US Politics

[Stirlingsays]

I think you are giving Trump's base far too much credit.

They are not exposed to reporting that tells them the sort of things that remotely questions their beloved leader.

And if you tell them something and then clap loudly they will instantly forget what you just told them.

Are you actually exposing yourself to the other side? Is your criticism of the US right something that could be applied to yourself here?

You think his base don't listen to Tucker Carlson, Megan Kelly, Alex Jones, Greene and others? There is literally a war going on Trump's policies on war, immigration and spending. Every day his base are receiving criticism of Trump from the right.

Unlike what happened when the Democrats had Biden and what's her face....there is far far more criticism of Trump than they ever had for them. The left don't allow criticism of themselves and indeed banned the release of their report to the public on why they lost in 2024.

 

[Common Sense Club]

But if everyone who could did..?

Right now the grid probably couldn't take it.

And beyond that there is so much work to do to make it more inclusive.

That is what we must work to.

Strange how the government can demand that 1.5 million houses are built but not demand that solar panels are part of the approval, which would take some need away from the grid.
Until there is genuine grown-up and joined-up thinking we will forever be in a state of substandard infrastructure trying to cope with increasing demand.
As an aside, the Guardian has an interesting article on how the AI industry appears to underestimate it’s potential carbon footprint by 4/5ths when applying for planning permission to build these giant complexes; 2 in Essex and 1 in Lincolnshire.

 

[chris123]

Strange how the government can demand that 1.5 million houses are built but not demand that solar panels are part of the approval, which would take some need away from the grid.
Until there is genuine grown-up and joined-up thinking we will forever be in a state of substandard infrastructure trying to cope with increasing demand.
As an aside, the Guardian has an interesting article on how the AI industry appears to underestimate it’s potential carbon footprint by 4/5ths when applying for planning permission to build these giant complexes; 2 in Essex and 1 in Lincolnshire.

And water I'd guess ai sites.

 

[Stirlingsays]

I know some approve of the Iran war however the toll on Trump's numbers is significant.

The economy should have been the number one aim once he had sorted the border out with deportations being an issue for his base issue and while important it isn't the same impact as the economy.

He can use voter ID and other restrictions to migrate for now the Democrat's attempts to demographically steal elections.

Trump hasn't been improving the cost of living for the vast majority of voters.

The Financial Times, citing surveys, writes that more than half of American voters disapprove of Trump's actions in the economy and the war with Iran.

'The most alarming signal for Republicans is that more than half of registered voters - almost 58% - said they 'strongly' or 'to some extent' disapprove of the president's actions in this area. More than half - almost 54% - of voters said they 'strongly' or 'to some extent' disapprove of Trump's actions regarding the war in Iran. Just under a third said they approve,' writes the FT.

The war in Iran is a divisive issue within his own base but outside of that base it's much worse.

At the same time, more than 54% disapprove of Trump's work as president in general, and only 39% approve.

 

[ASCPFC]

Strange how the government can demand that 1.5 million houses are built but not demand that solar panels are part of the approval, which would take some need away from the grid.
Until there is genuine grown-up and joined-up thinking we will forever be in a state of substandard infrastructure trying to cope with increasing demand.
As an aside, the Guardian has an interesting article on how the AI industry appears to underestimate it’s potential carbon footprint by 4/5ths when applying for planning permission to build these giant complexes; 2 in Essex and 1 in Lincolnshire.

Heard that data centres use a massive percentage of Ireland's electricity. We then get refused planning permission for houses due to no electrical capacity being available. Clear corruption - as per usual. As for infrastructure - that's literally a f***ing joke here. But keep it under your hat.

 

[silvertop]

Are you actually exposing yourself to the other side? Is your criticism of the US right something that could be applied to yourself here?

You think his base don't listen to Tucker Carlson, Megan Kelly, Alex Jones, Greene and others? There is literally a war going on Trump's policies on war, immigration and spending. Every day his base are receiving criticism of Trump from the right.

Unlike what happened when the Democrats had Biden and what's her face....there is far far more criticism of Trump than they ever had for them. The left don't allow criticism of themselves and indeed banned the release of their report to the public on why they lost in 2024.

I bow to your superior knowledge on the attacks Trump is receiving from his own side. It is healthy that he is, but I remain convinced that many of those who vote for him do not connect with Carlson et al at all.

But I am not sure Democratic support is as toadying as you suggest. Their ranks are stuffed with highly educated and influential types who all have an opinion and who are physically incapable of keeping them to themselves. The term "chattering class" was, after all, created for them.

 

[Stirlingsays]

I bow to your superior knowledge on the attacks Trump is receiving from his own side. It is healthy that he is, but I remain convinced that many of those who vote for him do not connect with Carlson et al at all.

Well, I think there's a certain truth that the influence of even the most popular individual has a limit....as we know politics is boring for the majority of people. But it's not just Carlson or course but I take the point.

But that war is happening regardless, and it does have an effect.....but the economy will have the largest influence......no doubt about it.

But I am not sure Democratic support is as toadying as you suggest. Their ranks are stuffed with highly educated and influential types who all have an opinion and who are physically incapable of keeping them to themselves. The term "chattering class" was, after all, created for them.

Well, until their pin up George Clooney wrote that op ed on Biden they were all singing from the same hymn sheet. But again, I take the point.

 

[ASCPFC]

I bow to your superior knowledge on the attacks Trump is receiving from his own side. It is healthy that he is, but I remain convinced that many of those who vote for him do not connect with Carlson et al at all.

But I am not sure Democratic support is as toadying as you suggest. Their ranks are stuffed with highly educated and influential types who all have an opinion and who are physically incapable of keeping them to themselves. The term "chattering class" was, after all, created for them.

The Democrat pragmatists know that woke won't cut it in America. The blue collar will never accept it. The idealists want a woke/ DEI candidate and accept anything and everything. It's a bit like Labour in the UK.
Republican split is Trump, yes or no. Far more simple. They've stuck by him to win but the knives are out soon enough - as he looks like a loser now.
And Stirling's that it is the economy is pretty correct for the US - and pretty much every where really.
People would barely even complain about ridiculous immigration if the economy were doing well and there was decent hope for the future. The current misquiet stems from the bleak economic outlook that the politicians won't admit. I get good money, and I can't afford many extras. I wouldn't have much of a life if I were paying rent.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

Heard that data centres use a massive percentage of Ireland's electricity. We then get refused planning permission for houses due to no electrical capacity being available. Clear corruption - as per usual. As for infrastructure - that's literally a f***ing joke here. But keep it under your hat.

Why do you suspect corruption?

Ireland has long attracted such investment and may well have underestimated the power demands of modern data centres. It’s not really surprising.

 

[ASCPFC]

Why do you suspect corruption?

Ireland has long attracted such investment and may well have underestimated the power demands of modern data centres. It’s not really surprising.

They use the majority of our electricity whilst we pay the highest prices for electricity in Europe. Maybe the world for all I know.
You can naively believe all the press about Ireland you like. There is a very controlled narrative as the entire media relies on state handouts. The truth of Ireland is brown envelope galore - for everything. That and nepotism that isn't hidden whatsoever.
The most cursory investigation into anything will tell you that.
Look up the Dail bikeshed if you want a laugh. But that's just one of many. They built another one the other day. Despite the first one. First they slap you in the face, then they slap you on the other cheek.
The news doesn't get abroad. Don't want to put the tourists off.

 

[silvertop]

Well, I think there's a certain truth that the influence of even the most popular individual has a limit....as we know politics is boring for the majority of people. But it's not just Carlson or course but I take the point.

But that war is happening regardless, and it does have an effect.....but the economy will have the largest influence......no doubt about it.



Well, until their pin up George Clooney wrote that op ed on Biden they were all singing from the same hymn sheet. But again, I take the point.

I heard a witty comment (by a Jewish bloke before we descend down that hole again) that if you fill a room with Jews, they will agree on nothing except Israel.

Likewise, the educated metropolitan elite but on all subjects.

How they kept them all singing from the same sheet for so long is testament to some serious strong arming somewhere.

 

[silvertop]

They use the majority of our electricity whilst we pay the highest prices for electricity in Europe. Maybe the world for all I know.
You can naively believe all the press about Ireland you like. There is a very controlled narrative as the entire media relies on state handouts. The truth of Ireland is brown envelope galore - for everything. That and nepotism that isn't hidden whatsoever.
The most cursory investigation into anything will tell you that.
Look up the Dail bikeshed if you want a laugh. But that's just one of many. They built another one the other day. Despite the first one. First they slap you in the face, then they slap you on the other cheek.
The news doesn't get abroad. Don't want to put the tourists off.

Ill continue to visit, just as long as there is somewhere to park my bike.

 

[ASCPFC]

Ill continue to visit, just as long as there is somewhere to park my bike.

Bring money.

 

[Eagleman13]

Bring CASH. . ... .EFA

 

[ASCPFC]

We like duplicating chip and pin cards. We barely trust cash and people will check notes.
If you bring a bike and park it, it'll last about as long as it would in London.
But there's nothing to see here.

 

[chris123]

We like duplicating chip and pin cards. We barely trust cash and people will check notes.
If you bring a bike and park it, it'll last about as long as it would in London.
But there's nothing to see here.

Even if you're a fisher?

 

[ASCPFC]

Even if you're a fisher?

More like phisher.

 

[chris123]

More like phisher.

On various different subjects over the last year at most, I've been surprised at the seeming negative vibes coming from Irish posters. It's clearly not what I thought at all.

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

They use the majority of our electricity whilst we pay the highest prices for electricity in Europe. Maybe the world for all I know.
You can naively believe all the press about Ireland you like. There is a very controlled narrative as the entire media relies on state handouts. The truth of Ireland is brown envelope galore - for everything. That and nepotism that isn't hidden whatsoever.
The most cursory investigation into anything will tell you that.
Look up the Dail bikeshed if you want a laugh. But that's just one of many. They built another one the other day. Despite the first one. First they slap you in the face, then they slap you on the other cheek.
The news doesn't get abroad. Don't want to put the tourists off.

It’s been many years since I was there, but during my business life I visited frequently. Often every month for a few days. I witnessed staggering economic progress during that time. I had no contact with, and little knowledge of the government. One thing I was aware of were the tax breaks and incentives given to overseas businesses to establish their profit centres there.

For instance not many people are aware that a very large proportion of the world’s Coca Cola starts its life in Drogheda, where the core ingredient, the flavour, is made and shipped to bottlers all over the world. They then add the locally sourced minor ingredients, the acids, carbon dioxide and, of course, the water. They employ local people and pay low taxes to the Irish state.

Similarly Baileys Irish Cream is made in Dublin, using primarily local ingredients, but it was developed in Harlow Essex by the then Gilbeys Gin Company and given an Irish identity for tax reasons.

There are lots of similar examples.

So if your economy is struggling it’s difficult to know why.

 

[ASCPFC]

It’s been many years since I was there, but during my business life I visited frequently. Often every month for a few days. I witnessed staggering economic progress during that time. I had no contact with, and little knowledge of the government. One thing I was aware of were the tax breaks and incentives given to overseas businesses to establish their profit centres there.

For instance not many people are aware that a very large proportion of the world’s Coca Cola starts its life in Drogheda, where the core ingredient, the flavour, is made and shipped to bottlers all over the world. They then add the locally sourced minor ingredients, the acids, carbon dioxide and, of course, the water. They employ local people and pay low taxes to the Irish state.

Similarly Baileys Irish Cream is made in Dublin, using primarily local ingredients, but it was developed in Harlow Essex by the then Gilbeys Gin Company and given an Irish identity for tax reasons.

There are lots of similar examples.

So if your economy is struggling it’s difficult to know why.

It's reliant on the tax take of six US companies which make up something like 65% of our entire revenue. All costs are high due to us being relatively at the end of the supply chain. Our demographics have changed dramatically with Ireland being more diverse than the UK. And believe it or not, hardly any are doctors or any kind of professionals at all. Although most work if they are allowed, in the lowest paid employment, gig economy. More than half of workers in Ireland now rely on state benefits. A crazy and unnecessary situation forced upon us by poor political choices since the 90s. No infrastructure improvements basically whatsoever, widespread tendering corruption and unreal housing situation. You wouldn't believe me if I told you what it is like. Homeless figures go up daily.