Shay Bottomley

The U.K. Conservative Party Lost Because They Were Weak on Immigration

Shay Bottomley / July 8, 2024

Thursday, July 4, marked a historic day for the United Kingdom.

After 14 years and two months of Conservative Party rule, the center-left Labour Party won the country’s general election with a 170-seat majority. For the next five years, the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has the power to pass legislation along party lines with little-to-no concern over any potential defectors.

An array of factors contributed to the Tories’ annihilation to 121 seats in the House of Commons (down from 365); internal party chaos, voter fatigue, and a divided right-wing vote.

Nevertheless, one key issue for many voters was immigration.

Back in 2016, the country voted to leave the European Union with high immigration levels being a key concern. The thinking, according to Leave voters, was that a more secure border would reduce the number of migrants coming to the densely populated island nation.

Fast forward eight years, and statistics show that 42% of all foreign-born nationals came to the country during Conservative rule – more than any other administration previously. The Tories, who campaigned on a platform to reduce immigration, were left to blame for Britain’s soaring population.

Commenters on X were quick to offer their thoughts as the results were counted.

Of course, the United Kingdom is not the only country hosting elections this year. In November, the U.S. will go to the polls too. With millions of citizens concerned about immigration under Joe Biden’s administration, don’t be surprised if it’s an issue which decides the presidency as well.

Left-wing extremism

Socialist Desperation Prevents Historic Majority For National Rally In French Parliamentary Elections

Shay Bottomley / July 8, 2024

France’s snap election produced a shock result on Sunday, July 7, as the right-wing National Rally came third despite winning the popular vote by more than three million.

The country’s unique electoral system sees two rounds of voting over two consecutive weekends. Seats which are not won outright in the first round are subject to a run-off in the second between the highest polling candidates in each constituency.

In a desperate attempt to prevent a National Rally majority, socialists and centrist parties colluded to reduce the number of anti-right-wing candidates thus avoiding a split in the vote.

As a result, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (and allies) only won 143 seats out of 577 (24.7%) despite winning 37% of the overall vote. In comparison, the socialist New Popular Front will take 182 seats (31.5%) having only achieved 25.8% of the vote, while Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble coalition won 168 seats (29.1%) with a similar vote share.

With no political grouping taking an outright majority and coalitions looking unlikely given the vast ideological differences, one of the world’s most powerful nations is now in chaos.

France’s election has been fraught with anger, with left-wing extremists protesting at the possibility of a “far-right” group taking control of the country’s parliament just weeks after the European elections.

American commenters on X drew comparisons with the electoral system in the United States, where Democrats have ramped up efforts to prevent a second Donald Trump presidency.

Others highlighted similarities with the United Kingdom, where the left-wing Labour Party amassed 33.8% of the vote yet controls 63.2% of parliamentary seats after the General Election just two days earlier.

Left-wing parties now dominate national affairs in Western Europe, while the lack of correlation between popular vote and seats won is already raising questions over the effectiveness of democracy in the continent.

Left-wing extremism

Liberal Claims Only Black Lives Matter Supporters Have The Right To Tan

Shay Bottomley / July 8, 2024

Every summer, millions of Americans like to catch some UV rays to bronze up a little bit.

Some choose to sit on a beach and bask in the hot summer sun in a quest for tanned skin. Others choose to visit the tanning salon for a session on the sunbed or a spray in the booth.

There are many reasons why we like to tan. In fact, it’s scientifically proven to make you feel better! This is due to the release of endorphins – the same chemical which is released during exercise – when your body is exposed to UV rays.

As with everything according to left-wing extremists though, sun tanning has now been politicized. And in the “everything is racist” era, you know exactly how this one is going to go.

A liberal vlogger under the account name @allegra.leggie.legs on TikTok said white people must not tan if they are not a supporter of the left-wing Black Lives Matter group or an “ally” as she put it.

“If you’re a white person and you can’t wait to get super tanned, and you can’t say “Black Lives Matter”, she said, “and you’re not an ally, and you can’t stand for your black/brown/indigenous/people of color friends and family, then do everyone a favor – tanning is not for you!”

Yes, you read that right. If you can’t pledge your support for a neo-Marxist organization, then I’m afraid the tanning bed isn’t for you.

Fortunately, common sense prevailed when the video was shared on X by the @libsoftitkok account.

Furthermore, others noted that the nation’s presumptive presidential candidates would also be affected by the new anti-racist tanning proclamation.

The Squad, Uncategorized

Cori Bush Campaign Duped By “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” Parody Account

Shay Bottomley / July 8, 2024

Democratic Socialist House Rep. Cori Bush has been fooled by a parody account claiming to be the “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” – as if such a position could possibly exist in a pseudo-state whose ruling terrorists openly call for Jewish genocide.

The X account under the name Rabbi Linda Goldstein regularly uploads anti-Israel posts to dupe pro-Palestinian progressives. Claiming to “stand with Iran” next to its support for transgender rights, the account features thousands of satire posts including one claim that Hamas built its 300-mile tunnel network to aid social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently, the account connected with the engagement director for Rep. Bush, who is renowned for her pro-Palestinian and anti-American viewpoints.

In screenshots posted on social media and reported by various outlets, “Chief Rabbi Goldstein” asked whether a fundraiser in Gaza would be possible. In response, Ronika Moody – who is also finance director for Rep. Bush – said Cori “is interested in hosting in Gaza” but had “not been successful with that opportunity as of yet.”

When the account – ran by a pro-Israel lawyer named Michael – said the topic of the fundraiser would be regarding a “final solution to the problem of Zionism”, Bush’s campaign failed to respond.

Speaking to the New York Post, the man behind the account labeled Bush an “empty suit antisemite”. He added that the left-wing Democrat was “completely clueless” about the conflict between Israel and Palestine but “eager to speak up because it gives her cover to publicly hate Jews”.

Many on social media saw the humorous side of the account.

Others agreed with the admin’s comments over a lack of knowledge about the conflict.

Congress

Joe Biden Defies Medical Science To Become First Black Female President

Shay Bottomley / July 5, 2024

President Joe Biden’s health and wellbeing has been one of his biggest bugbears since he was sworn into office over three years ago.

Prior to his longest continual appearance in front of the nation at last month’s presidential debate, criticism of the President’s cognitive ability had been somewhat limited to his fiercest Republican critics. That changed, quite considerably, when the mainstream media and even Democrats began questioning his ability as commander-in-chief.

Nevertheless, Biden has vowed to fight on and take the fight to Donald Trump in November. A string of public appearances may not have quashed concerns, but trusty White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has brushed aside fitness allegations by blaming the President’s wellbeing on seasonal illness and jetlag.

Common symptoms include tiredness, incoherence, and, of course, forgetting what gender and race one is.

That’s right, in a telephone interview with a Philadelphia radio station, Biden said he was the “first black woman to serve with a black president”:

The radio appearance (obviously) did little to silence Biden’s critics.

One commenter tried to decipher what the President actually meant.

Nevertheless, the post did little to ease concerns.

It’s hard to know whether Biden’s gaffes have increased in frequency, or whether there’s been more attention paid to them since the CNN debate. Nevertheless, fighting an election against a personality like Trump means the person will be in as much spotlight as the policies. If Biden’s gaffes only get worse, then as will his chances of re-election when the country goes to the polls in November.

Congress

Karine Jean-Pierre Says What We All Knew About Kamala Harris

Shay Bottomley / July 5, 2024

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “the quiet part out loud” in her first press conference since President Joe Biden’s calamitous debate on CNN.

During it, she revealed that Democrats really can’t find anyone remotely competent to be the future of the party. “One of the reasons why he picked the vice president, President [sic] Kamala Harris, is because she is indeed the future of the party,” Jean-Pierre said.

Harris is the least popular Vice President in the history of modern polling, which should make her the dumbest possible choice for the party. Then again, maybe Jean-Pierre named her because all the other Democrats are somehow worse.

The 81-year-old is determined to stay in the race and face Republican challenger Donald Trump at November’s elections. Nevertheless, Democrats have privately discussed an emergency successor for Biden, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom among the potential candidates.

Should the President choose to step aside, it’s likely that he will have an overriding say in the Democratic Party’s nominee to take on Trump. Despite a dismal approval rating, Vice President Kamala Harris is the likely heir-apparent should the incumbent stand aside.

Biden has long considered himself a “transition”’” candidate prior to the party (presumably) nominating someone who isn’t in their 80’s to lead the country. As such, Harris is the likely successor – a belief which was all-but confirmed by Press Secretary Jean-Pierre on Wednesday.

“One of the reasons why he picked the vice president… is because she is indeed the future of the party,” she told reporters. “He is very proud to have partnered with her and to continue partnering with her in delivering an unprecedented record for the American people.”

Harris’ lack of popularity was matched on X as users responded to Jean-Pierre’s remarks.

Others remained skeptical over Harris’ appointment which many see as a DEI hire to secure the left-wing vote.

Economics

Debate Rages On As Part-Time Jobs Replace Full-Time Work

Shay Bottomley / July 5, 2024

In the 12-month period from June 2023, the United States gained 1.8 million part-time jobs, but at the same time, we lost 1.6 million full-time jobs.

The data comes from an infographic shared by X user @zerohedge, which prompted widespread debate on the social media platform as to what the graph meant for America in July 2024.

Employment in April and May were also revised down in the June jobs report today. Nearly all economic revisions under Biden have been negative.

This comes following data showing that the Biden economy has created no net jobs for native-born Americans.

An interesting aspect of the graph is how the two statistics compared under Joe Biden’s Presidency and that of Donald Trump’s. While relative job creation between the native vs. foreign born groups was largely similar under the previous administration, the disparity exploded once Biden took office in January 2021. As such, due to how lopsided the Biden so-called economic recovery has been, it’s now the case that since July 2018, there have been zero jobs created for native born Americans.

For some, the discrepancies between full-time and part-time work signaled a poor economy, representing worker frustration at Joe Biden’s administration.

Some, meanwhile, took aim at private corporations.

One user also noted the popularity of gig economy roles such as Uber Eats, or general worker empathy to full-time hours.

So, what’s the answer?

Such a shift from full-time to part-time work is often viewed negatively, but the reality may not always be the case. As mentioned, digital advancements allows more people to work online, thus opening avenues for part-time work and gig hustles such as Uber Eats. This flexibility allows many to fit their work around their personal commitments, rather than the other way around. However, this can also be a sign of economic desperation too.

Part-time work is also preferred by some corporations as they are subject to less demand to fund employee benefits. It also provides workplace flexibility, as two, part-time employees are easier to replace than one, full-time specialized employee.

There are drawbacks, of course. Full-time work provides more job security for many while also improving opportunities for career development. Part-time jobs are also more competitive, particularly given recent data pertaining to show a favorable job market for immigrants over natural-born U.S. citizens.

What’s your view? Should we be concerned by the decreasing number of full-time jobs? Let us know in the comments.

Sports

“Non-Binary” Athlete Breaks Breaks United States 1,500-Meter Record

Shay Bottomley / July 5, 2024

A transgender, non-binary, biological female has broken the United States’ 1,500-meter trials record ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Nikki Hiltz, who goes by the pronouns ‘they/them’ smashed the existing record by two-and-a-half seconds with a time of 3.55.53. Hiltz broke the record of 3.58.03 set by Elle St. Pierre in 2021. Hiltz, third-place finisher St. Pierre and Emily Mackay will now travel to Paris when the games begin on Friday, July 26.

Bizarrely, this was presented as some sort of achievement for the trans community, when in reality, a woman was just competing against other women. While this is an improvement from biological men (also known as “men”) competing in women’s events, it’s odd to see this story framed as a sort of social justice victory.

“This is bigger than just me,” Hiltz told NBC. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last 100. I could just feel the love and support.”

Hiltz’ performance has sparked controversy given 2023’s updated policies on transgender athletes by World Athletics. Nonbinary athletes – effectively those who don’t identify as a man or a woman – are permitted to compete in their respective category if they have not received hormone therapy.

Reaction on social media was diverse. Some commenters saw no issues with the record-breaking feat.

Other users were more critical of Hiltz’ participation, raising concerns over the protection of women’s sports.

Many, however, were confused by the situation.

It’s a predicament which certainly raises questions. World Athletics’ transgender ban should be crystal clear to protect women’s sport, and confusion over the governing rules can bring the sport into disrepute. That said, is a biological woman competing in a race for women really a threat to the sport, when they’re effectively playing pretend? Let us know your view in the comments below.

Left-wing extremism

Apparently You’re Racist If You Celebrate Independence Day

Shay Bottomley / July 4, 2024

It’s official: Independence Day is now racist (according to the crazies).

That’s the view of one TikTok creator whose astonishing claim proves that some people just never want us to enjoy anything, ever.

For many, the 4^th of July represents a day to celebrate liberty and freedom. On this day in 1776, the Founding Fathers ratified the Declaration of Independence to signify legal separation for the thirteen colonies from Great Britain and its then-monarch King George III.

One TikTok poster, however, sees it differently, arguing that Independence Day has “never included all Americans” as Black people were still enslaved at the time of the declaration:

Instead of celebrating with family, the creator encouraged people who want to live an “anti-racist” lifestyle should give money to Black people.

“Ask yourself: where am I benefitting from the labor of Black people, and what am I giving to them in return?” she said in the clip. “Whether its free labor, unpaid labor like social media, or whether its inequitable paid labor.”

“Usually if it’s for social media, you know we give you specific directions on what to do after you consume our content, so do that today,” she continued.

When the TikTok was shared on X by the account @libsoftiktok, many were critical of the poster’s victimization.

Others believed her views were racist.

Despite the creator’s pleas, many are set to celebrate in the traditional fashion instead.

How will you be celebrating this Independence Day? Be sure to let us know in the comments and, above anything, enjoy it!

Woke

Liberal Outraged At American Flag Flown On Beach Ahead of July 4

Shay Bottomley / July 4, 2024

The Star Spangled Banner is a symbol of freedom, liberty, and patriotism for Americans.

Well… most Americans that is.

On Independence Day, a clip of an outraged liberal went viral after he saw our country’s flag at the beach:

“I’m here enjoying a nice day at the beach with my kids,” said the man in the 30-second clip, “and I turn around and they’ve got these flags planted here on the beach”.

As he pointed at the nation’s flag, he referred to those who planted it as “MAGA [Make America Great Again] f****.”

“This is all [across] America. We know you didn’t storm the beaches to stake out your territory on the beach – this isn’t the f****** moon. I get it; this is America. But I’m sick of my flag being represented by white nationalist trash on a goddamn beach,” he added.

Why exactly the disgruntled man opted to make such a bizarre point out of the flags is a mystery. Flying the flag of the United States *shouldn’t* indicate support for a certain party or political ideology but is an expression of patriotism. Of course, there is some truth behind his assumption that Trump supporters were those flying them, because we live in times where you can guess who someone voted for with a high degree of certainty simply based off the fact that they proudly fly the American flag – and they’ll always lean right. Of course, that’s not because of anything the right has done, but rather everything the left has done to distance themselves from the flag and what it symbolizes.

Many on social media were critical of the man in the clip, with one highlighting his perceived ownership of the nation’s flag.