Qed » capitalism

Can we afford democracy?

david — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:50:40 +0000

Today the Age had this on Italy’s new PM.

As a highly respected economist and bureaucrat, Mr Monti is certainly a sterling exemplar of his kind. For critics worried about democracy, though, there has been a question about an unelected person running a nation.Concerns about the will of the people are low on the radar of [...]

Hockey and the GFC

david — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:58:19 +0000

Joe says

Well, this will be different. I think what we saw during the GFC was a transfer of debt from the private sector to the public sector, and now sovereign debt around the world is a major issue…the question of how governments are going to fund the servicing of that debt is a major issue.

Joe, [...]

On Murdoch’s testimony and US politics

david — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:28:04 +0000

British lawmakers on Friday demanded that James Murdoch clarify why testimony he gave to a parliamentary committee probing the phone hacking scandal conflicted with a statement from two former executives.

Sounds serious. I mean the whole idea of a testimony is to uncover some truth and when the testimony from one person doesn’t marry up with [...]

James Murdoch confirmed as BSkyB chairman | Reuters

david — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:09:32 +0000

Despite the fact that

Murdoch’s testimony given in parliament last week has already been called into question by two ex-News of the World executives, who say he was aware of evidence that showed the hacking was not limited to a couple of "rogue" individuals.

James Murdoch is unanimously re-confirmed as chairman of BSkyB. Maybe the possible [...]

Is Facebook worth more than Google? • The Register

david — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:25:11 +0000

Social, not algorithms, is the basis for all human commerce. Facebook owns social. That’s got to be really, really big. At least as big as Google, and arguably bigger.

With every click on Facebook you add to their data store and increase their market reach, in much the same way as your clicks helped create Google’s [...]

Phone hacking | Media | guardian.co.uk

david — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:00:04 +0000

News of the World, part of Rupert’s empire has been well and truly caught out. On so many levels, but particularly with regard to their role in the Milly Dowler case we see the unfettered appetite for sensation and a complete absence any ethical or moral behaviour. Quoting Michael Wolff (via Crikey) who sums it [...]

Gillard a year on

david — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:06:38 +0000

I’ve been watching a re-run of the Dismissal lately and listening to people talk about the Aboriginal tent embassy which has served to remind me how far removed the current Labor government is from the ideals of that time and strangely how similar their incapacity to deal with the challenges confronting a left of centre [...]

Graft and corruption Chinese style

david — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:51:28 +0000

$120 billion is a not an insignificant figure, maybe the Chinese intend to soften up the world with corruption before conquering us with their economic clout.

AP Virginia News | nvdaily.com.

Labor backs down on cattle

david — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:49:06 +0000

Is anyone surprised by this bit of news? This Labor government is redefining the limits of politics and public expectations in an age when our lives are really ruled by money and who has it.

There is no light on the hill, we sold the power company to the chinese and we can’t afford to keep [...]

Adam Curtis – All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

david — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:05:40 +0000

YouTube – Adam Curtis – All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace – Ep 1/3 – Love and Power 23/5/11 5/5.