(Tommy is on holiday, so this week, his column has been compiled by his mother-in-law). This week has been rather unusual for me…it all revolves around Europe. In Europe, governments have taken sides on the issue of gay marriage. The French spouse of a well-known politician supports gay marriage due to her connections in the entertainment industry. I’m curious how her husband approaches significant votes. Does he base his decisions on the number of friends he has or on the aesthetics of the vote? Another European nation is reportedly debating whether beastiality should be made illegal. Were you aware that bestiality is legal in at least five European nations? Many of them are reassessing their stance. A protesting organization opposes any legal changes, arguing their rights might be infringed upon. If individuals want to engage in relations with bears or sheep, it is asserted that they should have that right and that intervention by overreaching politicians should not occur. Excuse me while I talk this over with my editor…he seems to have fainted. Some farmers, who could profit from renting their animals for such purposes, claim that their income would suffer if the law were altered…the editor just fainted again. Clearly, he is not in favor of zoo-phelia! It’s quite peculiar that Europeans oppose gay marriage but support other sexual practices. In past eras, both beastiality and sodomy were either commonplace or forbidden. What changes might the future hold? Initially, I thought it was a hoax…but, disturbingly, more cattle and sheep have been congregating, ready to board ships for the Middle East. While the French are known for consuming horse meat, they draw a line at becoming too friendly with animals. Have you ever considered which nation boasts the most attractive politicians? In Australia, it would be tough for our politicians to emerge victorious in a beauty contest. Who is the best cricketer worldwide? Without question, he resides here in God’s country…Australia. Sex crimes are on the rise – what has happened with the royal commission? People arriving by boat continue – where are the controls? How quickly politicians seem to forget about the suffering in Palestine. A supportive vote was rejected, fearing it might upset the USA and Israel. Nonetheless, it was passed…good for them. Have you observed how the USA has retreated into itself, stepping back from conflicts? They have recognized the financial burden of warfare. Another conflict could lead them to bankruptcy, so is it now time to disregard Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Iran? Should they consider pulling out of Afghanistan? Indeed, it has been a strange week – Christmas is approaching, a season of goodwill toward all…and perhaps a few animals as well. Tommy will return next week. He’s currently vacationing in Europe. I intend to inspect his bag when he returns home for any endangered species. Fortunately, he is a vegetarian. by Tommy Taylor’s mother-in-law