Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th May, 2018

28th May, 2018.

Can I make a confession, at this point?

That I’m no political philosopher.

I’m just someone who has opinions on things.

I should get paid more per hour, is one.

Cheese is ok, but only on a burger. 

On a more serious note?   I think leaving the European Union is a bad move … that the Iraq War that Blair and Bush authorised was a bad move … 

And that access to abortions — terminations, if you want the less emotive name — is, if not a fundamental human right, then certainly a procedure that should be available to all.

Without hindrance: and regardless of my opinion.

I believe it should be available in several circumstances.

When the mother’s health — mental or physical — is in danger, when the foetus isn’t viable, when the woman has been raped, or when the pregnancy is a product of sexual abuse.

Yes: I’m aware that various forms of contraception can prevent things reaching the need for a termination … but also aware people can forget to take the pill, and that condoms split.

And that sometimes, we’re too drunk — or enthusiastic — to bother wearing a condom.

I’m aware — from some of the women I’ve spoken to — that’s it’s not the easiest procedure, emotionally, to undergo.

But, like them, feel it’s needed: and should be — as here in the UK — legislated for, and practised by trained medical personnel.

Whether a woman wants one?   Is a whole other matter.   But feel it should be available to her, should she feel it’s a needed option.

~≈§≈~

As I’m sure you’re aware, the Republic of Ireland — a famously Catholic country that forbade abortions in it’s constitution — has had a referendum on whether it should allow the procedure.

With a two thirds majority voting in favour of allowing it.

Good for them.

I’m VERY aware that, in light of that referendum, people are asking why Northern Ireland — part of the island of Ireland, after all, as well as part of the UK — is still the only part of the UK that forbids abortions.

Forcing many who needed one to the mainland, in order to legally get one.

The republic’s decision to allow the procedure?   Again, gives those woman a further option.

I’m also of the opinion that Northern Ireland’s laws on the subject should be nearer to those of both the mainland, AND the Republic.

Something that’s been highlighted by the Referendum.

Right at the moment?

There are calls for MPs at Westminster to force the issue through.

This is where I start to have problems.

Yes: I feel Northern Ireland’s laws should match the rest of the UK.

But, to the best of my own (limited) knowledge?

This is a devolved matter: one that should be handled by the currently suspended Northern Irish Assembly, rather than by Westminster.

Getting Westminster to force the issue?

Will do several things.

Will seriously affect the ability of the Assembly to function: as and when it resumes.

And sets a precedent for overruling the authority of the other devolved assemblies in the UK: allowing Westminster to ignore the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly.

And thus the will of the people.

I think Northern Ireland needs to reform its laws.

But that this needs doing by the Assembly, not Westminster.

Westminster doing it?   Would be damaging democracy.

~≈§≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?   Now I’ve got the rant out of the way.

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Olga* and Debbi† putting in their answers: with both scoring five out of five.

Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video … 

Q1) The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was declared itself independent, one hundred years ago, today: on 28th May, 1918.   From where: the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire or the British Empire?

Q2) In the wake of strikes, 28th May, 1974, saw a power sharing agreement fall.   Where: Cyprus, Northern Ireland or Yemen?

Q3) 28th May, 1908, saw the birth of author, Ian Fleming.   During his time with Naval Intelligence in WW2, he worked on an operation monitoring Spain’s possibly alliance with Germany.   That operation was called Operation … what?

Q4) 28th May, 1968, saw the birth of which noted Australian singer: Nick Cave, Michael Hutchence or Kylie Minogue?

Q5) Finally … Thomas Cranmer, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, declared Henry 8th’s marriage valid: on 28th May, 1533.   Marriage to whom?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) A ‘misadventure’ verdict was recorded at the inquest into the death of Blair Peach: held on 27th May, 1980.   He’d died — apparently at police hands — at a demonstration against whom?

A1) The National Front.

Q2) Which Californian bridge opened on 27th May, 1937?

A2) The Golden Gate Bridge.

Q3) 27th May, 1935, saw the birth of Mal Evans.   Mal was hired by Brian Epstein, himself: to be a roadie for which band?

A3) The Beatles.

Q4) 27th May, 1971, saw the birth of actor, Paul Bettany.   In which 2018 film does he play Dryden Vos?

A4) Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Q5) Finally … Malcolm the 4th was crowned as King: on 27th May, 1153.   King of where?

A5) Scotland.   (Apparently, he was nicknamed Malcolm the Maiden …)

Here’s a thought …

“Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make bored.”

From From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming, 28 May 1908 – 12 August 1964.

And a song …

Today’s questions will be answered in tomorrow’s Teaser.

Have a good day.

*        You know, I’m going to have to sit down with the Scottish play, again, at some point, Olga!   And West Side Story, the musical based on Romeo and Juliet.   And you’re right, over doing things on a holiday is a big much … he says!

†        Oh, lordy, tell me about it, Debbi!   Money makes the world go ’round: and mostly walks away from me, as well!   (I have to admit, the new covers do look good.)