Category Archives: Politics

Nomenklatura O’ the Clachan

Posted on July 25, 2011 by davidsberry

“Nomenklatura” referred to the Communist party’s authority to make appointments to key positions throughout the governmental system.  —Wikipedia You have to hand it to Burdzeyeview. While often disagreeing with the line she takes, it is always cogently argued and this … Continue reading →

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Real News vs. Scandal Fixation

Posted on July 21, 2011 by davidsberry

I am normally a fan of Newsnicht. Gordon Brewer, Isabel Fraser, Glenn Campbell et al hold incisive discussions relevant to Scotland without resorting to the Paxman sneer. But last night, the four MPs asked to comment on the latest twists … Continue reading →

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Hall of Shame

Posted on July 19, 2011 by davidsberry

Research for my previous post (Oxter Award) exposed some pretty dubious council fauna in dark corners, especially in and around wur Dear Green Place. The broad range of accusations makes some form of ranking necessary and so I have awarded … Continue reading →

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This Month’s Oxter Award

Posted on July 18, 2011 by davidsberry

Such has the scale of disconnect between the public and their elected representatives become that it is time to acknowledge those in service of the public who have clearly lost sight of that basic fact with an award. This month’s … Continue reading →

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Minnesota Ice Tea Party

Posted on July 13, 2011 by davidsberry

While Scotland does not follow American politics closely, most will recall Sarah Palin as the ‘running mate’ of John McCain, Republican candidate defeated by Barack Obama in 2008. They may not recall the Alaska governor’s right-wing agenda and therefore won’t … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison VI

Posted on July 8, 2011 by davidsberry

What with Harry Potter’s latest wheeze or Kate wowing the Canadians or News of the Screws screwing itself, it’s been an packed week in the normally slack ‘silly season’. Long gone from anyone’s radar is the Christie report, about which … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison V

Posted on July 4, 2011 by davidsberry

From blog hits, it’s clear that dissection of the Christie Report makes less than riveting reading for our readers. But we make no apology for this instalment—nor for one more to come (anorak it may be, but it matters, guys). … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison IV

Posted on July 2, 2011 by davidsberry

In earlier segments of this huge topic I highlighted approaching problems in public services and suggested how the NHS half of expenditure might start addressing them. But pivotal across all public services are staff, whose engagement and motivation will be … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison III

Posted on July 1, 2011 by davidsberry

Given that the NHS forms half of the £20bn-plus public sector in Scotland, it is disappointing that the Christie report makes only tangential reference to it, and then mostly to plead for better integration with social services. But, however much … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison II

Posted on June 30, 2011 by davidsberry

Having had the chance to read and digest yesterday’s release of the Christie Commission report, it seems a useful contribution the scale of the future demand for public services but shies badly away from positing real solutions. Statistics quoted for … Continue reading →

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