Depressingly accurate analysis of the current state of play. And yes, we in 'liberal' Europe should not be complacent. Our government has already imposed unthought of restrictions on individual freedom in its attempt to ward off the populist scourge of Farage. It is deeply ironic that we may have to rely on Rupert Lowe's personal vendetta against Farage to reduce the risk that the latter brings to UK politics. The only shining light of left-of-centre compassion and inclusion, Sanchez of Spain, is also under massive onslaught. We should all be very afraid.
At the moment I think that a great majority of states are not even remotely interested in ‘democracy’. People somehow felt a need for ‘powerful’ leaders again, despite WW2 still being within living memory. They vote for ‘strong’ leaders, who mostly fail within a small number of years to live up to their promises. The UK has fallen victim to this same fate, as did the USA. What is to blame? Influencers on the internet, lack of insight and knowledge to be critical when deciding who to vote for, plain stupidity. Glad I’m in my seventies and will hopefully escape the inferno that is very likely awaiting us. My thanks for your attention!
You don't refer to the dangers in Europe, but it's clear the Trumpian playbook is a source of inspiration to the wannabe despots on this side of the Atlantic. We must stay alert, to fight them however we can before they inveigle their way into power. America is a terrifying illustration of how precarious a long-established Democracy can be.
Depressingly accurate analysis of the current state of play. And yes, we in 'liberal' Europe should not be complacent. Our government has already imposed unthought of restrictions on individual freedom in its attempt to ward off the populist scourge of Farage. It is deeply ironic that we may have to rely on Rupert Lowe's personal vendetta against Farage to reduce the risk that the latter brings to UK politics. The only shining light of left-of-centre compassion and inclusion, Sanchez of Spain, is also under massive onslaught. We should all be very afraid.
I no longer believe that freedom can be found in the White House, Congress or the DisUnited States
At the moment I think that a great majority of states are not even remotely interested in ‘democracy’. People somehow felt a need for ‘powerful’ leaders again, despite WW2 still being within living memory. They vote for ‘strong’ leaders, who mostly fail within a small number of years to live up to their promises. The UK has fallen victim to this same fate, as did the USA. What is to blame? Influencers on the internet, lack of insight and knowledge to be critical when deciding who to vote for, plain stupidity. Glad I’m in my seventies and will hopefully escape the inferno that is very likely awaiting us. My thanks for your attention!
Thanks Matt, an excellent and thoughtful summation of a scary situation.
Another superb piece, Matt.
You don't refer to the dangers in Europe, but it's clear the Trumpian playbook is a source of inspiration to the wannabe despots on this side of the Atlantic. We must stay alert, to fight them however we can before they inveigle their way into power. America is a terrifying illustration of how precarious a long-established Democracy can be.
Very well written and open piece !. Met a lot of Americans in the last 2 years, most of whom would agree with you Matt.
Fartoo many MAGA morons. Quite extraordinary.
Nature made us in two genders - right?
Nature made us feeling a need to be loved - right?
So, how about the function of heterosexual men is to make women feel loved?
And how about the function of heterosexual women is to make men feel loved?
If you dare not confront a corrupt government, because they will persecute and possibly imprison and torture you, what can you do?
How about asking everyone involved, especially those at the bottom of the heap searching questions:-
Are you proud of that?
Would it be OK if everyone did that?
Would that make the world a happier place?
You’re not making it easy for me to be your sister/brother.
Would a rising tide of befriending, asking and morality make corruption more difficult?
Is this what feminism and virilism should be about?
Let’s do it. Let’s start befriending and asking moral questions.
Who’s up for it. Shall we start a befriending, asking and morality group?
Alick Munro