WHAT WE ARE WE FOR!

What we are for. Who leads us is less important!
_________________________
GOOD MORNING FLINT!
BY Terry Bankert 4/08/08
You are invited to join me at Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362 _________________________
Article at http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/
And Flint Talk http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=27147#27147 __________________________

REFLECTION- I can no longer believe in individuals, we are all shallow and blemished, just humans trying to make it to the next day.( Well then there is Al Gore, a special case.). What we should critically review is the system that our leaders or pseudo leaders use to rise to their various levels of public responsibility. In ths last couple years I have made errors in judgement and supported individuals who I thought would make a change because of a core value system. Still naive at 57. So I ask what am I for. I am for the democratic party, but why? As always this is a topic I choose to learn a little about or just reflect on today and then dump into my blog. Its amazing how in your 30's you think you have all the answers and in your late 50's all you have is questions?[trb]

I AM A DEMOCRAT BECAUSE!

Why be a democrat ( grass roots member of the party ) or a Corporate Democrat ( Elected, appointed ,anointed leaders of the party) or a liberal ( its now OK to say you are a liberal in public again, I never stopped) or just bother being active in your countries , states, local government politics?[trb]

So I googled the question and here’s what I got with an hours effort. I will leave the answer to why be a democrat to others. Lets see what they got![trb]

PARTY OF THE FUTURE NOT PROTECTOR OF THE PAST "...the two political parties in our history have always been divided, as Emerson said, into the party of hope and the party of memory." - President John F. Kennedy [s]

HOPE AND OPTIMISM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJSn-aPuMRg Governor Mark Warner

JOBS, EDUCATION,PRESERVE THE MIDDLE CLASS "I'm a proud Democrat because our party has the right economic plan and the right priorities for Michigan. We fight for jobs, because a good job is the foundation of a good life. We fight for education, because we believe every child should have the opportunity to succeed. We fight for health care, because we know there are too many people in our state who don't have it and can't afford it. We fight to preserve our middle class way of life, because it's a way of life our families have worked so hard to build. We're a party with a plan and we're putting it to work for our families." -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, 2006[m] beleive in a government that enhances the lives of its citizans with affordable health care, cleaner environment, strong living standards, and an innovative educational system. Most of all I am a Democrat because I believe in the will of the people.[t]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY "I am a Democrat because I believe in change now rather than later. As a Party, I believe we are committed to creating a better America, for those who are struggling to live their American Dream. Everyone in America, whether they are rich or poor, deserves an equal chance to succeed. As a Party, I also believe we are committed to fiscal policies that ensure the future for generations to come." -- Aghogho Edevbie [M] STRONGER

ENVIRONMENT As many polls confirm, a majority of your fellow Americans believe in your agenda. They want stronger environmental laws, are strong supporters of women's rights, favor gun control and want the war in Iraq to end.[mm]

INCLUSION, SECURITY FOR COMMON PEOPLE The Democratic party, at its best, is the party of inclusion and expansion...it is the party that led the drive after the great depression for social security of seniors, for jobs for common people, for mass-based education, for civil rights bills of the sixties." - Reverend Jesse Jackson [s] Democrats consider all people’s concerns and needs… work for the middle and lower income… care about protecting the environment. [P]

HUMAN FAIRNESS "I am a Democrat because I believe in the basic human fairness towards which the Democratic Party works. I am a Democrat because I believe the government should stand up for those who need it: the poor, racial minorities, the working class, the sick, veterans, immigrants, gays and lesbians, the elderly, and young people, among others. I am a Democrat because I believe in social equality. I believe in a fair shot at economic success for anyone who's willing to work hard. I believe that America can best support democracy and human rights abroad when it has an impeccable record itself. I am a Democrat because it is my firm belief that as long as Republicans are in control, none of what I just mentioned will happen in this country. As corny as it probably sounds, I really believe that 'America can do better.'" -- Ben Beckett[M]

HELP THE LEAST AMONG US I choose to belong to a party of inclusion A party that includes the affluent and the working perspective. A party that looks out for the "least amoung us" whether we be old, minority, women, immigrant, sick, children...[t] I am a Democrat because we are a party that passionately believes in suporting the goals and ideals of those folks in America whose voices must be heard the most- mothers, fathers, children, teachers, police officers, nurses, students, the ederly, the middle class, the working classs, the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and the needy....[T]

PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LITTLE "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt [s]

FIGHT FOR FAMILIES NOT CORPORATIONS "I learned at a very early age that being a Democrat means caring about people, caring about the future of our country. It is the Democratic party which always has and always will fight for american families. For their jobs and their futures." - Vice President Al Gore [s]

PEOPLE VALUES MAKE A DIFFERENCE "I decided to be a Democrat starting in the presidential elections of 1960 when John F. Kennedy excited me with a promise to get the country moving again. I think he gave people a sense that they could make a difference." - President Bill Clinton [s]

EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL "...the fundamental appeal of the Democratic party has always been grounded in the principles of fairness, opportunity, equal justice for all and a firm belief that the mission of government is not to stand on the sidelines, but to be active in pursuing these goals for the people." - Senator Ted Kennedy.[s]

FAIRNESS The “Party of the people” represents and embodies the requisite principles of any reasonable Democracy – fairness, inclusion, progress and ethical responsibility. [P]

DEMOCRATS WILL PROTECT THE” LEAST” AMONG US. WHILE THE REPUBLICAMS GIVE PROFIT TO THE “MOST” AMONG US. I am a Democratic because it is the Party that looks out for the little guy. It is diverse, representative of the community.[P]

A PARTY THAT KNOWS IT IS FOR PEOPLE OVER CORPORATIONS AND THE WEALTHY Democratic Governor Adlai Stevenson at the 1952 Convention, "what counts now is not what we are against, but what we are for. Who leads us is less important than what lead - what convictions, what courage, what faith - win or lose."[t]

To all of the above. Well said!

I WILL SUMMARIZE BELOW [trb]

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SHOULD BE YOUR CHOICE BECAUSE?
THE FUTURE NOT PROTECTOR OF THE PAST
HOPE AND OPTIMISM ,
JOBS, EDUCATION,PRESERVE THE MIDDLE CLASS
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STRONGER ENVIRONMENT INCLUSION,
SECURITY FOR COMMON PEOPLE
HUMAN FAIRNESS
HELP THE LEAST AMONG US
PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LITTLE
FIGHT FOR FAMILIES NOT CORPORATIONS
PEOPLE VALUES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL
FAIRNESS
DEMOCRATS WILL PROTECT THE” LEAST” AMONG US. WHILE THE REPUBLICAMS GIVE PROFIT TO THE “MOST” AMONG US.
A PARTY THAT KNOWS IT IS FOR PEOPLE OVER CORPORATIONS AND THE WEALTHY

Democratic Governor Adlai Stevenson at the 1952 Convention, "what counts now is not what we are against, but what we are for. Who leads us is less important....

Posted here
by Terry Bankert 4/8/08...
http://attorneybankert.com/
Join my political party of preference,
http://www.michigandems.com/join.html

—where did this stuff come from---
[s] San Diego Democratic Party http://www.sddemocrats.org/why_demo.html
[h] High Beam Research http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-91349413.html
[trb] Comments of Terry Bankert to include the Cap Headlines. http://attorneybankert.com/ [P] Pitt County Democratic Party http://pittdems.com/whydemocrats.html
[M] Michigan Democratic Party http://www.michigandems.com/whydem.html
[MM] Michael Moore.Com http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mikeinthenews/index.php?id=153
[t] Taylor County Democratic Party http://taylordemocrats.tripod.com/id8.html

47788/12697

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BULLETS FOR PRAYERS!

China slams proposed US House resolution on Tibet. [afp]

_________________________
GOOD MORNING FLINT!
BY Terry Bankert 4/07/08
You are invited to join me at Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362 _________________________
Article at http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/
And Flint Talk http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=27131#27131 __________________________

REFLECTION; Freedom is won by people in the manner that the people of Tibet are advancing their position. Americans should take notice. We seem to think that another country with guns can force democracy. All the people of Tibet want is self rule under the Chinese Flag. I hope they earn it, we should stay out of it.[trb]

THE REAL ROAD TO FREEDOM!
Tibetans wounded as Chinese police fire on pilgrim protest. [to] "These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected."[n]

STAY OUT OF OUR INTERNAL ISSUES, YOU MEDDLERS
China on Monday attacked a proposed new US Congressional resolution on the Tibet crisis as one-sided, and urged American lawmakers to stop interfering in the issue.[afp] As China prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, there is increased world attention on the Chinese Government's relationship with Tibet.[t]

CRIMINALS IN OUR MIDST AND YOU WANT TO MAKE A SOCIAL POINT!
A Chinese foreign ministry statement said a resolution tabled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week ignored "criminal acts" that it said were orchestrated by the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama.[afp]

BULLETS FOR PRAYERS
Ten people were wounded when Chinese paramilitary police opened fire on a crowd of Tibetans protesting against limits on a prayer ceremony and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama, witnesses said. [to]

TIBETAN FREEDOM
Tibet is a mainly Buddhist territory in the Himalayas that is governed as an autonomous region of China. Beijing enforced its claim of sovereignty over the region in 1950. In 1959, a failed anti-Chinese uprising forced the Tibetan head of state - the Dalai Lama (pictured below) - to flee Tibet and set up a government in exile in Dharamsala, in northern India. From there he has spent nearly five decades campaigning for Tibetan freedom.[t]

A CRIMINAL CLIQUE THE LAMA LEADS
"We advise the US Congress to respect facts, discard one-sidedness (and) clearly see the real face of the Dalai Lama clique," said the statement posted on the ministry website.[afp]

LAMA WANTS SELF RULE IN CHINA
The Dalai Lama wants genuine self-rule for Tibet, under Chinese sovereignty. For Tibet's spiritual leader, preserving Tibetan culture and what makes it unique from the rest of China is paramount.[t]

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
"I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged," the Dalai Lama said.[n]

FREEDOM REQUIRES STRUGGLE
"It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people."[n]

THE U.S. IS HURTING OUR FEELINGS
The US Congress should "stop pushing forward resolutions dealing with Tibet that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and harm Sino-US ties," it added.[afp]

WHAT DO YOU WANT ,THE RESOLUTION WAS TABLED
Last Thursday, Pelosi tabled a resolution calling on Beijing to end its crackdown on peaceful protests in Tibet and begin a dialogue with the Dalai Lama to address the grievances of the Tibetan people.[afp]

20 PEOPLE HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THE LAMA
Beijing has blamed the Dalai Lama, the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner, for widespread unrest in Tibet that China says has killed 20 people, mainly in riots last month in the regional capital of Lhasa.[afp]

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER 130, KILLED BY THE CHINESE?
Exiled Tibetan leaders, however, say at least 150 people have died in the Chinese crackdown on the demonstrations, which spread to Tibetan populated regions around China.[afp]

The Chinese authorities have been trying to end almost a month of protests and the depth of anti-Chinese sentiment among a Buddhist minority loyal to the exiled Dalai Lama. Last week in Donggu, which is also in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, paramilitary forces opened fire on protesters after a government official was seriously wounded. Eight people were killed, witnesses said. [to]

CHINA IS NOW MEDDLEING IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION PROCESS
"A small number of US congressmen have raised this resolution and have refused to condemn the smashing, looting and burning riots in Lhasa," the ministry statement said.[afp]

"They also do not condemn the behind-the-scenes organisation of these violent criminal acts by the Dalai Lama clique."[afp]

CHINA THE LAND OF SUMMARY EXECUTION IS OPEN TO DISCUSSIONS
China would hold talks with the Dalai Lama only after he ended his activities aimed at Tibetan independence and "stops the current incitement of violent crimes and disturbing Beijing Olympic activities," the statement said.[afp]

LAMA SAYS HE IS NOT PART OF THIS HERD CAUSING THIS UNREST IN TIBET
Calls for a boycott of the Games have been mostly rejected, including by the Dalai Lama, with most - including the European Union - calling on China to hold talks with the Tibetan spiritual leader. More than a million people have signed online petitions calling for China to show restraint and respect for human rights in Tibet and to open dialogue with the Dalai Lama.[t]

The Dalai Lama has denied seeking independence or playing any role in the recent unrest which began May 10, the 49th anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.[afp] But those wanting to draw attention to injustice in China see an opportunity in the Olympic Games, too. Protesters are expected to use the Olympic torch relay as an opportunity to raise awareness about China's policies on Tibet and China's poor human rights record.[t]

In a statement from his home in exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama said that the demonstrations were “outbursts of long pent-up physical and mental anguish” that proved most Tibetans want freedom from Chinese rule. But he said that Tibetans should not try to disrupt the Olympics. “It will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people,” he added.[to]

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader also repeated his call for an independent international probe into the protests and subsequent Chinese crackdown, and again rejected Beijing's allegations that he was behind the unrest.[n] In a statement released from his home in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, he urged Tibetans to refrain from violence and asked them not to disrupt the events leading up to the Beijing Olympics in August.[n]

ONE WRITERS THOUGHTS
"I remember back in 1980 when people thought they were going to force the Soviets out of Afghanistan by boycotting the Olympics (in Moscow). It had no influence whatsoever." Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, The Sunday Age, March 30[t]

GEORGE IS EAGER TO SIT IN THE STANDS
Subsequent Congressional resolutions have included one that would bar US President George W. Bush from attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in August. [afp]

Posted here by Terry Bankert 4/6/08...
http://attorneybankert.com/
Join my political party of preference,
http://www.michigandems.com/join.html

—where did this stuff come from---
[t] The Age.Com http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/the-world-watches-china/2008/04/05/1207249479276.html
[afp] AFP http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jJS5lqgNRlGJvtVP1uBHRp4XRUbg
[to] Times.Online http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3694762.ece
[trb] Comments of Terry Bankert to inclkude Cap headlines. http://attorneybankert.com/
[n] National Post http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=427171

47593/012659

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TAOISEARCH RESIGNS

RESIGNATION OF TAOISEARCH

_________________________
GOOD MORNING FLINT!
BY Terry Bankert 4/06/08
You are invited to join me at Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362
_________________________
Article at http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/
And Flint Talk

http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=27112#27112
__________________________


IRELAND POLITICS

Opinion poll shows a five-point increase in support for Fianna Fáil since the Taoiseach announced he is to resign.[r]

The Taoiseach (pronounced /0'ti+?•?c?x/ in English[1] and IPA: [tI??i+?•??c?x] (plural Taoisigh ([tI??i+?•??w?j] or [tI??i+?•??w?j?]) in Irish), also referred to as An Taoiseach ([c?n tI??i+?•??c?x]),[2] is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland.
The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann (the lower house of Oireachtas), and must, while they remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil. [W]

The words Taoiseach and Tánaiste (the title of the deputy prime minister) are both from the Irish language and of ancient origin. Though the Taoiseach is described in the Constitution of Ireland as "the head of the Government or Prime Minister",[7] its literal translation is "leader" or "chief". Some historians suggest that in ancient Ireland (where these terms originate), a taoiseach was a minor king, while a tánaiste was a governor placed in a kingdom whose king had been deposed or, more usually, his heir-apparent. In Scottish Gaelic, tbiseach translates as clan chief and both words originally had similar meaning in the Gaelic languages of Scotland and Ireland. The related Welsh language word tywysog (current meaning "prince" - from "tywys", to lead) appears to have had a similar meaning.[W]

The modern position of Taoiseach was established by the 1937 Constitution of Ireland, to replace the position of President of the Executive Council of the 1922–1937 Irish Free State. The positions of Taoiseach and President of the Executive Council differed in certain fundamental respects. Under the Constitution of the Irish Free State the latter was vested with considerably less power and was largely just the cabinet's presiding officer. For example, the President of the Executive Council could not dismiss a fellow minister. The Free State's cabinet, the Executive Council had to be disbanded and reformed entirely, in order to remove one of its number. The President of the Executive Council could also not personally seek a dissolution of Dáil Éireann from the head of state, that power belonging collectively to the Executive Council. In contrast, the Taoiseach created in 1937 possesses a much more powerful role. He can both instruct the President to dismiss ministers, and request a parliamentary dissolution on his own initiative.[8][W]

Historically, where there have been multi-party or coalition Governments, the Taoiseach has come from the leader of the largest party in the coalition. One exception to this was John A. Costello, who was not leader of his party, but an agreed choice to head the government, because the other parties refused to accept then Fine Gael leader Richard Mulcahy as Taoiseach.[W]

NEW LEADER PICKED BEFORE RESIGNATION

He respected the conclusions to which Mr Ahern had come. Mr Cowen also said he expected to be selected unopposed by the party's 77 TDs on Wednesday and become leader-designate until May 7th, when he will also assume the role of Taoiseach. He said everybody was in uncharted territory because this was the first time a leader-designate would be selected in advance of the Taoiseach stepping down. However once the leadership process ended on Wednesday, he would continue in his current office until May 7th.[IT]

MR AHERN

The Red C poll in today's Sunday Business Post also shows that just 22% of voters think Mr Ahern should not have announced his resignation.[r]

TRIBUNAL LOOKING AT CORRUPTION

Mr Ahern announced last Wednesday he was stepping down, amid on-going inquiries about his finances at a tribunal into planning corruption. [BBC]

BERTIE AHERN dramatically announced on Wednesday that he is to resign as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader on 6 May. The announcement follows damaging publicity about Ahern’s financial affairs at the Mahon Tribunal.[a]sisting that he has never taken a corrupt payment, Ahern said he was resigning in the best interests of the country, and was tired of headlines about "my life, my lifestyle, my finances". Ahern will leave office within days of addressing the US Houses of Congress and a visit to Ireland by the Japanese prime minister.[a]

CALLED A LIAR PERJURER AND CORRUPT

But the leader of Ireland's main opposition party, Fine Gael chief Enda Kenny, said Mr. Ahern had suffered unprecedented public criticism as "a liar and perjurer," and had "bowed to the inevitable" because of his implausible testimony to an anti-corruption tribunal.[tb]

A RIVAL SPEAKS

Kenny, whose rival coalition narrowly lost an election last year to Fianna Fail, called on his successor to mount an immediate general election. Analysts agreed this was unlikely.[tb]. Ahern's terms in office have been marked by unprecedented economic success at home and peace in the neighboring British territory of Northern Ireland.[tb]

POLL

The snap poll was carried out on Thursday, just a week since the last Red C poll for the Sunday Business Post.[r]

500 voters were questioned, just half the normal sample, so the margin of error is higher, but the shift in opinion is still striking.[r]

This poll, carried out a day after Bertie Ahern's shock announcement that he will resign on the 6th of May, shows an increase in support for Fianna F€il of five percent to 40.[b]

TANAISTE

The poll comes as Tanaiste Brian Cowen prepares to take over the reigns from Bertie Ahern who will leave office in a matter of weeks.[b]

FIANNA FAIL OR FINE GAEL

Fianna Fáil support, at 40%, is up five points since last week, while Fine Gael drop two to 28%, Labour is unchanged at 11%, the Greens gain one to 9%, Sinn Féin drops three to 6%, the PDs are stuck at 1%, and Independents and Others drop two to 5% support.[r]

TAOISEARCH

Asked who would make the better Taoiseach, 63% opt for Brian Cowen compared to 24% per cent who prefer Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny. 13% either do not know or do not like either option.[r]

PRETTY BOY TO BULL DOG

It is entirely fitting at this time that we should opt for a more homely, culchie Taoiseach, rather than the glitzy, celebrity Taoiseach we have enjoyed up to now. Bertie, the VIP Taoiseach, with his boyband son-in-law, celebrity authoress daughter, glamourpuss girlfriends, or glamourpuss girlfriend anyway, was a fitting top man for the boom. [I]

NO BENDING KNEE TO ROYALS

Fianna Fáil, as a republican party, doesn't believe bending the knee to aristocrats but in purely party terms they don't come much more blue-blooded than Brian Cowen. [BBC]

Mr Cowen was 24 when he was elected to the Dáil in 1984 in a by-election in the Laois-Offaly constituency. It was caused by the death of his father, Ber, at the age of 52. [BBC]

A LAWYER HE IS...

A solicitor and a GAA enthusiast, Mr Cowen has served in six cabinet posts including the important portfolios as minister for finance and minister for foreign affairs. [BBC]

Rather like Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, Brian Cowen had been Bertie Ahern's expected successor for some time. But that is where all similarities end. [BBC]

GRASS ROOTS CONNECTION

The Fianna Fáil leader designate, who is loved by the grassroots, puts a premium on party loyalty and did nothing to undermine Bertie Ahern or hasten his exit. [BBC]

LETTING THE PURGED BACK INTO THE PARTY

Meanwhile, Mayo TD Beverley Flynn, who has been readmitted to the party, said she considered herself to be quite close to Mr Cowen, despite the fact that he was the politician who originally proposed her expulsion from the party.[IT]

She said she felt their relationship was "100 per cent" although as she has been out of the party in recent years, she had not had much opportunity to meet him. Ms Flynn added that she was delighted to be returning to Fianna Fáil, which she described as her natural home. [IT]

TÁNAISTE AND Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has formally declared himself a candidate for the leadership of Fianna Fáil. He is on course to become the seventh leader of the party since 1926 when nominations close at 2pm today. Stephen Collins and Harry McGee report.[I]

MAHON TRIBUNAL

22% of voters though Mr Ahern should not have resigned, while 31% say they did not want him to go but he had no option after recent revelations. 20% thought it was about time he resigned, and 24% thought he should have gone as soon as the Mahon Tribunal began investigating his affairs.[r]

MR COWEN

Mr Cowen gave no clues about the likely composition of his cabinet after he is formally elected taoiseach by the Dáil on May 7th. However, he gave a hint that he was not contemplating a major Cabinet reshuffle saying that in a Cabinet of qualified people he regarded himself as "primus inter pares" - first among equals.[I]

IRELAND TODAY

The newly affluent middle class in Ireland is almost entirely reliant on the value of their properties. A third of all the houses in Ireland were built in the last 10 years and their value has shot up by 270% in that decade. So people will not be that rich if the credit crunch gale brings the housing market crashing down. Wages themselves are not that high in Ireland and relative wealth has exposed the tiger's underbelly.[S]

A GROWING COUNTRY

A society only a few generations' memory from communal rural living is now divided by huge inequalities of wealth. The countryside and much of its urban architecture have been ruined by unsightly development. Reluctance to invest in the public sector has left the health service, never a patch on what the NHS provides in the UK, struggling. State education is deemed unreliable unless, like 75% of Dublin parents did last year, you pay for extra tuition for your children.[S]

For a decade, the Irish political establishment saw its job as setting a low-tax environment, attracting foreign investment and keeping labour costs down. Ireland had been poor for so long that any development was welcome and there was no mood for criticism.[S]

Now, in the shadow of pork-barrel politics and shady back-scratching in business and political culture, it seems that too much might have been forgiven.[S]

'Dour image' [BBC]

Mr Cowen has a rather dour and grumpy public image. [BBC]

But even his opponents agree he is very intelligent while his supporters acknowledge he can be a rough diamond. [BBC]

Married with two daughters, Mr Cowen has a reputation for being a great wit and a wicked mimic in the company of fellow TDs in the Dáil bar late at night but the public rarely gets to see his funny side. [BBC]

While minister for health, he is reputed to have called the notoriously difficult to manage department "Angola" because of all the political landmines lying around waiting to explode. [BBC]

When Albert Reynolds succeeded Charles Haughey as Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach in 1992, he promoted Brian Cowen from the backbenches to the full cabinet. [BBC]

Both Mr Cowen and Mr Reynolds were seen as being on Fianna Fail's "country and western wing" that opposed Mr Haughey. [BBC]

When Albert Reynolds was having trouble with his then coalition partners, the Progressive Democrats, Brian Cowen, the political bruiser, once told a party Ard Fhéis to rapturous applause: "What about the PDs? When in doubt, leave them out." [BBC]

When Mr Reynolds, his mentor, was forced to resign as Taoiseach, Brian Cowen took it badly; some TDs say he sulked for over a year before bouncing back. [BBC]

His critics say that, despite his undoubted intelligence, he has rarely left a mark in any of the ministeries he has held; that he has been too cautious and maybe even overly dependent on civil service advice. [BBC]

They contrast his period as finance minister with that of his predecessor Charlie McCreevy. [BBC]

But his supporters say it was easy for Mr McCreevy to be innovative when he presided over the boom years of the Celtic Tiger economy. [BBC]

Mr Cowen's period dealing with Northern Ireland is probably best remembered for unflattering remarks Ian Paisley made about his lips, something that greatly annoyed callers to radio phone-in shows in Dublin. [BBC]

Posted here by Terry Bankert 4/6/08...
http://attorneybankert.com/
Join my political party of preference,
http://www.michigandems.com/join.html — —
[r]
RTE News
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0406/politics.html
[I]
INDEPENDENT.IE
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/speaking-plainly-brian-looks-every-inch-a-leader-1339781.html
[b]
Belfast Telegraph
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/politics/article3586822.ece
[IT]
The Irish Times
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2008/0405/1207343051742.html
[BBC]
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7331731.stm
[S]
Sunday Herald
http://www.sundayherald.com/oped/opinion/display.var.2174728.0.0.php
[A]
An Phoblacht
http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/26961
[tb]
The Bulletin
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/index.cfm?newsid=19449676&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8
[trb]
Cap Headlines and comments ot Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/
[W]
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoiseach

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