Random Thoughts for 22nd June
This is the latest in my series of Random Thoughts posts with links, things found on the web and other stuf that has occured to me between 17th June and 22nd June:
Danny Alexander’s speech to the GMB
I was hugely impressed by Danny Alexander’s speech to the conference of the GMB union. A well constructed mix of support and challenge that struck exactly the right tone.
“although these are incredibly difficult and testing times, there are quite a number of issues and ideas on which Trades Union and Liberal Democrat instincts are closely aligned.
Historically, though, Trades Unions have focused their efforts and engagement on one political party.
And indeed the huge amount of your resources spent on campaigning for that party – and against all others, is a hurdle in the way of improved relationships.
But equally I have seen…many Unions…seek to represent their members’ interests responsibly and constructively to the Government of the day, whichever parties are in office.
So, building on that experience, I think there is an opportunity to see closer dialogue…an opportunity for both Trades Unions and Liberal Democrats to understand and influence each other.”
The 5 myths about the UK economy which it suits everyone to perpetuate
A superb post (with diagrams) from Stephen Tall about the reality of where the UK economy, and the Government’s response to it, is at the moment. He provides some solid evidence that has confirmed and reinforced my, rather more instinctive, thoughts about how the political debate about the economy on all sides has become detached from what is actually happening.
Alex Foster on consulting the Guardian Style Guide.
Education: When did Kenneth Baker become a Liberal hero?
I am not as unperturbed as Jonathan is about Gove’s plans, but this point is telling; “we Liberal Democrats give the impression that we have arrived in power after 90 years in the wilderness with no higher ambition that maintaining the status quo. We need to do better than that.” So we don’t like Gove’s ‘back to the 50’s’ approach – but what exam system do the Liberal Democrats want?
Moose twins are born at Whipsnade Zoo
Some cute baby animals.
Open letter to Nick Clegg MP, Danny Alexander MP and Vince Cable on economic policy
I find myself in full agreement with the Social Liberal Forum on this.
The Great British Story: A People’s History
I’ve really been enjoying this the latest series from my favourite TV historian Michael Wood. It is a passionate, at times romantic, telling of a properly popular history of Britain. The website also includes some quality resources, including this introduction asking ‘What is history?’:
This content was originally posted on my old Strange Thoughts blog.