The Serious Discussion Thread.

[Grier]

This is the AI image Trump made of himself as a new Pope.


From our ABC:

US President Donald Trump has posted an artificial intelligence-generated image, depicting himself as the pope seated in an ornate chair, dressed in formal papal clothing.

The image has drawn widespread condemnation from Catholic communities and Italian media, who have described it as a "mockery" and "pathological megalomania".

Mr Trump's AI image also came days after he joked he would "like to be pope", during comments made to journalists on the lawn of the White House.



Left-leaning former Italian premier Matteo Renzi said the image was shameful. “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” he wrote on X.

 

[Richie]

This is the AI image Trump made of himself as a new Pope.

View attachment 3346
From our ABC:

US President Donald Trump has posted an artificial intelligence-generated image, depicting himself as the pope seated in an ornate chair, dressed in formal papal clothing.

The image has drawn widespread condemnation from Catholic communities and Italian media, who have described it as a "mockery" and "pathological megalomania".

Mr Trump's AI image also came days after he joked he would "like to be pope", during comments made to journalists on the lawn of the White House.

View attachment 3347

Left-leaning former Italian premier Matteo Renzi said the image was shameful. “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” he wrote on X.

Well if he was Pope he'd not be destroying the current global structure.

 

[Richie]

Donald Trump's approval rating by state​

After 100 days in office​

Source: Civiqs

 

[Grier]

Were dreadful.

 

[Zman]

Were dreadful.

 

[Richie]

Trump floats raising taxes on the rich to pay for his sweeping cuts​

Does that include himself? Go his fake tan.

 

[Grier]

Trump has caused a lot of instability on global finances that cannot be healed with the fool's back pedalling now on his idiotic tariffs. Damage done and confidence low on global markets. It's not the Art of the deal but a foolish act of a naive idiot.
At least that wil hurt US citizens the most. They voted the Wrecker in, and now there's a lot of "Buyer's regret" What a dumb tool!
What third term? He's dreaming! (I loved the 'Castle' movie)

Some speculation is that our Australia could weather Trump's looming Depression with cheaper products from our biggest trading partner China.
China may even go on an infrastructure binge needing more Australian Iron Ore. That'd be nice. We have lots of rare earths too, not for the US I hope. We should double the cost to the US. That's fair.
Our quality Beef sales are up with China avoiding now expensive and lesser quality US beef. Thanks Trump! Hope you enjoy your crappy big Mac.

If the US and China get physical, we should stay out of that. Just watch from the side lines. Why upset our big trade partner because a dumb childish man has a hissy fit. Stuff the US. They don't deserve our support any more!

 

[Grier]

Trump floats raising taxes on the rich to pay for his sweeping cuts​

Does that include himself? Go his fake tan.

Have you noticed he's let his bouffant wispy hair go to its natural grey in recent times. And the fake tan does seem to be fading too Craig. I Don't lose sleep over his vain affectations but somehow feel it's indicative of some change of mindset. Well, it is to be his last term so says the US constitution. "HA" says Thump thinking of back door strategies as used in Authoritarian/Despotic nations. ... like Russia, North Korea, China , Iran, Israel,.. his mates .., !?
Trampling and Trumpling over many US and UN legal systems Trump wants his own stupid way that flips so often like a pancake.

More and more I'm hearing nations fawning at Trump's feet. "Please, please ...most dear, dear Mr President Trump of the world". ... He's graceless.

Getting an understanding of Trump many are now appealing to his weaknesses, his own vanity and colossal ego mostly, to become a "Dear Friend" with tariffs lowered.
Is that like "friends with benefits"?

 

[looker-on]

Donald Trump's approval rating by state​

After 100 days in office​

Source: Civiqs

My take on this is that, strictly speaking, his support has declined since the introduction of the tariffs but, basically, it hasn't changed.

 

[Richie]

Thomas you have not responded by words to my post re your sleep deprivation. page #694.

 

[Richie]

Getting an understanding of Trump many are now appealing to his weaknesses, his own vanity and colossal ego mostly, to become a "Dear Friend" with tariffs lowered.
Is that like "friends with benefits"?

 

[Richie]

Thomas you have not responded to my host re your sleep deprivation. #694

 

[Richie]

I'm no expert but I reckon drinking beer makes me pee the most.

Me too but beer goes thru your system fast, unlike a diuretic beverage which stays in the system far longer and for me needs releasing middle of the nite without fail, stuffing my sleep. gggrrr.

 

[Grier]

Me too but beer goes thru your system fast, unlike a diuretic beverage which stays in the system far longer and for me needs releasing middle of the nite without fail, stuffing my sleep. gggrrr.

"I like beer, it makes me a jolly good fellow", as the song goes.

 

[Grier]

Now the Labor government have been returned with a massive majority the opposition is soul searching and looking for a new leader.
Angus Taylor and Susan Ley are vying for the top opposition spot.
Sadly I find Taylor a very vocal "Nay Sayer" with no credible economic policies as Shadow Treasurer. It was such negativity that Dutton pushed that people did not like, nor his Trumpian copycat policies.

I hope a competent Susan Ley gets the guernsey, as one of the few women in a misogynistic party now. The Libs are so out of touch with mainstream Australian values which was a big factor in their electoral losses. Even Dutton lost his seat.

Looking back over recent years the Libs had some brilliant politicians like Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop, both a great loss to the party.

Susan Ley deserves to win being the leader of the opposition imho, but then again if Angus Tayor wins he'll take the Libs on a long wander in the wilderness I reckon. That's not a bad option in hindsight.

Howard was a great PM too imho. He's still about despite his advanced years.

I see Proud Little David retained his leadership of the Nationals. He's ok .

The Greens got knocked about too. I'm ok with that having seen their shrill hysterics blocking everything. Will they own the tipping point in the Senate?

And what a laugh Clive Palmer gave us. Pauline Hanson too.
Our loony pollies.

Jackie Lamby is a good and loud independant Senator and Advocate for our Armed forces, and loud on other issues too. A tough Aussie lady with a heart of gold.

 

[Richie]

Sadly I find Taylor a very vocal "Nay Sayer" with no credible economic policies as Shadow Treasurer.

Taylor was espousing the LP policies when he addressed the Canberra Press Club. Came across as very knowledgeable on the subject. Wondered at the time why he was not Libs leader over Dutton (Uncle Fester). As for his credentials to lead the Party and our nation, he has a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Law and is a Rhodes Scholar. That'll do me. Conversely Susann Lery has master's degrees in taxation and accountancy. Prey tell what leadership cred does Albanese have by comparison. The Australian people are fools to give Labor another term.

 

[Richie]

Clive Palmer

At the very least this Trump -like party were going to give our major cities fast trains, something these other nongs cant agree on. Also nuke energy has to come into the mix at some stage, plus hydrogen and even wave energy, if Australia is to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. They were also going to slash immigration.

 

[Richie]

Are we going to hold Albo to his pledge of offering to the Australian people in this his second term, another chance for a Republic. Pfft betting he has forgotten about it or will renege. Am sad now knowing I will fall off the perch having not lived in a fully independent Australia with her own Constitution and Head of State. A joke now here in the 21st century!

 

[Richie]

Putin massing troops on the border of Finland. Military build-up similar to the prelude to Ukraine war sparks alarm in NATO.​

Hello Mad Vlad, Finland is now a NATO member so expect thousands of western troops sent there to protect the Fins. Even alone Finland would not be a pushover for the Russkies. They even have the Yank F35 stealth jet.

Materiel and Equipment of the Finnish Defence Forces - Puolustusvoimat

You can browse our equipment branch-by-branch or by different classes of weapons and weapon systems.

puolustusvoimat.fi

 

[Grier]

Putin massing troops on the border of Finland. Military build-up similar to the prelude to Ukraine war sparks alarm in NATO.​

Hello Mad Vlad, Finland is now a NATO member so expect thousands of western troops sent there to protect the Fins. Even alone Finland would not be a pushover for the Russkies. They even have the Yank F35 stealth jet.

Materiel and Equipment of the Finnish Defence Forces - Puolustusvoimat

You can browse our equipment branch-by-branch or by different classes of weapons and weapon systems.

puolustusvoimat.fi

Nearby Poland is girding its loins too. Finland is no walk over either.
One for all and all for one.
NATO minus the US is girding it's loins too. Wise move.