Category Archives: Economics

George Osborne, child benefit and the Conservative hard-right 2010-7

Posted on May 5, 2017 by odeboyz

Hard-right chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne (2010-6) used the 2008 financial crash to reduce some British welfare payments. His ideological austerity programme was combined with political pragmatism. Child Benefit, which is paid to mothers as a tax free sum, … Continue reading →

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American capitalism at its amoral best

Posted on April 18, 2017 by odeboyz

You can buy prison-cell upgrades in California for $82 a night and purchase the right to immigrate to the United States for $500,000. Susskind, Richard; Susskind, Daniel. The Future of the Professions: How Technology Will Transform the Work of Human … Continue reading →

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Tempest

Posted on April 11, 2017 by odeboyz

The murderous whaler ship Sally Jane stank… As only a whaling ship can! Its cavernous hold The deck winch greased and ready Blubber pots waiting below. Hard sailors signed on to profit share Whittled and bickered The long days out … Continue reading →

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 Outlines of a Critique of Political Economy, published in 1844: Friedrich Engels

Posted on April 7, 2017 by odeboyz

“Malthus, the originator of this doctrine, maintains that population is always pressing on the means of subsistence; that as soon as production increases, population increases in the same proportion; and that the inherent tendency of the population to multiply in … Continue reading →

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Thomas Malthus and The Andover Workhouse Scandal 1845-6

Posted on April 7, 2017 by odeboyz

Deuteronomy 15:11 “There will always be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed…. Mark 4:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even … Continue reading →

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The Bow and Arrow Pub, Harold Hill

Posted on March 17, 2017 by odeboyz

Those who have read my blog on the Pompadours pub (aka the “Flying Bottles”) may have got the impression that all of Harold Hill was a nest of malcontents, vicious thugs and criminal with no moral compass. This is not true. … Continue reading →

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A Spanish Wage-Slave

Posted on March 10, 2017 by odeboyz

“Carlos Recio was appointed Head of Archives in March 2006,” a Council spokesperson told reporters in Valencia, “to work as the chief bibliographer. However, a recent investigation confirms that he has never shown up for work since that date, never … Continue reading →

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Cold and Alone

Posted on February 14, 2017 by odeboyz

The beginning of December To the finish of February Three months of winter Besets England each year. In the coldest weather Each exhale, mists the air As do gas fumes From gas boilers. Those lucky enough To be able to … Continue reading →

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The Ricardian Curse, Margaret Thatcher and North Sea Oil

Posted on January 27, 2017 by odeboyz

Introduction Liz Truss hero worships Margaret Thatcher and emulated her when she too became prime minister in September 2022. Truss wrecked the UK economy in 48 hours of economic insanity. Margaret Thatcher wrecked the UK economy over a much longer … Continue reading →

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The Californian referendum on the death penalty: Proposition 62 (8th November 2016)

Posted on December 2, 2016 by odeboyz

California voted on the death penalty through Proposition 62 (8th November 2016) . Currently 31 states in the USA have the death penalty with California a relatively late convert in 1978. Interestingly the November review of that decision rarely strayed … Continue reading →

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