Tariffs

[TimFox]

For an interesting discussion of current and near-future economic, trade, and currency behavior of the US and PRC, see E S Prasad The Doom Loop Basic Venture 2026.

[PlainName]

unless you are financially or emotionally invested in China

You do seem to have a downer on China and anyone that might be ambivalent about them.

I have posted my views on China. And? Are you rushing to defend the CCP?

Where has ambivalence been illustrated? Where do you feel I hit people who have mixed feelings on China? I strongly characterized my views of the facts as not being good news for people who are "fans" of China. Having financial or emotional investments is not ambivalence, my friend.

The entire subtext of that is that if anyone should dare to 'defend' China (aka post opposing facts) then they are de facto a fan and to be pitied. Why else keep bringing up being a fan, emotionally invested, etc? None of the info you posted warranted that at all, except to diss whoever argues with you.

And really, really want the US to be coming out on top.

What the actual heck?  I know one person who's a US citizen who wants the country to completely fail, per their comments, and they are in this thread.
I find that line of thinking destructive and likely related to an illness of sorts. Whether I wish the US to come out on "top" is irrelevant. I was happy to see the figure skating gold medal go to the US. Am I a bad person for that? What are you trying to say?  Do you wish your country fails? This is utter nonsensical to me.

That's your problem. You think that because you are American you should root for the USA and any non-congratulatory comments are thus traitorous. I don't see AK as a traitor but as someone that is merely stating the actuality, good or bad. If something sucks then he will say it sucks, and if it doesn't he'll note it doesn't. He is not emotionally crippled by patriotism but sees the facts as they are.

Is that not how we are supposed to discuss things? We shouldn't take a side depending on if we are 'fans' or whatever, but simply on whether things are good, bad, interesting, etc.

Is the inverse true of your views? You really, really want to see the US come out on the bottom?

I would like to see the US stop being a bully. Don't really care where they are on any chart, just act as a useful world contributor rather than greedy narcissist.

Unfortunately, China is getting a fine boost: the onerous tariffs Trump tried to bully them with have been slashed to 10%. And China has now, ahem, trumped the US in being Germany's largest trading partner.

You've taken a couple of words in a couple of sentences and made it into a war. Mountain out of a mole hill, as it were. Honestly, you seem to have taken those words very personally.

I got fed up with you continually saying how fans of China must be disappointed, how emotionally dependant China fans are done for, yay the USA. So I just took a few grains from the bottom of the mountain you were building.

But I have to challenge you on the facts here. China isn't the largest trading "Partner" of Germany. "Partner" suggests it is not one-sided though it very much is in their relationship.

Here's the quote from the news:

Germany's trade deficit with China reached a record high in 2025, estimated at around €87–€90 billion, driven by surging imports of Chinese goods and plummeting German exports. This "record deficit" represents a €30 billion increase over 2024, with China replacing the US as Germany's top trading partner, despite the widening trade imbalance.

If you feel like that's really rubbing the US's nose in it, that's cool, I guess.

No idea what you're on but the quote you used to disprove my statement just confirms it. And there is no rubbing anyone's nose in anything - it is all just countering your 'alternative facts'. Sorry that it interrupted your cheerleading.

[Analog Kid]

And just for the record:
It's true that I have some admiration for China. After all, their rise from a poor "third-world" country to the powerhouse that they are is nothing short of miraculous. And the fact that their economic successes have worked their way down to the lower classes, unlike places like, oh, I don't know, the USofA, where most of that gravy gets skimmed off by the 1% (never mind the 0.1%).

They may not exactly be living in a democracy, but at least they're not a plutocracy like we are.

Having said that, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to live there. Certainly not in one of the larger cities, no matter how "advanced" they are (and some of them are amazingly advanced). It's too much of a "hive" society for me. Maybe a rural town there would be OK; I don't know.

But that's just a personal preference, not any kind of objective judgement on their economy or even their polity. You see, both things can be true at once: you can admire a society without necessarily wanting to become a part of it.

[soldar]

What I don't understand is why you're always rushing to bash the CCP. (Or more correctly, the CPC.)

That's an ideological stance on your part. What skin off your back is it how they govern their country?
OK, so maybe you don't like their system of governance. Fine.
In my book, that and $4.50* will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

The fact is that their economic trajectory is, generally, upwards. Sure, they're suffering some downturns; all economies do from time to time.
Which may no longer be the case for the US.
Unless you're a diehard "USA! USA" booster (or MAGA).

* Is that even true anymore? I don't go to Starbucks. Is that enough dough for a cup o'joe?

I have abandoned this discussion because I consider it a waste of my time but now that you mention China and Starbucks in the same post I will mention I just came across a YT video which I found very interesting and which tells the story of Starbucks in China. They opened their first coffee shop in 1999 in a country where people did not drink coffee but tea.  For 15 years they had explosive growth even though their prices, adjusted for purchasing power,  were more expensive than in western countries. A western image, expensive prices, made them appear "upscale" and where younger people wanted to hang out and be seen. They introduced coffee consumption to the Chinese.

In 2017 Luckin Coffee was founded and in just two years had surpassed Starbucks. It did not seek to copy Starbucks but, on the contrary, it was the quick, inexpensive cup of coffee.

The video analyses the market strategies of both and how Starbucks really had no way out; it had painted itself into a corner. People had been paying higher prices for the "upscale image" and lowering prices would damage that image. They could not compete on price.

I find it interesting that some company or product creates a market, blazes a new road, but ultimately that market segment disappears or other compete better but the original is forced out. Sometimes it is just better to abandon that market than to try to hang on. IBM introduced the PC but ultimately lost the market. Blackberry had a product that was unique in its segment but they were wiped out by the smartphone.

It seems like Starbucks might be on the way out in China and I think it could be a mistake for them to try to hang on to that market for too long if the market has moved elsewhere. Maybe the Starbucks brand is on its last legs in China and rather than trying to keep it alive it would be better to start a different brand to compete directly with Luckin Coffee ... or just abandon the Chinese market.

I find these marketing competitions fascinating because it is so complicated to try to forecast what the market will demand and how you can influence that. We see brands appear, grow like crazy and then go bankrupt, all the time.

I found this video especially interesting because I have been traveling to China for 30 years and I remember how difficult it was to find a cup of coffee, then how coffee began to be trendy and how western brands were considered attractive and how now coffee is just one more thing without special significance and the allure of western brands has pretty much vanished. The video shows quite a bit about daily life in China and might surprise some who think the average Chinese lives in a bamboo hut.

I have used Luckin Coffee many times and it is the opposite of Starbucks. You order and pay from your phone app, whether you are in the store or in your office, and you just go to the store to pick up your order. Or you can have it delivered to your location.  In general their coffee is more adapted to Chinese taste and, for my taste, not as good.

Luckin Coffee operates in the US and had a big financial scandal. They have their own interesting story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luckin_Coffee

This YouTube channel, Asian Boss, has some interesting videos on other similar things like automobile market in Korea, etc. I found it interesting. I believe the guy is Korean but his topics cover all Asia.

Anyway, sorry for the hijack and here's the video.

Is This The End Of Starbucks In China?

[PlainName]

The video analyses the market strategies of both and how Starbucks really had no way out; it had painted itself into a corner. People had been paying higher prices for the "upscale image" and lowering prices would damage that image. They could not compete on price.

That's an interesting process. Presumably, the way to deal with this would be to create a new brand for the cheaper coffee. Our local supermarket does this with their 'own brand' labels. We have their 'finest' which is pretty good and not too cheap, their plain own brand which is OK and cheap, and a fake name brand which is dead cheap.

[tom66]

IMO, Starbucks is struggling everywhere, nothing to do with tariffs, everything to do with strategy.  They've been through four CEOs in four years, profits are falling, and the stock is plateauing.  Are they done for?  Probably not.  But they've got a lot of work to turn the business around or they will be done soon. 

I think there are a few reasons that they're struggling.
- Too expensive/cost of living crisis.  Inflation has reduced the spending power of many so people focus their money more on things they want.  Many people are focused on paying the rent not buying a coffee.

- Product has been replicated elsewhere.  Every cafe/restaurant chain now sells flavoured coffees.  In the UK, Greggs is a common chain, and their coffee is half the price of Starbucks.  Having tasted Starbucks coffee a few times, I'd argue that it's low tier quality anyway, and the reason they flavour their coffee with so much artificial stuff is to cover that up.  Opinion: never order an espresso or americano from Starbucks, it will suck extra bad.  Often burned/overheated.

- Remote working.  Fewer people in the office, fewer people popping out to get coffee.  Not a bad thing for the people remote working, and I'd argue overall not a bad thing for the economy, since those with more disposable income (lower transport costs for instance) tend to spend more money in their local area and on discretionary goods which tend to have higher local labour costs.  But it's bad for coffee chains that depend upon that footfall.  The London Mayor has criticised remote working; footfall is down by between 21-38%, depending upon the day of the week.  I think he ought to consider that people don't live to work, but rather work to live, and commuting less if productivity isn't decreased, isn't a bad thing.

- High labour and unit rental costs.  Starbucks stores need two staff members minimum, so a store needs high turnover to be profitable.  Long opening hours and high rents further exacerbate costs.  People expect coffee at 6pm, even if demand is quiet then; disappoint customers in those loss-leading hours, and they may stop coming during the busy hours too.  Now, this is a cost other stores suffer too, but they manage to cope by selling more than coffee (for instance, Greggs is a bakery too).
 
Since getting a bean to cup coffee machine at home, I'm happy to say we've bought almost no takeaway coffees in the past year.  Well worth the £250 investment.

[soldar]

  IMO, Starbucks is struggling everywhere, nothing to do with tariffs, everything to do with strategy.  They've been through four CEOs in four years, profits are falling, and the stock is plateauing.  Are they done for?  Probably not.  But they've got a lot of work to turn the business around or they will be done soon. 

I think there are a few reasons that they're struggling.
- Too expensive/cost of living crisis.  Inflation has reduced the spending power of many so people focus their money more on things they want.  Many people are focused on paying the rent not buying a coffee.

- Product has been replicated elsewhere.  Every cafe/restaurant chain now sells flavoured coffees.  In the UK, Greggs is a common chain, and their coffee is half the price of Starbucks.  Having tasted Starbucks coffee a few times, I'd argue that it's low tier quality anyway, and the reason they flavour their coffee with so much artificial stuff is to cover that up.  Opinion: never order an espresso or americano from Starbucks, it will suck extra bad.  Often burned/overheated.

- Remote working.  Fewer people in the office, fewer people popping out to get coffee.  Not a bad thing for the people remote working, and I'd argue overall not a bad thing for the economy, since those with more disposable income (lower transport costs for instance) tend to spend more money in their local area and on discretionary goods which tend to have higher local labour costs.  But it's bad for coffee chains that depend upon that footfall.  The London Mayor has criticised remote working; footfall is down by between 21-38%, depending upon the day of the week.  I think he ought to consider that people don't live to work, but rather work to live, and commuting less if productivity isn't decreased, isn't a bad thing.

- High labour and unit rental costs.  Starbucks stores need two staff members minimum, so a store needs high turnover to be profitable.  Long opening hours and high rents further exacerbate costs.  People expect coffee at 6pm, even if demand is quiet then; disappoint customers in those loss-leading hours, and they may stop coming during the busy hours too.  Now, this is a cost other stores suffer too, but they manage to cope by selling more than coffee (for instance, Greggs is a bakery too).
 
Since getting a bean to cup coffee machine at home, I'm happy to say we've bought almost no takeaway coffees in the past year.  Well worth the £250 investment.

I did not mean to imply Starbucks' problems were related to tariffs. I just found it interesting that in 15 years they could grow like they did in China and then lose most of the coffee market in very few short years.

A sort of similar example which I saw in a video in the same channel is about 7/11, a company that started in the US, expanded to Japan adapting very well to Japanese culture and needs and they ultimately failed in the US and succeeded in Japan to the point that the Japanese subsidiary is now the owner of the American 7/11. They are and have been for quite some time, a Japanese company.

[Cyclotron]

@PlainName
Just stop. You are just trolling and trying to pick a fight. You don't get to attack me personally for posting the links to the facts or clapping back.
If you feel China is outstanding, so be it. I don't; get over it. You've illustrated that you're not interested in discussing facts; you're just posting points for your team.

Patriotism is another side of the same team sports coin you are playing on, my friend. Out of all my posted data and points, you want to talk about how it's hurting the people that I am clapping back at for stating the facts. You jumped right in there as a good patriot team player.

Take your victory lap, "Mr. Gotta take them Merican's down."

[Analog Kid]

@PlainName
Just stop. You are just trolling and trying to pick a fight.

I see it's now official:
"trolling" now means "posting things I disagree with (or that annoy me)".

Got it.

[vk6zgo]

I have posted my views on China. And? Are you rushing to defend the CCP?

What I don't understand is why you're always rushing to bash the CCP. (Or more correctly, the CPC.)

That's an ideological stance on your part. What skin off your back is it how they govern their country?
OK, so maybe you don't like their system of governance. Fine.
In my book, that and $4.50* will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

The fact is that their economic trajectory is, generally, upwards. Sure, they're suffering some downturns; all economies do from time to time.
Which may no longer be the case for the US.
Unless you're a diehard "USA! USA" booster (or MAGA).

* Is that even true anymore? I don't go to Starbucks. Is that enough dough for a cup o'joe?

CCP is preferred in academia and media while CPC is preferred by others. Both are correct. I have neither rushed nor trifled.

Meanwhile, the preferred name for the country itself is the PRC.

[Cyclotron]

For an interesting discussion of current and near-future economic, trade, and currency behavior of the US and PRC, see E S Prasad The Doom Loop Basic Venture 2026.

I've put it in my queue. I recall debating globalization with peers back in the 90s. When factories were closing, my friends said, "These people just need to be retrained".  People who have a strong sense of dignity and identity with their homes, family, and "working at the mill" for 30 years until retirement or death.  To me, this always seemed to be putting greed ahead of humanity, and I didn't think it would work out well. Many of these old mill towns are today's epicenters, with some pretty horrible living conditions, even this many years later.

I can only hope it can be solved before the world glows due to the other options.

[Cyclotron]

Here is good ol' "stable China" announcing black lists for trading with Japan.  I'm guessing this is the US's fault, too. China just wants to be special friends with Taiwan after all, but Taiwan's mouth says no, while its GDP says yes.

[PlainName]

Here is good ol' "stable China" announcing black lists for trading with Japan.  I'm guessing this is the US's fault, too. China just wants to be special friends with Taiwan after all, but Taiwan's mouth says no, while its GDP says yes.

Just give it up mate. You've won the YAY USA victory lap so no need to keep trolling.

[Cyclotron]

Here is good ol' "stable China" announcing black lists for trading with Japan.  I'm guessing this is the US's fault, too. China just wants to be special friends with Taiwan after all, but Taiwan's mouth says no, while its GDP says yes.

Just give it up mate. You've won the YAY USA victory lap so no need to keep trolling.

See, you just can't stop the troll, can you?  All our fault that China wants to be a special friend with Taiwan. Take me out back and spank me.

[Analog Kid]

Here is good ol' "stable China" announcing black lists for trading with Japan.  I'm guessing this is the US's fault, too. China just wants to be special friends with Taiwan after all, but Taiwan's mouth says no, while its GDP says yes.

So why can't you get it through your somewhat thick, American Exceptionalist cranium that just because a country (China) is succeeding economically (and I would add geopolitically as well, but whatever), doesn't mean it can't have trade disputes with another country (Japan)?

And the idea that your opponents here would be blaming that on the US is a pretty far-fetched strawman.

You might look into the new Japanese PM to learn more about why China might be having problems with that country.

[Cyclotron]

Here is good ol' "stable China" announcing black lists for trading with Japan.  I'm guessing this is the US's fault, too. China just wants to be special friends with Taiwan after all, but Taiwan's mouth says no, while its GDP says yes.

So why can't you get it through your somewhat thick, American Exceptionalist cranium that just because a country (China) is succeeding economically (and I would add geopolitically as well, but whatever), doesn't mean it can't have trade disputes with another country (Japan)?

And the idea that your opponents here would be blaming that on the US is a pretty far-fetched strawman.

You might look into the new Japanese PM to learn more about why China might be having problems with that country.

Don't be obtuse. It was a joke about the US being at fault for everything.

China is attempting to bully Japan and interfere with its internal policies and allies. I see that way, all of academia sees that way that I know of, and you don't for some reason. Japan has every right to talk about who its allies are and who it will help.  I'm sure if the US were the country doing as China this wouldn't be your position.  Just saying......

It's like you're not supposed to say that people of Taiwan or "<insert people/country here>" have a right to exist.  And before you go off your rocker yammering again about how bad the US is and what the US has done or is doing, just accept that your favored nation is no better.

[Analog Kid]

[China is attempting to bully Japan and interfere with its internal policies and allies.

OK, accepted for the time being for the sake of discussion.
So what? Yeah, that's something we (the Untied Snakes of Aggression) would never, ever do.

And before you go off your rocker yammering again about how bad the US is and what the US has done or is doing, just accept that your favored nation is no better.

Look, Bub: you can get away with a lot of shit here, but putting words in my mouth that were never spoken, I don't cotton to that.

Do I respect China? Yes.
Do I elevate them above other nations in the world? No.

In fact, I don't even attempt any such rankings.
As a certain book says, let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

[Cyclotron]

[China is attempting to bully Japan and interfere with its internal policies and allies.

OK, accepted for the time being for the sake of discussion.
So what? Yeah, that's something we (the Untied Snakes of Aggression) would never, ever do.

And before you go off your rocker yammering again about how bad the US is and what the US has done or is doing, just accept that your favored nation is no better.

Look, Bub: you can get away with a lot of shit here, but putting words in my mouth that were never spoken, I don't cotton to that.

Do I respect China? Yes.
Do I elevate them above other nations in the world? No.

In fact, I don't even attempt any such rankings.
As a certain book says, let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Since you seemed to have forgotten your preferences, let me put this quote of yours here:

All I can say here is that eventually--perhaps even in my remaining lifetime--once the hegemonic empire (the US) crumbles and collapses, the Chinese will be free to go ahead and fully develop their economy, including becoming the world's cutting-edge suppliers of semiconductors.

Which will suit me just fine.

You made this post, strangely enough, in a thread about the Netherlands, Nexperia, and China. You had to drag your favorite horse to beat (The US) into it, and you got really wound up about it.

You plainly say you are fine with the crumbling/collapse/demise of the US and its replacement by China. I can't imagine reading that any other way than placing one above the other.

I look forward to a respectful apology for claiming I put words in your mouth. I dare say I will not get one, though you have surprised me before.

[Analog Kid]

Ah, so you're that guy; the one whose wall is covered with clippings from people's posts, to be retrieved for future use as ammunition in reply to them.

Gotcha.

[Cyclotron]

Ah, so you're that guy; the one whose wall is covered with clippings from people's posts, to be retrieved for future use as ammunition in reply to them.

Gotcha.

One of the "benefits" of being abnormal or neurodivergent is that it can impact people in different ways and sometimes give them little superpowers.
Reading your claim reminded me of your post that directly contradicts it. My wife hates it. It can be called a gift or a curse.
The good news for you is that I generally keep your posts under the "ignore" filter. 

I do like the imagery of me sitting in this hotel room in Toronto with a wild array of clippings, push pins, and yarn. 

No, I'm too busy practicing for a webinar for the Ontario government tomorrow.

I am bummed about that apology, though.

[Cyclotron]

I believe plainname expressed their view on how positive the trade "partnership" between Germany and China is.

Merv seems to think differently and is in China asking Xi for some relief.

In theory, the overcapacity in China is a direct complication of the US wishing to restructure its trade with China. Is the US to blame then? 

Germany suffering 10k job losses per month is horrible news. Trade negotiations and countries seeking to do better for their citizens, especially the US, seem unpopular to me. 

I really hope that Merv can make progress in negotiating for better outcomes for the nation of Germany. I also hope that their request that China stop supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine is fruitful. I do have family ties to Germany and friends in Ukraine, so I'm divulging that influences my taking of sides in that area of the article.

[Andy Chee]

Germany suffering 10k job losses per month is horrible news.

Depends.  Provided they are replaced with productive jobs, 10k job losses per month from unproductive positions, is a good thing.

Facts taken out of context can give a false impression.

[Cyclotron]

Germany suffering 10k job losses per month is horrible news.

Depends.  Provided they are replaced with productive jobs, 10k job losses per month from unproductive positions, is a good thing.

Facts taken out of context can give a false impression.

Sure, that's obvious. This strawman is similarly without context.

[Electrodynamic]

I think it's wild how many Americans are trying to normalize what's happening.

I believe plainname expressed their view on how positive the trade "partnership" between Germany and China is.

Merv seems to think differently and is in China asking Xi for some relief.

In theory, the overcapacity in China is a direct complication of the US wishing to restructure its trade with China. Is the US to blame then? 

Germany suffering 10k job losses per month is horrible news. Trade negotiations and countries seeking to do better for their citizens, especially the US, seem unpopular to me. 

I really hope that Merv can make progress in negotiating for better outcomes for the nation of Germany. I also hope that their request that China stop supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine is fruitful. I do have family ties to Germany and friends in Ukraine, so I'm divulging that influences my taking of sides in that area of the article.

What a crock of bs.

By restructuring trade do you mean electing a psychotic leader who is a liar and convicted felon devoid of morals who likes to gaslight everyone around them?. This is the elephant in the room isn't it?.

As many have claimed, any U.S. trade agreements are worthless when the person in charge is a convicted felon who changes their mind on a whim. Would you do business with someone who reads something on social media, has a complete meltdown then decides to void all agreements?. It's wild how your pretending you have any credibility left.

The fact of the matter is that China can produce a better product at half the price and the U.S. can no longer compete with them. It's like two kids playing ball and when one kid keeps losing they call the other a cheater, pick up their ball and go home. Don't be so naive to think everyone else in the world doesn't understand exactly what's happening.

"Is the US to blame then?", YES.

The U.S. allowed the majority of manufacturing to go overseas so some do nothing middlemen who don't pay taxes could profit. They sold out all of the domestic workers so they could make a few extra bucks. What did you think was going to happen?. You literally sent trillions of dollars overseas so foreign countries could expand their manufacturing capabilities to sell you cheaper products. Now your whining the products are too cheap .

[Cyclotron]

I think it's wild how many Americans are trying to normalize what's happening.

I believe plainname expressed their view on how positive the trade "partnership" between Germany and China is.

Merv seems to think differently and is in China asking Xi for some relief.

In theory, the overcapacity in China is a direct complication of the US wishing to restructure its trade with China. Is the US to blame then? 

Germany suffering 10k job losses per month is horrible news. Trade negotiations and countries seeking to do better for their citizens, especially the US, seem unpopular to me. 

I really hope that Merv can make progress in negotiating for better outcomes for the nation of Germany. I also hope that their request that China stop supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine is fruitful. I do have family ties to Germany and friends in Ukraine, so I'm divulging that influences my taking of sides in that area of the article.

What a crock of bs.

By restructuring trade do you mean electing a psychotic leader who is a liar and convicted felon devoid of morals who likes to gaslight everyone around them?. This is the elephant in the room isn't it?.

As many have claimed, any U.S. trade agreements are worthless when the person in charge is a convicted felon who changes their mind on a whim. Would you do business with someone who reads something on social media, has a complete meltdown then decides to void all agreements?. It's wild how your pretending you have any credibility left.

The fact of the matter is that China can produce a better product at half the price and the U.S. can no longer compete with them. It's like two kids playing ball and when one kid keeps losing they call the other a cheater, pick up their ball and go home. Don't be so naive to think everyone else in the world doesn't understand exactly what's happening.

"Is the US to blame then?", YES.

The U.S. allowed the majority of manufacturing to go overseas so some do nothing middlemen who don't pay taxes could profit. They sold out all of the domestic workers so they could make a few extra bucks. What did you think was going to happen?. You literally sent trillions of dollars overseas so foreign countries could expand their manufacturing capabilities to sell you cheaper products. Now your whining the products are too cheap .

The maturity and nature of your commentary appear to indicate youth and naivety.  At least you've admitted that you have blind hatred for the US and its people. It is now easy to dismiss you as just a narcissistic radical. While I'm patriotic, you appear to be a nationalist, and that leads to no good.

Your tirade reminds me of the drunkard outside a bar in the Distillery District in Toronto a couple of months back. The guy was screaming at people about how he hated Trump and Americans, and then inquired if everyone agreed, only to find out I am a US citizen. He then threatened me, but my Uber arrived in time to solve that altercation. (was that you on the street?)

I get to travel the world and spend time with people all over the place. I'm here in Canada this week and next, and off to see my friends in the EU soon. Luckily, I don't have to deal with such lunacy for the most part. Just sit in a pub with friends and have a pint and chat.

If you can't step back from your feelings about one person, how do you think you can make any rational decisions? I don't like the US president, nor do I care much for your previous PM. I think the current PM is sloppy. I didn't decide that all of CA was bad because of my views of the PM. I don't even judge CA based on your rants.