The public the right to decide? Crazy talk.

TALK of democracy sends Spanish politicians into tail-spin.

Spanish parliamentarians have ‘lamented’ the Greek government’s decision to put the second bail-out to the people’s vote. Shock! Horror! This is democracy in action.

Good for the Greek government. Could it be that this may cause the Spanish electorate to ask, why we can’t have plebiscite too.

Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, candidate of Spain’s ruling Socialist Party’s says, ‘it’s a bad decision.’ Could it be because banks can buy politicians much cheaper than they can buy the electorate?

Nearly two-thirds of the Greek people are against austerity measures that reward lending banks. Other EU leaders responded with alarm. French President Sarkozy is ‘dismayed’, and a German minister says, ‘it’ a strange way to act.’  We did elect dictators then.

Unworthy of rational debate

THE Fourth Edition of an International Symposium on conspiracy theories is to be held in Valencia.

There will be much focus on 9/11 and Soviet mind control. The event will be opened by a screen showing of John Frankenheimer’s 1962 movie on mind control, The Manchurian Candidate.’  The film became a cult conspiracy movie when, despite its success, it mysteriously disappeared a year after release.

What I find reeking of conspiracy is that anything that justifies serious investigation is automatically labelled a ‘conspiracy theory; unworthy of rational debate it is dismissed; the culprits are off the hook.

A suspect marketing strategy

MANY years ago I was chatting with the manager of my local bank. I suggested to him that if High Street businesses ran their businesses on the same principle as did banks they would be bust within a week. He agreed.

I was reminded of that conversation when a friend recently went to open an account at a household name bank. They wanted €2,500; otherwise the fee for minding her money was to be €20 a month. Nice work if you can get it. I will mind anyone’s money for a cut price €15 a month.

Banks spend millions advertising their business then, when you approach their desks, they tell you in as many words, to go away.  With a marketing strategy like that is it any wonder they are in trouble?