So I think I can agree with this, but what I’m really curious about is what you think the small schemes that should have but never happened were for this area you know well?
The big ones that come to mind are the restoration of Bangor and Llandudno’s Victorian piers, both of which (particularly Llandudno) have had absolutely catalytic effect since they actually got done, twenty years too late
You need to get up and do it for yourselves - I live in Scotland and this message has still not bounced around the devolved echo chamber.
According to Claude there have been 7 reorganisation of local government in parts of the UK since 1973. 5 phases of regional mayors - starting with London where the abolition of the GLC was one of the 7. Devolution to the three home nations, different in each cases and with various expansions and add-ons. Joining and leaving the EU. And various reorganisations of the House of Lords.
Perhaps changing how we are governed is not going to fix our centralisation problem? Maybe devolution should be earned rather than putting in front and centre of policy as another distraction from the real problems we face?
In the US, it's still a bit uncomfortable to talk about among liberal friends--given that he's obviously corrupt and illiberal in many important ways, and has two more years in power with a possible Senate majority--but the combination of Trump's high personal agency and interest in owning the libs may yield some long-term benefits for the liberal/progressive project.
As a narrow example, Illinois enacted some much-needed governance reforms around transit here in the Chicago region when faced with the expiration of Covid federal funds with the current administration in office. As a much broader example, the American left has become dependent on lawyers and the court system to achieve their political ends since the Warren court/civil rights movement/Nader revolution of the 60s and 70s. The obliteration of long-held precedents is not great, but I think (hope) that it's helped liberals realize that actually making your case through electoral politics is necessary.
Great article Dan that shows up the parochial problems of the UK. So much talent but suppressed by power and control. The Welsh could always sing the song but nobody listened as they should. Beauty seems often suppressed by the fire walkers. You are coming closer to realisation as your miind explores and I await your revelation with great hope.
So I think I can agree with this, but what I’m really curious about is what you think the small schemes that should have but never happened were for this area you know well?
The big ones that come to mind are the restoration of Bangor and Llandudno’s Victorian piers, both of which (particularly Llandudno) have had absolutely catalytic effect since they actually got done, twenty years too late
You need to get up and do it for yourselves - I live in Scotland and this message has still not bounced around the devolved echo chamber.
According to Claude there have been 7 reorganisation of local government in parts of the UK since 1973. 5 phases of regional mayors - starting with London where the abolition of the GLC was one of the 7. Devolution to the three home nations, different in each cases and with various expansions and add-ons. Joining and leaving the EU. And various reorganisations of the House of Lords.
Perhaps changing how we are governed is not going to fix our centralisation problem? Maybe devolution should be earned rather than putting in front and centre of policy as another distraction from the real problems we face?
In the US, it's still a bit uncomfortable to talk about among liberal friends--given that he's obviously corrupt and illiberal in many important ways, and has two more years in power with a possible Senate majority--but the combination of Trump's high personal agency and interest in owning the libs may yield some long-term benefits for the liberal/progressive project.
As a narrow example, Illinois enacted some much-needed governance reforms around transit here in the Chicago region when faced with the expiration of Covid federal funds with the current administration in office. As a much broader example, the American left has become dependent on lawyers and the court system to achieve their political ends since the Warren court/civil rights movement/Nader revolution of the 60s and 70s. The obliteration of long-held precedents is not great, but I think (hope) that it's helped liberals realize that actually making your case through electoral politics is necessary.
Great systemic analysis, particularly of unintended consequences. Completely agree.
Great article Dan that shows up the parochial problems of the UK. So much talent but suppressed by power and control. The Welsh could always sing the song but nobody listened as they should. Beauty seems often suppressed by the fire walkers. You are coming closer to realisation as your miind explores and I await your revelation with great hope.