Monthly Archives: June 2012

What is the public interest in an undeclared war? Leveson Inquiry connection to the Iraq War

Posted on June 27, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

Was the Iraq war a declared war that demonstrated an existential threat to the United Kingdom against which the public had to be consulted?  Lord Hennessy in his testimony to the Post Legislative Scrutiny of the Freedom of Information Act … Continue reading →

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A modest defense of democracy: three cheers for Blair, Cameron, and Clinton

Posted on June 18, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

I am not convinced that Leveson Inquiry shows a diminished democracy.  Instead, we have been treated to an eye opening view of how modern democracy works.  In the past, much of this would not be known or understood. Like the … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, public sector, statesmanship, strategy, transparency, war | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jay, Leveson, our modern day version of a Socratic dialogue

Posted on June 14, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

I have been enjoying the Leveson inquiry despite its depressing revelations. For many, what is of interest is seeing the powerful being brought to account.  For others, it is a chance to see the issues raised by phone hacking addressed.  … Continue reading →

Posted in good writing, Government, privacy, public sector, transparency | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

To have privacy you must kill God

Posted on June 13, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

I was commenting on Paul Bernal’s excellent blog on privacy, and the title of this blog came to me.  I was arguing, on the blog, with Bruce Shneier and I realized there was a connection, perhaps spurious, in political philosophical … Continue reading →

Posted in censorship, privacy, transparency | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Who speaks for a political organisation in the age of social media?

Posted on June 12, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

Today the LGiU published a briefing on the two-year study by the Young Foundation (funded by DCLG) called Local 2.0.  The report is well worth a read because it shows what is being done on the ground with social media.  … Continue reading →

Posted in censorship, Government, local government, opportunity cost, transparency | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Four questions Robert Jay failed to ask Rebekah Brooks and why they matter

Posted on June 6, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

The sessions with Rebekah Brooks proved interesting, but less exciting than the previous sessions with Rupert Murdoch. In large part, the sessions with Brooks and Coulson proved relatively less exciting because they are both facing criminal prosecution.  As a result, … Continue reading →

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Why we need governments in cyberspace: a response to the Strongest Tribe article

Posted on June 5, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

In the article, you set out a serious of arguments, implicit and explicit, about the need, or lack thereof, for governments in cyberspace.  In particular, you argue that the United States is the strongest tribe. There are some concerns with … Continue reading →

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Why did I start blogging? Reflections after my 50th blog posts.

Posted on June 4, 2012 by lawrence serewicz

I finally made it to 50.  When I started blogging, I decided that once I reached 50 posts I would decide whether to continue or stop. Either I would not make it, through boredom, fear,  too much hard work or … Continue reading →

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