Category Archives: Uncategorized

The USA is widely considered to be – or at least to have once been – an ‘imperialist’ power; and  deservedly so, as I’ve related in my book Empire and Superempire: Britain, America and the World (2006). This is despite … Continue reading →

According to his tax return, revealed yesterday (to show he was paying tax), Rishi Sunak earned £2.2 million last year. ‘Earned’? That seems an odd word to use, for an income coming mainly from investments; and taxed at a lower … Continue reading →

Well, I shouldn’t have worried. (See my previous post.) The book came through, and on the appointed day. Of course it may still have been the Israel/Palestine issue that very marginally delayed it; viz those ‘related items’. But I could … Continue reading →

Three days ago I ordered a book from Amazon UK, to be sent to me here in Stockholm. The transaction went through, and I was promised delivery on 6th February. This morning however I received a message informing me that … Continue reading →

What is the ‘great divide’ in British and other nations’ politics just now? It used to be Catholic vs. Protestant; then Monarchical vs. Republican; then Capitalist vs. Socialist – with doubtless other lesser ‘divides’ in between. You were either on … Continue reading →

Religion doesn’t always have to be maleficent. I’m sure it can be valuable when it preaches a ‘good’ morality, and as a comfort to those confused and distressed by the complexities of everyday human life, or by mere contemplation of … Continue reading →

Quite apart from its human and political aspects, now well known after the ITV drama-documentary series Mr Bates versus the Post Office – which incidentally I can’t get up here in Sweden (any ideas, anyone?), but fully expect SVT to … Continue reading →

2023 has been a dreadful year: for the millions caught up in wars, obviously; but also in a far less catastrophic way for those of us in safer situations who are interested in politics, but without far-Right proclivities. The political … Continue reading →

Back in Sweden now, and appreciating the far superior health care here; at least for citizens with non-life-threatening ailments. I’m on three or four separate waiting lists in Hull, all of them several months long already, and with no indication … Continue reading →