With no sense of irony, a “liberal” media which rightly excoriates the President of Gambia for failing to accept an election result, continues to do precisely the same thing in the case of Donald Trump. No invective is too strong to be cast against a man whose election the “liberal” media did everything possible to prevent.
With the happy resignation of Stephen Daisley, a strong contender for worst journalist in the World is now Jonathan Freedland of the Guardian. He takes the irony to an entirely new level. He claims that Trump will destroy the legacy by which smaller nations “long looked to the US to maintain something close to a rules-based international system.” He completely ignores the fact that the greatest single hammer blow against the rules based international system was delivered by Freedland’s idol Tony Blair, when he supported the invasion of Iraq without a Security Council Resolution and in the specific knowledge that, if the matter of force were properly put to the Security Council, it would not merely meet three vetoes but lose a majority vote.
The UN, and the rule of international law, have never recovered from that hammer blow, which Freedland enthusiastically cheered on. Nor has Freedland apparently noticed that the smaller nations rather detest than worship the USA. It has invaded and bombed them, interfered in their elections, supported right wing coups and armies, run destabilising CIA drug rings in them, and armed and even sometimes led dictatorial death squads. Look at all those US Security Council vetoes and the resolutions that never got to a vote because of threatened US vetoes. Look at all those General Assembly votes that were everyone against the USA, Israel and the poor occupied Marshall Islands. Freedland’s hymn to the Pax Americana is a sick joke. For much of the world, a period of American isolationism would be extremely welcome.
I am thankfully too clear-headed to like Trump because of the extraordinary campaign of vilification to which he has been subjected. Freedland has no shame about repeating the lie that Trump kept Hitler’s speeches by his bedside. I was in a position to know for sure that the “Russian hacking” elements of the extraordinary “Manchurian candidate” rubbish which the entire establishment threw at Trump was definitively untrue. I had the background and training to see that the Christopher Steele dossier was not only nonsense, but a fake, not in fact produced seriatim on the dates claimed. The involvement of the US security services in spreading lies as intelligence to undermine an incoming President will go down as a crucial moment in US history. We have not yet seen the denouement of that story.
But none of that makes Trump a good person. He could be an appalling monster and still be subjected to dirty tricks by other very bad people. There is much about Trump to dislike. His sensible desire for better relations with Russia is matched by a stupid drive to goad China.
Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric did tap in to the populist racism which is unfortunately sweeping developed countries at the moment. The very wealthy have succeeded in diverting justified anger at the results of globalisation on to immigrant populations, who are themselves victims of globalisation. By shamelessly tapping in to the deep wells of popular atavism, the elite have managed the extraordinary trick of escaping the wrath their appalling profiteering and extreme levels of wealth should bring. His words on race in his inauguration address were good, but does he really mean them? His anti-Muslim rhetoric remains deeply troubling. His ludicrous boast yesterday that he would end radical Islamic terrorism is precisely indicative of the counter-productive stupidity that feeds it.
I am a free trader and dislike the march of protectionism. But on the other hand, international trade agreements have become routinely not about tariffs but much more about the allocation of resources within the states concerned, mandating a neo-liberal model and giving extraordinary legal status to multinational companies. The collapse of the current model of international trade agreement, if that is what Trump really heralds, has both its positive and negative aspects.
It is of course a major question whether the establishment and his own Republican party allow him to do anything too radical at all. My own suspicion is that after all the huffing and puffing, nothing much is going to change. The key intra-party battle will probably be over the only policy he affirmed in any detail yesterday, the return of New Deal type state infrastructure spending. The idea of a massive state funded programme of national infrastructure, particularly in transport, to get heavy industry back on its feet, is the very antithesis of neo-liberalism. I think yesterday cleared up the question of whether Trump really meant it – he does. Will he be allowed to do it by a party committed to small state and balanced budgets, is a huge question. As Trump is also committed to tax cuts, it implies a massive budget deficit – with which Trump might well be comfortable. If Trump does succeed, it could fundamentally shift the way western governments look at economics, turning back the clock to the happier days before the advent of monetarism.
So that is Trump. Much that is bad but some fascinating things to watch. I suppose the reason I can’t join in the “it’s a disaster” screams, is that I thought it was already a disaster. The neo-liberal, warmongering orthodoxies did not have my support, despite Obama’s suave veneer. The pandering to racist populism of Trump is bad, and we must keep a watch on it. He may turn out not really to be different at all. Like all politicians, personal enrichment will doubtless be high on his agenda. But I do not start from the presumption the world is now a worse place than it was last week. I shall wait and see.
morons
At least 2,000 people have gathered outside the US consulate in Edinburgh to show their opposition to President Trump.
The protesters, mainly women,
object to the alleged sexism, alleged racism and alleged homophobia of the newly-inaugurated US leader, the Scottish Donald.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38704352
Skip the first 2 mins
Trump’s inauguration speech spot on. Ron Paul-esk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADf445tLJDk
Not alleged. He said those things. Do you have a hearing problem?
These Trumpanzies have their own facts, S.E. – if they don’t like what’s on the record, it’s a lie as far as they’re concerned.
They are just useful idiots shilling for the fascist deep NATO state establishment. The operative words are no nukes is good news and who gives a toss about identity politics when compared to that elemental fact. All it is is a rehash of divide and rule. AS the inauguration speech indicates imperfectly, Trump is seeking to represent the American people, not the corrupt system in place. While he used reactionary elements to overcome the decadent deep state, and while his chestbeating about the superiority of America is threadbare, what the new policy does is provide a wider scope of activities for real progressive elements, including the Scottish government. By eliminating the “trade” pacts, there is more breathing room for everywhere else. The finance power must also be broken for independence to reemerge in the western world.
Craig, you say you are a “free trader”; is there any evidence that this system benefits the masses rather than the elite? Have you noticed that the country that espouses free trade most loudly does not in fact practice what it preaches but expects it of poorer countries as a way to keep them poor so as to provide the cheap labour and easily looted resources the elite of that country needs? If you haven’t read it, I really would recommend you read 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang. It gives a rational and fact-based alternative to the free-market philosophy that has become the orthodox and slavishly promoted system that the West tries to impose on the world.
The “free trader” comment did stick out to me, as clued up on the corruption of the American state as Murray is, I would have thought he’d oppose the over-simplistic free trade rhetoric. I’m no economist but even I know that free trade is a scam that only benefits the developed nations espousing it. Martin Meredith’s The State of Africa is a great book for seeing from the perspective of undeveloped African countries first emerging into the global economy who were ultimately damned by the ‘free trade’ rules imposed upon them. The idea that these countries had any chance of stability and growth when competing without protection against titanic economies like the US, Europe and China is idiotic and, predictably, US and Chinese corporations swept into to pillage from economies with no means to fight back. When a single American company has the means and opportunity to monopolise an entire nations natural resources, how is that in any way ‘free’, how does it encourage competition when said company can destroy any local competitors instantly or manipulate the government into doing it for them, how does said nation benefit at all from this business if the company in question feels no need to pay tax to the nation that’s so inadequately equipped to collect or even sanction evaders. They’re more prepared to pay corrupt officials, dictators and militaries to keep their position, thus creating even greater instability.
I’d be surprised if Craig Murray wasnt aware that the US economy could only initially grow due to protectionism. In the present day they hardly need such protections, which affords them the luxury of promoting free trade, as they’re one of the few economies that stand to benefit from unregulated economic controls in weaker economies.
I wholly agree with what you say, and would like to add that the UK is equally as guilty in monopolising lucrative parts of the developing World, under the guise of International Development Funding. Despite voices in the MSM and elsewhere castigating “aid” is being wasted on feckless Africans, that needs to be cut, the reason it never will, is because it enriches the same corporate elite, only with a charitable and ethical veneer.
There have been 16 large protests against Trump today worldwide. In America, in Boston and Chicago and in Washington there are an estimated 500,000 people taking part. So many that a march is not being allowed.
Women’s March on Washington: Thousands descend on D.C. in protest
Jan. 21, 2017 | Updated 26 minutes ago
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/21/womens-march-aims-start-movement-trump-inauguration/96864158/
Trump himself, having been to church – again – has been visiting the CIA. LOL
Sharp Ears
“Trump himself, having been to church – again – has been visiting the CIA. LOL”
________________
LOL indeed. Would that be the CIA that Lysias was saying The Donald would break into a thousand pieces? The same CIA RobG was saying would assassinate The Donald before his inauguration or at his inauguration at the very latest?
When did I ever say that Trump would be assassinated “before his inauguration or at his inauguration at the very latest”?
I did say that there was a likelihood of it, as were many commentators outside of the biggest propaganda machine in history and its army of trolls (who are all on tax payer’s money).
In the run-up to the inauguration I did jokingly give odds on the chances of an assassination (if you can’t keep a sense of humour in all this you would go completely crazy). This was against the background of totally unprecedented attacks against the President-elect from the CIA and other ‘intelligence’ services. CIA director John Brennan appeared on Fox News the weekend before the inauguration and actually threatened Trump…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL0iPn805Iw
This sort of thing has never happened before in American history.
Given that the CIA in reality is Crime Inc. isn’t it any wonder that many expected an assassination attempt?
By the way, the CIA is joined at the hip with MI6 et al, as is the NSA with GCHQ, etc, etc.
All criminals, the lot of ’em, and guilty of high treason.
If Trump really does mean to ‘drain the swamp’ you’ll find this lot right down in the sludge at the bottom, amongst the other lower life forms.
Great new book: THE CIA AS ORGANIZED CRIME: How Illegal Operations Corrupt America and the World, by Douglas Valentine. I just finished reading it. It’s quite an eye-opener.
Yes.
Very interesting guy, Valentine. One of the seminal figures in many ways.
Good background story on how he got deep access to all the files on the Phoenix Program.
Colby providing access.
Then dying in a boat.
And don’t forget Andrew Kreig’s book on Clinton/CIA
during his Oxford years
Herbie
“Very interesting guy, Valentine. One of the seminal figures in many ways.”
________________
“Seminal”, eh – in which way?
In the originary way.
“If Trump really does mean to ‘drain the swamp” –
Looking at his appointees, I’m surprised anyone still believes this empty pledge. Inviting the giant vampire squid into government, for heavens sake?!!
RobG
“When did I ever say that Trump would be assassinated “before his inauguration or at his inauguration at the very latest”?
I did say that there was a likelihood of it….”
___________________
A fine distinction…. 🙂
Keep wriggling.
I have just read this under the heading:
Donald Trump reaches out to intelligence services on first US trip
The President blames the media for his “feud” with the intelligence community – and tells the CIA he is behind them “1,000%”.
and was shocked.
‘He also vowed: “We have to get rid of ISIS. Radical Islamic terrorism needs to get eradicated off the face of the earth.”
He riffed on his election success, how young he feels, how popular he remains with the men and women of the US military, and HINTED AT A THIRD IRAQ WAR.’
http://news.sky.com/story/donald-trump-reaches-out-to-intelligence-services-on-first-us-trip-10738312
Is that his idea of a joke or what? A mad man.
Treeza heads over next week apparently. Another photo op.
Sharp Ears
“Treeza heads over next week apparently. Another photo op.”
__________________
Perfectly normal for Western leaders – and indeed others – to visit new US Presidents soon after their inauguration. Perfectly standard procedure. What’s the surprise?
“The President blames the media for his “feud” with the intelligence community”
Well, given the almost total impossibility of verifying anything you read on the internet or in the media, this could be perfectly feasible.
She is collecting Churchill’s bust from the Oval office. He’ll call her Margaret by accident and she’ll get all gooey.
And then he’ll try and force Nigel on her, what a surprise.
Trump is the wet dream of ‘divide and rule’ agenda. All the Neo liberal identity politics and other factions nurtured and mobilized by political class and media over the recent years can be used and mobilized to full effect. The so called women’s march being a prime example of the utter narrow mindedness and hypocrisy these identity factions display. Clinton, her campaign funded hugely by Saudi and Qatar, got a free pass and major MSM support partly just because she is a woman, yet how many women have suffered, died and continue to be repressed and suffer by her actions and that of her funders? .
Women’s march… as a woman I reject your absolute hypocrisy and politicized faux feminism. I am no fan of Trump but you should have been marching many years ago and for all women.
The rules based system at the UN is very selective..
In fact, there is a fundamental contradiction written into the UN Charter. On the one hand, Article 2(1) states: “The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members. ”But, on the other hand, Article 23 of the Charter grants five of its Members permanent seats on the Security Council, and Article 27 gives each of them a veto over decisions of the Council. Clearly, all Members are equal, but some Members are more equal than others.
http://www.david-morrison.org.uk/iraq/ags-legal-advice.pdf
Academic lawyers in their thousands may protest that taking military action against Iraq was illegal because it lacked proper authorisation by the Security Council, but it is of no consequence in the real world when there is no possibility of the UK, or its political leadership, being convicted for taking such action. It is meaningless to describe an action as illegal if there is no expectation that the perpetrator of the action will be convicted by a competent judicial body. In the real world, an action is legal unless a competent judicial body rules that it is illegal.
BBC gaffe. Subtitles from Tracy Beaker children’s programme come up on screen
‘With the new President on screen, viewers were met with the lines: “Just tell him to get out of my face.
“So it was him in your room.”‘
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/just-shut-it-yeah-bbc-gaffe-shows-childrens-show-subtitles-during-donald-trump-inauguration/ar-AAm4oUW?
BBC doesn’t make gaffes. BBC is probably the most experienced and one of the best funded established order supporting media outlets.
This is spot on. I agree with everything, including its description of the GOP situation except that I am more sympathetic to protectionism, which I see as the restoration of the rule of law against the prospect of all regulation being subject to corrupt corporate tribunals. The salient fact of Trump’s victory is that no nukes is good news: that is, no war with Russia on behalf of those who would be considered ragheads if they weren’t in the employ of the yankee deep state. I fully agree with the view that the Iraq war pretty much destroyed international law and the central role of the cheshire cat smarmy git Anthony war criminal Blair. The drone king Obama, who stated jokingly that he was an excellent assassin, is also a war criminal. Those responsible for Libya, principally the fascist harpy and Sarkozy, already seen off for a rerun as president of France, also deserve the war criminal appelation. With enemies like he’s got, Trump can’t be as bad as he seems, and the republican party, as is indicated in the comment, is no friend to decency and has its own corrupt reactionary history. One thing we do know is that things would be far worse if the Harpy had been the one inaugurated.
“One thing we do know is that things would be far worse if the Harpy had been the one inaugurated…”
Absolutely, the people of the Middle East and Ukraine would be shaking in their boots at the prospect of the almost instantaneous escalation of murderous violence.
And, sadly, the form book teaches us that there would not have been any large demonstrations in Washington and elsewhere on the ‘west’ and that any protests at all would have been ignored by the media and crushed by the police.
How true, particularly since Soros would not have been bankrolling them and the media would have been fully on board with the continued deepstate regime.
Your optimism is commendable. Oligarchy is what it is, with a veneer of patriotic fervour to hoodwink the gullible. A new ‘Patriotism Day’, by presidential decree, really? Will there be bread and circuses amid the flag honouring? Will it be considered unpatriotic to say negative things about the Trump? Meanwhile, the swamp has been filled with the folks who previously paid other folks to bend the legislators to their will. I even heard a republican party apparatchik herald the new dawn on the basis that this cabinet are too wealthy to be bought! As if it meant anything other than they have dispensed with the middlemen. Why does it call to mind another era, and Thyssen, Krups, Siemens and the others who fattened themselves at a time of ‘carnage’.
RR: “Re CM Comment – “I am a free trader and dislike the march of protectionism”.
“I too am a free trader at heart, but unfortunately by their incredibly abusive attacks on any opposition, the establishment and their MSM stifled debate and have thrown out the baby with the bathwater…”
I agree. I am not a Free Trader but the policies that generally get called Free Trade are nothing of the sort. They are designed to protect monopolies and deter innovations. The result of Free Trade in North America has been to wipe out a million peasant holdings, put an end to the age old and vital practise of ‘seed saving’ and to force GMOs down every throat on the continent-and far beyond.
Free Trade agreements begin with the protection of corporations from governments and indeed from the populace: it can be illegal, under Free Trade, to oppose the dangerous and heath threatening actions of corporations, to oppose construction projects in environmentally sensitive areas and even to publish criticisms of corporate policies or products.
The Free Trade agreements which Trump opposes are also, largely based upon Free Trade in Labour, either in the sense of preventing Unions from establishing ‘monopolies’ (see Combination Act 1799) or in controlling migration.
I cannot think of an economy in human history which was ever developed through Free Trade, It is hard to come up with any, except colonies which had no choice in the matter, which even practised Free Trade without having protected their products behind tariff or other regulatory walls.
It is surprising that EU supporters favour Free Trade because the EU grew up behind massive trade barriers and still maintains them. And then, of course, there is the matter of trade barriers disguised as non economic regulations, such as, for example, the NATO rules which prevent members from developing their own arms industries.
I too wonder about Trump. American isolationism has its appeal, but not while Putin appears to be installing Yes men in regimes in Eastern Europe, invading Crimea, and threatening Ukraine.
Yet we hear that he intends another arms race and wants to elimate ISIS.
How is he going to do that without getting tangled up in invading or threatening other countries?
I am too cynical to hope for anything. The crowd of billionaire reptile kleptocrats he has installed as his cabinet has got to give you the shivers Craig.
What?!
You do realise that this recent ‘Reds Under The Bed 2.0’ nonsense has made the USA the laughing stock of the world?
Seriously.
But the likes of you will never hear it, because you now live in totally closed societies (all media controlled).
Even Craig – a onetime mega Russophobe – has pointed out that Russia is no threat whatsoever to the West.
It’s curious though that past colonial plantation (be it Stalinist or Tsarist) is the excuse for supposedly legitimate Russian ‘interest’ in Crimea, the Baltics and elsewhere. What of the Tatars? In a different context – Iraq/Syria- the Turkmen legiitmise Turkey’s intervention while, somehow, negate Kurdish interests. And then there is the case of Armenia…
In Ireland the plantation of Ulster still plays its part. It legitimises British jurisdiction.
In other places colonial plantation justifies proxy wars and is a process continuing into the present era – Iranian support for Hamas, for instance.
So it may be argued, on either side in many conflicts, that an ethnic Trojan Horse is, like West Bank settlers, a gift to the future Putins, Netanyahus, and Erdogans of the world.
The Crimean Tatars were themselves relatively recent settlers, coming in as a result of the Mongol invasion in the 13th and succeeding centuries.
In fact, the Crimea –at least the part of it that was first settled by the Tatars — was under the rule of Kievan Rus’ before the Tatar settlement. The southern coast of the Crimea, with Greek cities, was already Greek in the 7th or 6th century B.C., and eventually came under Roman and Byzantine rule.
Crimea is where, in the C14th, Genoese merchants got the Bubonic Plague and brought it back with them.
“Even Craig – a onetime mega Russophobe – has pointed out that Russia is no threat whatsoever to the West.”
Yes, I’ve noticed a mellowing over recent months. One of the last times I saw Craig on Russia Today regarding what he knew about Russia not being the guilty party in the Hillary email ‘leak’ he still acknowledged that Russia Today was also biased in its reporting. I don’t believe he gave an example. As good researchers do I tried to find the original interview. I believe Craig was in Edinburgh. I Googled the following string.
craig murray russia today email leaks clinton Edinburgh
Try it yourself and see if things might have changed because Google got caught out. For more than two pages what did I find? Nothing. There was absolutely nothing about Russia Today as though it had been removed from the planet. Not a single Russia Today item. As though it never existed. I know some few on here, and in media and government, would like to hope that RT did not exist. However it does.
What you need to do from now on is use a foreign search engine. Google is shit. I tried Yandex.
https://www.yandex.ru/
No problem. But it has highlighted a very big problem.
It looks to me like Russia Today has been removed from the Google search engine.
I know earlier this week that Russia Today was broadcasting that its Facebook account had been made unavailable.
These people, the owners of the media, have had it too good for too long. Sadly they have been taking idiotic advice. Eliminate the opponents and it is all ours seems to be their reasoning. Unfortunately for them it does not quite work like that. Apples from the orchard from which you are banned are always going to be more appealing. Especially if they are more appealing.
John, surprised you have been a bit slow to realise Google is censoring all kinds of content. I’ve been using duckduck go for the last few months. Also use yandex which is Russian but find duck does better.
Thanks for the tip Phil E.
I’ve witnessed the deterioration of Google as a search engine over the years. But I’ve never seen it as bad as now. With a bit of persistence you used to be able to find things. Not any more.
I’ve just tried to add a new search engine to make it my default. But Microsoft won’t let me. They want us to be tuned into their shit.
John,
I think your search was just over-specified. Take out Edinburgh and you’ll get results.
However it does look like the Google algorithm is prioritising other websites over http://www.rt.com in the presentation of the results.
“Google is shit”
Google is fine for shopping, which I believe is its purpose.
Another evidence free offering – where do they all come from?
Putin has installed zero Yes men in regimes in Eastern Europe. Russia is not threatening Ukraine – rather it is responding to a coup orchestrated by the US. Part of that response was to incorporate the Crimea back into Russia, of which it was a constituent part for many years. There was no invasion of the Crimea.
Is it wrong of Trump to want to eliminate ISIS? Do you a role for ISIS somewhere in the world?
It may be possible to eliminate ISIS in the same way that the Russians eliminated Chechen Wahabbist terrorists. Maybe there are things to be learned from Russia.
Some people in Trump’s government are rich. Some other very rich people are actively conspiring against Trump. George Soros and Carlos Slim spring to mind. If you oppose Trump is it reasonable to smear you by implying that you have an association with these individuals? Perhaps you could be described as a fawning lackey of the reptile kleptocratic billionaires Slim and Soros. Would that be fair? Would that constitute an argument?
“Putin has installed zero Yes men in regimes in Eastern Europe.”
______________________
Which countries have you in mind?
I have in mind all of the countries in Eastern Europe, which is why I chose the term Eastern Europe.
I do hope that resolves your confusion.
I’m afraid it doesn’t, Loony. Your definition of Eastern Europe might be different to mine. So lend me a hand by giving the names of the countries you have in mind. Thanks.
” but not while Putin appears to be installing Yes men in regimes in Eastern Europe, invading Crimea, and threatening Ukraine.”
So you’re another believer in Russian aggression. You don’t seem to have noticed the US sending a tank division to the Russian border. Useless though it may be, I still don’t see the Russian tank divisions in Mexico, ready to roll over the border.
Great new piece by Paul Craig Roberts about Trump’s inaugural address, Trump’s Declaration of War.
Dr Paul Craig Roberts is a nutter, not one of whose predictions over the last several years has been borne out by events. I for one am not surprised that he lasted less than a year as one of the US Treasury Assistant Secretaries.
Of course, we don’t know what Trump is saying to the CIA. For all we know, he might be reading them the riot act.
Roberts’ main culprit is the CIA. Who knows who’s going to win?
Every president and foreign lead that is taken for a CIA “briefing” seems to come out grey at the temples with his eyes spinning. As trump is already greying and eye spinning I wonder how he’ll return. Brought into line I should imagine – however maybe not.
The CIA indoctrination did not work on JFK. Nor, for that matter, on Nixon, which is why they also had to get rid of him.
They have started well though, they enrolled him in a reading class.
For all we know, the CIA might have been acquainting President Trump with matters about which he didn’t (and indeed couldn’t) have had a clue before assuming the mantle of the Presidency.
Saint Theresa May to meet US President Trump ‘next week’
Ministry of Truth
Front of The Line
I bet she wears a little red dress, and gets photoshopped on Aanirfan having sex.
As a reminder, when we use dirty language on a political blog it’s because there are no words to describe the dirtiness of modern politics.
If Paul Craig Roberts is right that Trump’s motive for running for power is to castigate the industrial military complex which creates war for profit, he might fall into their trap. Both USUKIS political Calvinism and Political Islam want us to fight because they make huge money out of fighting.
Trump’s political success therefore depends on his ability to negotiate. They want you to fight Mr Trump. Trump will have to find intellectuals from the Muslim world and the US world to analyse, discredit and isolate the war-mongering, nihilism of political Islam and the military industrial complex.
The potential for the opposite to happen is huge. But, let’s hope
Norton
Perfectly normal for Western leaders – and indeed others – to visit new US Presidents soon after their inauguration. Perfectly standard procedure. What’s the surprise?
Mary and others might not like me for saying it, but this is utter bullshit…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=283&v=oXFEJd3sNzU
Madonna just keeps saying ‘fuck’ and doesn’t address any real political issues whatsoever (none of them do).
I’m not a supporter of ‘women’s rights’. I believe that women should be equal with men (think about it).
I’m sorry but these demos today by women just stink of Soros and the colour revolution stuff. It’s all so contrived, and totally backed-up by the presstitutes (who in reality do zilch for women’s rights).
It’s sad that so many bright, intelligent, vibrant women get sucked into this bullshit.
Why weren’t they protesting in large numbers when Bernie got cheated out of the presidential nomination? (the only candidate who would have beaten Trump hands down)
Why weren’t they protesting against the absolute corruption of Hillary Clinton & Co that the Wikileaks releases revealed?
Why weren’t they protesting against eight years of Obama, during which the American Constitution got ripped to shreds?
Why are they protesting now, against a President who was only inaugurated yesterday and actually hasn’t done anything yet?
To repeat, I’m no fan of Donald Trump, or any of American politics (I’m a socialist, and there’s never been any left wing in mainstream American politics – the place has always been a right wing hellhole).
It’s a crying shame that these women are being duped by Clinton.
Clinton the evil one.
Top Bitch; Lock her up!
Ducking stool
What is it exactly that all of these protesters want?
As you say there is no shortage of things that they could have protested, things that were obviously bad and obviously terrible – yet they were seemingly too busy.
So Donald Tump uses crude language when discussing women with his male friends. Saudi Arabia institutionalizes discrimination against women. For example the Religious Police have thrown women back into a burning building from which they escaped on the grounds that they were not appropriately dressed, – why not protest that. There is zero probability that Donald Trump will willfully set women on fire.
These women must want the utter collapse of Democracy in the U.S.A.
If they think that singing in the streets and wearing pink hats and using words like sexist, racist, homophobe
will do it, bring it on.
Utter CHAOS
Yes, Trump is hiding in the White House under his baby blue blankie!
It’s easy protesting.
Like state-sanctioned, media-sanctioned protesting.
So you get your virtue fix for little outlay.
Little risk.
And the celebs, the non-stop wall to wall celebs.
Paying their dues.
If you didn’t previously know what celebs were for, now you do.
Apparently the protesters trashed shops in the immediate vicinity of my office. I guess I will get to see on Monday how much damage they did.
I hope they did not do such damage that shops have to close and people lose jobs.
“What is it exactly that all of these protesters want?”
I think they want the right to dissent, their right to disapprove and to show their disapproval.
They want the right to one day tell their grandchildren, when the history books are written, that when Trump was elected they stood up to be counted and let the world see their disapproval.
What were you doing, granny, when the great Lord Trump was saving the whole wide world.
Supporting him, dear.
Supporting him.
We all supported him.
Course we did.
Yes there was some teenage foolishness with marches and stuff, but we were only there for the music and celebs.
Not the politics.
No.
It was Soros and media used us for that.
We were young.
We didn’t know.
It’s sad that so many bright, intelligent, vibrant women get sucked into this bullshit.
Also, may I add, a little baffling. I get that Trump is a bit sleezy. Also, that there are concerns around Trump’s stand on abortion. But the hatred towards Trump baffles me. As you say, intelligent, educated women, who are as well-informed, probably better informed, as me hate Trump, but will forgive Hillary almost anything. Clearly, not all women are like this, and many can’t stand Hillary either, but a significant number appear to operating under some form of deep indoctrination – that’s the only explanation I can give. Alex Jones rather cruelly calls them zombies, and their men-folk ‘cucks’ (a rightist term I only recently became aware of). This is clearly polemical, but it is very strange.
It might be to do with political correctness.
Once women knew their place, now they don’t.
They are concerned they may have to go back to their place.
It’s all manufactured.
Not hard to do.
Read, Gene Sharp.
“there’s never been any left wing in mainstream American politics”
Seems like that, I agree.
But there was a powerful left movement in the US in the early years of 20C.
Chris Hedges always banging on about them.
Eugene Debs, 200 socialist city mayors, the Wobblies etc.
So, the history of how all that changed is interesting.
And how it’s almost written out of the mainstream history, as if Americans were always as servile to wealth as many of them appear today.
I agree that this has the smack of Soros and a colour revolution in the making.
It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the MSM are deciding what is protested and what is not.
Also I’ve never seen so much coverage of a protest, almost blanket with friendly interviews of demonstrators by Sky and BBC.
Absolutely no attempt to cover the approval of the media for the protest.
So as far as TPTB are concerned I guess the question is who’s for Trump and who’s agin’ him?
RobG I have no views on what you say nor do I care but I would not assume that every woman was on those marches because a) she supports Clinton b) was motivated by Soros c) was motivated by Avaaz.
How about Trump’s misogynistic remarks, his views on the Middle East and his stated aim to eradicate radical Islam, as he put it, which in all likelihood includes Hamas and Hizbollah? Ask instead what his policies are likely to produce in reaction.
You have an objection to misogyny – try this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1874471.stm
Now ask why this kind of thing is of no interest whatsoever, but parsing every remark ever made by Donald Trump is oh so crucial.
Ask why you do nothing whatsoever about it – but instead prefer narcissistic virtue signaling that costs you nothing. You want to stop stuff like this then blood will need to flow and sacrifices will need to be made. Maybe that is the reason why it is of no interest whatsoever.
“I’m not a supporter of ‘women’s rights’. I believe that women should be equal with men (think about it).”
I agree, I am a supporter of everyone being equal.
These two Hedges interviews on prostitution are very good and thought provoking in my opinion and expose the depth of ingrained inequality in our and much of human society.
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=14917
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=15168
France’s Hollande criticizes protectionism as ‘worst response’
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-chile-france-hollande-idUKKBN1550TJ
Why does Francois bother, he has the lowest approval rating of any French president – EVER
nobody gives a shit what he thinks, especially in America.
“Protectionism is the worst response. It is the answer that ultimately impedes trade, hinders growth and even affects employment, including in countries that advocate for and implement it,” Hollande said.
Let’s just remind little francois where he stands in the world pecking line.
France built two aircraft carriers for Russia.
Just before they were finished, America told France, they are not allowed to sell them to Russia.
So little francois did what he was told, then had to give Russia back its money.
Hollande and the neo-cons are history in France.
But the media are corporate and totally neo-con, so they won’t tell you what’s really going on.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon is what’s going on.
Why Women DESTROY NATIONS * / CIVILIZATIONS – and other UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxpVwBzFAkw
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOMkl3ApTK0
Gawd, too much caffine in Cheltenham.
Don’t worry, Jean-Luc Mélenchon is on the other side of the Channel.
Just stick to demolishing Mr Corbyn.
You guys are so great…
Jeudi 5 janvier 2017, Jean-Luc Mélenchon effectuait ses voeux pour la nouvelle année. Il a défendu une France indépendante au service de la paix, hors de l’alliance militaire guerrière qu’est l’OTAN
http://melenchon.fr/2017/01/05/voeux/
Politicians raise their pure slogans, Leave NATO, up the masts of elections. I have never seen a left-wing politician yet who has stuck by his word against the real-politik of exchanging power for Zionist ambitions.
Plus cha change , plus ch’est la merde chose.
Nor a left-wing, nor a right -wing politician.
He’s an Islamaphobe as well as a misoginist. His purpose in promoting a patriarchal anti-Islam society is both demeaning and wrong.
He could have used Russia as an example of a more patriarchal society. Also his rape analogies are most likely wrong. I cannot think that any woman would fantasise about being raped, or experience an orgasm during the rape.
I was surprised with that claim, granted it’s certainly a counter intuitive concept.
However his views about virtue signaling and general collectivism found more among women then men do ring true.
As for ‘Islam’ the radical form of it will unlikely never rest peacefully with modern secular attitudes, one or the other will have to change, eventually.
Never heard of this woman but she is kind of expressing the reasons people had for supporting Trump rather then the identitarian candidate Hilary.
Tomi Lahren – Women’s March on Reality
Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d61_1485173824#z9K2ct8mT4pedIOE.99
The Russian acquisition of these two French Mistral-class amphibious assault ships was considered to be the largest defense deal between Russia and the West since World War II
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENS_Anwar_El_Sadat
The main reason that so many people hate Trump is because of the endless lies from the media since 2015.
It’s true, MSM have not been kind to him. He probably felt himself some kind of a Christ-figure when at his inauguration the pastor read from the Beatitudes about how blest are those who suffer persecution and have all kinds of evil and calumny against them falsely on His account. The kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Sworn in on two bibles he’s going to need all the help he can get from above.
https://milo.yiannopoulos.net/2017/01/inauguration-update-trump-swearing-two-bibles/
He has no intention of rebuilding america’s infrastructure through conventional govt spending. It has already been made clear that he will do so via tax breaks, i.e. Through privatisation. Those who build will then own and earn a fortune by charging for use, e.g. Tolls on roads, parking meters on city streets, fees for using bridges, and so on. This has all been well advertised. Why do you not know this?
It’s clearly willful, Ed. There are folks so wound up that their other bêtes noires blind them to Trump’s 1% parasitism on the 99%.
Regarding the Gambia: Granted, President Jammah of The Gambia should have step down before he was forced to by ECOWAS. What’s troubles me about the whole thing there is that Jammah withdrew The Gambia from the British Commonwealth in 2013, then there was a botched attempt to assassinate him in his home in 2015 that involved former US servicemen, and dissenters within the Gambian army, and lastly the new UK educated President Barrow’s promise to bring the Gambia back into the Commonwealth. So although I don’t disagree that Jammah should have respected the democratic vote, I have serious reservations about whose interests Barrow is really serving…
Also worth noting that in 1994 Jammah (probably for his own selfish interests), removed the Sir Jawara from office who was a long serving puppet of the British Empire and Neo-Empire.
A rather puzzling post but perhaps you could clarify what your point is?
” Jammah withdrew The Gambia from the British Commonwealth in 2013″
++++++++++++++++++++
As did the President of Zimbabwe.
**************************************
“…then there was a botched attempt to assassinate him in his home in 2015 that involved former US servicemen, and dissenters within the Gambian army..”
+++++++++++++++++++++++
It is characteristic of “governance” in many African countries that coups against the govt are instigated by sections of the army. Indeed, I believe that President Jammah himself came to power through a military coup? So why do you sound so surprised?
***************************
“.. and lastly the new UK educated President Barrow’s promise to bring the Gambia back into the Commonwealth.”
++++++++++++++++++++++
So? Perhaps he wishes to emulate the then leaders of Ruanda and Mozambigue, both of whom applied for and were granted membership of the Commonwealth despite their countries not being former British colonies?
O/T but very important
Ministry of Truth
MoD ‘confidence’ in Trident after test ‘malfunction’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38708823
The Ministry of Defence says it has “absolute confidence” in the UK’s nuclear weapons system
despite reports of a malfunction during a test.
Apparently it aimed itself for the U.S.A.
I would not have confidence.
It seems this factlet was kept from our M.P.’s when they were being asked to sign the project off.
Not exactly open government.
“The UN, and the rule of international law, have never recovered from that hammer blow”
The rule of international law is intact. Blair and his criminal government by-passed it, as did Cameron, Hague and May when they bombed Libya and stooged for Al Qaida in Syria.
One of the great farces of our times is Theresa May simultaneously housing a panel of extremist imams on benefits in the UK while posturing against her government’s policy of supporting Al Qaida in public.
Brian Rix RIP moved his career to Mental Health because he saw that farce was in safe hands with government.
The farce of Tory businessmen/women screaming for cheap immigrant labour and the single market while Theresa May sucks up to Trump’s racist and isolationist rhetoric. You don’t have to pay huge ticket prices to watch this farce unfold. It comes to you free on your internet homepage. None of this comedy would be remotely entertaining if we did not have a robust understanding of the strict rules of international law, which our theatrical politicians bypass on a day-to-day basis.
Whenever a serious politician like Jo Cox stands up to this travesty of buffoonery, they are eliminated by agents of the deep state posing as political extremists. I see no feminists lining up to demonstrate against the murder of journalist Jacki Sutton by the Turkish state in Istanbul airport. These feminists who are demonstrating against Trump, though technically female, like Theresa May, are part of the neo-liberal establishment.
So where is Nicola in the line?
British PM Theresa May to meet Trump on Friday — White House
https://www.rt.com/uk/374676-british-pm-theresa-may-to/
British Prime Minister Theresa May will become the first foreign leader to meet with US President Donald Trump when she visits the US next week, the White House says.
The Scottish Donald will meet the British prime minister on Friday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters during his first press briefing on Saturday.
Prior to extending the first official invitation, Trump spoke with May on the day of his inauguration. Speaking to CIA analysts at Langley on Saturday, Trump seemed quite excited to meet the British politician.
Saying that the “Prime Minister is coming over to our country very shortly,” Trump noted that Winston Churchill’s statue will be waiting for May at the Oval Office.
Michael N- as Harry Enfield’s scouser would say-
‘Awright awright calm down calm down’
Theresa May’s spinmeisters will doubtless milk Friday’s forthcoming photo opportunity for all its worth, but in the long term scheme of things it’ll count for little. As several commenters have already pointed out, the US has always driven very hard bargains on international trade matters; the ‘free trade’ rhetoric has usually been the velvet glove concealing the iron fist- at least with Trump the iron fist is now out in the open.
If the Trump presidency sees the US rationalise its self proclaimed ‘global policeman’ role to a single task, namely the elimination of ISIS (as promised in his inaugural address) that will on balance be beneficial. It’ll make Europe face reality re the essential redundancy of NATO, and force the main European actors into a re-evaluation of the sort of relationship that is mutually beneficial to both sides in the case of Russia. That should put an end to EU grandstanding over Ukraine, and the faux outrage at the ‘annexation’ of Crimea (ie a return to the status it had up to 1954 FFS!). If NATO does wither on the vine I would hope that Finland and Sweden (presently neutral states) could join with the Baltics, the UK (if it still exists in its current form) and most of the EU in a new defensive pact that guarantees the territorial integrity of its member states against external aggression, but makes it plain to Russia that this pact has no plans or desire to recruit new members further East.
There will be some downsides to the diminution of the US’s global policeman role; in the Far East that will likely mean South Korea and Japan having to expand their military expenditures to take up the slack of a US withdrawal (which however the Okinawans will undoubtedly celebrate)- and a consequent ratcheting up of tension with China.I would also have to disagree with this comment from A McCully earlier –
‘When a single American company has the means and opportunity to monopolise an entire nations natural resources, how is that in any way ‘free’, how does it encourage competition when said company can destroy any local competitors instantly or manipulate the government into doing it for them, how does said nation benefit at all from this business if the company in question feels no need to pay tax to the nation that’s so inadequately equipped to collect or even sanction evaders. They’re more prepared to pay corrupt officials, dictators and militaries to keep their position, thus creating even greater instability.’
In fact A McCully, ‘American companies’ operating in the ‘third world’ often have a better reputation among the local labour force, as employers, than the native capitalists- as anyone familiar with Afro-Asian countries will testify (of course in their Caribbean and Latin American backyard the septics have often behaved disgracefully, as the coups at the behest of US economic interests in Guatemala and elsewhere demonstrated- but that template isn’t followed everywhere). Early in this thread someone mentioned that most of the world’s disk drives are manufactured in Thailand- indeed they are, and the US company that does this business, Seagate, has an excellent reputation there, and work in their factories is much sought after by local Thais.
The often arrogant assumption in the US that their rules have universal application sometimes has peculiar unintended consequences; thus the UK and some other western countries have sheepishly had to the follow the US line on attempting to eliminate bribery when their companies operate in corrupt third world countries – McCully’s remarks about US companies bribing local officials freely is at least 2 decades out of date; that activity is now a Chinese speciality- and doubtless helps to explain the inroads they have made in Africa and elsewhere.
As an example of the sometimes pointless box ticking that US and UK companies now have to execute when operating in known corruption hot spots, this report in the current LRB should help to bring McCully & co up to speed on how these relationships actually operate in 2017-
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v39/n02/alexander-briant/diary
In your opinion, how should NATO react in the (hypothetical) case of Russia exercising pressure – possibly military pressure – against one or several of the independent Baltic States (eg on the basis that those independent States were “oppressing” their Russian minorities)?
I bet on “…a return to the status it had up to 1954 FFS!”
Habba
You question is not only hypothetical, but vague (what counts as ‘military pressure for instance ?).
I’ve already said that NATO, or any succesor alliance that is formed if the US scales back its commitments in Europe, should defend the territorial integrity of its member states, including the Baltics.
As for ‘military pressure’ let me throw back another hypothetical- let us imagine that a decade hence Catalunya is an independent state, admitted to the UN and (after a quick rule change to neuter Spain’s objections) the EU but NOT NATO. A strongly nationalist government in Barcelona decides to curtail the rights of residents who are not Catalan speakers. Does NATO (of which Spain is a member) decide to apply ‘military pressure’ on an independent Catalunya accused of ‘oppressing’ Spanish speakers there (eg Madrid supports ‘rebels’ in Spanish speaking border areas?) Does the US impose sanctions on Catalunya for its ‘discriminatory’ actions, or Spain for its support of armed Spanish speaking ‘rebels’ ?And which side does NATO back if Spain executes de facto annexations of a few Spanish speaking pockets along the border ?
Iain Stewart- your bet is void and your stake is returned.
‘His sensible desire for better relations with Russia is matched by a stupid drive to goad China.’
Goading China might be unwise, but it is understandable.
Its called driving a wedge between the two, Conjunction, he’s schmoozing one to goad the other, create discordance and division between China and Russia.
Any sober assessment of what a Trump presidency could look like is welcome at a time when the majority of media outlets have degenerated into Twitter-sifting outrage generators. Their constant, obsessive focus on dubiously sourced allegations about him personally, or the by-now axiomatic truth that he is hyperbolic, evasive and more or less the incarnation of what happens when you turn politics into entertainment, are serving to distract from actual criticism, serious scrutiny, and therefore meaningful opposition to what he actually does – rather than the rhetoric in which he indulges.
It is an approach that has likewise infected the Democratic Party as they continue to avoid any and all culpability for their historic levels of failure. Bernie Sanders has been standing out as one of the very few public figures willing to hold the incoming administration to account based on policy rather than media caricature. He’s right to do so, because their political mendacity and corruption is of far, far greater moment to the actual lives of others than their idiotic media avatars.
With regard to any public investment, I would be extremely cautious for two reasons. First, Trump has stated that he intends to limit government borrowing by making extensive use of public/private partnerships of the PFI sort – or worse. Private profit underwritten by public money is a license for cronyism and white elephants – so I would expect school roofs and rural highways to be left to decay while money flows into fantastically expensive stadiums, pipelines, and all the rest.
The second point is that the Federal Reserve has, for 40 years, viewed it primary duty to be ensuring wages do not rise above the rate of inflation. Janet Yellen has already spoken about the need to raise interest rates based on the fiction that the American economy is operating anywhere close to full capacity. To do so will, of course, also raise the cost of government borrowing. I would expect therefore that any efforts on the part of the Trump administration to provide a fiscal stimulus to the economy will be met by an equal reaction in the opposite direction to stifle any potential growth.
The point of course is that the American economic and political system has become paralysed to do anything but continue transferring wealth to the ruling class. Public investment becomes private profit; fiscal moves are met with deflationary monetary policy; growth is measured in terms of assets in the possession of the blessed few. None of that will change under Trump even if he wished to, which he almost certainly doesn’t.
His “America first” ideology means that any failures in these areas will cause him to look outwards for others to blame. China, as you mention, is almost certainly in his sights. Other, weaker nations will follow.
The last area where I had hoped he would prove a positive was in attacking the crazy powers of the CIA/security forces. But even there he appears to be back-tracking.
The US is sitting on a financial powder keg and Trump knows it. The recklessness of past policy severely limits Trump’s, or anyone else’s options. Trump marks a turning point and he is going to try unconventional policy. It is high risk and it may fail – but what choice is there?
Trump wants to invest in infrastructure – but given past money creation policies, mostly used to prop up asset prices, actually spending this money risks triggering massive inflation which could spiral out of control. So Trump intends using a different source of money.
US Corporations are estimated to be holding $2.4 trillion of cash offshore. He intends getting this money back into the US through offering tax breaks and investment opportunities for this cash. Sure the rich get richer, but in theory everyone should have access to the goods and services created with this money. People will object to tax breaks for large corporations but how else can this money be returned to the US and deployed for productive purposes?
Trump also intends shaking down certain foreign “allies” – most notably Germany. If successful money will be transferred out of Germany and into the US. In some ways economics is a zero sum game and there has to be some method for getting money out of creditor countries. Historically this was achieved via the gold standard and later by floating currencies. Germany has used the Euro and its its regional economic power to prevent money being transferred away from itself. This is an unsustainable situation. Transferring money from Germany to the US is not an ideal solution – but it is better than nothing. Germany has had many years to develop its own solutions but consistently chose not to do so. Now a solution will be imposed on it.
Similarly Trump has no choice but to go after China, but in this case he will be looking for China to relinquish jobs. Jobs that cab be repatriated to the US.
Previous policy was a policy of threatening and seeking to weaken Russia. The ultimate aim was to force Russia to surrender and hand over its vast natural resource base to the US. The US would use these newly acquired resources to mask the catastrophic effects of past policy. Surely Trump’s ideas are more sane.
If he is allowed to work then a lot of what Trump does will upset a lot of people – and there will be unfairness and iniquity. All of this needs to be compared with the alternative being the delusional idea that you can conquer Russia.
Similarly Trump has no choice but to go after China, but in this case he will be looking for China to relinquish jobs. Jobs that cab be repatriated to the US.
Loony- perhaps he can make a start with his own merchandise ?
http://www.concisenews.global/news/trump-preaches-buy-america-but-his-hats-were-made-in-china/
How many of the Trumpster’s fans reckoned his ascendancy to the Presidency would impact on the Middle East so swiftly- and with dire consequences to date-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38711701
Trump has spoken about his having no option other than to manufacture in China. He has said that it is wrong and that it can only be righted by changing the rules of the game. As POTUS he is in a position to change the rules of the game.
Israel has been building illegal settlements since long before Trump and they will probably be building them long after Trump. I don’t see how you can blame Trump for this – although obviously you do.
Most likely Trump has very little interest in Israel and will not seek to change US policy very much (if at all). Depending on how his proposed assault against ISIS goes he may even step up support for Israel, This will annoy some – but it is not like there was any other Presidential Candidate promising to reign in Israel and compel it to obey international law.
“Similarly Trump has no choice but to go after China, but in this case he will be looking for China to relinquish jobs. Jobs that cab be repatriated to the US.”
____________________
Not necessarily. Chinese jobs could be preserved simply by increasing domestic (ie Chinese) demand.
What you say is true – and it is for that reason why the Chinese may reach an accommodation with Trump.
Trump has been telling the whole world he is a businessman and that he knows how to get deals done – and you get deals done by giving people something and giving them an alternative.
Contrast that with the approach to Russia – which was basically “we demand that you surrender” – There was nothing in that for Russia and so they turned that offer down.
Loony
From a US point of view Germany and France are the good boys. They have organised the destruction of Syria, Libya and Iraq while the UK has been sitting on its hands.
I agree with you that Trump has no wiggle room to fix anything, like Obama, and will have to tread water on many things, like Obama, while blaming his friends, like Obama. Given his misogyny, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mrs May, with her poker feminist inscrutability and wait and see attitude, might not be the target for one of his bitchy tantrums..
French extreme-far-right National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen urged European voters to follow the example of the Americans and British and “WAKE UP” in 2017 at a meeting of far-right leaders in Germany.
Le Pen told a hall packed with supporters in the German city of Koblenz that Britons’ vote last year to leave the European Union would set in train a “domino effect”.
“2016 was the year the Anglo-Saxon world woke up. I am sure 2017 will be the year the people of continental Europe wake up,” she said to loud applause on Saturday.
http://www.france24.com/en/20170121-marine-le-pen-hails-new-europe-eu-far-right-leaders-meeting-koblenz
“The key factor that is going to set in course all the dominos of Europe is Brexit. A sovereign people chose … to decide its destiny itself,” Le Pen said.
“The second coup did not come long after: the election of Mr Trump to the presidency of the United States … his position on Europe is clear: he does not support a system of oppression of peoples,” she added.
In a joint interview with the Times of London and the German newspaper Bild published on Monday, Trump said the EU had become “a vehicle for Germany” and predicted that more EU member states would vote to leave the bloc as Britain did last June.
To be fair, I think Marine has good points.
Brexit and Trump mean that politics has changed for ever.
You blinked at the last paragraph…he’s not a politician and he’s already highly personally enriched…..which was at the nub of his appeal
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams claims Brexit will see the collapse of the Good Friday peace deal. Adams added the British governments intention to take the North out of the EU, despite the wishes of it people to remain in the EU, is a hostile action.
Meanwhile Alex Salmond said that Theresa May’s “hard Brexit” approach, was undermining the entire basis of Scottish devolution, by riding roughshod over the electorates wish to remain in the EU.
Separate EU and Single Market areangements such as those of the Channel Islands, strengthen the case for Scotland, and NI if it wished to have separate Brexit deals.
World renowned intellectual Noam Chomsky contributed to the Brexit debate by saying he can see no reason why Scotland cannnot remain in the EU.
The widely respected American linguist, philosopher and writer vioced his opposition to a “hard Brexit” Chomsky warned that a UK Brexit and withdrawal from the EU would force the UK into growing dependency on America.
Well Britain is already widely known as the 51st state, and a confirmed minion and lackey of Washington’s whims and desires.
Of course it can. But Scotland must decide whether it wants to be in the UK or in the EU. It can’t have both. If it wants to be independent – in neither the UK nor the EU – it can have that too.
RoS as far as I am aware Noam Chomsky is not from or living in The United Kingdom,
therefore his voice is not relevant.
“The widely respected American linguist, philosopher and writer vioced his opposition to a “hard Brexit” Chomsky warned that a UK Brexit and withdrawal from the EU would force the UK into growing dependency on America.”
It is heartening to note Mr Chomsky’s concern for the UK, all the moe so because his connections with the UK are tenuous to say the least. Would it be disrespectful if i were to suggest that Mr Chomsky, who is a US citizen (still! 🙂 ) and lives in the US (still! 🙂 ) should mind his own business?
_____________________
” Noam Chomsky contributed to the Brexit debate by saying he can see no reason why Scotland cannnot remain in the EU.”
This is a perfect illustration of the great truth that being an expert in one field is no obstacle to displaying great silliness in another.
RoS
Mrs May is trying to create legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate for both herself and the Tories, where there is none, except in the imaginations of the MSM. Mrs Thatcher in a similar position turned the question on her enemies with You turn if you want to…
The English proverb “Ne’er cast a clout till May is out” is probably be what happens. She will carry on stringing us all along, as Craig so rightly pointed out when she first took office, for as long as she can.
While she is scratting around in the wheelie bins looking for straws to clutch on, someone might just tip her in.
RoS-
One of Brokenshire’s minions at the NI office has responded to Adams- effectively telling him he’s talking thru his arse.
Meanwhile controversial Tory government plans to restrict trade union donations will make it harder for their members to campaign against racism and sexism among other things.
The Trade Union Congress said the Tory gobvernment “Trade Union act” will constrain the ability of unions to campaign on key issues affecting people at work. The bill comes before the Commons on Wednesday.
Here we are not even forced out of the EU yet, and already the Tories are hellbent on reeling in workers rights. Imagine what terrible damage will be done to workers rights after we are dragged out of the EU, and then subjected to the British bill of rights.
I note that you do not provide any actual examples of the racism or sexism that trades unions wish to campaign against. Maybe you could provide an example of a law, rule or regulation that enshrines either racism or sexism.
UKIP backer sets up new website, that appears to be modelled on Breibart, that says it all really. It was launch on the eve of Trump’s inauguration.
It is named “Westmonster” and is pro-Brexit, Arron Banks is the man behind the idea.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38650596
Going back to Trump for a moment, a huge row has broken out over who had the biggest crowd at their inauguration, Obama or Trump.
Trump spokesman Spicer, claims the press are behind the doing down of Trump’s inauguration crowds. However comparison pictures show that Obama’s inauguration has a much larger crowd than that of Trump.
Looking ahead if Trump and the press are going to be at loggerheads over every little insignificant detail, it’s going to be a very long and tedious tenure, not only for Trump and the press but for those of us who take a interest in US politics.
Deceitful Theresa May refused to answer four times when asked, if she knew if about the malfunctioning nuclear Trident missiles.
When pressed by Andrew Marr (a miracle in itself) if she had prior knowledge on the faulty nukes and just how dangerous they are, May dodged the question again, claiming she had “great faith in Trident.”
Of course it wasn’t that long ago that whistle blower William McNeilly revealed to the world, that Trident is a disaster waiting to happen.
https://www.rt.com/uk/333777-trident-whistleblower-william-mcneilly/
Scotland neither wants nor needs these abhorrent WMD’s they have been forced upon Scots. They should be removed immediately.
The Tories and if I recall right Labour in London are all for renewing Trident, it seems only fitting and proper then that Trident and its nuclear entourage should therefore be stationed on the Thames.
“Scotland neither wants nor needs these abhorrent WMD’s they have been forced upon Scots. They should be removed immediately.”
Nationalists don’t speak for Scotland. They don’t decide what Scotland wants or doesn’t want. The people of Scotland decide for themselves.
“The people of Scotland decide for themselves.”
How do they do that Fred? They certainly don’t control the Westminster based body which ultimately decides. They barely influence it.
The people of Scotland decided to remain in the United Kingdom.
God Bless them for their intelligence
“How do they do that Fred?”
By each having their own opinion. Not by some Nationalist telling them what their opinion is.
“By each having their own opinion.” And what do you think that opinion is worth, fred?
Having your own opinion and not being told what your opinion is by Nationalists is worth a lot, it’s something worth protecting.
Treeza is very well practiced in the art of not answering a question – four times! On Marr this morning.
Theresa May dodges question on Trident misfire four times – video
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2017/jan/22/theresa-may-dodges-question-trident-misfire-four-times-video
I think I heard on Radio 4 that the missile in question cost £70m. ?? Is that likely to be true?
£17 million each time. (Alistair Bunkall Sky Defence correspondent).
That’s bad enough cf the state of NHS and Social Care finances.
The MoD reports annually on the success of the tests. In 2016 when the missile went astray they did not comment. That is a cover up.
Fracking Fallon was the Defence Minister.
His interests prior to assuming his post. Probably any shareholdings are now in one of those ‘blind’ trusts.
‘Career outside politics
Michael is a former director of Bannatyne Fitness Ltd (fitness clubs), Quality Care Homes plc (nursing homes), Just Learning Ltd (nurseries), Attendo AB (Scandinavian social and health care) and Tullett Prebon plc (inter-dealing broking).’
He should have been made Health Secretary and used his inside knowledge of the health care ‘industry’.
Nigel Farage, the former leader of UKIP the xenophobic isolationist party, has landed a job with Fox news. Farage will now be able to air his distateful views on the EU, and relay his unconditional love for all things Trump to the American public.
Meanwhile Theresa May will meet with Trump on Friday, May will be hoping that Trump will continue the “special relationship” where Britain rides on the blood stained coat tails of America’s foreign policies.
I forsee a Reagan/Thatcher relationship, where Trump (the man) tells May (the dutiful wife) do as I tell you, it’s for the good of both of us.
https://www.rt.com/uk/374557-nigel-farage-fox-news/?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=aplication_chrome&utm_campaign=chrome