The alleged ceasefire in Gaza

Trump is forming The Board of Peace. Originally thought to be the next step on the ceasefire process in Gaza, Trump has fashioned it to suit his ego.

While peace has not come to Gaza, the alternative, which is the continued war, is far worse.  There are many in Israel who want the war to restart so that Christians and Muslims can be removed from Gaza. I would love a just peace for Palestinians, one that had been agreed many years ago, but sadly this is not going to happen while Trump is in power.

Which Brings Me to You

My son, wife and I watched this last night. While described as a rom-com, there is not much comedy. But we liked the film. We all have different tastes when it comes to films, and when it started, I thought it was going to be the usual bland rom-com. It is not, it is a story that is not normally told in this way. It is best described as a romance and one that leaves viewers being able to discuss how the two main characters will go on with their lives afterwards.

Like many films, I doubt I will watch it again, but it was nice to watch it, even better that all three of use did so together.  The Guardian rated it three out of five and I would have to agree with it. 

The cost of occupying Greenland

There is understandable concern that Trump wants to occupy Greenland. In the event of an invasion, the US would quickly win. But how many American lives is Trump willing to give to occupy it? We saw quick invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan resulting in US troops being killed by those resisting their presence. If the USA invades Greenland, how popular would its occupation be if US troops were killed? Would the American public really back Trump in that situation?

But, it may not come to that. Some NATO members have sent troops to Greenland. Trump is not happy and wants them out. Preventing an invasion keeps NATO together, officially. Is it dead however?

My Mum wants to leave Labour

First of all, my wife and I dropped our daughter off in Bristol. We had intended to do this earlier in the day but woke up late.  Driving there is my car is the environmentally right option as my car is electric while my wife has a hybrid car. It means that we do get a chance to rest, but this also means the journey takes longer when it charges.  It has enough range to get to the services at Reading when driving there, or the services at South Mimms on the way back, but there are no services in between.  The dog was not happy when my daughter was dropped off and sulked, ignoring her as she said goodbye. My son did not come as he has a party.

On the way back, while charging the car, my mother rang, asking if she should leave Labour. She said that Labour are not doing anything for the environment. If that was the case, then Reform UK and the Tories would not need to complain, but they do oppose Labour on the environment. My EV was bought at a discount thanks to the stance of Labour on electric cars. 

While I can see why she is attracted to The Green Party, but the economic policies of The Green Party are from Planet Truss.  We saw the damage that fantasy economics did to the country under her. Polanski has not learned from history when it comes to his policies, not just Zimbabwe, but Germany in 1923.  

I don’t agree with Labour on everything. I can see why they have had to take decisions which offend many. I think Labour are wrong on immigration, I think that they were wrong to offer Junior Doctors the highest pay rise in the public sector when pay restoration applies to so many, such as nurses.

But I do think that Labour are the best to run our nation. I hope my mother can see that. 

Does it matter if Tommy Robinson likes to be intimate with men?

Last year, on one of my many long Twitter debates, the topic of Tommy Robinson spending time in jail was discussed.  During this, I suggested that he did not need to spend time in jail to meet men when there were other options. It turns out that I may have been right. 

Tommy Robinson has been outed as having an interest in gay love.  Personally, I have no issues with it.  But it appears that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (his real name) has, as he deleted a tweet where his interest was exposed.  He should remember that there is nothing wrong with men who are intimate with other men and men should not be ashamed if they are.  

Should JK Rowling comment about everything on the planet?

As stated before, I do not go onto Twitter as much. Bluesky is so much nicer, quieter, but is a much nicer place to post.  

I have noted though that many have said that JK Rowling is wrong not to speak out about the execution of Renee Nicole Good.   But today, I watched a video from Novara Media commenting how she did not speak out against the war in Gaza.  

The thing is, JK Rowling did comment about the conflict referring to 'snivelling apologists for rape and murder' but there is a reason why Novara Media may not discuss that. Notably because of the crimes of Hamas against women in the attack. Some have denied that this happened but Hamas has form when it comes to discrimination.

Women's rights in Gaza have been curtailed under Hamas, an example of this is how the UN marathon was cancelled due to Hamas banning women taking part in it.

I did agree with the essay JK Rowling wrote about women and segregated spaces.  I do not agree with some of her views on this matter now as I think that she has been radicalised.  But she has been vocal in speaking out about women's rights in Afghanistan, Iran and also in the USA.  I challenge anyone to say otherwise.  

People We Meet on Vacation

This is a film that we watched as the family had wanted to.  My son has been revising for his mock exams and has been unwell recently, but is now better.

As a family film, it was enjoyable.  I would rate is as an average film.  It had a decent soundtrack and also had a memorable character.  As a romcom, it was predictable and unless it is on when I am channel hopping, I am unlikely to watch this again.  The rest of the family enjoyed it more than I did and it is spending time with them which was more enjoyable than watching the film.  

All in all, it was nice to watch it.  If you have not watched it, I would not go out of your way to do so, but it is not a film to avoid.