'Defend your happiness, organise your rage'

Morning reading today:

'Defend your happiness, organise your rage'

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/31/podemos-revolution-radical-academics-changed-european-politics?CMP=share_btn_tw

The rise of Podemos in Spain shows the potential of the left if it can get people energised about change. In Spain and Greece people sick of corrupt politicians get angry and try to do something about it, in Britain too many have already given up on change, not helped by the Lib Dems failing to get a vote on Proportional Representation when they had the chance. AV was a poor second best, but with around 20% of this year's vote likely to be represented by 1% of MPs, it surely can't go on.

Science spending should be 1% of GDP, say Greens

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32086204

While the other parties argue about committing 2% of GDP to defence, the Greens go a much more worthwhile route. The recent fuss over the Meningitis B vaccine deal shows the problem with leaving research to the private sector. Science is expensive. If you don't fund it, pharma companies are going to charge for it, if you want a good deal, do it yourself. We spend less than the EU average on Research and Design, despite party leaders frequently saying how important science and technology is they won't commit to funding it.
Quite how this would fit in with the Greens Party's aim to end all animal experiments remains to be seen. If reliable alternatives to animals are available, they are already used. Scientists would love to be able stop using animals, it would be easier, quicker and cheaper, but the technology is still simply not there yet.

A second Green MP?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/election-2015-opportunity-knocks-or-call-my-bluff-green-candidate-darren-hall-thinks-he-can-win-in-bristol-west-10141438.html

Despite the massive surge in support for the Green Party, it's going to be tough for them to get any extra MPs, thanks to First Past The Post. The most likely place seems to be in Bristol, The Independent takes a look. He's even more straight talking than Cameron: “People here are so pissed off they are willing to think about something new, they think the system is completely fucked up, and [want] leadership that’s actually going to take us in a different direction.” Good luck Darren Hall.

Birmingham Green Party

https://fabrily.com/bgp-rotunda-view

Quick plug for the local party's latest fundraising effort, a green Birmingham t shirt, no anti-immigration slogans here.

Election Playlist song 2:

So it begins....

Today is the first 'official' day of election campaigning, after weeks and weeks of 'definitely not campaigning, nope, not at all'. Instead of posting countless articles to Facebook during election season, i'll try to round everything up in my seldom used blog. (I'm off work sick, I need something to keep me entertained!)

First things first, If you aren't registered, you can't vote. So register. Go. Right now. It's quick and easy - https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote You have until April 20th.

The system changed last year, so you might think that you already are, but actually aren't. Even if you think you won't vote, give yourself the option.

Think it's pointless voting? Last time over 15m people didn't vote. If those people vote this time, it could change everything.

In the end, Skunk Anansie say it best...



Full election playlist to come...