Turned to writing at 60, reckon that'll do for the next 30 years, then I'll become a musician - after that, who knows, maybe a wizard...
Tariffs, shares, bonds and China’s ‘nuclear option’. Making sense of Trump mayhem
Donald Trump has declared a trade war, the share market is down, and US t-bond yields are rising. But how did it all start, and what’s next? Michael West and Kim Wingerei with the lowdown. They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and when it comes to what Trump...
Oregon Pain – Experts on Fakery
The so called Oregon Petition is a good example of how to create an illusion of scientific argument by using the language of expertise and ignoring relevance.
Why do I do what I do – my manifesto
After I quit my business almost three years ago, I am often asked by friends and people I meet "why do I do what I do"? My answer is a variation on the the theme of having found my purpose in writing, which is true. But like everyone that writes - or engages in any...
Independent media continues to grow!
Independent media continues to grow apace, while mainstream media is at best stagnant. Independent media grew by 9.7% in February 2019, compared to a paltry 1.1% at the big end of media town. A piece I wrote a couple of months ago resonated with readers and spurred me...
Keep it Simple, Stupid!
KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid – was widely used as a slogan in the computer industry throughout the eighties and nineties. “The Office” made it a meme – but it is an adage worth resurrecting as a guiding principle.
True Banking Reform is Long Overdue!
Banking reform is long overdue. The many sensible recommendations in the Banking Royal Commission report stops a long way short of true reform! (Part 2 of my analysis)
First published on MichaelWest
Political bastardy and silly politics
The franking credits scare campaign is working. Once again, sensible tax reforms is sacrificed on the altar of short-term politics and the absence of a holistic approach. Once again politics gets in the way of policy making. Once again, fear and obfuscation are winning.
First published on Independent Australia
Lies, fear and obfuscation
What Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed about American politics is equally relevant here. As we enter into what may the last Parliamentary sitting week before the next Federal election, I fear it will descend into more lies, fear and obfuscation than ever.
Tinkering with the banks is not enough!
The Banking Commission’s report was released this week. An impressive document containing many sensible recommendations. But it all amounts to not much more than tinkering with a flawed system.
First published on MichaelWest
Democracy decline – it’s not just about elections!
Democracy is in decline in the world. Australia is now among one of only twenty full democracies according to The Economist’s annual Democracy Index, but we cannot afford to be complacent!