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Jimmy Carter was respectively known as St Jimmy - universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character, writes JONATHAN AITKEN By JONATHAN AITKEN FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 23:29 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 23:35 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments 'Jimmy Who?' they derisively called him when he started to run for the Presidency of the United States in 1975. By the time Jimmy Carter died yesterday at the age of 100 he was respectively known as St Jimmy – universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character . The paradox of James Earl Carter was that during his single term of office as the 39th President of the United States he was widely regarded as a failure. But as an ex-President he was universally acclaimed as a huge success. After his crushing defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980 Carter turned the tables in terms of his historical and personal reputation. Over the next 43 years he grew in stature. His record was re-evaluated. His reputation and status soared as he won the Nobel Peace Prize and became venerated as an outstanding pioneer in human rights, conflict resolution, and the eradication of severe diseases in Africa. In many marginalised countries and deprived communities Jimmy Carter was hailed as a hero, admired around the world for his natural rapport with the oppressed. 'I am accused of being an outsider and I plead guilty to the charge', declared candidate Carter in the early stages of his slow burning effort to win the Democratic Party 's nomination for the 1976 Presidential campaign. It was a time when America was in turmoil, reeling from the scandals of Watergate, the shock of its first ever war defeat in Vietnam, and the growing belief that 'The Imperial Presidency' was the cause of the nation's problems. By the time Jimmy Carter died yesterday at the age of 100 he was respectively known as St Jimmy – universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character Jimmy Carter pictured with his wife Rosalynn Carter who was an American writer and activist President Jimmy Carter, right, and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II are photographed with French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, at Buckingham Palace in May 1977 Former President Jimmy Carter receiving his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo City Hall in Oslo, Norway, in 2002 Against this background, a homespun outsider of transparent humility and sincere religious belief caught the voters' mood of wanting political change, particularly when he promised to cut the White House and Washington down to size. But after Carter had narrowly defeated the incumbent President Gerald Ford, he took office with little or no understanding of how to deliver his promises let alone how to run America's domestic and foreign policy. Carter failed as a national leader because he thought he could run the Presidency in the same personalised quirky style he had used in his single term as governor of Georgia. His top White House aides were good ol' boy cronies from his home state – but few of them were up to the job. He lost sight of the fact that a President must be a strategist. Carter was a workaholic micromanager who immersed himself in small print details and administration. He even insisted on personally controlling the bookings for the White House tennis court! The power barons of Congress never quite knew what to make of Carter who came across to them as an aloof and ascetic loner. Even with a Democrat majority in both houses, the President declined to make friends with his supporters or cut deals with his opponents. So his legislative programme failed. His promises to stimulate the economy and introduce measures to solve the energy crisis never got off the ground. America felt poorer and colder, suffering from a malaise of national self-confidence. Part of the problem was Carter's personality. To the public he was an enigma. He had no ability to make Americans feel good about themselves. Jimmy Carter pictured in his family's peanut field in Plains, Georgia, on August 19, 1978 Jimmy Carter (C) and First Lady Rosalynn Carter (R) and their eldest son Jack Carter (L) walking outside The White House in Washington, DC in 1977 A young Jimmy Carter with his dog Bozo in Plains, Georgia, USA, circa 1937 Henry Kissinger, and U.S. President Jimmy Carter sit together during a lunch meeting on the White House patio in Washington, U.S., August 15, 1977 Within the Washington Beltway his enemies saw him as vacillating and indecisive. His friends were mystified by his remoteness. Practically no-one except for his devoted wife Rosalynn – nicknamed the 'Steel Magnolia' for her inflexibility – ever enjoyed personal empathy with the 39th President. Read More BREAKING NEWS Jimmy Carter dead at 100: Former US President passes away in his Georgia home The chilliness was a major weakness in dealing with his fellow politicians who came to reciprocate the hostility they felt he showed them. More troublingly, Jimmy Carter lacked the leadership skills to reach out and reassure the country beyond Washington. His fireside chats were devoid of warmth and his set speeches seemed stilted. His thin, reedy voice gave him, said his acerbic rival Senator Eugene McCarthy 'the eloquence of a mortician'. Although he lacked charisma of a national communicator, Carter was authentic in his personal sincerity and private faith. On the campaign trail he emphasised his outsider credentials as a small Southern farmer, a Sunday school teacher and 'a born-again Christian' a term which he single-handedly made famous. He promised that he would never tell a lie and that he would bring honesty and integrity back into government. The voters believed him although his piety came in for some ridicule when he gave an interview to Playboy admitting that he had 'lusted in his heart' after other women. Former US president Jimmy Carter (L) and Cuban President Fidel Castro listen to the US National Anthem after Carter's arrival at Jose Marti airport in Havana on May 12, 2002 Former US President Jimmy Carter gives the call to rise up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 President Jimmy Carter (L) and his wife Rosalynn (R) and their family sitting for a portrait at The White House in Washington, DC, USA, March 26, 1979 In many marginalised countries and deprived communities Jimmy Carter was hailed as a hero, admired around the world for his natural rapport with the oppressed In both domestic and international policy, Carter was a dedicated champion of human rights. His father, who started the family peanut farm, was an old fashioned segregationist. But his mother argued for the rights of her black neighbours. Their son Jimmy followed the maternal example and adopted the anti-discrimination fervour of a new liberal Southerner. Read More Inside Jimmy Carter's final months in hospice care before his death at 100 From the White House he appointed black Cabinet officers, judges, ambassadors and senior officials on a scale undreamed of by any previous President. He was equally determined to ensure that women became full partners in all phases of policy making. His affirmative actions and appointments transformed the look of the US government at senior levels. On the international stage, Carter put human rights at the forefront of his foreign policy. At the time his initiatives in this field were often derided as the empty gestures of a righteous preacher, cut off from the realpolitik of world affairs. But in his dogged way Carter persevered and gradually succeeded. Some years after leaving office he was asked by Presidential historian Theodore H White what he thought were his most lasting achievements? 'Emphasis on human rights', replied the ex-President. 'I printed that commitment on worldwide consciousness. It may have permanent results ...' History has vindicated that judgement. In his diplomacy Carter had one remarkable success which was entirely personal. Tireless in his quest to defuse tensions in the Middle East he organised the 1978 Camp David summit between Israel and Egypt. The ground breaking Accords signed there have stood the test of time. These agreements would have been impossible to achieve without the tenacity and sincerity of Jimmy Carter. Carter gives a speech after receiving the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize at Oslo City Hall Former President Jimmy Carter, left, and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, sit together during a reception to celebrate their 75th anniversary President Jimmy Carter (C) with Egyptian President Anwar al Sadat (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin during Middle East peace negotiations at Camp David Former US president Jimmy Carter helps build a house as he visits the construction site of houses being built by Carter's Habitat for Humanity foundation for victims of the January 2010 earthquake in Leogane President Jimmy Carter (R) walking with Egyptian President Anwar al Sadat (L) during Middle East peace negotiations Only he could have succeeded in corralling Menachem Begin of Israel and Anwar Sadat of Egypt at Camp David for thirteen days. Read More BREAKING NEWS Donald Trump says world owes Jimmy Carter a 'debt of gratitude' after death at 100 Eventually he persuaded them that the honour of the American President could permit them to lay down arms against each other. The final year of the Carter presidency was a sea of troubles. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The domestic economy deteriorated. Ayatollah Khomeini's revolution in Iran compounded the President's difficulties, ruining his reputation with its knock-on effects of soaring oil prices, diplomatic humiliations, and a military disaster. The President's luck ran out after 53 Americans were taken hostage at the US Embassy in Tehran by Islamic revolutionaries. After months of fruitless efforts to get them freed, Carter ordered their rescue by America's elite Delta Force. In giving the go ahead on April 19 1980 the President over-ruled the advice of his Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance, who opposed the mission because of its high risks. Instead Carter backed the plan of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Tragically, their Operation Eagle Claw turned out to be a fiasco. In the harsh conditions of the Iranian desert, three of the Delta Force's eight helicopters malfunctioned because of sandstorms. A fourth helicopter crashed into a C130 transport plane killing eight Special Forces commandos. The mission had to be aborted. No hostages were rescued. US President Jimmy Carter sitting atop his limousine as his motorcade drives through Bardstown, Kentucky in 1979 President Jimmy Carter on television at the Reagan-Bush team's headquarters, the Century Plaza Hotel, in Los Angeles Jimmy Carter helps erect a frame during a Habitat for Humanity project October 4, 2010 in Washington Former US President Jimmy Carter gives the media an update on his recent cancer diagnosis at the Carter Center in Atlanta in 2015 President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains Jimmy Carter was devastated by this failure. Three decades after the event he said the greatest regret of his Presidency was not having used his power as Commander-in Chief to send more helicopters. At the time he was physically and mentally shattered. Soon after giving the order to abort he went out for an early morning jog in the Rose Garden of the White House, watched by his Acting Chief of Staff Alonzo McDonald who later told me 'I have never seen a man look more utterly sad and dejected'. Read More How Jimmy Carter shattered royal protocol by kissing Queen Mother on the LIPS leaving her horrified But in Tehran, the hostages remained incarcerated by the Ayotollah's mobs, whose jubilant taunts provided a nightly reminder on the news bulletins of the shaming of American pride. At home, with the election looming, domestic inflation soared to 18 per cent. Carter was severely weakened in the primaries by having to beat off a bruising challenge from Senator Edward Kennedy. The Republican contender, Governor Ronald Reagan won the Presidential debates by portraying himself as strong, decisive, charismatic and likable. None of these adjectives could be applied to the incumbent. With his support draining away, the President's personal pollster, Patrick Caddell gave his boss the dire news in a private memorandum 'By and large the American people do not like Jimmy Carter' said it's final sentence 'Indeed a large segment could be said to loathe him'. By polling day the loathing of the President turned into a landslide for Reagan. Carter lost the election by 49 Electoral College votes to 489. He carried only 6 States while Reagan won 45. Never had a sitting occupant of the White House been so politically trounced and so personally humiliated. Former President Jimmy Carter stands behind his birthday cake during his 90th birthday celebration Jimmy Carter, accompanied by his wife Rosalynn, daughter Amy, and grandson Jason tells supporters at a Washington hotel that he has conceded the election to challenger Ronald Reagan Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter gestures during his speech at the American University of Beirut (AUB) Members of President Jimmy Carter's staff cry as the President and Mrs. Carter depart from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington for Camp David Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter dance to the Marine Band in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on November 9, 2000 After losing office, ex-President Carter went home to his modest farmhouse in Plains. At 56 he was too young to retire so he began working as a carpenter for Habitat for Humanity. This Christian organisation, based just down the road from Plains, built low cost housing for the poor and for those who lost their homes in natural disasters. The sight of a former President wielding a hammer to rebuild tenement blocks in New York City or shanty towns devastated by earthquakes in Haiti caused many Americans to re-assess Carter the private citizen. His humility, idealism and selflessness were admired, particularly after he opened the non-profit making Carter Centre in Atlanta with the objective of ameliorating suffering and disease. These ambitious goals were often achieved by Jimmy Carter in the decades after he left the White House. His medical programmes operated in 65 countries in the developing world. In Africa his campaign to eradicate the killer Guinea Worm disease was successful. His initiatives were also responsible for reducing Malaria, river blindness and Trachoma while at the same time improving nutrition among some of the worlds' poorest communities by ambitious agricultural developments. He was tenacious in his service to the underdogs of humanity. In the course of his global travels, Jimmy Carter became heavily involved in conflict resolution. He and his Centre developed an impressive record of helping to resolve conflicts in Haiti, Bosnia, Sudan, Uganda and other countries. In North Korea, Carter undertook a secret peace mission to Kim Il-sung which achieved a nuclear freeze in the region for several years. In 2002 the ex-President was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing democracy, human rights and peaceful solutions in several of the world's most difficult countries. Former US president George Bush, President Bill Clinton, former presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter wave to the attendance after being announced at the George Bush Library in College Station, Texas US President Jimmy Carter (L) with Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan at the White House in Washington in 1979 Jimmy Carter, framed by a campaign sign held by supporters, leaving a Washington hotel in 1980 The cause that engaged him most passionately was the plight of the Palestinian people, whose sufferings he described as 'one of the greatest human rights crimes on earth'. After one visit to the West Bank he stopped off in London to address an audience of Parliamentarians in Westminster. Embarrassingly only five or six MPs showed up of which I was one. The former leader of the free world seemed quite unfazed by the low turnout. His modesty and self-effacement made his mastery of detail on the complex Arab-Israeli dispute seem all the more impressive. At the end of the meeting I asked the ex-President where he was travelling to next. 'Back to Plains' he said 'I don't like to miss teaching Sunday School at our church. And I don't like to be away from Rosalynn for too long'. It was a reminder that the quintessence of Jimmy Carter was his commitment to faith and family values. A transparently good and decent man he did more to make the world a better place after losing the Presidency than he did while in office. It was a paradox that his achievements were greater when he was vulnerable than when he was powerful. Perhaps his strength was that he remained faithful to his Christian ideals at all stages, high and low, of his life's journey. He would not be disappointed with such an epitaph. 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TOUCHING tributes for the late Jimmy Carter have started to flood in for the "extraordinary leader" who has died aged 100. Joe Biden and Donald Trump have led the heartfelt messages to the beloved former president whose death was confirmed by his family earlier today. 10 President Joe Biden and his wife Jill led with a touching tribute to Jimmy Carter (pictured in 2021) 10 Former President George W. Bush called Carter 'a man of deeply held convictions' Credit: AFP 10 Ex-President Barack Obama with Carter and his wife Michelle and former President Bill Clinton Credit: AP 10 Former president Jimmy Carter has died aged 100 Credit: Rex Carter, the oldest president in history , and the only one to become a centenarian, has been survived by five other American commander-in-chiefs who have all left touching homages to the great man. President-elect Donald Trump remembered Carter for his leadership and urged Americans to keep the late president's loved ones in their " hearts and prayers". Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Read more on jimmy carter ROCK & ROLL PREZ Former President Jimmy Carter dead at 100 decades after White House tenure "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time." He later posted a second statement which acknowledged the pair's political and philosophical differences but praised Carter's clear love for America. "He truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for," Trump added. "He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. Most read in The US Sun ALL ROVER IT Barry Robson appointed manager of SPFL club - 11 months after Aberdeen axe HELL'S BELLS Hogmanay storm chaos as event AXED & travellers warned as snow to hit Scotland baby joy Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan announce she's pregnant with first baby FLIGHTMARE Moment Ryanair passengers cheer as yob is hauled off flight to Scotland by cops "He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office." The man Trump is set to replace in the White House in just a few weeks time in Joe Biden described Carter as an "extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian". Jimmy Carter arrives in wheelchair to wife Rosalynn's Atlanta funeral as former First Ladies line front row in tribute The fellow Democrat and close friend posted the loving tribute alongside his wife Jill. They said: "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend." "He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together." Joe, 82, has now taken on the title as the oldest living president following the passing of Carter. Barack Obama - the youngest living American leader - commended the late humanitarian with his wife Michelle. They said: "Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. "Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man." 10 Bill Clinton shared this image in his tribute to Jimmy Carter Credit: X/BillClinton 10 A younger Joe Biden with his good friend Carter back in 1978 Credit: Bettmann 10 US Presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter (R) together in the Oval Office in 2009 Credit: EPA Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary also praised Carter's commitment to service. They praised him for his "long and good life" and applauded his belief in faith and selflessness. The final remaining president, George W. Bush, joined his wife Laura to call Carter “a man of deeply held convictions” who “dignified the office ". US vice president Kamala Harris made a similar statement praising Carter's "deep and abiding faith in God, America and in humanity". “He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion," she continued. "I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace." International tributes Tributes to the statesman even came from overseas as the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lauded Carter's service. The British PM said he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”. King Charles III also described the former US president as a “committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace”. Sir Tony Blair soon followed with a powerful statement. It read: "Jimmy Carter's life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years. "I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. "He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need." PRESIDENT CARTER Carter , the 39th president of the United States , has died after nearly two years in hospice care. His son Chip Carter confirmed the former president died at his Georgia home on Sunday around 3:45 pm ET. Carter peacefully passed away surrounded by his family who paid an emotional tribute to the former leader. His son Chip said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Public events will commemorate Carter in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. and a state funeral will be held, The Carter Center confirmed. The former president decided to live out the remainder of his days at his home in Plains, Georgia . Carter, the beloved Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had experienced several health issues in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. He became the longest-living president and the first to make it 100 years old. Carter's death came over a year after the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter , who died on November 19, 2023, at age 96. Two days before her death, Rosalynn joined her husband in hospice care at their home in Georgia. The former first lady and fierce advocate for mental health was diagnosed with dementia in early 2023. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine Before his death, Jimmy Carter was the first to pay tribute to his wife of 77 years, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." 10 King Charles' statement on the tragic death Credit: Twitter 10 Jimmy Carter pictured at the funeral service of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on November 29, 2023 Credit: Getty 10 Carter served as the 39th president of the United States Credit: EPA
SARGODHA - The 11th convocation of the University of Sargodha (UoS) concluded here on Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas, with the Chairman of Punjab Zakat and Ushr Council Rana Munawar Ghous as the chief guest. Asim Naveed Ranjha, Deputy Mayor of Slough, UK, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mian Ghulam Yasin, Controller Examinations Dr Rihana Ilyas, Registrar Waqar Ahmed, deans of eight faculties, and heads of departments also attend the ceremony. On the third and last day of the convocation, degrees were conferred upon students from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Computing and Information Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, and Pharmacy. More than 27,000 degrees were awarded, with 69 percent of the recipients being female. A total of 363 distinction holders and 55 PhD graduates were honoured with medals and cash awards for their outstanding academic achievements. While addressing the ceremony, VC Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas congratulated the graduates, their families, and teachers for their achievements. He shared his vision for the university, focusing on academic excellence and innovation. “We are committed to providing students with opportunities that align with modern educational and industry needs. The establishment of an Incubation Centre, strong industry-academia linkages, and foreign partnerships are steps toward building a brighter future,” he stated. Rana Munawar Ghous praised the graduates, calling them the “hope of the nation”. He encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills to bring positive change to society and emphasised the importance of honesty, hard work, and innovation. Your journey does not end here; it is just the beginning. The future of Pakistan rests on your shoulders. Strive to make a difference, he said.Busbar Trunking System Market Forecast: 6.5% CAGR Leading to US$ 16.9 Billion by 2034 - Transparency Market Research
(The Center Square) – Paula Scanlan is hopeful the narrative around gender ideology is shifting, especially as Republicans prepare for majorities in both chambers of the 119th Congress and a seat in the White House. “I am hopeful that with the majorities now that we will be able to get across the finish line,” Scanlan told The Center Square on Thursday, speaking of more legislation on the way to protect women's spaces. “Obviously, this goes beyond sports ... So ideally, I think that the biggest thing would be to federally pass something that says this is what a woman is.” Scanlan a day earlier was part of a panel where U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., announced that Republicans plan to soon introduce legislation to “protect children from transgender medical procedures.” A report from the advocacy group Do No Harm released four weeks before Election Day included documented evidence of such activity being performed on a 7-year-old . “We’ll be introducing the STOP Act soon,” said Marshall . “We are going to use the Commerce Act to punish people who perform any type of surgery, or who use any type of medications on minors.” STOP is an acronym for Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors. The panel said that the legislation is an important and necessary step to protect children. Scanlan and Marshall, a host with the American Principles Project, were on the panel alongside U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project; and Sarah Parshall Perry, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “We all know by now that so-called gender affirming care is anything but caring,” Tuberville said. “It is pure insanity and has caused irreversible damage to countless children. This isn’t about politics, this is about good and evil.” Scanlan is an ambassador for Independent Women's Voice and a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania. Swimming for the Quakers, she and teammates endured being not only on the same team but in the same locker room as a swimmer who for the first three years swam on the men's team. “I was a swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania and the administration, the university and the NCAA said , ‘Here's a man who wants to swim on your team, please accept him,’” she explained during the panel. “This entire situation really made all female athletes feel isolated and alone, and like they know where to go.” Scanlan said that it wasn’t just competing that isolated the female athletes. “Eighteen times per week, my teammates and I were forced to undress next to a 6-foot-4, fully-intact male,” Scanlan said. “As a female athlete, this was just something I couldn't even imagine. It was something I never imagined would happen to me when I went off to college.” The STOP Act is one of a few beginnings. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has proposed legislation seeking to protect women’s spaces on all federal property nationwide. This would include bathrooms, locker rooms and prisons. Scanlan said this shows that public opinion is on the side of her and the panel. “This is really the first time we're seeing more of these people in power stepping up and actually doing the right thing and saying enough is enough” she said. “Now, we are looking at entire teams that are feeling empowered to be able to boycott ... or object to competing against males. It's widespread.” A notable case of that is San Jose State, where Blaire Fleming's participation has led to seven opponents forfeiting rather than playing a women's team that includes a man saying he is a woman. Tuberville and Marshall emphasized they believe the majority of Americans would agree with the proposed legislation. "The American people are sick of this nonsense," Tuberville said . "It’s time we restore some sanity and get common sense back in this country." Scanlan said that while she supports the national legislation Republicans are considering, it is important for states to also continue to pass legislation. “I always remind people who are really excited about having a presidency that we don't know what might happen in four years," she said. "So, of course, it's also important to codify this in states. We are going to continue our efforts. There's still a lot of work to be done, and I don't really see it as a win until we've finished this on the state level.”Maharashtra polls: Independents finish second in 19 constituenciesPanthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders released from hospital after suffering neck injury
Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates. In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their St Stephen’s Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. Mikel Arteta’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool.Already widespread before, climate despair has likely reached new levels following former President Donald Trump’s reelection. With good reason: Trump is committed to policies that are projected to kill tens of millions of people and unleash unprecedented chaos everywhere. But the climate war isn’t an all-or-nothing affair. Each fraction of a degree of heating that we can prevent will save many lives. Similarly, everything we do to build a more equitable world will provide some insulation against the heating that we fail to prevent. Furthermore, the fossil fuel industry is much more vulnerable than most people realize, its current profits notwithstanding. This was true in Trump’s first term and will remain true in his second. We can exploit its vulnerabilities. To do so, we need strategies that don’t require majority support at the national level. Though the United States public overwhelmingly supports environmental protections, clean energy and climate justice, most people don’t grasp the magnitude of the emergency and obviously don’t prioritize the climate when voting. What we do have is tens of millions of potential activists, including millions in many individual states. According to a 2024 Yale/George Mason University survey, large minorities say they feel angry (38 percent), fearful (38 percent) and anxious (36 percent) about the climate. In polls from the past five years, between 13 and 20 percent say they would definitely or probably “engage in nonviolent civil disobedience (e.g. sit-ins, blockades or trespassing) against corporate or government activities that make global warming worse” if someone they “like and respect” recruited them. About twice as many say they would visit politicians’ offices to pressure them. It’s these millions whom organizers should target. Drawing from the recent history of the climate movement, here’s a nonexhaustive list of ideas for organizers. My focus is on the U.S. since that’s the context I know best. None of the following require us to persuade a majority of voters or politicians at the national level. Public protests, from rallies to civil disobedience, are essential for generating public scrutiny of fossil fuel projects. Building large coalitions of stakeholders can increase their potency. Some confrontations, like the campaign against the Dakota Access Pipeline, can galvanize broader public consciousness and action. This is especially true when they intertwine with related fights for Indigenous sovereignty, racial equity and economic justice, which the climate movement has also prioritized in recent years. This type of protest is getting riskier almost everywhere, including in the United States. In the past decade 21 U.S. states have passed 56 new laws to criminalize or more harshly punish nonviolent protesters. Amid this authoritarian turn organizers must proceed carefully. In some cases, they will choose to defy those laws, and we should support them however possible. In other cases, they may choose disruptive forms of protest that are not (yet) illegal. Some of the most disruptive tactics are not very flashy. Leafletting against a company, if persistent and widespread, is potentially more disruptive than blockading a pipeline. Legal filings against companies or regulators can be highly disruptive. As industry spokespeople warn , more lawsuits can mean “further capital cost increases and longer overall pipeline approval and construction timelines.” A gas industry executive recently complained that “the number of lawsuits being filed to challenge pipeline construction” has added “costs and time to the development of a pipeline, which in some cases has just forced the pipelines to throw up their hands and walk away from projects.” Lawsuits against polluters for past damages are also important, both for the compensation they can deliver and for the potential long-term impact on the industry. The efficacy of litigation will partly depend on future legislative and judicial changes. Reforms to the permitting process , which could simultaneously facilitate fossil fuel infrastructure and renewables projects, would make it harder for the movement to obstruct polluters through the courts. Oil and gas companies may never reallocate their investments to other sectors, but financial institutions like banks, insurers and large institutional investors may. They could do so without jeopardizing their returns (fossil fuel financing comprises just over 1 percent of total assets at Bank of America, Chase and Citigroup), and their long-term financial stability would be more secure if they did. Public pension funds are potentially more vulnerable to our pressures, since they have a mandate to protect the long-term viability of their investments. These campaigns can take various forms. The most effective involve tying financial institutions to specific frontline struggles and getting institutions — city councils, universities, faith institutions, labor unions, and so on — to close their accounts or demand that their money managers reallocate investments. For instance, in 2017 the city of Seattle voted to close its $3 billion account with Wells Fargo due to the bank’s financing of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Divestment campaigns have traditionally targeted only stock holdings, but recent years have seen more action targeting banks, insurers and asset managers . Banks were also central targets in the South Africa divestment campaigns of the 1970s and 1980s. As always, polluters are finding ways to fight back. Some state governments have penalized financial institutions that “discriminate” against fossil fuels. This backlash only makes it more urgent that we build up a counterweight that imposes costs of our own on financial institutions. States have tremendous power to promote renewables, slash demand for fossil fuels, and even directly limit fossil fuel production. One climate expert estimates that “three-quarters of the country’s Paris Climate commitments can be achieved by state and local policy.” Recent state laws have mandated public investment in renewables , the phaseout of gas-powered vehicles , corporate pollution disclosures and “make-polluters-pay” penalties linked to climate disasters. All these laws stand to have powerful national impacts by altering corporate investments, as state legislation has often done . The prospects for building electoral coalitions around climate are far greater at the subnational levels. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication provides detailed opinion data by county, state and congressional district . Since some of the most progressive states are also among the most important economically, reforms in those places can have outsized impacts at higher levels. A rare bright spot in the 2024 election was a referendum in Washington State, where 60 percent of voters rejected an effort to repeal the state’s climate legislation. That win followed a coalitional mobilization by almost 600 organizations. Also important are local-level laws that ban new gas hookups , improve energy efficiency standards, build community solar and otherwise cut fossil fuel demand. Those projects face challenges , particularly since this type of initiative is still new in the U.S. But they are clearly worrisome to gas companies for the signal they send investors about the industry’s long-term outlook. Predictably, polluters have directed their proxies in friendly courts and state governments to prohibit local restrictions on fossil fuels. For those who work, study, travel, or otherwise participate in institutions that consume lots of dirty energy, decarbonizing them is an important contribution to the climate fight. When universities replace gas boilers with heat pumps and solar panels, they deprive gas companies of some of their biggest customers. When school districts or local transportation authorities switch to electric buses, they do the same to the oil industry. Republicans will cut federal funding for many of these projects as soon as they can, so state, local and private sources of funding will become more important. Boycott campaigns could take various additional forms beyond divesting from dirty financiers and phasing out fossil fuel use. They might target specific companies that rely on sales to household consumers, such as a meat or dairy corporation linked to deforestation. They might involve the targeted punishment of companies that operate in political jurisdictions where governments allow polluters free rein, potentially including global penalties on U.S. companies. They might target businesses that operate in our towns and cities but oppose climate measures. (These municipal-level boycotts were another crucial piece of the South Africa campaign.) Any campaign with a national or global scope would need buy-in from major organizations. Serious boycotts campaigns are rare today but their potential remains great . We could muster the numbers necessary to win. Even without outreach, 26 percent of U.S. consumers already try to “punish” companies with the worst environmental records. An organized campaign by just 26 percent could wipe out many companies’ profit margins. In addition to investors and consumers, polluters need a workforce. As many progressive analysts have stressed, the movement needs to build bridges with fossil fuel workers, namely by fighting for reforms that properly compensate laid-off workers with money, retraining and/or new jobs. In the more immediate future, the movement could dedicate more energy to countering the recruitment of workers, particularly on college campuses. Companies’ fear of becoming less attractive to talented young graduates could become a significant force for internal change. Recent trends suggest the potential. Between 2017 and 2022, graduation from U.S. petroleum engineering programs plunged by 83 percent . This happened even as oil prices were rising, as Trump was trying to prop up the industry, and as other engineering programs were flourishing. Whether their concerns are moral or pragmatic, it appears few students see a future in the industry. More powerful, perhaps, would be a counterrecruitment campaign targeting one or more of the financial institutions that invest in fossil fuels. Again, those companies are more likely to abandon dirty energy than companies that specialize in it. There are growing hints of climate discontent among bank employees, which could be nurtured by organizers. Building a bigger, more combative labor movement is important to the climate struggle for at least two reasons. First, strikes are the most potent weapon for forcing the transformations we need. Climate strikes on a large scale aren’t yet plausible, but in the meantime, workers can fight for immediate workplace improvements like air-conditioning, water breaks and better ventilation. They can refuse to work in unsafe temperatures. This can be done by unionized and nonunionized workers alike, as recent workplace walkouts have shown. More ambitiously, they can force employers to reduce their own carbon pollution and to put pressure on dirty financial institutions. These actions also make employers more likely to demand policy reforms from government, including ones that restrain the fossil fuel industry. Second, labor organizing can also protect workers against the austerity and inflation that the ruling class will try to impose as the economic costs of climate destruction explode. Forcing capitalists to absorb more of those costs may also push them into political confrontation with the fossil fuel industry. The Hitlerian rhetoric of Trump’s 2024 campaign — undocumented immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” — is but a glimpse of the cruelty we’ll see as more fossil fuel refugees flee unlivable tropics and coastlines. Racist scapegoating will be central to the effort to shield polluters from accountability. And it will find fertile ground: Thirty-four percent of U.S. residents explicitly agree with Trump’s statement about “poisoning,” and over half now say they want more restrictions on immigration (nearly double from just a few years ago). In addition to organizing sanctuary campaigns , we’ll have to work constantly to redirect popular hatred onto the capitalist culprits while cultivating empathy for their victims. Standing with refugees is part of the larger imperative of international solidarity. Stabilizing the climate is impossible unless the Global South gets the resources it needs to decarbonize and adapt. The rich countries, led by the United States, have refused to offer adequate compensation for their carbon pollution, a stance they reaffirmed at the November 2024 COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan. On this count U.S. public opinion is more sympathetic, with most respondents supporting “aid to developing nations” for those purposes. That support would be much stronger if the public knew the true gravity of the crisis or the miserly stance of the U.S. government. (The public drastically overestimates the generosity of U.S. foreign aid, but also supports far more aid than what the government actually gives.) Climate disasters are already a significant source of inflation, including for food . We’ll see more dramatic spikes as climate breakdown causes more crop failures. Developing sustainable local agriculture and mutual aid projects of all kinds can cushion the working class while also fostering stronger community cohesion. The movement should also demand that governments create international reserves of essential commodities like food. These “buffer stocks” would buy up goods when they’re available in excess and sell them off at noninflated prices in times of shortage, thereby cushioning both producers and consumers against price shocks. We have to talk about our climate reality much more, with everyone we know and meet. Biblical hurricanes, droughts and wildfires simply have not made the climate crisis a topic of daily conversation for most U.S. residents. Two-thirds “rarely or never” discuss climate with friends or family. While some people have severe climate anxiety, most aren’t nearly anxious enough : Only 28 percent are “alarmed” by the crisis. (The rest range from “concerned” to “dismissive.”) In this context politicians find it easier to ignore the emergency or label it just another “issue.” For the minority who suffer high anxiety about the unfolding crisis, offer them ideas for collective action. For the majority who aren’t freaked out enough, urge them to tune in, and show them how the solutions will benefit them and their children. Republicans will do whatever they can to crush resistance. Protesters will be met with greater state violence. Refugees will face new levels of state terror. Public officials and employees will be fired. New laws and regulations will further criminalize “discrimination” against fossil fuels by lower levels of government. Yet two reminders are in order. First, conditions won’t be one-tenth as bad for U.S. citizens as they have been for foreign peoples, from Vietnam to El Salvador to Palestine, who have heroically resisted (and sometimes defeated) U.S. empire. Second, Trump will remain subservient to capital, and capital depends on our labor, our consumption and our quiescence. That gives us power. We will continue to have power, in 2025 and beyond, if we organize ourselves and use it.
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
Australia’s sharemarket is likely to open lower after a sell-off in the world’s largest technology companies hit US stocks in the final stretch of a stellar year. Futures are pointing to a drop of 0.35 per cent, or 29 points, on Monday morning across the local bourse, to 8228, as traders take stock of a pullback in the US last week. Nasdaq, one of the “Magnificent Seven” companies, bore the brunt of last week’s selling. Credit: Bloomberg In the US, during a session of slim trading volume – which tends to amplify moves – the S&P 500 lost 1.1 per cent and the Nasdaq 100 slipped 1.4 per cent. While every major industry succumbed to Friday’s slide, tech megacaps bore the brunt of the selling. That’s after a torrid surge in which the group of companies dubbed the “Magnificent Seven” accounted for more than half of the US equity benchmark’s gains in 2024. “I think Santa has already come. Have you seen the performance this year?” said Kenny Polcari from financial advising firm SlateStone Wealth. “[This] week is another holiday-shortened week, volumes will be light, moves will be exaggerated. Don’t make any major investing decisions this week.” Steve Sosnick, from Interactive Brokers said while the market was in holiday season, he had fielded more inquiries than expected. “The best I can figure out is that there are large accounts, pension funds and the like, who need to rebalance their holdings before year-end,” he said. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 trimmed last week’s gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.8 per cent on Friday. A gauge of the “Magnificent Seven” sank 2 per cent, led by losses in Tesla and Nvidia. The Russell 2000 index of small caps dropped 1.6 per cent. The yield on 10-year Treasuries rose 4 basis points to 4.62 per cent. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index wavered. Funds tied to several of the major themes that have driven markets and fund flows over the past three years stumbled during the week ending Christmas Day, according to data compiled by EPFR. Redemptions from cryptocurrency funds hit a record high while technology sector funds extended their longest outflow streak since the first week of 2023, the firm said. This year’s rally in US equities has driven the expectations for stocks so high that it may turn out to be the biggest hurdle for further gains in the new year. And the bar is even higher for tech stocks, given their massive surge in 2024. A Bloomberg Intelligence analysis recently found that analysts estimate a nearly 30 per cent earnings growth for the sector next year, but tech’s market-cap share of the S&P 500 index implies closer to 40 per cent growth expectations may be embedded in the stocks. “The market’s largest companies and other related technology darlings are still being awarded significant premiums,” said Jason Pride and Michael Reynolds at Glenmede. “Excessive valuations leave room for downside if earnings fail to meet expectations. Market concentration should reward efforts to regularly diversify portfolios.” Bloomberg The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon .In Chongqing, China, an innovative restaurant is grabbing global attention for its unique dining experience, combining cutting-edge aesthetics with traditional food service. Ms. Qin , the 26-year-old entrepreneur behind this hot pot establishment, offers her patrons a mesmerizing performance where her smooth movements emulate those of a humanoid robot. At first glance, diners might be tempted to believe they are witnessing a technological marvel with the restaurant’s staff appearing mechanical. However, this extraordinary illusion is the product of Ms. Qin’s dedication to her craft, seamlessly blending dance and dining service. Her expert choreography, marked by precise movements and a focused gaze, transforms each dining experience into a theatrical display. This exceptional fusion of art and service has captivated audiences, both in the vibrant restaurant and online, as videos of Ms. Qin’s mesmerizing performances spread widely. Her ability to effortlessly embody the characteristics of a machine while retaining the grace of a dancer underscores the harmony between human creativity and mechanical precision. Alongside running her restaurant, Ms. Qin also showcases her talent as a professional dancer, performing both within her establishment and in public spaces. Her unique talents continue to attract visitors from around the globe, eager to witness this fusion of innovation and artistry firsthand. Experience a dining revolution that combines performance and cuisine at Ms. Qin’s extraordinary restaurant, where every meal is served with a touch of futuristic allure. Experience the Future of Dining: A Fusion of Art and Technology In the bustling city of Chongqing, China, a groundbreaking restaurant concept is turning heads worldwide, offering an unprecedented dining experience that melds artistic performance with culinary excellence. The brainchild of 26-year-old entrepreneur and professional dancer, Ms. Qin, this hot pot restaurant delivers not just meals but an immersive spectacle. Features of the Revolutionary Dining Experience Ms. Qin’s establishment is at the forefront of integrating performance art into traditional food service. Her remarkable ability to simulate robotic movements while serving food captivates diners, creating an engaging atmosphere where every service moment becomes part of a choreographed act. This innovative approach has set her apart in the culinary industry, redefining what it means to dine out. Insights into the Artistry Behind the Illusion The heart of this mesmerizing experience lies in Ms. Qin’s background as a professional dancer. Her rigorous training allows her to execute fluid and precise movements that mimic a humanoid robot. This dedication not only enhances the dining experience but also highlights the potential synergy between human creativity and technological influence. Pros and Cons of This Unique Dining Concept Pros: – Entertainment Value: Combines dining with live performance, providing a unique storytelling element to meals. – Cultural Fusion: Blends modern aesthetics with traditional hot pot cuisine, offering a fresh take on a classic culinary style. – Global Appeal: Attracts international visitors eager to experience this hybrid of art and dining. Cons: – Scalability Challenges: The concept relies heavily on Ms. Qin’s personal talents, which could be difficult to replicate on a larger scale. – Misinterpretation: Diners unfamiliar with the concept might initially mistake the performance for traditional robotic service, potentially overshadowing the artistic elements. A Look at Global Trends in Dining Innovation This innovative approach resonates with a growing global trend where traditional industries, like dining, are increasingly integrating artistic and technological elements to elevate customer experiences. Such trends point to a future where boundary-pushing concepts are more commonplace, suggesting that the fusion of art and service could inspire new dining formats worldwide. Market Predictions and Consumer Interest With increasing demand for unique and experiential dining, Ms. Qin’s restaurant could pave the way for similar innovations in other markets. As consumers seek experiences beyond mere culinary satisfaction, future dining establishments might explore integrating performance art and technology more deeply into their service offerings. Conclusion Ms. Qin’s inventive hot pot restaurant offers a glimpse into the future of dining, where art and technology harmonize to create memorable experiences. As her concept continues to gain traction, it sets a new standard for what is possible in the culinary world, challenging restaurateurs to think beyond traditional service models. For more insights into innovative dining experiences, visit China Highlights .
Premier David Burt attended the Joint Ministerial Council in the UK, where discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between the UK and the Overseas Territories, as highlighted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy tweeted the photo below showing himself with people including Premier Burt, saying: “The Overseas Territories are an invaluable part of the British family. Proud to attend the first Joint Ministerial Council under this government and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the OTs. We will continue to work together to strengthen our partnership.” Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle tweeted the photos below, saying: “This week, I met with the Leaders of the British Overseas Territories in Speaker’s House to hear about the priorities and recent developments in their territories. I offered my continued support in developing the links between the territories and the House of Commons.” : , ,From , by Bachchoo This year I’ve received numerous Christmas greetings, cards through the post, texts on my phone and emails on the computer. I won’t say how many as a large number would seem like boasting and a meagre one will seem pathetic in comparison to the numbers my gentle readers may have received. The point is not to raise relative measures of popularity as with contemporary boasts of the numbers of “followers” one has on Twitter or the existence of hordes of Facebook or Linked-in “friends”. It’s to note the religious diversity of the greetings I’ve received: from Christians of course, but then in great numbers from Zoroastrians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, atheists and the undeclared. Why do all these send out best wishes for the festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ? It’s certainly not because they have all been recently baptised. It’s almost certainly because of European colonialism which took Christmas -- trees, stockings, lights, reindeer and all to very many parts of the globe. Which observation poses the question. Is there any part of our world which completely ignores Christmas? Is it forbidden to celebrate it in any jurisdiction, say that of the strict Ayatollah or Islamicist? Or is there a region of the world, some remote island in a forgotten ocean, where news of the Virgin Birth, 2024 years ago, hasn’t reached? Two incidents in this Christmas advent week drew my attention as at least one of them is connected to such antagonism. In Syria, a group of masked men set fire to a Christmas tree which had been installed in the public square by the majority Christian population of that town. There followed mass demonstrations all over Syria by Christians and their supporters protesting against the purportedly blasphemous, but certainly aggressive and offensive, arson. The “government” of Syria which, after the recent expulsion of President Bashar al-Assad, seems to be in the hands of the dominant insurgent group which brought about his expulsion, has pronounced the presumably-Islamicist arsonists as criminals. There’s hope there as it indicates that this “government” takes seriously its pronouncement that all religions and sects in multi-faith Syria will be equally respected. Acts of aggression by one sect against another will not be tolerated. True secularism? A lesson and model for the Middle East? Hope springs eternal? Then there was the very strange video, circulated universally, of a Muslim cleric in full Arab garb standing on Tower Bridge in London, facing the Thames and loudly pronouncing verses from the Quran. He was filmed by the media and protected as he prayed by the Metropolitan Police. Again, an act of secular tolerance. Shame on the Brit and right-Tory antagonism towards the minorities. God save our gracious Tolerance... etc. Fire has been the weapon of lethal and sometimes symbolic antagonism throughout history. It’s not certain whether Nero didn’t like Rome, but it’s true that the SOB Alexander-the-damned set fire to the Persian capital Persepolis through a demented, inebriate desire to leave no stone of Persian imperial greatness unburnt. Then there were the poor women burnt at the stake for being accused of witchcraft. Even so, this was in my short and happy life the first time I’ve heard of setting a Christmas tree on fire to demonstrate a disapproval of Christmas. Yes, books have been burnt through the ages by people who disagreed with their content. In our times the outstanding case was that of Salman Rushdie’s being ritualistically burnt by Islamist activists all over the world. They weren’t arrested, though the burning of books accompanied by incendiary speeches appeals to me as a “hate crime” and even a provocation to worse. I am, gentle reader, in every way against such book burning. Except of course if say 20,000 or a million people object to something in one of my books and each buys a copy to burn. It would of course increase carbon pollution, but it would also probably help to propel my book into the best-seller list. No such luck, even though my first published book, way back in 1976, faced some opposition and even public demonstrations. It was (is?) called -- a collection of short stories published by Macmillan. One of the stories called “Pushy’s Pimples” is about the contemplation of sex by a young teenage British-Indian girl. Another story contains a quoted line from a very popular and widely circulated Rolling Stones’ song with the word “Starf---r” repeated a few times. A few days after its publication the Macmillan editor rang me to say that there was a demonstration outside a South London school demanding that the book be withdrawn from the curriculum. The next day the published an editorial denouncing my book. I got an invitation from ITV, the national commercial station, to debate the Torygraph’s editor. I went and pointed out to him that the demonstration at the school gates was led by the National Front, Britain’s avowedly fascist party. So did the demo, editorial and TV debate help sell copies? Are lions non-vegetarian?
China's getting a big electric car battery swapping boost in 2025. Would that work across the globe?