| Trump, What do we all think so far? 16:28 - Jan 31 with 44094 views | easthertsr |
I'm bored with the transfer window, so what does the board think about what he has done so far? I think his political base will be delighted, the rest of us all have our fingers crossed!We are in deep doo-doo if we have to deal with that moron! |  | | |  |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:49 - Feb 10 with 4310 views | Phildo |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:34 - Feb 10 by stevec |
I understand and what you say (and Hopphoops) is perfectly correct.
The problem I have is the President, above all, was elected by the people and now their President is rendered impotent and, by association, so are all those who democratically elected him.
As admirable as all the balances are checks are, how does this undoubted fairness actually solve the problem of IS ? I would argue that in a relatively short space of time Trump talking the talk and Putin walking the walk has done more to quell the threat of IS than 8 years of Obama pussy footing.
Sure, it would be appalling that citizens of those 6 countries are not able to escape to the US for a better life. But at the same time, the biggest threat to IS will come from those who stay in their own lands who will turn their anger from the US over time into a hatred of the cause that brought about their predicament ie Islamic State.
Whilst we continuously pat ourselves on the back reveling in our own humanity those countries will remain in a state of perpetual misery. |
Or alternatively you might argue that western nations tend to have stable government as well developed constitutional laws keep potential despots at bay.
Even England was once ruled by a despotic psychopath and it was not pleasant. His name was Henry VIII. A later civil war and the gradual extension of parliamentary and judicial powers sorted it but it was not much comfort if you lost your head in the meantime.
A favourite quote from the play 'A man for all seasons':
William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake! |  | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:58 - Feb 10 with 4299 views | robith |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:34 - Feb 10 by stevec |
I understand and what you say (and Hopphoops) is perfectly correct.
The problem I have is the President, above all, was elected by the people and now their President is rendered impotent and, by association, so are all those who democratically elected him.
As admirable as all the balances are checks are, how does this undoubted fairness actually solve the problem of IS ? I would argue that in a relatively short space of time Trump talking the talk and Putin walking the walk has done more to quell the threat of IS than 8 years of Obama pussy footing.
Sure, it would be appalling that citizens of those 6 countries are not able to escape to the US for a better life. But at the same time, the biggest threat to IS will come from those who stay in their own lands who will turn their anger from the US over time into a hatred of the cause that brought about their predicament ie Islamic State.
Whilst we continuously pat ourselves on the back reveling in our own humanity those countries will remain in a state of perpetual misery. |
The President can do as he likes as long as he complies with the constitution - the guiding principles which are the foundations of democracy. He can even change it if he's prepared to put the work in. "Those who sacrifice a little liberty for a little safety" etc etc
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to ask for some statistical proof that in the 3/4 weeks Trump has been in office that his rhetoric has quelled the threat of IS?
I've noticed you also often big up Putin for his actions in the ME. Putting aside domestic politics (Putin's regime assassinates journalists, encourages violence against the gay community and just legalised domestic abuse), Russia talks a lot about tackling IS, but really their actions in Syria has mostly been against the Syrian rebels, causing huge civilian casualties and propping up their ally Assad. Assad who has killed far more people than IS, has opened mass hanging compounds where 30 people at a time are executed after a 2 minute trial, so I'm not really sure I really buy that. The people of Syria are stuck between a death cult and a tyrant, I'm not sure what leaving them to their fate is meant to accomplish?
Also Obama's "pussyfooting" includes spending a lot of time and resource with the Iraqi army who have had tough but solid and consistent success in repelling IS, so I'm not sure that really stacks up either. |  | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 12:15 - Feb 10 with 4284 views | DannytheR |
IS are reported to have been calling the Trump EO "the blessed ban" as it confirms what they have always told prospective followers - that America/the West sees all Muslims as the enemy.
For them it's rare welcome news because militarily, they have been losing huge amounts of territory for quite some time: 40% and rising over the last two years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27838034
At the time of the BBC report above, Mosul was still an IS stronghold. Since then, the Iraqi Army have reclaimed east Mosul.
It's worth reading the Twitter timeline/reports of the New York Times' Middle Eastern correspondent Rukmini Callimachi, both about the Iraqi success in liberating east Mosul, and how the same Iraqis who have been fighting IS see the American travel ban.
https://twitter.com/rcallimachi [Post edited 10 Feb 2017 12:17]
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 12:34 - Feb 10 with 4255 views | hopphoops |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:58 - Feb 10 by robith |
The President can do as he likes as long as he complies with the constitution - the guiding principles which are the foundations of democracy. He can even change it if he's prepared to put the work in. "Those who sacrifice a little liberty for a little safety" etc etc
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to ask for some statistical proof that in the 3/4 weeks Trump has been in office that his rhetoric has quelled the threat of IS?
I've noticed you also often big up Putin for his actions in the ME. Putting aside domestic politics (Putin's regime assassinates journalists, encourages violence against the gay community and just legalised domestic abuse), Russia talks a lot about tackling IS, but really their actions in Syria has mostly been against the Syrian rebels, causing huge civilian casualties and propping up their ally Assad. Assad who has killed far more people than IS, has opened mass hanging compounds where 30 people at a time are executed after a 2 minute trial, so I'm not really sure I really buy that. The people of Syria are stuck between a death cult and a tyrant, I'm not sure what leaving them to their fate is meant to accomplish?
Also Obama's "pussyfooting" includes spending a lot of time and resource with the Iraqi army who have had tough but solid and consistent success in repelling IS, so I'm not sure that really stacks up either. |
Just to back this all up, I invite anyone to read this (friendly link added, no need to read the Guardian) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-4197988/Syria-regime-hanged-13-000- and say what they would do for themselves and their families if they were Syrian:
A Fight at all costs, if necessary joining a resistance group that may be considered terrorist by other governments.
B Fight for the government, if only to stay alive
C Run the fukc away. |  |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 14:23 - Feb 10 with 4116 views | Hunterhoop |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:58 - Feb 10 by robith |
The President can do as he likes as long as he complies with the constitution - the guiding principles which are the foundations of democracy. He can even change it if he's prepared to put the work in. "Those who sacrifice a little liberty for a little safety" etc etc
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to ask for some statistical proof that in the 3/4 weeks Trump has been in office that his rhetoric has quelled the threat of IS?
I've noticed you also often big up Putin for his actions in the ME. Putting aside domestic politics (Putin's regime assassinates journalists, encourages violence against the gay community and just legalised domestic abuse), Russia talks a lot about tackling IS, but really their actions in Syria has mostly been against the Syrian rebels, causing huge civilian casualties and propping up their ally Assad. Assad who has killed far more people than IS, has opened mass hanging compounds where 30 people at a time are executed after a 2 minute trial, so I'm not really sure I really buy that. The people of Syria are stuck between a death cult and a tyrant, I'm not sure what leaving them to their fate is meant to accomplish?
Also Obama's "pussyfooting" includes spending a lot of time and resource with the Iraqi army who have had tough but solid and consistent success in repelling IS, so I'm not sure that really stacks up either. |
Excellent post, Rob.
I find it staggering how many people either deliberately shy away from attempting to understand at all what has happened and is really happening in Syria, but still hold such firm opinions on Syrian refugees, be there coming here, the US, etc and "Muslims" in general. Sunni or Shia? It matters. What branch of Sunni Islam matters? Turkey, Russia, their involvement, their motives, their actions....all extremely relevant.
Equally, I find it astonishing the number of people who are falling back on the principle of "democracy" as a justification for leaders riding roughshod over laws: the "they were elected, let them get on with things" mentality. Laws, and various checks and balances were created (as a result of previous democratic processes) to prevent dictatorial type behaviour in Western societies (ours or the US').
The Shakespeare quote earlier is extremely relevant. The short sightedness of some is frankly bewildering. Any erosion of these checks, balances or laws is extremely concerning. |  | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 14:41 - Feb 10 with 4067 views | Boston |
Is no-one actually reading the laws concerning presidential authority? | |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 23:27 - Feb 10 with 3943 views | isawqpratwcity |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 14:41 - Feb 10 by Boston |
Is no-one actually reading the laws concerning presidential authority? |
No, but please, feel free to enlighten us.
Then we can wonder why two successive judgements have gone against his EO.
From the Beeb...
"President Donald Trump has said he has "no doubt" his administration will win legal challenges to his travel ban.
But he told reporters on Air Force One he is considering a "brand new order" as his old one flounders in the courts.
The action barred entry from refugees and citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries, until it was halted a week ago by a Seattle judge.
Mr Trump could take it to the Supreme Court but there were US media reports on Friday that was not a priority.
Flying to Florida on Friday afternoon, the president told reporters: "We'll win that battle. The unfortunate part is it takes time. We'll win that battle. But we also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order."
It is unclear what a new order might look like. Mr Trump said it would change "very little"."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38933108
He's figured out that his EO was flawed and will try again with Mark II version. |  |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:15 - Feb 13 with 3823 views | TacticalR |
On Trump's mafia connections, see David Cay Johnston's '21 Questions for Donald Trump'
http://www.alternet.org/21-questions-donald-trump
'7. Trump Tower was built by S&A Concrete, whose owners were "Fat" Tony Salerno, head of the Genovese crime family, and Paul "Big Paul" Castellano, head of the Gambinos, another well-known crime family.
If you did not know of their ownership, what does that tell voters about your management skills?'
I particularly like Question 11:
'11. You sent your top lieutenant, lawyer Harvey I. Freeman, to negotiate with Ken Shapiro, the "investment banker" for Nicky Scarfo, the especially vicious killer who was Atlantic City’s mob boss, according to federal prosecutors and the New Jersey State Commission on Investigation.
Since you emphasize your negotiating skills, why didn’t you negotiate yourself?'
One of the things that comes across in Johnston's 'The Making of Donald Trump' is not just that Trump has been surrounded by criminals and conmen his whole life, but (like the gang in 'Goodfellas') Trump has been unable to resist the pettiest of scams, such as avoiding local New York sales tax by sending empty boxes (that were supposed to contain jewelry) out of state.
'The sales tax scandal posed a much bigger threat to Trump’s riches than the accumulated sales tax itself. As the owner of two Atlantic City casinos, any criminal charge would have jeopardized Trump’s casino license. Evading more than $5,000 of sales tax in just the two instances the grand jury reviewed could have qualified Trump for a felony indictment.'
David Cay Johnston, The Making of Donald Trump (2016)
On Kushner:
Ivanka Trump's conversion to Judaism was the price extracted by Charles Kushner (Jared Kushner's father) for the union of the Kushner family with the boorish Trump clan.
Slavish Trump loyalist New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was given the boot because he led the prosecution of Charles Kushner.
A similar thing happened in November when Trump funders the Mercer family (who placed Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon in the Trump campaign) used Kellyanne Conway to attack Mitt Romney (who the Mercers didn't like) to make sure he was kept out of Trump's cabinet. [Post edited 13 Feb 2017 13:57]
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:58 - Feb 13 with 3791 views | kensalriser |
As a bully, Trump doubtless admires the Mob as good businessmen.
My business partner knows someone who did some building work for a Trump business to the value of $100k. Trump didn't pay and then eventually agreed to pay $70k with the reason that he wasn't happy with the work. No details were given and the issue was never raised until it was time to pay. The creditor had no option but to accept because he didn't have the resources to fight Trump in court.
In Trump's mind that's not being a bullying, lying, rip-off merchant, it's good business. |  |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 08:47 - Feb 14 with 3657 views | BrianMcCarthy |
Another day, another scandal. |  |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 09:53 - Feb 14 with 3607 views | DannytheR |
Funny to think that 25 years after the end of the Cold War, America voted to get taken over by Moscow anyway. | | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 11:20 - Feb 14 with 3562 views | TacticalR |
Flynn's son was fired from the Trump team in December for spreading a fake story about Hillary Clinton running a child trafficking ring from a pizza parlor in Washington that led to an armed confrontation:
Trump Fires Adviser’s Son From Transition for Spreading Fake News
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/us/politics/michael-flynn-son-trump.html | |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:57 - Feb 14 with 3504 views | robith |
Every day I struggle to get my head around the fact that he hasn't been in office a month yet. In my lifetime there's always been leaders I've not agreed with, but I've never witnessed a head of state devoid of the basic competency of entry level governance. | | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 16:55 - Feb 14 with 3430 views | hopphoops |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:57 - Feb 14 by robith |
Every day I struggle to get my head around the fact that he hasn't been in office a month yet. In my lifetime there's always been leaders I've not agreed with, but I've never witnessed a head of state devoid of the basic competency of entry level governance. |
Genuine account or not, I love the story that Trump had to back Pence and accept Flynn's resignation in order to be given his phone back.
https://twitter.com/RoguePOTUSStaff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw | |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 08:56 - Feb 15 with 3316 views | Brightonhoop |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:57 - Feb 14 by robith |
Every day I struggle to get my head around the fact that he hasn't been in office a month yet. In my lifetime there's always been leaders I've not agreed with, but I've never witnessed a head of state devoid of the basic competency of entry level governance. |
The two biggest concerns with that are Russia clearly won the US election, and Kim in North Korea is able to play Trump like a fiddle. There is an increasing likelihood that North Korea will attack the South and American bases at Guam and in Japan in the weeks and months ahead which will also likely lead to full scale global nuclear war. The Chinese will not stand by whilst America retaliates.
Let's hope the Americans wake up before it is too late. |  | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 12:37 - Feb 15 with 3264 views | Trance_Trousers |
Is that you George osbourne ? |  |
| Once you`ve had black you never go back......... |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 12:51 - Feb 15 with 3242 views | LythamR |
"There is an increasing likelihood that North Korea will attack the South and American bases at Guam"
Guam? LOL |  | | |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 01:49 - Feb 16 with 3072 views | isawqpratwcity |
He just gave Netanyahu carte blanche. Piss-weak cu nt. | |
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 20:36 - Feb 16 with 2965 views | Jigsore |
that wasn't just a car crash, that was a motorway pile up in slow motion |  |
| “The thing about football - the important thing about football - is that it is not just about football.†|
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 21:00 - Feb 16 with 2949 views | FredManRave |
| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 13:57 - Feb 14 by robith |
Every day I struggle to get my head around the fact that he hasn't been in office a month yet. In my lifetime there's always been leaders I've not agreed with, but I've never witnessed a head of state devoid of the basic competency of entry level governance. |
Every day I struggle to get my head around the fact that he's the President of the United States. It's just so surreal. I can only compare it to something like if Eric Hall had won the 1992 General Election.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38991171 [Post edited 16 Feb 2017 21:01]
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| Trump, What do we all think so far? on 21:29 - Feb 16 with 2927 views | DeepcutHoop |
That press conference was utterly unhinged.
Just one of the questions posed.
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