THE NEW YORK TIMES: The decision most likely delays Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 case past the election, and if he wins in November, people close to him expect the Justice Department to drop the charges.
A legal system that has dealt Donald J. Trump painful blows over the last six months has just granted him one of the most significant pieces of good news he’s received since his campaign began.
The U.S. Supreme Court, whose conservative supermajority was cemented by Mr. Trump’s nominations, ruled on Monday that the former president is partly shielded from prosecution as he tries to fend off an indictment from the special counsel Jack Smith in connection with Mr. Trump’s efforts to thwart the transfer of power after the 2020 election.
The broad contours of the ruling — that presidents would be entitled to substantial protection for official acts — had been expected by political and court watchers for months. Nonetheless, Mr. Trump trumpeted it as a victory.
“Big win for our constitution and democracy. Proud to be an American!” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social in all capital letters. » | Maggie Haberman | Monday, July 1, 2024
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Tuesday, July 02, 2024
Rees-Mogg Tells Young Tories He Wants to ‘Build a Wall in the English Channel’
THE GUARDIAN: Ex-cabinet minister reiterates backing for Donald Trump and claims ‘Biden doesn’t like Britain’ in leaked recording
Jacob Rees-Mogg has said he wants to “build a wall in the English Channel” in a leaked recording, in which he heaped praise on Donald Trump and the hardline Republican response to immigration.
Speaking to young Conservative activists, Rees-Mogg doubled down on his backing for the former US president, saying he took the right approach by building a border wall.
“If I were American I’d want the border closed, I’d be all in favour of building a wall. I’d want to build a wall in the middle of the English Channel,” the former cabinet minister said.
Rees-Mogg is fighting a strong Labour challenge in his North East Somersetand Hanham constituency against Dan Norris, the mayor of the West of England, who was previously MP in the seat until he was defeated by Rees-Mogg in 2010. Rees-Mogg, a popular figure among Tory party members, is likely to be influential in the Conservative leadership race if he retains his seat. Support for Trump’s White House bid is a sharp divider within the party between the right and the centrist One Nation group. » | Jessica Elgot, Deputy political editor | Tuesday, July 2, 2024
In life, there are clowns, jesters, fools, dangerous fools, and then there is Jacob Rees-Mogg! – © Mark Alexander
Jacob Rees-Mogg has said he wants to “build a wall in the English Channel” in a leaked recording, in which he heaped praise on Donald Trump and the hardline Republican response to immigration.
Speaking to young Conservative activists, Rees-Mogg doubled down on his backing for the former US president, saying he took the right approach by building a border wall.
“If I were American I’d want the border closed, I’d be all in favour of building a wall. I’d want to build a wall in the middle of the English Channel,” the former cabinet minister said.
Rees-Mogg is fighting a strong Labour challenge in his North East Somersetand Hanham constituency against Dan Norris, the mayor of the West of England, who was previously MP in the seat until he was defeated by Rees-Mogg in 2010. Rees-Mogg, a popular figure among Tory party members, is likely to be influential in the Conservative leadership race if he retains his seat. Support for Trump’s White House bid is a sharp divider within the party between the right and the centrist One Nation group. » | Jessica Elgot, Deputy political editor | Tuesday, July 2, 2024
In life, there are clowns, jesters, fools, dangerous fools, and then there is Jacob Rees-Mogg! – © Mark Alexander
Monday, July 01, 2024
Was Donald Trump a King during His Presidency? The US Supreme Court Thinks So
THE GUARDIAN: In ruling that Trump enjoys ‘absolute immunity’ for ‘official acts’ as president, the court has set a disturbing precedent
Is the president a king? The US supreme court thinks so. On Monday, in its very last ruling of the term, the chief justice, John Roberts, writing for the court’s six conservatives, held in Trump v United States that Donald Trump has “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for all acts that can be interpreted as part of the official course of his “core” duties, and “presumptive” immunity for all other official acts.
The move dramatically extends executive authority, insulates past and future presidents from prosecution for illegal or even treasonous actions they carry out while in office and renders the former president largely criminally immune for his role in the January 6 insurrection. » | Moira Donegan | Monday, July 1, 2024
Is the president a king? The US supreme court thinks so. On Monday, in its very last ruling of the term, the chief justice, John Roberts, writing for the court’s six conservatives, held in Trump v United States that Donald Trump has “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for all acts that can be interpreted as part of the official course of his “core” duties, and “presumptive” immunity for all other official acts.
The move dramatically extends executive authority, insulates past and future presidents from prosecution for illegal or even treasonous actions they carry out while in office and renders the former president largely criminally immune for his role in the January 6 insurrection. » | Moira Donegan | Monday, July 1, 2024
Reaction to Supreme Court Ruling Granting No Immunity for Unofficial Acts by a President
The Center Collapses in France, Leaving Macron Marooned
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Squeezed by the far-right National Rally party and the left, President Emmanuel Macron faces a country that may prove ungovernable.
President Emmanuel Macron of France at a polling station in Le Touquet, northern France, on Sunday. | Pool photo by Yara Nardi
An era has ended in France.
The seven-year domination of national politics by President Emmanuel Macron was laid to rest by his party’s overwhelming defeat in the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Not only did he dissolve Parliament by calling a snap vote, he effectively dissolved the centrist movement known as “Macronism.”
The far-right National Rally, in winning a third of the vote, did not guarantee that it will win an absolute majority in a runoff six days from now, although it will likely get close. But Mr. Macron, risking all by calling the election, did end up guaranteeing that he will be marginalized, with perhaps no more than a third of the seats his party now holds.
“The decision to dissolve the National Assembly has, in fact, put an end to the political configuration that emerged from the presidential election of 2017,” said Édouard Philippe, one of Mr. Macron’s former prime ministers.
In 2017, Mr. Macron, then 39, swept to power, eviscerating the center-right Gaullists and the center-left socialists, the pillars of postwar France, in the name of a 21st-century realignment around a pragmatic center. It worked for a while, but increasingly, as Mr. Macron failed to form a credible moderate political party, the result has been one man and a shrinking circle of allies standing against the extremes of right and left. » | Roger Cohen, Reporting from Paris | Monday, July 1, 2024
An era has ended in France.
The seven-year domination of national politics by President Emmanuel Macron was laid to rest by his party’s overwhelming defeat in the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Not only did he dissolve Parliament by calling a snap vote, he effectively dissolved the centrist movement known as “Macronism.”
The far-right National Rally, in winning a third of the vote, did not guarantee that it will win an absolute majority in a runoff six days from now, although it will likely get close. But Mr. Macron, risking all by calling the election, did end up guaranteeing that he will be marginalized, with perhaps no more than a third of the seats his party now holds.
“The decision to dissolve the National Assembly has, in fact, put an end to the political configuration that emerged from the presidential election of 2017,” said Édouard Philippe, one of Mr. Macron’s former prime ministers.
In 2017, Mr. Macron, then 39, swept to power, eviscerating the center-right Gaullists and the center-left socialists, the pillars of postwar France, in the name of a 21st-century realignment around a pragmatic center. It worked for a while, but increasingly, as Mr. Macron failed to form a credible moderate political party, the result has been one man and a shrinking circle of allies standing against the extremes of right and left. » | Roger Cohen, Reporting from Paris | Monday, July 1, 2024
First Same-sex Couple Registers Partnership in Latvia | REUTERS
Greece Introduces ‘Growth-oriented’ Six-day Working Week
THE GUARDIAN: Pro-business government says measure is needed due to shrinking population and shortage of skilled workers
Companies in countries worldwide may be toying with the idea of implementing shorter working weeks, but in Greece employees have been told that, henceforth, they can put in a sixth day of labour in an unorthodox step aimed at turbocharging productivity.
After outpacing other Europeans in terms of economic growth, the nation once at the heart of the continent’s worst financial crisis has bucked the trend again, introducing a 48-hour working week. The measure, decried as “barbaric” by unions, takes effect from Monday.
“It makes no sense whatsoever,” said Akis Sotiropoulos an executive committee member of the civil servants’ union Adedy. “When almost every other civilised country is enacting a four-day week, Greece decides to go the other way.” » | Helena Smith in Athens | Monday, July 1, 2024
Why are extreme right-wingers always so regressive? There must be something in their DNA or genes. They always want to keep the little people short of money, and they also want to work them into the ground. They're a sad bunch. They really are. – © Mark Alexander
Meanwhile Germany starts testing out a four-day work week »
Companies in countries worldwide may be toying with the idea of implementing shorter working weeks, but in Greece employees have been told that, henceforth, they can put in a sixth day of labour in an unorthodox step aimed at turbocharging productivity.
After outpacing other Europeans in terms of economic growth, the nation once at the heart of the continent’s worst financial crisis has bucked the trend again, introducing a 48-hour working week. The measure, decried as “barbaric” by unions, takes effect from Monday.
“It makes no sense whatsoever,” said Akis Sotiropoulos an executive committee member of the civil servants’ union Adedy. “When almost every other civilised country is enacting a four-day week, Greece decides to go the other way.” » | Helena Smith in Athens | Monday, July 1, 2024
Why are extreme right-wingers always so regressive? There must be something in their DNA or genes. They always want to keep the little people short of money, and they also want to work them into the ground. They're a sad bunch. They really are. – © Mark Alexander
Meanwhile Germany starts testing out a four-day work week »
Behind German Far-right Party AfD's 'No to Ukraine' in the EU
Jul 1, 2024 | A leading figure of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party told DW News that Ukraine should not join the European Union. Beatrix von Storch also called for a halt to German weapon deliveries to Kyiv, an end to the fighting in Ukraine and the start of negotiations with Russia to cease hostilities.
The AfD deputy parliamentary group leader also shared her views on transgender rights, the results of the recent EU parliamentary elections and the upcoming regional elections in eastern Germany, where the AfD is projected to gain ground.
DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner spoke to von Storch at an AfD party convention in the German town of Essen.
The AfD deputy parliamentary group leader also shared her views on transgender rights, the results of the recent EU parliamentary elections and the upcoming regional elections in eastern Germany, where the AfD is projected to gain ground.
DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner spoke to von Storch at an AfD party convention in the German town of Essen.
Jon Danzig: Vote Out Two-faced Tories
Self-serving, economy-destroying, pocket-lining politicians who deserve to be unceremoniously thrown out of office. – © Mark Alexander
Throw Your Mouthwash Away!
Donald Trump Has Some Immunity from Prosecution, Supreme Court Rules | BBC News
Jul 1, 2024 | The US Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is partially immune from prosecution for actions taken while he was in the White House.
The decision means the federal election interference case against Trump will return to a lower court, which will then decide how to apply the Supreme Court ruling.
While the court ruled that the former president is immune from criminal prosecution for "official acts" taken in office, he is not immune for "unofficial acts".
Writing the court's opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts said: "The nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution" for official acts taken as president. The document stipulates that courts would need to distinguish between what were official and unofficial actions.
The decision means the federal election interference case against Trump will return to a lower court, which will then decide how to apply the Supreme Court ruling.
While the court ruled that the former president is immune from criminal prosecution for "official acts" taken in office, he is not immune for "unofficial acts".
Writing the court's opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts said: "The nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution" for official acts taken as president. The document stipulates that courts would need to distinguish between what were official and unofficial actions.
Double Down News: EXPOSED: How Big Money Captured Keir Starmer
France’s Far Right Celebrates Lead after First Round of Parliamentary Elections | BBC News
Jul 1, 2024 | France’s far right is in pole position after the first round of parliamentary elections that confirmed their dominance in French politics.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the president’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”. RN won 33.1% of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28%, and the Macron camp behind on 20.76%.
This marks the first time the far right has won the first round of a French parliamentary election. “I aim to be prime minister for all the French people, if the French give us their votes,” said 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the president’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”. RN won 33.1% of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28%, and the Macron camp behind on 20.76%.
This marks the first time the far right has won the first round of a French parliamentary election. “I aim to be prime minister for all the French people, if the French give us their votes,” said 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella.
French Elections Results: Could Le Pen's National Rally Win an Absolute Majority?
French Far Right Wins Big in First Round of Voting
THE NEW YORK TIMES: A surprise decision by President Emmanuel Macron to hold a snap election appears to have backfired badly, giving the National Rally a decisive victory.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, giving a speech Sunday evening in Hénin-Beaumont, France. | Francois Lo Presti/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
The National Rally party on Sunday won a crushing victory in the first round of voting for the French National Assembly, bringing its long-taboo brand of nationalist and anti-immigrant politics to the threshold of power for the first time.
Official results published by the Interior Ministry showed that the party and its allies won about 33 percent of the vote, far ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and its allies, which took about 20 percent to end in third place.
A coalition of left-wing parties, called the New Popular Front, won about 28 percent of the vote. Ranging from the moderate socialists to the far-left France Unbowed, the coalition was boosted by strong support among young people. » | Roger Cohen, Reporting from Paris | Sunday, June 30, 2024
The National Rally party on Sunday won a crushing victory in the first round of voting for the French National Assembly, bringing its long-taboo brand of nationalist and anti-immigrant politics to the threshold of power for the first time.
Official results published by the Interior Ministry showed that the party and its allies won about 33 percent of the vote, far ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and its allies, which took about 20 percent to end in third place.
A coalition of left-wing parties, called the New Popular Front, won about 28 percent of the vote. Ranging from the moderate socialists to the far-left France Unbowed, the coalition was boosted by strong support among young people. » | Roger Cohen, Reporting from Paris | Sunday, June 30, 2024
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Seven Dead after Storms Lash France, Switzerland and Italy
THE GUARDIAN: Three people died when tree crushed car they were travelling in, while torrential rains triggered landslides
Ferocious storms and torrential rains that lashed France, Switzerland and Italy this weekend have left seven people dead, local authorities said.
Three people in their 70s and 80s died in France’s north-eastern Aube region on Saturday when a tree crushed the car in which they were travelling during fierce winds, the local authority told Agence France-Presse. A fourth passenger was in critical care, it added.
In neighbouring Switzerland, four people have died and another is missing, according to local police. Three were killed after torrential rains triggered a landslide in the south-east, police in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino said. » | Agence France-Presse | Sunday, June 30, 2024
Ferocious storms and torrential rains that lashed France, Switzerland and Italy this weekend have left seven people dead, local authorities said.
Three people in their 70s and 80s died in France’s north-eastern Aube region on Saturday when a tree crushed the car in which they were travelling during fierce winds, the local authority told Agence France-Presse. A fourth passenger was in critical care, it added.
In neighbouring Switzerland, four people have died and another is missing, according to local police. Three were killed after torrential rains triggered a landslide in the south-east, police in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino said. » | Agence France-Presse | Sunday, June 30, 2024
‘Make Europe Great Again’: Hungary Sets Scene for Its EU Presidency
THE GUARDIAN: Many of bloc’s diplomats fear a six-month ‘fiasco’ with Viktor Orbán’s government overseeing the agenda
A screenshot from this article in the Guardian.
For months, it was rumoured that Hungary planned to use a reworked version of Donald Trump’s slogan for its upcoming EU presidency: Make Europe Great Again. That idea “sounded so lame and ridiculous that we refrained from reporting it”, Szabolcs Panyi, one of Hungary’s leading investigative journalists, wrote on X this month. “We were wrong.”
On 1 July, under that Trumpian banner, Hungary will take on the six-month rotating presidency of the EU council of ministers. As well as a spell in the diplomatic limelight, Viktor Orbán’s government will be setting the EU agenda for the rest of the year.
EU diplomats are downbeat, but resigned to Hungary’s six months in charge. Since Orbán returned to power in 2010, going on to win four consecutive terms, democratic values, the rule of law and press freedom in Hungary have withered, according to numerous independent bodies. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Sunday, June 30, 2024
I wish I could hibernate (and wake up when it’s all over)! The thought of Trump trying to make “America Great Again” Stateside and Orbán trying to make Europe great again this side of the Pond is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. What is Orbán going to try and do, I wonder? Ape Trump? – © Mark Alexander
For months, it was rumoured that Hungary planned to use a reworked version of Donald Trump’s slogan for its upcoming EU presidency: Make Europe Great Again. That idea “sounded so lame and ridiculous that we refrained from reporting it”, Szabolcs Panyi, one of Hungary’s leading investigative journalists, wrote on X this month. “We were wrong.”
On 1 July, under that Trumpian banner, Hungary will take on the six-month rotating presidency of the EU council of ministers. As well as a spell in the diplomatic limelight, Viktor Orbán’s government will be setting the EU agenda for the rest of the year.
EU diplomats are downbeat, but resigned to Hungary’s six months in charge. Since Orbán returned to power in 2010, going on to win four consecutive terms, democratic values, the rule of law and press freedom in Hungary have withered, according to numerous independent bodies. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Sunday, June 30, 2024
I wish I could hibernate (and wake up when it’s all over)! The thought of Trump trying to make “America Great Again” Stateside and Orbán trying to make Europe great again this side of the Pond is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. What is Orbán going to try and do, I wonder? Ape Trump? – © Mark Alexander
Out In The Open | Full Length Gay Documentary | Misconceptions and Myths of the LGBT Community
Jacob Rees-Mogg Tells Young Tories Party Has ‘Lost Its Way’
THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: Leaked recording of ex-minister lays bare despondency at high levels of Conservative party
A screenshot from this article in today's Guardian.
The Conservatives have lost their way after 14 years in government, Jacob Rees-Mogg has said, in a leaked recording of a meeting with young Tories that lays bare the despondency at high levels of the party.
The former business secretary told young activists at a meeting in March he felt the party had squandered its opportunity to achieve anything substantial in the last five years, having won a majority in 2019. » | Kiran Stacey Political correspondent | Sunday, June 30, 2024
The Conservatives have lost their way after 14 years in government, Jacob Rees-Mogg has said, in a leaked recording of a meeting with young Tories that lays bare the despondency at high levels of the party.
The former business secretary told young activists at a meeting in March he felt the party had squandered its opportunity to achieve anything substantial in the last five years, having won a majority in 2019. » | Kiran Stacey Political correspondent | Sunday, June 30, 2024
How Dangerous Is Being Queer in Russia? | DW News | Reupload
War on Two Fronts: Openly Gay Soldiers Fight for Their Country and Against Homophobia
Oct 8, 2022 | A petition to legalize same sex marriage in Ukraine gathered more that 25k signatures in only 6 days, showing the huge strides Ukrainian society has made to combat homophobia. Meanwhile, Russian Progandists routinely use homophobic rhetoric to justify the war.
Pavlo Lagoyda is an openly gay man and a Ukrainian soldier now fighting in the war against Russia. He gives us a fascinating insight into the day to day life of an openly gay soldier, and how much less scary and dangerous life for the LBGTQ+ community has become in such a short period of time.
Pavlo Lagoyda is an openly gay man and a Ukrainian soldier now fighting in the war against Russia. He gives us a fascinating insight into the day to day life of an openly gay soldier, and how much less scary and dangerous life for the LBGTQ+ community has become in such a short period of time.
How Much Longer Must We Tolerate Farage’s BS?
Sunak Launches Defence of Tories’ 14 Years in Power as Campaign Nears End
THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister reiterates stance that Britain’s economic problems are the result of Covid and war in Ukraine
Britain is better off than it was 14 years ago, Rishi Sunak has said, as he launched a combative defence of his party’s record in power with just four days to go until the election.
In what polls suggest will be his final Sunday morning interview as prime minister, Sunak defended his party’s achievements since 2010, saying the country’s recent economic problems were the result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
He told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “[This] is a better place to live than it was in 2010. Of course, I understand that the last few years have been difficult for everyone – we had a once in a century pandemic, followed by a war in Ukraine that drove up everyone’s bills – and of course, that’s been difficult for everybody.” » | Kiran Stacey, Political correspondent | Sunday, June 20, 2024
Rishi Sunak is delusional if he thinks that the UK is a better place to live in now than it was in 2010! How out of touch can a prime minister be? For him, with all the millions he has flowing into his bank accounts each and every week, it might be a better place. But for most people it is a far, far worse country to live in.
Sunak is fond of citing the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and energy prices as causes of economic difficulties and HUGE price rises, but he is determined never to cite Brexit as a cause. Make no mistake about it: Brexit was one of the main causes of our difficulties — nay, probably the main cause — of the economic difficulties. Other Europeans had to live through the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the huge rise in energy prices too. But as they haven’t exited from the Single Market, they have been able to pick themselves up more quickly ever since. Sunak, of course, doesn’t want to mention Brexit because he was the arch-Brexiteer.
What these Tories have done to this country and its economy is absolutely shameful. I never thought I would live to see the day in which the Tories, of all parties, would have made such a mess of the economy.
The Tory Party is clearly past its use-by date. — © Mark Alexander
Britain is better off than it was 14 years ago, Rishi Sunak has said, as he launched a combative defence of his party’s record in power with just four days to go until the election.
In what polls suggest will be his final Sunday morning interview as prime minister, Sunak defended his party’s achievements since 2010, saying the country’s recent economic problems were the result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
He told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “[This] is a better place to live than it was in 2010. Of course, I understand that the last few years have been difficult for everyone – we had a once in a century pandemic, followed by a war in Ukraine that drove up everyone’s bills – and of course, that’s been difficult for everybody.” » | Kiran Stacey, Political correspondent | Sunday, June 20, 2024
Rishi Sunak is delusional if he thinks that the UK is a better place to live in now than it was in 2010! How out of touch can a prime minister be? For him, with all the millions he has flowing into his bank accounts each and every week, it might be a better place. But for most people it is a far, far worse country to live in.
Sunak is fond of citing the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and energy prices as causes of economic difficulties and HUGE price rises, but he is determined never to cite Brexit as a cause. Make no mistake about it: Brexit was one of the main causes of our difficulties — nay, probably the main cause — of the economic difficulties. Other Europeans had to live through the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the huge rise in energy prices too. But as they haven’t exited from the Single Market, they have been able to pick themselves up more quickly ever since. Sunak, of course, doesn’t want to mention Brexit because he was the arch-Brexiteer.
What these Tories have done to this country and its economy is absolutely shameful. I never thought I would live to see the day in which the Tories, of all parties, would have made such a mess of the economy.
The Tory Party is clearly past its use-by date. — © Mark Alexander
Le Pen Set to Humiliate Macron in French Elections
Polls Predict ‘Extremely Bad Result’ for Macron’s Centrist Party as National Rally ‘Widens Lead’
Jun 30, 2024 | “The National Rally has actually widened its lead over Macron’s party and its allies since the European elections.”
President Macron’s centrist political coalition is currently polling in third place, behind an alliance of leftist parties in second place and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in first place, says The Times reporter David Chazan.
President Macron’s centrist political coalition is currently polling in third place, behind an alliance of leftist parties in second place and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in first place, says The Times reporter David Chazan.
Peter Stevanovic: UK News Shows Refusing to Point Out to Farage the Disastrous Consequences of Brexit Is Ridiculous
Farage? What a loudmouth! What a troublemaker! What a dork! – © Mark Alexander
The 14 Long and Wasted Years of Tory Britain
THE OBSERVER: Before the Conservatives were elected in 2010, David Cameron set out his vision of a prosperous, secure country that would care for all. On every metric, by every yardstick, his party has failed
Some neuroscientists describe it as Life Review. It’s the term they give to those slow-motion instants – after your car hits the black ice but before its impact with the oncoming juggernaut – in which TikTok clips of your whole past are played in front of your eyes. Some argue that the phenomenon is the result of a massive overdose of the flight or fight response, which triggers the brain’s darkest memories and defining emotions all at once. Others, fancifully, that it is evidence of the spirit packing its bags for the life hereafter.
You’d have to say that the sickening squeal of brakes that attends the impending car crash of the Conservative party lends weight to the first of those theories. » |Tim Adams | Sunday, June 30, 2024
Some neuroscientists describe it as Life Review. It’s the term they give to those slow-motion instants – after your car hits the black ice but before its impact with the oncoming juggernaut – in which TikTok clips of your whole past are played in front of your eyes. Some argue that the phenomenon is the result of a massive overdose of the flight or fight response, which triggers the brain’s darkest memories and defining emotions all at once. Others, fancifully, that it is evidence of the spirit packing its bags for the life hereafter.
You’d have to say that the sickening squeal of brakes that attends the impending car crash of the Conservative party lends weight to the first of those theories. » |Tim Adams | Sunday, June 30, 2024
How Is the Loneliness Epidemic Affecting Society? | The Stream
Jun 28, 2024 | The loneliness epidemic profoundly affects Gen Z. Despite being hyperconnected through social media, they experience high levels of isolation, worsened by the pandemic. The consequences are severe, leading to mental health crises, increased rates of depression and anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from community and purpose.
A study by Cigna found Gen Z (ages 18-22) is the loneliest generation, with nearly half feeling lonely. What can be done to address this growing mental health crisis?
Presenter: Anelise Borges
Guests: Annie Ji - Sociocultural YouTuber
Esther Fernandez - Copywriter
Simone Heng - Human connection specialist
A study by Cigna found Gen Z (ages 18-22) is the loneliest generation, with nearly half feeling lonely. What can be done to address this growing mental health crisis?
Presenter: Anelise Borges
Guests: Annie Ji - Sociocultural YouTuber
Esther Fernandez - Copywriter
Simone Heng - Human connection specialist
Victorian Levels of Poverty Will Return to the UK
The Tories should hang their heads in shame! Their governance of this country has destroyed the nation’s economy, broken beyond repair the country’s sense of community and cohesion, and lined the pockets of the superrich to overflowing. And in so doing have created poverty that this country hasn't seen since the Victorian Era.
The man speaking in this video is one of the superrich, despite his self-confessed working class origins. He is a man with a sense of fairness and has been crying out for something to be done about inequality in this country for a very long time. But no one of the ruling class is listening. There are none so deaf as those who don’t want to hear!
This colossal wealth inequality all started with Thatcher. That woman is the root of so many of our current ills. The lady might not have been for turning, but she certainly was for creating unequal distribution of wealth!
’Nuff’ said! – © Mark Alexander
‘A Deeply Unfair and Unequal Country’: Report Warns of Unprecedented Far-right Gains in UK
THE OBSERVER: Thinktank says decisive action must be taken to counter inequality in health, housing, poverty and the north-south income divide
The next government must take decisive action to reduce inequality or risk unprecedented far-right gains, a thinktank has warned.
A report from the Fairness Foundation says that Britain will become more unfair and unequal over the next five years, with growing inequality in health, housing, poverty and the north-south income divide.
More than 30 people from business, academia and civil society have backed the report’s findings in a letter to all party leaders which expresses their dismay at the “lack of political will to address unfairness and inequality” in the UK.
“We believe that this is not only morally wrong, but is causing deep damage to our society, economy and democracy, and undermining the fight against the climate crisis,” they say. “Failure to act now will make us less healthy, productive, efficient, resilient and cohesive.” » | James Tapper | Sunday, June 30, 2024
The next government must take decisive action to reduce inequality or risk unprecedented far-right gains, a thinktank has warned.
A report from the Fairness Foundation says that Britain will become more unfair and unequal over the next five years, with growing inequality in health, housing, poverty and the north-south income divide.
More than 30 people from business, academia and civil society have backed the report’s findings in a letter to all party leaders which expresses their dismay at the “lack of political will to address unfairness and inequality” in the UK.
“We believe that this is not only morally wrong, but is causing deep damage to our society, economy and democracy, and undermining the fight against the climate crisis,” they say. “Failure to act now will make us less healthy, productive, efficient, resilient and cohesive.” » | James Tapper | Sunday, June 30, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Will Biden Bow to Pressure to Quit Presidential Race after Debate Debacle? | DW News
Revealed: How Sunak Dropped Smoking Ban amid Lobbying from Tobacco Firms
THE GUARDIAN: Investigation details industry campaign including legal threats and charm offensive aimed at Tory MPs
Rishi Sunak abandoned his “legacy” policy to ban smoking for future generations amid a backlash from the tobacco industry in the form of legal threats, lobbying and a charm offensive aimed at Conservative MPs, an investigation reveals.
The UK had been on course to become the first country to ban smoking for future generations, via the tobacco and vaping bill, which Downing Street hoped would help define Sunak’s place in British political history.
An investigation by the Guardian and the Examination, a non-profit newsroom that investigates global health threats, has uncovered how the UK’s largest cigarette companies fought against the policy, which would have raised the smoking age by one year every year. » | Rob Davies and Matthew Chapman | Saturday, June 29, 2024
I should think so too! This draconian smoking ban would have been as undemocratic and illiberal as it would have been unworkable and unfair. It is not the business of government to interfere in an adult’s lifestyle choices. A government can and should inform of the dangers of smoking (or other lifestyle choice), but ultimately, it is up to the adult to decide. For heaven’s sake, stop this unrelenting war on smoking! Governments have far more important things to deal with. And in any case, people these days are up to far worse things than enjoying a few puffs on a cigarette. These days, people are into marijuana/cannabis, cocaine — London is the cocaine capital of the world — opioids, Ecstasy, and much else besides. And what about those awful, silly-looking, unhealthy vapes? New research is beginning to show that e-cigarettes are unhealthier than conventional cigarettes! By the way, just in case you think I am biased because I smoke. I am not! I am now a non-smoker and have been for more than two years. Moreover, even if I were still a smoker, this ban wouldn't affect me because of my age. However, I still think that such a ban is wrong. I will always defend the right of smokers. Why? Because I know how much pleasure I derived from smoking and because I know that if a government will be able to get away with such a ban, it won’t stop at smoking. Soon, other pleasures will be banned. Alcohol will surely be next. What comes after alcohol is anyone’s guess. In a few words: Stop interfering in people’s private lives; stop being so meddlesome! – © Mark Alexander
Guardian playing nanny yet again! Nanny simply will not stop trying to control us! »
Rishi Sunak abandoned his “legacy” policy to ban smoking for future generations amid a backlash from the tobacco industry in the form of legal threats, lobbying and a charm offensive aimed at Conservative MPs, an investigation reveals.
The UK had been on course to become the first country to ban smoking for future generations, via the tobacco and vaping bill, which Downing Street hoped would help define Sunak’s place in British political history.
An investigation by the Guardian and the Examination, a non-profit newsroom that investigates global health threats, has uncovered how the UK’s largest cigarette companies fought against the policy, which would have raised the smoking age by one year every year. » | Rob Davies and Matthew Chapman | Saturday, June 29, 2024
I should think so too! This draconian smoking ban would have been as undemocratic and illiberal as it would have been unworkable and unfair. It is not the business of government to interfere in an adult’s lifestyle choices. A government can and should inform of the dangers of smoking (or other lifestyle choice), but ultimately, it is up to the adult to decide. For heaven’s sake, stop this unrelenting war on smoking! Governments have far more important things to deal with. And in any case, people these days are up to far worse things than enjoying a few puffs on a cigarette. These days, people are into marijuana/cannabis, cocaine — London is the cocaine capital of the world — opioids, Ecstasy, and much else besides. And what about those awful, silly-looking, unhealthy vapes? New research is beginning to show that e-cigarettes are unhealthier than conventional cigarettes! By the way, just in case you think I am biased because I smoke. I am not! I am now a non-smoker and have been for more than two years. Moreover, even if I were still a smoker, this ban wouldn't affect me because of my age. However, I still think that such a ban is wrong. I will always defend the right of smokers. Why? Because I know how much pleasure I derived from smoking and because I know that if a government will be able to get away with such a ban, it won’t stop at smoking. Soon, other pleasures will be banned. Alcohol will surely be next. What comes after alcohol is anyone’s guess. In a few words: Stop interfering in people’s private lives; stop being so meddlesome! – © Mark Alexander
Guardian playing nanny yet again! Nanny simply will not stop trying to control us! »
To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Biden has repeatedly and rightfully described the stakes in this November’s presidential election as nothing less than the future of American democracy.
Donald Trump has proved himself to be a significant jeopardy to that democracy — an erratic and self-interested figure unworthy of the public trust. He systematically attempted to undermine the integrity of elections. His supporters have described, publicly, a 2025 agenda that would give him the power to carry out the most extreme of his promises and threats. If he is returned to office, he has vowed to be a different kind of president, unrestrained by the checks on power built into the American political system.
Mr. Biden has said that he is the candidate with the best chance of taking on this threat of tyranny and defeating it. His argument rests largely on the fact that he beat Mr. Trump in 2020. That is no longer a sufficient rationale for why Mr. Biden should be the Democratic nominee this year.
At Thursday’s debate, the president needed to convince the American public that he was equal to the formidable demands of the office he is seeking to hold for another term. Voters, however, cannot be expected to ignore what was instead plain to see: Mr. Biden is not the man he was four years ago. » | The Editorial Board | Friday, June 28, 2024
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Week 5: Farage Is Not a Joke - Racism and the Reform Party
What Scientists Have Learned from Studying People over 90 | 60 Minutes Archive
Jun 27, 2024 | In 2020, 60 Minutes checked in on the ground-breaking 90+ study and its members, a group of Americans age 90 and above still thriving in old age.
Lesley Stahl revisited the participants, whom she first met in 2014, and caught up with the scientists expanding their findings on what leads to a longer, healthier life, with a special focus on memory and dementia.
Lesley Stahl revisited the participants, whom she first met in 2014, and caught up with the scientists expanding their findings on what leads to a longer, healthier life, with a special focus on memory and dementia.
Reform UK's Nigel Farage and Green's Adrian Ramsay Grilled by BBC Question Time Audience | BBC News
Nigel Farage has done more damage to the UK economy and the sense of unity in the United Kingdom than any politician I can think of in my lifetime. It is only because of Farage that we had that ridiculous and impoverishing Brexit. Brexit has done more damage to our economy than anything since the Second World War. Now, Farage is causing divisions in other ways, too. Must we really put up with this nonsense? Does the nation really have to do what this man says? Do we really have to be guided by this man's erroneous thinking? Why are politicians running scared of him? They should not. They should confront him, they should challenge him, and they should shut him up. Once and for all! The man is a menace to societal cohesion and to the prosperity of the nation. – © Mark Alexander
Georgian Parliament’s Anti-gay Bills Instill Fear in Activists | REUTERS
Verwandtes Video auf Deutsch hier.
Activists Defy Ban to Stage Annual Pride March | DW News
Young People Demand Change Ahead of Britain’s Election
Michael Lambert: The Tories Have Wrecked the UK in Pursuit of Brexit
Jun 29, 2024 | The past eight years of Conservative government have been disastrous for the UK. Since 2016 and the #referendum vote to leave the EU, five prime ministers have struggled to run the country, wasting billions through incompetence and dishonesty often blaming failure on Covid19 and Vladimir Putin.
Nigel Farage as an MEP spent years arguing for Britain's withdrawal from the EU and Boris Johnson as prime minister agreed to a very hard Brexit.
Eight years after the referendum, the UK economy is in a very bad state and is rapidly deteriorating. Nurses, doctors, teachers, police officers, and others, are leaving their jobs and many are emigrating. Nothing seems to work, and Brexit has cost the UK more than £100 billion in lost trade and £40 billion in lost taxes.
Gone from being a well-respected medium-sized nation with a reasonable and stable economy, the UK is now an economic disaster and a worldwide laughing stock.
Next week Keir Starmer and the Labour party are widely expected to be elected with a large majority.
Nigel Farage as an MEP spent years arguing for Britain's withdrawal from the EU and Boris Johnson as prime minister agreed to a very hard Brexit.
Eight years after the referendum, the UK economy is in a very bad state and is rapidly deteriorating. Nurses, doctors, teachers, police officers, and others, are leaving their jobs and many are emigrating. Nothing seems to work, and Brexit has cost the UK more than £100 billion in lost trade and £40 billion in lost taxes.
Gone from being a well-respected medium-sized nation with a reasonable and stable economy, the UK is now an economic disaster and a worldwide laughing stock.
Next week Keir Starmer and the Labour party are widely expected to be elected with a large majority.
Friday, June 28, 2024
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage Responds to Today's Shocking Headlines | Loose Women
Helmut Schmidt | Erfahrungen und Einsichten | NZZ Standpunkte 2009 | Reupload
Es bereitet mir immer eine große Freude, ein Gespräch mit Herrn Schmidt zuhören zu können. Er war so eine intelligente und weise Persönlichkeit. Solche Leute gibt es heute kaum mehr in der Politik. Er war auch so aufrichtig. Die Welt der Politik ist ohne Helmut Schmidt ärmer. R.I.P. – © Mark Alexander
Princess Anne Leaves Hospital after Being Treated for Head Injuries
THE GUARDIAN: Royal returns home after have suffered concussion and minor injuries believed to have been caused by a horse
Princess Anne has been discharged from hospital five days after being admitted with minor head injuries and concussion believed to have been caused by a horse.
The Princess Royal, 73, left Southmead hospital in Bristol early on Friday morning. There is no indication yet when she will have recovered enough to resume public engagements.
She will remain at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire for a further period of rest and recuperation, it is understood, and will return to public duties only once her medical team recommend it is safe and comfortable to do so. » | Caroline Davies | Friday, June 28, 2024
Princess Anne has been discharged from hospital five days after being admitted with minor head injuries and concussion believed to have been caused by a horse.
The Princess Royal, 73, left Southmead hospital in Bristol early on Friday morning. There is no indication yet when she will have recovered enough to resume public engagements.
She will remain at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire for a further period of rest and recuperation, it is understood, and will return to public duties only once her medical team recommend it is safe and comfortable to do so. » | Caroline Davies | Friday, June 28, 2024
Erste Lesung: Parlament billigt queerfeindliches Gesetzespaket
Rishi Sunak Says Reform Activist's Racial Slur 'Too Important Not to Call Out'
Read more here.
We Brits were once famous throughout the world for gentlemanly behaviour. There is nothing gentlemanly about using this sort of language. Name-calling is never a good idea. Using racial slurs is worse still. It is regrettable indeed that the tone of this election campaign has been reduced to such vulgarities. We Brits can surely do better than this. – © Mark Alexander
Racist and Homophobic Comments Unsettle U.K. Election Campaign: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denounced a slur used against him by a man campaigning for Reform U.K., the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage. »
Will Macron’s Snap Election Gamble Backfire? | DW News
Tucker Carlson Responds to Julian Assange’s Release during Australia Speech
EU Leaders Back Ursula von der Leyen for Second Term as President
THE GUARDIAN: Estonia’s PM, Kaja Kallas, set to become the EU’s top diplomat, while former Portuguese PM António Costa takes over as president of the European Council
Ursula von der Leyen has clinched the nomination to serve a second term as president of the European Commission, despite Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s complaints of a “wrong” process.
Estonia’s prime minister, Kaja Kallas, is set to become the EU’s top diplomat, representing the bloc on the world stage for the next five years. The former Portuguese prime minister António Costa has been elected to take over as president of the European Council, putting him in charge of finding compromises between the 27 heads of state and government.
At the end of an EU summit that was devoted to Europe’s future and security policy, Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, tweeted: “Kaja, Ursula and António accepted. Defence plans accepted. Satisfaction. For Poland and for Europe.” » | Jennifer Rankin and Lili Bayer in Brussels | Thursday, June 27, 2024
Ursula von der Leyen has clinched the nomination to serve a second term as president of the European Commission, despite Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s complaints of a “wrong” process.
Estonia’s prime minister, Kaja Kallas, is set to become the EU’s top diplomat, representing the bloc on the world stage for the next five years. The former Portuguese prime minister António Costa has been elected to take over as president of the European Council, putting him in charge of finding compromises between the 27 heads of state and government.
At the end of an EU summit that was devoted to Europe’s future and security policy, Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, tweeted: “Kaja, Ursula and António accepted. Defence plans accepted. Satisfaction. For Poland and for Europe.” » | Jennifer Rankin and Lili Bayer in Brussels | Thursday, June 27, 2024
CNN Presidential Debate: President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump
Debate Reaction: Steve Schmidt Says CNN Debate was "Disaster of the 1st Magnitude" for Biden
Kamala Harris Reacts to Pres. Biden's Debate Performance: He 'Did Not Get Off to a Strong Start'
Biden, Trump Spar in First 2024 Presidential Debate | WSJ News
A Fumbling Performance, and a Panicking Party
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Biden’s shaky, halting debate performance has Democrats talking about replacing him on the ticket.
President Biden hoped to build fresh momentum for his re-election bid by agreeing to debate nearly two months before he is to be formally nominated. Instead, his halting and disjointed performance on Thursday night prompted a wave of panic among Democrats and reopened discussion of whether he should be the nominee at all.
Over the course of 90 minutes, a raspy-voiced Mr. Biden struggled to deliver his lines and counter a sharp though deeply dishonest former President Donald J. Trump, raising doubts about the incumbent president’s ability to wage a vigorous and competitive campaign four months before the election. Rather than dispel concerns about his age, Mr. Biden, 81, made it the central issue.
Democrats who have defended the president for months against his doubters — including members of his own administration — traded frenzied phone calls and text messages within minutes of the start of the debate as it became clear that Mr. Biden was not at his sharpest. Practically in despair, some took to social media to express shock, while others privately discussed among themselves whether it was too late to persuade the president to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.
“Biden is about to face a crescendo of calls to step aside,” said a veteran Democratic strategist who has staunchly backed Mr. Biden publicly. “Joe had a deep well of affection among Democrats. It has run dry.” » | Peter Baker | Thursday, June 27, 2024
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President Biden hoped to build fresh momentum for his re-election bid by agreeing to debate nearly two months before he is to be formally nominated. Instead, his halting and disjointed performance on Thursday night prompted a wave of panic among Democrats and reopened discussion of whether he should be the nominee at all.
Over the course of 90 minutes, a raspy-voiced Mr. Biden struggled to deliver his lines and counter a sharp though deeply dishonest former President Donald J. Trump, raising doubts about the incumbent president’s ability to wage a vigorous and competitive campaign four months before the election. Rather than dispel concerns about his age, Mr. Biden, 81, made it the central issue.
Democrats who have defended the president for months against his doubters — including members of his own administration — traded frenzied phone calls and text messages within minutes of the start of the debate as it became clear that Mr. Biden was not at his sharpest. Practically in despair, some took to social media to express shock, while others privately discussed among themselves whether it was too late to persuade the president to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.
“Biden is about to face a crescendo of calls to step aside,” said a veteran Democratic strategist who has staunchly backed Mr. Biden publicly. “Joe had a deep well of affection among Democrats. It has run dry.” » | Peter Baker | Thursday, June 27, 2024
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Thursday, June 27, 2024
Elon Musk Has Won $56bn Pay Package despite Judge Ruling It Void, Tesla Argues
THE GUARDIAN: Company says in court filing Musk is entitled to vast payout because shareholders voted in his favor earlier this month
Tesla is claiming Elon Musk won his legal battle over his $56bn pay package because shareholders voted for the compensation, despite a judge rescinding it earlier this year, according to court filing made public on Friday.
The company’s filing comes two weeks after Tesla shareholders voted to ratify the 2018 package of stock options. Tesla held the vote following a January ruling by a Delaware judge to void the compensation because Musk improperly controlled the negotiation process and the company misled shareholders about key details.
The uncertainty in the case hangs over Musk’s relationship with Tesla, which is struggling with slower sales and stiffer competition. He has said he might develop some products outside the company if he does not obtain a larger ownership stake. » | Reuters | Thursday, June 27, 2024
Tesla is claiming Elon Musk won his legal battle over his $56bn pay package because shareholders voted for the compensation, despite a judge rescinding it earlier this year, according to court filing made public on Friday.
The company’s filing comes two weeks after Tesla shareholders voted to ratify the 2018 package of stock options. Tesla held the vote following a January ruling by a Delaware judge to void the compensation because Musk improperly controlled the negotiation process and the company misled shareholders about key details.
The uncertainty in the case hangs over Musk’s relationship with Tesla, which is struggling with slower sales and stiffer competition. He has said he might develop some products outside the company if he does not obtain a larger ownership stake. » | Reuters | Thursday, June 27, 2024
Le Pen Claims Far Right Will Win Majority and Take Over Some Military Decisions
THE GUARDIAN: National Rally leader says Macron ‘won’t have choice’ but to appoint her protege as PM and he would make decisions on Ukraine support
Marine Le Pen has said she expects her far-right National Rally (RN) party to win an absolute majority in France’s general election, form a government and take over at least some defence and armed forces decision-making – including on Ukraine.
France’s constitution states that the president is head of the armed forces and chairs France’s national defence committees, but also that the prime minister is “responsible for national defence”, leaving the precise role of the premier open to interpretation. » | Jon Henley in Paris | Thursday, June 27, 2024
Marine Le Pen has said she expects her far-right National Rally (RN) party to win an absolute majority in France’s general election, form a government and take over at least some defence and armed forces decision-making – including on Ukraine.
France’s constitution states that the president is head of the armed forces and chairs France’s national defence committees, but also that the prime minister is “responsible for national defence”, leaving the precise role of the premier open to interpretation. » | Jon Henley in Paris | Thursday, June 27, 2024
Tattoo Ink Linked to Cancer! New Study Reveals Shocking Connection
Related video and article here.
Trump Is a Liar & a Convicted Felon. But He Broke His Presidential Oath. He Needs to Be Defeated.
Die Wahlen und die Wut der Briten: Tag der Abrechnung mit den Brexiteers? | Auf den Punkt
Jun 27, 2024 | Viereinhalb Jahre nach dem offiziellen Austritt aus der EU ist die Stimmung in Großbritannien mies. Viele Briten fühlen sich von Premier Rishi Sunak und seiner Partei verraten und haben die Hoffnung aufgegeben, dass sich die Lage bessert.
Die Wirtschaft schwächelt, auch dank Brexit, und die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich wird größer. Das Gesundheitssystem NHS ist in der Dauerkrise. Dazu kommen fragwürdige Pläne, die Migration zu begrenzen.
Labour führt in den Umfragen, ihr Chef Keir Starmer verspricht bei den anstehenden Wahlen wolkig „Change“ - also einen Wechsel. Doch begeistern kann er damit nicht so recht.
Wir fragen: "Die Wahlen und die Wut der Briten: Tag der Abrechnung mit den Brexiteers?"
Unsere Gäste:
Vendeline von Bredow, Bürochefin im Berliner Büro des britischen Economist
Oliver Moody, Berlin Korrespondent der britischen "Times". Zugeschaltet aus London
Katja Hoyer, Historikerin am Kings College
Mit nur wenigen Worten haben die Tories Mist gebaut. Sie haben die britische Wirtschaft ruiniert. Mehr noch: Die Tories haben die Superreichen noch reicher und die Armen noch ärmer gemacht. Dadurch ist die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich nicht nur größer geworden, sondern auch enorm gemacht. Welch eine Sauerei! Welch eine Schande! Noch dazu: Der Brexit war das Schlimmste, wofür die Briten hätten stimmen können. – © Mark Alexander
Die Wirtschaft schwächelt, auch dank Brexit, und die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich wird größer. Das Gesundheitssystem NHS ist in der Dauerkrise. Dazu kommen fragwürdige Pläne, die Migration zu begrenzen.
Labour führt in den Umfragen, ihr Chef Keir Starmer verspricht bei den anstehenden Wahlen wolkig „Change“ - also einen Wechsel. Doch begeistern kann er damit nicht so recht.
Wir fragen: "Die Wahlen und die Wut der Briten: Tag der Abrechnung mit den Brexiteers?"
Unsere Gäste:
Vendeline von Bredow, Bürochefin im Berliner Büro des britischen Economist
Oliver Moody, Berlin Korrespondent der britischen "Times". Zugeschaltet aus London
Katja Hoyer, Historikerin am Kings College
Mit nur wenigen Worten haben die Tories Mist gebaut. Sie haben die britische Wirtschaft ruiniert. Mehr noch: Die Tories haben die Superreichen noch reicher und die Armen noch ärmer gemacht. Dadurch ist die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich nicht nur größer geworden, sondern auch enorm gemacht. Welch eine Sauerei! Welch eine Schande! Noch dazu: Der Brexit war das Schlimmste, wofür die Briten hätten stimmen können. – © Mark Alexander
DJ Khaled : Wild Thoughts | Official Video | ft. Rihanna, Bryson Tiller | Reupload
Brit in Germany: Why I Still Choose to Stay in Germany
French Cooking Academy: Meet the Cold Start Roast Chicken Method
Get the recipe here.
Heartfelt Goodbye from Emperor and Empress of Japan 🇯🇵 ❤️
Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum: Peripheral Neuropathy - Treating Common and Unexplained Cases
Old-age Poverty in Germany | DW Documentary
Jun 24, 2024 | Gisela, Inga and Ulrich are pensioners – and poor. They’re constantly short on cash, even though they worked as hard as they could.
One out of five pensioners in Germany is considered to be at risk of poverty. Among women, the figure is even higher. The reasons vary widely. Gisela had decided to take care of her elderly father – meaning she couldn’t make enough payments into the pension fund. She’s feeling the consequences now, as she must count every penny.
Inga is in a similar situation. She had an accident that stopped her from working full-time. Now she’s trying to save money wherever possible – especially on groceries.
Ulrich was self-employed and earned well. But then his business went bust, and his savings are long gone.
Three different life stories, one problem: With retirement came poverty.
A film by Tessa Clara Walther and Melina Grundmann.
One out of five pensioners in Germany is considered to be at risk of poverty. Among women, the figure is even higher. The reasons vary widely. Gisela had decided to take care of her elderly father – meaning she couldn’t make enough payments into the pension fund. She’s feeling the consequences now, as she must count every penny.
Inga is in a similar situation. She had an accident that stopped her from working full-time. Now she’s trying to save money wherever possible – especially on groceries.
Ulrich was self-employed and earned well. But then his business went bust, and his savings are long gone.
Three different life stories, one problem: With retirement came poverty.
A film by Tessa Clara Walther and Melina Grundmann.
How the Nazi Puppet Government Betrayed the French People | Nazi Collaborators | Documentary
Biden Pardons Veterans Convicted under Military Ban on Gay Sex | BBC News
Jun 27, 2024 | US President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of veterans who were convicted of crimes under a military law that banned gay sex for more than 60 years. The veterans were convicted under a provision of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which criminalised sodomy from 1951 to 2013. The US Congress had repealed the portion of the code that outlawed consensual sodomy in 2013.
This military provision is separate from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" President Bill Clinton-era policy, which banned openly gay and lesbian Americans from serving in the military.
The BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke with Steve Marose, a former US Air Force officer who was charged with three counts of consensual sodomy in the late 1980s. Marose served two years in prison for those charges.
This military provision is separate from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" President Bill Clinton-era policy, which banned openly gay and lesbian Americans from serving in the military.
The BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke with Steve Marose, a former US Air Force officer who was charged with three counts of consensual sodomy in the late 1980s. Marose served two years in prison for those charges.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Bolivia’s President Urges Citizens to Take to Streets to Defend against Apparent Coup
THE GUARDIAN: Luis Arce says country’s democracy at stake after army troops seize control of La Paz’s political heart and military police storm palace
Bolivia’s President Luis Arce has urged citizens to take to the streets to defend the country’s democracy from an apparent coup attempt after heavily armed army troops seized control of La Paz’s political heart and military police were filmed trying to force their way into the former government palace.
“We need the Bolivian people to mobilize and organize themselves against this coup d’état and in favour of democracy,” Arce said in a video message filmed at the Great House of the People, the official presidential residence in Bolivia’s de facto capital of La Paz.
Flanked by members of his cabinet, Arce declared: “We cannot allow, once again, attempted coups to claim Bolivian lives.”
“Long live the people of Bolivia! Long live democracy!” the ministers shouted, thrusting their left fists into the air. “Long live our president, Luis Arce!”
The comments came after other members of Arce’s leftwing administration and Latin American leaders claimed an army-led putsch was under way. » | Tom Phillips, Latin America correspondent | Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Bolivian General Is Arrested After Apparent Coup Attempt: The general declared he was leading an effort to “re-establish democracy,” but he and other members of the armed forces later pulled back after trying to storm the presidential palace. »
Bolivia’s President Luis Arce has urged citizens to take to the streets to defend the country’s democracy from an apparent coup attempt after heavily armed army troops seized control of La Paz’s political heart and military police were filmed trying to force their way into the former government palace.
“We need the Bolivian people to mobilize and organize themselves against this coup d’état and in favour of democracy,” Arce said in a video message filmed at the Great House of the People, the official presidential residence in Bolivia’s de facto capital of La Paz.
Flanked by members of his cabinet, Arce declared: “We cannot allow, once again, attempted coups to claim Bolivian lives.”
“Long live the people of Bolivia! Long live democracy!” the ministers shouted, thrusting their left fists into the air. “Long live our president, Luis Arce!”
The comments came after other members of Arce’s leftwing administration and Latin American leaders claimed an army-led putsch was under way. » | Tom Phillips, Latin America correspondent | Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Bolivian General Is Arrested After Apparent Coup Attempt: The general declared he was leading an effort to “re-establish democracy,” but he and other members of the armed forces later pulled back after trying to storm the presidential palace. »
UK General Election: Sunak and Starmer Clash over Borders, Tax and Gender in TV Debate | BBC News
Jun 26, 2024 | The leaders of the UK's Conservative and Labour parties faced each other in the final television debate, ahead of the general election on 4 July.
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer clashed repeatedly on their plans for tax and immigration, while facing audience questions.
They were challenged about integrity in politics in one of the last major set-piece moments before polling day next week.
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer clashed repeatedly on their plans for tax and immigration, while facing audience questions.
They were challenged about integrity in politics in one of the last major set-piece moments before polling day next week.
‘Precedent’: Julian Assange’s Wife Stella Calls for Reform of the US’ Espionage Act
Jun 26, 2024 | WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s wife Stella Assange says it is in the interest of “all of the press” to reform the Espionage Act in the United States to increase “press protections”. “
Today, we celebrate Julian’s freedom … it is also a day where I hope journalists and editors and publishers everywhere realise the danger of this US case against Julian that criminalises, that has secured a conviction, for newsgathering and publishing information that was in the public interest,” she said.
“That the public deserved to know and that precedent now can and will be used in the future against the rest of the press, so it is in the interest of all of the press to seek for this current state of affairs to change through reform of the Espionage Act, to increase press protections and yes, eventually, when the time comes, not today, a pardon.”
Today, we celebrate Julian’s freedom … it is also a day where I hope journalists and editors and publishers everywhere realise the danger of this US case against Julian that criminalises, that has secured a conviction, for newsgathering and publishing information that was in the public interest,” she said.
“That the public deserved to know and that precedent now can and will be used in the future against the rest of the press, so it is in the interest of all of the press to seek for this current state of affairs to change through reform of the Espionage Act, to increase press protections and yes, eventually, when the time comes, not today, a pardon.”
From Rise to Fall: Nazi Germany in Color, 1933-1945
May 17, 2024 | This documentary, composed entirely of color archive images, retraces the 12 years from Adolf Hitler's rise to power until the fall of Berlin in 1945.
Enriched by period testimonies, it follows the dramatic transformation of Germany into a Nazi state, explores Hitler's relationship with his companion Eva Braun and reproduces key events such as the Nazi rallies, the invasion of Poland, Hitler's meeting with Lloyd George, the horrors of the Buchenwald concentration camp, the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw, the Battle of Britain and the fall of Berlin.
David Lloyd George: I Talked To Hitler »
Enriched by period testimonies, it follows the dramatic transformation of Germany into a Nazi state, explores Hitler's relationship with his companion Eva Braun and reproduces key events such as the Nazi rallies, the invasion of Poland, Hitler's meeting with Lloyd George, the horrors of the Buchenwald concentration camp, the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw, the Battle of Britain and the fall of Berlin.
David Lloyd George: I Talked To Hitler »
Life Under Adolf Hitler: The First Years Of Nazi Germany
Jun 17, 2024 | In January 1933, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany with promises of peace and economic recovery. However, his true agenda soon emerged, targeting Jews and anyone else he perceived as an enemy.
This documentary explores how Hitler and the Nazis manipulated the German populace, transforming the nation into a totalitarian regime. Discover the propaganda, economic strategies, and brutal policies that shaped the early years of Nazi Germany.
This documentary explores how Hitler and the Nazis manipulated the German populace, transforming the nation into a totalitarian regime. Discover the propaganda, economic strategies, and brutal policies that shaped the early years of Nazi Germany.
In France, German Time (1940 to 1944)
Jun 5, 2024 | The occupation and liberation of France, from 1940 to 1944, seen through the films and amateur photos of French and Germans, witnesses of these years of war. Told at a human level by those who experienced it - going beyond the stereotypical views that each camp has long had on the other - this story will be told through the films and family photos found on both sides of the border and commented on by the protagonists themselves.
How did the French, the French population (and not the French State) behave with the occupier? How did the German soldiers experience these 4 years in contact with the French?
Director: Serge de Sampigny
How did the French, the French population (and not the French State) behave with the occupier? How did the German soldiers experience these 4 years in contact with the French?
Director: Serge de Sampigny
SBS News: Anthony Albanese Details Speaking to Julian Assange as He Arrives in Australia
Jun 26, 2024 | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange as he returns to Australia a free man, 14 years after he published classified military documents.
The saga that started with Assange holed up in Ecuador's London embassy, before leading him to solitary confinement in Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom, has come to an end in a Pacific tropical paradise.
Assange arrived alongside his support team and Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd at the US District Court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, just before 8am.
The saga that started with Assange holed up in Ecuador's London embassy, before leading him to solitary confinement in Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom, has come to an end in a Pacific tropical paradise.
Assange arrived alongside his support team and Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd at the US District Court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, just before 8am.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
King Hosts Japanese Royals at Glittering State Banquet
Jun 25, 2024 | King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at a lavish State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, marking the start of their three-day UK visit.
The royals donned their finest attire, with Queen Camilla in a Fiona Clare dress and Burmese ruby tiara. King Charles and Naruhito wore formal suits, while Masako looked elegant in cream with the Chrysanthemum tiara.
Report by Matthew Covell.
The royals donned their finest attire, with Queen Camilla in a Fiona Clare dress and Burmese ruby tiara. King Charles and Naruhito wore formal suits, while Masako looked elegant in cream with the Chrysanthemum tiara.
Report by Matthew Covell.
King and Queen Host State Visit for Emperor and Empress of Japan at Buckingham Palace
Jun 25, 2024 | The Queen has worn the new Royal Family Order of King Charles III to the state banquet, the first time it has been seen in public for the new reign.
The Royal Family Order, which is awarded to female members of the family and worn on formal occasions, contains a miniature picture of the monarch, surrounded by diamonds suspended on a silk bow.
The King’s Charles’ Family Order was created in 2024 by portrait miniaturist Elizabeth Meek, and based on a photograph by Hugo Burnand. The King wears his uniform of Admiral of the Fleet, the sash of the Royal Victorian Order, the Garter Star and Thistle Star, and the Garter Collar and Neck Orders of the Order of the Bath and the Royal Victorian Order.
King makes rare public reference to George, Charlotte and Louis in State Banquet speech »
The Royal Family Order, which is awarded to female members of the family and worn on formal occasions, contains a miniature picture of the monarch, surrounded by diamonds suspended on a silk bow.
The King’s Charles’ Family Order was created in 2024 by portrait miniaturist Elizabeth Meek, and based on a photograph by Hugo Burnand. The King wears his uniform of Admiral of the Fleet, the sash of the Royal Victorian Order, the Garter Star and Thistle Star, and the Garter Collar and Neck Orders of the Order of the Bath and the Royal Victorian Order.
King makes rare public reference to George, Charlotte and Louis in State Banquet speech »
Tories ‘Never Really Recovered from Brexit’ and Left Them ‘Divided’ | Andrew Neil
As my regular visitors will know, I have been saying since the very beginning that, because of Brexit, the Tories deserve to go into oblivion, and in all probably will end up there too, just like the Whigs before them.
The Tories deserve nothing less than the fate of the dodo for their destruction of the UK economy, their creation os such poverty, and their destruction of UK communities, and their creation of a ‘them and us’ culture — a culture of the haves and have-nots, with the haves being able to reach for the stars and the have-nots being thrown into the abyss. – © Mark Alexander
Holy Humanist: Our Punishment Begins in the Grave! ☠️🐍
If you like Nuriyah’s work and would like to support her in her activism, you can support her on PayPal here.
I never fail to be astounded by the BS that people believe, and the BS with which parents indoctrinate their children! It often borders on abuse! – Mark
Iran’s Onerous Hijab Law for Women Is Now a Campaign Issue
THE NEW YORK TIMES: In a sign that a women-led movement has gained ground, all of the men running for president have distanced themselves from the harsh tactics used to enforce mandatory hijab.
Iranian officials insisted for decades that the law requiring women to cover their hair and dress modestly was sacrosanct and not even worth discussion. They dismissed the struggle by women who challenged the law as a symptom of Western meddling.
Now, as Iran holds a presidential election this week, the issue of mandatory hijab, as the hair covering is known, has become a hot campaign topic. And all six of the men running, five of them conservative, have sought to distance themselves from the methods of enforcing the law, which include violence, arrests and monetary fines.
“Elections aside, politics aside, under no circumstances should we treat Iranian women with such cruelty,” Mustafa Pourmohammadi, a conservative presidential candidate and cleric with senior roles in intelligence, said in a round-table discussion on state television last week. He has also said that government officials should be punished over the hijab law because it was their duty to educate women about why they should wear hijab, not violently enforce it.
The hijab has long been a symbol of religious identity but has also been a political tool in Iran. And women have resisted the law, in different ways, ever since it went into effect after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. » | Farnaz Fassihi and Leily Nikounazar | Monday, June 24, 2024
Iranian officials insisted for decades that the law requiring women to cover their hair and dress modestly was sacrosanct and not even worth discussion. They dismissed the struggle by women who challenged the law as a symptom of Western meddling.
Now, as Iran holds a presidential election this week, the issue of mandatory hijab, as the hair covering is known, has become a hot campaign topic. And all six of the men running, five of them conservative, have sought to distance themselves from the methods of enforcing the law, which include violence, arrests and monetary fines.
“Elections aside, politics aside, under no circumstances should we treat Iranian women with such cruelty,” Mustafa Pourmohammadi, a conservative presidential candidate and cleric with senior roles in intelligence, said in a round-table discussion on state television last week. He has also said that government officials should be punished over the hijab law because it was their duty to educate women about why they should wear hijab, not violently enforce it.
The hijab has long been a symbol of religious identity but has also been a political tool in Iran. And women have resisted the law, in different ways, ever since it went into effect after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. » | Farnaz Fassihi and Leily Nikounazar | Monday, June 24, 2024
Israel’s Supreme Court Rules the Military Must Draft Ultra-Orthodox Jews
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The court ruled there was no basis to exempt the ultra-Orthodox from service, a decision that threatened to split Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amid the war in Gaza.
Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a decision that threatened to split Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government amid the war in Gaza.
In a unanimous decision, nine judges held that there was no legal basis for the longstanding military exemption given to many ultra-Orthodox religious students. Given the absence of a law distinguishing between seminarians and other men of draft age, the court ruled, the country’s compulsory service laws must similarly apply to the ultra-Orthodox minority.
In a country where military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, the exemption for the ultra-Orthodox has long been a source of contention for secular Israelis. But anger over the group’s special treatment has grown as the war in Gaza has stretched into its ninth month, requiring tens of thousands of reservists to serve multiple tours and costing the lives of hundreds of soldiers. » | Aaron Boxerman, Reporting from Jerusalem | Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a decision that threatened to split Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government amid the war in Gaza.
In a unanimous decision, nine judges held that there was no legal basis for the longstanding military exemption given to many ultra-Orthodox religious students. Given the absence of a law distinguishing between seminarians and other men of draft age, the court ruled, the country’s compulsory service laws must similarly apply to the ultra-Orthodox minority.
In a country where military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, the exemption for the ultra-Orthodox has long been a source of contention for secular Israelis. But anger over the group’s special treatment has grown as the war in Gaza has stretched into its ninth month, requiring tens of thousands of reservists to serve multiple tours and costing the lives of hundreds of soldiers. » | Aaron Boxerman, Reporting from Jerusalem | Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Vlad Vexler: Julian Assange
Why Trump Is Partnering with Christian Nationalists | Robert Reich
Jun 25, 2024 | Donald Trump keeps comparing himself to Jesus.
Whether he actually has a messiah complex or is just conning his supporters, he's playing to a growing GOP faction that wants America to be a white Christian Nationalist state, with Donald Trump as a divine ruler.
BE WARNED!
Anyone who compares himself to Jesus has got to be off his rocker! Furthermore, anyone who falls for the BS has got to be off his rocker too! – © Mark Alexander
Whether he actually has a messiah complex or is just conning his supporters, he's playing to a growing GOP faction that wants America to be a white Christian Nationalist state, with Donald Trump as a divine ruler.
BE WARNED!
Anyone who compares himself to Jesus has got to be off his rocker! Furthermore, anyone who falls for the BS has got to be off his rocker too! – © Mark Alexander
Wine, Beer or Spirits? Europeans Can’t Kick Their Traditional Drinking Habits
THE GUARDIAN: Researchers identify six clusters of alcohol patterns with countries sticking to same drinks and behaviours over years
Whether it is the French penchant for wine, German fondness for beer or a shot or two of sprits in the Baltics, European countries can’t seem to kick their traditional drinking habits, researchers have found.
A study looking at drinking patterns across Europe from 2000 to 2019 has found little sign of countries shifting their preferred type of alcoholic beverage, prevalence of drinking, or boozing behaviours such as binge drinking.
“This shows that cultural factors such as traditional beverage preferences, social norms around drinking, and historical consumption patterns contribute significantly to the stability of drinking patterns,” said Daniela Correia, lead author of the research from the World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Europe.
“For instance, wine has been a staple in Mediterranean countries for centuries, while beer has deep roots in central European countries,” she said. » | Nicola Davis | Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Here we go again! First they came for the smokers; now they’re coming for the drinkers! These killjoys just won’t give up, will they? They don’t understand the concept of joie de vivre, and they won’t be satisfied until they have purged all joy and pleasure out of life!
I have said all along that after the war on smoking and smokers, they won’t stop there. On the contrary, their success in getting people to quit — and where necessary take up that ridiculous unhealthy vaping habit — they will move on to the next source of pleasure. Clearly, it is the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. We are living in the Neo-Puritanical Age! Expunge all joy out of life!
These neo-puritans strive for their version of utopia. They are greatly mistaken. Utopia has never existed, and it never will. Furthermore, they are creating great dystopic distortions in life. By waging this unrelenting war on smoking and tobacco, they have created the problem with obesity in society. I have no scientific evidence for this; but I am absolutely convinced that these people’s war on smoking and smokers has created the problems we have today with obesity and type-2 diabetes. These people are really not as clever as they think they are.
I am pro-smoking. Let us make that very clear. But I should add that I am no longer a smoker. I quit smoking two and a quarter years ago, with great success. I have not smoked a cigarette since April 10th 2022. In many ways, as a smoker, I felt better than I do today. For starters, smoking kept me nimble and on the slim side. My weight remained constant for years. Decades really. Since quitting, however, despite eating extremely healthy foods — I eat relatively few carbs and virtually no sugar (sucrose) — my weight has ballooned! So much for quitting smoking!
Were the smoking habit not as expensive as it is today in the UK — the cost of Marlboro Reds, for example, is brushing £16 a packet, which is government extortion — I would take up the habit again. Because I felt better as a smoker than I do as a non-smoker. And, by the way, don’t fall for the nonsense that the authorities and medical profession keep pushing, namely that smoking is an addiction. It is not! Smoking is a habit. And a very enjoyable habit at that! Were it to be an addiction, I would have had withdrawal symptoms when I quit. I had NONE!
These researchers, academics, doctors, and politicians — the ones pushing all these changes in lifestyle habits — are social engineers and should be silenced. A good political leader would do just that; shut the do-gooders up! Churchill would have; and I think Margaret Thatcher would have too. — © Mark Alexander
Whether it is the French penchant for wine, German fondness for beer or a shot or two of sprits in the Baltics, European countries can’t seem to kick their traditional drinking habits, researchers have found.
A study looking at drinking patterns across Europe from 2000 to 2019 has found little sign of countries shifting their preferred type of alcoholic beverage, prevalence of drinking, or boozing behaviours such as binge drinking.
“This shows that cultural factors such as traditional beverage preferences, social norms around drinking, and historical consumption patterns contribute significantly to the stability of drinking patterns,” said Daniela Correia, lead author of the research from the World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Europe.
“For instance, wine has been a staple in Mediterranean countries for centuries, while beer has deep roots in central European countries,” she said. » | Nicola Davis | Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Here we go again! First they came for the smokers; now they’re coming for the drinkers! These killjoys just won’t give up, will they? They don’t understand the concept of joie de vivre, and they won’t be satisfied until they have purged all joy and pleasure out of life!
I have said all along that after the war on smoking and smokers, they won’t stop there. On the contrary, their success in getting people to quit — and where necessary take up that ridiculous unhealthy vaping habit — they will move on to the next source of pleasure. Clearly, it is the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. We are living in the Neo-Puritanical Age! Expunge all joy out of life!
These neo-puritans strive for their version of utopia. They are greatly mistaken. Utopia has never existed, and it never will. Furthermore, they are creating great dystopic distortions in life. By waging this unrelenting war on smoking and tobacco, they have created the problem with obesity in society. I have no scientific evidence for this; but I am absolutely convinced that these people’s war on smoking and smokers has created the problems we have today with obesity and type-2 diabetes. These people are really not as clever as they think they are.
I am pro-smoking. Let us make that very clear. But I should add that I am no longer a smoker. I quit smoking two and a quarter years ago, with great success. I have not smoked a cigarette since April 10th 2022. In many ways, as a smoker, I felt better than I do today. For starters, smoking kept me nimble and on the slim side. My weight remained constant for years. Decades really. Since quitting, however, despite eating extremely healthy foods — I eat relatively few carbs and virtually no sugar (sucrose) — my weight has ballooned! So much for quitting smoking!
Were the smoking habit not as expensive as it is today in the UK — the cost of Marlboro Reds, for example, is brushing £16 a packet, which is government extortion — I would take up the habit again. Because I felt better as a smoker than I do as a non-smoker. And, by the way, don’t fall for the nonsense that the authorities and medical profession keep pushing, namely that smoking is an addiction. It is not! Smoking is a habit. And a very enjoyable habit at that! Were it to be an addiction, I would have had withdrawal symptoms when I quit. I had NONE!
These researchers, academics, doctors, and politicians — the ones pushing all these changes in lifestyle habits — are social engineers and should be silenced. A good political leader would do just that; shut the do-gooders up! Churchill would have; and I think Margaret Thatcher would have too. — © Mark Alexander
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