The week that was in Thailand news: A surreal week as Zombie Apocalypse, Village People, Ali G and the Three Stooges all play their part

 

 

Last week Rooster had attempted to instill some humor into a rapidly deteriorating pandemic situation in Thailand with a spoof set of predictions. It was not to everyone’s taste. But little did I know that this week those spurious predictions would prove to be well wide of the mark.

Not for the first time, fact was much stranger than fiction.

I had also planned to regale the readership with memories after today completing 250 consecutive Sunday columns stretching back almost five years.

Damn that man for stealing my thunder and stopping me blowing my own TRUMPet!

I often write most of the column on a Thursday but like billions around the world this week we woke on that day to extraordinary scenes from the US Capitol. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that it came to this, but the images were still shocking especially for someone like Rooster who has a deep affinity and respect for the US.

Jim Lo Scalzo – a photographer on the scene who took images that went viral – described it as something akin to Zombie Apocalypse. I thought the Village People were making a comeback and we might hear a rendition of YMCA to go with the suggestions that Joe Biden is a Satan worshipping lover of young boys.

Surreal was not the word and the machinations that followed laid layer upon layer of incredulity. The deaths of rioters and law enforcement personnel. Promises to somehow use Amendment 25 or impeachment. The acceptance – finally – of top republicans and resignation of members of White House staff. The incumbent’s initial half-hearted comments then – recognizing he was in doo-doo deeper than he could have imagined - a woefully inadequate and far too late attempt at conciliation. 

Democrats and the Washington Post called for his immediate removal. Twitter banned him permanently cutting off his main link. Chuck Schumer called it a “day of infamy” – four years of infamy more like. George W. mentioned a banana republic.

I’m still largely baffled as to how more than 70 million people could have voted for this person. And questions are naturally being asked as to how such a rabble could breach security at what should be one of the most protected locations on earth. Security personnel are resigning as I write but one must ask what lessons were really learned by 9-11?

Mr Biden certainly has his work cut out come January 20th. How can he heal when so many seem to have been brainwashed? Fake news seems to have become the "new normal". And what will he do about the incumbent for surely the specter of Trump is going to hang heavy for a very long time. The press are hardly likely to ignore him – the copy is too good for that. 

But at least Mr Biden is presidential. His speech at the height of the madness reduced this crusty columnist to tears, I don’t mind telling you. Yes, he slurs his words a bit but they come from the heart. Rather than driving a dagger through one.

On the plus side it now seems obvious that the GOP would not touch a Trump nomination for 2024 with a bargepole. And what with the stunning victories of two Democrats in the Georgia Senate polls it means that Biden’s legislative hand will be even stronger.

And Donald Trump can be remembered not as a POTUS, not even as a LOTUS but as a T LOTUS – Total Loser of the United States.

I sincerely hope they can recover and enjoy greater respect around the world.

Here in Thailand the pandemic’s “Second Wave” continued to dominate almost every story on Thaivisa, though there were a few indications later in the week that the tough measures put in place might be ‘flattening the curve’.

For all intents and purposes it feels as though we are in lockdown. Along with many others, I found myself confined to barracks again with my young children off school until the end of January. I told the wife to hunker down and prepare for this continuing into at least March. My nippers – four and nearly 8 – smiled through the madness of the week sticking their tongues out when certain individuals came on the TV and laughing when dad hurled soft toys at the screen.

A frequent occurrence this week with news from the UK and Thailand also drawing my ire.

The Three Stooges in Thailand played their part – PM Prayut, DPM Prawit and RTP chief Suwat otherwise known as Bigs Too, Pom and Pat respectively (if not respectfully).  

Prayut did what all army men do – resorted to yet more draconian ways to try and keep hold of the situation that has now spiraled almost complete out of his control. Announcements in the Government Gazette gave a stark warning of what he plans to do to control the proles though at least they gave him wiggle room to jail bent officials who have connived to allow the entry of illegal migrants and plod who for years have turned a blind eye to gambling dens and lined their own pockets.

At least Prayut seemed less idiotic that Prawit – friend to watch manufacturers and cake  purveyors the world over. This absurdity personified – as out of date as the pies he so obviously consumes – had claimed there were no gambling dens. This of course needed a mother of all U-Turns after they popped up everywhere and Suwat was forced to go after very senior colleagues.

But should Suwat not fall on his sword? He is the chief and though only in the job since September has presided over disaster after disaster already. Rather like his immigration division’s BMWs the bespectacled bumbler was billed as smart and hard.

Now he has run out of gas.  

The BMWs were back in business this week rounding up Vietnamese illegals who had been transported north by Thai drivers in vans. The ringleader was a Viet called “Mai Van” – it wasn’t reported if the vehicles were his…..

Five provinces including Chonburi were placed in the Reddest of Red Zones. This prompted huge queues at district offices for permission to travel. Pattaya mayor Sontaya opened a special place for residents to report if they wanted to move.

The head of the hoteliers’ association called for Pattaya hotels to be ordered shut so hotel staff could get social security payments. The chief of taxis and song thaews in the resort spoke of devastation with 500 vehicles gathering dust. Koh Chang and Koh Larn were closed to outsiders. 

Prayut – whose only sensible pronouncement this week was the simple “just stay home” - continued to look foolish with mixed messages about the Mor Chana tracing app. First people could be prosecuted for not having it then they relented. Then the gazette announcement showed his deviousness (though it was easy to spot). Stooge number four even reared his ugly head: This is Digital Economy and Society supremo Buddhipongse who claimed that the app would not compromise personal data.

I’d believe you minister were it not for your office being involved in shenanigans that would make Orwell’s “Ministry of Truth” wince in embarrassment.

At least one politician had a welcome idea – it was “Samart’s smart idea”. This character in a fetching lilac jacket, suggested to the elite that us long suffering parents, now obliged to be teachers as well as childminders 24/7, should get 40% of our fees back. I’m not holding my breath but I do expect the schools to make up the lost time by staying open well past Songkran.

Education minister Nataphol Teepsuwan bigged up "online learning" as though it was some kind of panacea. I suggest he takes a look at what is being offered. It’s complete rubbish – my kids get more benefit from randomly watching YouTube. Their allowed quota has not surprisingly been increased!

In other international news the UK’s daily virus death toll went past 1,300 with 68,000 infections reported in a day. When all of us could see the writing on the wall by allowing Christmas celebrations, why couldn’t the politicians? Now they are left with a virus policy that the BBC said was “Act Like You’ve Got” it. That seemed like ‘ALY G’ to me……where is Sacha with one of those mickey taking interviews with politicians when you need him? 

(Try this for a little light relief if this week has all been too much).

 

 

When the unpalatable Priti Patel came on TV sidestepping outright condemnation of the incumbent Mrs Rooster learned some new English swear words. Hiding behind the so-called “special relationship” the British government’s sickening fawning to the US administration for years is an utter disgrace.

Then it was announced that the “clap for heroes” was back. Yes, NHS workers have undoubtedly behaved valiantly, but this 'heroes' nonsense is totally overused and has to stop.

Are we not ALL heroes in our own little way for what we have had to endure? Not least of all enduring the appalling errors of politicians who – throughout the world – have shown their utter incompetence despite the scientists.

In China 11 million people in one city were placed in lockdown after 120 cases of Covid were discovered. They planned to test everyone at 5,000 centers in Shijiazhuang in the north. Three officials were punished for negligence. Way to go!

In sports news my beloved English Premier league is teetering on the brink of shutdown after more and more footballers tested positive and more matches were called off. Frankly, like Basil Fawlty once said, I expect this last remaining “avenue of pleasure” to soon be cut off.

Back in Thailand airlines announced suspensions of service and land based travel by bus was further limited. Checkpoints sprang up on main roads between provinces and even secondary roads.

Alarmingly, two boys walking back from a sweet shop in Pathum Thani said they were abducted by three men in a van and held at a house. Luckily their dad found them safe.

In Pattaya, a 20 year old lady found herself the victim of theft after meeting a man on a dating site. Foolishly, perhaps, she had allowed him to put her possessions under a bike seat while she went to the loo.
 
I translated this story in good faith knowing full well what was to follow. On Thaivisa’s Facebook arm a thoroughly sickening victim blaming and Schadenfreudian thread ensued. Comparing this unfortunate woman to a prostitute and delighting in her misfortune was contemptible.

This columnist would be the first to admit meeting the odd lady of the night over the years. I found the very great majority of them to be at least as decent as everyone else and possibly more so as some were battling to survive having often been dealt a rough hand.

On the forum, my translation was criticized in one quarter for saying in the headline that the lady had “lost everything”.

This poster clearly has never looked in a woman’s handbag.

In Chiang Mai some patrons of the Warm-Up Café went ballistic. The pub had promised in early December that they would pay 100,000 baht for anyone who caught the virus on their premises. Now at least five people who went there have tested positive and netizens wanted to know if the bar intends to keep its promise. 

Warm-Up played down the overcrowded scenes at their New Year countdown with a touch of political casuistry, sidestepping any mention of their promise that included a million baht payment should anyone cark it from Covid.

King Seafood in Pattaya’s Walking Street closed down with the owner taking a swipe at Thai officialdom for corruption and mismanagement. After providing 30,000 packaged meals for the needy during the first wave last year, he also took a swing at people who had promised to support him but didn't. 

In Trang, plod messed up again by shooting and injuring a female passenger in a Nissan Almera when they should have been following a Nissan Juke after a domestic disturbance. The local chief trotted out the usual nonsense about justice for all. Though at least he admitted his men had erred. The lady was hit in the leg but luckily survived.

Apropos last week’s column, that was not greeted with universal acclaim, one poster suggested that it was written after Rooster had imbibed Hong Thong. Libel! – it was Sang Som. Spare a thought for your hard working columnist. At Rooster Central in Ratchayothin it was a tough week; I battled with Covid like symptoms in isolation still putting out 60+ translations while three close family members and two friends in England caught the virus. Another associate in Thailand was positive. It really felt as though the virus was finally closing in.

Finally, the antics of plod at least provided some light relief as they are wont to do. A Saturday morning gambling bust of some Chinese turned into a top brass photo op.

Another chance to get in front of the cameras could not be resisted by the nitterati in Rayong who proudly posed with 55 confiscated gambling machines.

I resisted the temptation to propose this headline to my editor:

 Two arm bandits with one arm ones.

 

Rooster
 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-01-08

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

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1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

And questions are naturally being asked as to how such a rabble could breach security at what should be one of the most protected locations on earth. Security personnel are resigning as I write but one must ask what lessons were really learned by 9-11?

The very sad truth is that the (woefully inadequate) security measures were deemed adequate because the demonstrators were white.

 

When Black people/BLM held a demonstration in the same location, heavily armed soldiers were posted on the steps, literally.

 

I have many friends and family in the US, and I am deeply embarrassed for them. That said, each and every American needs to take a deep breath and figure out what has gone wrong with their country.

 

I sincerely hope that they can figure it out, and soon; the world is a better place with a good US to lead it.

 

 

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

At least Prayut seemed less idiotic that Prawit – friend to watch manufacturers and cake  purveyors the world over. This absurdity personified – as out of date as the pies he so obviously consumes – had claimed there were no gambling dens.

Rooster- this is an outrageous slur on the very fine General Prawit!

 

The claim was not his; he borrowed it from a dead friend.

 

 

 

 

 

I would go with COTUS, and then let everyone use their imagination to decide what C means, but to help the cerebrally challenged, give them the hint that it is a four letter word ending with "t". 

 

I can't watch stuff like Ali G, because of the exceedingly high cringe factor. How can his guests be so stupid and play along?  

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

I have many friends and family in the US, and I am deeply embarrassed for them. That said, each and every American needs to take a deep breath and figure out what has gone wrong with their country.

 

Oh, monsieur,  I have compiled a three volume edition on just that very subject : 

"Once upon a time there was a dream.   A land where all men are created equal  ( laughter erupts) ,

where neither position nor financial status would play a part in the equal opportunity to be first in

line at the Big Mac counter.   Where all men would receive their fair share of french fries.  

Where hard work and saving would somehow manage to secure a retirement where the cost of living

would not rise to heights only surpassed by the mountains of  debt   fiat money flowing down like

confetti .  ( why so much ?   because we can !   hahahaha )  ."

 

I would continue but unfortunately i have a short attention span and besides I do not want to be 

dragged off to some prison for  giving away any "secrets" .   According to The New York Times, the richest 1 percent in the United States now own more wealth than the bottom 90 percent.

I am honored to finally be in the majority of something !    

 

What has gone wrong ?    Now THAT  question might beget a thread to challenge the length of

the infamous "do you believe in god"   one.

 

 

3 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Mr Biden certainly has his work cut out come January 20th. How can he heal when so many seem to have been brainwashed?

Yes,  the far-left universities and political movements like BLM have those naive, idealistic kids brainwashed beyond hope. 

1 hour ago, 4737 Carlin said:

Yes,  the far-left universities and political movements like BLM have those naive, idealistic kids brainwashed beyond hope. 

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

An altogether interesting read today Rooster.

Happy to see that you and "The Nation" are giving the government the stick it deserves.

My gripe with prayut and Co is that they have ordered schools to close and provide "On line" lessons,

which are basically worthless, but the schools charge normal fees.

 

56 minutes ago, JUAinBKK said:

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

 

what were some of your observations ?        I do think it funny how naive the majority of people actually think there are 2 political parties.    As George Carlin might say "  its all one big party.....

and YOU ain't invited"        

I didn't see last week's "The week that was" how can I see it ?   I really would like to read it !

8 minutes ago, off road pat said:

I didn't see last week's "The week that was" how can I see it ?   I really would like to read it !

Click the blazing blue tag with THE WEEK THAT WAS under the title at the top of the page.  It should drop down a list of three previous threads.

 

6 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Click the blazing blue tag with THE WEEK THAT WAS under the title at the top of the page.  It should drop down a list of three previous threads.

 

Thank you very much !    I enjoyed that last one !!!

4 hours ago, rumak said:

What has gone wrong ?    Now THAT  question might beget a thread to challenge the length of

the infamous "do you believe in god"   one.

But that is if they would let you talk about such things on here.

2 hours ago, JUAinBKK said:

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

So we are in for interesting times.

"The very sad truth is that the (woefully inadequate) security measures were deemed adequate because the demonstrators were white.

 

When Black people/BLM held a demonstration in the same location, heavily armed soldiers were posted on the steps, literally."

 

The fact is the Capitol Police are thoroughly trained in public relations apart from usual police duties since primarily their work brings them in contact with tourists and visitors to the Capitol.  Their first instinct is to try and calm people down with courteousness which usually works but unfortunately this time they were dealing with typical Trump supporters who cannot be reasoned with. 

 

I also think there is a plus side to their actions as had they been typical city policemen without that special training, there might have been a massacre in the Capitol with hundreds of deaths and many, many injuries.  It had nothing to do with the color of anyone's skin as some of the media who are only concerned about their TV ratings would have you believe.

 

8 hours ago, rooster59 said:

I had also planned to regale the readership with memories after today completing 250 consecutive Sunday columns stretching back almost five years.

 

Kudos and a big "thank you" from my side to this jubilee! Writing 250 such columns means an investment of a lot of work, effort and time, and writing each one of your always long and well written pieces every week for almost 5 years requires a lot of stamina, too. Expecially as sometimes you have to meet with some headwind and resistance from your readership, including occasionally myself. Hope you will have the stamina and motivation to create the next 250. Hang in there, Rooster!

 

This weeks TWTW was another good one! Snappy, entertaining and very well written. Enjoyed it!

 

I didn't comment on the last weeks column. It hardly was your best. But of course, you know that yourself, and I understood the background. After 248 pieces, number 249 was prepared well in advance and in a very economic and time-saving way, just in order to have more time for your family during your new year holidays. If only you had known that the schools will be closed again after new year, giving you now unlimited time with your nippers at home during the coming weeks or months....

 

 

8 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Spare a thought for your hard working columnist. At Rooster Central in Ratchayothin it was a tough week; I battled with Covid like symptoms in isolation still putting out 60+ translations while three close family members and two friends in England caught the virus. Another associate in Thailand was positive. It really felt as though the virus was finally closing in.

 

You have my full empathy and understanding for that!

 

 

8 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Here in Thailand the pandemic’s “Second Wave” continued to dominate almost every story on Thaivisa, though there were a few indications later in the week that the tough measures put in place might be ‘flattening the curve’.

 

Well, personally I am 100% sure that Thailands curve has been a flat curve above zero (!) all the time since one year ago already, but on the other hand also that Thailand never will have to experience such a strong wave as countries on the Northern hemisphere at the moment. Simply because it is more than obvious, and confirmed by scientists as well, that the cold and wet winter in Europe is the main reason for the current situation there. Tens of thousands new cases in each country there, and hundreds of deaths per day currently, while during summer the numbers there were a few hundred new infections daily and less than 10 deaths per day. The difference between the weather in summer and in winter makes a diffence in the Covid-numbers by two orders of magnitude. And to all the farang-country-bashers in the forum: This has nothing to do with a lack of discipline, compliance and mask wearing. Looking out of the window here in Europe, hardly Thailand does reach this level of compliance and discipline the Europeans show today.

 

The weather in Thailand always is similar to Europe during summer, and the numbers in Thailand as well. And, it is fair to believe that the daily numbers in Thailand have been on that level during all the recent months. The crisis was under control in Europe during summer, and it has been similar in Thailand all the time. This is how the curve "flattens" now. The main difference now is that Thailand started to test more, and that the authorities now talk more open and frankly about the results. Simple and obvious. The reasons for this U-turn might be political. No, they ARE very likely political! Now, as the students temporarly have suspended their protests, a lock-down is a welcome measure to stop them for some more months. So be prepared for a longer lockdown coming.

 

Is there a reason for panic in Thailand now, due to Corona? From the health-perspective, hardly! Just look to the numbers of daily deaths, and compare them with the traffic carnage. But from the economic perspective, definitely! The mess will continue. The economy will suffer a lot. And the Thai government seems not to have the vaccinations as their highest priority. I even have the impression that vaccines are less than welcome here. What else could be the reason why they waited so long to order vaccines, and to order much too small numbers of doses? Not too difficult to have some guess about their selfish reasons for that.

 

Everyone knowing some basics about Thailand should take each announcement of the government and the authorities with a grain of salt. Also and nowadays especially when it is about Corona. 

 

 

 

 

Rooster,

 

A delightful read, and the smooth transition between topics/events summed up everyone's sentiments.

 

I would however, point out one exception: 

 

9/11 was tragic, it was personal, I lost a family friend on flight 93, and childhood friends on the ground and in the South Tower. 

 

What we learned was that "Safety and Security " are imaginary words and phrases....

 

Locks (as any Lock Smith will tell you), are for honest people.

 

If someone wants in, they'll get in. 

 

This fact is present in all countries where  prosperity and/or asylum exist. Thailand is no exception  

 

Evil people will continue to do evil things. 

 

I find it depressing that most people belive we (Americans) gained our independence on July 4th 1776..... when in fact we did not. In 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, was when the British Empire acknowleged America's  independence. 

 

Simply declaring independance by congress does not make it an international or historical fact, but we celebrate it every year.... and call it Independance Day. 

 

1812 War brought the British back to the original colonies, and they burned the Capitol building down.... 

 

The Capitol building was rebuilt from the backs of Americans, Tax paying Americans who serve they're communities, towns counties and states everyday.

 

 it is the People of the United States who own that building....not the politicians who conduct "official government" business Inside it.

  Let's be thankful it was not burned down again. 

 

Were the deaths unnecessary? Absolutely.

 

Is the United States Ready for a Revolution?

Unequivocally.

 

People are ready to die for corruption, tyranny and greed to end in our courts, as well as local/state/and federal government.

 

 The protests will continue to the breaking point. 

 

 "Sedition"  We have now heard this word from our PM in Thailand and President Elect in the US within the last 60 days.....

 

The New Anti protest, failing government  buzzword?  

 

One (not so recent)  story of Rebellion against Tyranny:  one man in Granby, Colorado....  attacked no one, fired not one shot, but destroyed as many government and corrupt business buildings that he could, before taking his own life. Law enforcement had fired over 3000 rounds of various bullet calibers....to no avail. 

 

The story was censored as soon as possible, The international networks never picked it up nor broadcasted this story to the rest of the country. 

 

God forbid we have a man, who took action and reacted to injustice by taking matters into his own hands. 

 

When is enough, enough?  From Trenton, New Jersey, to Pasadena, California.... Deluth , Minnesota, to Miami, Florida ;  people are getting <deleted>. All we need is a few more sparks from a flint..... any flint.  Ignition. 

 

 

 

 

 

Roo, switch to the good stuff: Mekong! And I don't think heroes deserve the clap...

50 minutes ago, Flying Saucage said:

 

 

Kudos and a big "thank you" from my side to this jubilee! Writing 250 such columns means an investment of a lot of work, effort and time, and writing each one of your always long and well written pieces every week for almost 5 years requires a lot of stamina, too. Expecially as sometimes you have to meet with some headwind and resistance from your readership, including occasionally myself. Hope you will have the stamina and motivation to create the next 250. Hang in there, Rooster!

 

This weeks TWTW was another good one! Snappy, entertaining and very well written. Enjoyed it!

 

I didn't comment on the last weeks column. It hardly was your best. But of course, you know that yourself, and I understood the background. After 248 pieces, number 249 was prepared well in advance and in a very economic and time-saving way, just in order to have more time for your family during your new year holidays. If only you had known that the schools will be closed again after new year, giving you now unlimited time with your nippers at home during the coming weeks or months....

 

 

 

You have my full empathy and understanding for that!

 

 

 

Well, personally I am 100% sure that Thailands curve has been a flat curve above zero (!) all the time since one year ago already, but on the other hand also that Thailand never will have to experience such a strong wave as countries on the Northern hemisphere at the moment. Simply because it is more than obvious, and confirmed by scientists as well, that the cold and wet winter in Europe is the main reason for the current situation there. Tens of thousands new cases in each country there, and hundreds of deaths per day currently, while during summer the numbers there were a few hundred new infections daily and less than 10 deaths per day. The difference between the weather in summer and in winter makes a diffence in the Covid-numbers by two orders of magnitude. And to all the farang-country-bashers in the forum: This has nothing to do with a lack of discipline, compliance and mask wearing. Looking out of the window here in Europe, hardly Thailand does reach this level of compliance and discipline the Europeans show today.

 

The weather in Thailand always is similar to Europe during summer, and the numbers in Thailand as well. And, it is fair to believe that the daily numbers in Thailand have been on that level during all the recent months. The crisis was under control in Europe during summer, and it has been similar in Thailand all the time. This is how the curve "flattens" now. The main difference now is that Thailand started to test more, and that the authorities now talk more open and frankly about the results. Simple and obvious. The reasons for this U-turn might be political. No, they ARE very likely political! Now, as the students temporarly have suspended their protests, a lock-down is a welcome measure to stop them for some more months. So be prepared for a longer lockdown coming.

 

Is there a reason for panic in Thailand now, due to Corona? From the health-perspective, hardly! Just look to the numbers of daily deaths, and compare them with the traffic carnage. But from the economic perspective, definitely! The mess will continue. The economy will suffer a lot. And the Thai government seems not to have the vaccinations as their highest priority. I even have the impression that vaccines are less than welcome here. What else could be the reason why they waited so long to order vaccines, and to order much too small numbers of doses? Not too difficult to have some guess about their selfish reasons for that.

 

Everyone knowing some basics about Thailand should take each announcement of the government and the authorities with a grain of salt. Also and nowadays especially when it is about Corona. 

 

 

 

 

50 minutes ago, Flying Saucage said:

 

 

 

Oh <deleted>..uh sorry.. FS.

 

How many pixels died so that you could trot out that hot/cold weather baloney (baloney is a sausage isn't it?) 555..

 

Can you explain all the hot weather countries that have Covid19 outbreaks?

I voted for Trump twice biden is not presidential he's a demented socialist kamilaho will take over in a few months then the US will be in bad shape but from most of your posts you're pro socialist, pro dumbacrat, anti Trump and anti conservative 

13 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

The very sad truth is that the (woefully inadequate) security measures were deemed adequate because the demonstrators were white.

 

When Black people/BLM held a demonstration in the same location, heavily armed soldiers were posted on the steps, literally.

 

I have many friends and family in the US, and I am deeply embarrassed for them. That said, each and every American needs to take a deep breath and figure out what has gone wrong with their country.

 

I sincerely hope that they can figure it out, and soon; the world is a better place with a good US to lead it.

 

 

BLM and ANTIFA burned cities down killed people caused Billions in damage and Actually were allowed to take over government buildings , neighborhoods and even a Police station . They were treated with kid gloves . If you think that this past even wasn't allowed to happen your naive . There were plenty of ANTIFA and BLM mixed in with Trumpers and caught inside . 

Thanks for five years Rooster, looking forward to the next five. 

I just cannot believe Trump supporters.  Rooster,  thanks for the weekly news and for

your mention of the Trump mob that broke into the Capital building in Washington DC.

  I am so happy that at least some of them are getting arrested, and hopefully shamed for

what they have done. I hope the man who killed the capital police with a fire extinguisher

is charged with 1st degree murder.  I hope that the rest that go to court will get

maximum sentences for their crimes. Give it 2 weeks and we will hear of how many more

people get sick from the corona virus from the US riot. With all the people who are still dying

from the virus, I have no plans to go south to the US for a visit for at least 4 years.. As for Thailand,

I hope that the vaccines are available by Summer for most of us in my province of Canada, as I would

like to travel to Thailand this coming Winter for a vacation, if I have to wait until 2022, I will, but

I do miss having a nice hot Winter over in Thailand, it sucks to have to shovel snow at 70.

  Thanks again for your wit and humour with your column.

Geezer