Wednesday, 24 March 2010 08:05 'It seems an unhappy mixture of braggadocio and stupidity led Stephen Byers to liken himself to a "cab for hire" and claim he had used his influence with Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary, to help National Express extricate itself from a loss-making rail franchise. That is the only conclusion we can draw from this episode, given Lord Adonis's vehement and persuasive denial yesterday that he had been influenced in any way by his predecessor. The boastful Mr Byers last graced the Cabinet table eight years ago; yet the image of him touting for cash is a disagreeable one that exposes another seamy aspect of life at Westminster. It is not only their expenses that MPs are adept at exploiting; they are also rather good at trading for hard cash the information and contacts they have made while in office. More disturbing than the Byers case is the eagerness with which Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon, both of whom were members of the Cabinet just nine months ago, were happy to sell their services. In defending Gordon Brown's refusal to hold an inquiry into these disclosures, Harriet Harman, the Leader of the Commons, yesterday insisted existing regulations are adequate. She is wrong.' Read more: Time to Shed Light on the Murky World of Lobbying Wednesday, 24 March 2010 07:35 'Following their successful effort to force totalitarian health control legislation down the throats of the American people, Obama’s allies are now pushing for climate change legislation. “Twenty-two Democratic senators have signed a letter calling for climate legislation within the year, although some observers question whether the White House will want another divisive vote as November midterm elections approach,” reports AFP. The effort is led by the CFR insider and Bonesman John Kerry. “In the wake of health care’s passage, we have a strong case to make that this can be the next breakthrough legislative fight,” senator Kerry said on Tuesday. “Climate legislation is the single best opportunity we have to create jobs, reduce pollution and stop sending billions overseas for foreign oil from countries that would do us harm".' Read more: Kerry Exploits Obamacare Passage to Propose Carbon Tax Wednesday, 24 March 2010 07:02 'Obama promised five days for public consideration, discussion, and informed opinions about bills reaching the President before he would sign them into law. Obama promised the identities online of lobbyists and corporations that would benefit from tax increases, including how much these corporations would benefit.
The amount American taxpayers lose from the “health” insurance company welfare bill compared with universal health care that eliminates corporate middle-men is between $100 and $300 billion every year.
Obama violated his promise and quickly signed the bill; denying the public the transparency he promised. Twelve states immediately filed lawsuits; claiming the forcing of Americans to purchase a product of specific corporations as obviously outside the spirit and letter of federal government authority written in the US Constitution. The IRS will enforce payment to health companies by hiring new agents.'
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
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