Posted: 7/11/2011 3:05:33 PM

By: David Marchant

I've made several postings here over the years about the appalling state of the British judicial system, which seems incapable of dispensing justice and seems more geared up towards letting those involved in illegal activity escape punishment. The examples of overtly illegal activity going unpunished are so numerous that it makes one wonder whether it is incompetence or corruption.

The latest example can be found at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jul/11/evidence-data-checks-gordon-brown

Posted: 7/14/2011 9:01:43 AM

By: jurisper

It's pretty repulsive watching all of these politicians simulating fury at Murdoch, when two weeks ago the majority of them would have mortgaged their children for the chance to give him a head rub.

It's hard to imagine the various inquiries coming up with recommendations which won't serve to further hinder UK press scrutiny of their doings.

But the fact is that hardly anybody gives a toss if a tabloid uses dirty tricks to expose the douchebaggery of politicians & others who thrust themselves into the spotlight.

What people care about is dirty tricks interfering with the lives of real people, who don't court publicity.

Posted: 7/13/2011 2:22:57 PM

By: David Marchant

I agree with you regarding James Murdoch. I first realized what an idiot he was when he attacked the BBC (by far and away the world's most credible news organization) in a speech in 2009.

One of the biggest lessons in all of this is the danger of nepotism, something that Rupert Murdoch is particularly partial to, not just appointing his offspring to senior positions but also buying their companies, e.g. buying his daughter Elizabeth Murdoch's Shine Group earlier this year for $673 million, of which $250 million reportedly went to directly to her. This deal is currently subject to litigation from News Corp.'s shareholders, who allege nepotism, corruption and mismanagement.

Posted: 7/13/2011 4:32:24 AM

By: jurisper

Having some excess funds to wash off, I'm going out on a limb and betting ** 40c ** that James Murdoch will be charged with something in the UK before he gets charged with anything in the US.

I appreciate that this would be an incredible outcome but *somebody* has to take stupid risks.

Overall, I think Rupert's individual big mistake was to put one of his idiot sons in charge of something, once again.

Also, I don't see any reason to dismiss out of hand the simplest fundamental explanation for this chaos (ie, cocaine).

Posted: 7/12/2011 12:39:08 PM

By: toolebox

The USA has to prop up there system. It works like this, only a few about 6 indivudals are responsible for major crimes, and do not trust local enforcement in there own country.

They have a limited buject like other agencies in the country, so they investigate a few months out of the year, and then have to return to office, so they have enough money to get paid the rest of the year.

The is a normal enforcement acton in Canada, similar to third world countries.