There has been much talk over the last couple of months as to how certain countries or political subdivisions (states, regions, etc.) have taken a better approach to dealing with the current pandemic. I can’t help noticing that many voices expressing admiration for varied approaches are people who favoured increased…
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Back in 2004, I was playing in a band I was with for many years, called BAiT. At the time, we were writing material for a new album under a new line-up. Our keyboard player, Nick, shared a love of Prog rock, and we were making efforts to write generally concise and…
The news is awash with examples of reporters trying to undertake school tests intended for 10/11 year olds, and Caroline Lucas hit David Cameron with some grammar questions during PMQs today. Comparing the grammar skills of generations who were not taught English grammar with those of youngsters who have been…
Up to ten million civilian deaths in mainland Japan. U.S. military casualties of up to one million (the U.S. still issues Purple Hearts from its stock of 500,000 made in anticipation of a mainland invasion of Japan). 400,000 civilian deaths in Hokaido under Soviet invasion, following Soviet Union’s entry into…
Last night’s Question Time election special, which saw the leaders of the three main parliamentary parties face an extraordinarily intelligent audience (by Question Time standards) in Leeds gave Cameron the chance to pull out his prop, the note left in the Treasury by the outgoing Chief Secretary of the last…
Eureka! Here’s an idea that could keep everyone happy. During the Cold War, NATO countries and the Warsaw Pact countries swapped spies over the Glienicker Bridge between Potsdam and West Berlin. I suggest we come to a similar arrangement whereby those who are clearly unhappy living in the West are…
I seem to spend a lot of time defending Ukip nowadays. I’m not a Kipper, nor will I ever be, as I disagree fundamentally with party politics, and, as with all parties, while I agree with some of their policies, I disagree profoundly with others – notably their attitude to…
This blog entry is based on a comment I wrote in response to an article at http://nationalinterest.org/feature/switzerland-the-ultimate-democracy-11219, which, whilst highlighting the pros of Direct Democracy, makes reference to the ‘tyranny of the majority’. This is my response… This concept of the ‘tyranny of the majority’ always fascinates me, or more…
The funny thing about this loony UKIP councillor story (and I do not share the councillor’s views on same-sex marriage or religion) is how the media and public have rounded on this guy and he’s ridiculed for beliefs which are deeply held religious beliefs. At the risk of sounding like…
I was gobsmacked to read a letter sent by a headteacher to the parents of children at her primary school. I understand that parents were subsequently notified that they should consider the letter retracted, almost certainly following local authority intervention and in the face of the backlash, but clearly one…