21st Century
A New Generalplan Ost
“What are you doing next week?” asked the voice on the other end of the phone, “Nothing that I cannot move or delay,” I replied; recognising the voice as Linas, a Lithuanian with whom I [more…]
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism
A View From The Greenhouse; Fear & Loathing In Dumfries & Galloway, Hate Crimes….Innit?
It was great to meet up with old friends and meet some new ones at the “Northern” get together. The more intrepid amongst the august gathering braved a short, if wet, walk down (and back [more…]
21st Century
Kenya’s ‘Hustler Man’ Vs. Burkina Faso’s ‘Upright Man’
The differences in the performance of the “Hustler Man” in Kenya and the “Upright Man” in Burkina Faso is a function of genuine belief in transformational leadership, on the one hand, and mere self-serving populist [more…]
20th Century
Of Poetics and Politics
How do you like your Poetry? Richly allusive, with detectable rhythm, a certain musicality about it? Or do you prefer a stripped-down, unembellished terseness-to-the-point-of-inarticulacy, a Tacitean, telegraphic brevity? Whichever, preference is yours, would you consider [more…]
Authoritarianism
You question my authoritay?
You know the game is afoot when the Prime Minister makes a sudden, last-minute, Friday evening, urgent announcement. Surprisingly – perhaps – nowt to do with GP & FF, but on 1 March 2024, Sunak [more…]
Authoritarianism
Sound Individualism vs Toxic Collectivism
When it comes to the State, however, and all its ministries, branches and institutions, a very different set of rules seems to apply – a much more lenient, flexible and liberal one. For example, the [more…]
Authoritarianism
The World’s Coolest Dictator
Puffins arriving at San Salvador’s Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport crouching down to avoid the gunfire and running through the terminal building with their case over their head to deflect shattering glass may be [more…]
Authoritarianism
I want my free stuff
Everywhere you go, regardless of media platform, you hear this sad and deluded refrain – “To compete, xxx must be sustainable”. This political sound-bite, which is in effect a dog-whistle for “Make the listener feel [more…]
Authoritarianism
Europe’s Agrarian Uprisings: Brussels is reaping what it sowed
Across the European landscape, a disquiet rumbles beneath the surface of rolling hills and fertile plains. It emanates from the very backbone of the continent – its farmers. From the tractor rallies of France and [more…]