Is Brexit the right thing to do because the people voted for it, or is it because Brexit is the right thing to do, that the people voted for it? For all remainers, it may be a ray of hope at the end of a dark tunnel. For the country as a […]
Politics
Nous Devons Tous Faire Comme Charlie Hebdo
Pourquoi j’ai quitté plusieurs groupes Facebook J’ai écrit beaucoup de choses à propos du Brexit. Pas étonnant, je suis un “Franglais” né à Londres, ayant vécu en France, et vivant depuis 20 ans aux Pays-Bas. Pas étonnant, non plus, que j’ai pleuré comme une madeleine le lendemain de ce scrutin malheureux du mois de […]
Charlie’s Angel – Zineb El Rhazoui And The Fight Against Fundamentalist Islam
Zineb El Rhazoui’s views on the problems that we face, concerning the effects of religion on society, are very close to my own. Namely, it is the interpretation and application of written texts and superstitions as a political doctrine that cause problems. For the former journalist at Charlie Hebdo, even a recipe book can […]
The Morality Of Western Arms Sales – From Argentinian Tango’s To Arabian Nights
The morality of Europe’s foreign policy is not as one might hope. The UK was making profits from selling arms to Israel, whilst Tony Blair was being paid by Arabs to ensure that there is peace in the region. It doesn’t sound quite right, does it. In 2017, former UK prime minister Tony […]
Hypochondria, Paranoia and the Brexit Vote: “EU Migrants Who go Bump in the Night.”
Today’s leadership challenge against Theresa May is just another symptom in the UK’s “European pathology.” From a state of hypochondria and paranoia affecting the people, schizophrenia has now set in the political establishment. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behaviour that impairs daily functioning. Post originally published 24/10/16 […]
Brexit Musings (31) – The Withdrawal Deal: Divorce Or Funeral?
In a divorce, there are always children who suffer. At a funeral, there are always those who are left alone. It’s quite ironic that for over 40 years, the EU and UK have been constantly bickering, with the UK acting like a spoiled cat who doesn’t know whether to go outside or stay indoors. […]
Not In Front Of The Adults – The Return Of The “Sint”
It’s that time of year again, when the leaves on the trees have fallen and the time of good will is finally upon us. Just time for one more flutter of humanoid tempers that will eventually dissipate in the never-ending blanket of early morning fog. Off the shores of the Low-Countries, lies a steamboat in […]
When Progressive Rock Meets Progressive Politics
As we made our way to the concert hall, not a single one of us under the age of 55, I didn’t really know what to expect from a progressive rock band that I last saw at the Hammersmith Odeon, in 1981. Progressive rock is rather like progressive politics. It’s complicated, sometimes pretentious, and even […]
Brexit Musings (28) – “There’s No Deal Like No-Deal!”
It’s not only the heavens that run out of water, in the summer, the Brexit negotiations also seem to be running dry. At least with the heavens, we can hope for rain. For the Brexit deal, it seems that the best that the Brexiteers will get is two doses of “nothing at all.” Why two […]
Yes, Prime Minister – Jacob Rees-Mogg: Clown Fish Or Great White Shark?
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s comments on just about everything – from the inevitable Brexit, his hatred of anything remotely gay, to the acceptance of adultery – contain an acrid mix of intellect and populism. In contrast to Donald Trump, whose lack of knowledge concerning so many world matters makes him hard to be taken seriously, Rees-Mogg mixes […]