Donald Trump

[Erasmus]

Reagan didn't end the Cold War, if anybody did it was Gorbachev. It would have happened whoever was President. As I said before, Haiti, Nicaragua, the murders in El Salvador, Galtieri in Argentina, the Iran arms scandal reveal the true nature of the man, and not in a good way.

[KateR]

Healthcare for all is something well worth fighting for, unfortunately if you're talking about free healthcare I have not seen that anywhere in the world, I see healthcare as available for everyone single person in the world who wants it, but you just have to pay for it one way or another.

[grapidianclaret]

Reagan certainly had a hand in ending the cold war,but Bush senior and Pope John Paul II need a lot of credit. Bush ran the CIA in the 1970s up until Carter became president, in 76.
He reformed a lot of the CIA and ran it in a manner that saw it pull away from it's past and ahead of the Soviet intelligence agencies.
Pope JPII massively undermined the Soviets in Western Europe, especially his home country of Poland during the political upheavals of the early 80s.
The failure of the Soviet system should take most of the credit however.
By the 1980s,dependancy on grain shipments and other help from outside the Soviet block,it was obvious that the so it's were falling further and further behind the West. Gorbechev and many other members of the politburo new this.
Reagan does deserve some credit though. He was president when the wall came down. Without his ability on the world stage and his star wars bluff,the Soviet system may have lasted a little longer.

[grapidianclaret]

Healthcare for all is something well worth fighting for, unfortunately if you're talking about free healthcare I have not seen that anywhere in the world, I see healthcare as available for everyone single person in the world who wants it, but you just have to pay for it one way or another.

I agree it needs to be paid for. It just doesn't need to have so many companies and people making so much profit from it. That is what is so outrageous about it in this country

[KateR]

I agree it needs to be paid for. It just doesn't need to have so many companies and people making so much profit from it. That is what is so outrageous about it in this country

I can agree with that no issue.

My mother in law needing a hip replacement having several "consultations" in the UK to be told, no, basically we think you're to old and it could be dangerous for you. !2 years of her being in a bed and wheel chair basically only able to go to the shower room plus my mother who had bunions making it difficult for her only to be told no because of her age are the other side of the coin.

Paid for my mother to go private and she spent a good 15 years being able to walk again without pain. In laws refused to sanction the hip replacement so quality of life was not good at all.

Each has it's own problems and I've yet to find Utopia, I would gladly pay extra taxes to go to and provide the better healthcare quality system I think we all crave for in all countries. It's a conundrum no one has solved.

[KateR]

Reagan certainly had a hand in ending the cold war,but Bush senior and Pope John Paul II need a lot of credit. Bush ran the CIA in the 1970s up until Carter became president, in 76.
He reformed a lot of the CIA and ran it in a manner that saw it pull away from it's past and ahead of the Soviet intelligence agencies.
Pope JPII massively undermined the Soviets in Western Europe, especially his home country of Poland during the political upheavals of the early 80s.
The failure of the Soviet system should take most of the credit however.
By the 1980s,dependancy on grain shipments and other help from outside the Soviet block,it was obvious that the so it's were falling further and further behind the West. Gorbechev and many other members of the politburo new this.
Reagan does deserve some credit though. He was president when the wall came down. Without his ability on the world stage and his star wars bluff,the Soviet system may have lasted a little longer.

It was a wonderful bluff, I certainly believed it, watching it unfold was surreal for me. Years later and I lived and worked in Russia, the cultural differences and beliefs particularly among a younger generation to me were simply unbelievable on some levels, yet I lived it and it was a great time and an eye opener as it has been in nearly every country I have lived/worked in.

[Erasmus]

Grapidian, I would say that Reagan and the US in general played only a minor role in the ending of the Cold War. Evidence now available shows that the Russians didn't take Star Wars that seriously because they could see it wouldn't work. Much more significanct was the war in Afghanistan, the rise in nationalism in the Soviet republics, and the failure or inability of the Russian economy to adapt to global economic changes. Expanding levels of global communication also meant that the Russian people were much more aware of the relative poverty in which they were living. The end of the Cold War was very much a Russian affair brought about mainly by global economic trends. For the most part, the US and other Western nations were just interested spectators.

[Uwe Noble]

Reagan didn't end the Cold War, if anybody did it was Gorbachev.

Priceless!

[grapidianclaret]

It was a wonderful bluff, I certainly believed it, watching it unfold was surreal for me. Years later and I lived and worked in Russia, the cultural differences and beliefs particularly among a younger generation to me were simply unbelievable on some levels, yet I lived it and it was a great time and an eye opener as it has been in nearly every country I have lived/worked in.

I am an awful poker player. It was an incredible bluff,but with very high stakes. I only learned a few years later that it was a bluff,and reading Martin Walkers book,'The Cold War' just how close the Soviets came to calling that bluff.
As Sean would say,fine margins.
Dementia or no dementia,I would not have liked to play the gipper at Texas hold em
The jelly bellies would have been a bonus though!

[Devils_Advocate]

I think this is a nice short and simple summary of Reagans role in ending the cold war with Russia

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/reag ... -war-down/

[grapidianclaret]

Grapidian, I would say that Reagan and the US in general played only a minor role in the ending of the Cold War. Evidence now available shows that the Russians didn't take Star Wars that seriously because they could see it wouldn't work. Much more significanct was the war in Afghanistan, the rise in nationalism in the Soviet republics, and the failure or inability of the Russian economy to adapt to global economic changes. Expanding levels of global communication also meant that the Russian people were much more aware of the relative poverty in which they were living. The end of the Cold War was very much a Russian affair brought about mainly by global economic trends. For the most part, the US and other Western nations were just interested spectators.

I agree with most of that erasmus,. The belief that star wars wouldn't work was not widely held in the politburo though.
The failure of the Soviet system and the war in Afghanistan were certainly big factors. The failed Soviet attempt on the popes life tells us just how big a threat he was to the Soviets.
Personally believe the system failure was the biggest reason though

[KateR]

Always comes down to who blinks first in so many things, the number of times I have had this issue with clients over very large business deals, which is small fry compared to this audacious, throw it out there and let's see. The problem is like most things there was a committee, you just need a couple to believe it might be true and think through the risks to get you to a certain point, they then weigh in heavily against the couple that say, come on, no way, call the bluff. Obviously a lot depends on what you have to lose and of course who is playing, I think it might just have been a different outcome with Putin sat opposite but then again in that case the bluff would probably have never gone in.

[grapidianclaret]

I think this is a nice short and simple summary of Reagans role in ending the cold war with Russia

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/reag ... -war-down/

A very good read that DA.
Such a Shame the west wasted the peace

[KateR]

I think this is a nice short and simple summary of Reagans role in ending the cold war with Russia

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/reag ... -war-down/

it sums up a lot of my beliefs in terms of high level and not having any real knowledge of the event but looking back at what transpired and things I heard from Russians, much more so than what I heard from Americans.

[KateR]

A very good read that DA.
Such a Shame the west wasted the peace

interesting statement, what was wasted, are we at war, did the Russians/East have no blame at all?

[grapidianclaret]

interesting statement, what was wasted, are we at war, did the Russians/East have no blame at all?

The West had ample opportunity to help the fledgling system of democracy in Russia. The effort was never really there. Left to their own devices, all the potential of the 90s turned into what we have now with Putin.
Yeltsin should have been helped much more than he was.

[grapidianclaret]

In fairness,Putin is one very clever and capable bstard. He may have still become what he is,even with all the help in the world going to Yeltsin.

[KateR]

In fairness,Putin is one very clever and capable bstard. He may have still become what he is,even with all the help in the world going to Yeltsin.

it's all relative and where you sit when you look at these things, Yeltin was consider weak and a threat to the normal way of life to many in Russia, Putin was considered and still is to many Russians to be the strong leader required to stand up to the country moving to the decadent west way of life.

Like every country, there is a split in thinking regarding the general scheme of things, a lot comes from what you have or don't have, teachings in school, parents, jobs, earnings and the economy just to name a few.

The west in simple terms was very busy doing it's own thing and in my mind should be doing things for the population and way of life and not interfering in others, GWB trying to believe one thing and trying to convince the world in an absolutely idiotic belief is one good example of why the west should not do these things.

[exilecanada]

Healthcare for all is something well worth fighting for, unfortunately if you're talking about free healthcare I have not seen that anywhere in the world, I see healthcare as available for everyone single person in the world who wants it, but you just have to pay for it one way or another.

I doubt if anyone considers health care for all to be without cost. From where i'm sat, health care for profit is nothing but disgusting! Sure, many are against higher taxation, but surely it beats insurance companies profiting from what should be a basic right.

[KateR]

it's a very complicated issue and am sure one that many discuss and no one has solved anywhere, I 100% agree it should be a basic right. I have no problem with insurance companies making a profit of some sort and think it's a key ingredient everywhere, that can take the slack from the healthcare system service to the masses if you like. There is no way I can solve it, I have some thoughts but many many will disagree and therein lies the fundamental flaw because I don't see it as being disgusting but it should be adjusted from what it is today as I think there are definitely better ways, including the UK, not just the US.

[IanMcL]

The end of the Cold War was very much a Russian affair brought about mainly by global economic trends. For the most part, the US and other Western nations were just interested spectators.

That is true, however, there was some 'unsettling' and 'motivation' along the way.

The key part that the US and UK played was to embrace Gorbachev and allow the Russians to maintain dignity, as their system collapsed. That actually enabled a relatively peaceful change, compared to the possibility and the deactivation of old nuclear weapons, with neither side losing face.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Donnie now claiming China are just trying to stop him being re-elected.

Also in terms of a lack of self awareness seen only previously in Ringo -
“I don’t believe the polls," the president said. "I believe the people of this country are smart. And I don't think that they will put a man in who's incompetent."

[Devils_Advocate]

Right wing protesters bearing arms in Michigan tried to storm the floor in the state house and had to be held off by police whist they protested.

Imagine what the police reaction would have been to an aggressive mob of armed blacks or Hispanics or Muslims.

Contrast this with the incidents where a group of black children were tasered at a swimming pool for being to noisy or the shooting of 12 year old Tamir Rice for playing with a toy gun in a park

Remember Trumps tweeting on Michigan

[tiger76]

It's called deflection,if people are discussing China's role in this crisis,they're not questioning Donnie's ineptitude.

Methinks the orange one is rattled given the polls show Biden nudging ahead in key states,he even attacked Fox News a few days ago,that's when you know things aren't going well.

[Devils_Advocate]

In yesterday press briefing Trump also claimed he had seen evidence of the Corounavirus being man-made in a Chinese lab.

This is despite his department of national intelligence contradicting this. Trump was questioned about the DNI statement in the briefing and his reaction was along the lines of who are they



This is not to say that it is definitely not man-made and it will be investigated and scrutinised but for someone like Trump to make this unsupported claim in his national briefing is just irresponsible and dangerous

[FCBurnley]

How anyone can defend this buffoon is beyond me. He is openly blaming China for this "If they can stop all planes coming into China, why couldn't they stop planes coming here or in Europe" BECAUSE ITS NOT UP TO CHINA TO STOP PLANES LANDING ANYWHERE BUT IN F#CKING CHINA YOU ORANGE C#NT.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52496098

So eloquently put. Perfect for a left wing football site. You must be so proud

[aggi]

IF this is what FCBurnley thinks of as a left wing football site I'd hate to see a right wing football site.

[Zlatan]

So eloquently put. Perfect for a left wing football site. You must be so proud

So glad you’re a fan, where shall I send the signed photo...?

[TVC15]

So glad you’re a fan, where shall I send the signed photo...?

I’d try the Reichstag

[IanMcL]

Trump the C&$% is playing a blinder for Trump the C&$% at the expense of relations with....everyone.

Needs sorting.

[Zlatan]

I’ll repost it then... as it was removed

How anyone can defend this buffoon is beyond me. He is openly blaming China for this "If they can stop all planes coming into China, why couldn't they stop planes coming here or in Europe" BECAUSE ITS NOT UP TO CHINA TO STOP PLANES LANDING ANYWHERE BUT IN (insert appropriate expletive here) CHINA YOU ORANGE (slang for person who resembles the reproductive organs of a female)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52496098

[FCBurnley]

China can stop planes flying into or out of China from anywhere. Immediately the Covid Virus was discovered in Wuhan they cancelled all domestic flights. But continued to allow international flights to continue as normal. Any theory why they would do that Zlatan ?

[Uwe Noble]

Attention all you purveyors of fake news and those of you afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome )of which there are many on this board). The time has now come, the truth is about to be revealed. I have being writing on this message board ( and others) for the last 4 years that a political earthquake will hit Washington the likes of which has never been seen before. That time is now upon us and the tremors have already commenced. It will dwarf Watergate and it will reveal a level of corruption amongst American political institutions that will shake the confidence of the US public in its republic to its very core. Remember, you heard it hear first!

[Zlatan]

China can stop planes flying into or out of China from anywhere. Immediately the Covid Virus was discovered in Wuhan they cancelled all domestic flights. But continued to allow international flights to continue as normal. Any theory why they would do that Zlatan ?

The Oh Great Orange One declared it China's responsibility to stop planes flying into the US - why did he not stop that FCBurnley?

[Zlatan]

Remember, you heard it hear first!

...as opposed to watching it play out in front of our eyes for the past few years....?

OK then...

[TVC15]

Attention all you purveyors of fake news and those of you afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome. The time has now come, the truth is about to be revealed. I have being writing on this message board ( and others) for the last 4 years that a political earthquake will hit Washington the likes of which has never been seen before. That time is now and the tremors have already commenced. It will dwarf Watergate and it will reveal a level of corruption amongst American political institutions that will shake the confidence of the US public in its republic to its very core. Remember, you heard it hear first!

What’s he done this time to shake the world ?
Tell the truth ?

[FCBurnley]

The Oh Great Orange One declared it China's responsibility to stop planes flying into the US - why did he not stop that FCBurnley?

He did and it saved many lives as it did when he banned flights from uk and Europe.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Attention all you purveyors of fake news and those of you afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome. The time has now come, the truth is about to be revealed. I have being writing on this message board ( and others) for the last 4 years that a political earthquake will hit Washington the likes of which has never been seen before. That time is now upon us and the tremors have already commenced. It will dwarf Watergate and it will reveal a level of corruption amongst American political institutions that will shake the confidence of the US public in its republic to its very core. Remember, you heard it hear first!

Can’t see him admitting he’s in Putin’s pocket just yet.

[BurningBeard]

He did and it saved many lives as it did when he banned flights from uk and Europe.

He didn't do any of that.

https://www.factcheck.org/2020/03/the-f ... trictions/

Flights have gone from UK and Europe to the States today as they have throughout.

[FCBurnley]

Only flights to and from China ( after Jan 31) were to repatriate American and Chinese citizens . Same thing applies to flights from UK and Europe. Any Americans returning to US have to quarantine for 14 days. Dont know where you live but unless you are an American citizen you aint coming in for the foreseeable future.

[BurningBeard]

So he didn't ban flights then. Glad we've cleared that up.

[FCBurnley]

So he didn't ban flights then. Glad we've cleared that up.

That is a seriously pathetic non argument. His job was to repatriate US citizens as soon and as safely as possible and to stop non citizens from entering the country. This he did perfectly

[Vintage Claret]

That is a seriously pathetic non argument. His job was to repatriate US citizens as soon and as safely as possible and to stop non citizens from entering the country. This he did perfectly

Maybe, but he also:-

Seriously implied the virus would go away in April with the warm weather,

Initially dismissed Coronavirus as a Democrat hoax

Ddn't recall he'd been on mass political rallies during February/March

Asked his own medical advisors live on TV if injecting disinfectant was something they could consider.

24 hours later lied on live TV saying he was just being sarcastic about the disinfectant thing just to see what the press reaction would be (while 40 odd thousand Americans had died due to the virus)

Suggested nuking hurricanes mid Atlantic might be something to try to stop them reaching the USA

There's loads more examples of Mr Trump's, shall we say, 'unauthordox' behaviour on line for anyone who can be arsed to Google it

[FCBurnley]

I just like the truth and get totally sick of people who don’t live in the US believing every word written by the corrupt press. Some of what you say is correct but a lot is pure bs. Sadly America is a very divided country and China will surely use that up its advantage.

[Vegas Claret]

anyone that defends Trump is a ******* clown - I say that with no reference to his politics whatsoever, just the fact that he really is one of the dumbest human beings I've ever witnessed (not Americans, human beings)

[Vintage Claret]

Hi FCBurnley

Who is "you" and which parts are "pure bs" ?

[FCBurnley]

anyone that defends Trump is a ******* clown - I say that with no reference to his politics whatsoever, just the fact that he really is one of the dumbest human beings I've ever witnessed (not Americans, human beings)

You are allowed your opinion as am I. However I would not refer to you as a ******* clown as I do not know you and nor do I want to

[Taffy on the wing]

it's all relative and where you sit when you look at these things, Yeltin was consider weak and a threat to the normal way of life to many in Russia, Putin was considered and still is to many Russians to be the strong leader required to stand up to the country moving to the decadent west way of life.

Like every country, there is a split in thinking regarding the general scheme of things, a lot comes from what you have or don't have, teachings in school, parents, jobs, earnings and the economy just to name a few.

The west in simple terms was very busy doing it's own thing and in my mind should be doing things for the population and way of life and not interfering in others, GWB trying to believe one thing and trying to convince the world in an absolutely idiotic belief is one good example of why the west should not do these things.

First Healthcare for all, and now attacking GWB.......are you turning a bit Liberal?

[Vegas Claret]

You are allowed your opinion as am I. However I would not refer to you as a ******* clown as I do not know you and nor do I want to

I didn't reference you but you just acted like every Trump supporter so the cap most definately fits

[Zlatan]

That is a seriously pathetic non argument. His job was to repatriate US citizens as soon and as safely as possible and to stop non citizens from entering the country. This he did perfectly

Fair enough, if that’s the case then why did he accuse China of allowing flights into the US? You can’t let a plane take off if there’s no where to land.

Oh and the bleach thing... just how the Hell...? Stop defending the indefensible eh...