Having been disappointed with the lack of policies espoused by Obama, it was with shock to see that he received the endorsement of Senator Edward Kennedy yesterday.
Why Obama would want Kennedy's endorsement is beyond me. However, it is to the credit of the American people that Kennedy has remained on the periphery of US politics. This despite his family name.
Notwithstanding Kennedy's support of the IRA during the 70s and 80s; to paraphrase the now immortal words of Rosie O'Donnel - "Senator Edward Kennedy and Chappaquiddick. Google it!"
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
Dorset Casualties during the ECW
I've just completed reading Tim Goodwin's excellent book 'Dorset in the Civil War 1625-1665'. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Civil War, at more than a superficial level, as Dorset proved to be a county whose control mirrored the War in general.
Indeed, Portland was the penultimate garrison to surrender in the west country; a mere week before Exeter and just nine before Oxford.
Anyway, to the main point of the post. Goodwin maintains that Dorset casualties amounted to at least 3,000 and probably reached about 4,000. With a population of about 85,000, this amounted to a total loss of about 7%; a proportion twice as high as Britain's losses during the 1st World War. He also points out that losses during the 1st World War "were said to have destroyed a generation".
Notwithstanding, that British losses the Great War were mostly restricted to male losses (causing a demographic imbalance) his point is well taken. At even 5%, the consequences of such a population decrease in a rural county must have been horrendous.
Indeed, Portland was the penultimate garrison to surrender in the west country; a mere week before Exeter and just nine before Oxford.
Anyway, to the main point of the post. Goodwin maintains that Dorset casualties amounted to at least 3,000 and probably reached about 4,000. With a population of about 85,000, this amounted to a total loss of about 7%; a proportion twice as high as Britain's losses during the 1st World War. He also points out that losses during the 1st World War "were said to have destroyed a generation".
Notwithstanding, that British losses the Great War were mostly restricted to male losses (causing a demographic imbalance) his point is well taken. At even 5%, the consequences of such a population decrease in a rural county must have been horrendous.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
MoD data loss ... that follows the DVLC data loss ... that follows the HMRC data loss ...
A Government that is desperate to introduce ID cards has once again demonstrated it's inability to protect UK identities. This is despite the patronising advertisments advising UK citizens on their reponsibilities in destroying personal documentation, etc.
The latest case involved a laptop computer being stolen from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham last week. Despite the loss being taking place on 9th January, the MoD only disclosed that the laptop had been lost late last night. The result: the loss of details on 600,000 persons wanting to join the British Armed Services. The security implications are obvious, let alone the financial problems as 600,000 bank accounts could end up in criminal hands.
To assuage public concerns, the Government today informed us that it was treating the loss of this sensitive data with the "utmost seriousness". Well, that makes it okay then!
The real lesson is that our details are not, and have never been, safe in the hands of beaurocrats who could never hold down a job in the 'real world'.
The latest case involved a laptop computer being stolen from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham last week. Despite the loss being taking place on 9th January, the MoD only disclosed that the laptop had been lost late last night. The result: the loss of details on 600,000 persons wanting to join the British Armed Services. The security implications are obvious, let alone the financial problems as 600,000 bank accounts could end up in criminal hands.
To assuage public concerns, the Government today informed us that it was treating the loss of this sensitive data with the "utmost seriousness". Well, that makes it okay then!
The real lesson is that our details are not, and have never been, safe in the hands of beaurocrats who could never hold down a job in the 'real world'.
Monday, 7 January 2008
Obama Barack: An Exercise in Vacuousness?
US Democrats and left-leaning Independents have demonstrated that, in their opinion, the singer is more important than the song. In this country, Blair had managed to win an election and retain power for an eternity with nothing little more than platitutudes and pandering to the left when necessary. Tory, David Cameron has been adopting the same approach, with similar appeals to the suburban chattering classes.
Now, presidential candidate Barack is attempting to follow this same road to power. There are two lines of attack. Firstly, convince the electorate they desperately need political change. Secondly, eloquently preach the message of change whilst striving to mention policy. This is done in challenging environments like The Oprah Winfrey Show or dancing the day away with doggie-lover Ellen De Generas, whilst avoiding the political pundits on Fox, CNN ...
Unfortunately, a record numbers of punters in Iowa and, probably, New Hampshire have fallen for this lame approach. Meanwhile, they forget his intention to attack Pakistan and his professed willingness to negotiate with the World's greatest dictators and despots. Confused? I am!!! How could someone trust their country to someone who is so totally out of his depth when it comes to issues on the world stage?
When looking at the Democrat candidates, Hillary Clinton appears to be the only one who has any idea about what constitutes a realistic policy. Trustworthy? Probably not. But she is a politician, and is undoubtedly a pragmatist determined to be the first woman President of the US. The US Armed Services would no doubt be victims to her political expediency, but the world would be a safer place without Barack's finger on the button.
Now, presidential candidate Barack is attempting to follow this same road to power. There are two lines of attack. Firstly, convince the electorate they desperately need political change. Secondly, eloquently preach the message of change whilst striving to mention policy. This is done in challenging environments like The Oprah Winfrey Show or dancing the day away with doggie-lover Ellen De Generas, whilst avoiding the political pundits on Fox, CNN ...
Unfortunately, a record numbers of punters in Iowa and, probably, New Hampshire have fallen for this lame approach. Meanwhile, they forget his intention to attack Pakistan and his professed willingness to negotiate with the World's greatest dictators and despots. Confused? I am!!! How could someone trust their country to someone who is so totally out of his depth when it comes to issues on the world stage?
When looking at the Democrat candidates, Hillary Clinton appears to be the only one who has any idea about what constitutes a realistic policy. Trustworthy? Probably not. But she is a politician, and is undoubtedly a pragmatist determined to be the first woman President of the US. The US Armed Services would no doubt be victims to her political expediency, but the world would be a safer place without Barack's finger on the button.
Monday, 31 December 2007
A Happy New Year?
Although things appear to be going well, on a personal front, things are not quite so rosy with the outside world.
Islamic extremism remains the greatest threat to world wide peace. The horrendous assassination of Benazir Bhutto just the latest example in a long list of atrocities against those who strive for peace and reconciliation.
It seems apparent, to myself, that a recession is just around the corner. Greenspan is doing his best to destabilise the fragile US economy, Brown has all but bankrupted the UK, and mainland Europe continues to remain inefficient and corrupt.
Added to this is the British government's failure to maintain safety on the streets for the UK populace. Even the police want the right to strike as the Home Secretary renages on pay agreements. Our armed forces have been run ragged and overstretched. The English Channel no longer provides protecion against illegal immigration. The list goes on ...
So, this is a worrying time for us all. Having said that, a Happy New Year to one and all, and let's pray that my assessment is well wide of the mark.
Islamic extremism remains the greatest threat to world wide peace. The horrendous assassination of Benazir Bhutto just the latest example in a long list of atrocities against those who strive for peace and reconciliation.
It seems apparent, to myself, that a recession is just around the corner. Greenspan is doing his best to destabilise the fragile US economy, Brown has all but bankrupted the UK, and mainland Europe continues to remain inefficient and corrupt.
Added to this is the British government's failure to maintain safety on the streets for the UK populace. Even the police want the right to strike as the Home Secretary renages on pay agreements. Our armed forces have been run ragged and overstretched. The English Channel no longer provides protecion against illegal immigration. The list goes on ...
So, this is a worrying time for us all. Having said that, a Happy New Year to one and all, and let's pray that my assessment is well wide of the mark.
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Queen Elizabeth, Longevity, and Success
Yesterday saw Queen Elizabeth II overtake Queen Victoria as Britain's oldest surviving monarch. The previous record being 81 years, seven months and 29 days.
However, her great-great grandmother Victoria will still hold the record as Britain's longest-reigning monarch, unless Queen Elizabeth II remains on the throne until 9th September 2015.
Putting aside longevity, it is interesting to note that the two queens managed to remain on the throne for so long whilst, some might argue, their somewhat weak successors remained on the sidelines until they too were advanced in years.
It is also of social interest that the two British Queens, and their English predecessor Elizabeth, count amongst the most able of British Monarchs. Since Tudor times, it is arguable whether any King has had such a positive effect on the Kingdom as the three women: much as the only woman British Prime Minister, since Churchill, has proved truly effective.
Then I think of Catherine in Russia, Christina in Sweden and, even, Golda Meir in Israel. All strong women who took their countries to the next level. Unfortunately, history proves that all were followed by mediocrity, which wasted much of the advancement under their respective leaderships.
However, her great-great grandmother Victoria will still hold the record as Britain's longest-reigning monarch, unless Queen Elizabeth II remains on the throne until 9th September 2015.
Putting aside longevity, it is interesting to note that the two queens managed to remain on the throne for so long whilst, some might argue, their somewhat weak successors remained on the sidelines until they too were advanced in years.
It is also of social interest that the two British Queens, and their English predecessor Elizabeth, count amongst the most able of British Monarchs. Since Tudor times, it is arguable whether any King has had such a positive effect on the Kingdom as the three women: much as the only woman British Prime Minister, since Churchill, has proved truly effective.
Then I think of Catherine in Russia, Christina in Sweden and, even, Golda Meir in Israel. All strong women who took their countries to the next level. Unfortunately, history proves that all were followed by mediocrity, which wasted much of the advancement under their respective leaderships.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
A Pox On All Those Who Tell Us How To Live
It is one of those annoying truths that every few weeks sees the latest headline grabbing doctor telling us how to be healthy. On many occasions, this contradicts the previous survey. Normally, this causes just a mild annoyance to me. The latest advice is swiftly forgotten as more important issues grab my ever diminishing attention span.
However, this particular research entered the world of historic comparison. Even worse, the research was sponsored by chemist chain Lloydspharmacy. So, in my opinion, Dr Roger Henderson could hardly be considered objective in his studies. Neither could his research be considered academic, in even the loosest sense of the meaning.
In summary, the reseach compared diets in Roman, Medieval, and modern Britain and found that "... the average British diet is now higher in fat, lower in fruit and vegetables and higher in refined sugar". Wow!!! Some research that.
Even more stunning was the conclusion that the modern diet has "... contributed to the rise in obesity-related disease and cholesterol."
His recommendation: avoid excess and exercise on a daily basis. Now, that's probably pretty good advice. However, the average life in medieval times was no more than half of what it is now. He seems to forget that the pox and plague was rampant in Britain, right into relatively modern times. The Great Fire of London was seen as a Godsend, as it cleared the disease ridden streets of plague carrying rats and allowed innovations such as an integral sewer system to be included in the rebuilt capital.
So what was the point of the survey? For me, I'd rather have an extra glass of wine ths Christmas and be pleased that I don't need to worry about the pox or plague running rampant through modern Britain.
However, this particular research entered the world of historic comparison. Even worse, the research was sponsored by chemist chain Lloydspharmacy. So, in my opinion, Dr Roger Henderson could hardly be considered objective in his studies. Neither could his research be considered academic, in even the loosest sense of the meaning.
In summary, the reseach compared diets in Roman, Medieval, and modern Britain and found that "... the average British diet is now higher in fat, lower in fruit and vegetables and higher in refined sugar". Wow!!! Some research that.
Even more stunning was the conclusion that the modern diet has "... contributed to the rise in obesity-related disease and cholesterol."
His recommendation: avoid excess and exercise on a daily basis. Now, that's probably pretty good advice. However, the average life in medieval times was no more than half of what it is now. He seems to forget that the pox and plague was rampant in Britain, right into relatively modern times. The Great Fire of London was seen as a Godsend, as it cleared the disease ridden streets of plague carrying rats and allowed innovations such as an integral sewer system to be included in the rebuilt capital.
So what was the point of the survey? For me, I'd rather have an extra glass of wine ths Christmas and be pleased that I don't need to worry about the pox or plague running rampant through modern Britain.
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