Sunday, 14 June 2020

Statues, films, TV series etc

Well it appears some people are in a very censorious mood.Statues are either being torn down or defaced  and films and TV series are no longer being able to be viewed on line.

What to make all about this?
On statues I would prefer not to see any. In the first place I find it almost idolatrous  and in the second they are prone to nature. I prefer people read about any 'famous' people from history.

As for films, TV series etc I am outraged. I think I can work out what is occurring . I know for example that slaves in the Deep South were not treated well in the majority.This is not to say c some lucky ones were treated well.
I think i can work out was in worth viewing and what is not. It is like reading.
It almost like we have the Nazi burning of the books at present!

Some things are going way overboard.

Thursday, 11 June 2020

Around the Traps 12/6/20

It is time again for Around the Traps.

Aussie,Aussie,Aussie,Oy,Oy,Oy
Northern America
Europe
Asia
Wonk
General
Climate
Andrew Gelman ( mainly stats)
Retired but still genial Dave Giles ( econometrics)
Dianne Coyle ( quirky + book reviews)
Vox Wonk

Wednesday, 10 June 2020

Mixed Messages from the NSW Government

One day this week The Premier was very angry with all those who protested on the weekend.
This should have occurred when we still have the coronavirus running around so to speak.

The very next day the Sports Minister said all community sports can start in July. Huh?
Tell me which of the two is more likely to spread the virus. ( Don't talk about how football is invading the months when cricket should be played).
Lots of heavy breathing, sweat even spitting on the ground. They are physical contact sports.

If these sports can proceed then social distancing is not needed. Therefore it doesn't matter if public transport is crowed but apparently it does. The dopey Deputy Premier wants spectators. This makes sense if physical contact sports are allowed to be played.
does the NSW Government even think things through???

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Why did US Unemployment fall ?

James Hamilton of Econbrowser fame writes the BEST article on why US unemployment fell.
It is a lengthy article but well worth reading.

After adjusting for a lot of factors Jim thinks the true unemployment rate is close to 20%.

Go on and read why.

Monday, 8 June 2020

I Can't Breathe

We have observed demonstrations right around the world following the tragic death of George Floyd.
The police behaviour in this episode was disgraceful and they have been rightfully charged. ( see Tim Taylor on Police Reform).

This incident appears to be the straw which broke the camel's back. A bit too late for Colin Kaepernick which was a disgraceful act which now appears to be over although no apology for him.

The first question we must ask is , is this protest just. Of course it is. black lives indeed all lives matter.
The second question is should you demonstrate in this era of social distancing. If the reason is very important then the answer is yes.

I should add an Australian take on this.
Aboriginal people have attempted to link this with deaths in custody.
In my opinion this is wrong for two reasons.
First the royal commission into black deaths in custody found no 'racism' involved in deaths. Indeed by far the largest reason was suicide. I am unsure how the police or others are responsible for suicide. Just remember other people die in custody .
Second I would like to see the differences in arrest rates between aboriginals and others. Some time ago I remember a person giving a paper on crime rates between black and white people in the USA. She found no difference in arrest rates but most certainly in convictions. She put this done to white people being able to afford legal counsel.
I would love for some-one here to examine this. I would not be surprised if this occurs here big time.

This is a concern. If I am a racist policeman I know if i arrest an aboriginal it is highly likely the man will be convicted!

We in Australia should also examine why Aborginals are so over-represented in gaols. We must find ways to overcome this.

Sunday, 7 June 2020

The honours system is broken.

Yet again we see people receiving honours for essential for, what Nick Gruen said some time ago , doing their job.
Some of them did a pretty poor job of it which makes it even worse.
The honours system was always flawed and at least we no longer have the absurd giving out of the Sirs and Madams.
However why do people receive honours for essentially doing their job. Lots of politicians and public servants here as well as sportsmen.want to

Even if you do community work do you really need a gong to show what good work you have done. Even if you do what does it say about your neighbour who has done the same but has no gog.

Abolish the honours system and abolish it now.

I see Steve from Brisbane agrees

Thursday, 4 June 2020

Around the Traps 5/6/20

It is time again for Around the Traps

Aussie,Aussie,Aussie,Oy,Oy,Oy
Northern America
Europe
Asia
Wonk
General
Climate
Andrew Gelman ( mainly stats)
Retired but still genial Dave Giles ( econometrics)
  • nuttin, Dave stop fishing
Dianne Coyle (quirky + book reviews)
Vox wonk