Quote Originally Posted by swaledale View Post
Trump is certainly out there as an extreme example, but the US has invaded countries, meddled with and deposed the leaders of a number of South American countries, Panama, Cuba, El Slavador and others. Its just that none of these activities were broadcast on social media, to me thats the difference, the US has always been an ally to be wary of.

I think its the same with the far right and facist, racist organisations, social media has given them an outlet for the promotion and publicising of their ideas, which wasn't available before. There has always been a sizeable population that has either tacitly or openly agreed with these views and I think its just that the internet enables them to say stuff they wouldn't in face to face conversation.

As for the flags, well I don't find them offensive or worrying, the day I get triggered by a flag is the day I'll get triggered by acertain poster on here!! Not going to happen!

I note that round my way they are getting tattered and disappearing bit by bit. Its a touch ironic that these idiots will buy cheap tat from China and in doing so enrich the real elite who are exploiting them!!
That's pretty much how I see it. To throw an anecdote, I'll be visiting Colombia this year for our holiday, and can't wait. 20 years ago I'd have never dreamt of visiting, it was so dangerous. Equally, I will happily visit areas of London and be just as safe as I would any other UK city, with no fear of being stabbed as social media makes out.
Bring on the Spring!