Stamping out

Guns and viruses

One of the issues among many, that is facing the U.S. is the question of gun control. Despite his willingness and promises President Obama has made little, if any, headway with the issue as he  tries to reduce the reliance of U.S citizens on their weapons. It will almost certainly take an absurdly long time for Americans to give up their God-given right to own and use firearms. The laws applying to the purchase of firearms are as loose and flexible as to be risible,
The other issue that is causing some concern is the importation of the Ebola virus by a resident returning from Liberia . The number of people with whom he has come into contact is rising but so far nobody else has succumbed to the illness. Hopefully, this is it... but as always, it ain't over until the fat lady sings!

Free and easy with democracy

The responsibility of tolerance lies with those who have the wider vision.George Eliot

Sydney Morning Herald (3rd October) reports that Prime Minister Tony Abbott will kill off a plan proposed by Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and Senate President Stephen Parry that would require women wearing head and facial coverings such as burqas to be separated from the public at Parliament House. 

So far, there have been no announcements from the PM's office. 

How far are we prepared to go to  "protect" democracy?

HONKERS

1st July 1997 was the handover of Hong Kong to China. The U.K. did its best to ensure that some form of democracy remained but it was basically a face saving measure in the face of humongous odds. Things are now changing and the protests there are posing an interesting conundrum. Who will blink first? The answer will more than likely come soon.

Surprise, surprise!

Yesterday, President Obama admitted that the speed of ISIS's advance had caught them by surprise.

Wonder what they were doing the rest of the time?

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Arab Spring or Storms?

The Arab spring ain't going so well...Syria,Iraq,Egypt and Libya face unrest and upheaval. Get rid of one dictator and there are a thousand others who pop up willing to take their place.The rhetoric in the West ,aimed at the traditional enemies as well as traditional allies such as Israel,  has become more subdued .

Politics makes strange bedfellows.