Things That Interest Me - 15/10/2009

Most MPs have had their snouts in the trough. But some seem to have gone the whole hog (geddit? ;) ) and thrown their entire body in! Tory David Wilshire MP seems to have really enjoyed his time as a Member of Parliament, which is just as well I doubt he'll be getting back in at the next election (if his constituents have any sense anyway, but given that they voted Tory last time perhaps that is too much to ask)

It's very simple, but very funny! Spoiling TV advertising posters.

It's North Korea and The Hotel Of Doom

The failures, and history, of world hunger relief.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Time For A Revolution?

Maybe it's just me but the Prime Minister's suggestion of creating a new, independent entity to review MPs expenses in future is just plan rubbish.

I don't think an unelected and unaccountable group of over zealous managerial types is what we really need. We need a complete, system wide change of checks and balances within Parliament not more structure and expense on top.

It's time we started thinking about the big questions: do we need a written constitution to enshrine the rights and duties of Parliament and MPs forever more, rather than allowing them to change things on a whim? Do we need a new method of voting that allows a more diverse Parliament so that the big three parties don't make secret gentlemen's agreements behind closed doors with little scrutiny? Do we want an elected upper house whose task it is to keep an eye on the other one?

It's time for sweeping change, not more bureaucracy and more expense.

That's my opinion anyway.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist