I don't really understand the outcome of the 2022 Brazilian general and presidential elections (Wiki). At least 45% of the 216 million people live in (extreme) poverty (source). Nevertheless, only 50.9% voted for Lula. An ironic explanation is that the more wealthy citizens become, the less likely they will vote for Labour-Left. The same trend is visible in Europe,...
The Brazilian opposition leader won the first round of the 2022 general election (ie, 48% vs 43%). However, news articles and comments are suggesting that he - and even democracy - have lost. Why? Because actual results differed from expectations. Voter polling statistics had claimed a landslide victory. The Brazilian elections are an example of two of my topics:...
On 30 September 2022, the Dutch Statistics Agency reported that the average inflation over September amounted to 17,1% (CBS). It surprised me because it didn't feel that way. The Dutch Press Agency reported that this 17,1% included the October energy rate increases (ANP). Hence, my blog title. Something similar happened over the last decade: the enormous increases...
Financial Times title: Democracy might be in crisis. But Autocracy certainly is FT subtitle: From the 2008 crisis on, authoritarians were praised for their ‘efficiency’. Their troubles dwarf ours By: Simon Kuper Date: 12 May 2022 “Crisis of democracy” is a cliché of our time. But what about the even more consequential crisis of autocracy? Just watch the meltdowns in...
Reuters title: Democracy slipping away at record rate, intergovernmental body warnsDate: 22 November 2021 "BRUSSELS, Nov 22 (Reuters) - A greater number of countries are sliding towards authoritarianism, while the number of established democracies under threat has never been so high, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on...
My motto is trust but verify. I borrowed it from Ronald Reagan who borrowed it from a Russian proverb (Wiki). To a large extent, my motto avoids distrusting and/or mistrusting most people (difference). I trust myself, except for my "addiction" to (Dutch) liquorice confectionery a.k.a. "drop(jes)". Once they're in stock, they must be eaten. Mostly, I...
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