Special Relationship | News And Politics
Pages: 1
# 1 2010-07-21 19:25:45
United Kingdom
Birmingham
I think that the British people need reminding about what’s so special about our relationship with the USA. What, exactly, do we get out of it that can be termed as ‘special?’ It seems a very one-sided relationship to me.
Britain fought WW2 alone until the US was attacked at Pearl Harbour in 1941 (and we only paid off the war debt to them a couple of years ago). Even then, it was only after Germany declared war upon them, did they enter the war as our ally.
They humiliated us during the Suez crisis in 1956 by bluntly telling us to get out.
At a huge financial cost to the UK, we’ve maintained our own 'independent' nuclear deterrent (but by buying the expensive American's Trident system which relies on US permission to launch it).
Seems that we designed and built a highly advanced fighter plane in the 60's (TSR2) which was far better than anything that they had, but we were forced to shelve the project after pressure from them due to the effect it would have had upon their own **** order book, had TSR2 gone into production.
Despite supporting them during the war in Iraq, only American companies have benefited from the lucrative infrastructure rebuilding contracts that were awarded afterwards.
Apparently they rely upon British anti-terrorist intelligence, but are not very forthcoming to supply us with any of theirs!
Now they’re blaming us for the Gulf oil spill which was caused by American, NOT British contractors.
Despite all of this one-sided (and unjustified) deference, we're treated as inferior unequals by the USA. Isn't it time we said that enough is enough?
I contend that this relationship isn't so special after all!
......Yes, I'm a political animal too (when I'm bored).
# 3 2010-07-21 20:56:26
United Kingdom
Birmingham
maximillion84 wrote:
Good old John Wayne. What would we British have done without him and Hollywood to win the war for us?
# 5 2010-07-21 22:10:20
The Beauty of a New England Fall
http://www.****.com/watch?v=pfi3SSJP … re=related
The Coldness of the winter
http://www.****.com/watch?v=EZiL1PMF3xA
# 7 2010-07-23 17:38:21
United Kingdom
Birmingham
They can't all be stupid; after all, they landed a man on the moon (allegedly).
# 8 2010-07-23 18:27:12
sarahstheone wrote:
They can't all be stupid.
They're not stupid, they are very, very,....VERY clever.
What better plan than to hire actors to wander about the streets pretending to be dumb...
..Machiavellian or wot ?
# 9 2010-07-23 19:41:13
It's such a rush on a Friday night; hair all in curlers, spray tan equipment malfunction and this lycra ****-tube is clashing with my heels.
See you later http://www.****.com/watch?v=zhK_1UMs … re=related
I'll be looking chic, dancing round my Louis V handbag.
# 10 2010-07-23 20:33:03
maximillion84 wrote:
It's such a rush on a Friday night; hair all in curlers, spray tan equipment malfunction and this lycra ****-tube is clashing with my heels.
See you later http://www.****.com/watch?v=zhK_1UMs … re=related
I'll be looking chic, dancing round my Louis V handbag.
All that, plus Christine Hamilton is cooking on Celebrity Masterchef.
I can hardly contain the contents of my bladder! 
# 11 2010-08-03 20:28:08
United Kingdom
London
sarahstheone wrote:
I think that the British people need reminding about what’s so special about our relationship with the USA. What, exactly, do we get out of it that can be termed as ‘special?’ It seems a very one-sided relationship to me.
Britain fought WW2 alone until the US was attacked at Pearl Harbour in 1941 (and we only paid off the war debt to them a couple of years ago). Even then, it was only after Germany declared war upon them, did they enter the war as our ally.
They humiliated us during the Suez crisis in 1956 by bluntly telling us to get out.
At a huge financial cost to the UK, we’ve maintained our own 'independent' nuclear deterrent (but by buying the expensive American's Trident system which relies on US permission to launch it).
Seems that we designed and built a highly advanced fighter plane in the 60's (TSR2) which was far better than anything that they had, but we were forced to shelve the project after pressure from them due to the effect it would have had upon their own **** order book, had TSR2 gone into production.
Despite supporting them during the war in Iraq, only American companies have benefited from the lucrative infrastructure rebuilding contracts that were awarded afterwards.
Apparently they rely upon British anti-terrorist intelligence, but are not very forthcoming to supply us with any of theirs!
Now they’re blaming us for the Gulf oil spill which was caused by American, NOT British contractors.
Despite all of this one-sided (and unjustified) deference, we're treated as inferior unequals by the USA. Isn't it time we said that enough is enough?
I contend that this relationship isn't so special after all!
......Yes, I'm a political animal too (when I'm bored).
Hi Sarah,
I don't come on here as often as I used to. Just wanted to comment on your post in regards to our 'special' relationship with the USA, I personally think you need to take it with a pinch of salt.
They did bail us out when our backs were against the wall in WW2 and you can perhaps argue that we would have won the war against the Nazis without the Americans, but in reality I highly doubt it, we simply didn't have the manpower which America did, not just in regards to manpower but also industrial power.
The Iraq issue is a very complexed and sensitive one and we could probably stay up all night discussing it. What I will say is Britain will see the benefits of Iraq not in the short term but in the long term. Its only been 6 years or so since Iraq was liberated so its still very much in the early staged of development, building an infrastructure for entire country does not happen over night.
As for the oil spill in the Gulf, BP is a British company so there does need to be an element of responsibility on our part however not on the terms that President Obama wants, I think a closer look at the T&Cs of foreign companies would perhaps relieve some pressure off BP. I mean lets face it was America who caused the banking crisis through sub-prime mortgages and credit default swaps...
In regards to the special relationship with the USA well the GBP as seen a six month high against US $ weakening its value on the FX market and making it easier on trade and British business who buy and sell USA $, then again I could be biased here since I work in the FX markets lol
Anyway this is my 2 cents wishing you all a pleasant evening.
Jason
# 12 2010-08-03 21:39:48
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Jason,
In 1940 when this country really was in its most dire straits, the USA's 'support' was to SELL us 50 worn out and relatively useless warships that were well past their ‘use by’ date. They insisted on a gold-backed cash payment that eventually forced the UK off the Gold Standard and virtually bankrupted us. Where were they when Nazi invasion seemed inevitable? They were watching from the sidelines! It was only when Germany declared war on them did they enter the war as our allies. Of course, they had no option at that point, so the UK was used as an island for their bombers and an invasion point against Germany. Naturally, they were on our side at this time and we all know that we’d never have won without them, but let’s remember the history?
Re: the oil spill. BP is a multinational company with more employees based in USA than UK. If you troll through the (admittedly) boring detail, you’ll find that it was USA acquiescence and diplomatic pressure that ‘encouraged’ deep sea oil drilling against BP’s reservations. This was because the USA’s need for oil & fuel is the greatest on the planet and everyone knows that it’s beginning to run out!
As for Iraq, let’s not go there (seriously). Does anybody really think that part of the world will ever become stable and peaceful again (was it ever?) The fact is that the US has all of the prime re-building contracts firmly in the bag and the world knows it. Period.
And the FX markets? When has the £/$ exchange rate ever had anything to do with a so-called ‘special relationship?’ Rate fluctuations are solely due to market forces and these are all influenced by any global situation whether political or economic (or even natural phenomenon).
I rest my case.
# 13 2010-08-05 20:55:47
United Kingdom
London
sarahstheone wrote:
Jason,
In 1940 when this country really was in its most dire straits, the USA's 'support' was to SELL us 50 worn out and relatively useless warships that were well past their ‘use by’ date. They insisted on a gold-backed cash payment that eventually forced the UK off the Gold Standard and virtually bankrupted us. Where were they when Nazi invasion seemed inevitable? They were watching from the sidelines! It was only when Germany declared war on them did they enter the war as our allies. Of course, they had no option at that point, so the UK was used as an island for their bombers and an invasion point against Germany. Naturally, they were on our side at this time and we all know that we’d never have won without them, but let’s remember the history?
Re: the oil spill. BP is a multinational company with more employees based in USA than UK. If you troll through the (admittedly) boring detail, you’ll find that it was USA acquiescence and diplomatic pressure that ‘encouraged’ deep sea oil drilling against BP’s reservations. This was because the USA’s need for oil & fuel is the greatest on the planet and everyone knows that it’s beginning to run out!
As for Iraq, let’s not go there (seriously). Does anybody really think that part of the world will ever become stable and peaceful again (was it ever?) The fact is that the US has all of the prime re-building contracts firmly in the bag and the world knows it. Period.
And the FX markets? When has the £/$ exchange rate ever had anything to do with a so-called ‘special relationship?’ Rate fluctuations are solely due to market forces and these are all influenced by any global situation whether political or economic (or even natural phenomenon).
I rest my case.
Hello Sarah,
Nice to hear from you again.
In 1940 we were in a sad state of affairs with our backs against the wall in Dunkirk, luckily enough we had a great Navy with a great evacuation plan for the allied troops; 300,000 lives saved. So yes Sarah I do agree with you lets not forget the history!
If the USA is selling Warships and you wish to purchase those Warships, then there is a price to pay or are you expecting a discount...? You have to remember Britain did have an Empire at this time and was a Superpower.
I am absolutely flabbergasted that you believe that the Bored of Directors in BP simply cracked and crumbled under USA diplomatic ' pressure ' to increase their deep drilling operations. I think everyone was on the same boat and looking at their own interest in regards to profit margins and larger share holds within the market, bottomline!
The current liability limit for claims is set at $75 Million USA Dollars, however Obama wants to raise the bar to $10 Billion USA Dollars. Thats real money. While foreign companies in the US are shown the Big stick, Washington offers a Big shield for its multinationals abroad. Maybe perhaps the Conservative party can learn from this!
As for Iraq as I said previously before its still in the very very early stages of infrastructure and you can not build a country like Iraq in a mere few years, time has to be given, however I do believe the sooner our troops are home the better! USA as some contracts not all the contracts do you honestly think Europe and the rest of the world would simply let that happen considering the fact they have interest in Iraq.
My dear, the Cable rate for the past 6 months has seen a high, this is good new if you are a British company who buys and sells USA $ and Euro limiting their exposure to the FX markets, this has been achieved by the USA weakening the $, giving us breathing space to recover from the recession.
Anyway Sarah I wish you a pleasant evening and look forward to hearing from you again.
Jason S Mahlee
# 14 2010-08-05 21:30:14
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Hi Jason,
To take your points in order:
1940 Glad you agree
WARSHIPS As a friend and supposed ally, we wouldn’t have anticipated that the best we could get from the US would be their ‘cast off’ warships (and at a huge price). In addition to this, they also insisted upon us ceeding overseas possessions for their **** bases to build THEIR empire! As to our world status at the outbreak of WW2, do you seriously believe we had a large and powerful empire? At that time we were still economically crippled by the FIRST world war!
BP I agree that greed played a huge part in the decision to drill for oil at such dangerous depths in such a volatile and storm ridden area as the Gulf of Mexico, but if you examine the facts, the US agreed and encouraged exploration & drilling, so how can they be blameless?
ClAIMS LIABILITY Seems we agree.
IRAQ Have you seen a breakdown of the prime re-building contracts in terms of overall cost and who is benefitting? I have!
FX RATE. My dear, you are indeed naive if you assume that any US initiative to stimulate economic or trade growth between nations, is anything other than self-interest. But don't take my word for this, examine the history and the facts!
I wish you a pleasant and agreeable evening.
Sarah. 
PS: are you ever going to eat the fish & chips?
# 15 2010-08-06 21:33:02
United Kingdom
London
sarahstheone wrote:
Hi Jason,
To take your points in order:
1940 Glad you agree
WARSHIPS As a friend and supposed ally, we wouldn’t have anticipated that the best we could get from the US would be their ‘cast off’ warships (and at a huge price). In addition to this, they also insisted upon us ceeding overseas possessions for their **** bases to build THEIR empire! As to our world status at the outbreak of WW2, do you seriously believe we had a large and powerful empire? At that time we were still economically crippled by the FIRST world war!
BP I agree that greed played a huge part in the decision to drill for oil at such dangerous depths in such a volatile and storm ridden area as the Gulf of Mexico, but if you examine the facts, the US agreed and encouraged exploration & drilling, so how can they be blameless?
ClAIMS LIABILITY Seems we agree.
IRAQ Have you seen a breakdown of the prime re-building contracts in terms of overall cost and who is benefitting? I have!
FX RATE. My dear, you are indeed naive if you assume that any US initiative to stimulate economic or trade growth between nations, is anything other than self-interest. But don't take my word for this, examine the history and the facts!
I wish you a pleasant and agreeable evening.
Sarah.
PS: are you ever going to eat the fish & chips?
Hi Sarah,
I'll reply to your points over the weekend at some point, which by the way are some interesting points i.e "breakdown of the prime re-building contracts in terms of overall cost and who is benefitting? "
Anyway have a peaceful weekend.
Jason S Mahlee
p.s i was too full to finish the fish and chips lol in brussels
# 16 2010-08-06 21:47:23
Jesus Christ
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