http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html en-gb 30 Tue 15 Dec 2009 18:06:57 GMT+1 A feed of user comments from the page found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=17#comment8 The idea that the primary motive force for Assembly members to back an increase in powers for the National Assembly is so that their salary will be increased is absurd. It really doesn't justify any discussion, just dismissal out of hand. If the commission follows the same route as the Richard Commission and the commission on local government then there will be public meetings. How well attended they will be is another thing.One of the problems with the current system is that you need a LCO before you can change any law.. and the scrutiny seems very much along the lines of justify what you are going to use it for... thus the Assembly can't really have any meaningful independent legislative agenda until it has full powers to legislate in devolved subject areas not very narrowly defined fields as at present. Sun 20 Jul 2008 21:44:43 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=15#comment7 What is Harry on about? His view is a pessimistic and typical argument of those who believe that all politicans are out to get us and enrich their own lives. I think his views haven't been properly researched and are possibly more relevant to the Westminster government. Fri 18 Jul 2008 20:40:58 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=13#comment6 Does anyone know what is happening with the environmental protection and waste management LC? It appears to be taking longer to progress than other LCOs which started proceedings at the same time. Thu 17 Jul 2008 11:44:22 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=11#comment5 Don't worry, Fergatron, I'll be there if they fulfill their promise to hold meetings. I will be amazed, of course, if they actually happen and even more so if they are publicised. I suspect that only a select few will be invited to attend. That's how the WAG operates. By the way, the crayons should be given to AMs - it would keep them gainfully occupied and they would do less damage. Thu 17 Jul 2008 00:04:31 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=8#comment4 will archwhinger henrybolingbroke actually go to one of these meetings or will he be sat at home with his 2 finger typing and crayons moaning and sniping about Wales rather than getting onboard. If you want an example of a waste of money sunshine try looking at Westminster, try looking at the6 or so billion pounds we spend fighting on 2 fronts in afghanistan and iraq. Do you really think that AMs want more powers for money rather than doing the job? If Westminster has been so good for Wales, boys, tell me how come we have been up the creek without a paddle so many times? The Assembly's is far from perfect but i would rather it to the shower over the dyke. Do you think this LCO system is the best we can do? - its an absolute mess. obviously from what i have read both Henry and Noah are from the school of 'more powers - means independence' and in that they show why they should be sticking to the colouring books. More powers means AMs having the tools to do the job properly. however If the people of Wales then want independence a stronger union with the rest of the UK or wants to unite with Andorra then it is up to them. Wed 16 Jul 2008 15:08:35 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=6#comment3 Considering there is generally greater concenus among AMs for the need for greater Welsh authority, I would think that the slow consultative appoach here would reassure anti-devolutionists somewhat. I guess you can't win for losing. Anyway, the whole process of assembly measures is counter-intuitive. The "supervision" from London is patronizing, and is more akin to a parent teaching their children how to balance a check-book. "Wales" is not a child needing instruction in how to balance their check book. Wales is a nation of people with professionals capable of debate and formulating policies on their own, and executing these policies. Why would the Assembly have to justify beforhand to London how or what they will legislate? Why do some people in Wales feel they are *not* competant to govern themselves? This inferiority complex exhibited by some is the most disturbing manifestation of devolution in my opinion.Trust in yourself!*(*By "yourself", I mean as a nation represented by an elected assembly :) ) Wed 16 Jul 2008 07:17:04 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=4#comment2 Yes - funny how the AMs want more powers isn't it? Surely they're not thinking about the money they'll get on top of their 8.3%, are they? Or about the possibility of even more occasions in which they can do a bit of self-important swanning around. I hope there'll be well-publicised meetings at which we, the people, can express real views, but I suspect that, as is usually the case with Assembly 'public consultations', friendly voices will be sought out and a pro-Assembly gloss put on any findings, followed by shameless propaganda from BBC Wales. I would certainly be interested to know the current stance of each member of the committee. Are any of them sceptics? Tue 15 Jul 2008 22:28:38 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=2#comment1 I'll agree with noahsembly - why do we need the convention when an overwhelming majority of AMs want more devolution? Note they're all singing Plaid's song.And it's obvious that we need more powers just to get rid of the current sytem. Tue 15 Jul 2008 21:07:55 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/07/so_yesterday_there_we_were.html?page=0#comment0 We have a tame 'specially selected' committee, to measure public support for full law-making powers for the assembly.WHY !So Wales is finally doing away with those messy, unpredictable elections are they. Tue 15 Jul 2008 20:04:28 GMT+1