The oil industry fights back by Susan Grimsdell
The oil industry’s in trouble. Consumption of fossil fuels is dropping because of travel bans all over the world and because of public recognition that climate change is a reality. The writing’s on the wall for oil-based fuels. The counter attack The industry isn’t defeated however. They’ve seen a brilliant solution to their plunging revenue – plastic. They are building 350 new plastics plants in Appalachia, a very poor area that has lost its main industry – coal. These plants turn fracked natural gas into plastic bottles, bags, straws, cups, all the… Read More
Staying healthy by Susan Grimsdell
There’s a new book out: “Dear NHS, 100 Letters to say Thank You.” 100 letters, 100 contributors, some of them very famous – Paul McCartney, Malala Yousafzai, Emma Thompson, Ricky Gervais and many others – well, 96 others. Each has submitted a story of their experience of being admitted to hospital under the auspices of the NHS and the wonderful care they received. Public health and private health What got me thinking was that none of the contributors was short of a few bob, yet they had not been treated under the… Read More
The decline and fall of Paula Bennett by Susan Grimsdell
One of the wonderful strengths of our political system is the peaceful transfer of power. We don’t get rid of a leader by killing him or her. Instead, the defeated candidate steps down, following long-established protocols, and often expresses respect and praise for the new person. Democracy rules There are no guns or armed insurgents ready to assassinate the outgoing politician. It’s unthinkable to even imagine such a thing. The procedure is based on respect for democracy and is carried out with courtesy. While watching it happen, we all get confirmation that… Read More
