Today's Financial Times had a column by Janan Ganesh who writes
regularly on the British political scene.His column today was
appropriately headed " Britain Loudmouth Literary Crowd" in which he
tore apart a column by a British writer of children's books amongst
with titles such as You’re Thinking About Doughnuts" and "Little Rabbit Foo Foo".
Rosen had written a open letter questioning Javid's credentials for being appointed the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, &
Sport. Prior to that Javid was the Economic Secretary and Financial Secretary to
the Treasury. The reason apparently for Rosen's ire is not because
Javid, a son of a immigrant Pakistani bus driver, is because he is not an artist or
been involved in art or culture organizations,and also because he was a
very successful investment banker at Deutsche Bank, which he gave up to
become a Member of Parliament..
That is the difference between the UK and the United States.In America he would have been lauded for rising from such humble beginnings, and giving up a successful career to serve his country. Most ministers in almost every country do not come from the profession for the constituency they take on when they join the government. I wonder how many former Ministers of Health have medical training or for that matter Ministers of Education have been academics and so on.
Unfortunately in this case it smacks of the the resentment that this rich successful investment banker is now going to decide how much of a subsidy the likes of Rosen and his ilk receive. Among his mandate is to manage the budgetary allocation including the necessary cuts which are necessary to manage the deficits and the financials for the future generations. Surely his financial experience will help him do this.
In the United Kingdom it is impolite to talk about wealth, but dig below the surface and you will find that politicians and minor royals always have their hands out , at times from questionable partners. The recent reluctance to impose serious sanctions against the Russia is yet another example of the British turning a blind eye to the human rights because it might affect their bread and butter. The United States has no qualms of doing this. England continues to offer sanctuary to former dictators and corrupt rulers.
At least with the Americans you do not have this hypocrisy. They make money and are not shy about displaying it. The American billionaires are among the largest donors for philanthropic causes around the world. I would like to be able to name one or two British billionaires who have followed Bill Gates or Warren Buffet's example. You might have a long search.
That is the difference between the UK and the United States.In America he would have been lauded for rising from such humble beginnings, and giving up a successful career to serve his country. Most ministers in almost every country do not come from the profession for the constituency they take on when they join the government. I wonder how many former Ministers of Health have medical training or for that matter Ministers of Education have been academics and so on.
Unfortunately in this case it smacks of the the resentment that this rich successful investment banker is now going to decide how much of a subsidy the likes of Rosen and his ilk receive. Among his mandate is to manage the budgetary allocation including the necessary cuts which are necessary to manage the deficits and the financials for the future generations. Surely his financial experience will help him do this.
In the United Kingdom it is impolite to talk about wealth, but dig below the surface and you will find that politicians and minor royals always have their hands out , at times from questionable partners. The recent reluctance to impose serious sanctions against the Russia is yet another example of the British turning a blind eye to the human rights because it might affect their bread and butter. The United States has no qualms of doing this. England continues to offer sanctuary to former dictators and corrupt rulers.
At least with the Americans you do not have this hypocrisy. They make money and are not shy about displaying it. The American billionaires are among the largest donors for philanthropic causes around the world. I would like to be able to name one or two British billionaires who have followed Bill Gates or Warren Buffet's example. You might have a long search.
No comments:
Post a Comment