Author: David Boyd

Europe

I have been much interested in the sovereign debt problems of the poor countries of Europe and how the creation of the Eurozone and the single currency, has removed the former main method of dealing with individual economic problems, namely currency devaluation, from the unfortunate members. How fortunate are the U.K. and the Czech Republic  under my … Continue reading Europe →

The Riverina

I wonder if the Riverina got its name from all the water which flows thru' it? Gail and I have just had a great trip out to Condobolin, down the Lachlan River to Hillston, across to the Murrumbidgee River at Hay and then across those various watercourses  (the Billabong and Yanko Creeks and the Edwards … Continue reading The Riverina →

Murray Mouth

I today sent the following letter to The Australian. Probably too long for publication-but I felt better!The article by Jennifer Marohasy (The Weekend Australian- Sea Will Save the Murray-27th August) is a very accurate, well balanced review of the Lower Lakes issue in the context of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. The key characteristic of … Continue reading Murray Mouth →

Czech President Vaclav Klaus

This great man has charmed his way around Australia with his simple clear economists's logic. Although he speaks with a thick accent he has a great command of the English language and is worth listening to. I heard him in person in Sydney and closely watched his presentation to the National Press Club. His experience … Continue reading Czech President Vaclav Klaus →

Global Population

"The spread of birth control and a desire for smaller families tend to accompany economic growth and development almost everywhere." The Economist,21st July,2011This fact has led demographers to project world population peaking at 9/10 billion by mid century and then beginning to drop continuously as it would already be doing in the developed world, if … Continue reading Global Population →

My Climate Change Position

I just don't have enough basic education to evaluate the technical arguments. My firm sceptic position is more influenced by my view of human motivation, my tendency to want to challenge conventional wisdom and my attraction to the logic of people like Nigel (Lord) Lawson. When I read the comments of Freeman Dyson (Princeton) and … Continue reading My Climate Change Position →

Carbon

The EditorLetters to the EditorHerald Sun24 June 2011Open Response to Eminent Persons and OthersCarbon is a dirty grimy substance that pollutes the atmosphere and for this reason is presented to you as the Government's target to tax.However the substance the Government intends to tax is carbon dioxide[CO2] which is neither a pollutant or a poison … Continue reading Carbon →

Carbon Dioxide

Extract from Senaor Nick Minchin's Valedictory Speech-"Perhaps the most curious thing to me on reflecting on my career is the amount of time and energy occupied by consideration of the issue of carbon dioxide. Little did I know when I entered this place 18 years ago that carbon dioxide would play such a significant role … Continue reading Carbon Dioxide →