2 d. ago What is ‘abundance’ liberalism, and why are people arguing about it?

A new book has sparked debate with its provocative claim that progressive public policy in the US is brokenIs progressive public policy in America broken? Do many left-leaning laws actually make life more expensive for struggling people? Is regulatory red tape hindering growth and innovation? Have Democratic-run cities, such as New York and San Francisco, become giant billboards against liberal governance?These arguments wouldn’t sound out of place in a policy paper from a conservative thinktank. Yet their newest champions are two of America’s best-known left-leaning journalists, the New York Times’ Ezra Klein and the Atlantic’s Derek Thompson – and they believe the left is overdue for a reckoning of sorts. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson review – make America build again

Over-regulation has rendered progressive change impossible, argue the authors of this clear and rigorous book. But what about the tradeoffs?Every political movement has an image of the past that motivates its view of the future. For conservatives, it might be the imaginary suburbia of a 1950s coffee commercial; for liberals, the solidarity of a New Deal-era Works Progress Administration poster. For Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, it is the techno-optimism of the 1964 New York World’s Fair “Futurama” exhibit: a vision of commuter flights to the moon, desalinisation turning deserts into farmland, hotels on the ocean floor. In their book, Abundance, they argue for a new politics that unlocks the potential of the remarkable technologies that already exist, as well as those yet to be invented.But that future is behind schedule – and Abundance holds late 20th‑century liberalism responsible. (Klein and Thompson critique the right, too – they are themselves liberals – but this book spea...

Politics

5 d. ago Driver deliberately drove into three people outside pub after argument

Dean Murray, 29, drove his van into three people in Blackwood town centre after he had previously been bothering women and was told to leave.

Politics

1 week ago Voices: Readers clash over Labour’s benefit reforms – from ‘Right to Try’ scheme to making work pay

Critics fear they will unfairly harm disabled people, while supporters argue the system needs reform to reduce unnecessary claims and encourage work

Economics

1 week ago Diane Abbott rejects Starmer’s proposal to cut disability benefits: ‘It’s not a Labour thing to do’

Diane Abbott has strongly condemned the government's plans to cut benefits, arguing that reducing financial support is not the answer to helping people move off welfare.

Politics

2 w. ago On this day of protest, Belgrade is a powder keg, but just as important is how the president reacts – now and tomorrow | Brent Sadler

Amid anger over dysfunctional politics and alleged corruption, Aleksandar Vučić faces a harsh spotlight, inside and outside SerbiaFrom the streets of Belgrade, the cracks in President Aleksandar Vučić’s near-decade-long authoritarian grip on power have become impossible to ignore. After more than four months of largely peaceful student-led protests, frustration with the regime appears to have reached breaking point.The country is gearing up for a massive anti-government protest today, as thousands of students and citizens prepare to rally against the Serbian administration. Many residents describe the capital as feeling “under siege”, with the authorities implementing extreme measures that critics argue are designed to intimidate and prevent people from attending the demonstration. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Extended opening hours at Irvine nightclub confirmed for Easter weekend

The applicants argued that with many people off on Easter Monday, they would be able to take advantage of the added time and stay until later without worrying about work the next day.

Politics

3 w. ago The magic word that will save your marriage: Men willing to say sorry tend to have a more satisfied relationship, study finds

Researchers have found what most couples surely already know: that people who are willing to concede they are wrong in an argument have better relationships, as well as fewer rows overall.

Politics

3 w. ago London bar owner argues alcohol duty change ‘misunderstands why people drink wine’

London bar owner argues alcohol duty change ‘misunderstands why people drink wine’  Yahoo News UK

Politics