Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Rock of Eejits

Posted on December 15, 2021 by davidsberry

“Rock of ages, cleft for meLet me hide myself in Thee.” The current intransigence infecting the Republican Party in clinging to the flotsam that remains of the Trump presidency has much deeper roots than Trump’s ego-driven tenure. Their demonising of … Continue reading →

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Meet Pesky Blunders of 10 Clowning Street

Posted on December 11, 2021 by davidsberry

Unless you’ve been the victim of one of his many jolly japes that pass for policy, it’s hard to dislike Boris Johnson entirely. There is something about his gung-ho gusto, about his head-down bullishness that makes him an effective political … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy III—Councils As Partners

Posted on December 7, 2021 by davidsberry

On Thursday, December 9th, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes will present a budget to the Scottish Parliament. A couple of goodies have been trailed in Nicola Sturgeon’s speech to the SNP Conference in November, including a doubling of child benefit from … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy II—Cunning Plan, or Planning Con?

Posted on November 21, 2021 by davidsberry

“A high quality planning system is essential to create quality places with the homes, infrastructure and investment that people need. We are improving Scotland’s planning system, to strengthen the contribution planning can make to inclusive growth, to delivering housing and … Continue reading →

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Fake News Is Nothing New

Posted on November 16, 2021 by davidsberry

Propaganda as a means to persuade people has a long history. But it really only came into its own with the spread of newspapers and radio in the 20th century. The first to exploit mass media’s ability to spread falsehood … Continue reading →

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The Road to Scindy I—Hug a Sassenach

Posted on November 12, 2021 by davidsberry

There is a case for Scotland being a normal, independent nation that is at least as strong as the argument for it remaining within the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, in the seven years since 2014, the SNP, whose job this should … Continue reading →

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Videotracks of Our Lives

Posted on November 7, 2021 by davidsberry

Given the myriad of channels through which it is now delivered, the very dame “film” has become a misnomer, verging on the archaic. But for a century, it has been the prime means of mass communication around the globe, surviving … Continue reading →

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Is It a Fair COP?

Posted on November 2, 2021 by davidsberry

“Humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change, It is one minute to midnight to prevent catastrophe.” —Boris Johnson at COP26, November 2021 Intensifying media blanket coverage means most of us were fed up with “last-chance-saloon” mood … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Politics | Leave a comment

Those Who Walk on Water: III—Boris Johnson

Posted on October 30, 2021 by davidsberry

“This Budget will deliver a stronger economy for the whole of the UK. We’re building back better from the pandemic with a more innovative, high skill and high wage economy that will level up across the country.” —Tweet from Boris … Continue reading →

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Those Who Walk on Water: II—Donald J. Trump

Posted on October 28, 2021 by davidsberry

“Well, if I ever ran for office, I’d do better as a Democrat than as a Republican – and that’s not because I’d be more liberal, because I’m conservative. But the working guy would elect me. He likes me. When … Continue reading →

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