UK MPs’ expenses scandal

The illegitimate claim for expenses made by MPs in the UK has outraged public opinion. These claims range from biscuits and women’s toiletries to chandeliers and swimming pools and, to add spice, pornographic movies too. The subject is discussed every day on television channels. For those who regard the UK as the mother of Parliament, these incidents were a rude shock. Apparently there has been a collapse of values in public life in the UK. The criticism by the Spectator was scathing: “The Palace of Westminster is home not to an ancient institution but to a disgraced rabble of second-rate spivs who have dishonoured the public trust as flagrantly as they have raided the public purse”. No one would dream in the UK of taking contempt action against the Spectator for breach of privilege of Parliament. A redeeming feature is the earnest resolve to cleanse the system of this virus. The Speaker and some MPs have resigned. Gordon Brown’s labour government is facing an unprecedented crisis of confidence.

The Golson surprise

A very pleasant surprise was hearing the great Benny Golson on tenor sax in person at the famous Ronnie Scotts Club in London. Golson has performed with many jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and others. On hearing about young Clifford Brown’s tragic death in a car accident, Golson was moved to tears and instantly composed a jazz masterpiece, I Remember Clifford. He played this tune and also A Train and Whisper Not with an accompanying local trio—piano, bass and drums. James Peterson on the piano was excellent with his crystal clear notes and amazing runs. But the hero was Benny, who, at 80, thrilled us with his deep tenor sound and thrilling improvisations. Sadly the atmosphere at Ronnie Scotts was like that of a seminar, with people listening seriously and hardly displaying any emotions—very different from what one experiences in New York Jazz Clubs. Benny is an engaging raconteur. He mentioned his irresistible youthful urge to travel across the US, which made him join a semi-circus band. Narrations of his association with Coltrane and Dizzy were most amusing and revealed Benny’s human side.