authority of each overlaps. The huge council tax increases we have every year are a good example. They are blamed on the national government by the councils and the government says it's entirely in the council's hands. Whilst they fribble about the finer points of funding allocations and budgets we just get stiffed year on year for a service that is continually degrading.
So we introduce another level that sits between the two. This just introduces another boundary of responsibility that will cause yet more arguments and waste which we foot the bill for.
Have I mentioned the slight overrun in costs for the building of the HREF="http://www.blogger.com/r?http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2F1%2Fhi%2Fscotland%2F3848113.stm">Scottish Parliament buildings? I haven't looked into the costs for the Welsh and London buildings but I bet they didn't come in on budget.
So to me it looks like more expense for more red tape and not much discernible benefit. Add into that political party candidates and we have even more time and money be wasted by parties piss farting about trying to score points at the other's expense. Yay. Can't wait.
Try again.
I'm sorry but I can't believe any body with Labour, Liberals, UKIP, Green and Conservative party members is political with a small p. They are official party representatives - they will toe the party line whatever it may be or they'll find themselves deselected next time around. You really are naive - I thought Red Stu would have educated you better than that! ;)
They don't manage to put aside party differences at national or local level - I don't see how this can be any different.
The fact the Conservatives are campaigning against it though means I'm now more likely to vote yes - due to party politics. But wait - party politics have nothing to do with it! PARP!
Ken isn't a member of any party anyway - he got kicked out by Labour for standing as Mayor didn't he? I know he's still an out and out lefty but he is beholden to no party for nominations - unlike the Assembly Members.
If members belong to one party or another (and they do) they'll vote on stuff accordingly. That's political. With a big P.
As I said in my original post I can't see real decisions being made by northerners. I can't see us being given the power to make any meaningful decisions. We'll have token decisions made by northerners and the real decisions will be still be made in Whitehall.
And I'm not allowed to change my vote? Who's the fascista now? ;)
No. I'll still be voting No.
I like the way you claim my arguments are of the 'yeah but no but' variety. I've stated my opinions but backed them up with references. You as usual claim something to be true, I disprove it, you quietly ignore it and move on to the next untrue claim. You should be working for the Conservative party.
Succesfully ignoring your point? The point about it consisting of northerners? I'll quote myself here:
-----8<-----
As I said in my original post I can't see real decisions being made by northerners. I can't see us being given the power to make any meaningful decisions. We'll have token decisions made by northerners and the real decisions will be still be made in Whitehall.
-----8<-----
I think that addresses that point. It doesn't matter who it's made up by - it'll be toothless.
And I still maintain party politics will have a role to play in it.
I think you should see the LSC to see if they have any grants for improving your English comprehension skills. ;)
Oh as for "naive to fall for all the mutterings of politicians" - the only politicians I've heard say anything about this are Fat John and Weasel Tony when they first announced the campaign. So I've hardly 'fallen' for anthing like that when I'm voting in opposition to the only politicians I've heard speak about this.
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