POLITICS CORNER

[Stanley]

I don't think maths is his strongest subject David.
I also agree with Ian. In normal times the electoral system's checks and balances would adjust the obvious mismatch of man and job but we do not live in normal times.....
HERE'S the latest update on Trump's brain processes....
In a world on edge waiting to see what US President Donald Trump does next in the Middle East, he provided no clear signal when he presented the longest ever State of the Union address. The world's most powerful commander-in-chief decided not to make his comprehensive case for possible military action against Iran during the biggest build-up of American might in the Middle East since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Two decades ago, President George W Bush had travelled across America, and beyond, to lay the groundwork for what turned into a major military intervention, albeit one based on faulty intelligence. Trump may have decided it was not an issue to broach when his political base, who elected him to stay out of forever wars, is far more focused on the state of the economy and the fight on immigration just months before crucial midterm polls. Or it may reflect his repeated claim that he has yet to make up his own mind about which path to pursue. He continues to say he prefers to do a deal rather than unleash a deadly war. The next crucial round of negotiations - the third this month - in Geneva on Thursday is expected to be pivotal to his decision-making. "If President Trump does not receive, through his envoys, an acceptable text from Tehran, he's likely to order some form of military action soon after," assessed a diplomat who's been briefed on this process.
Basically, what is going on is that Trump is waving his big stick but Iran isn't playing his game. They are keeping quiet. You can't make a deal if there is no communication.....

[Stanley]

See THIS report on unemployment.
The number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (Neet) has risen, edging closer to one million. Official estimates are that 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were Neet in October to December 2025, or 12.8% of that age group. The UK is experiencing a weak jobs market, with young people particularly affected by cuts in hospitality and graduate schemes. The figures show a slight increase from the previous quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, adding more young people were actively looking for work in the last three months of 2025.
This matter seems to be very low key when I fear it is the most important subject for debate that exists. I predict that this is a cloud no bigger than a man's hand but one which under the influence of AI and Quantum Computing is the biggest threat society faces in the future.