(Soon to be) Former President Donald Trump

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250205/68d6431ab07cb715300e449b900104b0.jpg


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[Moulin Yarns]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250205/68d6431ab07cb715300e449b900104b0.jpg


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Except that they make more than just cars. I held my nose while buying a Tesla power wall.

[Ozyhibby]

Except that they make more than just cars. I held my nose while buying a Tesla power wall.

They are not the only company making batteries.


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[grunt]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gsmjmopsroinww2xztcnmmt4/bafkreifqhqaaua3srp3qvoku6gioq4yevyfaink3oqsk7xn3w sjh3sudai@jpeg

[MKHIBEE]

The quote “Genius has its limits, I’m not sure about stupidity” could have been made for Trump

[Dan Sarf]

Did anyone mention this to him yet?

In British slang, “to trump” (intransitive verb) means to expel gas through the anus — e.g. Trumped from eating too much baked beans — often in a highly audible way (as in with trailing sound).

[Moulin Yarns]

They are not the only company making batteries.


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True, I had a choice of duracell, with a separate inverter, all of which would take up space inside the house. The Tesla powerwall has an integrated inverter and can be positioned outside.

[Ozyhibby]

True, I had a choice of duracell, with a separate inverter, all of which would take up space inside the house. The Tesla powerwall has an integrated inverter and can be positioned outside.

Not something I’m familiar with, just that I know there are lots of batteries on the market. Tesla cars were pretty good until a couple of years ago but they have been overtaken now in quality anyway but I still wouldn’t buy one. Musk is just too dangerous now.


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[cabbageandribs1875]

his approval rating with the UK public last month was -59%

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjB1MWpWEAA8pjj?format=jpg&name=large

[Stairway 2 7]

It's clear Trump and Netanyahu are alone internationally on this subject, I doubt they will care. It won't happen as no one will accept the millions of people. What I can see happening is Israel been given the green light to plunder land in Gaza and continue the slaughter


Keir Starmer
“Palestinians must be allowed home, they must be allowed to rebuild and we should be with them in that rebuild - on the way to a two state solution

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and their expulsion would be unacceptable and a violation of international law

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares: "I want to be clear: Gaza is the land of the Palestinians who live there, and they must remain in Gaza".

China’s Foreign Ministry: "China hopes all parties will see the ceasefire and post-conflict governance as an opportunity to bring the Palestinian issue back onto the right track of a political settlement based on the two-state solution".

Hamas Spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri: "Our people in Gaza will not allow these plans to be implemented. The occupation and aggression against our people must end, rather than expelling them from their land".

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa the importance of advancing Gaza reconstruction projects without forcing Palestinians to leave the territory.

[AgentDaleCooper]

It's clear Trump and Netanyahu are alone internationally on this subject, I doubt they will care. It won't happen as no one will accept the millions of people. What I can see happening is Israel been given the green light to plunder land in Gaza and continue the slaughter


Keir Starmer
“Palestinians must be allowed home, they must be allowed to rebuild and we should be with them in that rebuild - on the way to a two state solution

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and their expulsion would be unacceptable and a violation of international law

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares: "I want to be clear: Gaza is the land of the Palestinians who live there, and they must remain in Gaza".

China’s Foreign Ministry: "China hopes all parties will see the ceasefire and post-conflict governance as an opportunity to bring the Palestinian issue back onto the right track of a political settlement based on the two-state solution".

Hamas Spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri: "Our people in Gaza will not allow these plans to be implemented. The occupation and aggression against our people must end, rather than expelling them from their land".

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa the importance of advancing Gaza reconstruction projects without forcing Palestinians to leave the territory.

It does look like they may have gone too big too soon - fingers crossed...

[Ozyhibby]

It does look like they may have gone too big too soon - fingers crossed...

Most of what he has done so far won’t actually happen. All the exec orders will be challenged in court and rescinded. That’s not to say no damage will be done.
The last time he was in he achieved very little. Any permanent change needs laws passed in congress. He couldn’t do that last time and will have less chance this time.
Tarrifs he can do and other aspects of foreign policy but most stuff needs approval from congress. He has no chance of that now.


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[lapsedhibee]

Most of what he has done so far won’t actually happen. All the exec orders will be challenged in court and rescinded. That’s not to say no damage will be done.
The last time he was in he achieved very little. Any permanent change needs laws passed in congress. He couldn’t do that last time and will have less chance this time.
Tarrifs he can do and other aspects of foreign policy but most stuff needs approval from congress. He has no chance of that now.

There'll be some people in their congressmen's ears telling them not to pay too much attention to so-called morals, or politics, though, and instead vote for what's best for the American economy, no?

[Ozyhibby]

There'll be some people in their congressmen's ears telling them not to pay too much attention to so-called morals, or politics, though, and instead vote for what's best for the American economy, no?

He hasn’t put anything forward that helps the economy yet though.
There are about 30+ republican budget hawks who will not pass anything at all that does not lower the deficit. Trump want to lift the debt ceiling in March and he will need democrats to do it. I can see a shutdown coming but don’t think Trump has the stomach for it and will cave.


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[Bostonhibby]

Most of what he has done so far won’t actually happen. All the exec orders will be challenged in court and rescinded. That’s not to say no damage will be done.
The last time he was in he achieved very little. Any permanent change needs laws passed in congress. He couldn’t do that last time and will have less chance this time.
Tarrifs he can do and other aspects of foreign policy but most stuff needs approval from congress. He has no chance of that now.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThe moron only does it so he gets to look important on telly, doing those big fancy signatures with the giant pen whilst trying to look like a statesman.

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[cabbageandribs1875]

About 100,000 eggs worth $40K stolen from trailer in Pennsylvania (https://www.yahoo.com/news/100-000-eggs-worth-40k-221252530.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAUP7b5lRVGHQi7kgFVGr_OUz0cz LyjrT3Bc4ws-DURW-N_5hb8EmdA_rahDBALbV53tm8Ejy_o3GUVZ7wktRAYNqrtZg0z LBDzT0LALJ19xsfgW05z-A94rZwarIgh6QeaaMVe5wcX5Eil-tEFrbTUQP6F-qhK6n_RQwqPK-0Lv) hopefully stolen to chuck at Trump & the Musk

[Ozyhibby]

The moron only does it so he gets to look important on telly, doing those big fancy signatures with the giant pen whilst trying to look like a statesman.

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Yip. I remember it from last time as well. I couldn’t say how many but I bet he didn’t pass many new laws or have many legislative achievements?
Remodelling the Supreme Court was about it?


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[Bostonhibby]

Yip. I remember it from last time as well. I couldn’t say how many but I bet he didn’t pass many new laws or have many legislative achievements?
Remodelling the Supreme Court was about it?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSomeone really needs to tell him how "ideas" might one day become laws. Sadly neither of the houses appear brave enough to do their jobs just now.

Guess there's more drinking bleach ideas, and turning other countries into Trump real estate coming.

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[grunt]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:yly3aulwiwaboatf2v2pjkhc/bafkreifclnrmmmy7nyt7u3vhnx7dyu3iqllcnqoxccxak4mlr je6lphp3e@jpeg

[Keith_M]

Lebensraum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebensraum)


That's about the only word missing from the Netanyahu / Trump press conference.


Though 'Sieg Heil' might have been an appropriate closing phrase.



:fuming:

[grunt]

LOL.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-05/white-house-says-musk-will-police-his-own-conflicts-of-interest?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky&utm_content=business


The White House said Elon Musk will determine if there are conflicts of interest between his work reviewing federal spending and his overlapping empire of six companies

[Ozyhibby]

https://news.sky.com/story/bluesky-13303662

Not everything he does is bad.


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[Green Reaper]

Netanyahu on Sky news this morning, looking like the cat that got the cream, saying it was an amazing idea to move out the Palestinians to allow for rebuild and can't believe nobody thought of it before, sickening.

[grunt]

Netanyahu on Sky news this morning, looking like the cat that got the cream, saying it was an amazing idea to move out the Palestinians to allow for rebuild and can't believe nobody thought of it before, sickening.
Farage seems to think it's a great idea too.

[Ozyhibby]

Netanyahu on Sky news this morning, looking like the cat that got the cream, saying it was an amazing idea to move out the Palestinians to allow for rebuild and can't believe nobody thought of it before, sickening.

It’s not going to happen and Americans would do well to focus on the damage being done at home to their government agencies by Musk and his cronies.


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[Bristolhibby]

It’s not going to happen and Americans would do well to focus on the damage being done at home to their government agencies by Musk and his cronies.


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They don’t care.

J

[Colr]

It’s not going to happen and Americans would do well to focus on the damage being done at home to their government agencies by Musk and his cronies.


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I think the whole idea is that they don’t focus on what’s actually happening at home.

[Jim44]

I think the whole idea is that they don’t focus on what’s actually happening at home.

Exactly ……. a smokescreen. Netanyahu’s falling for it and creaming his pants but it’s not going to happen.

[Hibrandenburg]

Exactly ……. a smokescreen. Netanyahu’s falling for it and creaming his pants but it’s not going to happen.

Let's pray it's not going to happen but the damage is already done. If POTUS is happy to suggest ethnic cleansing as a solution to regional conflict, what message does that send to other nation's people who have problems with ethnic minorities at home?

No world leader with any integrity should be even talking to this bufoon until he withdraws his statement and apologises.

[grunt]

Trump - air traffic control specialist

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreihcckjn64277it7xytlvh3duojca6v6dzg7bhtiuq2su qfui5bkzy@jpeg

[Ozyhibby]

https://news.sky.com/story/bluesky-13304316

Judge stops Trump buy out redundancies.


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[lapsedhibee]

Trump - air traffic control specialist

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreihcckjn64277it7xytlvh3duojca6v6dzg7bhtiuq2su qfui5bkzy@jpeg

I sure hope it's a fair contest between all the companies headed by people called Elon before one of them gets the gig.

[tamig]

I sure hope it's a fair contest between all the companies headed by people called Elon before one of them gets the gig.

Indeed. Reeks of the PPE contracts scandal here. I mentioned on another thread on the PM board about people making travel plans to the US. I’d be giving it a wide berth while all this stuff is swirling around.

And also, if this mystery country’s ATC system is so good, why not just buy that in rather than build from scratch? Mental.

[Kato]

Trump - air traffic control specialist

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreihcckjn64277it7xytlvh3duojca6v6dzg7bhtiuq2su qfui5bkzy@jpegNobody knows more about air traffic systems than him.

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[Bostonhibby]

Nobody knows more about air traffic systems than him.

Sent from my SM-A528B using TapatalkSomebody told him that nobody knows more about (insert subject here) than him.

People always seem to want to tell him things and seek his all knowing expertise. Detail, facts, where, who and when never seems to follow.

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[Kato]

Somebody told him that nobody knows more about (insert subject here) than him.

People always seem to want to tell him things and seek his all knowing expertise. Detail, facts, where, who and when never seems to follow.

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Nobody knows more about people telling him about things he's an expert on, than him.

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[Bostonhibby]

Nobody knows more about people telling him about things he's an expert on, than him.

Sent from my SM-A528B using TapatalkHe didn't get to where he is today by not making it up as he goes along.

And not constantly listening to non existent people.

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[Kato]

He didn't get to where he is today by not making it up as he goes along.

And not constantly listening to non existent people.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk....and smart, very smart non-existent people...

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[Bostonhibby]

....and smart, very smart non-existent people...

Sent from my SM-A528B using TapatalkThe sort of people who would decide to ethnically cleanse a country on a Monday the say on the Tuesday they were only kidding?

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[Kato]

Of course them deny saying all of that then do it.

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[Keith_M]

Nobody knows more about air traffic systems than him.

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I would love to be sat in a room with Trump to ask him questions on Air Traffic Control Software.

It would be so rewarding to learn from the master.

[lapsedhibee]

I would love to be sat in a room with Trump to ask him questions on Air Traffic Control Software.

It would be so rewarding to learn from the master.

You'd have to call him Sir, just like in his made-up anecdotes.

[Jim44]

Nobody knows more about air traffic systems than him.

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I’m sure he could persuade Musk to rustle up something at the weekend and have it up and running by next week.

[Bostonhibby]

I’m sure he could persuade Musk to rustle up something at the weekend and have it up and running by next week.Seems like he'd just be giving away money that could be spent on the wall he never made a dent in last time, couldn't he just try rubbing a bit of bleach on the old system? Or get Kennedy on the case, knowledge of the subject isn't really required and if he can't get it fixed he could always just dump it in Central park.

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[H18S NX]

I sure hope it's a fair contest between all the companies headed by people called Elon before one of them gets the gig.....According to Rachel Maddox (msnbc) Elon musks workmate a 19year old hacker called "big balls" was granted permission to observe all air traffic rules and regulations she said this morning and it was clarified later on,so she said.

[Colr]

Exactly ……. a smokescreen. Netanyahu’s falling for it and creaming his pants but it’s not going to happen.

“Flooding the zone” they call it. Muzzle Velocity as Steve Bannon would say.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Tesla sales down nearly 60% in Germany, wee shame

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yB7z6.img?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&m=2&f=jpg

[Ozyhibby]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/07/health/west-texas-measles-outbreak/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=blueskyCNN&utm_content=2025-02-08T00%3A33%3A01

Wait until they get rid of vaccines nationwide.


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[Lendo]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/07/health/west-texas-measles-outbreak/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=blueskyCNN&utm_content=2025-02-08T00%3A33%3A01

Wait until they get rid of vaccines nationwide.


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They really are morons

[cabbageandribs1875]

this is something Farage will do en route to being PM :greengrin

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjIqihnXEAAALR8?format=jpg&name=medium

[Colr]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/07/health/west-texas-measles-outbreak/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=blueskyCNN&utm_content=2025-02-08T00%3A33%3A01

Wait until they get rid of vaccines nationwide.


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Darwin in action.

[cabbageandribs1875]

i thought this was a joke at first, but it's not

No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen on X: "Trump just terminated the Chair of the Kennedy Center and has installed himself as the new chair. He says he will now be dictating the institution’s “art and culture” and says it “must reflect” what he chooses. https://t.co/jMDyGg2Ok3" / X (https://x.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1888008137204015389)




Trump says he is firing Kennedy Centre trustees and naming himself chairman (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-says-he-is-firing-kennedy-centre-trustees-and-naming-himself-chairman/ar-AA1yEkj2)

[Bishop Hibee]

i thought this was a joke at first, but it's not

No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen on X: "Trump just terminated the Chair of the Kennedy Center and has installed himself as the new chair. He says he will now be dictating the institution’s “art and culture” and says it “must reflect” what he chooses. https://t.co/jMDyGg2Ok3" / X (https://x.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1888008137204015389)




Trump says he is firing Kennedy Centre trustees and naming himself chairman (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-says-he-is-firing-kennedy-centre-trustees-and-naming-himself-chairman/ar-AA1yEkj2)

‘When I hear the word culture, I release the catch on my revolver.’ - Josef Goebbels

[Kato]

i thought this was a joke at first, but it's not

No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen on X: "Trump just terminated the Chair of the Kennedy Center and has installed himself as the new chair. He says he will now be dictating the institution’s “art and culture” and says it “must reflect” what he chooses. https://t.co/jMDyGg2Ok3" / X (https://x.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1888008137204015389)




Trump says he is firing Kennedy Centre trustees and naming himself chairman (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-says-he-is-firing-kennedy-centre-trustees-and-naming-himself-chairman/ar-AA1yEkj2)He obviously sees the arts as they are as degenerate.

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[Bostonhibby]

i thought this was a joke at first, but it's not

No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen on X: "Trump just terminated the Chair of the Kennedy Center and has installed himself as the new chair. He says he will now be dictating the institution’s “art and culture” and says it “must reflect” what he chooses. https://t.co/jMDyGg2Ok3" / X (https://x.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1888008137204015389)




Trump says he is firing Kennedy Centre trustees and naming himself chairman (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-says-he-is-firing-kennedy-centre-trustees-and-naming-himself-chairman/ar-AA1yEkj2)Maybe he's just going to knock up a few Venus De Milo's and a couple of Monarch of the Glen's whilst he's sitting on the bog eating his burger?

People are always telling him what a great sculptor/artist he is.

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[Hibrandenburg]

Any Americans who ever asked themselves how they would have reacted if they were living in Germany in the early 30's have now got their answer, they're doing it now.

[Kato]

Any Americans who ever asked themselves how they would have reacted if they were living in Germany in the early 30's have now got their answer, they're doing it now.A lot did the same in the 30s.

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[Hibrandenburg]

A lot did the same in the 30s.

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:agree:

[Colr]

Think I’ll treat myself to a bottle of Canadian Rye in solidarity.

Swapped out my American rye whisky (Ragtime and Sazerac) for Canadian and was very pleasantly surprised how nice the Canadian stuff is!!!

Need to track down some Canadian corn whisky to substitute for bourbon now!

[Colr]

i thought this was a joke at first, but it's not

No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen on X: "Trump just terminated the Chair of the Kennedy Center and has installed himself as the new chair. He says he will now be dictating the institution’s “art and culture” and says it “must reflect” what he chooses. https://t.co/jMDyGg2Ok3" / X (https://x.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1888008137204015389)




Trump says he is firing Kennedy Centre trustees and naming himself chairman (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-says-he-is-firing-kennedy-centre-trustees-and-naming-himself-chairman/ar-AA1yEkj2)

Well, the Bauhaus got closed!!!

[Hibrandenburg]

Swapped out my American rye whisky (Ragtime and Sazerac) for Canadian and was very pleasantly surprised how nice the Canadian stuff is!!!

Need to track down some Canadian corn whisky to substitute for bourbon now!

Good job, every little bit helps.

[lapsedhibee]

Swapped out my American rye whisky (Ragtime and Sazerac) for Canadian

Hope you were like 'bye bye pish American rye' as you were doing it.

[Colr]

Good job, every little bit helps.

I’m prepared to put my shoulder to the wheel when it’s important!

[K-Zazu]

How bad is Twitter/X these days? Went on it and it’s just stuff about people fighting each other and half naked birds and all sorts of crap.. really not good for someone’s mental health spending too much time on it at all.

[Colr]

How bad is Twitter/X these days? Went on it and it’s just stuff about people fighting each other and half naked birds and all sorts of crap.. really not good for someone’s mental health spending too much time on it at all.

Try Bluesky. It’s like Twitter used to be.

Bit quiet at the moment but getting better as more people switch

[JohnM1875]

How bad is Twitter/X these days? Went on it and it’s just stuff about people fighting each other and half naked birds and all sorts of crap.. really not good for someone’s mental health spending too much time on it at all.

It's awful. Can't even open the app on the tram to work for the fear it'll just be chebs all over the shop.

[Andy Bee]

Trumps buying Gaza apparently, anyone got a link to the Ebay listing?

https://x.com/afshinrattansi/status/1888719257846038658

[grunt]

Reporter: Why do you want to be chairman of Kennedy Center board?

Trump: Some of the shows were terrible. They were a disgrace.

Reporter: Have you seen any shows there?

Trump: No, I didn’t go.

https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3lhs5eove2s2s

[Keith_M]

Reporter: Why do you want to be chairman of Kennedy Center board?

Trump: Some of the shows were terrible. They were a disgrace.

Reporter: Have you seen any shows there?

Trump: No, I didn’t go.

https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3lhs5eove2s2s



I think he's trying to ensure the high moral standards that Americans expect and oppose the Moral Degenerates.


And as a Fraudster, Sex Offender and self proclaimed Pussy Grabber, he knows more than anybody about Moral Degenerates.

[grunt]

Carole Cadwalladr: "This is what should be on every front page right now. What's happening in the US right now is an illegal power grab by a private citizen. IT'S A COUP.

It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next."

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:b7kamuwqipovlbz2l5vhe2tb/bafkreicmqazizshgsdkbsichto4nyhm4tzyjv52cyjxm5jz2x jnrwakn7m@jpeg

[grunt]

https://popular.info/p/the-nsas-big-delete


Today, the NSA is planning a "Big Delete" of websites and internal network content that contain any of 27 banned words, including "privilege," "bias," and "inclusion," a NSA source tells Popular Information. The massive purge is creating chaos, taking down "mission-related" work

Those 27 banned words, not to be used on any NSA report or website:

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7prh6raya2ntwnpyzte5u5hc/bafkreiehvcffsc3cadxhsn64jylcorwmpo5p4bg35hy7l5xdr p7aanfyeq@jpeg

[grunt]

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Washington DC Head Office being closed down.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/bafkreidm2dzbt3hon52udl3lcpk3mfnztjvuisriw4nyw3clc hs2k3aeee@jpeg

[Paulie Walnuts]

https://popular.info/p/the-nsas-big-delete

The big delete :faf:

Essentially, it sounds like anything that has one of the 28 keywords is to be deleted in its entirety, no questions asked. Given that there’s things like the word ‘gender’, you’ve got to wonder quite what massively important stuff is going to disappear at the NSA.

[s.a.m]

The big delete :faf:

Essentially, it sounds like anything that has one of the 28 keywords is to be deleted in its entirety, no questions asked. Given that there’s things like the word ‘gender’, you’ve got to wonder quite what massively important stuff is going to disappear at the NSA.

And 'bias' is a standard statistics term. Probably appears in everything research related.:rolleyes:

[Paulie Walnuts]

And 'bias' is a standard statistics term. Probably appears in everything research related.:rolleyes:

:agree:

Privilege being another that will be used all over the place.

He’s going to run that country into the ground.

[Paul1642]

Despite our external laughter, Trumps approval rating is doing very well despite all the mental ****. Compare that to Starmer’s approval after a short time in the job.

He’s playing a PR blinder right now, even if there is no real substance to back it up because he is being seen as doing what he promised to do.

Elon Musks very frequent DOGE updates are a good example of this. He’s broadcasting multiple times a day the things they have found eye watering amount of tax money being spent on. Yes it’s pure propaganda but it’s also very effective, as well as a good reminder as to how capable governments are at wasting our money.

It might be tiny amounts in the grand scene of a budget but when your local community is seeing its local library or whatever closed due to lack of funding, posts like:

“ Items your tax dollars are being spent on: -$750,000 to study if the moon landing line was “One small step for Man” or “One small step for ‘A’ man”— the study was inconclusive”

are powerful.

Truthfully I’d like to see a non mental version of a similar thing in this country.

[Bristolhibby]

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Washington DC Head Office being closed down.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/bafkreidm2dzbt3hon52udl3lcpk3mfnztjvuisriw4nyw3clc hs2k3aeee@jpeg

This is just mind blowing. As a Civil Servant myself, the thought that a Government could come in and just shut down departments is crazy.

These are people with lives, families, mortgages. People who work hard to deliver Government programmes and get little thanks for doing work. All they get is gardening leave and redundancy.

J

[Paulie Walnuts]

Despite our external laughter, Trumps approval rating is doing very well despite all the mental ****. Compare that to Starmer’s approval after a short time in the job.

He’s playing a PR blinder right now, even if there is no real substance to back it up because he is being seen as doing what he promised to do.

Elon Musks very frequent DOGE updates are a good example of this. He’s broadcasting multiple times a day the things they have found eye watering amount of tax money being spent on. Yes it’s pure propaganda but it’s also very effective, as well as a good reminder as to how capable governments are at wasting our money.

It might be tiny amounts in the grand scene of a budget but when your local community is seeing its local library or whatever closed due to lack of funding, posts like:

“ Items your tax dollars are being spent on: -$750,000 to study if the moon landing line was “One small step for Man” or “One small step for ‘A’ man”— the study was inconclusive”

are powerful.

Truthfully I’d like to see a non mental version of a similar thing in this country.

His supporters are ****ing idiots. If they see him doing his exaggerated signature on the tele then that’s proof to them he’s doing a good job.

I don’t think there’s anything that will convince the idiots that voted for him that he’s making a mess of it. As you say, the PR is really good and they’ll lap it up.

[Colr]

I don’t think there’s anything that will convince the idiots that voted for him that he’s making a mess of it. As you say, the PR is really good and they’ll lap it up.

It takes a while. It took a while with Brexit and it’ll take a long, long time to undo the damage.

[MKHIBEE]

How bad is Twitter/X these days? Went on it and it’s just stuff about people fighting each other and half naked birds and all sorts of crap.. really not good for someone’s mental health spending too much time on it at all.

I couldn’t agree more. I left and have no regrets whatsoever, it’s a toxic hell hole.

[nonshinyfinish]

https://bsky.app/profile/alerigolon.bsky.social/post/3lhtzz5kfqs2y

"I was just told that I have to remove “climate” from the title of an ongoing grant if I want to keep it. And publications from that grant cannot include “climate” and other forbidden words. I can’t believe I’m writing this from the United States of America."

Just keeps coming.

[Paulie Walnuts]

https://bsky.app/profile/alerigolon.bsky.social/post/3lhtzz5kfqs2y

"I was just told that I have to remove “climate” from the title of an ongoing grant if I want to keep it. And publications from that grant cannot include “climate” and other forbidden words. I can’t believe I’m writing this from the United States of America."

Just keeps coming.

Land of the free baby. 🇺🇸

[Sylar]

https://bsky.app/profile/alerigolon.bsky.social/post/3lhtzz5kfqs2y

"I was just told that I have to remove “climate” from the title of an ongoing grant if I want to keep it. And publications from that grant cannot include “climate” and other forbidden words. I can’t believe I’m writing this from the United States of America."

Just keeps coming.

We started writing a proposal with colleagues in the US back in October and hit the 'pause' button to see how things were going to shake out. Safe to say we've now abandoned it (it was in the space of climate adaptability).

I know a lot of colleagues over there who are looking at either new jobs or relocating.

[nonshinyfinish]

it was in the space of climate adaptability

Communist!

[The_Exile]

We started writing a proposal with colleagues in the US back in October and hit the 'pause' button to see how things were going to shake out. Safe to say we've now abandoned it (it was in the space of climate adaptability).

I know a lot of colleagues over there who are looking at either new jobs or relocating.

This is where countries like ours have a tremendous opportunity to make the UK, THE PLACE to be to undertake scientific R&D. I can't imagine it would cost much in the grand scheme of things to make the UK as attractive as possible in terms of grants and conditions etc. Could really pay off for us long-term.

[Lendo]

This is where countries like ours have a tremendous opportunity to make the UK, THE PLACE to be to undertake scientific R&D. I can't imagine it would cost much in the grand scheme of things to make the UK as attractive as possible in terms of grants and conditions etc. Could really pay off for us long-term.

100%, the UK and EU need to jump on the inevitable US brain drain. Massive opportunity for everyone.

[Smartie]

If only we hadn't sabotaged the finances of our own higher education establishments by leaving the EU, a move driven by exactly the same sort of moron who is going to drive the smart people out of the USA.

I agree that it is an absolutely colossal opportunity though. Hopefully somebody decent takes it.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250211/3fc57760dfc64bc21482d1a4150ab562.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[grunt]

This is where countries like ours have a tremendous opportunity to make the UK, THE PLACE to be to undertake scientific R&D. I can't imagine it would cost much in the grand scheme of things to make the UK as attractive as possible in terms of grants and conditions etc. Could really pay off for us long-term.
Unfortunately the Reform lot - and Starmer who seems to be doing all he can not to upset the Reform lot - don't want immigrants. So they can't come here. Shame really.

[lapsedhibee]

Unfortunately the Reform lot - and Starmer who seems to be doing all he can not to upset the Reform lot - don't want immigrants. So they can't come here. Shame really. Don't they dislike experts, too, so two reasons not to want them here? :dunno:

[Berwickhibby]

Reform are concerning me, a few guys I know, who I genuinely believed were sensible have started saying they will support reform WTF 🤬

[grunt]

This is an ACTUAL bill presented to the House of Representatives.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1161

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:6vdg3fmshbyzhub7j6sw6jb7/bafkreidg7ao3kkrc6dvjjzhqnruz2unxzq2nhh5qtanoikrat teilzr5ta@jpeg

[grunt]

Look I don't know if this one is true or not. But if it is ...

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:dat5hzexsoquut32mn6cmtmd/bafkreidig7p7lrdou773sgfe32ngw3ztb2y6e65zgr2yfkg2z 6iwm4i6fm@jpeg

[DaveF]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250211/3fc57760dfc64bc21482d1a4150ab562.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Surely that will be laughed out of Congress.

[s.a.m]

Surely that will be laughed out of Congress.

In Normal Times, yeah.

[grunt]

Nothing to do with me Guv.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:p2y466m63svxixp56gglbrlm/bafkreig2h5xyw2deqaieg7j7ct5cuqy6b2yv7tbxxd63gduqv jpilw3waq@jpeg

[grunt]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:g2db2rj3bvebu2nlqkgbl5kg/bafkreiexwotkpouxkrwzjhzdsyftjkz76hsqjbfrzx7zxh2s4 l7ymdehse@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:g2db2rj3bvebu2nlqkgbl5kg/bafkreie2crj277nnstqlyeefagv6z7nmm3kdllbk77rty6oqh cs4wsd2hu@jpeg

[Smartie]

I watched a bit of the Musk / Trump thing on Sky News last night.

It's still probably more surreal than anything right now, sinister the adjective that follows most closely.

Probably won't be long before it all gets a bit tedious.


It'll be interesting to see what follows on from this week's Ramstein meeting. This is the first time they'll be doing all of this sort of thing since the American adults left the building.

[Lendo]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:g2db2rj3bvebu2nlqkgbl5kg/bafkreiexwotkpouxkrwzjhzdsyftjkz76hsqjbfrzx7zxh2s4 l7ymdehse@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:g2db2rj3bvebu2nlqkgbl5kg/bafkreie2crj277nnstqlyeefagv6z7nmm3kdllbk77rty6oqh cs4wsd2hu@jpeg

Literally the first image that came in to my head after seeing this photo…. What a sad time we live in.

28528

[grunt]

Taking money from New York?

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:pnx2fjuannbdpy3337ggthpp/bafkreib7gnlhmonapaulkx43jmbyb77jh7laey2gpekre7n33 hutfvg7am@jpeg

[Kato]

Literally the first image that came in to my head after seeing this photo…. What a sad time we live in.

28528

Is that Joe Goebbels, Reich Minister of Propaganda 1933-45, there?

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[grunt]

Oh.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:p4zi5guyq46fkdnls2mnakv4/bafkreihvclrhbhffebsdojmdtbxhfq5lpm4bs6jq4bb3tb7mq jsw4fxpf4@jpeg

[cabbageandribs1875]

Trumps Niece Mary Trump(and believe me she despises him as much as every other right thinking decent human being) says the only reason he is meeting Putin in Moscow is to pick up his bonus, i believe her


i see russian propagandist Tulsi Gabbard has been voted in for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s history with Russia is even more concerning than you think (https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/other/tulsi-gabbard-s-history-with-russia-is-even-more-concerning-than-you-think/ar-AA1uFfQJ?ocid=BingNewsSerp)

[s.a.m]

https://bsky.app/profile/wutangforchildren.bsky.social/post/3lhz2h2sp7s2j

Listen to Musk's random-letters wee boy whispering :greengrin

Apparently genuine.
(Apologies for posting the link instead of the actual video. Can't figure out how to do that.)

[H18S NX]

It's amazing how all these authoritarians are resurging, trump putin belarus guy hungarian guy,it'sa kinda scary thought that they can do what the hell they want.

[grunt]

Three weeks in ...

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rw2kfkoa7dvxmip5rm4nay7x/bafkreihxmndrawyvpyyxemanl3xzdok5gyt4qnnozyltra5kt nyzdogr2a@jpeg

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250213/c0f256e1d5fd9cb9366020e50aa3b2b0.jpg

Trump needs a budget passed next month. He’ll need the democrats to do it. I don’t think it will happen.


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[The_Exile]

We are all too passive, we sit behind computer screens and type that we're outraged and that it won't do. But we are so subservient, the only people with any energy and desire to do anything are the room temperature IQ fascists and they're certainly winning. They are so easily manipulated, they genuinely believe they've got more in common with a politician, nay Oligarch, than an immigrant getting off a boat from Somalia, it's frightening the level of their intellect.

Number 1 problem in the developed world? Elligible voters that simply do not vote, especially the young, the percentage of young people under 30 who simply do not, and have never voted, is utterly staggering. It should be a legal obligation to vote in your countries elections, men and women fought and died in their millions so that you have the freedom and right to vote, so every time someone doesn't vote it's a kick in the face to all the people who went through the hell of fighting for their country and democracy, and I will never ever buy the "don't like any of them" line, there is always an independent that is standing on a more locally focussed ticket, there will be parties like the Greens who have wealth redistribution as a goal. Wealth inequality is a very close second and one that goes hand in hand with voting really, but I'm not sure that's s topic for this thread.

[wookie70]

We are all too passive, we sit behind computer screens and type that we're outraged and that it won't do. But we are so subservient, the only people with any energy and desire to do anything are the room temperature IQ fascists and they're certainly winning. They are so easily manipulated, they genuinely believe they've got more in common with a politician, nay Oligarch, than an immigrant getting off a boat from Somalia, it's frightening the level of their intellect.

Number 1 problem in the developed world? Elligible voters that simply do not vote, especially the young, the percentage of young people under 30 who simply do not, and have never voted, is utterly staggering. It should be a legal obligation to vote in your countries elections, men and women fought and died in their millions so that you have the freedom and right to vote, so every time someone doesn't vote it's a kick in the face to all the people who went through the hell of fighting for their country and democracy, and I will never ever buy the "don't like any of them" line, there is always an independent that is standing on a more locally focussed ticket, there will be parties like the Greens who have wealth redistribution as a goal. Wealth inequality is a very close second and one that goes hand in hand with voting really, but I'm not sure that's s topic for this thread.

I get where you are coming from but anti Fascist marches are huge affairs and groups like Just Stop Oil are so committed they put their liberty, which has never been in doubt, at risk through direct action. I'm not far off your view though

I don't disagree that voting should be compulsory but you should not be forced to indicate a preference for a candidate. I frequently spoil my paper but always vote. None of the above winning an election is actually a potential way to change democracy or rather re-introduce it as it doesn't really exist for practical purposes now. Voting in the current democracy is almost pointless. The spread of news and coverage is ridiculously targeted at the top two Parties and Reform and formerly UKP pick up most of the rest when talking about UK elections. I'd love people to vote on what they actually believe but first past the post and blindly accepting what politicians are saying rather than how they vote in debates etc mean voters often vote against their beliefs and interests

[overdrive]

I get where you are coming from but anti Fascist marches are huge affairs and groups like Just Stop Oil are so committed they put their liberty, which has never been in doubt, at risk through direct action. I'm not far off your view though

I don't disagree that voting should be compulsory but you should not be forced to indicate a preference for a candidate. I frequently spoil my paper but always vote. None of the above winning an election is actually a potential way to change democracy or rather re-introduce it as it doesn't really exist for practical purposes now. Voting in the current democracy is almost pointless. The spread of news and coverage is ridiculously targeted at the top two Parties and Reform and formerly UKP pick up most of the rest when talking about UK elections. I'd love people to vote on what they actually believe but first past the post and blindly accepting what politicians are saying rather than how they vote in debates etc mean voters often vote against their beliefs and interests

I agree on the spoiling the paper issue. That should always be an option. I think a 'none of the above' option would be good too. One of my wife's friends rarely votes. When she does, she votes based on either which male candidate is "hottest" or which party leader is "hottest" or trendy. This is a woman about to turn 40 BTW, not some 18 year old. If that's the standard of insight of non-voters, I'm not sure making it compulsory is as good an idea as it seems.

[cabbageandribs1875]

another Putin Puppet

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjkTEpsXIAAq9uS?format=jpg&name=medium

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/479185351_9128190890621263_3129087662733308423_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=X7P05sHmloAQ7kNvgFgnMsS&_nc_oc=AdgDhyd4nHKecwwBYfaD6uF3SaBLJlQAlgeZhmVG6_e OA9Dyic1yHOgOxhP6Bh-eL7c&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&_nc_gid=AJhwr7b9wh9xPoPKrB812mH&oh=00_AYDdwqrlu60FvCBlN8JTsoeEKxmLnvHpTXXxRIsRLr7g bQ&oe=67B452B9

[s.a.m]

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/479185351_9128190890621263_3129087662733308423_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=X7P05sHmloAQ7kNvgFgnMsS&_nc_oc=AdgDhyd4nHKecwwBYfaD6uF3SaBLJlQAlgeZhmVG6_e OA9Dyic1yHOgOxhP6Bh-eL7c&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&_nc_gid=AJhwr7b9wh9xPoPKrB812mH&oh=00_AYDdwqrlu60FvCBlN8JTsoeEKxmLnvHpTXXxRIsRLr7g bQ&oe=67B452B9
He's an absolute ****bag. I feel like, ultimately, it'll end badly for him*, but it's astonishing the damage he's being allowed to do in the meantime. All while throwing spiteful, childish insults at vulnerable people, and folks just doing the jobs that they were hired to do.

* :pray:

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/b31c4dc312efb0d80790b04d5913bc02.png

The are banning anti-depressants. That will go well.[emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CropleyWasGod]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/b31c4dc312efb0d80790b04d5913bc02.png

The are banning anti-depressants. That will go well.[emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't read it as that at all.

There's definitely a debate to be had on the use of SSRIs and other types of treatments, particularly among children, so I don't see any issue with that. That debate is ongoing throughout the world. The use of the word "threat" isn't helpful, sure, but I don't see mention of a "ban".

I don't see much wrong with the rest of that statement, either.

[jamie_1875]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/b31c4dc312efb0d80790b04d5913bc02.png

The are banning anti-depressants. That will go well.[emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's an issue in Scotland with 1 in 5 adults on anti depressants. Maybe it should be looked at.

[Ozyhibby]

I don't read it as that at all.

There's definitely a debate to be had on the use of SSRIs and other types of treatments, particularly among children, so I don't see any issue with that. That debate is ongoing throughout the world. The use of the word "threat" isn't helpful, sure, but I don't see mention of a "ban".

I don't see much wrong with the rest of that statement, either.

I guess they deserve the benefit of the doubt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jim44]

I was aware of Trump’s criminality but didn’t know that R.Kennedy Jr., his health secretary was a convicted felon for possession of heroin.

[Smartie]

It's an issue in Scotland with 1 in 5 adults on anti depressants. Maybe it should be looked at.

Making Scotland less ****ing depressing is how I'd go about it.

[Jones28]

It's an issue in Scotland with 1 in 5 adults on anti depressants. Maybe it should be looked at.

In Americas case it would put them up against Pharmaceutical companies who will lobby their way out of any issues.

[The_Exile]

Making Scotland less ****ing depressing is how I'd go about it.

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.

[CropleyWasGod]

It's an issue in Scotland with 1 in 5 adults on anti depressants. Maybe it should be looked at.

This particular move is about kids, but I agree that the debate needs continuing, as it has been for years.

[Smartie]

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.

Best rant I've read in a while and I agree with every word.

[Smartie]

That speech from Vance was utterly despicable and very worrying.

The sheer hypocrisy of a guy to preach about listening to uncomfortable viewpoints given what is currently going on in America?

Disgusting.

[Ozyhibby]

That speech from Vance was utterly despicable and very worrying.

The sheer hypocrisy of a guy to preach about listening to uncomfortable viewpoints given what is currently going on in America?

Disgusting.

Yip. Thankfully, much like last time they are not getting much done. Lots of talk but the courts are reversing everything they do. They have not taken any bill to congress yet and they need a budget past next month. While they are doing damage, most of it is reversible so far.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/2923597c8888868d2a1c2ef53f1ad610.png
The most over valued stock out there. It will fall soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The_Exile]

The most over valued stock out there. It will fall soon.


I am very tempted to short it for some easy money. Famous last words :greengrin

[Ozyhibby]

I am very tempted to short it for some easy money. Famous last words :greengrin

You need big pockets for that as it may take a while.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/d8297917930609cc2e82af66cf62c0cf.png

Some resignation letter. DOJ being gutted of its prosecutors in an attempt to find someone to drop the charges against Addams.


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[CropleyWasGod]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/d8297917930609cc2e82af66cf62c0cf.png

Some resignation letter. DOJ being gutted of its prosecutors in an attempt to find someone to drop the charges against Addams.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is it just me that read that in the voice of Chuck Rhoades? :greengrin

[MKHIBEE]

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.
I wouldn’t argue with any of that, great post.

[Hibrandenburg]

Vance's speech at the MSC.

It's almost as if the US and Russia are politically aligned. Extremely worrying.

https://youtu.be/9dNv9tH0dkU?feature=shared

[tamig]

Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office.
I heard Gary on Radio 5 the other week with Nihal Arthinayke. What a guy. He seems to have all the solutions but getting into Westminster - or the heads of people there - is key. Was a great listen if you want to check out the podcast.

[lapsedhibee]

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.

Enjoyed your rant. :aok:

[grunt]

Pretty sure this is fake, but amusing nonetheless

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:sbh6jpmhvsnjtqwrqtgrm4cz/bafkreif4m454dgoydvboogcugjw5z5nerlf6lxc3qtrvam3v3 fhupuoxvq@jpeg

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/274b9eab380d86f57e790d130af3be74.png
No more Brewdog beer for me. To be honest I don’t like it anyway.[emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jim44]

Maybe being a bit over-sensitive but, listening to David Lammy on the news talking about peace negotiations and he used the term ‘Zalensky and the Ukrainians’ ……. not ‘President Zalensky’. It sounded disrespectful to me and I’m sure he would not refer to ‘Putin’ or ‘Trump’ without due respect to their office. Didn’t like it.

[Ozyhibby]

Maybe being a bit over-sensitive but, listening to David Lammy on the news talking about peace negotiations and he used the term ‘Zalensky and the Ukrainians’ ……. not ‘President Zalensky’. It sounded disrespectful to me and I’m sure he would not refer to ‘Putin’ or ‘Trump’ without due respect to their office. Didn’t like it.

He is very unimpressive all round.


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[Ozyhibby]

I am very tempted to short it for some easy money. Famous last words :greengrin

https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musks-toxicity-could-spell-disaster-for-tesla/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andy Bee]

A mention for Scotland in JDs speech albeit a load of scaremongering BS. The clause is obviously to stop people shouting from windows etc trying to circumvent the rules and not what he's shamelessly intimating.

https://x.com/GillianMacMSP/status/1890443655485309293

[Hiber-nation]

Maybe being a bit over-sensitive but, listening to David Lammy on the news talking about peace negotiations and he used the term ‘Zalensky and the Ukrainians’ ……. not ‘President Zalensky’. It sounded disrespectful to me and I’m sure he would not refer to ‘Putin’ or ‘Trump’ without due respect to their office. Didn’t like it.

Lammy is a complete fraud of a politician. Shameless.

[Bostonhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250214/274b9eab380d86f57e790d130af3be74.png
No more Brewdog beer for me. To be honest I don’t like it anyway.[emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkVery easy boycott to continue [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

Vance's speech at the MSC.

It's almost as if the US and Russia are politically aligned. Extremely worrying.

https://youtu.be/9dNv9tH0dkU?feature=sharedHe might change his mind should a personal advantage arise?

Look how quickly he flipped on his original views about the big orange guy?

Empty American bases out of Europe and do an initial Canada style boycott of all things American across the EU during the orange guy and his acolytes term might focus the minds a bit.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[matty_f]

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.
Gary Stevenson is excellent. It absolutely needs more people to get on board with wealth inequality being the issue.
The economy and the set up just now is a massive transfer of wealth /assets/cash etc from the poorest in society and now the middle classes to the super rich.
There’s no trickle down economics, people are paid by the wealthy and then give them the money straight back to pay for mortgages, energy, food, rent. That wealth is flowing one way and creates a huge problem.

Trump and Musk are out to ensure that absolutely continues with fewer barriers in the way.

[cabbageandribs1875]

couldn't happen to a Nicer Nazi Elon Musk’s Toxicity Could Spell Disaster for Tesla | WIRED (https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musks-toxicity-could-spell-disaster-for-tesla/)

[babahibs]

This will be a bit of a rant, and not aimed at you mate as I agree with you. If you solve wealth inequality, you destroy most, if not every single social problem the country is dealing with in one go. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone doing this where it matters, Westminster. I think Gary Stevenson (ex Citibank banker and economist, youtube channel Garys Economics is a good watch for understanding what's going on) is our best bet but not sure he's up for running for political office. I honestly do not see a way through this for any of us as we seem unable/unwilling to mobilise, stand beside each other and change things, they've got us waging culture wars against one another rather than focussing on the flow of money, smoke and mirrors.

£700 billion printed during Covid, where is it? The government didn't get it back so where did it go? That's enough for every working age adult in the UK to be given nearly 20 grand. I'm not 20 grand better off since 2021, and I would be willing to place a sizeable bet that nobody reading this is either. It flowed to the super rich, the people we pay our mortgages to, the behemoths we buy our food from. It's no coincidence that gold is at all time high, it's no coincidence that house prices continued to rise and rise during a cost of living crisis, it's no coincedence that stocks and shares are at all time highs during a cost of living crisis. This is what the super rich buy, this is who are buying our relatives houses, we will all end up in absolute poverty when there's nothing left. Look at India, look at South Africa, look at Brazil, rich countries that have enormous wealth inequality, that's what we're heading towards. Read Charles Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, a few people are doing INCREDIBLY well, the problem is they all sit in a chamber every Wednesday and play politics with one another and achieve NOTHING. It's no wonder so many are on anti depressants and struggling as the world is hostile to us all right now. So many will never own the roof over their heads, so many will struggle to start a family, what is there to look forward to?

Scotland is ****ing depressing, every single country on Earth is ****ing depressing right now. I just want to make sure that we're all pissed off at the right people though. Stopping transgender women getting changed in specific locker rooms, and stopping a family from Somalia getting a boat across the channel won't put a roof over our ****ing heads, or put food on the table when there's nothing left.

Word.

[Hibrandenburg]

He might change his mind should a personal advantage arise?

Look how quickly he flipped on his original views about the big orange guy?

Empty American bases out of Europe and do an initial Canada style boycott of all things American across the EU during the orange guy and his acolytes term might focus the minds a bit.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Too late to change his mind on Russia, he basically parroted Putin's view of why he invaded Ukraine and thus condoning it. At best that has raised the baseline in Putin's favour in any peace negotiations and at worst he's given Putin the green light to do similar elsewhere when he's ready.

[Chuck Rhoades]

Is it just me that read that in the voice of Chuck Rhoades? :greengrin

Oi!

[CropleyWasGod]

Oi!

:greengrin

[Bostonhibby]

Too late to change his mind on Russia, he basically parroted Putin's view of why he invaded Ukraine and thus condoning it. At best that has raised the baseline in Putin's favour in any peace negotiations and at worst he's given Putin the green light to do similar elsewhere when he's ready.

I was attempting to be sarcastic[emoji16] it wasn't too late for him to change his mind on his boss, his previously held views were abandoned rapidly when the VP job came up.

The Trump gang are talking along similar lines as Putin has been so it's no surprise. Fascism really doesnt need appeasement.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Hibrandenburg]

I was attempting to be sarcastic[emoji16] it wasn't too late for him to change his mind on his boss, his previously held views were abandoned rapidly when the VP job came up.

The Trump gang are talking along similar lines as Putin has been so it's no surprise. Fascism really doesnt need appeasement.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Sorry, 4 hours sleep the last 2 nights has left me with brain fog. I think it's more alignment rather than appeasement on Trump's side. Wouldn't be the first time that 2 villains have agreed how to divide the cake up amongst themselves.

[Bostonhibby]

Sorry, 4 hours sleep the last 2 nights has left me with brain fog. I think it's more alignment rather than appeasement on Trump's side. Wouldn't be the first time that 2 villains have agreed how to divide the cake up amongst themselves.[emoji106]

We are as one!



Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[grunt]

With love from Trump's White House.

https://e3.365dm.com/25/02/900x1200/skynews-white-house-donald-trump_6829088.jpg?20250214214808

[The Tubs]

Sorry, 4 hours sleep the last 2 nights has left me with brain fog. I think it's more alignment rather than appeasement on Trump's side. Wouldn't be the first time that 2 villains have agreed how to divide the cake up amongst themselves.

Lavrov-Rubio pact.

[Ozyhibby]

With love from Trump's White House.

https://e3.365dm.com/25/02/900x1200/skynews-white-house-donald-trump_6829088.jpg?20250214214808

A blatant copy of Theresa May’s home office campaign under Cameron.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[silverhibee]

That speech from Vance was utterly despicable and very worrying.

The sheer hypocrisy of a guy to preach about listening to uncomfortable viewpoints given what is currently going on in America?

Disgusting.

Somebody needs to take out the sheriff and his deputy.

[Pretty Boy]

It's amazing how easy it is to radicalise some people.

Trying to argue against Trump is met with out and out fascist rhetoric now along with a hefty dose of cult of personality around Musk, Trump, Farage, Lowe etc. it's quite weird seeing people with social media profiles emblazoned with 'lest we forget' clearly having forgot, or never having had much of a clue to begin with.

I'm not talking about people who are disaffected and disenfranchised and are lashing out with their vote. I don't like or condone that but I almost get it; the snake oil salesman are preying on them. I'm taking about the scary minority who are really into it now and are parroting extremist ideology quite openly. I posted about it on the pet peeves thread the other day but there is a real rise in the casual use of terms that were largely agreed to be sexist, ableist, racist etc for years. That isn't being 'anti woke', it's just being a ****ing arse.

[Keith_M]

Just to lighten the mood...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6NqscIsidQ

[Keith_M]

...and part 2 (warning, contains the F word).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmuR2XFxkdU

[grunt]

Above the law.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:alvekdfmgvcjb2ng4plxmta6/bafkreiakhuxwht64llez623coqcgrgftykhopckfcdak3xj6i s355w2yq4@jpeg

[DaveF]

Just to lighten the mood...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6NqscIsidQ

Brilliant 😂

[grunt]

Trump officials fired nuclear staff not realizing they oversee the country’s weapons stockpile, sources say
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/14/climate/nuclear-nnsa-firings-trump/index.html

[Hibrandenburg]

It's amazing how easy it is to radicalise some people.

Trying to argue against Trump is met with out and out fascist rhetoric now along with a hefty dose of cult of personality around Musk, Trump, Farage, Lowe etc. it's quite weird seeing people with social media profiles emblazoned with 'lest we forget' clearly having forgot, or never having had much of a clue to begin with.

I'm not talking about people who are disaffected and disenfranchised and are lashing out with their vote. I don't like or condone that but I almost get it; the snake oil salesman are preying on them. I'm taking about the scary minority who are really into it now and are parroting extremist ideology quite openly. I posted about it on the pet peeves thread the other day but there is a real rise in the casual use of terms that were largely agreed to be sexist, ableist, racist etc for years. That isn't being 'anti woke', it's just being a ****ing arse.

Talking to them reminds me of this cartoon from Private Eye.

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gj183noXQAA5djC?format=jpg&name=medium

[cabbageandribs1875]

pathetic old man-child White House bans AP journalists from Oval Office amid continued Gulf dispute | Trump administration | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/14/white-house-ap-ban-oval-office?fbclid=IwY2xjawIeDf5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSvTJm k-i8qP8duOWCjeR7UYDN68ZV8_sJPOZ6PBBze3lJ4tAGS1YBRgNw _aem_-X_JnpJ0am5vrLkWTYjCng)

[s.a.m]

Watching the USA v Canada 4Nations ice hockey. 3 fights before 10 seconds are up......

[Ozyhibby]

Watching the USA v Canada 4Nations ice hockey. 3 fights before 10 seconds are up......

I’m going to watch in the morning. Can’t wait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stevie Reid]

https://goodallandgoodluck.substack.com/p/we-need-to-listen-to-what-trump-and?utm_medium=ios

[Stevie Reid]

It's amazing how easy it is to radicalise some people.

Trying to argue against Trump is met with out and out fascist rhetoric now along with a hefty dose of cult of personality around Musk, Trump, Farage, Lowe etc. it's quite weird seeing people with social media profiles emblazoned with 'lest we forget' clearly having forgot, or never having had much of a clue to begin with.

I'm not talking about people who are disaffected and disenfranchised and are lashing out with their vote. I don't like or condone that but I almost get it; the snake oil salesman are preying on them. I'm taking about the scary minority who are really into it now and are parroting extremist ideology quite openly. I posted about it on the pet peeves thread the other day but there is a real rise in the casual use of terms that were largely agreed to be sexist, ableist, racist etc for years. That isn't being 'anti woke', it's just being a ****ing arse.

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse. You can’t un-poison a well, for want of a better expression.

The likes of Trump, Musk and Farage are not charismatic in any of the positive ways that are usually aligned with that word. And yet they have cultivated a massively devoted following.

What unifies people around them is their blatant racism and bigotry, and saying what is supposed to be unsayable for people in their position. They give license to huge amounts of people to be their worst selves, and boy are they taking advantage of it.

Their politics is incredibly nasty, and their supporters take great pleasure in the suffering of others. Seeing such a complete lack of empathy from people in power, whom the media show hundreds of times a day, is going to - and already has - filter through society. If they are utterly shameless then many in society will be too.

Political correctness had led to words and phrases gradually dying out over time, and they have managed to undo that much quicker than progress was ever made in a positive direction.

And the trouble is, when people are completely shameless, and genuinely believe that others are lesser than them, how do you coerce them into changing their ways? Especially when world leaders and social media are enabling and incentivising horrible and dehumanising behaviour and language.

All this is before we get onto young males being silently radicalised by the likes of Andrew Tate. I could write so much more but I’m holding my sleeping daughter in my hands right now, and I need to get my mind off this for the sake of my own sanity.

[Hibs4185]

https://x.com/Improving_Scot/status/1891066403278475373/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1890642904789467311&currentTweet=1891066403278475373&currentTweetUser=SusanneM0905&currentTweetUser=Improving_Scot

Even more apt nowadays

[matty_f]

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse. You can’t un-poison a well, for want of a better expression.

The likes of Trump, Musk and Farage are not charismatic in any of the positive ways that are usually aligned with that word. And yet they have cultivated a massively devoted following.

What unifies people around them is their blatant racism and bigotry, and saying what is supposed to be unsayable for people in their position. They give license to huge amounts of people to be their worst selves, and boy are they taking advantage of it.

Their politics is incredibly nasty, and their supporters take great pleasure in the suffering of others. Seeing such a complete lack of empathy from people in power, whom the media show hundreds of times a day, is going to - and already has - filter through society. If they are utterly shameless then many in society will be too.

Political correctness had led to words and phrases gradually dying out over time, and they have managed to undo that much quicker than progress was ever made in a positive direction.

And the trouble is, when people are completely shameless, and genuinely believe that others are lesser than them, how do you coerce them into changing their ways? Especially when world leaders and social media are enabling and incentivising horrible and dehumanising behaviour and language.

All this is before we get onto young males being silently radicalised by the likes of Andrew Tate. I could write so much more but I’m holding my sleeping daughter in my hands right now, and I need to get my mind off this for the sake of my own sanity.

Great post.

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480223932_1208689260626549_7065955123377648777_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=The4aRyP5nUQ7kNvgFXWT5E&_nc_oc=AdhN25RO_lCMZ3QyqU7c5wf4SibUaa3UnrV8yORUImE mvWWxSjsD5MLdC8AjdkF5vog&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ay_PR_uzyJYdCHwU_i2UvOU&oh=00_AYAD-Hsy2BNIiYoOy11VVKg9ohymuyHtaXk769zTOhrNSQ&oe=67B82630

[Hibrandenburg]

https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480223932_1208689260626549_7065955123377648777_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=The4aRyP5nUQ7kNvgFXWT5E&_nc_oc=AdhN25RO_lCMZ3QyqU7c5wf4SibUaa3UnrV8yORUImE mvWWxSjsD5MLdC8AjdkF5vog&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&_nc_gid=Ay_PR_uzyJYdCHwU_i2UvOU&oh=00_AYAD-Hsy2BNIiYoOy11VVKg9ohymuyHtaXk769zTOhrNSQ&oe=67B82630

Spot on.

[easty]

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse. You can’t un-poison a well, for want of a better expression.

The likes of Trump, Musk and Farage are not charismatic in any of the positive ways that are usually aligned with that word. And yet they have cultivated a massively devoted following.

What unifies people around them is their blatant racism and bigotry, and saying what is supposed to be unsayable for people in their position. They give license to huge amounts of people to be their worst selves, and boy are they taking advantage of it.

Their politics is incredibly nasty, and their supporters take great pleasure in the suffering of others. Seeing such a complete lack of empathy from people in power, whom the media show hundreds of times a day, is going to - and already has - filter through society. If they are utterly shameless then many in society will be too.

Political correctness had led to words and phrases gradually dying out over time, and they have managed to undo that much quicker than progress was ever made in a positive direction.

And the trouble is, when people are completely shameless, and genuinely believe that others are lesser than them, how do you coerce them into changing their ways? Especially when world leaders and social media are enabling and incentivising horrible and dehumanising behaviour and language.

All this is before we get onto young males being silently radicalised by the likes of Andrew Tate. I could write so much more but I’m holding my sleeping daughter in my hands right now, and I need to get my mind off this for the sake of my own sanity.

:top marks

[lapsedhibee]

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse.

Defo going to get worse. I don't think Rosa Parks and Emily Davison have even been expunged from school textbooks yet.

[Mon Dieu4]

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse. You can’t un-poison a well, for want of a better expression.

The likes of Trump, Musk and Farage are not charismatic in any of the positive ways that are usually aligned with that word. And yet they have cultivated a massively devoted following.

What unifies people around them is their blatant racism and bigotry, and saying what is supposed to be unsayable for people in their position. They give license to huge amounts of people to be their worst selves, and boy are they taking advantage of it.

Their politics is incredibly nasty, and their supporters take great pleasure in the suffering of others. Seeing such a complete lack of empathy from people in power, whom the media show hundreds of times a day, is going to - and already has - filter through society. If they are utterly shameless then many in society will be too.

Political correctness had led to words and phrases gradually dying out over time, and they have managed to undo that much quicker than progress was ever made in a positive direction.

And the trouble is, when people are completely shameless, and genuinely believe that others are lesser than them, how do you coerce them into changing their ways? Especially when world leaders and social media are enabling and incentivising horrible and dehumanising behaviour and language.

All this is before we get onto young males being silently radicalised by the likes of Andrew Tate. I could write so much more but I’m holding my sleeping daughter in my hands right now, and I need to get my mind off this for the sake of my own sanity.

I agree with lots of what you say but I don't think it needs to be as bleak as you say it is, a vast number of those who will vote reform aren't doing it because they intrinsically agree with the likes of Farage etc, they just see their life isn't going to get any better under Labour or the Tories, because of that they latch on to something that they think is different as they are done with more of the same

Unfortunately as there isn't exactly anyone on the left offering them any real difference just now, I'd love someone like Mick Lynch to be an alternative but it's not happening

I think that's the reason you got crossover between Bernie and Trump fans, diametrically opposed on almost everything but saying they are offering something completely different

I really wish the left would get their **** sorted out and offer real change

[Smartie]

Defo going to get worse. I don't think Rosa Parks and Emily Davison have even been expunged from school textbooks yet.

I think it's going to get worse for a while yet, the trajectory we're currently on is not good.

But we've had various appalling nadirs before, all of which we've bounced back from in some way or another.

The idea of what point we need to reach before we scare ourselves and bounce back terrifies me, but it will inevitably happen one day.

Trump is making more enemies than friends, including at home. The Russian economy and military are on their knees. I'd also say that there's probably strength in having "the immigration conversation" more publicly rather than a growing, festering resentment being allowed to grow.

It was hard to imagine what might happen next post 9/11, those were scary times. I can't imagine living through the Cuban missile crisis was much fun. The Middle East has been an unresolved powder keg since at least WW2.

These aren 't exactly great times to be living through but it's not the first time its got a bit hairy and it won't be the last either.

[JimBHibees]

I really don’t see any way back from where we are now, which is scary enough. But even more than that, it’s easy to see it getting quite a bit worse. You can’t un-poison a well, for want of a better expression.

The likes of Trump, Musk and Farage are not charismatic in any of the positive ways that are usually aligned with that word. And yet they have cultivated a massively devoted following.

What unifies people around them is their blatant racism and bigotry, and saying what is supposed to be unsayable for people in their position. They give license to huge amounts of people to be their worst selves, and boy are they taking advantage of it.

Their politics is incredibly nasty, and their supporters take great pleasure in the suffering of others. Seeing such a complete lack of empathy from people in power, whom the media show hundreds of times a day, is going to - and already has - filter through society. If they are utterly shameless then many in society will be too.

Political correctness had led to words and phrases gradually dying out over time, and they have managed to undo that much quicker than progress was ever made in a positive direction.

And the trouble is, when people are completely shameless, and genuinely believe that others are lesser than them, how do you coerce them into changing their ways? Especially when world leaders and social media are enabling and incentivising horrible and dehumanising behaviour and language.

All this is before we get onto young males being silently radicalised by the likes of Andrew Tate. I could write so much more but I’m holding my sleeping daughter in my hands right now, and I need to get my mind off this for the sake of my own sanity.

Great post spot on

[Stevie Reid]

I agree with lots of what you say but I don't think it needs to be as bleak as you say it is, a vast number of those who will vote reform aren't doing it because they intrinsically agree with the likes of Farage etc, they just see their life isn't going to get any better under Labour or the Tories, because of that they latch on to something that they think is different as they are done with more of the same

Unfortunately as there isn't exactly anyone on the left offering them any real difference just now, I'd love someone like Mick Lynch to be an alternative but it's not happening

I think that's the reason you got crossover between Bernie and Trump fans, diametrically opposed on almost everything but saying they are offering something completely different

I really wish the left would get their **** sorted out and offer real change

I also agree with a lot of what you have said - people not believing that government is working for them has played a huge part in getting to where we are now, and the likes of Trump, Musk and Farage have successfully tapped into that (all whilst being so transparently corrupt, and working solely to the benefit of the super wealthy).

I also think there is something in the idea that 2016 was Bernie Sanders' time, had he been the Democratic nominee.

But your first paragraph really just shows why things will get worse. I've read many commentators say over the last decade that some people "held their noses" and only voted for Trump for economic reasons. And you may well be right that some people will vote for Reform despite the fact that they don't like Farage. People in both cases may well believe that by doing so they somehow are not endorsing that individual's worldview, but they are very wrong.

Just because a person votes for someone on one particular issue - or just for the sake of change - it doesn't mean that the candidate/party doesn't then have a mandate to enact everything that they ran on - or put in a manifesto - that the person in question doesn't agree with. They are fully endorsing that candidate, their party, and the way they go about their business - whether they mean to or not (and FWIW, I don't believe that they don't mean to).

When that candidate is Donald Trump or Nigel Farage, then things absolutely will get even more bleak - as those who have voted for them have validated their politics. Every bit of it. So the nastiness and complete lack of empathy then continues, and seeps further into society as a whole.

I could write dozens more paragraphs about the rest, and the Left offering no alternative - but I simply don''t have the time. Suffice to say that things are so polarised now - and so skewed against the Left in terms of social media - that I don't know what alternative can be offered.

The success of the Right has always been to get people to vote against their own interests,. It was well publicised in the US election that Kamala Harris' major policy initiatives polled miles better than Donald Trump's, when there was no candidate attached to them. I don't know how you counter that, really.

You could obviously say get a better candidate, but I just don't see that making a difference. The Left is now seen by so many as what the Right have successfully defined them as over the last decade or so - with very little of it based in truth. The Right have won the culture war that they created, and fought on their own terms. They flooded the zone with ****, as Steve Bannon said, and it's worked.

I've even see the likes of Jonathan Pie (whose analysis I used to find quite shrewd) say that the Left have been far too focused on the likes of DEI for years. Don't know where that has come from really. We've just finished 14 years of a Tory government over here, and in the States Kamala Harris was campaigning with Liz Cheney, talking about being a gun owner, and had to focus so much of her chat on the border.

If the Left doesn't engage with the Right's argument, they lose. If they argue on the Right's terms, they lose. The lessons of the last decade or so in politics has largely been that mud sticks, propaganda works, and the utterly shameless prevail. I wish I could see a way back.

Anyway, apologies this has largely been quite an unfocused post. The state of the world just makes my head spin.

[s.a.m]

I also agree with a lot of what you have said - people not believing that government is working for them has played a huge part in getting to where we are now, and the likes of Trump, Musk and Farage have successfully tapped into that (all whilst being so transparently corrupt, and working solely to the benefit of the super wealthy).

I also think there is something in the idea that 2016 was Bernie Sanders' time, had he been the Democratic nominee.

But your first paragraph really just shows why things will get worse. I've read many commentators say over the last decade that some people "held their noses" and only voted for Trump for economic reasons. And you may well be right that some people will vote for Reform despite the fact that they don't like Farage. People in both cases may well believe that by doing so they somehow are not endorsing that individual's worldview, but they are very wrong.

Just because a person votes for someone on one particular issue - or just for the sake of change - it doesn't mean that the candidate/party doesn't then have a mandate to enact everything that they ran on - or put in a manifesto - that the person in question doesn't agree with. They are fully endorsing that candidate, their party, and the way they go about their business - whether they mean to or not (and FWIW, I don't believe that they don't mean to).

When that candidate is Donald Trump or Nigel Farage, then things absolutely will get even more bleak - as those who have voted for them have validated their politics. Every bit of it. So the nastiness and complete lack of empathy then continues, and seeps further into society as a whole.

I could write dozens more paragraphs about the rest, and the Left offering no alternative - but I simply don''t have the time. Suffice to say that things are so polarised now - and so skewed against the Left in terms of social media - that I don't know what alternative can be offered.

The success of the Right has always been to get people to vote against their own interests,. It was well publicised in the US election that Kamala Harris' major policy initiatives polled miles better than Donald Trump's, when there was no candidate attached to them. I don't know how you counter that, really.

You could obviously say get a better candidate, but I just don't see that making a difference. The Left is now seen by so many as what the Right have successfully defined them as over the last decade or so - with very little of it based in truth. The Right have won the culture war that they created, and fought on their own terms. They flooded the zone with ****, as Steve Bannon said, and it's worked.

I've even see the likes of Jonathan Pie (whose analysis I used to find quite shrewd) say that the Left have been far too focused on the likes of DEI for years. Don't know where that has come from really. We've just finished 14 years of a Tory government over here, and in the States Kamala Harris was campaigning with Liz Cheney, talking about being a gun owner, and had to focus so much of her chat on the border.

If the Left doesn't engage with the Right's argument, they lose. If they argue on the Right's terms, they lose. The lessons of the last decade or so in politics has largely been that mud sticks, propaganda works, and the utterly shameless prevail. I wish I could see a way back.

Anyway, apologies this has largely been quite an unfocused post. The state of the world just makes my head spin.

I agree with much of this, and your previous post. :aok:

It's striking to me, as you say, that on the issues that people care about, they ought to be voting Democrat. As they should on the economy, because the real-life pattern on that favours the Democrats too. Both the mainstream and far right have managed to convince themselves and much of the population that up is down, and that Democrat is basically a swear word. A significant % of Republican voters believe conspiracy theories that should embarrass them and their descendents into the next century.

It will get better (:pray:), but it's hard to see how it happens without some really damaging series of events so that people find common cause. The people in charge are likely to bring that about sooner rather than later. So there's that. :rolleyes:

On a personal level, I joined sports club when we moved here to DC. Almost everyone there whose job I know is funded by the federal government. Scientists and IT people with the health agencies, State Department language workers, NASA scientist, teachers who work on programmes funding disadvantaged youth, Postal Service admin, university and private sector workers with government contracts. Military veterans in receipt of healthcare and benefits from the VA. We had a team meeting a fortnight ago, and literally everyone is directly affected.

And it's not just a DC problem. There are states where the main employers are public sector, or dependent on public funds (many of them Republican) or likely to be hammered by trade war repercussions.

And that's before you get to the geo-political ramifications.

[Stevie Reid]

I agree with much of this, and your previous post. :aok:

It's striking to me, as you say, that on the issues that people care about, they ought to be voting Democrat. As they should on the economy, because the real-life pattern on that favours the Democrats too. Both the mainstream and far right have managed to convince themselves and much of the population that up is down, and that Democrat is basically a swear word. A significant % of Republican voters believe conspiracy theories that should embarrass them and their descendents into the next century.

It will get better (:pray:), but it's hard to see how it happens without some really damaging series of events so that people find common cause. The people in charge are likely to bring that about sooner rather than later. So there's that. :rolleyes:

On a personal level, I joined sports club when we moved here to DC. Almost everyone there whose job I know is funded by the federal government. Scientists and IT people with the health agencies, State Department language workers, NASA scientist, teachers who work on programmes funding disadvantaged youth, Postal Service admin, university and private sector workers with government contracts. Military veterans in receipt of healthcare and benefits from the VA. We had a team meeting a fortnight ago, and literally everyone is directly affected.

And it's not just a DC problem. There are states where the main employers are public sector, or dependent on public funds (many of them Republican) or likely to be hammered by trade war repercussions.

And that's before you get to the geo-political ramifications.

I think you're absolutely right that they will **** up and on a grand scale soon, but the ramifications of that are likely to be bad for everyone - as you have alluded to.

And yes, the ridiculous DOGE stuff consists of idiots messing with forces that they do not fully understand. I'm sure that with a proper and thorough audit some inefficiencies could be found in the massive federal budget and its many departments. But of course to do that properly would take many years, and rather a lot of money in itself.

The idea that anyone could effectively audit these agencies in a couple of days is ridiculous. The idea that someone like Musk and his team of young coders can, is utterly insane. But then the whole point is to steal money - which you seemingly can do very quickly, before moving onto the next one. All whilst making up bull**** instances where millions of dollars have gone to an endless number of "woke" causes.

The sight of many Americans literally cheer leading the world's richest man hoovering up federal funds is astonishing. But as mentioned before, this is the Right's forte - getting folk to vote against their own interests, and celebrating the result.

All very reminiscent of Brexit, where anger that should have been directed at the Tories for the crippling austerity was successfully diverted to the EU - leading to people in many towns and cities being elated at an outcome which was ultimately going to negatively impact their quality of life when the result came in.

Apparent bureaucracies are another easy target for the Right. But similar to the UK and the EU, people in the States will quickly find out what happens if no one steps in to cover the functions they perform.

[Smartie]

I agree with much of this, and your previous post. :aok:

It's striking to me, as you say, that on the issues that people care about, they ought to be voting Democrat. As they should on the economy, because the real-life pattern on that favours the Democrats too. Both the mainstream and far right have managed to convince themselves and much of the population that up is down, and that Democrat is basically a swear word. A significant % of Republican voters believe conspiracy theories that should embarrass them and their descendents into the next century.

It will get better (:pray:), but it's hard to see how it happens without some really damaging series of events so that people find common cause. The people in charge are likely to bring that about sooner rather than later. So there's that. :rolleyes:

On a personal level, I joined sports club when we moved here to DC. Almost everyone there whose job I know is funded by the federal government. Scientists and IT people with the health agencies, State Department language workers, NASA scientist, teachers who work on programmes funding disadvantaged youth, Postal Service admin, university and private sector workers with government contracts. Military veterans in receipt of healthcare and benefits from the VA. We had a team meeting a fortnight ago, and literally everyone is directly affected.

And it's not just a DC problem. There are states where the main employers are public sector, or dependent on public funds (many of them Republican) or likely to be hammered by trade war repercussions.

And that's before you get to the geo-political ramifications.

I note with interest that you are based in the USA.

It's a matter of regret for me personally that I made certain career choices that didn't translate into a move to the US being feasible, as I love America and would have loved to have lived there.

You know that phrase about it "being better inside the tent pissing out than on the outside pissing in"?

I'm trying to decide if that's the case with the US just now - whether the madness will bite hardest at home or be felt most elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

[s.a.m]

I note with interest that you are based in the USA.

It's a matter of regret for me personally that I made certain career choices that didn't translate into a move to the US being feasible, as I love America and would have loved to have lived there.

You know that phrase about it "being better inside the tent pissing out than on the outside pissing in"?

I'm trying to decide if that's the case with the US just now - whether the madness will bite hardest at home or be felt most elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

I think I would feel as angry, sad and helpless about the state of things at home as I do here :greengrin The one thing that helps, being in Dc in particular, is that there's practically zero visible evidence of support for the current regime - anyone who does is staying quiet about it here. The people I know are well-informed and politically aware and have mostly travelled or lived abroad, or have strong family links elsewhere - and as I said, have reason to be worried about their futures. Not just for themselves and families - though I'm sure that's uppermost in their minds - but the work or research they're doing being stopped, or data they've relied on disappearing from government websites along with public guidance and information. Monitoring of disease and infection being slashed... All while being sneered at and insulted by a billionaire, nutjob megalomaniac who's got no experience or knowledge of the things he and his plooky minions are hacking to bits. It's crazy.

In terms of where it hits hardest, best guess would be that it depends on whether or not the UK, the EU and elsewhere present a united front against the bullies backed, if neccessary, by a firm response. I can't see the US escaping some degree of damage, whether it's the economy or their place and reputation in the world, and how it affects their trade and security interests. If it gets extreme, might there be a new secession movement (along with California and their petition)? And also how any of those affect, say, China and their place in the world, or some new power axis that involves them. We'll see.

As it happens, I wasn't expecting to be here either. We're approaching retirement age and, for all I've said, I'm enjoying the opportunity to do things I couldn't do at home and to explore new places. I'm having fun. For the time being.

(Apart from the existential angst, obvs. :aok:)

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gj7tKjNW4AAItCP?format=jpg&name=medium

[Stevie Reid]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gj7tKjNW4AAItCP?format=jpg&name=medium

Who could have possibly guessed? If only they all had some kind of insight into what his character and conduct would be like as President.

[Keith_M]

I didn't want to post this on the main board... in case word got out that I have insider info... but one of my 'connections' has shared a secretly recorded, insider video of Trump's meet up with Putin.

Please be careful who you share this with.

LINK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX1NdCpkaDE)

[DaveF]

Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

[Hibrandenburg]

Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

He's definitely still blaming Zelensky/Ukraine for his first impeachment. This is payback time with the added incentive of making money out of either Ukraine handing over it's mineral rights or reestablishing trade with Moscow.

[JimBHibees]

Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

Incredible stupidity

[Keith_M]

So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.

[Hibrandenburg]

So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.

He's done everything right in my modest opinion. He had to make diplomatic tones towards Trump, knowing full well that Trump was going to blow smoke up Putin's arse. The US has now sided with Russian aggression and Zelensky would have been mad to have been seen to provoke what was already coming.

[Ozyhibby]

He's done everything right in my modest opinion. He had to make diplomatic tones towards Trump, knowing full well that Trump was going to blow smoke up Putin's arse. The US has now sided with Russian aggression and Zelensky would have been mad to have been seen to provoke what was already coming.

It’s Europe that needs to step up now. There will be no more money coming from the US now. We have to fund this war. European leaders need to get serious about this. And Starmer needs to stop his BS about being a bridge over the Atlantic. This is our war and it’s up to us. The Americans have turned their back. With a bit of luck they leave sanctions in place but we can’t count on it.
Europe still has the military and economic power to defeat Putin. It’s needs to get serious about doing it.


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[Bostonhibby]

"Almost all of the land, everything"

You'd expect basic literacy at least but then again look at who he is front man for.

Getting hard to forgive Americans for inflicting this self centred brute on the world

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.Not really surprising to see a narcissist put revenge politics above all else, doing it at home so abroad is easy.

I'm wondering where wee Nige is now positioning himself on the invasion of a sovereign state by a hostile European Nation.


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[Hibrandenburg]

It’s Europe that needs to step up now. There will be no more money coming from the US now. We have to fund this war. European leaders need to get serious about this. And Starmer needs to stop his BS about being a bridge over the Atlantic. This is our war and it’s up to us. The Americans have turned their back. With a bit of luck they leave sanctions in place but we can’t count on it.
Europe still has the military and economic power to defeat Putin. It’s needs to get serious about doing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

100% but there's no way Trump will keep sanctions in place. There's money to be made.

[Ozyhibby]

100% but there's no way Trump will keep sanctions in place. There's money to be made.

The sanctions may help American oil and gas companies. Hopefully they are bribing trump.


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[Hibrandenburg]

The sanctions may help American oil and gas companies. Hopefully they are bribing trump.


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If oil and gas is cheaper to be obtained from Moscow than the US, that's where he'll go.

[lapsedhibee]

He's definitely still blaming Zelensky/Ukraine for his first impeachment. This is payback time with the added incentive of making money out of either Ukraine handing over it's mineral rights or reestablishing trade with Moscow.

He can sell Chinese "MRGA" hats in Moscow. Genius.

[Paulie Walnuts]

"Almost all of the land, everything"

You'd expect basic literacy at least but then again look at who he is front man for.

Getting hard to forgive Americans for inflicting this self centred brute on the world

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

:agree:

Every single American that voted for him should be utterly ashamed of themselves. They won’t be of course, but they should be. Absolute ****ing idiots.

[Ozyhibby]

If oil and gas is cheaper to be obtained from Moscow than the US, that's where he'll go.

America is a net exporter though. Russia being out of the market helps America.
Also, lifting sanctions has to be done by congress. Hopefully he doesn’t have the numbers.


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[The Tubs]

Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

[Ozyhibby]

Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

Let’s focus on Russia first.


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[Hibrandenburg]

Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

No, just time to move on.

[Smartie]

Let’s focus on Russia first.


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https://x.com/kajakallas/status/1891960005227647432?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Correct. Let's not do Russia's job for them.

We may yet get to that stage but we're not there yet.

[The Tubs]

They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

[Hibrandenburg]

They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

Donald Trump and his cronies are not the USA. By all means burn the **** out of Trump pictures and effigies if that's what floats yer boat, but burning the US flag is an insult to all good Americans including those who paid the ultimate price defending our freedom.

[Smartie]

They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

Decent and half-decent yanks are already onside.

The nutjobs are a lost cause.

The whole place rests on a limited few in the middle who can be swayed, and I'd guess that public burning of American flags would be likely to turn them away from us rather than towards us.

[The Tubs]

Decent and half-decent yanks are already onside.

The nutjobs are a lost cause.

The whole place rests on a limited few in the middle who can be swayed, and I'd guess that public burning of American flags would be likely to turn them away from us rather than towards us.

The decent ones voted for Harris last time, and those that didn't vote were sufficiently suppressed/put off. This was suppression under a Democrat executive. I really can't see people getting another real say in how their country is governed for a while. Europe, for what it represents, has probably become the enemy.

Look at what Musk is doing with X and Visa. I think he wants it to be the US version of WeChat. You can't function in China without it and Musk probably wants to do the same with X. I bet you'll probably need X to vote.

Having said that, I've never trusted much in my approach to psychology, so you might have a point about the flags.

[Ozyhibby]

With all the people being fired in the US I don’t think there is any way they do not fall into recession soon. That will hurt us here as well especially since our debt is already maxed out.


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[grunt]

US State Dept staff banned from subscribing to independent media

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:25qj7pmzvxmfia26zlavwgfe/bafkreiep2rx5bqltnaj4nwqg6gjkpjjcxfpzxt3jkordnt4pl uzml4fgpu@jpeg

[Ozyhibby]

US State Dept staff banned from subscribing to independent media

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:25qj7pmzvxmfia26zlavwgfe/bafkreiep2rx5bqltnaj4nwqg6gjkpjjcxfpzxt3jkordnt4pl uzml4fgpu@jpeg

Embarrassing for any self respecting media company not to be on that list.


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[Keith_M]

US State Dept staff banned from subscribing to independent media

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:25qj7pmzvxmfia26zlavwgfe/bafkreiep2rx5bqltnaj4nwqg6gjkpjjcxfpzxt3jkordnt4pl uzml4fgpu@jpeg



They really are turning into a tribute act of Putin's Russia.

Not long before they start locking up alleged 'dissidents'

[Ozyhibby]

They really are turning into a tribute act of Putin's Russia.

Not long before they start locking up alleged 'dissidents'

They are already calling for AOC to be charged.


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[grunt]

"... to go into war ..." Like he had an option.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tmj7dz7hefwxgm2f7tsbdoz2/bafkreih6jyebm4nnplq5uwsomwvexk24fqlwovc2tmq3odu7b qxqm4apka@jpeg

[s.a.m]

"... to go into war ..." Like he had an option.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tmj7dz7hefwxgm2f7tsbdoz2/bafkreih6jyebm4nnplq5uwsomwvexk24fqlwovc2tmq3odu7b qxqm4apka@jpeg


It's like he's read* 1984 and thought it was a How-To guide.


*Yeah. I know.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/9cd695e4968457118891ce1f688c05bc.jpg
Flying in the US getting pretty dangerous.


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[Keith_M]

Just when you think Trump can't sink any lower, he manages to surprise you. The man has the morality of a cesspit.


I wonder if the nutters that voted for this idiot feel proud of themselves when they read this stuff.

[Hibrandenburg]

Just when you think Trump can't sink any lower, he manages to surprise you. The man has the morality of a cesspit.


I wonder if the nutters that voted for this idiot feel proud of themselves when they read this stuff.

Will they be reading this stuff or will they be reading only Trump approved news sources? Distinguishing truth from lies will become ever more difficult for Americans.

[Scorrie]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/9cd695e4968457118891ce1f688c05bc.jpg
Flying in the US getting pretty dangerous.


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Hasn’t Trump got rid of a lot of ATCs? I seem to recall he had a go at the recruitment of disabled ones

[CropleyWasGod]

Hasn’t Trump got rid of a lot of ATCs? I seem to recall he had a gig at the recruitment of disabled ones

The dwarf transgender ones.

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480329063_1064013109100774_8667064005279875511_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=8eEhKzJT6oIQ7kNvgGVDpxV&_nc_oc=AdhB2cfSpQuWd-xnGxp6ZYp0B-wVoO5byzgw0wXga4yiUgrv1tUqmZ857aa0vGpYm08&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&_nc_gid=Axlw6dISBhNFdzUh9IZhwGy&oh=00_AYB-kByzWCMUMQLE66LPwxoQnR5D29dObOlPzJqx-Vg29g&oe=67BBE146

[Ozyhibby]

Hasn’t Trump got rid of a lot of ATCs? I seem to recall he had a gig at the recruitment of disabled ones

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/3987d4e21b31af4761f93354fc404617.png

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[Colr]

It's like he's read* 1984 and thought it was a How-To guide.


*Yeah. I know.

It would be a better one than Art of the Deal!

What a load of ***** that was.

[JimBHibees]

"Almost all of the land, everything"

You'd expect basic literacy at least but then again look at who he is front man for.

Getting hard to forgive Americans for inflicting this self centred brute on the world

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Completely agree

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/95cf30bb8da3172fa2bf7cfb6867a9dc.jpg
Significant cuts.


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[Hibrandenburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/95cf30bb8da3172fa2bf7cfb6867a9dc.jpg
Significant cuts.


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We should not be buying weapons from this fascist regime, we need to up our game in weapon technology, the UK and Europe have the expertise, we just need to concentrate and coordinate our efforts. Europe needs to become a military super power, otherwise we'll be living at the mercy of the likes of Trump.

[ddoc]

We have to accept that Trump is basically a Russian ‘Asset’, and probably has been in their pocket to some extent since the supposed incident in Moscow in 2013.
His recent statements re Ukraine are mind blowing and European leaders have to come to terms with the USA selling out on Ukraines future security.
NATO also have to have a long hard look at how it is going to operate without the US military as Trump will veto any future involvement in any conflict in Europe that does not directly benefit him.
He has tore up the world order that we have comfortably lived with for decades. It looks like nothing in the US will stop him, the Senate , Congress, Judiciary will all just be ignored in efforts to stop him, they are just all minor speed bumps in the road to him establishing his autocracy.
The situation today, imo, is far more dangerous than it was during the Cuban missile crisis and the many years of the Cold War with the USSR.

[Smartie]

We have to accept that Trump is basically a Russian ‘Asset’, and probably has been in their pocket to some extent since the supposed incident in Moscow in 2013.
His recent statements re Ukraine are mind blowing and European leaders have to come to terms with the USA selling out on Ukraines future security.
NATO also have to have a long hard look at how it is going to operate without the US military as Trump will veto any future involvement in any conflict in Europe that does not directly benefit him.
He has tore up the world order that we have comfortably lived with for decades. It looks like nothing in the US will stop him, the Senate , Congress, Judiciary will all just be ignored in efforts to stop him, they are just all minor speed bumps in the road to him establishing his autocracy.
The situation today, imo, is far more dangerous than it was during the Cuban missile crisis and the many years of the Cold War with the USSR.

I’m actually thinking we may just need to ignore him.

His proclamations are farcical and it’s impossible to know which words we’re meant to pay attention to.

The only words that matter will be the ones that are ongoing, behind closed doors.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/7709426ca39c848a20036c2b1d7942b3.png


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[cabbageandribs1875]

Trump administration moves to end New York City congestion hikes - BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdjywvne2k9o)

"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD," President Trump said on social media. "Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"


jesus wept

[cabbageandribs1875]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250219/7709426ca39c848a20036c2b1d7942b3.png


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has the Daily Heil all of a sudden got new owners..and "journalists"

28540

[ddoc]

I’m actually thinking we may just need to ignore him.

His proclamations are farcical and it’s impossible to know which words we’re meant to pay attention to.

The only words that matter will be the ones that are ongoing, behind closed doors.

I wish we could. I expect the US / Russia peace plan will be unacceptable to Ukraine and the majority of European countries.
He will then throw his teddy out of cot and withdraw all US support to Ukraine. Will Ukraines European allies be able and willing to fill the gaps vacated by what the USA supplied the Ukrainian Armed Forces with what they will need to at least maintain the status quo.
What measures may he dream up to punish European countries that do not toe his line in his efforts for a Nobel Peace Prize.
This situation is a nightmare that has Putin lapping at the cream like a Cheshire Cat.

[Ozyhibby]

I wish we could. I expect the US / Russia peace plan will be unacceptable to Ukraine and the majority of European countries.
He will then throw his teddy out of cot and withdraw all US support to Ukraine. Will Ukraines European allies be able and willing to fill the gaps vacated by what the USA supplied the Ukrainian Armed Forces with what they will need to at least maintain the status quo.
What measures may he dream up to punish European countries that do not toe his line in his efforts for a Nobel Peace Prize.
This situation is a nightmare that has Putin lapping at the cream like a Cheshire Cat.

I would say all support for Ukraine from the US has already been withdrawn? I don’t think anything has been sent since Biden. And there are no further plans.
Europe can make up the difference if it wants to. Especially if they pay the Ukrainians to make their own drones. They are better at it and it’s cheaper.
What is really needed is money to pay troops higher salaries and bonus so they can increase recruitment.


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[MKHIBEE]

has the Daily Heil all of a sudden got new owners..and "journalists"

28540
I wouldn’t have thought so. Their hatred of Putin dictates their editorial slant

[Jones28]

Europe will need to step up, it's as simple as that.

Russia are running out of kit and churning through soldiers, but as they weaken Ukraine weakens, the advantage Ukraine and us have is the modern kit and drones that are causing chaos. Russias experiment with North Korean soldiers seems to have been pulled.

We need to take all our modern kit and send it to Ukraine ASAP; air defence systems, tanks and vehicles, fighters and bombers, helicopters. All of it.

Put it simply, an investment in Ukraine winning this war is an investment in the security of the EU for 25 years at minimum if Russia maintains the status quo with despot, oligarch type leaders.

America and Trump can no longer be relied on for just about anything. Trump is in the pockets of the Russians and until he's ousted any relationship we have with the US should be put on hiatus.

[Paulie Walnuts]

And that’s Musk now suggesting that Zelinsky is too busy focusing on media stuff whilst kids are dying in trenches.

Rat *******.

[Smartie]

Europe will need to step up, it's as simple as that.

Russia are running out of kit and churning through soldiers, but as they weaken Ukraine weakens, the advantage Ukraine and us have is the modern kit and drones that are causing chaos. Russias experiment with North Korean soldiers seems to have been pulled.

We need to take all our modern kit and send it to Ukraine ASAP; air defence systems, tanks and vehicles, fighters and bombers, helicopters. All of it.

Put it simply, an investment in Ukraine winning this war is an investment in the security of the EU for 25 years at minimum if Russia maintains the status quo with despot, oligarch type leaders.

America and Trump can no longer be relied on for just about anything. Trump is in the pockets of the Russians and until he's ousted any relationship we have with the US should be put on hiatus.

Obviously it would be better to have the Americans onside but the Europeans have been planning for these events for a long time. They haven't happened out of the blue.

Trump is savaging his own country. They're the main losers. The soft power they've gained over the last century, the potential contracts for arms for the war to continue, the contracts to rebuild Ukraine - he's dismantling day by day. It doesn't hurt them now but boy will it hurt them in future.

Europe's problem was arms production capacity - now that's no longer an issue. By the end of the year Europe will be out-producing the rest of the world put together.

Trump's in trouble when his own chickens come home to roost.

Europe is a force, and Ukraine themselves are an emerging one. Trump has probably just jolted Europe into some much needed unity that didn't necessarily exist before. We need to keep it that way as there's a multitude of forces who stand to benefit should that not be the case going forward.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250220/5f5f0321796dbd2acd8e5d8773ddcc5e.png


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[Berwickhibby]

Posted by my Canadian bud… also a Hibee and on this site 🇳🇬 CJWard

Dear America,

We need to talk.

I know, I know—whenever someone says that, it’s never good. But I need to be honest with you. I think we need a break.

It’s not me, it’s you. Okay, it’s also me, but mostly you.

We started out with so much in common. We came from the same place, built ourselves from scratch, figured out democracy together, and survived the awkward colonial years. Over time, we grew differently, but never apart. Sure, we had our little sibling rivalries—your bold declarations, my preference for quiet negotiations—but we always had each other’s backs.

Except for that one time when we actually fought. Things got heated, words were exchanged, a few buildings burned down. Honestly, we probably should’ve had some mediation instead of escalating things the way we did. But we moved past it. We found ways to work together. And for a long time, I thought we had something solid.

I used to admire you. I truly believed you were the greatest, the boldest, the one everyone wanted to be. But looking back, I think that was just my own insecurities talking. I thought I needed to be more like you to matter. Now I realize I was fine just being me.

But lately… I don’t even recognize you anymore.

You’re angry all the time. You pick fights with strangers. You start drama on social media. You can’t even agree with yourself about who you are or what you stand for. One minute you’re marching for change, the next you’re rolling back rights. You talk about democracy like it’s sacred, but then you start flirting with authoritarianism like it’s a bad ex you know you shouldn’t text at 2 a.m. but just can’t help yourself.

And look, I get it—self-reflection isn’t really your thing. So let me help you out: If every single one of your friendships is strained, maybe the problem isn’t them.

I’ve tried to be patient. But you keep talking about making yourself “great again” when greatness isn’t screaming at flight attendants and banning books. It’s not rewriting history just because you don’t like how the story went. And it’s definitely not treating basic human decency like it’s up for debate.

Also, I heard you muttering about me moving in with you. Let’s be clear—that’s never happening. I love you, but I also love my space, my free healthcare, and the fact that I don’t have to turn every conversation into a debate. We work better as neighbors. Separate homes, shared holidays, mutual respect. That’s how this has always worked best.

I need space. Maybe I’ll go on a long canoe trip to clear my head, spend more weekends with Europe, or finally give Australia a shot. Sure, they’ve got terrifying spiders, but at least they don’t shut down their entire government every time they have an argument.

And before you ask—no, I won’t be coming to visit anytime soon. Not until you clean up your house. I love a historic landmark as much as the next country, but right now, the place is a mess. Every time I drop by, I leave feeling worse than when I came. And frankly, I don’t want to be caught in the middle of another family fight over dinner.

This isn’t goodbye forever. I still care about you. I still believe in what we could be. But until you figure out who you really are—and, more importantly, who you want to be—I have to step back.

I’ll be here. Keeping your border warm, holding onto your favorite comedians, quietly hoping you get your act together.

And don’t think you can just show up at my door with a six-pack and an apology, either. This time, I need more than empty promises and a cheeseburger. I need change.

Sincerely,
Canada

P.S. If you so much as whisper about invading for our water, I swear to god, we’re done.

[Bishop Hibee]

The time when the U.K. government will have to choose between the U.S. and Europe is rapidly approaching.

[Hibrandenburg]

The time when the U.K. government will have to choose between the U.S. and Europe is rapidly approaching.

How many times will Starmer change his mind?

[Smartie]

How many times will Starmer change his mind?

He’d be forgiven for having to give it serious thought tbh.

As ****ing awful as present day America is, it’s a ghastly situation for a PM to be put in and I’d expect him to think long and hard.

Before making the correct decision and going with Europe.

[Stairway 2 7]

Orange gimp is unpopular in the UK, in the replies yougov said the 4% saying favorable to Putin were pretty much reform voters, unsurprisingly


Election Maps UK
@ElectionMapsUK
Foreign Leader Favourability Ratings amongst British Voters:

🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%

🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%

🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%

Via
@YouGov
, 16-17 Feb

[Keith_M]

Orange gimp is unpopular in the UK, in the replies yougov said the 4% saying favorable to Putin were pretty much reform voters, unsurprisingly


Election Maps UK
@ElectionMapsUK
Foreign Leader Favourability Ratings amongst British Voters:

🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%

🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%

🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%

Via
@YouGov
, 16-17 Feb



22% of Brits approve of Trump?

That's quite shocking, TBH.

[Moulin Yarns]

https://youtu.be/hO5pZDcbqBA?si=lbdB1LFvdydQqseQ


Enjoy, and hope it happens soon.

[Smartie]

22% of Brits approve of Trump?

That's quite shocking, TBH.

It’s sounds excessive and then you just need to imagine something like a full Ibrox and it starts to make sense.

[Stevie Reid]

The trouble we have is that if Europe steps up further to plug the funding gap left by the US to support Ukraine in the war, then it’s ripe for further manipulation by Russia’s puppets, a la Trump, Musk, Farage.

If economic hardship persists for many people in the countries supporting Ukraine, then it will be exploited by the Right to turn people against it, and use it to their political ends.

When Musk really starts to interfere in our electoral process the misinformation will be off the charts - and his propaganda works, regardless of how unhinged it is.

For example, chat of there being more political dissidents in jail in the UK than in Russia rightly raises a chuckle at the moment, but once stuff like that gets parroted over and over again by the morons and grifters on the Right - and the Russian bots and Musk’s minions on Twitter - it seeps through, as we have seen in the States.

Liz Truss crawled out from under her rock this week to pipe up about the UK needing a MAGA movement. She’s a ****ing maniac but this stuff doesn’t come from nowhere. Her shamelessness makes her a potential asset to the Right, and she hasn’t allied herself to Trump and Bannon by accident.

Of course our MAGA movement was basically the rabid Brexiteers during the referendum campaign, and we know how easily manipulated they were. Many of them will be ripe for another bull**** campaign to sweep them along, and an anti-Ukraine stance would suit them perfectly (despite it contravening all their apparent beliefs on sovereignty).

[Ozyhibby]

The trouble we have is that if Europe steps up further to plug the funding gap left by the US to support Ukraine in the war, then it’s ripe for further manipulation by Russia’s puppets, a la Trump, Musk, Farage.

If economic hardship persists for many people in the countries supporting Ukraine, then it will be exploited by the Right to turn people against it, and use it to their political ends.

When Musk really starts to interfere in our electoral process the misinformation will be off the charts - and his propaganda works, regardless of how unhinged it is.

For example, chat of there being more political dissidents in jail in the UK than in Russia rightly raises a chuckle at the moment, but once stuff like that gets parroted over and over again by the morons and grifters on the Right - and the Russian bots and Musk’s minions on Twitter - it seeps through, as we have seen in the States.

Liz Truss crawled out from under her rock this week to pipe up about the UK needing a MAGA movement. She’s a ****ing maniac but this stuff doesn’t come from nowhere. Her shamelessness makes her a potential asset to the Right, and she hasn’t allied herself to Trump and Bannon by accident.

Of course our MAGA movement was basically the rabid Brexiteers during the referendum campaign, and we know how easily manipulated they were. Many of them will be ripe for another bull**** campaign to sweep them along, and an anti-Ukraine stance would suit them perfectly (despite it contravening all their apparent beliefs on sovereignty).

Alternatively a Europe that shows it can deal with its own security and gains 40m new citizens might start to flourish.


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[Stevie Reid]

Alternatively a Europe that shows it can deal with its own security and gains 40m new citizens might start to flourish.


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That would be amazing. But it would be dependent upon us finding a way to defeat the endless tirades of misinformation that will continue to flood in. Unfortunately the odds are stacked against us on that front.

The final results from Germany at the weekend will tell us a lot about the level of task that we face.

[JimBHibees]

That would be amazing. But it would be dependent upon us finding a way to defeat the endless tirades of misinformation that will continue to flood in. Unfortunately the odds are stacked against us on that front.

Can we not ban twitter ?