Do nations end up with the leaders they deserve? Possibly. But if the COVID19 pandemic has done anything, it’s thrown world leaders into sharp relief, revealing exactly what kind of leadership qualities they actually possess. Coronavirus offers a politician no cover whatsoever to hide behind. They either deal with it or they don’t. F***wits get found out! Maskless Mike? This week the Vice-President of the United States, Mike Pence visited a Coronavirus Testing Facility in Minnesota. He chose to ignore their regulations and not wear a protective mask. Later he said. ‘Since I don't have the coronavirus, I thought it'd be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible health care personnel and look them in the eye and say thank you.’ Last time I looked you don’t wear a COVID19 protective mask over your eyes, Mr Vice-President. America First. Minnesota Last? Pence was the only one inside the facility not to wear a face mas...

You Still Alive and Kicking? I checked in with my precious older sister Esme and my brother-in-law Ray last night. It was morning in Blighty and evening in Oz. And guess what popped into the conversation? The friggin’ Black Death! Like the rest of the world, I didn’t see COVID19 coming. Or for that matter, the Black Death being a topic of conversation for my elderly, kith and kin to happily chat about! Obviously, being in their late 70s and early 80s, they didn’t actually remember first-hand the bubonic plague but it was a surreal experience non-the-less. 'Which is worse, Coronavirus or the plague?' Search me? I was just phoning to see if you were alright! They’re both in the sweet-spot, demographic for the virus to have its evil way, so you can understand my concern. A Short History of Virus. As a life-long student of history, it got me thinking about the similarities between the two. Both spread rapidly between countries around the globe, catching governmen...