Public Spending Cuts . . .

. . . we are told - by all 3 political parties - will be necessary. This is because H.M Government has given so much of our money to our busted banks and to Sir Fred Goodwin. (because he needs more yachts, Lear jets and holiday homes.) Well and good! We are all enthusiastic socialists, and so must be prepared to tighten our belts so that the reckless rich can be made even richer. But how do we - or rather you, dear FellowBloggers - reconcile Public Spending Cuts with the appointment of Martha Lane Fox to the post of "Digital Inclusion Champion" (BBC Business News, 29th.September 2009, interview with Robert Peston.) I intend no criticism of Ms.Lane Fox. Far from it. She could probably combine the roles of First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer better than the present ambiguous and dithery incumbents of those high offices. (But it would be nice to know her "job description" and how much impoverished Public Spending is paying her to execute it.) If Ofcom can't tell BT and the ISPs to get their fingers out and lay down twentyfirst century broadband infrastructure, what can Martha do? The same interview brought tidings that the French Government has declared that internet connection is a "human right" equivalent to electricity and water. Gordie Brown was twittering along these lines not so long ago. Well, if that's what EU leading lights think, let them try the following experiment. Do without broadband for a fortnight. Then try doing without water for a fortnight. Then try thinking for a fortnight before you open your mouths.