Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Economy of Veracity (The Art of)

Posted on January 13, 2022 by davidsberry

This week may seem the worst of Boris Johnson’s premiership, but as long ago as last April the leaders of six opposition parties penned a joint letter, accusing him of breaching the high standard of honesty demanded by both the … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy IV—Europe As Partner

Posted on January 9, 2022 by davidsberry

Two years after Brexit was “done”, several major loose ends remain untied, resulting in repercussions for which adequate adjustments have yet to be made. Among these are the Northern Ireland protocol, a final trade agreement, additional documentation restricting trade (especially … Continue reading →

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Paucity of Esteem

Posted on December 27, 2021 by davidsberry

Unnoticed in December’s news flurry of pandemic panics and Boris blunders was an item of importance. On December 21st, all 32 council leaders signed a joint letter to the First Minister, highlighting their belief that local government had again been … Continue reading →

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Amo vs Ammo

Posted on December 19, 2021 by davidsberry

In America, the gun is big business. At $28bn, it i half th size of the UK Defence budget—which runs nuclear subs, aircraft carriers, an 80,000-man army and the RAF. Given there are more guns than people, the horrifying statistic, … Continue reading →

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Rock of Eejits

Posted on December 15, 2021 by davidsberry

“Rock of ages, cleft for meLet me hide myself in Thee.” The current intransigence infecting the Republican Party in clinging to the flotsam that remains of the Trump presidency has much deeper roots than Trump’s ego-driven tenure. Their demonising of … Continue reading →

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Meet Pesky Blunders of 10 Clowning Street

Posted on December 11, 2021 by davidsberry

Unless you’ve been the victim of one of his many jolly japes that pass for policy, it’s hard to dislike Boris Johnson entirely. There is something about his gung-ho gusto, about his head-down bullishness that makes him an effective political … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy III—Councils As Partners

Posted on December 7, 2021 by davidsberry

On Thursday, December 9th, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes will present a budget to the Scottish Parliament. A couple of goodies have been trailed in Nicola Sturgeon’s speech to the SNP Conference in November, including a doubling of child benefit from … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy II—Cunning Plan, or Planning Con?

Posted on November 21, 2021 by davidsberry

“A high quality planning system is essential to create quality places with the homes, infrastructure and investment that people need. We are improving Scotland’s planning system, to strengthen the contribution planning can make to inclusive growth, to delivering housing and … Continue reading →

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Fake News Is Nothing New

Posted on November 16, 2021 by davidsberry

Propaganda as a means to persuade people has a long history. But it really only came into its own with the spread of newspapers and radio in the 20th century. The first to exploit mass media’s ability to spread falsehood … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy I—Hug a Sassenach

Posted on November 12, 2021 by davidsberry

There is a case for Scotland being a normal, independent nation that is at least as strong as the argument for it remaining within the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, in the seven years since 2014, the SNP, whose job this should … Continue reading →

Posted in Commerce, Politics | 1 Comment