Does South Park Display American Bad Taste?

In this country, it is not an uncommon perception that the Americans can be somewhat brash and tasteless. The fact that so much American 'popular entertainment' finds it's way over here, and is consumed by a voracious British public, no doubt says much more about us.

The childish South Park is a case in point. Without wanting to advertise this pathetic bit of nonsense, the plot has the British attempting to regain control of the States. Why we should want to do this is beyond me! Surely twice was enough!!! When this diabolical plot fails, the Queen apparently commits suicide by putting a pistol in her mouth and pulling the trigger.

So, what is US Comedy Central Network trying to achieve. At a time of danger for our two countries, the cynical might see this as an attempt to create some rift between the two countries. However, if the offensive utterings from Rosie O'Donnell are beyond contempt, this most certainly is too. No doubt, it will largely be ignored - as it should - after a couple of days of outrage.

Britain's Standing in the World Weakened by Labour Miscalculations

As I have already written, Britain has demonstrated it's political and military weakness by failing to respond to Iranian sponsored bombings of British forces in southern Iraq, and the kidnapping of the British sailors/marines in Iraqi waters.

I had questioned the wisdom of Blair in his decision to announce that he would conduct no further negotiations with Tehran. Of course, today we hear of ... his continuing negotiations with the Iranian government. Why are we not surprised?

So, where has the Labour policy of 'muted diplomacy' got us? Yesterday, the UN Security Council failed to support British demands for the immediate release of the kidnapped Britains. A watered-down statement merely called for an "early resolution". Whilst Chiraq has voiced his support of Britain, France is refusing to consider economic sanctions against Iran.

The questions is where does this leave us? Germany, Italy and France are Iran's biggest trading partners. What is clear that our leading European partners are far more interested in their short-term economic benefits, rather than a longer-term consideration of community strategic interests. As I have written previously, Russia is fast becoming a destabilising country in the world, whereby they sponsor murders and and conduct economic warfare against those countries who refuse to follow the demands of Moscow. It is interesting that China, meanwhile, begins to show it's political maturity by distancing itself from Russian intransigence, and would have accepted greater pressure being applied upon Tehran.

Certainly events surrounding Iraq, Sudan and Iran have shown that the UN is well past it's 'sell-by date', and world security is in the hands of the big players. Only China can satisfactorily deal with North Korea, and the US with the Middle East. The UN is irrelevant, and the EU is self-serving!

Britain must decide whether it wants to reverse recent defence cuts, and help shape things for the better, or allow decisions to be taken by those who are happy to see our position relegated to that of 'puppet state' of the EU Commission. Tomorrow sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Invasion. The contrast of our responses could not appear starker!!!

Adam Smith and the Duty of Government

Adam Smith, in the Wealth of Nations Book IV, maintained that government had three duties, namely:

1) Protection of it's citizens from external aggressors.
2) Protection of it's citizens from internal aggressors.
3) The provision of welfare, within society, to those in need and whom could not be supported by the free market.

The failure of the British government in refusing to allow the British Navy to defend itself is now obvious. Their inability to obtain support from the UN, and the deafening silence of the EU, makes one wonder whom we may now rely on. This evening, the government ruled out further negotiations with Tehran. Personally, I'm rather bemused as to how the Prime Minister intends to obtain the release of the 15 servicemen.

Time for Action Against Iran

For all those who have considered that Iran should be believed when they tell the UN that they have no interest in developing a nuclear weapon programme, recent events should dispell such naiive thoughts. Despite clear evidence to the contrary, Iran has denied an act of international piracy in Iraqi waters and captured 15 UK sailors and marines.

The way that Blair's government has put these 15 servicemen, and servicewoman, in this position again shows blatant disregard for the lives of our sailors, soldiers and airmen. That goes without saying. As does the EU's and UN's lack of support. This shows just how irrelevent these organisations have become, in protecting the interests of it's members.

The government, having denied HMS Cornwall, and the 15 kidnapped, to defend themselves against yet another act of Iranian aggression now has an immediate duty to obtain their release and display to the Iranian government that such acts will no longer be tolerated. This includes acts of aggression against the British Army in southern Iraq. If not, the world has been told that the UK will no longer defend it's interests and can act with impunity against this country's citizens.

Dissertation on VAT Regulations and Charities

Having gone through my recent move up north, my blogging has been somewhat curtailed by work on my Masters dissertation.

Yesterday, I found out that I had passed all my assignments and exams, which leaves just the completion of the dissertation. The date for completion is 30th April, and I think I am now looking forward to the next stage of life; in particular a trip to Philadelphia and Shiloh in June, and hopefully Virginia and Gettysburg in September.

Anyway, back to work ...