I’m forced to the conclusion that our legislators are either blind, or mad, or both. They seem intent on utterly destroying the foundations of the US economy. I’m not targeting only the present Democratic administration and majorities in the House and Senate, either. Republicans have done no better when they’ve been in power. It seems… Continue reading From “God Bless America” to “God Help America!”
Tag: Politics
Sir Winston Churchill
On January 24th, 1965, at the age of 90, Sir Winston Churchill died at his home in Hyde Park Gate, London. He died beloved of his fellow Britons, whom he had led through the darkest days of World War II to final victory. He was accorded a State funeral, and as the train bearing his… Continue reading Sir Winston Churchill
President Obama takes office
So, we have a new President. I’m not enthusiastic about his prospects – but then, as you’ll know if you read my pre-election posts, I wasn’t enthusiastic about either candidate for the office. I suspect that President Obama’s background in the sewer of corruption that is Chicago politics, plus his lifelong involvement with and support… Continue reading President Obama takes office
In Memoriam: Helen Suzman, DBE, MP
One of the great figures in twentieth-century South African history died today. Helen Suzman stood alone as the sole representative of Liberalism (in its classic sense, not the modern fakes masquerading under that banner) in the South African parliament during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. As such, she displayed enormous courage, fighting the apartheid policies… Continue reading In Memoriam: Helen Suzman, DBE, MP
It used to be called the ‘Justice System’ . . .
I’m horrified to read of the appalling state of decay into which the British system of justice is falling. It seems to go from bad to worse by the day – and there are parts of the US criminal justice system that appear to be following their example. Three reports this week caught my eye.… Continue reading It used to be called the ‘Justice System’ . . .
On this night, December 16th/17th, 1773
Yes, it’s a famous night. Two hundred and thirty-five years ago, our forefathers decided to hold a tea party. In Boston harbor. Using tea on which they refused to pay the punitive taxes levied by their colonial ‘masters’ in England. Opposition to the new taxes was vociferous and angry. The contemporary pamphlet below illustrates the… Continue reading On this night, December 16th/17th, 1773
The tragedy of Steve Biko
On December 2nd, 1977, a South African magistrate ruled that the Security Police bore no blame or responsibility for the death of Steve Biko while in their custody. This was despite a pathologist’s findings concerning his injuries, which included five major lesions to the brain, a scalp wound, an inner cut on the upper lip,… Continue reading The tragedy of Steve Biko
A sad finale to the Chagos Islanders’ last appeal
I’m saddened by the news that the Chagos Islanders have lost their appeal to Britain’s Law Lords over their expulsion from the Chagos Archipelago in the 1960’s. As the BBC tells the story: In the mid-1960s, the US was worried about possible Soviet expansion in the Indian Ocean and wanted a base in the region… Continue reading A sad finale to the Chagos Islanders’ last appeal
Gormless candidates flunk civics test
I’m disgusted – but not altogether surprised – to learn that many candidates for election don’t know very much about the nation they want to help (?) govern. US elected officials scored abysmally on a test measuring their civic knowledge, with an average grade of just 44 percent, the group that organized the exam said… Continue reading Gormless candidates flunk civics test
Palin-phobia is still with us
Before the election, I remarked on two occasions about the far Left’s phobia about Governor Sarah Palin. They couldn’t seem to say or do enough to denigrate her. Post-election, certain alleged ‘anonymous McCain aides’ have been quoted as making equally negative remarks about her. Some have already been debunked as falsehoods, planted by ‘humorists’ (although… Continue reading Palin-phobia is still with us