This was written on the morning of the EU elections, in which the Tories had been keen not to take part. The Guardian had described the day before as a “torrid day” for Theresa May and her resignation was now expected at any moment. Not a good day for the Tories to face an election. And towards the end of… continue reading
He Speaks of Brexit as a Raging Fever
The Parrot Speaks of the Democratic Covenant
A private prosecution has been taken out against Boris Johnson MP, for claims he made during the 2016 EU referendum. After 3 years of preparation, it had its first hearing in private a few days ago. For an example of the Press coverage, see https://www.theguardian.com/…/boris-johnson-could-be-challenged-in-court…
Essentially, if the judge agrees that there is a case to answer, Mr Johnson will… continue reading
… He Overhears some Afterthoughts
In the UK, the local elections have just taken place, and the Tories did very badly and Labour just did badly. But that’s serious for Labour and for the rest of us. Labour should surely be a coming force by now, after month upon month of this worst of governments. Maybot and the Boy Jez have seen promptly how much… continue reading
The Parrot on Fault-lines
This stanza was written on the day the Labour Party’s National Executive decided to support a second referendum on Brexit – but only in particular circumstances, all unlikely. Jez and a sufficient number of his adherents were clearly still keen on being seen to be “honouring” the result of the first referendum of 2016. That word “honouring” was deceitful, of… continue reading
Still the Parrot Paces
In the third stanza of “Speak, Parrot” by John Skelton, you’ll find these lines : “With my bekė bent, my little wanton eye,/ My feathers fresh as is the emerald green,/About my neck a circulet like the rich ruby,/ my little leggės, my feet both feat and clean,/ I am a minion to wait upon a queen…”
Amen to the… continue reading
The Parrot Shakes Again
Parrot has another go at making sense of what is happening in the world that swirls and shudders around his cage. This time he makes use of a few religious images… continue reading
The Parrot Shakes the Bars
Instead of “shakes the bars” the author might just as well have written “wracks his brains” – a more conventional image, though equally physical a description. But since the parrot lives in a cage, it seemed fitting that he should do some violence to that, instead of to himself.… continue reading
The Parrot Advises on Leadership
This stanza offers some general thoughts on leadership and the part it plays – or fails to play. But it is also based on the specific image of the UK House of Commons, in which the Party of Government and the Party of Opposition face one another across the aisle. Neither of the present leaders merit the position they hold. … continue reading
The Parrot on the Quality of Clay
The key-word here seemed to be “constructions.” We construct so much – thoughts, arguments, theories and views, no less than buildings, machines, policies, laws and stories…
Yet do we pause and check very carefully the materials used for those constructions ? Are they sound ? Are the foundations on which they are based trustworthy, honest ? Is their true purpose… continue reading