Boris...

I do agree that some of the classical imagery he uses, like fighting battles to the death, is OTT. Occasionally I do go and look up what the heck he is referring to, some of it is interesting but I doubt whether many even care. I'm guessing for him current strifes have a timeless and universal quality, just like chapters in history.
On the other hand his spoutings aren't unlike those of David Cameron but in a different way. DC used to make references to XFactor and Strictly contestants all the time to appear relevant. Ugh! That was worse! It all made him sound as though he spent the weekend lazing on the sofa watching trash, but I guess that was more relatable for many than the outdated classical allusions.

Alegrias1

Just to say, he's not a polymath. He read Greats and got a 2:1. He learnt to speak French whilst living in Brussels as a child. He has a bit of Spanish and German, I believe. A polymath knows lots of things about lots of subjects, no evidence of that so far although some find the classical allusions impressive, I suppose.

Although some might say the ability to communicate clearly without resorting to classical allusions which many won’t even ‘get’ even more impressive.

Just to say, he's not a polymath. He read Greats and got a 2:1. He learnt to speak French whilst living in Brussels as a child. He has a bit of Spanish and German, I believe. A polymath knows lots of things about lots of subjects, no evidence of that so far although some find the classical allusions impressive, I suppose.

Donald Trump famously said he could “go out and shoot someone and they’d still love me”, it’s the same here with BJ fans, who love him , even his lies and cheating.

I expect if you had a relative who contracted covid in a hospital or care home you wouldn’t think he was “ doing his best” , which is something you’d say about a primary school child. His best is obviously not good enough.

“ even if some find it necessary to boil in their own bile in spite of having survived.”. “...spit venom from their armchair ‘ ?!
Bit OTT I’d say.

To answer the question I’d have preferred to be in N Z or Australia for example, given the decision making style (yes I know different population etc etc) ( Not because I don’t love my country either ...)
I’ve survived yes, but not because of Boris.
I honestly don’t trust him.

Our country is in crisis and we have this buffoon who thought it would be a laugh to be PM leading us. Now that is offensive.

All of this is true imo. But what he is not is a recovering drug addict or alcoholic who has spent any amount of time in rehab "getting clean". His faults are many, varied and serious; there is no need to add fictitious ones to them, he's bad enough as he is. Enough said.

Well said Rosina!

No amount of whataboutery is going to detract from the true awfulness of Johnson, Rosina. Polarbear's post is spot on. Every word of it.

This is spot on

And yes his school reports were less than complimentary - school reports are about far more than how bright you may be.

He ‘taught’ on his gap year at an elite Australian boarding school .

Poor eductional reports? Johnson is a classical scholar and a polymath - he earned a scholarship to Balliol - not easily won - read Latin and Greek, and is fluent in French. He taught English and Latin at one time. Why are some so spiteful, aggresive and insulting, and only willing to carp about what they see as the bad in everything? Look around the world, see what is going on in France and Germany alone, and reflect where you would rather be now. Who would have wanted to lead this country, any country, in the last year? Any offers? So easy to spit venom from your armchair. Of course mistakes have been made. Find a country that has no regrets about some of the decisions made during 2020. For God's sake, give the man a break and let's be grateful that we are alive after this terrible time , even if some find it necessary to boil in their own bile in spite of having survived.

Polarbear2

I’ve thought about whether I should reply to the comments made regards my now deleted post. First, it was made with a light hearted, tongue in cheek intention. I intended no offence to GN members. As for offending Mr Johnson, I doubt he’d be bothered. What I would say though is that, if we’re climbing on high horses, I am offended by people on here saying how sorry they feel for him. He’s a proven liar. A charlatan who has presided over one of the highest death rates in the world. He’s overseen spending of billions of pounds of our money on contracts for his mates. He misleads parliament without blinking. I could go on. He is by far and away the worst PM we have ever had. I remember him running away to hide when the Brexit vote came in. He didn’t want to win. Didn’t expect it. Brexit was just a joke to him. Everything is. I help at a food bank and the numbers needing help increase weekly. It’s heartbreaking. Our country is in crisis and we have this buffoon who thought it would be a laugh to be PM leading us. Now that is offensive. Enough said

Absolutely. It is unbelievable the amount he gets away with. I could give a list but would wear my finger out. I thought Mrs May was appalling, but B Johnson takes the prize for worst PM ever. And yes - He doesn’t look well. Resignation in the autumn and a quick ennoblement just in time for Carrie to be Lady Johnson.

Polarbear2 totally true!

I’ve thought about whether I should reply to the comments made regards my now deleted post. First, it was made with a light hearted, tongue in cheek intention. I intended no offence to GN members. As for offending Mr Johnson, I doubt he’d be bothered. What I would say though is that, if we’re climbing on high horses, I am offended by people on here saying how sorry they feel for him. He’s a proven liar. A charlatan who has presided over one of the highest death rates in the world. He’s overseen spending of billions of pounds of our money on contracts for his mates. He misleads parliament without blinking. I could go on. He is by far and away the worst PM we have ever had. I remember him running away to hide when the Brexit vote came in. He didn’t want to win. Didn’t expect it. Brexit was just a joke to him. Everything is. I help at a food bank and the numbers needing help increase weekly. It’s heartbreaking. Our country is in crisis and we have this buffoon who thought it would be a laugh to be PM leading us. Now that is offensive. Enough said

LauraNorder Excellent post. Thank you for your kind words of support for the PM.

Boris moved heaven and earth over the last four years to become PM. He thought he would be the knight in shining armour presiding over "The easiest deal in history". Well bad luck Boris none of it has lived up to your expectations and you've had the pandemic as well. Instead of seeing a knight in armour we now see a scruffy middle aged man who can hardly string a coherent sentence together.

This - never forget his agenda

trisher agree with you totally.

I thought Carries mum had moved into help?

Do you really think he’s up in the night changing nappies?

He doesn’t even plan what he’s having for breakfast .

He’s planning a wedding ??? Seriously ? How much do you think he will be involved in the planning?

What date are we getting married Carrie ?
What shall I wear Carrie ?
What is the dog wearing ?
Are we inviting Dom ?

MaizieD

^He's had a divorce, a severe dose of Covid and a new baby to cope with, and is planning a wedding. That's quite a lot to be dealing with in addition to coping with a pandemic.^

But this is all self inflicted. Why on earth should we feel sorry for him for being utterly stupid?

I think it's karma and he deserves everything he gets...

As I said, I don't feel sorry for him!