The weird bit is, there are plenty of people whose comments did go too far. But I'm not sure I'd include Kimmel on the list. His piece was mostly mocking Trump for wanting to talk about the White House ballroom rather than his sadness about the death of Charlie Kirk.
“Well, I was surprised when I read that — I just believe in giving Americans more credit,” Buttigieg
So even against Trump Americans didn’t vote for a woman and it’s a stretch to think they’d vote for a gay candidate. Buttigieg is a great speaker and in an ideal world would have a good chance at becoming President especially against Vance . The reality is if the Dems do put him forward they’ll lose and any remnants of US democracy will be completely extinguished.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I am trying the remember which book had the following -
"To my friends, I am David. To you, I am the Duke of X, Earl of Y etc etc {for about 3 lines}"
Are you sure it was a book rather than a film or television series? It sounds like the Duke of Windsor, post-abdication. King Edward VIII was known as David. In those days, Kings chose regnal names different from their own. You may remember speculation that HM King Charles III would be King George VII.
When a model is giving Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (for example) to Reform, its broken. They got 10% in the by election in the constituency last night, UKIP managed 9% in 2015, the Brexit Party 3% in 2019, Reform didn't bother running there in 2024. These models are not much more use than a bit of clickbait
It also has the SNP winning Orkney & Shetland. Which, given the SNP's overall vote share is down since 2019, and the LibDems is up, seems... improbable.
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I think you're really being quite silly in an attempt to get another hit in at Starmer. This one hasn't quite landed.
Well you can think what you like, but on this occasion I have to disagree. He says he’s an atheist, but wouldn’t do so in front of Trump. To me it’s consistent with being insincere & slimy, like his meat eating when professing to be a vegetarian on ethical grounds. To me it says I can’t trust anything he says
You really are grasping at straws.
Especially as you are a fanboy of Farage, who is himself utterly untrustworthy.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
I like the Unitarians very much. I also quite like the Assyrian Church of the East.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Reading this thread is depressing as we see all that that was dear to us being challenged by extreme views that leave me cold and wondering how and when we may see a return to a more content and less divisive society but it is thought provoking that I do not expect it in my lifetime
My wife lost her dear cousin this morning in the north of Scotland and we are struggling to come to terms that we are unlikely to attend her funeral due to our own health issues
As you grow older you gain wisdom, but ageing does not come alone and I always say to follow your dreams and do not delay for we know not what comes along tomorrow
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Also consider the Religious Society of Friends, perhaps. Aka Quakers.
Both with a long tradition in the UK, right back to the Stuart persecutions and before.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
True of Scandanavia and Russia historically.
Which could be down to the winters. Or it could be that short days make people depressed. In which case Utah shouldn't be affected.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I am trying the remember which book had the following -
"To my friends, I am David. To you, I am the Duke of X, Earl of Y etc etc {for about 3 lines}"
Are you sure it was a book rather than a film or television series? It sounds like the Duke of Windsor, post-abdication. King Edward VIII was known as David. In those days, Kings chose regnal names different from their own. You may remember speculation that HM King Charles III would be King George VII.
When a model is giving Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (for example) to Reform, its broken. They got 10% in the by election in the constituency last night, UKIP managed 9% in 2015, the Brexit Party 3% in 2019, Reform didn't bother running there in 2024. These models are not much more use than a bit of clickbait
It also has the SNP winning Orkney & Shetland. Which, given the SNP's overall vote share is down since 2019, and the LibDems is up, seems... improbable.
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
Gaining Shetland but not West Aberdeenshire seems bold from Stats For Lefties The problem with massive sea changes on the models is that it completely misses out that there are areas of entrenched strength or fundamental weakness for all the parties that simple wont 'disappear' because the political landscape has more generally. Even on the extreme FoN figures I would think every seat after Reforms first 200 or so will be close enough with someone or other that I wouldnt want to 'mass call' them
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
Reading this thread is depressing as we see all that that was dear to us being challenged by extreme views that leave me cold and wondering how and when we may see a return to a more content and less divisive society but it is thought provoking that I do not expect it in my lifetime
My wife lost her dear cousin this morning in the north of Scotland and we are struggling to come to terms that we are unlikely to attend her funeral due to our own health issues
As you grow older you gain wisdom, but ageing does not come alone and I always say to follow your dreams and do not delay for we know not what comes along tomorrow
Im sorry for your wife's loss Big G. My condolences
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I think you're really being quite silly in an attempt to get another hit in at Starmer. This one hasn't quite landed.
Well you can think what you like, but on this occasion I have to disagree. He says he’s an atheist, but wouldn’t do so in front of Trump. To me it’s consistent with being insincere & slimy, like his meat eating when professing to be a vegetarian on ethical grounds. To me it says I can’t trust anything he says
You really are grasping at straws.
Especially as you are a fanboy of Farage, who is himself utterly untrustworthy.
I don’t think so, I’ve outlined why
I’d not see the needs for you to try to be provocative with the ‘fanboy’ nonsense. You can disagree with what I think if you like, I don’t care.
Farage is quite untrustworthy, I said he should have called a by election for Kruger, and don’t really believe him on the Clacton house thing. I don’t see why that makes me a fanboy, whatever that means
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
The weird bit is, there are plenty of people whose comments did go too far. But I'm not sure I'd include Kimmel on the list. His piece was mostly mocking Trump for wanting to talk about the White House ballroom rather than his sadness about the death of Charlie Kirk.
TBH, I haven't even listened to Kimmel's piece (I find him boring). There's only so much of the current brouhaha any one person can take.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
The weird bit is, there are plenty of people whose comments did go too far. But I'm not sure I'd include Kimmel on the list. His piece was mostly mocking Trump for wanting to talk about the White House ballroom rather than his sadness about the death of Charlie Kirk.
TBH, I haven't even listened to Kimmel's piece (I find him boring). There's only so much of the current brouhaha any one person can take.
I wouldn't have bothered if we hadn't been all getting so worked up about it. And I thought... maybe I should actually know what he said before commenting on it.
In 2015 Turkey shot down a Russian jet that had violated its airspace , and Russia hasn't made that mistake again. Perhaps these MiGs should have been shot down too?
The weird bit is, there are plenty of people whose comments did go too far. But I'm not sure I'd include Kimmel on the list. His piece was mostly mocking Trump for wanting to talk about the White House ballroom rather than his sadness about the death of Charlie Kirk.
TBH, I haven't even listened to Kimmel's piece (I find him boring). There's only so much of the current brouhaha any one person can take.
I wouldn't have bothered if we hadn't been all getting so worked up about it. And I thought... maybe I should actually know what he said before commenting on it.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
Because nobody knows what god looks like but we know Jesus was a handsome white man with long hair and a beard - easier to depict.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I think you're really being quite silly in an attempt to get another hit in at Starmer. This one hasn't quite landed.
Well you can think what you like, but on this occasion I have to disagree. He says he’s an atheist, but wouldn’t do so in front of Trump. To me it’s consistent with being insincere & slimy, like his meat eating when professing to be a vegetarian on ethical grounds. To me it says I can’t trust anything he says
You really are grasping at straws.
Especially as you are a fanboy of Farage, who is himself utterly untrustworthy.
I don’t think so, I’ve outlined why
I’d not see the needs for you to try to be provocative with the ‘fanboy’ nonsense. You can disagree with what I think if you like, I don’t care.
Farage is quite untrustworthy, I said he should have called a by election for Kruger, and don’t really believe him on the Clacton house thing. I don’t see why that makes me a fanboy, whatever that means
And I've explained why you're being very unfair on Starmer. And I say that as someone who is hardly a fan of Starmer.
People's relationship with religion is complex, even (or perhaps especially...) amongst the religious. I don't see any great contradiction in the very short snippets you gave us. Certainly not enough to call him 'insincere & slimy'.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
I'm not that surprised - I would expect that 'unhappy' people will tend towards both alcoholism and suicide - they are likely both outcomes of the same underlying issues and thus correlated with each other. The tricky thing is what are the underlying causes as I don't believe that it is alcoholism per se that drives an increase in suicides (and you can see Utah as the confounding example of that by the sounds of it)
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I think you're really being quite silly in an attempt to get another hit in at Starmer. This one hasn't quite landed.
Well you can think what you like, but on this occasion I have to disagree. He says he’s an atheist, but wouldn’t do so in front of Trump. To me it’s consistent with being insincere & slimy, like his meat eating when professing to be a vegetarian on ethical grounds. To me it says I can’t trust anything he says
You really are grasping at straws.
Especially as you are a fanboy of Farage, who is himself utterly untrustworthy.
I don’t think so, I’ve outlined why
I’d not see the needs for you to try to be provocative with the ‘fanboy’ nonsense. You can disagree with what I think if you like, I don’t care.
Farage is quite untrustworthy, I said he should have called a by election for Kruger, and don’t really believe him on the Clacton house thing. I don’t see why that makes me a fanboy, whatever that means
And I've explained why you're being very unfair on Starmer. And I say that as someone who is hardly a fan of Starmer.
People's relationship with religion is complex, even (or perhaps especially...) amongst the religious. I don't see any great contradiction in the very short snippets you gave us. Certainly not enough to call him 'insincere & slimy'.
I think it’s more evidence that Sir Keir is insincere and slimy, if you don’t, so be it, I couldn’t care less. We know what each other thinks, it’s boring to carry it on, so we can leave it at that
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
The picture on the right looks alarmingly like a the grim reaper.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
Because nobody knows what god looks like but we know Jesus was a handsome white man with long hair and a beard - easier to depict.
But Jesus is God.
God the Father. God the Son. (I.e. Jesus) God the Holy Spirit
That is at the heart of Christianity, particularly Western Christianity.
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
One caused by the other? Or both symptoms of a depressing existence? I'm always wary of American figures for alcoholism. What Americans conisder problem drinking is what Europeans consider a quiet Thursday.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
One caused by the other? Or both symptoms of a depressing existence? I'm always wary of American figures for alcoholism. What Americans conisder problem drinking is what Europeans consider a quiet Thursday.
I think it differs. I've worked with some hard drinking Americans and some abstemious ones
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
One caused by the other? Or both symptoms of a depressing existence? I'm always wary of American figures for alcoholism. What Americans conisder problem drinking is what Europeans consider a quiet Thursday.
Another thought, actually looking at that map, suicide rates are very strongly correlated with gun ownership. Which makes sense. We know in the UK suicide rates are stringly correlated with those careers who tend to have access to the means to do so.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
Because nobody knows what god looks like but we know Jesus was a handsome white man with long hair and a beard - easier to depict.
But Jesus is God.
God the Father. God the Son. (I.e. Jesus) God the Holy Spirit
That is at the heart of Christianity, particularly Western Christianity.
To those of us who grew up without this stuff being explicit - Christianity is actually very very strange indeed.
I'm going to watch the new Darren Aronofsky film this evening. Hope it's good because most films I choose to watch in the cinema tend to be a bit disappointing.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
Because nobody knows what god looks like but we know Jesus was a handsome white man with long hair and a beard - easier to depict.
But Jesus is God.
God the Father. God the Son. (I.e. Jesus) God the Holy Spirit
That is at the heart of Christianity, particularly Western Christianity.
To those of us who grew up without this stuff being explicit - Christianity is actually very very strange indeed.
There is a subset of Christians who are guilty of thinking about it too much. This has led to more divisions than a Socialist Mathematics Group, when they should really have stuck to the basics - salvation via confession of sin, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, be a good egg and pass the biscuits.
FPT: Francis Urquart said about Utah: "The stat I remember (I don't know if it is still true) SLC, some of the highest academic achievement levels in the whole of the US, one of the highest suicide rates."
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Looking at that map, I think (with the exception of Utah) the strongest correlation is probablty with alcoholism rates.
I just ran an analysis, and it staggering how strong the correlation between alcoholism and suicide is in the US (outside Utah).
One caused by the other? Or both symptoms of a depressing existence? I'm always wary of American figures for alcoholism. What Americans conisder problem drinking is what Europeans consider a quiet Thursday.
Another thought, actually looking at that map, suicide rates are very strongly correlated with gun ownership. Which makes sense. We know in the UK suicide rates are stringly correlated with those careers who tend to have access to the means to do so.
I'd just add that IME coroners are rather hesitant to declare suicide if possible.
I think this is probably a good thing, but it probably skews the figures somewhat.
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
Is there a third pic where you drop the dog?
I was mostly worried about dropping the phone; it would have been a long, hot walk to go back and find it.
Scottish government minister Jamie Hepburn has resigned after he was accused of physically assaulting the Conservative MSP Douglas Ross.
Ross said the parliament minister grabbed him and swore aggressively as he left the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday.
Hepburn said he put his hand on the former Scottish Tory leader's shoulder and used some "choice words".
The resignation came hours after Ross formally complained about the SNP MSP's conduct in a letter to first minister John Swinney.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn wrote: "Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice.
"This decision is one that I feel is for the best in these circumstances and the one that for my own part feel is the appropriate course of action."
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
Is there a third pic where you drop the dog?
I was mostly worried about dropping the phone; it would have been a long, hot walk to go back and find it.
The same logic could be applied to the dog presumably?
When a model is giving Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (for example) to Reform, its broken. They got 10% in the by election in the constituency last night, UKIP managed 9% in 2015, the Brexit Party 3% in 2019, Reform didn't bother running there in 2024. These models are not much more use than a bit of clickbait
It also has the SNP winning Orkney & Shetland. Which, given the SNP's overall vote share is down since 2019, and the LibDems is up, seems... improbable.
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
It is the only safe LD seat. It is the only one held continuously since 1997 - in fact since 1950.
When a model is giving Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (for example) to Reform, its broken. They got 10% in the by election in the constituency last night, UKIP managed 9% in 2015, the Brexit Party 3% in 2019, Reform didn't bother running there in 2024. These models are not much more use than a bit of clickbait
It also has the SNP winning Orkney & Shetland. Which, given the SNP's overall vote share is down since 2019, and the LibDems is up, seems... improbable.
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
It is the only safe LD seat. It is the only one held continuously since 1997 - in fact since 1950.
In it's whole history its had constant Whig/Lib/Lib Dem except for 5 terms
Conservative in 1835 Liberal Unionist 1900 Independent Liberal 1902 Unionist 1935 and 1945
Scottish government minister Jamie Hepburn has resigned after he was accused of physically assaulting the Conservative MSP Douglas Ross.
Ross said the parliament minister grabbed him and swore aggressively as he left the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday.
Hepburn said he put his hand on the former Scottish Tory leader's shoulder and used some "choice words".
The resignation came hours after Ross formally complained about the SNP MSP's conduct in a letter to first minister John Swinney.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn wrote: "Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice.
"This decision is one that I feel is for the best in these circumstances and the one that for my own part feel is the appropriate course of action."
When a model is giving Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (for example) to Reform, its broken. They got 10% in the by election in the constituency last night, UKIP managed 9% in 2015, the Brexit Party 3% in 2019, Reform didn't bother running there in 2024. These models are not much more use than a bit of clickbait
It also has the SNP winning Orkney & Shetland. Which, given the SNP's overall vote share is down since 2019, and the LibDems is up, seems... improbable.
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
It is the only safe LD seat. It is the only one held continuously since 1997 - in fact since 1950.
In it's whole history its had constant Whig/Lib/Lib Dem except for 5 terms
Conservative in 1835 Liberal Unionist 1900 Independent Liberal 1902 Unionist 1935 and 1945
IIRC it was the one Liberal bright spot for years during the 50's.
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Of course, but insincere Sir Keir is a Cultural Christian when he’s next to Trump and a militant atheist when he’s with left wing academics. He’s a vegetarian on ethical grounds as a point of principle, but he eats chicken when he’s hungry.
Very similar to the character of Danglars in The Count of Monte Cristo chapter ‘Unlimited Credit’
"I see; to your domestics you are `my lord,' the journalists style you `monsieur,' while your constituents call you `citizen.' These are distinctions very suitable under a constitutional government.
I am trying the remember which book had the following -
"To my friends, I am David. To you, I am the Duke of X, Earl of Y etc etc {for about 3 lines}"
It might be the film of "The King's Speech" with Guy Pearce as Prince Edward who went by "David" to his family. Interestingly I think Boris Johnson's family call him "Alex" - am I right?
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Church is a community as well as a religion. I'm agnostic (not atheist), and I see myself as culturally Christian, in that I've been raised in a community and culture that is Christian. I went to school and celebrated Christian festivals, take time off at Christmas, know many of the Christian stories, have read the bible etc. I even pray often.
It's just that I've yet to find a Christian church that is worth joining. And since @HYUFD told me I'm not welcome at his church, that's another option out.
People's relationship with God, religion and church is complex.
Have you tried the Unitarians? God optional, trinity optional, biscuits on a good day.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Was JC a Trinitarian?
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
Personally, I find Trinitarianism and the Second Commandment (about graven images) incompatible with Catholicism.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
Because nobody knows what god looks like but we know Jesus was a handsome white man with long hair and a beard - easier to depict.
But Jesus is God.
God the Father. God the Son. (I.e. Jesus) God the Holy Spirit
That is at the heart of Christianity, particularly Western Christianity.
To those of us who grew up without this stuff being explicit - Christianity is actually very very strange indeed.
All religions are bizarre nonsense that you wouldn’t give the time of day, were you not brought up with it.
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
Is there a third pic where you drop the dog?
I was mostly worried about dropping the phone; it would have been a long, hot walk to go back and find it.
The same logic could be applied to the dog presumably?
Assuming he survived the drop - which in most places I think he would have done, if with some bad legs, he would have tried to follow me down. For the chairlift he was sitting on me and there wasn’t any risk; the bucket lift was a bit more tricky.
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
Is there a third pic where you drop the dog?
I was mostly worried about dropping the phone; it would have been a long, hot walk to go back and find it.
That's a good dog to be willing to be held at that height and not flinch. Mine would be all over the place trying to get at whatever wildlife was below.
1) Emma Raducanu ever winning a Slam again 2) Donald Trump being in office past Jan 2029
The only way Trump isn't in office in 2029 is if he dies first. Anyone who thinks he'll just step down as required by the constitution is naive to put it mildly.
Presidents don't step down, they're elected for a fixed term of office.
So the next President will be elected in November 2028 and will take office in January 2029.
Trump can blockade himself in the White House and huff and puff all he wants.
And nobody will pay any attention beyond him being evicted and taken off to a care home.
I think you are badly underestimating how Trump has corrupted the US. He has spent his entire time in office doing a succession of things that are blatantly not legal, but who stops him? Nobody.
He has millions of supporters who seem to be prepared to back him come what may, and a nascent private goon squad in ICE. If he decides there's not going to be elections in 2028 because 'the dems are a threat to America', who stops him from doing that? What happens when Republican governors agree and refuse to permit their states to take part in a presidential election?
The only way to remove him is for the military to step in a take control temporarily, but I'm very sceptical they'll do that because he's well on the way to purging any senior commanders who'll stand up to him.
Much more likely Republican run states continue to accept Trump as President but others will run an election that returns a Democrat president, and the US effectively splits in two. Trump will do this because both he and his associates know what happens to them the moment a Democrat president takes power - a process starts that will see many of them end up in jail cells.
I sincerely hope you're right and I'm not, but the US is in a terrible place right now and it's getting worse every day.
I read the same throughout 2017-2020 and when it came down to it there were elections and Trump was out.
With the 'millions of supporters who seem to be prepared to back him come what may' amounting to little more than a few hundred clowns in fancy dress.
What did all the 'proud boys' and 'three percenters' and 'oath keepers' do during the Biden presidency ?
Were there insurrections in the Rockies and Appalachia ? Were there terrorist attacks against DC and NYC ?
No, nothing. They meekly allowed themselves to be arrested and jailed.
One of our favourite days out, the historic chairlift and bucket lift up to the Meraner Höhenweg. And it was sweltering even up there today, and forecast to be hotter still over the weekend
Is there a third pic where you drop the dog?
I was mostly worried about dropping the phone; it would have been a long, hot walk to go back and find it.
That's a good dog to be willing to be held at that height and not flinch. Mine would be all over the place trying to get at whatever wildlife was below.
Especially as we went right over a herd of clanking Alpine cows
As well as being a vegetarian who eats meat, as it Keir is now an atheist and a Christian. He was literally too scared to say he was an atheist in front of Trump, what a gutless fool he really is
“I was christened. So that is my church – has been all my life.” ~ Keir Starmer.
Yet, in 2021 he said, “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God.”
Comments
I mean, I can see the SNP taking swathes of Labour seats in Scotland.
But in 2024 the LibDems polled 3x as many votes as the SNP in Orkney & Shetland. It is, percentage-wise, probably their safest seat in the country.
HY will say that Unitarians aren't Christians, mind.
Especially as you are a fanboy of Farage, who is himself utterly untrustworthy.
Here's the data: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/rates-by-state.html
At a quick glance, what I see is that states with harsh winters tend to have higher suicide rates -- but I would need to see more data before I was certain of that correlation.
Reading this thread is depressing as we see all that that was dear to us being challenged by extreme views that leave me cold and wondering how and when we may see a return to a more content and less divisive society but it is thought provoking that I do not expect it in my lifetime
My wife lost her dear cousin this morning in the north of Scotland and we are struggling to come to terms that we are unlikely to attend her funeral due to our own health issues
As you grow older you gain wisdom, but ageing does not come alone and I always say to follow your dreams and do not delay for we know not what comes along tomorrow
Both with a long tradition in the UK, right back to the Stuart persecutions and before.
Which could be down to the winters. Or it could be that short days make people depressed. In which case Utah shouldn't be affected.
The problem with massive sea changes on the models is that it completely misses out that there are areas of entrenched strength or fundamental weakness for all the parties that simple wont 'disappear' because the political landscape has more generally.
Even on the extreme FoN figures I would think every seat after Reforms first 200 or so will be close enough with someone or other that I wouldnt want to 'mass call' them
The poor Unitarians were persecuted by the UK crown for being non-Trinitarians, ergo subversive and disloyal traitors to the crown. That's why some called themselves Presbyterian until the penalties were sort of lifted in the C19. Confused the hell out of me when I was trying to sort out a local history question involving some English Unitarians.
Like the Quakers, important liberal dissenters during the C19, progressive in things like urban improvement.
If Jesus is God (through the Holy Trinity), then why are Catholic Churches full of statues of Jesus?
I’d not see the needs for you to try to be provocative with the ‘fanboy’ nonsense. You can disagree with what I think if you like, I don’t care.
Farage is quite untrustworthy, I said he should have called a by election for Kruger, and don’t really believe him on the Clacton house thing. I don’t see why that makes me a fanboy, whatever that means
There's only so much of the current brouhaha any one person can take.
https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-estonia-says-three-russian-warplanes-violated-its-airspace/
Not good.
People's relationship with religion is complex, even (or perhaps especially...) amongst the religious. I don't see any great contradiction in the very short snippets you gave us. Certainly not enough to call him 'insincere & slimy'.
God the Father.
God the Son. (I.e. Jesus)
God the Holy Spirit
That is at the heart of Christianity, particularly Western Christianity.
I'm always wary of American figures for alcoholism. What Americans conisder problem drinking is what Europeans consider a quiet Thursday.
Which makes sense. We know in the UK suicide rates are stringly correlated with those careers who tend to have access to the means to do so.
I think this is probably a good thing, but it probably skews the figures somewhat.
"Suffolk councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton joins Reform UK from Tories"
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/25478113.suffolk-councillor-philip-faircloth-mutton-joins-reform-uk/
Ross said the parliament minister grabbed him and swore aggressively as he left the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday.
Hepburn said he put his hand on the former Scottish Tory leader's shoulder and used some "choice words".
The resignation came hours after Ross formally complained about the SNP MSP's conduct in a letter to first minister John Swinney.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn wrote: "Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice.
"This decision is one that I feel is for the best in these circumstances and the one that for my own part feel is the appropriate course of action."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceq2y0npj32o
So he's not a fan of the cashless society.
Conservative in 1835
Liberal Unionist 1900
Independent Liberal 1902
Unionist 1935 and 1945
Do an Erdogan and blow them out of the sky - that's the bare minimum for an intrusion into airspace/territory.
NEW THREAD
Russia keeps on testing us and we keep on failing to respond so that they know they can push further.
With the 'millions of supporters who seem to be prepared to back him come what may' amounting to little more than a few hundred clowns in fancy dress.
What did all the 'proud boys' and 'three percenters' and 'oath keepers' do during the Biden presidency ?
Were there insurrections in the Rockies and Appalachia ? Were there terrorist attacks against DC and NYC ?
No, nothing. They meekly allowed themselves to be arrested and jailed.
Typically it is when someone is loyal to their tradition but wishes to emphasise different insights.