Netanyahu’s failed attempt to replace Shin Bet’s chief violates longstanding Israeli political taboos, as the apartheid state’s internal power struggle spirals to a new level of crisis while Gaza burns, writes RAMZY BAROUD
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Rebuild Britain: for socially responsible public finance
Reviewing a new pamphlet, FAWZI IBRAHIM asserts the need for public expenditure in which private finance is strictly regulated and constrained, allowing the Bank of England to fund government expenditure without the risk of inflation
The Bank of England
Following the historic ban on companies profiting from children’s care, Unison Cymru calls for transparency in implementing the changes and extending the reform to create a truly national, profit-free care service, says MARK TURNER
The left must confront both far-right bigotry and the undeniable problems the exploitation of migrant workers by the ruling class creates — but there are few lessons from the global left on how to strike this balance, laments NICK WRIGHT
STEPHAN BLUM presents the evidence that wine was enjoyed by common folk, independent of upper-class celebrations and religious rituals
The series unveils uncomfortable truths about youth alienation and online radicalisation — but the real crisis lies in austerity and the absence of class consciousness in addressing young people’s disillusionment, says teacher ROBERT POOLE
Our delegation found a small but brave and bold socialist nation that has withstood imperialist machinations and poisonous slander to make impressive leaps in healthcare and women’s rights, reports VETERANS FOR PEACE
Born from my communist social worker mother’s efforts to bridge healthcare gaps, Labour’s push for home-based care now risks becoming another avenue for the US corporate takeover of the NHS, writes RICHARD CLARKE
HOW a government funds its expenditure is a question that all countries face. It is not confined to capitalist economies. It applies to Cuba as well as to Britain and the US.
Government expenditure invariably exceeds its income whether by design as a result of investment decisions, or due to natural disasters or war. Governments with a sovereign currency (and Britain is such a country, unlike those who are inside the EU) can simply print money to fund expenditure. However, that will lead to inflationary pressures on prices, at least in the short term, as general demand for resources increases.
Traditionally, governments have borrowed money from the private financial market through the issuance of bonds. Money is thus taken away from private finance into the hands of the government to spend.
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