World events

You vexed me as well, even if I know you meant it as a joke. But the joke is old in my opinion. But anyway, no need to discuss it further.


D. honey I remember you saying that before but you lived in Greece, got your BA and Master's in Greece, worked in Greece, met and married your wife in Greece who if I remember correctly is Greek too and you are Cupriot - Greek, so in my ears separating your position sounds funny to be honest. Of course it may have to do with things and discussions in the forum that I have missed during the time I was away. Anyway, perhaps I'm getting a little strange in my old age. In my age and unmarried in Greece according to my aunts I'm practically a spinster (I'm kidding)! So don't mind me!

The guy turned to more extremist thinking after one girl at school during a class on Islam (right after he had a religious awakening) said that basically Muslims are murderers.

Having read two texts by one of the guys who appear in the article I read, it seems that taking the radicals and starting exposing them to more peaceful quotes from Quran also made them question their radicalized approach. That was a part of a deradicalization program in one country, I may check which one if you want.

And it was as much prevention (in fact, the cops who invented the program work in the prevention division of the local police department), as it was catching the guy as he was, literally, planning his trip to Syria. A lot of reflections I shared in this subject are based on the reading I mentioned in this post.

Another food for thought. I think there is a correlation between the rise in the Islamic attacks and the rise of anti-establishment grassroot political movement, not just right-wing (Farage, Le Pen, Trump) but also left-wing (Bernie Sanders). I do not know yet, however, how and why it is so. But the potential far-right victories at least is something assholes like al-Baghdadi are looking very much forward to.

I really want to stay up and watch the election, but it's nearing 01:00 here in Norway, and I have to go to bed. Hoping to wake up to good news tomorrow morning, and not Trump victory aka End of the World as we know it.

I have to say the whole thing has rather been overshadowed by the terrible Toblerone news earlier in the day.

Ah...

A massive shock to wake up to. There will be 4 years of massive damage, but I'm hoping that the US (and the rest of the world) will be able to pick up the pieces afterwards. I like my post-apocalyptic movies, but I don't really like to see the premise intruding on my everyday life.

A sad, sad day.

Not to be all egotistical about it (my condolences go out to all my US friends, and I'm worried -- in particular -- about what will happen to the international security the US provides), but I'm waiting for an analysis of what concrete consequences this has for my own country and our citizens. Will it be something that I feel in my everyday life (compared to previous Republican governments)?

Yeah, but I'm worried that an American draw on NATO will mean that the remaining NATO countries will have to finance more on their own, and hence higher taxation. I have a feeling that there are these small things that will also affect Norwegian everyday lives, but I'm hoping it won't be too intrusive.

But that's just my egotistical take on things. Like you say, I don't think it will affect me much -- personally.

My friend - perhaps soon to be acquaintance given how much I have to disagree with him* - posted this on his fb:



People love their hyperbole.

*Not that I mind disagreement. But let's just say he's of the sort that does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGUNPMPrxvA

There's also the fact that Trump thinks climate change is a hoax invented by the Chinese to make American manufacturing less competitive. So between that and his heavy campaigning towards coal workers in the Appalachians I think the world can also look forward to a reversal of what little incremental progress Obama made towards renewable energy.

And don't ignore what a laughing stock Trump is around the globe ("silly Americans, only they could nominate a reality TV host"). It'll be quite a shock going from the classy, well-spoken, internationally respected Obama to this blathering buffoon. Won't help none with international relations.

Yeah, this sucks mostly for the US, but don't think it doesn't also suck for everyone else who's not named Vladimir Putin.

Well, there's the whole "grab 'em by the pussy" thing. I can kind of, maybe? sorta? see how that doesn't paint Trump as a champion of the fairer sex.

Crikey!
Well.
As I said: we import FAR too much from the U.S.. Including melodramatic overreacting.



None, of course.
What your friend probably means is that certain expected social changes may occur slower now (which is probably true). Although I'd be a bit puzzled to even think what these expected changes should be?
I do worry a bit about Roe vs. Wade, though. I have no clue how easy it is to overturn that. I know there are very vocal cries to do so (even if in polls -and we all know how representative and predictive THOSE are, right, gang?- seem to show the majority of the US still favours the law).

No, but that wasn't the example. You said he'd be seen as aTV show host. Reagan was seen as a B-movie actor.
The only point I made was that THAT particular qualification carries little weight and will fade.



Quite unrealistically I might add.
In the east, known murderes are voted into office. In Italy, we've had a convicted fraud, embezzler and serial sexual cheater elected. Twice. In France, mistresses for the oresident are pretty much de rigueur. Hell, even Bill got a blowjob.
There will be no saints running for office. Ever.

Nobody in the world is really particularly worried about his image.
They're very worried about his policies. And future actions.