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What me and Glassers gets up to is none of your business
Oh….THAT special relationship! Yeah, he’s a tw*t. I’m so tired of turning on the radio or looking at a paper and it always being about him. He spews a relentless bombardment of self-obsessed stupidity.
Trump is bonkers and the people pulling his strings know it. He didn't write that tweet to the Norwegian PM - it was too coherent. He shows on a daily basis that he's got dementia so he's being manipulated by those hiding in the shadows. It's convenient for them that he is the focal point for the moment. Stephen Miller has got Kristi Noem taking the heat for ICE, Holman taking the heat for Immigration and Pam Bondi fronting Justice but Miller's the one behind the scenes. He's Goebbels mk2. All these people will go once they've served their purpose. Their successors will be the full-on Nazi. It's whoever is behind Project 25, who are not in the cabinet, that are directing the Facism agenda.
Don't believe a word I say. I'm only kidding. Or am I?
"Today, the United States welcomed the historic agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory—specifically, the Chagos Archipelago.
We commend both the United Kingdom and Mauritius for their leadership, vision, and commitment to ensure that Diego Garcia remains fully operational for the duration of this agreement. We look forward to working closely with both governments to strengthen our collaboration in support of regional peace and stability.
Following a comprehensive interagency review, the Trump Administration determined that this agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia. This is a critical asset for regional and global security. President Trump expressed his support for this monumental achievement during his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at the White House."
So Trump is being opportunistic and duplicitous after the fact, and the Tories and Reform supporting what Trump has said is pretty shameful. Now is not the time to be scoring political points with the future of Greenland and perhaps even NATO at stake.
And I suppose it begs the question: which side are you on?
[Post edited 20 Jan 9:49]
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That special relationship. on 09:57 - Jan 20 with 1122 views
Well not quite always... but pretty much evident since the moment Eisenhower picked up the phone to Eden during the Suez operation and told him to back the eff off. Clear sign empire was over and there was a new sheriff in town.
"Today, the United States welcomed the historic agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory—specifically, the Chagos Archipelago.
We commend both the United Kingdom and Mauritius for their leadership, vision, and commitment to ensure that Diego Garcia remains fully operational for the duration of this agreement. We look forward to working closely with both governments to strengthen our collaboration in support of regional peace and stability.
Following a comprehensive interagency review, the Trump Administration determined that this agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia. This is a critical asset for regional and global security. President Trump expressed his support for this monumental achievement during his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at the White House."
So Trump is being opportunistic and duplicitous after the fact, and the Tories and Reform supporting what Trump has said is pretty shameful. Now is not the time to be scoring political points with the future of Greenland and perhaps even NATO at stake.
And I suppose it begs the question: which side are you on?
[Post edited 20 Jan 9:49]
I don't think they know from one minute to the next what to make of Trump. I suppose it's difficult to given the obvious mental decline.
R5 were reporting from Davos this morning talking about how US Govt representatives there don't see the Greenland issue as a problem, but also acknowledge they've no idea whether Trump is serious or not. Whether he's serious or not is one thing, but irrespective of that we've got a US-Europe crisis now, which seems like a bit of a problem to me!
That special relationship. on 09:57 - Jan 20 by baxterbasics
Well not quite always... but pretty much evident since the moment Eisenhower picked up the phone to Eden during the Suez operation and told him to back the eff off. Clear sign empire was over and there was a new sheriff in town.
Even after that Reagan provided a lot of backing during the Falklands Conflict.
Plus, of course, our very close defence and intelligence relationship.
It was not entirely one way, at times more distant than others. But in this instance, it's not that Trump is hostile - he simply doesn't care. Either he gets the things he wants, or is entirely antagonistic. Mind you, he could switch back equally quickly, if we did him a favour.
That special relationship. on 10:01 - Jan 20 by Swansea_Blue
I don't think they know from one minute to the next what to make of Trump. I suppose it's difficult to given the obvious mental decline.
R5 were reporting from Davos this morning talking about how US Govt representatives there don't see the Greenland issue as a problem, but also acknowledge they've no idea whether Trump is serious or not. Whether he's serious or not is one thing, but irrespective of that we've got a US-Europe crisis now, which seems like a bit of a problem to me!
a line on newsnight last night was that in another week the aircraft carrier will be in the gulf and he'll be able to deal with iran - at which point he'll lose interest in this. greenland and winding up europe is just a distraction response to short-term boredom.
And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show
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That special relationship. on 10:12 - Jan 20 with 1018 views
That special relationship. on 10:07 - Jan 20 by Guthrum
Even after that Reagan provided a lot of backing during the Falklands Conflict.
Plus, of course, our very close defence and intelligence relationship.
It was not entirely one way, at times more distant than others. But in this instance, it's not that Trump is hostile - he simply doesn't care. Either he gets the things he wants, or is entirely antagonistic. Mind you, he could switch back equally quickly, if we did him a favour.
Reagan / Thatcher probably the golden era in post-war US UK relations (more so than Bush/Blair which I always thought more manufactured and one sided).
But even so, Ronnie still moved on Grenada without checking in first, but at least had the discernment to apologise after the fact.
That special relationship. on 10:01 - Jan 20 by Swansea_Blue
I don't think they know from one minute to the next what to make of Trump. I suppose it's difficult to given the obvious mental decline.
R5 were reporting from Davos this morning talking about how US Govt representatives there don't see the Greenland issue as a problem, but also acknowledge they've no idea whether Trump is serious or not. Whether he's serious or not is one thing, but irrespective of that we've got a US-Europe crisis now, which seems like a bit of a problem to me!
That's always been a Trump tactic, switching rapidly from one position to another. Trying to keep everyone else off balance.
It's a classic modus operandi for disruptors. Refusing to play by the polite rules which normally keep things running smoothly gives an advantage over those whith traditional expectations and therefore less agile responses against unpredictability. Until they push it too far and crash.
That special relationship. on 10:13 - Jan 20 by Guthrum
That's always been a Trump tactic, switching rapidly from one position to another. Trying to keep everyone else off balance.
It's a classic modus operandi for disruptors. Refusing to play by the polite rules which normally keep things running smoothly gives an advantage over those whith traditional expectations and therefore less agile responses against unpredictability. Until they push it too far and crash.
Listening to Times Radio this morning, someone made the point (think it was Jack Straw actually) that Trump is currently at the peak of his powers and European leaders are best off playing a waiting game for now. Once the midterms are done, we may find more Republican officials are prepared to challenge / speak out, as they are no longer so dependant on Trump alignment in order to keep their jobs.
That special relationship. on 10:13 - Jan 20 by Guthrum
That's always been a Trump tactic, switching rapidly from one position to another. Trying to keep everyone else off balance.
It's a classic modus operandi for disruptors. Refusing to play by the polite rules which normally keep things running smoothly gives an advantage over those whith traditional expectations and therefore less agile responses against unpredictability. Until they push it too far and crash.
I'd put it less generously: Trump has the attention span and longterm thinking of a toddler.
1
That special relationship. on 10:32 - Jan 20 with 911 views
The sooner Europe gets it's act together and realises that we need a united Europe for the future. The UK/ Britain is too small and insignificant to think that we have any bearing on world matters anymore.
We can be another American state if that is what we want or become a united Europe working together against the 3 big players.
There is and always will be the us of a and china fighting for world economic domination.
There is china Russia and US domination of arms and military.
Europe has been asleep too long allowing these 3 countries to build and dominate in all aspects of life, from businesses, technology and resources.
we are too reliant on these countries and are now paying the price for our own lack of foresight and thinking we still have influence on the world.
1
That special relationship. on 10:44 - Jan 20 with 863 views
There is no such thing as a ‘special relationship’ with the US. There never was. Most Americans don’t care or loathe this country beyond all others and that won’t change. The term special relationship is just that. A sugar pill term created by possibly Churchill to mask the US’ extortion of this country from its moment of maximum weakness in 1940 to the present day.
1
That special relationship. on 10:49 - Jan 20 with 850 views
That special relationship. on 10:44 - Jan 20 by Churchman
There is no such thing as a ‘special relationship’ with the US. There never was. Most Americans don’t care or loathe this country beyond all others and that won’t change. The term special relationship is just that. A sugar pill term created by possibly Churchill to mask the US’ extortion of this country from its moment of maximum weakness in 1940 to the present day.
"Most Americans" sweeping statement
1
That special relationship. on 10:50 - Jan 20 with 848 views
That special relationship. on 10:21 - Jan 20 by baxterbasics
Listening to Times Radio this morning, someone made the point (think it was Jack Straw actually) that Trump is currently at the peak of his powers and European leaders are best off playing a waiting game for now. Once the midterms are done, we may find more Republican officials are prepared to challenge / speak out, as they are no longer so dependant on Trump alignment in order to keep their jobs.
Problem with that is that many of those inclined to speak against Trump are retiring in these Mid-Terms. Those replacing them are more likely to be loyalists.
Ministers are, of course, entirely dependent upon the President for their positions.
That special relationship. on 10:23 - Jan 20 by iamatractorboy
I'd put it less generously: Trump has the attention span and longterm thinking of a toddler.
It's too easy to deride things as just childsh behaviour. It has already led to a lot of underestimation of the risks Trump's presidency poses to democracy, the USA and the World.
He may be self-centered and unpredictable, but he is also cunning and ruthless, more then happy to play outside the rules. With the strength of a superpower nation and support of its major institutions to back him up.
That special relationship. on 10:21 - Jan 20 by baxterbasics
Listening to Times Radio this morning, someone made the point (think it was Jack Straw actually) that Trump is currently at the peak of his powers and European leaders are best off playing a waiting game for now. Once the midterms are done, we may find more Republican officials are prepared to challenge / speak out, as they are no longer so dependant on Trump alignment in order to keep their jobs.
I seriously doubt that. His power is increasing all the time and will continue to do so.
A waiting game is a good tactic but only as long as you are doing something while you are waiting beyond burying your head in the sand. By that I mean planning how you are going to move to a position where you are less dependent on another country than we are on the US nd strong enough in our own right to be left alone. Yes, it costs money, but there was always a price for freedom.
1
That special relationship. on 11:05 - Jan 20 with 775 views
That special relationship. on 10:32 - Jan 20 by PhilsAngels
The sooner Europe gets it's act together and realises that we need a united Europe for the future. The UK/ Britain is too small and insignificant to think that we have any bearing on world matters anymore.
We can be another American state if that is what we want or become a united Europe working together against the 3 big players.
There is and always will be the us of a and china fighting for world economic domination.
There is china Russia and US domination of arms and military.
Europe has been asleep too long allowing these 3 countries to build and dominate in all aspects of life, from businesses, technology and resources.
we are too reliant on these countries and are now paying the price for our own lack of foresight and thinking we still have influence on the world.
People say lack of foresight, but 15 or 20 years ago, nobody could have predicted the route the USA has taken in the last decade (without the benefit of genuine prophecy). Indeed, after Trump lost in 2020, things appeared to have returned to normality.
It simply was not a rational analysis of the situation at the time. Therefore not a reasonable basis for strategic planning.
After the economic shocks of 2008-09, there were more important matters than pursuing a seemingly unnecessary detatchment of Europe from the USA.
That special relationship. on 11:01 - Jan 20 by Churchman
I seriously doubt that. His power is increasing all the time and will continue to do so.
A waiting game is a good tactic but only as long as you are doing something while you are waiting beyond burying your head in the sand. By that I mean planning how you are going to move to a position where you are less dependent on another country than we are on the US nd strong enough in our own right to be left alone. Yes, it costs money, but there was always a price for freedom.
"Yes, it costs money, but there was always a price for freedom."
at the moment costing money is quite a caveat. we don't have growth and we have pressure on resources from every direction. if that fiscal stress is increased even further the outcome will be more public frustration, political alienation, rejection of mainstream politics, and a greater chance of ending up with farage. so, take your pick.
And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show
0
That special relationship. on 11:10 - Jan 20 with 750 views
That special relationship. on 11:01 - Jan 20 by Churchman
I seriously doubt that. His power is increasing all the time and will continue to do so.
A waiting game is a good tactic but only as long as you are doing something while you are waiting beyond burying your head in the sand. By that I mean planning how you are going to move to a position where you are less dependent on another country than we are on the US nd strong enough in our own right to be left alone. Yes, it costs money, but there was always a price for freedom.
That special relationship. on 11:09 - Jan 20 by lowhouseblue
"Yes, it costs money, but there was always a price for freedom."
at the moment costing money is quite a caveat. we don't have growth and we have pressure on resources from every direction. if that fiscal stress is increased even further the outcome will be more public frustration, political alienation, rejection of mainstream politics, and a greater chance of ending up with farage. so, take your pick.
It’s a £3.5tn economy. Of course the money is there. It always was, as demonstrated by how fast the tories conjured it up during Covid - a lot of it to line theirs and their mates’ pockets.
It’s a question of priories. Growth? This government isn’t interested in that any more than the last lot were. Every action they’ve taken (and inaction) screams that. Defence? Well down the priority list. Interesting that Roosevelt’s New Deal was not responsible for the recovery of the US from the Depression. It was actually defence spending including contracts from the U.K.
Yes there is a price for freedom. There always was. If governments and people don’t care about it or are even lazy about it, fine. Just become a supplicant. Pay your dues and hope for the best. If you believe in choice, democracy, independence and all that stuff you have to fight for it.
Trump is not as mad as people think. He is working his power to achieve his aims. ‘World order’ was based on a set of rules brought in by the victors (American) after the war. That’s dead. Finished. Gone. NATO, UN, all the stuff Starmer is desperately trying to cling to is over. Trump doesn’t even recognise the concept which is why KS is so confused and actually misguided.
We are returning to the pre-war power of nation states. Take what you want if you can. Might is right. It’s the way the world has been since the dawn of time with the exception of 1945-2024.
Starmer made a good speech yesterday, Trump kicked him up the @rse and ridiculed him today on Social Truth. Tried to make him look a mug. Contempt sums up Trumps view of him. Good luck next time Sir Kier. You’re going to have to really grovel next time.
So your choice. Continue doing nothing is actually more likely to let that clown Farage in that just about any other policy I can think of.
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That special relationship. on 13:51 - Jan 20 with 347 views
That special relationship. on 10:44 - Jan 20 by Churchman
There is no such thing as a ‘special relationship’ with the US. There never was. Most Americans don’t care or loathe this country beyond all others and that won’t change. The term special relationship is just that. A sugar pill term created by possibly Churchill to mask the US’ extortion of this country from its moment of maximum weakness in 1940 to the present day.
"Most Americans don’t care or loathe this country beyond all others and that won’t change."
Well that's unmitigated bollox presented without any evidence. My eldest son coaches "soccer" in the States and has lived and travelled quite extensively, and received nothing but a warm welcome wherever he has lived and worked.
I travelled 4,500 miles and through 15+ States this summer and always received positive reactions to my Britishness.
[Post edited 20 Jan 13:54]
FREE IRAN FROM THE MULLAHS - FREE PALESTINE FROM HAMAS - FREE LEBANON FROM HEZBOLLAH
That special relationship. on 13:51 - Jan 20 by GlasgowBlue
"Most Americans don’t care or loathe this country beyond all others and that won’t change."
Well that's unmitigated bollox presented without any evidence. My eldest son coaches "soccer" in the States and has lived and travelled quite extensively, and received nothing but a warm welcome wherever he has lived and worked.
I travelled 4,500 miles and through 15+ States this summer and always received positive reactions to my Britishness.
[Post edited 20 Jan 13:54]
Agree. Never been there myself but have never seen any sign Americans have a particular dislike for us. If anything, it feels like the opposite.
That special relationship. on 13:43 - Jan 20 by Churchman
It’s a £3.5tn economy. Of course the money is there. It always was, as demonstrated by how fast the tories conjured it up during Covid - a lot of it to line theirs and their mates’ pockets.
It’s a question of priories. Growth? This government isn’t interested in that any more than the last lot were. Every action they’ve taken (and inaction) screams that. Defence? Well down the priority list. Interesting that Roosevelt’s New Deal was not responsible for the recovery of the US from the Depression. It was actually defence spending including contracts from the U.K.
Yes there is a price for freedom. There always was. If governments and people don’t care about it or are even lazy about it, fine. Just become a supplicant. Pay your dues and hope for the best. If you believe in choice, democracy, independence and all that stuff you have to fight for it.
Trump is not as mad as people think. He is working his power to achieve his aims. ‘World order’ was based on a set of rules brought in by the victors (American) after the war. That’s dead. Finished. Gone. NATO, UN, all the stuff Starmer is desperately trying to cling to is over. Trump doesn’t even recognise the concept which is why KS is so confused and actually misguided.
We are returning to the pre-war power of nation states. Take what you want if you can. Might is right. It’s the way the world has been since the dawn of time with the exception of 1945-2024.
Starmer made a good speech yesterday, Trump kicked him up the @rse and ridiculed him today on Social Truth. Tried to make him look a mug. Contempt sums up Trumps view of him. Good luck next time Sir Kier. You’re going to have to really grovel next time.
So your choice. Continue doing nothing is actually more likely to let that clown Farage in that just about any other policy I can think of.
“ It’s a £3.5tn economy. Of course the money is there. It always was, as demonstrated by how fast the tories conjured it up during Covid - a lot of it to line theirs and their mates’ pockets.”
GDP is just a measurement of the economy and doesn’t really have any link to wealth or the fiscal health of a state. The Tories borrowed recklessly and damaged the sovereign rating of the UK (and were rightly pilloried for it on here). All that borrowing then added to inflation, increased the cost of borrowing, and consumed tax revenue which should be going to public services. To your point much of it didn’t circulate the economy generating growth.
I agree the wider point that there is a cost to freedom, and Europe has been complacent with many countries failing to adequately fund defence (ironically the UK is one of the few that’s fulfilled its commitments). I just wanted to point out that linking the size/output of the economy to availability of government funding isn’t correct - especially as GDP per capita has fallen for much of the decade, despite an increase to the overall size of the economy. India has a bigger GDP than the UK but certainly isn’t wealthier.
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