I THOUGHT Rodney Best’s letter (“Close the loopholes”, Nov 17) was a very fair reflection of the world’s problems and in particular those of Great Britain.

The only mistake he made was in assuming that James Young’s “Cost of freebies” (Nov 12) was “well researched”. My experience of James’s letters is that it isn’t always the case. He recently upbraided me for my views in favour of proportional representation telling me it was voted against in our last referendum! Did he know? His analysis of how pensioners spend their lives is ridiculous. It takes no account of their different personal circumstances; a better pension or income is irrelevant set against family and health realities. Means testing is just an opportunity for more Draconian bureaucracy. He should grow up!

There is much research to support Rodney’s viewpoints. Thatcher reduced the top band of tax from 83 per cent to 60 per cent in 1979 and in 1988 it was further reduced to 40 per cent. This meant that money previously spent on roads, infrastructure, defence, education and health, instead gave the already well-off a take-home pay increase of 43 per cent.

“The Hidden Wealth of Nations” says: “At the beginning of 2014 … global household financial wealth amounted to about $95.5 trillion. Out of this total, I estimate that 8 per cent, or $7.6tn, is held in accounts located in tax havens.”

Obstructing the circulation of cash, which is capitalism’s most essential process, has already caused global stagnation and greatly enlarged the wealth gap, inequality and injustice. From published figures by OECD some years ago, as a percentage of GDP, UK spending was up to 2.5 per cent less on public health spending and up to 8 per cent less on overall welfare, than our EU neighbours.

First Past the Post has been largely responsible for creating infantile class divisions in our society which have enabled almost tyrannical leadership in both national and local government. The Tories received 25 per cent of the votes at the general election but claim a “mandate” of power. WDDC Tory councillors in 2011 received 43 per cent of votes cast, getting 67 per cent of the seats and 100 per cent of the cabinet posts. They ignored the views of Dorchester residents and adorned Charles Street with the Titanic! Power is seductive and probably explains why political parties continually fight for supreme control but every election, we get what we least want.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, whatever they are. Labelling people as either socialist or capitalist is simplistic and dangerous. I’ve had a very successful life and believe in the benefits of capitalism. However, I see a black future ahead if the world doesn’t quickly wake up to the fact that the weak and defenceless have nothing to offer us but despair and hatred. Only the wealthy and powerful are in a position to rectify matters. I will continue to fight against the creation of a greedy superclass. It’s an inefficient way to run things.Potholes are the least of its evils!

Mike Joslin
Garfield Avenue
Dorchester