In a state of shock

[John F Collier]

#20 I do john have a similar warped sense of humour Davey does as well. Some people take umbrage and don't read post too well, One cant be serious all the time. Cheers JS

Agree with you completely JS , I appreciate yours and Gulliver's humour it makes a welcome break sometimes. all the best, JC

[Rodney Mills]

Johno in Oz #23.

Well Johno, I/we just have to agree to disagree. We in the States only get the headlines on our news about Oz...Man bites shark in Australia. I do dig a bit deeper and subscribe to the 'Australian'.

For me to enter into fierce debate on Australian politics and current events is not on. Yes, I spent seven years in Oz, but that was twenty years ago, and if you note I do not give my opinions on Australian political events, for or against. Don't misunderstand me I do enjoy your articles. You are well read and seem to me to have thoughtful insight into politics and current events. Though I MAY (not shouting but emphasizing) disagree with your premise, I respect the fact that when you are not sure you have the courage to ask about US politics. Subjects like Global Warming are fair game as we both have to live with the results, either way.

I never gave my opinion on Brexit, or Brit. elections or political polices. One I'm not qualified to. Two,if I disagreed with the mass, the anger and vitriol of ninety five % of the site would fall on me like a ton of bricks...Magna Carta and free speech is not for former colonials I guess. So I stay with generalities and spout on politics I'm well versed in, that of the USA.

I enjoy disagreement, albeit not harping, or ignorance. I enjoy learning. I have never been part of a herd. I can slowly change my opinions along with facts that convince me that I'm wrong, or events signify change. If all I wanted was agreement I would lock myself in the bathroom and shout into the mirror, lovely echo and great reflection of an outstanding orator.... Good looking too...Not.

Three weeks ago President Elect Trump said at one of his rallies..."The elections are rigged, get out the people to monitor the results... (You can't by Federal law. People must stay forty feet back from a polling stations door, and no signs allowed or shouting.) ...They're rigged! When the results come in there will be people out on the streets." After the elections "It was a fair and just election and the people have spoken..." "These rioters must be driven from the streets."

2000 intercontinental land nuclear missiles. 350 standing-by on submarines. Our President alone has the unconditional authority to command "Fire." There are exactly ten minutes maximum notice to make a decision. It's "fire." All can be fired within two minutes. Once they leave the Silo or submarine they cannot be recalled or self-destruct. It's Armageddon! It's been that way under nine Presidents since President Kennedy.

Sleep well shipmates, January 21st, 2017 President Trump will be watching over you.

[Braid Anderson]

Having read all that, I for one will still not be sad to say goodbye to Obama bin Laden. I personally think at least some of the votes for Trump may have been a reaction to Obama's pro-Moslem actions.

[happy daze john in oz]

Rodders, thank you for your insightful comments.
Yes I di take a fair bit of notice re international politics as I believev that in the end we are all effected by them. Personaly I have no problems with Donald as I of the opinion there will be enough of his mates to keep him in line.

As to your comments about free speech. Never ever be afraid to speak your mind, yes there may be some who will not agree or like your comments but it is corner stone of our democracy that we do, as you say going back to the days of Magna Carta.

Any information about your system of governance will always be of interest to me.

[John Pruden]

like it or not we are stuck with mr trump brexit but the pc brigade will not adhere to the people these two things could make the world a better place always look on the bright side of what is going on the people asked for it do it simple the brains should if they do what they are paid for.. jp

[happy daze john in oz]

The election may have been a shock to many but as far as I can see in the modern history of USA there has only been once instance where the incoming president has been of the same party as the out going. Republicans follow Democrats with the majority getting two terms. Few manage only one, G. Bush senior and Ford are the only ones since WW2 apart from JFK sudden exit and Our Richard being forced out.

So there was every possibility that Donald would win no matter what Clinton may have come up with.

Interesting to note that Yellen of the central bank ahs warned Donald, and no doubt Congress and Senate, not to interfere with banking regulations.

[j.sabourn]

There have also been 4 Presidents assassinated by gunfire, Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKingley, and John F Kennedy. Although JFK was never proved successfully that the killing shot came from where it did, and may have been a very unfortuanate accident, people believe what they want to. Where there are over 200 million people and very little restriction on gun ownership there are going to be tragedy"s. Saying that however there is no fire arm restriction or very little what one sees in the Middle east, and look at the state of them. We have restrictions in Oz but criminals still get their hands on and use. A firearm or any weapon used outside of war is a cowards way of gaining superiority over others. The President who has the right idea is him in the Phillipines. Shoot first and ask questions afterwards. JS

[j.sabourn]

You Know Trump may be right....

HISTORICAL FACT
Who says building a border wall won"t work??
The Chinese built one over 2000 years ago
and they still don"t have any Mexicans.
JS

[John Arton]

The first country and head of state that Obama is visiting on his farewell European tour is Germany, where he has spoken of his special relationship with Ms. Merkel. Don't know what has happened to his so called special relationship with the U.K.? but my conspiracy theory is that Obama has cosied up to Merkel as she openly welcomed all those MOOOSLIM immigrants into Germany/Europe and Obama is a closet MOOSLIM sympathiser, something Donald certainly is not.
rgds
JA

[John Pruden]

john that wall was to keep people in not out in them days?? jp