Lickspittles (II)

+The Western media and politicians’ drip feed on the Ukraine situation unrelentingly demonises the Russians. At a time when diplomacy should be at the forefront, we hear how NATO forces in the east are being beefed up, albeit not in Ukraine which is not a NATO member. Johnson flies out to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky (I wonder if they had time to reminisce about their careers in comedy). Johnson gives Putin a telling off. In such times, it is refreshing to get an alternative view, and there is an excellent summary of events in this article ( America Is Reaping What It Sowed in Ukraine - CounterPunch.org ) on the Counterpunch website, which I strongly recommend. Oh dear. It’s an analysis which shows some understanding of the other side. One doesn’t have to agree with the other side to understand it—but understanding seems in short supply these days, just like gas.
 
+The British media are pre-occupied with the question ‘how many Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson?’ When will the pile of letters reach the magic 54 that triggers a no-confidence vote? So far as we know, around 20 may have been submitted so far. This aspect of ‘Partygate’ by now should have told the pundits something: if it’s taking this long to garner sufficient letters, even if there were to be a confidence vote Johnson would likely win it. His ministers will be running around like dutiful lickspittles corralling backbenchers into line, with the old refrain ‘now is not the time’ and of course what can I do for you? Things may change after the May local elections—that will be the real test for wavering Tories who still harbour a few brain cells. But unless Labour with our lack-lustre leader and broken party management gets its act together the May elections outcome could be quite indecisive.