Matt, our resident weekly blog collator, must surely have reached the dizzying heights of success, for he has left a message instructing me to write his blog summary for him. Knowing my place, and not being one to argue, I have duly obliged.
Over at Wales Home, the independent blog featuring guest contributors from all aspects of the Cardiff Bay clique, the FSB post discussing the inherent unfairness in business rates. This is something with which I wholeheartedly agree. Like council tax, business rates are based on the false assumption that ability to pay is connected to the value of property. As a rule, it is not, and the property market chaos of the last decade should prove this beyond doubt. WalesHome also features a review of David Melding AM’s book by Freedom Central’s own Ben Lloyd.
Valleys Mam discusses the barely-contested observation that the Labour Party has abandoned its core socialist principles and may need a ‘visionary, principled leader’ to ‘regain its vision’. Good luck with that one. Valleys Mam also discusses the Tories’ supposed plans to introduce a 20% VAT rate, asking if it is a vote winner and whether it will raise enough cash – but apparently missing the point that flat-rate taxes are regressive and damaging to those on low incomes. Have you abandoned your socialist principles too, Valleys Mam?
Betsan Powys continues with speculation on the pending Labour leadership contest. Carwyn Jones is making all the right noises as a leader in waiting during his speech at the National Esieddfod in Bala. The speech is on Carwyn’s blog. Betsan says, ‘if you were interested in politics and could make it, you’d probably be there.’ So, like you, I imagine that literally tens of Labour support staff were there. OK, I don’t know a great deal about politicking, but I suspect that a speech at the Eisteddfod won’t exactly make or break the contest (which hasn’t even started yet). Huw Lewis, you’re still in the game!
Guerrilla Welsh Fare continues his favourite pastime of having a go at Peter Black. Three of his six posts in the last week were on this topic. I suspect this has more to do with a conceited battle for supremacy of the blogosphere, rather than any genuine desire to hold Peter Black to account.
So, all in all, a fairly dull week. Everyone’s away on holiday – bloggers and politicians included. In some circles, the National Eisteddfod Maes is seen as a substitute for the floor of the Assembly, but not for me, so very little on that subject from me. Thank you.
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