Yes, although national debt from bonds isn’t ‘called up’ at any time because the bonds have a specific lifespan. In 10 years the bond holder is paid by the treasury (government).

If you’re talking about reducing the deficit so the increase in borrowing is reduced year n year then yes, you ideally don’t want the debt to forever grow.

I think on trade until the US deals with China the ultimate conclusions can't be drawn.....Trump can be celebrated for being the one who finally drew the line in the sand.

I note that Trump drew more favourable deals with the EU and Mexico.....I don't know what the current trade situation looks like but I note the strength of the US economy.

That's really the point here....the predicted disasters that many 'experts' predicted from Trump's tax and trade plans simply haven't happened.....I've been listening to the critical book on Trump, 'Fear'....those predictions simply didn't occur.

On Brexit, I think there are both disadvantages and advantages to being outside the EU trading block. Merkel has stated her fears of how the UK can compete and it's a reality that if the EU plays dirty that we can respond dirty as well and make Ireland look like amateurs.

I think the reality will be a compromise....I think that's what Boris's deal is and I think that's how the EU/UK relations will start off post Brexit.

Edited by Stirlingsays (27 Nov 2019 12.43pm)

Maybe I'm too down on him, but imo, Trump either won't get a second term (Which would be most beneficial for him) or he, like most republican presidents will preside over another financial crisis.

You'll need to show me how you measure a good economy. The stock market is hitting all time highs, but I'm not sure how that is a sign of a good economy. Yes, he's got unemployment slightly lower than Obama, but the trend was there. He hasn't his the GDP growth Obama managed yet, He is increasing the deficitandx since this is partially a trade chat, his trade deficits compared to Obama's are far worse. Bringing this back to the election here, it's no different than what Farage or Boris or even Corbyn are saying. They can fix everything, but they can't really.

I'll need to read the book, but, as with anything relating to policy and economics, in this day and age, I would always advise checking the source of the prediction and then investigating the reasoning on why they have concluded on that prediction and again, back to the election/Brexit, there is no talk about solutions to problems. All I hear are catastrophes from one side and indifference from the other.

Maybe I'm too down on him, but imo, Trump either won't get a second term (Which would be most beneficial for him) or he, like most republican presidents will preside over another financial crisis.

I think probably the whole Trump and Brexit thing are a bit like the French revolution.....it's too early to tell.

Ipsos MORI General Election Campaign tracker - Jo Swinson’s favourability ratings tumble. 50% of GB adults now unfavourable towards Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson – up from 41% a week ago. 49% now unfavourable towards the Lib Dems – up from 42%

I read somewhere that Jo Swinson brings all the energy of a supply teacher . She'd have been better off staying on her bus.

Trump has been part hilarious, part scary and part incredibly impressive.

Like the idiot savant who ends up banging the prom queen......except he isn't an idiot in reality....but you get the gist.

It's quite incredible as hardly anyone who knows him likes him. But he's very good at projecting strength and these are uncertain times.

No one gave him a chance and he had most of the money and TV ranged against him.....Now he has the money but still only Fox for him.

It's compulsive viewing whatever happens.

Edited by Stirlingsays (27 Nov 2019 2.28pm)

Yep, but I see no 'coming to its senses'.

The future is socialist and then....in the US at least...when the penny drops....some sort of civil conflict and probable secession.

I just wonder if we will be around to see it.

Proof maybe?
Should be able to jot down 5 things pretty easily.

I have to admit, she does remind me of some female English teachers I've met along the way.

With her it's mainly about the presentation. She's has that strident feminist style, which doesn't come across well to the normie.

Thatcher learnt how to combine a strident and firm nature while still retaining a certain femininity.

The activists won't like hearing that of course but that's the reality.

Edited by Stirlingsays (27 Nov 2019 2.19pm)