Vance has announced that he’s going to Greenland on Friday with his wife. I hope the good folk of Greenland let him know how unwelcome he and the US are.
Off Topic Politics Thread
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Maybe they can deny their passport or visa at entry.
I wonder how easy it would be to push him off a glacier and make it look like an accident?
I think that Europe is not paying it's way in policing the Suez area (excepting the Royal Navy ) and the criticism of Vance and Hesgeth is harsh but not inaccurate. The language they chose to express themselves was unprofessional but the sentiments are not to be unexpected given curreny American policy.
I still think that the Signalgate issue just makes them all look like beginners, which they largely are. People promoted out of their depth on the basis of loyalty to Trump.
I still think the boxes in Mar-e-Largo is a more serious issue and believe that we will see thia week's gaffs on a regular basis. The stuff that has been published is a bit lightweight but am willing to change my mind if more comes into tge public domain. No one will get fired over this.
Your first paragraph is wrong the Royal Navy is far from being the exception. European navies have been active in policing the Suez area, in taking action against Somali pirates and in other maritime theatres. Some examples from a simple search.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-new...led-naval-task-force-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/
"A look at the Defence news 4 – 10 December
News item | 13-12-2023 | 00:00
Maritime mission in the Strait of Hormuz led by Belgium and the Netherlands.
For 6 months, Belgium and the Netherlands will be in command of the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH). This European maritime security initiative started in 2020, following rising tensions in the Gulf region. EMASoH aims to reduce these tensions. By building up a picture of what is happening in the region, the mission also contributes to safe passage for civilian vessels."
https://english.defensie.nl/latest/news/2023/12/13/a-look-at-the-defence-news-4---10-december
And
"The Red Sea mission will see European warships and aerial warning systems deployed to help protect shipping in the important international shipping area.
Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Monday's decision and posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter: "Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners. Beyond crisis response, it's a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect our European interests."
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-foreign-ministers-approve-red-sea-naval-mission/a-68296219
An EU briefing
Charting a course through stormy waters - European Parliament
European Parliament
https://www.europarl.europa.eu › etudes › BRIE
garysfc
Well-Known Member
Labour government are now trying to avoid paying market rate when they steal people’s land and property:
https://x.com/_robbiemoore/status/1904623515736961195?s=46
This goverment is dangerously far left.
Bond yields back above the crisis levels of Liz Truss’s government.
Scary times.
https://x.com/_robbiemoore/status/1904623515736961195?s=46
This goverment is dangerously far left.
Bond yields back above the crisis levels of Liz Truss’s government.
Scary times.
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First question: "Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Republican Party?"
Or maybe “have you ever blown an orange trumpet?”
So the rich guy is earning almost £97k while the poor guy is earning £22,500?
You are tearing at my heart strings here, bro.
That is biggest load of bullshit I've read on here in a long time and that is saying something!
Someone earning £150 grand is already paying tax on that income. These are not the revenue sources Gary Stevenson is arguing that the government should be targeting. A tax on the assets of the rich, on second, third, and multiple homes, is not a tax on earned income, it’s a tax on wealth that otherwise contributes nothing to the economy.
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“I’m the smartest trader in the world and even I found it hard, no one else can possibly be a success”
LOL
I honestly think he is a stooge planted by the goverment to drum up support for tax rises.
The key point is you are blaming successful people instead of the true cause
On a salary of £150k, in 2024/25 you'll take home £91,287, which is 61% of your salary. That's £7,607 per month, or £1,756 per week. That's £53,703 of Income Tax and £5,010 of National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
https://savingtool.co.uk/150k-after-tax?
Also available to those with high incomes:-
"Strategies for Reducing Adjusted Net Income
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that high earners can adopt to reduce their taxable net income, preserve personal allowances, and avoid the 60% tax trap. You can manage your income more efficiently by carefully considering your financial situation and taking advantage of available tax reliefs and strategies.
Increase Pension Contributions
One of the most straightforward and effective ways to reduce your taxable income is to increase contributions to your pension. Pension contributions are deducted from your income before tax, which helps reduce your adjusted net income and could keep you below key tax thresholds.
Consider Investment Strategies
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) offer significant tax reliefs for those seeking to reduce their taxable income while exploring investment opportunities.
Support Charitable Organisations
Charitable donations extend your basic-rate tax band, meaning more of your income is taxed at 20% rather than 40% or 45%. This can be particularly beneficial if you are close to the higher-rate threshold. The most common way to donate to a UK-registered charity is through Gift Aid.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes
Salary sacrifice schemes are an effective way to reduce your taxable income while still receiving valuable benefits. Under these schemes, you exchange a portion of your salary for non-cash benefits such as pension contributions, private healthcare, or an electric vehicle. This approach lowers your taxable income and helps you take advantage of available tax reliefs.
https://www.dsburge.co.uk/tax/how-to-reduce-taxable-income/
So Rachel Reeves has been under attack this week for accepting some tickets to a music event. Meanwhile, unmentioned by the press, Kemi Badenoch has received a gift worth 15k from a guy who runs a climate denial think tank, the same week she announces Tory opposition to net-zero.
And you are vilifying a successful person with poor taste memes because he dares question the status quo.
Try independent thought
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