A Poker Tell

A Poker Tell

I see Mark Driscoll has had a go at my old country.  Well, not really.  Only foreigners really talk of 'Brits.'   Those of us from the UK never think of ourselves in those terms: we are English, Welsh, Scottish or Irish, especially during the Six Nations.  To have a go at the old country, you have to be a bit more specific, I am afraid.

I am surprised at the offence his comments have apparently caused.  I cannot speak for the Celts, but the English take a certain pleasure in being hated and rubbished by everyone else.  The nation -- like the man -- who has no enemies has, after all, no honour.   Nevertheless, there is one quotation which is worth noting:

"Let's just say this: right now, name for me the one young, good Bible teacher that is known across Great Britain. You don't have one - that's the problem."

Notice the three important elements of this sentence: the definite article, 'young' and 'known across Britain.'    The Great Man, youth and fame: not high on the list of Paul's priorities; and three basic elements of celebrity culture. 

A bit of a poker tell, is it not?