Recently in World Affairs Category

The Telegraph: 'Have-a-go heroes' get legal right to defend themselves

Home owners and "have-a go-heroes" have for the first time been given the legal right to defend themselves against burglars and muggers free from fear of prosecution.

They will be able to use force against criminals who break into their homes or attack them in the street without worrying that "heat of the moment" misjudgements could see them brought before the courts.

As much crap as I have given the U.K. over such folly as banning swords and fire extinguishers, I figured it was only fair to note when they get something right. So, congratulations. Perhaps they are finally beginning to reverse the erosion of the basic right to self defense that's been taking place for decades over there.

Dear United Kingdom,

Hi. How goes? Got time for a quick chat? We are eternally indebted to you for the Magna Carta, Shakespeare, Blackstone, C.S. Lewis, and countless other keystones in the mighty edifice that is Western Culture and Civilization. So, please, understand it is out of the utmost concern for your well being that we ask: What in the name of Nelson's missing arm are you putting in the tea over there, bleach?

The Times Online: Extinguishers banned as ‘fire risk’

Heavyweight Amy is world's biggest bunny | the Daily Mail

The former World's Largest Bunny, Roberto of Wookey Hole near Somerset, England, has been surpassed in size by his own mate, Amy, according to their owner.

Roberto and Amy made news in April 2006 when they were married in the UK's first rabbit wedding.

Well, they say married women tend to gain weight....

Telegraph: Samurai swords to be banned

I can't say I was surprised when I saw this, especially given the general attitude towards weapons in general in the UK, but one little bit of the article stood out and made me just want to scream:

Last month, amphetamine addict Hugh Penrose was jailed for at least 19 years for hacking a 21-year-old woman with a samurai sword and then deliberately running her over.

In October, Bradley Moran was jailed for 17 years for murdering another man with a samurai sword following an argument in a nightclub.

Maybe, just maybe, people who hack up other people with swords shouldn't get prison sentences of less than two decades. Maybe they should go to jail for the rest of their natural lives.

Chavez Gets Powers to Remake Venezuela

A moment, if you would, for Venezuela. Their congress has today handed over essentially unchecked power to rule by decree to President Hugo Chavez. This is quite likely the start of a very long slide to a very bad place for them, and I don’t think it’s going to end well for all concerned, including this country. Either they will do something damaging to our national interests, or we will feel compelled to do something to prevent them from doing so. Given the choice, I hope we choose the latter, and soon. But that is not strictly why I bring this up.

N. Korea missile aimed at area off Hawaii

But data from U.S. and Japanese Aegis radar-equipped destroyers and surveillance aircraft on the missile's angle of take-off and altitude indicated that it was heading for waters near Hawaii, the Sankei Shimbun reported, citing multiple sources in the United States and Japan.

Interestingly, we haven't heard too much from the anti-missile defense crowd lately.

I am in awe. Prior to this article, I believed this was only a theoretical position. Yet here it is, straight from the BBC:

Doctors' kitchen knives ban call - The researchers say legislation to ban the sale of long pointed knives would be a key step in the fight against violent crime. "The Home Office is looking for ways to reduce knife crime. We suggest that banning the sale of long pointed knives is a sensible and practical measure that would have this effect."