LOANS FOR PEERAGES, OR, BUSINESS AS USUAL

The saga of the ‘loans for peerages’ scandal in New Labour drags on and on. At the centre of the controversy is a simple question: Did New Labour break the rules by attracting money by offering honours to tickle the ego of rich and successful men? The question must remain unanswered at this time, for obvious legal reasons.
This, though, is hardly the point. From the beginning of civilization authorities have heaped favour on those in a position to help keep them in power. Whether that involves giving them a palace, a huge chunk of land, or taking money to help fight their cause in the media, the system has remained exact.
Bearing this in mind, it would be strange if New Labour hadn’t used every trick in the historic book. Their ‘crime’ appears to be being found out, and doing so when their glory days are over and people are sniffing around to find trouble.
Call me a cynic if you like – it is always the best defence when dealing with politicians. But this kind of problem will remain for as long as we allow political parties to gain so much power. What we need is a better way – and a way that dilutes the power a political party can hold.
This site exists to further this cause. If you want to do something, see the Campaign page, and help me popularize a better way.

© Anthony North, Feb 2007

Find more politics on my Beyond the Blog. See Blogroll.