Martin
958 posts

Martin retweetledi

Long ramble:
I have been mulling if I should comment on President Trump's inane comments about NATO involvement in Afghanistan. Although 35 years ago, during the US-led first Gulf War, I was lying, handcuffed & blindfolded - literally 'shoulder to shoulder' - with a US colleague on a concrete floor in an Iraqi interrogation bunker, I rather feel it should be the current generation who express any anger at the President's ludicrous, demonstrably false utterings. Which is why I earlier shared some posts from others.
But perhaps I will reflect like this - I watched Trump's press conference in the wake of the terrible tragedy when a US helicopter collided with a civilian airliner last January in disbelief. 64 people lost their lives but it seemed to be about him - his expertise, his knowledge, what he thought had happened. Much of what he said was incorrect.
So I realised back then that it was going to be pointless trying to analyse any upcoming word-salads. Everything is clearly about him; his expertise in every subject, his grasp of all situations. His need to say something, anything, to show he is the best, the cleverest, the smartest, the most knowledgeable kid on the block.
The pub-bore, the braggart, the know-it-all, pontificates on anything and everything in the hope of bolstering their own, clearly very low, self-esteem.
I wonder that, in the President's mind, that it doesn't matter if what he says is factually correct? I wonder if he knows, understands, even cares, what is true? He is saying some words, which in his mind, seems to suggest that he's important and people will admire him, laud him. The fact that everyone around him then applauds this character trait, thanking him for his 'leadership' at every turn, just amplifies his desire, his need to continue. He's got want he wants - in his mind - attention, praise, admiration.
So to sum up, trying to analyse Trump's ramblings is like trying to play chess with a pigeon. Somewhat interesting at first, but ultimately, truly pointless and rather frustrating.
To those he has hurt, insulted, vilified, I send you my deepest condolences for your loss, and gratitude for your service.

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@BBCkatyaadler Superb series by one of the best journalists in the business, imo. Hugely complex subject, of course, but very well structured and presented.
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@AngelaRayner When ? Time to start actually doing something rather than committing to doing things.
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Buying or selling a home can be one of the most expensive and stressful periods in life.
Today we’ve committed to bring the process into the 21st century - helping more people get on the ladder and saving them money too.
#PlanforChange
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@PeterStefanovi2 @RachelReevesMP To quote an eminent social media commentator very familiar with your work, "Bollocks"
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“For 14 years of Conservative government, we accepted low expectations and accepted decline. We no longer have to do that. This Labour government will drive growth in all corners of our country”
@RachelReevesMP
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@OctopusEnergy @g__j @bbcquestiontime What market reform could look like and the principles that govern current electricity pricing need to be explained more widely imo. Elephant in the room.
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Take it from the guy who buys more power than anyone else in the country: green energy is cheaper than fossil fuels.
To get those savings onto people’s bills, we need market reform. @g__j #bbcqt @bbcquestiontime
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Virtually every military intervention we’ve carried out has happened at night, partly to keep our servicemen & women safe.
The British people will wonder who would be standing in for Starmer between 6pm & 9am – Angela Rayner, David Lammy, Ed Miliband?
Defending Britain's security isn't a daylight hours only job.
x.com/iainmartin1/st…
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