I see dangerous people

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helvityniFebruary 3, 2017 at 12:34 pm

“And the people in Australia who celebrate the Trump ascendancy pose a similar threat – Hanson, Bernardi, Christensen, Roberts, Burston, Abbott.”

What about Turnbull, Dutton and Morrison?
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 12:42 pm

They are certainly on my dangerous watch list but I think Trump is already causing them grief. Dutton and Morrison would have been chuffed with the Muslim bashing but the refugee deal may be a real problem. And he shot down their beloved free trade deal. If Morrison takes his economic lead from Trump he is a fool.
Keitha GranvilleFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:01 pm

Be afraid, be very afraid.
And be very fearful for our American cousins who didn’t vote for Trump. If he follows the Nazi process to its full potential, they will be on the list eventually. First the Muslims, and the Mexicans. Next any other coloured people, and then those who disagree. Not sure sure where persecuting of women will fit in, but it will.

We can only hope that he presents an opportunity for impeachment.
Kate AhearneFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:13 pm

Thanks, Kaye. He’s already had his first go at women via the reproductive rights of women in 3rd world countries, and his intention to rewrite the definition of terrorism to exclude white terrorist organisations will surely see a resurgence of influence for the KKK. And we’re already seeing Hanson doing very nicely thank you in the run-up to the WA election. RESIST.
FreethinkerFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:16 pm

Yes the kind of people like Trump are dangerous but the greed for power is not only in USA, IMO China is another “front” that we have to watch.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:26 pm

China’s military intervention is largely confined to their immediate area. They play the long game elsewhere, securing resources and facilities. We are valuable to them in that way. I don’t fear the Chinese near as much as I do The Donald.
randalstellaFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:38 pm

The dangerous ones are those who voted for him.
The Republicans, a rabble of a Party, with a host of luminaries even crazier than Trump, almost disabled government during the Obama administration – and did something similar during Bill Clinton’s time.
Their reward for being a pack of dysfuntional hoons and rabble rousers? Control of both Houses of Congress.
They represent the most outrageous, destructive privilege. They lie and distort as on a mission. A large proportion of the public admire brazen liars.

What were the provisional numbers on voters who voted Trump and had no other health insurance except so-called Obama Care?
Was it 1/3 of those covered by it and nothing else? They will be ‘covered’ claims Trump – without a word of detail about what could replace Obama Care. He is a repeated, chronic liar, and he is admired for it.
No one can now rationally assume that targeted people will not vote for their victimisation.

The videos are very weird – showing the pouting buffoon sounding off on something, followed by applause by those seated near him. It looks like this acclaim is mandatory. How is that anything like a working Government?
Perhaps the most sickening scenes are the simpering, admiring females in the background.

Who enables these fiends to have overwhelming power?
This is the point for analysis.
RoswellFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:39 pm

I remember people basically warning that a vote for Hillary Clinton was a vote for WW3. We saw them here.

I wonder what they’re thinking now?
jimFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:46 pm

If the people keep electing people that say “science is crap” what hope do we have?.
townsvilleblogFebruary 3, 2017 at 1:55 pm

WW3 here we come probably Roswell I’d be interested to know whether the portfolios of Turnbull, Trump etc contained shares in arms and ammunition factories. Trump talks of helping the US worker, much like Turnbull does, its pathetic that the median Australian wage is around $43,000 per annum, in Australia and even lower in the US. Australia under the tory govt currently have in excess of 2.5 million “people” either unemployed or under employed not earning enough to live on making up a big part of the in excess of 3 million “people” in Australia who are living below the poverty line, including the homeless “people.”
HarquebusFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm

I don’t think that we should be calling him “The Donald”. I am sure that a challenge for something more appropriate can be met.

Here are a couple that have I posted recently but, am not sure how many saw or are aware. I was going to sound some ominous warning but, have realized that it is not necessary.

“A bill to “completely abolish” the Environmental Protection Agency has been drafted that would close the main arm of the US Government responsible for fighting climate change by the end of next year.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/environmental-protection-agency-bill-drafted-abolish-matt-gaetz-congress-a7556596.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4182852/Trump-s-SCOTUS-pick-founded-club-called-Fascism-Forever.html
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm

I am not a Trump supporter (nor anyone else for that matter) but let’s examine this article statement by statement.

Forget ISIS. The greatest threat to humanity at this moment has become the United States government. (ISIS is a direct result of the CIA and was created before Trump was elected)

Some would argue that their military and political interventionism has always made them a threat but the stakes just got a whole lot higher. (Trump is attempting to defuse situations in the ME and Russia though his intentions on China remain unclear)

This is not how the ‘leader of the free world’ is expected to behave. (are you suggesting Trump should behave more like Obama, Bush’s and Clinton’s war on everyone who doesn’t contribute to the Clinton Foundation?)

He has thrown out all expert advice, all checks and balances, and is dismantling government bodies either directly or by placing his ‘people’ in charge despite them having no relevant experience and very dubious credentials. (Of which only time will tell who is the most corrupt)

Departments have been forbidden from speaking publicly – so much for the champion of free speech. (until the corrupt Neocon propagandists can be weeded out)

dismantle environmental regulations and disband the EPA, and hugely cut funding to the Energy Department. (who have done nothing but squander vast sums of money and allow things like the Flint Water scandal to go on all over the US)

VP Pence addressed pro-life marchers while Trump tweeted his support. They have threatened health organisations in third world countries that if they even mention abortion their funding will disappear. Trump at one stage during the campaign said he thought women who had abortions should face punishment, before backtracking in the face of public outrage. Now that he has supreme power, there will be no backtracking. (ever thought of re-populating the country with US citizens?)

Trump has redefined terrorism to mean radical Islam. All other terrorists will no longer be on the watch list. But it’s not Muslim bashing – just a thank you to all the neo-nazis who support him. (there are between 49 and 51 Muslim countries in the world so please stop calling Trumps temporary immigration on terrorist nation a ban Muslims and the neo-nazis were given control of the Ukraine after Obama’s coup)

The conflict of interest between Trump’s position and his business dealings is echoed throughout his appointees, most of whom have business connections that will directly profit from the decisions they are making. (so where’s the difference here?)

Trump has sent shares in companies plummeting because of a tweet, trade deals, alliances and long-standing relationships are threatened, all on twitter. (the US economy is on the brink of collapse and has been since 2007)

Trump has significant business interests in both Russia and Saudi Arabia which puts him in a difficult position regarding Iran who are backing opposite sides in Yemen. (proof please)

It seems inconceivable that Trump will survive a full term without scandal or legalities like the emoluments clause precipitating his removal. (the emoluments clause is being discussed as there is a possibility Trump may use this clause to annul Obama’s draconian surveillance laws)

Should that occur, what then happens to the multitude of businesses worldwide that pay to bear the Trump name? The man with supreme power won’t allow this to happen without a fierce battle. (would you?)

And the people in Australia who celebrate the Trump ascendancy pose a similar threat – Hanson, Bernardi, Christensen, Roberts, Burston, Abbott. What will these people promise to appease their hero? Warships in the South China Sea? Missile launchers in the top end? (what makes you think this wasn’t on the table before Trump?)

Religious persecution? Control over women’s reproductive health choices? (yeah, right)

I see dangerous people who must be resisted. (so do I)

Rule one of journalism – Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Robert G. ShawFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:03 pm

randalstella,
“Who enables the fiends….”.

We did.

As fine a read as you’re ever likely to get on your specific question.

https://www.city-journal.org/html/trump-and-american-divide-14944.html
Miriam EnglishFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:09 pm

Trump is alienating so many people it is difficult to see him remaining in power for long. My hope is that he calls his entire government into question so badly that he is forcefully deposed and a new election held since he’s so badly contaminated everything. That would get rid of Steve Bannon (Neo-Nazi loon), Mike Pence (Christian fundamentalist), Erik Prince (the “Dark Prince”, mercenary and founder of Blackwater, and Trump advisor), Betsy DeVos (Prince’s sister, Intelligent Design advocate and now head of Education!!), and all the rest of the money-grubbing corrupt bastards.

If the yanks simply get rid of Trump I don’t think much will change. Bannon still wants a holy war. Prince wants a hit-squad to be deployed to kill wealthy and influential people around the world that they don’t like. (Yikes!) Betsy DeVos wants to completely ruin USA education. Tom Price, who has devoted much of his life to destroying public healthcare, in charge of public health. Rex Tillerson, ex-CEO of ExxonMobil (arguably the most corrupt oil company in the world) could do heaven knows how much damage as Secretary of State. Many of the Trump people are scary white supremacists, like Jeff Sessions, who as Attorney General would set back civil rights in USA by decades.

They all need to go, not just Trump. But does the USA mainstream have the spine? It’s difficult to say.

For the first time in my life I’ve found myself wondering how safe it is to be an outspoken atheist half a world away, here in Australia.

History in the making, folks… and not in the good way.
Robert G. ShawFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:10 pm

Freedom,
I may argue several points with you, and cheer on several others.
And that’s a good thing.

I enjoyed your response format.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:16 pm

Robert G. Shaw,
Thank you, if you agree with just one then I have made my point and perhaps the one’s you disagree with are worthy of research.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:29 pm

Am I to infer that you have just delivered “the truth” rather than your opinion Freedom?

REVEALED: Trump registered EIGHT new companies in Saudi Arabia during US election campaign

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/736569/Donald-Trump-eight-companies-Saudi-Arabia-US-election-campaign

On Aug. 21, the same day Trump created four of the Jiddah companies, he told a rally crowd in Alabama: “Saudi Arabia, I get along with all of them. They buy apartments from me. They spend $40 million, $50 million. Am I supposed to dislike them? I like them very much.”

In January, a few months after the Jiddah companies were created, Trump told Fox News that he “would want to protect Saudi Arabia” from a potential Iranian threat but added that “Saudi Arabia is going to have to help us economically” and referenced the billions of dollars the Arab kingdom has made off the oil trade.

“The Trump-Russia links beneath the surface are even more extensive,” Max Boot wrote in the Los Angeles Times. “Trump has sought and received funding from Russian investors for his business ventures, especially after most American banks stopped lending to him following his multiple bankruptcies.”

The most obvious example is Trump Soho, a complicated web of financial intrigue that has played out in court. A lawsuit claimed that the business group, Bayrock, underpinning Trump Soho was supported by criminal Russian financial interests. While its initial claim absolved Trump of knowledge of those activities, Trump himself later took on the group’s principal partner as a senior advisor in the Trump organization.

“Tax evasion and money-laundering are the core of Bayrock’s business model,” the lawsuit said of the financiers behind Trump Soho. The financing came from Russian-affiliated business interests that engaged in criminal activities, it said. “(But) there is no evidence Trump took any part in, or knew of, their racketeering.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/a-scramble-to-assess-the-dangers-of-president-elects-global-business-empire/2016/11/20/1bbdc2a2-ad18-11e6-a31b-4b6397e625d0_story.html?utm_term=.0a1fadcecf04

http://time.com/4433880/donald-trump-ties-to-russia/
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:34 pm

Kaye Lee,
Thank you. Proof accepted and acknowledged.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:43 pm

… if Fox News said it, it must be right.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:47 pm

ISIS is a direct result of the CIA – (Proof please)

Trump is attempting to defuse situations in the ME

(The White House put Iran “on notice” on Wednesday …The tough talk commits the administration to back up its rhetoric with action, which could cast doubt on the future of the Iran agreement and sow further uncertainty in an already chaotic Middle East, experts said. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-iran-idUSKBN15G5ED)

are you suggesting Trump should behave more like Obama (Absolutely. Ignoring climate change will kill us all)

until the corrupt Neocon propagandists can be weeded out – (And replaced by people like Steve Bannon and Rex Tillerson?)

who have done nothing but squander vast sums of money and allow things like the Flint Water scandal to go on all over the US (done nothing? so why are they so upset about environmental laws and regulations?)

ever thought of re-populating the country with US citizens? (Do they have to be white heterosexual Christians?)
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:52 pm

” … if Fox News said it, it must be right.”

Perhaps you would like to see the clip and listen to DT in person. It is far worse than the quote I included.

“We made a power out of Iran,” the outspoken billionaire told host Bill O’Reilly on Fox News’s “The O’Reilly Factor.”

“They are looking to go into Saudi Arabia,” Trump continued. “They want the oil, they want the money, [and] they want a lot of other things.
“That’s phase one — to go into Saudi Arabia and, frankly, the Saudis don’t survive without us. And the question is, at what point do we get involved and how much will Saudi Arabia pay us to save them? That’s ultimately what’s going to happen.”

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/264748-trump-we-made-iran-a-power
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 2:53 pm

Straight from the horses mouth…
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm

Kaye Lee,
‘We’ being the deal Obama made with Iran, Not Trump. Trump stated he was against the deal with Iran before he was elected. Trump is also the first politician I’ve ever herd of who has done what he said he was going to do before he was elected which is one of the reasons the citizens who voted for him are still right behind him. It’s only the Clinton supporters who are protesting.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:02 pm

Ahhh you were talking about the mujahideen in Afghanistan. I agree that they may have been the starting ground for some of today’s radical groups. That is not quite what you said however.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:05 pm

Freedom, it is really frustrating when you treat me like an idiot by saying things like ISIS was around before Trump won and that Obama signed the deal with Iran. I know. What you are doing is called deflection from the point. Let’s examine Trump rather than continuing to look at Obama and Clinton.

And it isn’t only thwe Clinton supporters that are protesting – scientists are organising to march, diplomats are making calls to smooth things over, the legal fraternity are gearing up for thousands of litigations that his ill-thought out edicts will bring
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:09 pm

Kaye Lee,
“May have been”… Come on now, let’s get real.

May I add that it is not my intention to discredit you in any way, shape or form. If I appear to be doing so then I apologise but I do honestly believe this continual Trump bashing on questionable grounds is getting rather tiresome. Especially when one considers the Soros factor.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm

It was 30 years ago Freedom. ISIS seems to be full of kids. I think other forces have also been at play in their development but I am not disputing the role of the US in training the mujahideen. I don’t see your comments as an attempt to discredit me. I just think you are quoting the same old tired arguments I have heard on many pro-Trump sites and using the same tactics to either deflect attention or to excuse Trump. I would like to hear your opinion of his edict to the Joint Chiefs to get back to him in 30 days with a plan on how to defeat ISIS.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:19 pm

I don’t know if Trump is a good thing or a bad thing. Who am I to say? Only time will tell but I find it difficult to believe Trump could be as or more corrupt than the previous administrations.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:21 pm

My opinion of his edict to the Joint Chiefs to get back to him in 30 days with a plan on how to defeat ISIS?
Kaye Lee I can only hope but if Russia can destroy more of ISIS with a fraction of the military at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time, I can’t see why the US can’t. That’s if they really want to.
michael laceyFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:21 pm

“Donald Trump is waging war on several fronts to undermine our rights and protections.”

Mainstream Corporate Democrats have prepared the table at which Trump now feasts. Obama has Opened NSA’s Vast Trove of Warrantless Data to Entire Intelligence Community, Just in Time for Trump; the power to kill U.S. citizens without due process is a power bequeathed to Trump by Barack Obama. The leadership of the Democratic Party in general, are responsible for the disastrous aftermath of the financial crisis that helped bring Trump and his wrecking ball cabinet to power!
Miriam EnglishFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:22 pm

Freedom, “who have done nothing but squander vast sums of money and allow things like the Flint Water scandal to go on all over the US”.
If you think things were bad before, just wait until all environmental protections are scrapped by Trump’s loons. There will be major environmental disasters all over the place. They were imperfectly kept in check before, but at least there was some pushback against billionaire polluters. Now there will be none.

Amazing that you think it’s unlikely religious persecution and control over women’s reproductive rights will soon be part of the plan. Have a look at the Right-wing, Christian fundamentalist, white supremacists Trump is surrounding himself with. Trump himself has said women who have an abortion should be punished. Pence emphatically believes that. Bannon and Prince would be happy to inflame an anti-Islamic war. Trump has already begun religious persecution of Muslims and is still trying to get a compliant software company to help him create a Muslim registry.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Kaye Lee the one thing that stands out in my mind is years ago, Trump was interviewed by the derogatory magazine and was asked if he would consider running for president. His reply was ‘only if the country was in serious trouble’ and serious trouble is what the US is in.
Miriam EnglishFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Oops, Freedom has just completely discredited himself by alluding to a conspiracy by Soros.

And if that wasn’t enough, “I don’t know if Trump is a good thing or a bad thing. Who am I to say? Only time will tell but I find it difficult to believe Trump could be as or more corrupt than the previous administrations.” Have you not been paying attention? How much in-your-face corruption does it take?
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:29 pm

You took your time Miriam, I expected to hear your usual condemnation of everything you ‘think’ may be inaccurate long before this.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:30 pm

Trump has threatened to cut funding to the University of California over student protests.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-ucberkeley-protests-trump-idUSKBN15I06N
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:35 pm

Trump has shown absolutely no sign that he has any solutions. He keeps saying things that he does not have the power to do. His arrogant disregard for the law and due process is unbelievable in its naivety.

“I can’t see why the US can’t.”

Ummm…Russia doesn’t have the same qualms about bombing civiliians
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:41 pm

bbl x
guestFebruary 3, 2017 at 3:51 pm

Freedom, there was a program on the radio just today about how to obfuscate any statement.

One way is to make statements which oppose the original statement, even with “facts” which are not demonstrated. Opposing opinions are supposed to be “alternative facts”. Another is to ask questions which do not lead anywhere, such as “would you?”, which asks Kaye what she would do if she was Trump; she isn’t.

So we get a lot of “what ifs” and “how do we know such and such is/ is not the case?”

What you have done is throw up a lot of smoke and mirrors. We saw it with the tobacco industry and now with the climate change sceptics, with sugar advocates, in political rhetoric, etc.

Take any statement and it can be made to sound like a lot of jibber jabber by employing jibber jabber against it.
Kate AhearneFebruary 3, 2017 at 5:37 pm

Freedom, Would that be Freedom From or Freedom To? Or a little of each? Freedom To What? Freedom From What?
Why do you call yourself Freedom? What does Freedom mean to you?
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:31 pm

Of cause you realise by opposing Trump and demanding his impeachment you are playing right into the hands of the neocons. Who do you think would take his place? Pence? Not a chance. Sanders? He wasn’t even in the primaries. Mickey Mouse has as much chance as Sanders. No, it will be the queen of evil herself. The neocons have unfinished business to attend to and if you think for one minute things would be better under Clinton, well, I have a harbour bridge for sale to the highest bidder. Notice no one has heard a peep out of her since she lost the election? Funny that.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:38 pm

Kate Ahearne,
Freedom as opposed to servitude.
Kate AhearneFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:44 pm

Freedom, OK, Freedom From servitude. For Whom?
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:54 pm

Freedom,

You have basically ignored all reference to Trump’s antics. It’s Obama. It’s Clinton. It’s the CIA. It’s the neo-cons. As I have mentioned before, I never accepted that from my children or my students to whom I always said “We are talking about what you did. not what they did.”
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:57 pm

Kaye Lee,
I thought I made myself clear, I favour no one. They are all corrupt just Trump not being a professional politician means he just may not be a habitual liar by default.
RossleighFebruary 3, 2017 at 6:59 pm

Gee, Freedom, that’s an interesting one…
Someone who habitually lies may not be an habitual liar simply because he’s NOT a politician.

Next you’ll be telling me that Pauline Hanson is just great because she says what she thinks even before she does!
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:04 pm

… and you accuse me of talking crap.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:08 pm

Yes I read where you said you supported no-one. I also read what you have written after that assurance which you have repeated on other threads (you know that saying about protesting too much). I didn’t mention that so I am not sure why you felt the need to say it….again. Unless it was to avoid all of the points brought up about Trump….again.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:16 pm

Kaye Lee,
Sorry, was called away. What points did I avoid?
RossleighFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:25 pm

“…and you accuse me of talking crap”?

What on earth do you mean?

Forget anything else, how can you say that Trump isn’t an habitual liar? Forget every other politician.

Are you saying that you believe Trump is telling the truth?

Never mind.
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:28 pm

How Trump is far from calming down the situation in the ME and is putting himself in the middle of a potential brewing stoush between Iran and Saudi-Arabia.

How they are cleaning out the propagandists by installing Steve Bannon. How they are moving away from the neo-con agenda by installing Rex Tillerson and the band of billionaires now able to award themselves government contracts.

The removal of white supremacist and neo-nazi groups from the terrorist watch. Would you prefer the US to “repopulate” with white heterosexual flag-waving Christians?

Scientists marching on Washington, cutting funding to a university because the students protested, the ban on discussing abortion in third world countries……I am sick of rereading but I am sure there are more which you could have read yourself if you weren’t just waiting to answer rather than actually discussing anything which would require something more than the argument you had prepared earlier.
RossleighFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:33 pm

Chips and seagulls, Kaye Lee, chips and seagulls….

Gee, I’ve been convinced by the way “Freedom” talks about other politicians in order to tell us how Trump may or may not be good but, of course, he’s good.
I think his work here is done!
Kate AhearneFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:37 pm

Rossleigh, Me, too! My placard reads, ‘Freedom from Freedom’, and I’m waving it all over the place..
RoswellFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:38 pm

So you reckon that Sanders wasn’t even in the Primaries. Boy, have we got a surprise for you.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:41 pm

Kaye Lee,
http://nypost.com/2017/01/28/trump-putin-discuss-middle-east-during-phone-call-kremlin/

Second question I have no idea.

It is a possibility re-population is Trumps agenda. No-one knows for sure so statements of fact are questionable.

Student revolts are not my problem but I understand there was much violence and destruction.

As the debate rages on global warming Vs climate change and the scientists screaming the loudest are the ones affected by Trumps decision. I have no idea who is right.

I am in favor of abortion and I believe third world countries weren’t mentioned.

Did I miss any?
RossleighFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:41 pm

Roswell, don’t let those habitual liars like Sanders and Clinton convince you that he was actually in the Primaries, I’m with Freedom With The Truth on that one!

Actually, Freedom From Reality, which scientists are screaming quietly?
Kaye LeeFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:41 pm

You are right rossleigh but it felt good to summarise and did I mention climate change?
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm

Thank you Rossleigh and Kate Ahearne for your valued contribution.
Kate AhearneFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:45 pm

You’re most welcome, Freedom. Happy to be of value.
RossleighFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:47 pm

And, personally, I’m not in favour of abortion in all cases. I’d happily allow some children to be born. But, hey, Freedom, if you’re in favour of abortion as a general concept, who am I to disagree?
And, I don’t wan’t to be a grammar Nazi, but could you please put the possesive apostrophe in “Trump’s agenda”!
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:49 pm

Primaries may be the wrong word. Sanders wasn’t part of the final vote. I don’t pretend to understand US elections.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:51 pm

Is there any other kind of Nazi you don’t want to be?
Miriam EnglishFebruary 3, 2017 at 7:58 pm

Freedom, summarising: you don’t have a clue, but Trump might be good, Clinton is evil, Soros is the boogy-man, and climate change is uncertain (ya can’t trust those damn scientists).

So, yeah, you don’t have a clue.
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Miriam,
Thank you for your valued contribution.
rossleighbrisbaneFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:02 pm

And thank you for all yours
FreedomFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:05 pm

… and thank you Kaye Lee for listening and for your honest opinions and thank you for not degrading your intellect with petty name calling like some others but it’s time for me to say good night.
RoswellFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:25 pm

There goes our freedom.
totaramFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:31 pm

Let me just say this: It is possible that Trump will stir up enough trouble to cause many people to rethink the way they go about their politics. If not, then that is what they deserve and they can enjoy it.

I might mention that I’m not happy with the way the Democrats in the US sidelined Bernie Sanders. He might have changed something for the better. Too late now. Sad, as the Donald would say.
FreethinkerFebruary 3, 2017 at 8:55 pm

Many of you have read my posts with political issues in Souh America, how the extreme right is and was close to the USA polices specially draconian and against human rights.
Well the new president in Argentina, Macri is a real estate millionaire with extreme right ideology and his last policy or propose policy is to build a wall between Argentina and Bolivia.
Read the following article and tell me is he is not Donald Trump

Argentina sees migration ban and border wall proposals in immigration row
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/03/argentina-sees-migration-ban-and-border-wall-proposals-in-immigration-row

Now we have a corrupt and extreme right government in Brazil, extreme right in Argentina and Paraguay.
The fascism is taking power world wide, Europe can be the next.
pierre wilkinsonFebruary 3, 2017 at 9:18 pm

Freedom is something that we currently take for granted, but with “security issues” manifesting daily, it will soon be a limited commodity.
Thankfully, Kaye Lee et al will still be available for succinct commentary.
SamFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:03 pm

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.

Couldn’t resist.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 8:46 am

🙂 Sam

Lawrence O’Donnell, the left-wing commentator and host of MSNBC’s The Last Word, lambasted the President for insulting Turnbull, “while having no idea that Australia has stood by us like no other ally, marched into battle with us where no other ally would go, including Vietnam, something Donald Trump would have known if he had served in Vietnam and heard those men beside him with those Australian accents, men who saved the lives of American troops”.

Trump avoided serving in the Vietnam War due to a series of deferments, including a medical deferment for bone spurs in his heels.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/us-media-congressmen-stunned-donald-trump-has-picked-a-fight-with-australia-20170202-gu3wfk.html
randalstellaFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:12 am

Yeh, let’s rah-rah on the Vietnam War – to make a cheap point against Trump.
Shark-infested waters are safe for sharks.
KeithFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:48 am

Trump has been a Pres, for a fortnight and has already rattled the sabres with Iran, North Korea, and China. It is no accident that the Doomsday clock has hand moved closer to 12. On RN radio the other night there was a discussion about nuclear weapons; the guest expert suggested that todays weapons are far more powerful than those dropped on Japan.

More recklessness:

“The Senate gave final approval to a measure eliminating a rule to prevent coal mining debris from being dumped into nearby streams, while the House backed a separate resolution doing away with extended background checks for gun purchases by some Social Security recipients with mental disabilities.”

from:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/02/congress-scraps-obama-era-rules-on-coal-mining-background-checks.html
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:53 am

You have to wonder what Putin has on Trump. During the phone call between Trump and Putin on the last Saturday of January Trump had the recorder switched off. I can only think of one reason he’d do that. Even more worrying is that a day after the conversation Russia expanded its efforts in Ukraine, shelling homes and forcing citizens to flee, in violation of the ceasefire.
Terry2February 4, 2017 at 9:58 am

Sad to see that Logham Sawari, the young Iranian refugee held on Manus Island for three years, who managed to escape PNG and go to Fiji has now been returned to PNG by Fijian authorities.

I had thought that, as the PNG Supreme Court had determined that detention on Manus was unconstitutional, he may have been able to avoid deportation by UN intervention but evidently not.

Now of course he can be legally detained in PNG as he has committed a crime in allegedly forging travel documents.

No winners in this !
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:03 am

I should explain that the recorder is the White House recorder that logs all phone conversations with the president. It’s what got Nixon into so much trouble. Trump is making himself look like a puppet by turning the recorder off. The only reason I can see for turning it off is if you know you’re about to talk of things that would confirm that you are the bad guy.
helvityniFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:21 am

Terry2, Sawari’s story is terribly sad, but it’s drowned in the talk of how badly ‘badly’ Trump treated our PM…Sawari who?
KeithFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:24 am

Miriam
Another explanation maybe: Tillerson had a very cosy relationship with Russia; there had been plans for a joint venture in relation to oil reserves in the Arctic Ocean. President Obama stopped such a venture through sanctions set against Russia.

ExxonMobil may work once again with its Russian counterpart.
KeithFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:31 am

“Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have suspended their panel’s rules to force through Scott Pruitt’s nomination to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The maneuver was made only one day after all 10 Democratic members of the committee announced a boycott over President Donald Trump’s EPA pick. The boycott was sparked over their serious concerns of the Oklahoma attorney general’s stances on climate change, pollution regulation and unanswered requests to provide official documents or emails that would shed light on his ties to the energy industry.”

From

http://www.ecowatch.com/pruitt-epa-vote-2233447446.html?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=318b038ec4-MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-318b038ec4-86074709

The swamp has definitely not been drained.
245179February 4, 2017 at 10:33 am

one of the bad guys……..( and “bad” is setting agendas around this globe )
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:48 am

Keith, if one was a conspiracy theorist one could see how well ignoring climate change ties in with drilling in the Arctic. Get rid of that pesky ice and full steam ahead.

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/13/exxon-mobil-could-tap-huge-arctic-assets-if-us-russian-relations-thaw.html
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:00 am

Posted with no comment.

http://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/climate-change-scare-tool-to-destroy-capitalism/
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:03 am

Kaye, the yanks and Russians had better hope that theories are wrong regarding the possibility of exponentially increasing melt of ice on Greenland stalling the current of warm water flowing from the tropics up the Atlantic. If that warming current does stop then the Northern Hemisphere may experience a new ice age that could last decades or centuries. Imagine most of USA Europe, and Russia under a kilometer of ice. We, here in the south would continue to warm, almost unabated. All the water being laid down as snow and ice in the north would lower sea levels by many meters, leaving all the world’s port cities high and dry.

Of course the ice age would only be temporary, and the north would rejoin the south in heating up again. Temperatures would rise, ice would melt, sea levels would rise several meters above what they are now.

All this has happened before in the prehistoric deep past, though never as quickly as it is now.
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

Freedom, you posted that as a joke, right?
guestFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:13 am

Freedom,

climate denial is a scared capitalist tool allowing them to destroy the planet.
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:30 am

I posted that link with no opinion but if I did have an opinion it would be for every article supporting climate change there is an article discrediting it, which is why I don’t have an opinion…
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:37 am

NASA’s opinion.
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:38 am

The worst part of that page linked to by “Freedom” (what an ironic name) is that it lies when it says that Christiana Figueres is against capitalism. She sees the challenges of capitalism unregulated going mad and destroying the world. Anybody with more than two brain cells can see that danger. In an article about Inclusive Capitalism she actually argues that “Capitalism must be part of the solution.”
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:42 am

NASA’s opinion on ice.
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:44 am

Just can’t help yourself can you Miriam.
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:45 am

Let’s have every article that talks about Norse gods as mythology have another that discusses them as real. Let’s have every article and satellite photo displaying the Earth as a sphere be “balanced” by another talking of the Flat Earth lunacy. Let’s have every discussion of leprechauns as quaint mythology be “balanced” by another that says they are real.

This is the standard climate denialist tactic of pretending to be balanced. In fact it raises the ridiculous stance of climate cenialism to prominence it doesn’t deserve. Virtually all climate experts around the world agree that human-driven global heating is real.
Miriam EnglishFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:48 am

I can’t help responding to someone like you who intentionally misleads? No, I guess not. But, you really are not worth the electrons. I should stop feeding the trolls.
Kate AhearneFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:49 am

Miriam, Thank goodness you just can’t help yourself!
totaramFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:52 am

Freedom:”I posted that link with no opinion but if I had an opinion (which I don’t) it would be for every article supporting climate change there is an article discrediting it, which is why I have no opinion.”

Seriously? You did a complete count of the entire internet? Or do we go by peer-reviewed research articles, the way we do to have an opinion on the creation of the Universe and earth, the evolution of life, quantum physics etc. ?
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 11:56 am

What is it you don’t understand? I am saying I don’t know what the truth is. That makes me a troll? To be ridiculed for not knowing? Or perhaps ridicule is the accepted norm on this site.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:00 pm

Freedom is just doing his bit for the endangered species of climate denialists. They are on the verge of extinction…slightly before the rest of us.

Freedom, we like stuff that’s factual because it’s kind of important. If you don’t know then it is probably best to listen to the experts? (I mean the scientists, not us)
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:09 pm

One side is arguing global warming (man made) the other is arguing climate change (natural phenomenon). Look at the videos I posted and tell me again I’m in denial. Or perhaps you think denial is a river in Egypt.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:12 pm

I have looked at endless videos and read countless scientific reports. I do not need to listen to the argument that it is natural to present my argument against that.

A natural cycle requires a forcing, and no known forcing exists that fits the fingerprints of observed warming – except anthropogenic greenhouse gases.
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:16 pm

… and there, if you were to examine Trump’s budget cuts with an unbiased mind, you just might discover why the scientists are protesting…
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:19 pm

Kaye Lee.
To assume (the content of the videos) makes an ass out of you and me.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:20 pm

The scientists are protesting because Trump’s vandalism is going to fry the planet and he is trying to silence them and destroy their research. You really are dredging the bottom of the barrel with the scientists are doing it for the money argument. Do you have ANY idea how much the fossil fuel industry would pay a scientist who could disprove AGW? You don’t understand how scientists work. Their whole raison d’etre is to disprove hypotheses.

PS I assumed nothing at all. I was commenting on your first link from some investors site.
Kate AhearneFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:24 pm

There’s a core question that needs to be put again and again to those who still insist that climate change is not being caused, or may not be being caused, by human activity. ‘Do you really believe that we can keep pouring greenhouse gases into the air and expect our behaviour to have no impact on the atmosphere?’ This question lives within the broader question: ‘Do you really believe that we can continue pouring poisons into our air and our earth and our sea without serious consequences?’
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:26 pm

Kaye Lee I didn’t invent the argument. I just don’t know the truth. Forgive me.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:30 pm

And I am trying to give you information that will help you form an opinion. Could I recommend this site which will have an answer to any denialist argument you have ever heard

https://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Kaye Lee,
Thank you for the link (I just watched your last one), I will watch it asap but please refrain from calling me a denier. Personal attacks are so unbecoming of you.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:35 pm

I am sorry. I didn’t realise I had done that….In fact, I just looked back and I deny calling you a denier.
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:41 pm

Kaye Lee,
No, it’s me that needs to apologise. It wasn’t you, it was the usual suspects.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:49 pm

I don;t know who or what you mean by usual suspects and would ask that you refrain from such comments. We do better when we discuss topics rather than each other.
FreedomFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:56 pm

Kaye Lee,
Good link, thank you but I never said or implied the weather is not changing. I’m sitting here in my kitchen in Northern NSW (no, I don’t live in Nimbin) sweating like a pig (excuse the term) and have been for the past eight days straight. Yes, it’s summer but summer this year is out of control. I haven’t checked any official records but I can tell you from my own experience, each year it’s getting hotter and hotter here to the point of extreme discomfort. Makes me wonder how the US soldiers in Darwin are coping lol.
Kaye LeeFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:59 pm

Sorry about the formatting

Top 12 warmest years (NOAA)
(1880–2016)
Rank Year Anomaly °C
1 2016 0.94
2 2015 0.90
3 2014 0.74
4 2010 0.70
5 2013 0.66
6 2005 0.65
7 2009 0.64
8 1998 0.63
9 2012 0.62
10 (tie) 2003 0.61
10 (tie) 2006 0.61
10 (tie) 2007 0.61

Last month Sydney had 11 days when the temperature topped 30C and five days above 35C, smashing not only all previous records for the month but for any month since records began in 1858.

January’s average minimum was 21.6C, breaking the previous average minimum for any month which had been 21.2C in February 2010.

https://www.theguardian.com/weather/2017/feb/01/january-was-sydneys-hottest-month-on-record-says-weather-bureau
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:04 pm

The “environmentalist as anything” scientists are nothing but a sham. They don’t give a flying fit about the environment. They only give a fit about who pays them money to raise their flags in protest. There’s no money so bitching about the greatest nuke disaster, even worse than Chernobyl remains scientists and the media’s best kept secret. Oh right, Fukushima is just another conspiracy theory isn’t it, a figment of the imagination.

https://translate.google.com.au/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sankei.com%2Flife%2Fnews%2F170202%2Flif1702020034-n1.html&edit-text=&act=url
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:14 pm

A dose of about 8 Sieverts is considered incurable and fatal.
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:25 pm

… and while I’m on a roll, is this an admission of fake news?

http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2017/02/buzzfeed-sued-over-publishing-trump-dossier-sparking-apology-234638
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Hmmm…
http://fmshooter.com/need-take-closer-look-real-refugees-denounce-vetting/
Miriam EnglishFebruary 5, 2017 at 8:13 pm

“Freedom”, nope. Not an admission of fake news. Defamation laws are weird. You can publish the truth and still get sued, depending on where you live.

The fmshooter site is trying to fire up hate with the help of an inflammatory photo that could be a joke for all any of us know. They’re constructing a strawman argument. “The refugees should be vetted!” it protests. But they are vetted. Nobody has ever suggested otherwise, as far as I know.
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 8:34 pm

Although BuzzFeed did not redact Gubarev’s name when it first published the dossier, it did redact the names of a few other people mentioned in the dossier. Hmmm.
FreedomFebruary 5, 2017 at 8:36 pm

Funny, I thought the whole point was to strengthen the vetting process because it was thought to be inadequate. It was before it was falsely labeled a racist policy by the media.