A new speaker for the House of Commons?

Yes, we have a new Speaker for the House of Commons – John Bercow. But, the manner of his election shows that MPs still don’t get it. He was chosen, it appears to many commentators, solely because Labour MPs wanted to irritate the Conservatives.

John Bercow may be a Conservative MP but he has moved steadily to the left and is no longer considered to be true blue by his fellow Conservative MPs. So, by voting for him, the Labour MPs were scoring cheap points at the expense of our democratic system.

Just look at the lack of an enthusiastic response from his fellow MPs on the Conservative benches when his election was announced

Like most members of the general public, I expected our elected MPs to take this matter seriously and to elect a Speaker who had the confidence of the whole House of Commons to lead them down the path of modernisation. It appears they are unable to change their silly ways and couldn’t resist behaving badly. Shame on them.

Still, no matter what silly games led to his election, we all sincerely hope that the new Speaker has the strength and determination to lead the House of Commons in the right direction. We desperately want him to restore some respect and sanity to this discredited institution.

What do Catholic Priests and British MPs have in common?

Question: What is the common link between British MPs and Catholic Priests?

Answer: Both are examples of people in great positions of power and authority who we have allowed to get away with behaviour that is totally unacceptable.

Here is the BBC report on the findings of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, established in 2000 to investigate allegations of abuse at Catholic-run children’s institutions in Ireland.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8059973.stm
And this is certainly not an isolated incident. Just view the list on Reuters of stories showing the involvment of the Catholic church in sex scandals, http://www.reuters.com/article/newsMaps/idUSTRE54J5MX20090520

Here is a link to the Daily Telegraph’s disclosures on the incredible expenses claims by some of our honourable Members of Parliament,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/

As Plato asked, we must ask. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who watches the watchers? Who guards the guardsmen? Or, in this case: Who provides the moral authority for the moral authorities?

As Abraham Lincoln said:
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” Louis Brandeis 1914

The speaker has gone

Good riddance. Next job is the reform of parliament. Interesting times. Who knows where it will lead? Perhaps to a renewed interest in politics.

Speaking as an ordinary voter, when I cast my vote, am I voting for:
1. the MP who I think will best represent my interests
2. the party whose philosophy I agree with
3. the party whose manifesto (basket of promises) contains promises that I want to see delivered
4. the potential prime minister who may gain power if my MP and his/her party gets re-elected.

What is the purpose of my vote?

Democracy is precious but it is difficult to feel connected to the democratic process.

Can we do it better?

Is it time for a radical rethink?

They are finally getting it!

David Cameron got it. An apologised.

Nick Clegg got it. And apologised.

Gordon Brown (or one of his very many advisors) finally got it. And apologised.

The speaker, Michael Martin, will NEVER get it.  And has his snout in the trough too. This oaf should stand down immediately.