tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post4336562667678808071..comments2024-03-28T06:43:02.954+00:00Comments on Variable Variability: My unsolicited advice for a UK governmentVictor Venemahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-50933950684052025552017-06-20T21:13:31.534+01:002017-06-20T21:13:31.534+01:00Sorry about that. This is the first time I hear of...Sorry about that. This is the first time I hear of this problem. For me with a small Windows laptop and Firefox it works fine.Victor Venemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-88162288124017551962017-06-20T20:52:00.971+01:002017-06-20T20:52:00.971+01:00Victor
My apologies for not replying but there is...Victor<br /><br />My apologies for not replying but there is a problem either with my lap top or your site. Trying to reply I get quite a small window and whilst I can see 'choose an identity ' I can not see the bit about the robot nor publish. <br /><br />On my iPad I can see everything perfectly.<br /><br />Perhaps it's the browser on my laptop? I don't know if anyone else has problems?<br />TonybTonybnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-54099194165165325432017-06-18T23:47:58.783+01:002017-06-18T23:47:58.783+01:00Didn't I understand it right that the military...Didn't I understand it right that the military arm of the DUP recently assassinated someone? Not sure if the right would have been so lenient if the DUP had been for traditional Muslim values rather than traditional protestant values. <br /><br />Even if they would be really great guys, it would still be a problem that Downing Street 10 would no longer be a neutral party in Northern Irish affairs and that could lead to new Troubles.<br /><br />Agree that an idyref2 is now less likely. Also because the chance of an extremist Brexit that would not fit at all to the 50/50 EU-referendum result has become a lot less likely and there would thus be less need for Scotland to join the other European social democratic nations and leave England in their pact with Trump-Murdoch countries.<br /><br />Asking the question likely means that you know The Netherlands is still negotiating. Because we have a professional political class, a well functioning bureaucracy and parties that are on talking terms it is no problem to have a demissionary government. The deep state keeps working. I am sure most people and companies appreciate a period without major changes. This negotiation period is the most important period in Dutch politics. The rest is mostly just execution.<br /><br />It is quite difficult this time. Many parties that for some reason or other do not want want to govern or are too extreme to work with others. And with refugees still being an important topic we have an ethical problem where it is harder to compromise than when it is just money or power. They will find a way. Empathetic traders and good negotiators by nature.<br /><br />A new election does not make sense yet, <a href="http://www.ipsos-nederland.nl/ipsos-politieke-barometer/barometer-van-deze-week" rel="nofollow">only small changes visible in the polls.</a>Victor Venemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-18949749802404144562017-06-18T23:12:17.494+01:002017-06-18T23:12:17.494+01:00Victor
Of course we have experience with compromi...Victor<br /><br />Of course we have experience with compromises and coalitions. The Tories were in coalition with the lib dems from 2010 to 2015. There is also plenty of experience with minority or small majority governments<br /><br /><br />The dup are a ttadional values party such as you will find throughout Europe. Whilst originating with Ian paisley they are now much more moderate. They are the largest party in northern Ireland and it makes perfect constitutional sense for them to join with by far the largest party in England <br /><br />You have your numbers wrong as sinn fein do not take their seats at Westminster. the lib dems are also going to vote on a case by case basis. They have no leader and their very pro eu stance did them no favours and they have little appetite for another election. so the majority is by no means comfortable but greater than you think. <br /><br />80% of the MP's belong to parties that explicitly voted for Brexit and campaigned on this in their manifesto. <br /><br />One of the very positive aspects of the election was that the SNP have been neutralised and indyref2 is off the table.<br /><br />Anyway, how is it going with holland. Has a govt been formed yet?<br /><br />TonybTonybnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-41448358110324231452017-06-13T19:25:19.691+01:002017-06-13T19:25:19.691+01:00Interesting idea and petition. Most of what her Ma...<a href="https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/brexit-negotiations-should-be-conducted-by-a-multi-party-committee" rel="nofollow">Interesting idea and petition</a>. Most of what her Majesty's government will do will be Brexit, so the difference is not that large. I did not write it, but had expected that a grand coalition would collapse after the negotiations.Victor Venemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-22786534475622744162017-06-13T19:07:47.549+01:002017-06-13T19:07:47.549+01:00There is this petition currently https://you.38deg...There is this petition currently https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/brexit-negotiations-should-be-conducted-by-a-multi-party-committee<br />Which is, in part, what you suggest - a coalition of sorts, but specifically for the Brexit process.Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-63857139720533024182017-06-12T18:46:29.321+01:002017-06-12T18:46:29.321+01:00I have said such things about Merkel. But mostly i...I have said such things about Merkel. But mostly in jest because it would be so weird for Germany. Leading also means taking initiative. Germany is very jittery about doing so because of their history. The German pendant to American exceptionalism is the "Deutscher Sonderweg" and it is viewed very negatively. Although they slowly get some more self-confidence, Germans prefer to act as part of coalitions.<br /><br />Macron may be more willing to lead. Both Merkel and Macron can only lead via the EU. Germany and France by themselves are quit small on the world stage, just like the UK.<br /><br />It is interesting how the balance of power is shifting and the world order is getting more multi-polar. In a way it is nice the way Trump destroys nationalist parties all over the world, but I fear how future international crises will be handled. Trump is more likely to provoke it than to be the one to solve it. It will be interesting to see who the world will look to to solve the crisis. Still America, somehow circumventing Trump, or some more distributed solution, which by definition takes more time, especially the first time. We live in interesting times.Victor Venemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-19119432810048632982017-06-12T18:22:48.584+01:002017-06-12T18:22:48.584+01:00It's interesting to see these world powers ste...It's interesting to see these world powers stepping back towards isolationism. I've heard it said that Merkel, Macron, and Trudeau (in that order) are stepping in to fill the void and claim the title of leader of the free world. Layzejhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11346550512734519728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-12742373771198864442017-06-12T16:15:40.949+01:002017-06-12T16:15:40.949+01:00It seems to be difficult to cancel Article 50, but...It seems to be difficult to cancel Article 50, but if the political will is there I am sure they will find a way. The Lisbon treaty itself does not mention it, but there is also general international law that could be applicable and that seems to suggest it is possible. <br /><br />What would be hard would be to have eternal negotiations and ask all member states for a prolongation near the end. But to ask for a prolongation at this time or for a cancelling should be possible; I think the EU would welcome the UK staying and would try to find a way.<br /><br />A Brexit has become less likely with this election, but I think it is still quite likely to go through. The Brexit-elite who wants more power for themselves seems to be determined and the others too intimidated to speak up against the madness and too indoctrinated with propaganda that the EU is the enemy.Victor Venemahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02842816166712285801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-24624710547553889122017-06-12T14:48:32.574+01:002017-06-12T14:48:32.574+01:00It it possible for there to be no Brexit now that ...It it possible for there to be no Brexit now that Article 50 has been triggered?Layzejhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11346550512734519728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-75118713606318606302017-06-12T04:02:06.347+01:002017-06-12T04:02:06.347+01:00I predict no Brexit at all, ultimately.I predict no Brexit at all, ultimately.Steve Bloomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12943109973917998380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093436161326155359.post-69429322976866946522017-06-11T20:39:43.192+01:002017-06-11T20:39:43.192+01:00My thoughts pretty much exactly. Keir Starmer (Lab...My thoughts pretty much exactly. Keir Starmer (Labour) has about as much clue as anyone on EU stuff and is generally regarded as competent; he would be a good choice as interim leader.<br /><br />I doubt it will happen, obviously.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02729454651003425550noreply@blogger.com