Well it happens. But at worst in western Europe I would say people are deported rather than being thrown into a processing centre like that.
Trump impersonates Barbra Streisand… 
Cruelty is the point. People are getting the message and not crossing the border now. That includes tourists.
I think if you read Hillbilly Elegy you might be surprised. It is an extraordinary book, very well written and a fascinating story of Vance’s journey from an appalling childhood surrounded by violence, disruption and terrible parenting to the world he inhabits today. I detest his current politics, his rhetoric and his values, but given the metamorphoses he has undergone thus far, he may yet change for the better or worse.
1 Like
Whenever I hear the word ‘hillbilly’ I instantly think of the film Deliverance. I havent seen it in over 30 years and it was on BBC2 last night so I recorded it. Interesting factoid, John Boorman cast his son Charley in the film.
That just reminded me that when we were first househunting in France in 2002 we saw one that made us feel we were on the set of Deliverance. 
A great film, but not sure I could watch it now.
It is a challenging film, although the film I would never watch again is Blue Velvet. In fact I stopped watching it after the wardrobe scene.
Never seen the film Deliverance, for me Hill Billy means this.
After all the years I have just sung the theme song to the programme and remembered every word which will be my earwig for the day
4 Likes
I’m sure it is, and I appreciate your thoughtful and considered response (I mean that 
).
But not wishing to appear dismissive , Vance is a shit, a dangerous shit. I don’t care what he went through to become such a shit, he just needs to be shut down. Have you read Mein Kampf? The autobiography of another shit.
5 Likes
Best avoid “Come and see” then.
I read it when it came out, 9 years or so ago - it struck me very much as a fairly typical misery memoir. His grandmother was the best described and most three-dimensional character. He himself comes across as unbearably pleased with himself and very fake humble. He has a lot to be pleased about I suppose. Meanwhile he has turned his coat fairly comprehensively hasn’t he.
I think the point is that he has turned his coat several times since then and nobody knows what is real and what is political expediency. I am not in any way defending him, but I think a comparison with Hitler is too simplistic.
Call me simplistic but I judge him by what he’s done.
So far, what stands out would be the Zelenskyy ambush in the Oval Office and his lecture to Europeans about free speech at the Munich security conference. That and his more or less insisting on meeting the pope when the pope was obviously so ill.
2 Likes
I’m with you.
You have to remember that, to Vance and those like him, “free speech” is the freedom to use - without repercussions - language that is currently regarded as hate speech.
2 Likes
Indeed. Like some Brits, ‘your speech is free as long as we agree with it’…
3 Likes
Indeed, but that is what he is while he is using Trump to gain power. In a previous incarnation he talked about how appalling Trump was and how he would never support him. It seems he is all the more dangerous for hiding his real views, so what he says and does at the this particular moment as genuine, is probably unwise.
There are four episodes about him on The Rest is Politics podcast that give far more details of his transformations.
In answer to your question John, yes I have read Mein Kampf, but I think Machiavelli is more relevant. After all, Trump, Vance and the Tech Bros do all seem to want to be royalty, albeit Kings, not Princes.
1 Like
This is one reason why I am in favour of a constitutional monarchy like the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden etc. rather than a full-on Republic with an elected President.
Having a state figurehead to represent the nation who is not involved in politics automatically puts politicians one step down in the social pecking order and goes some way to keep them from getting delusions of grandeur. 
It’s quite hard to appoint yourself King if there already is one. 
5 Likes
I agree and Queens would definitely not be a thing. I fear Gilead is starting to feel ever closer across the pond.