Want to understand what Trump is doing?

"All this talk of buying other countries is nonsense. Starmer please note!" (mum2three).

Both Canada and Greenland have replied to what they see as hostile action. The UK has a strong tradition of strategic partnership with Canada and we share a sovereign. Both Denmark and UK are full members of Council of Europe and NATO. We would certainly help them defend themselves against aggression.

As far as I'm aware Trump hasn't yet threatened us in the same way so why you think "Starmer please note!", is relevant, I have no idea.

Wyllow3

Its an old link but relevant
washingtonmonthly.com/2017/01/31/the-12-early-warning-signs-of-fascism/

List:
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF FASCISM

Powerful and continuing nationalism
Disdain for human rights
Identification of enemies as a unifying cause
Rampant sexism
Controlled mass media
Obsession with national security
Religion and government intertwined
Corporate power protected
Labor power suppressed
Disdain for intellectual and the arts
Obsession with crime and punishment
Rampant cronyism and corruption

Incredibly frightening.

Well it has taken Starmer just 6 months to take the UK from the strongest growing economy in the G7 to a basket case, beat that Trump.

Rula

The Western world is embracing Trump. The leaders are falling over themselves to suck up to him

He won. And that's all there is to it

It's

I'd say the Western World is in fact following polite political protocol, as opposed to "embracing Trump."

MaizieD

Hmm. In the wake of the dreadful air crash in Washington yesterday, I read in Huff Post that Trump's order to suspend all government agencies' workings, in order to weed out DEI employees, has left the aviation authority in charge of airport safety and security without personnel...

Not a comforting prospect

(though, of course, this might have been rescinded by now, as per this article Trump went for Shock and Awe, Now He's Mopping Up'

www.politico.com/news/2025/01/29/trump-rescind-funding-freeze-fallout-00201350 )

These are the kind of examples we will see multiplied - issuing hundreds of orders without consideration to consequences is very, very dangerous indeed. Safety in some cases and life itself in terms of medical care.

Trump is carelessly pulling down structures with nothing in its place. he's trying to undermine the constitution itself.

undines

Oh, and yes, Starmer released rapists and other dangerous criminals so people could be jailed for three years for social media posts

That is a disgraceful accusation, for which you need to cite evidence - if you can.

Failing to prosecute someone for a crime is not the same as releasing a convicted criminal. Below is what The Week said in response to Musk's insane accusations.

hello^Criticism that Starmer bears responsibility for failings in bringing grooming gangs to justice largely stems from a 2009 decision by the CPS not to prosecute suspects in a Rochdale case, citing concerns about the victim's credibility.

Starmer had been in the role for nine months at the time, but "no evidence suggests he was made aware of the details of the case at the time", said the FT.

Nazir Afzal, chief prosecutor for northwest England, reversed that decision in 2011, leading to the conviction of nine men. "The only way we could bring that case was to admit that we had failed these victims when they had first made a complaint in 2008," said Afzal afterwards. He said that Starmer was "100% behind the decision to publicly admit that we had got it wrong in the past".

How many grooming gang cases were prosecuted under Starmer?
Successive inquiries into child sexual abuse in the UK have concluded that police officers, social services and councils consistently failed victims. But contrary to some claims circulating on the internet, "there is no evidence of any organised cover-up", said The Guardian.

No specific data exists for grooming gangs as there is no specific offence – offenders can be prosecuted for causing or facilitating sexual exploitation, or for committing offences such as rape and indecent assault. But there were several significant prosecutions between 2010 and 2014, including 35 during Starmer's tenure as DPP, according to a 2022 report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

theweek.com/news/politics/955638/what-did-keir-starmer-do-as-dpp

Perhaps try getting your information from a reliable source rather than believing the posts of another madman.

The Western world is embracing Trump. The leaders are falling over themselves to suck up to him

No they are not. They are doing the correct and diplomatic thing in order to protect the interests of their country. They are dealing with a maniac and they quite rightly do not want to deliberately put his back up as this would be to the detriment of their countries. They are employing diplomacy. I would love to be a fly on the wall as to their real thoughts.

Handling a playground bully is always challenging, but deliberately irritating him is not the way to go at this stage. There is too much at stake. I am glad that I am not a politician/statesperson at the moment. World peace is on the line.

PoliticsNerd

GrannyGravy13

I am not a POTUS Trump fan however, he is acting (quickly) on his many election promises.

Those who voted for him, I assume agreed with his vision for the USA.

Whether or not he manages to get all through congress and senate, who knows?

It's interesting to see how different people interpret his decisions based on their own values and beliefs.

While some may agree with his vision, others might be concerned about the implications of his policies. Some of his decisions already suggest a shift away from democracy towards a possible dictatorship; a destruction of the constitution.

I do understand that around the world more people currently seem to want what they percieve as a benevolent dictatorship. Sadly, unlike getting rid of a government, getting rid of a dictatorship usually means bloodshed.

What specific promises would you think are most important to keep an eye on to check his move towards either democracy or dictatorship?

In your last sentence, "What specific promises would you think are most important to keep an eye on to check his move towards either democracy or dictatorship"

I would say that one of the more dangerous ambitions is to replace a relatively independent judiciary with political appointees at all levels. They already have a biased Supreme Court because POTUS can appoint judges. At the moment some of Trumps decisions are being challenged in the courts, what happens when this goes.

People moaning about our own country should be proud and grateful we do have an independent judiciary. Checks and balances.

Apologies GG13 I got carried away!

Here is a good CNN article that asks and answers on a number of points

"Trump tests his power. Can he do these things?"

edition.cnn.com/2025/01/29/politics/can-trump-do-these-things/index.html

It asks:
Can he order a mass buyout of federal workers?

Can he freeze a large number of federal funds appropriated by Congress?

Can he detain migrants at Guantanamo Bay on Cuba at a detention facility built for terrorists? (!!?? Yea)

This one takes the biscuit
Does he really believe the US government was funding condoms for Hamas in Gaza

"Why is there so much confusion?
It’s worth taking a closer look at Trump’s plan to buy out federal workers since it is a good example of conflicting messages

undines

I also am far more afraid of Chairman Starmer, Nonnato2. Most of the 'fascism' list applies to Starmer, (communism and fascism being two sides of the same totalitarian coin. ) Instead of 'rampant sexism' we have 'rampant transgenderism', instead of nationalism we have the opposite - the doctrine of multiculturalism, 'don't dare be nationalist or we'll brand you racist and quite possibly lock you up'. And little or no national security - instead open border ideology. Instead of 'religion and politics intertwined' read 'Ideology and politics intertwined'. The arts? - they are fine as long as they support (enforce?) transgender and woke beliefs.
I do not deny Trump is dangerous and not to be trusted but I do not think we should dive so deep into the 'Love to hate' narrative that we fail to notice our own shark-infested waters.

I'd like to clarify some points to ensure regarding the values of freedom, equality, and democracy.

Firstly, fascism and communism are indeed totalitarian regimes that suppress individual freedoms, but they have distinct ideologies and historical contexts. Labeling a democratic leader like Keir Starmer as 'Chairman' and associating him with totalitarianism is misleading and inaccurate.

The concept of 'rampant transgenderism' is not a real phenomenon, but rather a misunderstood representation of the struggle for transgender rights and equality. The movement for transgender rights aims to provide equal opportunities, protection, and respect for individuals who identify as transgender, which is a fundamental human right.

Multiculturalism is not the opposite of nationalism; it's a celebration of diversity and an acknowledgment of the complexities of modern societies. Nationalism, when taken to an extreme, can lead to exclusionary policies and xenophobia. Multiculturalism promotes inclusivity, understanding, and coexistence among people from different backgrounds.

National security is a critical concern, but it's essential to strike a balance between security measures and the protection of human rights, particularly for marginalized communities. Open border ideologies are often misrepresented; most proponents of immigrant rights advocate for fair, humane, and regulated immigration policies that prioritise the safety and dignity of all individuals.

Regarding the intertwining of ideology and politics, it's crucial to recognize that democratic societies value diversity of thought and opinion. The freedom to express one's beliefs and engage in open debate is a cornerstone of democracy. However, it's equally important to ensure that ideologies do not infringe upon the rights of others or promote hatred and discrimination.

The arts have always played a vital role in challenging social norms, promoting critical thinking, and fostering empathy. The idea that art must support or enforce specific beliefs is mutually incompatible with the principles of creative freedom and expression.

Well said PoliticsNerd

Undines

Honestly, it’s ok not to like certain politicians and PMs, in the previous govt I did not much care for Johnson and Truss, but I wouldn’t accuse them of anything which wasn’t true.

To suggest Starmer is either far left or far right is frankly laughable, he’s as central as it comes.

As for him being a “dictator” imposing his “doctrine” of ??? On us all. Starmer was democratically elected under the same (flawed) system we’ve been using for decades. Unlike Trump he cannot just “sign an edict” and enforce it the following day.

All our legislation has to approved by the HoC and then ratified by the HoL, having first been scrutinised by one or more committees or working parties. I cannot think of any process less like Fascism or Communism.

I would say that one of the more dangerous ambitions is to replace a relatively independent judiciary with political appointees at all levels. They already have a biased Supreme Court because POTUS can appoint judges. At the moment some of Trumps decisions are being challenged in the courts, what happens when this goes. (Wyllow3)

Thanks for answering Wyllow. I don't feel totally confident about the answer myself, simply because we have historical proof that one step follows another, follows another, this seems true even if in one area there are some that stand against the corruption of democracy.

Having said that a strong and impartial judiciary could hold back the tide of none democratic acts - I hope so.

“On 17 January, the IMF published new forecasts for the world economy …The UK's forecast of 1.6% growth is third highest in the G7, behind Canada (2.0%) and the US (2.7%) but above France (0.8%) and Germany (0.3%)”

Not such a G7 “basket case” then FGT!

PoliticsNerd

undines

I also am far more afraid of Chairman Starmer, Nonnato2. Most of the 'fascism' list applies to Starmer, (communism and fascism being two sides of the same totalitarian coin. ) Instead of 'rampant sexism' we have 'rampant transgenderism', instead of nationalism we have the opposite - the doctrine of multiculturalism, 'don't dare be nationalist or we'll brand you racist and quite possibly lock you up'. And little or no national security - instead open border ideology. Instead of 'religion and politics intertwined' read 'Ideology and politics intertwined'. The arts? - they are fine as long as they support (enforce?) transgender and woke beliefs.
I do not deny Trump is dangerous and not to be trusted but I do not think we should dive so deep into the 'Love to hate' narrative that we fail to notice our own shark-infested waters.

I'd like to clarify some points to ensure regarding the values of freedom, equality, and democracy.

Firstly, fascism and communism are indeed totalitarian regimes that suppress individual freedoms, but they have distinct ideologies and historical contexts. Labeling a democratic leader like Keir Starmer as 'Chairman' and associating him with totalitarianism is misleading and inaccurate.

The concept of 'rampant transgenderism' is not a real phenomenon, but rather a misunderstood representation of the struggle for transgender rights and equality. The movement for transgender rights aims to provide equal opportunities, protection, and respect for individuals who identify as transgender, which is a fundamental human right.

Multiculturalism is not the opposite of nationalism; it's a celebration of diversity and an acknowledgment of the complexities of modern societies. Nationalism, when taken to an extreme, can lead to exclusionary policies and xenophobia. Multiculturalism promotes inclusivity, understanding, and coexistence among people from different backgrounds.

National security is a critical concern, but it's essential to strike a balance between security measures and the protection of human rights, particularly for marginalized communities. Open border ideologies are often misrepresented; most proponents of immigrant rights advocate for fair, humane, and regulated immigration policies that prioritise the safety and dignity of all individuals.

Regarding the intertwining of ideology and politics, it's crucial to recognize that democratic societies value diversity of thought and opinion. The freedom to express one's beliefs and engage in open debate is a cornerstone of democracy. However, it's equally important to ensure that ideologies do not infringe upon the rights of others or promote hatred and discrimination.

The arts have always played a vital role in challenging social norms, promoting critical thinking, and fostering empathy. The idea that art must support or enforce specific beliefs is mutually incompatible with the principles of creative freedom and expression.

Well quite ..... we are moving so far away from true democracy now.

Trump has been voted in via a democratic system - if he gets his way with his tinkering with basic freedoms and principles of democracy, in future no-one will be able to be voted in unless they toe his line. That is not democracy. He has used it to his advantage by peddling fear, hate and lies and now he is happy to undermine it to secure his power now and in the future.

Pardoning those who have assaulted police officers because they are his supporters is a basic undemocratic act and bodes ill for the future.

Thank you for posts above, PoliticsNerd and Cossy for countering some of the more imo ridiculous posts.

One of them is as regards multiculturalism, because the USA is a very multicultural society, more so than ours in some ways, and has always been* Its accepted for example Mormon beliefs (more than one wife) and Spanish is very widely used in many communities.

Not really. He doesn't know what he's doing. The important question is what is his staff doing. How are they advising him. He wants to be a dictator like Putin. He never will be like Putin. Putin is a strong man, Trump is a pussy. Putin is intelligent, Trump is as thick as pigshit. They are both insane though.

After playing Wordle, I sometimes try to play Connections. It struck me that some connections were very culturally biased and not easy for a non American to understand. Best leave America and Trump as much as possible to plough their own furrow- we don’t have many options ? The UK is not in any position to challenge Trump?

Actually many see the gender movement around 'born in the wrong body' and men in womens spaces as deeply regressive, sexist and homophobic. In this country many left wing feminists oppose men in womens spaces, our government has said they are committed to single sex spaces ( my trust in that commitment is limited but it was their standpoint) many many countries including our own have backed aware from 'gender affirming' care for children, Australia is the latest country to highlight their concerns on the issue. There are many lawsuits against those who practised that kind of care. Lesbians in particular have organised and formed seperate organisations to address these issues. PoliticsNerd has an interpretation of the transgender movement that many would disagree with.

Dickens

Nonnato2

He won. Get over it.

I think that has to be the most pointless comment on GN to date on this subject.

I had hoped we had moved on from that attitude, there was enough of it post referendum. It was irritating then too

I dont think people should get over it. I think it would be a really good idea to look at why people chose a candidate such as Trump over the Democrats. I am hoping that will happen in a few months but I am not that hopeful.

undines

I also am far more afraid of Chairman Starmer, Nonnato2. Most of the 'fascism' list applies to Starmer, (communism and fascism being two sides of the same totalitarian coin. ) Instead of 'rampant sexism' we have 'rampant transgenderism', instead of nationalism we have the opposite - the doctrine of multiculturalism, 'don't dare be nationalist or we'll brand you racist and quite possibly lock you up'. And little or no national security - instead open border ideology. Instead of 'religion and politics intertwined' read 'Ideology and politics intertwined'. The arts? - they are fine as long as they support (enforce?) transgender and woke beliefs.
I do not deny Trump is dangerous and not to be trusted but I do not think we should dive so deep into the 'Love to hate' narrative that we fail to notice our own shark-infested waters.

Bloody hell. Where do you live? Chairman Starmer? Communism and Fascism....rampant transgenderism. ????

Galaxy

I dont think people should get over it. I think it would be a really good idea to look at why people chose a candidate such as Trump over the Democrats. I am hoping that will happen in a few months but I am not that hopeful.

Imo it’s because the Democrats should have put up a new candidate instead of Biden. He should not have tried to stand for a second term. I don’t think Trump won the election, it was down to the Democrats, sadly, losing it. It was obvious that Harris, much as I liked and respected her, was a last minute attempt to replace Biden and it wasn’t really a democratic decision. I don’t understand why they did it. At the same time it’s beyond me that good, decent Republicans politicians and voters were prepared to support someone like Trump. Then again, there’s an awful lot of stuff that’s beyond my comprehension these days.

MayBee70, I agree with you that Biden should not have stood again. Hopefully they will find better candidate for next time.
Meanwhile how is the pardoning going? Matthew Huttle was shot on Sunday in Indiana for resisting arrest. Daniel Bull of Florida has been arrested on another charge.

I agree about Biden, but it is interesting that out of 3 elections, he was the only one able to beat Trump.