Politics etc

British politics are a bit mad, and last week reached almost Italian standards when Tony Blair was taken for questioning by police over the cash for honours scandal, where rich people who had donated to the Labour party received honours shortly afterwards. I said "almost" Italian, as of course in Italy this could not have happened; there, the PM has judicial invulnerability, and so cannot be prosecuted, which, as it is a possibility in the UK, gives the case a much greater resonance - although it is entirely unlikely he will be charged, as the interview was not under caution.
Another slap in the face to Blair was the publication of a report by Chatham House, concerning Blair's foreign policy, of which it was more than a little critical, describing the Iraq war as a "terrible mistake" and Britain's relation with the US as rather one-sided. The Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, only on the job for a short while now, defended her boss's policy simply by slurring the report: "This paper is threadbare, insubstantial and just plain wrong. Chatham House has established a great reputation over the years, but this paper will do nothing to enhance it."
Another long-lasting British PM was also in the news recently: Margaret Thatcher was "greatly saddened" by general Pinochet's death. As she campaigned on his behalf during his arrest in the UK in 2000 it seems safe to conclude she was sympathetic to him rather than cheerful because she could now dance on his grave. Although Thatcher's image is so frosty this revelation - if indeed it is one - can hardly do her much harm, as she already has all the honours and riches she could wish.

Perhaps I should move to the UK and stand for elections, it seems you can get away with anything even when you're generally loathed.