lord of the blog

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Monday, May 02, 2005

House of Lords

Thanks for the congratulations and commiserations to those who would like to strangle me but haven't got within range!

My appointment was not a great surprise because the ex chairs of Parliamentary Parties normally do go to the Lords.

Those of you who are interested in my views on reform can track back to my comments on this blog in 2003/4. In summary I want a hybrid House, part elected and part appointed. The elected part should be on a regional basis and the appointed members should be selected either through the Independent Appointments Commission for non party members and the Party ones by the Parties themselves.

Although I did wonder if it wouldn't be better to fully retire (YES!YES! I hear you cry!)  I thought I could still make a useful contribution especially on the Arab-Jewish Forum and on House of Lords reform and perhaps on the continuing argument about UN reform as well as other issues.

Can I now become the first blogging Lord? And should I be Lord Soley of the Blog?  It is Tam Dalyell's ancestor who has the best title. It is Black Tam O'The Binns. Now that is a title to dream about!

Any suggestions on a Lord's blog?

Congratulations Clive, I had a feeling you'd have something up your sleeve to announce that would make us smile. I am not sure though what it all means in reality. Googled for some quick info but found too many links to read in one go. Yes you must be the first Lord of blogging. Maybe you'll qualify for an entry in the Guinness book of records as the first blogging Lord.

A comment here in your blog somewhere dubbing you Lord Clive of Fallujah was rather witty I thought :-)

Ingrid,

I'm sure you weren't aware of this, but the suggestion for Clive to call himself "Lord Clive of Fallujah" wasn't meant as a congratulatory note. It was a condemnation of his public support for the brutal US attacks on the city of Fallujah, which left thousands dead and an ancient city in ruins. Just one of the many acts of "liberation" that the Iraqi people can thank Clive and his friends for.

If you're interested in reading more about this and other happenings in Iraq, then here's a suggested link:

http://dahrjamailiraq.com/index.php

It's for a blog by Dahr Jamail, an independent journalist who actually travels outside Baghdad, and who's reports are not recycled US/UK military press releases, unlike those of the BBC, ITN, CNN, and most other European and American news agencies.

Clive, how would you like to take a trip to what's left of Fallujah so that you can present your ideas on "intervention" to those rebuilding their lives in that city? Or maybe Najaf, or Ramadi? If the lives of ordinary Iraqis have seen anywhere near the level of improvement you and your friends claim, you'll be a real hit over there. If you agree to visit and to speak publically to Iraqi people about your support for the war, including your support for the attack on Fallujah, I'll personally contribute 1,000 Pounds towards the cost of the trip.

What do you say?

S.

Someone, In answer to your question, I say you ought to start your own blog on the issues you feel passionate about. They are free at Blogger.com

I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you. But since Clive's a public official who's paid from my taxes, I'll settle for calling him to account right here.

S.

Huh. Loyal Blairite gets appointed to the Lords to rubber-stamp controversial legislation. What a shock.

We take our own time to do what we will.

You were the bully and the coward you should know what we do.

Thanks for all you've contributed to the Commons, Clive. I hope that you'll keep up your blog as you enter the Lords. I'm sure it will make interesting reading.

Congratulations on your elevation. I was checking the election results and found this site. Marty and I wish you well in your new position. If it can possibly result in your travel to our part of the world, let us know.

I will follow this site to see how you are getting along.

Tom

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