The conspicuous exhilaration of the near-death escape turns up pretty regularly in politics as spectator sport.

Democracy (rule by the people), and specifically liberal democracy (democracy with individual rights and freedoms protected), is a central and precious part of our heritage. But now, in Britain and around the world, it is in danger. Political philosophers, social scientists and psychologists are considering how and why, and whether they can and should do more.

Scott Morrison had to backtrack on comments made about the boats from Sri Lanka stopped by Border Force, writes John Wren.

In the days leading up to Woodstock, posters and advertisements pronounced the music festival—held 50 years ago on 15 to 18 August 1969—as an “Aquarian exposition.”

I enjoy schadenfreude as much as the next guy and for the millions of us who detest Boris, last night brought the stuff in spades. I was quite taken by Jeremy Corbyn’s comment. Too much the gentleman to refer to BoJo in person, Jezza’s was as neat a slice of alliteration as you’re likely to come across in a parliamentary put-down.

This government has no mandate, no morals and as of today no majority.

Weather conditions are pointing to a catastrophic fire danger rating for parts of the Darling Downs and Maranoa tomorrow, the Queensland Rural Fire Service says, while residents in the Gold Coast hinterland are being told to prepare to leave.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Rules Requiring More Energy-Efficient Bulbs

In 2007, a bipartisan Congress said that requiring energy efficient light bulbs was the right idea. The Trump administration disagrees.

The Trump administration announced new rules on Wednesday to roll back requirements for energy-saving light bulbs, a move that could contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/climate/trump-light-bulb-rollback.html?

Newtown spring. Sydney.

london