We keep hearing about the virtues of Democracy & Liberal Progressive Values. Yes we do apply Democratic principles in the West but now mostly in form rather than in actual reality. We then make assumptions about our governance structures & Democratic credentials rather than continuing to scrutinise/assess these structures & […]
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A BREXIT Micro Nugget: Vote Leave Fined & Referred to the Police
Welcome to the Leavers & Shakers of BREXIT! Here’s the thing though; we already knew there has been significant influence in the BREXIT campaign from both national & foreign actors. The foreign influence has been officially established and now both sides of the coin have the official seal on them. […]
Read MoreThe Covfefe Reign: The Oops Moment in American History
Everyday we continue to watch with amazement Covfefe making odd & ridiculous statements with nothing in his temperament that changed much every since starting his Oops Reign. Today was no different watching him in effect ridicule U.S. security agencies in a meeting with supposedly an adversary. Now here is the […]
Read MoreContradicting Signs is the Problem in the EU Nowadays
When we read 2 contradicting statements from the same European government in Germany – links below – within the span of 24 hours we should understand the problem in the EU nowadays is the continued confusion about how to deal with Covfefe the Joker & Clan – and here I […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Justine Greening Smells the Coffee….kind of
Justine Greening the former education secretary finally smells the coffee – welcome to planet Earth; we are by and large friendly species here (leaving Covfefe alone for the moment). The question of BREXIT is no longer about the right thing to do for the country – this we know – […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Suing the EU
In an interview today Theresa May talks about Trump’s advice to sue the EU. Now here’s the question no has ever thought of asking her – too technical 🙂 – what’s the point of putting this in the public domain at this stage of the negotiation? Is that Trump’s advice […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Has Meeting the Queen of Great Britain been Downgraded?
We understand politics ain’t always pretty – though this subject matter is becoming more toxic in this day/age due to poor leadership. Worse yet is when politics turns into transactional relationships (core values out of the window so to speak) – then you know we’re in a danger zone when […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Theresa “May Day” between Trump & a Hardball
The Trump visit going smoothly I see while Theresa May having her head pounded to the wall with his criticism about her approach towards BREXIT and his comments about PintPall Boris who would make an excellent PM – well I see Trump’s had a pint or 2+ himself. Now here’s […]
Read MoreA Fiery Session in the U.S. Congress
An incredible exchange in Congress between Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy and FBI agent Peter Strzok – needs to be watched till the end when agent Strzok responds to Trey Gowdy’s assertions about attempting to influence the Presidential elections. The key takeaway – in my judgement – is how politics is broken […]
Read MoreTurkey: The Slippery Slope towards Dictatorship
Today we read about Erdogan’s appointment of his son in law to take charge of the Finance ministry. All I can say is that it’s really sad to see Turkey move towards the ultimate profile of a dictatorship state. But then again we only need to turn our eyes towards […]
Read MoreBREXIT Micro Nugget: Seeking Cabinet Remainers! (updated)
Now that PintPal also decides to also jump ship – and we’re looking for Remainers in Cabinet – it is crystal clear that the country is in no position without proper vision & leadership to continue the a flawed BREXIT process. We have 2 options; continue scrambling a deal just […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: The Continued Re-morphing of BREXIT & A Man Overboard
The mob “leading” Britain once again try and re-morph the definition of BREXIT causing a big bird to jump ship – 1 PM more to go. It is no longer necessary to discuss details of yet another exit strategy because it’s becoming quite boring; what we do know is that […]
Read MoreBREXIT Nuggets: The BREXIT Exodus
The IMF believes that BREXIT will cause an exodus of banks and other financial companies to continental Europe and Ireland. The Bank of England estimates that 10,000 financial jobs could be relocated on the first day of BREXIT. I know many BREXITEERS will feel it’s “inappropriate” for the IMF to […]
Read MoreBREXIT Nuggets: The British Democracy & The Bombing "Economy"
More BREXIT headlines/headaches that continue to demonstrate the utter mess we seem to be heading towards. My real worry is that we’re getting numb with continued flow of this negative news about the impact of BREXIT until suddenly we wake up when we hit the iceberg and it’s all much […]
Read MoreThe Weekend BREXIT Nugget: How Appropriate is "Inappropriate"?
Jeremy Hunt finally breaks his silence and talks about the inappropriateness of the statement by Airbus warning of BREXIT uncertainty. Now Mr. Hunt for you and your government to talk about what is/isn’t appropriate is a tad rich. Although I do not like rehashing my views I’ve made clear in […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget; BMW & Airbus Join the Warning Queue – The “Smoothy” BIG BANG BREXIT of Theresa May
More companies warning about the consequences of BREXIT uncertainty. Now here are a few relevant questions; How do we assess/monetise the damage that is now being done – on a daily basis – to the British economy due to the sham approach in triggering article 50 and going into negotiations […]
Read MoreUS Quits 'biased' UN Human Rights Council: That's One View
There is another view that suggests that the Pro-Israel lobby takes complete control of US politics from the top-down and possibly with the blessing of autocratic regimes in the Middle East who’s main purpose in life is to maintain power. The US is the a great example of what it […]
Read MoreBREXIT Macro Nugget: A Post BREXIT Booming Economy or Likely a Bombed Economy
Here are some facts to chew on – if we still have teeth left by the end of the run; The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today slashed its growth forecast for the UK economy to 1.3% for 2018, the weakest performance since the financial crisis. The consultancy firm Oliver […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Weekend Nugget: A Country In Peril with a Weak PM & a Useless Parliament
The country continues to march forward towards a major political/economic decisions being led by a weak/confused PM who is solely powered by BREXIT ideologues. And if that weren’t enough we have an opposition party with no clear policy – more of a flip/flop approach towards BREXIT; so in brief a […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Remarkable Win – but to Who?
A remarkable vote in the House of Commons today and by no means a common sort of vote. You will see analysts all over the place with different sophisticated interpretations/analysis – but let me be my good old simplistic self as a “commoner”; this in simple terms is no short […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: The Pint Pal Speaks his Mind
Pint Pal Boris Johnson speaks his mind again but this time though he does make sense when criticising the UK government’s BREXIT talks strategy, saying it lacks “guts” and suggested Donald Trump – of all people – could do a better job. He’s certainly free to express his opinion though it is […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: BREXIT Tweaks – If it Doesn't Fit You Must Quit
It turns out – or more accurately people are slowly coming to the realisation – that BREXIT does not actually have a definition; more like a fluid/subjective interpretation driven mostly of your mood on a given day. What we do know for a fact is that the lies perpetrated during […]
Read MorePolitics Nugget: The Policy of Appeasement & A Debate on Immigration
The Policy of Appeasement I read an interesting piece on the CNN site entitled; Trump torches Macron, his last friend in the G-7; Let me suggest that any form of appeasement to the current U.S administration is a BIG mistake as I eluded to in this in a previous post prior […]
Read MoreThe Gang of 4 & The BREXIT Micro Nugget
I know that being critical of Special Interest/Lobbyist as a threat to Democracy has been more like a theme in my recent posts. But this level of vial corruption takes us to a new level where a preacher is seeking to raise funds to buy a jet. That’s not all […]
Read MoreUK turns blind eye to dirty Russian money, say MPs – Commentary
An interesting article on the BBC website – link below. In my opinion the fear is NOT only about Russian money that impacts on our security but more broadly all national & foreign money in the UK that does nothing but undermine our Democracy. Some of these fundings are clear/deliberate […]
Read MoreThe Cowards Strike Again
Deepest condolences to family/friends of the victim of this cowardly attack in Paris last night and prayers to all injured from it. The battle against terrorism starts and ends with us all holding to our values and way of life. It is a battle that does not start at the […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: "The Trick Question" followed by "A Reflection"
A very interesting and quite revealing radio interview about BREXIT – I would recommend listening to the end. The reality that some continue to challenge is that the BREXIT referendum was less about clarity of vision and more about emotions driven to extremes by powerful Eurosceptics; I am afraid this […]
Read MoreA Political Nugget: Interview with James Comey (updated)
A very interesting interview with former FBI Director, James Comey on CNN. It provides truly unique analysis/observations of Covfefe and more importantly the contrasting styles of leadership between him that old friend. For me James Comey embodies the temperament/approach of a true leader; balanced, consistent and with a firm moral/ethical foundation. […]
Read MoreA Political Nugget: Emmanuel Macron's Call to Protect European Democracy
It is all well said by President Emmanuel Macron in calling for the protection of Democratic/Liberal values/traditions in Europe. In my mind however this is only one part of the equation/approach. The other integral part of this approach is for Europe to apply basic principles when dealing with rogue/authoritarian regimes […]
Read MoreA Politics Nugget: The Trump Conundrum
We’ve been watching the complete travesty of politics/government Trump Style for over a year now. But beyond the shenanigans that have clouded this administration one of the most dangerous elements is when personal affairs (and/or personal judgements) start influencing policy, particularly foreign policy and particularly when this involves a super […]
Read MoreFallen Hero
Yet another cowardly attack claims lives in France. Today we also here about the death of Lt-Col Arnaud Beltrame, 45; the gendarme helped bring an end to a gunman’s shooting spree in southern France yesterday. I am angry – very very angry – the same way I feel every time a similar […]
Read MoreSpy poisoning: How could the UK retaliate against Russia?
Well it certainly helps when we have a proper government in place rather than a bunch of hacks led by BREXITEERS who do nothing but brag about their nationalist approach in protecting the interest of the country. However, when it is truly crunch time in terms of action required against […]
Read MoreThe Christmas BREXIT Nugget: Reflections on the BREXIT & the EU Project
With 2017 drawing to a close here’s a couple of final thoughts for the year about BREXIT & the EU; The first suggestion is that Referendums built around a slim majority to make decisions that have profound impact on a nation is a flawed concept; whether it be BREXIT or […]
Read MoreThe U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The United Nations General Assembly on today, Thursday 21, 2017 adopted a resolution criticising the U.S. decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and begin the process of moving its embassy there. Now beyond the foolishness of the U.S. administration to make that decision, something I posted about here, and […]
Read MoreChina’s “Sharp Power” and our Vulnerabilities that make Self-Protection & Engagement a Difficult Balance
I came across a very interesting article entitled How China’s “sharp power” is muting criticism abroad (link below) about China’s increased influence/meddling in western democracies mainly to promote a positive image of the country, and distorting information to suppress dissent and debate. It’s safe to say that this behaviour is […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Time for Reflection for the Prime Minister When Lecturing on Respect/Decency
In a recent tweet by the PM she called for Tolerance, Decency & Respect in the treatment of politicians. Here’s the tweet; Threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and have no place in our politics. Everybody should be treated with tolerance, decency and respect. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) December […]
Read MoreBREXIT Flicks: Tweet to Tweet
Here are some interesting tweet exchanges today (my responses are in green) Theresa May’s Orderly/Painless BREXIT .@theresa_may: We’ll deliver Brexit in a smooth and orderly way – without disrupting people’s lives and without disrupting businesses. pic.twitter.com/pwwDNo2MDt — Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 15, 2017 Yes of course, no one will feel a […]
Read MoreBREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
Arriving soaking wet to Brussels suffering from the effects of the political Tsunami battering her government every since the Conservatives loosing overall majority in British parliament on her watch to the latest defeat on BREXIT bill, this while arguing to EU she’s still in control, one can only imagine whispering […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
OK, now that our political “geniuses” are celebrating defeating the government in parliament to give MPs a legal guarantee of a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels; here are a few thoughts; This is merely kicking the can down the road because as of yet there […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Model
It seems on a daily basis now that we continue to get a drip..drip analysis of BREXIT’s effects on the economy, some good but mostly quite negative – and the worse part is that no one can really tell fact from fiction. This while our “lovely” politicians continue playing their […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: How Racism Influenced the Referendum
The reason for this brief post is to record a tweet I posted on twitter commenting on a video clip by journalist/LBC radio presenter James O’Brien speaking to a caller on his reason for voting to leave the EU; I feel it is important enough to re-post on my blog site […]
Read MoreThe Perception of American Leadership/Exceptionalism is Being Systematically Drained While the Swamp is Alive & Kicking (updated)
Now I happen to be one of those who – though a non-American myself – always believed in American leadership never questioned (effectively) the perception of strength of the American model of Democracy & Liberalism. This view however has been shattered to smithereens for a few simple reasons, and here’s the […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Britain Leaving the EU Body in all but Tail
It turns out – as we learn from media reports NOT our British government – that the UK has agreed a deal where by the UK will remain in the Customs Union & Single Market during the transition period which means it will continue to accept all EU rules and […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Question of Identity – Where Does that Fit In?
This might be a self-serving post but it is an issue that does mean a great deal to me as a British citizen living in Europe. Having gone through the agreement signed today between the EU and the UK, particularly in relation to Citizen’s Rights I can see no provisions […]
Read MoreReflections from Jerusalem & A Hope for a Brighter Future
I came across this article; Where the Gods Live by the Austrian journalist Tessa Szyszkowitz which provides a very interesting insight – among the many out there – about life in Jerusalem, and decided to share it as a follow up to a recent post I made with the link […]
Read MoreThe Sad State of Liberal Britain & The Way Forward to Build a New Model for Liberal/Progressive Politics
Let’s first get things straight; I identify myself as a Liberal heart/soul and subscribe to Liberal values & traditions. I also happen to believe that Liberalism is about centrist/pragmatic policies rather leaning towards the alt-left or alt-right of political ideology. I was a member of the Liberal Democrats for 10 […]
Read MoreTrump to Recognise Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
This is simple/brief commentary/predictions on Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; This in my view is by far the biggest US foreign policy blunder ever even eclipsing the decision to invade Iraq of 2003. Political ramifications will be swift and will not be restricted to the […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Case of Dereliction of Duty
Forget about the politics of it all; Border Controls, Customs Union, Single Market, Remainer, Brexiteer etc. Let’s all agree on a few basics; With the weak Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street leading (or to be more accurate by the look of things; is being led by) a shambolic government […]
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