International Relations

@fluffy2560No idea. https://news.sky.com/story/zohran-mamda … m-13464187 - @SimCityAT

What a dumb*** reason to say the Republicans lost!  Probably the better reason is the other candidate Sliwa didn't pull out and split the vote.

Anyway, more importantly, SCOTUS is deciding on the Tariffs at the moment.  It's going to be an interesting dilemma for them to show deference to Trump and yet uphold the Constitution.  I wondering how far they will go in order to keep on DJT's side.  Two lower courts have already decided against Donny.   If SCOTUS reject the President's assertion, it will be chaos.  He won't have any avenue other than Congress (who regulate taxes) and if the mid-terms go against him, he's got just no chance of recovery.  So, in other words, he becomes a lame duck President.

@fluffy2560
- @SimCityAT
What does that mean? - @fluffy2560

Jjust over a thousand people like what Trump says?

@fluffy2560 - @SimCityATWhat does that mean? - @fluffy2560 Jjust over a thousand people like what Trump says? - @Fred

Good point, hardly a resounding view. 

I suppose it's the middle of the night so it might go up.  I guess many Fed workers will be having a lie in.

Those of us against social media do not look at UnTruth Social or even Facebook so we won't know if it creeps up unless someone reports it here or we see it on a news channel. 

On that subject I found this one on Australian influencers moving to the UK kind of interesting.  I do sympathise with the Australian government view but I am not sure it's really workable.   The age verification thing is so easily got around by anyone and it's not difficult to do with minimal knowledge.  Bigly silly magical thinking by politicians.  And it seems odd to justify the move to the UK.  Would we want Australian influencers in the UK?  Even if they are dual nationals.   

That said I just watched a Norwegian influencer guy buy a mini-digger on Alibaba.  Now I want a mini-digger. I have been thinking of buying one for some years now but I was thinking of getting a second hand one. But I could just import one here. I think it'll be really useful in the garden at my house, in Balaton and at my MIL's place.  We've always got a lot to do at different places.   Save my back from more pain and be a bit of fun.   If I did get one, I'd have to buy a trailer for it.   I found it amusing the Norwegian guy said he told his wife that he was expecting something in the mail to repair the drive.  Haha, "in the mail", a mini-digger.

@fluffy2560
No idea. https://news.sky.com/story/zohran-mamda … m-13464187 - @SimCityAT

Not true.

They messed with the Zohran😎

@fluffy2560No idea. https://news.sky.com/story/zohran-mamda … m-13464187 - @SimCityAT Not true.They messed with the Zohran😎 - @Fred

Looks like no-one can mess with the Zohran.   I think a lot of people forget that half the US population that voted, put in their ballots for Donny.  So tough luck on them if they find themselves in El Salvador.   I'm looking at polls and he's way underwater (as they say there in the USA).

The tariffs hearings at SCOTUS are interesting.  I like legal drama TV shows.  This could be written up as a movie with appropriate creative license.   I mean, the Big Short was a brilliant movie and it was about sub-prime mortgages.

Is this going to be the one major case where SCOTUS sticks it to POTUS?  I am wondering how they are going to cave if they do.    One of their number, Barrett, seemed to be worried about refunds if it goes against Trump.  That's a nonsensical consideration. It's all in their IT systems. 

I cannot see how they can rule for Trump.   It's absolutely clear.  But I wouldn't put it past this SCOTUS to fudge it.

EV drivers could face new tax in UK Budget

I cannot see this flying.  Be the same as ID cards. 

How often do these things come around?  Might be a run it up the flagpole conversation by the government.  Push back already in progress.

I cannot see road pricing will ever be accepted by the UK population.

And doing it will stuff their green agenda.

EV drivers could face new tax in UK Budget
I cannot see this flying. Be the same as ID cards.

How often do these things come around? Might be a run it up the flagpole conversation by the government. Push back already in progress.

I cannot see road pricing will ever be accepted by the UK population.

And doing it will stuff their green agenda. - @fluffy2560

Link - We want a fairer system for all drivers

Utter crap - they want to screw all drivers over about the same, but who said that was fair?

We in Indonesia pay about 50% of what overtaxed UK drivers pay in fuel.

A Yamaha Nmax with exactly the same EU specs will cost you half the price if bought here rather than in the UK.

Basically, the poor sods over there are being screwed by the government.

My solution is for petrol stations to post the pre and post-tax prices on the pumps.

This costs X, but add the tax and you pay Y

As a thought - they could add the UK prime minister's net worth underneath the taxed price.

As a thought - they could add the UK prime minister's net worth underneath the taxed price. - @Fred

Or Michelle Mone's tax bill.

EV drivers could face new tax in UK Budget
I cannot see this flying. Be the same as ID cards.

How often do these things come around? Might be a run it up the flagpole conversation by the government. Push back already in progress.

I cannot see road pricing will ever be accepted by the UK population.

And doing it will stuff their green agenda. - @fluffy2560Link - We want a fairer system for all drivers
Utter crap - they want to screw all drivers over about the same, but who said that was fair?
We in Indonesia pay about 50% of what overtaxed UK drivers pay in fuel.
A Yamaha Nmax with exactly the same EU specs will cost you half the price if bought here rather than in the UK.
Basically, the poor sods over there are being screwed by the government.
My solution is for petrol stations to post the pre and post-tax prices on the pumps.
This costs X, but add the tax and you pay Y - @Fred

And we have a better health service in Austria than in Indonesia! 

EV drivers could face new tax in UK Budget
I cannot see this flying. Be the same as ID cards.

How often do these things come around? Might be a run it up the flagpole conversation by the government. Push back already in progress.

I cannot see road pricing will ever be accepted by the UK population.

And doing it will stuff their green agenda. - @fluffy2560Link - We want a fairer system for all drivers
Utter crap - they want to screw all drivers over about the same, but who said that was fair?
We in Indonesia pay about 50% of what overtaxed UK drivers pay in fuel.
A Yamaha Nmax with exactly the same EU specs will cost you half the price if bought here rather than in the UK.
Basically, the poor sods over there are being screwed by the government.
My solution is for petrol stations to post the pre and post-tax prices on the pumps.
This costs X, but add the tax and you pay Y - @Fred

Why not simply do price charging at the charging station or home?   Plug the registered car in, determine the usage (by modelling charging) needs, offset on any home generation through panels/wind/hydro, then calculate.  Seems obviously more efficient than trying to spy on people's travel.  People install chargers.  Just make them smarter.

That would be if I agree on the entire concept of road pricing which I do not. 

Why not simply do price charging at the charging station or home? Plug the registered car in, determine the usage (by modelling charging) needs, offset on any home generation through panels/wind/hydro, then calculate. Seems obviously more efficient than trying to spy on people's travel. People install chargers. Just make them smarter.
That would be if I agree on the entire concept of road pricing which I do not. - @fluffy2560

The UK government claims to be green, so solar charged EVs should be tax free, or have a small tax for road maintenance.

However,  the UK government are commonly guilty of terminological inexactitudes.

And we have a better health service in Austria than in Indonesia! - @SimCityAT

We have healthy people with far less need of a health service.

Low overall taxation means less stress, so less disease.

The UK government claims to be green, so solar charged EVs should be tax free, or have a small tax for road maintenance.
However, the UK government are commonly guilty of terminological inexactitudes. - @Fred

Yes policies are screwy if not desperate.

There is a subsidy but I think it's being withdrawn.

Starmer flew to the COP summit.   The real polluters like the USA are not there.  He could have joined in just as well by video call. 

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor summoned by US Congress

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor summoned by US Congress - @SimCityAT

Haha, yes, very interesting. I saw that on the news but it's not an official subpoena. It's just a request by a committee member.  He can just ignore it regardless - he's not a US citizen and he's not in their borders.  Means nothing.    He'd be utterly mad to go anywhere near the USA.  They could have given him a governorship.  Like governor of Pitcairn Island.  That's an obscure bit of sarcasm.

Andrew is looking a bit guilty.  I wouldn't be surprised if he tops himself or ends up dead somehow from drugs or drink.  Humiliation must be horrific.

But enough is enough, I think they should leave him alone now, because rather than going after him, Congress should be looking into US politicians and celebs who were associated with Epstein. 

And we know who that is.

Trump had nothing to do with shagging little girls.

I know because he says so.

He also said his new ballroom would significantly alter the existing white house building, and it clearly hasn't.

Trump had nothing to do with shagging little girls.
I know because he says so.
He also said his new ballroom would significantly alter the existing white house building, and it clearly hasn't. - @Fred

I dunno, there's a bit of a theme running through his life.  His women choices are look-a-likes of each other. 

That video of him talking to Epstein at a party.  No-one seems to have had a lip reader on it.   Not a verifiable trusted source anyway.  What were they saying to each other in it? 

And it's still not resolved about the damages due to E. Jean Carroll.   She's due $83M from Trump.  it was on appeal but the amount was upheld by the appeal courts in September 2025.   He's going to take it to SCOTUS.  But on what grounds?

As for the ballroom, it says it all he's a man impressed by fakery in the baroque.  It's a style disaster.  Apparently there are more things like this around the WH.  He's turning into a kind of Mar-a-Lago country club.  His personal fiefdom. Says really a lot.

Kari Lake gives Viktor Orban a major gift ahead of Trump meeting

"Kari Lake, the failed politician and MAGA loyalist leading the U.S. Agency for Global Media, is planning to shut down the Hungarian branch of congressionally funded Radio Free Europe in what is effectively a gift to Hungary’s illiberal, Trump-loving prime minister."

Viktor Orban's dilemma - Russian oil or Trump's favour

"'There is a war-opposing network in the world, with two focal points: one of power led by the US president and one of spirit found here with the Holy Father,' Viktor Orban said last week after meeting Pope Leo at the Vatican."

Having a good old cry

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER:  "Everything was basically broken, ruined, cancelled — a lot of harm [was] done by the previous administration."

"In the last 10 months, President [Trump], what you have done...you restored the old level of the relationship...so now we're in quite a good position to open up a new chapter  — a golden age."

Having a good old cry
- @SimCityAT

I'm not fan of Pelosi.  I just don't care.  But really, he's shouldn't do that. It's just the usual whingeathon from Mango Man.  She wasn't in the House for no reason.  People voted for her to be there.  Of course Donny disliked her, she was against him.  Anyone who is against Donny will get the same treatment. Pathetic and divisive.

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER: "Everything was basically broken, ruined, cancelled — a lot of harm [was] done by the previous administration.""In the last 10 months, President [Trump], what you have done...you restored the old level of the relationship...so now we're in quite a good position to open up a new chapter — a golden age." - @SimCityAT

Orban was pleading and got an exemption from the sanctions so he can continue sucking up to Putin.  He says HU has no ports. 

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil. - @fluffy2560

Oil and Gas Rig Count Ticks Up in the U.S. As Production Hits New High | OilPrice.com https://share.google/0hPZFXz0sibLA3YZt

Yes, it's all about Putin, and absolutely nothing to do with greater oil sales for the US.

Oh, and at a higher price.

The price leaves countries that have to listen to US threats at a major disadvantage

After US New Sanctions, Russia’s Oil Discount Hits 12-Month Low — UNITED24 Media https://share.google/syqXNZJf6s6msAGYn

The solution is clearly to freeze the US, a rogue state that has started more wars than any other in history,  out of the game.

Trump is thick; he has no idea how things work.

Trump is thick; he has no idea how things work. - @SimCityAT

Thick is too kind.

Yup, it's no doubt a surprise to DJT that if you mess around with things like tariffs (higher/inflationary taxes) and immigration (reduction in cheap labour), that food is going to be less affordable.

I thought Trump was going to import beef into the USA from Argentina.   I am sure US beef farmers are happy about that.   

There are a lot of difficult things in play for Donny at the moment. He'll be even more confused than he is currently. 

Yes, it's all about Putin, and absolutely nothing to do with greater oil sales for the US.Oh, and at a higher price. - @Fred

If Trump wanted to sell more oil, he could have offered subsidised transport to Orban. Ship it to somewhere and pump it from there.

The EU is already buying a lot of oil from the USA.  I wonder what their response will be to Trump's busting his own sanctions and undermining their own efforts to defeat Putin? 

Whatever the Orban spin, it won't make any difference to his election chances.  He's way underwater compare to Magyar Peter.  People have had enough of Orban. He's still saying "we'll buy Russian oil".  No-one here wants Russian anything.  Hungarians lived under the Russian thumb and we all know how that turned out in 1956 (and 1968 in the Czech Republic).  Mrs Fluffy is refusing to agree on any house investments because she thinks the Russians are coming back. It's got real impact on us.

Meanwhile, there's a pipeline from the Adriatic via Croatia to Hungary.   Supposedly it has limited capacity but the obvious thing to do is put another pipeline in but reports are there's plenty of capacity.   If they started now on expansion, it'd be done in 6 months if they get their fingers out.  The problem is that Orban is in dispute with Croatia over something or other - I think an oil company takeover there - and that's complicating his rhetoric.   No-one believes him now.

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER: "Everything was basically broken, ruined, cancelled — a lot of harm [was] done by the previous administration.""In the last 10 months, President [Trump], what you have done...you restored the old level of the relationship...so now we're in quite a good position to open up a new chapter — a golden age." - @SimCityAT
Orban was pleading and got an exemption from the sanctions so he can continue sucking up to Putin. He says HU has no ports.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil. - @fluffy2560

Can you tell us why buying Russian oil is a bad thing?

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER: "Everything was basically broken, ruined, cancelled — a lot of harm [was] done by the previous administration.""In the last 10 months, President [Trump], what you have done...you restored the old level of the relationship...so now we're in quite a good position to open up a new chapter — a golden age." - @SimCityAT
Orban was pleading and got an exemption from the sanctions so he can continue sucking up to Putin. He says HU has no ports.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil.  - @fluffy2560
Can you tell us why buying Russian oil is a bad thing?
- @Fred

Is that some kind of a joke, Fred?

Its because it helps finance the Russian government's war effort in Ukraine.

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER: "Everything was basically broken, ruined, cancelled — a lot of harm [was] done by the previous administration.""In the last 10 months, President [Trump], what you have done...you restored the old level of the relationship...so now we're in quite a good position to open up a new chapter — a golden age." - @SimCityAT
Orban was pleading and got an exemption from the sanctions so he can continue sucking up to Putin. He says HU has no ports.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil. - @fluffy2560
Can you tell us why buying Russian oil is a bad thing?
- @Fred
Is that some kind of a joke, Fred?
Its because it helps finance the Russian government's war effort in Ukraine. - @SimCityAT

If it was a joke, it's absolutely unfunny.   What a silly statement!

Those poor Ukrainian soldiers are dying for their country so that Putin can recreate the USSR which is then a threat to us all here in Europe.  Orban is a Trumpist trying to line his own political pockets on the back of Ukrainian deaths.  He should go to the front to negotiate peace - he'd last 5 minutes. As if Putin or Trump care about Orban.  Just another apologist and useful idiot. 

I am really upset about the news coming out of there.  I was a soldier and it takes real bravery to fight like that.  It couldn't be more serious and Orban is blatantly supporting the enemy.  Just a quisling.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil. - @fluffy2560 Can you tell us why buying Russian oil is a bad thing? - @FredIs that some kind of a joke, Fred? Its because it helps finance the Russian government's war effort in Ukraine. - @SimCityAT

Ah, so, if you start a war, your products should be ostracised.

Is that correct?

The US and UK started an illegal war in Iraq based on the WMD lie, but where were the sanctions against those countries?

Sanctions against Russia are nothing to do with Ukraine,  but a lot to do with selling US oil and gas.

If it was a joke, it's absolutely unfunny. What a silly statement!
Those poor Ukrainian soldiers are dying for their country so that Putin can recreate the USSR which is then a threat to us all here in Europe. . - @fluffy2560

https://youtu.be/UjlJoLT1Df0?si=eA6GLcRe5In5J7hS

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/8 … emigration

https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukrai … ment-army/

It looks as if many of Ukraine's soldiers are being forced to join, and abused when they do.

One has to ask if it's worth fighting for your country if your nation kidnaps and tortures you.

As I asked before, please detail (with supporting links) the threat Russia poses to the EU.

I say it is in your mind.

If it was a joke, it's absolutely unfunny. What a silly statement!
Those poor Ukrainian soldiers are dying for their country so that Putin can recreate the USSR which is then a threat to us all here in Europe. .  - @fluffy2560
https://youtu.be/UjlJoLT1Df0?si=eA6GLcRe5In5J7hShttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/8 … emigrationhttps://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukrai … ment-army/

It looks as if many of Ukraine's soldiers are being forced to join, and abused when they do.
One has to ask if it's worth fighting for your country if your nation kidnaps and tortures you.

As I asked before, please detail (with supporting links) the threat Russia poses to the EU.
I say it is in your mind. - @Fred

Do your own homework. Google will help you.

That being forced video showing soldiers crying in Ukraine has been widely debunked. 

You might wish to look at forced conscription in the occupied lands by Russia.  They are forcing people to take out Russian citizenship.  It was on the BBC this morning.

Neither does the Czech Republic and they are wholly off Putin's oil. - @fluffy2560 Can you tell us why buying Russian oil is a bad thing? - @FredIs that some kind of a joke, Fred? Its because it helps finance the Russian government's war effort in Ukraine. - @SimCityATAh, so, if you start a war, your products should be ostracised.Is that correct? - @Fred

D'uh. Of course.  Obviously using my Fred mindreading technique,  your next statement will be about the USA.  Go for it!  It might be mildly amusing for a somewhat rainy Saturday.  The difference is the USA is nominally not our enemy - although I would agree that is looking increasingly dubious as a statement.

On the other hand, right now,  I've got some sealant to apply to my windows before it gets too cold.  I've run out of "paint" to watch drying.

@Fred
Do your own homework. Google will help you.
That being forced video showing soldiers crying in Ukraine has been widely debunked.

You might wish to look at forced conscription in the occupied lands by Russia. They are forcing people to take out Russian citizenship. It was on the BBC this morning. - @fluffy2560

Ah, so you can't say why Russia is a threat. I see.

A basic tactic for someone unable to express logical argument in order to show his point.

The BBC are liars because you dislike the truth... except when you want to believe a story you neglect to link to.

So, link to debunking of the BBC's story.

@FredDo your own homework. Google will help you.That being forced video showing soldiers crying in Ukraine has been widely debunked. You might wish to look at forced conscription in the occupied lands by Russia. They are forcing people to take out Russian citizenship. It was on the BBC this morning. - @fluffy2560Ah, so you can't say why Russia is a threat. I see.A basic tactic for someone unable to express logical argument in order to show his point.The BBC are liars because you dislike the truth... except when you want to believe a story you neglect to link to.So, link to debunking of the BBC's story. - @Fred

Yes Fred you are right. How did I ever manage to live 65 years without your guidance? Look it up on the BBC yourself. I'm busy with affairs of state. If you lack the skills, I can recommend secretarial services to help you out.

And yes, Russia is the enemy.  Stop trolling 🧌

p.s.  Go here to donate to the Ukrainian Government war effort.  They need your support Fred.  If you decide to donate to the other side, then please make sure you let the UK government, EC and US OFAC offices know so they can register your interest and donation.

Isn't it funny, Trump has just had a tantrum, calling the BBC "Fake News" and liars with bad ratings.

p.s. Go here to donate to the Ukrainian Government war effort. They need your support Fred. If you decide to donate to the other side, then please make sure you let the UK government, EC and US OFAC offices know so they can register your interest and donation. - @fluffy2560

But the legitimate Ukrainian government,  the one elected in internationally recognized elections,  was overthrow in favour of a fake government elected by everyone .... except the people who were likely to vote against them. The disenfranchised voters were ignored, and still are.

I'll tell you what, I'll send my hard earned to the fake government as soon as Zelensky gives up his many millions to his country.

I would like that to include his dodgy offshore funds.

https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-pa … ner-circle

Still, you can send him your cash if you feel especially stupid one day.

What, you don't know he's corrupt?  GOSH!