Share Sounds. from Thought for the Week

Let's hope that, as we approach 2023, we can start looking ahead in contrast to the wave of pessimism with which we greeted 2022, and which has proved to be so accurate in retrospect. Is it too much to hope that we are at the nadir of the economic cycle, and at the point when tyrants recognise the limits of force and suppression of individual freedom? Is it unrealistic to imagine a world in which we share our resources more willingly, and empower young people from all backgrounds to achieve their potential? The next two weeks will give us a chance to reset the dial — we must do better in 2023. Background music: 'O Holy Night' by DJ Williams

Last week's rather under-stated 'Edinburgh Reforms' will pave the way for a major step forward in the UK's contribution to global financial services. In what Mark Austin describes as a 'Darwinian evolution', this broad set of regulatory changes not only frees the City from decades of living under the European Union umbrella of directives, but also continues with measures to ease over-reaction following the 2008 financial crisis. Background Music: 'The New Order' by Aaron Kenny

Last week's Census announcement, that the population of those in England and Wales who identify as Christian has fallen below 50% for the first time in 1,500 years, contrasts strongly with the fact that the secular culture which surrounds us is more deeply embedded than ever with the values that Jesus taught — arguably more so than the Church itself — to love our neighbours as ourselves. How did the Church get left behind, and what should it learn from those who are not its members? Background music: 'Not Forgotten' by Dan Lebowitz

Even if Putin were to succeed in his barbarous land-grabbing attempt, what would he inherit? A land where almost all facilities of civilisation are being bombed into oblivion, inhabited by a people filled with disgust and distrust for the Kremlin autocracy: and, bearing in mind that an estimated 11 million Russians have family in Ukraine and the close cultural relationship between their two countries, this disgust and distrust will be shared by much of the Russian population. Meanwhile the young generation is of course the most impacted by conflict, which is almost always initiated by old men. So the pointlessness of war is not lost on these young generations, whose high level of communication and mobility also gives rise to a much better understanding of the need for global interconnectivity. Background Music: 'Breathing Planet' by Doug Maxwell

Far from digging the UK out of the mess that seventy years of socialist welfare have got it into, our new Conservative government seems intent on burying us still deeper. Of course fiscal responsibility must come first, but why perpetuate the myth that everyone, including the wealthy, must receive equal free rations: even if it significantly reduces the amount of public resources available for those most in need? At least the NHS in Scotland has heard the message, even if politicians across the board don't understand (or is it just electoral bribery?). What we really need is a strategy for individual freedom within an egalitarian society — we're a long way from this at present. Background music: 'Freedom?' by Dan Lebowitz

The greatest challenges facing humanity - climate change, economic injustice and peaceful coexistence - are global and long-term in character. The United Nations talks about them, but lacks authority — which can only come from democratic legitimacy. We propose a country-by-country transition to directly-elected UN representatives in order to enable global long-term solutions to take precedence. Background music: 'World's Sunrise' by Jimena Contreras

The UK Office for National Statistics reports that one person in every six was born overseas. It's evident that geographical mobility is already with us: the problem is now social mobility. Solutions lie not with parochial nationalism, but in working with business and organisations with an international governance remit such as the UN for a long-term resolve, just as we are attempting to do with climate change. Background music: 'Wandering Soul' by Asher Fulero image source: Hippopx https://www.hippopx.com/

Following the past few turbulent weeks on stock markets, the launch of a new training course called ‘Investing Basics’ by the UK society for individual shareowners 'ShareSoc' comes at a good time. It will both remind seasoned investors of good practice, and help newbies understand the dynamics of the markets and the potential for good investment. After setting the scene for a fresh look at investing prospects, we invite you to find the links to the ten-video series here, via the webpage version of our Thought for this Week. Share Radio webpage for full commentary and links (incl. the videos): https://www.shareradio.co.uk/thinkingaloud/newsletters/comment-wc-2022-10-31/ Background music: 'Dark Alley Deals' by Aaron Kenny

As Rishi Sunak steps into the lead role in British politics, we look at the educational choices which have paved the way for him, and discuss how the search for a more egalitarian form of capitalism can reconcile opportunity for all with individual freedom. The degree to which parents take responsibility for that education, as Rishi's parents did for him, is critical — and that poses a significant question for the huge numbers of young people who are not enjoying a traditional family upbringing. Background Music: 'Everything Has a Beginning' by Joel Cummins

Our new Chancellor of the Exchequer, formerly the longest-ever serving British Health Secretary, is uniquely well-placed to understand the burden that universal health care provision places on the public finances, and why we must crack this 70-year addiction. In this episode, we analyse how heavily this burden is impacted by care for older people, many of whom are well-placed to be able to cover the costs which they incur. Now is the time to take a fresh look at the 41% of central government spending committed to the health service — we propose that in future there should be an intelligent use of mandatory private medical insurance for those who can afford it, with the NHS drawing down the cost of their treatment from their insurer, as it’s incurred. (* 'FCE' stands for 'Finished Consultant Episode') Background music: 'The Plan's Working' by Cooper Cannell