Woodie

2 hours ago, Pdoggg said:

Here's who we encountered last Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Yes, She is a bit special. BB told me so.

1 minute ago, Woodie said:

Mmmm, well I guess that only leaves one possibility?

By the way, great body! I mean the girl!!!!

54 minutes ago, Hard1 said:

I even know that it's not her cum 

Mmmm, well I guess that only leaves one possibility?

15 hours ago, Zeppie said:

I said it is a brilliant document, The Sith, agreed. 

Wow, it must be so then.

9 hours ago, Hard1 said:

That's cum 

How do you know????

4 hours ago, Zeppie said:

Woodie, your first question an easy question to ask, but an in-depth response required to answer.  I am not a scholar of the Constitution, but I will do my best to respond. 

The key features are;

1. The US Constitution is codified constitution and entrenched. (you don't have this, you have uncodified and unentrenched).  Bottom line, we are a single contained document and requires 2/3 of congress to change.  Yours is changed every time a new law is passed. You have no specific feature for amendment.

2. Separation of powers.  (you have partial)

3. Division of powers between federal and state gov's. (you have parliamentary sovereignty only)

4. We have Federalism ( government which includes the power of the central government as well as local state governments).  You have Devolution, a delegation of power from the central government to local governments.

As for wars, 2 of them were to save europe, I hope you didn't mind.  Another was to save South Korea from death and enslavement.  Im sure they are not complaining.  As for VN, that was to stop communism spreading in indochina. The communist were attacking south VN.  In the end it was a mistake.

But, I think you will find there are only about 22 countries that Britain didn't colonize (thus invade and take over).  You are a sorry lot to suggest against others for wars.  

I have nothing against Britain and still consider them an ally.  Your smartest move of late was Brexit.  I am a fan of Churchill and Margaret Thatcher and the late Queen (RIP), all true patriots.

 

 

Just a quick response.

I live in Australia. We do have a constitution. Also we have Federal and State governments. Whether that is a bonus I don't know. Government is based on a federation which was setup in 1901. One which has proved to be ok, except for a few examples of stupidity like the rail gauge being different in neighboring states of NSW and QLD.

We also have compulsory voting. Whether that is a bonus I am not sure.. How could someone with almost zero knowledge of what is going on in the world and knows more about the Kardashians than local politics is beyond me. You actually don't have to pick out a candidate. You can put a line through all candidates and it will be classed as an invalid vote. You can be prosecuted for not turning up to vote.

As for the Queen and Churchill. Yes, both worthy of acclaim, especially the Queen. Churchill not as much due to his performance during the First World War when he was partly responsible for the shambles that was the Allied landing in Turkey . Troops from New Zealand, Australia and other countries took part. Thousands were slaughtered as the British troops sunbathed and swam in another part of the area. We have a remembrance day on the 25th April named Anzac day. As for Thatcher, she wreaked havoc while trying to do a Reagan on Britain.

1 hour ago, Rom said:

I disagree with the above.  There is no evidence that having guns in the hands of private citizens is a deterrent against foreign invasion let alone a proven defense.  I repeat: NOWHERE or EVER in Human History have private citizens with guns stopped invading armies (examples to the contrary ??? please The-Sith).  The US was never invaded because it has the most powerful military on earth since the 19th century and is separated by 2 seas from other military powers.  Its land neighbors Mexico and Canada are no match for the US if they tried to invade.  If u want a country with sensible gun restrictions that does not get invaded take Britain which has not been invaded since Viking times.  It was not citizens with guns that stopped Hitler.  It was the RAF and the Royal Navy.

As to the Second Amendment, it is a perversion of reason and its invocation to own guns underscores how evil Americans can be, including their constitutionalist judges.  It explicitly says:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Anyone who can read English has to infer that "the right of the people to bear arms" was originally framed in the context of "a well regulatedt militia."  It's a case of anachronic drafting (too erudite!) by whoever originally wrote it and should have written instead:

The right of the people to keep and bear Arms under a well regulated Militia, which is necessary to the security of a free State, shall not be infringed.

Not to mention that "the arms" the founding fathers had in mind were flintlock one-shot rifles... Not machine guns.  If so,  American citizens might as well have the right to privately own howitzers, attack helicopters and nuclear submarines.

It's all sickening.

Agreed Rom. The whole situation in the US has got out of hand.

I notice no one to my knowledge has mentioned the NRA. A very powerful lobby group. It must be, with the US having something like 350 million guns for a population including kids, of about 330 million.

I still remember a friend of mine who arrived in the US some years ago, and was picked up by a business collegue at the airport and on the way home stopped at a gunshop and came out with one of those Oozie type things and casually placed it on the floor of the car. When asked what it was for he said,"oh just going to try it out on some feral animals up in the hills".

On 4/7/2023 at 11:36 PM, Hard1 said:

Jessie.

But nobody has been yet able to solve my previous quiz: who's she (from CIB). Is it so difficult?  

Who is the poor sod laying on his back?.

 Imagine having to put up with that treatment. Is that cum or spit dripping from her mouth?.

17 hours ago, The-Sith said:

BTW while all you guys.....American and non America are having a pint to toast the US Constitution.... have a toast to the system in place too.

 

To further answer @Woodie

 

your question....whether these are "ALTERATIONS".... the AMENDMENTS ARE ADDITIONS... that also make up the Constitution.

 

There was only ONE AMENDMENT that was repealed. Repealed means after it came into effect the government....thru the protests of the people....realized they made a mistake and they scratched it thru the government system in place.

 

that is the 18th Amendment which in 1917 prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol in America. We all saw the movies about this and the violence it created in society by driving this trade into criminal hands. And so this is the ONLY amendment that was eventually discarded.... in 1933 it was repealed after all that AL Capone drama and people basically voting with their mouths by going to speak easys in mass and drinking in secret locations. Basically the law was untenable and the people spoke by their actions..... and the system removed it.

 

have a toast to that one too.

 

 

So the 2nd Amendment could be repealed?. Here is a good idea. Maybe make it align with something that resembles the way that sensible countries do?.

9 hours ago, Takra said:

The constitution itself is very basic document laying out Federal government and its three branches: Legislative, executive and judicial. It was made quite simple as the forefathers feared that states wouldn`t sign more detailed version. So all the freedoms and rights of individuals are ordained by amendments, which of course can be amended again.

Some of them are important, securing rights of citizens, some of them fine tune government, some of them are obsolete. (18th enacted the prohibition and 21st repealed it.) But some of them have obscure wording, and here lies the problem. Scholars have debated at least about 2nd, 9th and 14th amendments since they were drawn and noone has definite answer. And as the Supreme court interpretes the law, it can change citizens rights by it`s decisions. This should be done by congress as the SC should have no such power.

All in all, it`s not great constitution nor is it bad. It only has outdated wording and it was written for a considerably smaller country.

If it was a brilliant one the states couldn`t act against it so blatantly. The pledge of allegiance has unconstitutional parts, book bans are unconstitutional and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community should be covered by the 14th amendment. (With all the other amendments.) But everyone thought this about abortion also. Badly written amendments give false sense of safety.

Biggest problem is the same as everywhere, when people think of constitutional rights they think about THEIR rights, not the rights of their fellow citizens. When this changes, the constitution doesn`t play as big part as it does now.

Thanks for the explanation Takra. I for one cannot understand why an amendment cannot be amended again. Such as the second. It was written, (I take it), when people all acted like Davy Crockett. The argument put up these days by some, is that citizens can bear arms to stop the government from committing an armed takeover of the populace. If it wanted to, there is no way that the populace could stop it, no matter how many Armalites they had. In the meantime there are many people being killed by nutters and their guns. That sure is freedom.

3 hours ago, seven said:

I realise this redneck hillbilly is irrelevant these days, but hes another Trump fanboy, same views as the other half population.

We shouldn't even have this discussion on a forum dedicated to transsexuals. This isn't PY though some are doing their best to make it so.

– Rock artist Kid Rock took to Twitter this week after it was announced that Bud Light had partnered with a woman who is a transgender influencer.

In a video on Twitter, Kid Rock could be seen wearing a “MAGA” hat as he turned around and spoke to the camera:

“Grandpa’s feeling a little frisky today. Let me say something to all you and be as clear and concise as possible.”

The artist then used a rifle to fire gunshots at several cases of Bud Light beer while cursing out the company. (More guns. See a pattern?)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/kid-rock-shoots-bud-light-102425976.html

 

His appearance brings up a question. Where can you buy those hats with the brim on the back?. All I can seem to find are ones with it on the front.

On 4/6/2023 at 5:49 AM, The-Sith said:

100%

 

the constitution is the most brilliant document ever written.

 

they got it so right because the writers were educated and escaped tyranny in UK and Europe.

If it is the most brilliant document ever written, why are there so many amendments? I take it that in the US the word amendment means an alteration?. Maybe it means something else?

So who changed what?. It is a serious question. I have never delved into it. Just seemed to be very confusing.

7 hours ago, Hard1 said:

Wow, that is some bum, and I am not a bum man usually.

8 hours ago, Zeppie said:

You assume wrong! I do not assuming the US is the only form of democracy, nor did I say that or imply. I don't have that kind of arrogance that you imply.  I leave that to others.

Also, for the record, America is democratic republic, and not a true democracy (majority rule).  Regarding your comment that America isn't America, those statements aren't pertinent to my message.  But, if you insist, "The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America.   This is well documented.  Regardless;  

Yes, I do believe that Socialism, is a gateway to communism.  Socialism is in direct conflict with the Constitution of AMERICA (there goes that word again).

"Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy."  Me personally, I believe governments are for the purpose of destroying free-will, taking from the people, and ruining societies.  Any thing Central, pulls the powers away from the states.  Is there a more wasteful, inept organization, who's record of being wrong, far outweighs any success story.

America was built on the idea of freedom and market capitalism, not socialism.  When freedoms are stripped, free-will is lost and from that point it is down hill, in many regards.  You quote Finland, did they come to the aid of europe to end WWI?  Did they save europe from become colonies of Hitler?  I don't remember Church Hill (Great Man) begging Findlan.   I think Finland would be a bad choice to count on to support and protect you. They don't bring anything or much to the world, in any forms.  America became a superpower, because of freedom and capitalism, not socialism.  America has done a lot of good for the world, and has made mistakes, throughout our very short history on this planet.  Britain once an empire, and colonized many countries, as well as France.  Both are very diminished in stature, as to what they once were....go socialism.

Yes, spread the wealth (translation; take from others to give to others). Don't go out an earn it, let someone earn it for you.  Name me the socialist country that has the power and might to protect you.  The trouble with the many is instead of building up there standards, they prefer to try and tear yours down to there level....that's socialism.

As for you arrogance tone.  Amsterdam, is kicking out Americans, its the brits, they find distasteful.  If you want socialism, go enjoy it.  Not me!

 

 

 

 

I really struggle to understand what "freedoms", the US has that other western Democracies dont have.

By the way, not that I mentioned Finland specifically,Finland has just joined Nato so that should boost the arms dealers profits. Also as far as countries helping out in WW2. I dont think Spain or Switzerland actually did a great deal to help, apart from Switzerland acting as a banking service.

The US has the freedom to bankrupt it's citizens who contract diseases where most other western nations look after it's citizens in public hospitals.

The US seems to be in a constant round of elections. Not satisfied with one every 4 years, they have midterm ones as well. Also, the election campaigns seem to go on for ever, whereas in other democracies they start roughly 6 week before polling date. No wonder US citizens are loathe to vote. What is it. About 54 % actually vote?. Might have something to do with having elections on a Tuesday! Goes back to the horse and cart days when farmer went to town.

I am not here to bash the US but when comments are made about it being a freedom loving nation, I might point out that the US has been at war for all but about 17 years of it's existence. That's a good example to set.

On 4/4/2023 at 12:33 AM, Zeppie said:

I am waiting to hear your take on things in VN, Woodie.  I might be mistaken, but I thought you went there or are there?

No, not there until middle of May.

18 hours ago, Zeppie said:

  If America fails, what do you have let, communism.

Not at all. You are assuming the US system of democracy is the way, the truth and the light. It is not.

There many forms of democracy. Surprisingly, not all formed by the amount of money given by supporters.

I giggle when I hear the dreaded word Socialism mentioned in the conversation in the US. Notice i did not say America. That is North and South America, made up be a lot of countries.

Socialism as used in the US terminology seems to be another form of Communism. I think it is far from it. Maybe we in the west could all learn a thing or two from say the Scandinavian countries etc., where the countries wealth is spread around, at least far more equatably than in other countries.

12 hours ago, Pulci Gorgon said:

Here's my critical review of the travel videos documenting a trip through Vietnam. I question  its accuracy and portrayal of Vietnamese culture and society. I watched half of the first video then skipped sequences from the middle till the end of the second video. (28 + 41 = 1 hour  9 minutes). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-X1m4dGE9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-X1m4dGE9Y

In the first video, the travel vlogger starts by asking "how much" in English with a heavy accent, as if assuming that a Vietnamese person would understand. It would have been more appropriate to learn to say "bán bao nhiêu?" His mispronunciation of Nha Trang in the second video was also jarring, as it should actually be pronounced "Nia Tchang." In the end of the second video, he struggled with the name of the ferry company and appeared unaware of what he was saying. I found the words  he was attempting to pronounce were  clearly visible on the next ferry. "công ty tnhh một thành viên" means a limited liability company, completely the opposite of the communist ferry he claims to be traveling on. 

The travel vlogger's fixation on communism and sectarianism was concerning, akin to Putin's anti-Western stance. We have discussed the attitudes of English travelers in both European and Asian countries, and this vlogger exemplifies a chauvinistic and narrow-minded mindset. While I have previously criticized other vloggers, such as Edward Sweeney, it is important to acknowledge that Sweeney delved deeper into the essence of things, rather than relying on value judgments.

The video series begins in Hanoi, but fails to showcase much of the city beyond a friendly scooter driver. While there are temples related to military monuments, there are also many other more beautiful temples to visit, such as those at the top of Ba Na hills, in Đà Lạt, or those visited by Strocube. The vlogger disparages Nha Trang, despite its reputation as a pleasant city with potential for future development (Nha Trang is likely to hold some pleasant surprises in the years to come.) . Similarly, he only shows a T-shirt shop in HCMC, and arrives in Cần Thơ without highlighting the city's beauty. There is also some uncertainty as to whether the suspension bridge was truly financed by the Chinese.

Inaccuracies and cultural insensitivity detract from the overall quality of the production, and the rushed treatment of certain locations such as Hue is disappointing. The only truly authentic moments in the video are the train sequences, which provide an honest glimpse into Vietnamese transportation. (However, I'd recommend to travel by train rather than by bus for medium distances in Vietnam. 
Overall, apart from glimpses of certain neighborhoods that may not be featured in travel agency brochures, there is little of interest in these videos.

 

Edit : forget about communism if you go to Vietnam. You'd be surprised to see that veterans of armies having fought against the Việt Cộng  

I dont think he sets out to do a complete travelogue when he does these videos. He has his own take on things which obviously does not align with the way you think it should be done. A bit tought to expect someone to do an in depth documentary of Vietnam on one trip experience.

12 hours ago, Pulci Gorgon said:

Do you have a link ? 

Just look up youtube and Bald and Bankrupt with the title I quoted in my post

6 hours ago, Pdoggg said:

If forced to choose, I would agree with Brett.  To avoid confusion I refer to the 3rd Road end and Buakhao end.  Likewise for Nana Plaza I sy the ground floor, middle floor, and top floor to avoid confusion.

You know what, I think we argued over that as we very rarely argued about anything. I still miss him so much. Will be catching up with Dao in early May.

13 hours ago, Pulci Gorgon said:

I stayed in  Chaiyapoon Inn in 2016. I don't know if this bar already existed but I don't remember. Anyway, I was reluctant to go to a bar unless I know wht to expect. 

I dont think Djungjai existed until about 2018

Just on the matter of Soi Pothole. My good friend, now departed Stoolpusher, and I used to argue over which end of Soi Pothole was the top end. I said the 2nd road end as that was the more central end, Brett would say the 3rd Road end. He may have been right. I was not there when heavy rain fell and it flooded.

A stupid discussion, but that's what friends do.

Just watched a Bald and Bankrupt video on Vietnam. He travelled with two others from Hanoi to Saigon with a side trip to Laos, on motorbikes and a train. He did acknowledge the influence of the guys from Top Gear who did the trip on motorbikes.

As usual he did a great job. He seems to have a way of conversing with people even though they may not speak English. A very good communicator.

Worth watching. I did want to see a bit more of Saigon but there you go.

He did not hold back on the brutality of the western nations who had tried to control Vietnam over the years. France, the US etc.

The video was called Vietnam: The Nation that would not submit VN

8 hours ago, Hard1 said:

Perhaps this is more helpful 

She is a sweet one!

41 minutes ago, Pulci Gorgon said:

 

I don't remember I heard of these bars before (Djungjai Bar and Ezy bar). If these are new ladyboys bars, this means that good (old) days are ahead of us. 

Djungjai Bar has been in Soi Pothole for some time. Towards the 3rd Road end someway down on the left. Past Chaiyapoon Inn. I have not been in there but was chatted up by a good looking lb.

The only time I have seen rowdy/ unsocial behaviour in Pattaya it has involved our UK friends. You know, the 19 to 29 age group getting pissed because that is what a "man" does. It was I think in the Robin Hood bar on Beach rd. There seems to be this attitude that the louder you talk and act, the more of a "man" you are.

My gf and I left the bar.