"Security clearance lawyer Bradley Moss posted: “If you’re a clearance holder, stay away from the DOGE site. These ignorant virgins are going to find themselves prosecuted for violating the Espionage Act before all is said and done.” "
Heather Cox Richardson email
They won't care because they know they will be pardoned by Trump before he leaves office.
The pardoning of those convicted of Jan 6th offences gave a clear signal that it's OK to break the law provided it is done in the interests of Donald Trump. Musk will do whatever he pleases knowing that he is practically immune from legal prosecution.
The ability of Presidents to pardon people convicted of criminal acts is one of the most ludicrous aspects of the US political system. In the wrong hands it simply encourages criminality without consequences which is what I believe we are going to see over the next 4 years
Among Biden's many failings was pardoning Hunter.
Trump will do what suits Trump.
But the Dems have lost any claim to the moral high ground.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
The man is an idiot. That has been proved time and again - even Trump doesn’t rate him - for Trump, he is a useful idiot. The thing I can’t quite work out is my sister, Usha Vance. She is allegedly very bright academically - just shows you can get straight As and still be an ignorant fool. Alternatively, she is just there for the ride…
Is she actually your sister?
I hope so, because that would make you interesting, for the very first time in the entire history of PB
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
Hes great isnt he. And look at the faces in the audience.
Yes, they are ashen. Like a bunch of posh kids used to sodomising the school badger, suddenly caught by an actual adult with morals
To be fair, sodomising the school badger was not against the rules, in fact it was our main sport in Short Half. Indeed, I was Captain of badger buggery in my final year. Good times.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
Hes great isnt he. And look at the faces in the audience.
Yes, they are ashen. Like a bunch of posh kids used to sodomising the school badger, suddenly caught by an actual adult with morals
To be fair, sodomising the school badger was not against the rules, in fact it was our main sport in Short Half. Indeed, I was Captain of badger buggery in my final year. Good times.
Judging by your posts a job at mcdonalds would be too good for you.
It's a bit difficult to know how else Reeves could have responded, if she was never told anything about the complaint at the time and the bank decided not to take any action about the complaint. The claim about what the "initial stage" of the investigation found - that Reeves "appeared" to have broken the rules - seems to come from a single unidentified source. Isn't it a bit strange that this source, supposedly with "direct knowledge of the probe", couldn't tell the BBC anything about its final outcome, or even whether any conclusion was reached?
It is strange that this anonymous hit job is being pushed by the BBC. I'd expect it of the Mail or Telegraph.
There must be someone fairly senior in the BBC who is pushing this story. They should be named as well as the anonymous source.
If I were Reeves, I would treat it with total disdain.
Going after reporters for reporting things you don’t like?
Have you considered a job at the Trump Whitehouse?
I'm not a Reeves supporter and dislike many of her policies.
But this stinks.
I don't think the leaker is a rival in the Labour Party. It's too much of a coincidence as they would also have to have worked with Reeves in HBOS 15 years ago.
It is more likely that it is a hard core Tory who did work alongside Reeves and has come out with this story, anonymously and unsubstantiated, in order to harm Labour.
Others on here have then made up narratives to support their preferred story of "a thief in cabinet".
The odd thing is that the BBC has lowered its standards by running with this.
I suspect, but don't know, that the BBC reporters concerned think that they are Bob Woodwards. Pathetic.
I see the BBC is on the defensive on this. "However, the BBC has not reported that the case reached a formal conclusion, or that there was disciplinary action."
Not sure it stinks any more than any other politics. Dobbing in Johnson for his parties during lockdown?
The only important questions are, were the allegations true and, if they were, were they serious enough to make the targets position untenable?
In the case of Johnson this seems to be a clear yes to both questions.
In the case of Reeves, I have seen it posted on here and reported in the Times, without apparent challenge, that the whistleblower's claims were found to be substantially true, even if it didn't get to disciplinary action because she left.
So the only question that really then matters is whether they were serious enough to merit removing Reeves from her current position.
I don't know the answer to that one. It is more politics and public mood than a fact based decision.
But to claim it 'stinks' seems to be excusing any sort of bad behaviour no matter how severe simply on the grounds that you don't like whistleblowers.
We don't know that there was bad behaviour.
All we really know is that there is someone with a grudge against Reeves and/or the Labour Party and has made an unsubstantiated claim about events 15 years ago, and this has been taken up by the BBC.
There is a whistle-blower involved but without the BBC naming them it is not possible to identify them, even though you seem to suggest it is a Tory without any providing any evidence
Yes. You're right. It could simply be someone with a long standing personal grudge against Reeves.
I've fallen into the trap that I was complaining about others, namely creating a narrative to support a preconceived belief. In my case that it is a Tory with a political motive rather than some ex-colleague with a personal grudge.
@ElizabethBangs Hunt forgot he'd invested in luxury flats, breaking money laundering rules. Zahawi was Chancellor while being investigated by the SFS, the NCA and HMRC. Sunak, forgot his green card, his non dom wife and Infosys ffs. But BBC 'research' on Reeves turns up...LinkedfckinIn ffs.
Weren't those all reported on by the BBC?
There is a difference in "reporting" and "investigative reporting" with an agenda. The BBC under Davie is hostile to the current incumbents of Downing Street in the way it wasn't during Johnson's era (Cenotaph footage from 2019 replaced with Cenotaph footage from 2016). Now all that is fine, but the BBC should acknowledge it now has an editorial agenda hostile to the incumbent Government, so we know where we all are.
I recall the BBC reporting investigative stories hostile to various governments, as long as I can remember. Of all shades of the various colours.
But we all knew BBC News was a pro- leftie cabal of Soviet sympathetic journalists. Now that is no longer true and it is the Daily Mail of broadcast media we should be told. I am not saying anything about that is wrong, we just need to be aware that they are actively campaigning to remove this Government.
And why has Sarah Smith, daughter of Prime Minister in waiting, John, gone all pro Trump?
Well, that’s the point of real journalism. To go after the stories left or right. If both sides are upset, you are doing it right.
I think facts should be important to real journalism too. Those are somewhat missing in the BBC piece
I actually think that they’ve been quite careful in caveating their reporting in what they do/don’t know.
Should they not be running the story at all because it’s a bit embarrassing for Reeves? I think unless there’s more to come it’s weak sauce, but I don’t see why they shouldn’t run it.
They haven't found the slightest evidence of misconduct or disciplinary action against Rachel Reeves. They heavily imply this however, or as you put it, "caveat" their reporting. I'm not sure this is appropriate for a national broadcaster.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
Hes great isnt he. And look at the faces in the audience.
Yes, they are ashen. Like a bunch of posh kids used to sodomising the school badger, suddenly caught by an actual adult with morals
To be fair, sodomising the school badger was not against the rules, in fact it was our main sport in Short Half. Indeed, I was Captain of badger buggery in my final year. Good times.
Judging by your posts a job at mcdonalds would be too good for you.
"Security clearance lawyer Bradley Moss posted: “If you’re a clearance holder, stay away from the DOGE site. These ignorant virgins are going to find themselves prosecuted for violating the Espionage Act before all is said and done.” "
Heather Cox Richardson email
They won't care because they know they will be pardoned by Trump before he leaves office.
The pardoning of those convicted of Jan 6th offences gave a clear signal that it's OK to break the law provided it is done in the interests of Donald Trump. Musk will do whatever he pleases knowing that he is practically immune from legal prosecution.
The ability of Presidents to pardon people convicted of criminal acts is one of the most ludicrous aspects of the US political system. In the wrong hands it simply encourages criminality without consequences which is what I believe we are going to see over the next 4 years
Trump can only pardon them for Federal crimes.
Publicly posting personal information on a US citizen is a civil offence. A class action could see them looking at serious jail time and bankruptcy
Thank's for that clarification, I hope you are right and the MAGAs can't work a way around it.
The story doesn't substantiate the claim that "Elon's fratboys" directly fired them.
They would not have been fired without Elon's fratboys.
Elon's fratboys fired them.
Given how lawyer ridden the USA I doubt that its as easy to fire people in reality than it is to claim that its happened on twatter.
Depending on the state, it's REALLY easy to fire people in the US.
Pennsylvania for example is "right to work" state, which in effect means right to terminate immediately
EDIT: Perhaps 'fire' is a confusing word in this context. What actually happens is the position is eliminated, so perhaps made redundant is a better term
Its not a confusing word, its the wrong word.
People are 'fired' for incompetence or misconduct.
With the public perception of being fired influenced by The Apprentice.
While being made redundant comes with notice periods and redundancy payments as per employment contracts.
With the more senior the position likely the better contract.
Now organisations often make redundancies.
Sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
What is currently happening in USA government employment is uncertain, what the consequences of whatever is happening is even more uncertain.
But self-serving garbled claims on twatter are effectively worthless whoever they come from.
"Security clearance lawyer Bradley Moss posted: “If you’re a clearance holder, stay away from the DOGE site. These ignorant virgins are going to find themselves prosecuted for violating the Espionage Act before all is said and done.” "
Heather Cox Richardson email
They won't care because they know they will be pardoned by Trump before he leaves office.
The pardoning of those convicted of Jan 6th offences gave a clear signal that it's OK to break the law provided it is done in the interests of Donald Trump. Musk will do whatever he pleases knowing that he is practically immune from legal prosecution.
The ability of Presidents to pardon people convicted of criminal acts is one of the most ludicrous aspects of the US political system. In the wrong hands it simply encourages criminality without consequences which is what I believe we are going to see over the next 4 years
Among Biden's many failings was pardoning Hunter.
Trump will do what suits Trump.
But the Dems have lost any claim to the moral high ground.
If the Biden administration had been fit for purpose both Trump and Hunter would now be in jail.
That neither are shows that its incompetence matched its immorality.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
Hes great isnt he. And look at the faces in the audience.
Yes, they are ashen. Like a bunch of posh kids used to sodomising the school badger, suddenly caught by an actual adult with morals
To be fair, sodomising the school badger was not against the rules, in fact it was our main sport in Short Half. Indeed, I was Captain of badger buggery in my final year. Good times.
Judging by your posts a job at mcdonalds would be too good for you.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
Hes great isnt he. And look at the faces in the audience.
Yes, they are ashen. Like a bunch of posh kids used to sodomising the school badger, suddenly caught by an actual adult with morals
To be fair, sodomising the school badger was not against the rules, in fact it was our main sport in Short Half. Indeed, I was Captain of badger buggery in my final year. Good times.
Judging by your posts a job at mcdonalds would be too good for you.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
It's a bit difficult to know how else Reeves could have responded, if she was never told anything about the complaint at the time and the bank decided not to take any action about the complaint. The claim about what the "initial stage" of the investigation found - that Reeves "appeared" to have broken the rules - seems to come from a single unidentified source. Isn't it a bit strange that this source, supposedly with "direct knowledge of the probe", couldn't tell the BBC anything about its final outcome, or even whether any conclusion was reached?
It is strange that this anonymous hit job is being pushed by the BBC. I'd expect it of the Mail or Telegraph.
There must be someone fairly senior in the BBC who is pushing this story. They should be named as well as the anonymous source.
If I were Reeves, I would treat it with total disdain.
Going after reporters for reporting things you don’t like?
Have you considered a job at the Trump Whitehouse?
I'm not a Reeves supporter and dislike many of her policies.
But this stinks.
I don't think the leaker is a rival in the Labour Party. It's too much of a coincidence as they would also have to have worked with Reeves in HBOS 15 years ago.
It is more likely that it is a hard core Tory who did work alongside Reeves and has come out with this story, anonymously and unsubstantiated, in order to harm Labour.
Others on here have then made up narratives to support their preferred story of "a thief in cabinet".
The odd thing is that the BBC has lowered its standards by running with this.
I suspect, but don't know, that the BBC reporters concerned think that they are Bob Woodwards. Pathetic.
I see the BBC is on the defensive on this. "However, the BBC has not reported that the case reached a formal conclusion, or that there was disciplinary action."
Not sure it stinks any more than any other politics. Dobbing in Johnson for his parties during lockdown?
The only important questions are, were the allegations true and, if they were, were they serious enough to make the targets position untenable?
In the case of Johnson this seems to be a clear yes to both questions.
In the case of Reeves, I have seen it posted on here and reported in the Times, without apparent challenge, that the whistleblower's claims were found to be substantially true, even if it didn't get to disciplinary action because she left.
So the only question that really then matters is whether they were serious enough to merit removing Reeves from her current position.
I don't know the answer to that one. It is more politics and public mood than a fact based decision.
But to claim it 'stinks' seems to be excusing any sort of bad behaviour no matter how severe simply on the grounds that you don't like whistleblowers.
We don't know that there was bad behaviour.
All we really know is that there is someone with a grudge against Reeves and/or the Labour Party and has made an unsubstantiated claim about events 15 years ago, and this has been taken up by the BBC.
There is a whistle-blower involved but without the BBC naming them it is not possible to identify them, even though you seem to suggest it is a Tory without any providing any evidence
Yes. You're right. It could simply be someone with a long standing personal grudge against Reeves.
I've fallen into the trap that I was complaining about others, namely creating a narrative to support a preconceived belief. In my case that it is a Tory with a political motive rather than some ex-colleague with a personal grudge.
Interesting. So easy to do.
It may not have a political motive to be fair, just someone who feels a grievance whilst working with her all those years ago
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
If Trump does to the standard of living of many millions of GOP voters what I think is quite likely, then he could be the love child of Lincoln and Demosthenes, and still easily lose.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Who gives a fuck? When he's out of nick Robinson will be back in his million quid gated mansion.
For a moment I was struggling with Tommeh being in Nick Robinson. The BBC are inclined to grovel to the new/far/hard/alt right but that would be taking it too far.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
If Trump does to the standard of living of many millions of GOP voters what I think is quite likely, then he could be the love child of Lincoln and Demosthenes, and still easily lose.
No he will blame the deep state. More purges forthcoming.
Vance's earlier European speech - in Paris - has somewhat gone under the radar
And yet it is in some ways even better than his brilliant Munich speech. He is absolutely lucid, candid, forthright, eloquent. You can tell he is a good writer. Compare his crisp, clever, subtly passionate delivery with the windbagging torrent of verbless ordure we get from British politicos
He is genuinely good at this. Unless the American economy goes tits up and over (quite possible with Trump at the helm) then he will be very hard to beat for the Dems and he is the obvious candidate for the GOP. He's right here in front of them
If Trump does to the standard of living of many millions of GOP voters what I think is quite likely, then he could be the love child of Lincoln and Demosthenes, and still easily lose.
No he will blame the deep state. More purges forthcoming.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
"Does America need Europe as a market - yes. But as an ally - I don't know.
"For the answer to be yes Europe needs a single voice - not a dozen different ones.”
“Some in Europe might be frustrated with Brussels but let's be clear - if not Brussels then Moscow. It's your decision."
We know which the Brexiteers prefer...
I concur with Zelensky's assessment of the threat, but not with his proposed remedy. Brussels is sclerotic and the nations of Europe and the EU are too diverse in interests to speak as one. What is chiefly lacking is the discipline to defend our values or even the will to do so. Much easier to keep going the way we're now comfortably used to.
It seems to me only a matter of time before European nations are taken over, whether by Russia, China, or Islam. Or maybe even the US.
Trump will support NATO countries who not only increase defence spending, but buy the military from him
The security of Europe is going to need cooperation across the EU, UK and others but I just do not see a European army as a realistic proposition not least because there are so many differences between individual EU states
I can understand Trump and the US case that far too many NATO members have expected a free lunch funded from the US and they have to contribute much more to the costs
In that situation we should do our best to source weapons which are not produced in the US. Trump has madd it extremely clear his America is not a reliable ally. We need to rebuild our own manufacturing capacity.
Maybe but that will take years and buying US military including fighter jets is the only option in the meantime
Also what is going to happen with AUKUS ?
It's not the only option, though the F35 offers capabilities others don't.
But the urgent items - missiles of all kinds; artillery rounds; armoured vehicles etc - can be made in Europe/UK. And if we are to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence, we and Europe must develop domestic capability in everything.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
We only have Robinson's word for it. It's worth reading the Community Notes on his tweet.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many? I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters? So 3-7% of voters? Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
For example I was wrong about our new friend. He's lasted more than 10 more minutes. He seems to be more your friend than mine!
Trump fully controlling the media now. He will be jailing them in a year.
New statement from The AP:
“The decision by the White House to block an AP reporter from an open press conference with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi is a deeply troubling escalation of the administration’s continued efforts to punish The Associated Press for its editorial decisions.
It is a plain violation of the First Amendment, and we urge the Trump administration in the strongest terms to stop this practice.
This is now the third day AP reporters have been barred from covering the president – first as a member of the pool, and now from a formal press conference – an incredible disservice to the billions of people who rely on The Associated Press for nonpartisan news.” 10:39 PM · Feb 13, 2025 · 1.1M Views
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
We only have Robinson's word for it. It's worth reading the Community Notes on his tweet.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many? I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters? So 3-7% of voters? Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
No of conversations with people i have now who say they want a dictatorship is incredible.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
We only have Robinson's word for it. It's worth reading the Community Notes on his tweet.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many? I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters? So 3-7% of voters? Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
No of conversations with people i have now who say they want a dictatorship is incredible.
They'd be damn brave to say anything else in your parts.
As long, of course, as they don't get the wrong idea as to *who* is going to be the 'tator, like Prigozhin did.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
tbh at first I thought it was you. The Lakes, you see.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
Yes and yes
How do you think I can afford to stay in 4-5 star hotels for months on end? They’re not ALL freebies
"Does America need Europe as a market - yes. But as an ally - I don't know.
"For the answer to be yes Europe needs a single voice - not a dozen different ones.”
“Some in Europe might be frustrated with Brussels but let's be clear - if not Brussels then Moscow. It's your decision."
We know which the Brexiteers prefer...
I concur with Zelensky's assessment of the threat, but not with his proposed remedy. Brussels is sclerotic and the nations of Europe and the EU are too diverse in interests to speak as one. What is chiefly lacking is the discipline to defend our values or even the will to do so. Much easier to keep going the way we're now comfortably used to.
It seems to me only a matter of time before European nations are taken over, whether by Russia, China, or Islam. Or maybe even the US.
Trump will support NATO countries who not only increase defence spending, but buy the military from him
The security of Europe is going to need cooperation across the EU, UK and others but I just do not see a European army as a realistic proposition not least because there are so many differences between individual EU states
I can understand Trump and the US case that far too many NATO members have expected a free lunch funded from the US and they have to contribute much more to the costs
In that situation we should do our best to source weapons which are not produced in the US. Trump has madd it extremely clear his America is not a reliable ally. We need to rebuild our own manufacturing capacity.
Maybe but that will take years and buying US military including fighter jets is the only option in the meantime
Also what is going to happen with AUKUS ?
It's not the only option, though the F35 offers capabilities others don't.
But the urgent items - missiles of all kinds; artillery rounds; armoured vehicles etc - can be made in Europe/UK. And if we are to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence, we and Europe must develop domestic capability in everything.
European countries need to drop the requirement that the manufacturer’s country must give permission to use the weaponry if we are to build a mutually beneficial pan European arms industry.
There is no point loading up on German tanks and then finding that the German government won’t let us use them in some situation. Imagine buying Spanish missiles and then they veto us using them if the Falklands kicks off because they want to use the situation to their advantage re Gibraltar.
Whilst it’s hard to trust Trump’s America our nearer neighbours aren’t necessarily any more reliable either.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
Yes and yes
Hes a prime target. Single man with no real family always travelling. A lot of paranoia on this board lol.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
Very true. Especially if he comes out looking obviously the worse for wear. Leon is one of the few sensible posters on here.
Leon's due for an honorary colonelship of the KGB.
He's halfway there already, he's got the six different identities with ludicrous backstories.
Seriously though. It's obvious that Kremlin are aware of Leon. I wonder if he's been approached.
Yes and yes
Hes a prime target. Single man with no real family always travelling. A lot of paranoia on this board lol.
He may not be as paranoid in real life as he is on this board though.
I've not been following the Reeves story and can't summon any real interest in doing so. It would only be interesting if she were to depart and the successor implemented significant changes in policy, but that's not happening.
British economic policy, irrespective of who's nominally in charge of it, revolves around the increasingly heavy taxation of businesses and earnings in a futile attempt to keep pace with the unsustainable demand for benefits, coupled with the ramping of asset prices and the preferential tax treatment of the mountains of unearned wealth accumulated as a result. A stifling of social mobility, decay of the public realm, and all of the available money being progressively transferred to rent seekers and asset rich older people, is the result.
This isn't going to change under Labour and it still wouldn't change if we got the Liberal Democrats or Reform next. Too many vested interests. All too difficult. We are stuck.
At 76 it isn't a comfortable reflection, but in earlier centuries things like pandemics or even epidemics wiped out a lot of the aged and unhealthy, thus keeping the population profile somewhat more balanced.
I'm extremely grateful to be living in our own times with painkillers and antibiotics and all the rest, but it seems clear we can't just keep going with what someone described as a Ponzi scheme.
Good morning, everyone.
Hello Anne.
We oughtn't to keep going with things as they are, but we will because the people who need to be told to make do with a bit less are too numerous and too loud to be defied.
Middle class retirees with big expensive houses paid their taxes, and now expect younger people to inflation proof their living standards. Telling them that they need to contribute more to, for example, expanding the navy and keeping children out of poverty - and that the result of this is it's out with cruises round the Amalfi Coast, in with a long weekend in the Lake District, and their offspring will only get 80% of the house when they die rather than the whole lot - simply won't wash.
One can be too pessimistic, as well as too starry-eyed about human nature.
It's easy to assume that people in rich world countries are so stupid, and so selfish, that they would gladly see their own nations destroyed, so long as they kept their own assets, for a time. But, that may not be the case. People can be that stupid and selfish, but they may also be persuaded to step up to the mark.
Until the effort is made, we won't know.
Theresa May says hi.
She sprung it on the voters in the middle of an election. One needs to make the case for reform, over a period of time.
When Wes Streeting, on BBC, said something like 'we'll get a non-politico to have a good look and make recommendations' he was slated by the interviewer. Sounds a sensible way of proceeding to me.
Although surely everyone's had time to have a good think by now.
Streeting is a do-nothing. He's deliberately booted any kind of decision on social care beyond the next election by commissioning a useless three year long review that he can then spend more time pretending to read and consider, putting off any actual reform conveniently until after the Government had to write a manifesto spelling out how much it'll cost and where the money is meant to come from.
Whether this is because he wants to avoid carrying the can for incredibly unpopular decisions, or because he knows that Reeves simply won't countenance paying for any of it, I don't know.
"Does America need Europe as a market - yes. But as an ally - I don't know.
"For the answer to be yes Europe needs a single voice - not a dozen different ones.”
“Some in Europe might be frustrated with Brussels but let's be clear - if not Brussels then Moscow. It's your decision."
We know which the Brexiteers prefer...
I concur with Zelensky's assessment of the threat, but not with his proposed remedy. Brussels is sclerotic and the nations of Europe and the EU are too diverse in interests to speak as one. What is chiefly lacking is the discipline to defend our values or even the will to do so. Much easier to keep going the way we're now comfortably used to.
It seems to me only a matter of time before European nations are taken over, whether by Russia, China, or Islam. Or maybe even the US.
Trump will support NATO countries who not only increase defence spending, but buy the military from him
The security of Europe is going to need cooperation across the EU, UK and others but I just do not see a European army as a realistic proposition not least because there are so many differences between individual EU states
I can understand Trump and the US case that far too many NATO members have expected a free lunch funded from the US and they have to contribute much more to the costs
In that situation we should do our best to source weapons which are not produced in the US. Trump has madd it extremely clear his America is not a reliable ally. We need to rebuild our own manufacturing capacity.
Maybe but that will take years and buying US military including fighter jets is the only option in the meantime
Also what is going to happen with AUKUS ?
It's not the only option, though the F35 offers capabilities others don't.
But the urgent items - missiles of all kinds; artillery rounds; armoured vehicles etc - can be made in Europe/UK. And if we are to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence, we and Europe must develop domestic capability in everything.
European countries need to drop the requirement that the manufacturer’s country must give permission to use the weaponry if we are to build a mutually beneficial pan European arms industry.
There is no point loading up on German tanks and then finding that the German government won’t let us use them in some situation. Imagine buying Spanish missiles and then they veto us using them if the Falklands kicks off because they want to use the situation to their advantage re Gibraltar.
Whilst it’s hard to trust Trump’s America our nearer neighbours aren’t necessarily any more reliable either.
Partially true - but right now we're all in the same boat. In any event, if the UK buys tanks (not a priority for us, IMO) we should license the new Korean design, as has Poland.
I've not been following the Reeves story and can't summon any real interest in doing so. It would only be interesting if she were to depart and the successor implemented significant changes in policy, but that's not happening.
British economic policy, irrespective of who's nominally in charge of it, revolves around the increasingly heavy taxation of businesses and earnings in a futile attempt to keep pace with the unsustainable demand for benefits, coupled with the ramping of asset prices and the preferential tax treatment of the mountains of unearned wealth accumulated as a result. A stifling of social mobility, decay of the public realm, and all of the available money being progressively transferred to rent seekers and asset rich older people, is the result.
This isn't going to change under Labour and it still wouldn't change if we got the Liberal Democrats or Reform next. Too many vested interests. All too difficult. We are stuck.
At 76 it isn't a comfortable reflection, but in earlier centuries things like pandemics or even epidemics wiped out a lot of the aged and unhealthy, thus keeping the population profile somewhat more balanced.
I'm extremely grateful to be living in our own times with painkillers and antibiotics and all the rest, but it seems clear we can't just keep going with what someone described as a Ponzi scheme.
Good morning, everyone.
Hello Anne.
We oughtn't to keep going with things as they are, but we will because the people who need to be told to make do with a bit less are too numerous and too loud to be defied.
Middle class retirees with big expensive houses paid their taxes, and now expect younger people to inflation proof their living standards. Telling them that they need to contribute more to, for example, expanding the navy and keeping children out of poverty - and that the result of this is it's out with cruises round the Amalfi Coast, in with a long weekend in the Lake District, and their offspring will only get 80% of the house when they die rather than the whole lot - simply won't wash.
One can be too pessimistic, as well as too starry-eyed about human nature.
It's easy to assume that people in rich world countries are so stupid, and so selfish, that they would gladly see their own nations destroyed, so long as they kept their own assets, for a time. But, that may not be the case. People can be that stupid and selfish, but they may also be persuaded to step up to the mark.
Until the effort is made, we won't know.
Theresa May says hi.
She sprung it on the voters in the middle of an election. One needs to make the case for reform, over a period of time.
When Wes Streeting, on BBC, said something like 'we'll get a non-politico to have a good look and make recommendations' he was slated by the interviewer. Sounds a sensible way of proceeding to me.
Although surely everyone's had time to have a good think by now.
Streeting is a do-nothing. He's deliberately booted any kind of decision on social care beyond the next election by commissioning a useless three year long review that he can then spend more time pretending to read and consider, putting off any actual reform conveniently until after the Government had to write a manifesto spelling out how much it'll cost and where the money is meant to come from.
Whether this is because he wants to avoid carrying the can for incredibly unpopular decisions, or because he knows that Reeves simply won't countenance paying for any of it, I don't know.
It’s because he wants to be prime minister
Sounds like as valid a theory as any. You don't get to be Prime Minister by asking the rich olds and the heirs for anything.
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
"Does America need Europe as a market - yes. But as an ally - I don't know.
"For the answer to be yes Europe needs a single voice - not a dozen different ones.”
“Some in Europe might be frustrated with Brussels but let's be clear - if not Brussels then Moscow. It's your decision."
We know which the Brexiteers prefer...
I concur with Zelensky's assessment of the threat, but not with his proposed remedy. Brussels is sclerotic and the nations of Europe and the EU are too diverse in interests to speak as one. What is chiefly lacking is the discipline to defend our values or even the will to do so. Much easier to keep going the way we're now comfortably used to.
It seems to me only a matter of time before European nations are taken over, whether by Russia, China, or Islam. Or maybe even the US.
Trump will support NATO countries who not only increase defence spending, but buy the military from him
The security of Europe is going to need cooperation across the EU, UK and others but I just do not see a European army as a realistic proposition not least because there are so many differences between individual EU states
I can understand Trump and the US case that far too many NATO members have expected a free lunch funded from the US and they have to contribute much more to the costs
In that situation we should do our best to source weapons which are not produced in the US. Trump has madd it extremely clear his America is not a reliable ally. We need to rebuild our own manufacturing capacity.
Maybe but that will take years and buying US military including fighter jets is the only option in the meantime
Also what is going to happen with AUKUS ?
It's not the only option, though the F35 offers capabilities others don't.
But the urgent items - missiles of all kinds; artillery rounds; armoured vehicles etc - can be made in Europe/UK. And if we are to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence, we and Europe must develop domestic capability in everything.
S Korea and Japan also enter the chat.
We are not going to increase the defence budget by £30bn a year. The Government is too terrified either to cut spending to provide money on that scale, or raise taxes.
It's a bit difficult to know how else Reeves could have responded, if she was never told anything about the complaint at the time and the bank decided not to take any action about the complaint. The claim about what the "initial stage" of the investigation found - that Reeves "appeared" to have broken the rules - seems to come from a single unidentified source. Isn't it a bit strange that this source, supposedly with "direct knowledge of the probe", couldn't tell the BBC anything about its final outcome, or even whether any conclusion was reached?
It is strange that this anonymous hit job is being pushed by the BBC. I'd expect it of the Mail or Telegraph.
There must be someone fairly senior in the BBC who is pushing this story. They should be named as well as the anonymous source.
If I were Reeves, I would treat it with total disdain.
Going after reporters for reporting things you don’t like?
Have you considered a job at the Trump Whitehouse?
I'm not a Reeves supporter and dislike many of her policies.
But this stinks.
I don't think the leaker is a rival in the Labour Party. It's too much of a coincidence as they would also have to have worked with Reeves in HBOS 15 years ago.
It is more likely that it is a hard core Tory who did work alongside Reeves and has come out with this story, anonymously and unsubstantiated, in order to harm Labour.
Others on here have then made up narratives to support their preferred story of "a thief in cabinet".
The odd thing is that the BBC has lowered its standards by running with this.
I suspect, but don't know, that the BBC reporters concerned think that they are Bob Woodwards. Pathetic.
I see the BBC is on the defensive on this. "However, the BBC has not reported that the case reached a formal conclusion, or that there was disciplinary action."
Not sure it stinks any more than any other politics. Dobbing in Johnson for his parties during lockdown?
The only important questions are, were the allegations true and, if they were, were they serious enough to make the targets position untenable?
In the case of Johnson this seems to be a clear yes to both questions.
In the case of Reeves, I have seen it posted on here and reported in the Times, without apparent challenge, that the whistleblower's claims were found to be substantially true, even if it didn't get to disciplinary action because she left.
So the only question that really then matters is whether they were serious enough to merit removing Reeves from her current position.
I don't know the answer to that one. It is more politics and public mood than a fact based decision.
But to claim it 'stinks' seems to be excusing any sort of bad behaviour no matter how severe simply on the grounds that you don't like whistleblowers.
We don't know that there was bad behaviour.
All we really know is that there is someone with a grudge against Reeves and/or the Labour Party and has made an unsubstantiated claim about events 15 years ago, and this has been taken up by the BBC.
The BBC has spoken to 20 people and seen the report from the preliminary investigation.
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
There is a scheme whereby you can get indefinite leave to remain having been in the armed forces, although to join the armed forces, if you are not British, you have to be from a Commonwealth country or Ireland.
Will DOGE axe the IRS workers investigating tech bro squillionaires and New York property developers?
Musk has just fathered another child you know. Shes pretty hot too. To the victor the spoils the losers lose their cushy public sector job and work at maccyds.
Describing have sex with a woman (regardless of how attractive she is) as “the spoils” suggests you have a strange view of individual agency and the rights of women
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Commonwealth citizens already can, if they have residence already. So it's not a huge leap for some countries.
Plus, of course, we already allow Irish citizens to enlist.
Will DOGE axe the IRS workers investigating tech bro squillionaires and New York property developers?
Musk has just fathered another child you know. Shes pretty hot too. To the victor the spoils the losers lose their cushy public sector job and work at maccyds.
Describing have sex with a woman (regardless of how attractive she is) as “the spoils” suggests you have a strange view of individual agency and the rights of women
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Commonwealth citizens already can, if they have residence already. So it's not a huge leap for some countries.
Plus, of course, we already allow Irish citizens to enlist.
Actually, it looks like we're already recruiting commonwealth soldiers who are not in Britain yet:
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
"Security clearance lawyer Bradley Moss posted: “If you’re a clearance holder, stay away from the DOGE site. These ignorant virgins are going to find themselves prosecuted for violating the Espionage Act before all is said and done.” "
Heather Cox Richardson email
They won't care because they know they will be pardoned by Trump before he leaves office.
The pardoning of those convicted of Jan 6th offences gave a clear signal that it's OK to break the law provided it is done in the interests of Donald Trump. Musk will do whatever he pleases knowing that he is practically immune from legal prosecution.
The ability of Presidents to pardon people convicted of criminal acts is one of the most ludicrous aspects of the US political system. In the wrong hands it simply encourages criminality without consequences which is what I believe we are going to see over the next 4 years
Among Biden's many failings was pardoning Hunter.
Trump will do what suits Trump.
But the Dems have lost any claim to the moral high ground.
I haven't though. I remain at altitude and eagle eyed, therefore able to spot False Equivalence in the world below.
It's a bit difficult to know how else Reeves could have responded, if she was never told anything about the complaint at the time and the bank decided not to take any action about the complaint. The claim about what the "initial stage" of the investigation found - that Reeves "appeared" to have broken the rules - seems to come from a single unidentified source. Isn't it a bit strange that this source, supposedly with "direct knowledge of the probe", couldn't tell the BBC anything about its final outcome, or even whether any conclusion was reached?
It is strange that this anonymous hit job is being pushed by the BBC. I'd expect it of the Mail or Telegraph.
There must be someone fairly senior in the BBC who is pushing this story. They should be named as well as the anonymous source.
If I were Reeves, I would treat it with total disdain.
Going after reporters for reporting things you don’t like?
Have you considered a job at the Trump Whitehouse?
I'm not a Reeves supporter and dislike many of her policies.
But this stinks.
I don't think the leaker is a rival in the Labour Party. It's too much of a coincidence as they would also have to have worked with Reeves in HBOS 15 years ago.
It is more likely that it is a hard core Tory who did work alongside Reeves and has come out with this story, anonymously and unsubstantiated, in order to harm Labour.
Others on here have then made up narratives to support their preferred story of "a thief in cabinet".
The odd thing is that the BBC has lowered its standards by running with this.
I suspect, but don't know, that the BBC reporters concerned think that they are Bob Woodwards. Pathetic.
I see the BBC is on the defensive on this. "However, the BBC has not reported that the case reached a formal conclusion, or that there was disciplinary action."
Not sure it stinks any more than any other politics. Dobbing in Johnson for his parties during lockdown?
The only important questions are, were the allegations true and, if they were, were they serious enough to make the targets position untenable?
In the case of Johnson this seems to be a clear yes to both questions.
In the case of Reeves, I have seen it posted on here and reported in the Times, without apparent challenge, that the whistleblower's claims were found to be substantially true, even if it didn't get to disciplinary action because she left.
So the only question that really then matters is whether they were serious enough to merit removing Reeves from her current position.
I don't know the answer to that one. It is more politics and public mood than a fact based decision.
But to claim it 'stinks' seems to be excusing any sort of bad behaviour no matter how severe simply on the grounds that you don't like whistleblowers.
We don't know that there was bad behaviour.
All we really know is that there is someone with a grudge against Reeves and/or the Labour Party and has made an unsubstantiated claim about events 15 years ago, and this has been taken up by the BBC.
The BBC has spoken to 20 people and seen the report from the preliminary investigation.
It’s not an “unsubstantiated claim”
It wasn't the report from the preliminary investigation. It was the whistle blower's original complaint that the BBC saw.
What did these 20 people say? "Sorry. I don't remember anything about this". Could be anything.
RFK JR. Has revealed that President Trump’s DOJ will launch RICO investigation to prosecute the collusion between medical boards, medical journals and Big Pharma. Buckle Up.!!!!!
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
We only have Robinson's word for it. It's worth reading the Community Notes on his tweet.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many? I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters? So 3-7% of voters? Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
For example I was wrong about our new friend. He's lasted more than 10 more minutes. He seems to be more your friend than mine!
Well, Leon gets banned and then returns over and over again, so who knows?
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Or we could treat them like we did the Afghan translators and support team we had over there. Just promise and renege.
Those 150 year old social security claimants are apparently real people - the age was reportedly a COBOL error, as the tech kids were unfamiliar with the ole code.
"Security clearance lawyer Bradley Moss posted: “If you’re a clearance holder, stay away from the DOGE site. These ignorant virgins are going to find themselves prosecuted for violating the Espionage Act before all is said and done.” "
Heather Cox Richardson email
They won't care because they know they will be pardoned by Trump before he leaves office.
The pardoning of those convicted of Jan 6th offences gave a clear signal that it's OK to break the law provided it is done in the interests of Donald Trump. Musk will do whatever he pleases knowing that he is practically immune from legal prosecution.
The ability of Presidents to pardon people convicted of criminal acts is one of the most ludicrous aspects of the US political system. In the wrong hands it simply encourages criminality without consequences which is what I believe we are going to see over the next 4 years
Among Biden's many failings was pardoning Hunter.
Trump will do what suits Trump.
But the Dems have lost any claim to the moral high ground.
I haven't though. I remain at altitude and eagle eyed, therefore able to spot False Equivalence in the world below.
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
We only have Robinson's word for it. It's worth reading the Community Notes on his tweet.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many? I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters? So 3-7% of voters? Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
For example I was wrong about our new friend. He's lasted more than 10 more minutes. He seems to be more your friend than mine!
Well, Leon gets banned and then returns over and over again, so who knows?
But Saturday morning trolls get banned for posting ludicrous, incendiary, insulting, pro-Putin nonsense, whereas Leon posts ludicrous, incendiary, insulting, pro... hold on...
Has anyone considered allowing foreign nationals a route to citizenship through joining the military in the UK?
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
Commonwealth citizens already can, if they have residence already. So it's not a huge leap for some countries.
Plus, of course, we already allow Irish citizens to enlist.
Actually, it looks like we're already recruiting commonwealth soldiers who are not in Britain yet:
Will DOGE axe the IRS workers investigating tech bro squillionaires and New York property developers?
Musk has just fathered another child you know. Shes pretty hot too. To the victor the spoils the losers lose their cushy public sector job and work at maccyds.
If memory serves, Musk prefers to impregnate his baby mammas via artificial insemination, and he has used this technique for all his children (except for the first one which died). He is rather strange.
Will DOGE axe the IRS workers investigating tech bro squillionaires and New York property developers?
Musk has just fathered another child you know. Shes pretty hot too. To the victor the spoils the losers lose their cushy public sector job and work at maccyds.
If memory serves, Musk prefers to impregnate his baby mammas via artificial insemination, and he has used this technique for all his children (except for the first one which died). He is rather strange.
Comments
Trump will do what suits Trump.
But the Dems have lost any claim to the moral high ground.
I hope so, because that would make you interesting, for the very first time in the entire history of PB
I've fallen into the trap that I was complaining about others, namely creating a narrative to support a preconceived belief. In my case that it is a Tory with a political motive rather than some ex-colleague with a personal grudge.
Interesting. So easy to do.
Where he's already spent over 3 months in solitary confinement, for a civil offence!
Recently he's had visit after visit cancelled, phone calls, emails, barred.
Now he's had contact with his ex wife, the mother of his children, terminated!
He's being mentally tortured by the state, for exposing their corruption.
https://x.com/TRobinsonNewEra/status/1890153835173187826
People are 'fired' for incompetence or misconduct.
With the public perception of being fired influenced by The Apprentice.
While being made redundant comes with notice periods and redundancy payments as per employment contracts.
With the more senior the position likely the better contract.
Now organisations often make redundancies.
Sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
What is currently happening in USA government employment is uncertain, what the consequences of whatever is happening is even more uncertain.
But self-serving garbled claims on twatter are effectively worthless whoever they come from.
The rats are dispersing.
Homes put up for sale in just the last 14 days in DC.
https://x.com/merissahansen17/status/1890543820099522786
IIRC my contract is something like 1 weeks notice for every year of employment.
My erstwhile boss in PA called me up and said "today is my last day" after 25 years with the company.
That neither are shows that its incompetence matched its immorality.
https://x.com/pritipatel/status/1890731100747530467
So do I
But do you know that he's wrong about Tommy Robinson? Because if he is right, this sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. It is also counter-productive for the Woke UK State, as it makes him more of a martyr
“It’s all corruption.”
“There’s people at NIH who were involved in the amyloid plaque scandal that derailed Alzheimer’s treatment for 20 YEARS.”
https://x.com/CartlandDavid/status/1890698688156094741
Kill off all the oldies and smart people.
And then leave Elon and his latest squeeze to repopulate the continental area with Ze Master Race.
The BBC are inclined to grovel to the new/far/hard/alt right but that would be taking it too far.
He's gone after Trump again, this time by comparing him to a child with mental health challenges.
Very much more subtle than the jibe about Trump being Hitler, but the meaning is surely clear.
The employer has to give notice if they make the work redundant, the worker has to give notice if they want to leave their employer.
Now this story was about nuclear weapons inspectors wasn't it?
Very skilled, very experienced, very valuable and very difficult to replace people.
I suspect their employment contracts don't allow for a notice period of only days.
But the urgent items - missiles of all kinds; artillery rounds; armoured vehicles etc - can be made in Europe/UK.
And if we are to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence, we and Europe must develop domestic capability in everything.
S Korea and Japan also enter the chat.
I agree it will make him more of a martyr for some. But how many?
I'm guessing 10-25% of Reform supporters?
So 3-7% of voters?
Politically I think Robinson as a martyr is good for the Tories as it damages Reform. I think Farage will continue to distance himself and his party from Robinson to continue to appeal to more moderate voters, which he needs.
But what do I know! I'm continually confounded.
For example I was wrong about our new friend. He's lasted more than 10 more minutes. He seems to be more your friend than mine!
New statement from The AP:
“The decision by the White House to block an AP reporter from an open press conference with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi is a deeply troubling escalation of the administration’s continued efforts to punish The Associated Press for its editorial decisions.
It is a plain violation of the First Amendment, and we urge the Trump administration in the strongest terms to stop this practice.
This is now the third day AP reporters have been barred from covering the president – first as a member of the pool, and now from a formal press conference – an incredible disservice to the billions of people who rely on The Associated Press for nonpartisan news.”
10:39 PM · Feb 13, 2025
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https://x.com/brianstelter/status/1890168968402415709
https://youtu.be/Z2zGbyto814?t=1807
I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
As long, of course, as they don't get the wrong idea as to *who* is going to be the 'tator, like Prigozhin did.
How do you think I can afford to stay in 4-5 star hotels for months on end? They’re not ALL freebies
There is no point loading up on German tanks and then finding that the German government won’t let us use them in some situation. Imagine buying Spanish missiles and then they veto us using them if the Falklands kicks off because they want to use the situation to their advantage re Gibraltar.
Whilst it’s hard to trust Trump’s America our nearer neighbours aren’t necessarily any more reliable either.
As OGH and I both demonstrate with our skinhead looks.
In any event, if the UK buys tanks (not a priority for us, IMO) we should license the new Korean design, as has Poland.
I know there are security implications but if a lot of young people are prepared to risk death in the Channel to get here then why not offer citizenship after 10 years in the navy without any bad behaviour (not Dura type bad behaviour, that’s what sailors do of course).
We get sailors we need, people get a job and a route to citizenship, win/win.
It’s not an “unsubstantiated claim”
There is a scheme whereby you can get indefinite leave to remain having been in the armed forces, although to join the armed forces, if you are not British, you have to be from a Commonwealth country or Ireland.
Plus, of course, we already allow Irish citizens to enlist.
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-apply/nationality/
https://www.gov.uk/apply-indefinite-leave-to-remain-armed-forces
Around 10% of our soldiers are foreign nationals, from Commonwealth countries mostly.
https://www.declassifieduk.org/revealed-one-in-10-soldiers-in-the-british-army-is-a-foreign-national-amid-concerns-over-racism-and-mercenaries/#:~:text=Ten percent of full-time,troops, new analysis has found.
What did these 20 people say? "Sorry. I don't remember anything about this". Could be anything.
RFK JR. Has revealed that President Trump’s DOJ will launch RICO investigation to prosecute the collusion between medical boards, medical journals and Big Pharma. Buckle Up.!!!!!
https://x.com/emma6USA/status/1890438996251062476
Yaxley-Lennon is in prison because he pled guilty to contempt of court, which is criminal.
AIUI he's in solitary for his own safety, as assessed by the Prison Authorities.
As for the missus, is she the one who tried to help him hide around £1m of assets when he went bankrupt?
To clarify: I have a small amount on her as next Labour leader
No, they're all volunteers.