Epstein connections 

On the eve of a visit by an American president to the UKwhose own connections with Epstein are a matter of debate/investigation the UK PM has once again folded under media pressure and "decided" to withdraw the UK ambassador to the US due to his (the ambassadors) connections with Epstein.

Once again raising the question of who is driving the UK ship of state?

 What is Putin up to with Poland?

Are recent intrusions by Russian drones into Polish airspace Putin twisting NATOs tail to test American reaction? With an American President fixated  on being given a Nobel peace prize at all cost is the price to be paid by Europe loss of American commitment to article five of the NATO treaty? With an infantile media fixated President in the Whitehouse clearly dependent on keeping in with Putin for whatever reasons what are the options for NATO countries under threat from the East?

 I asked AI to summarise the French governments problems - here is the result:

The Main Problems Facing the French Government

An Overview of Key Challenges in Contemporary France

Introduction

The French government, like many in Europe, faces a complex array of challenges in the current political, economic, and social climate. These issues are shaped by both domestic circumstances and global developments, affecting policy-making and public confidence. Below is an overview of the main problems currently confronting the government of France.

1. Economic Challenges

France has long struggled with high unemployment rates, especially among young people and marginalised communities. Economic growth has been sluggish, and the country faces stiff competition within the European Union. The cost of living, inflation, and concerns over purchasing power are frequently cited by the public as pressing issues. Additionally, France’s high public spending and national debt are persistent concerns for policy-makers.

2. Social Unrest and Protests

France is well-known for its culture of protest, and recent years have seen large-scale demonstrations. The ‘Gilets Jaunes’ (Yellow Vests) movement, strikes over pension reforms, and protests about police violence have all highlighted tensions between the government and various segments of society. These movements often reflect deeper frustrations about inequality, social justice, and representation.

3. Immigration and Integration

Debates about immigration, integration, and national identity are highly charged in France. The government faces the challenge of integrating newcomers while responding to concerns about security, social cohesion, and the pressures on public services. The rise of far-right political parties has further intensified these debates, making immigration a central topic in political discourse.

4. Security and Terrorism

France has experienced several high-profile terrorist attacks in recent years, which have heightened concerns about security and radicalisation. The government must balance protecting civil liberties with ensuring public safety, a challenge that is both politically and practically complex.

5. Environmental Policy

Climate change and environmental sustainability have become major issues for the French government. There is public demand for stronger action on reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and protecting natural resources. Efforts to implement green policies sometimes meet resistance from industries and workers concerned about job losses and economic impacts.

6. Political Fragmentation

The traditional party system in France has weakened, with the rise of new political movements and increased voter volatility. This fragmentation makes it more difficult for the government to secure stable majorities and implement long-term reforms. Political polarisation has also contributed to a sense of instability and uncertainty.

Conclusion

In summary, the French government is grappling with economic stagnation, social unrest, immigration and integration challenges, security concerns, environmental demands, and political fragmentation. Addressing these problems requires careful balancing of competing interests and a willingness to engage with a diverse and sometimes divided society.

Me :I note that no mention is made of the coalition of the willing and rising defence costs?

 

The Deputy’s Crown

A Poem on the Labour Party’s Contest

In corridors adorned with crimson and gold,

Where banners flutter and old tales are retold,

The Party gathers, hopeful and bright,

To choose a deputy who’ll carry the fight.

From bustling towns to the city’s heart,

Candidates rise, each eager to start.

With speeches ringing in union halls,

They pledge their loyalty within history’s walls.

Old comrades remember, young voices implore,

For unity, justice, and something more.

The ballot is ready; the moment is nigh,

A whisper of promise, a glint in the eye.

Who’ll be the deputy, side by side,

Supporting the leader with courage and pride?

Through challenges many, and victories few,

A steadfast companion, loyal and true.

Let the votes be counted, the future unveiled,

In the heart of Labour, hope is regaled.

For in this contest, the Party will see

The spirit of progress and democracy.

NB Don't blame me its AI generated!

 

 This week the government needs another internal election to decide the future direction of the party and its politics. Speed appears to be important - how it turns out will again decide policy for what was sold a left wing/middle of the road party now struggling with the levers of power.

Is this ship of state to be directed from orders from the engine room or from the Captain and ships officers?

Only time will tell - "Stands the church clock at ten to three - or one minute to midnight"?

How Kendall can stop this national sickness

A complex subject with many variables but I am sure there are far too many people playing the system. This is facilitated by inefficient filtering systems at all levels. I know for a fact that some GPs are using the system because of the difficulty of spending time investigating the underlying cause of the patients health problems - placate rather that solve?

Overall the UKs population's attitude to work has changed: at one time work was an expectation: now the world has changed. To use a war time expression the nation is now suffering from a "lack of moral fibre”

Why are there so many single mothers on benefit? Men have lost their position in society and it is too easy for some to shed their family responsibilities and obligations

I do believe Taxes need to rise to address many current issues. Increased taxes would cause those of us paying them to put additional pressure on the politicians to force those capable of work into work.

Perhaps a reflection of the 19th century poor laws may throw up some 21st Century solutions?

Labour is playing a dangerous game influenced by new MPs where ideology is overpowering the needs of the moment. However I am very much against a two tier system of benefits.

The nation needs to face up to some very difficult decisions and man up in an adult way to these problems in the interests of us all.

 Illegal?

8.oo am this morning on the BBC the UK foreign secretary was asked if the US bombing of Iran was illegal - he declined to say other than the UK was not involved - perhaps the price of diplomacy is loss of credibility?

 Trump plays the ace of spades 

The US is now attempting to bomb Iran to the negotiating table in Trumps version of the art of the deal.

did that work in Vietnam with operation Rolling thunder?

A dangerous world now sees a deranged Trump once again plying for headlines with an Israel that is already on the wrong side of history? I read that a Russian in the Trump administration is responsible for staff vetting and the worlds richest man because of his DOGE activity may have access to million of Americans data.

Putin must be very pleased with his apprentices efforts to divert attention from the European war and European leaders must wonder what  article 5 of the NATO treaty may hold in store for us?

 Who holds the Trump card?

It is likely that the fate of the world may now lie in the grubby podgy hands of a crimal, liar and TV entertainer who has managed to convince a majority of US citizens that he can be trusted to manage their affairs and influence the futures of most other countries world wide. He has ambitions to absorb sovereign countries into his personal kingdom. The shambles of his recent birthday parade was hopefully the armies demonstration of their reluctance to perform on the TRUMPIAN STAGE or has the US army machine declined to a random shuffle.

Hopefully there are thousands of Americans of all political opinions who are now crying out loudly "But the emperor has no clothes"

Physical and mental decline affects us all and perhaps nature may intercede into this Presidency as it was said to effect the last. Unfortunately when money is the motivating powe :rather than ethics: there are few honest men that are prepared to speak "Truth to power."

The official motto of the US is "In god we trust" - lets hope he or she may intervene in this case to save the US and perhaps the world?

Be careful in whom you gift your vote!

 Yesterday whilst on holiday in Swanage we visited the Bovington Tank museum. It’s many years since our last visit and the collection and facilities are much improved. There was a poster posing the question what role has the tank on the modern battlefield? Given the experiences in Ukraine this is indeed a very profound question. On display was a challenger 2 tank fitted out as it may be used against the Russians. On top of this multi million pound tank was a structure that looked similar to a  chicken run or raspberry cage to cope with attacks by drones. What lessons are being learned by the UK forces about equipment, tactics and expenditure of future main battle field tanks?  Has the battle field developed into a place where only cheap remotely operated drones will hold sway? Are the UK soldiers of the future already hard at work developing their battle field skills on their X Box games console key pads.