Comments on: The beauty of privatised rail http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/ Freelance Journalist Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:14:50 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1232 Ed Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:58:16 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1232 I guess what I am saying is I have picked my battle and want to do what I can. It all overlaps though. I guess what I am saying is I have picked my battle and want to do what I can. It all overlaps though.

]]> By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1230 Ed Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:38:35 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1230 In terms of the bigger issues, yes I think the work I do or more importantly the work that volunteers all over the UK do to tackle poverty can only be successful to a certain level but things have moved alot in terms of development in the last 10 years. The global system is a mess and favour the powerful eilite - us lot! We can all work on campaigning and lobbying and getting out there in the community. Also support the larger NGOs in the fight. The system does need to change but in terms of development and poverty and particularly climate change we do not have time to breakdown the system and then start working on those issues. Action is needed now. Just been to a conference on community action against climate change, interesting. In terms of the bigger issues, yes I think the work I do or more importantly the work that volunteers all over the UK do to tackle poverty can only be successful to a certain level but things have moved alot in terms of development in the last 10 years. The global system is a mess and favour the powerful eilite – us lot! We can all work on campaigning and lobbying and getting out there in the community. Also support the larger NGOs in the fight. The system does need to change but in terms of development and poverty and particularly climate change we do not have time to breakdown the system and then start working on those issues. Action is needed now. Just been to a conference on community action against climate change, interesting.

]]> By: Nick http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1228 Nick Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:26:39 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1228 I'm still not convinced there's anything complicated about those either though. I think most people already understand that powerful institutions, whether it's the media or state, are going to try and preserve that power at all costs. Good on you in your new job. Sounds very worthwhile. Do you ever feel like as long as certain systems stay in place though, you're efforts will only go so far? I've interviewed and written about many community groups working on specific issues in Barcelona. One recent one that springs to mind was a group that successfully fought-off developers from ripping down their homes: http://nicholasmead.com/2008/12/13/carmel-the-hole-story/ It seems to me there are fewer NGO and charities in Spain but more community groups that form around certain issues. I've always perceived Spaniards as pretty active when it comes to defending their communities from rampaging capital compared to the British but that may be just my personal impression. Although again, that's another issue entirely and nothing to to do with the railways! I’m still not convinced there’s anything complicated about those either though. I think most people already understand that powerful institutions, whether it’s the media or state, are going to try and preserve that power at all costs.

Good on you in your new job. Sounds very worthwhile. Do you ever feel like as long as certain systems stay in place though, you’re efforts will only go so far?

I’ve interviewed and written about many community groups working on specific issues in Barcelona. One recent one that springs to mind was a group that successfully fought-off developers from ripping down their homes:

http://nicholasmead.com/2008/12/13/carmel-the-hole-story/

It seems to me there are fewer NGO and charities in Spain but more community groups that form around certain issues. I’ve always perceived Spaniards as pretty active when it comes to defending their communities from rampaging capital compared to the British but that may be just my personal impression. Although again, that’s another issue entirely and nothing to to do with the railways!

]]> By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1225 Ed Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1225 I was more referring to the liberal elite state corporate capitalism rather then the rail network and at the end of the day we are just airing opinions based on our own experiences. In terms of community groups..you'd be surprised but as you say getting out there and taking action..be it campaigning, working with community groups is the way to go. My new role involves alot of both and am loving it. Not that I am tackling the current system but supporting communities to tackle development and poverty. But I hope in some of what I do I also try to make small changes where I can. Any community movements in BCN that you are involved with, always been intrigued with civil society in Spain. People tell me it is quite weak compared to the UK. I was more referring to the liberal elite state corporate capitalism rather then the rail network and at the end of the day we are just airing opinions based on our own experiences. In terms of community groups..you’d be surprised but as you say getting out there and taking action..be it campaigning, working with community groups is the way to go. My new role involves alot of both and am loving it. Not that I am tackling the current system but supporting communities to tackle development and poverty. But I hope in some of what I do I also try to make small changes where I can.

Any community movements in BCN that you are involved with, always been intrigued with civil society in Spain. People tell me it is quite weak compared to the UK.

]]> By: Nick http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1224 Nick Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:22:53 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1224 Well thanks for the debate as it is an important one. Although obviously further investigation would be necessary, I don't see anything particularly complicated about any of the points discussed here about the rail network. I think a community group would be more than able to handle it. In fact, the real key to changing it is actually do something like that instead of waxing lyrical here ;) Well thanks for the debate as it is an important one. Although obviously further investigation would be necessary, I don’t see anything particularly complicated about any of the points discussed here about the rail network. I think a community group would be more than able to handle it. In fact, the real key to changing it is actually do something like that instead of waxing lyrical here ;)

]]> By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1223 Ed Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:40:41 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1223 Thanks for the comprehensive response. I guess it is a matter of convincing the public of what the system should look like and then turn to the mainstream media. If that system would infact work. A big ask! It is systemic. It is also often too big a picture for people to grasp or feel they have any power to change it. Fundamentally I agree with you but would need to look into it more to have a solid basis for that. I think working at the grassroot level is key but you need alot of people doing it. But then again..if you went to a community group with your position stated above, I think you might get a blank look. Anyway, good debate and one that will continue for many decades and probably long after we are gone. Thanks for the comprehensive response. I guess it is a matter of convincing the public of what the system should look like and then turn to the mainstream media. If that system would infact work. A big ask! It is systemic. It is also often too big a picture for people to grasp or feel they have any power to change it. Fundamentally I agree with you but would need to look into it more to have a solid basis for that. I think working at the grassroot level is key but you need alot of people doing it. But then again..if you went to a community group with your position stated above, I think you might get a blank look. Anyway, good debate and one that will continue for many decades and probably long after we are gone.

]]> By: Nick http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1221 Nick Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:31:35 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1221 @Ed, No worries. A lot of irony and humor is lost communicating this way which is I guess one of the reasons why "emoticons" were invented ;) @"But you must agree with write with an agenda..that is the purpose of blogs I guess but I do not see it as journalism" The only agenda of these blog posts is to help open an honest discussion on some of the points they cover and help me to refine my own ideas and thoughts on them from the valued input of others such as yourself. I've never claimed that these blog posts are journalism. A small selection of the journalistic pieces I've written can be founded in the "MY PUBLISHED ARTICLES" category on the right. The blog posts are in the "MY BLOG POSTS" category. Blogging in general is much closer to writing an opinion column although a certain amount of online research is often required to make a point, provide evidence etc. That doesn't make it any less valid or legitimate as journalism as a free and open way for people to express their ideas and thoughts. @"In addition you often claim the mainstream media are to blame..I agree 100% on that but you often quote them as evidence.." You seem to suggest that there's some kind of contradiction there but I don't see any whatsoever. The mainstream media are constantly reporting stories and writing columns about how dysfunctional and inhumane the corporate capitalist system is. But it doesn't for one moment occur the liberal journalists that write them to question the fundamental forces of power behind these systems. They've been so throughly and effectively indoctrinated that they understand that there are simply things that you don't say or question - that's exactly why they work for The Times, The Guardian, The BBC etc. If they believed anything else, they'd soon be out of a job. So for example, I quoted a report from The Times about the franchises demanding more subsidies from the government. But would The Times ever consider writing an opinion piece stating that the franchises are effectively legalized theft from the public? Or even an article on whether the trains should be put under some form of public control or even, gasp, run at a loss because they're an essential public service . No they wouldn't. @"On the issue of bank bailouts..again I have no clue what the consequences would have been if it hadnt been done. Yes it is wrong but to stop the system like that I imagine would have be catastrophic." We did discuss this in an earlier post a while back. To summarise, the bailouts were no-strings attached to the corporations that took them. It was not in the publics interest to do it that way. My full reply from that post is here: http://nicholasmead.com/2009/08/23/its-capitalism-mike-but-not-as-we-know-it/#comment-1028 @"If you had the pleasure of being elected to the great heights of office what system would you go for. Tricky question I know." That's a whole blog post in itself and hard to summarize in a few words but I'd go for the top job in order to have the power to reform the entire political and economic system bit-by-bit until it is run by the people and in the interests of people not profit. Ultimately, a system that doesn't require a vast political elite that's changed once every 4 years and polluted with corporate interests would be the ideal. @Soft Mick, That's a good point. My thinking might sound maddeningly simple minded when it comes to government budgets but if they've got enough to provide socialism for the rich, then they must have more than enough to provide socialism for the rest of us. And all that's been spent on illegal wars and continues to be spent on immoral adventures abroad, I think it's obvious where the saving could be made. It's just a question of political will. @Ed, No worries. A lot of irony and humor is lost communicating this way which is I guess one of the reasons why “emoticons” were invented ;)

@”But you must agree with write with an agenda..that is the purpose of blogs I guess but I do not see it as journalism”

The only agenda of these blog posts is to help open an honest discussion on some of the points they cover and help me to refine my own ideas and thoughts on them from the valued input of others such as yourself. I’ve never claimed that these blog posts are journalism. A small selection of the journalistic pieces I’ve written can be founded in the “MY PUBLISHED ARTICLES” category on the right. The blog posts are in the “MY BLOG POSTS” category. Blogging in general is much closer to writing an opinion column although a certain amount of online research is often required to make a point, provide evidence etc. That doesn’t make it any less valid or legitimate as journalism as a free and open way for people to express their ideas and thoughts.

@”In addition you often claim the mainstream media are to blame..I agree 100% on that but you often quote them as evidence..” You seem to suggest that there’s some kind of contradiction there but I don’t see any whatsoever. The mainstream media are constantly reporting stories and writing columns about how dysfunctional and inhumane the corporate capitalist system is. But it doesn’t for one moment occur the liberal journalists that write them to question the fundamental forces of power behind these systems. They’ve been so throughly and effectively indoctrinated that they understand that there are simply things that you don’t say or question – that’s exactly why they work for The Times, The Guardian, The BBC etc. If they believed anything else, they’d soon be out of a job. So for example, I quoted a report from The Times about the franchises demanding more subsidies from the government. But would The Times ever consider writing an opinion piece stating that the franchises are effectively legalized theft from the public? Or even an article on whether the trains should be put under some form of public control or even, gasp, run at a loss because they’re an essential public service . No they wouldn’t.

@”On the issue of bank bailouts..again I have no clue what the consequences would have been if it hadnt been done. Yes it is wrong but to stop the system like that I imagine would have be catastrophic.” We did discuss this in an earlier post a while back. To summarise, the bailouts were no-strings attached to the corporations that took them. It was not in the publics interest to do it that way. My full reply from that post is here:

http://nicholasmead.com/2009/08/23/its-capitalism-mike-but-not-as-we-know-it/#comment-1028

@”If you had the pleasure of being elected to the great heights of office what system would you go for. Tricky question I know.” That’s a whole blog post in itself and hard to summarize in a few words but I’d go for the top job in order to have the power to reform the entire political and economic system bit-by-bit until it is run by the people and in the interests of people not profit. Ultimately, a system that doesn’t require a vast political elite that’s changed once every 4 years and polluted with corporate interests would be the ideal.

@Soft Mick, That’s a good point. My thinking might sound maddeningly simple minded when it comes to government budgets but if they’ve got enough to provide socialism for the rich, then they must have more than enough to provide socialism for the rest of us. And all that’s been spent on illegal wars and continues to be spent on immoral adventures abroad, I think it’s obvious where the saving could be made. It’s just a question of political will.

]]> By: Soft Mick http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1219 Soft Mick Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:23:55 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1219 Ah, Ed, that's the beauty of it. Renationalisation wouldn't actually cost anything as the franchise operators have contracts which expire after a certain number of years. All the government would have to do is not renew the contracts. But you're right about the government cash shortage being an issue. The real problem for the railways is that the lines are absolutely buggered and need re-laying. This is going to cost billions and take decades to complete, and at the moment it's hard to see the government going for any other option that PFI. Ah, Ed, that’s the beauty of it. Renationalisation wouldn’t actually cost anything as the franchise operators have contracts which expire after a certain number of years. All the government would have to do is not renew the contracts.
But you’re right about the government cash shortage being an issue. The real problem for the railways is that the lines are absolutely buggered and need re-laying. This is going to cost billions and take decades to complete, and at the moment it’s hard to see the government going for any other option that PFI.

]]> By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1218 Ed Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:15:01 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1218 Also...not sure GB could afford to nationalise the railways. Even before they bailed out the banks. Also…not sure GB could afford to nationalise the railways. Even before they bailed out the banks.

]]> By: Ed http://nicholasmead.com/2009/11/03/the-beauty-of-privatised-rail/#comment-1216 Ed Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:21:09 +0000 http://nicholasmead.com/?p=1249#comment-1216 I guess my comment was ironic..sorry. I don't think you need a Phd or masters. I guess we can agree to disagree. But you must agree with write with an agenda..that is the purpose of blogs I guess but I do not see it as journalism. In addition you often claim the mainstream media are to blame..I agree 100% on that but you often quote them as evidence..I guess there is some good and bad..personally I have little or no faith in the mainstream media in representing facts. On the issue of bank bailouts..again I have no clue what the consequences would have been if it hadnt been done. Yes it is wrong but to stop the system like that I imagine would have be catastrophic. If you had the pleasure of being elected to the great heights of office what system would you go for. Tricky question I know. I guess my comment was ironic..sorry. I don’t think you need a Phd or masters. I guess we can agree to disagree. But you must agree with write with an agenda..that is the purpose of blogs I guess but I do not see it as journalism. In addition you often claim the mainstream media are to blame..I agree 100% on that but you often quote them as evidence..I guess there is some good and bad..personally I have little or no faith in the mainstream media in representing facts. On the issue of bank bailouts..again I have no clue what the consequences would have been if it hadnt been done. Yes it is wrong but to stop the system like that I imagine would have be catastrophic.

If you had the pleasure of being elected to the great heights of office what system would you go for. Tricky question I know.

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