AN AFTER THOUGHT

The problems of government have been dramatically exposed by the progress of the Covid19 virus across the globe.  The variations and mutations have markedly increased its spread and, although there is now a vaccine, the control and management of the disease has become embroiled in political issues, rather than a concerted global human effort. The handling of the effort to contain the pandemic by the wealthier democratic nations of the planet has exposed fissures in the political landscape. Opinions from the left and right in the various countries seem to have become more entrenched despite a façade of cooperation and support by opposition parties to the parties in government. It is as if, under the cloud of the epidemic, the parties are preparing for major confrontation once the crisis is over. Some administrations will be even more deep seated than they already are.

 

I do not think that anyone is against any effort being made to rid the planet of the effects of the disease, by whatever cooperative means necessary. It is recognised as a global problem and despite hiccups over the provision of vaccines, it is accepted generally that human concurrence and empathy is essential. It is the repair of the resulting collateral damage that is the impending issue.

 

There has been, even before the pandemic, a growing movement towards the right of the political spectrum in a number of countries. The rise of Nationalism and populist politics is clearly evident in Western Europe and that movement seems to be favouring a more dictatorial approach to government.  There is still a majority against them, but the nationalists have made strong inroads into parliamentary and legislative bodies as well has heads of government. This is particularly evident in middle Europe, notably Hungary, Austria and Switzerland. In the far east the Military in Myanmar has once again reasserted control. In Russia, the evident dictatorship of Putin is attempting to obliterate any opposition. There appears to be little question that the Chinese Government has stamped its total control on any ‘democratic’ movement in Hong Kong. Which is why it is imperative that western and other continental democracies strengthen their opposition to, and visible condemnation of, regimes that are contrary to civilised inclusive humanitarian democracy.

 

In the United Kingdom, even although there is a conservative and nationalist government of sorts, there is still the realisation that to survive as a Nation there must be consensus and public support for the activities of the population. That includes health, education, welfare and the economy. Never before has a British Conservative Government borrowed so much money and used the whole of its treasury of taxes in an attempt to support working people, businesses of all sizes, the social services and the national health service. It has not, because of the very size of the task, been entirely successful, and there are many opinions as to how and where to spend that money. But it is being procured by a Conservative Government in ways that would make the ordinary conservative politician throw their hands up in horror. I am sure that many of them are, and cannot imagine how they are going to crawl back from the national debt. The whole premiss of a conservative Government is a small frugal administration that allows the private sector to soar with as little interference as possible. We are a long way from making that happen any time soon, if ever.

 

What is more worrying, from a global and economic point of view, is the demise of the United States of America. Currently, it is still the largest economy in the world with 22% of the world’s GDP. It is however, whether it realises it or not, embroiled in a political divide from which it may not be able to recover. As the world’s number one economy it may soon disintegrate. Having let in Trump and his followers (the evangelical populists and nationalist extremists) the attempt to dislodge them from government control, even after winning the last general election, may prove far more difficult then imagined. Oddly enough, the failure by Mr Trump to deal with the pandemic and the exposure of his incompetence and supreme narcissism may have helped in getting him out of office. Unfortunately, it appears to have done little to relieve him of influence and support.

 

One can go on ad infinitum about the visual and auditory evidence of his criminal incitements to violence against the very democratic institutions he swore to preserve protect and defend, but that seems to have little effect. Those who could do something to repair the damage have already abrogated their responsibility. For whatever reason the Senators of the Republican Party are refusing to take action. The very party that wants small government and little interference in the general economy, is prepared to favour a dictatorship of Mr Trump and his mob. They would prefer a Putin or a Stalin to an Abe Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt.  

 

These men who pretend to be public servants, Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy and others, who claim to support what is in the best interests of the people of America, but are unwilling to prosecute the instigators of mob violence. They take no action against the likes of Rep. Taylor Greene who defiles the very halls of congress with her mere presence and bullying rhetoric. It’s all on tape. What can they be thinking? Are they dumb and blind, just stupid or what? They would rather let the United States sink into anarchy then stand up for the rule of law. 

 

Taylor Greene

Ilse Koch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck America, you’re going to need it. As to some of us in England, we’re thinking about moving to Scotland. You may have heard of it, a soon to be emerging new European State.