Noone’s going to like me for saying this, but I’m going to say it anyway:

The Democrats will lose the midterms. And that’s probably all they deserve.

Don’t get me wrong – that’s not what I want to happen. What I want is for the Republicans to be thrown out on to the street, and for the Democrats to spend the next two years doing such a good impression of great government that, come 2008, the GOP are still consumed by recriminations and self-loathing and a Clinton-Obama dream ticket sweeps to victory. That’s what I want to happen.

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A fighting self-belief
Defending Europe without Christianity?

The lonely hour of the last instance
Influence and the Marxist intellectual

Reading Anna Kessel’s article on mixed-race footballers prompts a quick, Wednesday afternoon thought: I wonder if it would be possible for a mixed-race marriage to work in the Royal Family? What would be the reaction if Prince William, say, dumped that sweet Kate Thingy girl, and started courting a black or indian woman?
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Home Secretary John Reid has compared the need for innovative ways of unearthing terrorist plots to the fortuitous inventions that helped turn the tide in the Second World War. Once again the maxim that a little knowledge goes a long way is amply demonstrated by governmental short-sightedness.
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Career development the Bronstein way
Get ahead, get Trotsky, young man

The Thirteen Scariest People in America

Climate of change
Either we all get out, or nobody does

These are your favourite things
Defending Torchwood

You rarely come across a piece of evidence as damning for simple economism as this:

The nation’s Halloween spend has increased by a factor of 10 since 2001 and reached £120 million last year, according to Woolworths. It is anticipating a 30 per cent increase this year.

So, what’s going on here? Read More