Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Israel attacking Iran's nuclear factories would not upset most of the Arab nations one jot. Sure, they would complain for the sake of Islamic solidarity - while laughing behind their hands. A nuclear Iran would be far more dangerous than a nuclear Israel and everyone in the region realises that. Except Syria perhaps.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 725- Registered: 7 Oct 2011
- Posts: 1,418
Mitt Romney represents America 100%. America wants so America does regardless of the consequences. Amazing although they think they have this rounded world view on things they really are very insular when all is said and done.
There is no "special relationship". It never really existed but was spun this side of the pond for pragmatic reasons by all political parties depending who was in office.
As far as Romney's opinion of us he writes in his book, "No apology" the following:
"England [sic] is just a small island. Its roads and houses are small. With few exceptions, it doesn't make things that people in the rest of the world want to buy. And if it hadn't been separated from the continent by water, it almost certainly would have been lost to Hitler's ambitions. Yet only two lifetimes ago, Britain ruled the largest and wealthiest empire in the history of humankind. Britain controlled a quarter of the earth's land and a quarter of the earth's population.
Its roads and houses are small? The trees probably aren't the right height either".
.......Are you thinking what we're thinking?
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Americans make fewer foreign trips than Brits, in spite of having a population over 5 times greater. More than half the foreign trips made by Americans are to Canada. Only 31% of Americans have a passport. Prior to 2007, when they didn't need a passport to visit Canada or Mexico, the figure was under 20%.
Travel broadens the mind, they say, so it's no wonder Americans have a rather parochial and blinkered view of world events. A senior Republican said in 1998 "I've been to Europe once, I don't need to go again". Sarah Palin got her first passport in 2007 and has only been to Canada and overseas US military bases. Frightening to think she could be President in a few years.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thanks for that info. Peter; I didn't know they were so poorly travelled - as you say, travel broadens the mind, certainly opens it up.
Roger
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
Yes, Peter is absolutely right, the American are indeed poorly travelled and it is easy for us to feel superior and smug about that.
But think of this.
How many Brits would be so well travelled if the Uk was a vast as the USA with climates ranging from the icy wastes of Alaska, the forests of Washington State, the sun and beaches of California, the deserts and canyons of Arizona, the prairies of Nebraska, the swamps of Louisiana, the near tropical conditions of parts of Florida, the mountains of Colorado and the temperate conditions of New England.
Also. Just how many Brits spend their holidays 'abroad' entirely on the beaches and pools of holiday resorts? How many eat fish and chips and drink in fake English pubs and spend the nights in clubs?
Yes travel does broaden the mind but unless you get away from the tourist spots, mix with the locals, drink in their bars, eat their food you certainly are not broadening your mind. For too many Brits they might as well be holidaying in Margate but with hotter and more reliable sun rather than Spain, Greece or France.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Very good points Barry.
Roger
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
Americans are not worldly people and are ill-informed on foreign affairs and Mitt
Romney is a fine example as his foreign tour has proved.
Politicians in opposition running up to elections are purveyors of wishes and
provocative promises which are words that never see action ...win or lose.
Cameron is a fine example hence the many `U` turns on gaining power.
Mitt Romney on his foreign tour has made many gaffes and such promises.
In his trip to Israel he has raised the stakes of Israel`s potential actions against
Iran`s nuclear ambitions.
These are dangerous tactics for power...as Obama may have to play the same
`game`for the American people,the difference is Obama is in power......
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
courtesy of the independent.
Read the headlines and it was the candidate's foreign trip from hell: a succession of mishaps capped by an expletive-laden tirade from an exasperated aide to an equally exasperated group of travelling reporters. In fact, Mitt Romney's foray to Britain, Israel and Poland is likely to have only the tiniest impact on his chances of winning the White House in November.
Last night President Barack Obama's Republican challenger was heading back to the US from Warsaw, scene of a final brouhaha, as his travelling press secretary lashed out at reporters who yelled questions at Mr Romney after he laid a wreath at Poland's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
"Do you have a statement for the Palestinians?" shouted one as the candidate walked back to his car. "Do you feel your gaffes have overshadowed your trip?" yelled another. Mr Romney ignored them, but not so Rick Gorka. "Shove it," he said, before inviting another questioner to "Kiss my ass". The spokesman quickly called the reporters involved to apologise. But the damage was done.
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
Today Mitt Romney ends his gaffe-strewn whistle-stop tour of Europe and middle
east,flying home to fevered speculation about his choice of running mate.
His wife Ann,however remains in London-her horse Rafalca is competing in the
Olympics on Thursday and it is unlikely that Mitt will make such an important
announcement without his wife by his side.....timing of the USA Presidential campaign
depends on a Horse....
Cameron also knows how a horse can influence a politicians life......in Olympic circles
they are calling it the Curse of Cameron.
He turned up to watch the diving and Tom Daley failed,he turned up at Britain`s road
cyclists and Mark Cavendish failed,he watched Murray`s final and he failed ..............
......Britain`s medal hopefuls,including Bradley Wiggins must be relieved to hear that
Flashman was in Scotland yesterday and Northern Ireland to day....
......win while you can..............
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
that reminds me of the times when mrs t was in power and every time a train crash or similar happened she was down the hospital in a flash with a camera crew so she could be seen gazing sympathetically at some poor devil covered in splints and bandages.
private eye magazine started to issue "thatchcards" that one carried around with them that told the hospital staff that the prime minister was not allowed within 100 yards of the victim.
