US Politics

[Teddy Eagle]

Whilst Trump might think you can run countries like businesses it’s obviously not true. There are different skills involved. Which in the case of the USA is doubly ironic as Trump isn’t actually even a good businessman.

Musk has no political skills at all. He is using a scattergun approach to deal with issues that require the skills of surgeons. He is making enemies everywhere.

We are witnessing government by executive order. This is unsustainable.

Congress will only tolerate it whilst it suits them. If their own futures are threatened they will quickly turn. That day is not far away.

US national debt is around $36 trillion. Trying to cut that by looking for savings seems eminently sensible.

 

[Stirlingsays]

US national debt is around $36 trillion. Trying to cut that by looking for savings seems eminently sensible.

Going up by 2 trillion a year.

When you look at the possible savings....politically I'd say you can cut 500 billion max.

Anymore than that and you have to cut welfare programs, pensions, Medicaid and so on. Not sure how the GOP gets reelected if they do that.

The only other answer is to grow the US economy on steroids, which is what Trump is trying to do.

The only aspect is can he do it....are the trade tariffs going to work...can he relocate manufacturing back in the US....all the old chestnut questions.

Here only Truss was serious about growing the economy and the establishment made sure she was ridiculed and hounded out. Similar to Trump, Labour are looking to get all their unpopular policies implemented before they have to worry about reelections.....So trimming the easier aspects of welfare, which came from their own party.

 

[Badger11]

Going up by 2 trillion a year.

When you look at the possible savings....politically I'd say you can cut 500 billion max.

Anymore than that and you have to cut welfare programs, pensions, Medicaid and so on. Not sure how the GOP gets reelected if they do that.

The only other answer is to grow the US economy on steroids, which is what Trump is trying to do.

The only aspect is can he do it....are the trade tariffs going to work...can he relocate manufacturing back in the US....all the old chestnut questions.

Here only Truss was serious about growing the economy and the establishment made sure she was ridiculed and hounded out. Similar to Trump, Labour are looking to get all their unpopular policies implemented before they have to worry about reelections.....So trimming the easier aspects of welfare, which came from their own party.

Most experts are saying these cuts are too small and will only slow the increase in the tax bill.

Another opportunity missed.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

US national debt is around $36 trillion. Trying to cut that by looking for savings seems eminently sensible.

Looking for savings is eminently sensible at all times.

Shooting yourself in the feet rarely so.

 

[Stirlingsays]

Most of what they called conspiracy theories had elements of truth to them.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

Most of what they called conspiracy theories had elements of truth to them.

Most conspiracy theories need to be built on a bed of facts or they have nothing to construct their fantasies on.

It’s not the truthful bits that matter. It’s the embellishments that produce wild, unsubstantiated, conclusions that do.

 

[ASCPFC]

Musk is almost bound to become unpopular - quite clever by Trump really. Musk can take the blame for job cuts but a lot won't blame Trump.
Personally, I'd rather people do pointless jobs than nothing at all. Which largely explains Ireland and England's public/ civil service.
When people don't work there is no tax take and, in fact, a higher welfare bill. Notwithstanding the effects on the local economy and areas we've all seen before.

 

[Living In Hope]

Firstly I would say we live in neo/social liberal democracies rather than 'liberal democracies'....as there are significant ideological differences between neoliberalism and classical liberalism.

Even classical liberalism has always been more myth than reality, similar to libertarianism....there are noble aspects to both but they have always been more an ideal than a reality.

Secondly I'm old enough to have experienced the impact on society from moving from a more socially conservative society to a socially and neoliberal one.... and I have to say, apart from technological developments most of the metrics are far worse for most of the people.

That's the main reason that I don't see this sociopolitical model lasting.....because it's failed.

Whatever system you talk about, 'imposes their views' on the majority. The Labour party we have now only got voted in by a minority of the public yet rules over it. As for this 'tyranny', we live in a society where people have arrested every year and in many cases jailed for posting opinions others don't like.....I've said it many times but I had police sent to my door because someone on here didn't like my opinions.....So I would ask you does the society you describe actually match the society you live in.

You are probably more liberal personally than the system you defend.

I would say that while you don't expect the US to protect us militarily that...in effect....when you say your expect them to 'uphold the key values', this in reality means the same thing.

I am not versed in the differences between neoliberalism and liberalism, so can't respond to that, but there are quite a lot of other points I would make.

Firstly our sociopolitical model has over decades given us lives which are hugely preferable to those of the vast majority of people in the world, in terms of living standards, freedom, and social cohesion. Of course these things are suffering currently, but I am not convinced that this is because there are better sociopolitical models.

Our living standards are suffering largely, in my view, due to the pandemic, which had a vast cost yet so many of us appear not to understand that we are all necessarily worse off as a result. Our political model may also be to blame, because whilst at heart I am right of centre and prefer smaller government, our political parties will not trust the electorate (probably rightly) with the necessity that personal tax needs to be higher (but the public sector also needs to be forced to be more efficient and productive), trying instead to burden enterprise with all the cost and unsurprisingly stifling economic growth as a result. The other obvious point on living standards is that we are allowing productivity to be constantly eroded, with an increasingly lazy stay-at-home culture and ludicrous regulation. Only productivity improvements can make the country generally more prosperous - that is economic reality.

My opinion is that reduced social cohesion has two key sources, one being the internet which encourages people to listen only to an uncontrolled echo chamber instead of listening properly to a range of views, the other being inappropriate immigration which is leading to significant segments of the population who simply don't share the values the country was built around, and put bluntly therefore have no place here.

Our freedom is being attacked, and that is what we need to fight for. I am shocked to hear that you have had the police knocking at your door because of your opinions - that is unforgivable in this country unless you are seeking to incite people to go out and murder one another. The country is increasingly feeling more like what I imagine the eastern bloc was like before the Iron Curtain came down, though I would also maintain that we haven't got anywhere near that yet. But it is worrying that it feels as if a specific ideology is invading the public sector, and this must absolutely be stopped.

Last point in this essay (sorry, but it is an interesting debate I think), is that whilst the Labour Party only won quite a small proportion of the vote, they won the election fair and square in the system we have, and I imagine it is many decades since the ruling party gained a majority of votes as opposed to seats. The point is that if the population decides it, they can be removed from power, so you cannot fairly characterise their rule in the same way as, for example, Erdogan in Turkey who has turned that country into a tyranny. I may not agree with them, but do not feel tyrannised by them (unless they attack my right to disagree).

 

[Stirlingsays]

I am not versed in the differences between neoliberalism and liberalism, so can't respond to that, but there are quite a lot of other points I would make.

Firstly our sociopolitical model has over decades given us lives which are hugely preferable to those of the vast majority of people in the world, in terms of living standards, freedom, and social cohesion. Of course these things are suffering currently, but I am not convinced that this is because there are better sociopolitical models.

Our living standards are suffering largely, in my view, due to the pandemic, which had a vast cost yet so many of us appear not to understand that we are all necessarily worse off as a result. Our political model may also be to blame, because whilst at heart I am right of centre and prefer smaller government, our political parties will not trust the electorate (probably rightly) with the necessity that personal tax needs to be higher (but the public sector also needs to be forced to be more efficient and productive), trying instead to burden enterprise with all the cost and unsurprisingly stifling economic growth as a result. The other obvious point on living standards is that we are allowing productivity to be constantly eroded, with an increasingly lazy stay-at-home culture and ludicrous regulation. Only productivity improvements can make the country generally more prosperous - that is economic reality.

My opinion is that reduced social cohesion has two key sources, one being the internet which encourages people to listen only to an uncontrolled echo chamber instead of listening properly to a range of views, the other being inappropriate immigration which is leading to significant segments of the population who simply don't share the values the country was built around, and put bluntly therefore have no place here.

Our freedom is being attacked, and that is what we need to fight for. I am shocked to hear that you have had the police knocking at your door because of your opinions - that is unforgivable in this country unless you are seeking to incite people to go out and murder one another. The country is increasingly feeling more like what I imagine the eastern bloc was like before the Iron Curtain came down, though I would also maintain that we haven't got anywhere near that yet. But it is worrying that it feels as if a specific ideology is invading the public sector, and this must absolutely be stopped.

Last point in this essay (sorry, but it is an interesting debate I think), is that whilst the Labour Party only won quite a small proportion of the vote, they won the election fair and square in the system we have, and I imagine it is many decades since the ruling party gained a majority of votes as opposed to seats. The point is that if the population decides it, they can be removed from power, so you cannot fairly characterise their rule in the same way as, for example, Erdogan in Turkey who has turned that country into a tyranny. I may not agree with them, but do not feel tyrannised by them (unless they attack my right to disagree).

Well you sound like a decent fellow.

Let's leave it at that, because while I obviously disagree with your understanding on these topics I have no desire to argue with you.

 

[Living In Hope]

Well you sound like a decent fellow.

Let's leave it at that, because while I obviously disagree with your understanding on these topics I have no desire to argue with you.

Out of interest I think you said you are a teacher. I am assuming your subjects are politics / philosophy / history ? Just wondering because of the neoliberal v classical liberal thing - don't know about this but you have prompted me to look it up !

 

[Stirlingsays]

Out of interest I think you said you are a teacher. I am assuming your subjects are politics / philosophy / history ? Just wondering because of the neoliberal v classical liberal thing - don't know about this but you have prompted me to look it up !

I was a secondary school teacher but not in the humanities.

I just hold an interest in politics and related areas.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

So overnight we learn that Trump has gone ahead with his threat to dismantle the Department of Education yet no comments here from anyone. Ex teachers included.

Whilst most of the provision for education rests with individual states nevertheless the D o E has an important role providing student loans and support for disadvantaged children.

It will cause chaos and create inequalities across the USA. Is this sensible? Isn’t the job of the Federal government to try to ensure the opposite of such outcomes?

This seems like ideology ruling common sense.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

So overnight we learn that Trump has gone ahead with his threat to dismantle the Department of Education yet no comments here from anyone. Ex teachers included.

Whilst most of the provision for education rests with individual states nevertheless the D o E has an important role providing student loans and support for disadvantaged children.

It will cause chaos and create inequalities across the USA. Is this sensible? Isn’t the job of the Federal government to try to ensure the opposite of such outcomes?

This seems like ideology ruling common sense.

He might have his reasons.

Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to enable parents, teachers, and

www.whitehouse.gov

 

[Stirlingsays]

I'm not one who knows much about the American system of education.

On the face of it removing the middle man bulk of bureaucracy and sending that responsibility back to the individual states could be sensible....don't know. It's certainly true that Trump needs to make savings where he can....if his push for turning the American economy around is going to get anywhere (we are all aware that Trump haters would rather the world burned than see him succeed)....because as we know those who talk about 'hate' the most are usually the ones who feel it the most and so project it onto others.

However, I prefer to be objective where I can be. When it comes to 'disadvantaged children' I would say this.....I don't trust the left with this word, 'disadvantage' because what they consider relevant for that word isn't always what I'd agree with.

Now, if by 'disadvantaged' we mean children with below average IQ or cognitive delay, mentally and physically disabled then I would share a concern here and I'd want the Trump administration to protect these children from changes that would impact them.

However, if we are going to include things like race, gender or sexuality.....something that both social liberals and the left consider disadvantaged depending upon the context all due to their ideological belief systems then I sharply disagree.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

He might have his reasons.

Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to enable parents, teachers, and

www.whitehouse.gov

He no more wrote that than I did!

It was constructed by one of the ideologists who are driving all of this. Those behind Project 2025, “The Heritage Foundation”. Trump is simply a tool. They want to reshape politics in the USA on strict conservative, religious, grounds putting all the power in the hands of an authoritarian President that they control.

How long it will be tolerated is an open question.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

He no more wrote that than I did!

It was constructed by one of the ideologists who are driving all of this. Those behind Project 2025, “The Heritage Foundation”. Trump is simply a tool. They want to reshape politics in the USA on strict conservative, religious, grounds putting all the power in the hands of an authoritarian President that they control.

How long it will be tolerated is an open question.

The President doesn't write every press release out of the White House? How astonishing.

 

[Badger11]

I'm not one who knows much about the American system of education.

On the face of it removing the middle man bulk of bureaucracy and sending that responsibility back to the individual states could be sensible....don't know. It's certainly true that Trump needs to make savings where he can....if his push for turning the American economy around is going to get anywhere (we are all aware that Trump haters would rather the world burned than see him succeed)....because as we know those who talk about 'hate' the most are usually the ones who feel it the most and so project it onto others.

However, I prefer to be objective where I can be. When it comes to 'disadvantaged children' I would say this.....I don't trust the left with this word, 'disadvantage' because what they consider relevant for that word isn't always what I'd agree with.

Now, if by 'disadvantaged' we mean children with below average IQ or cognitive delay, mentally and physically disabled then I would share a concern here and I'd want the Trump administration to protect these children from changes that would impact them.

However, if we are going to include things like race, gender or sexuality.....something that both social liberals and the left consider disadvantaged depending upon the context all due to their ideological belief systems then I sharply disagree.

Education has always been the responsibility of the individual states, unlike us the US is a Federal system.

So rather than ask why abolish the department the more correct question is why did it exist in the first place?

Unless congress is prepared to take over responsibility for education which they are not it's just another interfering quango.

If the voters are not happy with the quality of education in their state then they know what they need to do.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

Education has always been the responsibility of the individual states, unlike us the US is a Federal system.

So rather than ask why abolish the department the more correct question is why did it exist in the first place?

Unless congress is prepared to take over responsibility for education which they are not it's just another interfering quango.

If the voters are not happy with the quality of education in their state then they know what they need to do.

If you follow that argument to its logical conclusion then what’s the point of the USA? Why not let each state do everything?

The answer is subsidiarity. The principle of deciding that some things are better done collectively whilst others better done individually. Defence being a clear example of the first. Until recently it was applied beyond country boundaries to include those with similar standards and needs.

If you seek to improve the education of the whole country then you need a country wide strategy to achieve it. If you only care about costs then you cut out everything that doesn’t relate to your own survival or ability to make money.

 

[eaglesdare]

In terms of the education bill just signed. It was part of Trump's manifesto that the public voted on as part of democracy.

So far so good promises made and promises kept. A lot more than I can say about two tier kier.

 

[cryrst]

So overnight we learn that Trump has gone ahead with his threat to dismantle the Department of Education yet no comments here from anyone. Ex teachers included.

Whilst most of the provision for education rests with individual states nevertheless the D o E has an important role providing student loans and support for disadvantaged children.

It will cause chaos and create inequalities across the USA. Is this sensible? Isn’t the job of the Federal government to try to ensure the opposite of such outcomes?

This seems like ideology ruling common sense.

Well usaid was proven to be full of crap and corruption, the military the same and education will be the same.
As they say the truth hurts and they are not dismantling it. They are finding the corruption and stopping it, including destroying the woke alphabet dross that is drilled into babies. As I said having a horse doesn’t make an opinion more valid !