American observations

*   Obviously, I was right to be deeply suspicious and think that the Qatari gifted "Air Force One" could not possibly be fitted out (in such a short time since its delivery) with everything that even the ageing real Air Force One has for the protection of the US President.   I think there will eventually be a whistle blower who will tell us about how Trump insisted on using it simply because he likes the plush interior, against the advice of the Secret Service and military, which wanted him to not start using it at all.

*   Lindsay Graham dead:  I said to my son he probably died of guilt over being part of a cover up over the death (or permanent incapacity) of Mitch McConnell.   Then, Mitch McConnell puts out a "proof of life" message and photo which, suspiciously, avoids something as easy as a 20 second video of him talking and sounding compos mentis.   

Graham will always be remembered, along with innumerable other Republican politicians, as a shameless, unprincipled flip flopper on Trump who valued power over decency and public faith in democracy.   I've noticed one or two critics who have said "at least he supported Ukraine" - but that seems more of case of a broken clock being right once twice a day, as there was not a single US military engagement he wasn't excited about.  

Hunter Biden - who, incredibly, has become active on X/Twitter with thoughful and considered posts despite his best efforts to fry enough brain cells with drugs and alcohol to render himself unable to string two words together - wrote a sensitive-ish post about him: 

*  Back to McConnell:  his wife's hand behind him seems a bit suspiciously like she's steadying him, despite the large number of pillows propping him up.   I don't think anyone is going to believe he's competent to continue holding his job until we hear him speak.