Wrwest

Am I wrong to think trump will claim the election of an American Pontiff was a direct result of his being the American President?

Agreed a shot at competing for an open process but I confess to wanting a candidate, fair or not, as challenging not being part of the current powers that be. Hillary appeared to be "owed' a shot. Joe, after long service appeared to be owed a shot. The current occupier of the White House would not have been elected, I think/, had the power structure read the demands of the working middle class that the economic squeeze be addressed in a laid out program showing how each proposal would strengthen their income. OK, yes, a Bernie supporter.

Except those parts which are being tracked as consistent with the Project 2025n plan.

Sorry but ... the good, the bad and the ugly as can be found elsewhere and in all individuals, as well.

Very funny. Shopping for sympathetic Judges/ Exactly why the swept up deportees were sent to a Texas facility from their resident state.

As if there was not a difference. Yes, Obama deported and Clinton reduced the number of federal employees. Now, do try to think ... what was the difference? They followed the law or the results would have been like Court Decisions.

Demonstrating the need for critical thinking ability or ... just choosing to ignore the issue addressed in the Court Decision.

Fond memories at Tilak 2009-2010. . Reminded each time I rewatch, "Bangkok Dangerous".

Back down under threat? They would not be the first, of course trump has documented the pattern.

From news this morn, appears trump has again backed down from his ill advised tariff aggression. the car industry, parts supply he cited as needing relief.

I have to confess literacy tests (same test applied equally to all ... not the previous US literacy tests to keep blacks from voting in the Bible Belt Southern States), and term limits are becoming more acceptable;e to me. As has been said, the problem with a participatory democracy is counting heads, not what's in those heads. Not testing the meaning of E=mc@ but basic civic knowledge as to how the government is supposed to operate (no doubt would be resisted by those taking advantage of the system).

Ha! Being a naive, backward, Puritan inhibited American (OK, not really), I remember fondly a couple of European experiences. The first was visiting the Costa Del Sol where my ex-Wife and I came across a beach full of bare breasted beauties. Ah, yes, I learned a new chapter of "eye candy". The second time, I was leading an American Scout Exchange to Europe through our Sister City program. In Switzerland or maybe it was Germany, we were on a river rafting trip. Coming around one river bend there was a substantial grassy area with sun bathers. There they were again, those bare breasted beauties! As the Scouts were both male and female, I have no doubt I, like Socrates, could have been found to be corrupting youth by some in our conservative home area of western Kentucky.

As BC/BS and civil servant retirees are mentioned, perhaps the following might be of interest to some. I retired with a BC/BS Medicare Advantage policy from a state government institution. Heart attack in 2015 (Chiang Mai). The total bill was 411,000 baht (about $11K usd at the time). BC/BS paid $5000 usd and I paid the remainder. I do continue to pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium (debatable insuranc for if I return to USA with cancer, etc.). Medicare generally does not cover outside the USA but, fully retired US military, also required to pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium are given worldwide coverage. While I support the Medicare coverage for fully retired military, I also support being treated in the same manner ... but I realize there is no chance under the current US administration.

Yes, aware but wondering if they will include global medical coverage for fully retired military. They already deny me my earned Medicare coverage for being outside the US as a fully retired civilian. I add that both continue to pay the monthly Part B Medicare premium.

Just confirming you post for the reader. I have used the 65K monthly transfer since my 2011 retirement from the US for retirement. No issue with Chiang Mai Royal Immigration. I prefer to keep my retirement funds invested earning dividends. (Footnote, yes down over a years's total income in value under the current administration).

Wait, what?! Republican ... who would have thunk it!

Agree, Tug. Although they have ruined their ability to declare I oppose all steps taken by the trump administration. I do think I can support the removal of petroleum based food dyes.

Thanks, reminded me that chocolate is white bean. Is that remembered correctly?

Agreed, Mike. My take on the last election ... a clear rejection of both the Democrat and traditional Republicans. The only viable choice viewed by the working middle class? The only one giving voice to their justified frustration/anger ... trump. Very poor choice but viewed as the only choice to make a change ...

This 78 year old agrees and will vote to support.

I'm thinking mostly aimed as a ad. Still, at 78 (apologize, American), a large part of my reason being retired here concerns having an earned working middle class life on my sustainable $2400 a month ($1604 of that from SS). Do keep in mind as an American ... my Medicare? With deductible. co-pays, monthly Part B premium? Still gym/pool membership for the two of us at 8000 baht is doable. Even my heart attack in Chiang Mai in 2015 worked out as doable (about half US insurance covered).

You know what they say about the result of "ass.u.me".

Wow! Took you 30 minutes to read? Bottom line, your choice.

Yes, and short run in the historical meaning.

There is strong evidence in history that authoritarian rule can be most effective ... in the short run. In the USA, I will not say impossible but the history of social uprising suggests against the trump, Project 2025 ilk direction.