PARK AND RIDE

I used the Park and Ride into Bedford the other day, from near Kempston. It really is an excellent scheme, when there's no alternative to public transport for your whole journey.

However, our bus soon got stuck in a traffic queue. And it would be helpful if the service continued a bit later in the evening.

HYDRA-HEADED WILFULNESS *

My Greek mythology is rusty to say the least, but I recollect the Hydra was a dreadful, scary monster. When its head was cut off, in an attempt to kill the beast, two more heads immediately grew back, to replace the head that had been decapitated. And so on. Or was that the Gorgon?

Anyway, the financial institutions remind me of the Hydra.

I've caught several snippets on the radio in the last few days. First, apparently there is now a market trading technique called 'nano-dealing' or something. It involves buying stocks or commodities and then selling them in a split second, presumably by computer, making a large profit. Then there's a report that the financial whiz-kids have started slicing, dicing, repackaging and selling-on carbon trading deals, just like the sub-prime mortgages, so nobody can ever trace where they originated or what they actually contain. Another example involving the banks escapes me.

You might have thought these guys would have been chastened by the global financial crisis. Not a bit of it. I wonder how Hercules (or whoever) eventually subdued the Hydra?

* (Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 1)

IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

My words here yesterday were even more prescient than I feared. This morning's dreadful news confirms that even as I wrote, another five UK soldiers had already been killed yesterday, and two Afghans.

The Afghan policy of the Green Party, which I strongly support, is clear.

We want an immediate withdrawal of all UK forces from Afghanistan. The withdrawal of all NATO forces from Afghanistan. We want a regional peace conference to be held as soon as possible, with the aim of establishing a new Afghan government which will have the support of all the Afghan people. There must be continued support from the EU and UN and other international bodies to support the rebuilding of Afghanistan and the provision of international aid. There must be protection of all women and minorities in Afghanistan and the upholding of human rights as an essential part of any peace agreement reached with the regional powers, the UN and the people of Afghanistan. Further, the issue of Afghan refugees in neighbouring states and elsewhere, and their long term settlement and humanitarian support, must be a central feature of any peace agreement.

How many more lives must be lost before this unwinnable war ends?

WITHDRAW BRITISH TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN

The 'election' of Hamid Karzai for another five years as president of Afghanistan is a tragic farce. This is what we used to call a puppet government. Lives of courageous British troops, Afghan civilians and many others will continue to be lost in this misguided and pointless conflict. There is no evidence whatever that Karzai is capable of even beginning to write the 'new chapter' called for by President Obama. British troops should be withdrawn immediately, and a regional peace conference convened.

THE BANKS: BUSINESS AS USUAL

Like many people, I'm convinced the banks haven't really got the message. They are just itching to get back to 'business as usual' - huge profits and fat bonuses, as soon as they reckon we've forgotten the plot. Happy to take wild risks, knowing Jo Public would have to bail them out. 'Communism for the rich', as a wag has called it. During the banking crisis we came perilously close to meltdown.

Now the Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, confirms our suspicions. The bankers haven't got the message, neither has the government - a New Labour government. King said government support for the banks had been 'breathtaking' at close to £1 trillion.

Paraphrasing Churchill, the Governor continued: 'Never has so much money been owed by so few to so many. And, one might add, so far with little real reform.'

The bankers continue on their merry way, whistling all the way to the bank, occasionally turning round, grinning and putting two fingers up to Jo Public.

BEDFORD MAYOR ELECTION

Bedford can vote for change in the election for Mayor on Thursday 15 October.
Green Party candidate Eve Robinson-Morley offers voters a refreshing change from the tired old grey parties and an assorted ragbag of 'independents'.
Eve is also the only female candidate.
The Green Party stands for Fairness.
Fairness is worth fighting for .... and voting for

http://eve4bedford.org.uk/
http://eve4bedford.blog.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eve-4-Bedford/157238809399?ref=3Dnf

VESTAS: Rally & March and National Day of Action

This Saturday 8 August there is a rally and march in support of the Vestas occupation, at the factory on the Isle of Wight.

Wednesday 12 August is a national day of action, called by the Vestas workers, for businesses, unions and individuals to show their support.