Despite Starmer promising not to take us back, how many so called promises has he already broken!? I wouldn’t trust him to run a bath let alone my country.
Hi Paul, I note that the discussion is given the heading 'Intellectual Leftism', which raises an interesting question. The discussion also raises other interesting questions. With regard to 'intellectual leftism' I wonder if there has long been a tendency by middle class intellectuals to prescribe to some form of 'leftism' which actually harms the working class. Karl Marx was from a well-off family (and married to the daughter of a baron) and produced loads of intellectual balderdash with very harmful consequences. These days we are beset by intellectual leftists' woke balderdash, which contributes to allowing mass immigration. I would distinguish such intellectual leftism from what I term 'decent socialism', which I understand as having strong associations with Christianity.
The pair of you also touched upon the issues of the free market and the role of the state. I tend to think that the optimal arrangement is, in part, a suitably regulated free market, combined with state involvement that is appropriate but not top-down over-control, and when that state is an actual working democracy. In writing that I am aware of how complex the issues are, and that (understandably) we tend to think too simplistically about them.
(With regard to such over-simple thinking I was struck recently to realise how easy it is to assume that if a government raises tax rates that will lead to them getting more money from taxation. Actually, raising tax rates can have detrimental effects on the economy, such as closing businesses and putting people out of work, which lead to the government getting less revenue from taxation. That's a lose-lose situation. Conversely, lowering tax rates can lead to economic expansion which then means the government gets more from taxation. That's win-win.)
I agree with your position on most things but the State has become too big and bloated. It needs to become leaner, much more productive and not given a free ride as with Starmer and Rachel from customer service.
Labour, like the Tories, have followed the modern guidance of their 'political advisors' to simply tell lies to the people. Somehow, the link that was once strong in the party decades ago to be honest with their party members and the public, has vanished. You can see them perform this farcical charade when interviewed that runs like; when asked a question simply keep talking so that the interview time runs out and you will avoid further questioning. If you cannot answer the question just talk platitudes about the targets Labour have. If you feel you are floundering then just blame things like the '22 billion black hole' or what other parties have failed to do. Never, ever admit failure, error or weakness. The John Prescott brand of close Labour links with working class roots has gone. Tony Blair changed all that. Labour has joined the bourgeoisie.
They have every intention of doing so and will have to face the consequences.
Civilised conversation there Paul, Nice.
Despite Starmer promising not to take us back, how many so called promises has he already broken!? I wouldn’t trust him to run a bath let alone my country.
Hi Paul, I note that the discussion is given the heading 'Intellectual Leftism', which raises an interesting question. The discussion also raises other interesting questions. With regard to 'intellectual leftism' I wonder if there has long been a tendency by middle class intellectuals to prescribe to some form of 'leftism' which actually harms the working class. Karl Marx was from a well-off family (and married to the daughter of a baron) and produced loads of intellectual balderdash with very harmful consequences. These days we are beset by intellectual leftists' woke balderdash, which contributes to allowing mass immigration. I would distinguish such intellectual leftism from what I term 'decent socialism', which I understand as having strong associations with Christianity.
The pair of you also touched upon the issues of the free market and the role of the state. I tend to think that the optimal arrangement is, in part, a suitably regulated free market, combined with state involvement that is appropriate but not top-down over-control, and when that state is an actual working democracy. In writing that I am aware of how complex the issues are, and that (understandably) we tend to think too simplistically about them.
(With regard to such over-simple thinking I was struck recently to realise how easy it is to assume that if a government raises tax rates that will lead to them getting more money from taxation. Actually, raising tax rates can have detrimental effects on the economy, such as closing businesses and putting people out of work, which lead to the government getting less revenue from taxation. That's a lose-lose situation. Conversely, lowering tax rates can lead to economic expansion which then means the government gets more from taxation. That's win-win.)
Interesting points. Thanks, Ian.
I agree with your position on most things but the State has become too big and bloated. It needs to become leaner, much more productive and not given a free ride as with Starmer and Rachel from customer service.
Labour, like the Tories, have followed the modern guidance of their 'political advisors' to simply tell lies to the people. Somehow, the link that was once strong in the party decades ago to be honest with their party members and the public, has vanished. You can see them perform this farcical charade when interviewed that runs like; when asked a question simply keep talking so that the interview time runs out and you will avoid further questioning. If you cannot answer the question just talk platitudes about the targets Labour have. If you feel you are floundering then just blame things like the '22 billion black hole' or what other parties have failed to do. Never, ever admit failure, error or weakness. The John Prescott brand of close Labour links with working class roots has gone. Tony Blair changed all that. Labour has joined the bourgeoisie.