For I&R – GB mjm568 03 Jun 09, 12:20pm

Mr. Berlins in a somewhat bitter parting shot denounces those who 
propose that we in Britain should introduce elements of "direct" democracy.

For some years we have observed that many journalists have little 
knowledge of citizen-led (direct) democracy, such tools as the 
law-proposal ("initiative"), the veto referendum and the recall 
initiative. (See below *). This does not stop them from venting their 
anger against these forms of democracy.

Numerous experts in politics and democracy for decades or longer have 
advocated the introduction of these methods. This reform is necessary 
because of weaknesses in our "representative" governance and by no 
means, as implied by Mr. Berlins, a knee jerk reaction caused by anger 
about the behaviour of MPs, .

Although Mr. Berlins can run off a handful of "arguments" against direct 
democracy he does not balance this with the plentiful and sometimes 
horrendous examples of bad policy made and pursued by, and failures of 
omission by, our masters in the "elective dictatorship" of 
representative rule.

On the other hand there are many positive reasons for strengthening 
democracy by improving the chances of citizens to take part in running 
"our" own affairs. That said, in partial direct democracy, the day to 
day business of law-making and governing is done by the elected bodies.

Despite the current heightened anger about politicians it will NOT be 
easy to bring in high quality reform of our democracy and governance.

A strong movement for reform, in tactics perhaps more like Campaign for 
Real Ale than The Chartists, will be needed ;-)

More information may be found via http://www.iniref.org/

(*It is indeed sad that yet another journalist, like many all too ready 
to fight off much needed reform, is ignorant of the subject. He writes, 
"Switzerland's version of it is the cantonal referendum, which allows 
any cause that attracts 50,000 signatures to be put to the people." This 
is wrong. Berlins appears to refer to the optional (facultative) veto 
referendum held at FEDERAL, not cantonal level. Further he writes, 
"California has two kinds of direct democracy." This is also wrong -- 
there are more than two kinds.)

I&R ~ GB Citizens' Initiative and Referendum
Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
http://www.iniref.org/

ABOVE IS A REPLY TO
The fabric of our democracy has not been torn - it merely has a few 
stains on it, and they are removable
o Marcel Berlins
o The Guardian, Wednesday 3 June 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/03/marcel-berlins-expenses-scandal-reaction

Hazel Blears avoided capital gains tax on two properties

Hazel Blears, who has resigned as Communities Secretary, avoided paying
capital gains tax on the sale of two 'flipped' properties - not one, as 
previously thought.

The Telegraph has learned that the £13,000 that Miss Blears repaid 
voluntarily
 last month, in the wake of expenses disclosures about the sale of her flat 
in
Kennington flat, south London, was to cover the sale proceeds of two of her
designated 'second homes'.

more...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5436939/Hazel-Blears-avoided-capital-gains-tax-on-two-properties-MPs-expenses.html

"Manus manum lavat"

.................

Blears survives confidence motion 

Some party members criticised her for quitting the government on the eve of local 

elections this month and undermining the chances of candidates. 

Her expenses claims have also come under intense scrutiny. 

Ms Blears told the BBC she was "very, very grateful" that Labour party members had "rallied behind" her. 

A group of about 30 protesters gathered outside Salford Civic Centre with placards calling for her to go. 

Some of the protesters chanted "Hazel out, Hazel out". Four police officers watched the demonstration. 

Speaking after the vote, organiser Stephen Kingston, 50, said the campaign to remove Ms Blears would continue. 

"The reaction is that it shows the Labour party in Salford is completely and absolutely out of touch with their own voters," he said. 

"Labour is supposed to be the party of the working class, so why aren't they listening to the working class in Salford?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8107343.stm



"Russell"  wrote in message news:78p87dF1n7r3uU1@mid.individual.net...
> Hazel Blears avoided capital gains tax on two properties
> 
> Hazel Blears, who has resigned as Communities Secretary, avoided paying
> capital gains tax on the sale of two 'flipped' properties - not one, as 
> previously thought.
> 
> The Telegraph has learned that the £13,000 that Miss Blears repaid 
> voluntarily
> last month, in the wake of expenses disclosures about the sale of her flat 
> in
> Kennington flat, south London, was to cover the sale proceeds of two of her
> designated 'second homes'.
> 
> more...
> 
> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5436939/Hazel-Blears-avoided-capital-gains-tax-on-two-properties-MPs-expenses.html
>