It appears to me that Ukraine is "between a rock and a hard place".
It looks like they are being offered a very poor deal over their heads by Russia and the USA.
If they do not accept the USA is likely to stop intelligence sharing and just walk away.
The world seems to be run by selfish individuals who are more interested in their own enrichment rather than that of their citizens.
Where are the leaders who put the interests of the common person ahead of rich billionaires?
Not being a politician, I am unclear about the government shutdown in the USA, but it must be costing a lot to the USA economy. I can see this becoming a massive issue.
Maybe I am just too old, but I remember when W7 or W6 was on the west coast and W4 was on the east coast. These days it could be anywhere! In many ways we have gone backwards not forwards.
If I was a 3rd world country looking at the USA or China, which would I lean towards?
The USA is in grave danger of failing on the world stage and it would not surprise me if the US dollar was overtaken as the world's reserve currency.
There is a lot wrong with China, but at the moment few would look to the USA as a beacon of freedom and democracy sadly. The USA is no longer able to hold the moral ground. I find this sad as every American I have known has been kind and generous. Individually every person from the USA I have known has been really nice.
Even if I was a Republican in the USA I would be concerned about this.
Hegseth shared Yemen attack details in second Signal chat, reports say - BBC News
It would seem the administration of President Trump has deported a Palestinian man called Mahmoud Kahlil because of his pro-Palestine activity. Now, I do not know the full facts, but this seems to fly in the face of a country where free speech is meant to be important.
It would appear a new world order is emerging. For over a century the USA was seen as the dominant world power. We are now seeing this change as China comes to the fore.
At one time the USA was seen as a beacon of democracy and one that could be aspired to.
Recently, I cannot see many in the world wishing to follow the USA.
No political system is perfect.
It amazes me that the USA president has pardoned so many people who stormed Capitol Hill 4 years ago. I see one woman has refused the pardon admitting that wrong was done that day.
I have no right to interfere with politics in the USA. However, I observe how the rest of the world looks on. The USA does not look like a role model for democracy.
In these troubled times everyone in power must project honesty, kindness and a concern for the greater good.
The people of the USA have elected their president for the next 4 years in an election.
The outgoing president has, allegedly, issued preemptive pardons to prevent the incoming president "going after" those who opposed him in the past.
I truly hope the incoming president is above such things and continues to uphold all that is best about democracy and sees peace around the world as an honourable aim.
Every, and I really do mean every, person I have ever dealt with in the USA has been kind and generous. Whenever I have been there they strike me as a kind and generous people.
What puzzles me is the image they create outside of the USA is of a brash people (I remember being pleasantly surprised how good the driving was when I first went there!) only interested in themselves and making money. Perhaps this is why so many voted for Mr Trump? Perhaps he, along with Elon Musk, represent what many aspire to?
In many ways I like the American people, but I wish Mr Musk would keep out of UK politics. He may be the richest man in the world, but seems uninformed about some things.
In my view, if we have a choice, we would be better turning more towards Europe than the USA.
The people of the USA have voted and chosen Mr Trump again. I wish them well although I am quite surprised.
This poem is about how the world sees certain countries. It is sad but true.
As I mentioned some days ago, I do not understand the USA. Apparently Joe Biden has dropped out of the race against Donald Trump. He had been asked to stand down by several in his party. On balance, I think he has done the right thing.
In no way can (or should) I express views on how the people of the USA should vote for their president in November. They will rightly vote for the person they choose. But I am puzzled. Let me explain.
The USA puzzles me.
This November they go to the polls, but the contest for president is likely to be between two very old men. One is facing a host of charges and the other will be 81!!
What puzzles me is why the presidency is likely to be a contest between these 2 when surely there are younger people who could do the job better?
Also I cannot understand why Mr Trump is so popular when everyone (really everyone) I have spoken to outside of the USA hates him!
It bothers me that the biggest economy in the West, and the nuclear trigger, will be in the hands of a potentially doddery old man.
Does this say a lot about the USA?
The USA puzzles me. It looks likely that the biggest democratic country will be led for 4 more years by two very old men (both are years older than me!).
What puzzles me is why can't the USA find a younger set of candidates? Surely, in the USA there are some charismatic younger potential leaders.
This must say a lot about the people of the USA. Individually, every American I have met has been kind, warm and generous.
This appeared in The Knowledge today. This comes as a daily email using various sources for this news compendium. As far as I can tell, it is pretty neutral.
" Most Americans think their country is in decline,” says Fareed Zakaria in Foreign Policy. The share who are “satisfied” with the way the country is going has not risen above 50% in 20 years; today it stands at a miserable 20%. Donald Trump won in 2016 by capturing this mood and preaching “doom and gloom”. Now he’s at it again – three months before entering the 2024 presidential race, he released a video titled “A Nation in Decline”. The Biden administration isn’t much better, blaming decades of globalisation for “hollowing out” American industry and exporting manufacturing jobs. The suggestion is that poor old Americans need protecting with epically expensive subsidies and stiff tariffs. |
Yet for all the talk of “dysfunction and decay”, the reality is that American supremacy has never been greater. In 1990, US per capita income was 17% higher than Japan’s and 24% higher than Western Europe’s. Today, it’s 54% and 32% higher respectively. The US economy was roughly the same size as the Eurozone’s in 2008; today, it is nearly twice the size. Nine of the 10 most valuable firms in the world are American, up from only four in 1989, and the US is the world’s largest producer of oil and gas. As for the industries of the future, American AI startups have attracted six times more venture funding than their Chinese equivalents. Why don’t we hear more about any of that? If Washington keeps turning inward, tyrants will be emboldened and the rest of the world will suffer. The only danger to American dominance is the myth that it’s on the wane." |
It is impossible to know if the ex president of the USA is guilty of the crimes of which he is charged. What I do know is unless he is found guilty, his chances of re-election in late 2024 increase.
At the moment, the USA seems very polarised. I really cannot understand why the USA cannot find younger candidates. If either Biden or Trump stand and get in they would be very old men!
It is rare for me to go lower than 28 MHz on HF. Certainly conditions on 10m seem good with loads of spots of my QRP 10m FT8 from the USA. I had to QSY, but when I left the band it was still good.
I was hoping this was my first chance of F2 to/from the USA on 8m, but not this time. Whenever 10m F2 looks promising E-W, I shall try 8m FT8. Hopefully there will be other chances.
Having worked the USA with QRP SSB handheld from the bedroom, I am in with a chance on 8m FT8.
MLS, one of the large UK distributors, is selling the DX Patrol Ground Staion for QO-100. I guess you have to add a GPS external reference, ...
