After a long lag, this popular (??) feature returns.
Various bloggers have posted more-or-less absurd theories on the psychological bases of leftwing and rightwing political views. In the same spirit, I conjecture that optimism about war may be driven by experience of video games. As reported in the song below, I was very bad at video games, notably including Battlezone a shoot-em-up with tanks and missiles. Those interested in dating it can get a clue from the last line.
Battlezone
I’m an overgrown delinquent, as easily can be seen
I spend all of my money on a video machine
I’ve hung round pinball parlours and I’ve seen big tallies run
But as long as I’ve played at Battlezone, I’ve never cracked the ton
Chorus
Hurrah me boys me pockes are full and I feel like going berserk
I’ll be down at me local poolhall soon as I get off from work
With me two-bob bits all piled up and both me sleeves rolled back
Today’s the day I makes me play for a century or the sack
I’ve blasted away at the supertanks, I’ve run them forward and back
I’ve dodged the flying missiles and I’ve peppered them with flak
I’ve copied the manoeuvres of the famous players I’ve met
But I’ve never succeeded in plastering up my own three initials yet
If I succeed as I mean to do I’ll make the effort pay
One coin’ll last for hours and I’ll play both night and day
Get me picture in the papers for everyone to view
And instead of dingoes you will read of the feats of JCQ
John Quiggin 