The Politics Thread

[Blackpool Rock]

US interest rates are hiked by 0.25% for the 1st time in 3 years, Trump got rid of his predecessor for not lowering them but it's good to see the new guy is seemingly doing the right thing for the economy rather than simply buckling under and acting as a puppet although it's not his sole decision but rather that of the board who decide on the rate.

Trump was and still is calling for a cut but while he's openly stating that he's not happy about it he's also not directly criticising Kevin Warsh but saying that the board who vote are "Hostile", i'm wondering however exactly how long Warsh can maintain Trump's support, let's face it it's only a matter of time until Trump does an abrupt about turn and slags him off one day after saying he's great the day before   

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[mills_and_bhuna]

Surprised no one has commented on the furore around Macklemore being axed and all the other support acts quitting Ed Sheeran's US tour in support.
It really is a mask off moment for all the so-called free speech warriors over in the MAGAsphere.
Looks kike Ginger is in between a rock and a hard place.
Maybe Ted Nugent or Kid Rock can step in as support
Or maybe Mike......
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[DastardlyDick]

Bullying

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Trump threatens 'serious tariffs' on EU over proposal to make Canada 'associate member' - BBC News

Time for EU Central Banks to start dumping US Government Bonds?

[DastardlyDick]

So everybody concerned considered them safe, which was the point I made in the first place.

No, the migrants refused help neither the RNLI or their French counterparts can force them to grab a thrown rope so they can be towed back to France.

[mills_and_bhuna]

Bullying

BBC News - External Link/Members Only
Trump threatens 'serious tariffs' on EU over proposal to make Canada 'associate member' - BBC News

Some context.......External Link/Members Only

[Charliehutton]

No, the migrants refused help neither the RNLI or their French counterparts can force them to grab a thrown rope so they can be towed back to France.

Unless you're suggesting that the RNLI and their French counterparts would have let people drown, simply because they refused their offer of help, then they considered them safe.

[bigden40]

Surprised no one has commented on the furore around Macklemore being axed and all the other support acts quitting Ed Sheeran's US tour in support.
It really is a mask off moment for all the so-called free speech warriors over in the MAGAsphere.
Looks kike Ginger is in between a rock and a hard place.
Maybe Ted Nugent or Kid Rock can step in as support
Or maybe Mike......
External Link/Members Only
 

It’s not really a free speech issue though, is it?  I’m pretty sure you know why it isn’t.

And does anyone going to see Ed Sheeran (or most major artists for that matter) really give a shit about who the support act is?

[bigden40]

Bullying

BBC News - External Link/Members Only
Trump threatens 'serious tariffs' on EU over proposal to make Canada 'associate member' - BBC News

Most geopolitics is.

Carney is even dumber than I thought.

[Blackpool Rock]

It’s not really a free speech issue though, is it?  I’m pretty sure you know why it isn’t.

And does anyone going to see Ed Sheeran (or most major artists for that matter) really give a shit about who the support act is?

And a lot (most  ) of people don't want political shit shoved down their throats after they've paid top dollar to watch a live show (as the US guy pointed out)

I know someone who went to watch U2 live about 20 years ago and was well pissed off about all the politics Bono was spouting along with screens with constant messages and slogans flashing in your face like "Ban poverty"
They came away saying it really spoilt the entire show for them and felt more like they'd been to a political rally than a pop concert, as for banning poverty they suggested Bono could perhaps give some of his considerable fortune to the poor   

[mills_and_bhuna]

It’s not really a free speech issue though, is it?  I’m pretty sure you know why it isn’t.

And does anyone going to see Ed Sheeran (or most major artists for that matter) really give a shit about who the support act is?

Go on then .
Enlighten me.
If a billionaire douchebag (buddy of Epstein and Bibi) and his cartel of billionaire douchebag, genocide supporting buddies banning someone from their (taxpayer funded) stadiums for what they say on stage isn't a free speech issue, what is?
I'm sure he will manage to dig up someone as a replacement. Pink? Boy George?
His agent will hacve connections in the entertainment industry.
If any industry is well known for being a hotbed of sleazy opportunist propagandists , showbiz is.

[WARSZAWA16]

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[RedKettle]

Unless you're suggesting that the RNLI and their French counterparts would have let people drown, simply because they refused their offer of help, then they considered them safe.

It is really simple, neither organisation can force anybody to be rescued, not sure why you struggle with that.  If they pull up near an inflatable packed with people and they tell the lifeboat to leave them alone there is nothing the lifeboat can do.  Obviously they are likely to say no to a French lifeboat and yes to a UK one - we might not like that but it is the way it is.

Once they are in the water clearly they will accept help from anyone.

[mills_and_bhuna]

And a lot (most  ) of people don't want political shit shoved down their throats after they've paid top dollar to watch a live show (as the US guy pointed out)

I know someone who went to watch U2 live about 20 years ago and was well pissed off about all the politics Bono was spouting along with screens with constant messages and slogans flashing in your face like "Ban poverty"
They came away saying it really spoilt the entire show for them and felt more like they'd been to a political rally than a pop concert, as for banning poverty they suggested Bono could perhaps give some of his considerable fortune to the poor

If they hadn't already realised that Bono was a prick by 2005 I have little sympathy.
South Park had him sussed early on
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[Jerboa]

If they hadn't already realised that Bono was a prick by 2005 I have little sympathy.
South Park had him sussed early on
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Bono, the frontman of rock-band U2, has come under fire after it was revealed by the New York Post that his anti-poverty foundation, "One", gives only one per-cent of its funds to charity.

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[Charliehutton]

It is really simple, neither organisation can force anybody to be rescued, not sure why you struggle with that.

No struggle at all.

If an inflatable is about to sail into the path of an oil tanker I would hope the RNLI would have the wit to prevent it, rather than leave it alone just because a people trafficker told them to.

[DastardlyDick]

Unless you're suggesting that the RNLI and their French counterparts would have let people drown, simply because they refused their offer of help, then they considered them safe.

That doesn't follow at all - these people were in a boat - an unsafe boat, but a boat. To get them off it the Lifeboat has to get alongside, secure the inflatable to the side and the people on it have to make a physical effort to get off- how do you suggest that's done if they don't want to?

[bigden40]

And a lot (most  ) of people don't want political shit shoved down their throats after they've paid top dollar to watch a live show (as the US guy pointed out)

I know someone who went to watch U2 live about 20 years ago and was well pissed off about all the politics Bono was spouting along with screens with constant messages and slogans flashing in your face like "Ban poverty"
They came away saying it really spoilt the entire show for them and felt more like they'd been to a political rally than a pop concert, as for banning poverty they suggested Bono could perhaps give some of his considerable fortune to the poor

Exactly and Sheeran is a really milquetoast apolitical artist so does t need that from his support.

[bigden40]

Go on then .
Enlighten me.
If a billionaire douchebag (buddy of Epstein and Bibi) and his cartel of billionaire douchebag, genocide supporting buddies banning someone from their (taxpayer funded) stadiums for what they say on stage isn't a free speech issue, what is?
I'm sure he will manage to dig up someone as a replacement. Pink? Boy George?
His agent will hacve connections in the entertainment industry.
If any industry is well known for being a hotbed of sleazy opportunist propagandists , showbiz is.

Ok 

The First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech in the US prevents the government from restricting speech. 

Regardless of that, Macklemore's speech wasn’t restricted by anyone, he was free to say what he said. 

However, his employer didn’t like him using his position to air his political viewpoints and as a consequence he was fired. 

[puntingking]

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Every time I hear Piddington being mentioned in the news I somehow always think of Paddington which is a tube station in London, a film and a musical.

[webpunter]

On the basis that Macklemore has been binned i presume he won't be receiving his $1m tour fee
Sheeran should tell him to off-you-fuck & not pay him
& to cough up on his promise
Seems to me Macklemore self promoting that'll backfire as other artists & venues get the jitters booking him
& there aint a lot of money in streaming sales

Is it really a requirement when going to a concert to listen to artists going on about political stuff ? 💤
& the woke brigade there coming up with bollocks like 'i so agree' 
Its the support act do your stuff not that interested in listening to you anyways please dont drag this out

Now if he had said free Piddington this would be just fine 

[RedKettle]

No struggle at all.

If an inflatable is about to sail into the path of an oil tanker I would hope the RNLI would have the wit to prevent it, rather than leave it alone just because a people trafficker told them to.

They cannot act to prevent it unless the people on board ask for help - simple as that.  If some ask they can do something.

In the circumstance you say they would contact the coastguard to warn the tanker.

They are volunteers no military or law enforcement - they do not have statutory powers to detain people, they just rescue people who need/want to be rescued.

Like the idiots who protest against them you are misunderstanding their role and motives.  Those idiots must be so proud they have closed the Portsmouth lifeboat station.

[webpunter]

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What's wrong with them staying in Britannia hotels ? 
Which are so shite few if any self respecting decent SPs will even think of basing themselves in one
Especially if migrants are still on the premises its not safe for them or punters

There are other hotel chains that have housed migrants lured in by Govt ££
You see them in the media when there are protests
Loads of them look utter shite
The owners must have been thinking close the pile of crap its not making any money turn them into apartments & then along come the Govt 
Put the redevelopment on hold there's guaranteed money with pricing negotiated by half-wit Govt employees
& the hotel owners knowing the Govt desperate for the past few years 

Here's a list of migrant hotels
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& there's a meter showing the cost to tax payers each day clocking up
Its about a grand every 6 seconds WTF

Have the Govt though about using the hotels where the migrants have been evicted [to more luxurious accomo incl. new build apartments] to help solve homelessness especially for single mums with kids who have abusive partners ?
Forces veterans etc
Like fuck they have unless i'm missing something
Far too expensive 
 

[Charliehutton]

They cannot act to prevent it unless the people on board ask for help - simple as that.  If some ask they can do something.

In the circumstance you say they would contact the coastguard to warn the tanker.

They are volunteers no military or law enforcement - they do not have statutory powers to detain people, they just rescue people who need/want to be rescued.

Your response is risible on so many levels. According to you:

1) If a single person on board shouts 'help' they can do something. Otherwise, they are powerless.
2) If an inflatable is about to sail into the path of an oil tanker, all they would do is contact the coastguard to warn the tanker, which would take half
an hour to slow down by a single knot.
3) If they see people in danger of drowning, they will let them drown unless they accept their offer of help.

You seem to struggle to understand that their duty is to rescue people in danger whether they want to be rescued or not.

[RedKettle]

Your response is risible on so many levels. According to you:

1) If a single person on board shouts 'help' they can do something. Otherwise, they are powerless.
2) If an inflatable is about to sail into the path of an oil tanker, all they would do is contact the coastguard to warn the tanker, which would take half
an hour to slow down by a single knot.
3) If they see people in danger of drowning, they will let them drown unless they accept their offer of help.

You seem to struggle to understand that their duty is to rescue people in danger whether they want to be rescued or not.

That is about right. Although in the case of the tanker I guess they could fire a flare etc to try and get the attention of the bridge.

If someone is in danger of drowning of course they will be going to help without being asked. But if that person tells them not to help they have to back off.

Not sure why you struggle so much with the concept of consent. If somebody has capacity a volunteer organisation cannot force them to get onto a lifeboat.

[Charliehutton]

Not sure why you struggle so much with the concept of consent. If somebody has capacity a volunteer organisation cannot force them to get onto a lifeboat.

Point taken.

[mills_and_bhuna]

Ok 

The First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech in the US prevents the government from restricting speech. 

Regardless of that, Macklemore's speech wasn’t restricted by anyone, he was free to say what he said. 

However, his employer didn’t like him using his position to air his political viewpoints and as a consequence he was fired.

You know that's not what happened.
If you're going to ignore the fact that very rich men and women are monopolising the media outlets and now the venues in order to strangle the discussion on Israel and the American empire crack on.
Defending Epstein and his cause seems to be your thing.
Maybe you should change your moniker to BigDersh.

[mills_and_bhuna]

On the basis that Macklemore has been binned i presume he won't be receiving his $1m tour fee
Sheeran should tell him to off-you-fuck & not pay him
& to cough up on his promise
Seems to me Macklemore self promoting that'll backfire as other artists & venues get the jitters booking him
& there aint a lot of money in streaming sales

Is it really a requirement when going to a concert to listen to artists going on about political stuff ? 💤
& the woke brigade there coming up with bollocks like 'i so agree' 
Its the support act do your stuff not that interested in listening to you anyways please dont drag this out

Now if he had said free Piddington this would be just fine 

Sheeran is a fucking hypocrite.
He claims to be apolitical then does a concert for Ukraine and he knows how tied up with Netanyahu his management is.
You forget that the young audience doesn't share your political views.
They're overwhelmingly anti Zionist.
What do you think the purpose of TPUSA is?

[bigden40]

You know that's not what happened.
If you're going to ignore the fact that very rich men and women are monopolising the media outlets and now the venues in order to strangle the discussion on Israel and the American empire crack on.
Defending Epstein and his cause seems to be your thing.
Maybe you should change your moniker to BigDersh.

You know it’s exactly what happened.

And I challenge you to find one post of me “defending Epstein” or retract.

[Punting2022]

Sheeran is a fucking hypocrite.
He claims to be apolitical then does a concert for Ukraine and he knows how tied up with Netanyahu his management is.
You forget that the young audience doesn't share your political views.
They're overwhelmingly anti Zionist.
What do you think the purpose of TPUSA is?

Boycott Ed id say. Free Palestine is not needed anywhere. Be it concerts or protest.
Their protestors are a bunch of terrorist, Always in towns causing disruption. Two tier policing don't punish them

[mills_and_bhuna]

You know it’s exactly what happened.

And I challenge you to find one post of me “defending Epstein” or retract.

His 'employer' was put under pressure, some might say blackmailed, into dropping him by a co-ordinated campaign of threats .
By a cabal of billionaire Zionists. And strangely enough these people don't necessarily own the facilities they use but feel quite entitled to badger and blackmail the local authorities or state authorities into paying for upgrades or the franchise moves location.
So it technically is a first amendment issue.
Sheeran caved and is now furiously trying to save face.
And failing spectacularly.
Sorry about the term 'Epstein AND his cause.
I should have replaced the 'and' with an apostrophe.
Please don't tell me you're going to argue with that.

[mills_and_bhuna]

Free Palestine is not needed anywhere.

It's needed in Palestine

[Jomoore]

Boycott Ed id say. Free Palestine is not needed anywhere. Be it concerts or protest.
Their protestors are a bunch of terrorist, Always in towns causing disruption. Two tier policing don't punish them

In Leeds our pro-terrorists with their Palestinian flags have got a bit confused and are now protesting against data centres.  So that terrorist flag now seems to represent terrorism, eco-lunacy, anti-capitalism, antisemitism and pro-cycle lanes. Tossers.

[mills_and_bhuna]

In Leeds our pro-terrorists with their Palestinian flags have got a bit confused and are now protesting against data centres.  So that terrorist flag now seems to represent terrorism, eco-lunacy, anti-capitalism, antisemitism and pro-cycle lanes. Tossers.

no confusion.
Who wants data centres?
Capitalists.
Why?
So they can hoard all your data for their financial benefit.
Not for the public good.
I think it's you showing confusion.
As for the antisemitism card.
That became transparent to anyone with a working brain years ago.
You'll get there. Maybe.

[Massagemanmr]

In Leeds our pro-terrorists with their Palestinian flags have got a bit confused and are now protesting against data centres.  So that terrorist flag now seems to represent terrorism, eco-lunacy, anti-capitalism, antisemitism and pro-cycle lanes. Tossers.

we are long past all the lame excuses "you hate jews / denying holocaust / love muslims etc" if you criticise israel.

you can't be a dinosaur all your life! 

[Blackpool Rock]

So do we think this is a good use of MP's time and taxpayer money investigating why the UK does so shit at Eurovision 

I'll tell you why - The rest of Europe don't fucking like us and it's even worse since we left the EU, simple now just give me the fucking dosh 

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[Bertiebeenthere]

So do we think this is a good use of MP's time and taxpayer money investigating why the UK does so shit at Eurovision 

NO!

Wait until NI, Scotland and Wales secede then England will get minus pwangs

[webpunter]

So do we think this is a good use of MP's time and taxpayer money investigating why the UK does so shit at Eurovision 

I'll tell you why - The rest of Europe don't fucking like us and it's even worse since we left the EU, simple now just give me the fucking dosh 

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You cant make it up
Clearly nowt else for them to do now how to keep busy appear to be busy ?
I know we'll set up a committee
There'll be trips meetings hotels fine dining & highly paid consultants
Which will avoid the obvious where you hit the nail on the head there'll be loads of other bollox reasons & strategies
The question needs to be asked how much is this shower gonna really cost, all in ?
& then bin it
Who gives a fuck about the ESC some people watching it getting into it as they do = sad fuckers
Then there'll be bollocks about some countries withdrawing if Israel are allowed in & something else for the next one whenever it is
The organisers are desperate allowing Australia to be in it to generate viewing figures & revenues down under
Aussie ockers will laugh at it seeing a bunch of benders & gender neutral sad cunts flouncing around 
Now what are they gonna do if Russia apply to be in it ?
Whilst Putin couldn't give a fuck about the 'contest' [probably never heard of it unless someone tells him] i can see this as a ruse to give the organisers host country & countries participating a problem

[Blackpool Rock]

Trump has banned certain news outlets from The White House and apparently others are to follow.

How about if "The free press" were to all band together and decide nobody would now go to the white house so nothing would get reported 
Normally a President is on air every 2 or 3 days but Trump has a briefing every fucking day spouting his constant bile; drivel and shite 

A boycott of the WH would do the whole world a favour, they could still report political things but without him putting his spin on it, just facts for a change 

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[whiskyfan]

Boycott Ed id say. Free Palestine is not needed anywhere. Be it concerts or protest.
Their protestors are a bunch of terrorist, Always in towns causing disruption. Two tier policing don't punish them

I thought you free speech warriors were all against cancel culture?

In any case the main criticism of Ed Sheeran is that he won't stand up and support Palestine. Highly amusing to see that you've completely misread the situation. Shows your level of comprehension...

[bigden40]

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[Punting2022]

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He gets things done. Uk still humming over falklands.

[DastardlyDick]

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That'll be the "deal" the US struck in 1951 which gave the US 3 bases in Greenland which they chose to shut 2 of to save money.
Harry S Truman - a Democrat - was President at the time.

[sparkus]

no confusion.
Who wants data centres?
Capitalists.
Why?
So they can hoard all your data for their financial benefit.
Not for the public good.
I think it's you showing confusion.
As for the antisemitism card.
That became transparent to anyone with a working brain years ago.
You'll get there. Maybe.

Data centres also benefit anyone who wants to churn out endless funny AI imagery or ones of their hero Nigel stood on top of the cliffs of Dover holding up a sword etc. Or Owen Jones being too cheap to pay a designer.

I recently asked ChatGPT to write a carefully constructed email setting out why I didn't want to travel for three hours to attend a christening recently so I guess I would also benefit.

[sparkus]

He gets things done. Uk still humming over falklands.

For which he's sold us down the Rio Plate.

[Jomoore]

You'll get there. Maybe.

So will you. Maybe 

[Jomoore]

we are long past all the lame excuses "you hate jews / denying holocaust / love muslims etc" if you criticise israel.

you can't be a dinosaur all your life!

I probably can.

And incidentally, do you hate Jews?

[RandomGuy99]

That'll be the "deal" the US struck in 1951 which gave the US 3 bases in Greenland which they chose to shut 2 of to save money.
Harry S Truman - a Democrat - was President at the time.

I don't think any adversary actually wants a presence on Greenland, so if it makes Trump happy that they put that in writing then everyone can get on with their lives and Trump can focus on losing the midterms.

[mills_and_bhuna]

I probably can.

And incidentally, do you hate Jews?

What a strange question.
Do you hate muslims ?
Or Russians?
Or Chinese?
Or people who are forced out of their homes by immigrants ?

[Massagemanmr]

I probably can.

And incidentally, do you hate Jews?

have another go Mr left behind and out of date dinosauraus

[bigden40]

I don't think any adversary actually wants a presence on Greenland, so if it makes Trump happy that they put that in writing then everyone can get on with their lives and Trump can focus on losing the midterms.

You’re uninformed if you think that.

Just look at a globe from the top and you’ll understand the geopolitical importance of Greenland, especially if arctic shipping routes are becoming more navigable and mineral reserves are ready to be exploited.