Category Archives: Politics

“The SNP under Alex Salmond has demonstrated that they can run a competent government and Alex Salmond makes a fine First Minister. I think Alex deserves a second term in office, and he is the best choice for Scotland during … Continue reading →

Posted on February 27, 2011 by davidsberry | Leave a comment

67: Playing Hand Grenades

Posted on February 26, 2011 by davidsberry

This week saw a UK effort to rescue its citizens from a rapidly disintegrating Libya that more resembled a Keystone Cops action. No reflection on the crews of HMS Cumberland who dared lift 200 from Benghazi or C-130s flying deep … Continue reading →

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68: Harmonising with Joni

Posted on February 25, 2011 by davidsberry

Growing up in the fifties and sixties, like most kids of my era, I was swept up into playing rock ‘n’ roll as protest and exploration of life’s possibilities. While many followed the Beatles, Stones and others that pushed the … Continue reading →

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71: Parliamo Politico III

Posted on February 23, 2011 by davidsberry

Let’s Talk Pencil-Pusher: Lesson III—Disabling Envelopment (Third of a series, translating bureaucrat-speak into what it means for folk in East Lothian) “Enabling Development” is a phrase used by planners in councils to allow things to be built they would not … Continue reading →

Posted in Commerce, Community, Politics | Tagged | 4 Comments

74: Gender Agenda

Posted on February 19, 2011 by davidsberry

One of the strengths of the Scottish Parliament from the outset has always been that it displayed something like gender balance—from matronly competence in Annabel Goldie to ‘lips-made-to-kiss-megaphones’ stridency in Carolyn Leckie. That was already under some threat with five of … Continue reading →

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77: Belters’ Pelters

Posted on February 17, 2011 by davidsberry

There is nothing wrong with exercising a good pair of lungs on behalf of other people; it’s at the heart of democracy and community. Any councillor worth their salt gets it tight on a regular basis, using the ear-drubbing to … Continue reading →

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78: Hootsmon, It’s Times

Posted on February 16, 2011 by davidsberry

I’ve made no secret of my belief that independence offers the best future for everyone in Scotland, irrespective of their origins. I’m happy to take my lumps in debate on this—and debate there needs to be. But when once-great giants … Continue reading →

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80 Days to Decide

Posted on February 14, 2011 by davidsberry

Plenty of time, then, in which to make up your mind. Perhaps a table of comparison between the two main contenders—Labour and SNP—at our local council level would help. After all, Labour had long experience running this county for thirty … Continue reading →

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81: Parliamo Politico II

Posted on February 13, 2011 by davidsberry

Let’s Talk Pencil-Pusher: Lesson II—Beancounting for Beginners (Second of a series, translating bureaucrat-speak into what it means for folk in East Lothian) Our UK-wide BBC has focussed on horror stories of English council cuts, ranging from 8.8% in poor Hackney, … Continue reading →

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82: Think No Evil

Posted on February 12, 2011 by davidsberry

Labour is unused to (& deeply unhappy about) being out of power North and South of the border, let alone in most Scottish councils. I can see why. But, their only strategy for salvation appears to consist of pouring vitriol on … Continue reading →

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