Excellent analysis. Starmer is clearly pushing the party in the right direction, but from a very bad place. He will hope Brexit voters will forget his "People's referendum" support in the same way that Johnson will hope they forget parties. There's still a general perception that Labour regards patriotism like a bad smell, with no place in a global outlook. Working class people have to believe Labour is on their side, and of course, that Boris's promises on leveling up had no worth.
I think Starmer understands that problem with patriotism - there is a reason Starmer now has a bunch of flags behind him whenever he gives a speech. Not enough, I know, but understanding (and agreeing with) the diagnosis of the problem is a good first step for them. A lot really hinges on if people really feel any difference as a result of 'levelling up' by 2024.
After all Johnson's tough talk on Ukraine last week, why were the sanctions he announced yesterday so pathetic? Anything to do with the fact that many of the individuals who should have been sanctioned are Tory party donors?
If he goes full-sanction now, there's no deterrent for Russia not to invade the whole of Ukraine. This is a shot across the bows, and if/when Putin goes further, expect much more severe sanctions
Putin knows a lot more are down the line if he continues his aggression. If the oligarchs face enough grief from Western democracies after a Ukraine invasion, there's at least a chance that Putin's grip on power may weaken.
Times reported some discontent among the Russian army already - and the oligarchs will surely be pissed off at losing Nord 2.
Best chance of peace in this conflict is that a few of these Oligarchs feel the pinch & rally arround & assassinate Putin
The Ukrainian foreign minister is giving an excellent speech at the UN, calling out Putin and his claims as 'absurd', he's testing the resolve of the UN as to whether they have the balls for this...
I realised that, Bob. But it's the Left/woke warriors way to knock this country, which is fine if they provide a substantial list of countries that are more worthy . If they can't, then for all its imperfections, this country is, with others with similar values, out in front.
I’d say once upon a time we arguably were up there. It’s more than a bit toxic nowadays for some reason.
More worthy of what? Surely patriotism can only be applied to your chosen country or that of origin. Im always looking for an explanation of patriotism, not out of ignorance but rather intrigue, as i often find myself wondering what it actually means to someone.
I've given you my definition. Worthy as, for example, you respect people's religion and sexuality and don't engage in ethnic cleansing or throw gay people off buildings. You see the difference.
Ah right. I suppose a lot of people will have different definitions of what being patriotic means to themselves. To me, what youve said is just a difference between right and wrong. I certainly dont belittle your comments though.
It's war now then ! Putin announced 'special military operation ' on Ukraine. Explosions heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and other cities across Ukraine. Reports Russian troops have landed in Mariupol and Odessa from the Black Sea. Ukrainian President declared martial law. Grim times ahead I fear, can only hope it concludes quickly without too much bloodshed, but I don't hold out much hope of that !
