I’m a retired old white guy. Born in 1950’s Britain to parents who grew up in War-time London. I came of age at the end of the ‘swinging 60’s’, much of which managed to pass me bye living in deepest darkest Somerset. I’m proud to say I gave it what really was almost my best shot. At one time becoming virtually itinerant but never quite giving up the comforts of home, (hot baths, free food and a soft bed about every seven to ten days). So although I was very much aware of the 60’s revolution my participation was, shall I say, on the fringe. Had I known what the 70’s had in store for us I would definitely have tried harder.
The 70’s were not easy, the only folk who did well were the Arabs, more particularly the Gulf Oil States and of course Venezuela. For the rest of us, at various times we had ‘stagflation’, three day work weeks and ‘rolling power cuts’ as well as the 73 oil crisis and in 76 a further devaluation of the Pound. All in all a hard time to get ahead. Not that there was much point as, even if we avoided the ever imminent nuclear winter we were bound headlong for the next ice age. Oil reserves would be depleted within 20 years, coincidentally that’s also about the time the overpopulated planet would be unable to feed its Billions. I offer this as a reminder to those too young or who choose not to remember, that it was in that environment of doom and gloom in which we chose to join the EEC and, prior to the June 2016 referendum, the last time we were even asked.
I have always had an interest in Economics, which is hardly surprising given the times I grew up in. In fact if I had to ‘do it all over again’, I would, with hindsight and opportunity, have become an Economist. Like most young people, then as now, I flirted (briefly?) with the Idealism of Socialism but unlike most of those who went on to become academics, I grew out of it very quickly upon entering the Real World.
That Real World for me consisted of the usual mundane life choices, married, my wife has somehow ‘coped’ with me for over 40 years, a daughter and son-in-law (nameless lest I should cause offence in this ‘Woke’ world) who have given us two ‘great’ grand-kids, whom we love, love to spoil, then return. Mortgages, Car Notes, School Fees. Been there, done that, have the net worth to prove it. The point is that I am (we are) ‘invested’ in society.
At my 65th birthday, contrary to some opinion, I did not plunge off an intellectual precipice. I believe that some if not all of my faculties may still remain with me, I don’t think I need to be treated as a child just yet, though that time may come. Before it does I intend to use the opportunity afforded me to ‘share’ some of my insight, wisdom, experience, bias, prejudice, call it what you will, with those who would care to listen or even argue with my point of view.
If there are none then this will be my Testament. Depending on your outlook that makes me one of any number of stereotypes and you are entitled to your opinion of me. This is however my website, if you choose to respond and you expect me to publish it, above all else, be polite.