The world has loved, hated and envied the US, Now, for the first time, we pity it

[kpete]

Fintan O’Toole: Donald Trump has destroyed the country he promised to make great again

The grotesque spectacle of the president openly inciting people (some of them armed) to take to the streets to oppose the restrictions that save lives is the manifestation of a political death wish. What are supposed to be daily briefings on the crisis, demonstrative of national unity in the face of a shared challenge, have been used by Trump merely to sow confusion and division. They provide a recurring horror show in which all the neuroses that haunt the American subconscious dance naked on live TV.


Will American prestige ever recover from this shameful episode? The US went into the coronavirus crisis with immense advantages: precious weeks of warning about what was coming, the world’s best concentration of medical and scientific expertise, effectively limitless financial resources, a military complex with stunning logistical capacity and most of the world’s leading technology corporations. Yet it managed to make itself the global epicentre of the pandemic.


Usually when this kind of outlandish idiocy is displaying itself, there is the comforting thought that, if things were really serious, it would all stop. People would sober up. Instead, a large part of the US has hit the bottle even harder. And the president, his party and their media allies keep supplying the drinks.


And this will get worse before it gets better. Trump has at least eight more months in power. In his inaugural address in 2017, he evoked “American carnage” and promised to make it stop. But now that the real carnage has arrived, he is revelling in it. He is in his element.



MORE:
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/fintan-o-toole-donald-trump-has-destroyed-the-country-he-promised-to-make-great-again-1.4235928?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fopinion%2Ffintan-o-toole-donald-trump-has-destroyed-the-country-he-promised-to-make-great-again-1.4235928
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/4/25/1940270/--The-world-has-loved-hated-and-envied-the-US-Now-for-the-first-time-we-pity-it?utm_campaign=trending

[BComplex]

1. Two words:..... FOX "NEWS" .....n/t

[roamer65]

3. Rupert Murdoch should be arrested and executed for treason.

[BComplex]

5. He has created a war against sanity, and should be tried for war crimes?

He's definitely one person that this world would be better off without. However, he has unleashed so many dark forces in his day, and those forces will live on long after he's gone. He just turned 90, I believe, so we don't have to put up with him too much longer. But look what he has unleashed upon the world. His news "pox".

[roamer65]

8. Like Rash Limburger their absence would grace us greatly.

A pox on that Ingraham fuckwit as well.

[Lock him up.]

42. Like dRumph, he left the managing of his de$tructive propaganda machine...

... to his son in NYC if I am not mistaken.

[live love laugh]

18. Faux PLUS Republican owned talk radio and MSM. nt

[BComplex]

44. Yep. They've set up the cult mentality for many years, and the nazi wannabe's

have helped all along the way.

[whathehell]

2. Awww..

Whoever this "we", presumptipus enough to speak for "The World" might be, lol.

Fear not..This too shall pass, and before you know it, you'll be loving, hating, and envying us again.

[cwydro]

7. I don't know how much you travel, but I've done quite a bit of it.

We’re not universally “envied.”

[whathehell]

9. Um, me too

Want to compare notes?

P.S. I didn't claim we were "envied" -- The author of the piece did.

[Lonestarblue]

39. Nor are we universally considered nice people.

I remember a trip many years ago to England. I took a day-long tour to some nearby castles and met an American couple who complained most of the day about the terrible food they had endured, nor just in England but in every country they had visited. Their primary complaint was that they could not find enough McDonald’s restaurants! I think most travelers have moved beyond wanting US food, but there’s a reason some people are called rude Americans. The ones I’ve traveled with have mostly been fantastic. The only ones I try to avoid are the overly political ones and those who insist on wearing clothing that quickly identifies them as Americans—hats, flag clothing, T-shirts with US political messages, etc. In this world of unexpected attacks, there is no need to call attention to your nationality when traveling.

[Hekate]

10. We are hearing this from more than one source. Also, we have DUers in other countries...

...who report the same from where they are. Europeans especially are appalled at what they are witnessing. They know where this leads if not stopped, and so far nobody in the US political system has managed to stop Trump, and his own party just eggs him on.

[cwydro]

11. Yep.

I was amazed at the jokes I heard about the orange anus when I was in Ireland and the UK last.

Very sad.

[jimfields33]

13. UK really? Who did they vote for in a landslide again?

[a la izquierda]

19. And they still think Trump is a raging maniac. so what does that tell you?

[Soph0571]

50. Exactly this...

When this place who voted for Boris Johnson are pitying the USA, hell that is just is the truth. Boris is Boris and he is a right wing wanker, but he is not Trump, he is not even Trump lite right now. Boris has decided that listening to experts is a good plan. Trump wants to inject bleach. We see the news everyday and we wince for you.

[cwydro]

31. I don't have any Brexit friends or relatives.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if they laugh at the idiot too.

He’s a joke.

[paleotn]

36. Boris isn't the best by any means...

But he's not asking Brits to inject themselves with bleach or stick "powerful lights" up their asses. At least he has a working knowledge of how viruses work. Donnie isn't quite sure how the toilet works.

[whathehell]

14. I'm sure..

but my response to them would be the same, and as far as they're knowing "where this leads to" - No, I'd have to disagree somewhat in that they know where it led THEM -- We saw where it led them too and are determined not to meet the same fate.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

4. Meh, it was a good run.

[MFGsunny]

6. Worthwhile read. Good to learn about Fintan O'Toole at link below since he was new to me.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fintan_O%27Toole

[appalachiablue]

12. 2014, I remember reading a discussion here between 2 Brits on

how the U.S. was in 'decline.'

It was rather a bummer.

Not a new view.

[whathehell]

15. Some are wondering how long it will

take them to get over losing their empire.

[appalachiablue]

16. Looks like Merry Olde England could be flying solo, again

soon if Ireland and Scotland split. And they elected BoJo the con clown, so not much room to talk.

I love Britain, lived there in college 1 term. American & Indian students- 'foreigners' from the colonies were outsiders, Lol.

[a la izquierda]

20. I'm resigning my university position here in the US..

To take a law degree in the UK. I’m giving up a (more or less) guaranteed salary and job to be a poor student. At 42.

And I cannot wait to leave WV and get on with it.

[whathehell]

23. That's nice..

Though I must say that it wouldn't take much for me to leave WV either.

[a la izquierda]

48. I've never felt home here in 7 years

But the governor has done a decent job with the pandemic.

I have a partner and a life waiting for me in England and I’ve wanted to move to England or Ireland since I was a kid. No time like the present (or a few months from now).

[whathehell]

51. I doubt I'd feel at home

in WV either. That said, are you a British national ?

[whathehell]

54. Oh, I see by another post of yours that you're from Jersey

I'm originally from Philly, but lived in Central.
Jersey (Flemington)for about 7 years

Mov d to the Chicago area about 20 years ago.

It sounds like you're.got a lot going for you in England, so, yeah, definitely go for it --.I wish you the best of luck.

[appalachiablue]

58. Enjoy the change & your partner, Colchester is a decent location

w proximity to London as you know. My paternal line is from Dorset, Wilts and I'd love to see the area. Years ago I was at Morgantown briefly, it didn't work out due to a relationship, not the place.

[a la izquierda]

45. Colchester, Essex

Odd choice, I know but it reminds me in many ways of home (NJ). Beaches, proximity to a major city, and loudmouths. What’s not to love 😂😂😂

[muriel_volestrangler]

61. Well, Essex is the New Jersey of England

though more the end next to London than Colchester. Are you familiar with TOWIE?

Did you know T_i_B used to live in Colchester?

[a la izquierda]

62. Oh god TOWIE

Today I was on my mountain bike and there was a group of kids who looked like they were spat out of a cross between Jersey Shore, Geordie Shore, TOWIE and Buck Wild.

And I think the reason I love Essex so much (so weird) is that it reminds me of NJ. My boyfriend was born in Brightlingsea but grew up in East London. We’re an odd pair 😂

[whathehell]

46. Um, no, Illinois is also "safe'.

and we do, of course, have that election thingy in November. Just a thought.

[appalachiablue]

57. Um, you think the Nov. election will stall the rw course the country

Last edited Sat Apr 25, 2020, 07:38 PM - Edit history (1)

has been on for 40+ years and for how long? Unless the GOP is practically wiped off the earth as it should be for the mismanagement of this epidemic, a Democrat in the WH for one or two terms will be a huge improvement, but then it's possible that an uneducated, desperate, out of work population could fall for electing another 'hero' demagogue, just look at history.

Unless we reform major systems like the media, taxes, healthcare, education, jobs, the courts and more, any lasting, structural change will be a real challenge. Add to that a new deep economic 'recession' equal to the Great Depression.

Dealing with all this is possible, but it's an enormous effort that will require decades of work and legislation.

A thought- in addition to looming global warming and climate change. More power to you and good luck.

On the blues-- Il, plus MD, DE, and some others possibly- VA, NV...

[whathehell]

60. Um, I think it will help

and even more so if we take the senate.

That said, I wouldn't want to ruin your evening with something other than a pessimistic future scenario.

[anamnua]

25. I've got news for you

we (the Republic of Ireland) split off in 1921.

[appalachiablue]

30. Relax: I was thinking of posts here about Ireland possibly

'reuniting' after Brexit and other speculations on changes.

You don't need to school me on Irish affairs, lol. Ex. What I saw of the land I liked, esp. the architecture & atmosphere of Dublin, Temple Bar. All my life I've been asked if I was Irish, pfft.

As in:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/10/ireland-britain-brexit-reunification/600328/

[whathehell]

53. That may be the case

.in which case they'll.be even smaller concern than they are now..

You went to school for a term in Britain? That must have been fun, though not so.much being treated as an "outsider"..I went to school and in Ireland for almost a term ( got sick & had to come home) in 1982..What year were you in Britain?.

[cwydro]

32. Ah, you've got a great "American" attitude.

[whathehell]

40. Lol..It's not limited to Americans, actually

A continuing, if arguably baseless sense of superiority has been noted by other Europeans. Those would include the author of this thread's OP, Finton O'Toole, and a British DUer who posts here regularly. If that doesn't help, you might want to talk to the French.

Seriously, though, by refusing to re-enter the recent exit negotiations, Britain came to see that they valued their contributions to the European Union much more than the rest of the EU did.

[paleotn]

37. Didn't take long to lose their empire

Won't take us long either, but the bitching and moaning will last well into the Chinese century.

[whathehell]

41. No, but

many think it's taken them a long time to get used to it.

[OMGWTF]

17. I was embarrased to be American during the GeeDumb Bush years; now I'm am beyond fking horrified!

[gibraltar72]

21. They won't be laughing at America when I'm President.

They'll be pitying us.

[rickyhall]

22. We were the bright shining light on a hill, now we've sunk into black hole.

[whathehell]

26. This too shall pass..

Other countries have gone through "black hole" periods as well..We're not unique there.

[rickyhall]

28. True. Karma is catching up to the Fascists again.

[whathehell]

29. Yes..

and, in fact, Trump-Time is SO awful, his departure might generate a wave of true, deep reform in this country.

[KentuckyWoman]

24. Fintan O'Toole is wrong on one count

Yes DJT is grotesque. Yes the sickness in the USA that pushed him to the highest office in the land is grotesque.

But he is wrong that DJT destroyed this country. He is a mere symptom of that sickness. A very damaging side effect ... but he is not the cause.

Yes it will get worse before it gets better. It will not be pretty ... but the best of American ideals will step forward again. When it is all said and done, believe in people.

[Cryptoad]

33. Given that a vaccine for covid has been delevoped ,,,,,

How does a country that can not produce enough toil paper for its populace , produce 350 million dosages of covid vaccine????? GOP has accepted the fact that it cant and millions are going to die and they want to make sure that those who die are the old and poor.

[Lock him up.]

47. Sweden has adopted a different strategy to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Social-Democrat government counted on the "educated" discipline of citizens, instead of shutting down the Economy. They did recommend social distancing, wearing masks (not N95 types) in crowded places where distancing is hard (public transits, bars and restaurants). They chose to develop herd immunity in order to prevent a worse second-wave pandemic, while trying to save the lives of the citizens who are more vulnerable (and not always succeeding, as nothing is perfect in a pandemic).

They counted on the people's educated discipline which is impossible to find in the U.S.A.

[whathehell]

49. It's not yet approved -- It's stll in the testing stage..

[Cryptoad]

56. When and IF,,,

we have one approved....... we are unable to produce 350 million dosages,,,,,,If we started today building the facilities to produce that many dosages ,, it would take three years !

[Politicub]

34. America has always been based on a mythology

The founding fathers are deified and the constitution is regarded as holy writ.

I love my country. It doesn’t surprise me that our inequities and lack of basic services like universal health care are on full display. I hope it leads to positive change.

The president is a failure and a laughing stock among more than half of the population. His party has shown itself to be unable to govern when leadership matters most.

Trump has amplified carnage across the country. Full of sound and fury but signifying nothing.

[whathehell]

43. Show me a country that isn't..

As for the rest, Yes THIS President is a laughing stock - Barack Obama, his immediate predecessor, was loved and respected worldwide.

Why do the American self-loather always.choose to define the country by its worst, rather than it's best?

[Politicub]

59. That's a good point. I don't know if other countries are so hung up on their origin stories.

Maybe the monarchies or something.

Yes, I agree Obama was loved worldwide. I miss his leadership every day.

[EleanorR]

35. Grotesque Spectacle

That about sums it up.

[paleotn]

38. Yep. That about sums it up.

[BobTheSubgenius]

52. "Will American prestige ever recover..."

While there has certainly been a massive drop in world opinion, to suggest that the US might never recover is overstating the case, and by quite a bit. The question is more a case of "will it recover its prestige at its high water mark?"

That might or might not happen, but America's overall image could easily have the dents hammered out and some shiny new paint applied. Look at what happened under Bush. One would be hard pressed to do much worse in terms of self-destructing one's own image than unleash a gigantic war machine on a much smaller foe, based on lies.

How was America's worldwide image after his successor?

To make an even more grotesque example, where was Germany's national image in the latter half of 1945, or even 1939? Where is it today? The US has nowhere near as deep a pit to crawl out of, and a much easier path to former glory, once it does.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

55. We were respected?

Given all the past complaints from Europeans regarding tourists from the USA, I’m surprised.

They’re just as loud and obnoxious over here!