Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Tory Party Members Want Truss Out - and Boris In
Russland: Denunzieren um jeden Preis | ARTE Reportage
Verpfeifen, verpetzen, denunzieren - seit dem 24. Februar spielen diese Praktiken in Russland eine immer größere Rolle. Während Wladimir Putin in der Ukraine einen brutalen Angriffskrieg führt, geht er innerhalb der eigenen Grenzen auch hart gegen alle Andersdenkenden vor.
Die Praktiken stammen aus der Sowjetunion - die Methoden sind jedoch ans 21. Jahrhundert angepasst. Denn während in Moskau rund 189.000 Kameras den öffentlichen Raum überwachen, können Russlands Bürger interne Feinde und Abweichler ganz bequem online denunzieren. So sind bereits ganze Medienhäuser aus dem Land verbannt worden, Lokalpolitiker wurden zu jahrelangen Haftstrafen verknackt, Ämter und Hochschulen werden nach und nach "gesäubert". So entsteht an Universitäten, Arbeitsplätzen und im öffentlichen Raum ein allgemeines Klima der Angst. Und je schlechter es für die russischen Truppen in der Ukraine läuft, desto drastischer und absurder werden die Strafen.
Video auf Youtube verfügbar bis zum 10/10/2025
Die Praktiken stammen aus der Sowjetunion - die Methoden sind jedoch ans 21. Jahrhundert angepasst. Denn während in Moskau rund 189.000 Kameras den öffentlichen Raum überwachen, können Russlands Bürger interne Feinde und Abweichler ganz bequem online denunzieren. So sind bereits ganze Medienhäuser aus dem Land verbannt worden, Lokalpolitiker wurden zu jahrelangen Haftstrafen verknackt, Ämter und Hochschulen werden nach und nach "gesäubert". So entsteht an Universitäten, Arbeitsplätzen und im öffentlichen Raum ein allgemeines Klima der Angst. Und je schlechter es für die russischen Truppen in der Ukraine läuft, desto drastischer und absurder werden die Strafen.
Video auf Youtube verfügbar bis zum 10/10/2025
Iranian Schoolgirl ‘Beaten to Death for Refusing to Sing’ Pro-regime Anthem
THE GUARDIAN: Fresh protests ignited around Iran by 16-year-old Asra Panahi’s death after schoolgirls assaulted in raid on high school in Ardabil
Asra Panahi was reportedly beaten by the Iranian security services during a raid on her school in Ardabil last week. Photograph: Handout
Another schoolgirl has reportedly been killed by the Iranian security services after she was beaten in her classroom for refusing to sing a pro-regime song when her school was raided last week, sparking further protests across the country this weekend.
According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, 16-year-old Asra Panahi died after security forces raided the Shahed girls high school in Ardabil on 13 October and demanded a group of girls sing an anthem that praises Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
When they refused, security forces beat the pupils, leading to a number of girls being taken to hospital and others arrested. On Friday, Panahi reportedly died in hospital of injuries sustained at the school. » | Deepa Parent and Annie Kelly | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Another schoolgirl has reportedly been killed by the Iranian security services after she was beaten in her classroom for refusing to sing a pro-regime song when her school was raided last week, sparking further protests across the country this weekend.
According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, 16-year-old Asra Panahi died after security forces raided the Shahed girls high school in Ardabil on 13 October and demanded a group of girls sing an anthem that praises Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
When they refused, security forces beat the pupils, leading to a number of girls being taken to hospital and others arrested. On Friday, Panahi reportedly died in hospital of injuries sustained at the school. » | Deepa Parent and Annie Kelly | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
The Brexit Effect: How Leaving the EU Hit the UK | FT Film
Monday, October 17, 2022
‘Hunt’s Running the Show’: The Day Power Drained Away from Liz Truss
THE GUARDIAN: Truss’s decline from shiny new prime minister to leader in name only continues, the last 24 hours underlining just how weak she is
When it was announced that Penny Mordaunt had offered to stand in for Liz Truss in response to an urgent Commons question over the economic crisis on Monday, some Conservative MPs thought it was a joke.
“Why is she asking one of her biggest rivals for the job to take her place? She’ll totally show her up,” one said. It was hard to see the cabinet minister’s performance on Monday afternoon as anything other than an audition for the top job.
Mordaunt did little to dispel that impression as she landed punchy attacks on the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, roused the depressed Tory troops, and offered an apology to the country for the instability caused by the prime minister’s dramatic climbdown. Truss had done none of these things publicly, though probably should have done all of them.
Nevertheless, it was Truss’s refusal to show up and face MPs herself – despite unleashing chaos on the party, the economy and the country – that most riled MPs. Mordaunt repeatedly assured them there was a “genuine reason” why she was not there. In one particularly bizarre exchange, she insisted: “The prime minister is not under a desk.” » | Pippa Crerar and Aubrey Allegretti | Monday, Octobber 17, 2022
When it was announced that Penny Mordaunt had offered to stand in for Liz Truss in response to an urgent Commons question over the economic crisis on Monday, some Conservative MPs thought it was a joke.
“Why is she asking one of her biggest rivals for the job to take her place? She’ll totally show her up,” one said. It was hard to see the cabinet minister’s performance on Monday afternoon as anything other than an audition for the top job.
Mordaunt did little to dispel that impression as she landed punchy attacks on the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, roused the depressed Tory troops, and offered an apology to the country for the instability caused by the prime minister’s dramatic climbdown. Truss had done none of these things publicly, though probably should have done all of them.
Nevertheless, it was Truss’s refusal to show up and face MPs herself – despite unleashing chaos on the party, the economy and the country – that most riled MPs. Mordaunt repeatedly assured them there was a “genuine reason” why she was not there. In one particularly bizarre exchange, she insisted: “The prime minister is not under a desk.” » | Pippa Crerar and Aubrey Allegretti | Monday, Octobber 17, 2022
Italia Squisita: Beef Wellington in a 3 Michelin-star English Restaurant with Marco Zampese - Connaught***
For a list of the ingredients and the cooking method in Italian and English, click here.
Thomas Piketty: 'Tax the Superrich at 80 Per Cent'! | 2014
Nigel Farage Booed and Jeered as He Addresses European Parliament
This is the tw*t (replace the asterisk with the vowel of your choice) that has caused all the mayhem we are now living through. As a result of this idiot’s ideas, we, the British people, have lost so much credibility and status in the world.
This loudmouthed dude should be ashamed of himself. But he is not and will never be, because he is too thick-skinned to feel any shame.
Be sure of one thing: Because the UK has left the Single Market, we, as a nation, will become evermore impoverished. Our economy will shrink year-on-year for the foreseeable future. Gee, thanks Nige! You’ve done your compatriots proud! – © Mark Alexander
The Lady's Not for Turning... Up' - Says Labour, as PM Is a No-show
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has slammed Prime Minister Liz Truss for not turning up to answer his Urgent Question on the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng.
Mr Starmer had called for Ms Truss to come to the Commons and answer the question in front of MPs, but instead sent former Tory leadership contest rival Penny Mordaunt
Mr Starmer had called for Ms Truss to come to the Commons and answer the question in front of MPs, but instead sent former Tory leadership contest rival Penny Mordaunt
The End of Singapore-on-Thames
In this new Federal Trust video John Stevens and Brendan Donnelly discuss the implications for Brexit of the past turbulent ten days in British politics. They conclude that the failure of the "mini-budget" marks the end of "Singapore on Thames" as a model for Brexit. It is however unclear what other model can replace it. The Conservative Party and the United Kingdom are therefore facing a catastrophic dilemma. Whether carrying on with Brexit or abandoning it, both courses of action will be exceptionally painful and disruptive.
SPEAKERS:
John Stevens is the Chairman of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.
Brendan Donnelly is the Director of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.
ABOUT THE FEDERAL TRUST
The Federal Trust is a research institute studying regional, national, European and global levels of government. It has always had a particular interest in the European Union and Britain’s place in it. The Federal Trust has no allegiance to any political party. It is registered as a charity for the purposes of education and research.
The LibDems need to come out and state clearly that they wish to take us back into the EU (without all those opt-outs). Remember: Fortune favours the brave. It could be the best thing that the LibDems could ever do. – © Mark Alexander
SPEAKERS:
John Stevens is the Chairman of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.
Brendan Donnelly is the Director of the Federal Trust and a former Conservative MEP.
ABOUT THE FEDERAL TRUST
The Federal Trust is a research institute studying regional, national, European and global levels of government. It has always had a particular interest in the European Union and Britain’s place in it. The Federal Trust has no allegiance to any political party. It is registered as a charity for the purposes of education and research.
The LibDems need to come out and state clearly that they wish to take us back into the EU (without all those opt-outs). Remember: Fortune favours the brave. It could be the best thing that the LibDems could ever do. – © Mark Alexander
Jeremy Hunt’s Statement on Medium-term Fiscal Plan: Key Points at a Glance
Read the article here.
Jeremy Hunt’s economic plan turns the clock back to austerity: UK chancellor’s tightening of fiscal policy will lead to weaker growth and a deeper recession »
EU Mulls Response to Iranian Protest Crackdown | DW News
The death toll in the fire at Tehran's Evin prison over the weekend rose to eight, Iran's judiciary said on Monday.
The deadly blaze came amid nationwide anti-government protests, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Iranian authorities have sought to distance the prison incident from the continuing protests over Amini's death.
Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code. She died on September 16, three days after she fell into a coma following her arrest.
The deadly blaze came amid nationwide anti-government protests, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Iranian authorities have sought to distance the prison incident from the continuing protests over Amini's death.
Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code. She died on September 16, three days after she fell into a coma following her arrest.
Sunday, October 16, 2022
US President Biden Calls Truss's Economic Policies 'a Mistake'
BBC: The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has called Liz Truss's original economic policies "a mistake".
In an unusual intervention, he said the economic turmoil that followed the government's mini-budget had been "predictable".
Speaking at an ice cream shop in Oregon, Mr Biden was asked by reporters about the prime minister's attempt to boost growth with unfunded tax cuts - what the reporter called the "trickle-down plan that she has had to back away from".
The president replied: "Well, it's predictable. I wasn't the only one that thought it was a mistake."
He added: "I think that the idea of cutting taxes on the super wealthy at a time when - anyway, I just think - I disagreed with the policy, but that's up to Great Britain to make that judgment, not me."
Mr Biden has long been critical of the economic theory at the heart of the prime minister's policy, namely that cutting taxes on businesses and the rich generates growth that allows wealth to "trickle down" to all sectors of society.
But it is unusual for the president of the United States to be so critical of the leader of one of America's closest allies. With video » | James Landale, Diplomatic correspondent | Sunday, October 16, 2022
Joe Biden is right, of course. To reduce taxes for the super-rich at a time when most other people are struggling is absolutely nonsensical and totally immoral. But this is typical Tory policy: heartless, selfish, greedy and lacking in compassion.
We need to ditch these Tory clowns, the damn lot of them, with dispatch. Hopefully, the Party will become extinct, just like the dodo. – © Mark Alexander
In an unusual intervention, he said the economic turmoil that followed the government's mini-budget had been "predictable".
Speaking at an ice cream shop in Oregon, Mr Biden was asked by reporters about the prime minister's attempt to boost growth with unfunded tax cuts - what the reporter called the "trickle-down plan that she has had to back away from".
The president replied: "Well, it's predictable. I wasn't the only one that thought it was a mistake."
He added: "I think that the idea of cutting taxes on the super wealthy at a time when - anyway, I just think - I disagreed with the policy, but that's up to Great Britain to make that judgment, not me."
Mr Biden has long been critical of the economic theory at the heart of the prime minister's policy, namely that cutting taxes on businesses and the rich generates growth that allows wealth to "trickle down" to all sectors of society.
But it is unusual for the president of the United States to be so critical of the leader of one of America's closest allies. With video » | James Landale, Diplomatic correspondent | Sunday, October 16, 2022
Joe Biden is right, of course. To reduce taxes for the super-rich at a time when most other people are struggling is absolutely nonsensical and totally immoral. But this is typical Tory policy: heartless, selfish, greedy and lacking in compassion.
We need to ditch these Tory clowns, the damn lot of them, with dispatch. Hopefully, the Party will become extinct, just like the dodo. – © Mark Alexander
Deux beaux hommes allemands montrent leur amour l'un pour l'autre, probablement à l'Oktoberfest, en Bavière.
Nigel Farage Insults Herman van Rompuy, Calls EU President a "Damp Rag"
My God! This Nigel Farage was/is an arrogant little toad. The way he spoke to Herman van Rompuy some years back was truly disgraceful. One can but despise Farage. This loudmouthed empty vessel is one of the main architects of the UK’s troubles today. For Christ’s sake, the least we can do is bring back the stocks and throw rotten eggs at the rude idiot. Even worse would be much better! Nigel Farage disgusts me, as he would disgust anyone with a modicum of decency. – © Mark Alexander
Tenderness Personified | Reupload
Mark Nepo.
The Great Gatsby Curve
How Economists Invented Austerity & Paved the Way to Fascism
What Is the Future of Truss without Trussonomics?
"Jeremy Hunt is, effectively, the prime minister."
The new chancellor of the exchequer is 'unsackable' and has been given 'carte blanche' to reverse Liz Truss's economic policy, Caroline Wheeler, political editor of the Sunday Times tells Hugo Rifkind.
The new chancellor of the exchequer is 'unsackable' and has been given 'carte blanche' to reverse Liz Truss's economic policy, Caroline Wheeler, political editor of the Sunday Times tells Hugo Rifkind.
Sharon Graham: We Are Witnessing a Horror Story'
General Secretary of trade union Unite Sharon Graham told Sophy Ridge the political situation is like "witnessing a horror story" and insisted the UK needs a change of government.
"It's like watching a film behind your hands and every time you look there's something worse happening," Ms Graham said.
"It's like watching a film behind your hands and every time you look there's something worse happening," Ms Graham said.
Peter Oborne Absolutely DEMOLISHES Liz Truss
Spanien, 24 Stunden | Doku HD | ARTE
Oct 16, 2022 | Spanien bildet die fünftstärkste Wirtschaftsmacht der EU. Für viele Europäer ist Spanien auf der Iberischen Halbinsel der Inbegriff von Sonne und Urlaub. Dabei gerät schnell in Vergessenheit, dass Spanien nach Jahren der Diktatur eine Modernisierung und ein Wirtschaftswachstum erlebt hat, das bis heute in Europa beispiellos ist. Der Dokumentarfilm zeigt ein Land mitten im Wandel.
Spanien kann mehr als Sonne und Urlaub: Der Dokumentarfilm besucht die geschichtsträchtigen Metropolen des Landes, die über ein reiches kulturelles Erbe verfügen und heute als Motor der Wirtschaft gelten, wie Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao oder Sevilla. Die Reise führt außerdem in die großen Hafenstädte des Landes, von Galicien im Nordwesten entlang der Mittelmeerküste bis nach Cádiz im Südosten. Vigo, Barcelona, Valencia und Algeciras stehen heute ganz neuen Herausforderungen gegenüber. Weitere Küstenabschnitte sind nach den dort dominierenden Farben benannt, die aus der Luft gut erkennbar sind, wie die Costa Verde, Costa Dorada oder die Costa Blanca. Sie sind Symbol für Sonne, Playa und Fiesta. Spanien hat es nicht zuletzt seinem Klima zu verdanken, dass es zu den großen Tourismusnationen zählt und jedes Jahr mehr als 80 Millionen Urlauber anzieht. Im Landesinneren liegen weitläufige ländliche Regionen wie die Extremadura und La Mancha sowie die Täler der Flüsse Duero und Ebro, aber auch die riesigen landwirtschaftlich geprägten Tiefebenen Andalusiens und Murcias. Hier wächst das Gemüse, das es überall in Europa zu kaufen gibt. Einen Tag in Spanien zu verbringen bedeutet auch, wilde Landschaften zu entdecken, die von den Auswirkungen der Immobilienspekulation und einer wasserintensiven Landwirtschaft verschont geblieben sind. In Spanien gibt es heute mehr als 130 Naturparks, die äußerst vielfältige Landschaften bieten: das Ordesa-Tal und der Monte Perdido, ein wahrhaftiges Paradies für Kletterer, der Nationalpark Picos de Europa, Rückzugsgebiet für Adler und Gämsen, und das Salzgewinnungsgebiet Ses Salines mit seinen Meeres- und Vogelschutzgebieten.
Dokumentarfilm von Timothée Janssen (F 2018, 91 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 21/12/2022
Spanien kann mehr als Sonne und Urlaub: Der Dokumentarfilm besucht die geschichtsträchtigen Metropolen des Landes, die über ein reiches kulturelles Erbe verfügen und heute als Motor der Wirtschaft gelten, wie Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao oder Sevilla. Die Reise führt außerdem in die großen Hafenstädte des Landes, von Galicien im Nordwesten entlang der Mittelmeerküste bis nach Cádiz im Südosten. Vigo, Barcelona, Valencia und Algeciras stehen heute ganz neuen Herausforderungen gegenüber. Weitere Küstenabschnitte sind nach den dort dominierenden Farben benannt, die aus der Luft gut erkennbar sind, wie die Costa Verde, Costa Dorada oder die Costa Blanca. Sie sind Symbol für Sonne, Playa und Fiesta. Spanien hat es nicht zuletzt seinem Klima zu verdanken, dass es zu den großen Tourismusnationen zählt und jedes Jahr mehr als 80 Millionen Urlauber anzieht. Im Landesinneren liegen weitläufige ländliche Regionen wie die Extremadura und La Mancha sowie die Täler der Flüsse Duero und Ebro, aber auch die riesigen landwirtschaftlich geprägten Tiefebenen Andalusiens und Murcias. Hier wächst das Gemüse, das es überall in Europa zu kaufen gibt. Einen Tag in Spanien zu verbringen bedeutet auch, wilde Landschaften zu entdecken, die von den Auswirkungen der Immobilienspekulation und einer wasserintensiven Landwirtschaft verschont geblieben sind. In Spanien gibt es heute mehr als 130 Naturparks, die äußerst vielfältige Landschaften bieten: das Ordesa-Tal und der Monte Perdido, ein wahrhaftiges Paradies für Kletterer, der Nationalpark Picos de Europa, Rückzugsgebiet für Adler und Gämsen, und das Salzgewinnungsgebiet Ses Salines mit seinen Meeres- und Vogelschutzgebieten.
Dokumentarfilm von Timothée Janssen (F 2018, 91 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 21/12/2022
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Elon Musk Reverses decision to Stop Funding Satellite Services in Ukraine
Senior Tories Hold Talks to Discuss Ousting Liz Truss to ‘Rescue’ Party
THE OBSERVER: As new chancellor Jeremy Hunt rips up prime minister’s economic plans, Conservatives plot route to replace her
Liz Truss, the prime minister, at a news conference in London on Friday. Photograph: Reuters
Senior Conservatives will this week hold talks on a “rescue mission” that would see the swift removal of Liz Truss as leader, after the new chancellor Jeremy Hunt dramatically tore up her economic package and signalled a new era of austerity.
A group of senior MPs will meet on Monday to discuss the prime minister’s future, with some wanting her to resign within days and others saying she is now “in office but not in control”. Some are threatening to publicly call on Truss to stand down after the implosion of her tax-cutting programme.
In a rearguard action to prop up the prime minister, her cabinet allies tonight warned MPs they would precipitate an election and ensure the Tories were “finished as a party” if they toppled a second leader in just a few months. » | Toby Helm , Political Editor, and Michael Savage | Saturday, October 15, 2022
Tories doing what they know best: ousting their leader when their leader is no longer any use to them. They did the same thing with Margaret Thatcher, even though she had won so many elections for the Party, Once they felt she might not any longer be able to win any more elections, she was thrown to the wolves.
This is another good reason why this ruthless Party, the "Nasty Party", needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history. – © Mark Alexander
Senior Conservatives will this week hold talks on a “rescue mission” that would see the swift removal of Liz Truss as leader, after the new chancellor Jeremy Hunt dramatically tore up her economic package and signalled a new era of austerity.
A group of senior MPs will meet on Monday to discuss the prime minister’s future, with some wanting her to resign within days and others saying she is now “in office but not in control”. Some are threatening to publicly call on Truss to stand down after the implosion of her tax-cutting programme.
In a rearguard action to prop up the prime minister, her cabinet allies tonight warned MPs they would precipitate an election and ensure the Tories were “finished as a party” if they toppled a second leader in just a few months. » | Toby Helm , Political Editor, and Michael Savage | Saturday, October 15, 2022
Tories doing what they know best: ousting their leader when their leader is no longer any use to them. They did the same thing with Margaret Thatcher, even though she had won so many elections for the Party, Once they felt she might not any longer be able to win any more elections, she was thrown to the wolves.
This is another good reason why this ruthless Party, the "Nasty Party", needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history. – © Mark Alexander
Health and Teaching Unions Aghast at Jeremy Hunt’s New Era of Tory Austerity
THE OBSERVER: The chancellor sparked alarm among trade union leaders by promising ‘very difficult decisions’ for government budgets
Jeremy Hunt outside BBC Broadcasting House in central London on Saturday. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images
Health chiefs, public sector unions and teaching leaders expressed horror on Saturday after the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, appeared to usher in a fresh era of austerity, and the threat of more misery for cash-strapped hospitals and schools.
In his first interviews since dramatically replacing Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday, Hunt provoked widespread alarm by promising “very difficult decisions” for government budgets.
The NHS Confederation, which represents the healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, warned the prospect of further cuts was “incredibly grim”.
The head of the largest teaching union for England and Wales denounced Hunt’s attempt to placate the financial markets as “disastrous” and “scary” for schools, while another teaching union, NASUWT, said deeper cuts would cause “immeasurable damage to children’s learning”. » | Mark Townsend, Home Affairs Editor, and Michael Savage, Policy Editor | Saturday, October 15, 2022
Jeremy Hunt is another Tory w*****r who is destined to fail! He has neither the strength nor the experience for this job. I am going to stick my neck out and state that he will fail.
The Tories have themselves created the hell that we are now living through. Why? Because of the fantasy of the benefits of Brexit. Brexit was, is and will always remain the stupidest of ideas. Anyone who truly thought that leaving the biggest and greatest single market this world has ever known—The Single Market—would bring benefits and prosperity to this weakened, isolated middle-ranking nation was either deluded, lied to or had sawdust for brains! Because of Brexit, we actually deserve all the pain we will have to live through!
Brexit will almost inevitably lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom. It is to be hoped that Scotland under Nicola Sturgeon’s superior leadership will be able to bring Scotland’s independence about. Scottish independence will/would be a role model for the rest of the Celtic fringe. Westminster is clearly no longer working for Scotland, Ireland or Wales.
As for England, Liz Truss needs to retire to her kitchen and start baking cookies. She has made a dog’s dinner of the UK economy. She and that Kwasi Kwarteng. Both of them deserve to be consigned to the dustbin of history!
If the government is strapped for cash, which it so clearly is, start taxing the superrich, the billionaire class, and bring in a windfall tax on the energy companies. For Christ’s sake, don’t expect the people, das Volk, to live through even more pain than they have already been forced to live through by successive incompetent Tory governments!
As I have said many times before on this blog, the Tories need to be consigned to the dustbin of history—and with dispatch!—just as the Whigs were consigned to the dustbin of history before them. The Party is made up of backward-thinking people, old fogeys, and fossils. This country needs a business-friendly party, for sure; but a forward-thinking one. A party which believes in equity and is Europe-friendly. This country needs to be placed in the heart of European politics. We, as a nation, have so much to offer Europeans; and Europeans have so much to offer us.
Outside of the European Union, this country will become poorer, its economy will go on shrinking, and it will become ever-more disunited. Of these things, I will assure you right here and now! — © Mark Alexander
Health chiefs, public sector unions and teaching leaders expressed horror on Saturday after the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, appeared to usher in a fresh era of austerity, and the threat of more misery for cash-strapped hospitals and schools.
In his first interviews since dramatically replacing Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday, Hunt provoked widespread alarm by promising “very difficult decisions” for government budgets.
The NHS Confederation, which represents the healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, warned the prospect of further cuts was “incredibly grim”.
The head of the largest teaching union for England and Wales denounced Hunt’s attempt to placate the financial markets as “disastrous” and “scary” for schools, while another teaching union, NASUWT, said deeper cuts would cause “immeasurable damage to children’s learning”. » | Mark Townsend, Home Affairs Editor, and Michael Savage, Policy Editor | Saturday, October 15, 2022
Jeremy Hunt is another Tory w*****r who is destined to fail! He has neither the strength nor the experience for this job. I am going to stick my neck out and state that he will fail.
The Tories have themselves created the hell that we are now living through. Why? Because of the fantasy of the benefits of Brexit. Brexit was, is and will always remain the stupidest of ideas. Anyone who truly thought that leaving the biggest and greatest single market this world has ever known—The Single Market—would bring benefits and prosperity to this weakened, isolated middle-ranking nation was either deluded, lied to or had sawdust for brains! Because of Brexit, we actually deserve all the pain we will have to live through!
Brexit will almost inevitably lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom. It is to be hoped that Scotland under Nicola Sturgeon’s superior leadership will be able to bring Scotland’s independence about. Scottish independence will/would be a role model for the rest of the Celtic fringe. Westminster is clearly no longer working for Scotland, Ireland or Wales.
As for England, Liz Truss needs to retire to her kitchen and start baking cookies. She has made a dog’s dinner of the UK economy. She and that Kwasi Kwarteng. Both of them deserve to be consigned to the dustbin of history!
If the government is strapped for cash, which it so clearly is, start taxing the superrich, the billionaire class, and bring in a windfall tax on the energy companies. For Christ’s sake, don’t expect the people, das Volk, to live through even more pain than they have already been forced to live through by successive incompetent Tory governments!
As I have said many times before on this blog, the Tories need to be consigned to the dustbin of history—and with dispatch!—just as the Whigs were consigned to the dustbin of history before them. The Party is made up of backward-thinking people, old fogeys, and fossils. This country needs a business-friendly party, for sure; but a forward-thinking one. A party which believes in equity and is Europe-friendly. This country needs to be placed in the heart of European politics. We, as a nation, have so much to offer Europeans; and Europeans have so much to offer us.
Outside of the European Union, this country will become poorer, its economy will go on shrinking, and it will become ever-more disunited. Of these things, I will assure you right here and now! — © Mark Alexander
Holy Smoke!
Holy Smoke! Pope Francis bans sale of cigarettes in Vatican: Pope Francis has issued his personal version of “Thank you for not smoking,” announcing a ban on the sale of cigarettes in the Vatican to go into effect in 2018. »
Italia Squisita: Risotto allo zafferano by chef Carlo Cracco
Nothing to Hide.
Ein eleganter Herrenhut: Der letzte Schliff.
Mini-budget Will Likely Mean Higher Interest Rates, Warns Bank of England Governor
THE GUARDIAN: Andrew Bailey says UK borrowers can expect to feel impact of Truss government’s tax and spending decisions
Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, says extra stimulus in last month’s mini-budget would force the Bank into tougher-than-expected action. Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
UK borrowers can expect to face higher interest rates as a result of the Truss government’s tax and spending decisions during its six weeks in power, the governor of the Bank of England has warned.
Despite the U-turn on corporation tax on Friday that saw the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng as chancellor, Andrew Bailey said the extra stimulus provided in last month’s mini-budget would add to inflation and force the Bank into tougher-than-expected action.
Bailey said he had impressed on the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, the need for the public finances to be sustainable and that there had been a “clear and immediate meeting of minds”. Hunt used his first interview to stress mistakes made by Truss would require “difficult decisions” to be made. » | Larry Elliott | Saturday, October 15, 2022
UK borrowers can expect to face higher interest rates as a result of the Truss government’s tax and spending decisions during its six weeks in power, the governor of the Bank of England has warned.
Despite the U-turn on corporation tax on Friday that saw the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng as chancellor, Andrew Bailey said the extra stimulus provided in last month’s mini-budget would add to inflation and force the Bank into tougher-than-expected action.
Bailey said he had impressed on the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, the need for the public finances to be sustainable and that there had been a “clear and immediate meeting of minds”. Hunt used his first interview to stress mistakes made by Truss would require “difficult decisions” to be made. » | Larry Elliott | Saturday, October 15, 2022
Der starke Mann führt Italien in den Abgrund – vor hundert Jahren übernahm Benito Mussolini die Macht
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Der Duce versprach eine Revolution, sie endete in der Katastrophe. In Propagandafilmen und auf Propagandafotos wird das Wesen des Faschismus sichtbar.
Der «Duce» spricht zu seinem Volk, Rom 1938. | Imago
Der Führer
Das ist ein Mann! Benito Mussolini reitet, ficht, schwimmt, sogar fliegen kann er. Der Duce zeigt sich gerne in Sportlerpose, mit nacktem Oberkörper auf dem Traktor, mit Fliegerhaube im Cockpit. Immer ist er der Stärkste und der Beste. Er verkörpert die neue Zeit, die Zeit des Faschismus, eine Zeit der Kraft, der Motoren, der Schnelligkeit, auch eine Zeit des Kampfs, des Muts und des Übermuts. Die Männer bewundern diesen Mann, die Frauen himmeln ihn an. Korbweise erhält Mussolini Fanpost und Liebesbriefe aus allen Gegenden Italiens.
Mussolini, Sohn einer Lehrerin und eines Spenglers, ist der Erfinder des Faschismus. Seine politische Karriere beginnt er als sozialistischer Agitator und Journalist. Der Pazifist wird 1915 zum Kriegshetzer, das ist seine Wende. Die neue Ideologie entwickelt er über Jahre hinweg, von Tag zu Tag, von Artikel zu Artikel, von Rede zu Rede, aus der Praxis heraus, je nach Laune und Umständen. Sie ist nichts weiter als eine Sammlung von Sprüchen zu Arbeit und Pflicht, Ordnung und Gehorsam, Volk und Grösse. Die «Aktion» bestimmt die Richtung. Die Theorie erledigen andere. Mit Videos » | Andres Wysling, Rom | Freitag, 14. Oktober 2022
Der Führer
Das ist ein Mann! Benito Mussolini reitet, ficht, schwimmt, sogar fliegen kann er. Der Duce zeigt sich gerne in Sportlerpose, mit nacktem Oberkörper auf dem Traktor, mit Fliegerhaube im Cockpit. Immer ist er der Stärkste und der Beste. Er verkörpert die neue Zeit, die Zeit des Faschismus, eine Zeit der Kraft, der Motoren, der Schnelligkeit, auch eine Zeit des Kampfs, des Muts und des Übermuts. Die Männer bewundern diesen Mann, die Frauen himmeln ihn an. Korbweise erhält Mussolini Fanpost und Liebesbriefe aus allen Gegenden Italiens.
Mussolini, Sohn einer Lehrerin und eines Spenglers, ist der Erfinder des Faschismus. Seine politische Karriere beginnt er als sozialistischer Agitator und Journalist. Der Pazifist wird 1915 zum Kriegshetzer, das ist seine Wende. Die neue Ideologie entwickelt er über Jahre hinweg, von Tag zu Tag, von Artikel zu Artikel, von Rede zu Rede, aus der Praxis heraus, je nach Laune und Umständen. Sie ist nichts weiter als eine Sammlung von Sprüchen zu Arbeit und Pflicht, Ordnung und Gehorsam, Volk und Grösse. Die «Aktion» bestimmt die Richtung. Die Theorie erledigen andere. Mit Videos » | Andres Wysling, Rom | Freitag, 14. Oktober 2022
De l’Ukraine à Taïwan, l’agaçant généralissime Elon Musk
LE MONDE : Le milliardaire américain multiplie les initiatives géopolitiques et influe sur le conflit ukrainien avec son réseau d’Internet satellitaire Starlink. Au grand dam du président Zelensky.
Elon Musk, au Met Gala, à New York, le 2 mai 2022. DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS / AFP
Il propose un plan de paix pour l’Ukraine ; il suggère de créer une « zone administrative spéciale » pour régler le sort de Taïwan ; il veut rétablir Internet pour les Iraniennes en révolte contre les mollahs. Cet homme aux allures de « général en chef » n’est pas le président des Etats-Unis. Il s’agit d’Elon Musk, fondateur de SpaceX et patron de Tesla. A 51 ans, l’homme le plus riche du monde (200 milliards de dollars de fortune) tient forum sur Twitter (qu’il se propose toujours de racheter) et multiplie les initiatives géopolitiques qui font grand bruit, suscitant l’ire du président ukrainien, Volodymyr Zelensky, et les applaudissements de l’ambassadeur de Chine à Washington. » | Par Arnaud Leparmentier (New York, correspondant) | samedi 15 octobre 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
Il propose un plan de paix pour l’Ukraine ; il suggère de créer une « zone administrative spéciale » pour régler le sort de Taïwan ; il veut rétablir Internet pour les Iraniennes en révolte contre les mollahs. Cet homme aux allures de « général en chef » n’est pas le président des Etats-Unis. Il s’agit d’Elon Musk, fondateur de SpaceX et patron de Tesla. A 51 ans, l’homme le plus riche du monde (200 milliards de dollars de fortune) tient forum sur Twitter (qu’il se propose toujours de racheter) et multiplie les initiatives géopolitiques qui font grand bruit, suscitant l’ire du président ukrainien, Volodymyr Zelensky, et les applaudissements de l’ambassadeur de Chine à Washington. » | Par Arnaud Leparmentier (New York, correspondant) | samedi 15 octobre 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
Poland Is Demanding €1.3 Trillion in Reparations from Germany – What's Behind This Claim? | DW News
Friday, October 14, 2022
Erster Muezzin-Ruf schallt durch Köln - und sorgt für Proteste
Zum ersten Mal erklang am Freitagmittag der muslimische Gebetsruf auch außerhalb der Moschee von Köln-Ehrenfeld. Die Lautsprecher sind am Haupteingang angebracht, die Lautstärke ist zusätzlich begrenzt, damit es auch in der unmittelbaren Umgebung der Moschee nicht zu einer Lärmbelästigung kommt.
Doch nicht alle sind mit dem Gebetsruf einverstanden. Einige Menschen demonstrierten gegenüber der Moschee mit Sprechchören und Transparenten gegen den Muezzin-Ruf und die Unterdrückung von Frauen im Iran. Für manche nicht muslimische Bürger viel Lärm um nichts. „Die Glocken des Kölner Doms und vieler Kirchen läuten auch deutlich lauter. Ich habe kaum etwas gehört. Also die Aufregung kann ich jetzt auch nicht nachvollziehen,“ sagt eine Kölnerin.
Das Projekt ist eine Initiative der Stadt, das den muslimischen Gemeinden ermöglichen will, jeweils am Freitag zwischen 12 und 15 Uhr fünf Minuten lang zum Gebet zu rufen. Für jede Moschee wird dabei eine Lautstärkebegrenzung entsprechend der Gegebenheiten im Umfeld der Moschee festgelegt. Außerhalb der Moschee in Ehrenfeld gilt zum Beispiel eine Grenze von 60 Dezibel. Das entspricht einem Gespräch in Zimmerlautstärke. Ein vorbeifahrendes Motorrad oder ein schreiendes Baby gelten als Referenz für 80dB.
Doch nicht alle sind mit dem Gebetsruf einverstanden. Einige Menschen demonstrierten gegenüber der Moschee mit Sprechchören und Transparenten gegen den Muezzin-Ruf und die Unterdrückung von Frauen im Iran. Für manche nicht muslimische Bürger viel Lärm um nichts. „Die Glocken des Kölner Doms und vieler Kirchen läuten auch deutlich lauter. Ich habe kaum etwas gehört. Also die Aufregung kann ich jetzt auch nicht nachvollziehen,“ sagt eine Kölnerin.
Das Projekt ist eine Initiative der Stadt, das den muslimischen Gemeinden ermöglichen will, jeweils am Freitag zwischen 12 und 15 Uhr fünf Minuten lang zum Gebet zu rufen. Für jede Moschee wird dabei eine Lautstärkebegrenzung entsprechend der Gegebenheiten im Umfeld der Moschee festgelegt. Außerhalb der Moschee in Ehrenfeld gilt zum Beispiel eine Grenze von 60 Dezibel. Das entspricht einem Gespräch in Zimmerlautstärke. Ein vorbeifahrendes Motorrad oder ein schreiendes Baby gelten als Referenz für 80dB.
How ‘Knives of the Long Night’ Led to Brutally Swift Kwarteng Sacking
THE GUARDIAN: The chancellor was dispatched soon after touching down, but Tory colleagues were not convinced that was enough to save the PM
Kwasi Kwarteng sacked: how his last 24 hours as chancellor unravelled – video
As the clock reached closer to midnight, Kwasi Kwarteng finished deliberating about heading home from Washington DC to attempt to save his political career.
He eventually boarded the final flight back to London, but when he reached Downing Street 12 hours later, he was sacked as chancellor on the spot. The “knives of the long night” episode, as it is now called, took place with brutal swiftness.
It was the culmination of a chaotic week in Westminster, which saw furious calls for an overhaul of Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget while her premiership teetered on the brink.
The mood of Tory MPs was already toxic, given their party conference in Birmingham had been plagued by a series of U-turns and blue-on-blue attacks. But to test the feeling of the public, Kwarteng did a walkabout through his leafy constituency of Spelthorne, in Surrey, last Friday.
While passing an estate agent, he waved through the window and stopped when a woman inside got up, seemingly to greet him. Instead, she is said to have come to the window, made an obscene gesture and told the chancellor he was a disgrace. » | Aubrey Allegretti, Jessica Elgot and Pippa Crerar | Friday, October 14, 2022
As the clock reached closer to midnight, Kwasi Kwarteng finished deliberating about heading home from Washington DC to attempt to save his political career.
He eventually boarded the final flight back to London, but when he reached Downing Street 12 hours later, he was sacked as chancellor on the spot. The “knives of the long night” episode, as it is now called, took place with brutal swiftness.
It was the culmination of a chaotic week in Westminster, which saw furious calls for an overhaul of Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget while her premiership teetered on the brink.
The mood of Tory MPs was already toxic, given their party conference in Birmingham had been plagued by a series of U-turns and blue-on-blue attacks. But to test the feeling of the public, Kwarteng did a walkabout through his leafy constituency of Spelthorne, in Surrey, last Friday.
While passing an estate agent, he waved through the window and stopped when a woman inside got up, seemingly to greet him. Instead, she is said to have come to the window, made an obscene gesture and told the chancellor he was a disgrace. » | Aubrey Allegretti, Jessica Elgot and Pippa Crerar | Friday, October 14, 2022
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