News In Brief
1) We already have Schengen, Euro and EEA areas separate from the EU. Why not have a seperate CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) area so Britain can get out of it and stop subsidising farmers for producing overpriced food? We can then keep low-cost airlines, major sporting events on free TV, the right to travel/live/work anywhere across the continent and everything else that’s good about Europe.
2) There’s nothing wrong with a simple ID card, other than pointlessness. But Tony Blair’s plans are not for a simple ID card, they’re for a big computer database that contains all your personal information. What if it gets hacked or infected with a virus? And anyone who says “If you’ve nothing to hide..” might as well install a webcam in their bathroom and send the Labour party the address with the message “I’ll trust you not to watch it (unless I’m a terrorist)”.
3) It’s a good idea to stop shameless profiteering by people who purchase pieces of paper and sell then on at an immense profit. I’m sure we can all survive without the stock market.
4) The Lions beat Wellington 23-6 in front of a largely hostile, booing, mainly-Kiwi crowd. The commentators on local TV described the Lions’ performance as ‘uninspiring’. Maybe both teams could have had a bit more ‘conviction’ but it’s funny how sport becomes ‘uninspiring’ when your team loses isn’t it?
5) I’m still in Auckland. It’s stopped raining all the time.
