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The Vanity of Human Wishes

Let Observation, with extensive view,
Survey mankind, from China to Peru;
Remark each anxious toil, each eager strife,
And watch the busy scenes of crowded life;
Then say how hope and fear, desire and hate
O’erspread with snares the clouded maze of fate,
Where wavering man, betrayed by venturous pride
To tread the dreary paths without a guide,
As treacherous phantoms in the mist delude,
Shuns fancied ills, or chases airy good.
(Johnson: The Vanity of Human Wishes 1-10)

Samuel Johnson, apart from being fat, gouty and a dab hand with a quill, was rarely at a loss for a put down of matters Scottish. He'd have loved the infighting of recent years, from the meaningless (football) to the slightly less meaningless (the independence referendum). But even a man as self-regarding as he would surely be a bit taken aback by quite how appropriate his words above are when we consider the 'venturous pride', the 'treacherous phantoms' and the 'fear, desire & hate' on show this weather.

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Transcending supporter factions

I’ve read with interest claims from other blogs about supposed league reconstruction plans and how this would divide fans. Add to this on-going boardroom strife at the club and worries about finances then it’s easy for people to perpetuate any perceived splits in the fan-base. In fact, I’d argue that these are two issues which should unite divided fans and bring together these so-called factions that exist. Surely, we have to start recognising common themes of discontent as opposed to ignoring more pressing challenges in favour of finding differences?

Independent Examination a necessity: Warts and all

There's been a raging debate on twitter in the past day or so regarding the current investigation commissioned by the Rangers Board into the allegations made by Craig Whyte and his connection with Charles Green. Writing on ESPN, John DC Gow explained his view that the commission was ill-advised, and only invites negative attention. He argues it also negates the Board's responsibility to protect the club.