leicsmac

Yeah, I think capitalism goes hand in hand with hierarchy, but you're right in that it and realpolitik is the way of the world. It doesn't take a great mind to figure it leads nowhere good, though.

Nah, fvck that hierarchal bollocks Singhy, mate. Politely, of course.

Yeah. Given everything else that's going on and falling into play for them right now, however, I think that one may fall on the "later" rather than the "sooner" side if they choose to do it, given the inherent risk involved.

Pretty much, yes. And the Chinese can just quietly get on with what they're doing.

They've already exported clean energy infrastructure to a lot of sub Saharan Africa. If realpolitik is a contest, then they're quietly winning while not having to do much at all.

On another note, the Chinese must be absolutely loving all of this. Sit back and enjoy (and possibly sell something based on) the chaos. They barely have to do anything.

Call me old fashioned, but I'm not sure "the deal" should take precedence over human lives.

I see, thank you. Perhaps I'm seeing it too shallow, but I have seen a Test team with one win in 17 turn into one that really should have won the Ashes, whitewashed Pakistan away from home and only really failed away in India - which is hardly a novel thing.

Another (rather macabre) outcome of this is that US foreign policy is pretty much entirely exposed for exactly what it is. What small to medium power nation with something on their mind will treat with this administration when they know this could be the result?

Never before has the classic British understatement of an utter clusterfvck been so apt.

That's also an insult to two very good Disney characters tbh. Agreed. Guess my point is that of the two, Vance may actually be the more competent neofascist enabler, apart from Trump's superiority in spinning obvious lies to a room.

Also, it should now be immediately apparent how much of a reptile in a skin suit Vance is - but that's probably an insult to the reptilian community. Trump has bombast, but his VP is a cold, calculating sociopath.

It's fvcking difficult because IMO in the world we live in now both of these points of view have merit. The sooner the world moves away from such realpolitik bullshit, the better.

As per above, it's very difficult when under stress not to take the bait when two bigger bullies are trolling you, particularly when the personal stakes are so high. I just hope that him frustratingly showing Trump for what he is in public isn't too costly.

May I ask why?

... how is it not obvious to anyone vaguely acquainted with the matter that this and most other crypto currency schemes are simply more sophisticated pump and dump?

I'm not passing judgement either way yet. But I do hope that Starmer has an effective plan here.

So many great films for Gene Hackman, personal favourite being Crimson Tide, but the best being Mississipi Burning, IMO. Magnificent actor, will be missed.

You may be right. Here's hoping the damage caused is at least somewhat limited.

I fear it might, I think a few of us have seen this play out before.

It may well do. However, dark comfort though it may be, the laws of physics (in various forms) will end up having the last word if it does. Can't bluff or bully those.

...as they are also doing with Trump's second visit to the table, it would seem. I wonder how that will all turn out for the US and for the world at large, particularly on global issues.

I think Macron is at least toying with that idea and the new German leader seems ready to do it too. I just hope Starmer might do similarly. Pretty much, yes. Say no to him, let him have his tantrum about it, and then see how far he's willing to bluff. The more nations that follow suit, the more pressured he will end up being. That's about right - like you, I do hope Starmer is saying one thing and being prepared to act in another.

Tbh I would have thought that after his first term, especially after January 6th 2021. However, given that since then somehow the ethos behind the movement has survived pretty much every type of criminality apart from actual treason, now I'm not so sure it will fade that easily.

If there had to be a single man to advocate for our species.