Theo Snelders

All I'm going to say is that I'm pretty sure John Bercow is very aware of human rights abuses given the horrendous things his family endured at the hands of the Nazis. It's pretty laughable to suggest he'd not be aware of China's abuses and if memory serves there was disquiet amongst many quarters about that state visit. In entrenched regimes you have to work with them and hope diplomacy helps bring change (aside from war that is). Protest at the very begining of a new one can effect change before it becomes entrenched. That is my opinion for what it's worth.

Willie, I'm talking about Politicians speaking in Westminster Hall, the (allegedly ) most prestigious place. I was unaware of President Lebron and General DeGualle. and the supplied list is still missing Aung San Suu Kyi

There are only three people who have spoken to the MP's at Westminster Hall- Obama, Mandela, and Aung San Suu Kyi

Well I agree with you- I was really annoyed with the expenses scandal and all that entailed. I also don't like an unelected house of Lords. This is about blocking Trump from speaking at Parliment though and I'm happy Bercow has done that.

You'll not 'whoosh' me Granny

John Bercow has just opposed Trump speaking in Westminster Hall as Parliment is against "racism and sexism", and because the HoC "supports equality before the law and an independant Judiciary"

I can recommend anybody to read some of the policical writings of Willy Brandt for insights on this and other aspects of the EU.

What perplexes me is the amount of MPs saying this will be a catastrophe but go ahead and vote for it. I get the bit about the majority vote being to leave, but we pay these guys to make the best decisions on our behalf. It strikes me as self serving (and saving my seat) then go against their instinct. Yeah- obviously they are there to represent the people and their wishes- but best decisions on our behalf?. Funnily enough the vote to deny Trump a state visit is now higher than the margin to leave the EU, but the PM will castigate that and not state she will cancel the visit as it's 'the will of the people'. What is up here is the Conservative party shitting bricks in case they lose votes to UKIP. Labour? Fecking useless and have made themselves completely Irrelevant. We have no useful opposition. Anyhow, sounds like the crash in 2008 will be a walk in the park compared to what is ahead. Here's hoping I am wrong.

Hmm, I wasn't suggesting her actions were dangerous, though I agree she possibly knew she'd be sacked. My difficulty with this is that if her actions were dangerous, it says something. Upholding the law should only be dangerous when a dictator is in power. Otherwise the law of the land should be respected. I do agree that politicians etc should stand up for their beliefs more instead of towing the party line- but that's not just what she was doing. She was upholding the law and the Constitution. In an unrelated but similar thing here, we had the MSM crying foul about the BREXIT stuff going to court and the Judges were declared to be 'The enemies of the people' and Farage et al stirring outrage. That is really concerning to me. If you lose the Judiciary (or impartial Judiciary) from the functions of state you are in a dangerous place.

Come on Banana. you're having a laugh. She was standing up for the law and that thing the Americans hold dear- you know, the Constitution. The thing she swore to uphold in office.

Not sure. How do you feel about your city area being a Sanctuary City?

Yep- the German stock market kept going up and up- right until the battle of Stalingrad

If somebody (who admittedly I don't like) starts behaving like Hitler I'll point it out.

-I I know, Godwin's law etc

Actually no, because I'm pretty unwell at the moment. I do however, fall into a couple of the minorities mentioned so have had a keen interest. Are you going to give the bog standard reply that I've no right to comment if I didn't join a march?

Is that directed at me, McRuffian?

Yeah, but the protest isn't just about women. It's about all marginalised people in society, like the disabled, people of colour, mentally ill, financially disadvantaged, non-christians etc. Have you even listened to any of Trump's speeches? Meaningless protest? Folk might have lost the vote but democracy gives the right to protest. Unless you proscribe to the right wing mantra of " You lost, suck it up"

Nah, I don't agree. He may be the US President but it really does have an effect on us. If Theresa bends over and takes it up the arse from this misogynistic sex offender I will be pretty annoyed. Edit Lichtie- 'fair and square' ? Hillary had almost 3 million more votes than Trump. Thank the electoral collage for his win. Meanwhile the National Guard has been called out in cities accross the USA

Hi Adam, Obviously I've not met you in person so don't know for sure- but these sound like trauma based nightmares. I have had similar myself, a result of extreme pain in relationships. I don't suggest that pain was inflicted on you deliberately, but it's pain none the less. In common with others, I'd urge you to see your GP and tell them everything, even if it sounds (to you) that you're being irrational. Happy for you to DM me if you feel it'd help.

Oh, it might have been the 9-0 horror show at Parkhead,lol. Don't worry, brain is on the mend Have a good New Year

Thankfully nothing as bad as that Shandon

Yep, Happy New Year to all on here- better days are ahead. They always are. Been a shite year having been told I also have PTSD, so 2017 is the year things have to change.

Thanks for that- I should spend more time on here, get far too fired up on other threads Agree re: Degas, stunning artwork. His series of 'ladies at toilet' are also very good. My Uncle did a lot of paintings of the San Francisco Ballet, I swear they were like huge time lapsed photos. If I had any digital copies I would upload them for you to see, but alas I don't. Last time he was over here (many years ago) we all went to the Burrell collection and saw the paintings and sculpture of Degas there. None of this talent has rubbed off on me unfortunately- I cannot draw/paint either- complete rubbish and I greatly admire those that can.

My Uncle was an art historian in America and taught history of art in Fresno. He loved Degas

I don't know your financial position- but are you putting money before your health? Have you no Occupational Health services at your work? At the very least, if you feel that there are things in your job that are intolerable get your GP to get that in your return to work note. I'm having to go back despite not being fully fit though will not be practicing and will have no clinical duties meantime. Men have a lot of cultural pressure on them to 'provide' and be strong- that is often the undoing of them. Apologies if I'm teaching you to such eggs.