[0762]

Vg and fitting comments re Johnson et al! Here's a recent description of Britain from the Irish Times newspaper: "Only a dysfunctional political culture could conclude that a showman, a proven liar, a fraudster with such limited ability, with such disqualifying flaws and such a meagre track record is the one to lead any government at such a dangerous time". IMO very few people would take issue with that description, except perhaps to add that Johnson and his cohorts are also bullies and cowards. They run from confrontation even when it may be in their interest to "stick around", and they are utterly devoid of even the smallest degree of self-awareness. What I find astonishing is the blatant hypocrisy attached to this Brit govt eg their Sanctions Act (through the Brit Foreign Office) enabling the Brit govt to introduce sanctions/an anti-corruption strategy against undemocratic regimes in compliance with UN obligations - INTRODUCING SANCTIONS AGAINST REGIMES WHO HAVE NO RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY????????? The hypocrisy is absolutely glaring!! I won't dwell on the anti-democratic Scottish self-determination issue at all and that is not just coming from a Tory leader either!! Their own shameless attacks on democratic principles, truth and the "rule of law" have been consistent and ongoing for a long time. There must be officials of other nations (incl Scotland) who stand astonished when the UK lectures them on democracy and democratic values while, in reality, its constitution also espouses the world's second greatest unelected chamber making laws - the HOC is "stuffed to the rafters" with an enormous number of political has-beens, misfits, malcontents, clerics and "purchasers of titles" - AND THEY HAVE THE GALL TO LECTURE OTHERS ON DEMOCRACY!!!!???