In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
DavidL is one of the finest posters on this site.
Was
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
President Trump, cryptically, in the Oval Office says of a deal with Ukraine: "Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way -- a different way that only I know. Only I know -- they have no choice either."
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
Perhaps if one wants to be a High Court judge these days, one must read the Guardian column on the wall.
Musk isn't in the Cabinet and none of those that are have any say over him as he is a) co-president and/or b) not an administration official at all. Someone who works from home in Tennessee is supposedly running DOGE. He isn't officially they claim.
Trump said in his speech that Musk is running DOGE
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
Perhaps if one wants to be a High Court judge these days, one must read the Guardian column on the wall.
President Trump, cryptically, in the Oval Office says of a deal with Ukraine: "Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way -- a different way that only I know. Only I know -- they have no choice either."
Full tonto.
Or Leon.
He may be referring to that fact that Putin's war machine can't last another year of this and he knows it.
President Trump, cryptically, in the Oval Office says of a deal with Ukraine: "Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way -- a different way that only I know. Only I know -- they have no choice either."
Full tonto.
Or Leon.
He may be referring to that fact that Putin's war machine can't last another year of this and he knows it.
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
DavidL is one of the finest posters on this site.
Was
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Richard Tice launching the Reform Party's Scotland campaign by standing next to an enormous plastic whippy choc-ice in a Glasgow East End chippy chanting "Drill, Scotland, drill" is surreal even by that party's norms. Bunuel has nothing on these guys.
I read that as Brunel!
Me too!
He was all too often a shit engineer if you were a shareholder, that's for sure. Though he did some great stuff, that's also for sure.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Classic cult behaviour. Nothing can take the shine off the saviour.
"Softer sentencing’ for minorities was based on David Lammy report The justice secretary Shabana Mahmood vows to reverse guidance telling judges to take into account the background of members of ethnic and religious minorities"
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Classic cult behaviour. Nothing can take the shine off the saviour.
The US can only be saved if they had enforced sterilisation of the Maga so they can’t keep popping out babies that are subsequently brainwashed by their moronic parents .
"Softer sentencing’ for minorities was based on David Lammy report The justice secretary Shabana Mahmood vows to reverse guidance telling judges to take into account the background of members of ethnic and religious minorities"
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
Well they clearly weren’t that bothered as they now are happy to ignore the egg prices and continue their adoration for the “ Dear Leader “ .
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
It seems to me it’s the administration that’s doing that.
We’re just puzzled at the pretence that it’s no longer an issue. Which it clearly is.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
It seems to me it’s the administration that’s doing that.
We’re just puzzled at the pretence that it’s no longer an issue. Which it clearly is.
President Trump, cryptically, in the Oval Office says of a deal with Ukraine: "Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way -- a different way that only I know. Only I know -- they have no choice either."
There have been some suggestions that the Russian economy is in a much poorer state than they’ve been (understandably) letting on. Using donkeys to supply their front lines is not usually a sign of military prowess by way of example...
US intelligence reports will have a much clearer view, which is (presumably) what Trump is referring to here - he does like to flash his inside intelligence info around in public, much to the chagrin of the intelligence agencies.
I would imagine that Putin is very keen on anything that lets him stop the bleeding without losing face. He probably doesn’t believe he can just stop the war unilaterally because that might result in his swift defenestration by Russian ultras.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Trump's envoy to Ukraine boasts of the suffering the US is now inflicting on Ukraine after cutting off intelligence and military aid.
Kellogg on effect of US military aid and intelligence cutoff to Ukraine: "It's like hitting a mule in the face with a two by four, you know. You got their attention."
Trump's envoy to Ukraine boasts of the suffering the US is now inflicting on Ukraine after cutting off intelligence and military aid.
Kellogg on effect of US military aid and intelligence cutoff to Ukraine: "It's like hitting a mule in the face with a two by four, you know. You got their attention."
They are so egregiously nasty all the time, I don't know what happened besides Trump setting free their baser instincts, to make so many officials glorify in being nasty.
Diplomatic language and civility in politics are not everything of course, but it is possible to go too far in the other direction.
Trump's envoy to Ukraine boasts of the suffering the US is now inflicting on Ukraine after cutting off intelligence and military aid.
Kellogg on effect of US military aid and intelligence cutoff to Ukraine: "It's like hitting a mule in the face with a two by four, you know. You got their attention."
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to work for Gabbard, and suddenly declare black is white.
Funny that , it was all the rage last November. You’ll find the Maga cult aren’t bothered about the price of eggs now. The latest coping strategy is to say any pain will be worth it in the end .
Normally, left wingers would be concerned about the cost of living. Mocking voters for caring about the price of eggs was a big misstep.
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
The price of eggs is no yolking matter.
Been beaten to the joke, going to have to scramble to find a good pun now.
Yes, also much more anti-Trump. The shift in opinion towards the US here in Britain has been quite dramatic. I was quite surprised to see that UK opinion now seems more hostile to the US than opinion in, say, France. Trump really triggers us here, I think it's something to do with the bullying and the vulgarity. From a British perspective Trump is like all the worst elements of American culture, distilled in one person. It's a shame because there is much to admire about the US but those days may now be gone.
If Starmer is seen to appease Trump, he will be in difficulty with his own supporters.
At the moment I think most people understand the tightrope he’s walking but any hint of Starmer allying more with Trump will see him in trouble . If Starmer is forced to choose between Europe , Zelenskyy and the US and chooses the latter then I’d support his removal as Labour leader and PM .
100%.
I think it’s pretty clear Trump would like the EU to fracture and also for the UK to pull towards the US. This way after we’ve burned our bridges with the EU he can demand anything . Starmer has had a dodgy start as PM but he has on Ukraine come across as genuinely wanting the best for the country and a proper peace deal not a sell out.
Except as we are seeing now, no matter how much the Eurofanatics would like to believe it, we have not burnt our bridges. Europe including the EU is recognising that it needs us, just as we need Europe. We just don't need to be tied to each other.
Britain and the EU will define a new relationship they are both happy with and one which benefits both sides. The only ones who will be unhappy will be those who pine to be back in a political union.
Kind of as predicted by some of us I see NBC are reporting that UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are discussing ending the Five Eyes relationship with the USA and scaling back on what intelligence they share with them.
Won’t that provoke Trump ? . I’d be happy if we did pull out and told the US where to go but just can’t see the UK doing this given their current juggling act .
I think the other members are realising that the greater risk might be from staying in Five Eyes. If they genuinely believe Trump could be supplying intelligence to the Russians then they really have no alternative but to cut ties even if it provokes a US response.
For now they are just discussing it but it is a sign they are far more concerned than they are saying in public.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
Yes, also much more anti-Trump. The shift in opinion towards the US here in Britain has been quite dramatic. I was quite surprised to see that UK opinion now seems more hostile to the US than opinion in, say, France. Trump really triggers us here, I think it's something to do with the bullying and the vulgarity. From a British perspective Trump is like all the worst elements of American culture, distilled in one person. It's a shame because there is much to admire about the US but those days may now be gone.
If Starmer is seen to appease Trump, he will be in difficulty with his own supporters.
At the moment I think most people understand the tightrope he’s walking but any hint of Starmer allying more with Trump will see him in trouble . If Starmer is forced to choose between Europe , Zelenskyy and the US and chooses the latter then I’d support his removal as Labour leader and PM .
100%.
I think it’s pretty clear Trump would like the EU to fracture and also for the UK to pull towards the US. This way after we’ve burned our bridges with the EU he can demand anything . Starmer has had a dodgy start as PM but he has on Ukraine come across as genuinely wanting the best for the country and a proper peace deal not a sell out.
Except as we are seeing now, no matter how much the Eurofanatics would like to believe it, we have not burnt our bridges. Europe including the EU is recognising that it needs us, just as we need Europe. We just don't need to be tied to each other.
Britain and the EU will define a new relationship they are both happy with and one which benefits both sides. The only ones who will be unhappy will be those who pine to be back in a political union.
I think pretty well everyone is happy to park that issue for less troubled times. Like the original Brexit was for a decade, it would be an enormously unnecessary distraction now.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
That is to say, I think we have lost the art of phonecalls.
Kind of as predicted by some of us I see NBC are reporting that UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are discussing ending the Five Eyes relationship with the USA and scaling back on what intelligence they share with them.
Let’s hope the move toward four eyes doesn’t prove to be shortsighted.
LOL. But being more serious I would think the obvious response would be to keep Five Eyes with France replacing the US. No matter how much we might like to scorn them on occassion, in the longer term I think they have proved far more trustworthy than the US, not least because they have been very open when they are not happy about something.
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
DavidL is one of the finest posters on this site.
Was
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
Boringly so. I am genuinely surprised my comments have been thought controversial. I have explained that there are many reasons why people from ethnic backgrounds may be more prone to being sentenced to jail than the stereotype of racist judges ( in which respect I agree with @Leon’s observations).
The question is whether the court should respond to these factors or simply say that is the way it is. I think exploring other options than jail makes sense. It reduces the likelihood of further offending. It improves the chances of the offender becoming a useful citizen. That is in all our interests, not just the accused.
For the record I have no intention ever of applying to become a judge. I much prefer prosecution and probably wouldn’t be considered anyway. The guidelines we have been discussing do not apply in Scotland. If they did I would inevitably have been more circumspect in expressing any view about them.
Yes, also much more anti-Trump. The shift in opinion towards the US here in Britain has been quite dramatic. I was quite surprised to see that UK opinion now seems more hostile to the US than opinion in, say, France. Trump really triggers us here, I think it's something to do with the bullying and the vulgarity. From a British perspective Trump is like all the worst elements of American culture, distilled in one person. It's a shame because there is much to admire about the US but those days may now be gone.
If Starmer is seen to appease Trump, he will be in difficulty with his own supporters.
At the moment I think most people understand the tightrope he’s walking but any hint of Starmer allying more with Trump will see him in trouble . If Starmer is forced to choose between Europe , Zelenskyy and the US and chooses the latter then I’d support his removal as Labour leader and PM .
100%.
I think it’s pretty clear Trump would like the EU to fracture and also for the UK to pull towards the US. This way after we’ve burned our bridges with the EU he can demand anything . Starmer has had a dodgy start as PM but he has on Ukraine come across as genuinely wanting the best for the country and a proper peace deal not a sell out.
Except as we are seeing now, no matter how much the Eurofanatics would like to believe it, we have not burnt our bridges. Europe including the EU is recognising that it needs us, just as we need Europe. We just don't need to be tied to each other.
Britain and the EU will define a new relationship they are both happy with and one which benefits both sides. The only ones who will be unhappy will be those who pine to be back in a political union.
Well, it certainly would have a sent a more powerful signal if Starmer had been able to join the EU meeting on military resources today.
That's one of things thar Lebedev and his father managed to helped to see off with encouraging Brexit, as advised by the Dugjn GRU manual.
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
DavidL is one of the finest posters on this site.
Was
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
Boringly so. I am genuinely surprised my comments have been thought controversial. I have explained that there are many reasons why people from ethnic backgrounds may be more prone to being sentenced to jail than the stereotype of racist judges ( in which respect I agree with @Leon’s observations).
The question is whether the court should respond to these factors or simply say that is the way it is. I think exploring other options than jail makes sense. It reduces the likelihood of further offending. It improves the chances of the offender becoming a useful citizen. That is in all our interests, not just the accused.
For the record I have no intention ever of applying to become a judge. I much prefer prosecution and probably wouldn’t be considered anyway. The guidelines we have been discussing do not apply in Scotland. If they did I would inevitably have been more circumspect in expressing any view about them.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to work for Gabbard, and suddenly declare black is white.
For one thing I would hate to be a genuine spy working inside Russia today. I would certainly not tust the US intelligence agencies to keep them safe from now on. For the first time they could be faced with the prospect of being betrayed, not by a double agent within the organisation, but by the top level of the organisation itself.
I was going through some files and found this representation of the old Navy Fleet Air Defense mission Victor Lima using the method known as "Chain Saw". This was still in practice when I first started in the fleet in 1993 but it quickly faded.
But this was the primary fleet defense tactic for the Soviets during the 80s. The boat had two Tomcat squadrons of 14 jets each, so they could put some serious A/A ordnance at the pointy end of the chain saw. Any Soviet attempt to take out the carrier would need a LOT of Bears, Backfires, and Blackjacks.
We did long range CAPs all the time. I've been 600 miles from the carrier at night in shit weather.
There was never anything on that scale in my day because the F-14 squadrons were smaller by then (13 x F-14D is still a pretty big mallet though...) and it would have taken every tanker on the ship so they wouldn't have been able to do anything else.
In fact, I cannot remember the last time I met an actual right wing lawyer. As in: a full-on Brexity Tory gin-swilling hang-em-high justice of the peace
I wonder if they even exist any more
On the other hand, I have met many many many left wing lawyers and judges, some very left, nearly always Remainery
There are a whole host of reasons why the poor black man ends up in prison and the rich white women doesn’t.
Poor people are much more likely to go to prison, whatever their colour. Their propensity to steal, for example, is driven by their situation and lack of options.
They are less likely to be in employment so less able to pay compensation.
They are more likely to live in criminal environs making recidivism more likely.
They are less likely to have a secure address or a stable family relationship.
They are likely to be less well represented.
They are more likely to have a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol, not least because their life is shit.
I could go on but if the courts are going to find ways of not sending a disproportionate number of poor black men to prison they need to think outside the box a bit more and a pre-sentencing report can help with that.
These guidelines are based on real evidence and real experiences of those at the sharp end. Having given it some thought I back them and regret that Labour ran away because they thought it looked “woke”.
And a bleeding heart liberal I ain’t.
I am appalled by this.
We don't see eye to eye on many issues these days, but I tend to regard your capacity to reason as sound, if you often reach conclusions that I think are erroneous.
This is not that - this is a perversion of logic. It is not for the courts to maladminister justice to try to redress some societal imbalance that they have cod-analysed. If more poor black men have committed crimes severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, then they must be given a custodial sentence - if for public protection alone.
'Having given some thought' is a good one. Perhaps giving such 'thought' is what it takes to be promoted these days.
But wait, racist anti-white sentencing laws make him a bit "twitchy", so that's OK
It's just integrity leaving the body.
That's a brilliant analogy
I believe these pre-death rhapsodies often occur in lawyers entering late middle age, pre-retirement, when it just seems so much easier to - you know - go with the flow, don't make a fuss....
DavidL is one of the finest posters on this site.
Was
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
Boringly so. I am genuinely surprised my comments have been thought controversial. I have explained that there are many reasons why people from ethnic backgrounds may be more prone to being sentenced to jail than the stereotype of racist judges ( in which respect I agree with @Leon’s observations).
The question is whether the court should respond to these factors or simply say that is the way it is. I think exploring other options than jail makes sense. It reduces the likelihood of further offending. It improves the chances of the offender becoming a useful citizen. That is in all our interests, not just the accused.
For the record I have no intention ever of applying to become a judge. I much prefer prosecution and probably wouldn’t be considered anyway. The guidelines we have been discussing do not apply in Scotland. If they did I would inevitably have been more circumspect in expressing any view about them.
Have you considered defence?
No. It pays better but I would not feel comfortable using whatever little talent I have trying to get someone off. My empathy is with the victims, not the accused.
Defence lawyers do an essential job. The system can’t work without them. My daughter is now doing defence work and enjoying it. But it’s not me.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to work for Gabbard, and suddenly declare black is white.
There must be so many career public servants wondering what the hell is going on. What can they support. When do they walk away. What are the consequences if they do. Can they covertly work to help those suffering.
At the top of that pyramid are maybe dozens of Republican Congressmen and women. People with decades of public service. People who have done much for their local or state communities. Being asked to stand by, silent - or worse, applauding - as their career of helping is ripped down.
People dying inside.
How long will they go along with this shit show, this cavalcade of lies? Maybe for ever. Maybe they will just announce they will not stand for re-election.
But given how tight the numbers are, they have a chance to make a difference. A chance to put the brakes on.
A chance for history to regard them as people who made the difference.
A guy online used publically available (for a price) satellite data and trained a neural net to find Soviet-era PZL M-15 cropdusters. And it appears to have worked
Kind of as predicted by some of us I see NBC are reporting that UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are discussing ending the Five Eyes relationship with the USA and scaling back on what intelligence they share with them.
Won’t that provoke Trump ? . I’d be happy if we did pull out and told the US where to go but just can’t see the UK doing this given their current juggling act .
I think the other members are realising that the greater risk might be from staying in Five Eyes. If they genuinely believe Trump could be supplying intelligence to the Russians then they really have no alternative but to cut ties even if it provokes a US response.
For now they are just discussing it but it is a sign they are far more concerned than they are saying in public.
Yes the fact that they are even talking about it is truly remarkable. An incredible change of the entire post war settlement. The financial implications are enormous and the short term gaps will be troubling but I am not seeing many options. It may take something like this to bring it home to Trump that he simply cannot do what he likes without consequences.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
Phone calls are usually a much better and nicer way to communicate with people than electronic messages.
Although not as good as talking shite over a few pints in a convivial pub.
My generation is scared shitless of telephone calls. I'm not, but I am more susceptible to being persuaded into things on phonecalls, so I prefer emails. If someone phones me up and asks a favour, I'm much more likely to say yes out of embarassment - even more so than in real life conversations. But my responses to emails or texts are more measured.
Out of curiosity, what's your phone number?
5318008
I've noticed that the younger people in our extended family don't answer phone calls anymore.
I'm old enough to remember having a four digit phone number.
I'm old enough to remember not having a phone at home.
Since losing my non-smart phone a few days ago I've had to resort to using phone boxes, and it's surprising how many of them are still working. Also, it turns out you never need more than 60p because the money never runs out now, it just continues for ever.
I'm old enough to remember having a four digit phone number.
I'm old enough to remember not having a phone at home.
Since losing my non-smart phone a few days ago I've had to resort to using phone boxes, and it's surprising how many of them are still working. Also, it turns out you never need more than 60p because the money never runs out now, it just continues for ever.
I'm old enough to remember having a four digit phone number.
I'm old enough to remember not having a phone at home.
Since losing my non-smart phone a few days ago I've had to resort to using phone boxes, and it's surprising how many of them are still working. Also, it turns out you never need more than 60p because the money never runs out now, it just continues for ever.
Phone boxes still have their uses. Calling in the ice cream van etc.
Apparently Meloni proposed extending NATO Article 5 cover to include Ukraine but without formal accession to NATO. I can't see that flying but interesting never the less that it is being proposed by Italy.
Apparently Meloni proposed extending NATO Article 5 cover to include Ukraine but without formal accession to NATO. I can't see that flying but interesting never the less that it is being proposed by Italy.
Doubt her party colleagues will like it. 34% support for Ukraine in Itajy.
Apparently Meloni proposed extending NATO Article 5 cover to include Ukraine but without formal accession to NATO. I can't see that flying but interesting never the less that it is being proposed by Italy.
Doubt her party colleagues will like it. 34% support for Ukraine in Itajy.
Yes, Meloni seems to be a rare right wing populist who doesn't want to suck up to Putin - it is possible!
Apparently Meloni proposed extending NATO Article 5 cover to include Ukraine but without formal accession to NATO. I can't see that flying but interesting never the less that it is being proposed by Italy.
... that's the US out then. I would have thought the most aggressive position possible would be a *conventional* security guarantee. Not actual nukes.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to work for Gabbard, and suddenly declare black is white.
There must be so many career public servants wondering what the hell is going on. What can they support. When do they walk away. What are the consequences if they do. Can they covertly work to help those suffering.
At the top of that pyramid are maybe dozens of Republican Congressmen and women. People with decades of public service. People who have done much for their local or state communities. Being asked to stand by, silent - or worse, applauding - as their career of helping is ripped down.
People dying inside.
How long will they go along with this shit show, this cavalcade of lies? Maybe for ever. Maybe they will just announce they will not stand for re-election.
But given how tight the numbers are, they have a chance to make a difference. A chance to put the brakes on.
A chance for history to regard them as people who made the difference.
Or who stood aside. Did nothing.
Quite a turmoil going on in their hearts.
It's a rerun of the dilemmas facing decent Germans as the Nazis tightened their grip on the country.
Comments
I hope he returns to his senses. His posts today have been shameful
Or Leon.
Trump Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent today in NYC: “Access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream”
https://x.com/JStein_WaPo/status/1897697918456332478
Russia Rejects Plan to 'Freeze' Ukraine War Along Current Front Lines
https://www.newsweek.com/russia-rejects-plan-freeze-ukraine-war-along-current-frontlines-2036419
Has no idea about avian flu. Or perhaps RFK has told him it is a hoax.
The justice secretary Shabana Mahmood vows to reverse guidance telling judges to take into account the background of members of ethnic and religious minorities"
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/softer-sentencing-minority-uk-prisoners-david-lammy-6h2s6djgn
David "Reparations Now" Lammy
Yes, Trump's policies may in fact increase the price of eggs. But laughing at the concerns of the poor was and is shitty behaviour.
We’re just puzzled at the pretence that it’s no longer an issue. Which it clearly is.
US intelligence reports will have a much clearer view, which is (presumably) what Trump is referring to here - he does like to flash his inside intelligence info around in public, much to the chagrin of the intelligence agencies.
I would imagine that Putin is very keen on anything that lets him stop the bleeding without losing face. He probably doesn’t believe he can just stop the war unilaterally because that might result in his swift defenestration by Russian ultras.
We'll see shall we.
Trump's envoy to Ukraine boasts of the suffering the US is now inflicting on Ukraine after cutting off intelligence and military aid.
Kellogg on effect of US military aid and intelligence cutoff to Ukraine: "It's like hitting a mule in the face with a two by four, you know. You got their attention."
The lowest scum.
https://x.com/JayinKyiv/status/1897683288321323303
Diplomatic language and civility in politics are not everything of course, but it is possible to go too far in the other direction.
Over the past several months I asked U.S. allies whether they think President Trump is a reliable ally. They said no, but with an essential caveat. The career U.S. government officials who actually run the FBI, the intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon day-to-day have long been trusted partners. In my latest story for the Atlantic, I look at these key, working-level relationships and whether they can keep an eight-decade alliance from falling apart.
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/03/american-allies-trust-trump-intelligence/681939/?gift=kPTlqn0J1iP9IBZcsdI5IWQ_Mm3krL1dMYEQwYELYe8&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
… Gabbard’s statement is completely at odds with years of intelligence reporting that the office she now leads has provided to American policy makers and allies. U.S. intelligence has long assessed that Russia invaded Ukraine in the hopes of decapitating its leadership and installing a Kremlin-friendly government. When Gabbard portrays Zelensky as the aggressor, and rhetorically backs up Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine, she politicizes the intelligence community at the very highest level, something every allied official I talked with has long feared. Gabbard’s office didn’t respond to my request that she elaborate on her comments.
Seemingly the only country praising Trump’s strong-arming of Ukraine is Russia. After Zelensky left the White House, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state-television reporter, “The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign-policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision.”
This, too, is an outcome the allies have dreaded. The officials I talked with debate why exactly Trump is so solicitous of Putin; they have for years. But there was little arguing this week that the United States seems to be switching sides.
Britain and the EU will define a new relationship they are both happy with and one which benefits both sides. The only ones who will be unhappy will be those who pine to be back in a political union.
For now they are just discussing it but it is a sign they are far more concerned than they are saying in public.
Like the original Brexit was for a decade, it would be an enormously unnecessary distraction now.
The question is whether the court should respond to these factors or simply say that is the way it is. I think exploring other options than jail makes sense. It reduces the likelihood of further offending. It improves the chances of the offender becoming a useful citizen. That is in all our interests, not just the accused.
For the record I have no intention ever of applying to become a judge. I much prefer prosecution and probably wouldn’t be considered anyway. The guidelines we have been discussing do not apply in Scotland. If they did I would inevitably have been more circumspect in expressing any view about them.
That's one of things thar Lebedev and his father managed to helped to see off with encouraging Brexit, as advised by the Dugjn GRU manual.
There was never anything on that scale in my day because the F-14 squadrons were smaller by then (13 x F-14D is still a pretty big mallet though...) and it would have taken every tanker on the ship so they wouldn't have been able to do anything else.
Defence lawyers do an essential job. The system can’t work without them. My daughter is now doing defence work and enjoying it. But it’s not me.
At the top of that pyramid are maybe dozens of Republican Congressmen and women. People with decades of public service. People who have done much for their local or state communities. Being asked to stand by, silent - or worse, applauding - as their career of helping is ripped down.
People dying inside.
How long will they go along with this shit show, this cavalcade of lies? Maybe for ever. Maybe they will just announce they will not stand for re-election.
But given how tight the numbers are, they have a chance to make a difference. A chance to put the brakes on.
A chance for history to regard them as people who made the difference.
Or who stood aside. Did nothing.
Quite a turmoil going on in their hearts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3IwER3yXs4 (14 mins)
I never got my head around the area code system.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_telephone_numbers_in_the_United_Kingdom
https://x.com/oliverreform/status/1897603708780753279
She could stand in Runcorn.
Then we'd know Starmer was supernaturally blessed.
Unless...
Apparently Meloni proposed extending NATO Article 5 cover to include Ukraine but without formal accession to NATO. I can't see that flying but interesting never the less that it is being proposed by Italy.
Remember WHItehall 1212 ? Sigh.