Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tony Blair
According to Ruth Turner, Blair’s former director of government relations and now charity foundation aide, quoted in the New York Magazine, whenever she sees Blair “He wears a track suit all day.” As Fawkes says "Bit sad really".
IMO: Isn't Blair supposed to be out there resolving the Gaza crisis ? A bit much for him after all, maybe....
One is minded of John Betjmann's doggerel on Slough:"I hear the bombs all dropping now, And wish they could all fall on Slough"
After Blair's expensive US lectures and offers on world peace, in Gaza for example, we could write:"I hear the bombs all dropping there, And wish they could all fall on Blair"
According to Ruth Turner, Blair’s former director of government relations and now charity foundation aide, quoted in the New York Magazine, whenever she sees Blair “He wears a track suit all day.” As Fawkes says "Bit sad really".
IMO: Isn't Blair supposed to be out there resolving the Gaza crisis ? A bit much for him after all, maybe....
One is minded of John Betjmann's doggerel on Slough:"I hear the bombs all dropping now, And wish they could all fall on Slough"
After Blair's expensive US lectures and offers on world peace, in Gaza for example, we could write:"I hear the bombs all dropping there, And wish they could all fall on Blair"
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Carter-Ruck legal action against serious blogger Guido Fawkes
There is a 1Mb download about it at this location. The action was initiated by Zac Goldsmith and Jemina Khan.
This amounts to attempts a secret censorship, apparently by Tories again. After Major's lies and Thatcher's lies, beware another Tory Government.
Goldsmith is assumed to be the right wing alleged "greenie" or ecologist - sometimes the motives of such alleged ecologists is devious and indeed in their own interests, I can't say here.
Khan (also nee 'Goldsmith' - surprise, surprise ??) is believed to be the daughter of professional litigant and alleged gangster Sir "Jams" Goldsmith, best known for his unworthy apparent attempts (using the said Carter-Ruck by what appears to have been malicious and legally questionable litigation) to close the journal "Private Eye". Jemima Kahn seems to have been a former fashion icon who lived down the road from me near the local DSS office, and seems to have claimed to have been a victim of a number of Pakistan based burgalaries, presumably not by her alleged ex-husband Imran Kahn, who seems to be a decent chap, and one certainly does not always find it in one's power to say that about Pakis.
IMO: I think Guido is trying to get away from evil-doers Google, by setting up his blog again outside the UK to avoid persecution. Maybe we all need to get out of the UK, I prefer Mumbai. Less criminals and less corrupt.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Get ISI declared a terrorist outfit: BJP
It is becoming increasingly clear that elements in Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence played an important role in the planning and facilitation of last month’s Mumbai attacks, the Bharatiya Janata Party said and demanded that India press for a declaration of the ISI as a terrorist organisation.
IMO: First thoughts are: a harsh idea but a fair one. But this will probably end up as just being more political rhetoric, even though it does seem a fair move after consideration of how the matters have stood for years.
Mr. Prasad had said that in all probability the 10 terrorists who made their way to Mumbai by the sea were trained commandos who were given training at PNS Iqbal, where Pakistani naval commandos are trained. He said the highly trained and well equipped terrorists would have been facilitated by “state actors” in Pakistan. Therefore, the government of India must stop using the phrase “non-state actors” to refer to the masterminds responsible for the planning and execution of the Mumbai attack.
IMO: Again, that seems very fair but it may not forward any agreements with Pakistan, or indeed the US. But when must fact bow to politics ?
It is becoming increasingly clear that elements in Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence played an important role in the planning and facilitation of last month’s Mumbai attacks, the Bharatiya Janata Party said and demanded that India press for a declaration of the ISI as a terrorist organisation.
IMO: First thoughts are: a harsh idea but a fair one. But this will probably end up as just being more political rhetoric, even though it does seem a fair move after consideration of how the matters have stood for years.
Mr. Prasad had said that in all probability the 10 terrorists who made their way to Mumbai by the sea were trained commandos who were given training at PNS Iqbal, where Pakistani naval commandos are trained. He said the highly trained and well equipped terrorists would have been facilitated by “state actors” in Pakistan. Therefore, the government of India must stop using the phrase “non-state actors” to refer to the masterminds responsible for the planning and execution of the Mumbai attack.
IMO: Again, that seems very fair but it may not forward any agreements with Pakistan, or indeed the US. But when must fact bow to politics ?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Engineer allegedly killed for not paying for birthday party
And, of course, it was "Taj Corridor" Mayawati's birthday party.
In yet another incident which heralded an unruly style of political parties fulfilling their need in a forceful manner, Manoj Gupta, an Engineer working in Public Work Department is reportedly killed by supporters of Shekhar Tiwari, a BSP MLA in Uttar Pradesh for not giving money to the fund of Chief Minister Mayawati's birthday celebrations, an NDTV report says.
Some engineers reasonably say that this is an outrage, and that they are the ones to carry the brunt of such things.
IMO: I'm not too sure, as I nearly died recently in UK because of a faulty survey and I can well see that some people want recourse. But there is no suggestion yet of faulty engineering, though the spreading corruption allegations and a CBI enquiry may well imply that.
A conflict between BSP's tools of dalit politics and the sensitivities of the new constituency was expected and Mayawati must have factored that in when she decided to venture beyond her base. Gupta's murder has precipitated the collision. At the core of the outrage, post-Auraiyya, are hostile perceptions about the ostentatious event. Dalits have lapped up the cake-cutting Mayawati as the strongest symbol of their arrival, representing their rebellion against "discriminatory set-up".
Bala, mother of murdered engineer MK Gupta, has demanded a CBI inquiry citing lack of faith in the State Government.
IMO: I see the Dalit point, but I am far from sure that this excuses Mayawati's behaviour in refusing to allow a CBI probe.
"After the arrest of the main accused in the case, which was a fallout of kickbacks in PWD contracts as investigations suggest, where is the need for a CBI probe?” Mayawati asked, and said her government had sought CBI probe on several occasions earlier but the Centre had not accepted her demand.
And, of course, it was "Taj Corridor" Mayawati's birthday party.
In yet another incident which heralded an unruly style of political parties fulfilling their need in a forceful manner, Manoj Gupta, an Engineer working in Public Work Department is reportedly killed by supporters of Shekhar Tiwari, a BSP MLA in Uttar Pradesh for not giving money to the fund of Chief Minister Mayawati's birthday celebrations, an NDTV report says.
Some engineers reasonably say that this is an outrage, and that they are the ones to carry the brunt of such things.
IMO: I'm not too sure, as I nearly died recently in UK because of a faulty survey and I can well see that some people want recourse. But there is no suggestion yet of faulty engineering, though the spreading corruption allegations and a CBI enquiry may well imply that.
A conflict between BSP's tools of dalit politics and the sensitivities of the new constituency was expected and Mayawati must have factored that in when she decided to venture beyond her base. Gupta's murder has precipitated the collision. At the core of the outrage, post-Auraiyya, are hostile perceptions about the ostentatious event. Dalits have lapped up the cake-cutting Mayawati as the strongest symbol of their arrival, representing their rebellion against "discriminatory set-up".
Bala, mother of murdered engineer MK Gupta, has demanded a CBI inquiry citing lack of faith in the State Government.
IMO: I see the Dalit point, but I am far from sure that this excuses Mayawati's behaviour in refusing to allow a CBI probe.
"After the arrest of the main accused in the case, which was a fallout of kickbacks in PWD contracts as investigations suggest, where is the need for a CBI probe?” Mayawati asked, and said her government had sought CBI probe on several occasions earlier but the Centre had not accepted her demand.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Bush Insider Who Planned To Tell All Killed In Plane Crash
Michael Connell, the Bush IT expert who has been directly implicated in the rigging of George Bush's 2000 and 2004 elections, was killed last night when his single engine plane crashed three miles short of the Akron airport.
Mike Connell set-up the alternate email and communications system for the White House. He was responsible for creating the system that hosted the infamous GWB43.com accounts that Karl Rove and others used. When asked by Congress to provide these emails, the White House said that they were destroyed. But in reality, what Connell is alleged to have done is move these files to other servers after having allegedly scrubbed the files from all “known” Karl Rove accounts.
A tipster close to the McCain campaign disclosed to VR in July that Mr. Connell's life was in jeopardy and that Karl Rove had threatened him and his wife, Heather. A close associate of Mr. Connell's was to not to fly his plane because of another tip that the plane could be sabotaged. Mr. Connell, a very experienced pilot, has had to abandon at least two flights in the past two months because of suspicious problems with his plane.
Mr.Connell handled all of John McCain's computer work in the recent presidential campaign.December 18, 2008, Mr. Connell flew to a small airport outside of Washington DC to meet some people. It was on his return flight the next day that he crashed.
IMO: How they do things in the USA (and indeed in other places like Pakistan).
Michael Connell, the Bush IT expert who has been directly implicated in the rigging of George Bush's 2000 and 2004 elections, was killed last night when his single engine plane crashed three miles short of the Akron airport.
Mike Connell set-up the alternate email and communications system for the White House. He was responsible for creating the system that hosted the infamous GWB43.com accounts that Karl Rove and others used. When asked by Congress to provide these emails, the White House said that they were destroyed. But in reality, what Connell is alleged to have done is move these files to other servers after having allegedly scrubbed the files from all “known” Karl Rove accounts.
A tipster close to the McCain campaign disclosed to VR in July that Mr. Connell's life was in jeopardy and that Karl Rove had threatened him and his wife, Heather. A close associate of Mr. Connell's was to not to fly his plane because of another tip that the plane could be sabotaged. Mr. Connell, a very experienced pilot, has had to abandon at least two flights in the past two months because of suspicious problems with his plane.
Mr.Connell handled all of John McCain's computer work in the recent presidential campaign.December 18, 2008, Mr. Connell flew to a small airport outside of Washington DC to meet some people. It was on his return flight the next day that he crashed.
IMO: How they do things in the USA (and indeed in other places like Pakistan).
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Is Zardari president or puppet?
After issuing contradictory statements on whereabouts of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, Pakistan in yet another flip-flop lodged a protest with India claiming Indian Air Force jets violated Pakistani airspace twice. New Delhi has denied Islamabad’s allegation.
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari at a press conference had said he did not want to highlight the incident and called the alleged incursion a “technical mistake” made by pilots while flying over an altitude of some 50,000 feet. The Pakistan Air Force spokesman had also called the incident a “technical incursion of a minor nature made by mistake.”
Many hold the view that the Pakistan military is now running the show. Pakistan watchers believe that the Pakistan military, which was facing domestic criticism after the Musharraf era, has been fully re-energised in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks and is the real power centre in Islamabad.
IMO: At the very least, Zardari seems to be now taking care of his own interests, by kow-towing to the Pakistani military, never mind those of India or of a potentially successful Pakistan. From his own standpoint, that may be reasonable., but is hardly honorable, at best.
After issuing contradictory statements on whereabouts of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, Pakistan in yet another flip-flop lodged a protest with India claiming Indian Air Force jets violated Pakistani airspace twice. New Delhi has denied Islamabad’s allegation.
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari at a press conference had said he did not want to highlight the incident and called the alleged incursion a “technical mistake” made by pilots while flying over an altitude of some 50,000 feet. The Pakistan Air Force spokesman had also called the incident a “technical incursion of a minor nature made by mistake.”
Many hold the view that the Pakistan military is now running the show. Pakistan watchers believe that the Pakistan military, which was facing domestic criticism after the Musharraf era, has been fully re-energised in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks and is the real power centre in Islamabad.
IMO: At the very least, Zardari seems to be now taking care of his own interests, by kow-towing to the Pakistani military, never mind those of India or of a potentially successful Pakistan. From his own standpoint, that may be reasonable., but is hardly honorable, at best.
Tell Santa to bring more assault rifles
America tools up for the inauguration
"With foreclosed homes becoming drug dens or homes for the homeless, we've heard that real estate agents are looking into packing heat," wrote someone for the Merced Star of California.
" With the bad economy, [one owner] worries about losing the right to hunt and 'being able to feed [his] family,'" stated the Sacramento Bee.
IMO: Obvious, then, that the US should have elected Ted Nugent as President, as he so clearly represents all that the American way of life stands for. Typical Nugent quotes "British police who don't want to carry firearms" are, Nugent says, "out of their minds.I say if somebody robs you, shoot 'em. I'd like all thieves killed. And all rapists. And carjackers. No more graffiti. No more... snatch-pursing.'' Nugent's views may well resemble those of his Crawford, Texas neighbor, George Bush. Watch out for the right wing backlash in America.
America tools up for the inauguration
"With foreclosed homes becoming drug dens or homes for the homeless, we've heard that real estate agents are looking into packing heat," wrote someone for the Merced Star of California.
" With the bad economy, [one owner] worries about losing the right to hunt and 'being able to feed [his] family,'" stated the Sacramento Bee.
IMO: Obvious, then, that the US should have elected Ted Nugent as President, as he so clearly represents all that the American way of life stands for. Typical Nugent quotes "British police who don't want to carry firearms" are, Nugent says, "out of their minds.I say if somebody robs you, shoot 'em. I'd like all thieves killed. And all rapists. And carjackers. No more graffiti. No more... snatch-pursing.'' Nugent's views may well resemble those of his Crawford, Texas neighbor, George Bush. Watch out for the right wing backlash in America.
Pranab-Mamata discuss possible alliance
Signalling the desire of Congress and the Trinamool Congress to bury the hatchet and join hands against the Left Front in the coming Lok Sabha polls, senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee held a meeting with his one-time critic Mamata Banerjee here. Both leaders refused to comment about the meeting, but Congress and Trinamool sources said the possibility of an alliance between the parties were discussed apart from some development projects in West Bengal.
The meeting comes at a time when the Congress and arch-rival BJP are trying to fortify their respective alliances ahead of the general elections. The meeting came in the wake of the Trinamool Congress indicating a softening of its stand towards the Congress following the UPA-Left break-up at the national level.
IMO: Interesting in many ways to see if there is an alliance. One good thing, Mamata Banerjee surely is no Sarah Palin and Banerjee certainly has tried to do a lot for the people of West Bengal with hard work, risk and sacrifice.
Signalling the desire of Congress and the Trinamool Congress to bury the hatchet and join hands against the Left Front in the coming Lok Sabha polls, senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee held a meeting with his one-time critic Mamata Banerjee here. Both leaders refused to comment about the meeting, but Congress and Trinamool sources said the possibility of an alliance between the parties were discussed apart from some development projects in West Bengal.
The meeting comes at a time when the Congress and arch-rival BJP are trying to fortify their respective alliances ahead of the general elections. The meeting came in the wake of the Trinamool Congress indicating a softening of its stand towards the Congress following the UPA-Left break-up at the national level.
IMO: Interesting in many ways to see if there is an alliance. One good thing, Mamata Banerjee surely is no Sarah Palin and Banerjee certainly has tried to do a lot for the people of West Bengal with hard work, risk and sacrifice.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Nadhmi Auchi
A defamation claim was sent to Wikileaks by the UK law firm Carter Ruck on behalf of the UK resident Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi. Nadhmi Auchi was a very substantial supporter of Barack Obama during Obama's election campaign. The reasons for such financial support are bound to be questionable. Thus Barack Obama's own position must deserve scrutiny. The claim is over seven censored articles from the UK press mirrored by Wikileaks, a leaked Pentagon report, a follow up opinion article by former senior Pentagon aid John A. Shaw and ancillary materials.
Many of the checkable claims by the law firm Carter Ruck are clearly designed to mislead, suggesting that most of the claims listed have this property. The primary rhetorical technique used is known as the "straw man", where by one restates a critics claims in false terms, then proceeds to show the new terms are unprovable rather than the original allegation.
If correct, it presumably may mean that the true aim of the action is to try to bankrupt or heavily penalise Wikileaks. This kind of measure was used by Goldsmith and Robert Maxwell to disguise the truth of their allegedly enormously harmful criminal activities.
IMO: If correct, this sounds typical of Carter-Ruck and indeed the general misuse of the UK legal system to protect known criminals. There ought to be laws against that.
A defamation claim was sent to Wikileaks by the UK law firm Carter Ruck on behalf of the UK resident Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi. Nadhmi Auchi was a very substantial supporter of Barack Obama during Obama's election campaign. The reasons for such financial support are bound to be questionable. Thus Barack Obama's own position must deserve scrutiny. The claim is over seven censored articles from the UK press mirrored by Wikileaks, a leaked Pentagon report, a follow up opinion article by former senior Pentagon aid John A. Shaw and ancillary materials.
Many of the checkable claims by the law firm Carter Ruck are clearly designed to mislead, suggesting that most of the claims listed have this property. The primary rhetorical technique used is known as the "straw man", where by one restates a critics claims in false terms, then proceeds to show the new terms are unprovable rather than the original allegation.
If correct, it presumably may mean that the true aim of the action is to try to bankrupt or heavily penalise Wikileaks. This kind of measure was used by Goldsmith and Robert Maxwell to disguise the truth of their allegedly enormously harmful criminal activities.
IMO: If correct, this sounds typical of Carter-Ruck and indeed the general misuse of the UK legal system to protect known criminals. There ought to be laws against that.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Lessons From The Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
Dow Chemicals, which bought Union Carbide is being welcomed into India to set up more plants to manufacture toxic chemicals. It is only when the attacks were directed at five-star hotels that our elite citizenry, and the media controlled by them, comes out on the streets to rail against the politicians and the security establishment.
None of the major political parties want to let go of their political control over the police which they have been misusing for partisan purposes. Thus implementation of reforms within the Police and Intelligence agencies is the main thing that could be done to improve security and reduce terror attacks. That is where public anger and energy needs to be directed - at a public campaign to force the authorities to implement the reforms. That will require sustained engagement with the government, judiciary and with Civil society. It will require time and effort- more than occasional candlelight marches.
IMO: And probably the Justice system should be streamlined. Delhi can't even cope with the Blueline murder buses - another young child killed yesterday by a drunken speeding bus driver - there's been one such incident every four days on average for the last 10 years and Dixit has not stopped it. I must also mention that Western Railways Mumbai is still a human mincing machine, even after mass protests. How can politicians like Lalu get away with it for so long ?
Dow Chemicals, which bought Union Carbide is being welcomed into India to set up more plants to manufacture toxic chemicals. It is only when the attacks were directed at five-star hotels that our elite citizenry, and the media controlled by them, comes out on the streets to rail against the politicians and the security establishment.
None of the major political parties want to let go of their political control over the police which they have been misusing for partisan purposes. Thus implementation of reforms within the Police and Intelligence agencies is the main thing that could be done to improve security and reduce terror attacks. That is where public anger and energy needs to be directed - at a public campaign to force the authorities to implement the reforms. That will require sustained engagement with the government, judiciary and with Civil society. It will require time and effort- more than occasional candlelight marches.
IMO: And probably the Justice system should be streamlined. Delhi can't even cope with the Blueline murder buses - another young child killed yesterday by a drunken speeding bus driver - there's been one such incident every four days on average for the last 10 years and Dixit has not stopped it. I must also mention that Western Railways Mumbai is still a human mincing machine, even after mass protests. How can politicians like Lalu get away with it for so long ?
Time for the EU to face the real world
At 11am, in full knowledge of the jobless statistics, the European Parliament made the ludicrous decision – by a majority of 421 to 273 – to scrap Britain’s opt-out from the European Working Time Directive. Unless a compromise can be reached, it will become illegal to work more than a 48-hour week, averaged over a year.
IMO: It looks like the EU is trying to live in la-la land. The problem is that individual countries should have some rights. Gustave le Bon's comments are worthy of note in connection with the behaviour of the EU. At best the EU is a crowd, at worst a rabble. I work over 70 hours a week so I am not concerned as to the merits or otherwise of the proposed measure - maybe many UK people will prefer it. But the EU has been in existence, historically speaking, for only a short time. Member countries should not be bulldozed into surrendering basic rights if they do not choose to.
The Daily Mail makes a further point : For six years, Abu Qatada, Al Qaeda’s ambassador in Europe, has made a fool of the Government and the British legal system, repeatedly using human rights law to frustrate deportation to his native Jordan. The Home Office is seeking to remove one Mohammed Asha, a doctor linked to the London and Glasgow car bomb attacks, to the very same country.
IMO: International human rights are all very well, and enforcing them may be creditable in some cases. But surely individuals should have the human right to work as they wish, and there seems to be a conflict of laws within the crazy red tape. Further, it is one thing to have international human rights over matters like incarceration and another for some pipsqeak in Brussels to tell UK people what their working hours should be. There are so many slippery slopes being slipped down that the EU is starting to resemble a skating rink - and a skating rink for cheap skates at that.
At 11am, in full knowledge of the jobless statistics, the European Parliament made the ludicrous decision – by a majority of 421 to 273 – to scrap Britain’s opt-out from the European Working Time Directive. Unless a compromise can be reached, it will become illegal to work more than a 48-hour week, averaged over a year.
IMO: It looks like the EU is trying to live in la-la land. The problem is that individual countries should have some rights. Gustave le Bon's comments are worthy of note in connection with the behaviour of the EU. At best the EU is a crowd, at worst a rabble. I work over 70 hours a week so I am not concerned as to the merits or otherwise of the proposed measure - maybe many UK people will prefer it. But the EU has been in existence, historically speaking, for only a short time. Member countries should not be bulldozed into surrendering basic rights if they do not choose to.
The Daily Mail makes a further point : For six years, Abu Qatada, Al Qaeda’s ambassador in Europe, has made a fool of the Government and the British legal system, repeatedly using human rights law to frustrate deportation to his native Jordan. The Home Office is seeking to remove one Mohammed Asha, a doctor linked to the London and Glasgow car bomb attacks, to the very same country.
IMO: International human rights are all very well, and enforcing them may be creditable in some cases. But surely individuals should have the human right to work as they wish, and there seems to be a conflict of laws within the crazy red tape. Further, it is one thing to have international human rights over matters like incarceration and another for some pipsqeak in Brussels to tell UK people what their working hours should be. There are so many slippery slopes being slipped down that the EU is starting to resemble a skating rink - and a skating rink for cheap skates at that.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dunlop
With the state CPI(Marxist) government turning down the plea of Dunlop chairman Pawan Ruia for the Rs 100 crore soft loan to run the Sahagunge unit, there is little hope of an early reopening of the plant. The factory is closed since November 30.
"The state government cannot help Dunlop as it is not a sick company,” Labour Minister Mrinal Banerjee said on Friday.
IMO: Puzzles me. That seems to mean that the Tata company is a sick company, as CPI(Marxist) offered them a lot of help, and whilst I have heard that there is a world depression, I would not have thought it had come to that.
Dunlop needs to be revived, and not forgotten, in the collective consciousness for two reasons. First, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has often talked about how important it is for Bengal to industrialize. But Dunlop shows that industry can die, and has died, in Bengal, at the hands of a conniving party, its affiliate unions, and an unscrupulous management. The past hangs heavily on the investors who are reluctant to return, and Bhattacharjee’s promises of change are clearly not enough to banish their well-founded fears. Second, Bhattacharjee’s government cannot hope to rejuvenate Bengal by hoping to set up new industries alone. Older, ailing units, such as the one in Dunlop, must be revived as well. Till then, the closed gates at Sahagunj and its paradoxical slogans will continue to mock the chief minister’s grand vision.
IMO: The point is that the Marxists (so-called - I think old Karl Marx must be turning in his grave in Highgate cemetery at the idea of anything to do with that bunch) seem to be messing things up.
With the state CPI(Marxist) government turning down the plea of Dunlop chairman Pawan Ruia for the Rs 100 crore soft loan to run the Sahagunge unit, there is little hope of an early reopening of the plant. The factory is closed since November 30.
"The state government cannot help Dunlop as it is not a sick company,” Labour Minister Mrinal Banerjee said on Friday.
IMO: Puzzles me. That seems to mean that the Tata company is a sick company, as CPI(Marxist) offered them a lot of help, and whilst I have heard that there is a world depression, I would not have thought it had come to that.
Dunlop needs to be revived, and not forgotten, in the collective consciousness for two reasons. First, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has often talked about how important it is for Bengal to industrialize. But Dunlop shows that industry can die, and has died, in Bengal, at the hands of a conniving party, its affiliate unions, and an unscrupulous management. The past hangs heavily on the investors who are reluctant to return, and Bhattacharjee’s promises of change are clearly not enough to banish their well-founded fears. Second, Bhattacharjee’s government cannot hope to rejuvenate Bengal by hoping to set up new industries alone. Older, ailing units, such as the one in Dunlop, must be revived as well. Till then, the closed gates at Sahagunj and its paradoxical slogans will continue to mock the chief minister’s grand vision.
IMO: The point is that the Marxists (so-called - I think old Karl Marx must be turning in his grave in Highgate cemetery at the idea of anything to do with that bunch) seem to be messing things up.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Mamata offers help to Ruia
Pawan Ruia has succeeded where Ratan Tata had failed. The Dunlop CMD has extracted a promise from Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee that she would help him reopen Dunlop's Sahaganj factory.
"If the government could offer concessions to the Tatas to set up the car factory, there is no reason why it should deny incentives to Ruia. If it cannot be reopened, the assets of the factory should be sold to clear the workers' dues. I am not budging from that," she said following a meeting with Ruia at her Kalighat residence on Wednesday.
"Didi has promised all assistance to open the factory," Ruia said, ruling out the possibility of selling his stake in Dunlop.
Last week, Mamata had announced that she would consult both workers and the management on Dunlop's reopening. The government should make an exception by granting Dunlop a holiday from value added tax and provide electricity and water at concessional rates.
Pawan Ruia has succeeded where Ratan Tata had failed. The Dunlop CMD has extracted a promise from Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee that she would help him reopen Dunlop's Sahaganj factory.
"If the government could offer concessions to the Tatas to set up the car factory, there is no reason why it should deny incentives to Ruia. If it cannot be reopened, the assets of the factory should be sold to clear the workers' dues. I am not budging from that," she said following a meeting with Ruia at her Kalighat residence on Wednesday.
"Didi has promised all assistance to open the factory," Ruia said, ruling out the possibility of selling his stake in Dunlop.
Last week, Mamata had announced that she would consult both workers and the management on Dunlop's reopening. The government should make an exception by granting Dunlop a holiday from value added tax and provide electricity and water at concessional rates.
Dollar to be devalued by 90%
This will cause food riots like in Zimbabwe, a taster of what is to follow, according to the views of Gerald Celente, the CEO of Trends Research Institute, who is renowned for his accuracy in predicting future world events.
Celente says that by 2012 America will become an undeveloped nation, that there will be a revolution marked by food riots, squatter rebellions, tax revolts and job marches, and that holidays will be more about obtaining food, not gifts.
"We're going to see the end of the retail Christmas....we're going to see a fundamental shift take place....putting food on the table is going to be more important that putting gifts under the Christmas tree," said Celente, adding that the situation would be "worse than the great depression".
IMO: I won't dwell on this but it does sound like a real possibility, worth taking note of and bearing in mind. Meanwhile Guido Fawkes, FWIW, has turned into a gold-bug, it seems. I will not make unkindly comments about Guido's known resemblance to lowly insects already, as he is sometimes capable of correct and worthy comments when not simply making cheap jibes at Labour.
This will cause food riots like in Zimbabwe, a taster of what is to follow, according to the views of Gerald Celente, the CEO of Trends Research Institute, who is renowned for his accuracy in predicting future world events.
Celente says that by 2012 America will become an undeveloped nation, that there will be a revolution marked by food riots, squatter rebellions, tax revolts and job marches, and that holidays will be more about obtaining food, not gifts.
"We're going to see the end of the retail Christmas....we're going to see a fundamental shift take place....putting food on the table is going to be more important that putting gifts under the Christmas tree," said Celente, adding that the situation would be "worse than the great depression".
IMO: I won't dwell on this but it does sound like a real possibility, worth taking note of and bearing in mind. Meanwhile Guido Fawkes, FWIW, has turned into a gold-bug, it seems. I will not make unkindly comments about Guido's known resemblance to lowly insects already, as he is sometimes capable of correct and worthy comments when not simply making cheap jibes at Labour.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Dirty Ratifiers
Guido Fawkes points out "Reports from Brussels coming in suggest that Ireland's political elite are allowing their arms to be twisted by the EU into ignoring the "No!" vote in the referendum and having another one.
This comes as absolutely no surprise - the undemocratic nature of the EU project has always been manifest. It has a semblance of voting but the outcome is as pre-determined as a Soviet-era party congress. the rare occasions when the project comes off the rails, nothing, not even the will of the people will stop it. Irish citizens were the only people in Europe allowed to express their democratic will. They said "NO!" The EU's dirty ratifiers won't accept that answer."
In the deal, the EU also agreed to note Irish concerns, including worries about European interference in Ireland's military neutrality, abortion laws and taxation.
IMO: This suggests that the EU is at least trying to meet some of its members requirements, however inefficiently.
Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Fein's "no" vote campaign director, said the deal was a "sham that not only fails to address the reasons why the people rejected the treaty but it's a package of proposals that deliberately seeks to sell the Irish people a pup".
IMO: He and Fawkes could well be right in this instance. An interesting situation.
Guido Fawkes points out "Reports from Brussels coming in suggest that Ireland's political elite are allowing their arms to be twisted by the EU into ignoring the "No!" vote in the referendum and having another one.
This comes as absolutely no surprise - the undemocratic nature of the EU project has always been manifest. It has a semblance of voting but the outcome is as pre-determined as a Soviet-era party congress. the rare occasions when the project comes off the rails, nothing, not even the will of the people will stop it. Irish citizens were the only people in Europe allowed to express their democratic will. They said "NO!" The EU's dirty ratifiers won't accept that answer."
In the deal, the EU also agreed to note Irish concerns, including worries about European interference in Ireland's military neutrality, abortion laws and taxation.
IMO: This suggests that the EU is at least trying to meet some of its members requirements, however inefficiently.
Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Fein's "no" vote campaign director, said the deal was a "sham that not only fails to address the reasons why the people rejected the treaty but it's a package of proposals that deliberately seeks to sell the Irish people a pup".
IMO: He and Fawkes could well be right in this instance. An interesting situation.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
What is Gore's plan, if any ?
The former US vice-president Al Gore met Barack Obama in Chicago yesterday as the President-elect prepares to name the next energy secretary and top environment official.
The Gore trip is for more than just a chat," a friend of Mr Gore told CNN. "He wouldn't burn that much carbon flying to Chicago just to talk."
IMO: Could be that the conversation turned to money and who was going to give who political campaign cash and favors for the 2012 election. Or/and maybe Gore has some dirt on the Blago matter. Maybe there are just some genuine problems, like the auto jobs, they need to discuss personally. Or maybe it has to seem that way. Anyway, "gissajob" seems unlikely.
The former US vice-president Al Gore met Barack Obama in Chicago yesterday as the President-elect prepares to name the next energy secretary and top environment official.
The Gore trip is for more than just a chat," a friend of Mr Gore told CNN. "He wouldn't burn that much carbon flying to Chicago just to talk."
IMO: Could be that the conversation turned to money and who was going to give who political campaign cash and favors for the 2012 election. Or/and maybe Gore has some dirt on the Blago matter. Maybe there are just some genuine problems, like the auto jobs, they need to discuss personally. Or maybe it has to seem that way. Anyway, "gissajob" seems unlikely.
Peanut madness
A peanut on the floor of a US school bus recently led to evacuation and decontamination for fear it might have affected the 10-year-old passengers. Such extreme steps to reduce exposure to nuts are not isolated and are fuelling fear and anxiety, reports the British Medical Journal Online.
UK allergy expert said a similar "epidemic" was present in Britain.
IMO: Peanuts are very good for you, except in very few cases. Even a former US President was a peanut farmer. Instead of wasting time and money on all this, they could clean up the hospitals in the UK instead of making a show of it. Similar considerations probably apply in the US. In the UK old people just have to urinate and excrete on themselves over and over again - seen even in UK hospitals - and there is so much infection in the hospitals that people catch infection, and are not cured at all.
A peanut on the floor of a US school bus recently led to evacuation and decontamination for fear it might have affected the 10-year-old passengers. Such extreme steps to reduce exposure to nuts are not isolated and are fuelling fear and anxiety, reports the British Medical Journal Online.
UK allergy expert said a similar "epidemic" was present in Britain.
IMO: Peanuts are very good for you, except in very few cases. Even a former US President was a peanut farmer. Instead of wasting time and money on all this, they could clean up the hospitals in the UK instead of making a show of it. Similar considerations probably apply in the US. In the UK old people just have to urinate and excrete on themselves over and over again - seen even in UK hospitals - and there is so much infection in the hospitals that people catch infection, and are not cured at all.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Tribal torture around Lalgarh
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Congress chiefs met Manmohan Singh separately and told him about “police brutalities” and torture on tribals in and around Lalgarh and the “prolonged neglect” the community faced.
The tribals have laid siege to Lalgarh to protest the alleged police atrocities since Maoists targeted the chief minister at Salboni in November.
Mamata also spoke to Singh about the thousands of students of primary teachers’ training institutes that had been shut down by the court. The Prime Minister, she said, has promised to take it up with the human resource development minister.
Armed Goons: Mamata Banerjee said armed CPI-M goons were terrorising the people at Lalgarh.
IMO: All the above seems to fit in with previous usual behaviour of the Communist Party in the area, including its betrayal of the Tata company, who should really have known better, particularly after its experiences in Assam. Also, why is goonda law not being enforced now in Kolkata.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Congress chiefs met Manmohan Singh separately and told him about “police brutalities” and torture on tribals in and around Lalgarh and the “prolonged neglect” the community faced.
The tribals have laid siege to Lalgarh to protest the alleged police atrocities since Maoists targeted the chief minister at Salboni in November.
Mamata also spoke to Singh about the thousands of students of primary teachers’ training institutes that had been shut down by the court. The Prime Minister, she said, has promised to take it up with the human resource development minister.
Armed Goons: Mamata Banerjee said armed CPI-M goons were terrorising the people at Lalgarh.
IMO: All the above seems to fit in with previous usual behaviour of the Communist Party in the area, including its betrayal of the Tata company, who should really have known better, particularly after its experiences in Assam. Also, why is goonda law not being enforced now in Kolkata.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Mumbai assault by Pakistan
The sea-route assault by suspected Pakistan-based militants did not come overnight. Indian security agencies have reports that over the years Islamabad has enhanced its naval prowess by overwhelming acquisition of fleet from UK, France, China and the US. According to a detailed report “Force level Acquisition Plans for Pak Navy up to 2010”, something available with the Indian agencies now, the Pakistan government had already ear-marked specific budget for the acquisition. These include at least 6-8 submarines, 10 Frigates, Fast Attack Craft (Missiles) - 8, Fast Attack Craft (Guns) - 8, survey ships - 3, Midgets - 4 and Auxiliary - 5. These procurements are slated to be made at an estimated cost of nearly 250 billion Pakistani rupees from 2002 to 2010.
IMO: Well, we know where cash-strapped Pakistan got the money from. The US Government of George W. Bush.
Meanwhile Iran is test-firing a new high-speed torpedo called Hoot. It was certainly test-fired last July, along with various other missiles. “The torpedo is capable of destroying the largest warships and any other vessel on the surface or beneath the water, and split it into two parts,” according to an Iranian Naval Forces official. Apparently fired from standard 533mm torpedo tubes, it will have a range of about 7,500 yards, and is likely to be 3 to 4 times as fast as conventional torpedoes.
The sea-route assault by suspected Pakistan-based militants did not come overnight. Indian security agencies have reports that over the years Islamabad has enhanced its naval prowess by overwhelming acquisition of fleet from UK, France, China and the US. According to a detailed report “Force level Acquisition Plans for Pak Navy up to 2010”, something available with the Indian agencies now, the Pakistan government had already ear-marked specific budget for the acquisition. These include at least 6-8 submarines, 10 Frigates, Fast Attack Craft (Missiles) - 8, Fast Attack Craft (Guns) - 8, survey ships - 3, Midgets - 4 and Auxiliary - 5. These procurements are slated to be made at an estimated cost of nearly 250 billion Pakistani rupees from 2002 to 2010.
IMO: Well, we know where cash-strapped Pakistan got the money from. The US Government of George W. Bush.
Meanwhile Iran is test-firing a new high-speed torpedo called Hoot. It was certainly test-fired last July, along with various other missiles. “The torpedo is capable of destroying the largest warships and any other vessel on the surface or beneath the water, and split it into two parts,” according to an Iranian Naval Forces official. Apparently fired from standard 533mm torpedo tubes, it will have a range of about 7,500 yards, and is likely to be 3 to 4 times as fast as conventional torpedoes.
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