Let's hear it for, er, Donald

Say what you will about DJT (and I've said a fair bit in these pages, not all of it flattering) he has done a lot for the Law of Unintended Consequences. This little-known second corollary to Murphy's famous Law states: Whatever you do, the final result won't be exactly what you expected. Did you know that Murphy was a real person? Edward Aloysius Murphy Jr was an aeronautical engineer and air safety specialist. His First Law states: If things can go wrong, they will. Less famous but still horribly accurate is the law's First Corollary which states: Even if things can't go wrong, they still will. The Second Corollary is set out above.

So what's all this got to do with DJT? Let's take a look at the popularity of France's president Emmanuel Macron. (I know the French whinge like mad all the time - see my blog entry When it sizzles, posted on 21 February 2024 . . . I live there!) But a couple of years ago only 28% of the French approved of the way Macron was running the country while 71% disapproved, leaving hm under water by 43%. I am aware that his principal comprtitor Marine Le Pen has legal problems (to put it mildly!) at the moment but they don't explain a recent Harris poll awarding Macron 40% approval and 60% disapproval, leaving him under water by 20%., down by more than half in two years. Or take a look at Canada where only weeks ago the ruling Liberal Party seemed headed for certain and heavy defeat at the next election. Now it has a small lead in the polls and may yet prevail in the general election later this month. Who is responsible for this dramatic turnaround (which I approve, by the way)? I blame/thank DJT myself.

Where does that leave US voters? Living on the promise of jam tomorrow, that's where. From the same man who promised lower prices and an end to the Ukraine war on Day One. If I were those voters, I wouldn't hold my breath.