Private buses but public money for smart cards?

Norfolk is proud today that they have got £2.5m to introduce smart cards on the county's buses. But I am not.
The buses were privatised - not something I favoured in fact. But OK, they are run by private companies, making money. Fair at it goes. They get handsome support for providing some un-profitable services. Fair enough.
But they will be able to run better services, save time, reduce staffing, cut costs by having smart cards - and we are having to pay for it. Why? Times are hard enough, cuts are hurting everyone except the rich. Why this mis-use of our tax monies?
Disgraceful - again. What a bunch of toons we did elect.

Details here: http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/News/NCC120114

Isn't it time to end 'marriage'...

OK that sounds a bit OTT but even if the MPs' vote produced the right result it would be better to have more consensus on this subject.

Frankly I think we need to get this better framed. Increasing numbers of people do not accept any religious faith. So surely the time has come for 'partnership' to replace 'marriage' anyway? 

Why should not everyone regardless of race, gender and orientation have the right to a civil partnership service that involves the same promises and commitments and confers the same rights as 'marriage'? 

I am sure many who are in what they see as common law partnerships would thus be tempted to undertake the new partnership commitment. 

This change would leave it open for anyone of any faith or orientation to add to this a religious marriage blessing. If you think this is a good idea tell people, especially your MP. And especially those who voted against this measure!

For once Dave does look as if he might be being brave...



EDP report is here:

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/poll_how_did_your_mp_vote_in_the_gay_marriage_debate_1_1866074