When Irish Eyes are Steaming
Probably more than most presidential elections, this year's has had an especially significant impact on the rest of the world. Because, unlike many people who live here, the rest of the world not only has a grasp that there is a world outside our borders, but that -- being so powerful -- our actions affect them, as well.
For example, the Graham Norton Show on BBC America is a very fun, lively chat show from England. The good-natured host's monologues are minimal, though during the presidential race he continual made scathing jokes about Donald Trump. This weekend was their first show aired in the U.S. following the vote. And his very first comment, after welcoming everyone was simply to say into the camera, "America. What the f**k???!!" (Yes, it was bleeped on the broadcast.)
But that's just a light-heared TV show. Elsewhere, the response has been far more substantive, and significantly more serious.
Last Thursday in the Irish Seanad, their Parliament, Senator Aodhán O'Riordáin stood up and made a blunt and shredding speech. It was directed at his own government's reaction to Trump being elected -- basically they'were concerned about Irish investments in the U.S. -- but the main target of his attack was new President-Elect.
And as you listen and watch, remember this important point -- this is from one of our long allies. With as close a cultural tie to America as almost any country in the world.
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