Is the Blues a Dying Art Form?

Time, I think, for a posting about music. Some time back,  I saw a TV programme in which Steven Fry visited Chicago. While there, he met Buddy Guy, who told him how the Chicago Blues scene was in steep decline, with many local Blues clubs having closed down. Steven Fry drew the conclusion that the Blues was "a dying art form". On the surface, this may be appear to be true, but I remember what Frank Zappa said about Jazz in the 1970s: "Jazz isn't dead, it just smells funny". Yet Jazz has survived and thrived.
   So - is the Blues dying, or will it endure? All views welcome - especially from musicians!

Does Britain Still Need a Nuclear Deterrent?

There probably is no better time to debate this than now, with a General Election imminent and swingeing cuts in public spending sure to follow. Following Chas King's welcome posting, in which he expressed his support for the retention of nuclear weapons, I think it is a matter that should be discussed. On the one hand, there is no longer a Cold War, and the money spent on nuclear weapons could be better spent elsewhere. On the other hand, is it wise to scrap nuclear weapons when "rogue states" such as Iran and North Korea are acquiring them? What views do we hold on the subject?

Why are our Pubs Closing Down?

Changing to what I think is a serious cultural matter, I am alarmed at reports that I hear of pub closures throughout the UK. Public houses have been a part of our heritage for generations, and it is deeply distressing to see pubs which I have known all my life being closed down. Why is this happening? All answers welcome.

Three Cheers for Democracy?

I said that I would take my time about starting a debate on this new blog of mine (well, my first ever!), but temptation has got the better of me. The impending General Election seemed too hot a topic to ignore. When I discuss it with people, I find a mixed sense of cynicism and apathy, and have to say that I share that feeling to some extent. However, if we let our understandable distrust of politicians and the political system lead to abstaining from voting, then I believe we  put democracy at some risk. Remember also that there is one political party that would like to abolish elections altogether - even though they are coy about saying so.
    So, here goes: I shall vote on May 6 - without much enthusiasm, but I still give three cheers for democracy.
 What do others think? All contributions welcome.