The Fall of the House of Blair
Today, in the London Times, Anatole Kaletsky tells us Prime Minister Tony Blair final hour draws nigh. Kaletsky is uncertain whether "loyal" former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will administer the mortal blow.
Setting aside the theme of Kaletsky's commentary for a moment, we do find some observations worthy of note. It seems the British embrace Blair's policy of market reforms in health care and education. Tellingly, Kaletsky says his countrymen: (1) "want easier access to doctors and more choice in schools," (2) "expect to be treated as customers, not supplicants or subjects," and (3) resent "dirty hospitals" and "underperforming schools."
How very odd? We've been told, by so many, that we should adopt the British form of health care. Dirty hospitals? I think, not.
Returning to Kaletsky's comments, he tells us the sons of Brutus are conspiring because Prime Minister Blair is President Bush's lackey in foreign affairs. Kaletsky tells us, if Big Blu's fall on Natanz or Arak at dawn tomorrow, Blair will be dispatched by morning tea.
It seems the "subservient relationship with George Bush has been the real cause of Tony Blair’s downfall." Kaletsky does offer us this cheery news. Once Blair is replaced by Sir Elton John, Boy George, or another British Lion preening on the backbench, by "reversing Blairite foreign policy," this action would restore the imperial majesty of "Britain’s national interests," with the added advantage of convincing Americans how "isolated" we are from our so-called allies.
After all, who can blame the Brits for offing a bootlicking, lackey toad. Kaletsky, slit his throat and be done with it!
For me, I welcome the day when Americans can no longer delude themselves by calling a wobbly neighbor stalwart, a foe an ally, or an enemy a "strategic partner."
Setting aside the theme of Kaletsky's commentary for a moment, we do find some observations worthy of note. It seems the British embrace Blair's policy of market reforms in health care and education. Tellingly, Kaletsky says his countrymen: (1) "want easier access to doctors and more choice in schools," (2) "expect to be treated as customers, not supplicants or subjects," and (3) resent "dirty hospitals" and "underperforming schools."
How very odd? We've been told, by so many, that we should adopt the British form of health care. Dirty hospitals? I think, not.
Returning to Kaletsky's comments, he tells us the sons of Brutus are conspiring because Prime Minister Blair is President Bush's lackey in foreign affairs. Kaletsky tells us, if Big Blu's fall on Natanz or Arak at dawn tomorrow, Blair will be dispatched by morning tea.
It seems the "subservient relationship with George Bush has been the real cause of Tony Blair’s downfall." Kaletsky does offer us this cheery news. Once Blair is replaced by Sir Elton John, Boy George, or another British Lion preening on the backbench, by "reversing Blairite foreign policy," this action would restore the imperial majesty of "Britain’s national interests," with the added advantage of convincing Americans how "isolated" we are from our so-called allies.
After all, who can blame the Brits for offing a bootlicking, lackey toad. Kaletsky, slit his throat and be done with it!
For me, I welcome the day when Americans can no longer delude themselves by calling a wobbly neighbor stalwart, a foe an ally, or an enemy a "strategic partner."
posted by Tony Harrison at 6:45 AM
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