Maybe the best question ever

"Bottom line is this - the US and the UK are still joined at the hip. They are some of our oldest and staunchest allies. I only hope that the UK can come to understand that Israel is also a close ally of ours. They deserve the same loyalty from us that Britian gets. It really is that simple." 

What a week of pomp and circumstance this past week! Donald Trump and company made a second state visit to the UK to discuss all kinds of different things. Tariffs, peace deals, business opportunities - and energy. For the most part, everybody got along like long lost cousins. For the most part. But like every family, there are always some uncomfortable moments.

One question came up from the British press about Trump putting more pressure on Putin to stop the fighting. That was the perfect opening for Trump. "I can put more tariffs on India and China, since they continue to buy Russian oil and gas. But what I don't understand is why NATO members from Europe also are buying Russian gas and oil." A hush fell over the room as the reporter then launched into what might have been the best question ever.

"President Trump, during your campaign you had the motto of 'Drill, baby, drill'. Once elected, you seem to be carrying through on that promise. Why can't the UK do likewise? We have oil in the North Sea, why can't we drill more?" Trump could not resist - "Well, you should. The UK has lots of oil left in the North Sea and using it would be better than buying oil and gas from Russia." 

Then it came time for Starmer to respond. " We plan to use more of our resources in the North Sea, but we are also committed to renewable resources. A good mix is what we are after." I could see the thoughts in Trump's head - "Oh no! Not the Green New Scam again!" But all Trump said was that we had tried wind, and it did not work well. But the bottom line was there for all to see and hear. America is trying to ruin Russia's oil economy by drilling more, and the UK is not. 

As many things as the two countries agreed upon, Gaza and how to pressure Russia were not two of them. Other than that, the time spent at Chequers (PM's residence) seemed to be worthwhile. More progress was made on a trade agreement, except Trump (who does not drink), was bothered that Scotch Whisky was still tariffed at 25%. Trump wanted the tariff on Scotch to be zero (and I agree!).

Bottom line is this - the US and the UK are still joined at the hip. They are some of our oldest and staunchest allies. I only hope that the UK can come to understand that Israel is also a close ally of ours. They deserve the same loyalty from us that Britian gets. It really is that simple.