Joe Biden drops out of US presidential election - NOT amateur radio

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.

He has put his support behind his vice-president Kamala Harris.

Said on FaceBook in 2012 - NOT amateur radio

This was said by me on FaceBook in 2012. Nothing changes!

Divided USA - NOT amateur radio

As I write, the US presidential election could go either way. 

Whatever the outcome, the USA remains deeply split. Sadly, I cannot feel a whiff of compromise in the air, just a feeling of, "we are right and you are wrong".

In many countries there is a swing to the right in politics.  We should learn the lessons of history. This is how Hitler started.

What amazes me is that in a great nation like the USA the competition is between a 74 year old and a 77 year old. Where are the great younger leaders? 

Sadly, the president of the USA also is, by default, the leader of the western world. At this rate the USA is on a downward path to self destruction and irrelevance in the world.

US presidential election - NOT amateur radio

The people of the USA vote for their next president next week.  

Every American I have ever met has been kind and generous. On the whole they are warm and kind people. It is not my intention to interfere, but this is a once in 4 year chance to have your say.  Vote!

I am disappointed that the choice is between two 70-80 year olds and am surprised that no-one younger could be found. To the rest of the world it appears like you have to be old to lead the USA!

Although I am not a great Trump fan, Joe Biden will be in his 80s if he is elected and serves a full 4 year term.  It seems to me a choice of who will do the least harm rather than who will be the most dynamic and charismatic leader.

USA presidents - NOT amateur radio

Although I have no intention of getting involved with the USA presidential election in a few weeks time, I feel obliged to point out a couple of things. In the last few years I have spoken with many people about US politics. The following observations have been made:

• How come the best you can find is old men to lead you? Trump is 74 and Biden 77 I believe. Is there no-one younger who can do the job?
• Everyone, and I mean everyone, I have spoken with thinks Trump is thick and cannot understand how he was chosen as the US president. In the rest of the world he is the butt of many jokes.

Trump - NOT amateur radio

So Donald has now been in office for 6 months. In an electoral system such as that in the USA you get the person voted for by most. What amazed me was that so many voted for him. Let history be his judge.

Donald (Mr Men style) - NOT amateur radio

See http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2017/02/08/donald-trump-mr-men-cartoon-just-superb/

I am no great fan of USA politics (to me it is all about being money rich), but great politicians are able to laugh at themselves in any nation. Those who think they are above humour deserve to fail. Sadly there are too many politicians who take themselves far too seriously both in the USA and in Europe (including the UK).

The great politicians are the gentle giants who go into power, not for self-glory, but for the greater good of the society they live in. Sadly we have very few in 21st century politics who will go down in history as great leaders.

I understand why many in the USA voted for their latest president. I also understand why so many in the UK voted to leave the EU.

Trump - NOT amateur radio

OK, I am no expert on politics but, like many, I take an interest in the USA presidential elections. I am amazed, although not totally surprised, that so many supported Trump and that he won. I am sure to many there he represents "the American Dream". He also tapped into the general discontent felt by many across the world in the "ruling class elite".

There is, at the present time, a swing to the right. In many ways the politicians in many nations have lost the confidence of many in their nations. Things will swing back when the electors feel they are being represented by those they empower to rule and make decisions.

Time will tell whether or not a rich billionaire really can command the respect of the common man and woman of the USA. In my view neither main candidate was a good choice.

USA President - NOT amateur radio

It is not for me to get involved in the race for President in the USA. The people will vote and they will get the president they deserve.

What amazes me is how old all the candidates are. Mrs Clinton is 68. Her husband is 69 as is Donald Trump. Bernie Sanders is 74. I am 67 and there is no way I would want to be active in politics, even if I was fit and well.

USA president - NOT amateur radio

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35538361

The people of the USA continue to trouble me.

If it was just the USA that mattered, then I could not care less, but the leader of the USA has his hands on the nuclear trigger and will be key to so much in the world. Is a rich billionaire really who many in the USA want as their leader?

I have no wish to get embroiled in a debate over the US presidential elections, but if a large number of Americans think their best interests are served by a rich billionaire then this says a lot about American society as a whole.

I am not advocating any candidate or any party, but this vote matters for the whole fragile planet we share. All I ask is that every single person in the USA thinks very carefully.

Nevada deal on new Lincoln 10m rig

From Steve G1KQH:

Tempting Black Friday:

http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/amateur-radio/transceivers/mobile-transceivers/president-lincoln-ii

 

73 Steve

http://www.g1kqh.talktalk.net/

Lincoln President (MK11 v3) down in price

Steve G1KQH has seen thst Nevada has reduced its price for the latest Lincoln President rig for 10m (and CB illegally). It was £249 but now £199, a saving of £50.

See http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/amateur-radio/transceivers/mobile-transceivers/president-lincoln-ii .