SultanOfSwing

They live down the road from The Tropics. Strange couple if you ask me

I'll be honest with you, this made me laugh a bit

Egg and Cress

In context, please.

SultanOfSwing

Spoilsport.

Egg and Cress

You, sir, are the epitome and personification of "sh*t stirrer", (however humourously) hence I'd expect your pouty reply. (in less than your required four word minimum yet - does that come under the heading of "the less said, the better?")

SultanOfSwing

You could just imagine me sticking my tongue out and then running off flicking v-signs behind your back, couldn't you?

Yes, I break my own rule once in a while, I know

Steve_

"Special relationship" I think means more at the governmental level, not societal. I think it had its zenith with Thatcher and Reagan, although Bush and Blair invading Iraq was a close second (and I think people forget just how gung ho Blair was to invade Iraq, this was not purely an American idea).

There are close ties between the military and intelligence services, and until Ireland dropped their corporate tax rate, the UK was seen as being more favourable as a place for US international start ups.

But what really, really, truly makes me cringe is when the UK is described as the closest ally of the US or vice versa.

Not even vaguely true, Canada is the closest ally of the US and there are even Canadian forces based at NORAD. And also there is NAFTA, so Mexico is by any reasonable measure a closer ally too, as are all the Caribbean nations with the exception of Cuba.

Even Australia negotiated a treaty with the US to ease movement of labour, which Australians know as the E-3 visa. So did Singapore and Chile.

jemima55

Tee hee hee!

AdobePinon

The answer to the OP is a resounding "yes". But most people in the UK think that the special relationship is more expansive than it really is. It has little relevance to the average person on the street. For example, much to the dismay of many, immigration concerns are not directly influenced by the special relationship. It certainly has nothing to do with what individuals from one country think of their counterparts.

Xebedee

Nah, its just a front.

cindyabs

yes! Every time my DH and I have sex.

Captain Cheesestick

This seems apt.