Grumpy Reviews Today's Newspapers

Let's start with The Times article about eight Christians burnt to death in Pakistan after the Koran is 'defiled'. The words that come to mind are 'misconceived' and 'futile'. Just think of all that spent energy, and for some participants terror, that prevents a constructive and very different take on life.

Politician Harman is upset about men running things. Well there are good men and bad men, just as there are good women and bad women. I am all for selecting on absolute merit but there has always been a power battle between the sexes and it was much worse in the early part of the 20th century. Surely we really want a grown up, well developed society, but it is not going to happen whilst people feel insecure, greedy and cynical.

The Independent states that oil supplies are running out fast. I can use that to parade my prejudice against some of the worst kind of drivers. Have you seen them passing you at 90 when you are doing 70 in the middle lane? That is often their consistent speed, not their overtaking speed, and as far as I am concerned they are first class idiots. Where are they going that is so important?

To continue with the Independent - they point out that more Tories are to quit  at the next election over expenses. The electorate must not let politicians off the hook, whatever their political persuasion. Memories of news items tend to fade as the landscapes of  fast moving current affairs change. We must not forget what has happened and insist on decency and responsibility from our already overpaid MPs.

The Daily Telegraph proclaims that Edgbaston awaits a final day showdown. I have always liked the Australian test team  - they are my favourites after England - it will all depend upon the amount of help given by the wicket to English bowlers. Australia are just as likely to close it down with a big score as collapse into a heap of misery. My money is on a draw.

The Telegraph continues with a proclamation that Emma Watson is related to a 16th century witch. Well it must be August and the papers have to be filled up. Hey this is an interesting story even if the concept of a witch is a human construct; it more or less brings us back to where this article began.   

WB