The Deficit There is a rather entertaining exchange of letters in the papers with scores of economists taking opposing views as to whether to cut the deficit this year with immediate action (or at least halt its rise) or to go on borrowing. Ordinary people find this a bit unnerving as they suppose economists know […]
The Banks There is hardly a current affairs programme these days with a financial section which does not feature some discussion over banking profits and bonuses. There is a point which is central to the discussion but which there is often not time in these sandwiched interviews to develop. It is this. Nobody minds people […]
Workers Co-operatives The Tories have just unveiled a weird plan to turn welfare services and schools into workers co-operatives. Labour has plans not wholly dissimilar. This blog will not comment on the efficacy of these proposals until more is known. It does hasten to remind its readers of the complete fiasco of the NHS internal […]
Civilian Casualties The deaths of twelve civilians on the second day of the NATO offensive is tragic news. Built into the profuse aplogies and regrets from the military top brass is the caveat that accidents happen in war. This is the nub. Indeed they do. Which is why war cannot any longer reasonably be used as […]
Afghanistan and America The new offensive in the south is going well for NATO so far. In military terms it may well work but it cannot succeed in the long term as a civil solution. There is not a single instance in modern history when an outside power, backing one side in civil war, has […]
Working Hours The New Economics Foundation, an out of the box Think Tank, has just issued a report to say the quality of life, especially for children, would be hugely improved if people worked earned and spent less and had more time for family, children, civic contributions and leisure. This is bold and worthwhile thinking. […]
Baroness Tonge The Lib Dem Health spokeswoman in the House of Lords, Baroness Tonge, has been sacked by Nick Clegg for suggesting that the Israeli Army has been accused of trafficking in organs from bodies in Haiti and that the Israeli authorities should investigate to refute the allegations. Whether the allegation is true or not I have […]
Archbishop Nichols The new Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, has spoken out courageously and wisely about the culture behind treatment paths in various parts of the NHS. He is so right. I have direct experience to confirm and reinforce every word he says. It is so refreshing to hear wise words about every day experience […]
Euro Zone The Euro has been much more successful than many supposed and it has, in a relatively benign economic period established itself as a credible currency. Now, however times have changed. There are serious problems looming. These are not just economic. If they were solutions to Greece and shortly Spain, Portugal and maybe Italy would […]