A unlikely lunchtime conversation between a former PhD student and an ex-Royal Navy software developer sparks a fascinating discussion on politics, identity, and the environment, revealing common ground despite their differing views.
A Clash of Views Over Politics, Identity, and the Environment
Lian and Carl, a former PhD student turned entrepreneur and an ex-Royal Navy software developer, respectively, sat down for a meal at Saltfish in Darlington. The conversation began with Lian‘s description of their shared interest in reading both The Guardian and The Telegraph, a 50:50 split.
The BBC Licence Fee: A Point of Disagreement
Carl expressed his support for abolishing the BBC licence fee, arguing that with the numerous choices available through streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, it is no longer necessary. Lian countered that the fee should be funded in a way that ensures its long-term security, highlighting the importance of programs like Question Time and David Attenborough‘s nature documentaries.
A Different Perspective on Politics
The discussion turned to US politics, with Carl expressing admiration for Donald Trump‘s willingness to challenge the status quo. Lian, however, described Trump as ‘a dangerous idiot’ who is trying to bully universities into conforming to his views. While they disagreed on politics, both men acknowledged that their differing opinions did not diminish their mutual respect.
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York.
He studied at the New York Military Academy before attending Fordham University and later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania.
After graduating, he joined his family's real estate business and expanded it into a global brand.
Trump served as President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, becoming the 45th president in U.S. history.
He is also known for hosting the reality TV show 'The Apprentice' and has written several bestselling books.
Shared Concerns Over Climate Change
Despite their differences, Lian and Carl agreed that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. However, Carl‘s skepticism about the global response to climate change was evident in his statement that the Chinese, Americans, and Russians are not on board with the concept.
Climate change refers to significant long-term changes in the Earth's climate.
It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
This leads to a global average temperature increase of over 1°C since the late 19th century.
Rising temperatures cause more extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and altered ecosystems.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that urgent action is needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
An Unexpected Bonding Experience
The meal at Saltfish proved to be an honest and open discussion between individuals from different political backgrounds. Despite their differences, Lian and Carl found common ground and exchanged numbers, potentially paving the way for future meetings over a beer.
