30 November

Look at what China has done with poverty in only 20 years. Of course it still has holes in it, but the intent and much of the outcome is something we pay only lip service to in the West. Is it more ‘authoritarian’ to live under a one-party State, like the Chinese, or to have more than 50% of your ‘free’ and rich country having less than $1000 in savings, like the US, and having to ingratiate yourself with customers to have enough tips to put food on the table? Not arguing for or against either country here, just saying that ‘freedom’ is one of those glib words we use in the West to paper over stagnant wages and working conditions, no representation in political decisions, people with 2 weeks’ leave a year and unable to afford basic health care, enormous personal debt etc. People are free, but to do what? Just say what they like? That’s a pretty anaemic freedom.