Marcos looks forward to working closely with POTUS

Not sure where you dig up this sh1t P1 but my initial response is "another peaceful transfer of power?" Most of us remember well 4 years ago that wasn't peaceful.

Seems a lot of brown nosing from all countries as well as the wealthiest fools in the world.

Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said . . .  Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.

*******************************

If he was a dictator he would be on his third term.

Trump is just the second president in US history to return to power after being voted out, after Grover Cleveland
--- - @PalawOne

           Grover Cleveland had been accused of fathering a child out of wedlock  Cleveland admitted that the father of the child could be himself or his law partner.  The opposition used the following as a campaign slogan;

"Ma, ma, where's pa?  Gone to the Whitehouse ha ha ha!"

            Cleveland got reelected in 1892, but a terrible economic slowdown hit the country in 1894 and the Democratic party did not win a presidential election again until 1912.  Woodrow Wilson won with only 40% of the vote in 1912,  but Teddy Roosevelt split with the Republican Party, running as the Bull Moose Party, dooming his previous vice president Taft.  Roosevelt had supported Taft when we was elected in 1908.  Taft was the largest president ever, requiring a new bath tub for the Whitehouse.  He had the distinction of being the first president to throw out the first ball at the opening of the baseball season and the only president to also be chief justice of the Supreme Court.  He was well liked while in the Philippines, still has a major road named after him.

One thing we all know for sure about Trump is that he's a confirmed woman beater. First Hillary, and then Kamala.

One thing we all know for sure about Trump is that he's a confirmed woman beater. First Hillary, and then Kamala. - @Aidan in HCMC

I can also comment with Zen humor:

What did the Zen practitioner say to the hot dog vendor? “Make me one with everything!”

If you are worried about a takeover, which do you want?  China or the United States?

If you are worried about a takeover, which do you want? China or the United States? - @flyrite777

Regardless of preference, the USA would never take the Philippines. Too many people, too few resources, not much upside but a lot of downside. From a MAGA pov. does not meet Trump's test of making America more wealthy, more safe or stronger. China probably wants the Philippines more. The US is stuck with an MDT defense treaty and not getting much help from other beneficiaries, local like Indonesia or far, like EU, in defending the South China Sea shipping lanes. Will Trump continue being the lone defending chump or will he end the possibility of war and just make a unilateral deal with Xi to protect US trade?. I suspect the latter and the MDT may be up for review as well.

bigpearl said . . . Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.
*******************************
If he was a dictator he would be on his third term.


- @Enzyte Bob

Well Bob it was tried on 4 years ago and failed. A wiser man these days wielding an immense amount of power, we have seen it after only 2 days.

I would ask why Putin and Xi are still in power long after their use by date? Simple, they changed the laws and game play, Possible in all countries.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve. 

bigpearl said . . . .Well Bob it was tried on 4 years ago and failed. A wiser man these days wielding an immense amount of power, we have seen it after only 2 days.

*********************************

I guess you're not watching Sky News Australia. It was NOT tried four years ago.

Make Wombat's Great Again.

As I have always said Bob. Time reveals all.

Cheers, Steve.

As I have always said Bob. Time reveals all.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Time will, has time already has.

So far we've seen him release violent criminals because they are his violent criminals, and threaten a number of countries that are unable to hurt the United States.

As this is an expat forum, perhaps were could look at issues that expats, especially those from the US, are likely to face.

I feel the expat landscape is about to change, and not for the better.

From a personal point of view, I can see a return to the days I would have to inform my interlocutor I'm not an American before safety was guaranteed.

bigpearl said . . . . I would ask why Putin and Xi are still in power long after their use by date? Simple, they changed the laws and game play, Possible in all countries.

*********************************

Not possible in the United States.

To change the law (constitution) the following must happen:

(1) An amendment must be approved by 2/3 vote in both houses.

(2) Then it must be approved by 3/4 of the states.

(3) The 27th amendment took over 200 years to pass.

(4) By that time Trump will be on Mount Rushmore.

Bob I like your tenacity but the best laid plans of mice and men? The push of a pen? A civil war? Or simply the sheep that can't think for themselves. lambs to the slaughter?

As said time will reveal all I'm somewhat happy to live in the Philippines with its own set of problems but not a patch what is going down ATM there.

A laugh at times, sad most times.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said . . . Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.
*******************************
If he was a dictator he would be on his third term.


- @Enzyte Bob

Well Bob it was tried on 4 years ago and failed. A wiser man these days wielding an immense amount of power, we have seen it after only 2 days.
I would ask why Putin and Xi are still in power long after their use by date? Simple, they changed the laws and game play, Possible in all countries.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.
- @bigpearl

For Putin, I would have to look deeper before I can offer a fair opinion.

As for China, that's easy. People are making money like crazy and life is good. There's no interest in removing a government that's so good for them.

We will have to see what Trump's policies do for the people of his bit of North America. Not just at home, but expats in the States, and US expats all over the world.

If the Trump and the Supreme court have their way, by the end of Trump's 2nd term the constitution will have been changed to allow a third and maybe even a fourth term.

Quoting:
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/22/2415949/marcos-looks-forward-working-closely-potus
"The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is pushing for the creation of an inter-agency body that would synchronize efforts among government agencies, civil society and other organizations assisting the hundreds of thousands of undocumented Filipinos in the US now in danger of being deported under a Trump administration."

Yes, presumably the US will pay to deport 'the hundreds of thousands of undocumented Filipinos'?

One imagines such an event might well be of incredible game-changing benefit for the Philippines.

An enormous influx of western-educated, presumably hard-working, relatively well-off new citizens,

many with at least a familiarity with tagalog, could well transform Philippines society in many ways.

America's loss of such talent could be a major influence for the Philippines as a modern economy?

That's what I was hinting at before Findlay, echoes of many other countries.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

undocumented Filipinos in the US now in danger of being deported under a Trump administration."
Yes, presumably the US will pay to deport 'the hundreds of thousands of undocumented Filipinos'?
One imagines such an event might well be of incredible game-changing benefit for the Philippines.
- @PPalawOne

Game changing is possible. Imagine large numbers returning with stories about how badly treated they were treated (ICE isn't known for giving out cake and flowers), and how that might create anti-US immigration feelings.

If I were a US expats, I'd be worried.

Maybe we should all retire in Indonesia Fred?

Cheers, Steve.

Maybe we should all retire in Indonesia Fred?
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

No, please don't.

Apart from anything else, our recent jump into BRICS might well bring emotional outbursts from Trump. In turn, such rants could very easily see anti-American feelings appear in a lot of countries.

Fred said. . . .  Apart from anything else, our recent jump into BRICS might well bring emotional outbursts from Trump. In turn, such rants could very easily see anti-American feelings appear in a lot of countries.

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Trump said he will Tariff BRICS, until they will come hat in hand begging for Dollars.

It seemed reading from all the posts from Australians, English & Indonesians are still suffering from post TDS.

Better get vaccinated.

Echoes of the purchaser of twitter/rebranded "X" Many of the sacked staff were reoffered employment when the platform was falling over, will the same happen with the current axe wielding government that perhaps should have started with a scalpel and removed the excess surgically?

Regardless Fred, no matter country if you have white skin here the label is Joe no matter like me an Aussie or you an Englishman or my German and Canadian neighbours are all considered US nationals, probably sadly comes from a bygone era and stuck.

Was a joke for me to move to Indonesia,,,,, very happy in PH.

Cheers, Steve.

What planet are you on Bob? Open your eyes and simply see how a dictator starts out. Fortunately most Americans are thinkers and not sheep and doubt the rhetoric will be swallowed by the majority and could end badly...... for many.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Regardless Fred, no matter country if you have white skin here the label is Joe no matter like me an Aussie or you an Englishman or my German and Canadian neighbours are all considered US nationals, probably sadly comes from a bygone era and stuck.
Was a joke for me to move to Indonesia,,,,, very happy in PH.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Problems disappeared as soon as I confirmed I wasn't from the Bush illegal war country.

I'm sure the same will apply once I stick a finger up at Trump's name.

However, US expats will probably have to claim they are from Canada in order to save the trouble being American may bring.

What planet are you on Bob? Open your eyes and simply see how a dictator starts out. Fortunately most Americans are thinkers and not sheep and doubt the rhetoric will be swallowed by the majority and could end badly...... for many.
OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Given the orange won, you may be wrong.

As said Fred all will be revealed, from my perspective? As an Aussie get little say but the US constituents will end up tiring of the crap being dealt out and many will wonder what they were thinking,,,,,, OMO but I see nasty on the horizon world wide.

You can't fix bitter and twisted.

Cheers, Steve.

Ozzies and Brits are the most likely to be targets of the hate Trump generates.

It might well be advantageous in a 'not getting beaten up' sort of way to make sure peole know yo aren't an American.

I can see Trump creating a lot of ill feeling towards US citizens.

Of course, the one who voted for Trump have nothing to complain about, but I feel sorry for innocent Americans who did not.

Regardless Fred, no matter country if you have white skin here the label is Joe no matter like me an Aussie or you an Englishman or my German and Canadian neighbours are all considered US nationals, probably sadly comes from a bygone era and stuck.
Was a joke for me to move to Indonesia,,,,, very happy in PH.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
Problems disappeared as soon as I confirmed I wasn't from the Bush illegal war country.
I'm sure the same will apply once I stick a finger up at Trump's name.
However, US expats will probably have to claim they are from Canada in order to save the trouble being American may bring. - @Fred

You're still a 'Bulé' Fred

Despite Trump maybe sending thousands back to the Philippines, I'd guess the love Phils have for America will endure, and maybe even increase.

After all, apparently the folks sent back to the Philippines aren't there legally, we all know that.

If Trump is tough on them, one suspects that America's attraction will only increase. Phills folk love strong leaders.

And one might guess, any otherwise great US citizens, with clean records, might have a reasonably good chance of being re-admitted once they apply for citizenship properly?

But, I'm an Aussie, what would I know or care about US citizenship?

And anyway, good luck with President Trump, ladies and gentlemen.

bigpearl said . . . . I would ask why Putin and Xi are still in power long after their use by date? Simple, they changed the laws and game play, Possible in all countries.*********************************Not possible in the United States.To change the law (constitution) the following must happen:(1) An amendment must be approved by 2/3 vote in both houses.(2) Then it must be approved by 3/4 of the states.(3) The 27th amendment took over 200 years to pass.(4) By that time Trump will be on Mount Rushmore. - @Enzyte Bob

Read your history. In 1933 Hitler destroyed the German democracy in under 60 days. Similar to the US congress now, their parliament simply went along with everything, abdicated their responsibility and hoped for the best. Now weak and fearful Republicans who know better are not challenging Trump on anything, including unqualified cabinet picks. The pardoning and commuting of sentences of those who committed violence against the Capitol police on Jan 6, 2021 is shocking, especially leaders of paramilitary groups, which by the way was one of Hitlers greatest weapons against Jews and others.

The paramilitaries are all celebrating now. Violence has now been officially condoned. Remember the Brownshirts in Germany? Kristallnacht? Well the US has the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who are happy to have their leaders and members released from jail and looking forward to carrying out whatever Trump wants.  He is also pushing for military involvement and has very few checks on his power now that the Supreme Court granted him virtual immunity from acts committed while in office. This is how a country slides into authoritarianism.

Fortunately most Americans are thinkers and not sheep and doubt the rhetoric will be swallowed by the majority and could end badly...... for many.
OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Not true Steve. Most no longer read, or think. Just eat the dogfood..

, including unqualified cabinet picks. The pardoning and commuting of sentences of those who committed violence against the Capitol police on Jan 6, 2021 is shocking, especially leaders of paramilitary groups, which by the way was one of Hitlers greatest weapons against Jews and others.
The paramilitaries are all celebrating now. Violence has now been officially condoned. Remember the Brownshirts in Germany? Kristallnacht? Well the US has the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who are happy to have their leaders and members released from jail and looking forward to carrying out whatever Trump wants. He is also pushing for military involvement and has very few checks on his power now that the Supreme Court granted him virtual immunity from acts committed while in office. This is how a country slides into authoritarianism. - @pnwcyclist

Things are looking a little dodgy on the US domestic front. We will  have to see hhow that plays out with foreign policy, and how that touches expats

LOL PNW. Then the plenty with their snouts in the trough.

Cheers, Steve.

@pnwcyclist

Anybody who compares a US candidate or president to Adolf Hitler shall hereby be subject to a fine of 10 pesos plus a public whipping with a wet noodle.

Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

You might like to take a gander at tthe link

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5104 … amendment/

Long shot? Maybe, or maybe the opening shot of a battle.

Long shot? Maybe, or maybe the opening shot of a battle. - @Fred

   BB. 

Piece of cake, all it takes is 2/3 of the house, 2/3 of the senate and 38 states.

Looks like a long shot ... at the moment.

However, it will promote debate, and few loud people saying it will be called a majority by Trump.

Marcos looks forward to working closely with POTUS

Just heard - Marcos is going to buy Trump coins.

Well, maybe not, but the coin shows what a conman Trump is.

It also shows idiots will buy anything.

https://www.wired.com/story/the-trump-m … economics/

Dictatorship? Seems that way to me.OMO.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearlYou might like to take a gander at tthe linkhttps://thehill.com/homenews/house/5104 … amendment/Long shot? Maybe, or maybe the opening shot of a battle. - @Fred

The globalists, liberal fascists, the wokesters and socialist anti-Trumpers are really sweating this week lol. One thing we know, it will get even better next week. DEI became DIE lol.

One EO after another, canceling out Biden's misled declarations, the true dictatorship documents.

And the imagination about dystopian USA tyranny knows no bounds here, though with little creativity, seemingly limited to poorly construed Adolf Hitler comparisons. Did you see Elon Musk's so-called 'Hitler salute'? Elon himself couldn't help taking a poke at that insane comment on X. If he really meant "heil hitler" in front if a large crowd, why would he publicly deny it? Makes no sense but nothing needs make sense with the loser crowd.

By the way, "loser crowd" is appropriate because the US President won a decisive victory by a majority vote of the American people. We call that Democracy, not Hitler rule. Trump is who we want. If you aren't American, you have no reason to comment about the leader of my country unless you wish to disrespect your Americsn allies or neutral friends. I do not comment about your leaders except for academic interest. There are several cases where I could compare them to dictators.

Your TDS is well counter-balanced by the people who *do* have standing, the majority of the American electorate whom you insult by saying they elected Hitler. I cannot comprehend the ignorance.