(no subject)

I wish I was French sometimes. At least their government isn't totally subservient to the Americans all the time. I find it hard to believe that we're actually going to have a war in some ways, not least because I'm so used to the government folding under the tiniest bit of pressure from public opinion. It's so strange to see Tony Blair stick to his guns in the face of complete disagreement from the country, the party, even his MP's, normally so well trained. And I suppose that in the end, I have faith in the idea that getting re-elected is still more important to them than anything and this is one issue I can imagine they could lose the election on. If they go in without a second resolution we could even see enough defections to the Lib-Dems to shift the balance of power in the commons, perhaps not enough to change the government, but enough to cut down on the majority. I suppose that's a certain amount of wishful thinking but it's also pretty pragmatic. There's a lot of votes in this, and no MP can sit quietly by, especially in those marginal Middle England seats, and see those slip away from him. Maybe self-interest will save us after all, even if it doesn't save the Iraqis.

(no subject)

Had a really really good skating session today. No one there at all for about 20 mins and then 2 beginners crawling round the edge and two girls doing circles and going backwards with their legs in the air in the middle. I got to skate in figure of eights, which is much better because it exercises both legs more equally, and I practiced my backwards skating. It's very slow and beginner-ish, but I'm getting there :)