+We are repeatedly told how the Middle East sits on the precipice of some all out war, that is between Israel and Iran. How much they hate each other. The provocative attack by Israel on an Iranian consulate in Syria is the latest iteration, followed up by Iran’s attack with drones and missiles on Israel. Israel claims the consulate wasn’t one really, but merely some Iranian base. Such claims are perfunctory, designed to cloud the water. Who decides what constitutes a diplomatic mission—least of all in this territory? I asked Google which countries had condemned the Israeli attack. Someone has provided Wikipedia with an up to date list, and the absences are predictable. Now the countries which didn’t condemn the Israeli attack are demanding that Iran holds back. Wouldn’t it be nice to see some genuine, even-handed diplomacy instead? Perhaps Jerusalem will be the focus of the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy after all. Some people seem determined to make it so.
+Which post-war Labour politician—apart from Attlee—most comes to mind? Was it Bevin or Bevan? If we’re talking legacy there’s no contest. In that 1945 government it is Nye Bevan who will be most remembered as the creator of the NHS. Claims will be made for others, but as I write I can’t quite remember which minister was in charge of nationalising the railways or mines (I’m sure this is just an amnesiac moment). The collectivist policies of the 1945 government were made possible by the trauma and hardships of war. Well, we’ve now had 14 years of trauma and hardship under the Tories’ assault on society, so I feel inclined to ask who will be the modern day Bevan? Looking at Labour’s frontbench, from the top down there isn’t one with the passion and vision of Bevan. Who will be celebrating Wes Streeting’s legacy in 70 year’s time? Perhaps the hardships of recent years haven’t quite gripped these establishment inclined (incloned?) types. Thatcher’s anti-collectivist ideology has no end date it seems.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2024
|