Samizdata

Spotted in Friday’s print version of the Evening Standard:

Mr Blair’s two security advisers, Sir David Omand and Sir John Stevens, tell us each week that such bombs [in public places] are “unavoidable”, to exonerate themselves in advance from blame. They tell us to be fearful and vigilant. But they do nothing physically to protect us.

There are no walls going up to block Oxford Street from car bombs. There are no sniffer dogs at Holborn Tube or scanners at the entrance to Trafalgar Square. The citizens of London are being told, in effect, to look after themselves and don’t blame the Government. Meanwhile Sir David and Sir John spend millions protecting those for whom they work.
– Simon Jenkins

In other words: You are cannon fodder. The state is not your friend.

Have a cheerful weekend.

With thanks to Guy Herbert

She gazes at the moon
The fragrant earth remains
Tears and thunder fall.

Of course I have sensitivity, you know… I just refuse to use it with my friends
– Adriana Cronin-Lukas

Genua had once controlled the river mouth and taxed its traffic in a way that couldn’t be called piracy because it was done by the city government.
– Local-body politics explained (Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad)