charles_nz Forum Posts (1,386)

RE: Communist Party USA

Khrushchev's "we will bury you" quote is the stuff of urban legend, but the comment was actually made in Yugoslavia, at an embassy dinner.

To be fair to Khrushchev, the remark has been widely misunderstood. Generally interpreted as a threat, it was in fact simply a statement that (in his view) communism would outlive capitalism, in the same way an old lady might say "I've buried three of my friends already this year, and it's only March".

I'm no fan of the odious and evil system Khrushchev presided over. But on a personal level, I have always thought him a colourful and interesting character. My favourite quote of his was, when asked during his U.S. public relations tour if he had any advice for Americans, he replied "Life is short. Live it up". A delightfully simplistic and endearing comment from a man whose regime was seen as the stereotype of cold and miserable.

I recommend the excellent book about Khrushchev's U.S. visit "K Blows Top", by Peter Carlson.

RE: Is Vaping healthier than smoking?

According to the scientists, it's not.

RE: Which Male UK singer from the past or present has the best voice?

Feargal Sharkey.

RE: Outrageous In 2020

Those on the Left don't want world leaders who actually do things. Because then they might start thinking for themselves and not "follow the script". Like Trump.

RE: lists of demands!!!

Many men have a long list of demands too.

Personally, I thought, like you, that women were the worst offenders in this regard, but then it occurred to me that I never look at mens' profiles, so I don't really have any valid basis for comparison.

RE: Aus Music

Some of the best bands in the world have come out of Australia.

Air Supply, the Bee Gees, among others.

RE: Have you ever been on a date when your laxative kicks in?

I've been on a date, when I was already sick with food poisoning. I vomited all over the table in the cafe....... she was very good about it, but I never got another date with her......

RE: Why girls fall in love with wrong guys ?

It is Human Nature to be tempted by the allure of evil.

RE: Why do people lie

Human Nature.

Next question please.

RE: Distance...

Distance isn't even a factor for me. If one is going to let distance derail a relationship, then clearly one isn't really that serious about finding someone. That's my view, anyway.

RE: Good morning Good evening

Since I gave up coffee on January 1st, I have a hot chocolate first thing.

RE: Would You?

I'm 46 and have been to two funerals in my life. A work colleague, and my father. Neither of whom, I suspect, would have come to my funeral had I died first.

RE: no more referendums

Most likely scenario: Brexit is quietly shelved, by the politicians who didn't want it in the first place.

Second most likely scenario: The government proposing a "deal" so unappealing to all sides that the government confidently put it to a public referendum, knowing it will be rejected, and Britain can go back to business as usual and forget Brexit altogether.

Third most likely scenario: London is bombed by a squadron of flying pigs, causing Brexit to be shelved "temporarily" while the situation is normalized.

Least likely scenario: Brexit.

RE: Trump shines through again

Although I am overall a strong Trump supporter, I don't agree with him on Iran.

Far bigger threats to peace in the Middle East are Israel and Saudi Arabia, but I won't hold my breath waiting for any plain-speaking about those countries!

RE: America’s Second Vietnam... what are we fighting for today in Afghanistan?

Indeed the USA's Military Industrial Complex, just like the pro-Israel lobby, wields disproportionate influence, because it has money, and can buy the support of senators and congressmen.

With the fall of the Soviet bloc in the late 80s and early 90s, the USA had an opportunity to drastically slash its defence expenditure, while still staying safe. It chose not to do so, largely because the Military Industrial Complex did not want it to happen.

RE: America’s Second Vietnam... what are we fighting for today in Afghanistan?

I'm pretty confident that the neo-cons like Cheney, Rumsfeld, and their hangers-on, were intending from the word "go" to institute regime change. Osama Bin Laden was simply a handy excuse.

That they seriously plotted to do this, even after seeing the quagmire the Russians had got themselves in, beggars belief.

RE: Relationships - do most women really ever, know what they want?

To be honest, I suspect that a lot of men also don't really know what they want.

RE: Would you prefer to date someone who can cook?

I wouldn't go that far, but certainly a woman should be able to cook.

RE: Would you prefer to date someone who can cook?

All the more reason to look for a woman who can, surely?

RE: Would you prefer to date someone who can cook?

Being a good cook, is high on my metaphorical list of requirements in a woman.

RE: What is something that bothers society but doesn't bother you?

The family is the fundamental building block of society, even though it is currently under sustained attack from the political Left.

I personally find it extremely sad that some people who are able to do so, do not want to have children.

RE: Dennis Nordon

I hadn't heard this.

He was a wonderful writer who brought a lot of happiness to many people.

RE: Which do you prefer: with makeup or without makeup?

A woman in a relationship who doesn't wear makeup is saying she doesn't want her man to be happy.

RE: Social

No.

RE: So Much Class....

Don't like my posts? Don't read them. Easy.

RE: Nikki Haley for President of the USA 2020

Indeed. Extremely rare. But at least I own up to it when I am.

RE: America’s Second Vietnam... what are we fighting for today in Afghanistan?

But I think the intention was there from the beginning, to overthrow the government of Afghanistan, and replace it with one more acceptable to Washington.

RE: Megans wedding dress secrets

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - a great song by Hogsnort Rupert, a New Zealand musical treasure.

RE: Smoking

No.

RE: Which type of movie do Men like best?

I like European language movies with subtitles, and not too much violence.