Denis Healey (1917–2015)

The Russian leader Khrushchev that "..We are in favour of a detente, but if anybody thinks that for this reason we shall forget about Marx, Engels, and Lenin, he is mistaken. This will happen when shrimps learn to whistle." according to Dennis Healy, the West did not believe he was sincere. However, Healy claims, Gorbachev has taught his shrimps to whistle when in December 1988 he explicitly renounced those elements in Marxism-Leninism with are incompatible with a foreign poligy aiming at interdependence with the West. Healy provides us with a collection of speeches and articles he has written over decades since 1947 through to1991.… (mehr)

I am a lifelong fan of "Yes Minister" and having had some limited experience of this interface of political and civil service, I know how accurate it is. Hence, when I read this I get more insight of the battles of how policy is produced gets into the public domain. Also its a view of the battles and forces that helped to destroy the labour party of the 70's and 80's. These appear to be resurfacing again. So many of the left thinks it more important to be pure rather then be elected. At heart how democratic are they really? Also warning note that history is fall of certain winners that lost. Careful Gordon! But if you are not a political groupie with a keen interest in british and labour politics not sure if you would enjoy this book.… (mehr)