Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The world according to Donald Trump (snigger!)

Donald Trump's address to the United Nations General Assembly gives us a handy distillation of his attitudes and beliefs, in case we were in any doubt. It also gives an idea of just how seriously everyone else takes the man.
In a video clip shared around the world, Trump claimed that, "In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country". The UN's response? Giggles and laughter. Probably an unprecedented response to an unprecedentedly ridiculous claim.
Trump went on to assert, unabashedly, "We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism". He gave shoutouts to his "friends" (North Korea, Saudi Arabia), and lambasted his foes (Iran, Venezuela) at great length.
Mr. Trump later tried to make light of the UN's response to his ridiculous bragging, suggesting that, "They weren't laughing at me, they were laughing with me". Well, he would, wouldn't he? Diplomats who were there at the time, however, confirmed that they were very much laughing AT Trump.
It was, in a word, embarrassing. Political theatre at its best, I guess.

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