There are a number of ways of measuring, defining and describing poverty. You have absolute poverty, relative poverty, cyclical poverty, collective poverty and more. It turns out that there’s a whole load of ways to be poor. I don’t normally consider myself poor. I drive a Mazda, not a Mercedes. I live in a flat, … Continue reading Poverty
I described India a couple of weeks ago as challenging. And suggested that such a description is polite. I don't think many people who have been to India would consider such a description to be controversial. India is challenging, on so many levels. Your senses will be assaulted. Your ears through the constant, deafening noise. … Continue reading The Indian Verdict
I must confess that when reading through Forbes list of the worlds richest people, you have to head quite a long way down the list before you find a Brit. There's no need for a person to have tens of billions of pounds. Or dollars, for that matter. Here in the UK, we are strong … Continue reading British Socialism in the 21st Century
I grew up with Thatcherism as the dominant political force. That meant regular booms and busts. But there were always jobs available, in London and the south at least. At the bottom of the ladder, admittedly. But there were jobs. Today? There are graduates unable to get jobs in Poundland. They're over qualified. But they … Continue reading Being Poor
My first visit to Mexico City, way back in 2003, was an eye opener. The poverty really struck me. Sure, there is plenty of wealth too, but coming from the UK that didn't 'stand out'. Seeing beggars with mutilated limbs and open sores lying on the pavement, and kids begging for pesos in bare feet … Continue reading Living in a box
The Mexile 