I dare say Mr. Farage's speaking engagement fee just went down.
1
Britain is in disarray, and Mrs. May's initiative - her "snap election" failed. That is terrible, but not as terrible as our "disarray" on this side of the pond. That our 45th President is unqualified and a grotesque in the job of leader of the United States of America has been examined and laughed at the world over. BREXIT is awful for the UK, but USEXIT, that we Americans are enduring now and for the foreseeable future, is far, far worse!
12
Would like Republcans to come clean on what to expect on new jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. How many steel companies in U.S are owned by Russia and how much coal will be needed to make steel. Or the Dodd-Frank repeal which will leave cities with nothing but same day loan companies for banking with huge fees. I'm not rich but I am so glad I'm not poor and yes I feel sorry for the poor and ignorant. So yes let the Republicans come clean
5
A system where all elected officials, work together, is so much better that we have where one party calls all the shots. We are so divided that nothing is going to get accomplished. Just wish we had the system of parliament that Canada and Britain have. I have lived in this, as a Canadian citizen. It works.
6
Well then, I hope that you are in Canada where things are working so well!! Good luck with that!!
As for the UK, the reports that I heard early on suggested that Labour did better than expected because, like in the US in 2008, they turned out the vaunted "youth vote". Well, OK then. I you want young people whose minds aren't yet ripened by life experience to determine the direction of your country then have at it!!
And good luck with that!!
As for the UK, the reports that I heard early on suggested that Labour did better than expected because, like in the US in 2008, they turned out the vaunted "youth vote". Well, OK then. I you want young people whose minds aren't yet ripened by life experience to determine the direction of your country then have at it!!
And good luck with that!!
1
Of course, having a number of terrorist attacks to remind the electorate of the risks of living in a world where religious-based hate is extent had absolutely nothing to do with Prime Minister May's problem.
Frankly, I think it had more influence on the results than most are willing to admit.
Frankly, I think it had more influence on the results than most are willing to admit.
2
Our draft dagger in chief, Donald Trump, has set the course to try to bring our great country, the United States of America, down to his low level.
He will fail, and not before long we shall be rid of him as our president. What a disgrace he is.
Hon. Jerome L. Wilson, former New York state senator
He will fail, and not before long we shall be rid of him as our president. What a disgrace he is.
Hon. Jerome L. Wilson, former New York state senator
6
Alas, so close to Thatcher yet so far.
1
Yes, we are in a mess!
However, I take heart in the saying.............'Breakdown to breakthrough......'
We are breaking down and we will break though.
Watch!
However, I take heart in the saying.............'Breakdown to breakthrough......'
We are breaking down and we will break though.
Watch!
1
The question is whether the Democratic Party can rise to the occasion with their current corporate friendly leadership. The old school Clintonian centrists are still remarkably in control, considering their failed campaign against the malign buffoonery of Herr Trump. As an institution on a downward slide, along with the GOP which is thoroughly moribund at this point, the Democrats fail to impress at any level. They seem categorically afraid of any new ideas as we slip ever closer to a banana republic.
6
I too have no hope in the Democratic Party. They will continue to lose until they start paying attention to what the people need and want - -rather than always deferring to what Wall Street wants.
3
I don't know if Britain can be said to be in any more of a "disarray" than we are here, given the current circus of an administration we are now living under.
But at this point, one thing is quite certain; the rest of the world isn't quite ready to join in lockstep under the same conservative populist banner that is now being unfurled here.
All of the people I know in Britain voted against BREXIT, and hold little of Mrs. May, or her reasoning behind suddenly calling for an election. At the same time, all of my family in friends in Germany are too horrified about what's going on here with Donald Trump to care much about the British election -- At least in that regard, they aren't the only ones.
Aside from everything else going on, with the hearings and investigations, Donald Trump's performance at the recent NATO Conference in Brussels left a bad impression about the U.S. commitment to the organization, even though he has momentarily changed his mind about supporting Article 5 in the interim.
For that reason, most eyes are already on the G20 summit next month.
While a weakened British economy is a matter of importance and concern -- it would matter less when standing next to the breakdown of a trans-Atlantic alliance.
But at this point, one thing is quite certain; the rest of the world isn't quite ready to join in lockstep under the same conservative populist banner that is now being unfurled here.
All of the people I know in Britain voted against BREXIT, and hold little of Mrs. May, or her reasoning behind suddenly calling for an election. At the same time, all of my family in friends in Germany are too horrified about what's going on here with Donald Trump to care much about the British election -- At least in that regard, they aren't the only ones.
Aside from everything else going on, with the hearings and investigations, Donald Trump's performance at the recent NATO Conference in Brussels left a bad impression about the U.S. commitment to the organization, even though he has momentarily changed his mind about supporting Article 5 in the interim.
For that reason, most eyes are already on the G20 summit next month.
While a weakened British economy is a matter of importance and concern -- it would matter less when standing next to the breakdown of a trans-Atlantic alliance.
2
Britain isn't exactly "in disarray." On the contrary, young voters have decided to take matters into the own hands and sought to change the direction Britain is headed. Their brilliant tactic has paid off, leaving Theresa May humiliated and to struggle for survival.
12
"the Scottish National Party suffered a drubbing, effectively ending talk of another referendum on Scottish independence.". They lost some seats but still remain by far the biggest force in Scotland. Why does the media maintain the view that Scotland is the only place where winning a majority of seats is not winning an election?
2
The election was for a U.K. Parliament. They did not win a majority of seats as the House of Commons has 650 seats.
1
It's not going to be able to what the NY Times suggests because Ms. May will not last long enough as Prime Minister. Whoever succeeds her will lead a party that will probably not win the next election. Ms. May was foolish enough to call this election and can start her memoirs very soon.
3
In some ways Capitalism represents some of the best qualities of the natural world. Competitive forces driving evolution and evolution leading to a more adaptable and fit set of diverse species.
Unfortunately, like everything else human, Capitalism has morphed into "Win at any cost" instead of ethical competition and a meritrocratic system. It is driven only by greed, pure and simple.
Hopefully, it will fail in its current form before it is too late. Hopefully, the majority of people will see the truth including those being mesmerized by the false saviors like the Trumps, Mays, LePen's of the world.
And then of course there always the possibility that a better species will evolve from us, one that is more fit, more just and much better for this planet with all its other diverse life forms and ultimately one that is better adapted to life on on earth. One that will seek to preserve life on earth rather than greedily consume and ravish this planet.
Make no mistake, nature is plotting our demise because we have as an entire species proven how unworthy we are of the role of the guardian of this planet.
Unfortunately, like everything else human, Capitalism has morphed into "Win at any cost" instead of ethical competition and a meritrocratic system. It is driven only by greed, pure and simple.
Hopefully, it will fail in its current form before it is too late. Hopefully, the majority of people will see the truth including those being mesmerized by the false saviors like the Trumps, Mays, LePen's of the world.
And then of course there always the possibility that a better species will evolve from us, one that is more fit, more just and much better for this planet with all its other diverse life forms and ultimately one that is better adapted to life on on earth. One that will seek to preserve life on earth rather than greedily consume and ravish this planet.
Make no mistake, nature is plotting our demise because we have as an entire species proven how unworthy we are of the role of the guardian of this planet.
3
Those competitive forces you speak so glowingly of can be boiled to one dictum : Eat or be eaten. At base, homo sapiens are no different than cockroaches when it comes to survival of the species.
Except, cockroaches didn't invent hubris to explains such vanities as "guardian of this planet".
Except, cockroaches didn't invent hubris to explains such vanities as "guardian of this planet".
2
One can call the left, communism, socialism (for those who fear the word communism) any kind of names one wants.
However, the reality the world over is still that the left over the past ten relatively comfortable years has been far too centrist and compromising with neoliberalism tendencies that arose in the first place to counter truly leftist policies.
Well, those days are over. For a brief moment, the extreme right has successfully siphoned off the ferment that is more properly the venue of truly leftist policy, as a result of this lukewarm tendency.
But that's also over.
The many millions behind Bernie Sanders in the US and Corbyn in the UK prove leftist politics are stronger than ever.
It will only take the moment of younger, more informed and more visionary and passionate leaders of the younger generations firmly behind this tendency to transform it from tendency to inevitability.
The long arc of history bends towards this anti-capitalist, anti-corporate, anti-plutocratic and more just, equitable, democratic, humane and intelligent future.
It is only a matter of time; and not much more of it, at that.
And woe betide those left behind when this historical transformation finally occurs. They will be seen as the last, greatest evil the species has had to conquer to free itself from shackles that have been there consistently since the days of ancient Egypt.
However, the reality the world over is still that the left over the past ten relatively comfortable years has been far too centrist and compromising with neoliberalism tendencies that arose in the first place to counter truly leftist policies.
Well, those days are over. For a brief moment, the extreme right has successfully siphoned off the ferment that is more properly the venue of truly leftist policy, as a result of this lukewarm tendency.
But that's also over.
The many millions behind Bernie Sanders in the US and Corbyn in the UK prove leftist politics are stronger than ever.
It will only take the moment of younger, more informed and more visionary and passionate leaders of the younger generations firmly behind this tendency to transform it from tendency to inevitability.
The long arc of history bends towards this anti-capitalist, anti-corporate, anti-plutocratic and more just, equitable, democratic, humane and intelligent future.
It is only a matter of time; and not much more of it, at that.
And woe betide those left behind when this historical transformation finally occurs. They will be seen as the last, greatest evil the species has had to conquer to free itself from shackles that have been there consistently since the days of ancient Egypt.
7
The "small Irish party" you mention is one of the most right-wing parties operating in Europe - anti-gay, anti-abortion, ethnocentric, climate-deniers. Why not acknowledge that May is making an alliance with a retrograde entity that is going to way the tail of the Tories? Why is the New York Times, like the Post, representing Corbyn as a "hard-left" when he is an old-fashioned Social Democrat?
17
Tiny Britain was once an Empire.
Ms. May chose to cozy up to Trump. To try and boost her standing. She held his hand...
May is weakened. Brexit means a weaker Britain.
Picture the optics of a trump visit. His cloud and her cloud and a Brexit cloud.
Who will rid her of this meddlesome visit?
Ms. May chose to cozy up to Trump. To try and boost her standing. She held his hand...
May is weakened. Brexit means a weaker Britain.
Picture the optics of a trump visit. His cloud and her cloud and a Brexit cloud.
Who will rid her of this meddlesome visit?
6
President Trump is meeting with Romania's president Klaus Iohannis as I type.
I have to find out about this from foreign news, because the NYT editorial board has abdicated sadly from reporting the news, in favor of non stop scandal and negative op-eds against President Trump. Shame on you, NYEB!
I have to find out about this from foreign news, because the NYT editorial board has abdicated sadly from reporting the news, in favor of non stop scandal and negative op-eds against President Trump. Shame on you, NYEB!
5
In case you haven't noticed the Trump scandals are real and evolving. And as president of the wealthiest and powerful nation on Earth, that level of scrutiny and major media investigation is vital if we are to move forward as informed citizens. I had no problem finding out about a visit from the Romanian president, who came with with adulation (channelling the Saudis I suppose) for Herr Trump.
2
"In America, where 63 million citizens were demented enough to elect a Snake Oil Moron as their leader, the 'dementia tax' is the one thing that would instantly wipe out our national debt." GREAT line, Socrates!
4
Time for a brexit exit?
2
I stopped reading this editorial when you described Jeremy Corbyn as a "hard leftist." The good social policies he has proposed in the Labour Party manifesto could easily have been part of a traditional Democratic Party platform in the era before third way Bill Clinton. I suspect the neoliberal New York Times editorial board is truly fearful of fairness and decency because it could mean higher taxes for the ruling classes.
8
Yes. The media tried to marginalize Corbyn just as the corporate media in the US continues to marginalize Sanders, who is, by all accounts, the most popular politician in America -- but the DNC ignores him to cozy up with Wall Street.
7
Britain, in less than a year, managed to shoot itself in the foot three times. First voting for Brexit, thus telling the world "good-bye." Then ending up with Teresa May, a number two official; then again (Thursday) further reducing her already level of weakness and creating a non-government. That poor Queen Elizabeth-2, under her watch seeing that country totally falling apart.
3
This woman is so obviously incompetent. Britain better turn completely away, or suffer the consequences.
1
When the did the Times editorial board become Tories?
Between the British election, the Democratic primary and the enthusiastic support of the Times for austerity promoters Merkel and Macron, the utter abhorrence of left-wing -- indeed, of merely liberal -- candidates by the Times, on both news and editorial pages, is at least refreshing for its candor.
"Disarray" is one way of putting it. Elites failing the public, and the public inconveniently noticing, is another.
Between the British election, the Democratic primary and the enthusiastic support of the Times for austerity promoters Merkel and Macron, the utter abhorrence of left-wing -- indeed, of merely liberal -- candidates by the Times, on both news and editorial pages, is at least refreshing for its candor.
"Disarray" is one way of putting it. Elites failing the public, and the public inconveniently noticing, is another.
Maggie Thatcher Lite grabbed onto Trump's coattails, only to find they were fake, like the person wearing them. Thump! She fell on her bottom.
And then using fear of terrorists as a campaign tactic, like GW Bush did back in the day to win an election, was also a losing proposition. It's dicey to attack the government when you are supposedly leading it.
What next, Teresa, a war against a small island country off the coast of South America? Thank God, you don't have access to nuclear weapons.
And then using fear of terrorists as a campaign tactic, like GW Bush did back in the day to win an election, was also a losing proposition. It's dicey to attack the government when you are supposedly leading it.
What next, Teresa, a war against a small island country off the coast of South America? Thank God, you don't have access to nuclear weapons.
2
The 1,000 year Tory dream:
Lords in the castles and the rest of us half-naked in the fields.
Lords in the castles and the rest of us half-naked in the fields.
5
It would help a bit if the writers of the New York Times would rise above the bumper-sticker labels "left" and "right," or "liberal" and "conservative," as if they were writing about mere football teams with different colored jerseys.
The distinction is The Good v. The Bad with respect to the greatest issue faced by our nation and human civilization: economic wellbeing and participation in control of our nation and civilization by and for The People, or by and for The Oligarchs and Wealthy Few.
NYT, how about using labels that reveal this most important distinction, instead of concealing it under bumper-sticker labels?
The distinction is The Good v. The Bad with respect to the greatest issue faced by our nation and human civilization: economic wellbeing and participation in control of our nation and civilization by and for The People, or by and for The Oligarchs and Wealthy Few.
NYT, how about using labels that reveal this most important distinction, instead of concealing it under bumper-sticker labels?
The two women PM's have been disasters for England. Thatcher and this incompetent.
2
The DUP, with whom May is making an alliance, is hardly some innocuous "small Northern Irish party." You do your readers a disservice by dismissing them, given that May will have to bow to them if she wants to survive a vote of no confidence. Many British voters see the alliance as a pact with the Devil. The DUP is the party Ian Paisley made infamous during the Troubles. They are, to this day, a scandal-ridden (look up the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme), right-wing, misogynic, homophobic party of religious bigots who are still refusing, a decade later, to carry out provisions, like Irish language rights, of the Good Friday Agreement that ended the Troubles. Their intransigence led to the dissolution of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. In power in Westminster, they will welcome the return of direct rule because it will allow them to reinstate the Protestant State in Northern Ireland--and will May dare say "no"? It's like giving the American Freedom Caucus the ultimate power in UK government.
Equal marriage is legal in the UK except in Northern Ireland--why? the DUP. Abortion is legal in the UK except in Northern Ireland--why? the DUP. Several DUP MLAs have tried to get a Northern Irish museum to include Creationism in their science exhibit.
The only good thing that can come from this alliance is a soft border between Ireland and Northern Ireland when Brexit is negotiated because even the DUP, Brexiteers to the core, see an advantage to cross-border trade.
Equal marriage is legal in the UK except in Northern Ireland--why? the DUP. Abortion is legal in the UK except in Northern Ireland--why? the DUP. Several DUP MLAs have tried to get a Northern Irish museum to include Creationism in their science exhibit.
The only good thing that can come from this alliance is a soft border between Ireland and Northern Ireland when Brexit is negotiated because even the DUP, Brexiteers to the core, see an advantage to cross-border trade.
The NYT's own initial editorial praising May and her decision to call the snap election was written in ignorance of what things are actually like in the UK. This paper seems to have no understanding of how damaging the Tories' cuts to services and social welfare have been here, nor do you recognise the degree to which the negative coverage of Corbyn and the movement he represents has been orchestrated by Rupert Murdoch and his ilk.
Perhaps now that the world ...is "flat" is interconnected by satellites ; and
instant communications....that the psychological effects are utter confusion
and due to this confusion and therefore frustration about how to fit good old
and finely tuned democratic ideas into the swirling chaos of a digital morass ..
what to do:....well....now....let's just put down the toy phones and all that
nonsensical digitation ...and THINK ....yes...get together with the old world
order which has a classical energy seemingly to...actually ...SURVIVE...
so....we are floundering in the digital age....but ....if we get a grip so to speak
....and think just as our ancestor did when the telegraph or telephone made
us try to think ...faster...and faster....well then common sense prevailed
and deliberative minds and good sense prevailed...and it will prevail again.
This is just a "bump in the journey of our long long lives on this beautiful
planet'.....I have a lot of faith in the best laid plans of mice and men...and
even though the gae astray...they will find a way home....
And we will ....get it right.....once again...'.....
instant communications....that the psychological effects are utter confusion
and due to this confusion and therefore frustration about how to fit good old
and finely tuned democratic ideas into the swirling chaos of a digital morass ..
what to do:....well....now....let's just put down the toy phones and all that
nonsensical digitation ...and THINK ....yes...get together with the old world
order which has a classical energy seemingly to...actually ...SURVIVE...
so....we are floundering in the digital age....but ....if we get a grip so to speak
....and think just as our ancestor did when the telegraph or telephone made
us try to think ...faster...and faster....well then common sense prevailed
and deliberative minds and good sense prevailed...and it will prevail again.
This is just a "bump in the journey of our long long lives on this beautiful
planet'.....I have a lot of faith in the best laid plans of mice and men...and
even though the gae astray...they will find a way home....
And we will ....get it right.....once again...'.....
1
At least, so far, the Brits have declined to make an anti-Semitic Marxist prime minister, but it was too close for comfort.
3
I suspect that sucking up to newly elected Donald and, without consulting anyone, inviting The Donald to visit Queen Elizabeth II didn't help her.
3
"a small Northern Irish party"? I think you mean a party that is anti-choice, homophobic, and climate denying. Oh, and also has ties to loyalist terrorists. So...
6
Fails to mention that the tory part has now jumped into bed with a bunch of terrorists with more linked to Ulster Paramilitary and come under the name of the dup...
2
I feel for her husband. Hope he drinks like Dennis Thatcher did. Will help him get through each day.
Awww, poor Britain! After raping all the other continents in the name of some shambolic Christian white man's burden over a century ago, then losing its jaw-dropping empire of exploitation, it's reduced to slinking. Slinking away from Europe who may very well not notice Britain's absence in Brussels. Slinking away from modernity as it clings to its classism, pigeonholing each other with every utterance to see if one should talk up or down to someone. Who cares about Britain? No one there learned sufficiently when the first ICBMs, then called V2 rockets, were deployed at the end of WWII, to teach it its lesson as a plutocratic imperialist.
4
"...hard-leftist Jeremy Corbyn." No, a hard-leftist would be a communist, which Corbyn is definitely not. Like Sanders and FDR he is a democratic socialist. All three believe in the market and private ownership, which communism does not. They just believe greed needs restrictions/regulations. ---this doesn't reach the level of fake news but I would call it yellow journalism.
6
who wants to suffer?
As an anglophile, I will trot out some British sayings with which to address the Prime Minister: Sling your hook. On your bike. Hop it.
3
Like a "May" fly, she flew too close to the deadly aura that is Trump. Back when rabid nationalism was in full sway, she gave up her integrity to snuggle up with the orangutan.
1
"Britain in Disarray."
Ahem!!!!
Who are we to talk?
Ahem!!!!
Who are we to talk?
3
I want our own Macron.
That's what the UK needs, too.
Macron, Macron, Macron!! Vive la Macron!
That's what the UK needs, too.
Macron, Macron, Macron!! Vive la Macron!
12
Obama was our Macron.
And he and the Mrs. are off to make millions from their 'public service'.
Obama maintained mass incarceration, corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare, military-industrial complex war mongering while spying on us without probable cause and killing some of us without due process of law while talking down to black people.
I want our own humane humble honest empathetic whomever. I don't care what the UK needs nor wants. Nor do I care who the French or Germans pick. I don't want the Russians picking our leaders nor any one elses.
A smooth talking smiling handsome young face reminds me of the vision of the 'Beast' aka Satan/Lucifer written of in the Book of Revelations.
And he and the Mrs. are off to make millions from their 'public service'.
Obama maintained mass incarceration, corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare, military-industrial complex war mongering while spying on us without probable cause and killing some of us without due process of law while talking down to black people.
I want our own humane humble honest empathetic whomever. I don't care what the UK needs nor wants. Nor do I care who the French or Germans pick. I don't want the Russians picking our leaders nor any one elses.
A smooth talking smiling handsome young face reminds me of the vision of the 'Beast' aka Satan/Lucifer written of in the Book of Revelations.
1
I know next to nothing about British politics,
but what is this obsession with British
leaders calling elections when they are far
ahead and are looking forward to years in
power?
had Cameron not called that insane brexit
election,Britain would have been spared
a world of hurt and Europe would not be
facing destabilization for years to come.
as for May,she has plunged her country
into disarray for no reason.
shout out to British politicians :
if you are ahead,for goodness sake,stay there.
but what is this obsession with British
leaders calling elections when they are far
ahead and are looking forward to years in
power?
had Cameron not called that insane brexit
election,Britain would have been spared
a world of hurt and Europe would not be
facing destabilization for years to come.
as for May,she has plunged her country
into disarray for no reason.
shout out to British politicians :
if you are ahead,for goodness sake,stay there.
The Tories have been disastrous for this country. Cameron got us in this Brexit mess with his horrendous miscalculation designed to quash the opposition in his own party. May chose to interpret the Brexit mandate at the severest possible level to placate that same right wing.
Now we are in chaos. As you say, Labour has no coherent plan for Brexit either, and what we know about Corbyn's position suggests a hard Brexit. But at least now it appears the insanity of "no deal is better than a bad deal" has been squelched, and we can try to soften the deal.
Minimise the madness!
Now we are in chaos. As you say, Labour has no coherent plan for Brexit either, and what we know about Corbyn's position suggests a hard Brexit. But at least now it appears the insanity of "no deal is better than a bad deal" has been squelched, and we can try to soften the deal.
Minimise the madness!
1
Whatever the reason or the outcome, the British election is refreshingly short - only 7 weeks as compared to the multi-year non-stop circus in the US. Unlike the US, Britain still has serious individuals to lead it.
4
1 Nearly one year, and the Tories have still not given the voters even an inkling of what they want from a Brexit agreement. Appalling. Pathetic. Resulting in stalled investment, higher inflation, slowing growth.
2 At a time when we face the greatest threat from terrorism, the Tories have cut police numbers by 10,000, to save money. Appalling. Pathetic. However there is plenty of money for nuclear missiles.
3 Meanwhile austerity goes on and on, continued by the Tories, exacerbated by the Brexit decision..and evident in the cracking up roads and sidewalks, the litter strewn streets, decrepit trains in many parts of the UK, the closure of public libraries, the lack of school funding, to name but a few results of Tory policy.
Britain is diminished at every level, by the Tories.
2 At a time when we face the greatest threat from terrorism, the Tories have cut police numbers by 10,000, to save money. Appalling. Pathetic. However there is plenty of money for nuclear missiles.
3 Meanwhile austerity goes on and on, continued by the Tories, exacerbated by the Brexit decision..and evident in the cracking up roads and sidewalks, the litter strewn streets, decrepit trains in many parts of the UK, the closure of public libraries, the lack of school funding, to name but a few results of Tory policy.
Britain is diminished at every level, by the Tories.
4
And the Pound took a pounding. What makes these Brexit people think that isolationism will lead to a future of financial success? When you limit your access to capital, trade and intellectual engagement, you limit your profits. Britain and America are making it harder to do business, while China is installing take out windows. Thank God we'll always have those coal mining jobs to fall back on. See you down below.
Over and again European right-wing populists have been banding together claiming, aggressively shouting, trying to psychologically traumatize the entire world it is time to "turn the table" and steer the continent into more conservatism: they have been disproved wrong spectacularly - once more. From Austria, to the Netherlands, to France, and now the UK far-right parties (UKIP bye-bye) have been getting severe drubbings thanks to a New Left that has shown incredible resiliency, great mettle, and vision. Left-leaning Europeans have demonstrated it is time to change the rules of the game instead. Perhaps the American Left should listen more carefully to their European comrades.
1
I don't see "disarray" in an election that may push the country off its destructive austerity policies. We could use more "disarray" like this.
2
Teresa is looking rather reckless, not prudent & responsible, as conservatives like to claim they are. The impression she gives with her actions, tone and demeanor is aggressiveness.
Health and safety are now big issues for UK voters. Teresa May cut budgets and reduced the police force by many thousands. The Tories are aiming to privatize their health care. That's actually radical, not conservative of the past---the NHS was a proud British achievement since 1948, that even rw Thatcher was proud of.
The younger generation in UK is reasserting itself, getting out to vote in much higher numbers now, and making a correct to the Left. Some analyze this as saying No to Teresa May Tories, just as in the US the young said No to Clinton, as an establishment Dem connected to big money.
The US Gop is much more right wing than the European rw parties. Our Gop aims to totally destroy what health care we’ve managed to achieve, tho we’re still behind all other capitalist democracies. And aims to weaken what financial regulations we’ve managed to achieve. What time is the next market crash?
Austria, Holland, France voted down their rw parties. We voted ours in to control our 3 branches. Our campaign finance is set up to legally remove power and influence from the mass of citizens and transfer it to the top few elites. To change this is deemed too Left Wing.
How far can the Dems go in representing we the people, no matter what they say?
Health and safety are now big issues for UK voters. Teresa May cut budgets and reduced the police force by many thousands. The Tories are aiming to privatize their health care. That's actually radical, not conservative of the past---the NHS was a proud British achievement since 1948, that even rw Thatcher was proud of.
The younger generation in UK is reasserting itself, getting out to vote in much higher numbers now, and making a correct to the Left. Some analyze this as saying No to Teresa May Tories, just as in the US the young said No to Clinton, as an establishment Dem connected to big money.
The US Gop is much more right wing than the European rw parties. Our Gop aims to totally destroy what health care we’ve managed to achieve, tho we’re still behind all other capitalist democracies. And aims to weaken what financial regulations we’ve managed to achieve. What time is the next market crash?
Austria, Holland, France voted down their rw parties. We voted ours in to control our 3 branches. Our campaign finance is set up to legally remove power and influence from the mass of citizens and transfer it to the top few elites. To change this is deemed too Left Wing.
How far can the Dems go in representing we the people, no matter what they say?
1
Political blunders committed by tone deaf politico are a gas, confounding their parties, their followers and (usually) the tone deaf and misinformed press. A good deal for democracy to throw the ins out. Keep it up Putin, however, stays put.
1
This editorial has missed the most shocking aspect of this episode: that Theresa's new befellows, the Democratic Unionist Party - which you blandly refer to as "a small Northern Irish party" - has for decades been in proud partnership with the Ulster Defence Association, which was branded a terrorist organisation by the (Conservative) British govt in 1992 and has been responsible for more than 400 deaths, mostly Irish Catholic civilians, killed at random. So...after the spate of terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, the UK govt now includes not just 'terrorist sympathizers', but actual, upfront ALLIES of terrorists. As one commentator wrote, "to be fair Theresa May warned of a coalition of chaos propped up by extremist terrorist sympathizers. She just didn't say she'd be leading it."
3
Even though this outcome pleases liberals and the left in general, someone should really scrutinize what role the Russians may have played in Labour's strong showing. There is no doubt that Putin would have wanted to help Corbyn, a politician who wants to leave NATO and would surrender Europe to Russia. And this huge sudden swing of voters sure looks fishy.
Your reference to "a small Northern Irish party" hardly encapsulates the incendiary nature of that misbegotten coalition. The DUP is a Fundamentalist outfit - opposed to gay rights, has terrorist links, denies climate change etc. - which makes for a creepy scenario in propping up a weak Government.
In particular, with the border between the two sections of Ireland a prominent aspect of the EU "negotiations", Ireland will become all the more a focus of attention, and that at a time when the country had become calmer.
It is a very sad reflection on the British voting system that the GUP got a a mere 292,000 votes but ten seats (and all this clout) while, say, the Green Party got 525,000 votes and one seat.
A Hung Parliament gives the Labour Party a chance to ready itself for whatever happens next. A better situation than being flung straight into it at such a time as this.
Meanwhile, as I remarked below another article, I was sure that it would be a Hung Parliament by looking at key statistics. (I was almost right in predicting that the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd would lose her Hastings seat.) And so, this sunny morning in Hove, I am off to collect my winnings!
In particular, with the border between the two sections of Ireland a prominent aspect of the EU "negotiations", Ireland will become all the more a focus of attention, and that at a time when the country had become calmer.
It is a very sad reflection on the British voting system that the GUP got a a mere 292,000 votes but ten seats (and all this clout) while, say, the Green Party got 525,000 votes and one seat.
A Hung Parliament gives the Labour Party a chance to ready itself for whatever happens next. A better situation than being flung straight into it at such a time as this.
Meanwhile, as I remarked below another article, I was sure that it would be a Hung Parliament by looking at key statistics. (I was almost right in predicting that the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd would lose her Hastings seat.) And so, this sunny morning in Hove, I am off to collect my winnings!
1
There is a clear trend in the U.K. to commit political suicide by calling unnecessary elections. The British islands are blessed with natural beauty and its inhabitants have built an admirable, albeit a big wacky society. Brexit was a huge mistake. There is no way back. However the EU and the U.K. can find a solution that will serve both well in the future. It's time to get to work.
3
Convenient spin, but too little, too late.
Mrs. May lost for one reason only: three terror attacks and an NHS hacking, all of which Labour converted to very effective personality attacks. It was a god-send. Jeremy Corbyn must be saying a lot of inshallah these days. However, it wasn't nearly enough. One more attack would have done it. Too bad the election's over, so it won't happen anytime soon.
Finally now, Mrs. May will get mad and also, even, as she rightfully should. Expect a huge tightening of security and immigration, and full speed ahead Brexit. Hey you, goodbye.
Mrs. May lost for one reason only: three terror attacks and an NHS hacking, all of which Labour converted to very effective personality attacks. It was a god-send. Jeremy Corbyn must be saying a lot of inshallah these days. However, it wasn't nearly enough. One more attack would have done it. Too bad the election's over, so it won't happen anytime soon.
Finally now, Mrs. May will get mad and also, even, as she rightfully should. Expect a huge tightening of security and immigration, and full speed ahead Brexit. Hey you, goodbye.
I'll swap their disarray for ours any time.
2
I apologize to fellow readers for not knowing enough about Jeremy Corbyn before expressing support for him. His is not the Left to which I subscribe.
There must be a compromise in all of these elections -- something, we are all missing?
The age divide in this election is precisely what the creators of the EU envisioned when they made Freedom of Movement one of the pillars of the Union. By allowing unfettered migration with the Union, the beneficiaries of that policy come to think of themselves as Europeans first and citizens of their nation second. Labour mostly got the votes of the cities where migrants were more likely to have settled, and those were also the strongest supporters of Remain.
There were the terrorist attacks during the campaign as well EU officials stating that Brexit could be undone that surely had some effect on the votes.
No matter what the Editorial Board believes, Brexit was the elephant in this election.
There were the terrorist attacks during the campaign as well EU officials stating that Brexit could be undone that surely had some effect on the votes.
No matter what the Editorial Board believes, Brexit was the elephant in this election.
"Disarray" is the natural response of an informed electorate to the inevitable concentration of wealth and more importantly, of resources, in the hands of fewer and fewer organizations and the individuals who control them. The people know that we're headed for something resembling an aristocrat/peasant relationship, and they don't like it, especially in places like America and Britain, where the national mythology includes freedom and equality. That will cease to exist when someone else controls all the resources that people need. The electorate sees this and is trying to prevent it from happening, but there are no candidates who offer real solutions, so they vote for 'anything else'. In this case, Brexit. In our case, Trump.
1
Why "in Disarray"? All are consequences of the gradual political shift to the left and the wish of the commons to exterminate the aristocracy. If I am not mistaken, Blair's Labour government had further restricted the inheritance of the peerage titles, adding to the long-ago documented fact that the family names of peers become extinct faster than those of the commons.
John Kennedy's words, "England is only a small island", make one wonder, why is there all the uproar about Brexit, falling pound, and other troubles affecting the remainder of the British Empire?
John Kennedy's words, "England is only a small island", make one wonder, why is there all the uproar about Brexit, falling pound, and other troubles affecting the remainder of the British Empire?
2
There has been one common thread in all the elections--people want change. Western democracies have grown both complacent and self-serving to an elite, establishment while ignoring growing wealth inequality that is impoverishing the many while enriching the few. There will be continued social unrest and election surprises until fairness and balance is restored. These are very troubled times and we can only hope that our democratic institutions that are under immense stress both here and abroad can work to rebalance our social-economic system.
6
The UK is an increasingly inconsequential nation, a diversion at best. Sure, it's been a loyal partner to the US and will remain so, despite Trump's best attempts to fray relations. On the other hand, worsening relations with Europe and Asia are ominous. Time we paid more attention on issues that matter more.
3
@maxdupont, and how soon is the rest of world going to say that America is increasingly inconsequential? Especially since most of the world's capital is now concentrated elsewhere? Chinese cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai make New York and Chicago look like sleepy hick towns with their tens of millions of people and their booming economies. Stick a fork in America, I can just hear them saying...
i live in UK.
I believe that Mrs. May will never come clean about the results of Brexit, because nobody wants to be told:"You shall be poorer, you shall pay more taxes, and receive a worse public service. You will not be able to live, work or study in Europe, without visa. Imported products will cost more. Rule Britannia!".
I believe that Mrs. May will never come clean about the results of Brexit, because nobody wants to be told:"You shall be poorer, you shall pay more taxes, and receive a worse public service. You will not be able to live, work or study in Europe, without visa. Imported products will cost more. Rule Britannia!".
15
Cameron made a huge mistake and has put Britain in a difficult position. May has run hot and cold on the issue and, like Trump, has no idea of what to do next. Britain will have at least five years of turbulence, much like us. And both of us will have to deal eventually with the unknown consequences of our respective incredible elections.
5
Austerity in a time of great national wealth has angered many.
The Conservatives have pushed very hard to privatize everything- like Republicans over here- and are squeezing highly valued government services like the National Health Service - like Republicans over here with Social Security & Medicare - in a time of great national wealth. One Labor politician interviewed on the election night coverage said Great Britain has never been wealthier, but we have inadequate housing, healthcare and education provisions for our people.
The Tories have made higher ed no longer free and increasingly expensive just as the job market has sharply bifurcated people based upon higher education and that has awakened the young adults that previously have not voted. Mr Corbyn not only invited them- he encouraged them to step up and have their voices heard. Young adults are also not happy over Brexit in much of England.
We are seeing, in my opinion, the first latent appearance of a political shift in England by generation away from blind faith in the NeoLiberalism of the Conservatives and the Blairite Labor politicians. The younger generations of adults are far more culturally diverse than the middle aged and elderly who are the backbone of the Tory base. These younger voters have grown up in a very different country and world and see a very different future being largely defined by people who already have theirs- so to speak.
Stay tuned, the days of NeoLiberalism are numbered in the U.K.
The Conservatives have pushed very hard to privatize everything- like Republicans over here- and are squeezing highly valued government services like the National Health Service - like Republicans over here with Social Security & Medicare - in a time of great national wealth. One Labor politician interviewed on the election night coverage said Great Britain has never been wealthier, but we have inadequate housing, healthcare and education provisions for our people.
The Tories have made higher ed no longer free and increasingly expensive just as the job market has sharply bifurcated people based upon higher education and that has awakened the young adults that previously have not voted. Mr Corbyn not only invited them- he encouraged them to step up and have their voices heard. Young adults are also not happy over Brexit in much of England.
We are seeing, in my opinion, the first latent appearance of a political shift in England by generation away from blind faith in the NeoLiberalism of the Conservatives and the Blairite Labor politicians. The younger generations of adults are far more culturally diverse than the middle aged and elderly who are the backbone of the Tory base. These younger voters have grown up in a very different country and world and see a very different future being largely defined by people who already have theirs- so to speak.
Stay tuned, the days of NeoLiberalism are numbered in the U.K.
6
Britain has been in disarray since being on the 'winning' side in two world wars and one cold war cost the nation it's colonial empire status as a world superpower in a new world order. Replaced by it's former American English speaking and cultural colony in that superpower role.
America is a world socioeconomic educational political technological scientific superpower without any actual significant colonial territories or possessions. Germany is the central European power with economic ties confirmed by the European Union and a military alliance resting in NATO. There are more German Americans than there are any other kinds of ethnic Americans.
Following her fellow party member David Cameron's loss on the Brexit referendum Theresa May has been on borrowed political power time. Gambling against the perceived weakness of her political opposition she called a snap election years earlier than required in order to strengthen her Brexit hand. May 'made her move too soon' on the way to her coronation and got her comeuppance.
Meanwhile back in Her Majesty's former colony in North America thanks to our Electoral College united states democratic republic two- party system a barbarian has moved into occupy the Oval Office of our White House. And Vladimir Putin and Russia played and plays a key role. A weakened America is a looming planetary catastrophe. I envy Britain's parliamentary 'disarray'.
America is a world socioeconomic educational political technological scientific superpower without any actual significant colonial territories or possessions. Germany is the central European power with economic ties confirmed by the European Union and a military alliance resting in NATO. There are more German Americans than there are any other kinds of ethnic Americans.
Following her fellow party member David Cameron's loss on the Brexit referendum Theresa May has been on borrowed political power time. Gambling against the perceived weakness of her political opposition she called a snap election years earlier than required in order to strengthen her Brexit hand. May 'made her move too soon' on the way to her coronation and got her comeuppance.
Meanwhile back in Her Majesty's former colony in North America thanks to our Electoral College united states democratic republic two- party system a barbarian has moved into occupy the Oval Office of our White House. And Vladimir Putin and Russia played and plays a key role. A weakened America is a looming planetary catastrophe. I envy Britain's parliamentary 'disarray'.
8
Hyphenations that refer to national origins greatly diminish over time...I who speak German, French and English interchangeably find that here in Chicago, very few of the natives can manage more than "Gesundheit!" We're all Ummuricans, and very much a mixture, as anyone who has done their DNA testing can tell you. Many of our friends in this city have discovered that they must somehow discard their racial-based biases when they have 18% Benin-Togo DNA, for example...this personal research and realization is strengthening, not weakening, the USA despite the madness ensuing at higher levels.
1
@Tournachonadar
Color is the measure of American hypocrisy.
There is only one multi-colored multiethnic multi-national origin multi-faith biological DNA genetic human race species that began in Africa 250,000+ years ago.
Color, ethnicity, national origin and faith as racial markers are historical remnants of an American white supremacist socioeconomic political educational plot to justify slavery and Jim Crow.
By genetics I am 50% white European (27% British) 45% black African (20% Nigerian), 2% yellow Asian (Chinese) and 2% brown Native American (Mexico). That makes me all and only black in America.
While the language may be lost the white ethnic national origins are preserved and exalted in white privileged segregated Chicago.
Color is the measure of American hypocrisy.
There is only one multi-colored multiethnic multi-national origin multi-faith biological DNA genetic human race species that began in Africa 250,000+ years ago.
Color, ethnicity, national origin and faith as racial markers are historical remnants of an American white supremacist socioeconomic political educational plot to justify slavery and Jim Crow.
By genetics I am 50% white European (27% British) 45% black African (20% Nigerian), 2% yellow Asian (Chinese) and 2% brown Native American (Mexico). That makes me all and only black in America.
While the language may be lost the white ethnic national origins are preserved and exalted in white privileged segregated Chicago.
2
Do we forget that Theresa May was opposed to Brexit, at the time of the referendum? And then she was compelled to support it. Looking beyond the surface, is it not possible that she wants to tank Brexit? Give the voters a bit of time to adjust to their coalition government...and just hold another referendum, now that voters have had time to consider the consequences of their decision?
Makes for an interesting soap opera. Stay tuned.
Makes for an interesting soap opera. Stay tuned.
6
No-one who had voted Remain in last year's referendum has forgotten that Theresa May campaigned for Remain.
Those who voted Leave though, seem to have been content to overlook it.
Despite her over-used "Strong and Stable" slogan, she has changed her position several times, not just on whether to remain in the EU or leave it, but also on the timing of the election and the cap on social care costs.
It's difficult to see what May's position is on anything, or whether she even has any strong positions.
So could she be deliberately trying to scupper Brexit? Who knows?
A more likely explanation comes from Hanlon's Razor: never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by stupidity.
Or as Margaret Thatcher's advisor Bernard Ingham would have it: cock-up before conspiracy.
Those who voted Leave though, seem to have been content to overlook it.
Despite her over-used "Strong and Stable" slogan, she has changed her position several times, not just on whether to remain in the EU or leave it, but also on the timing of the election and the cap on social care costs.
It's difficult to see what May's position is on anything, or whether she even has any strong positions.
So could she be deliberately trying to scupper Brexit? Who knows?
A more likely explanation comes from Hanlon's Razor: never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by stupidity.
Or as Margaret Thatcher's advisor Bernard Ingham would have it: cock-up before conspiracy.
Hubristic refusal to campaign largely because the Tory candidate stinks at it, or an assumption that the Midwestern industrial U.S. rustbelt was safely in the pockets of Democrats, so another candidate who stinks at campaigning didn’t need to pay it attention – by such want of nails are kingdoms lost.
Britain is in disarray, but is that worse than a France that thinks it’s saved itself by agreeing to kick cans down the road and shore-up a failed establishment for five more years? Is it worse than an America where a “loyal” opposition is still so clueless that they lost a historically central election, are in the wilderness and are taking no effective efforts to march out of it, captured as they are by fantasies of impeachment with no proof of “high crimes and misdemeanors”?
We’re ALL in disarray. And what we lack are inspiring leaders who can force compromise not further division or mere can-kicking.
The editors are right about Britain needing to decide central issues, among which unquestionably is a Brexit that still divides the people unsustainably. But France also needs to decide central issues about the sustainability of its society as currently constituted and America needs to toss out a LOT of rascals, on BOTH sides of the aisle.
Britain is in disarray, but is that worse than a France that thinks it’s saved itself by agreeing to kick cans down the road and shore-up a failed establishment for five more years? Is it worse than an America where a “loyal” opposition is still so clueless that they lost a historically central election, are in the wilderness and are taking no effective efforts to march out of it, captured as they are by fantasies of impeachment with no proof of “high crimes and misdemeanors”?
We’re ALL in disarray. And what we lack are inspiring leaders who can force compromise not further division or mere can-kicking.
The editors are right about Britain needing to decide central issues, among which unquestionably is a Brexit that still divides the people unsustainably. But France also needs to decide central issues about the sustainability of its society as currently constituted and America needs to toss out a LOT of rascals, on BOTH sides of the aisle.
10
I'm going to call the British election a draw. While Theresa May's gamble to hold early elections backfired, the Conservatives managed to eke out a slim victory and May got permission from Queen Elizabeth to form a government . Therefore it's erroneous to declare that Britain is in disarray. Although the status quo took a beating it managed to survive this time around.
3
Britain is on its way to eschew brexit altogether.
All they really wanted was a more conservative immigration policy. They still do.
All they really wanted was a more conservative immigration policy. They still do.
11
The Editorial Board writes the following: "May has achieved the exact opposite of the “strong and stable” government she said she wanted leading into the enormously complicated and fateful talks, which are to begin on June 19."
The question that continues to go unanswered stemming from Brexit in Britain and the election of Trump here in America - why has the prospect, let alone the actual implementation, of any type of reforms become so "enormously complicated"?
A mere eight years ago, Obama and the Dems rammed through a health care bill they knew would be extremely hard to modify, for good or bad, once it was knowingly enacted with its myriad faults, many of which are coming up now, and none of them through any fault of the Trump Administration.
Likewise, the EU's centralized, aloof and tone deaf form of governance has allowed three members - Greece, Spain and Italy - to be mired in a state of perpetual stagnation. The EU has also enabled a refugee crisis of yet to be fully understood deleterious consequences to massively disrupt nearly every member state.
Technological advances and our "new world order" are chasm apart in providing us with elected leaders and governments that can nimbly adapt and be responsive to the needs of the many. Instead, the people see just the moneyed elite and connected meritocracy being catered to and it is rightly causing populist turmoil.
People can handle complicate - just as long as they see everyone is making like sacrifices.
The question that continues to go unanswered stemming from Brexit in Britain and the election of Trump here in America - why has the prospect, let alone the actual implementation, of any type of reforms become so "enormously complicated"?
A mere eight years ago, Obama and the Dems rammed through a health care bill they knew would be extremely hard to modify, for good or bad, once it was knowingly enacted with its myriad faults, many of which are coming up now, and none of them through any fault of the Trump Administration.
Likewise, the EU's centralized, aloof and tone deaf form of governance has allowed three members - Greece, Spain and Italy - to be mired in a state of perpetual stagnation. The EU has also enabled a refugee crisis of yet to be fully understood deleterious consequences to massively disrupt nearly every member state.
Technological advances and our "new world order" are chasm apart in providing us with elected leaders and governments that can nimbly adapt and be responsive to the needs of the many. Instead, the people see just the moneyed elite and connected meritocracy being catered to and it is rightly causing populist turmoil.
People can handle complicate - just as long as they see everyone is making like sacrifices.
4
I keep hearing that the Obama healthcare plan was "rammed through"by Democrats. The bill was debated for months and amended to try and make it bipartisan. Enough already
1
The chaos of elections around the world will continue for a long time. This is a direct result of globalization and the frequent disruption it brings to people's lives. It has only just began.
11
The problem of wrong decisions and unexpected results is not limited to Britain -- or to the U.S. for that matter. The truth is that standards of living are deteriorating across the globe, so people everywhere seek easy answers and instant results. Then they deeply regret their answered prayers and suffer a mixture of guilt, confusion and/or cognitive dissonance.
Many who voted for Brexit, and those who apathetically abstained, came to regret it and now suffer the even bigger torment of uncertainty. Many Iraqis who cheered the U.S. invasion, and Libyans and Syrians hoping for a better life with the removal of their respective dictators, now wish they had stuck to the repressive past in which hospitals functioned and the streets were free of bombs and snipers.
U.S. voters voted for a break with the past, and the President's unpopularity has shown that "change for change's sake" can easily backfire.
The solutions?
1. Secondary school curricula that emphasize history, economics and political awareness, to decrease gullibility and susceptibility to brainwashing.
2. Compulsory voting, even if this results in many abstentions and spoiled ballots, so that voters are encouraged to vote for their 'least worst' candidate instead of allowing extremist parties and policies to wjn by default.
Many who voted for Brexit, and those who apathetically abstained, came to regret it and now suffer the even bigger torment of uncertainty. Many Iraqis who cheered the U.S. invasion, and Libyans and Syrians hoping for a better life with the removal of their respective dictators, now wish they had stuck to the repressive past in which hospitals functioned and the streets were free of bombs and snipers.
U.S. voters voted for a break with the past, and the President's unpopularity has shown that "change for change's sake" can easily backfire.
The solutions?
1. Secondary school curricula that emphasize history, economics and political awareness, to decrease gullibility and susceptibility to brainwashing.
2. Compulsory voting, even if this results in many abstentions and spoiled ballots, so that voters are encouraged to vote for their 'least worst' candidate instead of allowing extremist parties and policies to wjn by default.
23
Or you can curtail corporate greed resulting in a tale of two cities. Maybe UBI and universal health care will tame the angry voter.
Well didn't Iran also have elections recently? Iranians re-elected a "moderate president" who has no real power. Your president is nothing more than what we Americans call "window dressing". As long as the Ayatollahs and Mullahs get to make all the major policy decisions there will never be a moderate Iranian government ever.
The gamble of calling snap elections to negotiate a hard "Brexit" with a large mandate that was played by the British PM Theresa May has not only failed but achieved just the opposite result of forcing a pragmatic rethink on the whole Brexit issue, as also the domestic policy agenda, specially on the painful fiscal austerity and social care fronts. Again, ever since the early elections were called by Theresa May the Brexit was the main underlying issue for the elections yet it remained virtually missing from the campaign debates. Instead, in the wake of three successive terrorist attacks, the security issue had acquired a new priority on national agenda, pushing Brexit to sidelines. The demographic shift that brought the under-30 age group of youngsters to electoral prominence, and which played a crucial role in the elections, also suggests that the future British government should not only negotiate the Brexit terms carefully but in such a way as to result in lesser pain for the British. The British mainstream, specially the aspirational youth, never likes the isolationist walls around the UK. It looks for new jobs abroad and social mobility- a reversal of the anti-globalisation, or anti-protectionist sentiment. The agenda for the next government in Britain is well laid down by this election, though it has caused a short term confusion and disarray in the British political arena also, which could be overcome, if the message of the elections is duly heeded.
10
Harold Macmillan, the British prime minister said in 1960 when asked what was the most difficult thing about his job, gave their reply: 'Events, dear boy, events.' This article fails to understand the forces driving events and therefore is confusing to your US readership.
Rather than Britain being in disarray it is actually waking up from a bad dream. It would be far truer to say that it is the Conservative party which is in disarray. In order to survive they have hitched their wagon to a right wing Protestant party (the Shia to the Sinn Fein Sunni) which harbours almost stone-age thoughts about how people should live together (roughly analogous to Southern Baptists, except starkly White).
This article offers the peculiar message that the right wing Conservative government represents the British. It does not, no more than Trump and the Republicans represent the USA.
In this week's election British youth voted heavily against the conservatives as they voted heavily against Brexit. A bit late. If Corbyn's Labour party had mobilised these forces earlier we would not be speaking about Brexit at all.
Rather than Britain being in disarray it is actually waking up from a bad dream. It would be far truer to say that it is the Conservative party which is in disarray. In order to survive they have hitched their wagon to a right wing Protestant party (the Shia to the Sinn Fein Sunni) which harbours almost stone-age thoughts about how people should live together (roughly analogous to Southern Baptists, except starkly White).
This article offers the peculiar message that the right wing Conservative government represents the British. It does not, no more than Trump and the Republicans represent the USA.
In this week's election British youth voted heavily against the conservatives as they voted heavily against Brexit. A bit late. If Corbyn's Labour party had mobilised these forces earlier we would not be speaking about Brexit at all.
37
Theresa May will be FORCED to come clean about what they can realistically expect from Brexit as opposed to the current vacuum of information. Austerity will not be able to continue. Security measures such as increased police presence will have to be prioritised. May HAS to compromise and the current DUP alliance wont hold. This is Democracy at its finest. May's leopard-clad feet are held to the fire.
25
Two Conservative PM's in a little over a year, made very poor decisions.
Cameron should have ignored those right wingers in his party who wanted to leave the EU. A divisive non binding referendum, which showed Brexit had a slight majority, continues to cause mayhem in the UK.
Theresa May had a workable majority but thought taking advantage of Labour's poor polling would see her romp in. The more the electorate saw of May, the less she connected to the masses. She refused to debate Corbyn. Her appearances were small carefully managed Conservative events. Corbyn mixed with the masses that May avoided.
Britain is not in disarray. It had woken up to the poor governing by the right wing Conservatives.
The young have embraced Labour, while the Conservatives have run out of spin.
Cameron should have ignored those right wingers in his party who wanted to leave the EU. A divisive non binding referendum, which showed Brexit had a slight majority, continues to cause mayhem in the UK.
Theresa May had a workable majority but thought taking advantage of Labour's poor polling would see her romp in. The more the electorate saw of May, the less she connected to the masses. She refused to debate Corbyn. Her appearances were small carefully managed Conservative events. Corbyn mixed with the masses that May avoided.
Britain is not in disarray. It had woken up to the poor governing by the right wing Conservatives.
The young have embraced Labour, while the Conservatives have run out of spin.
50
Over 11,000 miles away but you see things very clearly.
Shouldn't someone mention that she won the popular vote by 5 points. Here that would be a landslide. No matter, she is a conservative!
1
Actually, it was 2.4% - but she did win...
8
Just curious, was that a plurality or an actual majority?
To answer my own question. The conservatives won 42.4% of the popular vote while labor won 40%. BUT, nobody voted for May except her constituents. There was no head to head between May and Corbyn since the UK follows a parliamentary system. The initial post wrongly implies that May won the popular vote. She neither won a majority nor did she win anything except her seat. Some 56.6% of the British population voted against the Conservatives. There is no parallel to the US system as is being implied by the first comment by PDW.
6
The world is perplexed and in awe about the state of politics and democracy in the Anglo-Saxon world.
In Great Britain -- a service-based economy -- a politically savvy population was led to believe the Empire days could be restored if the country divorced from the successful European integration process.
In the US, Donald Trump was elected president, promising to Make America Great Again. What is wrong with democracy in the Anglo-Saxon world?
Paraphrasing a quote from Pete Hamil: The most powerful force in American- British politics is not anger, it's nostalgia.
In Great Britain -- a service-based economy -- a politically savvy population was led to believe the Empire days could be restored if the country divorced from the successful European integration process.
In the US, Donald Trump was elected president, promising to Make America Great Again. What is wrong with democracy in the Anglo-Saxon world?
Paraphrasing a quote from Pete Hamil: The most powerful force in American- British politics is not anger, it's nostalgia.
67
"...a successful European integration process." - really?!
The EU has been moderately successful on some fronts. But, most recently it has stumbled in addressing the failures of its one size fits all economic model as Greece, Spain and Italy continue to stagnate with no growth and massive unemployment. And the EU's immigration policy has been an utter disaster and down right destabilizing for some member countries.
Britain was right to pursue Brexit. If the EU doesn't reform itself more quickly, the U.K.'s exit will be the least of the EU's problems.
The EU has been moderately successful on some fronts. But, most recently it has stumbled in addressing the failures of its one size fits all economic model as Greece, Spain and Italy continue to stagnate with no growth and massive unemployment. And the EU's immigration policy has been an utter disaster and down right destabilizing for some member countries.
Britain was right to pursue Brexit. If the EU doesn't reform itself more quickly, the U.K.'s exit will be the least of the EU's problems.
1
Hopefully the new dynamics will force the British to re-engage with the EU. The Tories' new informal partners, the Democratic Unionists, as right-wing and fundamentalist Protestant as they are, are also strongly opposed to "hard" Brexit--they want an open Irish border and the customs union, and if keeping the Single Market is what it takes to get that, they want that too. That also matches the Labour platform pretty well, so, if someone can organize it, the votes in Parliament are probably there to do things more or less properly.
9
As a soemwhat frequent visitor to London, I go for the theater, I am not surprised. Even London is like a tale of Two Cities, no pun intended. It is basically old, past its prime and pretty much exists on tourism and the City. The rest of England, where I've been, is like the 21st century never happened. Just the way it is, even countries have their Past Due date and England's has passed.
4
I have a different experience, having lived in UK now for over 20 years. In the early years, yes, going outside of London always was depressing and notable for how shabby, "low rent" and stuck in past it was.
However, I began to be surprised with changes starting a handful of years ago. In fact, in the year before Brexit I spent more time visiting regional cities. Was very surprised how up to date and pleasant things could be in the centre of towns. (Liverpool, Lincoln, Peterborough, Leeds, York).
It makes me wonder if possibly it was improvement in the provinces that contributed greatly to Brexit. There are great divisions here but previously it might have been possible for those outside London to disassociate themselves from the wealth divide or accept the historical divide (yeah, the Lord of the Manor has always had a better house).
However, once your neighbors or former classmates get further ahead you feel the differences more. This fits in line with people's wellbeing is more registered versus their own social network than society in general.
Changes causes problems doesn't it?
Has Britain been left in the dust? Median take home income numbers for Brits and Germans are lower than for Americans. But that difference is pretty much made up by the out of pocket (including insurance premiums) costs for health care. But that's not to say there aren't problems here.
However, I began to be surprised with changes starting a handful of years ago. In fact, in the year before Brexit I spent more time visiting regional cities. Was very surprised how up to date and pleasant things could be in the centre of towns. (Liverpool, Lincoln, Peterborough, Leeds, York).
It makes me wonder if possibly it was improvement in the provinces that contributed greatly to Brexit. There are great divisions here but previously it might have been possible for those outside London to disassociate themselves from the wealth divide or accept the historical divide (yeah, the Lord of the Manor has always had a better house).
However, once your neighbors or former classmates get further ahead you feel the differences more. This fits in line with people's wellbeing is more registered versus their own social network than society in general.
Changes causes problems doesn't it?
Has Britain been left in the dust? Median take home income numbers for Brits and Germans are lower than for Americans. But that difference is pretty much made up by the out of pocket (including insurance premiums) costs for health care. But that's not to say there aren't problems here.
7
A theater patron makes a vacuous observation. Somewhere Oscar Wilde is laughing.
Peculiar comment and way out of touch.
I am currently a patient at a sparkling new hospital opposite Euston station. I have to have an endoscopy for a stomach polyp (precancerous) and an arthroscopy for me knee. What is the cost for me? What does my insurance company say? Nil cost. No insurance company since none needed.
This is 21st century thinking, constructed in Britain in 1946. What do you have?
I am currently a patient at a sparkling new hospital opposite Euston station. I have to have an endoscopy for a stomach polyp (precancerous) and an arthroscopy for me knee. What is the cost for me? What does my insurance company say? Nil cost. No insurance company since none needed.
This is 21st century thinking, constructed in Britain in 1946. What do you have?
4
The Times gets one thing right here: today wasn't about Europe. As much as it obsesses journalists, Benelux bureaucrats and voters like me who live and work abroad, the two EU-focused parties, the Lib Dems and UKIP, failed to get many votes. It was about Jeremy Corbyn's social democratic policy proposals connecting with an enormous number of voters of all different backgrounds against all odds. In spite of an electoral landscape that has major disadvantages for Labour - scuppering two competent leaders in Brown and Miliband - and an almost endl barrage of hostile media, Corbyn gave Labour its biggest growth in vote share since Clement Attlee, Labour's greatest prime minister, in 1945. Turnout was at a twenty year high. And there's nothing old school about this emergent electoral coalition; it's 30 years since Thatcher and 20 years since Blair - their free market cargo cult and their fetishization of a narrow band of voters in "Middle England" is what's old school now. With the Labour vote resurgent across the country, not just the seats they won, "Middle England" reign is ending and people all across the UK are finally making their voice heard. It's only the beginning for the popular uprising against thirty years of being told we can't, and for Labour - that's today's story.
50
Many of the Brits who voted "leave" did so because they believed the lies of that movement's promoters. "We'll negotiate better trade deals so as to have our cake and eat it too." They were conned. Brits can be conned much as Americans. The difference seems to be that Brits react with anger, not denial, once it becomes clear that they have been played.
52
Other lies included the £350M a week we would be better off and so cure the under funding of the health service. Most of that money came back to UK in subsidies for farmers, research funding etc. Indeed the subsidies for farmers cannot be reduced because it would increase the cost of food beyond the affordability of a large number of the underpaid population
5
I think May is seeing the December of her career.
9
I am waiting for Trump to tweet that May lost because of massive voter fraud.
11
As with America and Trump, the day is dawning after a long night of greed set in the dark. Either we address humanity's needs and as a whole and interrelated in this world, or we decline and perish.
If ill-advised hubris is a lesson here, let us hope fervently that nations besides France are learning it. Time's running out on our escape from the wages of madness.
6
Britain in "disarray?" Hardly. They held an election and the conservatives lost some seats, and according to your article because of this "dementia tax." Big deal! That's "democracy" not "disarray!" And "Brexit" stands, too, because of anyother vote last year. Again, that's called "democracy" not "disarray." It seems to me Britain is proceeding exactly as it should. And BTW: so are we. We have a democracy, too, and the election of Donald Trump was perfectly legal according to our own laws and democracy. And anyone who wants to "resist" that, go ahead. It's your right as a citizen to disagree - but that doesn't give you the right to nullify the decision of the American people, according your our laws.
5
If the presidential election system in the US were actually a Democracy, Hillary Clinton would be president. But the Electoral College exists and, yes, Trump won fair and square.
7
Twice in the last five presidential elections, the Electoral College has nullified the decision of the American people. It's an anachronism, a relic of an agrarian age of slow communications, and it must go.
14
Setting aside the Electoral College, which is undeniably the law of the land, for now,it is far from clear that the election of Donald Trump was perfectly legal. There's an investigation under way. You might have seen something about it in the papers.
Fake news. Labour has a coherent plan for Brexit and is ready to govern starting tomorrow. Very simple: no tarifs, open markets, all EU citizens can remain in Britain.
Read the darn manifesto, it's all there.
Read the darn manifesto, it's all there.
35
'Ready to govern starting tomorrow', except for the minor problem of a lack of seats.
It's not simple: if you say you want to restrict EU immigration, and you want to curb or remove jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, you are saying you are leaving the single market. Those are red lines for the EU. That is a hard Brexit.
That is why it is accurate to say that Labour's Brexit plans are incoherent. Corbyn talks friendlier towards Europe but the core position is the same as May's.
That is why it is accurate to say that Labour's Brexit plans are incoherent. Corbyn talks friendlier towards Europe but the core position is the same as May's.
Let this serve as a lesson to Democrats on how to defeat the GOP.
Just as Mrs. May's proposal to increase healthcare costs for elderly cost her this election, Democrats must keep hammering home the suffering that would be caused by the healthcare bill that the House passed.
It's easy for stubborn people to ignore inconvenient facts about Russian interference or nepotism or other things that are disconnected from their every day lives.
You can't ignore illnesses. You can't ignore rising premiums. You can't ignore being kicked off of Medicaid or your rural counties only hospital closing.
This is the issue that Democrats can use to finally make (enough) voters come back to their senses again.
Just as Mrs. May's proposal to increase healthcare costs for elderly cost her this election, Democrats must keep hammering home the suffering that would be caused by the healthcare bill that the House passed.
It's easy for stubborn people to ignore inconvenient facts about Russian interference or nepotism or other things that are disconnected from their every day lives.
You can't ignore illnesses. You can't ignore rising premiums. You can't ignore being kicked off of Medicaid or your rural counties only hospital closing.
This is the issue that Democrats can use to finally make (enough) voters come back to their senses again.
93
The media and the neo-liberal Labour establishment of Blair & Milliband have been attacking Corbyn since he became leader of the Labour Party (note this article calling him an "old-school hard-leftist"), insisting he would destroy the party. However, it looks like people--particularly the young--are sick of neo-liberalism & want an "old-school hard-leftist."
The Democratic neo-liberal establishment of the Clintons were more successful in scuppering American's leftward turn in Bernie Sanders (he's hardly an "old-school hard-leftist," but he is to the left of the neo-liberals), and it cost them the election. Considering the way they have funded establishment neo-liberal candidates and NOT funded leftist progressive candidates in recent by-elections, it looks like they would rather retain power in their party than win elections. Basically, the American people, like the British, are sick of neo-liberalism and want a leftward turn, but it doesn't look like they will get it from the DNC. If the Democrats want enough voters to come back to their senses, they will have to come back to their senses first and support candidates people--especially young people,will vote for.
The Democratic neo-liberal establishment of the Clintons were more successful in scuppering American's leftward turn in Bernie Sanders (he's hardly an "old-school hard-leftist," but he is to the left of the neo-liberals), and it cost them the election. Considering the way they have funded establishment neo-liberal candidates and NOT funded leftist progressive candidates in recent by-elections, it looks like they would rather retain power in their party than win elections. Basically, the American people, like the British, are sick of neo-liberalism and want a leftward turn, but it doesn't look like they will get it from the DNC. If the Democrats want enough voters to come back to their senses, they will have to come back to their senses first and support candidates people--especially young people,will vote for.
Funny to hear May promote her platform as "stability" over and over again after her party took two of the most reckless and ultimately disastrous political gambles in modern British history.
45
"...helped by the biggest turnout in two decades..."
This is class warfare between the generations: allegedly there was a surge of millennials registering and voting.
Let's hope this is an omen for the U.S. in '18.
This is class warfare between the generations: allegedly there was a surge of millennials registering and voting.
Let's hope this is an omen for the U.S. in '18.
28
And yet the Conservatives still got the most votes and seats in Parliament.
Many young people voted for Labour because it backed a softer Brexit, while accepting that the decision had been made. The Lib Dems campaign, essentially to redo Brexit, was rejected.
Beyond that, May's shambolic campaign damaged the Conservatives' traditional claim to competence and voters also disliked the idea of being used to extend Tory electoral dominance.
You could do worse than to bet that May will be gone in 6 months or less - the Tories are quite ruthless about these things.
Beyond that, May's shambolic campaign damaged the Conservatives' traditional claim to competence and voters also disliked the idea of being used to extend Tory electoral dominance.
You could do worse than to bet that May will be gone in 6 months or less - the Tories are quite ruthless about these things.
12
I'm a Brit who currently lives in the States. This whole Brexit thing is a complete disaster--a vote cast by an older generation nostalgic for the way things used to be, and a working class who believed the tripe they were fed by the UK Independence Party. The end result will be similar to what we've seen in the US since Trump moved into the White House: a total mess.
42
Ms. Theresa May, meet Ms. Marine Le Pen. And Mr. Geert Wilders. And remember, next time: avoid holding hands with Donald Trump. Whatever Trump touches smells bad.
28
There's nothing confusing about this. Brexit was a Rupert Murdoch-inspired conservative fraud, just like trump. These election results and trump's bankrupt "presidency" clearly illustrate a resurgent left. Thank God Almighty.
49
"clearly illustrate a resurgent left"
This was a two step process in Britain. First Corbyn had to get control of the Labour Party away from the Conservative-Lite of Tony Blair. Then he had to show it could compete against Conservative ideas.
The US also had a need for the same two step, first to get control of the Democratic Party into Liberal hands, away from the Republican-Lite of the Clintons openly copied from Blair, and next to show that can win against Republicans.
The British did both steps. We've only done part of the first here.
We are still in the fight for control of the Democrats that Corbyn won last year inside Labour. Then we'll need to go on to step two, and show that can compete against Republicans.
This was a two step process in Britain. First Corbyn had to get control of the Labour Party away from the Conservative-Lite of Tony Blair. Then he had to show it could compete against Conservative ideas.
The US also had a need for the same two step, first to get control of the Democratic Party into Liberal hands, away from the Republican-Lite of the Clintons openly copied from Blair, and next to show that can win against Republicans.
The British did both steps. We've only done part of the first here.
We are still in the fight for control of the Democrats that Corbyn won last year inside Labour. Then we'll need to go on to step two, and show that can compete against Republicans.
9
It's too early for the impending Brexit disaster to show it's ugly face. Buyer's remorse is already permeating the thin air of self-congratulations in avoiding the influx, fresh blood, of immigrants (refugees today, economic saviors tomorrow, in an aging population). Sure hope they'll have enough volunteers to stem the flow towards irrelevance, the natural result of intemperate impulses lacking foresight.
5
Those of us who voted to remain wait patiently for the chaos to ensue. Brexit stands for leaving, nothing more. When the negotiations commence we shall quickly realise that when we stand outside the door marked EU, all we shall have left is a handful of pieces none of which fit together. The only sound will be the bleating of the right wing of the Conservative party that they have signed a trade deal with Peru which will replace the 50% of our exports which presently go to the EU countries.
4
"Time for the British government to come clean with the public".
Useless observation, which never has occurred, nor ever will occur.
The stiff upper-lipped Mrs. May, so far up on her petard, had no idea that the people were pounding across the drawbridge, pitchforks in hand, torches lit, frothing with rage, willing to tear apart anything that resembled establishment, the status quo, and incrementalism.
People all over the planet are awake, alert as never before, communicating instantly, and ready to take back control of their destiny.
Does anyone blame them ??
Useless observation, which never has occurred, nor ever will occur.
The stiff upper-lipped Mrs. May, so far up on her petard, had no idea that the people were pounding across the drawbridge, pitchforks in hand, torches lit, frothing with rage, willing to tear apart anything that resembled establishment, the status quo, and incrementalism.
People all over the planet are awake, alert as never before, communicating instantly, and ready to take back control of their destiny.
Does anyone blame them ??
17
Disarray? Labour just had their best showing (40% to the Torries' 42%) in almost two decades. The Editorial Board has got it all wrong, this is a great day for the left. Corbyn showed that a left-wing message could be competitive, and, more importantly, that it is capable of getting the youth to get out and vote.
May didn't do that bad herself, either. Her party lost seats but they increased their share of the vote. It's the rotten SNP (trying to destroy Britain) who are the biggest losers, they and the rest of their German-sympathizing ilk. Britain is fine.
May didn't do that bad herself, either. Her party lost seats but they increased their share of the vote. It's the rotten SNP (trying to destroy Britain) who are the biggest losers, they and the rest of their German-sympathizing ilk. Britain is fine.
Taking a step back and looking at the West, in general, an obvious truth surfaces to mind: the decline and fall of the European race.
The Europeans dominated the world by hook, crook, and barbarity for about 500 years until 1914. The two great wars, capping off their greed and lust, brought them to their knees. From swashbuckling arrogance and brutal colonization of the weaker peoples, most of Europe ended up having to settle for socialism.
But by 1945, the United States had taken the reign of barbarity from Europe's hands.
The U.S. gallivanted around for about fifty or so years, ransacking the weaker and poorer countries under the guise of "spreading democracy and human rights," while exacting cutthroat profits for its own coffers. But the party for the US didn't last long. The Asian giants - India and China, along with other smaller countries - woke up, casting off the shackles imposed by the West.
Now, the U.S. is in throes of being taken over by a demented fascist (Donnie, the Trump) and a socialist (a pragmatic Bernie.) I suppose, eventually, the U.S. will settle for socialism just as the rest of the hapless Europe seventy years ago, while China and India emerge as the beacon of capitalism. And leaders of the world.
Not too soon, in my books.
The Europeans dominated the world by hook, crook, and barbarity for about 500 years until 1914. The two great wars, capping off their greed and lust, brought them to their knees. From swashbuckling arrogance and brutal colonization of the weaker peoples, most of Europe ended up having to settle for socialism.
But by 1945, the United States had taken the reign of barbarity from Europe's hands.
The U.S. gallivanted around for about fifty or so years, ransacking the weaker and poorer countries under the guise of "spreading democracy and human rights," while exacting cutthroat profits for its own coffers. But the party for the US didn't last long. The Asian giants - India and China, along with other smaller countries - woke up, casting off the shackles imposed by the West.
Now, the U.S. is in throes of being taken over by a demented fascist (Donnie, the Trump) and a socialist (a pragmatic Bernie.) I suppose, eventually, the U.S. will settle for socialism just as the rest of the hapless Europe seventy years ago, while China and India emerge as the beacon of capitalism. And leaders of the world.
Not too soon, in my books.
1
Yes, Chinese capitalism sounds so much more attractive than American capitalism.
1
You offer numerous hyperbolic claims without a single example, fact or verifiable reference to back them up.
You claim President Trump is "a demented fascist," yet your own words make you sound as self-centered as the man you decry.
You sound to me like nothing more than a panting evangelist, eager for his flock to grow in size and enthusiasm, who rails against an evil only he knows how to define, with no thought (or care) for the human consequences.
You claim President Trump is "a demented fascist," yet your own words make you sound as self-centered as the man you decry.
You sound to me like nothing more than a panting evangelist, eager for his flock to grow in size and enthusiasm, who rails against an evil only he knows how to define, with no thought (or care) for the human consequences.
If Britain is in disarray, the United States is in a flummoxed state of discombobulation. Or worse!
20
I think the main issue is that Mrs May got cocky. She was well in the lead when she called the election and expected it to remain. All the Brexiteers would vote for her and Comrade Corbyn was unelectable. From Labour's side, they had nothing to lose. Corbyn would be sacked when he lost to a Tory landslide. He promised the world, knowing that it would never happen and people believed him and voted accordingly, while the Conservative manifesto promised little, but for a Dementia Tax. Because after all, they would win anyway, right? Lesson to learn - don't take the electorate for granted.
10
Maybe the Trump state visit to the UK won't happen after all. Fingers crossed.
11
Brexit may not have featured much in the campaigns, but I think it did have an influence on the result: there is an interesting correlation between where Labour won and where the remain share was big.
It is true that nobody could know what Corbyn would do concerning Brexit, but everybody knew the direction of Brexit under May - either hard Brexit or crash out.
Where this issue goes now is anyone's guess. Could be even higher chance of a crash out, as the fundamentalist wing of the Tory Brexiteers gets more power to hold the government hostage, or could eventually lead to a softer Brexit if May takes into account the views as expressed in this election.
It is true that nobody could know what Corbyn would do concerning Brexit, but everybody knew the direction of Brexit under May - either hard Brexit or crash out.
Where this issue goes now is anyone's guess. Could be even higher chance of a crash out, as the fundamentalist wing of the Tory Brexiteers gets more power to hold the government hostage, or could eventually lead to a softer Brexit if May takes into account the views as expressed in this election.
4
This article fails to mention that the Conservatives have been looting the UK for profit, promising and delivery tax cuts for the rich, forcing fracking on a population that doesn't want it, contracting out for a low-tech nuclear plant to the Chinese, defunding the police, and in general being the poster child for imitating the US race to the bottom. For-profit to the rich and powerful, at the expense of the general population. Bankrupting the health services and blaming the victims.
Not to mention buddying up to the supremely ugly Trump ... not a good move. His lack of appeal should be obvious to any sentient being on earth. There is no "special relationship" to that man worth cultivating. She will not succeed at that, because she appears not to have any idea what she is doing.
My sympathies to the people of the UK, who are stuck with her, just like we're stuck with Trump. Not a good story.
Not to mention buddying up to the supremely ugly Trump ... not a good move. His lack of appeal should be obvious to any sentient being on earth. There is no "special relationship" to that man worth cultivating. She will not succeed at that, because she appears not to have any idea what she is doing.
My sympathies to the people of the UK, who are stuck with her, just like we're stuck with Trump. Not a good story.
147
Just for the record, fossil fuels are the past, not the future. And disabling wind power while supporting big fossil is just plain anti-human. Stupid stupid stupid.
36
I'm glad this piece highlights just how little the specifics of Brexit were discussed during the campaign, even though Brexit was its cause and central issue, because I have been confounded by the silence of the candidates on this crucial matter.
Where were the positions staked out by the candidates on free movement of people, jurisdictions, expats, farming subsidies, and the myriad other issues? Instead we got this inane "Brexit means Brexit" and "Trust me", and some vague notions of "Hard" versus "Soft" Brexits, all of which are meaningless.
To this observer from across the Channel, it seems that the British political parties have simply not come to terms yet with Brexit, its practical choices and their material consequences, and therefore deliberately decided to fudge the issues during the campaign. Obviously, that failed.
I don't see how any progress can be made until a real election takes place that delineates in informed debates what Britain really wants to keep or jettison in its relations with the Continent. It cannot come soon enough, but the weather getting there will be rough.
Where were the positions staked out by the candidates on free movement of people, jurisdictions, expats, farming subsidies, and the myriad other issues? Instead we got this inane "Brexit means Brexit" and "Trust me", and some vague notions of "Hard" versus "Soft" Brexits, all of which are meaningless.
To this observer from across the Channel, it seems that the British political parties have simply not come to terms yet with Brexit, its practical choices and their material consequences, and therefore deliberately decided to fudge the issues during the campaign. Obviously, that failed.
I don't see how any progress can be made until a real election takes place that delineates in informed debates what Britain really wants to keep or jettison in its relations with the Continent. It cannot come soon enough, but the weather getting there will be rough.
15
"Two months ago, when Mrs. May made her call for a snap election, Conservatives held a huge lead over Labour,"
So what went wrong? Theresa May is not Margaret Thatcher. There are several reasons why she lost.. Middle class conservatives were appalled by the "demetia tax" which would effectively force them to cover the cost of old age care by selling their most valuable legacy, Her proposal to replace free lunches in state schools with free breakfasts alienated low-income voters. In my opinion the recent terror attacks are the primary reason why she lost. Even as late as last April she was 24 points ahead of Corbyn, and headed for a landslide victory.
So what went wrong? Theresa May is not Margaret Thatcher. There are several reasons why she lost.. Middle class conservatives were appalled by the "demetia tax" which would effectively force them to cover the cost of old age care by selling their most valuable legacy, Her proposal to replace free lunches in state schools with free breakfasts alienated low-income voters. In my opinion the recent terror attacks are the primary reason why she lost. Even as late as last April she was 24 points ahead of Corbyn, and headed for a landslide victory.
12
Britain in disarray, US in turmoil, Europe in discord. This is creating a void that only a major international crisis can fill.
12
Britain is not in disarray, the Conservative party is in disarray. Europe is not in discord, it is more united than ever in the face of Brexit and ready and waiting with a unanimously approved negotiating position. But America is in very bad shape, with a gigantic impoverished underclass, a dishonest huckster of a president and a government in the hands of warmongering corporate elite...
3
Speaking of the “elephant in the room that went all but unnoticed.” Were the Brits possibly annoyed by Ms. May’s close association with President Trump? After all, she was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at the White House a week after he assumed office. Also, Brits did not take kindly to Trump’s recent Twitter altercation with the Mayor of London over the terrorist attack in London – in which Ms. May came to the Mayor’s defense, but did not simultaneously admonish Trump’s boneheaded tweets. Besides, Trump’s silence on the outcome of the British election speaks volumes – he probably recognizes that his lack of sympathy towards our strongest ally in its hour of need hurt the chances of Ms. May, his favored candidate in the race.
48
Well this is a surprise. Wasn't she supposed to win and get a 100 seat majority? What just happened?
I think there is a common thread running through many recent elections in Europe and America. Establishment figures like May, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush are struggling against populist outsider rebels like Corbyn, Sanders and Trump. The populist rebels are offering voters a chance to blow up the system. The current system of globalization and free market capitalism isn't working for most people. When offered the opportunity to blow everything up, many people are voting 'yes.'
Theresa May started her election with an 18 point lead in the polls. She lost almost all of that over 6 weeks. Part of the problem is that May isn't a very good campaigner, while Corbyn was strong. However, Corbyn's biggest advantage is that people liked what he was selling. Putting an end to free market capitalism and giving socialism another try was popular in Britain. The media and other politicians wrote off Corbyn just like they wrote off Trump. They didn't understand either man's appeal to folks outside the London/New York/ DC bubble.
The urge to blow up the system also explains the Brexit vote, and other things like the push for Scottish independence and the strength of Marine Le Pen's challenge in France. The last two examples show that the rebels don't always win, but 20 years ago neither of those two causes came anywhere close to power.
People have lost faith in the system.
I think there is a common thread running through many recent elections in Europe and America. Establishment figures like May, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush are struggling against populist outsider rebels like Corbyn, Sanders and Trump. The populist rebels are offering voters a chance to blow up the system. The current system of globalization and free market capitalism isn't working for most people. When offered the opportunity to blow everything up, many people are voting 'yes.'
Theresa May started her election with an 18 point lead in the polls. She lost almost all of that over 6 weeks. Part of the problem is that May isn't a very good campaigner, while Corbyn was strong. However, Corbyn's biggest advantage is that people liked what he was selling. Putting an end to free market capitalism and giving socialism another try was popular in Britain. The media and other politicians wrote off Corbyn just like they wrote off Trump. They didn't understand either man's appeal to folks outside the London/New York/ DC bubble.
The urge to blow up the system also explains the Brexit vote, and other things like the push for Scottish independence and the strength of Marine Le Pen's challenge in France. The last two examples show that the rebels don't always win, but 20 years ago neither of those two causes came anywhere close to power.
People have lost faith in the system.
21
UK voters need to revisit the Brexit issue. Yes, I know, it's unfair to pro-Brexit fanatics. But the government should schedule a special election anyway specifically to vote on it again.
If the majority clearly votes to leave the E.U. again then the government, whoever heads it, is empowered to effect that transition. But if a majority repudiates the result of the previous Brexit plebiscite then the government is empowered to cancel its withdrawal.
Britain needs a clear mandate either way. Any UK government must amass sufficient legitimacy on this crucial issue -- legitimacy that translates into raw domestic political power -- to act effectively. The worst thing that could happen would be to bumble forward divided, unfocused and shrouded in a cloud; the situation now.
If the majority clearly votes to leave the E.U. again then the government, whoever heads it, is empowered to effect that transition. But if a majority repudiates the result of the previous Brexit plebiscite then the government is empowered to cancel its withdrawal.
Britain needs a clear mandate either way. Any UK government must amass sufficient legitimacy on this crucial issue -- legitimacy that translates into raw domestic political power -- to act effectively. The worst thing that could happen would be to bumble forward divided, unfocused and shrouded in a cloud; the situation now.
43
Sorry, it's not up to the UK any more; Europe had every reason to be disgusted and there's no chance of a do-over. They're on a sticky wicket there, and no amount of pretending it's a good idea will change it. The UK's position is not one of power in this situation.
4
Life is not about a constant redo until one side gets the results it wants.
Brexit prevailed fairly in a referendum.
The Conservatives lost seat but they still got more than Labour, so obviously Brexit is still moderately supported by a slim majority of the voting public.
May is weakened and perhaps eventually will be out, but the Conservatives in a minority government are still empowered to negotiated the best Brexit deal possible with the EU.
Brexit prevailed fairly in a referendum.
The Conservatives lost seat but they still got more than Labour, so obviously Brexit is still moderately supported by a slim majority of the voting public.
May is weakened and perhaps eventually will be out, but the Conservatives in a minority government are still empowered to negotiated the best Brexit deal possible with the EU.
@Susan:
Of course it's up to the UK. It's entirely up to the UK. How could it be otherwise?
The UK is a sovereign state. Its future, its ultimate destiny, is in British hands, not determined by some distant nebulous entity called "Brussels", or the rest of "Europe"' for that matter. By its citizens. If it wasn't, the story of Winston Churchill wouldn't be told because it wouldn't have been possible -- and much of the world, certainly most of Europe, would still be run by Hitler's New Chancellery in Berlin.
I think the realization is growing that N.A.T.O. nations as a bloc are under assault by Putin's "Russian Federation". UKIP's ex-leader Nigel Farage was just observed leaving the Ecuadorian embassy sheltering Assange, Putin's Wikileaks agent and stooge. That curious indiscretion on Farage's part suggests there's more to UKIP and Brexit than meets the eye, more than just a casual or incidental link between the now-defunct UKIP and its mysterious finances, Farage and his mysterious finances, Wikileaks and its mysterious finances, Putin's FSB and its sustained covert 5th column campaign to destabilize Europe, and N.A.T.O especially, by interfering in N.A.T.O. nations' domestic political processes. You might ask "why?", plaintively or cynically, but such shenanigans are old Russian tradecraft.
Putin wants to divide, and conquer through those divisions. His targets might yet decide not to be unwitting pawns moved around his geopolitical chessboard. They will find a way.
Of course it's up to the UK. It's entirely up to the UK. How could it be otherwise?
The UK is a sovereign state. Its future, its ultimate destiny, is in British hands, not determined by some distant nebulous entity called "Brussels", or the rest of "Europe"' for that matter. By its citizens. If it wasn't, the story of Winston Churchill wouldn't be told because it wouldn't have been possible -- and much of the world, certainly most of Europe, would still be run by Hitler's New Chancellery in Berlin.
I think the realization is growing that N.A.T.O. nations as a bloc are under assault by Putin's "Russian Federation". UKIP's ex-leader Nigel Farage was just observed leaving the Ecuadorian embassy sheltering Assange, Putin's Wikileaks agent and stooge. That curious indiscretion on Farage's part suggests there's more to UKIP and Brexit than meets the eye, more than just a casual or incidental link between the now-defunct UKIP and its mysterious finances, Farage and his mysterious finances, Wikileaks and its mysterious finances, Putin's FSB and its sustained covert 5th column campaign to destabilize Europe, and N.A.T.O especially, by interfering in N.A.T.O. nations' domestic political processes. You might ask "why?", plaintively or cynically, but such shenanigans are old Russian tradecraft.
Putin wants to divide, and conquer through those divisions. His targets might yet decide not to be unwitting pawns moved around his geopolitical chessboard. They will find a way.
When you have a majority you don't compromise with those who have opposing views. With a minority more voices are heard and compromise is necessary to get anything done. In the long run this might actually be the best outcome for the UK.
11
Insofar as Canada has less inequality and better social programs than the U.S., the credit goes to two remarkable minority governments between 1963 and 1968 with the socialist NDP of Tommy Douglas supporting a progressive Liberal government led by Lester Pearson.
The two minority governments brought in universal health care, the Canada Pension Plan (which is solvent), the Canada Assistance Plan for the poorest, regional development support, law reform, unification of the armed forces, the maple leaf flag, the Company of Young Canadians, Autopact, unemployment insurance expansion, bilingualism and biculturalism, etc etc.
All this was made possible by a combination of political vision and idealism with five per cent real growth rates and full employment.
Minority governments can be stronger and more creative than governments with a majority. The possibility of political death on any day focusses the mind on what can be accomplished each day.
The two minority governments brought in universal health care, the Canada Pension Plan (which is solvent), the Canada Assistance Plan for the poorest, regional development support, law reform, unification of the armed forces, the maple leaf flag, the Company of Young Canadians, Autopact, unemployment insurance expansion, bilingualism and biculturalism, etc etc.
All this was made possible by a combination of political vision and idealism with five per cent real growth rates and full employment.
Minority governments can be stronger and more creative than governments with a majority. The possibility of political death on any day focusses the mind on what can be accomplished each day.
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Trouble is that the minority party that the Tories have hitched to is Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party. They are based on fundamentalist Protestantism including denial of evolution and climate change and no gay marriage or abortion.
12
Catherine,
Although I agree with Doug I cannot agree that a coalition led by UK conservatives will offer anything constructive. Brexit was a mistake is a mistake and will leave Britain outside the alliance of Western Democracies that define the EU and a host of Western nations who understand that economic neoliberalism and democracy are incompatible.
Over 40 million of Britain's 53 million people live in England and England's electoral map looks like that of the USA with the "Conservatives" controlling flyover country and Labour solidly in control of the future.
We are in a time of crisis and both Britain and the USA have ceded their democracy to the economic demands of neoliberalism on a planet with well defined limits. It is time to bury Reagan and Thatcher it is 2017 and we need strong national and international governance. We are having the wrong debate. It is not the size and power of government that is the problem it is the competence of governance and the diminished power of democracy that has let the the US and Britain down.
The economic well being of America and Britain has never been better but neoliberalism has blinded us to the fact that good governance of democratic nation states means defining common purpose not assuring economic growth is the job of government.
The belief that Brexit would increase democracy rather than impede it was a direct result of Orwellian Newspeak by those forces that would have us believe that the private sector always knows best.
Although I agree with Doug I cannot agree that a coalition led by UK conservatives will offer anything constructive. Brexit was a mistake is a mistake and will leave Britain outside the alliance of Western Democracies that define the EU and a host of Western nations who understand that economic neoliberalism and democracy are incompatible.
Over 40 million of Britain's 53 million people live in England and England's electoral map looks like that of the USA with the "Conservatives" controlling flyover country and Labour solidly in control of the future.
We are in a time of crisis and both Britain and the USA have ceded their democracy to the economic demands of neoliberalism on a planet with well defined limits. It is time to bury Reagan and Thatcher it is 2017 and we need strong national and international governance. We are having the wrong debate. It is not the size and power of government that is the problem it is the competence of governance and the diminished power of democracy that has let the the US and Britain down.
The economic well being of America and Britain has never been better but neoliberalism has blinded us to the fact that good governance of democratic nation states means defining common purpose not assuring economic growth is the job of government.
The belief that Brexit would increase democracy rather than impede it was a direct result of Orwellian Newspeak by those forces that would have us believe that the private sector always knows best.
6
That was a remarkable accomplishment. Thanks for bringing that to the our attention.
1
I'm not sure how the SNP, a party that returned well over twice the number of MPs as their nearest rivals in Scotland, can be described as 'suffering a drubbing'. Mind you, we're used to that here; in recent local elections the Conservatives were again described by the media as having been 'the real winners in this election' despite coming a very distant second. In Scotland only unionists are allowed to really win it seems.
7
Mr. Cargill, from abroad it still looks like a strange result. Particularly when Ms. Sturgeon appeared as the strongest voice of reason after the Brexit referendum, and the missing votes seem to have gone to conservatives (particularly at some Glasgow districts, right?). Any further insight or explanation from inside Scotland?
3
Check the popular vote - unionist parties (Tories, Labour, Liberals) won > 60%
Some seriously wafer thin wins in there too!
Not a drubbing, you're right, but with FPTP (as with the Electoral College) context can often matter more.
Some seriously wafer thin wins in there too!
Not a drubbing, you're right, but with FPTP (as with the Electoral College) context can often matter more.
1
I think that Ms. May's main problem was that he advocacy of a hard Brexit was based on possibilism rather than conviction. It is increasingly clear that a soft Brexit is impossible without key concessions. Particularly regarding the free circulation of EU members and the full payment of UK's debt with the EU. Admitting that would have been political suicide, but trying to sell a hard Brexit as a desirable option was not much easier. The question, like with David Cameron, is how on earth could she misread the situation so badly, and call for the election to begun with. Really scary display of delusion and ineptitude, particularly when considering that this are the political leaders charge of deciphering and carrying out the extremely difficult Brexit negotiations.
25
Two consecutive Tory PMs gambling and losing on how a vote would turn out, Cameron on Brexit and May on the timing of this election. Doesn't say much about their judgement, does it?
It turns out that voters had other things than Brexit on their minds, like coddling the wealthy at the cost of austerity for the masses. Mr. Corbyn, by going back to the values the Labour Party used to have capitalism, has helped make Social Democracy respectable again. Labour has learned its lesson and is better placed for the future than any pundit would have imagined a day ago. Maybe it will help the Dems make up their minds what kind of party they are.
And I agree with deus02 that minority government doesn't automatically mean disarray. It's hard to imagine any democratic nation in greater disarray than the United States is now experiencing.
It turns out that voters had other things than Brexit on their minds, like coddling the wealthy at the cost of austerity for the masses. Mr. Corbyn, by going back to the values the Labour Party used to have capitalism, has helped make Social Democracy respectable again. Labour has learned its lesson and is better placed for the future than any pundit would have imagined a day ago. Maybe it will help the Dems make up their minds what kind of party they are.
And I agree with deus02 that minority government doesn't automatically mean disarray. It's hard to imagine any democratic nation in greater disarray than the United States is now experiencing.
45
"Britain in Disarray"? Clearly, the Editorial Board seems to know little about how a Parliamentary system functions. Certainly a "minority parliament" is not the best situation for Theresa May and her conservative members, however, often aligning herself with another party to form the government can produce positive results. Although they invariably do not last the entire term, I know for sure, over the decades, Canada has had several minority parliaments when compromise, even with your political/ideological opposition takes place, some meaningful legislation can be passed.
Hmm, Compromise? Political/ideological opposition? Meaningful legislation? Unfortunately, all terms and ideas that for what seems like decades now, has been all but missing from the American political/governmental system.
Hmm, Compromise? Political/ideological opposition? Meaningful legislation? Unfortunately, all terms and ideas that for what seems like decades now, has been all but missing from the American political/governmental system.
54
I think the editorial is not so misguided in equating Britain with the British Government. The latter is in disarray instead, and at least from abroad appear completely clueless about their own country and political situation. Thus I think the headline is at least partially justified, in the sense that the UK is about to start maybe her most consequential negotiation since Sir Winston Churchill tried to convince the Roosevelt administration to join WWII, and this second reckless miscalculation and disastrous outcome in a year do not invite any optimism regarding the political abilities of those in charge of such historical negotiation.
6
I cannot agree with this statement:
"however, often aligning herself with another party to form the government can produce positive results."
Whilst broadly true, this particular other party, the Democratic Ulster Unionists, is sectarian and socially illiberal, pursuing policies that the mainland UK parties dropped long ago. It may also pay the NYT to look at this party and the Ulster Defence Association in tandem. I won't say anything more except to say some people who are aware of Northern Irish politics will be horrified that the Conservative Party would stoop so low in a bid to retain power at Westminster.
"however, often aligning herself with another party to form the government can produce positive results."
Whilst broadly true, this particular other party, the Democratic Ulster Unionists, is sectarian and socially illiberal, pursuing policies that the mainland UK parties dropped long ago. It may also pay the NYT to look at this party and the Ulster Defence Association in tandem. I won't say anything more except to say some people who are aware of Northern Irish politics will be horrified that the Conservative Party would stoop so low in a bid to retain power at Westminster.
36
Yes, disarray. I have lived in the UK since 1985 (from Memphis originally) and the entire Parliament is a huge disaster now.
Stupid people voting for the lies for Brexit (like Trump's lies) have created a radicalised population based on rumour and lies.
The Tory party will not hang together for long, and certainly not with the DUP pulling the strings.
Stupid people voting for the lies for Brexit (like Trump's lies) have created a radicalised population based on rumour and lies.
The Tory party will not hang together for long, and certainly not with the DUP pulling the strings.
June 9, 2017
Who knows the data demographic analysis for modern 21st century democracies and how the voters will truly pull the lever at the voting booths. Yet great politicians will always find the strength to defend the moral authority of tradition and in calibration to the world events and integrative dynamic political science.... After Trump and now Britain voters are speaking volumes and let's bring in the statistical probabilities in all conversations for the elections processes -and mitigate the shock and awe surprises - instead all about knowing the what if yes and what if not - offering by precision
language for campaigning and indeed the truth in making each party platform and ending like there is no uncertainty - as only getting even toxic when it comes to what we will learn about the 2016 American computer hacking and direct revolting attempts of dishonor the spirit and soul for Democratic values and with grace.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
Who knows the data demographic analysis for modern 21st century democracies and how the voters will truly pull the lever at the voting booths. Yet great politicians will always find the strength to defend the moral authority of tradition and in calibration to the world events and integrative dynamic political science.... After Trump and now Britain voters are speaking volumes and let's bring in the statistical probabilities in all conversations for the elections processes -and mitigate the shock and awe surprises - instead all about knowing the what if yes and what if not - offering by precision
language for campaigning and indeed the truth in making each party platform and ending like there is no uncertainty - as only getting even toxic when it comes to what we will learn about the 2016 American computer hacking and direct revolting attempts of dishonor the spirit and soul for Democratic values and with grace.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
1
May tripped over her own feet, yes, but Corbyn out-performed her politically at every turn. He has confounded his critics and solidified his position as leader. His personal qualities -- his truth-telling, his openness, his sympathy for everyone left behind in a Britain befuddled by austerity -- and his skills running a campaign, led to Labour's "win". He has demonstrated that he may well be prime minister. His most remarkable attribute? His capacity to absorb criticism and stay on his feet. After all, the abuse that has come his way, not only from the right but from the left, has been extraordinary. I think we are now looking at a potential PM.
115
We're surprised, sure. No one, not even his biggest fans (see McCluskey's comment re 200 seats), thought he was going to pick up seats, but let's not confuse who or what is being confounded here.
For Labour, a bold, occasionally regressive (scrapping tuition fees), sometimes unavailing (nationalising the rail network) manifesto helped a great deal; as did the ambivalence of voters towards Brexit (especially Leavers who had previously voted UKIP) and turnout among the under 35s.
And yes, Jeremy was almost playfully candid at times, which came across very well.
But the thing wot won it, the factor that influenced the outcome and at the same time the perception of Corbyn's qualities was this ... the Maybot was achingly bad!
,
For Labour, a bold, occasionally regressive (scrapping tuition fees), sometimes unavailing (nationalising the rail network) manifesto helped a great deal; as did the ambivalence of voters towards Brexit (especially Leavers who had previously voted UKIP) and turnout among the under 35s.
And yes, Jeremy was almost playfully candid at times, which came across very well.
But the thing wot won it, the factor that influenced the outcome and at the same time the perception of Corbyn's qualities was this ... the Maybot was achingly bad!
,
This historic slap-down to both the SNP and Theresa May should be interpreted for what it is: the vast majority of the UK is neither ardently Leave nor ardently Remain. We Americans should observe that the economic and cultural dislocations of globalization remain a deep emotional issue throughout the world, and our president is named Trump because only he cared to acknowledge that reality last year.
I do not support him, and only grudgingly accept that he is our head of state, notwithstanding. Nevertheless, he raised that political banner with all the intensity of the painting "The Scream". In so doing he tore apart both US political parties, which I fervently hope will redound to the long-term benefit of the USA.
I do not support him, and only grudgingly accept that he is our head of state, notwithstanding. Nevertheless, he raised that political banner with all the intensity of the painting "The Scream". In so doing he tore apart both US political parties, which I fervently hope will redound to the long-term benefit of the USA.
10
Not ardent? Us?
And yet so much aggressive queuing and Romantic poetry ...
And yet so much aggressive queuing and Romantic poetry ...
2
Britain has been led off a series of conservative cliffs of fear and loathing, just as America has, to predictable catastrophic results.
Hopefully Britain will come to its social senses and and return to the ideas of civilization, unity and forward progress and overcome the conservative corporatist parasites who've been sucking the economic lifeblood and IQ out of humanity for decades.
On a policy note, while Theresa May's 'dementia tax' may have been misplaced by taxing the elderly, the idea of a 'dementia tax' makes perfect sense for taxing the average nihilistic idiot who drones on mindlessly about tax cuts as the cure for civilization.
Taxes are the cost of civilization, and we must pay them.
In America, where 63 million citizens were demented enough to elect a Snake Oil Moron as their leader, the 'dementia tax' is the one thing that would instantly wipe out our national debt.
Imagine a world where anyone who said 'tax cuts increase tax revenues' is taxed for their cultured stupidity instead of elected to Congress ?
Imagine a world where anyone who said climate change is a 'Chinese hoax' was taxed for their cultured stupidity instead of elected President ?
Taxing cultured stupidity and right-wing dementia is very sound public policy.
Thank you for your fine idea, Theresa May.
Now go hold hands with Donald again; no one else will, including his wife.
Hopefully Britain will come to its social senses and and return to the ideas of civilization, unity and forward progress and overcome the conservative corporatist parasites who've been sucking the economic lifeblood and IQ out of humanity for decades.
On a policy note, while Theresa May's 'dementia tax' may have been misplaced by taxing the elderly, the idea of a 'dementia tax' makes perfect sense for taxing the average nihilistic idiot who drones on mindlessly about tax cuts as the cure for civilization.
Taxes are the cost of civilization, and we must pay them.
In America, where 63 million citizens were demented enough to elect a Snake Oil Moron as their leader, the 'dementia tax' is the one thing that would instantly wipe out our national debt.
Imagine a world where anyone who said 'tax cuts increase tax revenues' is taxed for their cultured stupidity instead of elected to Congress ?
Imagine a world where anyone who said climate change is a 'Chinese hoax' was taxed for their cultured stupidity instead of elected President ?
Taxing cultured stupidity and right-wing dementia is very sound public policy.
Thank you for your fine idea, Theresa May.
Now go hold hands with Donald again; no one else will, including his wife.
208
Dementia tax? May was simply suggesting that those who can afford to pay for their elder care, should do so. Not even that - they could still leave £100,000 in their bank accounts for their children's inheritance. Imagine that, taxpayers funding your children's inheritance. Americans may find it strange that in the UK social benefits are handed out as of right, not according to need. Doesn't matter if you're a billionaire, you can still claim winter fuel allowance or child benefit - though in the latter case you may, Heaven forbid, have to pay tax on it if you're high income. In the UK it is regarded as demeaning to have to declare the fact that you're poor and in need of help - totally ignoring the fact that, if help were targeted, then those who need help could be helped even more. For a country drowning in debt, this is madness. May is not Thatcher.
Socrates, very cute about the holding hands but I saw something different that day of Prime Minister Theresa May's visit th the White House and her walk together with President Trump to the Rose Garden. There was a step going down along the walk and he was helping her negotiate that step. Theresa May is tall and gangly and walks with a bit of difficulty. Trump was being a gentleman.
Theresa May is no Hillary Clinton.
Who is Mr. Theresa May? And who is Mr. May's Gennifer Flowers, Paula Jones and Monica Lewinsky? How many millions have the May's earned from their 'public service'?
Theresa May is not the American Mistress of Mass Black Incarceration nor Mass Black Welfare Deformation nor Mass Corrupt Crony Capitalist Corporate Plutocrat Oligarch Welfare nor Mass Military-Complex War Mongering. And America is no longer a British Colony.
Old York has Theresa May to contend with while New York gave us a choice between an ancient known barbarian queen political partisan named Hillary and an ancient entertainer son of inherited wealth real estate wealth named Donald.
Hillary Rodham was an idealistic young butterfly. While Hillary Clinton is a glutton caterpillar on par with a female 'Jabba the Hutt' from 'Star Wars'.
Who is Mr. Theresa May? And who is Mr. May's Gennifer Flowers, Paula Jones and Monica Lewinsky? How many millions have the May's earned from their 'public service'?
Theresa May is not the American Mistress of Mass Black Incarceration nor Mass Black Welfare Deformation nor Mass Corrupt Crony Capitalist Corporate Plutocrat Oligarch Welfare nor Mass Military-Complex War Mongering. And America is no longer a British Colony.
Old York has Theresa May to contend with while New York gave us a choice between an ancient known barbarian queen political partisan named Hillary and an ancient entertainer son of inherited wealth real estate wealth named Donald.
Hillary Rodham was an idealistic young butterfly. While Hillary Clinton is a glutton caterpillar on par with a female 'Jabba the Hutt' from 'Star Wars'.
1