Most of what follows is observation of the American struggles (and one of my own), though acutely aware of the election in the UK and maybe a detached observation might be added.

1) In the wake of Trump's conviction, the very predictable parade of politicians trade condemnation of the verdict by a jury of normal folk for the leader of their party's blessing. One guy stood out, Maryland's Larry Hogan said "that's the result; so be it." and was immediately told by Trump's machine, "And that's your campaign over and done." after which the rest of 'em couldn't denounce the verdict quick enough. I have to admit, the old term from 1940s Europe, "lap dog", popped into my brain.

2) Additionally, a rather sizeable line-up of billionaires weighed in with their kinsman. Venture capitalists, energy moguls, Wall street financiers, a few Silicon Valley types, but quite a list of them. I have to wonder why, until I apply that principle of "cui bono?", literally "who benefits?" One of their class (and whoever says America doesn't have a class system as clear as ever existed in Britain is mad) is being held to the standards created by the general public, and that cannot be allowed to propagate further.

One wonders if the entire Trump phenomenon is rooted in the concept of the preservation of the upper class very much like the 20th century in Britain, but with a uniquely American twist. Surely the alignment is becoming more and more obvious, and the poster child is extremely adept at recruiting the support of the very group of people upon whose shoulders the upper class stand.

On that last one, I find it significant that there really is no commonality between the supposed supporter-base and the man. He isn't a Christian, he doesn't care about the alt-right positions or those who hold "conservative values", I heard about a tax-reduction during his administration but quite honestly didn't see one, and the clever thing is how his machine has positioned him to be a middle finger by the lower middle class pointed to both the poor and the upper middle. Oddly, his class is not only immune from the finger but are at the same time those truly in the driver's seat vetting and presenting the slate of candidates that the electorate get to pick between, all done with political donations, PACs, and forms of less-accountable support (travel, lodging, entertainment, the odd prostitute or two). The Trumpists talk of the Deep State, yet don't realise it isn't the so-called "Liberal Elite". It's the Captains of Industry, to dust off an old term from the Gilded Age, the very group of which Trump is a member.

3) Next, Biden's son is standing trial this week on Federal charges of lying on an ATF form regarding the purchase of a firearm whilst using drugs. I'm watching this one with as much personal detachment as the Trump one, though I rather hope it turns out as legitimately against him as it did with Trump, if I'm honest. Hunter is another member of the (shall we now rename it) Captains of Finance upper-class so, if he goes down for exactly what I'd go down for, strike another legit blow for the common man. I believe the Captains of Finance are running a bit scared, and well they should be, because once the middle class and poor realise who really is creating this situation, they will be out for blood and rightfully so.

4) My son is home from uni this last weekend. A very interesting conversation regarding an actual viewpoint into what was referred to here as the "liberal-elite universities". Actually, the problem with that generation is much more rooted in practicality and realism than one would suspect. While the demonstrations regarding Gaza are what the media and the power-base are focussed on, the real threat to the power-base is perhaps coming from a direction they aren't expecting. While the vast majority of Gen-Zed in university are pretty much wise to what Trump really is rather than what he represents himself to be, they aren't at all fond of the alternative, either.

I stated some time ago (and Mike politely and fervently disagreed) that both of these people are an absolute anathema to me, neither of which for matters of policy and character can I support let alone vote for, are a national disgrace if these are truly the best America has to offer, and therefore I cannot in good conscience select one in the voting booth. I rather thought I would be alone in that. Interestingly, at the university my son attended at least, his generation has collectively come to that very same conclusion. Barring a sudden change in circumstances, you might be witness to the weakest turnout in decades if not the history of the country as a generation or two turn their backs in silent albeit effective protest on this choice foisted upon them. At least I'm gratified they are independent thinkers and have discerned what "business as usual" in national politics truly is. I'm also rather pleased I'm not alone in this. I'm also proud to join them. They and I are tired of the hate-mongering and those who use hate-mongering to deflect attention from themselves as they live a life by "different" rules.

I predict this is coming to a head and not in any way either camp is expecting.

(A note: This is again intended as a reasoned and reasonable discussion of events, not personal "politics" other than perhaps my refusal to participate in them on moral and ethical grounds, the presentation of which might well be legitimately called "politics". If outside our rules of decorum or annoying to any member as something they are uncomfortable with whilst here, please say so. If that does indeed become the opinion of any member here, Mike please remove it.)