For me this row over Boris Johnson’s comments about the Burka is about one thing and one thing only; the question of Freedom of Speech not only as a right but also the consistency by which we apply it when we’re stating our opinion about what is “perceived” to be relating […]
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The Changing Faces of Mike Pence
Unearthed writings by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in 1999 that have been discovered by CNN – the Mike Pence in the Past Tense – really demonstrates in no uncertain terms the shift in perception of Leadership in Covfefe territory. Hold on a second, this is actually less about perceptions and more about […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: To Bluff or NOT to Bluff this is the Real Bluff…..What?
Let me start by putting some context here so we can to try and make sense of the situation cause it is a bit confusing; On July 20 Michel Barnier warns EU to step up NO DEAL BREXIT preparation On July 22 Dominic Raab the “then” new BREXIT Secretary criticises Michel […]
Read MoreThe Weekend BREXIT Nugget: Finally a Government in Sync and we're heading for the Sink
One really can do nothing but praise this British government for the unprecedented levels of coordination on policy & messaging. I know some may complain the cabinet was a bit fluid in the first 2 years of the PM’s “rule”, but these things happen and it takes a bit of […]
Read MoreBREXIT Flicks: Freedom of Information Reveals There's No Information to Reveal
As BREXIT looms being 8 months away North East councils haven’t done any impact assessment for their regions. The reason can be summed up quite simply by New Castle’s deputy leader Joyce McCarty; “Right now many councils are unable to plan for the future as a result of the Government’s […]
Read MoreGoogle in China; The Evolution of an Old Motto to a New Motto, the "AutoMotto" if you like!
Google is reportedly developing a censored version of it’s search engine specifically for China. So the old Google motto of 2010 that led it to leave China “Don’t be evil”, has been magically transformed to; “Don’t be evil, just adapt your systems to it”. Is that kind of like censoring […]
Read MoreThe NRA and the Russian Connection
An excellent reporting by MSNBC’s Ari Melber about the National Rifle Association–NRA and the Russian connection. Quite fascinating stuff and again demonstrates the many vulnerabilities in our western Democracies being used by power brokers from Lobbyists to Special interest groups – hence my previous post (link below). Will we ever […]
Read MoreA Petition to Protect our Democracy from all forms of Subversive Influence
I call on the British government and all political parties to reaffirm our commitment as a nation to equal rights/protections to all groups irrespective of colour, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation; it is a reaffirmation that ensures equal treatment to all under the law. It follows from this foundational principle […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: A Nugget Served with Exquisite French Cuisine
After a comfy European Holiday Theresa May discusses the BREXIT nugget served with exquisite French food & a touch of classy/tasty French wine – now who can ever fail to reach a deal with all that luxury lifestyle? More importantly how desperate can Theresa Maybe to break her wonderful Italian holiday […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Responding to a BREXIT Supporter
(this post has been updated) Today I read an article in The Independent by Naomi Firsht, making her views loud & clear on BREXIT (link below). I decided to dedicate this post in responding to Ms. Firsht, so here goes; I kind of understand your dilemma, because well we’re all […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Macro Nugget: Jeremy Hunt Discusses Family as an Icebreaker for Chinese Post BREXIT Deal
That’s a novel way to start off negotiations for post BREXIT deals. Never mind that you got your own wife’s nationality wrong suggesting she’s Japanese rather than Chinese – in China of all places; so Mr. Hunt where the hell do we go from here in negotiating trade deals? That […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: What Looks like Rot, Smells like Rot Is Probably Rot; Do We Really Need to Taste It…every time?
We read today about how UK think tanks are being used as a bridge for US donors in providing access to UK government ministers and civil servants; in this case to raise cash for research to support the free-trade deals demanded by hardline Brexiters which translates to throwing our Democracy under a […]
Read MoreMike Pompeo Testifies: Look, Listen & Learn
Introduction Quite an interesting hearing at the U.S. Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee which I would recommend watching in full. There is plenty to unpack from the discussions in the hearing but I will ignore my urge to comment on each important point made, and will only focus on 2. Suffice […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Democracy at Risk but the Show Must Go On!
A parliamentary inquiry into the BREXIT referendum concludes that urgent action is needed to combat ‘relentless targeting of hyper-partisan views’; well that’s good news. More importantly they come up with a set of recommendations to safe guard our electoral system which is encouraging though they are missing some root issues […]
Read MoreTime for a Permanent Holiday Theresa May
Dear Mrs. May We hear you’re about to take your summer break – and goodness gracious me – do we deserve it. My suggestion however is that you extend this break to one that it permanent. Come on now, with a permanent holiday the sky is the limit with activities […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: The Devil is Truly in the Detail
In the previous post here I eluded to the fact that politicians seem to be focused on details of a BREXIT deal, party conflicts/compromises, opt ins/outs among others. Of course this is all right/proper under normal circumstances. The reason there is significant difficulties here is the flawed process that got […]
Read MoreJewish Papers Unite Against Corbyn (commentary)
I am certainly no fan of Jeremy Corbyn or the Labour Party on policy – particularly when it comes to BREXIT – but I am utterly against any indication of political influence in our nation based on religion, ethnicity or culture. Religious freedoms should NOT translate to political influence and […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: The Selling of BREXIT from a Sold Leader
We hear of the cabinet on mini BREXIT breaks to Europe to sell the new deal. Now here’s the problem Mrs. May (and I hope/suspect the EU is listening); selling any form of deal to the EU becomes a bit tricky when your own legitimacy as leader of this country is […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: A Straitjacket Too Far
It is a tad rich for new BREXIT secretary Dominic Raab to suggest that it’s ‘irresponsible’ for the EU to flag risks of no-deal BREXIT. We’ve heard these terms before from the clan running the country; terms like “inappropriate” or “irresponsible” etc. when referring to the EU. Now I appreciate you’re […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Party Time, Really?
Liberal Democrats leader Vince Cable denies plotting new anti-Brexit centrist party after missing an important vote on BREXIT in the House of Commons. Not sure what sort of “Party” he’s been up to but it is clear the precarious situation Liberal parties are facing in this country particularly at a time […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: Democracy is a Means NOT an End
However complex the issues at hand when considering BREXIT negotiations we have to keep reminding ourselves that Democracy is about Means irrespective of Ends. In other words the process that got us here and continues to drive us towards the BREXIT doors is more important than any positive or negative […]
Read MoreIntroducing Covfefe; The Forty "Oops" President of the United States
It was once said by a very famous/wise comedian Robin Williams may he RIP, post the George Bush presidency that “the reign of error is over”. Lo and behold we discover America ain’t really out of the reign of error just yet and all you have to do is “watch” the […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: BREXIT Shambolic's & a Genuine Call for Unity/Action
While Theresa May faces defeat with a Labour backed customs union amendment being tabled you have to get your head around is state of “play” in BREXIT politics British style; you have divided parliament with some who want to be part of the EU customs union, while others hardliners who […]
Read MoreThe Democracy of the Rich & Powerful
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 & […]
Read MoreA 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 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 MorePreparing for Covfefe's Visit
As someone who loves aviation/aircraft and curious about politics I thought to share this clip I came across today in preparing for Covfefe’s visit where 2 giant C-5M Galaxy aircrafts arrive with cars & other belongings of Covfefe’s entourage. Hope you enjoy the clip as it gives a glimpse to […]
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 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 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 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 […]
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