Socialism is back and would Kim Jong-un rather be obliterated then give in? News and views links from the Owl


Socialism with a spine: the only 21st century alternative - John Quiggin in The Guardian
Socialism is back, much to the chagrin of those who declared it dead and buried at the “end of history” in the 1990s. ... The soft neoliberalism represented by Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Paul Keating has exhausted its appeal, and not just in the English-speaking world. Throughout Europe, new movements of the left have emerged to challenge or displace social democratic parties discredited by the austerity politics of the last decade. ... The idea of a socialist economy with unconditional access to basic incomes and greatly expanded provision of free services might seem utopian. But in the aftermath of neoliberal failure, utopian vision is what is needed. To re-engage people with democratic politics, we need to move beyond culture wars and arguments over marginal adjustments to tax rates and budget allocations, necessary as these may be in the short term.


The Madness of Donald Trump - The pressures of the presidency have pushed Trump to the edge, but is he crazy enough to be removed from office? - Rolling Stone

The North Korean Cult - Project Syndicate
It is possible that North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, and perhaps even some subjects of his despotic rule, would rather be obliterated than give in. It would not be the first time that a quasi-religious movement turned suicidal.
Almost 40% of LDP candidates back U.S. military action against North Korea, survey finds - Japan Times

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