Slip of the tongue!

[northwind]

I think the problem is that right now everyone's trying to return to how things were before, without thinking "Wait! The whole game was screwed before! Why go back?" Trouble is America's going to take that route no matter what, since it's the system that made them the only superpower, and so for us to take any other route would be incredibly difficult. After all, it's events there that dragged us over the edge.

[Biker Biggles]

Yes.There has been a siesmic shift in economic power to the East,and to try to force things back against the tide would be suicidal.National bankrupty would be inevitable.
It might be inevitable anyway.

[northwind]

At the end of the day I reckon it's all going to fall apart sooner or later, but I don't think this is the time to let it happen... Not enough of a pivot point. We'd end up being bought up by Walmart or something if we try and go it alone.

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

I dont think there is one that avoids further borrowing.Which is what I find worrying about the Cameron/Tory policy.They are clear they dont like Browns policy but dont seem to have a thought through alternative.

There probably isn't an alternative. That doesn't mean Cameron is an idiot, he's just fulfilling the role of the opposition - disagreeing with everything the government says, and trying to emphasis that it's Browns fault we're in this mess.

[Biker Biggles]

Not Walmart.The Chinese already own half the Yank national debt.Ours is headed the same way,but we have already sold vast national assets abroad,so there is less left to squabble over.And as the Pound sinks ever lower it all must look cheap for the predators.

[northwind]

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

trying to emphasis that it's Browns fault we're in this mess.

Because Brown caused the US sub-prime crisis, which caused the collapse of inter-bank lending and particularily mortgage-linked investment, which caused the partial failure of the UK banking model, which is the biggest single issue in the UK credit crunch. Oh no, wait, no he didn't.

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

There probably isn't an alternative. That doesn't mean Cameron is an idiot, he's just fulfilling the role of the opposition - disagreeing with everything the government says, and trying to emphasis that it's Browns fault we're in this mess.

If Camerons policy is disagree with everything the government says whether its right or wrong then Id say that does make him an idiot.
What this country really needs is a proper leader with a vision for the future and how to get out of this pre-terminal mess.Unfortuneately we dont seem to have one,or one in waiting,or any prospect of one.Hard times await.

Originally Posted by northwind

Because Brown caused the US sub-prime crisis, which caused the collapse of inter-bank lending and particularily mortgage-linked investment, which caused the partial failure of the UK banking model, which is the biggest single issue in the UK credit crunch. Oh no, wait, no he didn't.

I didn't say he caused it. I said it's his fault we're in this mess, meaning colossal national debt, high public spending, tax etc...

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

If Camerons policy is disagree with everything the government says whether its right or wrong then Id say that does make him an idiot.

What do you expect him to say, good job Mr Brown? Don't read into it, it's just posturing.

[northwind]

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

I didn't say he caused it. I said it's his fault we're in this mess, meaning colossal national debt, high public spending, tax etc...

You know, that's interesting, because national debt today is 43% of GDP, whereas it was 44% and rising in 1996 That's even including the bank bailouts (apparently... Though I'm not quite convinced, it certainly includes Northern Rock and the timing says it includes the others, but the numbers don't feel right) Though to be fair the bank bailouts don't really fit into the normal national debt model, as they're secured on assets.

As for tax, it's far from a statement of fact that high tax and high spending are a problem. I know you believe it is, of course.