58 minutes ago, Leopold Bloom said:

Well, whatever you can say about Trump, at least we know he is alive and capable of speaking without having a teleprompter every time he meets the press.

Unlike the walking corpse who occasionally occupied the Oval Office during the last four years.

Does no one think that Biden's mental condition was a scandal that was hidden by the corrupt aides around him? And the millions of "pardons" on his last day in office? You were happy with "democracy" as practised by that regime???

And of course perfectly normal to address world leaders and threaten to take Greenland...oops or is it Iceland? or whatever the hell the name of that <deleted>hole country is that you claim to be ready to invade just as soon as you can figure out the difference....hell why not go after taiwan and thailand also as they sound the same....all the while bragging about lowering drug prices by 500++% an impossibility in fifth grade math along with more ignorance and stupidity and tweeting hundreds of times a day like a demented 15 y.o. girl to her besties.

58 minutes ago, Slowhand225 said:

Except we're a Democratic Republic. Not the same.

Sadly. Like the UK's 'Constitutional Monarchy'.

1 hour ago, wwest5829 said:

Here’s the thing … there is a well documented, justified reason that trump got elected. OK, much more than “a” reason but at the underlying core. Over half a century of supported or acquiesced to economic policies by both major U.S. political parties. And until/unless this core issue is substantially addressed the justified frustration/anger within the working middle class will continue in search of someone/something to address the issue. That core issue is the economic squeeze experienced by the working middle class as reflected in the growth of the documented income/wealth gap. Congratulations wealthy/“the goal is profit” crew! You have brought us to the point where working middle class, upon which any hope of a participatory democracy depends, can no longer hope in nor believe in the American government system. Actually, those hopes and dreams have been eroding for some time but the early warners of the economic direction have been, for too long, ignored. trump most certainly had a documented personal and business history demonstrating he was definitely not the being to address this underlying issue but … he was the only candidate “perceived” as giving voice to the issue. Again, more than one reason for his election, the Democrats certainly failed. So, what to do? I will hope for a veto proof Democrat majority as we certainly have seen there is no hope within the current Republican Party majority. If the Democrats, being handed a “real” overwhelming mandate do not cause the income/wealth gap to be brought back to sustainable levels … there is no more hope to which I can cling as a member of the American working middle class.

Couldn't have said it better. The middle class will always suffer. We are the ones who pay most from the tax/spend parties like the Dems and who fund most politicians to keep the their life long careers as politicians. You notice how "term limits" have not been mentioned in a long time.

3 hours ago, LJHoward said:

More fear mongering. Just love the "left".

Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not from our former colonies.

And, I'm anything but left.

I first forecast no midterms in April 2025. There is no way on this earth that Trump will allow elections to beat him, this year or ever.

You're only hope as a nation is that he is not the sitting president at your midterms.

4 hours ago, BusyB said:

Yes. And Hitler built motorways and funded the Beetle. And got elected for the same 'reasons' you line up here. That would be fine, except neither Hitler nor Trump were the answers, and that was plain in both cases looong before they got into power.

The US lost the moral high ground and ceased to be a light on the hill (if it ever was, 4 million dead Vietnamese might take issue with that) at the latest with making kidnapping, torture and indefinite jail without trial official policy back in the early noughties.

History repeats first as farce and then tragedy - we are at the farce stage - tragedy is coming - prep wisely.

8 hours ago, fittobethaied said:

I find is so hard to believe that so many people have "drunk the Kool-Aid" and believe all of this leftist propaganda. President Trump is doing amazing things, and were it not for his leadership, the USA would be finished as the shining light on a hill. The Leftists/Marxists/Communists have infiltrated every aspect of the framework of our society, and time is of the essence. Tough times call for tougher measures, and right now our country is on the razor's edge of being taken over from the inside out. It amazes me that the rest of the world even has an opinion of how President Trump is performing since they don't actually live in America and have no keen insight into how our Democratic Republic actually operates. All they know is what they have been spoon fed by the corrupt mass media both at home and abroad. I watch the left-leaning news on occasion just to see what the other side is saying, and I am astounded at the lies and misrepresentation of the facts. This is not going to end well for America, but only because there are demonic forces at work with a clear goal to destroy the very human savior that has been given to us to clean up the filth that is trying to take over the US of A. Long live the "Trump train"!

But what would Jesus do?

3 hours ago, LJHoward said:

Couldn't have said it better. The middle class will always suffer. We are the ones who pay most from the tax/spend parties like the Dems and who fund most politicians to keep the their life long careers as politicians. You notice how "term limits" have not been mentioned in a long time.

Turkeys don't vote for Thanksgiving either. So show me a Republican who is advocating for term limits.

crickets...

9 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

But what would Jesus do?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9

21 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9

Trump, 5 months ago, 'Let's get it over with and get back to peace."

Trump, 4 days ago, "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace."

I'll stick with the cheesemakers.

8 hours ago, NanLaew said:

But what would Jesus do?

Projectile puke every time so called Christians worship their lying, venomous, cowardly, resentful and felonious pal of dictators victimgob. Suggest they go back and read the gospels a bit more closely.

'Demonic forces' indeed, and Trump the 'savior', 'cleaning up'. Dear god.

Nice question. Doesn't just apply here ;)

7 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Trump, 5 months ago, 'Let's get it over with and get back to peace."

Trump, 4 days ago, "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace."

I'll stick with the cheesemakers.

Roquefort and Stilton Blue please 555

10 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I first forecast no midterms in April 2025. There is no way on this earth that Trump will allow elections to beat him, this year or ever.

Can you detail how you think this is going to happen.

13 hours ago, LJHoward said:

You notice how "term limits" have not been mentioned in a long time.

Has anyone on either side made any proposals on this ?

"American democracy is on the verge of crisis, experts warn..."

"Experts" meaning leftist academics.

Did they not say the exact same thing all through Trump's first term?

10 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not from our former colonies.

And, I'm anything but left.

I first forecast no midterms in April 2025. There is no way on this earth that Trump will allow elections to beat him, this year or ever.

You're only hope as a nation is that he is not the sitting president at your midterms.

Bet?

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

"American democracy is on the verge of crisis, experts warn..."

"Experts" meaning leftist academics.

Did they not say the exact same thing all through Trump's first term?

I remember all the talk back then that he would bring nuclear annihilation.

Yep.

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

"American democracy is on the verge of crisis, experts warn..."

"Experts" meaning leftist academics.

Did they not say the exact same thing all through Trump's first term?

And where were these "experts " while Biden administration had the country being flooded with illegal Southern border crossings from open border. Oh I forgot that was a democrats administration.

5 minutes ago, morrobay said:

And where were these "experts " while Biden administration had the country being flooded with illegal Southern border crossings from open border. Oh I forgot that was a democrats administration.

They were supporting it. Remember, leftist elites benefit from open borders and mass migration, that's why they are fighting tooth and nail over ICE deportations. The leftist elites, have all the lemming leftists believing it's about due process and whatnot.

CITIZENS!!!

 

I don't want anything more from The Guardian, any more than I listen to N.P.R.: they are virtually identical.

28 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

They were supporting it. Remember, leftist elites benefit from open borders and mass migration, that's why they are fighting tooth and nail over ICE deportations. The leftist elites, have all the lemming leftists believing it's about due process and whatnot.

You, sir, and your ilk that have foisted this idiot into power are at last seeing pushback from the civilised world, who are saying enough is enough. Now is the time for the punishment to begin – the bond markets in particular are starting to realise that funding the huge debt that America has is not the one-way bet it used to be. If his word counts for nothing, so do the promissory notes cashed, and you need trillions of rollover just to pay the interest. Gold is rising for a reason: the days of the mighty dollar are coming to an end, and not before time.

I was on a baht bus in Pattaya and one of your blowhard mates was going on about Trump and Greenland, and a Danish fella opposite was incandescent with anger, and a debate followed that I and another joined in with. “You can’t just steal a country, Trump’s an idiot, blah blah blah” – and then he reposted that he was a successful man who knew much more than us, and gloated about Europeans begging in front of Trump. I said, to much hilarity, that if he was so successful why was he on a baht bus. It’s a shame that anti-Trump Americans will have to suffer as well. But in the world we are all moving on, and we will leave your corpulent, bloated, man-childish arguing to the mirror in the end.

History will remember Trump not as a titan but as a tawdry footnote a lying, cheating lawless grifter whose ego eclipsed his competence, whose crimes outweighed his achievements, and whose greatest legacy was the damage he inflicted on his own country.He banrupted every company he ever touched and now he's working on USA Inc.

A more patheic creature it would be hard to imagine and by voting him into power Amercians signed their own long goodbye to the world.

Bye !

22 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

You, sir, and your ilk that have foisted this idiot into power are at last seeing pushback from the civilised world, who are saying enough is enough. Now is the time for the punishment to begin – the bond markets in particular are starting to realise that funding the huge debt that America has is not the one-way bet it used to be. If his word counts for nothing, so do the promissory notes cashed, and you need trillions of rollover just to pay the interest. Gold is rising for a reason: the days of the mighty dollar are coming to an end, and not before time.

My ilk? What might that be, people that want a controlled border and illegal aliens deported?

22 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

I was on a baht bus in Pattaya and one of your blowhard mates was going on about Trump and Greenland, and a Danish fella opposite was incandescent with anger, and a debate followed that I and another joined in with. “You can’t just steal a country, Trump’s an idiot, blah blah blah” – and then he reposted that he was a successful man who knew much more than us, and gloated about Europeans begging in front of Trump. I said, to much hilarity, that if he was so successful why was he on a baht bus. It’s a shame that anti-Trump Americans will have to suffer as well. But in the world we are all moving on, and we will leave your corpulent, bloated, man-childish arguing to the mirror in the end.

Sure you were.

22 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

History will remember Trump not as a titan but as a tawdry footnote a lying, cheating lawless grifter whose ego eclipsed his competence, whose crimes outweighed his achievements, and whose greatest legacy was the damage he inflicted on his own country.He banrupted every company he ever touched and now he's working on USA Inc.

Oh no, your lips are moving, we know what that means...

22 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

A more patheic creature it would be hard to imagine and by voting him into power Amercians signed their own long goodbye to the world.

Bye !

Go with God brother!

This is "news"? This was evident from Trump's first day of his second term.

17 hours ago, wwest5829 said:

Here’s the thing … there is a well documented, justified reason that trump got elected. OK, much more than “a” reason but at the underlying core. Over half a century of supported or acquiesced to economic policies by both major U.S. political parties. And until/unless this core issue is substantially addressed the justified frustration/anger within the working middle class will continue in search of someone/something to address the issue. That core issue is the economic squeeze experienced by the working middle class as reflected in the growth of the documented income/wealth gap. Congratulations wealthy/“the goal is profit” crew! You have brought us to the point where working middle class, upon which any hope of a participatory democracy depends, can no longer hope in nor believe in the American government system. Actually, those hopes and dreams have been eroding for some time but the early warners of the economic direction have been, for too long, ignored. trump most certainly had a documented personal and business history demonstrating he was definitely not the being to address this underlying issue but … he was the only candidate “perceived” as giving voice to the issue. Again, more than one reason for his election, the Democrats certainly failed. So, what to do? I will hope for a veto proof Democrat majority as we certainly have seen there is no hope within the current Republican Party majority. If the Democrats, being handed a “real” overwhelming mandate do not cause the income/wealth gap to be brought back to sustainable levels … there is no more hope to which I can cling as a member of the American working middle class.

Yes, it was definitely a combination of things but I wholeheartedly agree that Trump won in 2024 primarily because of the income/wealth gap and the squeezed lower and middle class choosing Trump to champion their cause. Unwisely choosing Trump, as they have discovered.

Rather than shrinking, the wealth gap has actually widened. Per Google:

As of the third quarter of 2025, the top 1% of households held 31.7% of the nation's wealth—roughly $55 trillion—which is nearly equal to the combined wealth of the bottom 90%. This increasing concentration is fueled by stock market growth, which benefits the wealthiest, while lower-income households struggle with debt and inflation. 

Trump's own wealth increased from $3.9 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion in 2025, so his first year policies, while increasing the wealth gap, also greatly increased his own wealth. Meanwhile, Investopedia says that Trump's tariffs will cost an average American family $3800 a year in extra costs. And, let's not even talk about the steep rise in health care insurance for many Americans under Trump. Hopefully, there will be enough disillusioned voters to propel the Democrats to win big in the mid-terms.

1 minute ago, newnative said:

Yes, it was definitely a combination of things but I wholeheartedly agree that Trump won in 2024 primarily because of the income/wealth gap and the squeezed lower and middle class choosing Trump to champion their cause. Unwisely choosing Trump, as they have discovered.

Rather than shrinking, the wealth gap has actually widened. Per Google:

As of the third quarter of 2025, the top 1% of households held 31.7% of the nation's wealth—roughly $55 trillion—which is nearly equal to the combined wealth of the bottom 90%. This increasing concentration is fueled by stock market growth, which benefits the wealthiest, while lower-income households struggle with debt and inflation. 

Trump's own wealth increased from $3.9 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion in 2025, so his first year policies, while increasing the wealth gap, also greatly increased his own wealth. Meanwhile, Investopedia says that Trump's tariffs will cost an average American family $3800 a year in extra costs. And, let's not even talk about the steep rise in health care insurance for many Americans under Trump. Hopefully, there will be enough disillusioned voters to propel the Democrats to win big in the mid-terms.

The wealth gap had nothing to do with Trump winning.

20 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

My ilk? What might that be, people that want a controlled border and illegal aliens deported?

Sure you were.

Oh no, your lips are moving, we know what that means...

Go with God brother!

That baht bus episode actually happened. A Danish fella well built, early 60s travelling with his Thai wife of 30 years, gave up his seat for my wife, which I thought was a genuinely generous gesture. So we stood on the back.

Then we overheard this blowhard Yank loudly explaining no doubt in a way you would agree with how Trump was making America great again. Another passenger got off, so he ended up sitting opposite the Dane. That’s when things went ballistic.

The Dane snapped, said he was Danish, and made it very clear that his country was prepared to fight and so was he (something you bone-spur devotees probably don’t understand). I tried to defuse it, joking that we should have fought back against the Vikings/Romans/Normans, etc. But the Yank doubled down: if you can’t defend it, we’ll take it. Apparently, we non-US mortals don’t understand the world and besides, he was a “successful businessman”… on a frickin’ baht bus.

Completely full of himself. So, in the spirit of debate, I landed a few verbal punches, while the Danish fella cursed under his breath in Danish to his wife.We got off in what I call Soi Indian and wished everyone a Happy Christmas. Meanwhile, my wife had been having a pleasant chat in Thai with his wife the whole time.In its own small way, that’s how the civilised world fights back: with facts, humour, and by refusing to let bullies threaten or harass us.

IT IS always a temptation to an armed and agile nation

To call upon a neighbour and to say:–

"We invaded you last night–we are quite prepared to fight,

Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,

And the people who ask it explain

That you've only to pay 'em the Dane-geld

And then you'll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation,

To puff and look important and to say:–

"Though we know we should defeat you,

we have not the time to meet you.

We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;

But we've proved it again and again,

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld

You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,

For fear they should succumb and go astray;

So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,

You will find it better policy to say:–

"We never pay any-one Dane-geld,

No matter how trifling the cost;

For the end of that game is oppression and shame,

And the nation that plays it is lost!"

Trumps mentor and how it hopefully ends.

6 minutes ago, newnative said:

Yes, it was definitely a combination of things but I wholeheartedly agree that Trump won in 2024 primarily because of the income/wealth gap and the squeezed lower and middle class choosing Trump to champion their cause. Unwisely choosing Trump, as they have discovered.

Rather than shrinking, the wealth gap has actually widened. Per Google:

As of the third quarter of 2025, the top 1% of households held 31.7% of the nation's wealth—roughly $55 trillion—which is nearly equal to the combined wealth of the bottom 90%. This increasing concentration is fueled by stock market growth, which benefits the wealthiest, while lower-income households struggle with debt and inflation. 

Trump's own wealth increased from $3.9 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion in 2025, so his first year policies, while increasing the wealth gap, also greatly increased his own wealth. Meanwhile, Investopedia says that Trump's tariffs will cost an average American family $3800 a year in extra costs. And, let's not even talk about the steep rise in health care insurance for many Americans under Trump. Hopefully, there will be enough disillusioned voters to propel the Democrats to win big in the mid-terms.

The correct term is the Trump Crime Family for that is what they actually are - like the Germans that cheered Htiler into power the same Americans will utlimately pay some sort of price when the bill finally comes for their folly. and come it will - at least Mussolini got the trains running on time and Hitler the autobahns and Beetle. Trump a big great zilch. Nada, nothing.

1 minute ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

That baht bus episode actually happened. A Danish fella well built, early 60s travelling with his Thai wife of 30 years, gave up his seat for my wife, which I thought was a genuinely generous gesture. So we stood on the back.

Then we overheard this blowhard Yank loudly explaining no doubt in a way you would agree with how Trump was making America great again. Another passenger got off, so he ended up sitting opposite the Dane. That’s when things went ballistic.

Sure it did.

1 minute ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

The Dane snapped, said he was Danish, and made it very clear that his country was prepared to fight and so was he (something you bone-spur devotees probably don’t understand). I tried to defuse it, joking that we should have fought back against the Vikings/Romans/Normans, etc. But the Yank doubled down: if you can’t defend it, we’ll take it. Apparently, we non-US mortals don’t understand the world and besides, he was a “successful businessman”… on a frickin’ baht bus.

uh-huh

1 minute ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Completely full of himself. So, in the spirit of debate, I landed a few verbal punches, while the Danish fella cursed under his breath in Danish to his wife.We got off in what I call Soi Indian and wished everyone a Happy Christmas. Meanwhile, my wife had been having a pleasant chat in Thai with his wife the whole time.In its own small way, that’s how the civilised world fights back: with facts, humour, and by refusing to let bullies threaten or harass us.

just get's better and better!

1 minute ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

IT IS always a temptation to an armed and agile nation

To call upon a neighbour and to say:–

"We invaded you last night–we are quite prepared to fight,

Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,

And the people who ask it explain

That you've only to pay 'em the Dane-geld

And then you'll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation,

To puff and look important and to say:–

"Though we know we should defeat you,

we have not the time to meet you.

We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;

But we've proved it again and again,

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld

You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,

For fear they should succumb and go astray;

So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,

You will find it better policy to say:–

"We never pay any-one Dane-geld,

No matter how trifling the cost;

For the end of that game is oppression and shame,

And the nation that plays it is lost!"

Can I have your autograph?

4 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Sure it did.

uh-huh

just get's better and better!

Can I have your autograph?

That is not necessary - but in future when you meet civilised people I want you to wholly and fulsomely apologise for the folly of your vote and your current leader and beg forgiveness from the recipient of your admission.

Thankyou for your attention to this matter !

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

Can you detail how you think this is going to happen.

When you look at the general steps taken towards dictatorship and then compare them to Trump, there are many similarities.

I asked AI what the steps were to achieve dictatorship historically in countries, I specifically made no reference to Trump or the US so as not to bias any answer...

General Steps Toward Dictatorship

Political scientists often outline a pattern of how elected leaders can erode democracy and move toward authoritarian rule. Common steps include:

1. Undermining Institutions

   • Weakening checks and balances (courts, legislature, independent agencies).

   • Attacking the credibility of watchdogs, media, and civil society.

2. Concentrating Power

   • Expanding executive authority beyond constitutional limits.

   • Using emergency powers or decrees to bypass normal processes.

3. Controlling Information

   • Discrediting independent media, spreading disinformation, and promoting loyal outlets.

   • Restricting dissenting voices.

4. Politicizing Security Forces

   • Using police, military, or intelligence agencies to intimidate opponents.

   • Rewarding loyalty over professionalism.

5. Suppressing Opposition

   • Harassing political rivals, limiting protests, and manipulating elections.

   • Criminalizing dissent or labeling opponents as enemies of the state.

6. Cultivating Personality Rule

   • Promoting a leader as the sole voice of the nation.

   • Undermining pluralism and portraying critics as traitors.

I then asked it to compare that to Trump's presidency...

🇺🇸 Comparisons to Trump

Scholars and watchdog groups have debated whether Trump’s actions fit into this authoritarian playbook. Key points often raised:

• Undermining Institutions: Trump repeatedly attacked the judiciary, the FBI, and the Department of Justice when rulings or investigations went against him.

• Concentrating Power: He claimed broad executive authority, often resisting oversight from Congress.

• Controlling Information: He labeled mainstream media “fake news” and “enemy of the people,” while promoting loyal outlets.

• Politicizing Security Forces: Critics argue he pressured law enforcement and the military to align with his political goals (e.g., Lafayette Square protest response in 2020).

• Suppressing Opposition: He encouraged investigations into political rivals and cast doubt on the legitimacy of elections.

• Personality Rule: His political movement is heavily centered on his personal brand, with loyalty to him often outweighing party norms.

You can see that there is a 1:1 correlation.

I believe Trump's aim to to achieve dictatorship and president for life. The obstacles in his way are the courts, congress, state governments, media, civil society and the one thing that would destroy his hopes entirely, free & fair midterms.

We have seen him go after state governments in blue states, civil society with ICE, remaining are courts, congress and the midterms.

What Trump will do is he will attack all 3. Some kind of martial law, suspending all 3 or an impelling event eg some major disaster, possibly a false flag operation. Putin did it with the bombing of an apartment building.

I've gone on record since April of last year saying this is coming, I was laughed at by my American friends. They are not laughing now.

There are specific events, inflexion points, that once they happen, it's a game changer and there is no way back. The odds of this happening in a short period are negligible, but the odds of it happening in a long-time approach certainty. If Trump achieves his aims, there will no longer be any free or fair elections. The longer he remains in power, the more certain I am he will achieve this.

Those of you who think the midterms will change eveything because Trump will lose control are passengers sitting on the bus.

The driver of the bus is Trump.

Do you wait doe the midterms when Trump's plan will be revealed, that is akin to lemmings jumping off a cliff.

You need a plan, and you need it desperately.