Prince William and mental health.

 Prince William, talking to BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks said “we need more male role models”. He was talking in a panel discussion about the issue of - male suicide. As someone who founded the first male consciousness raising group in the UK in mid 1970’s - I endorse this idea. In addition I worked as an adult psychoanalyst for many years and had many male patients. A common theme was the unconscious anxiety and fear about expressing emotions as this - might be interpreted as weakness. Today that is manifest in the virulent misogyny of Andrew Tait and his brother. The current crisis in the wake of the Epstein files is a further example of the depth of the international abuse of women in general and under age girls in particular. There is a serious crisis today - in the way in which men and women relate to each other. Too much time in the unreal world of the internet and - swiping right is creating a profound malaise in the way in which we relate to each other. Only exasperating the feeling of alienation and anomie. 

 

 

A cover up, of a cover up.

 It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the Trump administration is - trying to avoid an open discussion about the Epstein scandal. Pam Bondie, the attorney general had a splenetic outburst last week at the congressional oversight committee. According to The New York Times today there is information about president Trump, in the files. This could therefore be the reason for the obfuscation and delaying tactics by Bondie and others. If this is the case, this will be disastrous for Trump at the midterm elections in November? This scandal isn’t about to go away anytime soon - a cover up of a cover up. 

The beginning of the end.

 Never a day goes by, but we have more revelations about the conduct of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He has brought the whole institution of the monarchy into disrepute. We have not only the information regarding Jeffrey Epstein, but also his actions when a - trade envoy from 2001/2011. This was a privileged role and he appears to have abused the trust invested in him. Despite the fact that he is - now in exile on the Sandringham estate, he is still causing immense public opprobrium. Moreover the - whole family are being dragged into the gutter. There is a lack of public scrutiny of the royal household and that must now change. For too long they have hidden from public scrutiny. Time for light to - shine on this opaque institution - otherwise this is the - beginning of the end. 

A political overview.

 In The Spectator magazine this week there is an excellent overview of the - dire leadership of the government by Keir Starmer. Tim Shipman, goes into great detail about the failings of the prime minister. The question is - can Starmer change or is it more of the same chaos and turbulence? From the article it would appear the prime minister isn’t an instinctive politician - who understands the rules of politics. As we all know there have been a number of missteps and stupid mistakes. In addition Kemi Badenoch, has improved her performance in the House of Commons and is therefore more effective in - holding the prime minister to account. He by contrast is - floundering and is clearly rattled by her. All in all the - political tide is going out for Starmer and he looks bereft of ideas and is sinking. 

The Premier League.

 The manager of Tottenham, Thomas Frank has been sacked. Last night they lost against Newcastle at home - the score 1/2. There were boos at half time and at the end of the game. Frank looked sad and bereft of any ideas for his team. He did so well at Brentford, but clearly the - fit at Tottenham wasn’t working and the fans made their feelings known. For some reason or other - they don’t seem to recruit the right manager. The Premier League is a notoriously difficult and a very challenging place for any manager and it’s - results that determine how long you stay. Who will now take over as they languish at 16th? It’s very close to the drop zone and only 10 games to the end of the season. I’m an Arsenal fan and Tottenham play against them on Sunday 22/2. So it doesn’t get tougher than - the north London derby. 

What next for Starmer?

 Apparently last night the Labour Party, decided to come out in force to support the prime minister. The general consensus was - this isn’t the time for regicide and to give him the benefit of the doubt. In addition the full cabinet came out to support him. This was a - parlous position for Starmer yesterday and he could have lost control of the party. However he has the chance to turn things around. Will he meet the task or will it be more of the same? It’s - make or break time. 

Was he pushed or did he jump?

 Another person is leaving the - sinking ship of state. This time it’s Tim Allan, the director of communications. Was he pushed or did he jump? On Sunday we had  Morgan McSweeney resignation. It’s very evident that the - communications system in Downing Street hasn’t been functioning for some time now. So this gives the prime minister an opportunity for a - reset and he desperately needs one? I still think he will be gone by Easter - as there is a sense of mutiny in the air and the Labour Party troops - are not happy. Nevertheless - is this becoming a form of blood sport? We cannot tolerate anything other than perfection in our politicians. If this is the case - this will seriously undermine the democratic process and we might regret this sudden rush to judgment.