The phrase “an enigma wrapped in a riddle” is a variation of a famous quote by Winston Churchill, originally referring to the Soviet Union. It now applies to the USA. How is anyone meant to understand a country where its largest and richest city has chosen Zohran Mamdani as its democratic candidate for mayor, whilst at the same time Trump has had his tax bill approved by Congress which includes 4.5tn in tax cuts but will also add $4 tn to the deficit? We will wait and see what ensues with the election in November for mayor. Already the uber rich are talking about moving out of New York; like they did in the UK – but evidence of an exodus is not apparent – no surge in million £ house properties. Mamdani is an avowed socialist who believes in taxing the rich, reducing wealth differentials and that billionaires should not exist! I truly hope he wins with a landslide of votes.
Meanwhile in the UK we are about to witness the formation of a new party of the left formed by Zara Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Unfortunately I am not sure that Britain is ready for a major swing to the left. With the BBC showcasing Reform at every opportunity (despite one of their few MP’s being suspended for financial misconduct), and the RW press going overboard at anything considered socialist or woke – or at times reasonable! any new party will struggle to be heard. The Green Party rarely gets invited to QT, And Jeremy Corbyn is unlikely to be invited any time before Antarctica melts!
However it would make a major case for Proportional Representation. Why should we be forced to chose the least objectional option when electing MP’s. 10269051 people voted for Corbyn in 2019, but Starmer only got 9,708,716 last time (with a huge majority of MP’s. I could argue that Corbyns policies were more popular than Starmers, and thatbhe was done over by the RWMeia, Johnsons charisma and a lack of support within the Labour Party. Before endorsing a Corbyn Party I would say that he did not have the graitas of world leader (but so what), he was I also believe a little naive regarding the might of the Jewish bloc, and also regarding NI.
PS. I have now picked a total of 500g of baby tomatoes – so sweet!