The Week Ahead (and beyond)

While Westminster is now in recess for the summer, Congress continues - at least for the next few days. The schedule for the House of Representatives can be found at http://democraticleader.house.gov/docUploads/24WeeklyLeader07_28_08.pdf?CFID=7017212&CFTOKEN=43085550. A heavy load!
Details of Senate hearings can be found at http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/committees/b_three_sections_with_teasers/committee_hearings.htm

Over the summer holidays, Washminster will appear, though not on a regular daily basis. Do keep popping back!

Why I'm standing for the European Parliament

... actually there are a number of reasons, and I'd be happy to discuss them with you (my email is jdavidmorgan@excite.com). But one of the reasons is that I believe we need to replace roger Helmer as one of the East Midland MEPs. Mr Helmer revels in his outrageous views. He is a Europhobe and a climate change denier.

If we are tackle the threat of climate change international action is required. The European Union ia a major economic bloc - and has great influence with the rest of the world. The European Parliament is an important forum for pressing for action - and legislating!

Unfortunately the East Midlands is currently represented by a Tory MEP who denies that climate change is occuring. If he has his way then no action will be taken. (Bad news for parts of his constituency which are low lying and adjoin the North Sea - but actually VERY BAD NEWS for all of us!)

Listen to Mr Helmer in the European Parliament




Do get in touch if you'd like to help me remove this man from the European Parliament

US Elections 2008

Of course the media coverage worldwide concentrates upon the presidential campaign - which of course is the most exciting race for decades. However November 4th this year will also see key congressional elections (plus elections for Governors of some states and lots of other elected posts).

At the heart of the battles are -

For the Presidential Election - the states of Florida; Pennsylvania; Ohio; Michigan; Virginia; Missouri & Wisconsin.

For the Senate - the states of Alaska; Colorado; Maine; Minnesota; Mississippi; North Carolina; New Hampshire; New Mexico; Oregon & Virginia.

Key Districts which could be captured by the Democrats - Alaska at large; Alabama 02; Arizona 01; Colorado 04; Connecticut 04; Florida 08; 21; 24; Illinois 10 & 11; Louisiana 04; Michigan 07 & 09; Minnesota 03; Missouri 06; North Carolina 08; New Jersey 03 & 07; New Mexico 01 & 02; Nevada 03; New York 13; 25; 26 & 29; Ohio 01; 15; & 16; Pennsylvania 03; Virginia 02 & 11; Washington 08 and West Virginia 02.

There is a very useful site at http://usa.usembassy.de/government-elections.htm

Summer Opening of the Palace of Westminster

Parliament will rise sometime today for its summer recess. This is usually the time when restoration work is carried out - but for part of the recess the Palace is open to the public. If you haven't had a tour - it's well worth a visit. There is so much history in this place - which has served as a centre of government for a thousand years.

Summer Opening to the paying public runs from 28th July to 27th September 2008 (Monday–Saturday). Further details can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/about/visiting/summer_opening.cfm

Andrew Jackson's Cheese

At the heart of the West Wing episode "The Crackpots and these Women" is the story of Andrew Jackson's cheese. The story is told in John and Claire Whitcomb's (they are father and daughter) fascinating book "Real Life at the White House".

In 1835 the dairymen of Oswego County, New York presented President Jackson with a 1,400 pounds cheese - which was four feet in diameter and two feet thick. He allowed it to age for two years in the White House! Then, for his last big reception before leaving office, he held a cheese tasting - to which the public were invited.

The Whitcomb's describe the scene "Shops and offices closed early, and a throng descended on the White House. The marshal of the city and his deputies screened people at the front door, but what a contemporary called 'rag-a-muffins of the city' got into the gardens, climbed to the terrace, and entered through the East Room windows to mix with congressmen, officers in dress uniform, and elaborately arrayed diplomats. The rooms overflowed with people, until the hall, the doorway, every possible space, were filled...The cheese was demolished in two hours; the White House floors and carpets were likewise demolished, and the mansion reeked of cheddar for months"