Quick links 17/03/11

A few interesting reads I've spotted over the last few days and wish to share, but don't have much in way of additional commentary:

First off happy St. Patrick's day, though as Dan Hannan points out the Irish have little to celebrate at the moment,

Peter Hoskin in the Spectator on rumours that George Osbourne is going to merge NI and Income tax, an idea that has much merit (of course I'd go further and have a flat rate with no exceptions, scrap PAYE and have a single page tax return),

Also at the Spectator, Frasier Nelson on 'Clegg's liberalism' - only trouble with his conclusion is that there still is a quite left wing Liberal party. LPUK would be a better home for him, Laws and Alexander IMO.

Indeed, after reading this great post at Liberal Vision echoing my earlier thoughts on State funded arts I definitely think there is common ground between us and the 'orange bookers',

Moving on, some good thoughts on the Fukushima nuclear incident by Reason's Ron Bailey, and a conclusion I can heartily agree with:

''The main problem with energy supply systems is that for the last 100 years, governments have insisted on meddling with them, using subsidies, setting rates, and picking technologies. Consequently, entrepreneurs, consumers, and especially policymakers have no idea which power supply technologies actually provide the best balance between cost-effectiveness and safety.'

And finally, a plug for an upcoming event that may be of interest: The Liberty Leagues Freedom Forum 2011. Details and how to register here.