The Guardian (Free subscription) | yesterday
Following the collapse of six bridges in Cumbria, how worried should we be about the strength of others spanning our rivers? When Workington's Northside bridge, the Victorian stone structure that used to span the River Derwent in Cumbria, had its routine check in July last year, no reason was found to suppose it wouldn't last another 100 years. Then came last week's extraordinary torrent through the...
StandDown Texas Project (Free subscription) | 12/11/2009
Let's start with editorials. Wyoming's Casper Star-Tribune has, "Simpson: 'All rivers can change course'." Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming eloquently described why a juvenile offender who hasn't killed anyone shouldn't be locked up with no chance of parole:...
U.S. News (Free subscription) | 11/11/2009
A bit of context for the Supreme Court hearings.
Macsmind - News, Conservative Comme (Free subscription) | 08/11/2009
Via the AP : "Democrats lined up a range of outside groups behind their legislation, none more important than the AARP, whose support promises political cover against the cuts to Medicare in next year's congressional elections." "Cover"? How can AARP provide "cover" for cuts it hitherto swore to protect? Easy, payoff. The AARP will receive millions from healthcare reform...
Lenin's Tomb (Free subscription) | 03/11/2009
You might recall that Nottingham University students were among those who occupied in support of Gaza in January. In response to a visit by the Israeli ambassador, they have issued the following press release: A planned visit to the University of Nottingham campus today by the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Ron Prosor, has caused widespread dismay and consternation within the university community, notably...
How Appealing (Free subscription) | 01/11/2009
"'Thug' senator Alan Simpson condemns teen convicts' life sentence": The Times of London contains this article today....
Times Online (Free subscription) | 01/11/2009
AT the end of a distinguished political career full of honour and achievement, Alan Simpson, the former senator from Wyoming, wants America to know that he was not always a pillar of the Republican establishment. A committee chairman, who nearly became a vice-presidential candidate, he was once a teenage thug.
Morton's Musings (Free subscription) | 30/10/2009
American justice sends people to jail far more easily than we do in Canada. Remember the storm over an adult sentence for first degree murder for a young person? Justices will scrutinize life sentences for youths Cases of two Florida juveniles raise questions about penalty for non-homicide crimes By Robert Barnes It did not take long for the judge to determine that the convicted rapist in front of...
StandDown Texas Project (Free subscription) | 25/10/2009
Oral arguments in Graham v. Florida and Smith v. Florida are scheduled for November 9. The issue of life sentences for juvenile offenders is getting attention in anticipation of the Supreme Court's examination. Former Republican U.S. Senator Alan Simpson wrote...
The Corner (Free subscription) | 23/10/2009
The former senator thinks that life sentences without parole shouldn't be given to minors who committed an offense less than homicide. He thinks such sentences are, indeed, unconstitutional, and he has written up his thoughts in an op-ed . At no point does he bother to explain exactly how these sentences run afoul of the Constitution. Is there a Prohibition on Bad Policies Clause in one of the amendments?...
The Lone Voice (Free subscription) | 23/10/2009
Hat tip to Lobbydog Like lemmings jumping off a cliff(if only they would do that as well...) the champagne socialist scum know the game is up. A whole raft load of New Labour rats are abandoning the SS New Labour: They are Patsy Hewitt, Leicester West, David Taylor, North West Leicestershire, Mark Todd, South Derbyshire, Alan Simpson, Nottingham South and Bob Laxton, Derby North, who announced he would...
Lobbydog (Free subscription) | 23/10/2009
Another East Midlands Labour MP is to announce they are standing down today – that makes six. They are Pat Hewitt, Leicester West, David Taylor, North West Leicestershire, Mark Todd, South Derbyshire, Alan Simpson, Nottingham South and Bob Laxton, Derby North, who announced he would quit earlier this week. Later this morning Paddy Tipping, who has been around since 1992, will announce he will...
The Huffington Post (Free subscription) | 22/10/2009
WASHINGTON — The Democrats' control of a hefty majority in the Senate – plus the House – would suggest that President Barack Obama is within reach of overhauling the nation's health care system this fall. But the numbers mask a more complicated reality: Obama and Democratic leaders have modest leverage over several pivotal Senate Democrats who are more concerned about their next election...
Unison MMU Branch (Free subscription) | 20/10/2009
Seeking equality for all workers is always a priority for trade unionists. We do not allow people to be discriminated against, and we are a major force in pushing safeguards into law. The University is legally bound to challenge discrimination and promote equality and at our level it is important to check that this is being done. This branch continues to work on the overall equalities issues that affect...
OberonHouston (Free subscription) | 18/10/2009
Leadership plot 488/HD5-A3 agains t Gordon Brown was underway last night as the Labour MP Barry Sheerman began preparing to stand for the position of chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party. This is a powerful position as the election of an MP hostile to Brown spells huge trouble for the Prime Minister. Labour MP Alan Simpson said: “ Gordon has found himself floating adrift from his colleagues....
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