It has been a year since Donald J Trump formally announced his desire to become America’s next top president. And what a thrilling year it has been! He has done the political equivalent of running through the gauntlet. Starting off in a field of sixteen competitors, he has had to contend with a hostile media, two political parties that openly despise him, a legion of political pundits and columnists prophesying his imminent demise, and a presiding administration that finds him abhorrent. It is truly unbelievable that he has come out the other end with such a strong, loyal following, let alone the Republican nominee.
Another day, another shooting
Just when you start to feel comfortable, Islam comes charging in with its latest spasm of violence. Constantly eager to make people aware that Islamic violence is here to stay and can kill you at any moment, it has sped up the interval between terrorist attacks. Instead of waiting a year or two, we now only have to wait a mere 3 months. The Bataclan shooting was in November, then the Brussels attack in March, and now the Florida Gay Club shooting in June. For a religion that is reputed to be peaceful, Islam seems hell bent on shaking off that reputation.
[caption id=”” align=”alignnone” width=”310”] A selfie of Omar Mateen[/caption]
Are EU states truly states?
In the Montevideo convention of statehood, there are four things that must be present for a state to be considered a state. They are (1) a permanent population, (2) a defined territory, (3) A government, and (4) the capacity to enter into relations with other nations. Like many theories, these four requirements only become controversial once they are applied to real life situations.
Demanding and violent: Europe's refugees
“I’m Syrian. You have to treat me nicely. Frau Merkel invited me.”
Those are the words of a refugee accused of sexual assault. They are also the words of a demanding person with a displaced sense of entitlement and a contempt towards his host country. Unfortunately, far from being an aberration, this is a common attitude found amongst Germany’s newly acquired refugee population.
Look at [insert Scandinavian country]! They have socialism and they are so much better!
Everyone’s favourite socialist (Bernie sanders) typically uses any Scandinavian country to point out that socialism is not only possible, but better than capitalism. His Millennial acolytes, lured by the promise of free tuition and free healthcare, usually join him in his praise. Oh, just look at Denmark and Sweden…if only we could be more like them….