Shocking that!!
3 02 2010Ireland tops table of worst-run EU states
By Ann Cahill Europe Correspondent
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
IRELAND is the worst- run country in the EU, according to a poll that shows people’s faith in the Government has plummeted over the past five years.
Greece and Latvia, with similar economic woes, have also scored very poorly with their citizens, in the EU’s Eurobarometer survey.
But the Irish Government has gone down in people’s estimation more than any other.The Irish do not expect the way the State is run to improve much over the coming year, and are one of the most pessimistic nations in this respect.
Independent MEP Marian Harkin said the survey showed that Irish people have lost faith in the State: “Irish citizens are among the most pessimistic in the EU about how their public administration is run.”
Healthcare and pensions are the big bugbears for Irish people when asked about social protection, although they are marginally satisfied with unemployment benefits – although the survey was conducted before the budget cuts.
Most people are unhappy with the way inequality and poverty is being addressed, and are marginally content with relations with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds – though expect this to change a little over the next few years.
While Irish people have been among the happiest in the EU with their personal situation, they are among the most pessimistic when it comes to how they view the economic situation of the country. Many expect it to worsen in the next year.
After Latvia they are the most concerned about jobs, but more so about the general employment situation than their own.
“The outlook of Irish citizens mirrored that of many central and eastern European countries rather than those of our neighbours in western Europe”, Ms Harkin said.
Despite falling prices and little inflation, most are dissatisfied with the cost of living, saying it has become more expensive than five years ago and many expect it to worsen in the year ahead.
Most are deeply unhappy that house prices have not fallen sufficiently.
A separate EU Social Situation report said average housing costs, at 4% of disposable income, was among the lowest in the EU. It also showed accommodation costs have increased more for the poorest 20% of the population than in most other states.
These figures took into account that close to 45% of householders do not have a mortgage.
The study also pointed out that the majority of people living in rented accommodation were being subsidised.
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Read more: http://examiner.ie/ireland/ireland-tops-table-of-worst-run-eu-states-111170.html#ixzz0eT3ctA4d
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Tags: EU, Irish Examiner, Irish Government
Categories : Politics
Pope condemns gay equality laws ahead of first UK visit
2 02 2010Shocking that! Seriously though, fuck off. Homophobia exists because of people like him… If a young catholic teenager is constantly hearing bile like this, they will grow up with the same ideals and the cycle of hate will continue.
Whatever happened to love your neighbour Benedict?!
From the http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Pope condemns gay equality laws ahead of first UK visit
Benedict XVI says legislation safeguarding rights of same-sex couples violates ‘natural law’
Pope Benedict XVI has condemned British equality legislation for running contrary to “natural law” as he confirmed his first visit to the UK later this year.
In a letter addressed to the Catholic bishops of England and Wales, the pope praised Britain’s “firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all”.
However, he criticised UK legislation for creating “limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs”. It is thought his comments relate to laws that came in last year preventing adoption agencies from discriminating against gay couples and also Harriet Harman’s equality bill, currently going through parliament.
The pope, whose visit is expected in September, made the comments after hearing representations from English and Welsh bishops on their concerns about the place of religion in an increasingly secular society.
They told him sexual orientation legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2009 had forced the closure of half the Roman Catholic adoption agencies because the law making it illegal to discriminate against gay applicants went against their beliefs.
In his letter the pope said: “The effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs. In some respects it actually violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which it is guaranteed.”
It is also thought the pope was referring to the equality bill, which narrows the special exemption enjoyed by churches allowing them to exclude people whose lifestyles do not fit in with the religious ethos of an organisation when hiring staff. The bishops cited it as another restriction of their freedom of religious belief.
The archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, who is in Rome, said: “It has been clear that he knows the situation and applied it to a move in legislation to look for equality.”
The pope urged the bishops to make their voices heard and to defend the faith, saying Christian teaching did not undermine or restrict the freedom of others.
His remarks drew swift criticism from the National Secular Society, which said it would stage protests during the visit.
Terry Sanderson, the society’s president, said: “The taxpayer is going to be faced with a bill for £20m for the visit – in which he has indicated he will attack equal rights and promote discrimination.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/01/pope-condemns-british-equality-bill
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Tags: Catholic Church, Equality, Homophobia, LGBT, Pope Benidect
Categories : Homophobia, Religion
More Westboro Baptist Church hilarity as the gays strike back!!
2 02 2010Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: Fred Phelps, Funny, Funny Signs, Signs, WBC, Westboro Baptist Church
Categories : Funny
“Weather” CaKe, February 13th
1 02 2010Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: CaKe, Nights Out
Categories : Nights Out
God Hates Lady Gaga
28 01 2010Apparently.
Fred Phelps is at it again, lol!!
In a statement, Phelps has said:
Thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed…Will He reserve HIs anger forever? Will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.” Jer 3:3,5
“Art” and “fashion” are the euphemisms, the guise under which proud whore Lady Gaga teaches rebellion against God (incidentally, her claim to the title of “lady” is sound only if she tacks on “of the night,” thereby alluding to another euphemism of what she is.) As much as she’d like to pretend otherwise, there’s nothing new or different about this particular hussy’s pretentious prancing. Does the simple slut truly think that she can change God’s standards by seducing a generation of rebels into joining her in fist-raised, stiff-necked, hard-hearted rebellion against Him? Get real!
Even as she gives lip-service to “liberating” her young fans, Lady Gaga brings them into slavery to their own corruption, teaching them to glory in their shame. She hates you! “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness…While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption!” 2 Pet. 2:18-19
He’s so crazy it’s wonderful
Here is the Westboro Baptist Church’s version of Poker Face:
Nutters.
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Tags: Fred Phelps, Homophobia, Lady Gaga, Poker Face, Westboro Baptist Church
Categories : Homophobia
USI Eastern Area Regional Forums
20 01 2010Please see details below for a full list of our seminars taking place in Dublin City Centre next week. All events open to USI students.
Changing Circumstances for International Students – what next?
Monday 25th January, 6 – 8pm
Mansion House, Dublin City Centre
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello has kindly agreed to host a forum for all international students (incl. Erasmus Students) studying in the Dublin area.
Sheila Power, Director of the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), will discuss the current proposed changes to immigration procedures for students. This will be followed by a workshop for students during which there will be an opportunity to discuss issues on Immigration, Support Services in College, the GNIB, Current Work Permits and much more.
This event is free but places are limited. All students must register for the event by emailing their name and college to Linda Kelly at equality@usi.ie. Closing time for registration is 12pm on Friday the 22nd of January.
This event is jointly organised by USI & ICOS. Refreshments provided.
Supporting Students with Disabilities in a Recession
Tuesday 26th January 2009, 6-8pm
Central Hotel, Exchequer Street, Dublin
This workshop is open to all students with disabilities in third level. Niamh Hayes, AHEAD will discuss the difficulties facing college authorities and disability support services in the current economic climate as well as her own college experience. Then students will be given the opportunity to share their college experience and how the current cutbacks are affecting them.
If you require an interpreter or have any additional requirements or questions please contact Linda Kelly via email at equality@usi.ie
This event is jointly organised by AHEAD & USI. Refreshments provided.
Mature Student Coffee Morning – How is your college experience going?
Wednesday 27th January, 11am -1pm
Central Hotel, Exchequer Street, Dublin City Centre
This coffee morning is open to all mature students studying in the Dublin area. It will be an opportunity to talk to other mature students and to have a bit of a rant about college so far! There will also a discussion on the budget decisions regarding the Back to Education Allowance & Student Maintenance Grant.
Free tea, coffee & scones available!
Women in politics – how do we achieve equality?
Wednesday 27th January 2010, 6-8pm
Central Hotel, Exchequer Street, Dublin City Centre
Aisling Billington, USI Gender Equality Officer will share her experience of a recent training event aimed at encouraging women into student politics. This will be followed by an informal discussion on how best to increase female participation in students unions and wider political structures. Refreshments provided.
This event is organised by USI and is open to all students.
USI LGBT Trans* Forum
Thursday 28th January, 2010, 6-8pm
Central Hotel on Exchequer Street, (just off George’s Street).
USI LGBT will be holding a Trans* forum on Thursday the 28th January from 6-8pm. The talk will be given by the director of TENI, Cat McIlroy, and will discuss among other things what it means to be Trans*. We will also examine the issue of gender recognition. This is a great opportunity to increase your knowledge of Trans* Issues and we welcome all LGBT students to this event.
Please circulate this notice to friends and contacts who may be interested in attending.
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Tags: Regional Forums, USI, USI Equality, USI LGBT
Categories : USI, Work









