@doop5.bsky.social
Yes, am an optimist. The President can't direct when/if an election is held. Only Congress can. While Congress has been very shy abt taking actions/blocking acts, cancelling the mid-terms would be epic - can't see them approving that, for their own policital future & the security of the nation.
January 25, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Yes, am an optimist. The President can't direct when/if an election is held. Only Congress can. While Congress has been very shy abt taking actions/blocking acts, cancelling the mid-terms would be epic - can't see them approving that, for their own policital future & the security of the nation.
It's not just the next election, but the next & next - essentially generational change. So many institutions & govt pillars require remediation. The current system is a perfect example of how their own system has failed. Hopefully they can see what has gone wrong & put the laws in place to correct.
January 25, 2026 at 1:48 AM
It's not just the next election, but the next & next - essentially generational change. So many institutions & govt pillars require remediation. The current system is a perfect example of how their own system has failed. Hopefully they can see what has gone wrong & put the laws in place to correct.
100%. America(ns) could never see past their own "greatness" to truly see & understand the state they're in. We all laughed 15-20yrs ago when "average" americans were interviewed on the street & couldn't answer basic qns/ID countries on a map. Their systems have been failing for a long time.
January 25, 2026 at 1:41 AM
100%. America(ns) could never see past their own "greatness" to truly see & understand the state they're in. We all laughed 15-20yrs ago when "average" americans were interviewed on the street & couldn't answer basic qns/ID countries on a map. Their systems have been failing for a long time.
100% agree with that. As a former state public servant (in the policy area), it was always astonishing to see how much a policy/proposal/plan etc would be diluted, or even stopped, due to ministerial "input". Long gone are the days of the PS providing frank and fearless advice.
January 20, 2026 at 5:50 AM
100% agree with that. As a former state public servant (in the policy area), it was always astonishing to see how much a policy/proposal/plan etc would be diluted, or even stopped, due to ministerial "input". Long gone are the days of the PS providing frank and fearless advice.
Hopefully our gov will be encouraged by others - UK, Feance, Europe are sending very strong messages (some very blunt). Hopefully that will enable us to be a little more forthright
January 18, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Hopefully our gov will be encouraged by others - UK, Feance, Europe are sending very strong messages (some very blunt). Hopefully that will enable us to be a little more forthright
Agree completely. Hopefully our gov is actively working with other nations to secure/strengthen trade (and other) ties. Agree we can't remain silent, but need caution in our statements (for now, unfortunately). We can still call out the behaviour (that's what friends do- if the US is still a friend)
January 18, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Agree completely. Hopefully our gov is actively working with other nations to secure/strengthen trade (and other) ties. Agree we can't remain silent, but need caution in our statements (for now, unfortunately). We can still call out the behaviour (that's what friends do- if the US is still a friend)
It's not as black and white. The consequences have to be weighed up. We rely too much on the US. While that is gradually shifting, it will take time. The economic impact would be significant. Any response needs to recognise this. Just the way it is.
January 18, 2026 at 9:44 PM
It's not as black and white. The consequences have to be weighed up. We rely too much on the US. While that is gradually shifting, it will take time. The economic impact would be significant. Any response needs to recognise this. Just the way it is.
That's the tightrope the Aus gov has to walk. Agree PM should make a firm statement, but it won't be direct. Aus still rely too much on US - exports atm ~$500Bn. While they seem to have increased last yr, we can't afford the further tarriffs threats (ltd to on-gnd support of Greenland, but....).
January 18, 2026 at 11:20 AM
That's the tightrope the Aus gov has to walk. Agree PM should make a firm statement, but it won't be direct. Aus still rely too much on US - exports atm ~$500Bn. While they seem to have increased last yr, we can't afford the further tarriffs threats (ltd to on-gnd support of Greenland, but....).