Tag Archives: The Spirit Level

What’s the truth about taxing the wealthy? Eleven things you should know.

UPDATE, 18 October 2016. This article has appeared on Al Jazeera: US elections: The rich can’t be trusted with money. The more they have, the more they screw up. I highly recommend it. Introduction One hideous neoliberal party forced to throw … Continue reading

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Health policy in an independent Scotland: tackling inequality is key.

On 11 November 2013 I attended a meeting of the Edinburgh branch of the Radical Independence Campaign, addressed by Dr Kate Wrigley. Not just poverty but inequality explains Scotland’s poor health Dr Wrigley got us to come up with a … Continue reading

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Dreich, dour and crabbit: does the weather explain Scottish negativity? Climate, posture, mood, empathy, mirror neurons, meditation and education.

This essay was born in meditation One of my New Year’s resolutions was to meditate daily. I simply concentrate on my breathing. Thoughts pop up, and I observe them and let them go. (Here’s an inspiring talk on meditation.   Below … Continue reading

Posted in Education, People I know (not directly connected with my writing), Philosophy, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BBC must allow the truth a voice: social mobility can only come from greater equality

BBC fails to invite relevant experts to discuss low social mobility I was pleased to hear the UK’s low social mobility discussed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, but annoyed that the people involved did not include either … Continue reading

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Of love, litter, ordure and Occupy (oh, and Bob Dylan’s alleged plagiarism) – Valentine’s Day musing

Infuriated/irritated by Radio 4 I must confess that I am a bit of a Radio 4 addict, although as anyone who has seen my recent postings on the Paul Johnson episode of Desert Islands Discs will know, this doesn’t mean … Continue reading

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