In the UK, a recent petition to ban Donald Trump, U.S. republican presidential hopeful, received 586,000 signatures out of the 100,000 required for consideration. As it reached the required amount of signatures to be debated, the matter was discussed by the British Parliament on January 18. The UK made the decision to not ban Trump, as it could have sent a message to the rest of the world that they do not support free speech. In addition, the controversy has intensified by the fact that the Trump Organization has a pending investment of 700 million pounds in the UK. The investment would have been terminated if parliament decided to ban Trump.
The British prime minister does not support the petition, “If he ever came here, he would unite us against him.” He is implying that there is no current need the petition.
There are also questions about the electability of Trump even though he is a frontrunner. Many also think that even if Donald Trump is the GOP candidate the Democrats will win the election.
This debate went back and forth as Scotland, a nation he has invested in greatly, is one of the best supporters of this petition. A sizeable portion of the Trump Organization’s investment would go to his native Scotland.
Maxwell Zinkievich, a sophomore, agrees with Scotland. He said that the idea was “Brilliant!” Jared G, also a sophomore, agrees, “It is worth it.”
So many American voters are for Trump though, that others aren’t so sure that banning a possible president is not the best idea.
Some people do believe that Trump is going to have the county and they obviously oppose this petition.
However, other people believe that there should be a compromise. The Prime Minister of England is one of these people. He believes that the petition is not necessary as Trump is not guaranteed to be president. The Prime Minister believes the petitions send a bad message to the world about England.
Jacob Moore agrees, stating “the benefits effects don’t necessarily outweigh the ill effects.”
Trump Has stayed ahead in the race for two main reasons. First, he follows his own agenda. Many other candidates have to follow their sponsors’ agendas. Because Trump financed his own campaign, he has no sponsors. This allows him to say what he wants.
Second, he is good at using social media to his advantage. He effectively uses Twitter to post pertinent information on his campaign. His social media skills are complemented by his ability to speak his mind, making him appealing to voters.
Now, the stand off over Trump is still allowed into the UK.
By: Sean Dashiell
The Claw 