The Changing of the Guard, a popular London ceremony, typically takes place at Buckingham Palace on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11:00 AM, and lasts about 45 minutes, featuring the handover of guard duties by the Old Guard to the New Guard.
Great Britain, I’m here to help.
The Old Blighty Dilemma
This is not my report. I’m reposting it here for your consideration as Old Blighty circles the drain. I’ve mentioned the situation to LSP, and he agrees, but only reluctantly. I think that the UK has passed the tipping point. They have 18,000 troops fit for deployment, 25 tanks, and one week’s artillery ammunition supply. The handful of ships is undermanned and is only fit to be deployed in company with somebody else’s Navy.
Here are five things that happened in the last week alone that point to the terrible future that awaits our once great country unless they urgently and radically change course.
1. In the political system, a group of MPs, many of whom preside over disadvantaged neighbourhoods here in Britain, decided to lobby instead for an airport in … Pakistan … to please their Muslim constituents, thereby continuing to usher in a dark and dangerous sectarianism into our politics that was further reflected this week in the election of “independent” local candidates campaigning not on issues central to Britain but … Palestine. We are heading, slowly but surely, toward a model of sectarian politics that looks more like Lebanon than Britain.
2. In the legal system, a remote, unelected, unaccountable and self-righteous ‘Sentencing Council’ refused a request from elected government ministers to change guidelines that will entrench a two-tier legal system, whereby people from racial, sexual and gender minorities will be treated more favourably than others when handing out prison sentences, thereby violating the principle that everybody in this country should be treated equally before the law
3. In the judicial system, police arrested two parents whose only ‘offense’ was complaining about their local school in a WhatsApp group. The Orwellian school and police authorities both prioritised the ‘emotional safety’ of a few fragile teachers over the need to uphold free speech and individual liberty in this country.
4. In the immigration system, meanwhile, we learned that 6,000 illegal migrants have now arrived on our shores on small boats in the first three months of this year, 40% up on last year, with crossings happening every day this past week, taking the total since 2018 to 157,000 illegal migrants who are costing struggling British taxpayers upwards of £7 BILLION a year. This isn’t only breaking our laws but is throwing whole light on the total incompetence and inability of our politicians and the UK state to control our borders, keep our people safe, and maintain our status as a sovereign nation.
5. And in the economy, lastly, this week we learned that our hapless rulers in Westminster are now more interested in helping foreign nationals and illegal migrants than their people, with a Spring Statement from the Chancellor confirming they are more focused on slashing welfare and support for British pensioners, workers, and farmers, who come from these islands and whose ancestors have contributed to these islands for centuries, than they are on slashing the BILLIONS these same British taxpayers are now being forced to spend subsidising foreigners, illegal migrants, foreign criminals, our broken asylum system, and foreign aid which is still being used to support the likes of eco-farms in Nepal, obese children in China, and LGBT campaigns overseas.
The people in power, presiding over these disastrous decisions, really need to start thinking about where all this is going and where all this is pushing us as a people and a nation. It’s increasingly clear that the eventual destination will indeed be a very dangerous, dark, and divided place. There is a total lack of strong leadership in the UK.
***
Bullet Points:
** The insanity has reached such a fever pitch that democrats are keying each other’s eco-friendly cars.
** Pro Marriage tip.
** (h/t Claudio) President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s pro-peace stance seemingly has cramped the style of arch-globalist writer Anne Applebaum, a dual Polish and U.S. citizen, as she attended elitist dinners in Berlin and book festivals in Vilnius.
** In the UK – In a surprising development ahead of the new financial year, a leaked consultation document circulating within the Ministry of Defence appears to confirm that the Royal Navy is planning to procure a third Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier — a bold response to mounting global tensions and a resurgent Russia. Sources close to the Ministry stress that the new vessel, tentatively named HMS Prince Andrew, will build upon the experience gained from the design, construction, and operational lessons learned from its predecessors, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. While official confirmation is pending, the program’s scale and ambition have caught even seasoned defence watchers off guard.
Call me a cynic, but isn’t the Royal Navy building an aircraft carrier battle group? Only one (more) aircraft carrier? Who will crew the ship? What about half a dozen escort vessels (including SSNs) necessary to deploy an aircraft carrier? None of that was mentioned. It sounds like a barnyard to me.
** When President Trump took office for a second term, there were about 2.3 million civilian federal employees, about the size of the population of New Mexico. Never before have they, as a group, been so shaken up. Under the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency, they’ve been told: The Party’s Over. Government-wide, the Trump administration fired 200,000 probationary employees and got 75,000 more to accept a deal to resign. The CIA will be reduced in size by about 50%, but those numbers and facts are secret, so I may be wrong. They’re changing how they’re doing business.
** Downsizing government continues to be popular with taxpayers. However, in Washington, D.C., spending money creates friends and political donors. Cutting is bound to make enemies, which is why politicians usually find it much easier to add to the budget than subtract from it. USAID’s political grease will be gone for quite a while.
***
Who doesn’t love Horses?
The map doesn’t include mustang herds (Arizona has quite a few) or herds of wild donkeys (Arizona has a lot of them, too) that roam the forests and deserts. I grew up riding a horse. What would have happened to me if I’d never stopped doing that?
***
A Sovereign Wealth Fund?
President Trump has proposed creating a US “Sovereign Wealth Fund.” One may be tempted to see the value in experienced business and investment people like Pres. Trump, Bessent, and Lutnick calling the shots over such an entity. However, no administration is forever, and a future one could include any or all of Newsom, Sanders, AOC, Omar, Warren, a return of Hillary, etc.
Because of that, it’s an awful idea, as any structure that funnels more of the nation’s capital allocation to Washington Politicians should be viewed with caution and skepticism.. A Sovereign Wealth Fund is essentially a state-owned investment fund. While often established by countries with significant revenues from commodities (like oil) or trade surpluses, the idea sometimes surfaces in the U.S. context, perhaps funded by government surpluses, asset sales, or other means.
Establishing such a fund in the U.S. raises significant concerns about political interference: The core issue is who controls the fund’s investment decisions. This control would inevitably fall to politicians or their appointees in a government entity. Politicians might be tempted to direct investments based on political goals instead of prioritizing maximum risk-adjusted returns for the nation’s benefit (the theoretical goal of an SWF).
This could mean:
—Funneling investments into businesses or projects owned by political donors or allies.
—Targeting Swing States/Districts: Investing in specific geographic areas to curry favor with voters, regardless of whether those investments are economically sound
—Propping up industries based on political ideology or lobbying pressure, even if inefficient or declining.
—Shunning potentially profitable investments if they are in sectors currently out of political favor.
When capital allocation is driven by political factors rather than market signals and sound financial analysis, it leads to inefficiency. Resources are diverted from their most productive uses, potentially slowing economic growth and innovation. A U.S. SWF would likely manage immense amounts of capital. Such large pools of money inherently attract those seeking to benefit improperly. Individuals with influence over investment decisions could potentially demand or receive bribes or kickbacks from companies seeking investments from the fund. Politicians or fund managers with access to the SWF’s investment plans could use that non-public information for personal gain or leak it to favored individuals.
Positions managing or advising the SWF could become patronage appointments, given to politically connected individuals rather than the most qualified financial experts. Companies with strong political connections (“cronies”) could receive preferential treatment when seeking investment capital from the SWF, gaining an unfair advantage over competitors. This distorts the level playing field essential for a healthy market economy. There would be immense pressure to use the fund to bail out politically connected firms or industries facing financial trouble, creating a moral hazard and rewarding failure.
While proponents might argue for strong governance structures, political pressures often undermine transparency and independent oversight, especially when large sums and political careers are involved. Decisions might be made behind closed doors, making it difficult to scrutinize whether they serve the public or political/personal interests. The concern is that a U.S. SWF, rather than acting as a prudent, long-term investor for the benefit of all citizens, could become a massive slush fund.
It risks transforming investment decisions into political tools, distorting the economy, rewarding political connections over merit, and creating significant opportunities for corruption. The inherent nature of political incentives—focused on short-term electoral cycles, rewarding allies, and consolidating power—clashes fundamentally with the principles of objective, long-term, market-driven capital allocation.
***
Powerlifting
“Two biological men currently share 4 out of 5 women’s powerlifting records in Alberta as a result of the Canadian Powerlifting Union’s current policy that values ‘trans inclusion.” 4 out of 5 women’s powerlifting records are currently held by men in Alberta.
A biological male, Anne Andres, who identifies as female, competed in a women’s 40-50 classic lifting competition at the World Masters Powerlifting Championships. “’ I will win by a good margin. This is due to my training ethic, but people widely misattribute it to my history 20 years ago,” Andrews wrote on an Instagram post before the competition. Andres set a national record of 556 pounds in women’s deadlift and later boasted about having “every masters record and two unofficial world masters records.” Andres can compete against women after the Canadian Powerlifting Union modified its trans inclusion policy.
The new policy allows anyone who identifies as female to compete in the women’s category, with no requirement of surgery, hormone therapy, or even a doctor’s note.”
Identify the Aircraft
1
2
86 built
3
End
Parker county at 13 horses per square mile is all about the sand. They used to export sand to California, now the rich people just moved here to play. Tom
The bright spot here is that they didn’t settle in Arizona.
Re: new British aircraft carrier – check the date of the announcement .
Ah.
😁
Identify the Aircraft:
1. Yakovlev Yak-141 Freestyle
2. Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger
3. Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey
Well done!
Funneling money to politicians is a guarantee of a financial windfall for those that have the responsibility of unattended three year old children with a pack of cookies. I call it a recipe for disaster and throwing caution to the wind. The bureaucracy created by such of a system would be the worst in the history of the world.
Yes, we need to keep the children away from gasoline and matches.
Define “children”…would they be those in Congress and on The Left? Purely by observation petrol and matches or torch lighters should be kept from that crowd even moreso.
Men competing against women in WOMEN’S sports and setting records in those sports and it’s allowed, even encouraged! This is just nuts….talk about tearing society apart from it’s foundations…
US Supreme Court Justice Jackson (a mother of two) couldn’t define what a woman was in her confirmation hearing.
That was amazing. A less polite society would have immediately frog-walked her from the chamber, took her law license, and chastised Roberts for allowing her into the building.
WTP need to become “less polite”…too polite and misplaced compassion breeds mental and physical weakness…and now we have a pile of examples at the highest levels as to why this is a stupid modus operandi.
It’s woke these days when men dress up like women and beat them up in sports.
I was just in Canada and reminded of how polite the native Canadians are. And what they tolerate in their government, and where it’s gotten them.
👍
Britain has strong leadership. Unknown and unelected, but still.
“ Anne Applebaum, a dual Polish and U.S. citizen”
How is her dual citizenship relevant to anything? I hope no one reading this thinks “dual loyalty” because that’s an anti-Poleitc Hate Think canard. Besides, it’s totally possible Mx Appelbaum has no loyalty to EITHER Poland or the US. Maybe she’s a “citizen of the world” who loves every person, every people, and every culture equally.
—
Maybe I’m really an alien colony-mind of millions of (surprisingly cute) six-legged lizard analogs on the 4th planet of Zeta Reticuli using FTL commo methods unknown to Terrohumans to shitpost on human blogs.
—
Guess which is more likely.
You reminded me a great word: ‘canard’…gonna use that as much as possible today, as in, “The Federal Government will protect you and is honest is a giant canard.”*
(*Assuming you didn’t mean its other definition: “A small winglike projection attached to an aircraft forward of the main wing to provide extra stability or control, sometimes replacing the tail.”)
Ps. Maybe as a ‘Citizen of the World’ Applebaum is part of the Seven Seas Secret Society, considering the S4 base requirement…or as those from The Motherland often say, “A real pisser”.
We meant “duck”. Because we Zeta Reticutards (our preferred term) get human idioms confused sometimes.
/hangs 5,550,321 little lizard heads in shame. (Except #43 and #1,331,657. They’re jerks. No one likes them.)
😁
I would pick analogs, but that is just me… No, I don’t think you are cute.
Horses: “What would have happened to me if I’d never stopped doing that?” – You’d have less money, more injuries, and fewer vacations without homestead help…but the upside is you wouldn’t have to mow your pastures. We’re down to two, and those are slated to be given to a good home in the next year. At some point it’s time to hang up the spurs on certain activities…and it’s okay to give oneself permission to do so. Love the horses but not having them is freeing…more time to cast a few flies into an eddy.
***
The Grifters, Cheats, and Thieves are working hard to keep their corrupt gravy train on the tracks — it’s not working which is why they are going full Scanners/Exorcist. Been going on for over 50 years…or more. ONE example I’ve been harping on once discovered: When I have to make quarterly estimated tax payments – in retirement – after working my entire life and The They having confiscated 15% of my paychecks since 15 years old, in order to avoid a monster tax bill next year…there is something seriously wrong. It’s as if (duh) the Federal, State, and Local governments are demanding we remain slaves to their nefarious yet obvious criminality that has gone unchecked for decades to the point they are destroying the ability to retire comfortably. That’s un-American at every level. Gotta change…believe it is with PDJT, hence the Screaming and Gnashing of teeth by public employees. Sorry folks…Hear that?…the tiniest of violins playing.
–
Yesterday’s exchange between Bessent – an actual expert and adult in the room – and the CNN…well.. she’s CNN…proves how mentally deficient these people are:
Her..’But the cost of cars from overseas are going to increase…how’s that fair and not a tax?’
Bessant…’Buy American and that problem is solved’
Her (arguing from ignorance vs. being a reporter-ette)…’Well….most of the parts used by US carmaker are made outside of America…so what do you have to say about that…it’s a tax!’
Bessant….’Parts used on US manufactured cars are exempt ‘
Her: Blank stare.
–
As a brother stated: “EVERYTHING is about economics and the leverage it affords…it’s PDJT’s sweet spot…and he is the only President who has had this skillset.”
Gotta give it time and forget the micron-level reporting of this and that (OMG!!! The Stock Market tanks today…per CNN et al. Me?…So? Markets correct as needed, and we’re in a monster correction after money-printing and laundering by The Bums in Charge. It’s enough to drive a sane person nuts listening to these Seditious Chicken Little’s.
***
On a slightly nicer than ‘Politics is Galactically Stupid’ note: Never tried that particular marital tip, but could be added to the relational toolkit…to my demise of course, but we males need to try something new a few times before we figure out it doesn’t work. In the meantime it’s time to go clean the stalls and pen before the snow returns later, it’s my own personal DOGE…which has a similar “purge” effect as Musk and The CompSci Genius Squad are doing, including the smell and turning the pile to rotate the inherent rot.
Pres. Trump is a businessman. Pedo Joe Biden was a corrupt politician on the grift. The mainstream media can’t tell the difference – and they don’t know which restroom to use either.
Pretty much sums it up…the confused not trying to make sense of those NOT confused.
I’m betting most of the horses in LaGrange and Elkhart County, Indiana, belong to the Amish.
The grocery stores have hitching posts.
And I’m guessing (only a wild guess) that the Amish don’t care about tariffs one way or the other.
They don’t have TV or internet.
Lancaster County, PA, (Witness movie locale) has a huge Amish equine population, which showed up on the map. New Holland Auction used to be one of the nations largest, many moons ago MrsPaulM did a couple of stints there as a ring rider.
Those lucky Luddites. Wonder if they’d notice if I tried to assimilate?
Recently came across another marriage tip.
“Never ask your wife what is for dinner while she is mowing the lawn”.
Pfft! hahahah (What of you got her a new high-wheel self-drive mower, does that afford some marital liabilty protection?)
Can’t say, not having a wife now going on 30 years. I do remember she wasn’t happy with the gas powered mower we had.
You should have bought her a riding mower.
Exactly!
I must have a oddball…she loves her high-wheeled pushmower but requires I do the big areas first with the bush hog (aka tractor therapy). Caught her one night in bed looking online at a Cub Cadet riding mower (her dad had an original)…told her it was lawn porn (hahah)…offered to get it for her next time I’m near Tractor Supply (with discount). Maybe gain a few Hub Points.
You are so romantique Paul! How does your wife stand it? I bought mine a John Deere commercial riding mower with hydraulic controls a size under mine and she wouldn’t ever let me use it! (She wasn’t aware JD keys are the same) She loved her mower! Better than candy and flowers, but not chocolate diamond necklace….
This COULD mean:
—Funneling investments into businesses or projects owned by political donors or allies.
—Targeting Swing States/Districts: Investing in specific geographic areas to curry favor with voters, regardless of whether those investments are economically sound
—Propping up industries based on political ideology or lobbying pressure, even if inefficient or declining.
—Shunning potentially profitable investments if they are in sectors currently out of political favor.
—
Emphasis on “could” mine. Which of the list above is NOT happening already now? Am I missing a gigantic /SARC tag somewhere?
Nope, you didn’t miss a thing. Corruption has always been around and that’s why the Bible says it is sinful to take a bribe. And for those who haven’t been watching the game for decades, both sides skim the cream all the time.
There is no snark at VM. It’s prohibited.
Hmmm… I sensed some … Snark, there.
The cluster fixer also needs to find the cluster makers and get them off the payroll. The sooner the better.
X2
They’re not hard to find. Look at the parliament.
The Changing of the Guard
I thought white people were banned in Great Britain
I know, it’s a disgusting display of the patriarchal white privilege that we’re all fighting against.
I don’t think Britain’s done, but it’s bloody well sinking right about now.
On topic — those boys are most behind the cultural 8 Ball right about now. They will be weighed and found wanting.
The guards are more like entertainers these days. They’re paid for the show.