Leaving is not all sweet sorrow.
One of the immediately sad aspects of moving to France is that I have had to resign as Vice Chair of the Charity Age Concern Southampton, a Charity that campaigns on behalf of the elderly in this City. Of equal concern is that Maura will need to stop acting as a voluntary case worker for The Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association. They are a remarkable charity who provide real assistance to ex-members of the Services who need help. The Charity does a remarkable job for those who offer the final sacrifice and fall on hard times and who are neglected by our Government.
Most things so far on the downside but hopefully the benefits of moving will become apparent soon.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Iran, France and the Bomb.
Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister proposal to prepare for war is dangerous in the extreme. The threat to world peace may well be Monsieur Kouchner himself.
The five acknowledged nuclear powers who possess about 31,000 nuclear warheads are USA, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom. India and Pakistan have not formally placed their nuclear arsenal on a delivery system and the position of Israel is unclear although it is generally believed that they should be included as possessing a capability (probably with US assistance) to deliver a nuclear weapon.
For years the United Kingdom subscribed to the theory that the best deterrent was the threat of mutual destruction. Since Iran is the most important country in the Middle East and since Israel is considered to have a capability with US assistance to deliver a nuclear weapon the logic would appear to be that even if Iran eventually possesses a bomb it would be a contribution to peace rather than war in the area.
Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister proposal to prepare for war is dangerous in the extreme. The threat to world peace may well be Monsieur Kouchner himself.
The five acknowledged nuclear powers who possess about 31,000 nuclear warheads are USA, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom. India and Pakistan have not formally placed their nuclear arsenal on a delivery system and the position of Israel is unclear although it is generally believed that they should be included as possessing a capability (probably with US assistance) to deliver a nuclear weapon.
For years the United Kingdom subscribed to the theory that the best deterrent was the threat of mutual destruction. Since Iran is the most important country in the Middle East and since Israel is considered to have a capability with US assistance to deliver a nuclear weapon the logic would appear to be that even if Iran eventually possesses a bomb it would be a contribution to peace rather than war in the area.
Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.
Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC)
I wonder whether insanity is approaching. Let me explain.
I am 73 settled in Southampton but have decided to move to France for an indefinite period or indefinitely. Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful thing one can do. To move to a country where you have an inadequate knowledge of their language and customs and at an age many would consider advanced may well be bordering on insanity. We shall see.
The first step was to give notice to terminate my tenancy which I have done with a little sadness and reluctance. But to go for the each way bet and retain my flat does not appeal.
Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC)
I wonder whether insanity is approaching. Let me explain.
I am 73 settled in Southampton but have decided to move to France for an indefinite period or indefinitely. Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful thing one can do. To move to a country where you have an inadequate knowledge of their language and customs and at an age many would consider advanced may well be bordering on insanity. We shall see.
The first step was to give notice to terminate my tenancy which I have done with a little sadness and reluctance. But to go for the each way bet and retain my flat does not appeal.
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