Keywords: State

State affairs – look from below

Not All Were Asked About Brexit

Для запуска процедуры выхода из Европейского Союза британскому правительству потребуется согласие парламента страны

Reading time 6 minutes

 

[epapop id=’3958′]

[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

According to the resolution of the High court, the process of Britain’s withdrawal from the EU has to be discussed with parliamentarians of the country. The major part of the Parliament did not support the idea of separating from Europe. According to experts, the obligation of the government to consult the Parliament will not stop Brexit, but will significantly slow down the functioning of its mechanisms.

On the 3d of November there appeared a resolution of the High court, which obliges the bodies of executive power of the Great Britain to consult the Parliament about the terms of the country’s withdrawal from the European Union, which could lead to the complication and prolongation of the whole process.

The British Parliament intends to take part in the discussion of the conditions of withdrawal from the EU. Photo: the-indie-pendent.com
The British Parliament intends to take part in the discussion of the conditions of withdrawal from the EU.
Photo: the-indie-pendent.com

In accordance with a long tradition, Theresa May, like all Prime Ministers, is a member of the house of Commons while the government with the Cabinet of Ministers are responsible to Parliament. However, in this situation we are talking about participation of the legislative power in the development of conditions of the agreement under which Britain will leave the EU. Thus, the Parliament claims not just on monitoring the executive authorities, but also to participate in shaping the country’s foreign policy.

Despite the position of Prime Minister, the High court recognized the Royal prerogative insufficient basis for sole decision of such important issue as Brexit. Photo: atlanticsentinel.com
Despite the position of Prime Minister, the High court recognized the Royal prerogative insufficient basis for sole decision of such important issue as Brexit.
Photo: atlanticsentinel.com

The argument between the two branches of power was caused by the position of Prime Minister, Theresa May. The Prime Minister supposes that a head of the government has the right to conduct negotiations with the EU, even without approval of Parliament due to the Royal prerogative. The Royal prerogative includes the right to issue decrees personally, without further consultation with other bodies. Now the prerogative is passed into the hands of the government headed by the Prime Minister and acting on behalf of the monarch. Therefore, the government disagrees with the decision of the High court and has announced its intention to appeal. Despite all the arguments of the representatives of the executive branch, the chief justice found them unreasonable. The ruling said: “The Royal prerogative does not give government the right to issue a decree on the British exit from the European Union.”

It does not necessarily mean, however, the abolition of Brexit, according to experts in the field of political analysis. The concern of the government was caused mostly by the difficulties and delays associated with a new approval procedure of the circumstances of withdrawal from the EU, not by the threat of failure of all negotiations. In addition, the government fears that due to the verdict of the High court, members of Parliament can obtain a tool of pressure on the Executive branch and form the agenda of such Brexit conditions, which would be directly contrary to the ideas of the government and the Prime Minister. But the decision to leave the group of member countries of the European Union was adopted by the people through referendum, and that is why it is unlikely that the Parliament will decide to oppose the process, despite initial divergence of opinion.

The verdict was the result of an appeal of Brexit opponents and was perceived by the government and the Prime Minister Theresa May as a legal way to go against the decision made after the results of a nationwide referendum. However, critics of the political line of Prime Minister fear that in case of the lack of consultation with the legislative body of the country, the Parliament will lose opportunity to participate in the approval of the terms of secession from the EU, which could lead to a situation in which parliamentarians will have to formally approve initially unacceptable conditions and terms.

Today it is hardly possible to stop a British exit from the EU, but the opponents have managed to complicate and to delay the process. Photo: politico.eu
Today it is hardly possible to stop a British exit from the EU, but the opponents have managed to complicate and to delay the process.
Photo: politico.eu

The process of withdrawal of the British Kingdom from the European Union was launched after a national referendum held on 23 June this year. The results of the referendum showed that 52% of voters supported withdrawal from the EU. About 72% of the British citizens participated in voting.

Scientist who predicted Trump’s victory now says he could be impeached

Алан Лихтман предположил, что Дональд Трамп покинет должность раньше окончания срока

Reading time 3 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

Alan Lichtman – American historian and political scientist, 28 years in a row without error to predict the outcome of the US presidential election, has suggested that sooner or later, Donald Trump will be put impeachment on the part of the Republican Party, the newspaper The Washington Post.

Lichtman is known for making accurate predictions about the US political races using the so-called “method of 13 keys.” For more information about this is written in his book “Predicting the next president: the keys to the White House in 2016”. In a September interview the scientist said that in the upcoming elections by a large margin to win Trump. Recall that most experts confidently predicted victory of Hillary Clinton.

“This prediction is not based on my method, I can only assume. They (the tops of the Republican Party – Ed.) I do not like Donald Trump as president, because they can not keep it under control. He is unpredictable. Moreover, I am absolutely sure that Trump will soon give a reason for impeachment. He either does something threatening national security, or something beneficial for your pocket. Republicans would prefer to see in the presidential chair Mike Pence – controlled, straight, conservative Republican, “- said the professor.
According to “Kommersant”, currently Michael Pence is responsible for the inauguration of Donald Trump.

It is worth mentioning that the US presidential election results read out this week, we were all huge sensation – in the opinion of most experts, the victory was Hillary Clinton. At the moment, held a protest against Donald Trump in many US states. His arrival in the White House promises a radical change in foreign policy, and in the interior.

This Lichtman sure that the blame for the defeat of Democrats does not lie on Hillary Clinton and her campaign.

“The Democrats can not be justified, pointing the finger at Clinton and her campaign – as the key method, it was not the main reason for the defeat of the party. Democrats can only be rehabilitated by offering an inspiring and progressive alternative to Republican policies “- says Allan Lichtman.

A journalist in the US was fired for a tweet

Издание Politico расторгло контракт с Юлией Йоффе после ее твита о Дональде Трампе и его дочери

Reading time 4 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What is happened?

14 December edition of Politico fired American journalist with Russian roots Julia Ioffe after speculation on Twitter that the US President-elect Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka are in intimate relationships.

Joffe tweet was a reaction to news that the President’s daughter get an office in the White house, which was intended for his wife trump and the new first lady of the United States, Melania Trump. He was later removed. Despite the fact that the news was refuted by the press-Secretary of the Trump in the same source, which was referred to the journalist, her tweet was also on the same note – in an affirmative way: “Ivanka Trump get an office in the White house office of the first lady.”

Recall, usually in the White house, the Cabinet is given only for the first lady, for the rest of the family members of the President this is not provided.

How the media argued the dismissal?

After lighting news about Julia Ioffe tweet, Politico commented edition of the Daily Caller: “This tweet was completely unacceptable and is a violation of the standards of POLITICO. Julia Ioffe is no longer working with us.”

In addition, the journalist of The Washington Post Eric Wemple published in his Twitter a letter from the leadership of Politico, which argued that Politico journalists on all platforms are always a self publishing and have to do it properly. “We understand how outrageous it is to prevent such incidents, which discredit POLITICO… the letter reads. – … We will not tolerate such behavior.”

Joffe was about to resign from Politico to go into The Atlantic, and now the first edition has accelerated the process of transition, firing a journalist for two hours after the publication of the tweet.

What was the reaction of journalism?

After deleting the tweet Julia Ioffe wrote microblog “Our elected President popularized the tactic of “say what I think”, but I guess my wording should have been more sensitive.”

She later apologized in several tweets: “I’m sorry about my wording… It was a stupid joke, which I sincerely regret. It was tasteless, offensive tweet that I deleted and regret. I really and deeply sorry. It won’t happen again”.

Views

Kirsten powers, columnist for USA Today, defended Yulia in his microblog: “People should be left alone Julia Ioffe. She apologized, but of course, Twitter wants to have her burned at the stake. She’s a great journalist. Point.”

Ben Shapiro, a columnist of the Daily Wire, the lead of his show, expressed in his Twitter “I thought Julia Ioffe tweet was ridiculous. But then I thought that to fire someone because of this even more ridiculous.”

Lecturer at the faculty of communications, media and design HSE Yegor Isayev in exclusive comments to Hit.Media said: “the Blog is a private space, nobody has the right to influence the journalist (or any person) [is] how and what to speak.”

What Julia Ioffe is known for?

Joffe – American journalist, born in Moscow. At various times it was published in such periodicals as The Washington Post, The New Yorker, Forbes.

At the end of April in the US broke out the anti-Semitic scandal due to write her profile for Melania Trump for GQ magazine. Then the supporters of Donald Trump was insulted the journalist and threatened her, often pointing out her Jewish origins.

In November, Joffe entered the Forward 50 list most influential Jews in 2016. The first place it took Ivanka Trump.

Why in Russia has become less of universities?

Исследования социологов показали, что от нехватки вузов больше остальных регионов России страдает Северо-Запад

Reading time 4 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]
[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]
The scientists of the Ural Federal University, analyzed the statistics and came to the conclusion that there is inequality in the field of higher education in the regions and federal districts of the Russian Federation.

According to the head of research of Harold Zborowski, there are only 1-2 high school in many regions of Russia. And even they are under threat of closure. Without their own high schools remained and a few large cities. Such a situation has arisen in the country because of the optimization policy, enlargement and reduction of the number of higher education institutions.

Harold Zborowski
Harold Zborowski, head of research of the problem of inequality in higher education in Russia

For example, the Nizhny Tagil State Social and Pedagogical Academy has recently become a branch of the Russian State Professional and Pedagogical University. Thus Nizhny Tagil, a city with a population of 40 thousand people left without their high school.

graduates of RSVPU
graduates of RSVPU

Over the past few years, many higher education institutions have been found to be ineffective. Among them were the Novosibirsk universities – Ngah and SSGA.

Novosibirsk State Academy of Architecture and Arts
Novosibirsk State Academy of Architecture and Arts

Also, scientists have provided information that at the top of the hierarchical pyramid universities are federal universities, slightly behind their national research universities, followed by supporting regional universities, and in the kontse- other universities.

University students undergoing optimization are extremely dissatisfied with what is happening. Some colleges and universities have increased significantly in the training price.

Olga Vasilyeva
Olga Vasilyeva, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

The new Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Olga Vasilyeva said it would suspend the process of consolidation of higher education institutions. Develop new approaches to solving the problem of inequality in education – one of the major tasks of sociologists and experts to date.

A cassation appeal on the case of Dadin

Адвокаты осужденного активиста пытаются обжаловать приговор

Reading time 3 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]
[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]
November 10th Ildar Dadin’s protection in the face of Xenia Kostromina and Alexei Liptser filed an appeal against the judgment of the Basmanny Court, as through social networks said the wife of the convicted person, accompanied by his statement a photograph of the first page of the document.

Ildar Dadin was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in a penal colony December 2015. Later, thanks to appeal, this period was shortened by six months.

In autumn 2016, the activist was transferred to the Karelian penal colony № 7, located in Segezha, where he is at the moment placed in a punishment cell – a punishment cell. November 1 Dadin wife Anastasia Zotova published a letter, which a day earlier wrote to her lawyer Alexei Lipcer with the words of his client. In the letter, he gives details of regular beatings, abuse and torture (both in relation to themselves and to other prisoners) by the administration of the colony, as well as the threat of murder in case of complaints. Following the text on the display in Segezha colony №7 started testing, during which it became clear that the majority of video interviews already exists.

Ildar Dadin
Ildar Dadin

The overall outcome of inspections became official denial information FSIN (Federal Penitentiary Service). Later, the wife of a convicted person with his words recorded that the unauthorized actions of the leadership did not stop on the other prisoners.

Russian opposition activist, who was convicted under Article 212.1 of the Criminal Code for “repeated violations of the rules of public events”, became the first person in his 34 years, who brought the case with this formulation, and is still the only one. International Human Rights Society “Memorial” recognizes him as a political prisoner.

Action in support of Dadin
Action in support of Dadin

Konstantin Raikin: about intensification of censorship in Russia

Художественный руководитель театра "Сатирикон" Константин Райкин высказался об усилении цензуры в России

Reading time 4 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′] – [responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]
October 25 during a speech at the Congress Theater artistic director of the theater “Satyricon” Konstantin Raikin spoke about strengthening of censorship in Russia. According Raikin, deliberately violating state to work motivated by a desire to “return the situation in art in Stalin’s time.”

Raikin also said that worries about the current cultural situation in the country, in particular in connection with the “short visits to art” by the state. According to him, the power is idle, “distancing” in relation to those who are comfortable with the protests at trade shows and performances, thereby exercising its censorship.

Following the publication of the application on the Internet, in support hud.ruka “Satyricon” were directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev, a journalist and TV presenter Vladimir Pozner, actor Oleg Tabakov, who also said about the inadmissibility of censorship in the 21st century.

Earlier it was reported that Konstantin Raikin in person to apply for financial assistance to the Minister of Culture Vladimir Medina for staging the play. As representatives of the theater “Satyricon”, the cause of financial difficulties is the reconstruction of the main building, which is why most of the money goes to rent temporary sites. Konstantin Raikin, in turn, did not rule out the possibility of closing the theater due to lack of funds.

Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky
Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky

Then the Ministry of Culture said that they see no reason for the statement from the “Satyricon” leadership, as well as on the closure, and “about the existence of” censorship. ” Deputy Minister of Culture saidAlexander Zhuravsky that the state has always provided financial support for the theater:. For example, last year more than 190 million rubles were allocated for its needs, and in this year of about 235 million, despite the fact that the percentage of attendance continues. It remains low.

Regarding statements Raikin spoke, and presidential press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, who also noted that in Russia there is no censorship, and asked to distinguish between the productions financed by the state budget and those which are put to “the involvement of other sources.” Peskov also said that the state, providing financial assistance to the theater, the right to demand from him concrete results.

Press Secretary for the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov
Press Secretary for the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov

Theatre “Satyricon” is one of the oldest theaters in Russia, founded by his father Konstantin Raikin Arkady in 1939 in Leningrad. In 1982, the theater moved to Moscow, and already in 1987 and to this day he is the artistic director Konstantin Raikin.

The situation surrounding the attack on the exhibition broke out in connection with the riots in several Moscow museums. Since September 25, unknown persons committed the riots at the exhibition of the American photographer Jock Sturges “Without confusion”, whose work is regarded as pornographic, and two days later in the Sakharov Center unknown doused with paint pictures dedicated to the war in the Donbass.

From the Crimea to the pen

Владимир Путин передал в музей современной истории России ручку, которой подписал договор о присоединении Крыма

Reading time 4 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

The pen of the President became the sole exhibit a new exhibition opened at the Museum on 12 December, the Day of the Constitution. It was placed in the exhibition dedicated to important events in the recent history of the country. “This is a permanent composition, devoted to the latest period of the history of the Russian Federation, which covers events from 1985 — Restructuring — to the present day”, — said the Director of the Museum Irina Velikanova.

Recall that the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea was signed by Vladimir Putin on March 18, 2014.

The Annexation Of Crimea

The Autonomous Republic of Crimea, was annexed to the Russian Federation two days after a referendum on 16 March 2014. Ukraine and the majority of the States members of the United Nations refused to recognize the Crimea part of the Russian Federation. Immediately after the events of March 18, the rating of President Vladimir Putin rose to 80% according to surveys by the Levada center. Moreover, 60% of Russians were convinced that Russia is moving in the right direction.

Despite the positive attitude of the Russian population, the Crimea served as a pretext for sanctions against Russia from the United States and accessions countries of the European Union. The restrictions included a ban on the entry of senior officials on the territory of these countries, as well as blocking their assets and property. Later, Russia imposed retaliatory sanctions against the US and the EU, including food embargo.

The international isolation in which Russia as a result of the sanctions measures is of great concern to the Russians, however, according to a survey by the Levada center on 21 September 2016, 62% of respondents believes that it is necessary to establish relations with Western countries. In addition, the “Komsomolskaya Pravda” quoted the former Minister of Finance Alexey Kudrin that the accession of Crimea will cost Russia $ 150-200 billion.

What is happening now?

In the summer of 2016, the EU decided to extend sanctions against Russia for another year, until 23 June 2017. In the autumn of the list of officials targeted by sanctions, has been expanded. 28 November 2016 for new restrictive measures has been joined by Canada. A survey by the Levada center, conducted in late November showed that the attitude of the President of the Russian Federation worsened in approximately one third of Russians.

Experts’ opinion

The analyst Abbas Gallyamov in an interview with RBC:

“It is obvious that people are tired of confrontation and in General from politics. Long remain in this excited state, which was the Russian society is impossible”.

Political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky in an interview with “Novaya Gazeta”:

“The authorities and the expert community in the West realized that I do not fully understand not only the logic of actions of the Russian leadership, but even just making mechanism Kremlin decisions. In the West, one after the other cut programs related to the study of Russia, and intelligence from the same Poland or the Baltic States NATO partners did not trust, how biased. Judging by how the annexation of Crimea, softened and Western intelligence agencies, or the policy no longer trust their data to Russia”.

What else to read?

Material Plato Besedina the results of the annexation of Crimea.
A visual survey by the Levada center, international isolation

State Geography Exam

Министр образования одобрила сдачу экзамена по географии всеми выпускниками

Reading time 3 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

The head of the Ministry of Education and Science Olga Vasilyeva supported the idea to make Geography exams compulsory for graduates of the 9th and 11th classes, reports TASS.

‘This initiative is good, but we need to discuss it in detail, including financial focus’ – said Vasilyeva at the Second All-Russian Congress of Geography Teachers held on 2 November in Moscow State University.

The congress was visited by all interested in the promotion of geographical science in the country – government officials, teachers and scientists. Nikolay Kasimov, vice-president of the Russian Geographical Society, stressed that there is a need to upgrade the program in connection with the entry of the Crimea into the Russian Federation.

Nikolay Kasimov
Nikolay Kasimov
Russian Geographical Society is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world
Russian Geographical Society is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world

The Minister also raised the issue of equipping Geography classrooms. According to the head of the department, teachers need to have all the tools to work with the students.

Earlier, Minister of Education suggested other changes to the exam format. On October 25 on air of the TV channel Russia 1 the head of the Ministry of Education said that an examination in Literature will consist of creative tasks only. Among other Vasilyeva’s initiatives is the return of Astronomy to the school curriculum, the introduction of entrance examinations to universities and conduction of tests in all subjects in the 11th grade.

Congress of Geography Teachers
Congress of Geography Teachers
Единый государственный экзамен с 2009 года является формой выпускных экзаменов в школе; сейчас обязательных для сдачи предмета два – русский язык и математика
United State Exam is a form of GCSE since 2009; it is now mandatoryto pass exams in two subjects – Russian language and Math

 

 

Against Trump

Полиция США задержала полсотни человек во время пикетов после победы Трампа

Reading time 4 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

The Americans dissatisfied with the outcome of the presidential elections staged a mass demonstration in the night of November 10. The residents of Washington, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states came out in bad weather to the streets with banners and slogans. People accuse him of  the racism, sexism and xenophobia.

Противники Трампа на улицах Окленда
Opponents of Trump on the streets of Oakland

November 8, on the election day, to the headquarters of Donald trump in Manhattan drove a convoy of trucks carrying sand. It soon became clear that so the candidate tried to defend himself against terrorist threats and discontent Americans. Washington residents began to come to the White house even before the final results of the vote. In front of the Windows of the presidential residence the protesters stretched a banner that says “We are above prejudice” and sang a patriotic song. The grounds of the White house surrounded by the police.

Opponents of Trump on the streets of Oakland
Opponents of Trump on the streets of Oakland

As reported LENTA.RU the very first clashes and riots happened in California where in the streets of Auckland people smashed shop windows and burned trash cans. For disorderly conduct, police detained about ten people. In the protest took part the pupils and students of Los Angeles left of classes and areas of campus shouting “Trump is not my president!” Protesters blocked roads and impeded traffic. According to local media, in Seattle one of the demonstrations ended in the shooting, but police did not confirm this information. In new York large-scale protests were recorded, but the famous singer Lady Gaga supporting Clinton, was seen most of those trucks with sand. Perched on one of them, the star posed with a sign “Love conquers hate!”

One of the banners at demonstrations
One of the banners at demonstrations

Of course, Donald Trump has a support. On the streets of Manhattan traveled dozens of cars with American flags and signs “My Trump!” Such actions support passed in virtually every state, the color of which at the time of voting highlighted in red, that is Republican.

The United States presidential election held on 8 November. The victory was won by the representative of the Republican party, Donald trump, what has shocked many scientists. Such an outcome could not assume no one, since in the pre-election polls unconditionally was in the lead with Clinton. The formal procedure of voting of the electors will be held on December 19 and 20 January will see the inauguration of President trump.

To help out in prison

Пошаговая инструкция помощи заключенному

Reading time 3 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

1. Armed with Criminal and Criminal Procedure codes – help lawyer. Often criminal cases can be quite large( e.g. Swamp thing), in such cases, the defender is not able to track all the nuances. You can gather the necessary information and documents, to seek out new witnesses and other evidence. Strategy protection and processing of evidence for presentation in court should deal with the lawyer himself.

2. Don’t be afraid to give publicity to the violations of the rights of the prisoner. In jail the responsibility of the Federal service of execution of punishments (FSIN) in all regions there are special organs controlled by the office of the Procurator for supervision of observance of laws in correctional institutions. This is the first option where to go. But we cannot hope for an immediate response. In an emergency, when there is a threat to life and health (recent letter Ildar Dadin and subsequent events) not to procrastinate. First, the main aim of a lawyer or defender, who is currently near the scene of the incident (approximate price is 10 thousand rubles). FSIN denies appointment of counsel and a prisoner? It is necessary to attract media attention, contact one of the human rights organizations (“Human rights”, “Rus sitting”, “Committee against torture” and others)

3. Write letters, make passes. Mental condition of a prisoner deteriorates, due to the feeling of loneliness, so moral support from your side will help him cope with the shock. Keep in touch, send a letter by regular mail or through the service, the FSIN – letter. But remember that every text is viewed, so do not mention about the details of the case, and do not ask questions that potentially violate the law. Also give the prisoner what he asks (but there is a list of prohibited items on the website of the FPS of the desired region). There are weight restrictions: transfers (to 20 pounds), parcel (up to two).

4. You can improve his living conditions through the mechanism of registration of humanitarian aid. For example, to make minor repairs to camera, buy a TV, kettle or microwave.

5. Organize an interesting event. The administration of the colony do not rarely allows individuals and volunteer organizations to bring screenings, performances, lectures.

6. Don’t leave it after release. Help the person to adapt to life after the grid, push to seek employment, visit with him entertainment, for example cinemas or galleries. Do not let be closed in itself.