Trump

Germanshepherdsmum

It seems that AlwaysSmiling would rather these people were just allowed onto the streets, with no money and, without papers, no ability to find lawful work. Now what might be the result of that?

I have never heard of asylum seekers being housed in five star hotels but am happy to be corrected if someone can provide evidence.

Unfortunately I see in AlwaysSmiling’s attitudes a great similarity to those of Trump’s followers in the US.

I was thinking the same, GSM.

And even if asylum seekers - or the homeless - are being housed in five star hotels, I very much doubt that they are getting anything more than one star service, a far cry from the image that certain papers like to feed to their readers.

AlwaysSmiling

I would also vote for Trump. If he was the Prime Minister of The UK perhaps we would not be inundated with immigrants taking all our hard earned money. But sadly, all we have is a weak kneed little twerp in charge of toffee nosed born with a silver spoon in their mouths people.

Trump did not solve the immigrant problem when he was in office. He built a few shoddy walls that are easily penetrable. His main accomplishment was forking out tax deductions for billionaires. This lead to huge debts. Glad you are not voting !

The Abraham Accords was flawed right from the start, as the 'Palestinian' side of the situation was ignored, with the tragic consequences we now see on a daily basis for both Gazans and Israelis.

MayBee70

Has anyone seen the programme that was made about the way Trump treated people in Scotland when he built a golf course there? I don’t know if it’s still available to watch but DH has been talking about it for years.

"You've been Trumped" l watched it at the time. I think it's available online but pay to view.

What AlwaysSmiling was trying to get across, as was I, is that we would prefer Trump over Biden. Neither of us are talking about his policies re immigrants. We are entitled to our opinions even if you don’t understand them. I see another point of view having dealt with and befriended many Americans who are not from the north and New York. I don’t particularly like the man, he is deeply flawed but that is what is on offer just now.

Oldnproud

Germanshepherdsmum

It seems that AlwaysSmiling would rather these people were just allowed onto the streets, with no money and, without papers, no ability to find lawful work. Now what might be the result of that?

I have never heard of asylum seekers being housed in five star hotels but am happy to be corrected if someone can provide evidence.

Unfortunately I see in AlwaysSmiling’s attitudes a great similarity to those of Trump’s followers in the US.

I was thinking the same, GSM.

And even if asylum seekers - or the homeless - are being housed in five star hotels, I very much doubt that they are getting anything more than one star service, a far cry from the image that certain papers like to feed to their readers.

I believe the hospitality industry in the UK suffered considerably when, obviously, demand fell at the outbreak of, and during, the pandemic.

What I can remember from what I read a couple of years ago or so, there were those that were considering closing down or were hanging on by a thread or two. Then the government stepped in and offered to commandeer some of the failing hotels to house immigrants because of the numbers and because they had nowhere to house them - 5 star, 2 star - all were affected. This enabled the hotels to remain in business.

Like you, I doubt they were getting 5-star room service. As portrayed by certain sections of the media. What was happening was that they were being largely confined to their rooms during lockdown - for obvious reasons- and any 'room service' was to stop them wandering around and possibly spreading the virus.

I don't know what is happening now, but I really don't think hotel staff are running around in black trousers and white waist-coats bearing silver salvers with delectable dishes of food. I believe it's very basic foodstuff and, now the pandemic wave is over those that are still in hotels might well be compelled to eat in a communal area.

It was also claimed by some far-right activists that they were being given £40 per week to spend. The reality is that they were given £5 per week for things like 'phone credit. All verifiable.

It's not an ideal situation, but this mischief-making by far-right activists like Tommy Robinson really don't help.

nanna8

What AlwaysSmiling was trying to get across, as was I, is that we would prefer Trump over Biden. Neither of us are talking about his policies re immigrants. We are entitled to our opinions even if you don’t understand them. I see another point of view having dealt with and befriended many Americans who are not from the north and New York. I don’t particularly like the man, he is deeply flawed but that is what is on offer just now.

Well AwaysSmiling certainly was talking about immigrants.

We have family on the West Coast and they certainly don’t want Trump back as POTUS.

I think most of us agree that both Trump and Biden are far too old, however Biden clearly isn’t mentally deranged!

Did anyone see the news clip yesterday of Biden saying ‘I will get into trouble if I answer questions’.

Who from? His minders? His PR team?

Then, most worryingly, he just stared off to a point ahead of him for a full 15 seconds. In a crowded room. His audience just waiting ….

You try it yourself now. 15 seconds is an awfully long uncomfortable silence in a discussion group.

I’m sorry for the man. His wife should (ought to) encourage him to step down. Watching him makes me feel uncomfortable to be honest. I feel like I’m taking part in a spectator sport - waiting (but hoping he doesn’t) for him to trip up, slip down some steps, muddle his words up. It isn’t right. Most of us can see it and know it. The poor man. If he were my relative I’d be looking out for his well being.

Urmstongran

Did anyone see the news clip yesterday of Biden saying ‘I will get into trouble if I answer questions’.

Who from? His minders? His PR team?

Then, most worryingly, he just stared off to a point ahead of him for a full 15 seconds. In a crowded room. His audience just waiting ….

You try it yourself now. 15 seconds is an awfully long uncomfortable silence in a discussion group.

I’m sorry for the man. His wife should (ought to) encourage him to step down. Watching him makes me feel uncomfortable to be honest. I feel like I’m taking part in a spectator sport - waiting (but hoping he doesn’t) for him to trip up, slip down some steps, muddle his words up. It isn’t right. Most of us can see it and know it. The poor man. If he were my relative I’d be looking out for his well being.

It’s very sad! I also think the strain of POTUS really takes it toll on most Presidents. Who’d really want that awful job!

At the risk of being accused of ageism, I think both front runners are too old to be POTUS.

There is a fine line between years of experience and when our brains and bodies begin to slow down.

Trump has been making similar mistakes frequently lately.
Be warned Urmstongran, if we make it to near eighty it will happen to us too.
www.bu.edu/articles/2024/trump-biden-signs-of-cognitive-decline/

*Might happen Casdon.
My Scottish stepfather is 92 and as sharp as a tack. 😊

You’re right, it’s not inevitable, but it’s the norm for it to happen, so it’s a rare person who is as sharp at eighty as they were at 40. My mum is another one who is still very sharp at 95, but sadly my dad who is the same age isn’t.

Dickens
From the Government.UK site entitled Asylum Support, asylum seekers who are allocated living accommodation with meals ie. a hotel, will receive £8.86 per person living in their household per week. In addition pregnant women receive an additional £5.25 per week. A baby under one year will receive an additional £9.50, and a child aged one to three years receives an additional £5.25 per week.
If asylum seekers don’t live in a hotel but are assigned a different place to live, they do not pay rent, and receive £49.18 per person in the household for food, clothing, and toiletries per week. Children are entitled to go to school and may get free school meals. Some additional grants are available such as maternity grants payable at £300, but it must be applied for. In addition all asylum seekers receive free prescription medications, free dental care, free eye sight tests, and help paying for glasses. It’s not made clear who pays for council tax or energy costs, but I presume those are paid by government or councils.
I just thought I’d look it up and set the record straight. It’s certainly not a fortune but I have no doubt it costs the country a great deal of money.

GrannyGravy13

At the risk of being accused of ageism, I think both front runners are too old to be POTUS.

There is a fine line between years of experience and when our brains and bodies begin to slow down.

I agree.

Casdon

Trump has been making similar mistakes frequently lately.
Be warned Urmstongran, if we make it to near eighty it will happen to us too.
www.bu.edu/articles/2024/trump-biden-signs-of-cognitive-decline/

The difference Casdon is that we won’t be running for the Prime Minister of this country, let alone the premiership of the most powerful country in the west.

GrannyGravy13

At the risk of being accused of ageism, I think both front runners are too old to be POTUS.

There is a fine line between years of experience and when our brains and bodies begin to slow down.

I completely agree

Cossy

GrannyGravy13

At the risk of being accused of ageism, I think both front runners are too old to be POTUS.

There is a fine line between years of experience and when our brains and bodies begin to slow down.

I completely agree

I agree, too.

But, if I had to make a choice I would go for the sane and experienced, if forgetful, politician, who has done good things for the US economy, rather than the incoherent insurrectionist charlatan.

Was anyone surprised Nikki Haley bowed out?

Thanks for all that information maddyone

In addition all asylum seekers receive free prescription medications, free dental care, free eye sight tests, and help paying for glasses

Dare I say you can understand why they’re so keen to get here.

maddyone

Casdon

Trump has been making similar mistakes frequently lately.
Be warned Urmstongran, if we make it to near eighty it will happen to us too.
www.bu.edu/articles/2024/trump-biden-signs-of-cognitive-decline/

The difference Casdon is that we won’t be running for the Prime Minister of this country, let alone the premiership of the most powerful country in the west.

I know. They are both too old and showing signs of cognitive decline, and should bow out.

Juliet27

Thanks for all that information maddyone

In addition all asylum seekers receive free prescription medications, free dental care, free eye sight tests, and help paying for glasses

Dare I say you can understand why they’re so keen to get here.

Juliet27

Dare I say you can understand why they’re so keen to get here

For not even a tenner a week? Of course 🤷

Totally agree Casdon.

I wasn’t really commenting on why asylum seekers want to come here, I just decided to look up what exactly they are entitled to, since there seem to be varied opinions on that, and I wanted the facts. For instance, I’ve regularly seen it claimed that asylum seekers get £40 per week for expenses such as toiletries but they don’t, they only get that amount if they are living in accommodation without meals provided, and they have to buy food and other essentials from that amount. That’s why I looked it up. It’s all there on the Government website.

Obviously the fact that we look after asylum seekers will be a pull factor in their decision to come here. However I’ve seen it reported recently that a few have been so disappointed that they’ve decided to go back to France (I’m really not sure why they want to go back to France because they certainly don’t look after them there.) To be honest I’m not that sure how many are wanting to do this, but maybe the EU is a pull factor as they can move freely around there, especially if eventually they get citizenship.