To my fellow Hubbers

Jump to Last Post 1-11 of 11 discussions (108 posts)
  1. Ken Burgess profile image73
    Ken Burgessposted 2 years ago

    For those who have engaged me in dialogue and debate for the better part of a decade now, I thank you.

    I ask that all who read this, take a breather from looking at these words through a political prism or bias to the best of your ability. 

    The Ukraine war is tragic, I believe it was avoidable, I also believe, due to Biden, it became a certainty instead.  I do not know how bad things will get, but I believe we are going to war with Russia… declared or not.  I think that is wrong.

    A meeting in Brussels convened and called for the creation of new nation states from the territory of the Russian Federation.  In Washington the Hudson Institute and Jamestown Foundation met to discuss “Preparing for the dissolution of the Russian Federation” … there are others, the Administration itself has stated getting Putin ousted is a primary goal.

    The Biden Administration’s pending conflict with Russia should be a far more belabored concern in America today than it is, sadly it is but one of many serious issues being downplayed or outright ignored by our MSM.

    Biden’s creation of the Office of Environmental Justice, hardly noticed by MSM, will be followed by things like the Office of Equity and Social Justice.

    Also practically going unnoticed, the Continuation of National Emergency will enable the Administration to skirt the Constitution as has been allowed since 9/11. 

    The Biden Administration, which is putting the foundation in place to meet UN Agenda 2030’s goals and more (for better or worse), will also have to contend with a significant amount of economic turmoil caused by a quickly growing segment of the world unplugging itself from the Dollar and choosing to trade in the Yuan.

    By the time Biden’s four years are up, China will be the preferred global leader for many nations of the world, the tipping point will come soon.  How America’s leaders handle this new reality, and who those leaders are post-2024, will decide how brutal a blow it is to our economy.

    Beyond this coming economic turmoil, the time for expressing opinions, without facing consequence, is near over in America, even on an obscure forum such as this one.  The chance of offending a zealot that chooses to take matters into their own hands or being wrongly reported to a government agency by someone fanatical in their political beliefs, grows with each passing day almost perceptively.

    It is with that in mind, I feel this is the right time to end my political forum entries and political articles.

    Issues that would have been reason to report a person to child services a handful of years ago are now advocated for, by our President no less.  Issues that no rational, sane, mature person would have accepted a decade ago are now being forced upon society to accept… and people I used to consider rational, reasonable, well-meaning persons have now hardened and grown intolerant... being a history buff, much of this looks familiar to me.

    I may chime in with a quip or retort from time to time, but my days of truly delving into the political fray are over… with this final Forum Discussion entry expressing the thoughts I wanted to end with.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your years of engagement.

    May you and yours be well.

    Ken



    CBDC
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB_kSDWw2hk
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD1MoUgV3Gk

    America?
    https://www.lawofficer.com/minnesota-bi … ientation/
    https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/ … revolution

    Truth… you have to search for it.

    1. profile image0
      savvydatingposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      While I may have been one of the individuals you have chosen to “ignore” because of my intolerance for Progressive ideologies, for my support of Trump, and for my distaste for Rhino’s, aka never Trumper’s, and even for those of you who have supported Progressives here, I agree that it is time to stop supporting social media, of which Hubpages is a part.

      We have entered dangerous times. It is best to stop giving the far Left a voice.

      I hope you and others can put aside your pride and vote for the Republican candidate, even if he is Trump. If not, the fascists on the Left will win, and American lives will be destroyed. We will become like Nazi Germany all over again.

      As the Holocaust Jews said in times past: Never forget.

      1. Ken Burgess profile image73
        Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        Nah, not ignored, I just didn't see the need to add fuel to the fire.

        I do endeavor to understand, make an effort to be in "the other person's shoes", for most things.

        Unfortunately many things today that have become "mainstream political issues" I no longer want to make that effort for... for some things, wrong is just wrong.

      2. gmwilliams profile image84
        gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        +10000000000

        1. abwilliams profile image76
          abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          +10000000000

      3. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

        "We have entered dangerous times. It is best to stop giving the far Left a voice.

        I hope you and others can put aside your pride and vote for the Republican candidate, even if he is Trump. If not, the fascists on the Left will win, and American lives will be destroyed. We will become like Nazi Germany all over again."

        I agree with you emphatically.

        We need not offer them a voice, because their voices are very much skewed by a form of pure bias. A bias that is fueled with mistruths, and misconceptions. In my view many on the left exhibit faulty thinking or understanding of the issues we are dealing with at this point in America.

        Yes, if we do not see the need for change, and vote out this destructive bunch America will be quickly destroyed.

        1. abwilliams profile image76
          abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          Amen and hear, hear Sharlee.

          FYI, this shall be my last post in the forums.
          You know how to get in touch!

          God Bless America!!

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Hey, I appreciate where you are coming from. But, is this the time to back away? We have a crucial election coming up. We need to dig in and have our voices heard and heard loudly. 

            We need to be steady, and as Savvy said --- don't give them a voice. On social media, this is very easy and takes no effort at all. Pick and choose discussions worthy of reply. Post new threads on current news. Help keep important political issues that you feel are detrimental to America upfront. I mean, do you see the current Biden administration issues being posted here?  No, it falls into the cracks. 

            No matter if anyone addresses a thread, most here on HP'swill see that thread. 

            One can only close their eyes and ears until the discomfort becomes intolerable.

            You are needed, we that believe in making America a better place, and protecting our very Constitution just can't afford to become wiery. No sorry, we need you.

            1. abwilliams profile image76
              abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

              I am still in the fight, just not so sure that any headway is ever made here!!
              I will sleep on it, how's that? smile

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                I do agree, HP's forum has come to the last one can turn out the lights. I feel this may be due to the lack of finding current news that most chats thrive on.

                I have been spending more time writing articles here. Truth Social is a good forum, current, and lively, and the atmosphere is more open to sharing views without condemnation.

              2. profile image0
                savvydatingposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                That's the thing.

                It may not be worth the time to post anything here. Not to mention, social media is, for the most part, a destructive force. This is why totalitarian nations sit back and watch us bicker. They know we will implode from within, even as they influence Americans through social media.

                Most Americans have no idea how much they influence Americans through social media, and other avenues as well.

                We are likely heading into World War III. Americans are not used to suffering. We have become fat and self-obsessed with ridiculous matters.

                Once we understand what true suffering is, as people in other nations do daily, it may be that nothing will change for the better. (By that, I mean that we may come to understand our value on the world stage,)

                The truth is, a strong America is equivalent to a safer world. History tells us so.

                We (the U.S.) are a new nation, unlike other nations that have been around for centuries. We are still learning; we are still in our adolescent phase; we have more growing to do.

                And, we are the best hope for good.

                Sure, we have made our mistakes, but we have tried to correct our mistakes. We are also the nation that every immigrant wants to enter... so that they might have the opportunity for a better life.

                Until all Americans suffer greatly under the hand of China, or any dictatorial nation, the majority of Americans will never understand how good we have it here. Americans do not have any idea of what it means to suffer under dictatorial regimes, where freedom is not an option.

                But, soon enough, we will. Sad to say.

                On a positive note, perhaps after our suffering, we (Americans) may have the good sense to become united once again.

                The United States is still the last great hope, despite what Progressives may say. If it were not so, those (Progressives) who despise America, would have fled long ago. They would have remained in Cuba or some other place that was once friendly to their ideologies.

                Anyway, I appreciate the faith of all good people. Keep researching. Truth and knowledge will give us the courage to persevere.

                To Ken: Be well.

                1. gmwilliams profile image84
                  gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  +100000000

                2. abwilliams profile image76
                  abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Well said Savvy!

                  A large group of us were at the airport last night welcoming home another Honor Flight. Veterans who had spent the day in D.C. at their respective Memorials. We spoke with Vietnam Veterans. We talked with a Desert Storm Veteran who attended with his Father-in-law, a Korean War Veteran. There were two WWII Veterans present.
                  What struck me {and gets to me every time} the number who walk through, with tears streaming....thanking us!!!

                  We'll never know their personal sacrifice; what they went through in battle, what they have been through since returning home.

                  As they were being honored, I thought to myself - how many of them are crying for this Nation, wondering what comes next for this exceptional Nation, which has dimmed the lights & lost its way!!
                  sad

                  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4FkhUYr2KnTgs3sB8

                  1. profile image0
                    savvydatingposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                    AB, Thank you for sharing the video of our brave servicemen and women. Loved the music, too. I may take a cue from Ken, just so you know. I realize you’re thinking of doing the same. If so, remain well, and I’ll keep you in my prayers.

    2. tsmog profile image76
      tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Ken, somewhat sad to hear you will be contributing much less in the future. I will say you have educated me about the complexities of the world's perspectives and events of the big picture that affects the U.S. relative to its position in the world. Along with that how the U.S. affects the world. I gained insight into the phenomena of interacting forces.  I thank you for that!!

      I have enjoyed our dialogues dotted with personal sharing. Thanks!!

      Tim

      1. Ken Burgess profile image73
        Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        Much appreciated Tim,

        Your inquisitiveness and open-mindedness has always been a breath of fresh air in these forum debates, and it was always interesting discussing things with you.  You often brought new information to the discussion, rather than merely repackaging the messaging emanating from the MSM.

        I am sure you will post something that eventually piques my interest and gets me to respond.

    3. abwilliams profile image76
      abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Oh boy, venting opportunity - I am all over this!!!

      I hear you Ken! I too have gotten to the point of disgust, not only at the direction of this country, but with the content of these forum discussions and recently had to take a break! I returned to comment on a couple of topics and immediately wondered, WHY!?!

      If I dare say anything kind about this country or express Patriotism, I get instant negative responses and schooled as if I am defending  the most horrific place on earth!!!

      I have never in my life, felt the level of hate, that I feel each time a conservative's name is mentioned here. In particular, Donald Trump's. Even so-called "conservatives" in these forums get caught up in the condemnation of him. Choose to ride the fence, rather than share what they really believe, out of fear?!? Speaking of "believe"..... words such as "believe" and "truth" are placed into a category of fake Morality, which goes hand-in-hand with a made-up God and pretend Goodness!

      I defend women and I am called transphobic, I attempt to write about women losing their identity, via radical agendas and I get shut down... chastised, revoked, put on notice, by the powers that be at HP!

      Female conservatives are referred to as "trailer trash" here and these same hateful leftist men, writing the worst things about these women, seem to get a pass!! They are engaged and kept in the limelight!
      Therefore, seems to me, it is fine to condemn conservative women, and don't dare defend or seek to protect WOMEN/adult females...because it may
      OFFEND someone pretending to be one! Yes, that is exactly what has been happening!!

      I speak of the protection of babies and I am living in the dark ages, sexist, a female hater, a Rights-robber. I speak of the protection of the innocence of children and against their indoctrination into Marxism and sexualization by sick so-called "Educators", seeking to groom, not educate and I am called homophobic!!
      I am in agreement with a very courageous Governor who sees it the same and here....he is labeled "the New Authoritarian" and a "Dictator"and any other derogatory name, the haters can come up with.

      I haven't written a new article in quite a while, I have only been updating existing ones. I have been with HP for almost 12 years now and at a crossroads, unsure of what I am going to do next.

      P.S. Take care Ken, be well.

      1. Ken Burgess profile image73
        Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        That was indeed quite a venting.

        If I felt the need to vent like that from posting here... well... I don't need that type of stress in my life, maybe that's another reason why I've decided to end the initiating of political threads and/or articles.

        Be well.

        1. abwilliams profile image76
          abwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          My apologies Ken, it wasn't the right time for a rant from me!

          I initiated a topic for discussion, then, immediately deleted it, don't need the drama, life is too short!
          I may still write an article for HP now and then, but I am finished with the forums.

    4. CHRIS57 profile image61
      CHRIS57posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Ken, sorry to read from your decision. It was always a pleasure to agree to disagree with you.
      And i hope for the future, that your glas of water is always half full and not half empty.

    5. gmwilliams profile image84
      gmwilliamsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Ken, you are always a gentleman.  You will be sorely missed.

    6. Credence2 profile image81
      Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Well, Ken, you will be missed. We don't agree on much, but it would not be any challenge if we were merely reaffirming similar attitudes and views.

      I found a certain level of agreement with you regarding the West's contribution to the current events in the Ukraine.

      I could find some agreement, probably based on my ignorance, regarding this issue about their being more than two genders.

      I disagree with blaming Biden solely for the Ukraine, the mishandling has been in the wings long before Biden's term.

      I disagree that indentured servitude at any level in America being equivalent to race based slavery.

      I disagree with your opinion of Trump, for me,  he will always be a villain and usurper, regarding the blatant attempt to silence my political voice with his J6 scheme.

      The racial divide might constitute the more likely explanation for the difference in our opinions, when otherwise we would have similar backgrounds, that is unfortunate.

      A doubling down by the Right and its outrage within the last 3 years has required me to take a more cynical and negative view in their regard. Based on what I see clearly before me, I would not be easily persuaded to disregard what is clearly seen. But, it is never personal.

      Thus, I will always remain here, as even if there are no replies or interactions, there are many that visit the forum without commenting. I will use my 50,000 watt transmitter to present my view and stimulate thought from others if not a comment.

      I do certainly hope that you would reconsider, our debates serve as source of education for some.

      But, regardless, all my hopes....

      1. Ken Burgess profile image73
        Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        Indeed Credence, I will miss our debates, they helped improve my perspectives on things and gave me a better understanding of "the racial divide" without which, one cannot try to see things from the other person's shoes.

        I thank you for that, for taking the time to push thoughts and ideas, not insults and intolerance.

        My ability to reciprocate that, in terms of how that "racial divide" is used in politics, to get away with acts just as reprehensible as those they accuse Republicans, Conservatives (take your pick) of doing never seemed to impact you.

        As you noted, having different life experiences has much to do with that, and is also reason for my more well developed sense of distrust for our government.

        That and of course, I take the time to read the Global Compact on Migration, UN Agenda 2030, WEF, and how these goals tie into CBDC... review how China's Social Credit system was incapable of being incorporated into their society without first creating CBDC and facial identification systems:

        https://www.businessinsider.com/china-s … ned-2018-4

        https://time.com/collection/davos-2019/ … dit-score/

        1. Credence2 profile image81
          Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

          "My ability to reciprocate that, in terms of how that "racial divide" is used in politics, to get away with acts just as reprehensible as those they accuse Republicans, Conservatives (take your pick) of doing never seemed to impact you."

          Ken,

          It has always been a pillar of American politics, it is just that from my side  the Republicans have been more problematic in this regard.

          As for our tendency to support the government, it comes from their supporting our efforts to attain civil Rights mid century using the point of the bayonet and the bang of the gavel. That support did not come from whites of "good will", nor from states legislatures. So, as a long time ally, we are going to have more confidence in the institution than you would.

          1. Ken Burgess profile image73
            Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            That is entirely understandable.

            I suppose in that regard, the Democratic Party has never betrayed what you believed they supported and stood for.

            I have long railed against the Global Agenda long tenured DC politicians (on both sides of the aisle) sacrificed America and Americans for... International Corporate interests.  I denounced the "Nation Building" and "Democracy Spreading" that has destroyed no less than a half dozen nations in the last 25 years, killing millions and displacing tens of millions.

            Now however... now the Democratic Party has drifted into topics and areas that I never imagined a sane society would entertain.

            These newer issues that have come to the political center of discussion... its time for me to walk away from politics, the Ukraine war, the coming economic/bank collapse and shift to CBDC, and the social/progressive issues of the day, especially those focused on children...

            Again, thanks for all the discussions, they influenced my perceptions and understanding, what more can you hope for out of discussing things with others than that?

    7. RJ Schwartz profile image87
      RJ Schwartzposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Although I don't know exactly what you are thinking now, I too mostly stepped away from the political battles on this platform and across social media. It's exhausting. I completely respect your decision and it's been a real honor and learning experience for me personally, reading your dialogue over the years. I wish you all the best in life.

    8. peterstreep profile image82
      peterstreepposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Although I probably most of the time had a different point of view towards the world and world politics it was always good to read your arguments.

      I don't agree with most of what you said above. And you present it as a fact although it is just your opinion.
      But I can imagine that you want to have a break from the debate in the public domain.

      Still, the reality is that Russia invaded a sovereign country. That's the fact, the rest is an interpretation.
      Russia could have done a lot of different things and gone different ways. But Putin chose the way of war. That's a fact.

      Another fact is that the biggest challenge of politicians today is the Climate Crisis. So yes, it's damn important that Biden started an Office of Environmental Justice. Obama should have done this 12 years ago.

      Nevertheless, despite our different points of view, I wish you well Ken. And go for the solar panels. It's a great feeling to be independent, besides saving costs in the long run.

    9. Nathanville profile image85
      Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I know that we haven't often seen eye to eye; but I shall miss you - And I wish you well for the future.

      1. Ken Burgess profile image73
        Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        To you as well Arthur... and to all others, thank you.

        An article for you (and all Homeowners and Rental Property Owners) to peruse:

        Thousands of landlords sell to avoid net zero rules as buy-to-let no longer ‘viable’

        Thousands of landlords are selling up ahead of Government net zero rules which will force them to make costly energy efficiency improvements.

        More than 65,000 rental properties went up for sale in the first three months of the year, new instruction data from estate agents showed.

        Of these some 36,460 had low energy efficiency, with Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) ratings of D or less, according to market analyst TwentyCi, which collates figures from property firms across the country. A is the highest rating, while G is the worst.

        Landlords will be forced to ensure their properties have at least a C rating or higher by 2028 under Government plans.

        Experts said landlords were now selling up to dodge the red tape, fearing bills for improvements such as double glazing, insulation and heat pumps which could stretch into the tens of thousands.

        Chris Norris, of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Depending on where that property is and what kind of value it has, it's difficult to maintain a viable letting portfolio if you've got to spend, say, £25,000 on a property that may only be worth £60,000 to £70,000 if you’re in certain towns in the North East.

        “The logical thing to do is to either retrofit or to sell off, and lots of landlords are finding that selling them is their best bet.”

        Some 60pc of rental properties on the market had EPC ratings of D or below, up from 57pc a year ago, showing the number of properties for sale with low energy efficiency credentials was higher than normal.

        Sales of C-rated properties, in contrast, were down by a fifth for the year.

        Since 2020, all newly-let properties have been required to have a minimum EPC rating of E, unless they have an exemption.

        Landlords can register an exemption if they have spent £3,500 on their properties and still have not reached an E rating.

        Under the proposed legislation, the cost of the exemption is expected to rise to £10,000, but the Government has yet to confirm this.

        https://hubstatic.com/16494293.png

        Max Armstrong, of North East Property Investment, a buy-to-let specialist, said many landlords did not want to spend the money to retrofit the properties until they had some clarity about the new rules.

        He said energy efficiency was increasingly a concern for those investing in new buy-to-let properties.

        He added: “One of the first things new investors are asking is, ‘what’s the EPC rating and what needs to be done? Have you factored into the refurbishment, how much extra it’s going to cost? It has quite a lot of impact on the overall deals.”

        Mr Armstrong said many properties will struggle to get their homes to standard, saying the cost involved was not “financially viable” for large numbers of landlords.

        The Government has said it wants to bring all properties up to a C by 2035, which would affect all homeowners, not just property investors.

        Mr Armstrong said: “It’s a bit of a perfect storm. What’s going to happen to these properties? Are they just going to sit empty when we know we’re struggling to house people? It doesn’t seem to make sense.”

        https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realest … &ei=37

        1. Nathanville profile image85
          Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          Yep, that’s the difference between the Conservatives and Labour.  In principle, it’s nothing new; when we bought our first home it didn’t meet insulation standards of the time e.g. the requirement for thick insulation in the loft (roof space), but under a Labour Government we just approached our Local Government who made an assessment of our property and gave us a grant to pay for the work – job done.

          Likewise, by the time we bought our second home insulation standards had significantly increased; the loft was already insulation in our new home, but again under Labour we had our wall’s insulated on a grant, so it cost us almost nothing – and if our gas central heating boiler was more than 10 years old we would have had a free replacement, paid for by the government – but at the time our boiler was only 8 years old, so we didn’t quality:  But we upgraded it ourselves a couple of years ago anyway, to a modern eco-friendly boiler that’s far more efficient and uses far less gas e.g. homeowners can afford to do a lot of the modifications themselves, it’s not that everything is prohibitively expensive for the average wage earner.

          But of course, these days, under a Conservative Government, government grants are few and far; but if the Government wants existing home owners to make the upgrades, homeowners are only going to do so with the Government digging deep into its own pockets e.g. grants.  Without the grants, the only time it would become a problem to existing home owners is if/when they come to sell their property e.g. if they haven’t made the appropriate improvements then the value of the property will be less.

          However, with the next General Election just 18 months away, and with Labour in a good position to win the next General Election; a Labour Government will be more inclined to help pay for the costs to homeowners to help towards achieving carbon net zero by 2050 – time will tell.

          1. DrMark1961 profile image99
            DrMark1961posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            As a person with knowledge of enconomics I am sure that you understand that the work done to your house was not free. You did not pay for it because the government took the money away from someone else.

            If someone wants to pay to upgrade their house so that they will have less energy waste that is great. When a government imposes regulations that forces all owners to upgrade houses, even when they cannot afford it, what happens is homelessness. It becomes unprofitable for a person to purchase a house to rent to others, and not all of them can or should get grants to pay for those upgrades with OPM (other peoples money).

            There are over 120,000 homeless children in the UK that might agree.

            1. Nathanville profile image85
              Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

              I know that you are anti-socialist, and thus your response is no surprise to me.

              Britain’s have a different view on using taxes for social care than Americans; and Brits don’t view using tax payers money for social benefits as “taking money away from someone else”.  Everyone pay taxes, and from a British perspective, tax is used to spread the burden for the benefit of everyone – it’s seen as a form of insurance from which everyone (including the wealthy) benefits e.g. grants for home improvements (when a government makes them available) to meet current Government building Regulations is NOT means tested, so everyone (regardless to wealth) are entitled to them.

              In the 2019 General Election tax was an issue with just 4% of the voting population e.g. unlike the USA, where taxation seems to be a major issue in elections, taxation is not at the top of the agenda in elections in the UK.

              For clarity, homeless does not mean living on the streets in the UK.  In the UK the term homeless usually refers to people living in temporary accommodation.

              Yes there are currently 120,710 children in England who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, and the figure is set to grow as the cost of living crisis continues to deepen the housing emergency.

              However, local governments have a legal obligation to provide permanent accommodation to the homeless, and they predominately do that by building Council Houses.  Council Houses are homes built and owned by local government for people who can’t afford to rent or buy their own property e.g. the Council Rent is cheap, and if people can’t afford to pay their rent the local government will pay the rent for them (it’s called Housing Benefit).

              The housing crisis did not start because governments building regulations are too strict (as you seem be suggesting) e.g. the Conservative Government’s increasing building standards to help the government towards meeting its legal obligation to meet net zero carbon by 2050 are government policies that are in the pipe line, and will affect future housing, but has no effect on current homelessness.

              The rot in the housing crisis set in in the 1980s when the then Conservative Government changed the law to give Council House tenants the ‘Right to Buy’, and made it affordable for Council House tenants who had, since getting their Council House, had bettered themselves e.g. gone from being unemployed or on low income to working fulltime with a respectable income.  The Conservatives made the ‘Right to Buy’ cheap for Council House tenants because they could buy their Council House for market value less all the rent they’d paid over the years.

              Consequently, since the 1980s about 50% of Council Houses have been sold into the private housing sector; making the job of local governments legal responsibility to house the homeless that much more difficult because each time a Council House is bought by a sitting tenant (using their ‘right to buy’) the local loses one more of its housing stock, and has to compensate by building more Council Houses.

              Getting back to the question of homelessness in Britain; temporary accommodation is provided by local government to eligible families who become homeless.  It is supposed to be a temporary measure until the local government can find a permanent home for them.  Temporary accommodation can take the form of emergency hostels, B&Bs (bed and breakfast accommodation), one room bedsits and cramped flats (apartments).

              In conjunction with the current cost of living crisis, the current situation has been exasperated because the current Conservative Government has recently frozen ‘Housing Benefit’, making matters much worse.  Therefore, unless the government reverses the freeze on housing benefit, it is expected that thousands more families will become homeless (living in temporary accommodation) this coming winter as the cost of living crisis worsens and rents rocket.

              Currently two-thirds of families living in temporary accommodation have been there for more than 12 months – so the Conservatives, or Labour if they win the next General Election in 18 months’ time, will have a challenge in finding solutions to the housing crisis.

              1. DrMark1961 profile image99
                DrMark1961posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                You do not speak for all people in the UK so although you think it is okay to spend other peoples money on improving your home not everyone in the UK does.

                If they did, I am sure you would have the socialist government you would prefer.

                Oh, and I did not realize that there were no homeless in the UK  before 1980. I guess from your reply that you think it is all the conservatives fault.

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  But obviously he speaks for a great deal of them, as no one has seriously challenged their unaminous socialist view of their society

                  1. DrMark1961 profile image99
                    DrMark1961posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                    Yes, many agree with him. Many also do not. Telling us that Brits have a different view on spending other peoples money is no different than De Santis saying that all Floridians support the same laws he does.

                2. Nathanville profile image85
                  Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Where you say “You do not speak for all people in the UK so although you think it is okay to spend other people’s money on improving your home not everyone in the UK does…..If they did, I am sure you would have the socialist government you would prefer.”:-

                  You obviously didn’t pay attention to last week’s local elections in England and poll ratings, where the Conservatives had a humiliating defeat and are in serious danger of badly losing the next General Election in 18 months’ time.

                  Prior to last week’s local elections the number of local governments in England controlled by each political party was:-

                  •    Coalitions (No overall control by a single party) = 79

                  •    Conservatives = 81

                  •    Labour (socialists) = 49

                  •    Liberal Democrats (politically central (in the middle in the UK) similar politics as the Democrats in the USA) =  17

                  •    Residents (the voters themselves, forming a non-political residents association in opposition to the political parties:  So the voters themselves running their own local government – Is that true ‘people power’?) = 2

                  •    Independent (non-partisan) = 1

                  Following last week’s local elections the number of local governments in England now controlled by each political party is:-

                  •    Coalitions = 91
                  •    Labour (socialists) = 71 (gained control of 22 local governments)
                  •    Conservatives = 33 (lost control of 48 local governments)
                  •    Liberal Democrats (politically central) = 29 (gained control of 12 local governments)
                  •    Independents (non-partisan) = 2
                  •    Residents = 2
                  •    Green Party (socialists) = 1 (full control of their first local governments)

                  The Bristol local government (where I live) is jointly run by Labour and the Green Party, the number of seats held by each political party in Bristol are:-
                  •    Green party (socialists) = 25
                  •    Labour (socialists) = 24
                  •    Conservatives = 14
                  •    Liberal Democrats = 5
                  •    Residents = 2

                  As regards the General Election; the latest voting intentions for Britain (26th April 2023) conducted by YouGov (margin of error plus or minus 2%) was as follows:-

                  •    Labour = 41%
                  •    Conservatives = 27%
                  •    Liberal Democrats = 11%
                  •    Green Party = 7%

                  So unless the Conservatives can reverse their unpopularity within the next 18 months Labour is set to be the next Government in power.

                  HOMELESSNESS IN BRITAIN
                  Sarcasm will get you everywhere!!!  Where you said: “Oh, and I did not realize that there were no homeless in the UK before 1980.”

                  Yes of course we had homeless in the UK before 1980; we’ve always had homelessness, just like any other country in the world.

                  However, the point you missed (or which I didn’t make clear), is that (apart from the aftermath of the 2nd world war) the situation in Britain wasn’t so critical e.g. thanks to the Conservative Housing Policy in the 1950s, people who need housing but couldn’t afford to buy or rent could guarantee being housed by their local government within just a few short months; not years, as it is now.

                  Both my parents and my brother benefitted from the ease of getting a Council House (local government built and owned housing for those in need):
                  During the 2nd world war Hitler’s bombing raids over Britain destroyed 2 million British homes; so after the war there was a chronic housing shortage.  And although Labour (when they came to power in 1945) introduced the Welfare State that we enjoy today and the NHS in 1948, Labour were not able to solve the housing crisis.

                  When the Conservatives came to power in 1950 they had a well administered plan to build social housing on a massive scale, good quality homes cheaply and quickly e.g. excellent ‘Project Management’ taking advantage of the economies of scale and keeping to one build plan to achieve a similar effect to Fords innovation of the production line for cars e.g. the saying “you can have any colour you like, as long as it’s black”.

                  My parents got married in 1951, when my mother was just 18.  They couldn’t afford a home so lived in a caravan, but when my brother was born that entitled them to a Council House e.g. a caravan is considered unsuitable to bring up a child; so in 1954 Bristol Local Government gave my parents a Council House, the 1,000th Council House built in Bristol by the UK Conservative Government, and being the 1,000th tenant they had their picture taken for the local newspaper – copy of image below.

                  In the early 1980’s my brother got married and had a kid, but had nowhere to live, so they lived with my mother in a two bedroom flat (apartment).  This is considered overcrowding by government, and unsuitable for bringing up a child; so within just a few short months of having their child the local government gave my brother and his family their own Council House – which they subsequently bought under the Conservatives’ ‘Right to Buy’ policy introduced later that decade:  So my brother now owns his own home.

                  Where you say “I guess from your reply that you think it is all the conservatives fault.”:-

                  No, we are not like Americans, we are not at each other’s throats, bitterly attacking the opposing political parties on every issues – In this country, opposing political parties are very good at working together on most issues, for the common good:  The Cross-party Select committees in Parliament is testimony to that.  For example, all political parties fully supported the Conservatives during the pandemic, and fully support the Conservatives on their ‘Climate Change’ Policy.

                  But of course, when it comes to economics, and social and welfare issues, then there is often friction between the Conservatives and other political parties.

                  In further response to your comment:  Do I think the current housing crisis is all the Conservatives fault?  Well, no, it’s not all the conservatives fault; there are factors that is beyond their, and Britain’s control the current cost of living crisis largely caused by the war in Ukraine.  But it is largely the Conservatives fault in that their ‘right to buy’ Council Houses makes it harder for local governments to keep their housing stock for social housing, and since the Conservatives came to power in 2010 they’ve slowed the new build programme initially as part of their austerity measures following the 2008 worldwide financial crisis.  And in spite of repeated promises in their election manifestos since 2010 to kick start the build of new homes in Britain, so far the Conservatives have failed to deliver.

                  Although on the positive side the Conservatives over the last 10 years have introduced various schemes to help make it easier for first time buyers, including:-

                  •    Rent to Buy:  Where people can buy just 50% or 55% of the property, and rent the rest; and at a later date, if and when they can afford it, buy the rest of the property, if they so wish.  It’s a popular scheme that is helping many first time buyers get their feet on the first runner of the property ladder.  A close family friend of ours has taken advantage of this scheme to get his own home, rather than just renting as he did before.

                  •    In December 2015 the Conservatives introduced the “Help to Buy ISA”; a lifetime tax free savings account (eligible only to people who  don’t own their own home) intended to be used as a deposit on a house, or as a lump sum on retirement (whichever comes first). 

                  Under the scheme savers can save up to £200 ($250) per month, and for every $4 you save the Government gives you $1 tax free (provided you only use the ISA to buy a home, or as part of your retirement); and the interest you earn on the savings is also tax free.  Since its launch in 2015 by the Conservatives this ISA scheme has helped over 410,000 first time buyers to buy their own home.


                  ISA’s (tax free savings accounts) were introduced by the Labour (socialists) Government in 1999, and this short video explains what they are and how they work:  https://youtu.be/w0Jjh9Zdo_0

                  Below, my parents being the 1,000th Council House tenants in Bristol for new Social Housing built by the Conservative Government in the early 1950s.
                  https://hubstatic.com/16498098.jpg

          2. wilderness profile image76
            wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            "a Labour Government will be more inclined to help pay for the costs to homeowners to help towards achieving carbon net zero by 2050 – time will tell."

            What you actually mean is that the Labour Government will happily take what you want from someone else and give it to you.  To hide the reality behind such things as "help pay for the costs" is disingenuous at best.

            It never ceases to amaze me that people are actually happy, both as a recipient living off the efforts of others and as the "giver" giving the products of their labor to someone that doesn't want to put the effort in to get what they want.

            1. Nathanville profile image85
              Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

              As I said to DrMark, I know that you are anti-socialist, and thus your response is no surprise to me.

              And as I also said:  Britain’s have a different view on using taxes for social care than Americans; and Brits don’t view using taxpayers money for social benefits as “taking money away from someone else”.  Everyone pay taxes, and from a British perspective, tax is used to spread the burden for the benefit of everyone – it’s seen in Britain as a form of insurance from which everyone (including the wealthy) benefits e.g. grants for home improvements (when a government makes them available) to meet current Government building Regulations is NOT means tested, so everyone (regardless to their wealth) are entitled to them.

              In the 2019 General Election tax was an issue with just 4% of the voting population e.g. unlike the USA, where taxation seems to be a major issue in elections, taxation is not at the top of the agenda in elections in the UK.

              As I’ve said before; the USA and UK are two different countries with different social and cultural values.  Lord Alan Sugar, a billionaire and one of the wealthiest people in the UK, who was the largest donator to the Labour Party, and a Labour Peer in the House of Lords for many years, is just one good example of how attitudes of the wealthy in Britain differs to attitudes of the wealthy in the USA:  https://youtu.be/rBy18DRzBu4

              Another UK Billionaire’s views: https://youtu.be/V67nDvfNQV0

              1. wilderness profile image76
                wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                Yes, I understand that.  A huge difference in outlook, but as I said it still amazes me that people put up with it.  Forcing people to buy "insurance" (as you indicate) is not something Americans want; witness the huge outcry over being forced to purchase ObamaCare here in the states.

                It is a difference that I don't truly understand, that's all.  It means something to me to be as independent as possible in this day and time, as it seems to for a lot of Americans.  That number is decreasing (over half of Americans now rely on charity from the government, primarily those that don't contribute to the "insurance" fund); one day I have no doubt we will join Europeans in dependence on others to get us what we want and a willingness to simply take what we want from those that have it.

                But it will be a sad day, and not one good for the species.

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  People in Europe are more civil, they certain do not put up with the kind of violence and carnage that one can expect every day in the USA.

                  I understand completely and I applaud them and their approach.

                  Regardless of what conservatives think, I thought ObamaCare was going in the correct direction.

                  While I know that America can never be Britain, but I favor the society moving more in their direction than otherwise.

                  And the "species" will be just fine.

                  1. wilderness profile image76
                    wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                    Even in Europe the carnage is growing.  However, I do agree that there is a different mindset, somehow, along that line; if we could only figure out what it is and copy it!  I don't, however, believe it is stemming from the mindset of "take from others to get what I want".

                    Yes, I would expect nearly all liberals to applaud the Marxism in ObamaCare.  "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" is their central goal even though unstated (although "needs" has morphed into "wants").

                    As the species learns more and more to depend on someone else for both their wants and needs it will NOT be a good thing.  It baffles me that people think that such dependence is a good thing.  Perhaps we're all reverting to childhood, where needs ARE met by someone else (parents).

                    Of course they only think that as long as they are taken care of; when the care falls or even ends their mind suddenly changes.

                2. Nathanville profile image85
                  Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Yep, likewise, I am fully aware that Americans are fixated about tax, and don’t want the social care policies we enjoy in Europe; and it does amaze me.  Likewise “It is a difference that I don't truly understand”.  But I don’t see the European social policies as being sad, I do see it as being good for the species.

              2. Ken Burgess profile image73
                Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                Arthur on this I can agree with you.

                President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act into law allotting $816.7 billion to the Defense Department.

                The ratio of military expenditure to gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States is about 3.5 percent

                The UK's defense budget for 2021 was $71.6bn.

                The United Kingdom's defense spending as a share of Gross Domestic Product was estimated to have been 2.3 percent.

                I think the UK has shown a better use of its taxes than America has for the better part of the last three decades for sure.

                Swung by to say TWITTER everyone!

                That is where Tucker has moved to:
                https://twitter.com/i/status/1656037032538390530

                Musk and now Tucker.  Twitter has now become can't miss critical.

                Funny, before Twitter was bought by Musk, I had never even checked it out... I thought it was that irrelevant, if not for Trump using it constantly years back, it probably would have gone the way of AOL or Yahoo and become totally irrelevant.

                Now it will become the most popular social network platform for at least the foreseeable future... more if Musk upgrades it like he wants to.

                1. profile image0
                  savvydatingposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Well, so much for your giving up social media because you, as a “conservative” will be “targeted.” (Your words)

                  That’s laughable. You’re about as conservative as Elizabeth Warren. You may as well switch to the other side, formally, that is. After all, they have your vote, and you seem perfectly comfortable with that.

                  Good luck on Twitter.

                  1. Ken Burgess profile image73
                    Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                    Technically you are correct, if you are worried about being targeted by Social Credit scoring OR crazies, Twitter is not exactly the place to be venting all your political angst.

                    I do appreciate that point, I hope I will not find myself producing deep political tangents on Twitter, that would be unwise.

                    But if you are looking to catch Tucker, or the latest from Musk, both of which I admit to still listening-to/watching when time allows.

                    I am glad the both of them are not constrained by platform rules or guidelines, as occurs on Youtube, MSM, etc. we shall see what is produced there.

                2. Nathanville profile image85
                  Nathanvilleposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Thanks Ken smile.  Interesting how you reference Twitter.  Tucker Carlson is an unknown in Europe; but when Muck too Twitter over I stopped using it.  Twitter may become the most popular social network in America; but I’m not so sure about Europe – Everyone I know uses Facebook, but I don’t know anybody personally on this side of the pond who uses Twitter.

                  1. Ken Burgess profile image73
                    Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                    The switch for myself and others I know is the opposite.

                    Many years ago I and most people I know used Facebook.

                    I stopped using it around the time Trump was elected.  That was when people in America started getting deplatformed, having accounts suspended, and efforts that revolved around politics came to the forefront of censorship in American Social Media sites.

                    I avoided Twitter until Musk bought the company, I haven't used it much, but will be looking to see what Tucker produces, unrestricted by FOX/Government censorship.

  2. Readmikenow profile image83
    Readmikenowposted 2 years ago

    https://hubstatic.com/16485686.jpg

  3. Kathryn L Hill profile image84
    Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

    It's beyond tragic for those who read these enlightening and educational forum discussions. We don't know how many do and how many benefit from the seemingly tireless research and keyboarding that goes into the efforts of those bringing forth the truth. ....  I like to imagine that many read, are set straight and are awakened to what is true and real.

    What is reality?
    Some have the knowledge, search for the knowledge, guide themselves toward the knowledge. They value reality.

    But when the earnest pursuit of revealing reality causes one to fear for his or her life and livelihood, its time to think twice. When an evil force is allowed to shut down life, liberty and pursuit of Happiness, along with TRUE Kindness and Compassion, its time to hold back. Self-protection becomes paramount.

    Its a very terrible, sad day and that's an understatement.

  4. Sharlee01 profile image84
    Sharlee01posted 2 years ago

    Ken,

    I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your contributions to HP's conversations and discussions.  In my view, your presence has been invaluable, and I have learned so much from you. Your articulate and well-researched contributions to any topic that we have engaged in have always been appreciated.

    I understand that you have made a decision to step back from HP  conversations, and I wanted to take this opportunity to express my hope that you might reconsider. I understand that the current climate can be difficult, and at times, the subversive and frightening nature of some comments can be overwhelming. But I believe that your voice is too valuable to be lost, especially at this critical juncture in our country's history.

    Your political analysis has always been something that I have admired, and I have seen your many predictions come to fruition. I feel that we are on the same page when it comes to the direction that America is headed, and I believe that your perspective is essential. I hope that you will take a break, as needed, but when the time comes, I implore you to jump back in.

    Our side needs you, and I for one am not willing to let you off so easily. I have learned so much from your posts, and I know that others have as well. So please, keep in mind how much your contributions are appreciated and needed, and know that we will be waiting for you with open arms when you are ready to return.

    Shar

  5. primpo profile image68
    primpoposted 2 years ago

    Dear Ken, this the first post I've ever read from you, mostly because I've been involved with school and getting my bachelors.  I wanted to say how sorry I am to see a wonderful writer like yourself stopping, but it has also come to my attention that even if truth is written not everyone is going to see it for what it is.  the problems with Russia, China and America have long been the front runners of problems, the fact that we have pedophiles all over the world, a lot of them being wealthy aristocrats feels like we can't do anything about it.  I am so sick of everyone politically.  How did our country come to what it is?  Immigrants want to come here.  I want to leave. God please help us.

  6. wilderness profile image76
    wildernessposted 2 years ago

    Sorry to hear that, Ken - you will be missed here.  Yours was always the voice of reason; even when I disagreed with you I understood where you were coming from.  That cannot always be said of others posting here.

    1. Ken Burgess profile image73
      Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Appreciate it Wilderness.

      To make clear, I will no longer be creating articles or new Forum Threads related to politics, not disappearing completely.

      Based on the changes we already see in our country, as well as those I know are being implemented (or will be), continuing to post political opinions...well...

      Its like going out into a thunderstorm, barefoot and holding up a tire iron.  Lightning might not strike, but you've increased your chances by a significant amount.

      So I'll stick to minor comments in other people's threads.  Politics in our country today is less about a healthy resolution or compromise being found, and more about beating the other side or forcing others to accept something they find unacceptable.  The stronger the voice, the more targeted it will become.

  7. GA Anderson profile image85
    GA Andersonposted 2 years ago

    Oh gawwwwddd . . . another damn lovefest.

    A fitting parting gift (courtesy of a Musk tweet):

    The Machine Stops

    GA

    1. tsmog profile image76
      tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for offering the composition. I have read close to midway and will finish later. Thought-provoking!! I offer not an alternative, though is connected in maybe odd ways with Musk and his Neuralink project the video below you may or may not find intriguing.

      Neuralink home page
      https://neuralink.com/

      The video - The Machine - A Thought Experiment That Changes Your Life
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DhNjtLivdg

      Enjoy . . .

    2. Ken Burgess profile image73
      Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Gus,

      Very interesting, especially that it was written in 1909... during the transition from horses to automobiles, during the transition to electricity, before what we consider the Modern Age.

      It makes me wonder if this is cyclical, man's fate, to repeat over and over.

      One thing that had become clear to me, based on Megaliths found across the world, the similarity in construction, the fact that they have been able to date places like Göbekli Tepe to at least 9,500 BC if not further... mankind had achieved great (global) civilization(s) in the past.  Only to be all but wiped from the earth, from history.

      Only stories survive, tales of how a flood consumed the world.  Some say when the poles flip, that the earth stands still for a brief time, the oceans however continue to rotate, and wash over all land, with only the highest peaks escaping their wrath.

      This would explain how all evidence of civilizations past are all but wiped from the earth... remnants of megalithic structures and sites buried under the earth aside.

      As always, you leave something to ponder.

      1. wilderness profile image76
        wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

        "Some say when the poles flip, that the earth stands still for a brief time, the oceans however continue to rotate, and wash over all land, with only the highest peaks escaping their wrath."

        This is indicative of a major problem - that people make up stories that will "explain" what they want to believe, but without ever investigating them thoroughly.  Calculate the force and energy need to stop, and then restart, the spinning of a ball weighing 5,973,600,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg and it falls apart rather quickly.  Just as the tale of a world wide flood covering the entire planet, with one man collection all the species to save them.

        1. Ken Burgess profile image73
          Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          OK Wilderness, that was not meant to be a specific and scientific explanation.

          But lets consider, if the poles shift and it even slowed the rotation a bit, or shifted the axis a bit, or the earth changed its revolution a bit, how serious of an impact would that have.

          Considering Oceans are the majority of the earth's surface, how much would it take to send a small portion of those oceans crashing across what surface area there is?

          The ocean, which we break into five large ocean basins, covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface.

          If the Earth suddenly stopped rotating, the atmosphere would still continue moving at 1050 miles per hour, and anything not attached to bedrock would be ripped off the surface of the planet. This includes rocks, trees, buildings, people — all thrown sideways at a speed of 1050 mph (at the equator).

          The oceans would continue moving at 1000 miles per hour and create a massive tsunami.

          So it does not have to stop, but if it even hiccupped,  what could happen?

          https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2805/scie … xis-drift/

          1. wilderness profile image76
            wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah, I got that you were no proposing it.  But others do, without even considering the details of what they are proposing as an answer to what happened.

            But your "hiccup" - consider the energy needed to move even a small mountain and then extend it to just the upper mile or so of the 8,000 miles of all land surfaces.  Consider that you want to slow it from 1000 miles per hour to just 999 miles per hour.  It is unimaginable.

            I have seen where the "dinosaur killer" that wiped out most of the life on earth produced a change in rotation, albeit a very small one (certainly did not produce a world wide tsunami from rotational change).  And the energy release from that vaporized cubic miles of rock.  That's the kind of energy proposed, but it's all coming from an unknown source as the poles change.  Not going to happen.

            I once calculated the volume of water necessary to cover the world in Noah's flood.  It turned out to be a ball of water of water the size of Pluto...that was put on earth (changing the rotational speed as it happened) and then was removed.  Again, not going to happen.

            1. Ken Burgess profile image73
              Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

              I believe the energy required would be coming from within the Earth.

              As I do not know the improbability of the required energy being produced from within the Earth, anymore than I really comprehend how the Earth's core creates the magnetic field, anymore than I really comprehend how the sun is a continual process of fusion... then I consider the speculation perhaps improbable, but not unreasonable.

              Part of that is my belief that as much as we think we know, we don't really know all that much.  Brilliant civilizations of the past thought they understood things and had all the answers, worshipped gods, believed the world to be flat, etc. 

              A mathematical improbability merely means factors were left out of the equation that were unknown.

              1. wilderness profile image76
                wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                C'mon now!  We know an awful lot!  At least a millimeter's worth out of the ten thousand km journey. lol

      2. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

        You see why we need you. You converse and do it so offering so much food for thought.  Your posts are mind provoking, and you are unafraid to share your thoughts.

  8. GoldenRod LM profile image76
    GoldenRod LMposted 2 years ago

    Well said.

  9. abwilliams profile image76
    abwilliamsposted 2 years ago

    Whatever happens,  let's try to stay in touch! Thank you for the prayers, I will keep you in mine, as well. 
    asbw1976@gmail.com

    1. profile image0
      savvydatingposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Let’s do.

  10. emge profile image82
    emgeposted 2 years ago

    Ken, its great interacting with you and like you  I also feel the war in Ukraine iswas avoidable. I have however another view and that is the destruction of US civilization which is imminent and all blame to Biden and a few `Americans who do not know what war and destruction is.
    One reason for America's destruction  is that it is the country that started wars all over the globe after 1945 and it  followed a double edged and false policy that is sure to come back as' revenge of the gods'.

    1. Ken Burgess profile image73
      Ken Burgessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that overseas conflicts and "Democracy building" is one critical factor to America's hastening collapse.

      These conflicts are used to launder tens of billions of dollars and pay out tens of billions of dollars to military contractors who have ties with the politicians getting us into these conflicts (never officially wars). 

      Very harmful to our economy, to our reputation, to our credibility.

      Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, have destroyed millions of lives, displaced tens of millions more, cost America trillions of dollars in total.

      For what?

      Are any of those countries better today than they were twenty years ago?

      That is not the only issue however.

      International Corporatism has clamped its control over America, greed and corruption has allowed China to pay for favors from Biden, Clinton, and who knows what other politicians and presidents over the last 30 years.

      But it is the internal decay of decency, morals, and sanity that will be the ultimate downfall of America. 

      America had major issues in the 1960s, it had major issues in the 1860s, but the fiber of who people were, what sanity was, never twisted out of context, out of reality, like we see today.

      violent attack on subway,
      male athlete wins woman's sport,
      teen transgender surgery,
      UN decriminalizes pedophilia,
      flash mob robberies,
      Bystanders watch as woman is raped
      Homeless in America
      immigrants crossing the border usa

      Type those into Youtube and tell me how America is doing.

  11. Ken Burgess profile image73
    Ken Burgessposted 2 years ago

    I recall mentioning something at the start of this about Agenda 2030.


    https://hubstatic.com/16510563.jpg

    .....

    "Barring substantial edits, the Biden education department will formally announce that girls and women’s athletic programs kindergarten through college are no longer just for females."

    https://wng.org/opinions/live-not-by-lies-1684149596

    -----

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the administration of President Joe Biden is set to launch an initiative aimed at addressing the issue of domestic terrorism.

    President Joe Biden recently gave a graduation commencement address at Howard University, a Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) member, in which he claimed that “white supremacy” is the greatest terrorism threat to the United States.

    Reed. D. Rubinstein, of American First Legal, sounded the alarms about the Biden administration’s initiative in a new report.

    “The Department of Homeland Security’s transformation into a domestic intelligence organization and a Stasi-like Deep State internal security apparatus is alarming,” he said.

    “It is a very long way from ‘see something, say something’ regarding an unattended suitcase at the airport to profiling patriotic and politically conservative Americans as abusive parents and domestic terrorists because they oppose abortion on demand and voted for former President Trump,” he continued. “The agency is out of control.”

    https://beckernews.com/biden-admin-laun … ism-50349/

    -----

    Earlier this year the government notified 30 million Americans of cuts to their food stamps, at a time of steeply rising costs. Too bad we can’t afford to feed people. But hold on — military aid to Ukraine thus far equals an entire year of food stamps for 41 million Americans. People are going hungry to fund a war that doesn’t serve any vital U.S. interests. Most of the hungry are children and minorities. Time to reorder our priorities!

    https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/sta … 1962937346

    ----

    The Washington D.C. FBI Field Office CONFIRMED that undercover officers, confidential informants, and FBI assets were present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.

    https://twitter.com/RepMattGaetz/status … 1435331584

     
    working

    This website uses cookies

    As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

    For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: https://corp.maven.io/privacy-policy

    Show Details
    Necessary
    HubPages Device IDThis is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
    LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
    Google RecaptchaThis is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy)
    AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
    HubPages Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
    HubPages Traffic PixelThis is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
    Amazon Web ServicesThis is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
    CloudflareThis is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
    Google Hosted LibrariesJavascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)
    Features
    Google Custom SearchThis is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
    Google MapsSome articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
    Google ChartsThis is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
    Google AdSense Host APIThis service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
    Google YouTubeSome articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
    VimeoSome articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
    PaypalThis is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
    Facebook LoginYou can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
    MavenThis supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)
    Marketing
    Google AdSenseThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Google DoubleClickGoogle provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Index ExchangeThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    SovrnThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Facebook AdsThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Amazon Unified Ad MarketplaceThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    AppNexusThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    OpenxThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Rubicon ProjectThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    TripleLiftThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Say MediaWe partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
    Remarketing PixelsWe may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
    Conversion Tracking PixelsWe may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.
    Statistics
    Author Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
    ComscoreComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
    Amazon Tracking PixelSome articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
    ClickscoThis is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)