MICHAEL MOORE IN TRUMPLAND

In a programme shown recently on British Channel 4, 'Michael Moore in Trumpland', Michael Moore took the opportunity to produce some half-witted pro-Clinton propaganda. From its content, this was Michael Moore's own take.

The programme began with Michael Moore setting out some of the problems which were causing ordinary Americans much anger. He gave examples of the economic difficulties and the consequences of it and of the hardship caused. He specifically recalled an incident in which Donald Trump had threatened tariffs to some business bigwigs in response to American multinationals planning to move production abroad, and of the dumbstruck response of those bigwigs that someone had dared to stand up to them.

Michael Moore referred to Brexit and those he described as the 'Brexit States' in America. He drew a comparison with the anger behind Brexit and behind the support for Trump. He said that a vote for Trump might make people feel better for a few weeks. He referred to Britain's Brexit vote and then thundered 'and now they regret it'. He cited some Remoaner petition calling for another referendum. He said that were the Americans to vote for Trump, then after a brief euphoria it would be a case of 'and now your fucked' and all because 'you wanted to send a message'.

It should be made very clear that the British did not vote for Brexit because they 'wanted to send a message'. The Brexit voters meant it, and they most definitely not regret it. What they do regret is the government's prevarication regarding the repeal of the 1972 European Communities Act (which is the basis of membership of the EU). The Brexit voters are increasingly angry that their vote has not been acted upon.

As Michael Moore averred with his aforementioned recount of Trump confronting the multinational bigwigs, only Trump is prepared to robustly defend US economic interests. The Americans have nothing of which to be afraid other than their own doubts; and they have much to gain by bringing their trade back into balance.

Michael Moore's programme went steadily downhill from that point. His case for supporting Hillary Clinton was threadbare, if not infantile. He was dismissive of the concerns of the impact of mass immigration, and even dismissive of the concerns of ordinary white Americans that they are expected to become a minority. He thought that having a women president would be a good thing. He played an extract of a speech that Clinton had made as a 22-year-old, in which she spoke of fear. He lauded Clinton's career triumph in a sexist society. She risked having her bottom pinched.

And that was it!

One needs to keep a sense of proportion when being force fed mawkish propaganda from the feminist lobby. Many women may feel aggrieved at the restrictions they have had to face to succeed in their careers, but society has changed and continues to change to accommodate the changing role of women, in a more prosperous society with better healthcare and education. This is a process of civilization.

It should also be remembered that young men have also had their problems. Previous generations of young men had to face going over the top in World War One, or storming the beeches at Guadalcanal or Normandy, or fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. Many were unable to provide for themselves or their families during the 1930s Depression as they queued for a mug of soup.

Women too, have had more serious problems. To take Joseph Chamberlain (a wealthy man and the late Victorian era's greatest statesman) as an example. He was married three times. On Friday 16^th October 1863, Chamberlain's first wife, Harriet, gave birth to Austen. Harriet became ill on Sunday and her condition rapidly deteriorated. Chamberlain was advised to prepare himself for the worst. On Tuesday Harriet said: 'Well, I have had a very happy life, and I am perfectly happy whichever way it is'. On Wednesday Harriet was delirious and she died just after midnight.

In February 1875, Chamberlain's second wife, Florence (who had already four children, Neville, Ida, Hilda and Ethel), gave birth to a child. The doctor remained all day and at 4.30pm came downstairs to confirm all was well. At 5pm Florence fainted and died. The child died hours later. Both were buried in the same coffin.

Not only is this a matter for women, as can be appreciated, Joseph Chamberlain was gutted by the loss of his wives. He went on to marry the American, Mary Endicott, in 1888. On her arrival in Birmingham, she was greeted by Chamberlain's supporters and friends and told: 'Madam, you have not come amongst strangers … “Dear lady, welcome home”.'

Thankfully, society has improved the lives of women, not least by advances made in medical care, and will continue to do so.

Michael Moore acknowledged Donald Trump’s determination to bring the USA’s trade back into balance, and that alone is reason to vote for him.