You're an American in another land? Prepare to talk about the why and how of Trump 2.0

He also gets looks that he interprets as “a bit of ‘shock’ or ‘uneasiness.’ Almost like it automatically turned into an embarrassing topic.”

That's what happens when you elect a senile and idiotic far-right wannbe dictator, yes.

There is no explaining for the behavior of the belligerent. Trump should have been in jail.

The lesson, as she sees it: “There's a kind of chilling in the air.”

Quite easy to overcome this "chill". Just say " I didn't vote for Trump", problem solved.

It was four days after President Donald Trump's inauguration, and Santos was a student with a stomach bug in the first weeks of an overseas semester in Glasgow, Scotland. A doctor arrived to see her after a six-hour wait. But before asking what ailed her, he said this: “Interesting time to be an American, I suppose."

Best not start a conversation like that. A bit of courtesy wouldn’t go amiss, doc.

I worked with a lot of Chinese people in the past and and never thought ‘What do you think about that Uyghur situation?’ was a suitable ice-breaker.

I suppose you can’t avoid it completely. I suppose ‘I’m sick of the lot of them’ could be a useful way out.

I saw a clip of someone who’d put a big Toyota sticker on the back of his Tesla. Nice. Other stickers included ‘I bought this before knowing Musk was a #%@£!’.

Humour can also be good way out.

Just tell people that you are Canadian. You'll be fine.

Brits should be more sympathetic. We went through what Americans are now going through with Brexit. We know what it is like to be in such a wretched situation. Hang on in there, folks. It will eventually end. Then you can start the generations-long process of fixing everything that got broken.

It's embarrassing. The Trump administration has soured relations with allies as it pumps up people like Putin and Erdogan, and normal people can't understand it. I've had Japanese ask me -- tentatively, carefully -- as they gauge whether I, too, am delusional. It's sad to even see that doubt in their faces.

The world is a weird place, queer even I suppose. Well, why would you talk to a stranger and start talking about such things? This incident probably never happened but it makes a good story to make an article from, oh yes that’s what I think you see.

5 million American living outside of the US with 60,000 of them in Japan. Maybe people will become negative or have a negative attitude toward all Americans regardless of their political stand. Sad. then.

Polite conversation has always excluded the three topics of politics, money, religion.

Humble compliments go a long way.

I'm a European, and my advice to Americans is: don't listen to a word these brainwashed left-wingers say. Most Europeans love Trump and wish we had a Trump too. Instead, we've got a bunch of globalist midwits.

I'm a European, and my advice to Americans is: don't listen to a word these brainwashed left-wingers say. Most Europeans love Trump and wish we had a Trump too. Instead, we've got a bunch of globalist midwits.

I believe it; I see and meet Europeans all the time that tell me this. They wish they could be more vocal about it, but they are terrified of reprisals.

Trump is turning the world into anti-American. Shame.

I'm a European, and my advice to Americans is: don't listen to a word these brainwashed left-wingers say. Most Europeans love Trump and wish we had a Trump too

What are you banging this on. Your mates?

This might be worth a look:

https://yougov.co.uk/international/articles/51719-european-favourability-of-the-usa-falls-following-the-return-of-donald-trump

Ignore the haters and the biased media

Another one.

What sources would you recommend?

Links would be so exciting they could give some people something like your handle.

Thanks in advance.

I believe it; I see and meet Europeans all the time that tell me this. They wish they could be more vocal about it, but they are terrified of reprisals.

Reprisals? From whom? What utter nonsense, as usual, from bass4funk. In your little world, all the distaste shown by the world at large is simply in order to mask our secret envy?

It's not actually Trump himself that is causing a loss of respect for America; rather the fact that the average American voted for him means that the average American is also not worthy of respect.

BonarToday  09:59 pm JST

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher.

I think you’re confusing communist socialism with a capitalist form of socialism. China is a communist country with a capitalist economy. The U.S also has many many wonderful socialist institutions. Eg. Schools, roads, bridges, police, fire services, local government, social work departments, food stamps, health care for those that can’t afford it, police departments. Even the ultimate socialist insurance policy the army navy air force coast guard. All paid for by taxation. Thatcher was referring to communist socialism where there was no free capitalism.

I think there is a clear distinction. There is a reason why Sweden, Norway, Finland and a few other European countries are happier. If being the richest most powerful country was translated into happiness and high taxation was related to unhappiness why are so many socialist capitalist countries much happier and even richer than the USA.

So we’ve discovered that the US doesn’t need Europe but he’s very popular there based on the opinions of people’s friends We’ve also been told not to believe the biased media on this point but have had no options put forward to correct the misapprehension.

Tremendous stuff.

We’ve also been told not to believe the biased media on this point but have had no options put forward to correct the misapprehension.

In all your years of patiently asking here, have any of our venerable right wing free thinkers ever been able to supply you with any alternative sources of reliable, unglobalist, undeep state unlegacy media sources?

It seems like they really want to, but something resembling shame is holding them back.

In all your years of patiently asking here, have any of our venerable right wing free thinkers ever been able to supply you with any alternative sources of reliable, unglobalist, undeep state unlegacy media sources?

It seems like they really want to, but something resembling shame is holding them back

To be fair to them, I’ve had a few. One just went full running down the street naked with a reference to Tucker Carlson.

The reticence to enlighten us is very weird.

Can you imagine this in everyday life?

”You are doing that wrong”

’How should I do it?”

….

Bizarre.

I think you’re confusing communist socialism with a capitalist form of socialism. China is a communist country with a capitalist economy. The U.S also has many many wonderful socialist institutions. Eg. Schools, roads, bridges, police, fire services, local government, social work departments, food stamps, health care for those that can’t afford it, police departments. Even the ultimate socialist insurance policy the army navy air force coast guard. All paid for by taxation. Thatcher was referring to communist socialism where there was no free capitalism. 

A bit of pushback. Most Americans do know the difference; they absolutely do, but many don't like either, and that is ok, but it also makes sense in broader terms, at least to those who do not like the system. Capitalism is better than socialism for these reasons:

Freedom: In capitalism, people and businesses get to choose what to make and sell. You can start your own business and make money if you succeed. In socialism, the government controls more things, so people have fewer choices.

In capitalism, you get to keep the money you earn, which makes people work harder and come up with new ideas. In socialism, wealth is shared more equally, so there’s less motivation to work hard because everyone earns about the same.

Efficiency: Capitalism has competition, so businesses work to make better, cheaper products. If they don’t, they lose customers. In socialism, without competition, there’s less pressure to improve things, which can lead to waste.

And let's not forget, In capitalism, you have more options because businesses are competing to offer better stuff. Socialism focuses more on basic needs, so there are fewer choices, and finally, Capitalism usually leads to faster economic growth because businesses grow, create jobs, and make more money. Socialism can slow down growth because businesses aren’t as motivated to grow.

I think there is a clear distinction. There is a reason why Sweden, Norway, Finland and a few other European countries are happier. If being the richest most powerful country was translated into happiness and high taxation was related to unhappiness why are so many socialist capitalist countries much happier and even richer than the USA.

At the same time, if the US pulls out of Europe and there is less of a US footprint, those countries mentioned will have to increase their military and security buildup, which would mean they would have to cut back on their entitlements, they would have no choice particularly if they want to match the US on every level military to compete and repel adversaries such as Russia, there are many reasons why the US is unhappy, we could be here all day, but having European socialist entitlements is not one of them. And remember, The United States continues to lead the world in creating millionaires, far outpacing other first-world nations. By 2023, over 22 million Americans had a net worth exceeding $1 million, once again solidifying us as the top producers of wealth. This dominance is driven by several factors, including the size and strength of the U.S. economy, a well-established and dynamic financial market, and a deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit that encourages innovation and growth. These conditions help an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive, making the U.S. a prime location for wealth creation.

Trump is turning the world into anti-American. Shame.

Not really, that is just an excuse. It has always, for the most part, been anti-American and even more so when we had a Republican President, but most people don't care, we're used to it, it doesn't matter, it doesn't stop us from doing what we want and need to do.

bass4funkToday 02:51 am JST

Trump is turning the world into anti-American. Shame.

Not really, that is just an excuse. It has always, for the most part, been anti-American and even more so when we had a Republican President, but most people don't care, we're used to it, it doesn't matter, it doesn't stop us from doing what we want and need to do.

It does matter and it does stop us from doing what we want and need to do: China is 4x our population and will eventually be maybe 2x our military strength. Large body won't be able to save us then, but allies might.

bass4funkToday 02:51 am JST

At the same time, if the US pulls out of Europe

Once pulled out, they are not going back into Europe and the US will look far weaker than any bed time stories about Afghanistan.

It was the freedom of "American Capitalists" who are 100% responsible for destroying the US manufacturing industry and reducing it to a mere 10% of the present economy. Americans have the largest amounts of personal debts of any country.

wallaceToday 04:47 am JST

Americans have the largest amounts of personal debts of any country.

Not according to this:

https://www.smbcompass.com/every-country-ranked-by-average-personal-debt/

It does matter and it does stop us from doing what we want and need to do:

I disagree

China is 4x our population and will eventually be maybe 2x our military strength.

Here is the huge difference, the U.S. has over 120 years of military experience and conflicts throughout that time. China hasn’t, so you’re military is only as good as they can if consistently used, China hasn’t been in any serious conflict the Korean War.

Large body won't be able to save us then, but allies might

Let’s see if the Europeans can get it together. That would be a great day.

Once pulled out, they are not going back into Europe and the US will look far weaker than any bed time stories about Afghanistan

I vehemently disagree because if we did that( I would love it)we could consolidate all of our resources and power and work on being a more stronger and a lethal military force without all of them spread out overseas

It was the freedom of "American Capitalists" who are 100% responsible for destroying the US manufacturing industry

And the Government supporting Democrats had decades to revive and fix it and they didn’t, the same goes with the towns and cities they preside over.

and reducing it to a mere 10% of the present economy.

It could have been worse

California alone has seen a 25% economic drop of over $68 billion, the richest state in the union destroyed by socialist liberal policies

Americans have the largest amounts of personal debts of any country.

Very true

**State**

Average Total Debt

Colorado

$89,170

California

$84,730

Hawaii

$82,650

Washington

$82,300

Maryland

$80,130

And these states have money, so a lot of rich libs need to learn proper money management.

And these states have money, so a lot of rich libs need to learn proper money management.

I agree: blue states should stop bailing out and subsidizing red states, it's a waste of money.

bass4funk

It was the freedom of "American Capitalists" who are 100% responsible for destroying the US manufacturing industry

And the Government supporting Democrats had decades to revive and fix it and they didn’t, the same goes with the towns and cities they preside over.

The Republicans too because the large-scale movement of American corporation production overseas, or "offshoring," began primarily in the 1970s and 1980s as companies sought lower labor costs and other advantages in foreign markets. 

There were four Republican presidents during that period.

> The Republicans too because the large-scale movement of American corporation production overseas, or "offshoring," began primarily in the 1970s and 1980s as companies sought lower labor costs and other advantages in foreign markets. 

What does that have to do with libs not fixing their own cities despite having the resources?

There were four Republican presidents during that period.

And after that under the Dems it just worsened and still to this day

bass4funkToday  02:34 am JST

I think you’re confusing communist socialism with a capitalist form of socialism. China is a communist country with a capitalist economy. The U.S also has many many wonderful socialist institutions. Eg. Schools, roads, bridges, police, fire services, local government, social work departments, food stamps, health care for those that can’t afford it, police departments. Even the ultimate socialist insurance policy the army navy air force coast guard. All paid for by taxation. Thatcher was referring to communist socialism where there was no free capitalism. 

A bit of pushback. Most Americans do know the difference; they absolutely do, but many don't like either, and that is ok, but it also makes sense in broader terms, at least to those who do not like the system. Capitalism is better than socialism for these reasons:

Freedom: In capitalism, people and businesses get to choose what to make and sell. You can start your own business and make money if you succeed. In socialism, the government controls more things, so people have fewer choices.

In capitalism, you get to keep the money you earn, which makes people work harder and come up with new ideas. In socialism, wealth is shared more equally, so there’s less motivation to work hard because everyone earns about the same.

Efficiency: Capitalism has competition, so businesses work to make better, cheaper products. If they don’t, they lose customers. In socialism, without competition, there’s less pressure to improve things, which can lead to waste.

And let's not forget, In capitalism, you have more options because businesses are competing to offer better stuff. Socialism focuses more on basic needs, so there are fewer choices, and finally, Capitalism usually leads to faster economic growth because businesses grow, create jobs, and make more money. Socialism can slow down growth because businesses aren’t as motivated to grow.

I think there is a clear distinction. There is a reason why Sweden, Norway, Finland and a few other European countries are happier. If being the richest most powerful country was translated into happiness and high taxation was related to unhappiness why are so many socialist capitalist countries much happier and even richer than the USA.

At the same time, if the US pulls out of Europe and there is less of a US footprint, those countries mentioned will have to increase their military and security buildup, which would mean they would have to cut back on their entitlements, they would have no choice particularly if they want to match the US on every level military to compete and repel adversaries such as Russia, there are many reasons why the US is unhappy, we could be here all day, but having European socialist entitlements is not one of them. And remember, The United States continues to lead the world in creating millionaires, far outpacing other first-world nations. By 2023, over 22 million Americans had a net worth exceeding $1 million, once again solidifying us as the top producers of wealth. This dominance is driven by several factors, including the size and strength of the U.S. economy, a well-established and dynamic financial market, and a deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit that encourages innovation and growth. These conditions help an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive, making the U.S. a prime location for wealth creation.

Which socialist countries do you think don't work then? Because all the ones I see function perfectly well are democratic and capitalistic and still have a better. While some in the U.S may be millionaires, and your a world leader, what else do the U.S lead in that really makes the U.S such a wonderful place.

I think you are still talking as though a socialist country is a communist country, but i don't see that in France, Italy, Japan, Australia, N.Z, UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden,Norway. How are they NOT CAPITALIST,DEMOCRATIC and Socialist at the same time?

In fact capitalism isn't efficient. depending on what you decide is efficient. Is it efficient that the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US is medical bills. Is it that capitalist efficiency means that due to the shareholder being the main priority workers are paid terribly, and the very same staff must rely on tips, or that medical insurance companies can actually say, "sorry, you cost too much to treat, so you have to die".

Freedom from poverty, freedom from violence, freedom from school lockdown drills, freedom from health care poverty. I think the U.S is more a FEEdom, rather than FREEDOM. If that makes sense.

As for defence the U.S spends 3.4% of GDP on defence. We spent that during the cold war and still managed to provide all those services. Although I do agree many have neglected defence spending, and i have always thought the cuts were too deep.

bass4funk

The Republicans too because the large-scale movement of American corporation production overseas, or "offshoring," began primarily in the 1970s and 1980s as companies sought lower labor costs and other advantages in foreign markets. *

What does that have to do with libs not fixing their own cities despite having the resources?

My comment is about the collapse of US manufacturing caused by the capitalists taking their productions overseas from the 1970s and 1980s during Republican presidents.

You are the one who commented on cities, a deflection again. Not I.

chatanistaMar. 28  09:06 am JST

The lesson, as she sees it: “There's a kind of chilling in the air.”

Quite easy to overcome this "chill". Just say " I didn't vote for Trump", problem solved.

When I took a long vacation throughout several Canadian cities in 2019, I noticed that Parliament in Ottawa allows foreigners to come in and watch them work and debate the issues. I mentioned to a hotel receptionist that I saw that in action at the Ontario Parliament in Toronto, but nobody gets to see that in America. Because they don't want us to see what vices they do behind the doors.

Our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and I mention that if the 'tRumpChump' issue comes up. It did when I was in Quebec City. Even with the TV dubbed in Quebecois French, it was obvious to anybody watching what a pompous ass he is. And he is!

And I made it explicitly clear that I didn't vote for him, didn't support his ideals or policies - never did, don't now, never will. I made it clear to anyone who even hinted that I have no kind words to say about that traitor brat, and he doesn't represent every individual American, let alone me.

Don't judge a person by their nationality. There's only two types of people on planet Earth, good and bad.

wallaceToday  08:16 am JST

bass4funk

The Republicans too because the large-scale movement of American corporation production overseas, or "offshoring," began primarily in the 1970s and 1980s as companies sought lower labor costs and other advantages in foreign markets. *

What does that have to do with libs not fixing their own cities despite having the resources?

My comment is about the collapse of US manufacturing caused by the capitalists taking their productions overseas from the 1970s and 1980s during Republican presidents.

You are the one who commented on cities, a deflection again. Not I.

You are spot on. Charlie Munger said the same thing way back.If the capitalism is the ONLY thing, and efficient, and its mission is to maximize profits, then the companies, ceo's and accountants will be damned with workers rights, salary, or even jobs. He said it is logical from a business point of view that the CEO's would move to where they will make the most profit at the long-term expense of the U.S manufacturing and workers, and it didn't make sense to him in the long term.

And you can't get a bigger supporter of the U.S and capitalism than Munger and Buffet. But the real kicker is, even he points out the folly of creative accounting and the fake share value of stock buybacks. Which were outlawed before 1982, because the U.S said, it was basically market manipulation. The CEOs would only value stock prices, stock bonuses, over anything else "social" element in a capitalist society. I guess thats why the middle class is shrinking. Infact Boeing is a recent examply of that mess. focused on stock prices and buy backs and ignored its core mission.

To the one pointing to efficiency above, it must be efficient to pay your taxes for all the services the American people receive, including the companies, but is it really efficient to complain about giving a handout or a hand up to a sick person, but then give the very same handout, tax subsidy, to say AMAZON.Walmart, etc, to then pay staff such a low, that the OTHER taxpayers have to, essentially subsidize the low salaries with social benefits?

We complain about giving a single mother/father help because it's taxpayers' money, but then turn around and give the very same tax benefits to huge corporations, which are then passed onto the shareholders and is essentially a government subsidy. Or should that be classed as a handout? mmmm?

Personally, I think the U.K water situation, is a great example of how capitalism has failed society, the taxpayer and the government, and yet they expect the very same taxpayer to bail the shareholders out and still increase prices.

We could say the very same about bankers. Bailed out by the taxpayer, and nobody went to jail.

So if the water company is bankrupt, let it go bankrupt and let the government pick it up for "FREE." Thats capitalism. but that's not what will happen, is it?

The truth is capitalism uses socialist services when it suits them, because it cuts their costs. free health care is a great example that European companies don't have to burden themselves with, but hobbles American companies. The only American product I have is the iphone. Everything else is European, Japanese, Chinese Korean. Just look around your home.