Great Britains New Prime Minister

[Serunson]

We have got a new PM, in the form of Gordon Brown.

<sarcasm>Woop</sarcasm>

Anyways, thoughts and opinions please post them here, on either Tony Blair or Gordon Brown or our government!

[lasher511]

I always liked Tony Blair seemed to be a quite down to earth kind of guy. Also he had great hair. Even though im an Aussie I think it is sad to see him go. Im almost used to seeing news footage of John Howard and Tony Blair sitting down to a cuppa tea every other week.

[joshSCH]

Yea, I kinda liked tony blair even though none of his actions really affected us in the U.S. much. But, good luck with the new guy ;)

[lasher511]

Thats because the americans would like to believe that they can exist on their own.

[joshSCH]

huh? What brings you do this conclusion.. and yea, pretty much any nation could exist on its own.

[Dave Sinkula]

Thats because the americans would like to believe that they can exist on their own.

Well, without the US, who's defending Europe (militarily)?

[pty]

Well, without the US, who's defending Europe (militarily)?

Europe can take care of itself.

I just wish Blair had taken more of a leaf from Mr Chirac's book before the "war" - Blair will be remembered for Iraq, not for improving the economy, lowering unemployment and providing stability in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

We only have to look across the pond at George W Bush to see that Blair wasn't that bad. And voted in twice. America peaked in the mid 90s.

[EnderX]

Actually, I'd say early 90's. Although there were a few points along the way where there might have been comebacks...

[Serunson]

I think it's was overdue for a change, Blair got on my nerves. With his hand gestures....
He got the pi** taken out of him so bad...

[hbk619]

I saw something in the paper about that.....

;)

[Dave Sinkula]

Europe can take care of itself.

I would have assumed higher listings here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_size_of_armed_forces

Frankly, I think that European socialism has been partly paid for by the US taxpayer via our military used to protect Europe.

[jbennet]

I always liked Tony Blair seemed to be a quite down to earth kind of guy.

Tony blair was an idiot, he taxes the middle classes so much, the upper classes and the working classes get loads and we get nothing

[pty]

I would have assumed higher listings here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_size_of_armed_forces

Frankly, I think that European socialism has been partly paid for by the US taxpayer via our military used to protect Europe.

As you can see from this article the combined EU military budget is roughly 7 times that of China and probably 10 times that of Russia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_the_European_Union

Also it is a case of quality and not quantity. I think we (Britain) are very lucky in that regard. You have to remember that the European military approach is, generally, different to that of the USA.

I don't hate America or Americans; I just feel that the current administration is taking the country in the wrong direction. I also question their motives on many decisions.

[Dave Sinkula]

Thanks. I was looking for something like that earlier, but maybe something from Jane's or somewhere.

I'm really feeling under the weather today. It was partly a hint toward the peace dividend. But if you don't mind I'll pass on this for now or at least table it until later.

[joshSCH]

I'm really feeling under the weather today.

If you would quit smoking.. ;)

[Dave Sinkula]

If you would quit smoking.. ;)

Perhaps. I'm starting to wonder if it's pneumonia. Maybe I'll have to get a chest X-ray -- then I can update everyone on my COPD progress.

[joshSCH]

Ah, it's almost impossible to catch pneumonia here in Texas lol..

[lasher511]

That sounds like a challenge.

[Dave Sinkula]

As you can see from this article the combined EU military budget is roughly 7 times that of China and probably 10 times that of Russia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_the_European_Union

Also it is a case of quality and not quantity. I think we (Britain) are very lucky in that regard. You have to remember that the European military approach is, generally, different to that of the USA.

I don't hate America or Americans; I just feel that the current administration is taking the country in the wrong direction. I also question their motives on many decisions.

No. At the moment I don't believe I have a point. I'll concede.

[Serunson]

Why are we spending so much on a military which is hardly ever used?
Or are EU soldiers getting a better wage perhaps?

[jbennet]

Hardly ever used ?? In the last 10 years the british army has been in:

Kosovo
Bosnia
Afghanistan
Iraq
The S.E asian Tsunami
Generally helping us out

and some others methinks

[Rashakil Fol]

I think Serunson was referring to use of the military in ways that, you know, benefit the U.K.

[jbennet]

u hear about the terrorist attacks this weekend?

[Serunson]

Yep, and a new one, someone drove a burning Jeep into a Glasgow airport! Crazy fools, they could've damaged the car...

[jbennet]

i know i heard that - i hate bloody terrorists, they are always up to something...

[joshSCH]

Yea, man.. It's been all over the U.S. news the last couple days.. The U.S. did not raise our warning level though.

[jbennet]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6250000/newsid_6258400/6258432.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm

its like 30 mins though, just so you can see what the new PM is like

[Lardmeister]

I guess Bush's new poodle is now Brown instead of Blair. Well, at least he is sticking with the B word!

[jbennet]

brown doesnt like bush methinks

[joshSCH]

Well, he's in good company..