http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/angela-merkel-donald-trump-democracy-freedom-of-press-a7556986.html
The thrice-elected, soft-spoken former scientist from East Germany, armed with a doctorate in quantum chemistry, doesn’t just carry the weight of Germany and Europe on her shoulders, but that of defending freedom and liberalism across the world.
This is not an attempt to be provocative or exaggerate for effect. Donald Drumpf cannot claim the mantle of “leading” the free world by default. America’s military might is not the only criteria necessary.
The title also requires the President to be committed to the values of liberal democracy. But unlike his predecessors since the Second World War, it is already clear that Drumpf has no such inclinations. He is heading, at terrifying speed, in the opposite direction.
Do I even have to make the case for this? Since his inauguration Drumpf has undermined and ignored judges, even though an independent judiciary and a separation of powers is key to a democracy.
But the ban on immigrants highlighted something far more draconian. If a President can abruptly restrict the rights of US residents without bothering with lawmakers or even government departments, he is in effect an autocrat. That is exactly what Drumpf did and will continue to do so. His actions don’t just undermine the rights of all Americans, they undermine the institutions that support American democracy.
Then there is Drumpf’s assault on international trade and cooperation. He is already threatening Mexico, China and now the EU. Who will be next? We can debate whether globalisation benefits people equally, but only a fool would deny that international trade is a global good. And it can only work if done on an equal, rules-based footing. But Drumpf doesn’t care for those, he is ripping up international agreements so he can bully smaller countries into submission. That sets a dangerous precedent for the entire world.
And lastly there is the Drumpf administration’s hostility towards the media. Regardless of its bias, a thriving democracy needs a media willing to challenge the government. Drumpf isn’t just hostile to criticism, in his warped world it must be driven by lies and vindictiveness. He is wracked by deep insecurity. When his chief aide Steve Bannon says the media should “keep its mouth shut” – they mean it. They don’t want a free media criticising them at all. These are words that dictators use, not democrats.
Originally posted by ZahlanziIn your liberal dreams ,maybe .
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/angela-merkel-donald-trump-democracy-freedom-of-press-a7556986.html
The thrice-elected, soft-spoken former scientist from East Germany, armed with a doctorate in quantum chemistry, doesn’t just carry the weight of Germany and Europe on her shoulders, but that of defending freedom and liberalism across the world.
Thi ...[text shortened]... ’t want a free media criticising them at all. These are words that dictators use, not democrats.
Originally posted by ZahlanziWell, watching Trump next to Merkel was like watching a retarded monkey play chess with Spassky.
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/angela-merkel-donald-trump-democracy-freedom-of-press-a7556986.html
The thrice-elected, soft-spoken former scientist from East Germany, armed with a doctorate in quantum chemistry, doesn’t just carry the weight of Germany and Europe on her shoulders, but that of defending freedom and liberalism across the world.
Thi ...[text shortened]... ’t want a free media criticising them at all. These are words that dictators use, not democrats.
The man is so far out of his depth that it should be embarrassing. Well, if it wasn't so bloody funny!
Originally posted by EladarProfound analysis. Of course, at the time the EU was founded, France was by far the most influential and militarily and geopolitically powerful member, but don't let historical context get in the way of your gullibly swallowed and loyally regurgitated anti-EU propaganda.
Europe has been on its knees to Germany from the time the EU started.
Originally posted by KazetNagorraIf France was such a power, why is it that Germany dominates today?
Profound analysis. Of course, at the time the EU was founded, France was by far the most influential and militarily and geopolitically powerful member, but don't let historical context get in the way of your gullibly swallowed and loyally regurgitated anti-EU propaganda.
Originally posted by EladarFrance has a UN veto and nuclear weapons. France has a full sized nuclear fleet carrier designed and built in France as were the aircraft that it carries and the weapons those aircraft deploy. The French military industrial complex is powerful and has international influence. France has an enormous sphere of influence centered around their policy of Francafrique. France was on the winning side in both world wars.
If France was such a power, why is it that Germany dominates today?
Germany has a strong economy but is not dominant over France.
Originally posted by KazetNagorraWell that didn't last long. The German economy quickly overtook France.
Profound analysis. Of course, at the time the EU was founded, France was by far the most influential and militarily and geopolitically powerful member, but don't let historical context get in the way of your gullibly swallowed and loyally regurgitated anti-EU propaganda.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungGermany is the 4th largest economy in the world, the UK is 5th and France is 6th. with their current anemic growth rate France will only slide further, while the UK will overtake Germany in the next decade.
France has a UN veto and nuclear weapons. France has a full sized nuclear fleet carrier designed and built in France as were the aircraft that it carries and the weapons those aircraft deploy. The French military industrial complex is powerful and has international influence. France has an enormous sphere of influence centered around their policy o ...[text shortened]... inning side in both world wars.
Germany has a strong economy but is not dominant over France.
Originally posted by ZahlanziIt seems a bit narrow minded to insist on 'liberal democracy'.
The title also requires the President to be committed to the values of liberal democracy.
Then there is Drumpf’s assault on international trade and cooperation. He is already threatening Mexico, China and now the EU. Who will be next? We can debate whether globalisation benefits people equally, but only a fool would deny that international trade is a global good.
I have to point out here that 'liberal democracy' and 'the global good' are in direct conflict. You can't have both.