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It's a calculation. The definition of the calculation is clear. This is not about manipulating statistics, it's about making a calculation using a formula and then publishing the result. There is no manipulation because the formula is defined up front. I repeat, what is it about the formula...

I'll not bother looking for it then. Not a big fan of conspiracy theorists.

economists. If you disagree with the way it is calculated, let us know what it is that you think is flawed - because as a mathematician it seems perfectly logical to me.

The universally accepted way to measure inequality: the Gini coefficient.

Never heard of it. Sounds like an online computer game. What is it?

It's so evidently true that the financial health of the country had improved that I'd say that the onus is on you to prove otherwise. By any measure you like, 2020 was better. In 2010 debt was increasing by more than 10% of GDP; there was greater unemployment; higher inflation and greater...

Some more thoughts. The terms Right and Left wing get bandied about incorrectly. The political spectrum is two-dimensional: left and right are about how much you believe in free markets versus the people (the state) owning the means of production. The vertical axis is about authoritarianism...

In which Nordic countries do the people own the means of production, Tony? Capitalist countries (with free markets and private enterprise) with high taxation is not socialism.

Marx and Engels disagreed with you. I do agree that your perception of the terms may differ - but make no mistake that when people like Corbz use the term they know the Marxian theory and use it advisedly.

I'm sorry, I have to pick you up on that as well. Nothing about the COVID emergency package is socialist. Indeed it's exactly the opposite. The government is funding private business precisely so that it can continue to be private business after this crisis. Nobody is suggesting putting the...

Ian, I find that surprising from you. You must know that socialism is effectively the same thing as communism and Marxism. Marx himself uses both terms almost interchangeably. The only distinction he ever makes is that he sees socialism being implemented first with state control before...

Back years ago when I was a teacher earning a pittance I did loads - over 10 hours per week. It's what dragged us out of relative poverty. I'm retired now; it's not about the money but about helping kids and also because I like seeing them succeed. Loads of people are frightened of maths and...

I'll be back later to catch up. I've started reading all Orwell I hadn't previously read, currently on 'Down and Out in Paris and London'. Off to read and listen to some music... jazz for a Sunday d'ya reckon?

They don't have to watch! This is saying that my sensibilities are more important than killing bad ideas. Punishing bullshitting would see every politician behind bars. Put them on TV and when they bullshit... point, point, point, evidence, evidence, evidence and they are defeated in the eyes...

Oh, bit of news. I've started teaching again. :) So far I have one private pupil and a gentleman's agreement at a local school for supply work leading to a part-time role once lockdown is ended. Had an absolute blast with my first lesson last week. I love it when the kids understand. Also...

See my reply to Clint. I'm not suggesting giving them unchallenged party political broadcasts. IMO Jihadists are so successful at recruitment because they aren't on TV being challenged. They work in the shadows where there is nobody to challenge their ideas. If they had to debate with...

They probably do. I've chosen to mute Brighton but I wouldn't have him banned. Here's a logic experiment. If you agree that the best way to defeat bad ideas it to let them speak and challenge, then by drawing a line in the sand you are saying that some ideas are so bad that we would prefer...

With respect, I disagree that it is lazy. Almost all seizures of power by the Extreme Left have been through chaos and conflict. Some of them know it: ("I've been waiting for this for a generation"). Some agitators sit and wait or actively promote disharmony to bring power closer. USSR...

Completely agree. Censorship of speech and the written word are just another tool used by extremists to control the dialogue: usually because they know that their arguments cannot withhold the light being shone upon them. The best way to make abhorrent views insignificant is to encourage them...

He crossed a line a long time ago. I don't even remember what he wrote but it was abusive and disrespectful. For the record I think he's the only person I've ever put on ignore.