Would you like to know how many people have visited this page? Or how reputable the author is? Simply
sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.
 Retired University Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering (British University) SHARE 
|
|
OpEd News Member for 701 week(s) and 2 day(s)
105 Articles, 0 Quick Links, 182 Comments, 0 Diaries, 0 Polls
Articles Listed By Popularity
List By Date
List By Date
(2 comments) SHARE
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Libyan revolution Military intervention by the west in Libya would have the opposite effect to what is intended, and the urge to do so should be strongly suppressed. It would undermine the legitimacy of the revolution; it would give Gaddafi and his mercenaries the rallying cry of fighting the invaders that are coming to occupy Libya and control its resources.
Sunday, March 6, 2011The Libyan revolution Military intervention by the west in Libya would have the opposite effect to what is intended, and the urge to do so should be strongly suppressed. It would undermine the legitimacy of the revolution; it would give Gaddafi and his mercenaries the rallying cry of fighting the invaders that are coming to occupy Libya and control its resources.
(4 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Power of the Media One of the pillars on which democracy is built is an independent free media employing responsible principled journalists. Without that democracy would be flawed and defective, but the ability of unscrupulous media and its ability to whip up fear,bigotry and xenophobia must never be under estimated. It is a tragedy and a fact of life that it is easy to demonise a country or a minority by designating it as the " other".
Wednesday, November 10, 2010The Power of the Media One of the pillars on which democracy is built is an independent free media employing responsible principled journalists. Without that democracy would be flawed and defective, but the ability of unscrupulous media and its ability to whip up fear,bigotry and xenophobia must never be under estimated. It is a tragedy and a fact of life that it is easy to demonise a country or a minority by designating it as the " other".
(2 comments) SHARE
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Pursuit of Happiness. America, live up to the ideals of your Declaration of Independence America, your wars violate every tenet of your Declaration of Independence: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". For the sake of humanity, live up to those universal ideals.
Thursday, January 6, 2011The Pursuit of Happiness. America, live up to the ideals of your Declaration of Independence America, your wars violate every tenet of your Declaration of Independence: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". For the sake of humanity, live up to those universal ideals.
(8 comments) SHARE
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Obscenity of War and Military Spending in a World of Need and Suffering A study by professor Linda J. Blimes of Harvard University concludes that the cost to the US of the Iraq and Afghan wars, taken together, will be between $4 and $6 trillion. This includes long-term medical care and disability compensation for service members, veterans and families, military replenishment and social and economic costs. The cost so far is $2 trillion.
Sunday, May 4, 2014The Obscenity of War and Military Spending in a World of Need and Suffering A study by professor Linda J. Blimes of Harvard University concludes that the cost to the US of the Iraq and Afghan wars, taken together, will be between $4 and $6 trillion. This includes long-term medical care and disability compensation for service members, veterans and families, military replenishment and social and economic costs. The cost so far is $2 trillion.
(4 comments) SHARE
Friday, February 15, 2013
Global Warming: Doing Nothing or Very Little Is Not an Option The jump in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution, combined with the strong correlation between global temperature and CO2, represent overwhelming evidence that global warming is real and it is human-induced.
Friday, February 15, 2013Global Warming: Doing Nothing or Very Little Is Not an Option The jump in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution, combined with the strong correlation between global temperature and CO2, represent overwhelming evidence that global warming is real and it is human-induced.
SHARE
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Education -- Heading to Mediocrity for the Many Would Einstein and Newton have made good teachers of physics and mathematics in a school? I very much doubt it. Being an expert in a particular subject does not necessarily mean you are able to teach it to a class of teenagers; obvious really, but not to Britain's Education Secretary apparently.
Saturday, August 4, 2012Education -- Heading to Mediocrity for the Many Would Einstein and Newton have made good teachers of physics and mathematics in a school? I very much doubt it. Being an expert in a particular subject does not necessarily mean you are able to teach it to a class of teenagers; obvious really, but not to Britain's Education Secretary apparently.
(2 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Climate Change: The Science Is Robust, Accept it and Act The science is ‘unequivocal’; climate change is real and human-induced. Embracing the renewable energy route will usher in a new industrial revolution that will be in harmony with our environment, and in so doing will safeguard the future of humanity.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014Climate Change: The Science Is Robust, Accept it and Act The science is ‘unequivocal’; climate change is real and human-induced. Embracing the renewable energy route will usher in a new industrial revolution that will be in harmony with our environment, and in so doing will safeguard the future of humanity.
(3 comments) SHARE
Monday, December 16, 2013
Neo-Liberal Capitalism: Privatizing Profits and Socializing Losses In science, a theory is abandoned or substantially modified if it does not concur with the emerging facts, fails to predict important events, or is contradicted by experiments. That, alas, does not seem to apply to economic theories.
Monday, December 16, 2013Neo-Liberal Capitalism: Privatizing Profits and Socializing Losses In science, a theory is abandoned or substantially modified if it does not concur with the emerging facts, fails to predict important events, or is contradicted by experiments. That, alas, does not seem to apply to economic theories.
(10 comments) SHARE
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Obscene Wealth and Grinding Poverty Side by Side, Scandalous How can it be right to have a system that allows tax havens to exist which the super-rich elite and corporations use to hide their wealth and to escape taxes that pay for a functioning civilized society?
Saturday, November 30, 2013Obscene Wealth and Grinding Poverty Side by Side, Scandalous How can it be right to have a system that allows tax havens to exist which the super-rich elite and corporations use to hide their wealth and to escape taxes that pay for a functioning civilized society?
SHARE
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Revolution in Egypt: An example to us all In January 25th's Egyptian revolution we are witnessing the yearning of the young for democracy and freedom translated into peaceful action powerful enough to shake to its foundation one of the many dictatorial and tyrannical regimes in the Middle East. Its ripples will fan out to the whole of the Arab and the Muslim world. They deserve our support, no ifs, no buts.
Saturday, February 5, 2011Revolution in Egypt: An example to us all In January 25th's Egyptian revolution we are witnessing the yearning of the young for democracy and freedom translated into peaceful action powerful enough to shake to its foundation one of the many dictatorial and tyrannical regimes in the Middle East. Its ripples will fan out to the whole of the Arab and the Muslim world. They deserve our support, no ifs, no buts.
(4 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The Greek People Have Punctured the Smugness of the "Moneymen" Congratulations to the Greek people for democratically puncturing the smugness of the "moneymen". For far too long politicians have been paralysed by the dogma imposed by the IMF, the ECB and the European Commission, that the only way out of the economic mess we are in is austerity that hurts those most vulnerable, while the elite continue to accumulate wealth at an accelerating rate. The lack of imagination to think outside.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015The Greek People Have Punctured the Smugness of the "Moneymen" Congratulations to the Greek people for democratically puncturing the smugness of the "moneymen". For far too long politicians have been paralysed by the dogma imposed by the IMF, the ECB and the European Commission, that the only way out of the economic mess we are in is austerity that hurts those most vulnerable, while the elite continue to accumulate wealth at an accelerating rate. The lack of imagination to think outside.
(6 comments) SHARE
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Money, Politics and the Science of Global Warming It is profoundly disturbing that in the case of global warming, its existence, severity and its impact should be part of an individual's ideology instead of scientific evidence. The US matters, and such a distortion of science could have consequences that will affect all of life on earth.
Sunday, February 3, 2013Money, Politics and the Science of Global Warming It is profoundly disturbing that in the case of global warming, its existence, severity and its impact should be part of an individual's ideology instead of scientific evidence. The US matters, and such a distortion of science could have consequences that will affect all of life on earth.
(1 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
31-December-2011; Iraq's occupation must end, no ifs, no buts President Obama, listen and listen good; the Iraqis want an end to the American occupation of their country, and so do the American people. Please do not let the Pentagon convince you otherwise. The Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq, known as SOFA, stipulates that all forces will leave Iraq by 31-December-2011. Please honour it.
Tuesday, April 12, 201131-December-2011; Iraq's occupation must end, no ifs, no buts President Obama, listen and listen good; the Iraqis want an end to the American occupation of their country, and so do the American people. Please do not let the Pentagon convince you otherwise. The Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq, known as SOFA, stipulates that all forces will leave Iraq by 31-December-2011. Please honour it.
(6 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Another Economic Crash Is Inevitable The economic crash of 2008 left people in their millions across the globe bewildered and shocked by the catastrophe and devastation inflicted on their lives. People find it difficult to comprehend how a few powerful bankers could cause so much damage and misery to the lives of countless millions.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013Another Economic Crash Is Inevitable The economic crash of 2008 left people in their millions across the globe bewildered and shocked by the catastrophe and devastation inflicted on their lives. People find it difficult to comprehend how a few powerful bankers could cause so much damage and misery to the lives of countless millions.
(5 comments) SHARE
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Corruption is slowly killing democracy and freedom. Progressives, and those on the left of politics, need to find the language that resonates with ordinary people, to open their eyes to the corruption that is diminishing their lives and those of future generations. The manipulation of public opinion by the powerful in the US and Britain is corruption. Its aim is to transfer trillions of tax dollars, from the poor and middle classes, to the powerful and the rich.
Saturday, December 18, 2010Corruption is slowly killing democracy and freedom. Progressives, and those on the left of politics, need to find the language that resonates with ordinary people, to open their eyes to the corruption that is diminishing their lives and those of future generations. The manipulation of public opinion by the powerful in the US and Britain is corruption. Its aim is to transfer trillions of tax dollars, from the poor and middle classes, to the powerful and the rich.
(8 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Arab World: Ruled by dinosaurs, changed by the courageous young One cry has become the emblem of the revolution in the entire Arab world "The people want the fall of the regime"-"Alshaab youreed isqat elnidham". The response of every dictator in the Arab world is: Who, me? Then they blame everything and everybody except themselves. What arrogance! In fact, to any objective observer of the Middle East, the question is not why the revolution is happening, but why has it taken so long?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011The Arab World: Ruled by dinosaurs, changed by the courageous young One cry has become the emblem of the revolution in the entire Arab world "The people want the fall of the regime"-"Alshaab youreed isqat elnidham". The response of every dictator in the Arab world is: Who, me? Then they blame everything and everybody except themselves. What arrogance! In fact, to any objective observer of the Middle East, the question is not why the revolution is happening, but why has it taken so long?
(7 comments) SHARE
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Right's Philosophy: callous and cruel towards the vulnerable and the poor-- Contagiously Spreading to UK As people in the US start to see the bankruptcy of the ideas and philosophy of the Tea Party, right wingers in the UK are planning the creation of a similar group. The immorality of severe cuts in public spending with its detrimental influence on the poor, disabled and marginalized in our society, is now manifest and being rejected by ordinary citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
Monday, May 16, 2011The Right's Philosophy: callous and cruel towards the vulnerable and the poor-- Contagiously Spreading to UK As people in the US start to see the bankruptcy of the ideas and philosophy of the Tea Party, right wingers in the UK are planning the creation of a similar group. The immorality of severe cuts in public spending with its detrimental influence on the poor, disabled and marginalized in our society, is now manifest and being rejected by ordinary citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
(2 comments) SHARE
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Arab Spring - Fears and Hopes The optimism generated by the Arab spring is now giving way to anxieties about where these changes are taking Arab societies. The idealism of the young in their millions for a dignified life where human rights are respected, where the rulers serve the people instead of enslaving them, is being sorely tested by the emergence of destructive sectarianism and ethnic tensions. I am not as pessimistic as many commentators are...
Friday, February 3, 2012The Arab Spring - Fears and Hopes The optimism generated by the Arab spring is now giving way to anxieties about where these changes are taking Arab societies. The idealism of the young in their millions for a dignified life where human rights are respected, where the rulers serve the people instead of enslaving them, is being sorely tested by the emergence of destructive sectarianism and ethnic tensions. I am not as pessimistic as many commentators are...
(7 comments) SHARE
Monday, April 25, 2011
The role of women in the Arab Awakening Arab despots and dictators see the legitimate demands of their people for justice, human rights and freedom as a challenge to their manliness. It has inhibited them from responding intelligently and flexibly. A society with a culture that excludes women from politics, and admires a "fearless" leader, who is ruthless and unable to tolerate dissent, is a poor one with ruinous consequences for its people.
Monday, April 25, 2011The role of women in the Arab Awakening Arab despots and dictators see the legitimate demands of their people for justice, human rights and freedom as a challenge to their manliness. It has inhibited them from responding intelligently and flexibly. A society with a culture that excludes women from politics, and admires a "fearless" leader, who is ruthless and unable to tolerate dissent, is a poor one with ruinous consequences for its people.
(3 comments) SHARE
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Libyan Revolution: Western military intervention? That is the question Arab countries should be encouraged to supply the revolutionaries in Libya with the military hardware they need in their fight with the forces of tyranny. If the West has really turned a page and wants to deal with the Arabs on the basis of mutual respect and a genuine shared interest, they could do no better than to urge and cajole the Arabs to take control of their own future and destiny.
Saturday, March 12, 2011The Libyan Revolution: Western military intervention? That is the question Arab countries should be encouraged to supply the revolutionaries in Libya with the military hardware they need in their fight with the forces of tyranny. If the West has really turned a page and wants to deal with the Arabs on the basis of mutual respect and a genuine shared interest, they could do no better than to urge and cajole the Arabs to take control of their own future and destiny.
(11 comments) SHARE
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Corrupt Capitalism -- the Denial of Equality of Opportunity The report compares twelve developed OECD countries. Britain comes out as the most socially immobile country, followed closely by Italy and USA. Denmark has the best intergenerational social mobility, and the two countries closest to Denmark are Australia and Norway.
Thursday, October 25, 2012Corrupt Capitalism -- the Denial of Equality of Opportunity The report compares twelve developed OECD countries. Britain comes out as the most socially immobile country, followed closely by Italy and USA. Denmark has the best intergenerational social mobility, and the two countries closest to Denmark are Australia and Norway.
(2 comments) SHARE
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The tyranny of the "moneymen" The gap between rich and poor in the US and the West is accelerating towards the levels that are now prevalent in the third world. The tyranny and dictatorship of corporations and the ultra rich are causing levels of hardship and pain that, if unchecked, will lead to civil unrest, and crime, and threaten community cohesion. Politicians take heed.
Saturday, June 25, 2011The tyranny of the "moneymen" The gap between rich and poor in the US and the West is accelerating towards the levels that are now prevalent in the third world. The tyranny and dictatorship of corporations and the ultra rich are causing levels of hardship and pain that, if unchecked, will lead to civil unrest, and crime, and threaten community cohesion. Politicians take heed.
(4 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Climate Change: Carbon Capture and Storage Is No Solution Those of us who believe global warming/climate change is real and human-induced can be split into two camps. The first could be described as the "having their cake and eating it" camp; they argue that the technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) will allow us to carry on burning fossil fuel but capturing CO2 to prevent it from damaging our habitat.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013Climate Change: Carbon Capture and Storage Is No Solution Those of us who believe global warming/climate change is real and human-induced can be split into two camps. The first could be described as the "having their cake and eating it" camp; they argue that the technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) will allow us to carry on burning fossil fuel but capturing CO2 to prevent it from damaging our habitat.
(22 comments) SHARE
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Norway's Agony, and Responsible Reporting Terrorism linked to extremism of any hue is deadly, and reporting it responsibly is paramount. Churchill's remark, in another context, of "careless talk costs lives" comes to mind. Extremist groups of any kind are driven by hate. Sensational, inaccurate reporting stokes up this hatred to the point where innocents may suffer, simply because they belong to a certain ethnic or religious group.
Saturday, July 23, 2011Norway's Agony, and Responsible Reporting Terrorism linked to extremism of any hue is deadly, and reporting it responsibly is paramount. Churchill's remark, in another context, of "careless talk costs lives" comes to mind. Extremist groups of any kind are driven by hate. Sensational, inaccurate reporting stokes up this hatred to the point where innocents may suffer, simply because they belong to a certain ethnic or religious group.
(27 comments) SHARE
Friday, April 1, 2011
Western military intervention in Libya: a dilemma for progressives and the left Progressives and the left are having a hard time dealing with western military intervention in Libya. Two principles are clashing head on. The first is: military intervention must be avoided; it is always a disaster. The second is: supporting people who have sought help from western powers, through the UN against a despot declaring war against his own people, how could we not help!
Friday, April 1, 2011Western military intervention in Libya: a dilemma for progressives and the left Progressives and the left are having a hard time dealing with western military intervention in Libya. Two principles are clashing head on. The first is: military intervention must be avoided; it is always a disaster. The second is: supporting people who have sought help from western powers, through the UN against a despot declaring war against his own people, how could we not help!
(1 comments) SHARE
Saturday, January 1, 2011
US Predator and Reaper drones, the war on terror, and Mr. Obama There is a moral black hole at the core of the so called "war on terror'. It is a lack of empathy: an inability of politicians in the US and Europe to put themselves in the position of the "other', and to envision the world from the perspective of people at the receiving end of the most lethal weapons of war known to humanity.
Saturday, January 1, 2011US Predator and Reaper drones, the war on terror, and Mr. Obama There is a moral black hole at the core of the so called "war on terror'. It is a lack of empathy: an inability of politicians in the US and Europe to put themselves in the position of the "other', and to envision the world from the perspective of people at the receiving end of the most lethal weapons of war known to humanity.
(4 comments) SHARE
Saturday, December 11, 2010
WikiLeaks exposes the unhealthy relationship between Britain and the US WikiLeaks cables are giving the world a glimpse of the hypocrisy and the double talk that world leaders are engaged in. It is one thing for unelected, assorted despots, dictators, kings and princes in the Middle East to secretly make remarks they don't want their people to know about; it is quite another to discover leaders of western democracies engaging in a similar deception.
Saturday, December 11, 2010WikiLeaks exposes the unhealthy relationship between Britain and the US WikiLeaks cables are giving the world a glimpse of the hypocrisy and the double talk that world leaders are engaged in. It is one thing for unelected, assorted despots, dictators, kings and princes in the Middle East to secretly make remarks they don't want their people to know about; it is quite another to discover leaders of western democracies engaging in a similar deception.
SHARE
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What is Britain's Labour Party For? "It doesn't really matter if it's Labour or Conservative because the people behind the scenes are always the same..." said a 23 year-old man from Liverpool who took part in the August 2011 UK riots.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011What is Britain's Labour Party For? "It doesn't really matter if it's Labour or Conservative because the people behind the scenes are always the same..." said a 23 year-old man from Liverpool who took part in the August 2011 UK riots.
(3 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Can You Pursue Happiness! Pursuing happiness is another manifestation of self obsession; it is the antithesis of what happiness is about. It is not something to be pursued; it is a by-product of our relationships with other human beings, and best achieved by helping others and by being kind, empathetic and forgiving.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013Can You Pursue Happiness! Pursuing happiness is another manifestation of self obsession; it is the antithesis of what happiness is about. It is not something to be pursued; it is a by-product of our relationships with other human beings, and best achieved by helping others and by being kind, empathetic and forgiving.
(2 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Progressives and the left: a problem in communication Communication has become the art of the sound bite; infuriating, though that is, it is the reality of the world we inhabit. S/he who is good at simplifying a complicated issue but keeps the essence of it is the one who will reach the widest audience. The left and progressives are too clever by half. They get the complexities, but are loath to simplify for fear of losing some strands of the argument.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011Progressives and the left: a problem in communication Communication has become the art of the sound bite; infuriating, though that is, it is the reality of the world we inhabit. S/he who is good at simplifying a complicated issue but keeps the essence of it is the one who will reach the widest audience. The left and progressives are too clever by half. They get the complexities, but are loath to simplify for fear of losing some strands of the argument.
(3 comments) SHARE
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Iraq war: lies exposed, what now? Iraq's connection with al-Qaida -- a lie, Iraq's purchase of uranium from Niger -- a lie, mobile biological weapons programme - a lie. Three lies justifying the war on Iraq in 2003. When and if the drums of war start beating against another unfortunate developing country, the American and British people need to be vigilant about what might be done in their name.
Thursday, February 17, 2011The Iraq war: lies exposed, what now? Iraq's connection with al-Qaida -- a lie, Iraq's purchase of uranium from Niger -- a lie, mobile biological weapons programme - a lie. Three lies justifying the war on Iraq in 2003. When and if the drums of war start beating against another unfortunate developing country, the American and British people need to be vigilant about what might be done in their name.
(2 comments) SHARE
Friday, September 7, 2012
Unemployment, Homelessness, and Debt: the Plight of the Young It is not a good time to be young. Our youth are bearing the brunt of the economic depression and its self-defeating solution of austerity and cuts. The future to them looks bleak; unemployment, debt and homelessness in various combinations, or all three beckon. Of course these three scourges (unemployment-debt-homelessness) are linked.
Friday, September 7, 2012Unemployment, Homelessness, and Debt: the Plight of the Young It is not a good time to be young. Our youth are bearing the brunt of the economic depression and its self-defeating solution of austerity and cuts. The future to them looks bleak; unemployment, debt and homelessness in various combinations, or all three beckon. Of course these three scourges (unemployment-debt-homelessness) are linked.
SHARE
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
British Anti-terrorism Policy Reviewed, but Made Worse When it comes to terrorism and its roots, successive British governments have abandoned rigorous analysis in favour of shallow assertions that pander to racist, narrow-minded sentiments. Experts and grass roots Muslims tell the government in numerous meetings and conferences that British foreign policy and wars are acting as a recruiting sergeant for international terrorism; the government turns a deaf ear.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011British Anti-terrorism Policy Reviewed, but Made Worse When it comes to terrorism and its roots, successive British governments have abandoned rigorous analysis in favour of shallow assertions that pander to racist, narrow-minded sentiments. Experts and grass roots Muslims tell the government in numerous meetings and conferences that British foreign policy and wars are acting as a recruiting sergeant for international terrorism; the government turns a deaf ear.
(5 comments) SHARE
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Tea Party - Principles, Contradictions, and Confusions It is difficult for me to comprehend the motives behind the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords that also left six people dead, including a child. The extreme anger, the inflammatory language, and the vitriol the far right and the Tea Party are heaping on the democrats and president Obama in particular are difficult to understand. What have Obama and the Democratic Party done that was so different from George Bush.
Friday, January 14, 2011The Tea Party - Principles, Contradictions, and Confusions It is difficult for me to comprehend the motives behind the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords that also left six people dead, including a child. The extreme anger, the inflammatory language, and the vitriol the far right and the Tea Party are heaping on the democrats and president Obama in particular are difficult to understand. What have Obama and the Democratic Party done that was so different from George Bush.
(5 comments) SHARE
Friday, May 6, 2011
Osama bin Laden and the "war on terror" The endless "war on terror" has been a massive fraud, driven by powerful individuals and corporations to transfer trillions of tax dollars from ordinary American citizens to powerful corporations and individuals. Ordinary people are subjected to a barrage of propaganda diverting their attention from the policies that degrade their lives; they direct their anger and frustration at minorities and the vulnerable.
Friday, May 6, 2011Osama bin Laden and the "war on terror" The endless "war on terror" has been a massive fraud, driven by powerful individuals and corporations to transfer trillions of tax dollars from ordinary American citizens to powerful corporations and individuals. Ordinary people are subjected to a barrage of propaganda diverting their attention from the policies that degrade their lives; they direct their anger and frustration at minorities and the vulnerable.
(2 comments) SHARE
Friday, January 21, 2011
The unemployed and top bankers: Misery for one, obscene extravagance for the other How is it that bankers using money, made by hardworking ordinary people, to manipulate financial markets employing casino type methods, are worth so much more than the people who make it? People would accept hardship and cuts if they perceived that the load was shared fairly and justly, with those most able shouldering a heavier load.
Friday, January 21, 2011The unemployed and top bankers: Misery for one, obscene extravagance for the other How is it that bankers using money, made by hardworking ordinary people, to manipulate financial markets employing casino type methods, are worth so much more than the people who make it? People would accept hardship and cuts if they perceived that the load was shared fairly and justly, with those most able shouldering a heavier load.
(3 comments) SHARE
Thursday, June 2, 2011
US Occupation of Iraq: When, oh When will it End? The American army withdrew from Iraqi cities on 30-June-2009 to bases scattered all over Iraq. And since that date they have suffered 132 dead and 804 injured. In whose interests are they being killed or injured on an almost daily basis? In whose interests are American tax dollars being spent? It is certainly not in the interests of ordinary Americans or Iraqis. Honour the agreement and end the occupation on 31-December-2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011US Occupation of Iraq: When, oh When will it End? The American army withdrew from Iraqi cities on 30-June-2009 to bases scattered all over Iraq. And since that date they have suffered 132 dead and 804 injured. In whose interests are they being killed or injured on an almost daily basis? In whose interests are American tax dollars being spent? It is certainly not in the interests of ordinary Americans or Iraqis. Honour the agreement and end the occupation on 31-December-2011
(2 comments) SHARE
Monday, March 21, 2011
Western military intervention in Libya; a challenge to the left Gaddafi's violent, no holds barred response to the reasonable demands of the revolutionary youth has left the Libyan people with limited choices in their struggle with his tyranny. These choices are either bad or very bad. The Arab revolution that had its spark lit in Tunisia is a revolution by the Arab masses, owned by them, and not orchestrated by foreign powers, east or west.
Monday, March 21, 2011Western military intervention in Libya; a challenge to the left Gaddafi's violent, no holds barred response to the reasonable demands of the revolutionary youth has left the Libyan people with limited choices in their struggle with his tyranny. These choices are either bad or very bad. The Arab revolution that had its spark lit in Tunisia is a revolution by the Arab masses, owned by them, and not orchestrated by foreign powers, east or west.
SHARE
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
David Cameron Barked Up the Wrong Euro Tree Could one do the right thing for the wrong reasons? Yes. Does it matter that it is for the wrong reasons? It does, if it shows a mindset from which other actions may follow that are wrong, uninformed and damaging.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011David Cameron Barked Up the Wrong Euro Tree Could one do the right thing for the wrong reasons? Yes. Does it matter that it is for the wrong reasons? It does, if it shows a mindset from which other actions may follow that are wrong, uninformed and damaging.
(3 comments) SHARE
Saturday, November 27, 2010
America and Britain's "Special Relationship", has it served the people? Not on your nelly. The image that pops into my head when I think of "the special relationship" between the US and Britain is of Tony Blair and George Bush wearing tight jeans and windcheaters, walking towards the camera on George Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. The smirk on Tony Blair's face projects an image of "Look at me, aren't I great; I am next to the most powerful person on the planet, and we have just decided to pulverise Iraq".
Saturday, November 27, 2010America and Britain's "Special Relationship", has it served the people? Not on your nelly. The image that pops into my head when I think of "the special relationship" between the US and Britain is of Tony Blair and George Bush wearing tight jeans and windcheaters, walking towards the camera on George Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. The smirk on Tony Blair's face projects an image of "Look at me, aren't I great; I am next to the most powerful person on the planet, and we have just decided to pulverise Iraq".
SHARE
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Corporate Media: Hang your heads in shame Under authoritarian regimes, the media is controlled and policed by the state and its security and military arms. In democracies we are supposed to have a free media, truthfully, impartially and responsibly reporting news and events domestically and internationally. Unfortunately we do not; replacing the state by powerful ultra rich media moguls and powerful corporations does not make the media free.
Thursday, January 27, 2011Corporate Media: Hang your heads in shame Under authoritarian regimes, the media is controlled and policed by the state and its security and military arms. In democracies we are supposed to have a free media, truthfully, impartially and responsibly reporting news and events domestically and internationally. Unfortunately we do not; replacing the state by powerful ultra rich media moguls and powerful corporations does not make the media free.
(4 comments) SHARE
Sunday, June 10, 2012
We Don't Need to Sacrifice Social Justice for Good Economic Performance The widening gap between the 1%ers and the rest is a cancerous growth that destroys the health of our societies, rich and poor. Free market economics - shrinking the state, low government spending and unleashing the market beast into every facet of society -- is not only morally wrong, but also economically unjustifiable.
Sunday, June 10, 2012We Don't Need to Sacrifice Social Justice for Good Economic Performance The widening gap between the 1%ers and the rest is a cancerous growth that destroys the health of our societies, rich and poor. Free market economics - shrinking the state, low government spending and unleashing the market beast into every facet of society -- is not only morally wrong, but also economically unjustifiable.
(2 comments) SHARE
Friday, December 2, 2016
Globalisation and Free-Market Capitalism Are Tearing Our Societies Apart A fundamental change in the way capitalism works is essential. Cosmetic changes or just words, not backed by action, will not do. Otherwise, I fear for the cohesion of our societies with the demagogues and charlatans directing the anger and frustration of the masses, not at the economic system causing the poverty of the many, but towards the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable members of our society.
Friday, December 2, 2016Globalisation and Free-Market Capitalism Are Tearing Our Societies Apart A fundamental change in the way capitalism works is essential. Cosmetic changes or just words, not backed by action, will not do. Otherwise, I fear for the cohesion of our societies with the demagogues and charlatans directing the anger and frustration of the masses, not at the economic system causing the poverty of the many, but towards the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable members of our society.
(2 comments) SHARE
Monday, June 13, 2011
Workers of the world unite; the "moneymen" are coming Be afraid; be very afraid; the "moneymen" are coming. Casino-type raw capitalism is bad for your health, bad for your old age, bad for the education of your children. The power of capital is global, financiers, bankers, private equity funds, the IMF, the World Bank, in short the "moneymen", are not constrained by borders or the sovereignty of a state. The resistance to their destructive power must also be organized globally.
Monday, June 13, 2011Workers of the world unite; the "moneymen" are coming Be afraid; be very afraid; the "moneymen" are coming. Casino-type raw capitalism is bad for your health, bad for your old age, bad for the education of your children. The power of capital is global, financiers, bankers, private equity funds, the IMF, the World Bank, in short the "moneymen", are not constrained by borders or the sovereignty of a state. The resistance to their destructive power must also be organized globally.
(4 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Terrorism, its roots, and the smart way to combat it Hypocrisy, double speak, double standards and wars are what characterise western policy and treatment of the Muslim world. Political leaders in America and Britain suffer from "colonial arrogance" syndrome. It renders sufferers incapable of tolerating such countries having an independent foreign policy. Total obedience is required at all times, threatening military action if those countries do not toe the line.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010Terrorism, its roots, and the smart way to combat it Hypocrisy, double speak, double standards and wars are what characterise western policy and treatment of the Muslim world. Political leaders in America and Britain suffer from "colonial arrogance" syndrome. It renders sufferers incapable of tolerating such countries having an independent foreign policy. Total obedience is required at all times, threatening military action if those countries do not toe the line.
SHARE
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Nuclear Electricity Generation Belongs to the Past Not the Future So the British government's response to climate change is to go nuclear. The Hinkley Point nuclear power station is to be built jointly by Chinese companies and the French state-owned energy company EDF. The cost of building the plant is estimated to be -25bn.
Thursday, October 1, 2015Nuclear Electricity Generation Belongs to the Past Not the Future So the British government's response to climate change is to go nuclear. The Hinkley Point nuclear power station is to be built jointly by Chinese companies and the French state-owned energy company EDF. The cost of building the plant is estimated to be -25bn.
(1 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Military-Industrial Complex: The Danger Within The ensuing decade of wars have caused death, injury and misery to millions of innocents with a final bill of up to 4.4 trillion dollars to western tax payers, but have they made us any safer? Putting aside the immorality, the suffering, and sheer inhumanity of these wars, they have been a gigantic fraud on American and British taxpayers.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011The Military-Industrial Complex: The Danger Within The ensuing decade of wars have caused death, injury and misery to millions of innocents with a final bill of up to 4.4 trillion dollars to western tax payers, but have they made us any safer? Putting aside the immorality, the suffering, and sheer inhumanity of these wars, they have been a gigantic fraud on American and British taxpayers.
SHARE
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Arab World: a revolution for human rights, democracy and freedom The voracious corporations in the US and UK represented by the financial-military-industrial complex and their agents, aka the tyrannical rulers of the Arab world, who treat their countries as their own private fiefdoms, have enriched themselves at the expense of the poor and the powerless in the Arab world, the US and Britain.
Monday, February 21, 2011The Arab World: a revolution for human rights, democracy and freedom The voracious corporations in the US and UK represented by the financial-military-industrial complex and their agents, aka the tyrannical rulers of the Arab world, who treat their countries as their own private fiefdoms, have enriched themselves at the expense of the poor and the powerless in the Arab world, the US and Britain.
SHARE
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Iraq: Joining the revolution in the Arab world It is clear that the youth of the Arab world have gone back to first principles in their quest for a better future. They seek a democratic system that is free of corruption and cares about and serves the interests of ordinary people. Western models of democracy are in need of reform and who knows, the Arab revolution may point the way.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011Iraq: Joining the revolution in the Arab world It is clear that the youth of the Arab world have gone back to first principles in their quest for a better future. They seek a democratic system that is free of corruption and cares about and serves the interests of ordinary people. Western models of democracy are in need of reform and who knows, the Arab revolution may point the way.
(6 comments) SHARE
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Wretched "War on Terror" and the Rule of Law The wretched "war on terror" has led to the invention of phrases and rebranding of nasty illegal practices, in a cynical way to circumvent the rule of law, with the English language stretched to the point where words began to take on new more sinister meanings.
Sunday, August 14, 2011The Wretched "War on Terror" and the Rule of Law The wretched "war on terror" has led to the invention of phrases and rebranding of nasty illegal practices, in a cynical way to circumvent the rule of law, with the English language stretched to the point where words began to take on new more sinister meanings.
SHARE
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Climate Change: Governments Must Act to Reduce CO2 Emissions If we, as a society, deem climate change the greatest threat facing humanity and that urgent action is needed to limit our CO2 emissions, then printing money to achieve that aim need not be inflationary because there is corresponding work associated with it, creating sustainable growth and boosting GDP. Systems will be manufactured, people will be employed, and opportunities for export will open up.
Saturday, May 11, 2013Climate Change: Governments Must Act to Reduce CO2 Emissions If we, as a society, deem climate change the greatest threat facing humanity and that urgent action is needed to limit our CO2 emissions, then printing money to achieve that aim need not be inflationary because there is corresponding work associated with it, creating sustainable growth and boosting GDP. Systems will be manufactured, people will be employed, and opportunities for export will open up.
(1 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
NATO, is there an alternative? You bet. The combined military spending of NATO is 70% of the world's total military spending, with the United States alone accounting for 43% of the world's total military spending. It is clear that the purpose of such massive military hardware and fire power is to bully and intimidate nations to compel them to toe the line in their foreign and economic policies.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010NATO, is there an alternative? You bet. The combined military spending of NATO is 70% of the world's total military spending, with the United States alone accounting for 43% of the world's total military spending. It is clear that the purpose of such massive military hardware and fire power is to bully and intimidate nations to compel them to toe the line in their foreign and economic policies.
(6 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Performance-Related Pay for Teachers Harms Education The emphasis by successive governments on testing and inspections as a means of improving education has harmed real education. It has lowered the morale of our teachers, and has raised the levels of stress and anxiety of our children. Performance-related pay is yet another policy that will add to the stress of an already stressed and demoralized profession.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013Performance-Related Pay for Teachers Harms Education The emphasis by successive governments on testing and inspections as a means of improving education has harmed real education. It has lowered the morale of our teachers, and has raised the levels of stress and anxiety of our children. Performance-related pay is yet another policy that will add to the stress of an already stressed and demoralized profession.
(11 comments) SHARE
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Western Military Intervention in Libya - How Will It End? Commentators on the left and right are confusingly comparing Libya and Iraq and deducing erroneous conclusions; they are ignoring some very fundamental differences. It is one thing to respond to a cry of help with limited support (no boots on the ground) to a popular uprising; it is quite another to wage an illegal war and subject a country to a brutal occupation based on a pack of lies.
Sunday, August 28, 2011Western Military Intervention in Libya - How Will It End? Commentators on the left and right are confusingly comparing Libya and Iraq and deducing erroneous conclusions; they are ignoring some very fundamental differences. It is one thing to respond to a cry of help with limited support (no boots on the ground) to a popular uprising; it is quite another to wage an illegal war and subject a country to a brutal occupation based on a pack of lies.
(1 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Corrupt Capitalism Destroys the Economy and Society Inequality, injustice and grinding poverty lead to the whole of society becoming the poorer; we all lose, rich and poor.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012Corrupt Capitalism Destroys the Economy and Society Inequality, injustice and grinding poverty lead to the whole of society becoming the poorer; we all lose, rich and poor.
SHARE
Sunday, August 23, 2015
The Corbyn Effect: Democratic Socialism Is Returning to Britain's Labour Party Who amongst the contenders for the leadership of the Labour Party would have had the vision and the courage of Aneurin Bevan to establish the British National Health Service? The answer, surely, would be only Jeremy Corbyn.
Sunday, August 23, 2015The Corbyn Effect: Democratic Socialism Is Returning to Britain's Labour Party Who amongst the contenders for the leadership of the Labour Party would have had the vision and the courage of Aneurin Bevan to establish the British National Health Service? The answer, surely, would be only Jeremy Corbyn.
(2 comments) SHARE
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Patenting "The Staff of Life" is Ruinous to Iraq's Agriculture Farming in Iraq had an inbuilt informal ability to improve the quality of the wheat grain. This method of sharing expertise, and the use of knowledge passed down through the generations were applied to every aspect of farming and fruit orchards to improve the quality and quantity of the produce. Order 81 on patenting makes this method of farming history.
Saturday, October 1, 2011Patenting "The Staff of Life" is Ruinous to Iraq's Agriculture Farming in Iraq had an inbuilt informal ability to improve the quality of the wheat grain. This method of sharing expertise, and the use of knowledge passed down through the generations were applied to every aspect of farming and fruit orchards to improve the quality and quantity of the produce. Order 81 on patenting makes this method of farming history.
(9 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Europe: It's a No Brainer - Ditch the Euro, Preserve Democracy, Justice and Freedom "If the Euro fails, then Europe fails" - so said Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. This is what we have been hearing from pundits and experts for weeks now. Predictions of economic Armageddon if the eurozone breaks up have been aired ad nauseam by politicians and experts. Commentators and journalists hardly ever ask the two most important questions. Why? How?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011Europe: It's a No Brainer - Ditch the Euro, Preserve Democracy, Justice and Freedom "If the Euro fails, then Europe fails" - so said Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. This is what we have been hearing from pundits and experts for weeks now. Predictions of economic Armageddon if the eurozone breaks up have been aired ad nauseam by politicians and experts. Commentators and journalists hardly ever ask the two most important questions. Why? How?
(4 comments) SHARE
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Evils Of Obscene Income Inequality The greed, excess and selfishness that brought liberal democracy and capitalism to the edge of the abyss have been demonstrated once again by the latest research from Income Data Services (IDS). It shows that the pay of directors of the UK's top businesses (FTSE 100) rose by 49% over the past year, bringing their average pay package to about 2.7 million pounds.
Friday, November 4, 2011The Evils Of Obscene Income Inequality The greed, excess and selfishness that brought liberal democracy and capitalism to the edge of the abyss have been demonstrated once again by the latest research from Income Data Services (IDS). It shows that the pay of directors of the UK's top businesses (FTSE 100) rose by 49% over the past year, bringing their average pay package to about 2.7 million pounds.
(1 comments) SHARE
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Prescriptive Math Teaching Impedes Real Understanding Having trashed teaching qualification (QTS) by telling academies that they could appoint teachers without QTS qualifications, Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, is at it again, this time telling teachers how to teach mathematics. Whatever next? Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, telling doctors how to treat patients?
Thursday, August 16, 2012Prescriptive Math Teaching Impedes Real Understanding Having trashed teaching qualification (QTS) by telling academies that they could appoint teachers without QTS qualifications, Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, is at it again, this time telling teachers how to teach mathematics. Whatever next? Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, telling doctors how to treat patients?
(4 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Homelessness: the Destruction of Lives The lives of most people are dependent on the modest wages they receive from work to survive and keep a roof over their family's heads. Any interruption of that income due to illness or unemployment of the breadwinner could tip the family into homelessness. Most of us feel "there but for the grace of God go I".
Wednesday, September 26, 2012Homelessness: the Destruction of Lives The lives of most people are dependent on the modest wages they receive from work to survive and keep a roof over their family's heads. Any interruption of that income due to illness or unemployment of the breadwinner could tip the family into homelessness. Most of us feel "there but for the grace of God go I".
(11 comments) SHARE
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Basic Income: We Cannot Afford Not to Do It Basic Income is an idea whose time has come. It will reduce the level of anxiety and stress that many suffer as a result of low wages and work insecurity. In short, it is good for people and good for the economy. As a society we cannot afford not to do it.
Saturday, March 5, 2016Basic Income: We Cannot Afford Not to Do It Basic Income is an idea whose time has come. It will reduce the level of anxiety and stress that many suffer as a result of low wages and work insecurity. In short, it is good for people and good for the economy. As a society we cannot afford not to do it.
SHARE
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Iraq - Heroism Amidst the Carnage In the daily carnage of today's Iraq, with bombs and shootings targeting the innocent, one is forgiven for feeling despair at the sheer wickedness and inhumanity of these deeds. In the midst of the misery and carnage, however, an act of heroism and sacrifice that shows the true face of Iraq has passed completely unreported by western media.
Thursday, January 12, 2012Iraq - Heroism Amidst the Carnage In the daily carnage of today's Iraq, with bombs and shootings targeting the innocent, one is forgiven for feeling despair at the sheer wickedness and inhumanity of these deeds. In the midst of the misery and carnage, however, an act of heroism and sacrifice that shows the true face of Iraq has passed completely unreported by western media.
(1 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Empathy: What Our Dysfunctional World Needs We must resist the temptation to block our empathy by the barriers of colour, religion or ethnicity. Our humanity should trump such feelings. It is the stronger bond that bind us all to this fragile planet.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017Empathy: What Our Dysfunctional World Needs We must resist the temptation to block our empathy by the barriers of colour, religion or ethnicity. Our humanity should trump such feelings. It is the stronger bond that bind us all to this fragile planet.
(2 comments) SHARE
Friday, April 19, 2013
Wasting Food and Hunger Side by Side, Scandalous In the industrialized west we need only a change in the way we think about food to reduce appreciably the waste. In the developing world the problems are more complex, but the west can help and in so doing help our economies.
Friday, April 19, 2013Wasting Food and Hunger Side by Side, Scandalous In the industrialized west we need only a change in the way we think about food to reduce appreciably the waste. In the developing world the problems are more complex, but the west can help and in so doing help our economies.
(1 comments) SHARE
Friday, June 10, 2011
Care for the vulnerable and profit don't mix The market knows best, is the mantra of the moneymen; let private enterprise, financiers, and bankers, run everything. Competition will deliver good quality service. Light touch regulation and light touch supervision should be the order of the day. Otherwise you will kill innovation and progress. Two scandals in Britain this week have awakened ordinary Brits to the fallacy that such sentiments are universal.
Friday, June 10, 2011Care for the vulnerable and profit don't mix The market knows best, is the mantra of the moneymen; let private enterprise, financiers, and bankers, run everything. Competition will deliver good quality service. Light touch regulation and light touch supervision should be the order of the day. Otherwise you will kill innovation and progress. Two scandals in Britain this week have awakened ordinary Brits to the fallacy that such sentiments are universal.
(1 comments) SHARE
Friday, October 4, 2013
The Madness of Never-Ending Economic Growth Our societies need a paradigm shift in what we value. We need to treat our environment and our planet with the respect that is essential for our survival as a species. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to alter the destructive path on which humanity is currently travelling.
Friday, October 4, 2013The Madness of Never-Ending Economic Growth Our societies need a paradigm shift in what we value. We need to treat our environment and our planet with the respect that is essential for our survival as a species. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to alter the destructive path on which humanity is currently travelling.
SHARE
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Trump's Travel Ban Is an Affront To Civilised Values President Trump banning people from certain countries entering the US has robbed millions of people of their individuality. They are no longer separate human beings with their own thoughts, principles, likes, dislikes, fears and hopes. It is treating them all as an amorphous mass of humanity, not worthy of the right to be judged personally by their deeds and words.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017Trump's Travel Ban Is an Affront To Civilised Values President Trump banning people from certain countries entering the US has robbed millions of people of their individuality. They are no longer separate human beings with their own thoughts, principles, likes, dislikes, fears and hopes. It is treating them all as an amorphous mass of humanity, not worthy of the right to be judged personally by their deeds and words.
(1 comments) SHARE
Friday, February 17, 2012
Orthodox Economics Gone Mad Capitalism is grinding to a halt because the market is confined to the rich, who are over indulged and cannot consume any more. It is enlightened self interest to help those poor at home and worldwide who need the basics of life to get them onto their feet; they will then need more goods and services, demand will increase, and thus get the engine of capitalism working to supply it.
Friday, February 17, 2012Orthodox Economics Gone Mad Capitalism is grinding to a halt because the market is confined to the rich, who are over indulged and cannot consume any more. It is enlightened self interest to help those poor at home and worldwide who need the basics of life to get them onto their feet; they will then need more goods and services, demand will increase, and thus get the engine of capitalism working to supply it.
(3 comments) SHARE
Monday, December 6, 2010
The War on Terror; is it value for money or senseless carnage? The reaction of the US to 9/11 was akin to a muscle bound giant stung by a wasp. His response was to thrash around ignoring the shouts from those around him to use the antihistamine cream. Bruised and battered as he hits the walls around him he demands to know where the wasp has come from, vowing to destroy every place where wasps might live. Ten years since 9/11 and the endless wars continue with no discernable achievement.
Monday, December 6, 2010The War on Terror; is it value for money or senseless carnage? The reaction of the US to 9/11 was akin to a muscle bound giant stung by a wasp. His response was to thrash around ignoring the shouts from those around him to use the antihistamine cream. Bruised and battered as he hits the walls around him he demands to know where the wasp has come from, vowing to destroy every place where wasps might live. Ten years since 9/11 and the endless wars continue with no discernable achievement.
(2 comments) SHARE
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Rejection Of Eurozone Conditions Is The Best Option For The Greek People I say to the Greek people: You have been treated shabbily by the rest of Europe. You have a beautiful country and proud history; leave the madness of the Eurozone. Take your destiny in your own hands and build an economy on the skills and expertise of your people, with a strong democratic oversight. The Eurozone is run by oligarchs and financiers who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
Sunday, November 6, 2011Rejection Of Eurozone Conditions Is The Best Option For The Greek People I say to the Greek people: You have been treated shabbily by the rest of Europe. You have a beautiful country and proud history; leave the madness of the Eurozone. Take your destiny in your own hands and build an economy on the skills and expertise of your people, with a strong democratic oversight. The Eurozone is run by oligarchs and financiers who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
(3 comments) SHARE
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Agony of Iraq, the Country of My Birth As a 17-year-old in 1962, I was one of a group of about 10 Iraqi students doing A levels in a college in the UK. The group included three Christians, one Kurd and the rest were Muslims. Do not ask me how many of the Muslims were Shia and how many were Sunni. I had no idea. I only knew of the religion and ethnicity of others through casual conversations. The only label that mattered was that we were all Iraqis.
Saturday, December 31, 2011The Agony of Iraq, the Country of My Birth As a 17-year-old in 1962, I was one of a group of about 10 Iraqi students doing A levels in a college in the UK. The group included three Christians, one Kurd and the rest were Muslims. Do not ask me how many of the Muslims were Shia and how many were Sunni. I had no idea. I only knew of the religion and ethnicity of others through casual conversations. The only label that mattered was that we were all Iraqis.
SHARE
Friday, November 11, 2016
Trump's Win: a Lesson for Britain's Labour Party So now we know. The 45th President of the United States will be Donald Trump, a billionaire who has presented himself as an insurgent anti-establishment figure who promised change. And what did the Democratic Party machine do? Instead of choosing their own insurgent who defined himself as a democratic socialist, Bernie Sanders, they chose the establishment- personified figure, Hillary Clinton. How dumb was that?
Friday, November 11, 2016Trump's Win: a Lesson for Britain's Labour Party So now we know. The 45th President of the United States will be Donald Trump, a billionaire who has presented himself as an insurgent anti-establishment figure who promised change. And what did the Democratic Party machine do? Instead of choosing their own insurgent who defined himself as a democratic socialist, Bernie Sanders, they chose the establishment- personified figure, Hillary Clinton. How dumb was that?
SHARE
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Death Throes of Democracy in the US and the UK You wonder why anybody bothers to vote. The anger of the public with bankers and their demands to make them pay for the mess they have created in the US and Britain seem to have fallen on deaf ears, and are ignored by politicians, even though British banks had a trillion pounds of public money pumped into them, with trillions more into US banks.
Sunday, January 9, 2011The Death Throes of Democracy in the US and the UK You wonder why anybody bothers to vote. The anger of the public with bankers and their demands to make them pay for the mess they have created in the US and Britain seem to have fallen on deaf ears, and are ignored by politicians, even though British banks had a trillion pounds of public money pumped into them, with trillions more into US banks.
(11 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
How Would You Use Your wealth If It Were $28 Billion? What sort of system have we created that relentlessly siphons wealth from the poor to the richest 1%, and in the process deprives humanity of the resources that could bring happiness, contentment and joy to billions of people? When, oh when, will world leaders take concrete steps to remedy this injustice and unfairness?
Wednesday, January 27, 2016How Would You Use Your wealth If It Were $28 Billion? What sort of system have we created that relentlessly siphons wealth from the poor to the richest 1%, and in the process deprives humanity of the resources that could bring happiness, contentment and joy to billions of people? When, oh when, will world leaders take concrete steps to remedy this injustice and unfairness?
(7 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Repair-Not-Replace: Good for Your Pocket and Good for the Planet Climate change is with us already and such measures are needed as a matter of urgency. Such a proposal should not be a party political issue. Good quality jobs would be created in the country where the appliance is used. It would save the consumer money, and it is good for the environment.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016Repair-Not-Replace: Good for Your Pocket and Good for the Planet Climate change is with us already and such measures are needed as a matter of urgency. Such a proposal should not be a party political issue. Good quality jobs would be created in the country where the appliance is used. It would save the consumer money, and it is good for the environment.
(1 comments) SHARE
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Economy: It's the Poverty, Stupid The politicians are unwilling, unable, or both, to tackle the causes of the economic problem which are the lack of demand as a result of unemployment, cuts in real wages and soaring energy prices. Instead, they continue to pump more and more billions into the banks, with the gap between the poor and the super-rich that lies at the core of the problem forever widening.
Monday, October 17, 2011The Economy: It's the Poverty, Stupid The politicians are unwilling, unable, or both, to tackle the causes of the economic problem which are the lack of demand as a result of unemployment, cuts in real wages and soaring energy prices. Instead, they continue to pump more and more billions into the banks, with the gap between the poor and the super-rich that lies at the core of the problem forever widening.
(4 comments) SHARE
Saturday, June 29, 2013
The Narrow Framing of Debate on Capitalism Stifles Democracy "This must be a nation where people have a voice, [and] we don't have a voice anymore"; so said a Brazilian protester quoted in the Guardian. This comment could so easily have been made by a European or an American.
Saturday, June 29, 2013The Narrow Framing of Debate on Capitalism Stifles Democracy "This must be a nation where people have a voice, [and] we don't have a voice anymore"; so said a Brazilian protester quoted in the Guardian. This comment could so easily have been made by a European or an American.
(6 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
QE - Quantitative Easing or Questionable Economics? We all know QE stands for Quantitative Easing; a better description would be Questionable Economics. This is the process by which money is created electronically and pumped into banks' coffers. The more I read about it, the more convinced I become that this is a racket that enriches the banks and endangers the real economy, making the current dire economic situation worse.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011QE - Quantitative Easing or Questionable Economics? We all know QE stands for Quantitative Easing; a better description would be Questionable Economics. This is the process by which money is created electronically and pumped into banks' coffers. The more I read about it, the more convinced I become that this is a racket that enriches the banks and endangers the real economy, making the current dire economic situation worse.
(12 comments) SHARE
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Privatizing the National Health Service and Education Are Acts of Vandalism What is it with neoliberal/neoconservative politicians and their ideological obsession with the market? In their view of human nature and public ownership, privatization would magically improve everything. To them, evidence-based decision making is not necessary; they have an ideologically blind belief in the transformative power of markets.
Thursday, February 28, 2013Privatizing the National Health Service and Education Are Acts of Vandalism What is it with neoliberal/neoconservative politicians and their ideological obsession with the market? In their view of human nature and public ownership, privatization would magically improve everything. To them, evidence-based decision making is not necessary; they have an ideologically blind belief in the transformative power of markets.
(6 comments) SHARE
Monday, September 26, 2011
Economics of the Madhouse The maddening thing is that politicians are so awestruck and mesmerised by the "moneymen", that they keep pumping more money into their coffers in the hope that something will trickle down to make the machine work. Politicians, please stop listening to the "moneymen". Go back to first principles and start using some common sense.
Monday, September 26, 2011Economics of the Madhouse The maddening thing is that politicians are so awestruck and mesmerised by the "moneymen", that they keep pumping more money into their coffers in the hope that something will trickle down to make the machine work. Politicians, please stop listening to the "moneymen". Go back to first principles and start using some common sense.
(3 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Syria: Beware the Evils of Sectarianism A genuine uprising for justice, freedom and dignity is morphing into a sectarian one that will hurt all the Syrian people through the sheer bloody mindedness of the al-Assad regime, and through interference of neighbours and foreign powers. I want an end to despotism in Syria, but I do not want "the baby thrown out with the bathwater". Is it too late for that? I hope and pray it isn't.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012Syria: Beware the Evils of Sectarianism A genuine uprising for justice, freedom and dignity is morphing into a sectarian one that will hurt all the Syrian people through the sheer bloody mindedness of the al-Assad regime, and through interference of neighbours and foreign powers. I want an end to despotism in Syria, but I do not want "the baby thrown out with the bathwater". Is it too late for that? I hope and pray it isn't.
(4 comments) SHARE
Monday, June 4, 2012
Austerity in the Midst of a Depression - Mad, Bad and Immoral It is galling that the UK government has embarked on the route of austerity and cuts voluntarily, as if this is some sort of a virility test to show that the "Brits" are more macho than the rest of Europe. Or could it be that the mantra of "shrinking the state" and "the market knows best" is trumping reason once again.
Monday, June 4, 2012Austerity in the Midst of a Depression - Mad, Bad and Immoral It is galling that the UK government has embarked on the route of austerity and cuts voluntarily, as if this is some sort of a virility test to show that the "Brits" are more macho than the rest of Europe. Or could it be that the mantra of "shrinking the state" and "the market knows best" is trumping reason once again.
SHARE
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Obscene Bosses' Salaries Are Subsidized by Taxpayers Fairness and justice are the pillars on which successful, happy societies are built. The present system that siphons so much wealth to the top 1% to the impoverishment of the rest is neither fair, nor just. Failure to take action will result in the whole of society becoming the poorer; we will all suffer rich and poor.
Sunday, February 7, 2016Obscene Bosses' Salaries Are Subsidized by Taxpayers Fairness and justice are the pillars on which successful, happy societies are built. The present system that siphons so much wealth to the top 1% to the impoverishment of the rest is neither fair, nor just. Failure to take action will result in the whole of society becoming the poorer; we will all suffer rich and poor.
(2 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Libya and the West NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said today (August 22, 2011) "NATO wants the Libyan people to be able to decide their future in freedom and in peace." Dare I hope that the statement is sincerely meant? Or am I being naïve?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011Libya and the West NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said today (August 22, 2011) "NATO wants the Libyan people to be able to decide their future in freedom and in peace." Dare I hope that the statement is sincerely meant? Or am I being naïve?
(4 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The British National Health Service - Is It Safe With the Tories? The National Health Service is just about all that is left from the mixed economy that characterised Britain not long ago. This government knows that it cannot get away with a full frontal attack on this most cherished of Britain's institutions. I fear that their Health and Social care bill is a way of salami-slicing the privatisation of the NHS.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012The British National Health Service - Is It Safe With the Tories? The National Health Service is just about all that is left from the mixed economy that characterised Britain not long ago. This government knows that it cannot get away with a full frontal attack on this most cherished of Britain's institutions. I fear that their Health and Social care bill is a way of salami-slicing the privatisation of the NHS.
(1 comments) SHARE
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Boom and Bust, Fuelled by Banks for Benefit of Banks One can see that if you want to create a bubble economy that enriches the banks, but starves the wealth-creating sector, you would be hard put to devise a better system. The bursting of the bubble becomes inevitable, leading to the misery and ruin of millions of lives.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013Boom and Bust, Fuelled by Banks for Benefit of Banks One can see that if you want to create a bubble economy that enriches the banks, but starves the wealth-creating sector, you would be hard put to devise a better system. The bursting of the bubble becomes inevitable, leading to the misery and ruin of millions of lives.
(3 comments) SHARE
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Running a Government Budget as if it were a Household Budget Is Economically Illiterate Running the government budget is fundamentally different from running a household budget. Simplistic dogmatic wheezes, such as enshrining budget surpluses in law, could cause real damage to Britain's economy.
Thursday, June 25, 2015Running a Government Budget as if it were a Household Budget Is Economically Illiterate Running the government budget is fundamentally different from running a household budget. Simplistic dogmatic wheezes, such as enshrining budget surpluses in law, could cause real damage to Britain's economy.
(1 comments) SHARE
Monday, April 8, 2013
Cutting the Welfare Safety Net Is Not the Way to 'Make Work Pay' So, there are far better and just ways to tackle the deficit and make work pay than going after the poor and vulnerable in our society. A prime example of that meanness of spirit is the bedroom tax that saves no more than -465m and possibly far less, but will affect 660,000 people, two-thirds of whom are disabled.
Monday, April 8, 2013Cutting the Welfare Safety Net Is Not the Way to 'Make Work Pay' So, there are far better and just ways to tackle the deficit and make work pay than going after the poor and vulnerable in our society. A prime example of that meanness of spirit is the bedroom tax that saves no more than -465m and possibly far less, but will affect 660,000 people, two-thirds of whom are disabled.
SHARE
Monday, December 5, 2011
Callous and Cruel to the Vulnerable and the Poor George Osborne, the British Chancellor's autumn statement may be many things, but fair and just it is not. Some of the poorest members of our society, public workers, who do valuable work that distinguishes a caring society from one that is not, are to carry a heavy load for dire economic conditions not of their making.
Monday, December 5, 2011Callous and Cruel to the Vulnerable and the Poor George Osborne, the British Chancellor's autumn statement may be many things, but fair and just it is not. Some of the poorest members of our society, public workers, who do valuable work that distinguishes a caring society from one that is not, are to carry a heavy load for dire economic conditions not of their making.
(1 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Beware Market Extremism Market fundamentalism is to be given free reign; never mind that it was the erroneous notion "the market knows best" that brought us the economic depression engulfing western societies. Austerity programmes and cuts are causing distress, hardship and misery to the majority of people in the west. This same blind belief in markets is also blighting the lives of billions more worldwide.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012Beware Market Extremism Market fundamentalism is to be given free reign; never mind that it was the erroneous notion "the market knows best" that brought us the economic depression engulfing western societies. Austerity programmes and cuts are causing distress, hardship and misery to the majority of people in the west. This same blind belief in markets is also blighting the lives of billions more worldwide.
SHARE
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Plight of Iraqi Children The sectarian and ethnic divisions among Iraqi politicians have now become so deep that trust across the sectarian and ethnic schisms, Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, is now practically non-existent. Any action or statement by any politician, whether well-intentioned or not, is viewed through this destructive prism. Is there any action that all politicians could agree upon that could not possibly be interpreted as suspicious?
Thursday, January 5, 2012The Plight of Iraqi Children The sectarian and ethnic divisions among Iraqi politicians have now become so deep that trust across the sectarian and ethnic schisms, Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, is now practically non-existent. Any action or statement by any politician, whether well-intentioned or not, is viewed through this destructive prism. Is there any action that all politicians could agree upon that could not possibly be interpreted as suspicious?
SHARE
Monday, April 23, 2012
Funding Political Parties Is an Excellent Investment for Taxpayers If British politics is not reformed, and money is allowed to exercise its power uncontrolled, then the American system will be our destiny to the detriment of the lives of the vast majority of the population.
Monday, April 23, 2012Funding Political Parties Is an Excellent Investment for Taxpayers If British politics is not reformed, and money is allowed to exercise its power uncontrolled, then the American system will be our destiny to the detriment of the lives of the vast majority of the population.
SHARE
Friday, May 31, 2013
Let's Invest the Billions of Taxpayer Pounds Poured into British Banks in the People and Future of Britain! Let us escape from the straightjacket imposed by the "moneymen" and conventional economics. We need to take the money back, gradually, from the banks, and invest in the people and the future of Britain. Sometimes, the obvious and simple thing to do is also the right thing to do.
Friday, May 31, 2013Let's Invest the Billions of Taxpayer Pounds Poured into British Banks in the People and Future of Britain! Let us escape from the straightjacket imposed by the "moneymen" and conventional economics. We need to take the money back, gradually, from the banks, and invest in the people and the future of Britain. Sometimes, the obvious and simple thing to do is also the right thing to do.
(3 comments) SHARE
Thursday, September 22, 2011
In Praise of Taxation Salaries above a certain threshold earned by the super rich are used as a status symbol, part of the "because you are worth it" culture that now permeates our society. It is a way of massaging the massive egos of those people. It is a competitive weapon in their battle with other like minded bosses that shouts, "I am at least as important as you if not more important". Look at my salary.
Thursday, September 22, 2011In Praise of Taxation Salaries above a certain threshold earned by the super rich are used as a status symbol, part of the "because you are worth it" culture that now permeates our society. It is a way of massaging the massive egos of those people. It is a competitive weapon in their battle with other like minded bosses that shouts, "I am at least as important as you if not more important". Look at my salary.
SHARE
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
A Greek Tragedy That Can Only Be Ended by Greece Leaving the Euro Have the people of Greece been singled out for particularly harsh punishment by its international creditors for daring to elect Syriza? Are they being used as a warning to other countries not to emulate Greece? The economic argument for demanding more cuts and austerity no longer makes any sense.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015A Greek Tragedy That Can Only Be Ended by Greece Leaving the Euro Have the people of Greece been singled out for particularly harsh punishment by its international creditors for daring to elect Syriza? Are they being used as a warning to other countries not to emulate Greece? The economic argument for demanding more cuts and austerity no longer makes any sense.
SHARE
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Climate Change: Fairness and Justice for all Humanity Must Guide our Paris Decisions (COP21) As a species we have tremendous talents. Our scientific achievements are incredible; our advances in medicine and technology are stunning. So let us give our ingenuity and imagination a free rein to think beyond our borders. Let us work together to face climate change in a spirit of fairness and justice, guided by our shared humanity regardless of where we happen to live.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015Climate Change: Fairness and Justice for all Humanity Must Guide our Paris Decisions (COP21) As a species we have tremendous talents. Our scientific achievements are incredible; our advances in medicine and technology are stunning. So let us give our ingenuity and imagination a free rein to think beyond our borders. Let us work together to face climate change in a spirit of fairness and justice, guided by our shared humanity regardless of where we happen to live.
SHARE
Monday, January 9, 2012
Iraq - Humble Advice to Its People Edmund Burke, the Irish political philosopher, wrote: "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Looking at today's Iraq, I could think of no better advice than that uttered by Edmund Burke in 1770.
Monday, January 9, 2012Iraq - Humble Advice to Its People Edmund Burke, the Irish political philosopher, wrote: "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Looking at today's Iraq, I could think of no better advice than that uttered by Edmund Burke in 1770.
(2 comments) SHARE
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Workers Rights Are Fundamental Human Rights Exploitation and oppression have been with us since the dawn of time, by the strong of the weak, men of women, the rich of the poor. A measure of civilised societies is their effectiveness in mitigating and controlling such unfair and unjust practices.
Thursday, July 26, 2012Workers Rights Are Fundamental Human Rights Exploitation and oppression have been with us since the dawn of time, by the strong of the weak, men of women, the rich of the poor. A measure of civilised societies is their effectiveness in mitigating and controlling such unfair and unjust practices.
(1 comments) SHARE
Monday, March 19, 2012
Politics, Reason and the Courage to Confront Dogma Progressives and the left need to have the confidence to confront dogmas that are presented by the right as self-evident; they need to articulate counter messages that resonate with ordinary people if they are serious about changing society and the politics that are impoverishing the quality of life of the majority in Europe and the U.S.
Monday, March 19, 2012Politics, Reason and the Courage to Confront Dogma Progressives and the left need to have the confidence to confront dogmas that are presented by the right as self-evident; they need to articulate counter messages that resonate with ordinary people if they are serious about changing society and the politics that are impoverishing the quality of life of the majority in Europe and the U.S.
(1 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
By George, British Politics is Opening Up; An Example to America? Perhaps The Bradford West by-election has demonstrated the pent up distrust of all major parties and their policies of wars and cuts. People are yearning for leaders who can sincerely articulate their worries and their struggles; George Galloway did that and the electorate rewarded him with an emphatic win.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012By George, British Politics is Opening Up; An Example to America? Perhaps The Bradford West by-election has demonstrated the pent up distrust of all major parties and their policies of wars and cuts. People are yearning for leaders who can sincerely articulate their worries and their struggles; George Galloway did that and the electorate rewarded him with an emphatic win.
(3 comments) SHARE
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The British Liberal Democratic Party is Heading for Oblivion The principled stand by the British Liberal Democratic party under Charles Kennedy against the Iraq war earned it the respect of the majority of the British electorate; I was one of them. All that has now been squandered under the leadership of Nick Clegg. Entering a coalition agreement with the Conservative party was a strategic blunder that is going to take you a long time to recover from. It may even be terminal.
Saturday, March 24, 2012The British Liberal Democratic Party is Heading for Oblivion The principled stand by the British Liberal Democratic party under Charles Kennedy against the Iraq war earned it the respect of the majority of the British electorate; I was one of them. All that has now been squandered under the leadership of Nick Clegg. Entering a coalition agreement with the Conservative party was a strategic blunder that is going to take you a long time to recover from. It may even be terminal.
SHARE
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Britain's Housing Crisis: Why Can't We Build More Council Houses? Value-for-money has been the deafening cry of free market ideologues and politicians on the right. Keep governments out, privatize, and let the market work its magic to produce the most efficient solution, they say.
Thursday, February 12, 2015Britain's Housing Crisis: Why Can't We Build More Council Houses? Value-for-money has been the deafening cry of free market ideologues and politicians on the right. Keep governments out, privatize, and let the market work its magic to produce the most efficient solution, they say.
SHARE
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Society's Cohesion, Fairness, and the Cuts People could accept hardship and cuts if they perceived that the load was being shared fairly and justly, with those most able shouldering a heavier load. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet collectively must look at policies holistically, and subject them to a societal impact assessment to see their effects on society as a whole.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011Society's Cohesion, Fairness, and the Cuts People could accept hardship and cuts if they perceived that the load was being shared fairly and justly, with those most able shouldering a heavier load. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet collectively must look at policies holistically, and subject them to a societal impact assessment to see their effects on society as a whole.
(1 comments) SHARE
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Why We Should Empathize With Asylum Seekers Applicants who do not qualify for refugee status under the 1951 UN convention on refugees are guilty of no more than being economic migrants trying to improve their future chances and that of their families. And let us be honest, how many of us would not do the same if we found ourselves under similar circumstances.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012Why We Should Empathize With Asylum Seekers Applicants who do not qualify for refugee status under the 1951 UN convention on refugees are guilty of no more than being economic migrants trying to improve their future chances and that of their families. And let us be honest, how many of us would not do the same if we found ourselves under similar circumstances.
