Fat is a type of crazy

If you like rugby and drinking kava it might be your cup of tea.

Presumably confusing Haley and Pelosi. Not that Pelosi was at fault. His fans won't care. Sad.

Hey I was going to write a long reply as I strongly disagree with these old chestnuts you bring up - comparing a couple of comments from Hillary, who is not Biden, to Trump's over the topness, linking Afghanistan to Ukraine somehow, comparing a totally unrelated riot in Kenosha which Biden had nothing to do with, to January 6 - at the Capitol no less - which Trump was clearly responsible for etc etc. I will give you the economic point that inflation is a killer for all sorts of reasons and workers, including myself in Australia, aren't impressed with being told they can't have wages keeping pace or it causes more inflation - always workers pay in the end. But that's world wide and if you think Trump would have had lower inflation or been a friend of the worker with higher wages then that's fine. I could wax lyrical further about this but ...

I had problems adding to your post Mr Gamma. I did consider whether to do a long cut short post but it was targeted to Big Star in particular so had to reply to his range of points. But I’ll take your feedback on board.

You can be a thing or alternatively have tendencies towards a type of behaviour that is that thing. Most are in the latter category and surely have a bit of self awareness to seek treatment or manage symptoms. If he is the full narcissistic package maybe it is a lost cause.

Thanks for that. The following may seem like stock standard anti Trump stuff but here’s my opinion. Can’t go with the notion of Trump as simply a tad more extreme or the loudest monkey. I note, for example, that in the article about denying election results there is a clear difference between some somewhat valid comments and questioning of say the 2000 Florida result, that may be churlish at times but with no serious attempt to take the issue further, compared to Trump’s ongoing straight out outrageous refusal to accept that he lost based on nothing, leading to January 6 etc. I notice many who talk of Biden’s failings look in terms of poll numbers rather than what he has achieved – possibly because of the clearly strong economy. Inflation will always affect polls, and it hadn’t been helped by some early Biden spending and the effect of Biden’s strong economy, but had been overwhelmingly a worldwide problem brought on by the Covid spending, and is now coming down. There have been failings . The border issue is serious. I note too that, after your Afghanistan article, Biden did of course leave, though no doubt the withdrawal was botched. Biden’s age and communication skills impact his polls and prospects. In the latter part of your thread we clearly part ways. To seemingly describe Biden and the Democrats as lying thugs, who have to be addressed by utilising the rule of law, seems incredibly ironic. I suppose some see Trump still as someone, who despite a bit of bravado and nonsense, is deep down smart, and that is interests are consistent with the best interests of the nation. The alternative view is that it is not overstated or deranged to see him as a potential threat to democracy and the rule of law. That’s a whole separate topic. Take two examples though, January 6 and the fake electors scheme, and his treatment of highly classified records. If he had sufficient smarts, and control over his narcissism, he would have seen both were actions had been highly dangerous, and doomed to failure due to the dumb and hopeless way he went about things, causing himself and the country serious and unnecessary problems to deal with in the future.

I admit it is difficult because no one has stuck their neck out but nominees could be like Gavin Newsom or Pete Buttigieg or Amy Klobuchar - they all have their baggage I suppose.

If I am understanding it right 1 is bad for the older worker and 2 means more taxation for those on that income between 168 and 250. Australia has a different system in terms of social security - you don't contribute - it is means tested when you get to 67. This is what I mean by being in the middle. On the one hand I think there should be a reward for those who work hard and save hard so they can retire independently and I can understand it irking some to have to pay taxes to support others who haven't done so. But on the other hand I think there is some fairness to share the load around and make sure people can retire at a reasonable age with dignity. So somewhere in the middle.

Added 'Democrat' alternatives in case the confused person thought I meant Republicans being the alternative.

Yes. Open to being a Republican if they stuck to the economics with a bit of heart thrown in but there's always so much nonsense that goes with their side of politics. I consider myself in the middle in Australian politics which is to the left in American terms. I like Biden and his policies except get confused by things like immigration. I sense in these pages the democrat leaning posters including myself sometimes are focusing on the anti Trump, which is easy fare, and not acknowledging that Biden has done well but, I could be wrong, four more years will be a very difficult sell to the electorate and Democrat alternatives make so much more sense.

So if you see a hospital cleaner in Sydney today swearing loudly at nothing in particular .. nothing to worry about ...he's remembering some dogs he saw in 2017

Biden is too old. His communication skills appear weak. This is for President. Emperor's new clothes and all that. He may deep down have the skills but I can't see the electorate buying it. They'll ask how can we trust his judgement and vote for him if he himself cannot see he should not be running. I see his only chance if the opposition is totally damaged goods and I accept Trump may fit the bill.

Exactly. It's all pretense but let's hope enough voters see it the same way. My 2 cents though is that, say, Biden's approach to the border can make him seem indecisive or unsure, or someone trying to please too many, and his age exaggerates that notion. On MSNBC a guy from the Atlantic was saying that for many swing voters, not that interested in politics, Trump is right now more of a memory, as they don't see the speeches that are no longer televised, or all the day to day stuff like news aficionados do. Those voters may be turned off when he's back at the forefront of the news again, with all the lies, and nonsense and rudeness. Add the court cases and that might be enough to make him electable only to the base.

One of the reasons I gave Phuket the flick - not so much Karon but the stuff that was in the canals flowing on to Kata beach always looked appalling

I think though if he picked Haley as Vice President nominee his fans would still think they are getting Trump who would be totally in control, with a sensible back up, that they could stomach. Besides his hardcore base I think many could not stomach Ramaswamy. I agree the legal stuff is still a huge threat but that's a given. Biden can make things so much easier by stepping aside after an excellent 4 years. I liken him to Carter in 1980 - seen as a good man with good intentions but not strong in the ways Americans like politicians to be strong. I notice in recent videos he looks seriously old - no disrespect intended because he has done great things and we can't control how we age - but I think it's a hard road with Biden whoever is the opponent.

I agree that Haley as Vice President would give him some legitimacy he doesn't deserve. He is currently giving her a hard time making fun of her real name Nimarta Nikki Randhawa Haley, not racist at all, but of course that will all change if she drops out. Sad state of affairs seeing her not push back hard so as not to offend the base. I concur Joe has to go. He may still have some smarts but optics are bad and going to get worse. For the good of the nation.

Is it significantly better in low season in Pattaya ? Hoping it is.

If interested in Euro women's soccer, or whatever, why not comment. You can learn stuff and get feedback and be less ignorant. I don't think being a local, now or 20 years ago, gives one an intrinsic or important insight, that others cannot have on a particular topic, in this modern technological age. Sometimes, a posters outsider status can help them to identify interesting discussion points e.g. they can see that the Emperor has no clothes. Though it can be boring and I rarely comment - the topic of American politics is more potentially impactful to many expats - than whether there was an accident in Chiang Mai or an Englishman and a Russian had a fight in a bar in Pattaya - topics that get 100's of the same ol' boring comments. I think political discussion adds to this site if only as a contrast to the normal topics such as ladies of the night or the availability of marmite.

You tend to be fairly logical in your discussion of other topics such as sport and diet. I am not sure if you are a Trump supporter, or simply think opposition to him is overwrought, but it might be interesting to see if you think he is an appropriate and sensible option for president. In terms of derangement, despite the odd meme such as that which you have posted, the Democrats of course focused and fought the good fight and Biden is president. Such a long road ahead for Trump to get back what he lost but still can't admit he lost. That Republicans want him was possibly forgivable in 2016, but to think he is a morally appropriate or a capable candidate in 2024, is hard to comprehend. But if you have a different opinion happy to hear the same logic you use to discuss diet etc.

The $688 may have been a first up special for certain dates. Lot of options in May for $786 return. Cost should not go up unless you pick options such as free change booking or extra baggage.

Thanks. Is it fair to say they take forever as they are caught in traffic - say from Jomtiem to Pattaya - or is that only at certain times

Took it as a joke. Those buildings seem fine though let's be honest some of the downbeat descriptions of I think View Talay 1 or 2 and the local shops in this thread did not sound inspiring. Looking for a location for 6 weeks in a condo in the right location not so easy but some options look ok. Thinking I might travel multiple places to have a look at other options.

Sounds good but most people who feel like that actually know that there's closer to 10 million than 10 baht or they would not be so laid back about the whole thing.

Interesting discussion. Until about the free water. I am going for say 6 weeks in low season to size up whether the area is my cup of tea to live and I must admit have been a bit turned off by the comments on the Talay area of Jomtiem with the lack of shops and facilities and busy baht bus to town. Though surprised people talk about swimming there. Thought all beaches were too dirty. Thinking about more Central Pattaya to be near shops etc but don't want too much noise - may be a contradiction. Thought a bit towards Wongamat . Pratamnuk may be a bit separated without a bike. If anyone can suggest somewhere near transport, good gym and pool, at least 50 sqm inside, budget discretionary depending on what you get but don't mind paying a decent amount, nice to pick somewhere with potential to be long term base.

Doesn't make sense. Maybe one too many nots.