And I had heard a little about the Lucy Letby case. But not near as much as from Your intrepid reporting. I still can't get over it. That the doctor's who pointed to the problem were chastised for hurting her feelings? <puke> Again, I can't get over it. I hope Susan Gilby wins her case and bankrupts the NHS.
Also, it's been a long time since I expressed my gratitude for You finding the archive copies of these articles You post. Can't tell You how much I appreciate that.
I also appreciate the phrase "kicked into the long grass." I have no doubt M. Farage is right when he says "he was the victim of an 'establishment stitch-up'." And, per usual, the guilty are rewarded with a lotta money. I agree that "Dame Alison and NatWest chairman Sir Howard Davies should lose their honours."
I was glad to see Kate Forbes, from the SNP no less, back Graham Linehan and his freedom to pursue his livelihood. But that is a quaint concept. That comedians should be allowed to perform, despite their sound views. Scotland is the pits, in general. M. Forbes is a breath of fresh air.
And I don't recall if I congratulated You on the dog training. If not, I'll do double now: Congrats! That's a milestone to remember.
Oh! I almost forgot. I've been following Vivek Ramaswamy, and don't know what to make of him just yet. Donno how he'll be able to best Trump, unless something happens. He's said he won't take a VP or Cabinet role, so he may turn out to be "one and done."
Yes I thought there had not been much about the Lucy Letby case in the US. The really sickening part is how the Sr NHS managers behaved. Apparently there was anti-doctor bias at the hospital and a tendency to 'believe the nurse' over objective evidence.
There is growing mood in the UK for a regulatory body for NHS managers (which would be a good outcome) and for the implementation of the recommendations from the Shipman enquiry to have medical examiners involved in every death in the hospital or where a doctor was present. Harold Shipman infamously covered his tracks by signing the death certificates of his victims himself.
It is good to see Forbes defending Linehan as so many don't. For that she was called a bigot by the head of the Scottish Greens (currently in a power sharing partnership with the SNP in the Scottish parliament). Many of the more extreme policies including gender are Green priorities.
I think there is many a slip betwix and between cup and lip. I have no idea who the GOP nominee will be. I like Haley and Scott. There are too many problems in the free world for on the job foreign policy training imho which is a big negative for Ramaswamy.
Thank you for the continued fantastic updates from across the pond.
Just one counterpoint to consider on Ramaswamy...
I keep hearing the trope about his lack of foreign policy experience, but what does that actually mean?
We don't have a measurement of effectiveness for politicians in dealing with foreign leaders/issues. If we did, you could categorize nearly every politician/bureaucrat in the US government that had any hand in crafting our foreign policy over the past 40 years (i.e. China, trying to magic Jeffersonian democracy into the Middle-East, post Soviet collapse Balkans/Baltics, etc) as completely ignorant.
I think he could be incredibly effective for 3 key reasons:
#1 Watching his long form interviews, he has a really solid background in history (not sure how comprehensive per region, but he seems to be a polymath, and could likely get smart quick).
#2 He isn't tainted by beltway groupthink/bureaucracy. This will likely make him MORE effective than the current crop of "professionals" that are programed/steered in a very specific direction by the dominant foreign policy lobbying groups.
#3 He has experience as a senior executive that successfully cut through government red tape to get things done. Leadership in directing and managing foreign policy is key, and that is not something UNIQUE to the political class (I actually think most of them lack it completely).
People are pronouncing dramatically that so many of his ideas (i.e. abolishing the Department of Education or the FBI) are insane ideas that are totally unserious and could never happen...But neither of those organizations are established in the Constitution. The Department of Education was only established in 1980, and there is ample evidence that it caused worse outcomes for the American education system as a whole. The FBI has an extensive history of partisan abuse of power and systemic, grotesque violations of civil liberties and constitutional rights of citizens. There are other federal law enforcement that agencies could perform the required functions that aren't burdened by an organizational history of deep corruption.
Just food for thought, but before we disparage an outsider for lack of experience, we should consider how the "experience" of career politicians and bureaucrats has led us to polarized, dysfunctional, and dangerous place we are now.
I agree with you on the FBI and its long-standing problems -- look at the 1950s and the files which were kept where the accuracy was seldom checked (thinking about Ed Murrow's file btw)
Should there be a Federal Dept of Education, given that it might be considered to be a power reserved to the states?
As for foreign policy experience -- if he could pick up quickly that would be excellent. American isolationism ultimately did not work in the 1930s and I don't think it would work now. The US given its unique position in the world post WW2 and most definitely post Cold War does need a leader who is willing to lead the free world and not alienate its closest allies.
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment on US global leadership. But I think in order to be the global leader, we need to fix our issues here at home I think we can do both things at the same time, but that requires a sober, serious statesman that is willing to make hard decisions domestically, while bringing a realist, historically and culturally fluent perspective to foreign policy. Pushing for rule of law and equality under the law on the international stage is very different from pushing “democracy” and “equity” and progressive ideals (especially in the global south/developing world).
If you have the time, one of the greatest thinkers/writers on international relations is Angelo Codevilla (recently and tragically deceased).
I will put Codevilla on my reading list. I am always interested to improve my depth of knowledge.
The trouble is finding someone who can bring those qualities to the presidency.
And from what I can see there are many deep issues in the US -- the growing rate of barely functioning literacy (which is masked by the hyper-literate elite) is going to cause huge problems, as is the under employment of what used to be called blue collar -- I won't bother to rehearse the litany -- the question is are some things better reserved for the states in order to free the federal government up for its international role. And I do agree that pushing for 'rule of law' and equality is v different from pushing for progressive ideals and/or deciding to sway people through excessive grants for pet projects (something the US used to do during the Cold War)
The article states, “ Trustees of the nursery later confirmed to parents that the book had been removed from the nursery while it carried out a safety audit, but said it was widely available at bookstores and libraries, according to Hull Live.”
Being available at bookstores and public (I assume)libraries is very different than being read in preschool. My great nieces are in preschool in UK-I would be horrified if that was part of their curriculum.
It remains widely available -- both in the UK and the US. The trouble with the book is that it is being marketed to the wrong age group. I would have no problem if this was being marketed to adults. I do have a huge problem with it being sold as suitable for 2 - 7 year olds.
I think it was a huge safeguarding fail by the publisher who could have asked for slight alterations. The publisher continues to defend the book and say that anyone who is disturbed by it is a bigot and quite probably homophobic. They want to show everything which goes on at Pride. As the parent pointed out many Pride events have 'family friendly sections' which are 'safe' spaces for young children where BDSM gear etc is banned.
It truly was -- ears tucked back and running directly to me. Until you have had a dog who is out of control and won't return (something I hadn't experienced before -- smugly thought I had it sorted but it was not me, rather the dogs), you don't know the joy of having them obey you.
Hey there Northumberland! This is Ohio calling.
TY Ma'am! Always like it.
BDSM gear? All I can add is it only figures.
And I had heard a little about the Lucy Letby case. But not near as much as from Your intrepid reporting. I still can't get over it. That the doctor's who pointed to the problem were chastised for hurting her feelings? <puke> Again, I can't get over it. I hope Susan Gilby wins her case and bankrupts the NHS.
Also, it's been a long time since I expressed my gratitude for You finding the archive copies of these articles You post. Can't tell You how much I appreciate that.
I also appreciate the phrase "kicked into the long grass." I have no doubt M. Farage is right when he says "he was the victim of an 'establishment stitch-up'." And, per usual, the guilty are rewarded with a lotta money. I agree that "Dame Alison and NatWest chairman Sir Howard Davies should lose their honours."
I was glad to see Kate Forbes, from the SNP no less, back Graham Linehan and his freedom to pursue his livelihood. But that is a quaint concept. That comedians should be allowed to perform, despite their sound views. Scotland is the pits, in general. M. Forbes is a breath of fresh air.
And I don't recall if I congratulated You on the dog training. If not, I'll do double now: Congrats! That's a milestone to remember.
Oh! I almost forgot. I've been following Vivek Ramaswamy, and don't know what to make of him just yet. Donno how he'll be able to best Trump, unless something happens. He's said he won't take a VP or Cabinet role, so he may turn out to be "one and done."
TY again, Michelle. Out for a short walk now.
Oh I forgot to add this article about a creepy portrait which was returned twice to the charity shop because of its aura.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/23/cursed-painting-returned-twice-charity-shop-st-leonards/ or https://archive.is/3YMzs
Haha! I like the shop's note on the painting: "Are you brave enough?"
I thought you'd enjoy that!
And this just in (further to the British Museum theft story from last week) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/25/british-museum-director-hartwig-fischer-quits/ or https://archive.is/UgcCv
Sad, sad case.
Yes I thought there had not been much about the Lucy Letby case in the US. The really sickening part is how the Sr NHS managers behaved. Apparently there was anti-doctor bias at the hospital and a tendency to 'believe the nurse' over objective evidence.
There is growing mood in the UK for a regulatory body for NHS managers (which would be a good outcome) and for the implementation of the recommendations from the Shipman enquiry to have medical examiners involved in every death in the hospital or where a doctor was present. Harold Shipman infamously covered his tracks by signing the death certificates of his victims himself.
It is good to see Forbes defending Linehan as so many don't. For that she was called a bigot by the head of the Scottish Greens (currently in a power sharing partnership with the SNP in the Scottish parliament). Many of the more extreme policies including gender are Green priorities.
I think there is many a slip betwix and between cup and lip. I have no idea who the GOP nominee will be. I like Haley and Scott. There are too many problems in the free world for on the job foreign policy training imho which is a big negative for Ramaswamy.
Thank you for the continued fantastic updates from across the pond.
Just one counterpoint to consider on Ramaswamy...
I keep hearing the trope about his lack of foreign policy experience, but what does that actually mean?
We don't have a measurement of effectiveness for politicians in dealing with foreign leaders/issues. If we did, you could categorize nearly every politician/bureaucrat in the US government that had any hand in crafting our foreign policy over the past 40 years (i.e. China, trying to magic Jeffersonian democracy into the Middle-East, post Soviet collapse Balkans/Baltics, etc) as completely ignorant.
I think he could be incredibly effective for 3 key reasons:
#1 Watching his long form interviews, he has a really solid background in history (not sure how comprehensive per region, but he seems to be a polymath, and could likely get smart quick).
#2 He isn't tainted by beltway groupthink/bureaucracy. This will likely make him MORE effective than the current crop of "professionals" that are programed/steered in a very specific direction by the dominant foreign policy lobbying groups.
#3 He has experience as a senior executive that successfully cut through government red tape to get things done. Leadership in directing and managing foreign policy is key, and that is not something UNIQUE to the political class (I actually think most of them lack it completely).
People are pronouncing dramatically that so many of his ideas (i.e. abolishing the Department of Education or the FBI) are insane ideas that are totally unserious and could never happen...But neither of those organizations are established in the Constitution. The Department of Education was only established in 1980, and there is ample evidence that it caused worse outcomes for the American education system as a whole. The FBI has an extensive history of partisan abuse of power and systemic, grotesque violations of civil liberties and constitutional rights of citizens. There are other federal law enforcement that agencies could perform the required functions that aren't burdened by an organizational history of deep corruption.
Just food for thought, but before we disparage an outsider for lack of experience, we should consider how the "experience" of career politicians and bureaucrats has led us to polarized, dysfunctional, and dangerous place we are now.
An interesting POV. Thank you.
I agree with you on the FBI and its long-standing problems -- look at the 1950s and the files which were kept where the accuracy was seldom checked (thinking about Ed Murrow's file btw)
Should there be a Federal Dept of Education, given that it might be considered to be a power reserved to the states?
As for foreign policy experience -- if he could pick up quickly that would be excellent. American isolationism ultimately did not work in the 1930s and I don't think it would work now. The US given its unique position in the world post WW2 and most definitely post Cold War does need a leader who is willing to lead the free world and not alienate its closest allies.
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment on US global leadership. But I think in order to be the global leader, we need to fix our issues here at home I think we can do both things at the same time, but that requires a sober, serious statesman that is willing to make hard decisions domestically, while bringing a realist, historically and culturally fluent perspective to foreign policy. Pushing for rule of law and equality under the law on the international stage is very different from pushing “democracy” and “equity” and progressive ideals (especially in the global south/developing world).
If you have the time, one of the greatest thinkers/writers on international relations is Angelo Codevilla (recently and tragically deceased).
I will put Codevilla on my reading list. I am always interested to improve my depth of knowledge.
The trouble is finding someone who can bring those qualities to the presidency.
And from what I can see there are many deep issues in the US -- the growing rate of barely functioning literacy (which is masked by the hyper-literate elite) is going to cause huge problems, as is the under employment of what used to be called blue collar -- I won't bother to rehearse the litany -- the question is are some things better reserved for the states in order to free the federal government up for its international role. And I do agree that pushing for 'rule of law' and equality is v different from pushing for progressive ideals and/or deciding to sway people through excessive grants for pet projects (something the US used to do during the Cold War)
You're right about it. All-a it.
The article states, “ Trustees of the nursery later confirmed to parents that the book had been removed from the nursery while it carried out a safety audit, but said it was widely available at bookstores and libraries, according to Hull Live.”
Being available at bookstores and public (I assume)libraries is very different than being read in preschool. My great nieces are in preschool in UK-I would be horrified if that was part of their curriculum.
It remains widely available -- both in the UK and the US. The trouble with the book is that it is being marketed to the wrong age group. I would have no problem if this was being marketed to adults. I do have a huge problem with it being sold as suitable for 2 - 7 year olds.
I think it was a huge safeguarding fail by the publisher who could have asked for slight alterations. The publisher continues to defend the book and say that anyone who is disturbed by it is a bigot and quite probably homophobic. They want to show everything which goes on at Pride. As the parent pointed out many Pride events have 'family friendly sections' which are 'safe' spaces for young children where BDSM gear etc is banned.
This is an update from the BBC on the story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-66591848?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_link_id=404DACFE-41AE-11EE-9411-610AFE754D29&at_format=link&at_link_origin=BBCNews&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_link_type=web_link&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_campaign_type=owned&at_medium=social&at_bbc_team=editorial
This is the publisher's response: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-66607475?xtor=AL-73-%5Bpartner%5D-%5BBBC+England%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_link_origin=looknorthBBC&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_format=link&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_type=web_link&at_campaign_type=owned&at_medium=social&at_link_id=87D265E4-428D-11EE-87BF-E10DFE754D29
Fantastic news about your springer coming to your whistle. What a beautiful thing!
It truly was -- ears tucked back and running directly to me. Until you have had a dog who is out of control and won't return (something I hadn't experienced before -- smugly thought I had it sorted but it was not me, rather the dogs), you don't know the joy of having them obey you.