Articles
Monday, February 11, 2019
A review of two contrasting films about families, Happy End by Micheal Haneke and Shoplifters by Hirokazu Kore-eda, where both economics and values are central to the narrative. In Happy End a wealthy, conventional family is portrayed as a loveless hell motivated only by money. Whereas, Shoplifters draws a picture of a motley family group in which some individuals are related and some not. It is their attempt to survive poverty that binds them together as a more affectionate family.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Review of Adults in the Room by Yanis Varoufakis the Greek Finance Minister in 2015 when the newly elected Syriza Government was trying to find a negotiated outcome with the EU to save Greece from the problems caused by the financial crash. As members of the EU and the Eurozone Greece was unable to to implement its own remedies. However the EU proved an unwilling and untrustworthy partner.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
The Fire Brigades Union sets out how continued undermining of health and safety and building regulations set the scene for the horrendous tragedy of the Grenfell Tower. Over 70 people lost their lives in the fire.
Friday, February 8, 2019
The term "conspiracy theory" is designed to cast doubt on those who raise concerns about the truth of what we are being told. It is often only later that the facts emerge. From the Zinoviev letter, through the Kennedy assasination to alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the Novichock poisonings history shows that we have reasons to be skeptical.
Friday, February 8, 2019
The NATO war in Afghanistan has been a disaster. An 18 point plan sets out an alternative path to a peaceful future for the country.