I welcome all views on this blog and like an argument or two. Only by talking things through with people who think differently can you gain other perspectives. That challenges our own views, forces one to think and helps one keep an open mind.
For myself I don’t label myself in any corner but seem to have a tendency towards left-wing philosophy. That comes from my strong belief in fairness, tolerance and justice. But I temper that with a strong belief in individuality, free speech (apart from hate speech and incitement to violence) and democracy (in one form or another).
I believe that a civilised system required excellent education, health care and social services; that there should be safety nets for the unfortunate and a compassionate structure to society.
I believe in an outward society and a global perspective. I am not in favour of free markets or huge inequality. Trickle down is a con. Tax cuts for the rich is immoral. I want bridges, not walls.
I want a global approach to deal with the most pressing issue of all – the protection of nature and conservation of species. I want central regulation of pollution and ecological destruction. I want universal human rights and a universal approach to taxation. I want a progressive taxation system and an end to war, poverty and nations.
On a national level I want nationalisation of essential services – NHS, Education, Transport, Energy, Police, Army, Prisons and Post. I don’t want these institutions being run for profit for the rich.
I want high taxation and excellent public services and quality of life – like I have experienced in Scandinavia. I support democratic socialism as providing a more equal society with a great quality of life for all people.
Yes I can see the dangers of a global regulation system but I believe we can build in safeguards to prevent dictatorships and corruption. Only a global system can address global issues such as the multinationals (which I believe are running roughshod over the world playing one country off against another), tax evasion, starvation, drought. climate change, war, mass migration, ecological disaster, overpopulation, deforestation, overfishing, pollution and poverty. It seems imperative to me that these are addressed.
I believe we have the means to provide all people with a good standard of life and it is not right for a tiny number to live in ridiculous opulence while half the world starves. That is immoral.
I am a tolerant Antitheist who believes all religion is manmade, divisive, the cause of trouble, and a poor, ambiguous way of establishing morals. We have far better ways of establishing a clear morality than by reference to archaic writings from thousands of years ago laced with abhorrent cultural baggage. But I believe faith is a personal thing and shouldn’t be imposed.
I strongly oppose fascism, racism, white supremacy and misogyny.
I put my faith in the idealism of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
I believe in One People – One Planet.
I also believe that if something hasn’t worked in the past that means you have to try harder, do it better and keep on until you get it right. We learn from mistakes.
I do not align myself with any political party or movement but I broadly support Corbyn and, to a lesser extent, the Democrats.
I think Brexit is an absolute disaster and Trump is even worse.
I am an optimistic idealist with pragmatic, problem solving skills.
I’ll live with whatever that makes me and listen to any argument that anybody wishes to put forward. I like to clarify my own thinking and have been known to change my mind.