Mike's Columns in the Portsmouth News
Choose Wisely, America!
Tomorrow, the American people will go to the polls to elect a new President. I hope they choose wisely because, as we have seen with the actions of George Bush, the US President has a great effect on the whole world wherever we live.
I personally hope that Obama wins as it will signal a break with the Bush era and that America is an inclusive country.
But whether it’s McCain or Obama, the new President will have a full in-tray – not least dealing with the current economic difficulties. The Lib Dems once again, in Parliament last week, pressed the Prime Minister to consider a tax cut for those on average and below average earnings, paid for by closing tax loopholes for the very rich. This will put money in people’s pockets, help them pay their rocketing household bills and kickstart the economy. Interestingly Obama has proposed something similar for America but unfortunately Brown is yet to take such action for Britain.
Also crucial is support for local small businesses and I am doing all I can to back them and to press the Government and banks to do so as well.
I have been campaigning for a long time for a beefed up Climate Change Bill. I thought that we should aim to cut our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and not the 60% which the Government had proposed. So I am pleased that the Government relented last week and the Bill will now have the higher target.
But our actions and those of other countries will not count for much if America does not cut her emissions. Global Warming was virtually ignored by Bush but it must one of the new President’s first priorities.
It was also a great pleasure, last week, for me to propose the Freedom of the City for Pompey’s FA Cup winning squad. I know that people will be disappointed and may be angry with Harry’s decision to desert Portsmouth for Tottenham. But this was about honouring the team and acknowledging the great pleasure the whole squad and all the staff at the club gave all fans in winning the Cup and we should remember and celebrate that.
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