“The US Congress has recommended that a presidential pardon should be granted to the first black world heavyweight boxing champion.
Jack Johnson won the title in 1908 but was later convicted of transporting white women across US state lines for immoral purposes.
Johnson served nearly one year in prison for what is now seen as a racially motivated conviction.
Congress stated that Johnson's success motivated other black athletes.”
To clarify, I think that they meant to imply that Mr Johnson inspired black athletes to achieve success on the sports field, rather than to transport white women across state lines for immoral purposes.
I have to say, however, that I would rather be involved in transporting white (or any other colour) women across state lines for immoral purposes, than chucking a discus or getting seven shades of shit knocked out of me in a boxing ring. I’m funny like that.
I would also like to voice my appreciation about the return of “The News Quiz” and the radiant Ms Toksvig to Radio 4. Despite the presence of the remarkably unfunny Francis Wheen. Although, as this is a written medium, voicing it is probably not very effective.
The Torygraph, earlier this week, reported on finding a recipe book belonging to king Richard II. We should take this as good news, as it is an indication that we have finally run out of living TV chefs. Again, I have to put forward an alternative view. I think we should bury the current lot before we start digging up dead ones.