the Austerity Con or Con

[amateur51]

well Simon and there was me thinking that the Thatcher and Reagan burning of the regulations had been at the request of the neo-liberal capitalists and their intellectual stooges in the academy ... the lack of that regulation unleashed the borrowing binges and unsustainable debt levels so cruelly exposed by the criminal and fraudulent activities of the major banks and funds that crashed in 08 costing the taxpayer billions in support and causing a cascade of doom ... and yes there was always Gordon Broon but not even he managed to do the whole job single handed on a global basis

and of course we now have the situation where the majority of the utility assets flogged off by Thatcher [how i enjoyed the family silver speech by MacMillan] are now owned and operated by French German and Spanish nationalised companies instead of the British Government .... what difference was all that meant to achieve?

Our correspondent can ask Thatcher when she attends his proposed dinner on another thread, I assume Calum. It promises to be an interesting and revealing conversation, two vibrant intellectually-matched debaters at the height of their powers

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

the illusion of growth

the flannel of economic growth smells of opium to me or treats tomorrow but go to bed now eh ...?????????????

[Simon]

When our special friend has finished his creepy interjections, perhaps we will be able to discuss the various points of view, Calum. I'm away and busy for a couple of days, but hope to be back by Sunday.

If you mean what I think you do about the "flannel" of growth, we may well be close to agreement on at least that. It isn't the panacea that some think, anyway!

[Serial_Apologist]

the illusion of growth

the flannel of economic growth smells of opium to me or treats tomorrow but go to bed now eh ...?????????????

Excellent article, Calum - great to not feel entirely alone in some of one's thinking:

"Profound alienation occurs when those who have been encouraged to create their identities via consumerism can no longer do so. The work ethic itself becomes meaningless ...

"But then a politics that faced the end of growth would have to take on mass delusion. It would talk about how are we to live with depleted resources. It might, as some ... [WHO??] ... have argued, involve a move back from global to local production to increase jobs ..."

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

{WHO???} ... the greens and various alternative thinkers .....

[Serial_Apologist]

{WHO???} ... the greens and various alternative thinkers .....

Cela suffit

[amateur51]

When our special friend has finished his creepy interjections, perhaps we will be able to discuss the various points of view, Calum. I'm away and busy for a couple of days, but hope to be back by Sunday.

The usual 'post an insult, make an excuse & flee' strategy or a real offer?

We'll see

[MrGongGong]

. I'm away and busy for a couple of days, but hope to be back by Sunday.
!

Take your time matey
i'm sure the world will turn without you ..... (though maybe when you close your eyes it REALLY does cease to exist ? )

[Anna]

Only just reading this thread - thanks for that article Calum "The future has arrived already. But I am afraid it has gone to bed early as it was cold but could not afford to put the heating on.

I admit to feeling despair, rage and sadness and the strong urge to knock heads together (and the smirk off Gideon's face) I was very political years ago, I think I need to get back to how I used to be instead of just meekly accepting the status quo.

[amateur51]

Only just reading this thread - thanks for that article Calum "The future has arrived already. But I am afraid it has gone to bed early as it was cold but could not afford to put the heating on.

I admit to feeling despair, rage and sadness and the strong urge to knock heads together (and the smirk off Gideon's face) I was very political years ago, I think I need to get back to how I used to be instead of just meekly accepting the status quo.

You & me both Anna

[eighthobstruction]

Yes I'd say that I've spoken on here before about 'growth' and have been so frustrated that I had just dropped the one word post of 'SUSTAINABILITY' amongst the rambling shillings and pence getting pounded (gosh a pun)....

Just emailed the Suzanne Moore article to my ex, she'll appreciate it....

Anna, it's so difficult to get stuck in when you are rural....

[Serial_Apologist]

You & me both Anna

Thirded.....

[Anna]

Anna, it's so difficult to get stuck in when you are rural....

But we do have pitchforks and tanks full of slurry for to prod and dump on Gideon!!

[eighthobstruction]

If only....I'd devote a whole muck spreader full just for the obnoxious Danny Alexander....

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

...my GP was talking to me about depression and mood; i said iwas not depressed i was angry; she said i should still take the pills and i did agree but said that it was not the point really - anger was the only sane and functional response to the way things are ... and should not really be medicated away ...interestingly having taken the pills i am still angry



this keeps me snarling