tegs07

I think we need to separate out trade vs security. Trade no, security yes.

The great negotiator is playing a blinder. Ukraine started the war, Zelenski is a dictator, Ukraine can’t join NATO, no US backstop, Ukraine has to cede territory, Russia holds all the cards, an inexperienced team facing veteran diplomats with decades of experience. I think we know the outcome. Hopefully the time it takes for Russia to re-arm and it’s economy to recover will see Trump exposed as a complete failure on the domestic and world stage and a new president. Edit: It also appears to have slipped his mind that Russia is China’s biggest ally. Being attacked on 2 fronts would hardly be the best strategic decision. Europe does matter!

I have a Sandberg California which is a slightly different league. I still pick up the Fender more often though…

The thing is though the CV is a really good instrument. My CV P bass is the only bass I regret selling. It took a few basses and finally a Nate Mendel to match/better it.

It’s interesting the difference between the Polish perspective and the UK. I guess if hostile tanks and bombs were in Wales we might take things a little more seriously. Edit: Even as a potential peace keeping force in Ukraine UK is impotent. We simply don’t have the resources.

Well the armed forces have been in decline for decades. The UK barely has enough troops to cover its role in times of peace. Let’s hope the worst doesn’t happen as in times of conflict we would barely last six months. I would rather we had an armed deterrent of highly motivated, professional soldiers than a hastily assembled bunch of amateurs being led to inevitable death. Sometimes it’s worth investing in those that make the choice.

For many generations the armed forces served as a university for the most disadvantaged and a means of escape from dead end jobs. Other than the risk of armed conflict service personnel are frequently moved every few years. The kids education is severely disrupted. Partners have difficulty establishing a career of their own and often integration back into wider society is extremely difficult.

Macron has been saying the same thing for years. I don’t disagree with Europe upping its defence spend. I do think it’s a strange negotiating tactic to grant massive concessions before the negotiations even begin and do a total reversal of the previous administration’s objectives.

It’s all shaping up to be as much of a cock up as I feared. Geopolitically making China and Russia stronger. Domestically creating the conditions for an uptick in inflation. Globally creating turbulence amongst allies and trading partners. The sad reality is change is urgently needed. The level of debt in the USA (and most other nations tbh) and the deficit is unsustainable. However simply doing a Johnson and acting like a spoiled toddler in a sweet shop is not going to turn the tide. A credible plan and a systematic approach would avoid the inevitable train crash. Perhaps if billionaires were not taking more of the wealth and paying less and less back into the pot more revenue could be generated. Giving them the power to scrape the pot even further might not work. It’s even more concerning when they are using this power to interfere in other democracies. There is are those that don’t want political discussion. What is happening in the world now for me transcends party politics. Vote for whoever you like based on your own personal beliefs but surely there needs to be some discussion when those running for office are preaching hate, discrimination and meddling in the democratic process?

Generally if i walk on a patch of ice, fall over and break my arm I would avoid doing it again. Who knows with special Trump shoes it might turn out differently next time? Edit: For anyone who is interested https://taxfoundation.org/blog/economic-effects-taxes-tariffs/

I very much doubt that any of the revenue will find its way into healthcare. The last time around some revenue was funnelled into protected industries. Perhaps agriculture could do with a boost? The farmers have already lost a chunk of future revenue due to cuts in USAid. A sizeable chunk of the money going to Ukraine has generated an increase in arms production and replenished last generation hardware. This will be slashed shortly and steel costs will increase. Tariffs have historically generated negative real returns but Trump knows best.

A big problem with this statement is £700 ten years ago bought a lot of Fender Mexican made bass. Now the prices have increased with inflation. Wages in the urban areas of Indonesia particularly for skilled labour are steadily rising. I read somewhere that minimum wages will increase in Indonesia by 6.5% this year. Raw materials and transport costs also remain elevated. £250 for a musical instrument including all taxes, distribution etc is incredible value. I don’t think £700 is particularly expensive either. I think we have just got used to things being extraordinarily cheap in the last few decades.

A big issue is the myth that Bidenomics caused inflation and Trump will solve this. The era of ultra low inflation and interest rates is over. Despite all the promises prices just keep creeping up and nothing Trump is doing is going to stop this. His policies will make things worse in the short to medium term. Bullying, blaming and bluffing won’t bring inflation down. Tariffs won’t bring inflation down. Strong arm tactics towards the FED won’t bring inflation down. Sacking of thousands government workers won’t bring inflation down. I can’t see much slack for the FED to reduce interest rates (if anything they cut too early, it’s too soon to tell but the latest figures are a red flag). A global recession triggered by a trade war is going to do nothing to help with living costs. European nation’s whose economies are already suffering from the effects of Russian aggression having to cover the costs of a Trump dictated peace plan and subsequent increase in defence spending is hardly going to help. The volume of gold being repatriated from London to the USA is another red flag that all is not well. It’s shaping up to be an interesting couple of years.

plenty of people spend hundreds of pounds on sports clothing that have been developed for elite athletes only to shuffle down to maccy d’s.

i don’t think they scorn the gear just the people buying it. if your a dentist that wants a £4000 custom shop fender for your 30th anniversary and can barely play then there are worse crimes out there.