Steve McGookinAnniversaries Aplenty
As the “great unfinished symphony” that is the US celebrated its 245th birthday this weekend, the divided nation fell short of the Biden administration’s 70 per cent vaccination target by the July 4th holiday. In a number of US states, the spread of the Delta Variant continues to be a real cause for concern.
In Brazil, thousands of people protested against President Jair Bolsonaro as a criminal investigation into a vaccine scandal began.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would stick to its July 19th date for the lifting of social distancing measures. The plan to “restore freedoms” will be announced on Monday afternoon.
Today is the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service. As the NHS was awarded the George Cross for the “courage, compassion and dedication” of its staff, the government is to press ahead this coming week with controversial plans to take greater control of its operations.
See Also:
Escaping The Coronavirus (2020)
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Tip of the Weisselberg?
Donald Trump’s company and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, were charged in a multiple-count indictment in New York this week, alleging a 15-year “scheme to defraud” the government.
The twice-impeached former president, predictably, ramped up his “witch hunt” rhetoric at a rally in Florida.
Meanwhile, as the US reviewed its emergency evacuation plans for withdrawing from Afghanistan, opinions were divided over the legacy of one of the architects of America’s longest war, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who died this week aged 88.
See Also:
As Trump’s Legal Woes Mount, GOP Doubles Down
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Birthday Party For The Communist Party
The Chinese Communist Party marked 100 years since its founding on July 1st. By contrast, the ruling party of the Soviet Union lasted 93 years before the collapse of the communist regime in 1991.
This week also saw the 24th anniversary of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong to Chinese rule, amid a new national security law that restricts public protest.
See Also:
The UK Must Not Walk Away From The People Of Hong Kong (2020)
Tyrannical Hubris (2020)
Global Hubris (2020)
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We’ll Meat Again…
After Britain tantalizingly said it had received “positive sausage signals” from the EU, it was announced that there would be a three-month extension to the grace period on movement of chilled meats.
As a legal challenge to the NI Protocol was rejected in court, newly-confirmed DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson wasted no time in laying out his party’s priorities; while Brexit negotiator Lord Frost and NI Secretary Brandon Lewis wrote of the need for “a new balance” in how the Protocol operates.
Meanwhile, we’re heading into the twelfth week and the 331st anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
In another significant legal decision this week, it was announced that the only British soldier charged with murder over Bloody Sunday would not face trial.
- Don’t forget, the NI Electoral Register is being re-canvassed, beginning this week, so everyone – even those of you in Limavady who may be distracted by other things – will need to re-register to vote. You can do that here….
See Also:
Poll Points To Trouble For DUP, Opportunity For Other Parties
What Happens If Alliance Comes Second?
A New Northern Ireland Youth Assembly Gives Cause For Hope
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Climate Concerns Grow Amid More Weather Extremes
With record high temperatures in Canada and parts of the Pacific Northwest, the US National Weather Service described conditions as “Unprecedented” “Abnormal” and “Dangerous”.
There was also confirmation of extreme temperatures recorded in Antarctica last year.
Meanwhile…
After torrential rains, a powerful mudslide in the town of Atami in Japan destroyed several buildings. At least two people were reported killed and dozens are missing.
As Tropical Storm Elsa approached the coast of Florida, a decision was taken to demolish the remaining part of the collapsed condominium building in Surfside.
See Also:
‘Everything Is Getting Much Worse, Much Faster, Everywhere’
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See Also Last Week’s Five Points:
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