Ken Clarke – Getty image
This is an unusual post, for me, living as a European in the UK since many decades, loving the idiosyncratic country, yet having no political affiliation. That said, I want to express my thanks to the people who offer lightness and intelligence through these crazy Brexit times. Here – mainly to the politicians, men and women from various UK parties I respect and admire for their passion, sincerity, common sense and wit. In fairness, I should also name a number of politicians from the other side of the House of Commons, especially some amazing women …
But I’ll limit myself to highlight two men whose passion, sincerity, wit, wisdom and imagination I value:
Kenneth Clarke – the Father of the house. Below, he typically clarifies his point of view in the House of Commons in … his speech from January 31st 2017
And here Kenneth Clarke on 13th July 2018 in an interview on Channel 4 re: the Brexit chaos.
John Bercow in session
The other person lightening up my days is …
Here John Bercow is sharing the passion for his job with students, the Speaker gives a talk to the Oxford Union
Course of Mirrors 
I’ll concur about Kenneth Clarke… but not about John Bercow ;–)
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But you must admit, J.B. is great fun 🙂
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I revise my opinion. Since last night, he’s my hero!
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Hi Ashen
Ken Clarke…..our good friend, the late Aranth, had some dealings with him and gave him a high rating for intelligence and competence.
Personally, it’s difficult for me to imagine ever voting Tory but there are fair-minded people and ideologue nutters in every walk of politics…and life. Ken’s definitely in the former category I would say. Don’t agree with him on everything but certainly feel he’s up for meaningful discussion and has a heart.
Yes…decent cove!
I’m off to South Africa tomorrow (Monday)….back in late May. All being well I’ should have pretty regular access to my email. Deliberately chose to leave before 29th March by the way. The claustrophobic jingoism….I’m more than happy to leave behind.
Go well
Rob
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Well put, Rob. I like Ken because he has a reassuring integrity.
Wishing you a good journey and a pleasant stay with your friends in SA …
BTW, wondered if you managed to get the box with books to Z.?
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Thanks Ashen
I saw Z last weekend and asked her if she could give me a date and time to deliver the books to her but she hasn’t come back. I think she barely has time to spit!
But they are quite safe, warm and dry in Alim’s vestibule!
Rob x
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I hate the way in this country you have to vote for a party instead of the individual. What if the MP of your chosen party is incompetent and the candidate from the opposite party is efficient? I’m a lapsed Lib Dem I wouldn’t vote Conservative, but I have high esteem and regard for MP Rory Stewart (Penrith & Borders). A sensible, respectful, intelligent man.
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I agree. And MP Rory Stewart, too, has that the kind of integrity I admire. ☼
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Although I’m a green with a red stripe (and last voted Plaid Cymru), I’ve always respected Kenneth Clarke as a statesman and speaker. I find myself agreeing with some things he says – although far less than I did Tony Benn.
John Bercow is in a different league, but his job is tough and demanding. He rises above the petty squabbles with a mix of humour, dignity and firmness. One of the best Speakers.
I may be an ex-pat living in the US, but I try to follow things back in the UK.
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Hi Roland, Thanks for visiting. It’s good to acknowledge some good people in our turbulent time. You must have a double round of drama to follow, with what’s going on in the US.
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Moving here straight after Brexit and just prior to Trump’s election was traumatic. And it’s only got worse. Worrying times.
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A dark moon phase, which could last a while. We must be patient and look after ourselves.
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Yes I heartily agree. I could listen to John Bercow all day and Ken is always calm and dignified. I also find it a little calming to listen to Keir Starmer on the other side. True he always looks rather worried – and sure why wouldn’t he – but he is professional and clear in his stance and stands above many of the braying donkeys.
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Yes Diane, I agree, Keir Starmer is impressive, I like him. And I wonder if there’ll be a time when he’ll find a reason to smile …
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Hello Ashen
I have always appreciated your sense of fair and showing the ability to see good in difficult situations.
It has become a national and international sport to be the first to critique and/or dismantle the many fine institutions we have come to respect.
Whilst times change and some of those those very institutions have become less than worthwhile, it is also important that we hold them to account.
That said; the easy course is to constantly bring down all and sundry. So to you I say thanks for stepping into the pit.B
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Thank you, B. Authentic and balanced people are plenty, though the media, on the whole, gratifies a public desire for sensationalism and blame – the present collective psychological state, which individuals mirror.
Anger is energy, a powerful force, which can potentially be used for good. But where creative channels for expressing anger are not made available, violence is inevitable, either against oneself and one’s body, or through acting out the anger towards others.
Not an easy balance to find. I tend to swallow anger, with short depressive phases during which I transgress my self-imposed limits re: smoking roll-ups, or I drink that third glass of red wine I promised myself not to.
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I fear the creative channels for expressing anger are becoming diluted ponds of political correctness. Your wise words should be heeded as the success of PC madness removes every last bastion of expression.
My personal favourite channel is poetry. Not as anger but as beauty.
Cheers Ashen. B
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That’s an apt image – the diluted ponds of political correctness.
For now, my poems sit patiently in twilight, waiting for sun beams to give them shape ☼.
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Awesome. 🙂 Wonder who the American counterparts would be…or could be, if we had any…
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Thanks for visiting, Jane. American politics don’t have a speaker, or do they? And who would be the father of the house? We do know who the spoiled child is 🙂
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Ha! The problem, as I see it, is that the speakers of the House are both spoiled in their own ways, too. There doesn’t seem to be a person left that can bring both sides in line. Nastily partisan, we are. 😦
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