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Search found 276 matches

by Ron Webb
April 30th, 2015, 6:10 am
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Modern economics
Replies: 1408
Views: 125287

Re: Modern economics

Hmmm... Given the small number of people who actually donate, compared to the open goal given by an undervaluation (as it eventually turned out) of a tax-payer owned asset, I'd say that trying to influence donors by somehow giving them a financial inducement is extremely wide of the mark. Why would...
by Ron Webb
April 30th, 2015, 5:28 am
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Modern economics
Replies: 1408
Views: 125287

Re: Modern economics

Steady on, Ron! I don't get much respect on this forum! It'll take a bit of getting used to! :D Oh, sorry. I'll try to be more abusive in future. :wink: The suggestion is, that because they have high turnover, they somehow ought to be paying tax, even when none is due, so that other people can spen...
by Ron Webb
April 29th, 2015, 6:56 pm
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Modern economics
Replies: 1408
Views: 125287

Re: Modern economics

I'll get back to you later on your latest message, Nick. Meanwhile: On a similar matter, I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I think there are alternative ways of selling shares in privatisations to raise more money for the nation. By setting a price, at a level which would ensure a comp...
by Ron Webb
April 29th, 2015, 4:01 pm
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Modern economics
Replies: 1408
Views: 125287

Re: Modern economics

With all due respect, Nick, I think you're missing the point. As Reuters said, "There is no suggestion Starbucks has broken any laws." The suggestion is that whatever they're doing (and we don't know exactly what), it ought to be illegal. "Starbucks has been telling investors the business was profit...
by Ron Webb
April 29th, 2015, 2:08 am
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Modern economics
Replies: 1408
Views: 125287

Re: Modern economics

Re: Starbucks -- Taking the items in turn: I hope you'll accept that they have to buy coffee from abroad! They have been accused of diverting profits by buying through Switzerland. However, apparently some 75% of world coffee is traded through Switzerland. Not because of tax, but because it has esta...
by Ron Webb
April 24th, 2015, 4:02 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Discussions...
Topic: Using evidence to inform policy and decisions
Replies: 41
Views: 5369

Re: Using evidence to inform policy and decisions

I am cautious there, Thundril. I am against any attitude of entitlement, whether that is the rich person who feels he or she is entitled to respect or the person on the bottom rung who feels that the world owes them a living. The one difference, alluded to above, is those who cannot physically or i...
by Ron Webb
April 23rd, 2015, 3:56 pm
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: The Natural World
Replies: 610
Views: 94654

Re: The Natural World

I'll be waiting to see if the Disney Company launches a lawsuit against the Creator for copyright infringement.
by Ron Webb
April 15th, 2015, 6:15 pm
Forum: Religion
Topic: Did(would) Jesus really believe in sin?
Replies: 19
Views: 3817

Re: Did(would) Jesus really believe in sin?

Hm, consuming alcohol through your anus is quite wrong but it should be okay with God, if that's what you're curious about. Somewhat similar ethical-wise things may be in the Bible, don't know, and don't know if it matters. Good grief, no wonder I couldn't think of anything; if that's the best exam...
by Ron Webb
April 15th, 2015, 1:50 am
Forum: Religion
Topic: Did(would) Jesus really believe in sin?
Replies: 19
Views: 3817

Re: Did(would) Jesus really believe in sin?

So, those of you who had the patience to read the Bible, am I making sense? Do you think that the historical Jesus understood the human mind and knew that a "sinful person" is actually an ignorant person, in need of help; and that he though God thinks likewise? It could be argued that sin is actual...
by Ron Webb
April 12th, 2015, 4:29 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Discussions...
Topic: Britain questions Canadian woman's 45 year marriage
Replies: 2
Views: 756

Britain questions Canadian woman's 45 year marriage

Thoroughly bizarre story. The couple has known each other for fifty years, legally married (in Canada) and living together continuously for forty-five years, they have a 42 year old son together. But her husband is still a British citizen, and recently they felt they needed to move back to Britain t...
by Ron Webb
April 9th, 2015, 3:23 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Discussions...
Topic: Retirement and pensions
Replies: 23
Views: 3865

Re: Retirement and pensions

We would still end up paying for it via taxes, all tax payers would be affected whether they used pubklic transport or not - but I still like the idea carbon savingwise! Sure we would, and that's just fine with me. I took the bus daily for most of my working life. I didn't mind paying for it then, ...
by Ron Webb
April 9th, 2015, 2:45 pm
Forum: Humanism, secularism, freethought...
Topic: Are there Humanist Missionaries? Should there be?
Replies: 14
Views: 4914

Re: Are there Humanist Missionaries? Should there be?

Dave B wrote:Godd stuff, them posters, Ron.Thanks.
I can't decide if that was just a typo or if you're being clever, but either way -- :laughter:
by Ron Webb
April 9th, 2015, 1:02 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Discussions...
Topic: Retirement and pensions
Replies: 23
Views: 3865

Re: Retirement and pensions

Sadly, no Ron :) The concessions are for buses. Bus travel is free for over 60s in Scotland, think in England it's just cheaper? Maybe it's a difference in dialect, but for me "travel" sounds like going to a different country, or at least a different city. Yeah, IMHO local bus service should be fre...
by Ron Webb
April 9th, 2015, 12:40 am
Forum: Humanism, secularism, freethought...
Topic: Are there Humanist Missionaries? Should there be?
Replies: 14
Views: 4914

Re: Are there Humanist Missionaries? Should there be?

I agree that we don't need humanists knocking on doors or haranguing us on street corners; but I applaud less obnoxious messages such as the Freedom From Religion Foundations' billboard campaign. I think we could use more of that.
by Ron Webb
April 7th, 2015, 5:35 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Discussions...
Topic: Retirement and pensions
Replies: 23
Views: 3865

Re: Retirement and pensions

I retired a few months ago (one of the reasons I have more time for this forum :smile: ), and my wife and I are enjoying it immensely. We've already been on two vacations and planning several others. As a matter of fact, we'll probably be touring Europe, including Britain, this summer or fall. (When...
by Ron Webb
April 5th, 2015, 2:04 pm
Forum: Religion
Topic: Morality, religion and humanism
Replies: 66
Views: 10052

Re: Morality, religion and humanism

Is not "good death" more accurate? I agree, but the dictionary entry I linked to said "easy death", and not being a Greek scholar I didn't want to contradict it. :) But either way -- If so then compared to a death that involves great pain until the last instant . . . Again, relief of pain is usuall...
by Ron Webb
April 5th, 2015, 7:02 am
Forum: Religion
Topic: Morality, religion and humanism
Replies: 66
Views: 10052

Re: Morality, religion and humanism

The word "euthanasia" is from a Greek phrase meaning "easy death". The word itself has nothing to do with relief of pain, although that is usually the justification.
by Ron Webb
March 30th, 2015, 8:35 pm
Forum: Religion
Topic: Morality, religion and humanism
Replies: 66
Views: 10052

Re: Morality, religion and humanism

So, at what age would a foetus have a right to life? In Northern Ireland, abortion is illegal except where the mother's health is at risk due to the pregnancy. Legally, I would say the moment of birth, because that is the age at which I think we can all agree with no reasonable doubt that the fetus...
by Ron Webb
March 30th, 2015, 12:03 am
Forum: Sciences and pseudo-science
Topic: Statutory regulation of herbalists
Replies: 6
Views: 2334

Re: Statutory regulation of herbalists

On a related note, I happened to listen to an archive issue of the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe today (episode 500), and came across something interesting. A couple of months ago, the New York State Attorneys General sent a "cease and desist" order to four of the biggest pharmaceutical retailers,...
by Ron Webb
March 29th, 2015, 7:06 pm
Forum: Religion
Topic: Morality, religion and humanism
Replies: 66
Views: 10052

Re: Morality, religion and humanism

I agree with your point. Ethics should be based on the infliction and prevention of pain rather than bogged down on the finer aspects of sentience. Pain is an important moral issue too, of course; but IMHO "the finer aspects of sentience" are exactly what make us humans special and worthy of greate...