Category Archives: Politics

Free Speech and the Paradox of Constraint

Posted on April 22, 2021 by odeboyz

The principal challenge free-speech presents is that constraints are necessary to make it meaningful. Unconstrained free speech simply means speech. A discussion about free-speech concerns the necessary constraints that there should be and, importantly, who says what they are and … Continue reading →

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The definition of Revolution

Posted on April 12, 2021 by odeboyz

A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery. It cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an … Continue reading →

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A Soviet Farmer greets Joseph Stalin

Posted on April 8, 2021 by odeboyz

“Comrade Stalin, we have so many potatoes that, piled one on top of the other, they would reach all the way to God.” “But God does not exist.” “Exactly! Neither do the potatoes.”

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Theresa May’s Masterclass in Hypocrisy: The Policing Bill, 15th March, 2021

Posted on April 8, 2021 by odeboyz

Theresa May, Home Secretary 2010-16, made a speech on this bill. It deserved respect as she’s an expert. Unfortunately her record as Home Secretary mocked her remarks to such an extent that they became hypocrisy. “…we could see serious violence … Continue reading →

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Ronald Reagan’s Sly Wit

Posted on April 5, 2021 by odeboyz

A reporter confronted Ronald Reagan about a promise he’d made. “Mr. President, you said that you’d resign if your memory started to fade.” “I don’t remember saying that.”

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The Changing Meaning of Statues: Actual and Potential

Posted on April 1, 2021 by odeboyz

“The extent of his [Edward Colston] charity was immense, exceptional and nationally recognised. When his portrait was published in London a year after his death in 1721, the engraved description described him as “the brightest Example of Christian Liberality that … Continue reading →

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Big Brother: 2021 Version

Posted on March 29, 2021 by odeboyz
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Film Review: One Night In Miami (AmazonPrime) (2020)

Posted on March 29, 2021 by odeboyz

On 25th February 1964* Cassius Clay met three friends in a hotel room. He’d just become World Champion and was immediately recognised as an all time ‘Great’. Sam Cooke was a superstar singer and black businessman. Jim Brown was a … Continue reading →

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Winston Churchill’s Political Apprenticeship

Posted on March 25, 2021 by odeboyz

As a Cabinet Minister he had three outstanding qualities: he worked hard, he carried his proposals through Cabinet and Parliament, and he carried his department with him.1 Winston Churchill was Britain’s greatest prime minister. He was a mature politician when … Continue reading →

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Michael Gove and the Politics of School Uniform

Posted on March 18, 2021 by odeboyz

We will support schools to introduce traditional blazer-and-tie uniforms, prefects and house systems.1 Michael Gove, parliamentary debate, 2010 Background Michael Gove, alumni of Robert Gordon College, Aberdeen, parades traditional values, which he claims to epitomise. He’s a Conservative cabinet minister. … Continue reading →

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