Kamala Harris for president.

 It wasn't exactly a big surprise that The Democrat National Convention in Chicago last night - nominated Kamala Harris, as the Democratic Party - person to beat Trump, in November. There has been this week a delirious, tub thumping celebrations that - Joe Biden, isn't on the ticket. Had this not been the case, the Democratic Party would be feeling seriously anxious and depressed. Now the real work starts - of knocking on doors, posting leaflets and ringing voters - in order to drag them across the line. They won't be short of cash as over the last few weeks a staggering $500 million - has been raised to fill the bank account. 

A crisis of hair, or not enough of it.

 According to The Daily Telegraph today - the Taliban are sacking some of their troops - because they can't grow beards. This improbable story is apparently true. They have told the barber communities across Afghanistan, not to cut or shave men. This injunction is in line with strick religious teaching. It's mandatory for all Muslim men to have beards and there are no exceptions to this arcane rule. For those men who - cannot grow a beard this is a personal humiliation - as they now have to go back into civilian life. You couldn't make it up! 

Two old prize fighters.

 Thankfully the - two old prize fighters - are not going back into the ring together. The idea that another grudge match was going to be worth it, is now dead as a Dodo. The speech by Barack Obama, last night was electrifying and inspiring to the audience in Chicago. Time as he said years ago to "turn the page" and vote for Kamala Harris. 

Will it work?

 Yvette Cooper, the home secretary has announced the instigation of the Boarder Security Command (BSC) attached to the National Crime Agency (NCA). There has been the recruitment of 100 specialist officers to investigate the international criminal gangs - responsible for the illegal trafficking of refugees, principally across the English Channel. In addition she plans to improve the removal system and deportations of those who have no legal right to be here. This is an important touchstone policy for the Keir Starmer, government. If this fails -  the fortunes of the government rest - on its success?  Nigel Farage, will be watching very carefully to see if they can exploit the situation. The recent riots were in part an expression of - anger and frustration to the very high levels of legal and illegal mass immigration. The question is - will these plans work? 

The last dance.

 Joe Biden, had the - last dance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last night. It was a poignant and sad occasion for the Biden family. He has been in public life in the Democratic  Party for over 50 years, stating in 1972. He was received by a - rapturous and grateful assembly at the Conventional and exclaimed "I gave my best to America". Later in his emotional speech he said "we can do it together". Nevertheless, despite the - back slapping - this was a wake as the party said thank you and goodbye. There was clearly a sense of relief that he has stood aside for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the new VP. Can this new team win in Novembe against Trump? It will be a close race and determined by the swing states. 

Are they worth it?

 Senior executives - who went out and hired the top three American consultancies: Bain, McKinsey and the Boston Consultancy Group - often say the are of no or  little strategic help in their businesses. In fact 84% said they "were no help at all"  and a further 3% said the they had "a negative influence". And only 13% said they were "more help than a hindrance". Moreover these top companies change inordinately high fees for this inadequate work. So why keep using them? One reason is the - belt and bracers approach to risk and change management. They are protecting themselves in case anything goes wrong, so they have a good alibi in place. Nevertheless, in the long run - its probably better not to use them as they give a false and fallacious sense of security. However do senior management have the guts to go without a - belt and bracers? I doubt it. 

 

Generation Z.

 The A Level results released on Thursday, shown a marked improvement in A Level results, across England. Generation Z (1997 to early 2000's) have grown of age - in the world of smart phones and ubiquity of the internet. We saw how after the Covid pandemic their exam results have done. Interestingly Mathematics have shot to the top place, followed by Psychology, then Biology, Chemistry, History, Business Studies, Sociology and Physics. Anyone who thought Generation Z were lazy and only obsessed with their hair or other non- intellectual pursuits - have been disabused. This is a remarkable tern round as they have had to deal with so many pressures, especially Covid, the war in Ukraine, political instability across the country, teachers strikes and their own adolescence. Well done ✔ Generation Z. 

However a very important statistic is the overall failure of white working class boys, to do as well as girls - in their cohort. As the Spectator magazine in the leading article suggested - 'the plight of poor working class boys, is a burning injustice. What should be considered is - how did Wes Streeting, make it out of the white working class and manage to get to Cambridge and into the cabinet as Health Secretary? We need a proper analysis and it needs to be more discussed, better understood and remedied'.  Unless we do more riots as seen over the past two weeks will only increase in the future.