From the bookshelves
have moved to jail whistle-blowers and later to record every mobile phone as a tracking device. Fowler believes that the public’s right to know, the aim of many journalists, is to respond to the public’s right to know.
However, the media feeds us with so much so-called information, showing little responsibility in the process. An example is the mass of emphasis on Brexit – they had the economy of the world in tatters. Monetary markets plummeted but within a week the Financial Times Economic data showed that the FTSE Index had risen to its highest point since 2015. One article came under the heading “Merchants: Liars and Fools”.
Little emphasis is placed on the gap occurring between the haves and have-nots. Danny Dorling has written “Inequality and the 1 per cent” which examines that, since the 2008 Recession, the top 1 per cent has only grown richer while the rest of us find life increasingly tough.
Dorling states that the gap between the haves and the havenots has turned into a chasm. Whilst the rich have found new ways of protecting their wealth, everyone else has suffered the penalties of austerity.
The inequality is more than just economics – being born outside the 1 per cent has a dramatic impact – reducing life expectancy, limiting education and work prospects. An example of the proposed agenda of the last government to reduce the income tax on our largest businesses from 30 per cent to 25 per cent is dealt with on page 151.
Andrew Gamble has written “Can the Welfare State Survive”. He focuses on the challenges facing the welfare states, from affordability to the rise of new social risks. After the 1930s Depression, the recovery was very slow and austerity ruled. Deep cuts were made to welfare budgets.
The welfare state is seen as a burden on wealth creation which can no longer be afforded in a competitive global economy. There are calls for it to be dismantled completely. A recent press article revealed that 44 per cent of Australia’s population lives off government salaries, pensions and benefits.
Whether we connect with the Brexit example or our recent election process, the gap in population attitudes on who can solve our problems has narrowed. Enjoy your browsing, Dave Pankhurst.