Trump Blimp

Iam
I’m sure that most who object ( mildly) to the blimp is that it’s rude and childish and ( in the end) pointless, because he isn’t going anywhere near.
Demos or marches are more effective.
I doubt it matters that much though to most of us, if it flies or doesn’t.

lemongrove - we can disagree about the Blimp, it makes me smile, makes others irritated. It is ensuring the Donald's visit gets lots of publicity so I suppose he may even feel it's a beautiful balloon, the most beautiful balloon in the country. Alternatively, he may become very cross indeed.

I have been on many marches and used to believe they are effective. A good friend tells me research says otherwise. I marched against the invasion of Iraq, along with half the country it seemed at the time. It didn't work, did it and we live with the consequences.

I do hope I'm not talking myself out of political protest here.

Iam but sometimes it’s just right to demonstrate your opposition to something isn’t it? A march, a blimp, a letter to the paper, a petition - as to effectiveness, well hindsight is a wonderful gift.

If I was able to go on the march I would, even if it is not effective, it shows the opposition to what Trump stands for is alive and kicking, and I like the feeling of solidarity with like minded people. At first I was in two minds about the Blimp, but on reflection I think it's very appropriate for the intended target. Did anyone see the Panorama prog last night?

Demos or marches are more effective

I think that its more that they are more dignified than sitting behind a computer crowd funding a blimp!

for disclosure I've "sat behind my computer" crowd funded lots of anti trump groups but mainly funds that provided lawyers etc to groups affected by his policies.

Trump is a bad man, a petty fascist. I'd approve of empty streets and turning of backs. The Queen has to do her duty which in this case is to act the cardboard cutout. It's a shame that she has to touch his flesh.

It is ensuring the Donald's visit gets lots of publicity
That's my argument against it
A deafening silence would be preference - and no visual but silent protests either.
There's nothing an egotist dislikes more than being ignored.

He doesn't like being poked fun at either.

Trump said today he expects the U.K. to be “in turmoil”. I’m sure he won’t see the blimp and he will tweet about the mess the UK is in.

he expects the U.K. to be “in turmoil”
So Keep Calm and Carry On Everyone

I think this action is disgraceful. We are supposed to be a civilised country in the 21st Century. You don't have to like Trump or agree with him, but he should be given the respect of a visiting head of state. Anyone in authority condoning this proposed action should perhaps look at themselves, it is wrong and two wrongs don't make a right.

I sometimes feel very sorry for the Queen. I am sure she is a genuinely nice person. She has been dutiful beyond reproach in her service to our country and she is still expected, in her nineties, when most other folk have long retired, to shake hands with dreadful people like Trump.

Thank goodness she is in her nineties, varian, otherwise ..... I'm sure ykwim.

maryeliza - of course I agree, sometimes it's impossible not to demonstrate opposition to something, or in this case, someone.
I've just seen a news item about a toddler, alone with no parent or legal representation being asked by a Judge in a US course, if he understands the legal issues surrounding immigration. the report states the little boy asked for water. He was later removed from the court, by officials, screaming.

If this report is true and I've no reason to believe it isn't - of course its right that we demonstrate against this vile man. I believe he has no right to the respect often shown towards a visiting head of state.

He isn't fit for the office he holds.

Trump said today he expects the U.K. to be “in turmoil”. I’m sure he won’t see the blimp and he will tweet about the mess the UK is in.

thats why the best "protest" would be to act like a grown-up civilised people and not behave in any way that he can use in his favour

Trump is the elected President of the US whatever anyone thinks of him and I am ashamed of Khan for going along with this. Then again I do think Khan is the most unqualified person ever to hold political office in this country so would expect nothing less from him.

I think its foul.. absolutely ridiculous, and childish.

Do explain Beau

My opinion is the inflatable has become an unnecessary focus of the protests - which are happening around the UK, not just London. The Mayor of London was also voted into his position so how about giving him the respect of his office (I'm a lifelong Londoner and I voted for him).

I have American friends who find the blimp idea funny. Trump -a World Leader who tossed sweets across the table at the German Prime Minister (would he have done that to a man) - his disdain of women is appalling.

Trump blimp, fine by me. He's a bad man, a dreadful politician, hold him up for ridicule.

In what way is Khan “the most unqualified person ever to hold political office “??? Because his dad was an immigrant bus driver? He’s been an MP and a lawyer, got more votes in a fair election. More qualifications than Trump for political office that’s for sure

Come on Beau some of us are waiting for your explanation - is it what some of us are thinking? You know the Martin Luther King dream about how his children would be judged. Given his achievements and qualifications, his experience, then quite frankly there is only one explanation isn’t there?

I think the best British and dignified way to show our disapproval of DT is empty streets and no crowds wherever he goes. Sadly I can't see that happening, there will always be hordes of media at least.

Possibly then, everyone, all over the UK, turning their back to him as his car passes through, and no noise at all. ? I'm sure he hates being ignored more than anything.

Well I ll be there is spirit turning my back on him and in my head mooning him Oh er naughty missus
I dislike the man and all he’s stands for so much I can’t speak

Well we will well and truly shoot ourselves in the foot with this one. We have accused Russia of murder, the rest of Europe hate us, we are well on the way to adding the USA to the list of “enemies” too. Maybe we could strike up a trade deal with the North Poll ? Would that keep our manufacturing industries busy ?

Gilly, why do you say the rest of Europe hate us? Every other European who has raised the issue of Brexit with me has expressed surprise and sorrow at the Leave result. I've not felt any animosity at all during visits to other parts of Europe.
The relationship between Britain, Europe and the US , as well as other parts of the world is so well established I can't see that this balloon and the protests will do anything to rock that. Trump is doing his best to ensure America is "hated".