MAIL ONLINE: Officials have found traces of a vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage samples in North and East London / Thought that someone vaccinated with live vaccine shed part of virus and spread it to unvaccinated people / Parents are being urged to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, particularly after the pandemic / Officials said risk to public 'extremely low' with one in 100 chance of paralysis and high vaccine uptake
Polio may be spreading in the UK for the first time in nearly 40 years, health chiefs warned today as they declared a 'national incident'.
Officials have found traces of a vaccine-derived version of the virus in sewage samples in parts of London and say it is 'likely' transmitting within the community.
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are up to date with their polio vaccinations, particularly after the pandemic when school immunisation schemes were disrupted.
Polio spreads through coughs and sneezes or contact with objects contaminated with faeces, causing permanent paralysis in around one in 100 cases. Children are at a higher risk. » | Connor Boyd, deputy health editor for MailOnline | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
It Feels Like Boris Johnson’s Britain Is Finally ‘Sinking Giggling Into the Sea’
THE NEW YORK TIMES: LONDON — For Boris Johnson, Britain’s embattled and scandal-ridden prime minister, nowhere is safe.
On Thursday, that may become inescapably clear. Two local elections — one in a traditional Tory area in South Devon that the party has controlled almost continuously since 1885, the other in a postindustrial seat in North England that the Tories took from Labour for the first time in 90 years in 2019 — will deliver a decisive assessment of Mr. Johnson’s flailing popularity. As things stand, the Conservatives are set to lose both.
Mr. Johnson’s ability to win over such disparate people and places — affluent farmers and neglected manufacturers, the shires in the South and old Labour heartlands in the North — once ensured his position at the top of the Conservative Party. Yet now, as Britain hovers on the brink of economic recession, the constituencies that previously united around the prime minister appear to be rejecting him. For Mr. Johnson, his authority frayed by a recent no confidence vote, a double defeat would leave his tenure hanging by a thread.
But the Conservatives’ problems are much bigger than the prime minister. After 12 years in office, under three different leaders, the Conservatives have collectively set the stage for Britain’s woes. The balance sheet is dire: Wages haven’t risen in real terms since 2010, austerity has hollowed out local communities, and regional inequality has deepened. Britain’s protracted departure from the European Union, pursued by the Conservatives without a clear plan, has only made matters worse. » | Samuel Earle * | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
* Mr. Earle is a British journalist who writes about politics and culture.
Lewis Lapham: Can America Survive the Rule of a “Stupified Plutocracy”? | 2018
First Openly Gay Judge to Lead LGBT Veterans Probe
BBC: Britain's first openly gay senior judge will lead a review into the impact of a historical ban on LGBT people serving in the armed forces.
Lord Etherton's inquiry will look at how those affected can be redressed.
Campaigners are hoping for compensation for lost livelihoods and suffering as well as mental health support.
The review will apply to veterans who served between 1967, when homosexual acts began to be decriminalised, and 2000.
Until then it was illegal to be gay in the British military - with more than 5,000 people in the armed forces thought to be affected.
Those who were, or perceived to be, homosexual faced intrusive investigations and were dismissed or otherwise forced to leave the military. Many still have the conviction on their criminal record.
Some veterans say it meant a complete loss of income which still affects them today, due to years of missed pension contributions.
In the review, expected to start in the next few weeks, Lord Etherton will be asked to recommend ways in which the government could "seek to mitigate any impacts, including any financial impact", the BBC has learned. » | Josh Parry, LGBT producer | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Inflation in Turkey: Researcher Won’t Hide the Figures Erdogan Doesn’t Want to See
FRANCE 24: In May the official Turkish statistics institute established the inflation rate at 73.5 percent, the highest in the country since 1998 – a figure ENAG, an independent group of researchers, immediately disputed. It puts the real rate at around 160.80 percent. The director of the organisation became the target of judicial inquiries and political pressure, and is losing his position at his university.
His hands deep in the pockets of his apron, sporting a large drooping grey moustache, Zeki looks wearily at the fruits and vegetables lying in full view in his shop in Moda, in the heart of the Kadikoy district in Istanbul on the Asian side of the city. "Look at these beautiful pink heirloom tomatoes," he says, pointing his chin in their direction. "They're coming straight from Antalya. Normally in this season everyone wants them. What a waste."
A year ago, Zeki was selling the tomatoes for eight Turkish liras (.45 euros) per kilogramme. Today, he can't sell them for less than 20 (1.10 euros), more than double last year's price. Economists say inflation is to blame, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan disagrees. He explained on June 6 that inflation doesn't exist in Turkey and that price increases are due to the growing cost of living. Denial » | Ludovic DE FOUCARD | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
UK Inflation Rises to 9.1%, Its Highest Rate in 40 Years
THE GUARDIAN: Headline CPI rate will add to cost of living crisis, fuelled by rises in food and transport costs
UK inflation has increased to 9.1%, its highest rate in 40 years amid record prices for petrol and the soaring cost of food.
The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed an increase in May from 9% in April, as measured by the consumer price index, in a reading that matched the forecasts of City economists. In a fresh high, the headline inflation rate has hit a level not seen since February 1982, piling pressure on households in the cost of living crisis.
Inflation is being fuelled by food and non-alcoholic drink prices, which are rising at the fastest annual rate since 2009, the ONS said, with the most dramatic increases seen in the cost of bread, cereals and meat.
Soaring prices for petrol and diesel also drove up inflation in May, adding to the pressure on motorists and business costs with a 32.8% jump motor fuels over the past year – the biggest annual increase on records dating back to 1989. » | Richard Partington and Rowena Mason | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Tory ex-minister says plan to raise state pensions by 10% is ‘ludicrous’: Jim O’Neill scathing about decision to help pensioners while forcing real-terms pay cuts on public sector workers »
UK inflation has increased to 9.1%, its highest rate in 40 years amid record prices for petrol and the soaring cost of food.
The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed an increase in May from 9% in April, as measured by the consumer price index, in a reading that matched the forecasts of City economists. In a fresh high, the headline inflation rate has hit a level not seen since February 1982, piling pressure on households in the cost of living crisis.
Inflation is being fuelled by food and non-alcoholic drink prices, which are rising at the fastest annual rate since 2009, the ONS said, with the most dramatic increases seen in the cost of bread, cereals and meat.
Soaring prices for petrol and diesel also drove up inflation in May, adding to the pressure on motorists and business costs with a 32.8% jump motor fuels over the past year – the biggest annual increase on records dating back to 1989. » | Richard Partington and Rowena Mason | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Tory ex-minister says plan to raise state pensions by 10% is ‘ludicrous’: Jim O’Neill scathing about decision to help pensioners while forcing real-terms pay cuts on public sector workers »
L’Union européenne face au cynisme de Boris Johnson
LE MONDE – ÉDITORIAL : Le premier ministre britannique a présenté, lundi 13 juin, un projet de loi qui remet en cause le « protocole nord-irlandais » contenu dans l’accord sur le Brexit signé avec l’UE. Les Vingt-Sept doivent s’opposer fermement à ces manœuvres destinées avant tout à faire oublier les déboires intérieurs de Boris Johnson.
Habituelle, la manœuvre n’en est pas moins détestable. A chaque déconvenue en politique intérieure, Boris Johnson dégaine son arme ultime, le conflit avec l’Union européenne (UE), destinée à mobiliser ses partisans et à détourner l’opinion britannique de ses propres turpitudes. En témoigne la présentation, lundi 13 juin, au Parlement de Westminster, d’un projet de loi supprimant des pans entiers du « protocole nord-irlandais », une partie sensible de l’accord sur le Brexit de 2019 avec l’UE.
Alors qu’il a lui-même paraphé ce traité international, le premier ministre britannique le remet en cause unilatéralement sur des points cruciaux. Le « protocole » vise en effet à concilier deux objectifs : maintenir une Irlande sans frontière afin de garantir la paix sur l’île, et éviter que l’Irlande du Nord ne devienne un sas d’entrée frauduleux dans le marché unique européen. Pour ce faire, l’Irlande du Nord a été dotée d’un statut mixte : la province a été maintenue à la fois dans la zone douanière britannique et dans le marché unique de l’UE.
Pareil arrangement suppose des contrôles douaniers et sanitaires entre la Grande-Bretagne et l’Irlande du Nord. Une contrainte que rejette le DUP, parti unioniste nord-irlandais allié de Boris Johnson, dont les élus refusent de siéger au gouvernement local de Belfast tant que le « protocole » avec l’UE n’est pas abrogé. » | Éditorial « du Monde » | mercredi 15 juin 2022
Habituelle, la manœuvre n’en est pas moins détestable. A chaque déconvenue en politique intérieure, Boris Johnson dégaine son arme ultime, le conflit avec l’Union européenne (UE), destinée à mobiliser ses partisans et à détourner l’opinion britannique de ses propres turpitudes. En témoigne la présentation, lundi 13 juin, au Parlement de Westminster, d’un projet de loi supprimant des pans entiers du « protocole nord-irlandais », une partie sensible de l’accord sur le Brexit de 2019 avec l’UE.
Alors qu’il a lui-même paraphé ce traité international, le premier ministre britannique le remet en cause unilatéralement sur des points cruciaux. Le « protocole » vise en effet à concilier deux objectifs : maintenir une Irlande sans frontière afin de garantir la paix sur l’île, et éviter que l’Irlande du Nord ne devienne un sas d’entrée frauduleux dans le marché unique européen. Pour ce faire, l’Irlande du Nord a été dotée d’un statut mixte : la province a été maintenue à la fois dans la zone douanière britannique et dans le marché unique de l’UE.
Pareil arrangement suppose des contrôles douaniers et sanitaires entre la Grande-Bretagne et l’Irlande du Nord. Une contrainte que rejette le DUP, parti unioniste nord-irlandais allié de Boris Johnson, dont les élus refusent de siéger au gouvernement local de Belfast tant que le « protocole » avec l’UE n’est pas abrogé. » | Éditorial « du Monde » | mercredi 15 juin 2022
Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills as Many as 280 People, Officials Say
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The 5.9 magnitude quake struck about 28 miles southwest of the city of Khost, in the country’s southeast.
A photo released by the state-run news agency Bakhtar of earthquake destruction in Paktika Province, in eastern Afghanistan. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake, which struck early Wednesady, was felt across several provinces.Credit...Bakhtar News Agency, via Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan — A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan overnight, killing as many as 280 people and injuring more than 600 others, the country’s state-run Bakhtar news agency said on Wednesday.
The quake struck early Wednesday morning about 28 miles southwest of the city of Khost, a provincial capital in the country’s southeast, the United States Geological Survey said, and it had a depth of about six miles.
Raees Hozaifa, the director of information and culture in the eastern province of Paktika, said the earthquake was felt across several provinces, and that death toll in Paktika alone was at least 250 people.
“We have 250 bodies, around 150 wounded,” he said, adding that more than 100 homes had been destroyed across four districts of the province. A rescue effort was underway, he said. » | Safiullah Padshah and Mike Ives | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
KABUL, Afghanistan — A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan overnight, killing as many as 280 people and injuring more than 600 others, the country’s state-run Bakhtar news agency said on Wednesday.
The quake struck early Wednesday morning about 28 miles southwest of the city of Khost, a provincial capital in the country’s southeast, the United States Geological Survey said, and it had a depth of about six miles.
Raees Hozaifa, the director of information and culture in the eastern province of Paktika, said the earthquake was felt across several provinces, and that death toll in Paktika alone was at least 250 people.
“We have 250 bodies, around 150 wounded,” he said, adding that more than 100 homes had been destroyed across four districts of the province. A rescue effort was underway, he said. » | Safiullah Padshah and Mike Ives | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
‘A Dangerous Cancer’: Fourth Hearing Revealed the Human Cost of Trump’s Delusion
THE GUARDIAN: The ex-president’s attacks on officials to overturn the election resulted in them being harassed by his followers
Donald Trump was the most powerful man in the world. But he was also a paranoid fantasist who did not care how his lies destroyed people’s lives.
That was the picture of the former US president that came into focus with startling clarity at Tuesday’s hearing of the congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Dead people, shredded ballots and a USB drive that was in fact a ginger mint were all part of the delusional narrative of election fraud peddled by Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani. They would have been as comical as flat-earthers but for the way they posed a danger to both individual citizens and American democracy.
“The president’s lie was and is a dangerous cancer on the body politic,” committee member Adam Schiff said at the hearing into how Trump pressured state officials to overturn [overturn] results.
It was worth remembering that Trump once boasted that he had passed a cognitive test by reciting the words, “Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV,” in the right order. And that, according to the Washington Post, he made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his four-year presidency. » | David Smith in Washington | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Donald Trump was the most powerful man in the world. But he was also a paranoid fantasist who did not care how his lies destroyed people’s lives.
That was the picture of the former US president that came into focus with startling clarity at Tuesday’s hearing of the congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Dead people, shredded ballots and a USB drive that was in fact a ginger mint were all part of the delusional narrative of election fraud peddled by Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani. They would have been as comical as flat-earthers but for the way they posed a danger to both individual citizens and American democracy.
“The president’s lie was and is a dangerous cancer on the body politic,” committee member Adam Schiff said at the hearing into how Trump pressured state officials to overturn [overturn] results.
It was worth remembering that Trump once boasted that he had passed a cognitive test by reciting the words, “Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV,” in the right order. And that, according to the Washington Post, he made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his four-year presidency. » | David Smith in Washington | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Weinstein | Full Film | FRONTLINE
Jun 21, 2022 • The inside story of how Harvey Weinstein allegedly sexually harassed and abused dozens of women, and the elaborate ways he tried to silence his accusers.
FRONTLINE’s documentary investigates the disgraced mogul’s spectacular downfall, and what Hollywood itself knew — and when. With allegations going back to Weinstein’s early years, the film draws on exclusive insider accounts and examines how Weinstein used lawyers and private detectives to help him suppress sexual harassment allegations.
FRONTLINE’s documentary investigates the disgraced mogul’s spectacular downfall, and what Hollywood itself knew — and when. With allegations going back to Weinstein’s early years, the film draws on exclusive insider accounts and examines how Weinstein used lawyers and private detectives to help him suppress sexual harassment allegations.
The Lincoln Project : The Crazy Ones
Stevie Wonder : Overjoyed
Russia Warns Lithuania of ‘Serious’ Consequences over Rail Blockade
Jun 21, 2022 • Russia has demanded that Lithuania lift its ban on the transit of sanctioned goods by road and rail to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad - threatening "serious and sensitive consequences" for the Lithuanian people if it doesn't.
Speaking in Kaliningrad, the head of Russia's security council described it as a "hostile action" and warned "retaliatory measures will follow".
Lithuania has insisted there's no blockade and it's simply implementing EU sanctions.
Verwandt.
Speaking in Kaliningrad, the head of Russia's security council described it as a "hostile action" and warned "retaliatory measures will follow".
Lithuania has insisted there's no blockade and it's simply implementing EU sanctions.
Verwandt.
Transgender-Tochter von Elon Musk beantragt Namensänderung und bricht Kontakt ab
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Ein erwachsenes Kind des Tesla- und SpaceX-Firmenchefs hat demonstrativ seinen Namen abgelegt, weil es angeblich keine verwandtschaftliche Verbindung mehr zu ihm haben möchte.
Elon Musk kommt bei der diesjährigen Met Gala am 2. Mai in New York an. Eines seiner Kinder wendet sich nun demonstrativ von ihm ab. | Andrew Kelly / Reuters
Elon Musk ist der Meinung, dass die Welt mehr Leute brauche. Sonst zerfalle die Zivilisation. «Ich kann es nicht genug betonen, es gibt zu wenig Menschen», sagte Musk im vergangenen Dezember während einer Veranstaltung des «Wall Street Journal». Er selbst scheint einen Beitrag dazu zu leisten, damit seine schlimme Befürchtung nicht eintrifft. Musk ist bereits siebenfacher Vater.
Ob er auch ein guter «dad» ist, wird gerade durch eine aufsehenerregende Nachricht infrage gestellt. Eines seiner Kinder wendet sich demonstrativ von ihm ab. Es will seinen Nachnamen ändern, weil «ich nicht mehr mit meinem biologischen Vater zusammenlebe oder in irgendeiner Form mit ihm verwandt sein möchte».
Familiengeschichte wiederholt sich
Ein Stück weit wiederholt sich da eine Familiengeschichte. Musk sagte zu seinem Biografen: «Ich hatte keine glückliche Kindheit, es war ein Elend.» Seinen eigenen Vater nannte Elon Musk «ein furchtbares menschliches Geschöpf». Daher verhindert der Milliardär auch, dass seine Kinder ihren Grossvater kennenlernen. » | Michele Coviello, Sonja Blaschke | Dienstag, 21. Juni 2022
Related article in English here.
Elon Musk ist der Meinung, dass die Welt mehr Leute brauche. Sonst zerfalle die Zivilisation. «Ich kann es nicht genug betonen, es gibt zu wenig Menschen», sagte Musk im vergangenen Dezember während einer Veranstaltung des «Wall Street Journal». Er selbst scheint einen Beitrag dazu zu leisten, damit seine schlimme Befürchtung nicht eintrifft. Musk ist bereits siebenfacher Vater.
Ob er auch ein guter «dad» ist, wird gerade durch eine aufsehenerregende Nachricht infrage gestellt. Eines seiner Kinder wendet sich demonstrativ von ihm ab. Es will seinen Nachnamen ändern, weil «ich nicht mehr mit meinem biologischen Vater zusammenlebe oder in irgendeiner Form mit ihm verwandt sein möchte».
Familiengeschichte wiederholt sich
Ein Stück weit wiederholt sich da eine Familiengeschichte. Musk sagte zu seinem Biografen: «Ich hatte keine glückliche Kindheit, es war ein Elend.» Seinen eigenen Vater nannte Elon Musk «ein furchtbares menschliches Geschöpf». Daher verhindert der Milliardär auch, dass seine Kinder ihren Grossvater kennenlernen. » | Michele Coviello, Sonja Blaschke | Dienstag, 21. Juni 2022
Related article in English here.
Biden Gives Speech Marking Pride Month
Streamed live on Jun 15, 2022 • President Joe Biden is delivering remarks to celebrate Pride Month and will also give an update regarding his targeting of some ‘hateful’ anti-LGBT+ laws.
He will sign an executive order to protect LGBT+ Americans following a wave of discriminatory legislation and Republican-led measures targeting transgender healthcare.
He will sign an executive order to protect LGBT+ Americans following a wave of discriminatory legislation and Republican-led measures targeting transgender healthcare.
Elon Musk’s Daughter Says She Is Trans and Wants Nothing to Do with Her Father
PINK NEWS: Elon Musk’s daughter has reportedly filed for a name change, explaining that she is trans and no longer wants a relationship with her father.
The Tesla tycoon’s daughter from his first marriage to Justine Wilson has filed a petition to change her name, citing that she does not “wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form”
The daughter, who just turned 18, also petitioned for a new birth certificate with a female gender marker at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in April, according to Reuters.
The Daily Beast reported that Musk replied to its request for comment ahead of the news of Wilson’s name change being made public, stating: “She does not want to be a public figure. I think it is important to defend her right to privacy.
“Please don’t out someone against their will – it’s not right.”
The story has since been been reported globally.
Musk has previously been criticised for making anti-trans statements, including tweeting “pronouns suck” and “pronouns are an aesthetic nightmare” in 2020. » | Emily Chudy | Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Elon Musk Says a US Recession Is ‘Inevitable’
THE GUARDIAN: Tesla CEO says slump is likely to come in near term, amid plan to lay off 10% of firm’s salaried staff
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, says a US recession is ‘more likely than not in the near term’.Photograph: Joe Skipper/Reuters
Elon Musk has warned that a US recession is “more likely than not” as the Tesla chief executive confirmed plans to cut 10% of salaried staff at the electric carmaker over the next three months.
The world’s richest man said a recession in the US was inevitable but would most probably come in the short term.
“A recession is inevitable at some point. As to whether there is a recession in the near term, that is more likely than not,” Musk said in an interview via videolink at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday.
Musk said Tesla was planning to reduce salaried staff numbers by 10%, confirming plans revealed in an internal email this month by Reuters. » | Dan Milmo and agency | Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Elon Musk has warned that a US recession is “more likely than not” as the Tesla chief executive confirmed plans to cut 10% of salaried staff at the electric carmaker over the next three months.
The world’s richest man said a recession in the US was inevitable but would most probably come in the short term.
“A recession is inevitable at some point. As to whether there is a recession in the near term, that is more likely than not,” Musk said in an interview via videolink at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday.
Musk said Tesla was planning to reduce salaried staff numbers by 10%, confirming plans revealed in an internal email this month by Reuters. » | Dan Milmo and agency | Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Texas Republican Platform: Being Gay Is 'Abnormal Lifestyle Choice'
ADVOCATE: The platform, adopted over the weekend, also opposes “all efforts to validate transgender identity.”
The Republican Party of Texas is well known for its anti-LGBTQ+ stances, but the party platform it adopted this year goes beyond even previous ones, with language calling homosexuality “an abnormal lifestyle choice” and opposing “all efforts to validate transgender identity.”
The party adopted the platform Saturday at its convention in Houston, The Texas Tribune reports. Republican elected officials aren’t required to follow the platform, but the document indicates the general feelings and direction of the party.
Previous platforms included much antigay and anti-trans language, but the “abnormal lifestyle choice” statement is new. The platform also endorses conversion therapy, as it has in the past, and calls it by a new name, “reintegrative therapy.”
“Homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice,” the platform reads. “We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin, and we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values. No one should be granted special legal status based on their LGBTQ+ identification.”
At least one delegate, David Gebhart, tried to soften this language, saying, “We are the Republican Party of Texas, not the Westboro Baptist Church,” Tribune editor Sewell Chan tweeted. Gebhart’s suggestion was met with laughter and boos. Other delegates made homophobic and sexually charged comments. » | Trudy Ring | Monday, June 20, 2022
Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines – June 21, 2022
Parts of the USA are in danger of falling into darkness.
I have news for the Texas GOP: Being gay is NOT a lifestyle choice. Disabuse yourselves of such stupid, ignorant notions. One is born gay; so, obviously it is the will of the Creator that one is so. Choosing to be gay would not be a very smart "lifestyle choice", given the difficulties and obstacles resulting from being that way. – © Mark Alexander
President Macron Loses Majority in Split French Vote - BBC News
Jun 20, 2022 • President Emmanuel Macron has lost control of the French National Assembly following a strong performance by a left alliance and the far right in the elections. His centrist coalition lost dozens of seats in an election that has left French politics fragmented.
The prime minister he had only recently appointed, Elisabeth Borne, who said the situation was unprecedented. "This situation represents a risk for our country, given the risks we're facing nationally and internationally," she said. "We will work as of tomorrow to build a working majority."
Related links here and here.
Zum Schaden Europas?: Emmanuel Macron, der mächtigste Präsident in Europa, hat die absolute Mehrheit verloren. Jetzt muss er sich neu erfinden und es mit Kompromissen à l’allemande versuchen. »
The prime minister he had only recently appointed, Elisabeth Borne, who said the situation was unprecedented. "This situation represents a risk for our country, given the risks we're facing nationally and internationally," she said. "We will work as of tomorrow to build a working majority."
Related links here and here.
Zum Schaden Europas?: Emmanuel Macron, der mächtigste Präsident in Europa, hat die absolute Mehrheit verloren. Jetzt muss er sich neu erfinden und es mit Kompromissen à l’allemande versuchen. »
Margaret Thatcher
In a strange way, even though Margaret Thatcher has been dead for nine years, her influence can still be felt in British politics.
Thatcher was loved by so many, yet hated by so many others. However, whichever side of the divide one stands, it cannot be denied that she was a wonderful leader. Certainly the best British peacetime leader of the twentieth century. She was also very intelligent–though, especially in hindsight, not always correct–and very charismatic and powerful. She was also a fascinating character.
Over the years, I have read a lot about her, both in English and in German. At the moment, however, I am reading an excellent book in French on her, written by Jean-Louis Thiériot, entitled simply Margaret Thatcher. Why in French? Because I like to understand the perspective of others on such important politicians. It is very interesting to understand how other Europeans perceive such important British public figures.
Whilst reading it early morning today, the following paragraph jumped out at me. In my opinion, it is a very powerful short paragraph, which enables us to better understand her. Here it is:
« On ne comprend rien aux fondements du projet thatchérien si l’on ne comprend pas la conception qu’elle a de l’égalité. Pour elle, l’égalité, c’est uniquement l’égalité de droit, la possibilité pour chacun de développer au mieux ses talents dans un environnement favorable. Ce n’est en aucun cas une quelconque « justice sociale » qui réduirait l’écart entre riches et pauvres. L’égalité doit seulement offrir au pauvre la possibilité de devenir riche, s’il en a le don et le courage. » [Page 288]This paragraph, in just a few words, tells us so much about her. © Mark Alexander
WIKIPEDIA:
Margaret Thatcher in English, en français, auf Deutsch.
Here is the cover of this excellent book:
This excellent book by Jean-Louis Thiériot is available on Amazon.fr. Mr Thiérot is actually a lawyer, essayist and member of the French Parliament. Read all about him on Wikipedia here.
Wie wir in Zukunft satt werden | ARTE Re:
Jun 21, 2022 • Die sichere Versorgung mit Lebensmitteln galt lange als selbstverständlich. Doch Bevölkerungswachstum, Kriege und der Klimawandel lassen unsere Ressourcen knapp werden. 2050 werden voraussichtlich knapp 10 Milliarden Menschen auf der Erde leben. Wie werden wir in Zukunft unsere Ernährung sichern?
Maximaler Ertrag auf minimaler Fläche, dazu noch ressourcenschonend – das verspricht die „Vertical Farm“, die Anders Riemann in Kopenhagen betreibt. In Riemanns klimaneutraler Indoor-Farm wächst Gemüse auf 14 Etagen. 800 Kilogramm Salat werden hier pro Woche geerntet. Dieses Gegenmodell zur konventionellen Landwirtschaft stellt für Riemann eine große Zukunftschance dar: „Gerade Corona-Pandemie und der Krieg in der Ukraine haben uns gezeigt, wie verwundbar unsere Lieferketten in der Lebensmittelproduktion sind. Wir brauchen Lebensmittelproduktionen direkt vor Ort in den Städten, als Teil der Infrastruktur.“
Urte Grauwinkel von „Superfood Sachsen-Anhalt“ erforscht, welche Pflanzen im Osten Deutschlands neu angebaut werden könnten, um den geänderten klimatischen Bedingungen zu begegnen und unabhängiger von Langstreckenimporten zu werden. Sie experimentiert unter anderem mit Kichererbsen, Hirse, Amaranth, Quinoa und Hanf. Gelingt der Anbau einer möglichst großen Vielzahl an klimaresistenten und für die Ernährung sinnvollen Pflanzen auch bei uns? Ein weiteres zukunftsträchtiges Lebensmittel gedeiht im Meer: Algen. Sie gelten als besonders klimafreundlich, resistent und wertvoll für die menschliche Ernährung. In westlicheren Ländern hat dieses Superfood jedoch noch keinen besonders guten Ruf zum Verzehr. Joost Wouters, der ehemalige Manager eines Softdrink-Herstellers, will das ändern. Dazu hat er die „Seaweed Company“ gegründet, die Algen-Farmer und Lebensmittelindustrie zusammenbringt. Könnten in Europa geerntete Algen zur Nahrung der Zukunft werden und der Massenfischerei entgegenwirken?
Reportage (D 2021, 32 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 07/03/2023
Maximaler Ertrag auf minimaler Fläche, dazu noch ressourcenschonend – das verspricht die „Vertical Farm“, die Anders Riemann in Kopenhagen betreibt. In Riemanns klimaneutraler Indoor-Farm wächst Gemüse auf 14 Etagen. 800 Kilogramm Salat werden hier pro Woche geerntet. Dieses Gegenmodell zur konventionellen Landwirtschaft stellt für Riemann eine große Zukunftschance dar: „Gerade Corona-Pandemie und der Krieg in der Ukraine haben uns gezeigt, wie verwundbar unsere Lieferketten in der Lebensmittelproduktion sind. Wir brauchen Lebensmittelproduktionen direkt vor Ort in den Städten, als Teil der Infrastruktur.“
Urte Grauwinkel von „Superfood Sachsen-Anhalt“ erforscht, welche Pflanzen im Osten Deutschlands neu angebaut werden könnten, um den geänderten klimatischen Bedingungen zu begegnen und unabhängiger von Langstreckenimporten zu werden. Sie experimentiert unter anderem mit Kichererbsen, Hirse, Amaranth, Quinoa und Hanf. Gelingt der Anbau einer möglichst großen Vielzahl an klimaresistenten und für die Ernährung sinnvollen Pflanzen auch bei uns? Ein weiteres zukunftsträchtiges Lebensmittel gedeiht im Meer: Algen. Sie gelten als besonders klimafreundlich, resistent und wertvoll für die menschliche Ernährung. In westlicheren Ländern hat dieses Superfood jedoch noch keinen besonders guten Ruf zum Verzehr. Joost Wouters, der ehemalige Manager eines Softdrink-Herstellers, will das ändern. Dazu hat er die „Seaweed Company“ gegründet, die Algen-Farmer und Lebensmittelindustrie zusammenbringt. Könnten in Europa geerntete Algen zur Nahrung der Zukunft werden und der Massenfischerei entgegenwirken?
Reportage (D 2021, 32 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 07/03/2023
Palantir: Trump-backer’s Data Firm That Wants Access to Your NHS Records
THE GUARDIAN: Company co-founded by Silicon Valley’s Peter Thiel has been criticised for US defence and immigration contracts
Peter Thiel’s Palantir is favourite to win a £360m contract to amalgamate a wide range of NHS health data on to a single platform. Photograph: John Lamparski/Getty Images
For a company tipped to provide the NHS’s new overarching data platform, it is appropriate that Palantir Technologies is named after an all-seeing orb.
Palantir, which draws its name from the powerful crystal balls deployed in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, is the favourite to win a £360m contract for the NHS’s Federated Data Platform (FDP). Covering everything from individual patients’ data to vaccination programmes, waiting lists and medical trials, the FDP will aggregate data from multiple sources and different formats on to a single platform.
According to a document sent to potential bidders for the five-year contract, it will “provide access to real-time data to enable decision-making to better coordinate care”. Speaking at London Tech Week last week, the health secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “This is the perfect moment to bring data together and reap the benefits.”
The ambitious scope of the platform has alarmed campaign groups, who fear for patient confidentiality, privacy and data security, but the identity of the frontrunner has also caused concern.
US-based Palantir was co-founded by Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley’s few high-profile Donald Trump supporters. The $15.6bn (£12.7bn) company has been criticised for its work with the US immigration agency, as well as its intelligence service and defence contracts. It already works closely with NHS England by providing software that processes data for a variety of purposes including take-up of Covid-19 vaccines and managing the post-pandemic bounce back in elective care (surgery or treatment booked in advance). » | Dan Milmo, Global technology editor | Tuesday, January 21, 2022
Palantir, the all-seeing US tech company, could soon have the data of millions of NHS patients. My response? Yikes!: You might never have heard of tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s CIA-backed analytics company. But it could know all about you if it wins a contract to manage NHS data »
This is troubling news indeed! I don’t want any company owned by this Trump-supporting ideologue to have any access to my NHS data. Thank you, but no thank you! In any case, he has got crackpot ideas on ageing. You can check out some of his ideas on YouTube. Here’s a link to one interview. It doesn’t look to me as though he is “winning the fight”!
That BoJo is considering giving this man and his company access to all this sensitive data in the NHS shows the need to kick BoJo out of office with dispatch.
This is another Brexit bonus, I guess. One can see it on the horizon in the sunny uplands yonder. – © Mark Alexander
For a company tipped to provide the NHS’s new overarching data platform, it is appropriate that Palantir Technologies is named after an all-seeing orb.
Palantir, which draws its name from the powerful crystal balls deployed in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, is the favourite to win a £360m contract for the NHS’s Federated Data Platform (FDP). Covering everything from individual patients’ data to vaccination programmes, waiting lists and medical trials, the FDP will aggregate data from multiple sources and different formats on to a single platform.
According to a document sent to potential bidders for the five-year contract, it will “provide access to real-time data to enable decision-making to better coordinate care”. Speaking at London Tech Week last week, the health secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “This is the perfect moment to bring data together and reap the benefits.”
The ambitious scope of the platform has alarmed campaign groups, who fear for patient confidentiality, privacy and data security, but the identity of the frontrunner has also caused concern.
US-based Palantir was co-founded by Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley’s few high-profile Donald Trump supporters. The $15.6bn (£12.7bn) company has been criticised for its work with the US immigration agency, as well as its intelligence service and defence contracts. It already works closely with NHS England by providing software that processes data for a variety of purposes including take-up of Covid-19 vaccines and managing the post-pandemic bounce back in elective care (surgery or treatment booked in advance). » | Dan Milmo, Global technology editor | Tuesday, January 21, 2022
Palantir, the all-seeing US tech company, could soon have the data of millions of NHS patients. My response? Yikes!: You might never have heard of tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s CIA-backed analytics company. But it could know all about you if it wins a contract to manage NHS data »
This is troubling news indeed! I don’t want any company owned by this Trump-supporting ideologue to have any access to my NHS data. Thank you, but no thank you! In any case, he has got crackpot ideas on ageing. You can check out some of his ideas on YouTube. Here’s a link to one interview. It doesn’t look to me as though he is “winning the fight”!
That BoJo is considering giving this man and his company access to all this sensitive data in the NHS shows the need to kick BoJo out of office with dispatch.
This is another Brexit bonus, I guess. One can see it on the horizon in the sunny uplands yonder. – © Mark Alexander
Monday, June 20, 2022
Mary Trump: Donald Trump ‘Handed Down a Death Sentence to Mike Pence’
Don Winslow Films:- #HowToConvictTrump
Dame Kelly Holmes First Live Interview Since Revealing Publicly She Is a Gay Woman | This Morning
'I've never been happy, but now I am': Dame Kelly Holmes, 52, breaks down crying in emotional This Morning interview after coming out as gay... »
Texas GOP Adopts Resolution Rejecting 2020 Election Results
Trump reminds me of a spoilt child who plagues his parents to death and won’t shut up until he gets what he wants, until he gets his own way. Further, he likes the sound of his own voice and constantly craves attention. Moreover, he wants to stay in the limelight.
Why the GOP is pandering to the childish needs of this man is beyond my comprehension. No doubt, it is beyond the comprehension of many others, too. – © Mark Alexander
La bague d'amour Cartier Trinity : corps, âme, intellect.
Gay Republican Group Banned from GOP Convention
LGBTQ NATION: After years spent telling Republicans that LGBTQ rights aren't important and mocking the community, the group was surprised to find out that the Party listened to them.
Gay Trump supporters Juan Hernandez and Charles Moran at the 2016 RNC.Photo: ABC News, Screenshot
After spending the past few years decrying LGBTQ equality and denigrating the “leftist” community in general and transgender people in particular, the Log Cabin Republicans found out that people were finally listening to them.
Unfortunately for them, it was their own Party. The group was denied even a minimal gesture of inclusion – a booth at the Texas GOP convention.
While Charles Moran, the national group’s president, quickly jumped to social media to denounce the GOP’s decision, it lacked the same derisive tone reserved for Democrats and pro-LGBTQ initiatives. Moran has issued statements opposing the Equality Act, landmark non-discrimination legislation for the queer community, and has defended Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s Don’t Say Gay law.
The group has frequently targeted Chasten Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s husband, in an effort to portray him as an effete gadfly. Chasten Buttigieg is a former elementary school teacher and he was an outspoken critic of the Florida law. The radicalized organization has also frequently compared LGBTQ people to child molesters, saying queer teachers are trying to “groom” and “indoctrinate” young kids. » | Bil Browning | Monday, June 20, 2022
Gay Republicans released a cringeworthy video praising Donald Trump for President’s Day »
If I didn't know better, I would say that this is a joke. How on earth can gays be for Donald Trump? Queers being for Donald Trump is as absurd as queers being for shariah! It just doesn't make any sense. – © Mark Alexander
After spending the past few years decrying LGBTQ equality and denigrating the “leftist” community in general and transgender people in particular, the Log Cabin Republicans found out that people were finally listening to them.
Unfortunately for them, it was their own Party. The group was denied even a minimal gesture of inclusion – a booth at the Texas GOP convention.
While Charles Moran, the national group’s president, quickly jumped to social media to denounce the GOP’s decision, it lacked the same derisive tone reserved for Democrats and pro-LGBTQ initiatives. Moran has issued statements opposing the Equality Act, landmark non-discrimination legislation for the queer community, and has defended Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s Don’t Say Gay law.
The group has frequently targeted Chasten Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s husband, in an effort to portray him as an effete gadfly. Chasten Buttigieg is a former elementary school teacher and he was an outspoken critic of the Florida law. The radicalized organization has also frequently compared LGBTQ people to child molesters, saying queer teachers are trying to “groom” and “indoctrinate” young kids. » | Bil Browning | Monday, June 20, 2022
Gay Republicans released a cringeworthy video praising Donald Trump for President’s Day »
If I didn't know better, I would say that this is a joke. How on earth can gays be for Donald Trump? Queers being for Donald Trump is as absurd as queers being for shariah! It just doesn't make any sense. – © Mark Alexander
Emmanuel Macron, un président « puni » à la tête d’un pays « en territoire inconnu » : les résultats des élections législatives vus par la presse étrangère
LE MONDE : Le « style de leadership » du chef de l’Etat, exercé aux dépens du Parlement, a été sanctionné, selon un journal allemand. « Le pays a une alternative : soit apprendre la culture du consensus (…), soit être condamné à l’ingouvernabilité », prévient « El Pais ».
Le président Emmanuel Macron après avoir voté lors du deuxième tour des élections législatives françaises dans un bureau de vote au Touquet, dans le nord de la France, le 19 juin 2022. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP
« Echec sévère », « défaite cuisante », « contre-performance »… La presse étrangère commente, lundi 20 juin, les résultats des élections législatives, qui ont vu le parti présidentiel et ses alliés récolter 246 sièges, perdant la majorité absolue, établie à 289 sièges sur 577. De l’Allemagne à l’Italie en passant par les Etats-Unis, les médias analysent pêle-mêle le taux d’abstention élevé, la nécessité pour Emmanuel Macron de trouver des alliances, la percée fulgurante de la Nouvelle Union populaire écologique et sociale (Nupes) ainsi que le score historique du Rassemblement national (RN).
Le journal allemand Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung décrit un vote « sanction » contre « le style » Emmanuel Macron, « qui a souvent bafoué le Parlement » lors de son précédent quinquennat. « Il prenait des décisions, seul, aux côtés d’un petit cercle de fidèles. Il n’a pas tenu sa promesse électorale de renforcer l’Assemblée nationale. Ce style de leadership a été puni », développe le quotidien, selon qui « les résultats de ce scrutin appellent à un renouveau très attendu de la tradition parlementaire française ». » | Le Monde | lundi 20 juin 2022
« Echec sévère », « défaite cuisante », « contre-performance »… La presse étrangère commente, lundi 20 juin, les résultats des élections législatives, qui ont vu le parti présidentiel et ses alliés récolter 246 sièges, perdant la majorité absolue, établie à 289 sièges sur 577. De l’Allemagne à l’Italie en passant par les Etats-Unis, les médias analysent pêle-mêle le taux d’abstention élevé, la nécessité pour Emmanuel Macron de trouver des alliances, la percée fulgurante de la Nouvelle Union populaire écologique et sociale (Nupes) ainsi que le score historique du Rassemblement national (RN).
Le journal allemand Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung décrit un vote « sanction » contre « le style » Emmanuel Macron, « qui a souvent bafoué le Parlement » lors de son précédent quinquennat. « Il prenait des décisions, seul, aux côtés d’un petit cercle de fidèles. Il n’a pas tenu sa promesse électorale de renforcer l’Assemblée nationale. Ce style de leadership a été puni », développe le quotidien, selon qui « les résultats de ce scrutin appellent à un renouveau très attendu de la tradition parlementaire française ». » | Le Monde | lundi 20 juin 2022
French PM under Pressure after Macron’s Alliance Loses Absolute Majority
THE GUARDIAN: Élisabeth Borne faces calls to resign after legislative election result throws French politics into turmoil
France’s prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, is facing calls for her resignation after Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance lost its absolute majority in parliament in the legislative election at the weekend.
Borne, who was appointed only a month ago, said the result created an unusual situation that posed “a risk for our country”.
After five years of controlling the Assemblée Nationale, Macron now faces a challenge on delivering key policies, including raising the retirement age and a shake-up of the country’s benefits and welfare system. His government will need to seek alliances and compromises to push measures through.
Macron had insisted before the election that all ministers who lost their seats would have to stand down. Borne, who escaped having to resign by narrowly winning her Normandy constituency, said on Sunday night: “The situation is a risk for our country, given the challenges we have to face at the national and international level. We have to draw the consequences of this vote. » | Kim Willsher and Angelique Chrisafis in Paris | Monday, June 20, 2022
France’s prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, is facing calls for her resignation after Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance lost its absolute majority in parliament in the legislative election at the weekend.
Borne, who was appointed only a month ago, said the result created an unusual situation that posed “a risk for our country”.
After five years of controlling the Assemblée Nationale, Macron now faces a challenge on delivering key policies, including raising the retirement age and a shake-up of the country’s benefits and welfare system. His government will need to seek alliances and compromises to push measures through.
Macron had insisted before the election that all ministers who lost their seats would have to stand down. Borne, who escaped having to resign by narrowly winning her Normandy constituency, said on Sunday night: “The situation is a risk for our country, given the challenges we have to face at the national and international level. We have to draw the consequences of this vote. » | Kim Willsher and Angelique Chrisafis in Paris | Monday, June 20, 2022
Raskin Says Trump Isn't Even Trying to Challenge Jan. 6 Evidence
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Zu Tisch ... Provencalische Voralpen | ARTE Reupload
Jun 19, 2022 • Die Provenzalischen Voralpen sind eine Region in Südfrankreich unweit der Mittelmeerküste. Dort lebt der Landwirt und gebürtige Togolese Pierre Koffi Alanda. Der Gemüsebauer erntet im Frühherbst Kürbis- und Zucchiniblüten sowie Mangold, der ursprünglich aus Togo stammt, aus Alandas Heimat.
Zwischen der französischen Riviera und den hohen Bergen von Mercantour liegen die Provenzalischen Voralpen. Das Dorf La Sagne hat nur wenige Einwohner, viele sind an die Küste gezogen. Manche kehren zurück, andere finden in dem kleinen Dorf auf 1.200 Meter Höhe ihre neue Heimat. Pierre Koffi Alanda kam zum ersten Mal vor etwa 20 Jahren dorthin. Er stammt aus Togo. Damals machte er ein Praktikum beim Vater seiner heutigen Nachbarin Joana Fabre. Heute betreibt er in La Sagne Gemüseanbau nach ökologischen Kriterien. Im Herbst wachsen in seinem Garten Kürbisse, alte Gemüsesorten und Gemüse, das ursprünglich aus Togo stammt. Joana Fabre ist vor ein paar Jahren mit ihrem italienischen Freund in das Dorf ihrer Kindheit zurückgekehrt. Ihre Kinder sollen auf dem Land aufwachsen. Die Familie hält Ziegen und Schafe und lebt von der Käseherstellung. Aus dem Gemüse von Pierre Koffi Alanda entstehen köstliche Gerichte der Region und seiner afrikanischen Heimat. Mit seinem Nachbarn Georges Fabre kocht er ein traditionelles Gericht: Kürbisravioli mit einer Walnusssoße. Kürzlich ist auch Pierre Koffis Partnerin, die deutsche Künstlerin Cosima Jentzsch, nach La Sagne gezogen. Gemeinsam bereiten sie einen Gboma Gnagna zu, ein togolesisches Rezept. Dort hinein gehört Gboma, afrikanischer Mangold, dessen Samen Pierre Koffi Alanda ursprünglich eigens aus Togo mitgebracht hat. Joana Fabre verwendet ihren Ziegen- und Schafskäse, um gefüllte Zucchiniblüten vorzubereiten. Dazu gibt es süßen Mangoldkuchen mit Parmesan und Rosinen.
Esskulturreihe, Regie: Marie Villetelle (D 2019, 27 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 19/07/2022
Zwischen der französischen Riviera und den hohen Bergen von Mercantour liegen die Provenzalischen Voralpen. Das Dorf La Sagne hat nur wenige Einwohner, viele sind an die Küste gezogen. Manche kehren zurück, andere finden in dem kleinen Dorf auf 1.200 Meter Höhe ihre neue Heimat. Pierre Koffi Alanda kam zum ersten Mal vor etwa 20 Jahren dorthin. Er stammt aus Togo. Damals machte er ein Praktikum beim Vater seiner heutigen Nachbarin Joana Fabre. Heute betreibt er in La Sagne Gemüseanbau nach ökologischen Kriterien. Im Herbst wachsen in seinem Garten Kürbisse, alte Gemüsesorten und Gemüse, das ursprünglich aus Togo stammt. Joana Fabre ist vor ein paar Jahren mit ihrem italienischen Freund in das Dorf ihrer Kindheit zurückgekehrt. Ihre Kinder sollen auf dem Land aufwachsen. Die Familie hält Ziegen und Schafe und lebt von der Käseherstellung. Aus dem Gemüse von Pierre Koffi Alanda entstehen köstliche Gerichte der Region und seiner afrikanischen Heimat. Mit seinem Nachbarn Georges Fabre kocht er ein traditionelles Gericht: Kürbisravioli mit einer Walnusssoße. Kürzlich ist auch Pierre Koffis Partnerin, die deutsche Künstlerin Cosima Jentzsch, nach La Sagne gezogen. Gemeinsam bereiten sie einen Gboma Gnagna zu, ein togolesisches Rezept. Dort hinein gehört Gboma, afrikanischer Mangold, dessen Samen Pierre Koffi Alanda ursprünglich eigens aus Togo mitgebracht hat. Joana Fabre verwendet ihren Ziegen- und Schafskäse, um gefüllte Zucchiniblüten vorzubereiten. Dazu gibt es süßen Mangoldkuchen mit Parmesan und Rosinen.
Esskulturreihe, Regie: Marie Villetelle (D 2019, 27 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 19/07/2022
Quand une dame souhaite faire une déclaration audacieuse et très belle.
Au Québec, une loi pour renforcer le français embrase le Canada
LE MONDE : Le texte étend aux petites entreprises et aux immigrants l’usage de la « langue officielle » dans la Belle province. Les anglophones dénoncent un nouvel acte de « repli ».
Des opposants anglophones à la loi 96 sur la langue française du Québec manifestent dans le centre-ville de Montréal, Québec, Canada, le 26 mai 2022. CHRISTINNE MUSCHI / REUTERS
Sujet hautement sensible au Québec, le débat sur la langue est aussi inflammable dans tout le Canada, pays officiellement bilingue. Se vivant comme un village gaulois assiégé par plus de 350 millions d’anglophones régnant sur le continent nord-américain, la Belle Province considère la langue française comme constitutive de son identité.
Le 24 mai, le gouvernement québécois Coalition Avenir Québec (centre droit, nationaliste) a ainsi adopté une loi destinée à réaffirmer sa primauté. Ce texte dit « 96 » vient renforcer la charte de la langue française qui avait fait, en 1977, du français « la langue officielle » du Québec ; il étend son usage aux petites entreprises, fait de son apprentissage un droit et un devoir fondamentaux pour tous les immigrants et les anglophones, et impose aux commerces de privilégier le français sur leurs devantures. » | Par Hélène Jouan (Montréal, correspondance) | samedi 18 juin 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
Sujet hautement sensible au Québec, le débat sur la langue est aussi inflammable dans tout le Canada, pays officiellement bilingue. Se vivant comme un village gaulois assiégé par plus de 350 millions d’anglophones régnant sur le continent nord-américain, la Belle Province considère la langue française comme constitutive de son identité.
Le 24 mai, le gouvernement québécois Coalition Avenir Québec (centre droit, nationaliste) a ainsi adopté une loi destinée à réaffirmer sa primauté. Ce texte dit « 96 » vient renforcer la charte de la langue française qui avait fait, en 1977, du français « la langue officielle » du Québec ; il étend son usage aux petites entreprises, fait de son apprentissage un droit et un devoir fondamentaux pour tous les immigrants et les anglophones, et impose aux commerces de privilégier le français sur leurs devantures. » | Par Hélène Jouan (Montréal, correspondance) | samedi 18 juin 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
Chris Hedges: How Republicans, Democrats, and the Media Have Weakened US Democracy
Crypto Panic as Digital Assets Follow Share Prices in a Downward Spiral
THE OBSERVER: Last week bitcoin fell 31% and Celsius put a hold on withdrawals – and some fear the turmoil is far from over
Investors used to buy bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, but it has proved to be vulnerable to the wider economic downturn. Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock
The cryptocurrency market could do with some respite but its convention-breaking nature means there is no hiatus. Trading in digital assets such as bitcoin and ethereum runs 24/7, unlike their conventional peers in equities on the New York and London stock exchanges, which at least get the weekend off.
So one torrid week tends to run into another for this most cutting-edge of markets. Bitcoin – the cryptocurrency cornerstone – fell below the key level of $20,000 on Saturday morning, meaning it has dropped 34% in the past seven days, according to CoinGecko, which showed that ethereum, the other pillar of the market, had fallen 40% to $994 in the same period. There are fears bitcoin’s fall will trigger more sell-offs, leading to another tumultuous seven days for digital assets.
The entire crypto market fell below $1 trillion last week, a precipitous decline from its peak of $3tn in November last year. A number of factors drove the declines – a mix of crypto-specific events and wider macroeconomic issues – and some of them will continue to hang over the market this week as well. » | Dan Milmo, Global technology editor | Sunday, June 19, 2022
The cryptocurrency market could do with some respite but its convention-breaking nature means there is no hiatus. Trading in digital assets such as bitcoin and ethereum runs 24/7, unlike their conventional peers in equities on the New York and London stock exchanges, which at least get the weekend off.
So one torrid week tends to run into another for this most cutting-edge of markets. Bitcoin – the cryptocurrency cornerstone – fell below the key level of $20,000 on Saturday morning, meaning it has dropped 34% in the past seven days, according to CoinGecko, which showed that ethereum, the other pillar of the market, had fallen 40% to $994 in the same period. There are fears bitcoin’s fall will trigger more sell-offs, leading to another tumultuous seven days for digital assets.
The entire crypto market fell below $1 trillion last week, a precipitous decline from its peak of $3tn in November last year. A number of factors drove the declines – a mix of crypto-specific events and wider macroeconomic issues – and some of them will continue to hang over the market this week as well. » | Dan Milmo, Global technology editor | Sunday, June 19, 2022
Phil Collins: Another Day In Paradise | Remastered | 2016
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Smoking Pleasure…
Die schöne elegante Dame mit dem kecken roten Hut
Patel’s Harsh Immigration Policy Is Not Working
Jun 18, 2022 • The Home Secretary Priti Patel's Immigration policy is not working. Her policy appears to be focused on stopping as many immigrants and asylum seekers from coming to the UK as possible. Official routes have effectively been closed except for the 'brightest and the best'.
Because of this and the French appearing to be less willing to help stop the boats, the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel is increasing rapidly.
Having tried and failed to return them to France and having failed to send them to Ascension Island, the Home Secretary is now trying to send them to Rwanda with no chance of return. This is both cruel and stupid and will not stop the people-traffickers.
There is a backlog of 50,000 asylum seekers in the UK at the moment and none of these is allowed to work despite severe labour shortages in many industries. Immigration under Patel, whose only response to punish the desperate people who are seeking asylum, is in chaos.
Because of this and the French appearing to be less willing to help stop the boats, the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel is increasing rapidly.
Having tried and failed to return them to France and having failed to send them to Ascension Island, the Home Secretary is now trying to send them to Rwanda with no chance of return. This is both cruel and stupid and will not stop the people-traffickers.
There is a backlog of 50,000 asylum seekers in the UK at the moment and none of these is allowed to work despite severe labour shortages in many industries. Immigration under Patel, whose only response to punish the desperate people who are seeking asylum, is in chaos.
It's Not Unusual, A Lesbian & Gay History | Parts 1, 2 & 3 | BBC2, 1997
Part 1 is age-restricted, so it can be viewed only on YouTube itself. Here is a link to the first part of the documentary.
Parts 2 & 3 can be embedded. Here they are:
Parts 2 & 3 can be embedded. Here they are:
Thousands March in London over Cost of Living Crisis
THE GUARDIAN: Demonstration organised by TUC calls on government to make ‘better deal’ for people struggling to cope with soaring inflation
Demonstrators marching in central London on Saturday. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters
Thousands of people have gathered in London to protest against the government’s lack of action in tackling the cost of living crisis.
Protesters marched from Portland Place to Parliament Square for a rally with speakers including Frances O’Grady, the general secretary of the TUC, which organised the event.
O’Grady was met with applause and cheers as she gave a speech to the crowd.
Demonstrators carried banners reading “cut war not welfare” and “end fuel poverty, insulate homes now”. » | Anna MacSwan and Tom Ambrose | Saturday, June 18, 2022
Thousands of people have gathered in London to protest against the government’s lack of action in tackling the cost of living crisis.
Protesters marched from Portland Place to Parliament Square for a rally with speakers including Frances O’Grady, the general secretary of the TUC, which organised the event.
O’Grady was met with applause and cheers as she gave a speech to the crowd.
Demonstrators carried banners reading “cut war not welfare” and “end fuel poverty, insulate homes now”. » | Anna MacSwan and Tom Ambrose | Saturday, June 18, 2022
«Fuck the cis-tem»: Die LGBT-Community zieht an der Pride durch Zürich
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Nach der Pandemie kann die Zurich Pride erstmals wieder in der gewohnten Grösse stattfinden. Dieses Jahr stehen die Rechte von Transmenschen im Zentrum.
Regenbogenfarben hüllen für einmal die Stadt ein. | Michael Buholzer / Keystone
Wenn der Regenbogen allgegenwärtig ist – auf Flaggen, T-Shirts, Wangen, Bärten – dann ist Pride. Die grosse Demonstration der LGBT-Community ist am Samstag durch die Zürcher Innenstadt gezogen. Nach der Pandemie hat sie erstmals seit 2019 wieder ihren Volksfestcharakter mit grosser Party auf dem Kasernenareal und dem Zeughaushof.
Gestartet wird aber mit dem politischeren Teil, Ansprachen auf dem Helvetiaplatz und anschliessendem Umzug. Kurz vor 13 Uhr wirkt der Helvetiaplatz noch etwas verlassen. Die Demonstranten drängen sich in den spärlichen Schatten, den Gebäude und Bäume vor der gleissenden Mittagssonne spenden. Die Transparente sind schon parat, werden aber erst auf Schulterhöhe gestemmt: «queer, proud, angry», ist zu lesen, «trans rights = human rights» oder etwas origineller «fuck the cis-tem». » | Jan Hudec | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
Wenn der Regenbogen allgegenwärtig ist – auf Flaggen, T-Shirts, Wangen, Bärten – dann ist Pride. Die grosse Demonstration der LGBT-Community ist am Samstag durch die Zürcher Innenstadt gezogen. Nach der Pandemie hat sie erstmals seit 2019 wieder ihren Volksfestcharakter mit grosser Party auf dem Kasernenareal und dem Zeughaushof.
Gestartet wird aber mit dem politischeren Teil, Ansprachen auf dem Helvetiaplatz und anschliessendem Umzug. Kurz vor 13 Uhr wirkt der Helvetiaplatz noch etwas verlassen. Die Demonstranten drängen sich in den spärlichen Schatten, den Gebäude und Bäume vor der gleissenden Mittagssonne spenden. Die Transparente sind schon parat, werden aber erst auf Schulterhöhe gestemmt: «queer, proud, angry», ist zu lesen, «trans rights = human rights» oder etwas origineller «fuck the cis-tem». » | Jan Hudec | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
How the Great Depression Helped Drive the World Towards Fascism | Impossible Peace | Timeline
You can subscribe to ‘History Hits’ here and get a big discount by using the code “TIMELINE”.
Kryptowährungen: Bitcoin bricht erneut ein und fällt unter 20 000 US-Dollar
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Virtuelle Währungen wie Bitcoin und Co. haben einen schlechten Ruf. Seit Anfang Mai stürzen die Kurse regelrecht ab. Sie gelten als unbeständig und als Energiefresser. Doch sie haben gegenüber herkömmlichen Zahlungsmitteln auch Vorteile. Die wichtigsten Antworten zu Kryptowährungen.
Die neusten Entwicklungen
Der Bitcoin-Kurs bricht weiter ein und fällt auf unter 20 000 Dollar. Am Samstag (18. 6. ) brachen auch die Kurse vieler weiteren Digitalwerte weiter ein. Die Nummer zwei am Markt, Ether, sank unter die Schwelle von 1000 Dollar. Der Marktwert aller rund 19 900 Kryptoanlagen ging weiter zurück. Der Wert von einem Bitcoin fiel auf der Handelsplattform Bitfinex am Samstagvormittag bis auf 18 690 Dollar (17 791 Euro). Das waren etwa zehn Prozent weniger als am Tag zuvor. Der Preis für einen Ether sank bis auf 973 Dollar. Ein Bitcoin kostet damit so wenig wie zuletzt Ende 2020, der Ether-Kurs hatte zuletzt Anfang 2021 so niedrig gelegen. Das Marktvolumen aller derzeit existierenden Kryptowährungen fiel laut Coinmarketcap auf 832 Milliarden Dollar. Das ist weniger als ein Drittel des im November markierten Rekords von fast drei Billionen Dollar. » | Thomas Schürpf / Werner Grundlehner | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
Bitcoin value slumps below $20,000 in cryptocurrencies turmoil: Digital asset slides to lowest level since November 2020 as rate rises increase pressure on markets »
Die neusten Entwicklungen
Der Bitcoin-Kurs bricht weiter ein und fällt auf unter 20 000 Dollar. Am Samstag (18. 6. ) brachen auch die Kurse vieler weiteren Digitalwerte weiter ein. Die Nummer zwei am Markt, Ether, sank unter die Schwelle von 1000 Dollar. Der Marktwert aller rund 19 900 Kryptoanlagen ging weiter zurück. Der Wert von einem Bitcoin fiel auf der Handelsplattform Bitfinex am Samstagvormittag bis auf 18 690 Dollar (17 791 Euro). Das waren etwa zehn Prozent weniger als am Tag zuvor. Der Preis für einen Ether sank bis auf 973 Dollar. Ein Bitcoin kostet damit so wenig wie zuletzt Ende 2020, der Ether-Kurs hatte zuletzt Anfang 2021 so niedrig gelegen. Das Marktvolumen aller derzeit existierenden Kryptowährungen fiel laut Coinmarketcap auf 832 Milliarden Dollar. Das ist weniger als ein Drittel des im November markierten Rekords von fast drei Billionen Dollar. » | Thomas Schürpf / Werner Grundlehner | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
Bitcoin value slumps below $20,000 in cryptocurrencies turmoil: Digital asset slides to lowest level since November 2020 as rate rises increase pressure on markets »
Antikapitalist, EU-Kritiker und Choleriker – Jean-Luc Mélenchon greift nach der Macht
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Der Linkspopulist wirbelt mit seiner Wahlallianz die französischen Parlamentswahlen auf. Sein erklärtes Ziel, Premierminister zu werden, dürfte er zwar verfehlen. Dennoch bringt er Präsident Macron in Bedrängnis.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon ist es vor der Parlamentswahl gelungen, die Linke zu einen, doch scheiden sich die Geister an dem Linkspopulisten. | Christophe Petit Tesson / EPA / Keystone
Ginge es nach Jean-Luc Mélenchon, dann würde am kommenden Sonntag in Frankreich ein neues Kapitel beginnen: Dieses würde einen radikalen Bruch bringen mit dem bestehenden System, das Ende von «Neoliberalismus», «präsidialer Monarchie», «Untätigkeit» in Klimafragen und allem, was sonst noch falsch laufe unter Präsident Emmanuel Macron.
In diesem Szenario würde er, Mélenchon, Premierminister und könnte Frankreichs Innenpolitik massgeblich lenken. Seit Wochen appelliert der Linksaussenpolitiker an die Franzosen, ihm diesen Traum zu erfüllen. Es hat ihn weit gebracht. » | Judith Kormann | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
Ginge es nach Jean-Luc Mélenchon, dann würde am kommenden Sonntag in Frankreich ein neues Kapitel beginnen: Dieses würde einen radikalen Bruch bringen mit dem bestehenden System, das Ende von «Neoliberalismus», «präsidialer Monarchie», «Untätigkeit» in Klimafragen und allem, was sonst noch falsch laufe unter Präsident Emmanuel Macron.
In diesem Szenario würde er, Mélenchon, Premierminister und könnte Frankreichs Innenpolitik massgeblich lenken. Seit Wochen appelliert der Linksaussenpolitiker an die Franzosen, ihm diesen Traum zu erfüllen. Es hat ihn weit gebracht. » | Judith Kormann | Samstag, 18. Juni 2022
Brussels Initiates Proceedings against London | Outside Views on Brexit and UK Politics
Jun 17, 2022 • Brussels initiates proceedings against London | Outside Views on Brexit and UK politics.
The dispute over the Northern Ireland Pact continues to escalate: the British government had declared that it wanted to change the agreement unilaterally. Now the EU Commission is drawing conclusions.
The dispute over the Northern Ireland Pact continues to escalate: the British government had declared that it wanted to change the agreement unilaterally. Now the EU Commission is drawing conclusions.
Starke Frauen in Afghanistan kämpfen für ihre Rechte I kulturzeit
Jun 18, 2022 • In Afghanistan verlieren Frauen unter der Herrschaft der Taliban immer weitere Rechte. Zuletzt mussten sich selbst Moderatorinnen im Fernsehstudio voll verschleiern. Die junge Journalistin Maryam Nayibi aus Kabul sagt, die Taliban hätten sich regelrecht gegen die Frauen verschworen.
Immer brutaler unterdrückt, bleiben sie und ihre jungen Mitstreiterinnen trotz Strafandrohungen kämpferisch. Die Bevölkerung rette sich angesichts der zwanghaften “Gender-Apartheit“ in Galgenhumor, sagt der afghanisch-österreichische Autor und Afghanistan-Experte Emran Feroz. Es kursierten bereits Witze über die Besessenheit der Taliban, Frauen kontrollieren zu wollen, aber sonst nichts auf die Reihe zu bekommen, so Feroz.
Mit dem Gesetz der Vollverschleierung werde die Gewalt in die Familien einziehen, sagt die Ärztin und ehemalige Frauenministerin des Landes, Sima Samar. Denn der männliche Vormund werde von den Taliban bestraft, falls eine Frau ihr Gesicht in der Öffentlichkeit nicht bedecke. Doch unter einer Burka als Ärztin oder Journalistin zu arbeiten, sei nicht praktikabel. Für die Zukunft von Mädchen und Frauen in Afghanistan, ihr Recht auf Selbstbestimmung und Bildung, kämpft sie an der Seite von jungen Frauen wie Maryam Nayibi.
Immer brutaler unterdrückt, bleiben sie und ihre jungen Mitstreiterinnen trotz Strafandrohungen kämpferisch. Die Bevölkerung rette sich angesichts der zwanghaften “Gender-Apartheit“ in Galgenhumor, sagt der afghanisch-österreichische Autor und Afghanistan-Experte Emran Feroz. Es kursierten bereits Witze über die Besessenheit der Taliban, Frauen kontrollieren zu wollen, aber sonst nichts auf die Reihe zu bekommen, so Feroz.
Mit dem Gesetz der Vollverschleierung werde die Gewalt in die Familien einziehen, sagt die Ärztin und ehemalige Frauenministerin des Landes, Sima Samar. Denn der männliche Vormund werde von den Taliban bestraft, falls eine Frau ihr Gesicht in der Öffentlichkeit nicht bedecke. Doch unter einer Burka als Ärztin oder Journalistin zu arbeiten, sei nicht praktikabel. Für die Zukunft von Mädchen und Frauen in Afghanistan, ihr Recht auf Selbstbestimmung und Bildung, kämpft sie an der Seite von jungen Frauen wie Maryam Nayibi.
The Hate Preachers: Bigotry and Fearmongering by Extremist Christian "Leaders"
There are some weird people in America: members of cults, satanists, extreme Christians, and all sorts of other crazy people. Scratch the surface and God only knows what one will find. I feel sure that Seth Andrews would agree with my assessment. To be honest with you all, I find extreme people like some of the ones shown in this video to be both disturbing and creepy. I often thank God that I was born this side of the Pond. – © Mark Alexander
WIKIPEDIA:
Seth Andrews
Hemant Mehta.
The Lincoln Project: Clear and Present Danger
Please accept my sincere apologies for the filthy language used by Trump supporters in this video. The language used tells its own story. It helps us understand who Trump really is and who many of his supporters really are. – © Mark Alexander
January 6 Committee: Trump Knew His Plan to Overturn Election Was Illegal | DW News
Europe Sees Earliest Summer Heatwave in Decades | DW News
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Putin Says 'Economic Blitzkrieg' Has Failed in Anti-West Rant | DW News
Jun 18, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the West, saying the days of a unipolar world led by the United States were over.
In a speech full of grievances at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said what he called the West's economic blitzkrieg of sanctions had failed. He also played down Ukraine's possible EU entry, saying he had nothing against it, unlike the security risk of Kyiv joining NATO that he alleged when he started the invasion.
Putin accused the US of acting as a colonial force and said tectonic changes in the global order would see states like Russia come to the fore.
In a speech full of grievances at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said what he called the West's economic blitzkrieg of sanctions had failed. He also played down Ukraine's possible EU entry, saying he had nothing against it, unlike the security risk of Kyiv joining NATO that he alleged when he started the invasion.
Putin accused the US of acting as a colonial force and said tectonic changes in the global order would see states like Russia come to the fore.
Britain Approves Extradition of WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange to US | DW News
Related here and here.
Bitcoin: Will El Salvador's Big Crypto Gamble Pay Off? – BBC News
Jun 18, 2022 • The falling value of Bitcoin is affecting investors all over the world.
It’s putting increased pressure on the Central American state of El Salvador, which nine months ago made cryptocurrency legal tender. As legal tender it should be accepted in all shops, you can now buy almost anything in Bitcoin, from pizza to real estate.
The government has encouraged people to use Bitcoin by giving $30 to each person who signs up for a government-sponsored Bitcoin wallet – and offering treatment for pets at a cost of just 25 cents for those who pay in Bitcoin.
But aside from some pockets of enthusiasm, people do not seem to be embracing the cryptocurrency as much as their Bitcoin-loving president who is under increasing criticism for investing so much public money in the project.
It’s putting increased pressure on the Central American state of El Salvador, which nine months ago made cryptocurrency legal tender. As legal tender it should be accepted in all shops, you can now buy almost anything in Bitcoin, from pizza to real estate.
The government has encouraged people to use Bitcoin by giving $30 to each person who signs up for a government-sponsored Bitcoin wallet – and offering treatment for pets at a cost of just 25 cents for those who pay in Bitcoin.
But aside from some pockets of enthusiasm, people do not seem to be embracing the cryptocurrency as much as their Bitcoin-loving president who is under increasing criticism for investing so much public money in the project.
Friday, June 17, 2022
One Cool Dude!
The Beach Boys : Surfin' Safari | Visualizer
The Coin That Could Wreck Crypto
THE NEW YORK TIMES: As cryptocurrencies have plunged, attention has focused on a potential point of vulnerability: the market’s reliance on a so-called stablecoin called Tether.
SAN FRANCISCO — Cryptocurrency prices are plummeting. A so-called stablecoin lost all its value in a matter of days. A newfangled crypto bank halted withdrawals. And investors have been plunged into financial ruin.
Now the crypto industry is grappling with an even grimmer prospect: The worst may be yet to come.
Concern is mounting over another potential vulnerability in the crypto market: Tether, a company whose namesake currency is a linchpin of crypto trading worldwide. Long one of the most scrutinized companies in the industry, Tether is facing heightened pressure from regulators, investors, economists and growing legions of skeptics, who argue it could be another domino to fall in an even bigger crash.
“Tether is really the lifeblood of the crypto ecosystem,” said Hilary Allen, a finance expert at American University. “If it imploded, then the entire facade falls down.” » | David Yaffe-Bellany | Friday, June 17, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO — Cryptocurrency prices are plummeting. A so-called stablecoin lost all its value in a matter of days. A newfangled crypto bank halted withdrawals. And investors have been plunged into financial ruin.
Now the crypto industry is grappling with an even grimmer prospect: The worst may be yet to come.
Concern is mounting over another potential vulnerability in the crypto market: Tether, a company whose namesake currency is a linchpin of crypto trading worldwide. Long one of the most scrutinized companies in the industry, Tether is facing heightened pressure from regulators, investors, economists and growing legions of skeptics, who argue it could be another domino to fall in an even bigger crash.
“Tether is really the lifeblood of the crypto ecosystem,” said Hilary Allen, a finance expert at American University. “If it imploded, then the entire facade falls down.” » | David Yaffe-Bellany | Friday, June 17, 2022
Bernie Sanders ; How Much Money Does Jeff Bezos Really Need?
Bernie Sanders.
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