The last refuge of a scoundrel

.... analysed today by George Monbiot. I often find Monbiot's columns irritating - I am not sure entirely why - but today's is worth a look. As every liberal commentator works him or herself up into a lather over identity, nationalism and patriotism Monbiot advances the position that was once a commonplace on the left, that of internationalism.

It's all in God's plan...

Or at least it is according to Dubya. Fresh from having involved himself in mattes of medical ethics and adding to the misery of the husband of Terry Schiavo, Bush is now turning to education, suggesting that schools should include teaching 'intelligent design' alongside the theory of evolution.

Never mind the fact that the National Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science have both opposed any such move, having concluded that there is no scientific basis to the notion of intelligent design; for believers like George W the choice between evolutionism and intelligent design is a choice between equally valid stances.

It is good to see that this is one element of Christophen Hitchen's former belief system that hasn't been jettisoned in his drift to the right and into the embrace of the neo-cons. Hitchens is right to question John Roberts' nomination. Hopefully, we will see Hitchens also turning his fire on Dubya's intervention regarding the matter of scientific education.

McCarthyism redux

Last month I suggested that Charles Clarke's Spook's Charter would lead to radicals being persecuted simply because they oppose the New Labour orthodoxy on the 'War on Terror' (Jul 20 2005). It seems that the consequences of the government's announcement are already being felt with at least one Leed's bookshop being raided because it carried anti-war material.