Book reviews An Indulgence of Agatha Christies continues with the way in which women were depicted in the 1930s novels. This is a section of Part 2 Racism, Sexism and Classism in Agatha Christie. Earlier material moved to Book Reviews: Archives.
Television Comments Comments on episode of The Crown. Earlier material moved to Television Comments: Archives
Senate Runoffs
On the first day of voting for the Senate Runoffs in Georgia more people turned out to vote than they did on the first day of the Presidential elections. Joe Biden’s speech to Georgia asked if the pundits that say more people turn out to vote on the first day for the presidency could be proven wrong. They have been. There have been two great speeches from Biden since the Electoral College cast its votes for him, and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President. The first was just after that vote – which was publicised because of the unique manner in which Biden’s win of 360 votes in the Electoral College has been treated by Republicans and conservative media. For an Australian who has become enthralled by these elections, it was an opportunity to see on television the way in which American Electoral College votes are conducted.
Leaving the Republican Party to support Democracy
Steve Schmidt is a regular interviewee on The Last Word, a former Republican, then Independent, now has become a Democrat. The interview with him, by Lawrence O’Donnell was instructive about Schmidt’s reasons for his changes. Today he said ‘ There’s now one pro-democracy political party’ – and he is registering for it. Thank you Steve Schmidt.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rejects left-wing calls to force Pelosi to hold a Medicare for All vote in exchange for her vote for the Speaker. (Business Insider, Eliza Relman). Thank you, AOC.
Death of John le Carre I was reminded of reading A Delicate Truth (2013) which was so engrossing that my friend remained reading it to the end as I was preparing to leave England for Australia. Friendship forgotten, she read it to the end – then gave it to me for the flight. Another few months, and she was with me in Australia. For some reason I had left reading it until the last moment. Engrossed, I did not join the frenzy of preparation for her departure – I had to finish it. The only saving grace is that we met fairly frequently – and, the book was worth those few moments of neglect of an important friendship.
Robin's Room 