We’ve had an absolutely glorious day here in the Calder valley as we’ve seen blue skies and warmer temperatures all day. It really does feel like Spring has arrived. Just getting out to feel the sun on my skin again (no need for winter woolies) has been wonderful. Almost overnight blossom has started to appear on trees near us, whilst the birdsong has reached a crescendo as our feathered friends realise it’ll soon be time to find a mate – and they’re on it!

What’s been less inspiring has been human activity and Trump’s ‘operation divert from the Epstein files’, AKA the undeclared war on Iran. This reached a new low today when an American submarine sank an Iranian military ship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Why? Other than the fact they could, because they had a submarine in the area? The 1,500 tonne ‘Dena’ was no threat to anyone. It had been taking part in joint exercises with the Indian and other navies 3000km away from Iran. Over 100 sailors have died. I hold no candle for the theocrats of Iran, but this seems like a completely unwarranted attack that not only demeans the US but also paints a big target on US ships not in a war zone as it sets a precedent. There’s something else that’s uncomfortable too. The US submarine – despite being in absolutely no danger from anyone – failed to assist survivors. Even German U-boat captains during world war 2 were known to help survivors of the ships that they sunk (despite the risks). This does not look good on America, but I’ve no doubt their apologists will be out in full flow.

I can’t help thinking that Trump and his acolytes are taking the USA in a very dark direction. Far from being the ‘beacon of democracy’ they now look no better than some of the countries they criticise. America’s gone from the world’s policeman to the world’s bully. I also note that the Americans don’t call this a war, it’s akin to a ‘special military operation’. Now, where have we heard that before, and who from? That SVO’s going as well as can be expected too…

We live in dark times. Well, apart from spring appearing here in the UK, obviously. So, on that brighter note, I leave you with a picture I took just down the road earlier today.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
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Cheers,

Paul