I have already mentioned that I spent some of yesterday at an event at Queen Mary, University of London, discussing the future of water companies in England and Wales.
Whilst I was there I was questioned by one of the academics present as to why I expose myself to so much personal stress as a consequence of writing this blog, posting videos, and other social media activity.
This being an academic event, I suggested that my motivation for writing this blog is that we are subject to a hegemonic political system that is only presenting the people of this country with a neoliberal view that I am quite certain is detrimental to the well-being of most people in this country, and beyond. As a consequence, I think it my job to use my best efforts to critique that system and provide suggestions as to alternative ways in which our economy might be organised to deliver better outcomes for the vast majority of people in the UK and elsewhere. As long as the current position of economic oppression of the majority persists, I cannot see a reason to change what I do.
The shorter and more accurate version:
Because I’m paid more than the blog’s worth to write it.
Economic oppression.
LOL Gay.
Not to mention his Messiah/Martyr complex….
“we are subject to a hegemonic political system that is only presenting the people of this country with a neoliberal view that I am quite certain is detrimental to the well-being of most people in this country, and beyond.”
It’s a damning indictment of current academe in the UK that this peacocking pomposity did (I imagine) not provoke an outbreak of uncontrollable laughter.
It’s a damning indictment of current academe in the UK that this peacocking pomposity did (I imagine) not provoke an outbreak of uncontrollable laughter.
That’s assuming that the conversation actually happened. He’s forever recounting exchanges which sound less convincing than an anonymous quote in The Sun.
Whilst I was there I was questioned by one of the academics present as to why I expose myself to so much personal stress as a consequence of writing this blog, posting videos, and other social media activity.
We can safely say this is something that didn’t happen I think but even assuming it did?
What stress does he have? he gets paid handsomely to misinform students in lectures and to churn out copy that is manifestly false and distribute it. The question as to why he’s still spouting teenage Trotskyism at the age of 66 is an apt one but it shouldn’t be a stressful existence
that we are subject to a hegemonic political system that is only presenting the people of this country with a neoliberal view that I am quite certain is detrimental to the well-being of most people in this country, and beyond
So Neoliberalism backs Hamas, allows child molesters loyal to big Trans free rein to molest, and mandates Diversity policies across the entire economy? Do I have that right?
Whilst I was there I was questioned by one of the academics present as to why I expose myself to so much personal stress as a consequence of writing this blog, posting videos, and other social media activity.
Said in voice of one of those irritating YouTube advert narrators : This one rhetorical trick allows you to humble brag AND make pompous statements to make you look progressive, edgy and a martyr.
It used to be journalists ringing him up for advice, I suppose in his mind academics and academic conferences give you much higher status.
And as an aside, I see that Johann Hari has been rehabilitated. His rhetorical trick was meeting someone in a coffee shop or maybe talking to one of his wife’s friends.
Hard to believe anyone would ask such a daft question, other than a breathless groupie.
He could have kept it short by saying: because the benefits to me outweigh the costs. When I write the blog, it maximises my utility in use of my time.
Hari was sorta rehabilitated. Then people started checking his latest book. Bang goes that idea.
And Hari? Wife? Very inventive……
Not a particularly apposite day in the commemorative catalogue to be claiming personal stress, is it?
The rest of his post sees him in full on Great Prophet mode. The fearless potato of Ely saving the world.
Most likely the academic asked him either “sorry who are you?” Or “milk and 2 sugars please”
Hari’s wife? She’d be the biggest beard since WG Grace.
I’ll take conversations that didn’t happen, for $200, Alex.
Firstly, I yam wot I yam
Secondly, I’m a professor! (qualifications in the post)
Thirdly, MMT – a load of shit I believe in
Fourthy, students believe my pronouncements ( the poor fools)
Fithly, I know more than you
Sixthly, “I’m an academic! (thanks to my exam stand-in)
Seventhly, I’ll be advising Keir soon, so the countries saved!
Eightly, that’s enough crap – I can’t improve on Mr Potato Head’s qualities
“Not a particularly apposite day in the commemorative catalogue to be claiming personal stress, is it?”
True, bit he’s got form on that hasn’t he? Something about visiting a camp if I remember rightly.
My only surprise is that he wasn’t claiming people wanted his autograph.
i wondered if he tried that 2 +2 =5 crap on the assembled academics.