Revolution or Evolution

reblogged from i-thorts' i-Politics

The writing is on the wall...
we are in a state of crisis!

Banking

Banks have become corrupt and greedy, feeding off the masses and lining their own pockets to the detriment, even of shareholders.  They have become unaccountable.

Law and Order

The reduction of our protectors (the Armed Forces) has made us venerable from terror attacks both at home and abroad.  While, law enforcement (the Police) have been cut and crime rises at every government welfare cut.

Crime

As crime rises, both businesses and individual property come under attack by the disenfranchised. Bullying goes cyber; global. We find no respite from the criminal fraternity.  Even personal computers, laptops, mobile phones and individual data storage are at risk from hacking and malware.

Politics

As the free-market sets the conditions, politics moves further to the right. Adam Smith's laissez faire policies capitalise even leftwing policies. Even anti-capitalist Labour (of the 1970s) has moved into centre-left position.  The people of the UK no longer have a old-style-socialistic left political party to fight for the workers against capitalism.

Capitalism

The free-market is supposed to stabilise market forces, provide a strong economy, and help business compete against big business. However, the weak fall by the wayside, due to mass buying and price-setting by conglomerates. High street retailers cannot compete with internet retailers, so shops are emptying.

Welfare State

With welfare cuts across the board; everything from Tax Credit cuts (for couples working less hours than 24hrs a week), to Housing Benefitcuts (for the under 25s), and unemployment rising under a tide of reforms.

Education

With the rise in graduates having to take jobs in cleaning and fast-food restaurants, Diplomas are becoming not worth the paper they're printed on. When the system is fixed (to 'C' exam-papers, 'B' exam-papers, and 'A' exam-papers) where a certain grade is set by the paper sat, and not by merit alone; students are learning less and being dumbed-down to exam-paper facts only.

Employment

A large part of the workforce are underemployed for their skill-level, and education. With most jobs currently being in part-time employment only, full-time employment has become a rarity. Unemployment is currently running high because employers are not employing right now.

Economy

From the boom-bust politics of the 1970 to the bust-bust politics of the 21st century, the economy has dwindled over the past five years.  Even though the pundits claim that the economy is on an upward spiral, employers are not being bullish towards creating employment positions.

Under these conditions...

The disenfranchised, disenchanted, the disabled, and the despondent are all being crushed by the current economic climate.
Evolution of social, political, educational and economic standards; a revolution of social change is in the air. Which will sweep though the UK like a breath of fresh air. And the people will be at the heart of it...

Tell me what you think: Do you 'agree' or 'disagree'?

A Bank too Far

reblogged from i-thorts' i-Politics

Stephen Hester, "bankers are
Master of the Universe..."

Stephen Hester, chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, confirmed that RBS is one of the banks currently being investigated over allegations of manipulating Libor interest rates (which Barclays has already been fined for).

Mr Hester greed that bankers "thought they were masters of the universe".

Sir Mervyn King, the Bank of England Governor, called for a

"real change in culture".

He would not comment on whether he would or wouldn't back Bob Diamond, Barclays chief exec. But did launch a scornful attack on the nature of banking, during the (five-year) financial crisis. He also admitted something had gone "very wrong" with British banks.

And with more than £4bn wiped from the value of the bank shares since the rate-fixing scandal emerged, there is no wonder that Ed Balls, the Shadow Chancellor, believes an inquiry is needed. Mr Balls admitted Labour should have been tougher on the banks. Commenting that he was appalled at their "staggering arrogance".  He went on to state:

"The governor is right ... there is a real cultural problem in our banks which these latest scandals expose..."

While, other MPs have been calling for Mr Diamond's resignation, Ed Miliband commented:

"...it is pretty clear that change is required at Barclays and very hard to see that lead by Bob Diamond".

Neets in the Cold

reblogged from i-thorts' i-Politics

Cameron wants all under 25s
to go back home!

 

Housing Benefit

In a new drive of welfare reforms, PM, David Cameron, launched an attack on under 25s this week; threatening to strip them of housing benefit payments. A possible 380 thousand people under 25 will be effected by these cuts, forcing them to return back to their parents to live.

Picture: Getty

David Cameron insisted that the current system is

“sending out strange signals on working, housing and families”.

giving wrong incentives to families reliant on state handouts.

If the current Nanny State has its way, there will be a return also to beggars in all empty shop doorways, an increase in teen prostitution, an increase in teen crime and a further drain on police recourses ... as seen in the 1980s when similar cut were imposed; there is likely to be more teens on the streets. Clearly, the government have not taken into account all those who have fled parental control for individual freedom.

NEETs 

Picture: BBC News

With the current increase (reported by BBC News UK, 28 June 12) of Neets (Not in Education, Employment or Training), it becomes clear that the present system isn't working.

Cameron insisted:

“We are spending nearly £2 billion on housing benefit for under-25s – a fortune.”

If Mr Cameron wants to cut this spending, whilst keeping productive employment figures, he might consider helping employers.

Funding Employment

Try funding new government schemes Mr Cameron - where an 'actual' job for six months plus is guaranteed; not merely a 'theoretical one' - which employers have no way of funding.

Cuts so far...

have already hit low-paid households with tax credit and housing benefit cuts.

As the PM has stated:

“We need a bigger debate about welfare and what we expect of people.” 

The Diamond Saga

reblogged from i-thorts' i-Politics

For anyone who's not from this planet, Barclays bank chief is in hot water.

Bob Diamond is to be grilled in the Commons over rate rigging. 

The scandal for the Barclays boss is putting him in more hot water today. After admitting in a letter to the Commons Treasury Select Committee's chairman, Tory MP Andrew Tyrie, that the banks reputation would not easily be restored; even after apologising, disciplining offenders, forgoing bonuses and paying fines.

Over the coming weeks it is his chance to provide answers.

So far, he has blamed 'a small number' of traders (who were out to line their own pockets), but that better control had now been imposed. He also blamed their actions on "negative speculation during periods of acute market stress". He agreed in this letter that the nature of behaviours uncovered questions accountability. But went on to say that they are 'completing a review of employee conduct'.

It seems obvious that he has entered the political realm of passing the buck. Take your punishment Mr Diamond, is what most Barclays account holders and shareholders would probably say.

Mr Diamond looks underwhelmed by the
new found interest in him.
Photo: Reuters

info: Letter from Barclays chief Bob Diamond to Andrew Tyrie via @Telegraph

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UPDATE:
This morning (30/06/12), Bob Diamond has insisted that he will not resign...

info: How can I protest against the banks? via Gaurdian