No Loyalties In Politics

One of the peculiarities of the fall of communism in the East of Europe, is that the system that had control of the peoples thoughts for over 45 years, wasn't able to retain any loyalty from its former citizens after democracy was restored.

East German Propaganda Posters
Showing United Workers Ready To Fight Capitalism .... Standard Fare For 45 years. 

For example in East Germany, having brainwashed three generations of children's minds with communism, as firstly a Young Pioneer, then via the Free German Youth,and then the Socialist Unity Party, one would expect that these kids would retain this mindset, no matter whether elections carried real choice or not. I mean how could children's books with titles like 'Six-Year-Old Bronek and the Six-Year Plan' not have had some sort of resonance and created Homo Sovieticus.

History By Numbers

In a story that's going to wind up at least one reader that I can think of, the Dutch pharmacist and retail chain Kruidvat has been forced to apologise, after it unwittingly sold a colour-by-numbers book that upset some customers.

We Don't Do History By Numbers

The book was supposed to show 'famous people', and such significant historical figures as Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln.

Ever Closer Union Not A Certainty

Mrs Merkel took a bit of blow in the recent German elections. She had been widely tipped to sail serenely in to office again, for an unprecedented fourth term as German Chancellor. However although she retained the post, it was something of a Pyrrhic victory as it came with a steep price.

Pyrrhic Victories Are Always Costly .... Ask Mrs May In The UK.   
Credit Library of Congress "Another victory like this and our money's gone!"

Her party had its worst electoral performance in 70 years, and it ushered in a 'far right' (in the eyes of the left leaning media at least), party for the first time since 1945. So she has limped over the finishing line, faced with the prospect of months of haggling with the Greens, and the Pro-Business Free Democratic Party to form a workable coalition.