Trump tears peace hopes into pieces.

... thanks imaround - lots to digest from your post. You are like our US 'anchor'!

I was particularly interested in a previous post of yours (think it was on this thread but can't be sure) about the possible 'medical' cover-ups - something both the GOP and Dems have indulged in. I thought it was only so-called third-world countries doing that kind of thing!

Yes, I agree Dickens

Oreo

My only problem with Trump and the US is that they won’t go far enough and don’t seem able to get a coherent strategy together.

You are right there - a coherent strategy was required from day-one. A lot of joined-up debate and thinking. That would also require listening to those whose experience and POV might not necessarily align with Trump's, but if it made sense from a military and logistics angle, then it should've been at least considered, regardless.

I believe that's the problem with Trump. The moment he's made up his mind he wants something, or wants a certain course of action, it appears he's totally unwilling to listen to dissenting voices - even those that come from his own party.

If you don't agree with him - you're against him, and he takes it personally because he doesn't have the capacity for self-reflection.

I imagine that, behind the scenes in his own party there's quite a bit of hair-tearing and frustration... we occasionally see it when he says something idiotic, or loses track and verbally wanders down some avenue of thought that only he understands - an expression of dismay, or frustration fleetingly passes over the face of one of his own inner circle.

I fully believe he does understand the negatives, when he knows about them. He still doesn't care. I do not believe for one minute that they tell him much though.

The GOP (and Dems too!) have spiralled into its own "let them eat cake" moment, which is why the Democratic Socialists are winning Primaries. All of a sudden more people are realizing that the US can afford to cover healthcare for everyone and that insurance companies making billions on profits from people dying isn't a good thing.

I said before, this is our opportunity for massive change. I hope we don't mess it up again.

Mamdani is VERY popular right now. He just sent $750k to open a pet food shelter for Manhattan so that people hard on their luck don't have to give up a beloved pet.

He also texted the wealthy by setting a tax on second+ homes worth over $5 million that sit empty.

www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani--governor-hochul-announce-state-s-first-pied-a-ter

Guess who owns a lot of empty real estate in New York? He also just lost 3 times in a matter of days and now must pay out the $5m judgement to E Jean Carrol. The SC denied him twice this week.

Black Rock, the private equity company who buys up all the single family homes and drives market prices to unaffordable levels, has said they may disinvest from NYC because of it. I think that is the point. People are homeless and you are sitting on empty real estate worth millions you a-holes.

If it shows to be an effective strategy, cities all over the US will do it as well on much cheaper levels. At some point, everyone needs to pay their fair share one way or another.

I haven't been posting much because I am just sitting back watching it all happen. It gets more ridiculous by the day. Sending out "poll watchers" to Dem cities and states to intimidate people. The USPS refusing to deliver ballots for vote by mail. They are desperate because they know they are in trouble.

ICE is still killing people. A man was killed in Houston yesterday. We just no longer hear about it because the media has all been purchased by right wing billionaires and the feds are no longer publishing the stats.

As to wars and conflicts in general there’s an old Irish expression ‘speak softly but carry a big stick’ and NATO sure needs a big stick with all the countries in it doing their part.

I agree with much of what you say Oreo, but I would say many other countries sell arms to very dubious countries.

I am just completely anti-war, I think on the whole, across the decades it causes more issues than it solves.

I’m not referring to our two WE, these were necessary for defence!

I agree we need to strengthen our own armed services too and spend more on defence.

So much is corrupt and topsy-turvy in this world of ours, it sometimes makes me despair.

Talking of Gaza, and Ukraine, I would have preferred Trump to “stop these wars” as he promised, than bomb Iran.

Only my opinion.

Cossy

I think, respectfully, we need to agree to disagree Oreo on what is and isn’t appropriate action and language aimed at Iran.

Wars such as these affect normal innocent citizens, who often end up being displaced from their own countries, where will they go? These wars affect many worldwide in many ways and I’m afraid I just don’t think it’s the answer.

I always find it interesting that those countries that also have despot regimes, yet have nothing the rest of the world want or a desire to deprive that country of things ie nuclear capability, are left to continue to commit genocide or otherwise torture their own citizens without batting an eyelid.

Each of us will have our own views, we need to accept gracefully that others may not agree with us.

I’m confused as to why you think we ‘need to accept gracefully that others may not agree with us’? Where have I said that others may not have a different opinion?
Trump is an idiotic man in many ways and corrupt I believe in his dealings with many things, but even he can be right sometimes as in NATO must increase its spending pdq and that Iran is a terrible regime for the rest of the world by getting hellish groups in other countries to do its dirty work.A poster on here made the incredibly naive remark that Iran hadn’t started any wars! Well they did, by arming hamas and encouraging them to enter Israel and conduct a massacre, which then concluded in the Gaza war.They also arm hezbollah and the Houthis among others.The Iranian regime are backseat murderers and war mongers and the US would be doing the Middle East and the West a favour if they manage to ever bring them under control and deny them the chance to acquire
nuclear capabilities.
My only problem with Trump and the US is that they won’t go far enough and don’t seem able to get a coherent strategy together.
That’s my own opinion….other views are available.

Wyllow3

Thank you Imaround I didn't know any of what you wrote and appreciate the information (as well as the hypocrisy shown) clearly thats a "dodge" that can be used for both positive and negative reasons
But is profoundly undemocratic!

I too was very interested in all Imaround explained to us.

Thanks from me too

Thank you Imaround I didn't know any of what you wrote and appreciate the information (as well as the hypocrisy shown) clearly thats a "dodge" that can be used for both positive and negative reasons
But is profoundly undemocratic!

sassenach512

At what stage are the American people going to say enough is enough and demand this demented, evil monster is removed from office? He's obviously a very sick man and the world looks on at his antics with disbelief and horror. Even his sycophants must know he's overstepped every line and he should go before he blows us all to hell and back. None of them have the guts to stand up to him, they stand behind him like grinning, nodding dogs when he spouts his gibberish, it's pathetic.
I just can't understand how he can get away with the abuse and outrageous things he's said to people without someone giving him some back. He certainly doesn't deserve respect for his office because he's a disgrace to his office

You’ve said it all, Sassenach.

Iam64

I also believe Trump bombed Iran as a distraction for his growing problems at home. He operates like an unethical property developer, always they deal, with any lies or manipulation, threats to achieve his aim. He’s a dangerous man, his generals must know this.
His narcissistic personality, combines with the ageing of his brain to cause untold problems world wide

Remind me, when did a war to force regime change ever cause anything posituve

Remind me, when did a war to force regime change ever cause anything posituve

Trump must've been told words to that effect by his advisors, aides, military generals, etc.

You have to wonder whether he has a real grasp of the fallout from the war and the wider regional conflict, not to mention the effect on the global economy.

I have the impression that Trump views his war rather like a child reading one of those comics about conflicts specially designed for an immature brain - lots of colourful pictures and exclamations, "bang", "boom", "pow", "zap" etc.

Mitch McConnel has been hospitalized since June 14th after an unknown medical emergency. No one has seen him since, though his aids and GOP leaders have said they havve spoken to him.

The fact that his wife was in China/left for China at the same time, then said she didnt see a need to rush home because his health didnt warrant it, has not helped.

Enter conspiracy theories.

Kentucky has a new law that has not been tested.

"The renewed focus on how Kentucky handles Senate replacements stems from House Bill 622, a 2024 law that repealed Kentucky’s long-standing practice of allowing the governor to appoint an interim U.S. senator. Instead, the law requires vacancies to be filled through a special election, with the governor’s role limited to issuing a proclamation calling that election.

Under the current statute, a vacancy occurring before Aug. 3 would trigger the process for a special election to fill the remainder of McConnell’s current term. But election law experts say the law, which has not yet been tested in court since taking effect in 2024, could face constitutional scrutiny."

www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4639659/uncertain-status-mcconnell-health-create-legal-firestorm-potential-replacement-vacancy-law/

So the theory is that he has died, but they arent telling anyone until Aug 4th to stop a special election happening to replace McConnel, allowing it to roll into the November election instead.

The current make up of the Senate still gives the GOP an advantage without Mitch, so the GOP is not in a hurry to replace him.

My opinion is that they would wait until November with the hopes that they can win the general election. They flipped 4 Senate seats in 2024, so they may be holding onto that. And Kentucky is complecated anyhow because it is GOP controlled with a Dem Governor and there is huge discourse about executive power. Which is how this whole problem started in the first place as the state legislature repealed the Governors ability to appoint a successor.

Funny how that works isnt it?

This is coming off the heels of the NJ Congressman who missed work for 142 days. His staff said he had a medical issue. He still managed to fundraise, and win his primary.

He returned to work to disclose that he had been in inpatient treatment for depression. Which is great for him, however he has voted to take away this type of coverage for his constituents. To add insult to injury, he kept 4 months of full salary and health insurance without having to go on disability and receive only 66% of his salary, or lose his job, like the people of Kentucky would have.

Before that, there was Kay Granger from Texas. Who was quietly moved into assisted living for months for dimentia while still on the job and receiveing her paycheck.

I am sure there are others from both sides throughout history. Ill have to go look.

I also believe Trump bombed Iran as a distraction for his growing problems at home. He operates like an unethical property developer, always they deal, with any lies or manipulation, threats to achieve his aim. He’s a dangerous man, his generals must know this.
His narcissistic personality, combines with the ageing of his brain to cause untold problems world wide

Remind me, when did a war to force regime change ever cause anything posituve

Mr Trump's activities in Iran were, in my opinion, started as a deflection from the Epstein files. It has been very successful in that regard.
However, Mr Trump, ignoring the intelligence of diplomats and military personnel, was sure the whole situation could be wrapped up in a short time, as in his Venezuelan incursion, covering him in glory.
Inconveniently, his generals were right and he is up a creek without a paddle.

AGAA4

The UK and Germany are acquiring a long range missile.
I believe deterrents are the way forward rather than 'bristling with arms'.

Hi Imaround!!!

You need to give me - maybe others the background to the Mitch McConnel story.

btw, Zohran Mamdani the mayor of New York, the youngest for a very long time, is Muslim and hopefully will help to dispel racism around that faith. Tho NY is a melting pot - but then, itsnt the USA a whole melting pot!

Yes, indeed, AGA that's more how I see it. defence.

BTW I know I'm throwing a lot in this post - re Iran - the picture we have painted in the West is so far from the realities. Iran is Persian - a long, amazing culture that had scientific and cultural developments while the West was stuck in Medieval Times.

The Iran of the current regime is also the Iran of Rumi - Persian culture is one of the oldest in the world. It shaped art, science, and poetry across Europe and Asia whilst we were in the "Dark Ages"
Artist Azar Emdadi, whom I knew some years ago before she returned to Iran, a radical artist, taught me a lot.

Wyllow3

And I remain firmly in my belief that although we need adequate defence. Ur Trump wants us to arm to be actively aggressive because he’s fed up … as he sees it.. of carrying the can

But look at what he does with his war cabinet? Start wars

We do not need what Trump wants us to.. to meet his ideas of what is needed. We have to spend money on preserving out lovely planet not seeing each other agin each other bristling with arms.

Well said 👏👏👏👏

imaround

I meant Farage, but I feel like that works too.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 It sure does 🙂🙂

I meant Farage, but I feel like that works too.

I've been watching your elections Cossy. I don't know enough about your laws, but I did side eye Garage and his antics in stepping down.

Right now, we all suspect that Mitch McConnel is being kept alive on life support until Aug 4th, which is the deadline for a special election to replace him. At least he can't vote while in the hospital.

I would normally not believe this, however the GOP has some history of this kind of thing. The most recent is the member from New Jersey that took 3 months off for mental health treatment.

Rich considering they have taken great strides to take away our mental health treatment insurance coverage.

The UK and Germany are acquiring a long range missile.
I believe deterrents are the way forward rather than 'bristling with arms'.

And I remain firmly in my belief that although we need adequate defence. Ur Trump wants us to arm to be actively aggressive because he’s fed up … as he sees it.. of carrying the can

But look at what he does with his war cabinet? Start wars

We do not need what Trump wants us to.. to meet his ideas of what is needed. We have to spend money on preserving out lovely planet not seeing each other agin each other bristling with arms.

Oreo

It isn’t about helping the citizens of Iran really, it’s about neutralisation of the armed power of Iran in many ways including nuclear.The regime there is an abomination and half the population like what they do.

The reality is far far more complex Oreo.
You are giving USA caricature of both the regime and the people. I have an Iranian friend who has a Sister living in Tehran.

Yes you do not ‘cross’ the regime as in the revolutionary guard

But forces within the guard and the powerful middle classes have softened some of their policies. For example, if you chose as a woman to go headscarf free you now can.

Iran is a huge huge country and can supply its own food needs.

Life is relatively stable day on day. Unless you are getting bombed and all that is doing is setting hearts and minds further against so called western civilization.

They have had 47 years to build up a huge stash of arms. And can make more. They are choosing to bomb adjoining countries to reinforce their control over the Straits.

Trump went on at the beginning about freeing the people. And no nuclear.

The idiot.

Trump will never get an end to nuclear possibilities unless he puts boots on the ground.

Oldnproud

Cabowich

Oldnproud

sodapop

Still for his supporters he can do no wrong. I talk to family in USA and they think other world leaders should be more like Donald. Heaven help us.
Did he really say " The Islamic Republic of Japan" ?

Apparently, yes.
And he mixed up the names of Putin and Zelenski, didn't he (though later came up with some cock and bull story to try to cover that one up)?
Amongst other things.

I believe it was Biden that mixed up the names of Putin and Zelensky (though Trump is just as bad!)

Actually Trump did appear to make that same mistake yesterday with their names - quite a few news sources have mentioned it. Trump, who was sitting right next to him at the time, did then try to make out it wasn't a mistake and he did indeed mean to say Putin, but not very convincingly according to sources I have read.

Sorry, I forgot to put Zelensky's name in my last comment - just to make it clear, it was he who was sitting next to Trump, not Putin

“imaround

Cossy
Where’s Imaround when we need her?

Hope all is ok with her thanks
I am here watching his stupid antics every day. His 250th celebration was a flop and now we are just waiting until November.

116 days until the election. Tik tok.“

Good to hear from you, despite having enough political issues of our own, I too wait with bated breath!

Cabowich

Oldnproud

sodapop

Still for his supporters he can do no wrong. I talk to family in USA and they think other world leaders should be more like Donald. Heaven help us.
Did he really say " The Islamic Republic of Japan" ?

Apparently, yes.
And he mixed up the names of Putin and Zelenski, didn't he (though later came up with some cock and bull story to try to cover that one up)?
Amongst other things.

I believe it was Biden that mixed up the names of Putin and Zelensky (though Trump is just as bad!)

Actually Trump did appear to make that same mistake yesterday with their names - quite a few news sources have mentioned it. Trump, who was sitting right next to him at the time, did then try to make out it wasn't a mistake and he did indeed mean to say Putin, but not very convincingly according to sources I have read.