Touching From A Distance

In response to:The end of the world as we know it

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:12:24 +0100

No problem with the delay, must of took a while to write that article.

Considering that pretty much every other source of media, and even anti-Chavez governments, accept he has helped the poorest in Venezuela, giving them pay rise, subsidised food, free homes etc, they I think I will believe them on this issue. He also accepted the referendum which shows he is democratic.

In response to:The end of the world as we know it

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:08:47 +0100

Sorry I meant to get back to you re Chavez

http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20080301faessay87205-p0/francisco-rodriguez/an-empty-revolution.html

In response to:The end of the world as we know it

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:05:51 +0200

Nice to see you getting a kick from the credit crunch... I still can't see the reason for your deep heated hatred for Chavez though... he may be a bit of an egotistical prick but I can think of worse world leaders.

There are still many financial experts and commentators predicting what could occur could be as bad the Great Depression, but I can't see the mass malnutrition of the 30s happening again. It will probally be the worst economic crisis we have seen in our lifetime, which I hope doesn't occur, but it's looking very likely.

From recent growth reports, China's economy doesn't seem to be doing too well, but I think with having an authoritive Communist dictatorship they will weather the storm better.

P.S. When I return

In response to:The end of the world as we know it

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:32:41 +0200

Oh and when is the revolution?

In response to:The end of the world as we know it

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:31:52 +0200

I think the general consesus is that there will be a recession rather than a depression as the economy is predicted to contract by 0.2% this quarter and 0.6% in the next quarter with a recovery in 2010, also the recession was predicted before the credit crunch took hold as consumers demand began to dop off so I think a recession was always on the cards, whatever happened in the markets.

I think it is important to remember that recesions are inevitable in every economy and in every system of economics its just the way things go and no-one can guarantee unending growth. I'm not too sure that world will be any different in 2010 apart from in the stock markets. One problem will be how the banks are going to be able to stimulate growth if they become much more conservative, for example are they going to give out loans to entrpreneurs or business as freely as they used to do? If liquidity dries up then we are in for a very sluggish recovery because business won't hav any capital.

Also I would be interested to see how China reacts to the first Western recession in 16 years. Is its economy fully dependent on Western investment or is it now able to generate its own wealth?

One thing that is quite good about the recession is that the oil price has plummetted, petrol is 99.9p a litre and Ahmidnejad and Chavez are fucked. Back of the net.

In response to:The death of a Princess and the creation of a Godess

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:30:17 +0200

Leave the People's Princess alone. She shined like a beacon of marvellousness against, whatever the opposite of marvellousness is, to paraphase Viz. Before she came along I had not idea that land mines were BAD. And as for touching that man with leprosy, that was worth more to him than a million nurses caring for him with the best medicine money could buy. He probably didn't think life was too bad after being touched by the Queen of Hearts. And as for the money she spent on herself, how else was she supposed to keep herself looking so marvellous? Curse you Prince Philip and the MI6!! May God have his revenge on you all!!!! Inshallah.

In response to:The death of a Princess and the creation of a Godess

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:19:20 +0200

What? Our People's Princess is DEAD?

In response to:The New Left

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:05:40 +0200

Thanks for the input. Yes, I do believe that the Chistian Right in America have a disproportionate amount of influence in America, but I'm not talking about Christian-Zionist as a lot of people make out.

And yes, I completely agree with the principles of the New Left. They stand for the non-compromising elements which are essential, and also I would like to point, the Old Labour values for interventionism which was essential for rearmament against Germany in World War II. But I have to say that the Iraq War was completely wrong, and I am one of those who think there was a lot of other countries to get involved with rather that Iraq... so I suppose I am a liberal-hawk!!

In response to:The New Left

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:15:02 +0200

A very interesting blog, although I think you slightly overstate the influence of Neo-Cons and Christians on the Bush Govt. I think the New Left have simply stood up for the values they believe are non-negotiable, while the Old Left simply oppose Western policy because they want to be rebels. Check this essay out there's quite an interesting graph on it, if you like that kind of thing.
http://greatersurbiton.wordpress.com/2008/03/29/it-is-no-longer-left-vs-right-but-pro-western-vs-anti-western/

In response to:Why we must act now

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:35:00 +0100

Well, I think one fundamental issue is to ban faith schools, which I know you're for. Have a uniformed education system, in fact, what the hell, ban private schools too. The very fact that there are groups opposed to this idea highlights the fact that it is a liberal democracy, and as such, can peacefully protest and voice their concerns. In debate these people will slowly be issolated from the mainstream. I just think it's all to do with education, people who are attracted to the far-right and radical Islam tend to be:

a) Poorly educated (i know this is not the case everytime, but it is generally)
b) Feel out of touch with society
c) That no mainstream political party speaks for them (especially after New Labour)

There should be more support for these individuals, through counseling and psychological support, along with greater efforts to integrate them into society with community support, weekend retreats... a very liberal notion I know, but this is probally the only solution I see.

In response to:I'm British, see, that didn't hurt

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:56:46 +0100

Yeah I know what you mean Jock, sometimes patriotism can be a sign of insecurity which can lead to nationalism. French and American patriotism is different because its about freedom and citizenship - I would never swear an oath of alleiance to the Queen. I can see the Govt's point of view too but swearing an oath of alleigance makes me feel queasy.

P.S. why don't you join the dating agency below?

In response to:Why I hate hippies

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:44:51 +0100

I like your blog Jock, and yes it's a travesty your band weren't signed!
But please refrain from being so positive (in a way) about George W. in future, it makes me feel uncomfortable. Haha.
I do think however that you can take a lot of positive things from religions such as Buddhism, so rather than dismiss them outright, perhaps find a constructive way of putting certain aspects into your lifestyle i.e. just choose the best bits from all the religions!

In response to:Why I hate hippies

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:48:27 +0100

Hallelujah Paulus, I totaly agree, what is all this counter-culture, anti-intellectual bullshit? Its funny how its always middle class people complaining about 'the system, man' while working class people work hard and get on without moaning, (much) Hippy ideas are bollocks, apart from free love and they're music's rubbish too, apart from the Bealtles.

In response to:Why we must act now

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:19:17 +0100

Hi Paulus82, an interesting article. How do you propose we maintain an integrated, secular, liberal state when some groups are opposed to this idea? Do you think we should impose are idea of human rights on certain communities within our state or merely engage the in debate?