Ted Blames Canberra

"The mining tax, superannuation changes, industrial relations paralysis, occupational health and safety, gaming law reform - so much uncertainty - and there's fiscal uncertainty as well," he said.
"There is uncertainty that is impacting on all jurisdictions, and it's coming from Canberra."(1)

That might well be true, Mr. Premier, but doesn't that count as spin? Deflecting blame & responsibility from yur state government here in Victoria? 


Footnote:
(1) http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-29/baillieu-says-challenges-stem-from-federal-turmoil/3979066?section=vic

California Margage Bill Stalled

"Opposed by powerful business and finance groups, key mortgage reform bills sponsored by Attorney General Kamala Harris are headed for a joint legislative conference committee.

The six-member conference committee will consist of two Democrats and one Republican from each house, according to multiple legislative aides who had been notified of the plan."

"The other proposal is designed to crack down on "robo signings" stemming from loose loan-documentation standards"(1)

I'll be watching this with keen interest. It isn't just the US north-east states that were hit by the sub-prime mortgage crisis of 2008-10.


Footnote:
(1) http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/04/stalled-mortgage-bills-headed-for-joint-conference-committee.html

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/04/stalled-mortgage-bills-headed-for-joint-conference-committee.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/04/stalled-mortgage-bills-headed-for-joint-conference-committee.html#storylink=cp

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, enjoy your time off people. Peace and justice to the world!

Tax Returns; Why not more?

We have the interesting act of Chancellor Osborne in London saying he yields to the idea of Ministers of the Crown revealing their taxes(1). But then that could have been in the Manifesto for 2010. Or an unwritten ambition. Rather than introduce an easily digestible standard in the first year are we seeing this raised simply as a stunt or a delayed policy due to external pressure?

Footnote:
(1) http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/apr/07/george-osborne-ministers-tax-returns

Cameron Sides With Rich Again

"He will defend planned cuts to welfare and changes to public sector pensions as "tough" but necessary to build "the foundations for a sounder, stronger economy"."(1)

Cuts to the poor so that the rich get riucher & fatter.

Typical Tory indiscriminate cuts on the working class so that the upper class get away Scot free. So much for "sharing the sacrifice". Logically if the UK Pm were treating his chief supporters the same way he'd be on the backbenches after a revolt.

Footnote:
(1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17619922

Justice Issues on Mark

(recovered article)

They're not always on front pages, but the Guardian has one about Nick Clegg allegedly talking about a review of closed cases, etc(1).

There's a reduced coverage generally, or so it seems, of judicial matters. Only high-profile cases given most attention.

Footnote:
(1) http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/apr/04/human-rights-committee-hidden-justice

Settler Takover In

Settler Takeover In Hebron

(recovered article)

Illegal settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory city of Hebron have taken over a house(1).

This has allegedly caused a 'rift' in the Kadima-led coalition government in Israel.

Of course, there would be no story if Israel simply complied with its obligation to withdraw back to its borders. They don't literally need to negotiate over any of the permanent status issues in the two-state settlement except the number of Pal. refugees wanting to return. But that means abandoning external ambitions.

Footnote:
(1) http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/settler-takeover-of-hebron-house-prompts-rift-in-israeli-government-1.422536?localLinksEnabled=false