History – Page 7 – Boadicea's Chariot

An unpalatable alliance

It seems that Donald and Vladimir might strike up an ‘arrangement’ to sort out ISIS. Shock horror and o me miserum I hear.

But hang about, as we say. There’s nothing unusual about marriages of political convenience. Boa and Christopher will cite a couple of dozen from the annals. As a layman I can think of a few. Between Winston and Josef for one. Nobody wanted to associate with the Russian Bear but when a common foe appears…..

It is equally concerning for the European bloc that Trump seems rather slow to recognise their star qualities and would rather pacify Russia than protect the endangered.

Different – but not necessarily impractical. Isn’t that what politics is about?

Was America EVER great?

Trump promises to return America to greatness. A marvellous political slogan simply because it means anything that blows yer dress up, as some say.

From a foreigner’s viewpoint it is easy to refute. The US of A has not been ‘great’ at so many of the features of national greatness. At home: social integration, social welfare, equal opportunies. Abroad: support for the UN, effective post-conflict management of war zones, consistent foreign policies.

Maybe global trade and finance tend to dictate policy more than we care to admit – so states wield less power than ever before. Ten food corporations dominate grocery marketing worldwide! Big Oil calls many shots too. Not to mention the pharmaceutical giants and the everpresent banks.

So greatness is a political pipe-dream – whatever Trump says.

Spoonerism, anyone?

The only examples we see tend to be vulgar or worse. The Rev himself however is quoted as uttering amusing confusions which did not depend on smut.

So do you know any new ones?

Coincidentally I saw a real, live footie player today who rejoices in the name of Connor Wickham. So? you ask. Well, when spoonerised he is (yes) Wonnor Cickham! How appropriate, eh? OR he’s a NY chef with limited skills: Cinnor Wockham. Sorry.

So now it’s your turn. People are the best subjects. Laters…..

Don’t mention the war

Life is complicated. Fact. And FIFA, the international footie org, is having to unravel a little local difficulty. Understandably perhaps, they outlaw the wearing of poppies for international matches, despite the fact that ‘respect’ is universally sported as a badge by all players. The ban avoids any cry of foul.

But what about when England and Scotland play each other? Who could be offended then by the odd poppy on a black armband? We’ll have to wait for the final ruling but I expect FIFA to say no.

The pound in your pocket

Harold Wilson never had to deal with this. In his day it was a piece of paper (not plastic). And will some nerd tell me who this particular J.C. is, please?

French

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m as francophile as the next man. M. Hulot is a hero, Bardot an icon, Paris the real deal. But like so many good things France is badly served by its people when the chips are down.

Remember Charles Le Nez? He’s the fella who decamped to London when les Boches invaded and returned home when the last shots had been fired, declaring he was the saviour of France. But he was the only European who believed it.

And now, when France faces a formidable force of British brains in the Battle of Brexit, what do les Froches do? They puff themselves up and bring out their most horrifying weapon, so often deployed against British tourists: Non speakee Eenglish.

It’s just the French way. Such self-belief! So divorced from reality! You have to admire them – or do you?

Disingenuous

Obama with halo

So the UK was ‘wrong’ to vote for Brexit – according to Obama.

Setting aside the philosophical question whether a majority of a country’s citizens can be ‘wrong’ in any meaningful sense, maybe the sanctimonious President could answer this:

Would the USA join any club which suborned its sovereignty to the club’s management?

Would even the Democrats agree to the club deciding on US immigration?

Would the US fancy Juncker more than Trump or Clinton as its figurehead?

No no no, as I thought. Obama wins the headlines with his judgement but loses all credibility.

Proud

It’s meant a lot of work and determination but worth every ounce. I refer of course to a grandparent’s input to a grandchild’s GCSE results, published yesterday!

My most senior of ten did all the requisite academic subjects and (Jazz note) the really useful Textiles Technology, well suited to the distaff side methinks. 😷

So I can relax again until next year when another young lady shows her paces.

Meanwhile…….

Le petit Nicolas schemes his way back to the top, despite his criminal cases. Will he be given another chance? Will it make any difference to France’s failing fortunes and Europe’s little local difficulties? Probably not, mes amis.

The trouble with brains

Jazz and I have a running duel about education which revolves around the value (or otherwise) of non-practical subjects. So perhaps a comment from Iolanthe is relevant? ‘I’ve a great respect for brains – I often wish I had some myself.’ Spoken by a 19thC member of the House of Lords, whose rôle in the burgeoning grammar schools debate in 2016 may prove critical.

Continue reading “The trouble with brains”