To think the anti trump marches are a waste of time

[yearyeahyah]

I don't like him or agree with his policies, but what good is it going to do walking around with a giant helium balloon of a baby?

Loads of horrible world leaders from the middle East that are doing far far woorse and they get a royal visit over here with no one batting an eyelid. Just smacks of double standards to me.

I tend to agree

Didn't see in the press any marches against Erdogan, who is arguably worse.

It's stupid and counter productive as we want a good FTA with the U.S., besides which, we are military allies. It insults the Office of POTUS, as well as the man who holds that Office. He was democratically elected, and all the protesting is not going to change that.

Just because other people are worse doesn't mean that we shouldn't protest at this one? I think there is something hypocritical about it for sure but given that America has traditionally touted itself, and been lauded for being, 'leader of the free world', there is a very definite sense of outrage at the way that their President behaves. If I could be there, I would.

I agree totally, it's lots of self righteous posturing by people who are quite happy to ignore similar behaviour in those whose politics that don't disapprove of.

I disagree. The ability to legally protest the visit of someone whose policies you fundamentally oppose is one of the cornerstones of democracy. I don't think it is ever a waste of time to make your views known. People are equally entitled to protest the visits of other world leaders, but have chosen not to do so, or not to the same extent as this one. Sitting back and doing nothing because it seems a waste of time is what lets people like Trump wreak havoc without restraint.

It's not 'Trump's' visit, it the President of the United States, therefore he should be accorded the welcome we give all heads of state.

Let's hope someone shoots a hole in the Trump ballon. Khan should be ashamed for permitting it.

@makingtime No one is suggesting people shouldn't be allowed to march. Of course protest is absolutely everyone's right. But the idea it will have any actual impact or effect on Trump and his behaviour or policies in a good way is nonsense.

There were protests against Erdogan, but that's whatabboutism.

Protest is never a waste of time.

The balloon is silly, have no idea why it was a yes to that

The balloon was agreed to by the mayor's office because there are no safety issues with it, therefore it had to be agreed to.

It's almost unbelievable that sidique gave permission to the balloon, reflects really badly on him imo.

Stopping it would be against that thing the right wing love to bang on about so much "freedom of speech".

" Khan should be ashamed for permitting it."

Don't be daft. There was no reason to deny approval for it, other than because some people don't like it. Would you rather the right to peacefully protest was curtailed? Such freedoms are vital in an age where facism is very much rearing it's ugly head again, and should never, ever be taken for granted.

"I agree totally, it's lots of self righteous posturing by people who are quite happy to ignore similar behaviour in those whose politics that don't disapprove of."

And you know that how?

Protest is a key component of a free democracy.

Oh and you are a muppet if your think Sadiq Khan gave personal permission.

The people opposing this are the same ones that bang on about freedom of speech and democracy.

Hypocrites.

@makingtime No one is suggesting people shouldn't be allowed to march. Of course protest is absolutely everyone's right. But the idea it will have any actual impact or effect on Trump and his behaviour or policies in a good way is nonsense.

So people should only bother to protest when it's 100% certain it will lead to an immediate change? What an extraordinary idea.

The balloon depresses me. It seems like sinking to Trump’s level. I want Gareth Southgate levels of dignity instead. That man is a good example of acting like a grown up!

I think people are horrified by Trump.

America was viewed as very 'like us'. Maybe better. The American Dream welcomed immigrants, and they were indistinguishable form anyone else. If you worked hard, and played fair, you were as good as the next man.

America was then thought to play fair on the world stage. To broker, and bargain, and lead.

Now they have Trump, who is insular, and fond of cronyism, and a bit thick. He tantrums, and can't comprehend the bigger picture. He is ignorant of history and precedents.

He's like a figurehead for the rise of the far right everywhere.

His office shows that protests mean nothing. He'll carry on regardless. Theresa May will also carry on regardless.

The people are powerless.

And people feel sorry for his wife and youngest son.

That balloon will have the opposite effect - he'll see it and love it. He'll think it's hilarious, laugh and then forget all about it.

It's almost unbelievable that sidique gave permission to the balloon, reflects really badly on him imo.

Why? Why does this reflect badly on him? I would have thought we should be celebrating the very precious freedom of speech we have. Vast amounts of people across the world have no such freedom - we're incredibly lucky.

Stupid to say he had to allow the balloon. It's controversial, incitement and plenty talking of popping it and it very likley will become dangerous.

SK is just wanting more attention on himself rather and avoiding the rising crime rate in London.

He won't think it's hilarious. Trump doesn't do self-depreciating humour. He needs grovelling respect or he freaks out.

Yes he’ll probably be delighted someone made the effort