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stollen

(1,055 posts)
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 09:45 AM Monday

My Scottish hospital waiting room experience

I was in a Scottish hospital two days ago, the day before Alex Pretti was murdered. The waiting room was near capacity. The TV was on, BBC, discussing NATO/Greenland. I could hear Trump's name being muttered in the din of patients. You can anticipate hearing that everywhere in Scotland these days.

I said to those waiting, in a friendly voice and with a smile, "Are you all bad mouthing my president? I'm about to sing the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner to ya'll." The room laughed, a bit nervously. I said, "It's okay. I think he's a complete ass. And if there's any American in here who disagrees, don't bother as I don't have the energy for you." The room relaxed, a bit curious about me. A patient in the next chair responded the way most Europeans do, politely and diplomatically, by complaining about their own govt leaders. He said there were parts of the UK that are dirty and need to be spiffed up (a safe comment in a room full of Brits likely of a different mindset). I said, "Yeah, your country is dealing with issues of cleanliness while the US is grappling with fascism. Be glad because it could be worse." He asked if I'd come over to the UK because of Trump. I said, "He was inaugurated about the 3rd week of January, and my family and I were out of the US by the end of February, so, yes."

The Scots then started talking about their own travails. I just listened.
My name was called, and I held up my fingers, said, "Peace," and followed the RN to the appointment.

I have been slamming the 🍊 pedophile every chance possible but as I feel is appropriate to the occasion/culture. I've found that most Scots are very aware of what is going on behind all the noise/propaganda, so it's like speaking to the choir. Nobody likes that 🍊 POS. Scots are the friendliest people you'd ever want to meet, and when a tragedy strikes beyond their borders, they feel it, too.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Johnny2X2X

(23,767 posts)
2. It's getting close to time for a lot of people to leave
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:11 AM
Monday

I know it's not within most people's means to move abroad, but I think many people are going to start exploring options as it's not safe for dissent here much longer.

stollen

(1,055 posts)
12. I do have the means to include SS/pension
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 05:15 PM
Monday

Now retired, 72, husband 82. I’ve followed politics for decades, particularly since Clinton. My health isn’t the best, but bp really shot up after the election. It’s now 106/65.

It can be difficult to just pack it up and leave. Takes planning, flexibility, and finances. If I were to do it with less money, I’d go to Canada or Southeast Asia, possibly France. We have our dog with us. She’s had a great trip.

We have a home stateside. People from Central America come in to clean per usual. They know that my home is theirs if they feel in danger.

Fuck ICE.

Johnny2X2X

(23,767 posts)
17. I expect these fascists to take away Social Security
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 05:46 PM
Monday

For people living abroad, I expect that they’re going to try to suspend benefits.

cachukis

(3,721 posts)
4. My Canadien friend understands that, but still
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:45 AM
Monday

Last edited Mon Jan 26, 2026, 12:56 PM - Edit history (1)

blames us all. He says we all should have seen what he was first time and that enough of us, all that detest him, should have voted accordingly.
We, he says, are responsible for his existence.
Cannot argue. It is America on display.

Tree Lady

(13,075 posts)
8. Very frustrating because he was speaking to
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 12:40 PM
Monday

The wrong people. Everyone of us here not only is against Trump many work hard to change the government.

I don’t hold it against European countries when they pick a rightwing person because I know just like here people get brainwashed or believe lies that things will be better. I am sad when it happens but especially a person who voted against it would feel sorry for them.

cachukis

(3,721 posts)
11. I get that and expressed those sentiments.
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 01:15 PM
Monday

He was firm in his recognition of the US, he owns property in Florida, as a pariah state under trump.
That we knew trump and let it happen again speaks volumes.
When we look at it, little beyond the courts has stopped or slowed trump down.
The no kings protests drew up to13,000,000 participants, but they have been ignored by the administration. In fact they are doubling down in Minnesota.
We, as a nation, have not been able to keep up with the onslaught on our Constitution.
It seems like we are sidelined by adhereing to the law. If we become like the trumpers then democracy is lost.
Can the Pretti murder be a turning point?
Without "republicans" in Congress getting fed up, I hasten to expect much more than what we are getting.
Violence won't help.

stollen

(1,055 posts)
15. I was with a Scottish couple when that had happened
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 05:28 PM
Monday

The man had steam coming from his ears. And shock. They were very well versed on the Main Idea internationally.

stollen

(1,055 posts)
13. I've made that clear many times
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 05:23 PM
Monday

Americans travellers coming overseas should immerse themselves in what ever culture they are visiting and forget about the orange POS. Focus on your curiosity and try not to play ambassador especially in the bigger tourist spots because people don’t usually have the time unless they ask you.

TheRickles

(3,211 posts)
5. I hope you held up your two fingers with the palm facing them.
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 12:10 PM
Monday

In the UK, two fingers with the back of the hand facing someone means "Up yours"!

Oppaloopa

(940 posts)
6. I live in a state without Unions or civic classes in schools
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 12:19 PM
Monday

In fact i had a very smart young girl college graduate ask me what is a Union when we had the fun of trying to start one in Florida This is why they just think about the price of eggs.

fujiyamasan

(1,392 posts)
16. Stopped there last summer
Mon Jan 26, 2026, 05:45 PM
Monday

Just spent a day in Edinburgh but hope to go back to check the rest of the country some day.

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