tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10431159875187603672024-03-14T03:27:48.941+00:00Aitken's EdinburghThe blog of Councillor Ewan Aitken, Labour Member for ward 14, Craigentinny/Duddingston, City of Edinburgh CouncilStoptheCutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17485503661200436284noreply@blogger.comBlogger463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-57984365206432513832010-12-08T20:58:00.005+00:002010-12-08T21:07:40.010+00:00Just popping my head round the digital door to say that I have moved....I return for a brief moment to say that after a very long 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mins</span>... over 18 months to be exact.. I have begin blogging again... but not here. My new site is to be found at <a href="http://www.aitken4eastern.com"><b>Ewan Aitken for Edinburgh Eastern</b> </a> and is, though I say so myself, worth a wee visit. <div><br /></div><div>I post this simply to help guide you towards my new digital space which has been created, as you might have already guessed, for a very specific task as I take another new step on my political journey, this time, standing for the Scottish Parliament in the constituency of Edinburgh Eastern.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is proving to be an adventure but then life should be one even if on snowy nights in November it seems a wee bit mad!</div><div><br /></div><div>Talk soon I hope</div>Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-3765196124629288182009-03-03T22:33:00.005+00:002009-03-03T22:40:41.204+00:00Back in 5 mins (or so)A wee computer glitch meant I was suddenly unable to blog for 5 days. I really enjoy blogging but but this enforced break has been refreshing, let me step back a wee bit and ask not just what will I say but why do I want to say it here, in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blogoshpere</span>?<br /><br /> So I am going to continue that break. Not for long, just enough time to refresh my thinking and replenish my ideas. Don't go far, I will be back, the site will stay up and I will be looking at other site for some inspiration but for now, goodbye and happy blogging.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-41975406774774082412009-02-25T21:52:00.006+00:002009-02-25T22:04:41.697+00:00The birthday girl!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaW_5GXJoQI/AAAAAAAABzw/gJeD_Wy7poc/s1600-h/Birthday_candles-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 107px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaW_5GXJoQI/AAAAAAAABzw/gJeD_Wy7poc/s200/Birthday_candles-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306858723607159042" border="0" /></a>I had the delightful task this evening of visiting one of my constituent on her birthday.. her 103rd birthday that is! Still sharp in mind and able to "see as far as<a href="http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/arthurseat/"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Arthurs</span> Seat</a>" she struggles to get about these days but is a whole lot fitter than many much younger than her. She still lives in her own home supported by a couple of hours a day home help, but otherwise about as independent as she can be.<br /><br />She came to Edinburgh during the war to work in a biscuit factory and "just stayed". Its astonishing to think that she is 99 years older than my daughter and seen just so much change, (not all of it for the better, she says!). I hope that I have that ability to be independent when old age comes my way though given my state of health these days, I doubt I'll make it to 103!Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-45884582241466063782009-02-24T21:24:00.013+00:002009-02-24T22:36:02.313+00:00Disaster is looming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaRof_dYrTI/AAAAAAAABzo/aOAiVYUes2E/s1600-h/0-scotland_master.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 172px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaRof_dYrTI/AAAAAAAABzo/aOAiVYUes2E/s200/0-scotland_master.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306481159769206066" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theherald.co.uk">plight of the trams</a> is seriously bad new for Scotland, not just Edinburgh. As rumours fly and opinions form <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">and</span> reform, we need to know who knew what when and what did they d about it.<br /><br />Here are the 6 questions that we need answers to:<br /><br />1. Is it true that the project is running 8 months late?<br />2. If so, why was the Princes Street closure put in when it was?<br />3. Did <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BSC</span> warn the Council that there were problems?<br />4. who did they warn, when and what was the response of those they warned?<br />5. What are the so called "contractual obligations" that allegedly have not been met?<br />6. What are the costs of delay?<br /><br />More than ever, this city needs leadership. It needs the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SNP</span> in particular to realise that to pull out now would make Edinburgh a laughing stock with no nerve. They need to get a grip and the Lib <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dems</span> need to realise that they cannot avoid the decisions before them nor can they blame someone else.. This is their time and they cannot fail us. Right now, much as I despise much what they have done to our city in the last 2 years, I don't want them to fail on this one, even if it meant that we were to benefit electorally. I am willing them to succeed. This is not about party politics any more, its about our capital city and our nation and we cannot fail or we will reap the pain for yearsEwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-85532091959057086462009-02-22T20:19:00.004+00:002009-02-22T20:35:20.861+00:00Even a cold touchline is a worry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaG22eLPL8I/AAAAAAAABzg/rYkSgNAaKbk/s1600-h/Climate+Change.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaG22eLPL8I/AAAAAAAABzg/rYkSgNAaKbk/s200/Climate+Change.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305722882948542402" border="0" /></a>Spent some of today on the touchline watching my son play rugby for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.portyrugby.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Portobello</span> Hornets </a>against <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.prestonlodgerfc.co.uk/minirugby.php">Preston Lodge </a>(a good win for the Portie boys). It is difficult to avoid the temptation to live our sporting dreams through encouragement of our children's enthusiasms but despite dangerous temptation I do find watching him play a real pleasure.<br /><br />Having said that , this was the first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">competitive</span> game his team has had since early December. I know that there's often a winter lay off but this seasons seems <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">particularly</span> bad. I am not sure of the reasons are as simply as the pitches not being properly looked after or a complex as global warming or somewhere in between but whatever the reason, the consequence is fewer games and the potential of hundreds of young people hindered that wee bit more. I hate to be a prophet of doom but we'll never win the big games if we can't get the wee ones sorted first. Unless we do it won't just be my vicarious dreams that will be shattered, it will be the Nation's.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-33505416784350026882009-02-21T14:00:00.007+00:002009-02-21T14:10:18.692+00:00Another bizarre piece of SNP "populism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaAKybHWLlI/AAAAAAAABzY/bXsReawdsB8/s1600-h/cash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SaAKybHWLlI/AAAAAAAABzY/bXsReawdsB8/s200/cash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305252222430752338" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.kennymacaskill.co.uk">Justice Minister Kenny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MacAskill's</span> </a>suggestion that killers would <a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.2490796.0.Plan_to_make_killers_pay_for_the_funerals_of_their_victims.php">pay for their victim's funeral</a> is bizarre. The last thing that a victim's family would want is cash from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">perpetrator</span> of the crime that has caused them so much pain but more significantly it could allow those to commit these crimes to feel they had somehow "compensated" for their deed.<br /><br />It would be a whole new meaning for "blood money" and I don't think we should go there.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-77793436827748953582009-02-20T22:45:00.010+00:002009-02-21T14:00:25.236+00:00Tram brinkmanship is not a new ploy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZ83SRehvQI/AAAAAAAABzQ/Z1XJXWyXCz0/s1600-h/held-to-ransom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZ83SRehvQI/AAAAAAAABzQ/Z1XJXWyXCz0/s200/held-to-ransom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305019673134349570" border="0" /></a>This is not the first time <a href="http://www.nce.co.uk/news/2008/05/final_contracts_awarded_for_edinburgh_tram.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BSC</span>; the consortium</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">delivering</span> trams in Edinburgh have tried to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7900617.stm">hold the city to ransom</a>. When the contract was just about to be signed last year, I was briefed as Labour leader along with the leaders of the other groups on the Council that at the last minute that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">consortium</span> wanted another huge sum, (somewhere between £12m and £15m), because of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">alleged</span> "increased steel prices". We all knew it was brinkmanship and officials were encouraged to beat them down hard which they did significantly.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SNP</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Libdems</span> need to face BSC down again. That is what they understand. Stare them in the eye and say no, you can't hold us to ransom and your attitude is unacceptable. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">That's</span> exactly what they would do where they in our place and we should do the same to them. It's the only language these guys understand. My deep concern is that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Libdem</span> don't have the bottle for brinkmanship and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">SNP</span> want trams to fail. These are bad times indeed for our city.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-79737130552508040232009-02-19T12:03:00.005+00:002009-02-19T12:17:29.658+00:00SNP/Libdems will have to take responsibility for once<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZ1NYZXygsI/AAAAAAAABzI/2AA-h4lJihk/s1600-h/roadworks_sign1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304481017635177154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZ1NYZXygsI/AAAAAAAABzI/2AA-h4lJihk/s200/roadworks_sign1.gif" border="0" /></a> The public statement by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tiedinburgh.co.uk">TIE,</a> the company delivering trams for Edinburgh that it will be <a href="http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Tram-firm-insists-city-chiefs.4990638.jp">the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SNP</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Libdem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">administration</span> that decided </a>whether the tram works stop the world famour Festival cavalcade <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">this</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">year</span> is nothing to do with Festival floats and glorious costumes.<br /><br />It is, instead, a sign that TIE are finally fed up with being the fall guys for the SNP/Libdem <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">administration</span> total lack of leadership. The SNP/Libdems want to take all the credit for the good things and none of heat for their incompetence. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">That's</span> why they were posted missing when <a href="http://news.scotsman.com/edinburghtransportplans/Trams-chief-says-sorry-for.4550481.jp">the closure of Princes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Street</span> fiasco happened</a> but why they demand that their names are on plaques on all the new schools for example, (and I mean demand), even though these are schools Labour started and secured the funding for. Their motto is "it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wusy</span> me". This time however, it will be them in the firing line and not before time too.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-31223286139608337472009-02-18T21:54:00.006+00:002009-02-18T22:10:02.210+00:00This is a do-able task, if we are brave enough<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZyHFfP3aXI/AAAAAAAABzA/E-xwm3aVY7s/s1600-h/e1158260245.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZyHFfP3aXI/AAAAAAAABzA/E-xwm3aVY7s/s200/e1158260245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304262989492742514" border="0" /></a>The comment that Labour will <a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2489901.0.Labour_set_to_fail_in_bid_to_halve_child_poverty_by_2010.php">"fail" to reach </a>the target of having child poverty may prove to be statistically accurate but is another example of how statistics make easy headlines but never tell <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> whole story. The fact is that Labour alone set the target in the first place. The Tories would have done it ever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">because</span> their philosophy could cope with that kind of compassion. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Libdems</span> wouldn't have done it because it would have meant making a decision and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SNP</span> say they want to achieve it but want independence more than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">they w</span>ant to have poverty otherwise they wouldn't have <a href="http://www.scotsman.com/scotland/Community-fund-39unfair-to-the.4592580.jp?CommentPage=1&CommentPageLength=1000">ripped regeneration funds from poor areas</a> and hurt those least able to help themselves.<br /><br />That <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">being</span> said, the fact that the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jrf.org.uk/">Joseph <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rowntree</span> Foundation</a> can identify the funds needed to get to where we need to get to as being only around <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/4679424/Billions-needed-to-meet-child-poverty-target-warns-Joseph-Rowntree-Foundation.html">£4.2b </a>when we can find more than £37b for the bank bail out is a serious challenge to the labour Government. If investing in banking capital is worth that kind of cash, then investing our 12% of the same in the social capital of freeing children of poverty is surely a win win for all of us. This is areal chance for Gordon to practice what he preaches.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-9608487801036334122009-02-17T20:42:00.007+00:002009-02-17T21:00:48.019+00:00Its going to take more than a headline and a few easy words<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZslL_pCv7I/AAAAAAAABy4/McPK_mwJtrg/s1600-h/403_question+mark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZslL_pCv7I/AAAAAAAABy4/McPK_mwJtrg/s200/403_question+mark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303873874151260082" border="0" /></a>Sir Peter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Birt's</span> comments on the <a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/news/display.var.2489694.0.Burt_insists_his_successors_at_HBOS_just_got_it_all_wrong.php">"greed culture" </a>are just the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">latest</span> in a long line of similar comments from folk right across <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">political</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">business</span> spectrum. Easy words but what are we now going to do about that culture? How are we going to change it? I have yet to see, for example, any calls by the financial <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">services</span> industry to review the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/ukla/lr_comcode3.pdf"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cadbury</span> Code </a>which is supposed to form the basis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">of</span> good practice and ethical <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">decision</span>-making in the industry. Whilst legislation would help, unless the mood and the mind of those involved changes dramatically and voluntarily, then we will continue to be creating the atmosphere of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">decision</span>-making where greed can flourish<br /><br />Somewhere, somehow, we need to be asking what our economics are actually for. exploring how economics, far from being a morally neutral scientific <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">endeavour</span> is a reflection of human emotions and the quality of human relationships with the self, the neighbour and the stranger.<br /><br />By defining success as a human being by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">accumulation</span> of wealth as had begun to happen, the production of profit moved from the creation of liquidity to being end result and so greed became justified as a means to achieve an idea of success that was then celebrated and affirmed. Far from fulfilling human need it ate away at our very humanness. It is these kinds of explorations that will change the culture that has brought us to the place we now find ourselves in. This has to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">be</span> a debate and a discourse not about pounds and euros, dollars and yen but about morality, the soul and what it is to be human. Much more difficult to put into words than "its a greed culture" but the end result will be a better place for us all; the self, the neighbour, the stranger.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-12036811843197943802009-02-16T20:13:00.015+00:002009-02-16T20:51:06.720+00:00A sad day filled with tears and laughter<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">"Since God is of Heaven and earth<br />how can I keep from singing?"<br /></div><br />No politics today as more fundamental things are on my mind. I attended the funeral this afternoon of an old friend and fellow Iona Community member Rev. Richard Baxter. Famed for his ability to have a song for every moment, Richard was a man of contradictions; an ex commando who became a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">campaigner</span> against trident (including getting arrested several times), an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">irreverent</span> man who was deeply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">respectful</span> of tradition and ritual, a brilliant singer who knew the power of silence.<br /><br />He spent 15 years in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1068913.stm%20-%2072k">Malawi, </a>helping to fight the British Colonial attempts to create a "<a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-CentralAfricanFederation.html">Central Africa Federation"</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">out</span> of what was then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nyasaland</span>, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Instead, Malawi was formed and Richard help create their education system. He <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hasd</span> such an influence on that country that that a letter of deep sympathy was read out at the funeral written by <a href="http://www.malawihighcom.org.uk/">Malawi's High Commissioner</a> on behalf of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.malawi.gov.mw/information1/CabinetProfiles/Mutharika.htm%20-%206k">President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bingu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mutharika</span>.</a><br /><br />Committed to the <a href="www.scottishchurcheshouse.org"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ecumenical</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">movement</span></a>, Richard believed in the strength of diversity. He was a very serious man, committed to social justice in every action who was always full of fun and laughter. A talented artist he would brighten up many a boring meeting with a wee cartoon quickly sketched and passed round on a scrap of paper!<br /><br />I worked with him when I was assistant minister at <a href="http://www.slpc.co.uk/">South <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Leith</span> Parish Church</a>. He was a massive support to me as I struggled with the strictures of church, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">institution</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">faithfulness</span>. I owe him a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">great</span> deal.<br /><br />There were well over 500 people there today laughing and crying as we laid to rest a great man whom we will all miss terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with Richards wife Ray and their family.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-50896192444779723062009-02-15T11:28:00.008+00:002009-02-15T11:39:31.060+00:00A good election result<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZf-Ct2yTWI/AAAAAAAAByw/m_0n5ptwzBw/s1600-h/Iona1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZf-Ct2yTWI/AAAAAAAAByw/m_0n5ptwzBw/s200/Iona1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302986408874626402" border="0" /></a>I was delighted to hear the news that <a href="http://living.scotsman.com/edinburghfestivalfringe/Church-to-break-taboos-with.2429741.jp">Rev Peter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Macdonald</span> of St Georges West Church</a> has been elected the new leader of the <a href="www.iona.org.uk">Iona Community</a>. I have known Peter for nearly 30 years and I feel very confident that he will do an excellent job as leader<br /><br />I have been a member of the Iona Community for over 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">years</span> and my membership is what keeps me both sane and continually challenges as I struggle with the idea of what it is to be a person of faith in the 21st global village.<br /><br />Peter will have very hard act to follow in <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1853584.stm">Rev Kathy Galloway </a>who has been a brilliant leader for the last 7 years, (our leaders are only in post for up to 7 years), but he will carry the torch of leadership well.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-86500336021019581472009-02-13T20:50:00.004+00:002009-02-13T21:00:27.493+00:00An apparently smart move might turn sour soon...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZXfX0kPvHI/AAAAAAAAByo/7RqxqNiRHlw/s1600-h/cash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZXfX0kPvHI/AAAAAAAAByo/7RqxqNiRHlw/s200/cash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302389736639282290" border="0" /></a>It is not a surprise that <a href="http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/politics/Most--councils-agree-to.4977112.jp">most councils are setting a 0% council tax freeze</a>. To do otherwise would cost money and set them against the rest of the country. But it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unsustainable</span>. It puts less cash in public services, undermines local democracy and will mean cuts elsewhere. It seems fairer but actually will have unfair <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">consequences</span> and with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> demise of the local income tax, simply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">perpetuates</span> a system it was introduced to remove.<br /><br />The Council tax freeze, as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">precurser </span>to the local income tax (much as I think that was more unfair) was, in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">itself</span>, a clever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">political</span> move in the short term. Now the short term is getting longer and longer, it may well come back to haunt the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SNP</span> in ways they never imagined.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-44773717699031470652009-02-12T17:22:00.004+00:002009-02-12T17:36:46.213+00:00A strange idea of consensus<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZRdGR0IV7I/AAAAAAAAByg/KExDlLICVno/s1600-h/32.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301965023764567986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZRdGR0IV7I/AAAAAAAAByg/KExDlLICVno/s200/32.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol/Link/index.html">City Council Budget meeting today</a> could best be described as an example of poor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">political</span> theatre; no vision from the SnP/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Libdem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mal-administration</span> and a torrent of personal abuse from those on their benches with nothing helpful to contribute. One wee <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">interesting</span> thing came to light; the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SNP</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Libdems</span> had had "budget talks" with the Tories and the Greens, but admitted that they decided not to talk to us. Apparently their idea of consensus politics is to only talk with those they agree with....<br /><div></div><br /><div>If they had talked with us they wouldn't have had to push through their cuts; instead they could have done these things;</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>On Schools -</strong> reversed last year’s funding reductions in those budgets giving schools an extra £2.7million; established a ‘£2million revenue’ schools “Energy and Efficiency Fund” for the city – established a ‘£1.2million capital’ school ‘Refurbishment and Upgrade Fund’; to provide funding to undertake the essential works at Wave3 schools; and to establish a new (year 1) £12million ‘capital fund’ with further funds being prioritised in future years to enable development of the remaining Wave3 Schools.<br /><strong>On Economic Development</strong> - made an additional investment of some £1.3million in ‘economic development activities’, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">established</span> a £5million “Affordable Housing Fund” for the provision of affordable housing across the city.<br /><strong>On Protecting the Vulnerable -</strong> invested an additional £2million revenue in ‘Care for the Elderly’ and ‘Respite Care’ services and accommodation services for ‘Young People with Disabilities’; provided an additional £320,000 to towards the provision of 10 new, local Police Officers; and 2 new ‘Care Homes’ for the city.<br /><strong>On Transport</strong> -invested an additional £300,000 to protect and enhance all currently ‘supported bus services’ ‘£1.5million capital’ in bus-priority measures and to re-phase all non-essential ‘capital’ roadworks for the duration of the current tram works, prioritising pavement repairs to a ratio of 60%/40% -£8million of capital expenditure in 2009-10 on pavements and £5million of capital expenditure on roads.<br /><strong>On Local Environment</strong> - invested £0.6million to provide £50,000 per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">annum</span>, of new monies, to each of the local Neighbourhood Partnerships. £0.5million per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">annum</span> to World Heritage Trust to protect the fabric of the city.<br /><strong>On Culture and Leisure</strong> - Invested £120,000 towards cultural education and outreach work and to invest ‘£2million capital’ in parks, pitches, pavilions and play areas.</div>Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-39806099329877506652009-02-11T21:55:00.007+00:002009-02-11T22:15:13.400+00:00Is this the end of the big (Council Tax) freeze?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZNNoddOq4I/AAAAAAAAByY/BRNUOSQjaSU/s1600-h/U+Turn.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZNNoddOq4I/AAAAAAAAByY/BRNUOSQjaSU/s200/U+Turn.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301666543842536322" border="0" /></a>I never thought that the local income tax will succeed but i never thought it <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7882302.stm">would falter so quickly.</a> There is no doubt that it was not only<a href="http://www.blogger.com/business.scotsman.com/economics/ICAS--local-income-tax.4283183.jp"> unworkable</a> but that it would have cost more and produced less in terms of cash for public services.<br /><br />But lets look at whats happened here. A minority Government has admitted it can''t <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">build</span> a consensus in parliament so it has dropped a manifesto promise (a pretty major one at that). It is at least honest; " we can't build a consensus so we won't waste time trying any more" but that does also mean that immediately others get the blame rather than any real analysis of why the policy couldn't get support. "the unfair tax remains because others would not help get id of it"<br /><br />It means getting bad news over and done long before an election so any "broken promise" opportunities have lost their edge. But it also begs the question "what about the council tax freeze?" It was an interim measure for a policy that won't now be implemented. It will, by 2011, have removed £240m from the public <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">service</span> budget but not removed the tax it was introduced to help shift. So the question becomes, will it stay? If the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SNP</span> removed the freeze next year that would do two things; first give them an addition £70m to play with, (a tiny amount in the whole Scottish budget but hey, was the price of the Tory votes on the budget), but it would also allow them to argue that the Council tax rises have returned <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">because</span> the other parties wouldn't let the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SNP</span> get rid of it; "they wanted to keep it so let them pay the political price if it being used again"<br /><br />It would be a risky strategy but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">would</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mean</span> that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">locus</span> would shift from a broken promise (and a big one at that) to look what these nasty opposition parties have done to you....call me a cynic if you will but....Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-22332187065781585752009-02-09T22:39:00.005+00:002009-02-09T22:46:09.977+00:00Kez is back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZCx8ShCY3I/AAAAAAAAByQ/lG-CQRf9bj4/s1600-h/twitter-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 68px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SZCx8ShCY3I/AAAAAAAAByQ/lG-CQRf9bj4/s200/twitter-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300932410735747954" border="0" /></a>Just delighted to see <a href="http://keziadugdale.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kez</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dugdale</span> </a>back in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">blogosphere</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kez</span> is the reason I started blogging again after my post election blogging break became a habit that needed breaking. She tells me that she is also now a convert to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">"twitter"</a> which I have not yet mastered but life should be an adventure so maybe soon I shall be also in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">the</span> world of the twitter!Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-20977979950458508492009-02-08T23:16:00.006+00:002009-02-08T23:39:46.066+00:00Diversity is our strength<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SY9rLJ5ovFI/AAAAAAAAByI/SSSbn-TaGl8/s1600-h/bashirAhmad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SY9rLJ5ovFI/AAAAAAAAByI/SSSbn-TaGl8/s200/bashirAhmad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300573125818760274" border="0" /></a>I never had the opportunity to meet<a href="http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2487779.0.0.php"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SNP</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bashir</span> Ahmad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MSP</span></a>. who died this weekend and, as is the custom of his faith, was buried within 24 hours. Nor did I know to much about him but those who spoke of him we fulsome in their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">plaudits</span> and praise.<br /><br />What I do know is that he achieved two important firsts; <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42902000/jpg/_42902103_bashirbody.jpg&imgrefurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6638173.stm&usg=__E76xrfrNbpefd3gUZxAR2ZdeKgY=&h=300&w=203&sz=16&hl=en&start=10&tbnid=PZpTC1ZdpNedGM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=78&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbashir%2BAhmad%2BMSP%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX">first Asian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MSP</span> and first Muslim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MSP</span>.</a> That is a record to be proud of in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">any ones</span> book and the Parliament will be the poorer until the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nd</span> (and more), of each is elected. Diversity is a strength and he gave the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parliament</span> some of that strength in, I am told a quiet, unassuming but powerful way.<br /><br />What will be a true tribute to him and those who hopefully follow him in being other ethnic and/or faith community first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">would</span> be when the time comes that the ethic and faith (including those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">whos</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">e faith</span> is not in a divinity), diversity of our parliament is such that no one is counting and there's no need to herald firsts.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-8044625190423322612009-02-06T22:32:00.005+00:002009-02-06T22:44:24.884+00:00Another fine mess you've got me into<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYy9CSSMLYI/AAAAAAAAByA/3CYFI83s_wQ/s1600-h/Laurel-and-Hardy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 156px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYy9CSSMLYI/AAAAAAAAByA/3CYFI83s_wQ/s200/Laurel-and-Hardy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299818708473752962" border="0" /></a>Regular readers will know that I have been banging on about the fiasco that is the <a href="http://aitkensedinburgh.blogspot.com/search/label/Roadworks">junction project at the Kings road roundabout.</a> Having produced a plan that was "dangerous" (their words), the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SNP</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Libdem</span> administration the signed off a plan B that was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">uncosted</span> and is now 6 months late. I called for an investigation. The <a href="http://cpol.edinburgh.gov.uk/getdoc_ext.asp?DocId=122593">report </a>is probably the most damning review of any council project I have ever seen. It includes the immortal line that traffic planners had "failed to predict driver behaviour!" I thought that was what traffic planners did for a living!Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-48583901290759807512009-02-05T16:41:00.005+00:002009-02-05T16:56:45.975+00:00the truth is out!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYsZXPh4UwI/AAAAAAAABx4/j_oZZ3FEioI/s1600-h/Pinocchio.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299357273627841282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYsZXPh4UwI/AAAAAAAABx4/j_oZZ3FEioI/s200/Pinocchio.gif" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Today's</span> <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol/Link/index.html">City Council meeting </a>only lasted about 2 hours. Thank <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">goodness</span> for small mercies though it was mainly because the big debate is next week on the budget<br /><br />There were some highlights though;<br /><br /><br /><p>When challenged about a broken <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">promise</span>, one leading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Libdem</span> admitted that their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">manifesto</span> was <strong><em>"mostly aspirational"</em></strong> rather then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">promises</span> they had made to the electorate! It would have been nice if they had made that clear to the voters</p>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SNP</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Libdems</span> admitted that, despite claiming that the new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Scottish</span> budget was a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Budget-deal-gives-39lifeline39-to.4944080.jp%20-%2053k">potential "lifeline"</a> for Edinburgh schools, there is <strong><em>no new money</em></strong> in the budget for school buildings. Not much of a lifeline then..<br /><p>The SNP said that to ask for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">sustainable</span> approach to air travel was <em><strong>unacceptable and madness...</strong></em>that will be the Green vote grabbed then!</p><p>Roll on next week and the budget meeting; that is going to be soooo much fun! I will lay money that it will last a whole lot longer than two hours.</p>Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-14228667898578292252009-02-04T22:17:00.004+00:002009-02-04T22:33:48.666+00:00Not a vote winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYoXX1iIzbI/AAAAAAAABxw/51cgy7lRN-I/s1600-h/BallotBox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 410px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYoXX1iIzbI/AAAAAAAABxw/51cgy7lRN-I/s200/BallotBox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299073609829502386" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7869603.stm">proposal to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">separate</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">council</span> election from Scottish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">parliamentary</span> election</a>s is one of those things that seem blinding obvious, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">much</span> so that it blinds us from the fact that it is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unnecessary</span> and unhelpful move.<br /><br />There is no evidence that peoples clear confusion with the Scottish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">parliamentary</span> elections was in any way caused by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">having</span> the election on both days, evidenced by the fact that the new system introduced for council elections caused far fewer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">spoilt</span> ballot papers.<br /><br />The idea that Councils will be called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">to a</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ccount</span> on their own record has to be countered by the clear evidence that midterm Council <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">elections</span> are always seen as a opinion poll on the Government.<br /><br />If this is a response to what happened in 2007 then its the wrong target. The solution lies in having the ballot paper as it was before, with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">list</span> vote second.<br /><br />If it is about making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Councils</span> more accountable then it will not achieve that to the extend that might be assumed and there remains the issue of voter fatigue. There are better things for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Parliament</span> to to be doing with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">legislative</span> time and resources.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-14601946235089214152009-02-03T23:04:00.006+00:002009-02-03T23:18:45.852+00:00Another Libdem (and SNP) U turn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYjQXvmgbwI/AAAAAAAABxo/LBZzI7cUgdM/s1600-h/head_up_ass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYjQXvmgbwI/AAAAAAAABxo/LBZzI7cUgdM/s200/head_up_ass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298714067934932738" border="0" /></a>Its good news that the <a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/">Budget will get through the Scottish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parliament</span> tomorrow</a>. After what was probably a helpful shot across the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SNP</span> bows, the time for working together was now and it would appear all have heeded the call.<br /><br />Interestingly however, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">there's</span> a wee twist to this tale. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">According</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">the</span> BBC, one of the parts of the deal that brought the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7868030.stm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Libdems</span> to the table was an agreement that some schools will be commissioned under PP/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PFI</span> </a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">because</span> the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/3795973/No-evidence-that-Scottish-Futures-Trust-is-any-better-finds-Holyrood-inquiry.html">Scottish Futures Trust remains a chocolate teapot.</a><br /><br />But isn't that the same Lib <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dems</span> who on Edinburgh Council voted and campaigned against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">PPP</span>. Will they now bid to be amongst the Councils to have school under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">PPP</span> (and will there be level playing field support as there was under Labour...)Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-24357084461034826322009-02-01T23:49:00.009+00:002009-02-02T00:15:01.789+00:00In the name of God!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYY6F5Co9RI/AAAAAAAABxY/P4fOwgVuXWY/s1600-h/hands+folded+in+prayer-799927.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYY6F5Co9RI/AAAAAAAABxY/P4fOwgVuXWY/s200/hands+folded+in+prayer-799927.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297985884533617938" border="0" /></a>Two prayers for comment. First is the sad story of the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7863699.stm">nurse who's been suspended</a> because she offered to pray for client. From what I have read she probably wasn't wise to make that offer in that context but what annoyed me is the comment of the woman who complained, saying that she wasn't offended but was worried that some-one else might be.<br /><br />The offer to pray would have been no more than a statement of concern for another human being who was ill. Who is this mythical person who "might be offended" by what was a misguided act of compassion? If they do exist and are offended, let them speak up for themselves. Would we suspend anyone else to investigate the speculation that some-one "might be offended" by a nurse who in the course of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYY6VOLOO1I/AAAAAAAABxg/dNNseJM2WZ8/s1600-h/burns+himself.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYY6VOLOO1I/AAAAAAAABxg/dNNseJM2WZ8/s200/burns+himself.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297986147904797522" border="0" /></a>conversation with a client who happened to be a Christian said, "I don't believe in God". No chance. This was an unwise expression of care, not a hanging offence. We need to get a grip here otherwise, in the name of equality, the Christian community is being treated unequally.<br /><br />And the other prayer? It is the allegedly "long lost second verse" of <a href="http://www.rampantscotland.com/poetry/blpoems_grace.htm">Burns Selkirk grace</a> which I was given a copy of by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Portobello</span> Burns club who invited me to give their immoral memory this year. I will tell you it as long as you promise not to be offended by a prayer or on behalf of those without their own teeth;<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />"some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hae</span> teeth to eat the meet<br />whilst others o' this nation<br />rely on gums and porcelain<br />to aid their mastication!"<br /></div>Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-38376976616831862872009-01-29T22:31:00.006+00:002009-01-29T22:51:41.127+00:00Church speak with one voice on homelessness and recession<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYIyxVflGvI/AAAAAAAABxQ/vfOmhaslw5g/s1600-h/churcheshousing.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 175px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYIyxVflGvI/AAAAAAAABxQ/vfOmhaslw5g/s200/churcheshousing.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296851934905703154" border="0" /></a>I was pleased to see that at the opening of<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.actionweek.org.uk."> Poverty & Homelessness Action Week</a>, leaders of 12 Christian churches and communities in Scotland have called for intensive investment in affordable housing<br /><br />They have endorsed a call from <a href="http://www.churches-housing.org/">Scottish Churches Housing Action </a>for a return to post-war levels of affordable house-building as a way of avoiding the worst effects of the recession.<br /><br />The call comes in a paper which Scottish Churches Housing Action has sent to First Minister Alex <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Salmond</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MSP</span>, Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling MP and other political leaders which calls on the administrations at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Holyrood</span> and Westminster to get together in facilitating a massive boost to public investment in affordable housing.<br /><br />The church leaders’ argue that building affordable homes for rent and for sale will have a triple impact: it will help those who’ll be made homeless in the recession; it will keep people in jobs in the property, building and related industries; and it will keep tax revenues from those jobs flowing to the exchequer, while avoiding unemployment pay-outs. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">just</span> takes a wee bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">political</span> will. The full text of the statement can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.churches-housing.org/">www.churches-housing.org </a><br /><br />The Poverty & Homelessness Action Week partnership comprises Church Action on Poverty, Housing Justice and Scottish Churches Housing Action. The week runs from Saturday 31 January to Sunday 8 February, and includes Homelessness Sunday (31 Jan) and Poverty Action Sunday (8 Feb). <a href="http://www.actionweek.org.uk/">www.actionweek.org.uk </a>Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-4072020461692769302009-01-28T23:11:00.006+00:002009-01-28T23:47:07.094+00:00Lets try and see this differently<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYDtxRFdTTI/AAAAAAAABxI/y6C1MircZiY/s1600-h/243_eyergb.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SYDtxRFdTTI/AAAAAAAABxI/y6C1MircZiY/s200/243_eyergb.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296494592443370802" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7854417.stm">failure of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SNP</span> minority administration to get its budget passed</a> was a momentous day for Scottish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Politics</span>, but not as some might think. It does not mean the end of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SNP</span> Government. That will not happen. They still have time to bring back another bill, but more significantly its difficult to think of an occasion when a party who brought down a Government, especially a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">minority</span> party, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">have</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">benefited</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SNP</span> know this from bitter experience, dropping from <a href="http://www.alba.org.uk/elections/snpvote.html">11 in 1974 to 2 in 1979 </a>having <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/politics97/background/pastelec/ge79.shtml">brought down Jim Callaghan</a> . So the Greens will not, if they have any sense, put themselves in that position, and for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Government</span> to fall, they would have to be so.<br /><br />No the significance is that there is now a real opportunity to again grasp the nettle of consensus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">politics</span>. I was in the public gallery today and the debate was not a pleasant experience. I am used to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hurley</span> burly of politics and we need to know the differences <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">between</span> parties. But we need to put energy not into scoring debating points but discovering what it will take to find common ground which will allow us to have grown up conversations about whats possible, plausible and frees the potential of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">the</span> people (I really do sound like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">politician</span> don't I!). We don't need to agree with everything to find common cause.<br /><br />The trouble is that all parties are still obsessed with power and hanging onto it rather than letting it go and having influence instead. The opposition, (even the descriptions of our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">political</span> roles are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">confrontational</span>), need to let the largest party take the lead. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">SNP</span>, as the Government, need to have conversations with the other parties that are not couched, as the recent ones were, in terms of "what will it take to buy you off"..."but what can we do together" Then a consensus can be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">created</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">respects</span> difference but finds a way through for the people instead.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043115987518760367.post-12581759167093893412009-01-27T22:36:00.006+00:002009-01-27T22:50:08.511+00:00A day to never forgetI was very interested and please to hear that Ann Franks Sister will <a href="http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Anne-Frank39s-stepsister-to-tell.4915590.jp">be talking with school pupils</a> this week as part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SX-OaUj9WeI/AAAAAAAABxA/xhH6QMeYbWE/s1600-h/ann+frank.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mByxlet6wKI/SX-OaUj9WeI/AAAAAAAABxA/xhH6QMeYbWE/s200/ann+frank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296108269658266082" border="0" /></a>e marking of <a href="http://www.hmd.org.uk/">Holocaust Memorial Day</a>. Anything that will help young people dig under the words and see the real human consequences of the Holocaust is to be welcomed. To say that we must never forget what humanity is capable of doing is to vastly understate the case<br /><br />I think that Holocaust Memorial day is one of the most significant in the political calender. It is a stark and deeply powerful reminder to all nations, and I mean all nations, of the consequences of choosing war based on religious belief, prejudice and/or assumed superiority. It not only causes huge suffering, it damages the whole of humanity and its collective soul. No-one exempt from that lesson. even those who have been victims themselves.Ewanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08013208725859078505noreply@blogger.com0