Hawaiian

44 minutes ago, G_Money said:

So the government never lies?  

Please point out what is not true in those two links.  Are you saying the statistics provided by SSA are doctored?

53 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

What does he care? He'll be a lame duck.

Of course he cares.  Keeping up his image is very important to him.

50 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

It's not a very good image for a president in waiting to be threatening members of his own party 30 days before he takes office.

Agree.  He-starting off on the wrong foot.

5 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

NY Times headline 5 minutes ago:

-- House Approves Stopgap Funding Bill Hours Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

--The new legislation would keep the government open but did not include the debt ceiling increase that President-elect Donald J. Trump had demanded. It now goes to the Senate.

The Republican members would rather face the wrath of Trump rather than irate voters.

18 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

One of the things I feared. He's following the same pattern he did last time. Talks big on controlling immigration and restoring American industries. Then the first thing he does is a tax cut for billionaires. All the other stuff is subsequently ignored. Same as last time in office.

Congress has other ideas about being bossed around by Musk and Trump.  I am almost sure the GOP in both the House and the Senate will challenge Trump's threats to primary them. 

Got news for the Chicken Little Gang, the sky is not falling.

8 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

No!

As it has the word ""Christmas" in it!

Would you refuse a million dollar check if it was  clearly marked as a Christmas gift?

55 minutes ago, John Drake said:

The Democrats are just sitting back. Biden, too. It's like nobody is in charge. And the Republicans have hived off and Trump is already threatening to primary congressmen who don't vote on the latest budget extension. It all looks nutso.

Some called it organized chaos.  Problem is no one knows who the real organizer is.

7 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Thanks that will help keep warm !

PS; What is the significance of the comment?

Not familiar with Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"?

25 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Probably invented by Americans so they can tip and tell everyone how much

It's such an evil thing that has spread around much of the globe.

23 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Are you a Jehovah's Witnessl  NO!

 Thinks Christmas is an evil invention?  YES!

A lump of coal for you.

13 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

Doesn't matter who.... you're claiming otherwise with no backup, right?

 

https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/HowAreSocialSecurity.htm#:~:text=Social Security is financed through,self-employed pay 12.4 percent.

 

https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/fyOps.html

 

 

I read both articles prior to you posting the 2 links just to get it from "the horses mouth."  Unfortunately, some don't want to accept information even when it comes from an official government source.

2 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Depends very much on the level of stupidity, and the quality of language, contained in 'an opinion article posted for debate'. Many of them are not worth a moment of anyone's day.

Garbage in, garbage out.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

11 minutes ago, rct99q said:

Yes, in a sense it does make it legal. Again, why do kids in Thailand ride motor bikes? To get to school, get things for mom or dad for work, joy riding? But law enforcement knows it happens, parents know, kids go thru check stops all the time. If Thailand "enforced" the law, some kids wouldn't be able to go to school, some mom & pop stores couldn't open, grandma couldn't get to the temple etc., so yes in a sense they have legalized it without changing the laws because it would prove detrimental to society, much like immigration is allowed, albeit "illegally" in the US. I am sure in the coming months and years you will see the immigration policies of The Trump will be different than the bluster of today. Why? They will soon realize just what a negative impact removing all illegals will have on US society. Maybe I am wrong, will see what the next 2 years brings.

Not a very convincing analogy.  Just because the Thai police don't crack down on kids riding motor bikes does not make it legal in any sense of the word. 

As far as the removal impact goes, I doubt it will be serious because the deportations will be gradual and the economy will adjust gradually.  Hopefully, any negative impacts will be matched by similar positive impacts.  As you say, we will have to wait and see.

4 hours ago, Lacessit said:

41 is not a huge number compared to the millions allegedly in America. It's a fairly tenuous point. As far as criminality goes, there is probably more among Americans.

 

Are looters shot on the spot in America? I am surprised in a trigger-happy country, that is not happening.

 

I assume the use of the adjective diffident with respect to minimum wages is a typo, albeit a quite amusing one.

 

 

Forty-one is 2/3's of the 63 arrested.  That's 41 more criminals we don't need or maybe you are okay with inviting more in to infiltrate your neighborhood.

13 minutes ago, Clapped out said:

Whats with the extreme age of U.S Presidents these days ? ( both JB & DT @80 give or take )

 

JFK was in his 40s

LBJ ( who seemed ancient when he appeared ) was in his 50s

 

Does the U.S. of A. really not have people in their 40's or 50's suitable for the position ?

Interesting question.  Could it be they are nearing the end of their useful lives and Americans want to take advantage of them before they are gone?  Problem is that some don't even last for four years.

9 hours ago, G_Money said:

 

“And the decision to let people sleep in the streets is a political one in the US”

 

For the majority it’s a lifestyle choice.

Homelessness is a worldwide phenomenon.  Here is what's happening in the U.S.

https://endhomelessness.org/homeless-in-america/homeless-statistics/state-of-homelessness/

Let's see what the foreigner who likes to make snide remarks about U.S. politics has to say about this.

10 hours ago, transam said:

Me, loser of what, I lose nothing because I am not American, I just post on things I have witnessed......🤗

 

Including interviews with red ball-cap voters, of which many were hilarious...........

 

Trumps performances were mainly hilarious, of course from an outsider's point of view, but it could be deemed normal to you Americans...🤗

I did not call you a loser.  Guess you are not familiar with the great word salad maker of America.  If you do not know who she is then you have not seen and witnessed enough to make credible comments on American politics.

22 minutes ago, transam said:

I don't think so, more like being impressed by money, with back-up from a bloke with money..

Plus the promises that have already gone out the window...

 

Why do you think your leader wears a ball-cap, to look classy, or make his fanbase feel at home.......   

There is no doubt that wealthy contributors expect something in return for their donation.

Judging by who gave and how much they gave is an indication who thought who was going to win and who was going to lose.  Hmmm. Sounds like a word salad from the loser.

Stereotyping one's supporters is a sure sign of ignorance.  Trump's supporters have a background as diverse as America.  Probably applies to Harris's supporters as well.

43 minutes ago, transam said:

All that money spent, then still get a lying crook to run the country, amazing.....😌

Seems as enough voters thought better than a laughing hyena.

38 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

Yes, in form of development aid and food and water houses and all that - not for more bombs and fighter jets.

Don't be naive.  Who do you think got most of the aid from UNWRA and other foreign contributors?  Did you see what was found in Sinwar's hideout after he was killed?

13 minutes ago, transam said:

Well, I was talking to someone else, but as you did not understand my reply, I will make it a bit longer....🤭

 

......"Forget all the lies that Trump spouted to get the big chair, how much money did Trump get donated to him to go towards his lying to get there".......?

 

It was the billion dollar thing......😉

More like Canadian dollars and not USD's.

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Of course, violence occurs here. It would be naive and overly simplistic to think otherwise.

 

The perception of Thais as universally benevolent, wholesome, and peaceful is an unrealistic stereotype.

 

Like people everywhere, Thais are human, capable of both kindness and conflict. To dismiss this reality is not only naive but also highlights a failure to understand the complexities of any society.

 

A glance at the news reveals numerous reports of violent incidents, with a recurring pattern: the triggers often appear trivial, yet situations escalate with shocking speed, sometimes culminating in fatal outcomes.

 

This isn’t unique to Thailand but is a stark reminder of how unpredictability can manifest anywhere and it often does so here in Thailand.

 

That said, I still consider Thailand to be safer than many other places. Personally, I rarely feel threatened here. However, it would be equally naive to assume foreigners are entirely immune to danger.

 

While rare, random and unprovoked attacks on foreigners do occur, as documented in the news. These incidents underscore the importance of staying vigilant and respectful, regardless of perceived safety.

 

Additionally, the adage "familiarity breeds contempt" seems particularly relevant in areas with high tourist traffic. These environments often foster a double-edged stigma where impolite behavior from both tourists and locals can contribute to friction and misunderstandings. Such dynamics naturally lend themselves to more frequent confrontations, where fault often lies with both parties.

 

So, yes, Thais do occasionally attack foreigners without provocation, but such incidents are uncommon. Far more common are altercations triggered by seemingly trivial disputes, where minor misunderstandings or actions escalate into significant confrontations.

 

 

 

 

 

Well said.  As for the video, there is never any excuse for that kind of behavior, drunk or sober.