people and politics week 2

Hi,

Just had the second lecture and seminar-which i made on time!!!! : D Although we had an initial problem with the room, and a misunderstanding about readings etc. everything looks as though it will now go smoothly for the module. This week we’ve been asked to do an array of things with our blogs: discuss the relationship between Kanye West, Frederick Nitsche, Thomas Hobbes, Mad Max and the Rule of Law; write up a story of a press release from the Downing Street website; and last but not least give a general opinion or thought on whatever really.

Firstly, the link between Kanye West and Nitsche is that in Kanye West’s latest single entitled “Stronger”, Kanye quotes Nitsche “now-th-that don’t kill me
Can only make me stronger…”. This opinion voiced by Nitsche connects to Hobbes’ opposing view that you shouldn’t be controlled by a government and should have the right to freedom in all areas for yourself, whilst the Mad Max persona presents to us what would happen if Hobbes’ dream was a reality, which then relates to the Rule of Law – no one’s above the law.

Personally i agree partially with everyone, i do think it almost always will come down to everyman for himself, but at the same time that’s why we need laws and rules etc. they give us a guidance and direction to follow, which many people may feel they need. On the other hand, we’ve all grown up in a world where there simply were rules and regulations, so maybe if they weren’t there to begin with people wouldn’t rely on them so critically.

Now for the news story!!!!

 Higher Fuel Charges

AN EXTRA 2p in fuel duty is to be paid by drivers as set out in a new budget drafted by the government. The Prime Minister’s Secretary-Jeremy Heywood says that “we mst take into account the whole budgetas a package, and not just single out elements.” The 2p increase in fuel duty is said to cover the cost of the 2p cut in income tax and therefore will benefit more people in the long run. There will be a reduced excise duty for “enviromentally friendly” cars aswell as hauliers

Heywood denied the accusation that the reduction of the income tax had been wiped out by another rise and said that “there is a £3 billion transfer from indirect taxes to pay for an overall reduction in direst taxes” so, overall the budget comes out as neutral.

In order to make this a balanced story, i would speak to the head of trade unions such as the TSSA (Transport Salaried Staff’s Association) and FBU (Fire Brigades Union)-amongst other emergency services, to see how the increase in fuel costs was affecting their work and efficiency etc. I would expect to find that there was a general discomfort about the price rise, despite the likelyhood of expences being paid as it would cause an inconvenience.

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