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Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #326

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:36 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 326th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (12-18 May, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. UKIP’s new councillors: the implosion begins by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog .
You might want to get that vetting procedure in place, Nigel.

2. Smiling assasin Gove skewers Oakeshott and Cable by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
“The consummate performance certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons.” says Charlotte

3. Cornwall Council leadership will be without the Conservatives by Alex Folkes on A Lanson Boy.
Alex tells the story of how the Conservatives counted themselves out.

4. In praise of Nigel Farage by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
It’s a long time since I heard the phrase “malingering Trots”.

5. Four Tory Councillors quit in Merton by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
Because of backstabbing and duplicity apparently. So the malaise isn’t confined to Westminster, then.

6. Liberal Democrats should welcome, and call for, a referendum on Europe, not to mention the UK by Andy Crick on Andy Crick.
Our entire constitutional settlement in these island and abroad needs a full debate and choices to be made, says Andy.

7. Tory minister has to remind senior Liberal Democrat what equality is about by Jaekay on Freedom is not the problem.
Jae is frustrated by Simon Hughes’ pronouncements.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to voice@libdemvoice.org.

8. Send a gun boat by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs.
A worrying analysis of how conflict in Asia could destabilise international relations across the world.

9. #LibDemExercise #toptips byAndrew Brown on The Widow’s World.
Get fit the Liberal Democrat way…

10. Mad swivel-eyed loons? Think before you laugh by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
It’s not as if successive Liberal Democrat leaders have treated our activists with respect, after all, argues Simon.

11. Facebook won’t win you an election by Rebecca Tidy on Polichic .
It can be useful, but no substitute for getting out and talking to voters in the real world.

12=. Does the UK suffer by not taking part in the Eurovision semi finals? by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England and In response to Jonathan Calder by Sam Phripp on So Sam said.
I heard Eurovision described as Liberal Democrat Christmas yesterday, so it’s perhaps fitting to have a debate on the subject. Only thing is, I think Sam needs to get his crystal ball checked.

Finally, as a wee bonus, because I know how much you like trains, Jonathan Calder covers the revival of the Lynton to Barnstaple railway.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #325

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 325th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (5-11 May, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Humiliation for Labour Party in Newbury – beaten into sixth and eighth place by husband and wife team by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
It’s not just the Liberal Democrats who have poor election results.

2. Brighton and Hove Greens attack each other on equal pay by Dan Falchikov on Living on Words Alone.
Local greens attack their council’s plans to equalise pay between men and women.

3. Which Lib Dem seat had the worst local election result? by Dan Falchikov on Living on Words Alone.
Dan’s being analysing the results in held seats.

4. Tory membership plummets by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
But Simon sees no reason for comfort for Liberal Democrats or any other political party.

5. Perhaps the Liberal Democrats should be grateful for the emergence of UKIP by Rebecca Tidy on Polichic .
After all, they are taking more votes from the Conservatives….

6. What Nick Clegg should have said after Thursday’s elections by Gareth Epps on Gareth Epps.
Time for a change of strategy, says Gareth.

7. Local elections – where the parties go from here by Carl Minns on A liberal view from Hull.
What do we need to do to prepare for 2015?

8. A six point plan for liberal populism by David Boyle on The Real Blog.
One of them involves making tea..

9. Communications Data and the Queen’s Speech by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity
Zoe doesn’t see the need for further legislation – existing powers are sufficient.

10. Why I would abolish the Queen’s Speech by Carl Minns on A Liberal View from Hull
Carl argues that the Queen’s Speech should be abolished for replacing good government with unhealthy, macho “laws as glorified press releases.” Nominated by Alex via email.

11. UKIP councillors by Peter Wrigley on Keynesian Liberal.
It’s time for Clegg, Cameron and Miliband to positively engage in serious debate on Europe, not race to the bottom with UKIP

12. How the Liberal Democrats should take on UKIP by Gavin James on Cllr Gavin James.
“The race to find the toughest meanest and most illiberal policies is a race I would not want to win and would rather we didn’t even enter.” (Submitted by Alex via email)

And, as a wee bonus, Stephen Williams MP has found his inner Liberal Democrat Geek and listed the 106 MPs who have represented the Liberal Democrats since our formation 25 years ago. Be honest, now. were there any you had forgotten? My apologies to Mr David Bellotti. Stephen did spell Ray Michie’s name wrong, though.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #324

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 324th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (28 April - 4 May, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. On being a Lib Dem in Bristol today by Andrew Brown on The Widow’s World .
Andrew reflects on the party’s losses in the city and looks to the future.

2. Each time I hear about Nigel Farage, I puzzle about Caroline Lucas by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
So, why have the Greens not made the same impact as UKIP. Mark has some ideas.

3. The green shoots of Liberal Democrat recovery are appearing by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common .
Richard sees reasons to be cheerful in Friday’s results.

4. A quick and dirty analysis of results in Mid Suffolk by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
Actually quite intelligent and thoughtful.

5. Labour are biggest losers from UKIP’s surge by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
With a snazzy infographic to illustrate the point.

6. Welcome to the big leagues, UKIP by Carl Minns on A liberal view from Hull .
A reality check from Carl for those UKIP members who think they’re being hard done by in the media.

7. The party who should be most worried by today’s election result by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
“Greens have failed to capitalise on any anti-politics sentiment, and are slipping into irrelevance.”

8.Why any analysis of the local election results cannot be extrapolated to a General Election by Jennie Rigg on Jennie Rigg.
Jennie injects a note of caution into projections. There’s a long way to go and the data on which these predictions are made is incomplete, she argues.

9. The speech I couldn’t finish by Ewan Hoyle on Ewan has something to say
I was there for this speech made during one of the most powerful, intense and meaningful debates I’ve ever been at. He argues that we must teach children to recognise when their mental health may be deteriorating.

10. Vigilant against the post-human future by David Boyle on The Real Blog .
David looks at the phrase “better than real.”

11. Liberal Mondays 2: Conrad Russell – The Liberal Cause by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
Alex has written loads this week, including reviews of The Politician’s Husband and Broadchurch, but I would be neglecting my duty if I didn’t put his post about Conrad Russell before you.

12.Housing ambition and disciplining the poor by Alex Marsh on Alex’s Archives.
A long read, but an interesting in depth analysis of the proposals by a Housing Association to introduce “ambition contracts” with tenants

For a Bank Holiday Bonus, try this longer read, an anthropological study of the Liberal Democrat breed by One Who Knows. Fred Carver spent six years at the heart of the party and his observations are astute, hilarious, harsh in places and brilliant.

As another bonus, until recently, Graeme was an occasionally grumpy Liberal Democrat spin doctor. Then he gave it up to go work for Volunteer Uganda. He’s been on holiday in Kenya this week and writes here about the kindness of strangers.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #323

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:27 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 323rd weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (21-27 April, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. I think this lady has best claim to say “I killed the snoopers’ charter” by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common .
Justified praise of the Divine Ms D

2. Labour leader of Southampton Council quits after report into fictitious claims by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
A report said he had been “economical with the truth” reports Mark

3. Labour dissolve the arrangement to run Calderdale Council with the Liberal Democrats by James Baker on Cllr James Baker .
Labour councillors want to campaign against welfare reform, not a council responsibility.

4. Derby election fraud case finally reaches Court by Mark Pack on Mark Pack’s blog .
Complaint was made by Liberal Democrats after last year’s election where they lost by 14 votes.

5. Sir Edward Garnier wins Liberal Villain of the Week by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Jonathan’s own MP tried to scupper libel reform.

6. Create local banks by breaking up state owned mega banks: Archbishop by Iain Brodie Brown on Birkdale Focus.
Iain finds merit in the Archbishop’s proposal.

7. Are the Greens sinking? by Jonathan Fryer on Jonathan Fryer .
Jonathan analyses the Greens’ recent poll slump.

8. Medway Council cuts negatively impact children and families by Chris Sams on The Ginger Liberal from Medway.
A very practical example of how cuts hurt. (Submitted by Chris via Twitter)

9. If the convention on human rights will protect a scumbag like him…by Carl Minns on A liberal view from Hull .
If Goverments start tinkering with human rights, where will it end?

10. In praise of Nick Clegg by Nick Barlow on What you can get away with
Getting rid of the Snoopers’ Charter is A Good Thing, but what about tackling the power structure in the civil service.

11.Liberal Mondays 1: Alfred Russel Wallace by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
Alex compares two books about Liberal/Liberal Democrat values written a century apart.

12.Good news from the Liberal Democrats as pubco consultation is launched by Gareth Epps on Gareth Epps.
Gareth is pleased at news that Liberal Democrats in Government intend to protect community pubs and publicans.

And, as an extra, as we head into the local elections, Kathy Pollard shows how the Conservatives are harming the prospects of children in Suffolk with their education reforms,.

And that’s it for other week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #322

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:00:26 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 322nd weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (14-20 April, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. My Lib Dem membership is up for renewal, so I ask myself ”Why be a member of the Lib Dems?” by Neil Monnery on The Ramblings of Neil Monnery.
What does Neil decide?

2. Lib Dem defamation u-turn farce by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone .
Dan is unimpressed with stragegic decisions of the leadership on touchstone liberal issues.

3. Some respect for Thatcher…and society by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
Andrew suggests a more positive course of action for those who threatened to protest at Margaret Thatcher’s funeral.

4. By-elections boost for Lib Dems ahead of May 2 Council elections on Freedom Central.
Liberal Democrats are winning again.

5. So, it seems I am exempt from Leveson by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
This is the week we find out that Richard’s blog employs fewer than 10 people and has a turnover of less than £2 million.

6. Two wee grumbles about tonight’s Liberal Democrat Party Election Broadcast by me on Caron’s Musings .
Some people are just never satisfied…

7. The closing of the Wye Valley line, 1959 by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Another train spotting post. I actually despair. Update: that reads a lot ruder than I meant it. What was in my head was surprise that posts about trains were so popular. In an entirely affectionate way.

8. We come to bury Thatcher not to praise her by Gavin Hamilton on The View from the Hills.
Some balanced reflections on the Thatcher legacy.

9. An increase in the rate isn’t the only good news for those on the Minimum Wage by Chris Richards on Chris Richards: Moving forward together.
Vince defies the advice of the Low Pay Commission to give apprentices a rise too. (Submitted by Chris via LibDig.)

10. Osborne, Thatcher, crying and emotions by Louise Shaw on From one of the jilted generation.
Louise wonders when politicians will catch up with the greater psychological understanding of this generation.

11. I will never compromise on freedom of speech. Ludlow Tories want to suppress it by Andy Boddington on Andy Boddington – Liberal Democrat.
Tories ask Andy to remove a photo of them that they are circulating in their own wards. Clearly much more important to them than improving the local bus service then.

12. Conservatives’ former Watford mayoral candidate joins the Liberal Democrats by Nick Hollionghurst on Nick Hollinghurst
A boost for Watford Liberal Democrats which leaves the town’s MP as the last Conservative in elected office.

And seeing as you all seem to like trains so much, I have another rail related blog post to share with you. Work started this week to re-open the Borders railway line shut by Beeching in 1959. Dan Falchikov has the story – and an interesting anecdote about a former Liberal leader. Don’t say I’m not good to you.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #321

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:55 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 321st weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (7-13 April, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed. Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging. As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Chuka Umunna: Wikipedia is the least of it by Mark Pack on Mark Pack . The Labour front bencher’s failure to act over a Labour candidate’s smear of a Liberal Democrat raises questions, argues Mark.

2. Susan Penhaligon leaves the Liberal Democrats by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England. And there’s a wee gem about her second cousin, David, too.

3. How William Morris poisoned Britain by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog. Arsenic in wallpaper dye….

4. Thatcher’s verdict on the Liberal Party of Canada by Akaash Maharaj on Mutterings and Musings. “Young man,” she said, “what you believe in is liberalism. Semantics aside, it is unrelated to your Liberal Party.”

5. Lest we forget – the unbridgeable gulf between us and the Thatcher approach by Iain Brodie-Brown on Birkdale Focus A reminder of David Steel in 1985

6. Independent notices Lib Dems’ strong performance in local by-elections by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England. We can apparently face the 2 May elections with “greater confidence than in any main contests since they went into the Coalition.”

7. Thoughts on the death of Margaret Thatcher by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England . Some of the worst parts of her legacy, says Jonathan, were left untouched by Labour.

8. Southport to “block” Radio Merseyside by Cllr Tony Robertson on Sefton Focus. An April Fool which even got some press interest. (Submitted by Iain Brodie-Brown via Twitter.)

9. #libdemvalues – this is what the Lib Dems is about by Dave Page on Jazz Hands, Serious Business. Dave takes part in Alex Wilcock’s meme to redefine Liberal Democrat values for our time. (Submitted by Dave via LibDig.)

(The eagle-eyed among you will have realised that these come from the week before – they were nominated for last week, so I thought I’d keep them in).

10. On the passing of Lady Thatcher by Matt Mclaren on Wisdom and Power.
“The thing to remember about any politician, whether liberal or conservative, local Councillor or Prime Minister, is that they are all, essentially, only human. Complete with all the frailties and imperfections we each share.” (Submitted by Matt via LibDig.)

11. Seven awkward questions for Liberal Democrats by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s Blog.
A sensible selection that we need to find answers to and soon.

12. Enough of the politicisation of a song that is associated with childhood by Maelo Manning on Libdemchild, aged 13.
This song is and should always be about Munchkins not Maggie, says Maelo

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #320

The Voice — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:30:22 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 320th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (31 March – 6 April, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Next up: the minimum wage on Liberator’s blog.
Concerned by reports the Government might reduce the level of the minimum wage.

2. Whatever the truth over Farage n-word claims, he needs to get UKIP’s house in order by Lester Holloway.
“Cutting [Ukip's] links with the Far Right would be a good start,” says Lester.

3. An MP that actually cares about her constituents. Definitely a rare breed. by Hannah Claytor.
Praise for Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland.

4. So I’ve Renewed My Lib Dem Membership by Jae Kae on Freedom Is Not The Problem.
“Some of the most intelligent political thinkers I have personal acquaintance tend to be in the Lib Dems.” Aw shucks.

5. Resignation round-up 1 on Liberals Together.
Two more to add to the list.

6. Is Britain a more liberal society? on Liberator’s blog.
On Henry Porter, Nick Clegg and 1970s’ beer.

7. Will UKIP stand more candidates than the Lib Dems in May? by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
“Two years of hollowing out has taken its toll and the collapse in membership means the pool of those able (let alone willing) to stand has been squashed.”

8. The Daily Mail front page you will never see by Mark Thompson on Mark Thomspon’s blog.
“We will of course never see a front page like the one above,” says Mark. He’s right.

9. Remember Folks You Saw it here first by Stephen Glenn on Stephen’s Liberal Journal.
“So the Tories are celebrating giving back 4 times more than they promised to tax payers.” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

10. Is Ed Miliband preparing to junk his promise to cap tuition fees at £6,000? by Stephen Tall.
“Labour [is] readying itself to ditch the first policy commitment that Mr Miliband made as Labour leader 18 months ago: to reduce the maximum fee cap to £6,000.”

11. The Lost Voice of Liberalism by Francesca Montemaggi on Blunt & Disorderly.
“I finally left the Liberal Democrats a few weeks ago, after Nick Clegg’s anti-immigration stance. This has really crossed the line for me.”

12. The Strange Death of Liberal England by Tim Oliver on Libertine.
“The Liberal Democrats must face up to the problems that now surround the question of England’s position within the Union.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen….the Mark Pack special

Caron Lindsay — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:05 +0000

At the end of February, Dr Mark Pack, who was a part of this site from the very start, stepped down as co-editor. His first post was on 27 August 2006. We miss him but are glad he’s still writing for us.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the weekly Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

I hope you enjoy the varied, eclectic selection of posts which shows off the man’s many talents and interests.

1. Six tips for getting your delivery slips right
Mark plans campaigns down to the finest detail.

2. Socks review
Well you need comfy feet if you’re going to be delivering lots of leaflets.

3. Twittering away.
When hashtags were new and exciting.

4. Why David Cameron was right to claim for chocolate bars on expenses
Mark gets to speak up for his beloved chocolate and take apart the Daily Mirror and Taxpayers’ Alliance at the same time.

5. A man, an eaten banana, a piece of string, a door and the leader of a political party
We know that Mark could spot a typo at 50 paces, but his eye for detail highlighted something extraordinary. Oh, and watch the video. I want that leader guy back.

6. Being good ministers is not enough
A prescient post from 2010 highlighting need for ministers and party to work together to get messages of our achievements in Government out.

7. Forgotten Liberal Heroes: Nancy Seear
Many of us will never forget Nancy, but Mark’s interest in the history of the party and liberalism in general introduces people to a new generation.

8. Why doesn’t Theresa May want mandatory tracking of all cars?
Dear Nick Clegg. Please, please read this before you agree to anything on Communications Data.

9. How much chocolate can you put on a gingerbread man before he becomes standard rated for VAT?
Chocolate again. This is important, you know.

10. The story of David Steel and the bombing of Greenland
Bet you hadn’t remembered that one…

11. 30 things any would-be politician should do this Summer
Some good practical tips for honing your political and life skills.

12. What does the data show us about the Obama Campaign’s use of data?
For Mark, it’s all about the data. This post attracted the attention of the Obama Campaign’s Data Director.

And for a bonus, from his own blog. Next time you are out delivering target letters and cursing the layout of the street and wondering how house numbering came to be, remember the mystery of the Postage Act of 1765.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #319

Caron Lindsay — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:00:34 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 319th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (24-30 March, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1.South Shields is not Eastleigh by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
A Labour hold will not be news, says Simon, the performance of the other parties will be.

2. And Nick Clegg’s next slap in the face to the party is…? by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
After secret courts, it’s not over….

3. It wasn’t Eddie Mair that did for Boris Johnson, it was that it was national TV by Mark Pack.
Apparently he’s quite often in the same state under questioning in City Hall.

4. Bluebell Railway returns to East Grinstead by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England .
And there’s video, too, in this must-read for train geeks.

5. Secret Courts – still not in my name by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
An interesting little snippet on how a particular person voted, too.

6. Why did David Miliband resign? by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common .
Maybe he should have watched Game of Thrones.

7. Nick Clegg and the politics of immigration by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog .
“Party members are starting to see a pattern of policy making that contradicts their wishes.”

8. Dear The Right Revd and Right Honourable The Lord Carey of Clifton, FRSA FKC by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity.
It’s fair to say that Zoe doesn’t have much truck with George Carey’s claims of persecution and marginalisation.

9. Going down the wormholes through time by David Boyle on The Real Blog .
A fascinating look at how long-lived people link impossibly far apart historical events and figures – with a punchline about a quite amazing woman. (Submitted by Alex via email.)

10. Stephen the Terrible – the Liberal Commission 1970-71 by Iain Brodie-Brown on Birkdale Focus .
A scandalous look back on the then party’s leadership’s attempt to stitch up the Young Liberals (and a future Cabinet Minister’s embarrassment at same-sex dancing). (Submitted by Alex via email.)

11. Why David Miliband’s resignation is another sign of what is wrong with safe seats by Adam Bell on Decline of the logos.
“if you can get a parliamentary seat purely through moving around to the most appropriate place to get elected, then you’re never exposed to the need to fight for popular support…”

12. Giving up Twitter for Lent by Louise Shaw on From one of the Jilted Generation.
Some food for thought for me, especially as I recently passed my 60,000th tweet.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #318

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 318th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (17 - 23 March, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Chris Huhne – one of the lags by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
Charlotte speculates that Huhne may find more camaraderie in prison than round the Cabinet Table.

2. Pugh on local government boundaries by Iain on Birkdale Focus.
I had to Google sandgrounder. Now I understand.

3. It’s not just Labour stealing Lib Dem ideas by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
This is a cracker.

4. By-election gains since October 2010 by Andy Pellew on Focus on Bar Hill.
A big, tall splodge of yellow.

5. Will Lib Dem focuses be bound by the new press regulation? by Andrew Emmerson on DIY Liberalism.
Something we all need to know…

6. Lib Dem gain from Labour on Dacorum Borough Council on Nick Hollinghurst.
Good news – and as an aside, I liked the fact that Nick Clegg included congratulations to our two new councillors in Letter from the Leader yesterday.

7. Watch Paddy Ashdown’s cracking speech to the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference on Mark Pack
Definitely worth a watch, even if you’ve seen it before. My friend Sarah Boad and I were both pregnant the last time Paddy made a conference speech in 1999. Both our girls are now party members.

8. Clegg makes a positive case for immigration and we’re all too outraged to hear it by Andrew Emmerson on DIY Liberal.
“This was unmistakably a positive case for immigration – something we’ve been challenging our leaders to do for decades.”

9. The nearest thing to an intellectual guru by David Boyle on The Real Blog.

“It may indeed be impossible to find the objective truth in this world, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is true. What’s more that fact should be absolutely vital to Liberals everywhere, because it is the antidote to tyranny.”

10. A little bit of calm reflection on the Royal Charter and bloggers by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Paul says that it’s all going to be fine and there will be amendments to sort out the initial confusion.

11. As aqua fades, should the Liberal Democrats drop Helvetica? by Matthew Green on Thinking Liberal.
A bit of font geekery is always a good thing.

12. The Liberal Democrats’ what do we stand for 2013.4 – what it’s all about #libdemvalues by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
The next stage of Alex’s quest to develop a coherent, up to date statement of Liberal Democrat values.

And for a Budget Bonus, here’s Richard Flowers’ take on George Osborne’s speech and his suggestion for what Liberal Democrats should look for now that we have met our key pledge of raising the tax threshold to £10,000.

And one more – Linda Jack recalls the Commons debate on the Iraq War ten years on.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #317

Caron Lindsay — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:00:40 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 317th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (10 - 16 March, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Quote of the Conference by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
Can you guess the subject?

2. What is the point of Liberal Democrat Conference? by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
We pay a fortune to go to Conference, we vote, the leadership ignores us.

3. On secret courts, Clegg has betrayed core liberal values by James Baker on Cllr James Baker.
Sometimes, says James, you just have to say no.

4. Clegg v Huhne, five years on by David Boyle on The Real Blog .
“Who would have thought that one would be Deputy Prime Minister and the other would be in jail?

5. Eastleigh signals the beginning of the end for Clegg, not the end of the beginning by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
Secret courts, again.

6. Jo Shaw’s resignation statement on Liberal Democrats against secret courts.
“…I cannot reconcile the principles which form the backbone of the Liberal Democrats – fairness, freedom and openness – with the measures introduced by the Justice and Security Bill.”

7. #no2secretcourts Jo Shaw says it better than anyone by RIchard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
Jo Shaw’s resignation speech in video.

8. Dropping out changed my life and it was good by Chris Wiggin on #blogsfromwiggin.
“Sometimes someone says something better than you ever could. And you have to tell the world about it.” (Submitted by CJW via LibDig.)

9. Plan B with a smile by Maelo Manning on LibDemChild.
From drawing on boxes to saving the economy….

10. Home truths about the British press by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs.
I really never thought I’d see the day when Cicero defended Justin Bieber, but each to their own…

11.Never let it be said that I don’t follow orders like a good little Lib Dem soldier by Jennie Rigg on Jennie Rigg .
Some of you may be surprised by this compliance, but there is a caveat, and you will understand why when you see the reason, I promise.

12. Welsh Government makes very basic errors in major numeracy and literacy presentation on Freedom Central.
Of all the places you don’t want to muck up….

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #316

Caron Lindsay — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:06 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 316th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (3-9 March, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed. This week’s and next week’s Dozens will be published later because of Federal and Scottish Spring conferences.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. The day the party fell out of love with the Coalition by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
Secret courts has done it….

2. Who is our 58th MP? by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
A wee slip of the tongue from Sir Menzies Campbell QC MP.

3. Zadok Day leaves the Lib Dems but makes a very interesting observation on his way out the door by Neil Monnery on The Ramblings of Neil Monnery .
Are political parties cults?

4. Lib Dems: Please think before you speak by me on Caron’s Musings.
In difficult and painful times, it’s more important than ever to keep your language temperate.

5. Anger? Puzzlement, more like by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Paul wonders at the lack of engagement from the leadership on secret courts.

6.The full list of how Liberal Democrat MPs did or didn’t vote on last night’s Justice and Security Bill amendments by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Paul does a bit of detective work.

7. In praise (again) of Helen Duffett by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
Everyone should praise the Divine Ms Duffett at least once a day, because she is pretty fabulous.

8. Secret Courts Emergency Motion for Liberal Democrat conference by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s Blog.
“FCC cannot ignore this issue. There must be a debate in Brighton.” (Submitted by Andrew Brown via LibDig.)

9. Lord Bonkers sees Ming Campbell taken out of mothballs by Jonathan Calder on Liberator’s Blog.
“Great fun from Lord Bonkers.” (Submitted by Paul Walter via LibDig.)

10. The Liberal Democrat what do we stand for challenge 2013.3 by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
8 people have had a go at articulating Lib Dem values so far. You can still take part.

11. Relating the Preamble to #Rocktheboat by Louise Shaw on From one of the jilted generation.
Louise goes back to first principles to explain why cultural change is needed in our party.

12. Scottish trans man guilty of fraud – just for having a relationship by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity .
Are trans people treated fairly in law? Zoe finds a worrying case north of the border.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #315

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 19:00:28 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 315th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (24 February - 2 March, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Responding to Rennard by Linda Jack on Lindylooz Muze .
Linda wants the party great and good to care more about the “poor bloody infantry.”

2. The press puts the boot in to the Lib Dems and we all know why by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs .
And we are right to ask whether this proves that statutory regulation of the press is needed.

3. Groping in the Dark by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs.
“No one cares about the real issues, they just want to renact scenes from “The Thick of it”.

4. What I heard on the ground in Eastleigh by Maelo Manning on Libdemchild aged 13.
Maelo’s experiences of canvassing found people with faith in the Liberal Democrats.

5. No spinning Rennard allegations, it’s time for the truth by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico .
“So let’s stop the spin and get to the bottom of this properly and quickly, and make sure that the Liberal Democrats become a political party that women can work and succeed in.”

6. The Lib Dems Battle of Stalingrad by Jonathan Wallace on Jonathan Wallace .
Eastleigh could be the start of the road to a successful General Election in 2015, says Jonathan

7. A Conservative press officer reacts to Maria Hutchings by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
A photo ripe for a caption competition if ever there was one.

8. Allegations of Harassment by Rachel on Rachel Coleman Finch.
The effect on an organisation of not dealing with allegations of harassment properly.

9. Osborne becomes more and more like Brown by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s Blog.
“Mark has a good point.” (Submitted by Louise Shaw via LibDig.)

10. Getting your priorities right by Dave Page on Jazz Hands, Serious Business.
Introducing the concept of Lib Dem/life balance. (Submitted by Dave via LibDig.)

11. Eastleigh – proof there’s no such thing as a perfect storm. by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty .
Five lessons, two questions and two fingers.

12. Rennard scandal proves a change of culture is needed by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
“A thoughtful piece on the Rennard allegations by Andrew.” (Submitted by Andrew Brown via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #314

Caron Lindsay — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 21:00:09 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 314th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (17 -23 February 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Eastleigh By-Election 18 February “There’s increasing panic in the Tory Headquarters” by Mark Pack on Mark Pack .
Well, I guess there would be when the candidate say her son couldn’t possibly go to a state school because he wants to be a surgeon.

2. Lord Rennard: what next? by Angela Harbutt on Liberal Vision.
An early reaction to the Channel 4 news story and the party’s initial actions.

3. EMLD make a splash at the Eastleigh by-election by Lester Holloway on Lester Holloway .
Pictures of a busy day on the campaign trail.

4. Why Maria Hutchings missed the BBC Eastleigh hustings by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
She had a very important speech to make. Not quite the Gettysburg Address…

5. UKIP voters aren’t extremists by George Potter on The Potter Blogger
We need to address their worries about jobs and housing says George.

6. Can Maria Hutchings turn this round and pull off a sensational Eastleigh victory? by Neil Monnery on The Ramblings of Neil Monnery.
And Neil can get a job with Calvin Klein…

7. Eastleigh by-election 17 February by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
With an Obama-style video.

8. Richard Briers, Tom Good and the rise of Margaret Thatcher by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Jonathan on the passing of a national treasure.

9. Is the Maria Hutchings (No) show a taste of Tory tactics for the 2015 election? by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant
Does David Cameron think his candidates are fit to face the public?

10.Call for 100% tax on illiberal doctors by Nick Thornsby on Nick Thornsby’s blog
How can you not love the Royal College of Letting Peop. (Submitted by Alex via email.)

11. Gavin Shuker and the law on prostitution by Andy Strange on Strange Thoughts.
We need a rational approach on this, not a moral crusade, says Andy. (Submitted by Alex via email.)

12. The legacy of the James Bulger case by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
Is our over -protectiveness of our children harming them and stopping them from becoming independent?

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #313

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 313rd weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (10 - 16 February, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. New Lib Dem peerages runners and riders by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog .
There may be a by-election on, but some inside gossip tops this week’s haul.

2. The Liberal Democrats must rediscover why they even exist or extinction is certain by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs .
Warnings from Cicero are not to be taken lightly. He says we need to get some soul into our thoughts and deeds.

3. The evidence that Lib Dems can still squeeze Labour in parliamentary by-elections by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
Where will Labour voters look in a tight Lib Dem/Conservative race?

4. Left foot forward shows its bias by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s blog.
They weren’t quite as sympathetic to the Mansion Tax when it was Vince Cable’s idea.

5. Tories choose a Wiki candidate by Peter Black on Peter Black.
Tory candidate Maria Hutchings gets her Eastleigh info from…Wikipedia.

6. A reply to Iain Dale’s post “Eastleigh by-election gets dirty” by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall.
Stephen on Tory Maria Hutchings’ comments that her son who wants to be a surgeon couldn’t do so if he had a state education.

7. This front page is so bad and disrespectful that I had to share it by Carl Minns on Thoughts from Hull.
By all means be annoyed at the photo of Reeva Steenkamp on the Sun’s front page, says Carl, but don’t pass it round the internet.

8. Maria Hutchings on state schools- fair game by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
If she attacks other people, doesn’t that open her up to criticism in return? (Submitted by Alex via email)

9. Of Popes and Monarchs going on and on by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s blog.
Why we should be grateful to Pope Benedict for showing a bit of humanity. (Submitted by Alex via email.)

10. Action, acting and authenticity by Louise Shaw on From one of the Jilted Generation .
“Chutzpah and a little seduction” on the doorsteps – but it’s important that our actions and our values are consistent.

11. Trans amendments to the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity.
Zoe outlines the amendments submitted to Parliament and tell us why they are needed to make marriage fair and equal for trans people.

12. The USA is weird by Terence Eden on Terence Eden has a blog .
Observations of a holiday in the USA.

And there’s a bonus this week. The awesome Liberal Youth have been helping the Eastleigh Campaign by creating Team Eastly, heading down their in droves or, like Hannah Bettsworth in Edinburgh yesterday, hitting the phones to talk to Eastleigh voters. On their Today I made a difference site, some of them talk about what they’ve done for the campaign. What have you done to help Mike Thornton today?

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #312

Caron Lindsay — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 312th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (3-9 February, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Eastleigh: more on that poll and who the Lib Dem candidate will be by Mark Pack on Mark Pack .
Mark’s tips on all aspects of Eastleigh.

2. Eastleigh: the shortlist. Oh all right then, my shortlist by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common .
The shortlist that never was.

3. Gay marriage – never mind the Tories, what about the Labour and Lib Dem rebels? by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog .
Ahead of the vote, Liberator speculated on potential Labour and Liberal Democrat rebels.

4. Some brief thoughts on Chris Huhne by me on Caron’s Musings.
Written in the immediate aftermath of his guilty plea.

5. Chris Huhne’s demise is literally tragic by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s blog .
Hubris helped Huhne get to the top in politics – but was also responsible for his downfall, says Mark.

6. Same-sex marriage: 7 Lib Dem MPs not present of which only 1 was an abstention by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
The MPs were barely back in the Commons when Detective Pack had the absentees tracked down. Oh, and congratulations on your new baby, Jenny Willott.

7. Eastleigh Lib Dems choose Mike Thornton as their by-election candidate by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England .
Jonathan points out that, unlike Conservative activists, the public is not obsessed with Europe.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. This week, I’ve had a lot of help again from Alex Wilcock of Love and Liberty. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to voice@libdemvoice.org.

8. How the UK Government is creating gay marriage not equal marriage by Jason Kay on Freedom is not the problem .
Jason exposes the flaws in the Government’s proposals which he intends to pursue with the Parliamentary committee considering the Bill. (submitted by Alex via email)

9. The “LGBT people don’t want this” argument is getting really old by Jason Kay on Freedom is not the problem.
Why it’s important to give people the choice on how they live their lives. (Submitted by Alex via email)

10. Jobs cheaper than benefits? by Mike on The Atomium.
Exploding Labour’s favourite piece of economically illiterate propaganda. (Submitted by Alex via email)

11.Other liberal views on marriage from Southport by Lauren Keith on Birkdale Focus .
“Liberalism is too precious and too complex to be judged by a single vote.” (Submitted by Iain BB via LibDig.)

12. Over optimism and the Huhne legacy by David Boyle on The Real Blog.
David outlines Chris Huhne’s 3 major achievements.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #311

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 19:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 311th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (27 January - 2 February, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. The Conservatives’ defeat on boundaries is entirely their own fault by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England .
David Cameron lacked the courage to take on his own party, says Jonathan.

2. Boundary opposition is a strategic mistake by the Lib Dems by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
Dan says we should have stuck with Chartist principles.

3. Schooling Nick Clegg’s son: Nick and Stephen are both wrong by Mark Pack on Mark Pack.
The Lib Dem Voice team have voiced their differing opinions over young Clegg’s education.

4. Labour’s southern extinction by Rich Clare on A brief history of liberty.
A pie chart with an awful lot of blue on it and not very much red.

5. New parliamentarians – who’s got your vote? by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
Rumours abound of new Lib Dem members of the House of Lords.

6. If you are going to leave a political party….by Carl Minns on A liberal view from Hull.
There’s trouble afoot in the Socialist Workers’ Party.

7. Jerry Hayes on Conservative back benches by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England .
Jonathan spots an interesting blog by a former Tory MP describing the current Parliamentary Party.

8.A good week for Norman Baker by Rob Parsons on A comfortable place.
But concern that nobody can hold a Government to account quite like Norman can.

9. Oneupmanship and hypocrisy by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s blog.
“Excellent post and the first comment illustrates Mark’s point succinctly. (Submitted by Andrew via LibDig.)

10. Jo’s reply to Nick Clegg’s Letter from the Leader today by Jo Shaw on Lib Dems against secret courts.
“History will not forgive our party or indeed this parliament if it becomes law.”

11. The comic genius of Eric Pickles by Nick Barlow on What you can get away with.
“Councils should ‘stop treating residents with contempt’, because that’s clearly the role of Pickles and the DCLG, not councils.”

12. In which I agree with the Conservatives by Andrew Brown on The Widow’s World.
And on boundaries, too.

And now for a little extra. Jennie Rigg has written an open letter to the editors of Liberal Democrat Voice. I thought it might be worth us all, editors and readers alike, going off and reading the articles she refers to. Do you agree with her or can you suggest other ways of making the comments threads on here a more positive and inclusive space? I’m sure we’ll come back to this at a later time, but I thought it was worth trying to get some initial reaction. If you don’t comment on here, why not? If you do, what do you get out of it?

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #310

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:00:44 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 310th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (20 - 26 January, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Controversial article in the Torygraph: A Poll by Jennie Rigg on Jennie Rigg .
Jennie invites readers to offer an opinion on how the Telegraph got its story on the Lib Dem idea to tax the likes of Amazon and Starbucks.

2. Mark Pack will be banging his head on a desks somewhere over this post by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
Several of our MPs need to update their entries on the Liberal Democrat website.

3. Sarah Teather’s latest tantrum by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
A critique of Sarah’s analysis of David Cameron’s Euro speech.

4. Cameron’s Euro speech was rubbish by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog .
Cameron and the circus clown’s gun…

5. Has the UKIP bubble burst? by Jonathan Fryer on Jonathan Fryer .
The more we see of Nigel Farage, the less we seem to like him, according to a new poll…

6. The holocaust and David Ward MP by Paul David Evans on The Evans Account.
Paul’s view of David Ward’s comments.

7. Social work death cover up threatens Kingston Liberal Democrat councillors by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
Lib Dem Councillors in Kingston need to show that they have sorted out the problems in their social services department.

8. Why are local parties important? by Dave Page on Jazz hands, serious business.
“A local party with good leadership and engagement makes its members want to get out and do stuff. It gives them a reason to be a Liberal Democrat and stay a Liberal Democrat.” (Submitted by Dave via LibDig.)

9 Votes for all – well, from 16 anyway. by Andrew Brown on The Widow’s World .
Andrew on why Stephen Williams’ motion in Parliament this week was so important.

10. David Ward was right but careless by Gareth Epps on Gareth Epps.
Gareth argues that the party should have included a statement on party policy within its rebuke to David Ward

11. Is Clegg’s problem is that he’s too honest? by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson’s blog.
Clegg tells the truth, but do we want to hear it?

12.In our out of the franchise? by Louise Shaw on From one of the jilted generation.
So, we end up having this referendum, but who gets to vote? Louise asks some interesting questions.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #309

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:00:41 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 309th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (13-,19 January 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Just when you thought it was safe to select a PPC by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
David Cameron still wants those boundary changes. Will the likes of the SNP let him have his way?

2. Has the fall in party membership finally ended? by Simon Titley on Liberator’s Blog.
An analysis of membership figures and some recommendations.

3. A game every Lib Dem should play by Richard Morris on A view from Ham Common.
And I did. There’s 15 minutes I won’t get back. There is a huge irony at the end which I won’t spoil for you.

4. The internet eats itself over transsexuals while Stephen Tall rides to the rescue by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
“Just because a certain group, in this case identity politics obsessed lefties, shout loudest doesn’t mean they should be the only people that get to speak. That is not what the internet is about” says Charlotte.

5. At least one Conservative MP may oppose boundary changes by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Jonathan finds Lembit’s successor in Montgomeryshire wants to keep things the way they are.

6. 23% say they want Lib Dems in Government by Rich Clare on A brief history of liberty .
And that’s from YouGov.

7. Julie Burchill: not in my name by Jennie Rigg on Jennie Rigg
“I consider trans people to be human beings whose thoughts and experiences are just as valid as my own. I can’t understand but I can empathise and I can listen.”

8. So the poor are getting poorer while the wealthy enjoy tax cuts, right? by Rich Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
Rich says not – and has a graph to prove it. (Submitted by Rob via Twitter.)

9. The dead parrot 25 years on by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
Some reflections on the occasionally heated merger negotiations and Voices and Choices.

10. In a blog post to be published today, Mr Barlow will say… by Nick Barlow on What you can get away with.
Nick says that one reason speeches used to be important is that nobody knew what the orator would say before they said it.

11.“Paperless NHS” puts the vulnerable at risk by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity.
This post is enhanced by reading it with the #transdocfail post Zoe links to within it.

12. Why don’t people trust politicians? by Maelo Manning on Libdemchild, aged 13 .
“Politicians are not down to earth because they are too engulfed in the Westminster bubble.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings

Top of the Blogs: The Lib Dem Golden Dozen #308

Caron Lindsay — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:00:17 +0000

Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 308th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere … Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (6 - 12 January, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. John Doran attacks Nick Clegg – not such a surprise really by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
Mark does some research on the former Lib Dem supporter who had a go at Nick Clegg on LBC on Thursday.

2. Round up the usual suspects – “senior” Lib Dems write to the Guardian about coalition with Labour by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
“They were obviously concerned with the success of the recent mid-term review press conference.”

3. The difference between David Laws and Nick Clegg by Simon Titley on Liberator’s blog.
Ideology vs pragmatism.

4. Racist picture cropping in newspapers raises its ugly head again by Jennie Rigg on Jennie Rigg.
Jennie has a new angle to “onesiegate”. The Telegraph wouldn’t even have the photo if it hadn’t been for one of the people they’d cropped out.

5. Labour humiliated in Liverpool by Cllr Richard Kemp on But what does Richard Kemp think?.
A farce in a wheelie bin.

6. Thoughts on “Call Nick” by Chris Sams on The ginger Liberal from Medway .
Chris had forgotten about the Clegg Magic.

7. Blimey, so that’s how you become Chief Whip by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common .
Richard on arguably the Best Comment Ever on this site.

8. The Guardian’s continued attempt at torpedoing trans healthcare laid bare by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity .
Zoe finds a recent article wanting and inaccurate. (Submitted by Zoe via LibDig.)

9. How should Liberal Youth fit into the party? by Dave Page on Jazzy Hands, Serious Business.
As LY elect a new Exec, Dave offers some thoughts and suggestions on their role from an outsider’s point of view. (Submitted by Dave via LibDig.)

10. Olly Neville removed from UKIP position for not being a member of the Borg by Neil Monnery on The Rambles of Neil Monnery .
“Neil’s take on #Ollyshambles, or when UKIPs high command decided to remove the Chair of Young Independence for supporting gay marriage.”(Submitted by Louise Shaw via LibDig.)

11. Nigel Farage, political bounder by Cicero on Cicero’s Songs.
“Neither “Libertarian” populism nor Authoritarian populism are likely to deliver successful policy”.

12. The turn of the tide by Richard Flowers on the Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant
In Millennium’s mid term review, why optimism is good and what the Lib Dems stand for. Submitted by Alex via email

Baker’s Bonus: An extra just because someone took the trouble, after I’d completed this, to email this to me from their sickbed. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Nick Barlow on the five people with the most potential influence on the Liberal Democrats. Did you see what I did there?

Don’t expect me to be this indulgent every week – I’m feeling rubbish myself so am overflowing with empathy.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings