Ok, there's obviously more to that than meets the eye. For those living outside the USA, don't complain about your politicians until you've taken a look at what's going on here.
In case you haven't had much coverage of it, (oh, how lucky you are) there's a Presidential Election looming and we have almost wall to wall coverage of the candidates - despite the fact that the election isn't till November 2016. Yes, more than a year away, but no matter, it's on the news all day, with a brief nod to the Pope's visit as respite from time to time.
We have two parties - Democrats and Republicans. The way it works is that wannabee Presidents declare their candidacy then fight it out to be the nominee for their party sometime next summer. The nominees for each party then choose a running mate to be Vice Prez, and then they run against each other. (It's actually a lot more complicated than that but that's the big picure.)
The problem is, this year, there are 15 candidates still vying for the Republican spot, with two having already dropped out. And right there, at the top of the heap, is Donald Trump. Oh yes, he who makes the Kardashians look shy and retiring, and he who has never held public office or indeed had much to do with politics before.
Here are some of the Trump-isms we've been treated to -
"I will build a great wall - and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me - and I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." No details of course, as to how he's going to get Mexico to pay for it, but hey...details, details.
And then, like a drunken teenager, he gets on Twitter late at night and runs his mouth off.
He claims to "cherish" women, but he certainly doesn't respect them. Here's what he had to say about Carly Fiorina, who is also running for the Republican nomination -
"Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next President."
He obviously does not own a mirror.
Another night on Twitter produced this -
"Jeb Bush has to like the Mexican illegals because of his wife". Bush's wife is Mexican. Again, Trump tried to delete this tweet, showing just how little he really knows....
He also said this about Mexicans - "When Mexico sends its people, they are not sending their best. They are sending people that have lots of problems. They are bringing those problems to us. They are bringing drugs and they are bringing crime and their rapists, and some are good people, and I speak to the border guards and they tell us what we are getting...".
And like I said, he's ahead of the Republican pack although thank god, that gap is closing.
Can you imagine this idiot as President? Telling Putin that he's a "loser" (his top choice of insult) or commenting on Angela Merkel's legs? Ugh. Shudder. It's making a laughing stock of the United States.
So to circle back, I don't want to hear anyone complaining about their politicians. OK, well Cameron's in a spot of bother right now, I know.
Have no fear, Mr T's "remarks" have reached us here too.... Along with the whole race thing. Annoying because it isn't even happening here! You have my sympathies. I remember what it was like back in the Bill era! xx
ReplyDeleteI know you are speaking the minds of many across the world. How can such a leader be a shining example for 3rd world Presidents.
ReplyDeleteAmerica deserve better, not this current comedian.
The American voters are highly respected for their ability to see who leads America or who represents them. A mistake in America will affect the world negatively.
Well, Charles, I admire your faith in the American electorate. I do believe Mr. Trump will talk his way out of a candidacy just like he's talked his way into it. I have to believe that. Otherwise, like Jon Stewart, I would have to start making plans to leave the planet...
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, a more moderate (relative term) Republican is nominated in the end because the GOP knows it has NO chance of winning the general election otherwise (unless the Democrats really screw up, too). The thing is, of course, that the voters become battle-weary long before then. Two years of presidential election foolishness is much, much too much of muchness.
On hearing the results of the recent election in Greece, my OH (who can be annoying in his ability to remember these sorts of things) referenced a famous quote (by Joseph De Maistre - I looked it up, thankyou Prof. Google) on the matter of governments. He wrote (in relation to Russia, at the time) "Every nation has the government it deserves'.
ReplyDeleteI didn't say that, you understand. Joseph de Maistre said that - 200 years ago.
Scarily relevant now, don't you think?
I know,we have our fun with Cameron, Corbyn etc but there is no-one here quite in Trump's league. Hoping against hope he doesn't get any further....
ReplyDeleteClare - I keep saying this. People keep blaming "government" but in free, democratic countries, these governments are us. We need to remember that we are electing these poeple to represent us and when they don't, we need to stop electing them. Simples. We can't blame government when we freely elect them.
ReplyDeleteJust when you think it can't get any crazier, along comes Trump. He doesn't even have any policies, he just slings mud around.
ReplyDelete