Dom Tristram's Soapbox

I set out today to discuss the Conservative Party leadership election here in the UK and the implications of our new Tory leader. However, as events have unfolded across the Atlantic, my initial plan feels a bit trivial in light of the bigger picture. Like many, I presumed—perhaps naively—that the American election would head in a different direction.

Yet, here we are: Donald Trump has won.

While the outcome of the Conservative leadership contest certainly holds significance within British politics, it pales in comparison to the potential ramifications of Trump’s return to power. The issues we face with certain Tory figures, however controversial or disagreeable they may be, cannot compare to the scale of dismay surrounding Trump. Unlike Conservative leaders, Trump openly denies climate change, has a history of convictions and accusations of sexual assault, and is embroiled in controversies ranging from mishandling state secrets to even more shocking accusations. Despite any criticism one might level at Kamala Harris or the American Democrats, the contrast in leadership styles and values between the two parties is stark.

Certainly, I have my qualms with the American Democrats. They aren’t truly left-leaning, and their pro-Israel stance, particularly regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict, is far from something I align with. Nonetheless, whoever they put forward—whether it’s Biden, who many argue is too old, or Harris, with her policy positions that I can’t support—is fundamentally better for democracy than someone with Trump’s record. Here is a man who openly admits to behaviour many would find repulsive, has mused about using military force against his political opponents, and has even chosen a running mate who has questioned the voting rights of childless women. It’s a surreal scenario, almost like something out of a dark political satire.

When Trump lost the last election, he didn’t just concede quietly; he attempted a coup.

The images of him hoarding classified documents in his bathroom, allegedly sharing secrets with foreign powers, paint an astonishingly grim picture. Meanwhile, figures like Elon Musk and other so-called ‘crypto bros’ are aligning themselves with Trump, seeing in him an easily manipulable figure who could serve their interests. It brings to mind the oligarchs in 1990s Russia, only this time it’s in America, with the ultra-wealthy vying to consolidate power.

Some might try to dismiss this outcome with the assurance that it’s only four years, and people will see reason in time. Yet, America’s political landscape doesn’t work that way.

The politically appointed Supreme Court is already stacked in the Republicans’ favour, and within the next four years, Trump could appoint additional justices. This would likely solidify a hard-right majority, capable of dismantling rights and protections long held dear by many Americans. Even if something were to happen to Trump, his influence would remain entrenched in the judiciary and the Senate for years, shaping policy far beyond his own tenure.

What’s particularly staggering is that this time, Trump might even have won the popular vote, a feat he didn’t achieve in his first election. It’s baffling to think that so many could support a figure who openly disregards democratic principles and exhibits disdain for so many groups within his own voter base—women, non-white citizens, and immigrants, to name a few. It’s enough to make Brexit seem like a minor hiccup in comparison.

While I still hold the belief that people are generally decent, albeit sometimes misled, today has sorely tested that faith. Watching the outcome of this election unfold, I find myself deeply concerned about what lies ahead. America’s leadership doesn’t only impact its own citizens but has a ripple effect on global issues—especially the climate crisis and conflicts in places like Ukraine.

In any case, here we are on November 6th, faced with an unpredictable and turbulent path ahead. Perhaps, when the dust settles, I’ll muster the energy to revisit the topic of the Tory leadership. But for now—well, let’s just brace ourselves.

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Earlier this week I had an appointment to go to my GP for my annual flu and Covid vaccinations. The vaccinations themselves were very well organised and I was in and out of the surgery within five minutes.

On the walk home I started to think about how lucky I am, compared with so many in the UK, that I can walk from my front door to my GP in less than five minutes. It made the whole thing take less than quarter of an hour. How long would it have taken if I had been forced to drive? How many people would find attending their vaccinations difficult if they had to? This is especially important for seasonal vaccinations given that many of the people receiving them are older.

The concept of a 15 minute city is very simple: all necessary services should be within 15 minutes active travel from your home. Obviously this is difficult to achieve in rural areas, but in anything larger than a small town it is absolutely possible. Not only is it possible, but it is desirable - why shouldn’t everyone enjoy what I experienced with my very quick visit to my GP today? Unfortunately there is money and electoral gains to be made by making people fear that the 15 minute city concept is more something more sinister. This is a real shame, because so many of us would have our quality of life improved if the concept was applied in every town and city.

If you want to read more about the ideas behind the concept, this is a good start.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

We need to talk about what the Tories are doing when it comes to the environment and how dangerous it is.

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Should we ban #bullyxl #dogs? Yes, almost certainly. But we need to go further than that. #dangerousdogs

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Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has spent public money to paint over murals (designed to make the place just a bit nicer) in a detention centre for unaccompanied child asylum seekers.

What sort of man decides to do this, and should such a man with these morals have a say in anything at all?

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The Labour Lords have abstained (so effectively supported the Tories) on Green peer Jenny Jones' bill to stop the government using unprecedented

powers to attack our right to protest. What's the point of Labour?

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Generated transcript:

I just wanted to say a quick thing on, the UK net migration figures, which are a record breaking high up 20%, 606,000 people, I think, are the latest figures per year. I think it's worth just dwelling on the fact that many of the people who voted for Brexit did so because they didn't like the idea of migration and how they must be feeling now because we've gone from lower numbers of people coming in and let's face it, not liking migration is often, not always, but often due to racism, you know?

People who don't come from here coming in. And so these brexiters, now these, people who voted sometimes with a racist motive against staying in EU because they didn't like migration, now have far more immigrants. But, those immigrants are now much less likely to be other white Europeans and much more likely to be people from other countries of different races. Now, how do you think they feel about that?

I think if there is a silver lining from Brexit, and I don't think there is particularly, but if there was one, it might be just imagining how many extremely annoyed racists there are at the moment.

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A number of peaceful protestors were arrested at the Coronation. Why should we be concerned?

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On the local #election results in Bath and NE Somerset and the Tory collapse #GetGreensElected #bathneslocals23

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