Lots of very interesting and inspiring things are happening, but I am far too hungover to comment adequately on any of it. Saying that:
1. Saddam Hussein has been captured. My first reaction was disappointment; the grim anticipation of US triumphalism.
2. Bush has said publicly that he wants Saddam to be killed. While his attitude is not unexpected, it is unashamedly, childishly brutal and totally inappropriate to openly say it. This is 2003 for fuck’s sake.
The debate about different nations and their use of the death penalty is pretty interesting though.
3. Bush’s frightening and infuriating quote on the lack of an Iraqi threat:
“What’s the difference? If he were to acquire weapons, he would be the danger. A gathering threat, after 9-11, is a threat that needed to be dealt with.”
4. Blair is changing his stance on the threat posed by Iraq. He is irresponsible and a dishonest cunt of the highest order. We should expect better.
5. Ian Huntley has been found to be a bad man. This seems to be spot on, in light of the history that has emerged after the trial.
6. France is taking a hardline secular stance against “ostentatious” religious signs that “constitute an act of pressure, provocation, proselytism or propaganda”.
It appears the current issue is largely one of immigration, and it’s far from clear that their approach is the wisest. However, I do think it’s interesting to see a country taking secular principles really, properly seriously (as opposed to the US, for example).
17-Dec-03 at 2:42 pm | Permalink
I’ll just add this for ref as a clear summary article on the current Iraq nonsense.
22-Dec-03 at 4:45 pm | Permalink
Saddam Hussein’s capture > An extremely good thing, morally. But totally with air on the associated US triumphalism (must remember that word) making my gag reflex kick in. Especially the whole ‘we got him’ speech. Notice how Tony was somewhat more subdued. Fuck me, The Sun’s associated inflammatory headlines make me want to hurt someone, though..
…But not as much as the Ian Huntly associated inflammatory headlines. The only thing more amoral than the attocities that took place, is the media’s bull in a china shop handling of the whole thing. Again.
22-Dec-03 at 10:30 pm | Permalink
hahahahah we will take over! go america!
ummm i am totally joking. stop us before we get you too. meh.