If trust in politics fails, it opens the door to autocratic snake oil salesmen. We are in a moment where trust has left the building and the vacuum created is causing us to abandon common sense.
Excellent work… and 👍🏼for the explanation of the Brit system vs US . The biggest difference being you have no voice in picking the PM - that is up to the party elected . Not sure if that is positive ? … hopefully the elected representatives will have strong brains to pick a good leader . The US system allows for moron voters , gerrymandering cheats , big $$ buy outs . … we are probably subject to more outside influence and corruption. But nothing is perfect right . The US definitely needs to take action to further protect the democratic process…. This administration has poked holes and tested the structure of the constitution. We have never experienced such flagrant disregard for values , standards and principles. But here we are … so new limits will need to be written into law - for ALL branches of government.
We have structural problems, ethical weaknesses , and financial influences that need to be neutered or re written . That will take NEW leadership that doesn’t benefit from the current system…. Insider trading , PAC money and foreign money. Term limits would be the first big step . Overturning Citizen’s United is another . Age out laws are next . Grid districts and not squiggly lines are needed as well . But where are the leaders ? Will they step up and stop the elite , wealthy Epstein class from this power grab? When ???
Soon I hope …. We are reaching the stage of collapse.
Thanks as ever for your contribution to the conversation. It is fair to say that at the time of a General election, although the public is not voting by name for a prime minister, it is known that the leader of the political party who gains power will be the PM. It just means that if he/she resigns, there is no obligation to hold a General Election. - Martin
Ok so it’s a declared leader during the election process … so you are voting for that person. But if he / she loose support, the next appointment by the party comes from within . What does trigger an actual election?
Thank you …. There are many circumstances with which to change your leadership or to trigger an election … but 5 year term is the time span which would demand elections . Too bad the US doesn’t have a “ no confidence vote process “ …. Anonymous voting could solve many of our issues …. Needless to say I think 🍊rump would be out if we had secret ballot voting in the Congress .
Trump & Lutnick’s sons have been benefitting from business deals (14) pushed thro by their Dads — Republicans refuse to address the issue … 🚨 BOMBSHELL: The NYT Just Caught Trump And Lutnick Running An $8.9 BILLION “Critical Minerals” Grift Through Their Own Sons. FOURTEEN Companies. Zero Shame. Republicans Voted To Hide It.
Fourteen companies. $8.9 billion in federal money. Every deal touches a Trump son or a Lutnick son. That's not the appearance of corruption. That's the product.
DEAN BLUNDELL
JUN 29
This is far-far more than a “Do Dems do any better?” BS. Outright criminality, BIGTIME.
I’m afraid this will be the legacy of this administration. The whole debacle has been an exercise in self enrichment and the expense of the many. There MUST be a day of reckoning for those who participated in the systematic theft of taxpayer dollars.
There are two great mysteries in British politics, at least to your friends in the United States.
First, when it became apparent that the vote for Brexit was more an expression of dreams and frustration than a genuinely desired ruling, there were calls for a second referendum to confirm that Brexit was what people really wanted. Theresa May blocked that, saying, "No; Brexit means Brexit." So, what you really have is a Brexit that anyone with brains knew would weaken the UK, that was nevertheless pushed through due to whims of a misguided prime minister. Tragic, eh?
Second, the UK retains a monarch with only one veiled legislative power: The right to dissolve parliament. Why did the queen not do that to disrupt Brexit, to have sent a message that Brexit was foolish and required reconsideration? It is one thing to stay out of politics, but another for a monarch to say nothing while the nation commits suicide.
Despite that, on the whole, the UK has been fortunate to have had wise monarchs in modern times. Today, the United States Supreme Court made the unconstitutional ruling that turns the president into a monarch, enshrining the bogus theory of the "unitary executive" into law. Trump is now, officially, a mad king who can disassemble much of what Congress has created by firing anyone in independent agencies created by Congress, turning the president into a one-man legislative branch. If you thought US politics had been bad before, Martin, you will have plenty more to write about now!
Thank you for the kind words. I try, yet was surprised and pleased to be so praised.
The United Kingdom was a vital part of the world that Brexit was designed to leave. At least to outsiders (although I lived there for a while, many years ago), it seemed fairly obvious that its best destiny was to become among the strongest members of a strengthened European Union, which, in turn, could become at least the equal of the United States. Then, had the United States not (with apologies for the pun) trumped the United Kingdom in the stupidity of its politics, the two together with the European Union could have easily sustained and strengthened the rules-based, democratic world order, even as China grew in importance.
I mourned Brexit. It was like watching an old friend commit suicide. As the disaster approached, I had visions of Queen Elizabeth knocking more gently on the doors of parliament than one might expect from the kings in the movies, striding into the center of the hall, casting a glance about, and then saying — quietly, per her always flawless grace and manners — “Parliament is dissolved.” Regardless of what may have come next, it seemed that we would have surely then been living in a saner and better world. Trump supported Brexit. Perhaps that comeuppance would have helped the United States to its senses, too. It is all so amazingly sad.
Do those of you across the pond appreciate the power of the American draw to always lower taxes? Americans are moved to believe that, if only the evil government would stop taxing them, they would have more money in their pockets, so all would be well. Not enough Americans understand the importance of building together what can only be built collectively, so they become enthused for stripping the government raw. Stupid, really, yet that and the cowboy myth of the superior individual not needing to be part of or to contribute to the collective drives everything. You heard it from the mouth of our acting president, Stephen Miller, when he said, “America is a superpower, so we are going to start acting like one,” as a prelude to the country’s acting definitely like an idiot child throwing endless tantrums.
What an excellent contribution to the conversation, THANK YOU!
There are certainly some legal oddities in the UK when it comes to the relationship between the monarch and Parliament. There is little doubt that Brexit has done serious damage to the UK both economically and socially.
There are those that bemoan the current economic situation we find ourselves in, but I think it’s actually testament to the resilience of the economy that we are still hanging in there given the catastrophic economic hit.
I remain convinced that with the right leadership (and I believe Andy Burnham is that leader), we can rebuild a nation that deserves its place on the global stage. It will take time, but I believe the Farage threat is not as large as the media would have you believe.
On the upside down American situation, I could not agree more. I have a whole raft of thoughts to keep me busy, of that there is no doubt. I think we are both in need of clear leadership that will deliver transformative change - Martin
I'm becoming more alarmed as I see this viral spread of intolerance and control spread throughout Europe, shuddering as I see countries lining up to abdicate their freedoms. In US the takeover is not by one man, or small cohort. That group has authored a complete overthrow and has become entrenched through every level of government. Having one man leave won't change their planned trajectory. I appreciate your reasoned explanations of what's happening along with your words of encouragement not to give up hope and the work needed to preserve democracy. Thank you
These are indeed challenging times. What is required is clear unambiguous leadership and that talent is there Deborah.
The Civil Rights Movement didn’t bring instant change, it took years of commitment and dedication to the cause. In our modern upside down world we are looking for an instant fix that does not exist. No gain without pain is still the watch-phrase and we have to dig deep an campaign smarter.
Democracy WILL prevail but it’s a long road to recovery. - Martin
The core issue in incest is the betrayal of trust. We are experiencing that right now: Being betrayed and fucked by our own. There is, of course, also, the tendency to deny what is happening to us, to keep secret the horrific things being perpetrated upon us. Our perpetrators, if confronted first deny the situation, then possibly try to make the case that this is consensual. Finally, they will blame the victim, disavowing any responsibility for the acts, or the resulting damage. Rehabilitation for the perpetrators is notoriously poor. They are committing these crimes in an attempt to deal with deep psychological damage within them. Truth is: you ain't going to fix that up real soon. In the meantime the perpetrator must be isolated: the fucking must stop.
Then, the real work of healing the victims. Fortunately, there is more hope for the victims, and that begins with establishing a safe environment for them, and begin the process teaching the victims that they are in no way at fault,building courage and restoring trust. We have been betrayed. Trust is broken, and a very similar process must be set in place for our healing. Often, the perpetrator will not surrender peacefully, or go quietly. Those among us, who understand the process and have the courage must cause the fucking to stop, Isolate the perpetrators, construct a safe space and institute the healing process. Otherwise, we are all truly fucked.
The presumption that the f*ck*rs could be helped is astonishing. First, they would have to want to change, but narcissists do not do that. Why should they, when, in their own illustrious minds, the rest of the world is at fault?
More to the point: The country must heal, not the f*ck*rs. They must be separated to where they can do no harm. That's what jails are for. Healing them would be a bonus, not a requirement.
In any case: The assumption that the f*ck*rs are responding to some harm inflicted upon then may not be correct. Perhaps they are just greedy, or sociopathic by nature. Focus on the country and its needs, not on healing the criminals who would happily destroy everything.
Excellent work… and 👍🏼for the explanation of the Brit system vs US . The biggest difference being you have no voice in picking the PM - that is up to the party elected . Not sure if that is positive ? … hopefully the elected representatives will have strong brains to pick a good leader . The US system allows for moron voters , gerrymandering cheats , big $$ buy outs . … we are probably subject to more outside influence and corruption. But nothing is perfect right . The US definitely needs to take action to further protect the democratic process…. This administration has poked holes and tested the structure of the constitution. We have never experienced such flagrant disregard for values , standards and principles. But here we are … so new limits will need to be written into law - for ALL branches of government.
We have structural problems, ethical weaknesses , and financial influences that need to be neutered or re written . That will take NEW leadership that doesn’t benefit from the current system…. Insider trading , PAC money and foreign money. Term limits would be the first big step . Overturning Citizen’s United is another . Age out laws are next . Grid districts and not squiggly lines are needed as well . But where are the leaders ? Will they step up and stop the elite , wealthy Epstein class from this power grab? When ???
Soon I hope …. We are reaching the stage of collapse.
Thanks as ever for your contribution to the conversation. It is fair to say that at the time of a General election, although the public is not voting by name for a prime minister, it is known that the leader of the political party who gains power will be the PM. It just means that if he/she resigns, there is no obligation to hold a General Election. - Martin
Ok so it’s a declared leader during the election process … so you are voting for that person. But if he / she loose support, the next appointment by the party comes from within . What does trigger an actual election?
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/calling-general-election
Thank you …. There are many circumstances with which to change your leadership or to trigger an election … but 5 year term is the time span which would demand elections . Too bad the US doesn’t have a “ no confidence vote process “ …. Anonymous voting could solve many of our issues …. Needless to say I think 🍊rump would be out if we had secret ballot voting in the Congress .
Trump & Lutnick’s sons have been benefitting from business deals (14) pushed thro by their Dads — Republicans refuse to address the issue … 🚨 BOMBSHELL: The NYT Just Caught Trump And Lutnick Running An $8.9 BILLION “Critical Minerals” Grift Through Their Own Sons. FOURTEEN Companies. Zero Shame. Republicans Voted To Hide It.
Fourteen companies. $8.9 billion in federal money. Every deal touches a Trump son or a Lutnick son. That's not the appearance of corruption. That's the product.
DEAN BLUNDELL
JUN 29
This is far-far more than a “Do Dems do any better?” BS. Outright criminality, BIGTIME.
I’m afraid this will be the legacy of this administration. The whole debacle has been an exercise in self enrichment and the expense of the many. There MUST be a day of reckoning for those who participated in the systematic theft of taxpayer dollars.
There are two great mysteries in British politics, at least to your friends in the United States.
First, when it became apparent that the vote for Brexit was more an expression of dreams and frustration than a genuinely desired ruling, there were calls for a second referendum to confirm that Brexit was what people really wanted. Theresa May blocked that, saying, "No; Brexit means Brexit." So, what you really have is a Brexit that anyone with brains knew would weaken the UK, that was nevertheless pushed through due to whims of a misguided prime minister. Tragic, eh?
Second, the UK retains a monarch with only one veiled legislative power: The right to dissolve parliament. Why did the queen not do that to disrupt Brexit, to have sent a message that Brexit was foolish and required reconsideration? It is one thing to stay out of politics, but another for a monarch to say nothing while the nation commits suicide.
Despite that, on the whole, the UK has been fortunate to have had wise monarchs in modern times. Today, the United States Supreme Court made the unconstitutional ruling that turns the president into a monarch, enshrining the bogus theory of the "unitary executive" into law. Trump is now, officially, a mad king who can disassemble much of what Congress has created by firing anyone in independent agencies created by Congress, turning the president into a one-man legislative branch. If you thought US politics had been bad before, Martin, you will have plenty more to write about now!
Thank you for the kind words. I try, yet was surprised and pleased to be so praised.
The United Kingdom was a vital part of the world that Brexit was designed to leave. At least to outsiders (although I lived there for a while, many years ago), it seemed fairly obvious that its best destiny was to become among the strongest members of a strengthened European Union, which, in turn, could become at least the equal of the United States. Then, had the United States not (with apologies for the pun) trumped the United Kingdom in the stupidity of its politics, the two together with the European Union could have easily sustained and strengthened the rules-based, democratic world order, even as China grew in importance.
I mourned Brexit. It was like watching an old friend commit suicide. As the disaster approached, I had visions of Queen Elizabeth knocking more gently on the doors of parliament than one might expect from the kings in the movies, striding into the center of the hall, casting a glance about, and then saying — quietly, per her always flawless grace and manners — “Parliament is dissolved.” Regardless of what may have come next, it seemed that we would have surely then been living in a saner and better world. Trump supported Brexit. Perhaps that comeuppance would have helped the United States to its senses, too. It is all so amazingly sad.
Do those of you across the pond appreciate the power of the American draw to always lower taxes? Americans are moved to believe that, if only the evil government would stop taxing them, they would have more money in their pockets, so all would be well. Not enough Americans understand the importance of building together what can only be built collectively, so they become enthused for stripping the government raw. Stupid, really, yet that and the cowboy myth of the superior individual not needing to be part of or to contribute to the collective drives everything. You heard it from the mouth of our acting president, Stephen Miller, when he said, “America is a superpower, so we are going to start acting like one,” as a prelude to the country’s acting definitely like an idiot child throwing endless tantrums.
What an excellent contribution to the conversation, THANK YOU!
There are certainly some legal oddities in the UK when it comes to the relationship between the monarch and Parliament. There is little doubt that Brexit has done serious damage to the UK both economically and socially.
There are those that bemoan the current economic situation we find ourselves in, but I think it’s actually testament to the resilience of the economy that we are still hanging in there given the catastrophic economic hit.
I remain convinced that with the right leadership (and I believe Andy Burnham is that leader), we can rebuild a nation that deserves its place on the global stage. It will take time, but I believe the Farage threat is not as large as the media would have you believe.
On the upside down American situation, I could not agree more. I have a whole raft of thoughts to keep me busy, of that there is no doubt. I think we are both in need of clear leadership that will deliver transformative change - Martin
Disgusting & out of control!
I'm becoming more alarmed as I see this viral spread of intolerance and control spread throughout Europe, shuddering as I see countries lining up to abdicate their freedoms. In US the takeover is not by one man, or small cohort. That group has authored a complete overthrow and has become entrenched through every level of government. Having one man leave won't change their planned trajectory. I appreciate your reasoned explanations of what's happening along with your words of encouragement not to give up hope and the work needed to preserve democracy. Thank you
These are indeed challenging times. What is required is clear unambiguous leadership and that talent is there Deborah.
The Civil Rights Movement didn’t bring instant change, it took years of commitment and dedication to the cause. In our modern upside down world we are looking for an instant fix that does not exist. No gain without pain is still the watch-phrase and we have to dig deep an campaign smarter.
Democracy WILL prevail but it’s a long road to recovery. - Martin
“The wicked become even worse when they are tolerated”
Tolstoy
The core issue in incest is the betrayal of trust. We are experiencing that right now: Being betrayed and fucked by our own. There is, of course, also, the tendency to deny what is happening to us, to keep secret the horrific things being perpetrated upon us. Our perpetrators, if confronted first deny the situation, then possibly try to make the case that this is consensual. Finally, they will blame the victim, disavowing any responsibility for the acts, or the resulting damage. Rehabilitation for the perpetrators is notoriously poor. They are committing these crimes in an attempt to deal with deep psychological damage within them. Truth is: you ain't going to fix that up real soon. In the meantime the perpetrator must be isolated: the fucking must stop.
Then, the real work of healing the victims. Fortunately, there is more hope for the victims, and that begins with establishing a safe environment for them, and begin the process teaching the victims that they are in no way at fault,building courage and restoring trust. We have been betrayed. Trust is broken, and a very similar process must be set in place for our healing. Often, the perpetrator will not surrender peacefully, or go quietly. Those among us, who understand the process and have the courage must cause the fucking to stop, Isolate the perpetrators, construct a safe space and institute the healing process. Otherwise, we are all truly fucked.
Bot t om
Not good!
The presumption that the f*ck*rs could be helped is astonishing. First, they would have to want to change, but narcissists do not do that. Why should they, when, in their own illustrious minds, the rest of the world is at fault?
More to the point: The country must heal, not the f*ck*rs. They must be separated to where they can do no harm. That's what jails are for. Healing them would be a bonus, not a requirement.
In any case: The assumption that the f*ck*rs are responding to some harm inflicted upon then may not be correct. Perhaps they are just greedy, or sociopathic by nature. Focus on the country and its needs, not on healing the criminals who would happily destroy everything.
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