We're Having a Heatwave

We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.

The temperature's rising, it isn't surprising
(sung by Marilyn Monroe)

And indeed, the temperature is rising.

Was it HOT today. or what?! Yet the beaches are empty. It is summer, schools are closed (earlier, due to the situation), there isn’t much else to do in town, and the beaches are empty. I am not complaining, we had the entire pool to ourselves. Still, it is a sign of the times.

We’ve got by-elections coming up on July 5th. There are two empty seats in parliament, due to some unfortunate accidents that involve anti-Syrian members of parliament. Very hazardous occupation, these days, I say.

This shifts (although not decisively so yet) the balance of power. Another three, and the majority is gone. The government therefore would like to have these by-elections, so that these two places can be filled with ‘living bodies’. The president however, being on the other end of the political spectrum, kind of appreciates the change in balance, and refuses to call for these elections.

We’re having them anyway (Don’t you just love this country?)

Then in September, there is the presidential election. Now the Constitution calls for a 6 year term for a president. The current one has sort of ‘extended’ that one illegally. He says it is not illegally done, but it is probably as legal as these coming by-elections, so now we’re even again. And rumor has it that the current president wouldn’t mind staying for another couple of years. The perks of the job must be really amazing, if you are trying to stay in power so desperately. But someone else pointed out to me that when he is no longer a president, he loses his immunity as well, and as such can be prosecuted.

Reason enough to stay in power with all your might, I'd say.

Dutch Girls on the Beach.

Boys on the beach