I SUPPOSE this shows that there is a strong vein of masochism in my thinking, but I have a bizarre interest in the “Trump phenomenon” within American politics. As I read of the past president’s interest in the abortion debate raging in the USA, the point was made that beyond votes from his “Bible Belt” loyalists, and campaign fund donations, he has precisely no interest in the matter of abortion, giving no care for the health of women with unwanted pregnancies, or indeed the loss of unborn foetuses.
His opinions can change, sometimes day to day and even speech to speech, depending on what these voters and donors want to hear.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak draws praise from Donald Trump for net zero U-turn
This approach is very similar to that of our current Westminster government. You might of course wish to make certain changes. For past president Trump read Rishi Sunak, for abortion read “climate change mitigation measures”.
We should perhaps desist from raising our eyebrows mockingly at some of the right-wing rhetoric on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, when our own government seems to care so little for the lives of our perhaps yet unborn grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or indeed for the future of the entire human race! Retaining power, it would seem, is the most important matter.
Alex Leggatt
Edinburgh
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here