saintfully

Our largest exporter is BAE, formerly British Aerospace - which used to turn a profit before it was privatised. IMHO, the principal reason why the former nationalised industries aren't remembered for being hugely profitable is because they were primarily service industries. The profits these companies make now are often at the expense of service - the railways for example. Obviously there are exceptions on both sides. No-one is going to say British Leyland Cars were the envy of the world, and no-one is seriously going to suggest that a nationalised BT would be spanking NOKIA. However, BAE wouldn't be able to sell so much technology abroad without out nationalised education system - producing world class engineers/scientists. My point is basically that only a simpleton would argue that the private sector is the only sector capable of generating wealth. It's the economics of stupidity.

I'm astonished to find I agree with Johnny on something (one thing?) More long-term planning please. As for the bankers (by which I mean pretty-much all free-market fundamentalists - sorry, but they're cu.nts and I want blood).

Such a tedious argument I can't believe Im getting involved on a saturday morning.... but, the public sector can generate wealth and taxation via exports. Also, it is quite reasonable for money to be invested in the public sector which is then used to generate a profit - this is wealth creation. The argument that the public sector dosn't generate wealth is wrong. The argument that the public sector dosn't generate wealth as efficiently as the private sector may or may not be true. Personally I suspect it depends on the industry - in terms of scientific development, real breakthroughs usually come as a result of quite high-risk research. Sensibly, the private sector does not like to take this kind of risk - but the public sector can and does... hence the UK has always punched above its weight in this area - becuase we have historically had a well funded public sector scientific research base.

I expect so.

Nothing wrong with bringing the current crisis to a head early - would save us all a lot of grief in the long term. And it wouldn't mean the end of the world, just a very painful readjustment back to reality. If you want to know what happens when countries can't afford to pay their debts and default (restructure), look at Argentina and Russia. IMO, what has just happened with Ireland (bailout) is only postponing the inevitable. Next country to be put under pressure will be Portugal, which will be bailed out, then Spain - which is too big to be bailed out. Germany will refuse unless the bondholders (banks etc.) accept a restructuring of their debt. This means European banks will go under and with any luck, the final decision will be made by the IMF to not bail them out. Of course, the IMF might decide to bail them out -which will result in its own problems for the larger global banks, as I don't see the US, Japan, China being prepared/able to afford a second bailout. I don't see many Martians queuing up to save the IMF - so this is when the story has to end. Finally, when the people/institutions who lent the money accept that they aren't going to get it all back (the money don't exist), and governments/people let them fail. Amen to that.

This.

I will be interested to see whether the 50% tax for those earning over 150,000 is cut first, or whether the plan to take those earning less than 10,000 out of tax is stuck to ?

Could you tell the difference between a soldier whose had his legs blown off and a soldier whose been blinded by shrapnel? How about someone without two brain cells to rub together and a civilised human being?

Classy. Are you trying to say he looks like someone with a non-specific disability? Please clarify because I'm not sure what people suffering from the effects of thalidomide have in common with Downs sufferers? Its a bit like me saying you sound like a pri.ck when what I really mean is you sound like a tw.at.

For a (really) nice mellow atmosphere with good food, try Estia (just off Western Road). Greek Cypriot place - slow roasted lamb shoulder I had there was amazing.

It is good

(And current goverment for maintaining policy). I think both governments would argue that this policy is/was necessary to keep this sector of the economy viable - and to maintain the essential tax credits that it generates. To the extent that the banks have survived and to a large extent rebuilt their balance sheets, the policy has been a success. Its not fair though is it... IMO they should have nationalised the banks entirely - but then I'm a hideous lefty without a brain/spine (delete as appropriate).

I'd rather the black hole that was generated by trying to stimulate/maintain the economy through the largest global recession in the past 70 (?) years was filled (in part) by a wealth tax, since income is only one measure of pros[perity.

So, do you think a person who has an urge to have sex with a kid but chooses not to act on it, is morally the same as someone who has an urge to force sex on a woman but chooses not to act on it? (I'm just curious about your thinking, cause I think I like the analogy and havn't heard it before - either way, I've used up my three for the day)

Contoversial view indeed. My view is that, aside from being a replacement for short-term suspensions/injuries, he will provide useful competition for Hammond who remains frustratingly out of form. I didn't see much of Chaplow when he was here before either, but I liked his effort. (Then again I liked Ormerods effort too...)

Do we all agree this is a good signing then? When was the last time total harmony broke out on SWF? The winning answer wins my respect and admiration.

It's all your fault.

So why did a successful billionaire put him in charge then? For a laugh?

Let him on so I can get off!

Profound.

I take my hat off to you Sir! Unquestionably the most sensible thing said on this forum since last season. Cheers to you and to all the contributors that make my working day go so much more quickly (you know who you are). (Raises glass)

Exactly - old, dying technology. Storm in a tea-cup.

Its like shooting fish in a barrel.

The principal NC is forcing is correct - the fact that it ****es off the Scum is just an added bonus. Is NC 'doing a Mourinho' and taking the pressure off the players - and in this case, manager - and onto his own shoulders ?? I like his no-nonsense approach, and the fact that he winds people up. Imagine how much people will hate us when we win the Champions League... hilarious.

He is my God