Can we trust Policy Exchange or any think tank?

Subjects:

Anthony Barnett (London, OK): On 6 March Policy Exchange invited me to a showing of Charlie Wilson's War, scheduled for tonight, followed by a discussion. I was very interested in going and asked if I could bring a guest who is a young film maker who I knew had liked the film and would be interested in the discussion. I was told she was "welcome" and I thanked them. Arrangements were made. Two days ago I was informed that they had overbooked and only one person could come from my "organisation". I protested to no avail. Being right-wing used to mean belief in traditional values like one's word is one's bond. Now it seems to mean modelling oneself on low grade carriers who overbook and then bounce you off. I am very cross indeed. The detail of behaviour is revealing. Is it just Policy Exchange? Perhaps all think tanks are undermined when 'what we said yesterday' no longer counts because now it is today.

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