A WEEK OF TWO HALVES.

As with most games, the participants have the opportunity to face both ways.

We commence with the occasion of arch sleazeball, Jack 'the last' Straw, pardoning Michael Shields for an offence, reportedly from some years ago in Bulgaria. The writer obviously hasn't a clue as to whether or not Mr. Shields is guilty. The fact remains however, that neither does our Justice Secretary, Jack Straw. Over recent years, Mr. Straw has totally ignored the pleas of support on behalf of the accused; that is until it transpires that Michael Shields' father had let it be known that he is prepared to stand against Jack Straw in the next General Election. Such threats are almost bound to polarise the mind, particularly when it comes to retaining the cushy number of being an MP. Let us not forget that this slimey character has his hands on our jurisdiction at the very highest level.

The second half kicked off by recalling probably one of of the worst decisions ever in our recent history, the fate of Alan Turing. For any reader who is unfamiliar with the name, Alan Turing, through his breaking of the German Enigma Code, became one of the twentieth century's pre-eminent mathematicians. His timing, however, was bad and he reportedly committed suicide; this was due to his homosexuality, which had precluded him from secretive work, as the cold war meant that the Soviet Block was looking for this kind of opportunity. A number of defectors to the East were of diverse sexuality. I'm sure it has been suggested that the CIA wouldn't share information with us on that basis.

The Prime Minister may have used the apology to the Turing family as a side show, but the fact that Alan Turing has had his name cleared should make us all feel less guilty.







IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE FOURTH PLINTH IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE SHOULD HAVE A STATUE OF HIM PLACED UPON IT. WHY NOT?