Iran’s 40th Anniversary
The Revolutionary Guard in Iran introduced the world to its newest missile system, despite objections from the West and demands that its programs be scrapped. Purportedly the “Dezful” surface-to-surface missile has a range of over 600 miles. Particularly incensed is the EU, still trying to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran, as work on nuclear-capable ballistic missiles was not allowed under the agreement. Having just passed the 40th anniversary of their revolution, Iranian leaders undoubtedly felt the need to showcase their “strength.” Many goods are currently hard to find and inflation has more than doubled since the US pulled out of the nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions. Of course, revolutionary celebrations still included statements from governing officials such as “America cannot manage its own affairs now, millions of people are hungry there and America’s power is in decline.”
Japanese Transgenders
The Japanese Supreme Court recently upheld a decision requiring those who seek to change the gender listed on their official documents to be “fully transitioned.” Requirements include having “no reproductive glands (testes or ovaries) or reproductive glands that have permanently lost function” as well as “a body which appears to have parts that resemble the genital organs of those of the opposite gender.” While the ruling was unanimous, the issue will likely be raised again in the future. The judges indicated that such regulations should change to reflect evolving social values.
A Cure for Cancer?
Dan Aridor’s company and its team of Israeli scientists have shocked the world. He announced, “We believe we will offer in a year’s time a complete cure for cancer.” Furthermore, it will be “effective from day one,” take only “a few weeks,” have “no or minimal side-effects,” and be available at “a much lower cost than most other treatments on the market.” The treatment is based on phage display technologies that won the Nobel Prize in 2018. In-vitro trials and experiments with mice have been very successful and clinical trials are about to begin. Ideally, the treatment could begin to become available in a few years.
Brexit’s Future Still Uncertain
After the overwhelming defeat of Prime Minister Theresa May’s long-negotiated deal, Britain’s path out of the European Union remains unclear. EU officials are loath to reopen the process as the March 29th deadline looms ever closer. While a last minute deal or a delay are still considered most likely, the possibility of a no-deal exit is growing. The downsides of no-deal for Britain are constantly emphasized but the impact on EU members is often overlooked. Many of those who have sought to punish Britain in negotiations stand to suffer as much or more than the UK and are modifying existing laws and rules to lessen the impact of a “hard Brexit.” European Council President Donald Tusk even speculated on the “special place in hell” for those who supported Brexit without a clear plan to deliver it “safely.”
Witnessing the Gulag
Criminal cases in Russia have reminded the world of its Soviet and atheist roots. A Danish man, Dennis Christensen, has just been convicted and sentenced to six years for organizing a banned extremist group, the dreaded Jehovah’s Witnesses! It is unknown if they were placed on par with terrorists by the Russian Supreme Court due to their abstention from military service or their refusal of blood transfusions. The ban has resulted in over 100 court cases with many Jehova’s Witnesses winding up in prison or under house arrest. Concerned parties worry about the precedent set by the Christensen case. Jehovah’s Witnesses who wish to continue practicing their religion (with its characteristic evangelism) may be advised to leave Russia, shaking the dust from their feet.
Hopefully, they know the Truth
A scuffle that ended in tragedy. That’s how German mainstream media described the incident in Nuremberg where two teenaged boys of immigrant background (Turkish and Albanian) pushed three German teenagers onto the tracks directly in front of an approaching train. Two were killed by the train in what must have been a terribly gruesome death. The German media cloaked the identity of the perpetrators calling them “German.” They also made up the “scuffle on the platform” story to make the attack sound accidental. When you try to look this story up, you’ll find that the “immigrants” pushing people onto the tracks in front of trains has become a common occurrence in Europe.
Mary Poppins – Racist? Whatever!
The New York Times recently published an op-ed by professor Daniel Pollack-Pelzner claiming racism in a song and dance scene by Julie Andrews in the movie Mary Poppins. She shared the scene with Dick Van Dyke, who played the chimney sweep, and they both had fireplace soot on their faces. Pollack-Pelzner writes, “We’re in on the joke, such as it is: These aren’t really black Africans; they’re grinning white dancers in blackface. It’s a parody of black menace; it’s even posted on a white nationalist website as evidence of the film’s racial hierarchy.” The “academic” claims that he made the association about “blackface” signaling “racism” in the hope that executives would take care that future productions do not include anything that may be regarded as “a little bit racist.” What will they think of next in the crusade to call everybody (especially President Trump and any who dare support him) racist?
Gilet Jaunes meets Anti-Casseurs
After three months of demonstrations by the yellow vest movement, the French government is in the process of passing legislation to curb these often violent protests. The “anti-hooligan” law prohibits protesters from hiding their faces. It also empowers law enforcement to remove potentially troublesome people from the crowds. Further, local authorities may prohibit the participation of certain individuals. Opponents have argued the bill is an affront to civil liberties. President Macron’s party (controlling a majority of the legislature) passed the bill through the lower house, despite 50 of its members abstaining from the vote. The upper house is expected to consider it on March 12. Should it pass, it remains to be seen whether it would effectively reduce violence or further incense those who consider the government to be out of touch.
Just a Game?
Soccer, or “football” as some insist, has a shocking reputation for violence. However this is typically associated with the fanatical spectators rather than the game-play itself. Brawls and riots lead to the destruction of property, injury, and even death. The eponymous “anti-hooligan” laws currently being contemplated in France hearken back to legislation attempting to control violence surrounding games. Chanting on the part of fans is also notoriously vile. Five people have been arrested and fined in the Netherlands at a match with the perceived-as-Jewish team Ajax from Amsterdam. They sang, “My father was in the commandos, my mother was in the SS, together they burned Jews, ‘cause Jews burn the best.” The incident is in no way unique, many such chants are common. It is another indication that antisemitism is on the rise in Europe.
