In 150 words (1)

Basically, the thinking behind this post is that a lot has been going on and I'd quite like to talk about some of it but have found myself rather without the hours to spare at the moment, so as an interesting writing exercise, I'm seeing if I can condense my key thoughts into 150 words or less- quality not quantity, right? All Titles link to the main article.

So without further ado I present you the deep and brief thoughts of yours truly on:

Miliband's reforms raise more questions than answers (New Statesman)

Behold, the bright future of Labour has arrived! And if we thought Blair’s New Labour washed Red flags whiter than white, here’s Milliband, seemingly trying to expunge the Union influence from the party- suggesting a weakening of their electoral power and capping their financial clout. I can’t really see how introducing another electoral college, of non-members, is a good idea so await robust explanation.

The funding matter is more difficult- Labour and the Unions are historically inseparable- but an opportunity to choke contributions from rich individuals and in a small way diminish the clout of business in government is tempting. If State funding plays a major part too, then it does give more even footing to smaller parties- look what happened when Nick Clegg got just that in the televised debates- the election was far more interesting. Democracy could gain from this, even if it’s not great for the unions.

Only half of Britons say UK is a Christian country (Telegraph)

So George Carey is on the warpath again, using these poll results to decry the ebbing influence of Christianity over national life. It’s unfortunate that the very next thing he says cites an instance where ‘exercising Christianity’ appears to be promoting intolerance- and whatever the reasoning behind it that appearance leaves an impression.

What benefit could there be from a Christian Society? The historical precedents aren't brilliant for models of what it could be, and Carey’s plight illuminates the weaknesses of liberal society when it dissolves into different groups jealously guarding their interests- and surely one where ‘Christianity’ merely gets what it wants isn't Carey’s vision of a Christian society either. Better models would be Pilsdon and Iona- Community is bounded by faith, yet it also allows them to be open and generous, celebrating individuality (though not individualism)- they’re not sour-faced moralists. I wonder if Carey wants that either though?

Online Petition plan for Parliament to go ahead (BBC)

Public Opinion is great and with this new plan, apparently whatever hack cause or populist whim must soon, providing if it gains enough signatures, be debated in the Commons. Unaided by comparisons to the X Factor, the idea seems particularly crass and already screams ‘smokescreen!’

Cranmer posts well on the real difficulties- looking for a different angle I will complain that it will do nothing for obesity figures- once upon a time you’d go on marches, collect signatures in the street, knock on doors- fresh air and exercise! Now activism can be done from the sofa! Well no, actually.

‘Liking’ things on facebook doesn’t make you an activist and neither does this. Virtual debate is too easily removed from real life concerns, and already these petitions must have ‘eligibility’. I hope people reject this sham voice- push for more local autonomy, and when passions run high; to the streets!

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So there you go, I hope you enjoyed it. Now I wished a happy New Year a couple of days ago and have since failed to stop posting, however I really believe this will be the last one until January, likely early January- I couldn't squeeze the 114 Labour MPs against AV into 150 words. That though is by the by.

So to all (or should that be a forlorn any?) readers regarding this, I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!