5th July 2020

The US president says 99% of new Covid cases are “harmless” whilst rapper Kanye West announces he’ll stand for president. Putin cements his unassailable leadership, China continues unaccountable for damaging the whole world, whilst European countries who were first to test the dangerous waters of easing lockdown now have a second surge, some more deadly than the first wave. Here in the UK, OH reports that in our local post office, he was the only one wearing a face mask. Not even the staff were wearing them. Local streets are once again thronged with unmasked shoppers, none observing social distancing. Even the weather has a tale to tell. During early lockdown, the skies here were unnaturally clear blue. But as soon as lockdown eased, it’s back to grey. Lessons to be learned from all the above: cutting industrial pollution improves the weather; nations must forget political differences when facing a global pandemic or threat, learning best practice from each other; and common election criteria is essential for all national leader appointments. Money and fame should never be on the agenda: proven education and political experience should.