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Consider the blossoming of posts as of late, one would assume that the action taken by myself would result in the production of some results.
I had thought the same.
Alas, a week into the campaign and there is little sign of the BPP Law School responding to the criticisms and the arguments which continue to limit the potential of students.
Truth be told, I have sent two e-mails to their business, one which was given to me through their 'Contact Us' page and the other was provided in a generic automated response which informed me that, if I do not receive a response in twenty-four 'working hours', I should contact them at this address.
Having received no response, I contacted them through this e-mail.
No word thus far.
In fact, it appears that the business is attempting to avoid the actual knowledge that people oppose this decision and there is little logic to it.
Regarding the campaign itself, there has been little progress as of late. Eleven signatures thus far over a period of one week. I have decided to move to a paper campaign and attempt to gain the community's support.
The local media is running it as one of their stories for the week, which is a promising sign.
There are other agencies which could be contacted in regards to this problem; the College of Law, the arch-rival to the BPP Law School. Kaplan Law School have also decided to increase their fees.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be contacting these agencies in order to understand, and perhaps dissuade, their decision to act in this manner.
It was reported that there are few law firms that are concerned about the increase in fees, however, one must accept that, in the economic climate, there could be a decline in the offering of scholarships, grants and support for the Legal Practice Course.
What we must remember is that most law firms are of a moderate size and cannot afford to invest in such courses, especially when fees have increased. The likelihood of businesses continuing this course of action, considering the general incline of fees, is quite low.
Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
The First Response; The Fight for Legal Diversity
This is the first response which I have had from those whom I have contacted, which include two training directors at law firms in the county, a local radio station, the local MP and numerous other people.
What a surprise...it's generic.
Thank you for emailing BPP College of Professional Studies Admissions Department.
You will receive a reply to your email within 24 working hours, in the mean time you can contact our Admissions Department on 0845 077 5566 or find out more about BPP's programmes at www.bppuc.com
In the interest of improving our service to you, if you do not receive a response to your email within this time, please forward your original email to noreply@bpp.com, and this will be addressed immediately.
Many thanks
Admissions
BPP College of Professional Studies
68 - 70 Red Lion Street
London
WC1R 4NY
Tel: 0845 077 5566
Fax: 0207 404 1389
Web: www.bppuc.comDisclaimer This e-mail contains proprietary information some or all of which may be legally privileged and/or is confidential. It is for the intended recipient only. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this e-mail, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, distribute, copy or print this e-mail.
Asking the Right Questions; Fight for Legal Diversity
Today, I wrote an email to the BPP Law School asking questions about their decision to increase the fees for the LPC and BVE whilst also questioning their ethics in regards to students, scholarships and how they could change.
To whom it may concern,I am writing to enquire as to the recent publication by The Legal Week which reported that law schools across England and Wales, notably yourselves and others in the London district, decided to increase fees on average of 9%, following the line of trans-Atlantic law schools in their decision to do the same.Below, I have included an extract from The Legal Week which highlights what I see as an error in judgment in making this decision.“Three of London’s law schools have considerably increased their Legal Practice Course (LPC), despite the widespread cost-cutting measures currently being implemented across the profession. BPP Law School has hiked annual fees for its London LPC students by more than 9% to £12,500, a move that means it remains the country’s most expensive law school. The college’s branches in Leeds and Manchester will see a more modest increase of 4.7%, from from £9,550 up to £9,995. Meanwhile, arch-rival The College of Law is set to introduce a fee increase of 8.8% as of September, meaning the LPC will set back a trainee lawyer £11,250, up from £10,340….”This decision seems to mean illogical considering the fact that it was reported that the last quarter produced profits beyond expectations and there has been a general decline in the economic boom, therefore suggesting that the law schools should decrease their fees in order to help students gain better access to the law profession.Instead, it appears as though your company is attempting to create a system which rewards wealth and power above intelligence and hard work. The few scholarships that you do provide are often available to only one student. I appreciate that you are a business but that does not give you the right to manipulate the system to your own end.You seem to forget that it is the students who continue to fund your business and provide you with the profits and this decision has outraged many people, particularly myself.The Cohen Scholarship Programme which is one of the few that was offered to more than one person but it comes with two catches. Students have to study the Legal Practice Course and the Graduate Diploma in Law and they have to be working for it at either Leeds or Manchester. What about London students?It is, in essence, further limiting access to law.People who have studied law are left at a disadvantage by the few and far between scholarships that are offered.I would have thought these students should be the priorities.What I fail to understand is how this can be the case.Why are you increasing your fees?Have your costs increased?By the very nature of law itself, one would assume that demand has decreased for the law profession. I do, of course, know that last year alone, thirty thousand students applied for three hundred pupilages. Furthermore, eighty thousand students studied law despite the current demand being around the fifteen thousand mark.It suggests that demand is increasing.Where has the logic gone?If you could provide me with some answers, I would be most appreciative.Yours sincerely,Ian Caithness
Monday, 2 March 2009
Urging Action; Fight for Legal Diversity
This evening, I contacted the local radio station, LincsFM, to inform them of the current problem that I am having.
This is a fight which I will not stop.
This is not right!
This is a fight which I will not stop.
This is not right!
To whom it may concern,
I thought it might be appropriate to contact you in regards to atrocities that numerous businesses have been committing in regards to the legal profession.
Last week, The Legal Week (a legal profession magazine), reported that numerous law schools were increasing their fees, despite the slowing economy. It was reported that some of the law schools in London were increasing their fees by 9% to £12,500.
Considering the fact that Lincolnshire's local university, the University of Lincoln, soon plans to offer the Legal Practice Course (a course designed to train people to become solicitors), it is of great importance.
What does this mean for Lincolnshire's students and prospective students?
Furthermore, what does it mean for local law firms?
Students will be forced to fork out more than is necessary for a course which is being criticised for its varied teaching standard. One of the problems that this course is not state subsidised and thus people must find their own means to pay for a course that, on average, costs around £10,000.
Law firms have been offering grants and scholarships to help ease the financial burden. Wilkin Chapman offered a grant of £5,000 to students wishing to take the Legal Practice Course.
If fees increase, there will come a point when the firms will no longer see the value of the investment and stop helping students.
Students will be left to burden the cost.
I have written to Douglas Hogg MP, appealing to him that the Government should act on this particular course of action by the law schools.
Furthermore, I have created a petition which can be accessed at http://www.petition.co.uk/the_fight_for_legal_diversity
I would like to appeal to your good nature to publish this information to students, or allow a small portion of your time to allow someone to talk about the problems and what it means for Lincolnshire.
Yours faithfully,
Ian Caithness
Thought becomes Action; the Fight for Legal Diversity
This evening, I wrote a letter to the local MP, Douglas Hogg, regarding the recent decision to increase the cost of the Legal Practice Course and the Bar Vocational Exam. Below, I have copied the letter I wrote.
Dear Douglas Hogg,This is a serious matter.
I was quite distressed to learn of the numerous law schools and their
decision to increase the fees regarding the Legal Practice Course and
the Bar Vocational Exam.
The Legal Week reported that law schools in London were raising their
fees by 9% to £12,500. Others suggested that an increase of between
4.7% and 9% were being introduced.
What I fail to understand is how, considering the economic climate,
these businesses can continue to operate under such pretences.
One must assume that these businesses are attempting to return to a
Victorian view of law which assumed solicitors, barristers, magistrates
and judges were all high-class citizens who upheld the law and fought
on the side of justice.
It is presenting itself as a creation of an elitist judicial system
that rewards wealth and power, much rather than intelligence and hard
work.
How are students of lower class backgrounds expected to enter into a
profession which is working so hard to promote 'diversity' when each
hurdle they overcome shows another one in sight?
As a barrister yourself, I would hope that you would be concerned about
this. How is the Government going to respond to this injustice?
Is it out of your hands?
I have created a petition which I hope will gain support over the
coming weeks and I would like to add your name to the list of
supporters.
If you wish to visit the petition, I would be eternally grateful.
http://www.petition.co.uk/the_fight_for_legal_diversity
Yours sincerely,
Ian Caithness
We must act now.
We cannot allow ourselves to be dictated according to the whims of these businesses. If we stand as a collective audience against these prices, we can make a difference.
The Fight for Legal Diversity
It was recently published by several law magazines that the schools of law have decided to increase the cost of the Legal Practice Course (LPC; designed for solicitors) and the Bar Vocational Exam (BVE; designed for barristers).
One such magazine, The Legal Week, reported the following:
“Three of London’s law schools have considerably increased their Legal Practice Course (LPC), despite the widespread cost-cutting measures currently being implemented across the profession. BPP Law School has hiked annual fees for its London LPC students by more than 9% to £12,500, a move that means it remains the country’s most expensive law school. The college’s branches in Leeds and Manchester will see a more modest increase of 4.7%, from from £9,550 up to £9,995. Meanwhile, arch-rival The College of Law is set to introduce a fee increase of 8.8% as of September, meaning the LPC will set back a trainee lawyer £11,250, up from £10,340….”
This is a substantial increase and shows the lack of common sense in those whom have considered this course of action appropriate. As reported, the law schools have seen an increase in profits during the last quarter and the decrease in inflation suggests that prices should be decreased, not increased.
What this represents is a symbol of the legal profession once more wishing to return to an elite number of professionals whom have supported themselves throughout their education. It is singling out those who have potential but are discouraged because of their background.
Law firms are offering grants and sponsorships but if the price of the courses continues to rise, how long will it be until the law firms state that enough is enough?
It could happen.
Sign this petition to prevent this from happening.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Video Accounts of Reflection
Below, I have posted two videos which are part of a series I am creating, looking at the economic climate and current cases which are being followed in the media. I will attempt to create some humour and provide people with a chance to see the satirical side of politics.
Consideration of the Future [Article]
There is much to be said for the current economic climate and the present state of the nation. People continue to act in disdain, opposing the Labour Government's approach to the 'crisis' and there is little sign of salvation. Few people are willing to state the Conservatives would do much better.
I believe that there is a rising sense of anger amongst the general public in regards to politics at the moment. Few can distinguish between the policies of each group and we are reminded of the consistent battles that have now become known as 'party politics'.
Members of Parliament are no longer concerned with the affairs and interest of the general public. Jack Straw refused to publicize documents under the Freedom of Information Act. Gordon Brown and David Cameron continue to battle to their wit's end.
It is a frustrating time, especially for those people who have been cast into difficult circumstances as a result. Once more, we see that the Government has not acted upon the demands of the public, rather their actions suggest a theatrical 'gesture approach' which is nothing more than a scandal, a web of lies.
Tony Blair was, essentially, the master of 'gesture politics'. He threw incentive after incentive into the public forum and soon became overwhelmed by the policies which he created, including the controversial Terrorism Act and the dubious 'twenty-eight day detention'.
What can be said for a government that is presenting itself as mere puppets on a stage?
Nothing.
Their actions cannot be defended.
Gordon Brown's promise to help people with mortgage repayments was nothing more than a gesture, a peace offering that helped the few. Much rather than defer the payments for a few months, the interest would be deferred. How is that going to help people?
They still have to pay the mortgage!
Listen closely, Mr. Brown!
He claimed that jobs would be created. On a news programme relating to the jobs market in the current economic climate, the jobs he created were based on seven hours per week at minimum wage. People could still claim benefits and so create a state dependent upon the welfare state.
Buck up your ideas!
The public is not impressed.
This is not the future I, or anyone else, I would hope, wishes to see. I want to see a future that is promising, a future that promises help to families, a future that offers a strong market and a good economy. So far, I've seen nothing more than a state falling into disrepair.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
On Liberties and Freedom [Article]
What has become of our nation?
Civil liberties have become nothing more than simple luxuries that can be stolen at the whim of those at the wheel. What was once a crucial feature of a political manifesto has become a mere inconvenience. Taxation, crime and global influence has become the focus of all.
It seems that, for much of the nation, there is little to be said of civil liberties. These were ideas that were considered in the past tense. It is argued that we must 'sacrifice our liberties in order to protect the majority', as was once seen in the publication of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Government is violating our liberties and manipulating the English judicial system to make it fit values which are hidden behind closed doors. A prime example of this is seen in the House of Lords, unelected representatives of a deceptive government. Lords are nothing more than items to be sold at auction at the expense of the British public.
Members of Parliament, and indeed the Governing body of the United Kingdom, continues to steal our freedom from beneath our feet. It no longer acts in the interests of the British public. It acts in the interests of the European Union, an organisation that is set to dissolve national identities.
We are heading in the direction of a 'One World Government'.
It seems that the British Government is creating a manifestation of George Orwell's 'Big Brother world' seen in 1984. One man, Ian Parker-Joseph, leader of the Libertarian Party United Kingdom (who can also be found on Twitter), has seen this become a reality and took action against it. Read all about it here: Libertarian Party UK 1984 Campaign
Some might argue that these are the words of a conspirator, that he is much the same as all other politicians, manipulating the truth for personal gain. Although it is possible, I prefer to liken him to a modern George Orwell.
His ideas and words are attempts at the subversion of the accepted political structure of the nation and observes problems through comic wit and satire, an example is seen here. He discusses a recent advertisement campaign and satirises much of the article.
He is a voice of change in his own right.
Ian Parker-Joseph has coined the term 'regionalisation', an idea that relates to the members of the European Union as being 'regions without identities' and he sees that much of the United Kingdom has become 'regionalised', particularly in Wales (See here).
One can imagine that there can be few surprises as to the intentions of the European Union but it is more frightening to consider that this is a global campaign. There are intentions to create an 'Asian-Australian Union', an African Union exists at the moment. There is no stopping the global campaign for a united world government, global economy and global surveillance society.
Recent examples of the influence of the British government and their intentions can be seen in the continued fight against 'internet pirates', essentially undermining privacy law through legal loopholes and strategic prosecutions. The Freedom of Information Act continues to be undermined. The prime example is that of the postponement of the Northern Ireland local elections, explained here.
It is frightening to imagine the implications of the current intentions by the government. What we must remember is that the government is elected by the people, for the people.
They represent our views.
'We should not be afraid of our governments. Governments should be afraid of their people'.
References:
Liberal Democrats call for elective House of Lords
Lords Fiasco: Lords reported for alleged 'cash for amendments' scandal
The Idiot's Guide to the New World Order
Twitter
Abolition of Freedom Act 2009
Civil liberties have become nothing more than simple luxuries that can be stolen at the whim of those at the wheel. What was once a crucial feature of a political manifesto has become a mere inconvenience. Taxation, crime and global influence has become the focus of all.
It seems that, for much of the nation, there is little to be said of civil liberties. These were ideas that were considered in the past tense. It is argued that we must 'sacrifice our liberties in order to protect the majority', as was once seen in the publication of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Government is violating our liberties and manipulating the English judicial system to make it fit values which are hidden behind closed doors. A prime example of this is seen in the House of Lords, unelected representatives of a deceptive government. Lords are nothing more than items to be sold at auction at the expense of the British public.
Members of Parliament, and indeed the Governing body of the United Kingdom, continues to steal our freedom from beneath our feet. It no longer acts in the interests of the British public. It acts in the interests of the European Union, an organisation that is set to dissolve national identities.
We are heading in the direction of a 'One World Government'.
It seems that the British Government is creating a manifestation of George Orwell's 'Big Brother world' seen in 1984. One man, Ian Parker-Joseph, leader of the Libertarian Party United Kingdom (who can also be found on Twitter), has seen this become a reality and took action against it. Read all about it here: Libertarian Party UK 1984 Campaign
Some might argue that these are the words of a conspirator, that he is much the same as all other politicians, manipulating the truth for personal gain. Although it is possible, I prefer to liken him to a modern George Orwell.
His ideas and words are attempts at the subversion of the accepted political structure of the nation and observes problems through comic wit and satire, an example is seen here. He discusses a recent advertisement campaign and satirises much of the article.
He is a voice of change in his own right.
Ian Parker-Joseph has coined the term 'regionalisation', an idea that relates to the members of the European Union as being 'regions without identities' and he sees that much of the United Kingdom has become 'regionalised', particularly in Wales (See here).
One can imagine that there can be few surprises as to the intentions of the European Union but it is more frightening to consider that this is a global campaign. There are intentions to create an 'Asian-Australian Union', an African Union exists at the moment. There is no stopping the global campaign for a united world government, global economy and global surveillance society.
Recent examples of the influence of the British government and their intentions can be seen in the continued fight against 'internet pirates', essentially undermining privacy law through legal loopholes and strategic prosecutions. The Freedom of Information Act continues to be undermined. The prime example is that of the postponement of the Northern Ireland local elections, explained here.
It is frightening to imagine the implications of the current intentions by the government. What we must remember is that the government is elected by the people, for the people.
They represent our views.
'We should not be afraid of our governments. Governments should be afraid of their people'.
References:
Liberal Democrats call for elective House of Lords
Lords Fiasco: Lords reported for alleged 'cash for amendments' scandal
The Idiot's Guide to the New World Order
Abolition of Freedom Act 2009
Economics of the Crisis [Debate]
It is difficult to comprehend the true nature of the economic downturn, as it has been so phrased by my many of the large media corporations. There are those who state that it is nothing more than a 'bump in the road', so to speak. Others have argued that it is a representation of the consequence of corporate greed and an international ambition to develop a constantly developing economy.
For the most part, I agree with both statements, although for different reasons. I have often noted that, when suffering troubled times, communities fall together as though to stand united in the fight against that which is opposed to them. In both world wars, communities stood together to fight against the tyranny of another nation. Indeed, I would hope that, in times of economic difficulty, communities will come together to support one another as a good neighbour should.
Alas, onto the matters of economic failure. For all that it is worth, I am not one to state that I have a wealth of information in regards to the economic climate but the sheer visual nature of the downturn represents a problem within this nation, and indeed in many other nations.
I have seen crowds standing in JobCentre Plus, constantly seeking labour in a time when the government is claiming to create tens of thousands of jobs for those who have been made redundant. Prices continue to fluctuate in most supermarkets and it has become a battle of the brands to become 'top dog' in a market where people are constantly seeking the lowest price.
It's a sad sight, knowing that there are those who could have prevented this consequence. The Times, a respected newspaper, published a list of those responsible for the economic downturn and I must admit that I agree with most, if not all.
It's of little surprise that Gordon Brown was listed, following the economic ideals of a man who, in later years, agreed that the end result of his economic approach would be a 'boom and bust' economy. In a world where phrases are being thrown around with such great ease and the finger is being pointed, it seems that things will only get worse.
Predictably, government initiatives have done little to resolve the problem, especially some of the more controversial policies which were introduced. The 2.5% VAT reduction, for example, has done little to motivate spending and most people would agree that it is not worthwhile. What use is a reduction that, when spending £400, the consumer saves £10.
Having said that, we cannot expect the government to wave a wand and the world will be right once more. Sadly, neither the government nor Gordon Brown has the power to do that. It is within our power to change the state of our nation from one that seems to be growing to represent 1984 (George Orwell) to a nation that represents communities, freedom and liberty.
I cannot imagine that the economic climate will return to normality in the next year. In the legal profession, where 2,200 redundancies have been made so far, claims of a return to normality have been predicted for 2011/2012. We must wait for the time when we can stand again and be proud of our nation.
The question is; how long will we have to wait?
For the most part, I agree with both statements, although for different reasons. I have often noted that, when suffering troubled times, communities fall together as though to stand united in the fight against that which is opposed to them. In both world wars, communities stood together to fight against the tyranny of another nation. Indeed, I would hope that, in times of economic difficulty, communities will come together to support one another as a good neighbour should.
Alas, onto the matters of economic failure. For all that it is worth, I am not one to state that I have a wealth of information in regards to the economic climate but the sheer visual nature of the downturn represents a problem within this nation, and indeed in many other nations.
I have seen crowds standing in JobCentre Plus, constantly seeking labour in a time when the government is claiming to create tens of thousands of jobs for those who have been made redundant. Prices continue to fluctuate in most supermarkets and it has become a battle of the brands to become 'top dog' in a market where people are constantly seeking the lowest price.
It's a sad sight, knowing that there are those who could have prevented this consequence. The Times, a respected newspaper, published a list of those responsible for the economic downturn and I must admit that I agree with most, if not all.
It's of little surprise that Gordon Brown was listed, following the economic ideals of a man who, in later years, agreed that the end result of his economic approach would be a 'boom and bust' economy. In a world where phrases are being thrown around with such great ease and the finger is being pointed, it seems that things will only get worse.
Predictably, government initiatives have done little to resolve the problem, especially some of the more controversial policies which were introduced. The 2.5% VAT reduction, for example, has done little to motivate spending and most people would agree that it is not worthwhile. What use is a reduction that, when spending £400, the consumer saves £10.
Having said that, we cannot expect the government to wave a wand and the world will be right once more. Sadly, neither the government nor Gordon Brown has the power to do that. It is within our power to change the state of our nation from one that seems to be growing to represent 1984 (George Orwell) to a nation that represents communities, freedom and liberty.
I cannot imagine that the economic climate will return to normality in the next year. In the legal profession, where 2,200 redundancies have been made so far, claims of a return to normality have been predicted for 2011/2012. We must wait for the time when we can stand again and be proud of our nation.
The question is; how long will we have to wait?
Economies of Political Struggle [Article]
As the consortium of world powers meet once more in the hopes that their influence upon world banking will deter the crises of economic disaster, we must once more consider several questions, all of which are of crucial importance. First, we must consider who is to blame for this sudden shift in economics when, mere months ago, we were at an economic high. In the United Kingdom, it is stated that the regulations and rules of the 'economic genius' Gordon Brown are held to blame, considering the fact that it was during his period of rule that we were granted economic stardom, however, his shift from one position to the other has meant that guidelines which were once considered the framework of economic growth are now considered the foundation of our downfall. Others look towards the banks with high-risk investments and the attainment of power being to blame. According to some, the banks invested in some of the riskier loan agreements and mortgages which therefore influences the downfall of the world's economy. In truth, both responses are correct, however, we failed to point the finger at one other person to blame - ourselves.
One of the problems that we have is that we continue to desire short-term prospects and discard the long-term disadvantages. In fact, it is this statement which was our downfall. As the economic crises fell upon us, we deemed it appropriate to blame Gordon Brown when, in fact, we are to blame. We desired low-rate bank loans which resulted in inflation. As the cost of food rose, we found it appropriate to blame the banks because their refusal to raise interest rates meant that investments were not reaping the rewards. As the commercial cost of oil rose to its highest recorded figure, we could not help but blame the world. In fact, all these problems are rooted in our demands. We demanded low taxes and as a result, the concept of universal benefits was reconsidered. Investment in failing state responsibilities such as education and hospitals meant that the budget could not allow for interest increases. The cost of living rose because we have become a commercial society.
That being said, it is not the only question to ask. We must also ask what it means for us. The nationalisation of three banks in England has a huge impact in terms of our finances and the economic status of this country. It is quite frightening to learn that Lloyds TSB are purchasing HBOS - bank takeovers are not a promising sign for the economy. What we must understand is that we are all shareholders in the nationalised banks. Gordon Brown declared that he desired that banks to return to their '2007 state', which is the root of the problem. He desires to implement low-rate mortgages in order to protect the public and also increase the turnover of their investment in housing. As the property market crashed in the early months of 2008, Gordon Brown desires to see first-time buyers and investors making their voices heard in the property market.
In terms of the long term impact, there is little that can be said, except that our budget is now focused upon the ownership and control of the English banking system. We have invested approximately £20 billion into the economy, at the cost of other important industries. The Royal Mail, for example, continues to fail to meet its targets and is a nationalised corporation, although there has been talk of privatisation. The NHS, the English health-care system, is in billions of pounds of debt and yet the government has failed to invest the same amount of money which it has invested in the economy. Of course, the investment in the economy may delay the shift from recession to depression but there is clear evidence that this investment will cost us in the future. There will be the prospect of an increase in taxation, disproportionate budgeting and the concept of a 'one world bank' once more being raised and considered.
Having said that, the investment does have its advantages. Gordon Brown is now said to be improving in his character, due to being in his 'element' during the economic crises, which helps to promote national morale. Gordon Brown has also declared that the decrease in the cost of oil should be reflected in the commercial price. The investment is set to decrease the cost of living, however, the prospect of unsecured loans remains uncertain and the approach to banking and housing will never be same. Repossession and increased rates does seem a possibility but only time will tell.
One of the problems that we have is that we continue to desire short-term prospects and discard the long-term disadvantages. In fact, it is this statement which was our downfall. As the economic crises fell upon us, we deemed it appropriate to blame Gordon Brown when, in fact, we are to blame. We desired low-rate bank loans which resulted in inflation. As the cost of food rose, we found it appropriate to blame the banks because their refusal to raise interest rates meant that investments were not reaping the rewards. As the commercial cost of oil rose to its highest recorded figure, we could not help but blame the world. In fact, all these problems are rooted in our demands. We demanded low taxes and as a result, the concept of universal benefits was reconsidered. Investment in failing state responsibilities such as education and hospitals meant that the budget could not allow for interest increases. The cost of living rose because we have become a commercial society.
That being said, it is not the only question to ask. We must also ask what it means for us. The nationalisation of three banks in England has a huge impact in terms of our finances and the economic status of this country. It is quite frightening to learn that Lloyds TSB are purchasing HBOS - bank takeovers are not a promising sign for the economy. What we must understand is that we are all shareholders in the nationalised banks. Gordon Brown declared that he desired that banks to return to their '2007 state', which is the root of the problem. He desires to implement low-rate mortgages in order to protect the public and also increase the turnover of their investment in housing. As the property market crashed in the early months of 2008, Gordon Brown desires to see first-time buyers and investors making their voices heard in the property market.
In terms of the long term impact, there is little that can be said, except that our budget is now focused upon the ownership and control of the English banking system. We have invested approximately £20 billion into the economy, at the cost of other important industries. The Royal Mail, for example, continues to fail to meet its targets and is a nationalised corporation, although there has been talk of privatisation. The NHS, the English health-care system, is in billions of pounds of debt and yet the government has failed to invest the same amount of money which it has invested in the economy. Of course, the investment in the economy may delay the shift from recession to depression but there is clear evidence that this investment will cost us in the future. There will be the prospect of an increase in taxation, disproportionate budgeting and the concept of a 'one world bank' once more being raised and considered.
Having said that, the investment does have its advantages. Gordon Brown is now said to be improving in his character, due to being in his 'element' during the economic crises, which helps to promote national morale. Gordon Brown has also declared that the decrease in the cost of oil should be reflected in the commercial price. The investment is set to decrease the cost of living, however, the prospect of unsecured loans remains uncertain and the approach to banking and housing will never be same. Repossession and increased rates does seem a possibility but only time will tell.
Personal Challenges in Politics
As the elections once more captivate the masses in a delightful turn of events, I should wonder what it is that brought millions of people to decide that we are better left under the control of the Conservatives. After all, do people not know what the Conservatives represent? I should believe that most believe dire reform is required within Parliament. Who wouldn't? We have gone to war with a country that, whilst tormented by disease and poverty, shows little sign of being the bountiful settlement that both Britain and America hoped it would. After all, the intelligent amongst us would know that the Iraq War was not an attempt to restore peace to the Middle East. Far from it, in fact. The Iraq War was, how shall I put this, a political movement. This was all about economics.
Consider the fact that the Middle East prospers. How? The Middle East is ravaged by war. Politics is cast aside, replaced by a theological government that opposes (male) homosexuality and the possibility of a second religion entering the state. How can the Middle East prosper under such considerations? How - because it works. The Middle East is, in essence, a theocracy. People respect religion - people worship religion and, because religion rules, there is no need for taxation and foreign affairs that Western civilisation seems so obsessed with. This isn't the main reason that the Middle East prospers. Of course not, that's ridiculous.
There is one reason - oil. The Middle East accounts for a high percentage of oil. The economics of the Middle East are based, on the majority, of oil sales to Western civilisations because our scientists have failed to discover some alternative source of fuel that will save us all from eternal damnation when, heaven forbid, climate change kicks in. The Middle East sells oil relatively cheap. In fact, if you research the price of oil in different countries, you'd see the surprising difference between Western and Eastern countries.
Rising prices within the US - $100 p/barrel
Rising prices within Asia - $130 p/barrel
This is all due to politics. Consider the images which have been added. Prices shot up at the beginning of the Iraq war because it has a surplus of oil. As the world progresses from crisis to crisis, the oil price skyrockets. Investors continue to argue that oil prices in the US may reach $200 p/barrel within the next few years. If I were you, I'd be afraid. We all depend on oil. We need to consider a back-up plan. In fact, we need a plan! That's where politics comes into it all, that lovely word 'politics'.
British citizens voted in the local elections that Conservatives should have power within Parliament. For the first time in ten or so years, Conservatives have beaten Labour. I wonder, do people honestly believe that a new party will help solve all our problems? I certainly hope not. I'd be afraid if that were so. We need to pull our finger out of our ears and do something drastic. Why not pull out of Iraq? I think it's caused us enough grief as it is. Let them solve their own problems. Why not stop waiting months to decide something and do it in a day? MPs (Members of Parliament) have so much time on their hands, it's frightening. Normal people work so hard and they don't get half the publicity these imposters do.
I say we make a stand and let Parliament know what we want!
Consider the fact that the Middle East prospers. How? The Middle East is ravaged by war. Politics is cast aside, replaced by a theological government that opposes (male) homosexuality and the possibility of a second religion entering the state. How can the Middle East prosper under such considerations? How - because it works. The Middle East is, in essence, a theocracy. People respect religion - people worship religion and, because religion rules, there is no need for taxation and foreign affairs that Western civilisation seems so obsessed with. This isn't the main reason that the Middle East prospers. Of course not, that's ridiculous.
There is one reason - oil. The Middle East accounts for a high percentage of oil. The economics of the Middle East are based, on the majority, of oil sales to Western civilisations because our scientists have failed to discover some alternative source of fuel that will save us all from eternal damnation when, heaven forbid, climate change kicks in. The Middle East sells oil relatively cheap. In fact, if you research the price of oil in different countries, you'd see the surprising difference between Western and Eastern countries.
Rising prices within the US - $100 p/barrel
Rising prices within Asia - $130 p/barrel
This is all due to politics. Consider the images which have been added. Prices shot up at the beginning of the Iraq war because it has a surplus of oil. As the world progresses from crisis to crisis, the oil price skyrockets. Investors continue to argue that oil prices in the US may reach $200 p/barrel within the next few years. If I were you, I'd be afraid. We all depend on oil. We need to consider a back-up plan. In fact, we need a plan! That's where politics comes into it all, that lovely word 'politics'.
British citizens voted in the local elections that Conservatives should have power within Parliament. For the first time in ten or so years, Conservatives have beaten Labour. I wonder, do people honestly believe that a new party will help solve all our problems? I certainly hope not. I'd be afraid if that were so. We need to pull our finger out of our ears and do something drastic. Why not pull out of Iraq? I think it's caused us enough grief as it is. Let them solve their own problems. Why not stop waiting months to decide something and do it in a day? MPs (Members of Parliament) have so much time on their hands, it's frightening. Normal people work so hard and they don't get half the publicity these imposters do.
I say we make a stand and let Parliament know what we want!
Capitalism and the Changing World [Article]
There are often questions of the world. What is it that drives us to the finite objects this world has made, soon to be murdered under the capitalist control of a few men. What is it that drives men to seek infinite power as Hitler did, what is it that makes people seek wealth and fortune when there is nothing to be found but bitterness, greed and sadness where wealth is found. I wonder what it is that makes people ignorant to the virtues of life; when we look outside of our windows, we saw the same old picture, over and over again but have we ever looked? Look again, what if there is a man screaming at his wife and you've never noticed it before? What if there is a woman who smiles at you, yet you've never actually looked at her before? What if there is a world to be discovered but we are too ignorant to look beyond our pitiful lives. It frightens me that ignorance has become as dominant as corruption has. Soon, the world will change and we will be cast into the realities of the world.
Has our own ignorance brought the fall of modern man upon us? For too long, we have heard the world is crumbling beneath pollution, heat radiating from factories and toxic waste spewed into rivers, oceans and lakes that were once beautiful places to sit beside. In our lifetime, we have heard that the oil will run out and our children will suffer an economic crisis as the price of fuel skyrockets, once more seeing a rise in capitalist values where we are exploited in the workplace, only to buy the products which we have been exploited to make. What of our children, our education system, health care even that has become nothing but a mockery of government policies. Our future is destined to be filled with fear of war, death, disease and droughts but is it enough to make us change? It seems it is not.
What are we to do to remove the wool from our eyes? How can we make the people see that this world is run by a few men whom think they have achieved a global balance, blind to the genocide, the corruption seen in the Third World countries. It is their ignorance that must make us see. These men are but a few men, we are a population of six billion. I should wonder how it is that we have not achieved global people when the world grows smaller every day. It is the nature of man that troubles us, greed and sin boiling within us like cruel temptations that we will soon succumb to. How are we to change the world? Can we even change the world?
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