Baroness Ashton - congratulations Ma'am

[hamster]

Baroness Ashton has been appointed to the post of EU Foreign Minister.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8369477.stm

 

 

 

Astonishment in some camps but (perhaps patronisingly but not intentionally so) a big step forward for equality for womenfolk.

 

Whatever next? Nuclear subs?

[Thedelldays]

who.....am glad I had a choice in this..

[hamster]

who.....am glad I had a choice in this..

 

You must have been away dd, worry not though as I used mts h's postal vote on your behalf, countering my own vote for Monsieur Kinnock.

 

seriously though dd, it's not that bad a choice whether we voted for her or not, or is it just the principle that riles you mate?

[bridge too far]

who.....am glad I had a choice in this..

 

What - like the choice you exercise about who should be Home Secretary or Chancellor in this country, you mean?

[Thedelldays]

What - like the choice you exercise about who should be Home Secretary or Chancellor in this country, you mean?

 

but we do...we vote for the party and the party picks their leaders..

 

only a sand dweller would have voted for labour/blair last time not knowing Brown would have taken over..

 

those who will vote the tories in will know what rabble will make the cabinet

[bridge too far]

but we do...we vote for the party and the party picks their leaders..

 

only a sand dweller would have voted for labour/blair last time not knowing Brown would have taken over..

 

those who will vote the tories in will know what rabble will make the cabinet

 

But we don't VOTE on who those cabinet members will be - that's my point!

 

OK we can guess that George Fopbourne will be the new chancellor (gawd 'elp us) but more than that we can't really guess, can we?

 

We voted for our MEPs - they've chosen the President and Foreign Minister. Same thing IMO.

[TopGun]

who.....am glad I had a choice in this..

 

Seriously TDD, you need to get a grip on the constitution and how it works. Or shut up.

 

As for Baroness Ashton, it's a shrewd move by the UK as it potentially gets a trusted UK person in the heart of the EU despite all the independent parts such as currency that we retain.

[Johnny Bognor]

OK we can guess that George Fopbourne will be the new chancellor (gawd 'elp us) .

 

I don't think gawd will help, he is too busy trying to sort out the mess left by the last chancellor

[aintforever]

Am I right in thinking this tart hasn't been elected by anyone?

[Johnny Bognor]

Am I right in thinking this tart hasn't been elected by anyone?

 

 

Indeed, which makes BTF's point irrelevant, because Chancellors and Home Secretaries tend to be elected MPs. The socialists invented inviting non elected people onto the cabinet as they had no talent left within the party to appoint an elected MP from within - I think the Clown called it the "Government of all talents", except that most of them have since left. On his departure, Digby-Jones commented that "the problem with socialism is that you end up running out of other people's money to spend".....

[bridge too far]

Am I right in thinking this tart hasn't been elected by anyone?

 

I think calling her a tart is very offensive.

[bridge too far]

Indeed, which makes BTF's point irrelevant, because Chancellors and Home Secretaries tend to be elected MPs. The socialists invented inviting non elected people onto the cabinet as they had no talent left within the party to appoint an elected MP from within - I think the Clown called it the "Government of all talents", except that most of them have since left. On his departure, Digby-Jones commented that "the problem with socialism is that you end up running out of other people's money to spend".....

 

And haven't the Tories 'invited' an ex-military man to be their military advisor. Or was he elected?

[revolution saint]

Indeed, which makes BTF's point irrelevant, because Chancellors and Home Secretaries tend to be elected MPs. The socialists invented inviting non elected people onto the cabinet as they had no talent left within the party to appoint an elected MP from within - I think the Clown called it the "Government of all talents", except that most of them have since left. On his departure, Digby-Jones commented that "the problem with socialism is that you end up running out of other people's money to spend".....

 

Well it doesn't make BTF's point irrelevant because exactly the same thing can happen in the UK government as has happened in this case.

 

However, I'd agree with you that it's wrong. The whole point of government is that they are elected and accountable. I don't want anyone in the cabinet who isn't an elected MP and the same would go for the EU - anyone who isn't can be an advisor.

[Saintandy666]

She has no power, is just a spokeperson. Calm down everyone. It's just replacing the current 6 month rotating presidency with a chairman of the council(the 'EU President') and a European foreign affairs spokesperson. No big deal.

[dune]

How long have we got to put up with this Socialist stooge before we can get rid of her?

[Verbal]

How long have we got to put up with this Socialist stooge before we can get rid of her?

 

Ten years. By which time the tories will have imploded and Labour can vote her back in. HTH.

[Big John]

How can someone seriously make an argument against this method of selection yet put their life on the line for QUEEN and Country, or does the monarchy gain an exception on some ****-eyed reasoning?

 

Seriously, it may not be a perfect system but at least a bad politician does eventually bugger off, not like the parasites that we as a nation suck up to and apy habdsomeley for the priviledge. They make me sick. It's so distasteful and it beggars belief that they still get away with itl.

[Johnny Bognor]

And haven't the Tories 'invited' an ex-military man to be their military advisor. Or was he elected?

 

1. He is not a cabinet minister

2. The Tories are not in power yet

3. It's a shame the labour party didn't appoint someone with a bit of economic nous (elected or unelected) rather than the last waste of space chancellor

[harvey]

Another one just jumping on 'the gravy train'..........the Kinnocks were good at that :cool:

[bridge too far]

1. He is not a cabinet minister but he probably will be

2. The Tories are not in power yet but they probably will be

3. It's a shame the labour party didn't appoint someone with a bit of economic nous (elected or unelected) rather than the last waste of space chancellor someone like George Osborne (and I can't be arsed to check how you spell his name) - the only financial 'expert' in the Western World who didn't agree with the moves to stop the banks collapsing worldwide. Riiiiiigggggghhhhht

 

[Johnny Bognor]

 

 

France = Out of recession

Germany = Out of recession

Japan = Out of recession

USA = Out of recession

Eurozone = Out of recession

UK = ????

 

Meanwhile, UK Net Government Debt (as of 8.39am 21/11/09) = £837,579,866,040

 

I just hope your grandchildren see economic prosperity again, as you won't and neither will your children.

[Ziggy]

Another invented non-job with the post holder earning a fortune from doing nothing.

[OLYMPIC]

Good to see Gordon Brown couldn't even get her name right,kept calling her Ashdown.

[krissyboy31]

Good to see Gordon Brown couldn't even get her name right,kept calling her Ashdown.

 

Good job he didin't write her a letter.

[Wade Garrett]

France = Out of recession

Germany = Out of recession

Japan = Out of recession

USA = Out of recession

Eurozone = Out of recession

UK = ????

 

Meanwhile, UK Net Government Debt (as of 8.39am 21/11/09) = £837,579,866,040

 

I just hope your grandchildren see economic prosperity again, as you won't and neither will your children.

 

The UK's economy is largely based in the financial services sector, it's why we are slower coming out of recession. You can thank Thatcher and the Tories for this. They decimated the industries that we were world leaders in (eg. shipbuilding), and proceeded to oversee a massive decline in our manufacturing base.

[hamster]

The UK's economy is largely based in the financial services sector, it's why we are slower coming out of recession. You can thank Thatcher and the Tories for this. They decimated the industries that we were world leaders in (eg. shipbuilding), and proceeded to oversee a massive decline in our manufacturing base.

 

I agree Wade, it's a shame that many see the way out of the current recession to be a change to a Conservative government. In my (uneducated) opinion the climate is just about right for another term of Labour, hopefully with a leaning more towards their socialist idealisms.

 

Our kids do not realise yet that THEY are the product of Maggie's greed and 'I'm alright Jack' society that does not understand the concept of being a member of a society, and we are not here to take what we can, lock out doors and sit uncomfortably watching the biggest LCD Tv screen that our credit limit will allow.

 

I believe and hope that over the next couple of years more people will start to realise that it really is not that importatnt what someone earns nor owns, it is more important to us as a society to concentrate more on how we treat the stranger.

 

I may get slaughtered for saying this, but I don't think that this recession is that bad for the ordinary people of the country. And yes, I do know people who have lost their jobs and are having to tighten their belts considerably. But I have seen it with my own eyes how some people have had a massive weight lifted from their shoulders not having to chase targets and month after mointh having to sit thriough pointless 'performance reviews' that only lead to more and more stress month on month.

Edited 21 November, 2009 by hamster

[St Landrew]

How can someone seriously make an argument against this method of selection yet put their life on the line for QUEEN and Country, or does the monarchy gain an exception on some ****-eyed reasoning?

 

Seriously, it may not be a perfect system but at least a bad politician does eventually bugger off, not like the parasites that we as a nation suck up to and apy habdsomeley for the priviledge. They make me sick. It's so distasteful and it beggars belief that they still get away with itl.

 

Hear hear. That makes at least 3, maybe 4, movers for a republic on here. Things are looking up.

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

The UK's economy is largely based in the financial services sector, it's why we are slower coming out of recession. You can thank Thatcher and the Tories for this. They decimated the industries that we were world leaders in (eg. shipbuilding), and proceeded to oversee a massive decline in our manufacturing base.

 

+1

 

But sssssssssssssssshhh, the right wing idiots on here will see that as blasphemy!

[bridge too far]

Hear hear. That makes at least 3, maybe 4, movers for a republic on here. Things are looking up.

 

You can count me in too

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

The Queen has no real power, she is symbolic. She is a very good ambassador for the country generating considerable income for the nation. She conducts herself with great dignity (I might not be prepared to die for her though)

 

In contrast this unelected woman with limited experience wields considerable power. She joins a long list of Brits that have joined the EU gravy train and made fortunes. A special thank you to the Kinnocks for all their efforts in making a difference to our lives; they preach socialism while picking up an obscene amount of money. I cannot wait until the MEPs expenses are esposed.

[hamster]

The Queen has no real power, she is symbolic. She is a very good ambassador for the country generating considerable income for the nation. She conducts herself with great dignity (I might not be prepared to die for her though)

 

 

That's okay then Serge. Where do I send my CV*?

 

I know that she'll probably be around for quite a while yet though as only the very best in evrything from health care to dog **** picker-uppers to castles is good enough for my Queen.

 

*Job spec:

Eldest son of outgoing monarch.

 

Females need not apply unless parents have failed to bear a son, in which case parents may or may not **** around until one os forthcoming.

C of E only.

 

It really could not be any more laughable, it really couldn't.

 

The tourism and foreign business argument in my opinion actually is an argument against having them. It's a ridiculous system

[hamster]

I cannot wait until the MEPs expenses are esposed.

 

 

Agreed, as that will be a day closer to finding out exactly what the royal bloodsuckers cost us too. Maybe not eh?

[Saintandy666]

France = Out of recession

Germany = Out of recession

Japan = Out of recession

USA = Out of recession

Eurozone = Out of recession

UK = ????

 

Meanwhile, UK Net Government Debt (as of 8.39am 21/11/09) = £837,579,866,040

 

I just hope your grandchildren see economic prosperity again, as you won't and neither will your children.

 

And all those countries followed Gordon Browns plan

[Johnny Bognor]

The UK's economy is largely based in the financial services sector, it's why we are slower coming out of recession. You can thank Thatcher and the Tories for this. They decimated the industries that we were world leaders in (eg. shipbuilding), and proceeded to oversee a massive decline in our manufacturing base.

 

It is not largely based on financial services, FS makes up about 30%.

I thought Blair was all about education, education, education. Did this not apply to the socialist brethren?

Here, let me try and help:

UK manufacturing fell from 31% of GDP to 25% of GDP between 1970 and 1979 (before Thatcher was elected). During her term it fell from 25% to 23% and then after she left office, it fell from 23% to 19% between 1989 and 2000. In fact, manufacturing fell LESS as a proportion of GDP during her premiership than at any other time since 1970.

 

We can also consider that this trend has even affected Germany (Europe's industrial powerhouse) where manufacturing has fallen from 36% of GDP to 24% of GDP since the early 1970's. Even in France (where the state owns significant parts of the manufacturing base) manufacturing has fallen by more than 13% of its share of GDP.

 

Having said this, it is far easier to blame Thatcher for all industrial decline - even though it goes back to before she was born and has continued since she left (over 19 years ago) and conveniently ignore that every major Western economy has had declines in their industries.

 

But one shouldn't let facts get in the way of pantomime politics and as Christmas is approaching and pantomime season starts, altogether now......

 

Booooooooooo

Hisssssssss

She's behind you

[Johnny Bognor]

And all those countries followed Gordon Browns plan

 

Most of those countries (except USA) weren't so reckless prior to the crash.

[bridge too far]

And all those countries followed Gordon Browns plan

 

And also isn't one of the reasons we're still in recession to do with the weakness of the pound against the dollar and the euro?

[benjii]

She wields sod all power.

 

This is a low-profile stitch up. If they'd wanted someone to wield power, Blair would've been the Pres.

[St Landrew]

You can count me in too

 

I already had.

 

EDIT: Oops..! Didn't know hamster was one of the team. Should have known better. Good for him.

Edited 21 November, 2009 by St Landrew

[Verbal]

Agreed, as that will be a day closer to finding out exactly what the royal bloodsuckers cost us too. Maybe not eh?

 

I had no idea you had republican tendencies. Welcome to the dark side! (And off with their heads - although personally I think Made Guillotine is too good for them.)

[St Landrew]

Bloody hell, Verbal too. Blimey, we really start something here. Maybe our own thread..?

[bridge too far]

Bloody hell, Verbal too. Blimey, we really start something here. Maybe our own thread..?

 

Or drinking club :smt102

[Saintandy666]

And also isn't one of the reasons we're still in recession to do with the weakness of the pound against the dollar and the euro?

 

I can't comment on that, but Gordon Brown is highly respected worldwide for the plan he came up with to save many ecconomies.

[dune]

[bridge too far]

 

CAPITALISM - A great idea if you've got loads of money (often at other people's expense) and don't give a stuff about those who haven't.

[dune]

CAPITALISM - A great idea if you've got loads of money (often at other people's expense) and don't give a stuff about those who haven't.

 

SOCIALISM - The philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.

 

Your turn.

[bridge too far]

SOCIALISM - The philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.

 

Your turn.

 

A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.

 

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.

 

Conservatives define themselves in terms of what they oppose.

 

I'd love to lay claim to the above, but honesty prevents me from so doing

[St Landrew]

SOCIALISM - The philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.

 

Your turn.

 

All good Tory sayings about Labour. There's good and bad in all things. I would like to think that the poorest in society are not in want, and can have a worthwhile life. But so much is still down to accident of birth or good or bad timing, and it is an issue that the Conservatives haven't a clue how to empathise with, despite many efforts by Cameron to convince us otherwise. Whereas, incredibly flawed that it is, the Labour Party still tries to address that fact.

 

BTW, I'm not a socialist or labour voter.

[hamster]

Didn't know hamster was one of the team. Should have known better. Good for him.

 

I had no idea you had republican tendencies. Welcome to the dark side! (And off with their heads - although personally I think Made Guillotine is too good for them.)

 

Don't get me started...oops too late....

 

One of my pettest of pet hates is that ludicrous 'By Royal Appointment' sign with a royal crest that they patronisingly dish out to thier favourite sausage maker or shooting stick polishing shop.

 

And people see it as an honour to be treated like dog dirt on the bottom of their hunting boots (highly polished by the boot polish fairy no doubt).

 

It also confuses the helll out of me why tourists are drawn to their palaces MORE when they are in residence thus rendering the places out of bounds. Very strage phenominum (sp) if you ask me.

 

I am a wee bit of a hypocrite though as I did once acccept a bullseye from the royal protocol officer when mrs Windsor flew back late from Oz and they needed the 'secret' gate opened up specially, I missed out on my 2 hour kip that night the inconsiderate buggers.

 

btw I don't lick stamps I spit on them.

Edited 22 November, 2009 by hamster

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

Hamster I generally divide our Nation up by;

 

Wealth creaters - pay for everyone. Without us we are screwed.

 

Neccesary Public Sector workers;soldiers, teachers, police, firefighters, Docters, Nurses possibly even parking wardens

 

Others; public sector workers who retire at 60 when we are told we are now going to retire at 70, include sick leave as part of their holiday, have statutory 6 weeks holiday and gold plated pensions.

 

The Queen is a wealth creator so I support this institution.

 

I despise politicians and bureaucracy because it is an indusry that creates red tape that means that us wealth creators have to work longer hours and spend less time with our families. Th EU is a master at this.

[St Landrew]

Don't get me started...oops too late....

 

I don't lick stamps I spit on them.

 

I liked the entire read, but this throwaway last line was surprisingly memorable.

 

I use self stick stamps nowadays, but if I ever use one that needs licking, I'll spit instead. Excellent.