Whats amused you (in the news) today ?

Unfortunately having guns is very deeply embedded in the American Psyche

I have friends over there and at least one won't come to Europe because he wouldn't be allowed to "open carry"

the NRA carries a huge amount of influence

The National Rifle Association is America's longest-standing civil rights organization. Together with our more than five million members, we're proud defenders of history's patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.

Is there a downside to that?

Nope, but it just shows the attitudes that are prevalent over there.

it also shows a lack of education, I regularly see comments about the "right to bare arms" and a few times I've responded with comments like "We in the UK have the right to bare arms and legs too" and I also see comments that under US law they have the right to carry a gun, and the English ( yes they appear to think the whole UK is England ) or French or whatever police have no right to infringe their freedom.

Now I should say I don't really wish this on anyone, so this is more 'shake my head in bemusement and frustration' than amused, but nonetheless:

Prominent QAnon conspiracy theorist dies from Covid after saying only ‘idiots’ get vaccinated

I suppose if the same person was about to play the Davis Cup Final in Austria now, he wouldn’t get the same exemption due to the rule changed.



www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information/entry-regulations

Not enough evidence to prove vaccination status.

but would be allowed to play in the Davis Cup due to proof of recovery of past infection

amp.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/30/novak-djokovic-pulls-out-of-atp-cup-as-doubt-builds-over-australian-open-appearance

Isn’t it a coincidence he declared to pull out ATP cup last minute, the next day he was “granted” an exemption by Tennis Australia? 🤣

You might think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

I had forgotten, but now remember. I also (now) remember and love that "...fellow player Nick Kyrgios called him a “tool”. "  !  Kyrgios is of course the enfant terrible on the circuit but has been a bastion (as far as I know) of common sense on Covid/Vaccines, tournament suspensions during the pandemic etc. and Djokovic's behaviour (anti vax statements, and holding that exhibition tournament in Serbia).

What is interesting is that this time Kyrgios has shown some sympathy with Djokovic and frustration at his home country's actions, and has been quoted as  saying '[the] handling of Novak's situation (in Australia) has been bad, really bad.' I think Kyrgios earns the right to have his views given extra regard. Still, if it turns out that Djokovic has in effect lied about his 'prior infection' status then it will be interesting to see what words Kyrgios chooses to use !

It does look like there has been a bit of a chaotic shambles between Tennis Australia, the State of Victoria, Federal Govt, and the Border Force. With an extra dash of some post event political games. Regardless of the fact that there could be a bit of a suspicious 'whiff' about Djokovic's claims as to his status.