I feel like I should apologise for the absence of both new infographics and Debate Ammunition on videos this week, and offer an explanation.
We have been working like fury. Tom is taking some holiday next week, and the consequence is that we have been making rather more videos than usual. In fact, when we began last week, we noted that we had to make at least 21 videos in nine days, and it looks like we will achieve this aim and have a video to publish every day whilst Tom is away.
That takes quite a lot of writing, planning, organising, editing and other things have fallen by the wayside as a result. I am, however, pleased to note that the videos that we have been producing of late, including those on less obvious subjects, like charity shops and whether enough is enough, have proved to be popular.
I am also pleased that next week provides me with another opportunity, which is to concentrate my efforts on writing. Although almost every video starts with a script, an exception being the one on charity shops, which was spoken straight to camera without any form of prior preparation, writing a video is not quite the same as thinking about a more structured piece, and I have such a piece in mind.
The question that I am asked, time and again, is what can we do about the situation that we are in, and why do we have so many politicians who seem quite unable to comprehend the task that they have taken on in governing this country? Reflecting on this, I have realised that I have written answers to these questions many times, but never as a coherent package.
I have, as a consequence, prepared an outline of a potential new book that I intend should be a handbook for aspiring politicians on how they should govern the country, explaining all that they need to know about its finances, as well as taxation and borrowing, which are some of the most powerful instruments that they have available to them to effect change, and how they might best be used to achieve that goal.
The planned work will not be too long, and I am rather hoping it might include some infographics as well. Having the opportunity to spend a little time working on this is something that I am looking forward to.
Other postings will continue as normal, but there may be fewer topical videos than usual. I will be missing a videographer.
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Seen that you were very present in the comment section and helped out a lot of people that had specific questions I’ve to admit that I didn’t really miss any of these articles (though they’re really very helpful as well every time).
It’s nice to see how much you care about, I just call it that way, your community despite working that furiously. 🙂
If I could contribute anything substantial that could help you and your team in your work making it at least a bit less work intensive I’d like to but I guess you’ll have to do with my donations. ^^
Thank you.
And thanks for all donations – they do help; they make this show possible right now.
I like the sound of your proposed book. It’s vital we get politicians who, even before they get into office, know what they can do, and how. In theory they should be able to rely on civil servants to advise them, but …
I think your infographics lend themselves to being put together as a small campaigning book, something along the lines of the wee blue book produced during the indyref
That was crowd-funded, I know. I think they raised hundreds of thousands.
I’m utterly grateful for what you, yours, and your contributors do Richard, and thus I feel, that whilst kind of you, neither explanation nor apology were needed on my part.
Suggested title for a much needed book
“A Financial Primer for Aspiring Politicians:
Money Isn’t the Problem When You Hit the Big Time”
James Meadway on X Sept 1:
“Global bond sell off and rising government borrowing costs seems as good a time as any for your periodic reminder that Modern Monetary Theory is worthless as economics, and toxic as political rhetoric. The more the Greens and other left parties avoid it, the better for them.”
Having a ready reference for debunking this kind of remark will be a fantastic resource for budding politicians. Brilliant practical idea!
The sad thing is, Meadway has no explanation for what is happening at all, except a rather odd belief in markets for one who claims he is a Marxist
If there’s time before the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, you could present a signed copy to Zack Polanski, who plans to stand there.
🙂