Ernie. Why do you think trump is scting in Russia's interests?
No wonder you were so dismissive of the opinion piece in the Guardian which offered a balanced and realistic analysis.
a balanced opinion piece from the school of thought that's been saying we should just appease Putin, and said he definitely wasn't going to invade last time?
An opinion piece that offers no solution beyond what was tried and failed last time?
and trumps actions make it look like he is absolutely in Putin's pocket.
last time the US paused aid Ukraine lost 1000s of lives and towns like Advika were pounded to rubble and captured.....
and he thinks that will get him a nobel peace prize?
I guess that is the problem with echo chambers that won't tolerate healthy debates and a diversity of opinions, unchallenged people become ever more extreme in their theories.
Can’t we have one thread about the subject rather than having it filled with you playing out your fantasy of being a one man hero standing up against everyone else.
Crashing the economy in real time? Radio 4 are just reporting that he’s demolishing consumer confidence in the states with his tariffs.
He’s busy telling everyone it won’t mean price increases for imported goods, but people aren’t stupid (MAGA types excluded), know that’s complete cobblers and that’s exactly what it means. It’ll fuel inflation and very probably put the US economy into recession
Putting that idiot in charge, now completely unrestrained, really is like giving a machine gun to a monkey
I guess that is the problem with echo chambers that won't tolerate healthy debates and a diversity of opinions, unchallenged people become ever more extreme in their theories.
Out of curiosity, I downloaded Truth Social this morning and created an account. I set up only one follow, the big dog himself, Donnie J Trump. When I went back in to delete the account (because I am a normal human being), I saw that I had, by default, been set up with 39 follows. DJT (my choice) and 38 right wing media outlets (not my choice). So it is not like these people fall into an echo chamber, rather they are shoved in head first. I get it, its Truth Social, so it is hardly going to be Guardian reading lefties, but I was surprised how they link you, by default to the voices behind the echo's.
I dont think he quite grasps that trying to force an invaded country to surrender doesnt really count as peace.
The whole thing is bonkers. Let's look at one part of it - this minerals deal.
Does Trump actually think Ukraine will dig its own stuff up and sell it at a loss to him? In which case, it'll need to be American managers and American kit and American ships. If Ukraine is forced to cede areas currently under Russian occupation there are going to be highly pissed off internal refugees in a country awash with weaponry. That's going to mean US boots on the ground guarding facilities, individuals etc. Not even us in the UK are going to be obsequious enough to provide the muscle for the looting of Ukraine's mineral wealth. I suppose he could use US mercenaries, though...
It's all just too disgraceful to think about most of the time, though.
You really believe that the United States position on Ukraine hinges on the price of apartments in Panama don't you?
I believe peace and security of Ukraine hinges on the capriciousness of two men who think only of themselves, or more broadly how they personally profit. That may be in the form of actual money, or it could be (for Trump) the value of having other people praise them. Beyond that, I think that Putin as an actual dictator probably has more of a grasp of the geo-political/regional implications of what he does, but only in so much as what's good for him personally is thusly 'obviously' beneficial to Russia. Trump has surrounded himself with podcasters and middling politicians who owe their promotion to power entirely to their obsequiousness to Trump, so they can be lifted up or cast aside as Trump's whims or needs change. But is otherwise only interested in using the next four years to enrich himself (he did the same thing last time, and he's started where he's left off so far) otherwise he'll be on the golf course.
which offered a balanced and realistic analysis.
It doesn't really beyond hand-wavey guess work. The idea that Putin will agree to have a very heavily armed Ukraine on his border is for the birds, and even if he does, he can still launch aggressive wars with impunity knowing that the rest of the word will both leave him to it, and won't come to Ukraine's aid beyond what we do now, which amounts to no security guarantees at all. The only continued safety for Ukraine is either; membership of NATO/EU - unlikely for the next 4 years, occupation of Ukraine by European armed forces. Or Russian demilitarisation (other than self-defence) in exchange for economic re-entry. None of which I can see Russia agreeing to.
He’s busy telling everyone it won’t mean price increases for imported goods, but people aren’t stupid (MAGA types excluded), know that’s complete cobblers and that’s exactly what it means. It’ll fuel inflation and very probably put the US economy into recession
The answer to the question: "Where does a large chunk of the fertiliser used on US farms come from?" tells you everything you need to know about the likely impact of tariffs on the US consumer. I suppose most onlookers think that the US is self-sufficient in bullshit, but apparently that's not the case.
As this is an outdoorsy forum, we should also be concerned by the latest executive order turning over hundreds of millions of acres of national park forest for felling so that the US can reduce its complete reliance on Canada for lumber.
Canada should turn off the power to the various US states that rely on it, preferably during Trump's State of the Union Address.
Honestly Ernie I read that Guardian piece yesterday and I'm not sure what you're reading out of it. However it looks like the pessimistic view in paragraphs 3 and 5 is where we're really at.
I think Trump has a very simplistic view of things and applies absolutely the same methods at all scales be it buying a golf course or making a deal with another country. And all deals with him are absolutely valueless. He famously never paid a lot of people who did work for him, and he won't backup Ukraine, or Taiwan
Ernie. Why do you think trump is scting in Russia's interests?
I see trump has started off today by threatening prison for anyone ay a university trying to exercise their first amendment rights. So much for free speech I guess.
Vance has managed to upset everyone by slagging off the British military, even manfrog farage has come out to condemn him
Europe pledging to rearm & throw the kind of money into weapons not seen since WW2
Trump starting simultaneous trade wars with China , EU, Canadan & Mexico, dollar down inflation incoming
Only 3 years & 10 months of this to go
I saw Vance described this morning as an angry Carphone Warehouse store manager
He does have the air of Gavin Williamson about him
Honestly Ernie I read that Guardian piece yesterday and I'm not sure what you're reading out of it.
You don't know what I am 'reading out of it'? I thought it was obvious........ interesting and plausible suggestions of possible motives and scenarios by someone who clearly has a reasonable understanding of what they are talking about.
Just like the countless other opinion pieces I have read on the subject, none of which have mentioned a fall in the prices of apartments in Panama being a motive.
Btw do we know how much apartment prices in Panama have been affected by events Ukraine and how much they are likely to increase in the event of a peace deal, what sort of figure are we talking about?
The figure would be interesting to know as it would give an insight of how skint Trump is (despite being best buddy with the wealthiest man on earth) that he has to organise an extraordinarily elaborate conspiracy involving among other things the redirection of US foreign policy to push up the prices of apartments in Panama.
A conspiracy so elaborate that the latest development is a pause in military aid to Ukraine. Are we talking about his Panama apartments doubling in price? Quadrupling? What exactly?
as for panama, wherever Trump goes, corruption & scandal follows... https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-panama-canal-hotel-lawsuit-history-b2669911.html
Canada should turn off the power to the various US states that rely on it, preferably during Trump's State of the Union Address.
On that front alone, I'm intrigued - presumably the tariffs on imported Canadian goods apply to the leccy too? Or is it exempted?
I think Vance has seen Harry Ellis and thought, yep that's me.
standard
https://bsky.app/profile/wired.com/post/3ljktu4ydq62k
meanwhile Trumpcession is kicking off
https://bsky.app/profile/wutangforchildren.bsky.social/post/3ljkrzntzis2h
Badenoch defending Vance isnt quite her Sunak/D-Day memorial gaffe but its going to see her backpedaling like mad
https://bsky.app/profile/inglesongrey.bsky.social/post/3ljk7dvn6ic2g
I am surprised that the Kremlin is praising Trump, they must know that weakens him in the eyes of most of the western world and makes him look suspect. Do they think that massaging his ego is better than the kickbacks from elsewhere, is it a double bluff, or is it just part of filling the airwaves with confusing messages? I can't even begin to work out what their game is with this.
As for Vance's comments on the British forces, I seem to recall they had to watch their backs for "friendly" fire from the idiot americans.
Has Trump surpassed Truss in terms of damage to the economy divided by the number of days in power?
I see trump has started off today by threatening prison for anyone ay a university trying to exercise their first amendment rights.
Prison for some, deportation for others. Still, at least we’re not at the “firing squad in front of a ditch in the woods” stage… yet.
He does have the air of Gavin Williamson about him
At least Williamson said that Russia should 'shut up and go away', or words to that effect, which is vaguely preferable to 'Please Sir, May I have another?' from Vance and Trump.
Apologies if this has been posted before. Marco Rubio commenting on Russia's breaking of the Budapest Memorandum and the implications for nuclear proliferation, world peace etc. It's all good stuff. I don't know when this was, a few years ago perhaps but compare it to his words and actions in the oval office a few days ago. The scale of the hypocrisy, moral backflipping and spineless abandonment of any principles is just staggering. I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but I need a release valve and you lot are it! These people are just amoral scum.
Edit: it is a facebook video link that doesn't appear to work. I'll try again
Nope, it even blanks out the text of the link. Never mind...
I am surprised that the Kremlin is praising Trump, they must know that weakens him in the eyes of most of the western world and makes him look suspect. Do they think that massaging his ego is better than the kickbacks from elsewhere, is it a double bluff, or is it just part of filling the airwaves with confusing messages? I can't even begin to work out what their game is with this.
Hypernormalisation by Adam Curtis is a starting point. A key element of gaslighting is constant change and counter-intuitive actions - this prepares the ground by keeping observers constantly questioning what is going on and their interpretation of it.
As for Vance's comments on the British forces, I seem to recall they had to watch their backs for "friendly" fire from the idiot americans.
A point I have made on Twitter to some redneck mouthbreathers.
I'll also suggest that they ought to be concerned about what Trump will do with his huge military when it is pulled back from overseas. That's the problem with being so afraid of everything that you hang on to lies from someone like Trump - everything is plausible, poor loves.
Edit: it is a facebook video link that doesn't appear to work. I'll try again
Found on YT. Hopefully this will work.
I see trump has started off today by threatening prison for anyone ay a university trying to exercise their first amendment rights.
Prison for some, deportation for others. Still, at least we’re not at the “firing squad in front of a ditch in the woods” stage… yet.
I believe that’s now called the “what sort of American are you” stage
According to the Grauniad…
-
Ontario’s premier Doug Ford told the Wall Street Journal that he was imposing a 25% export tax on electricity sent to three US states, and might cut it off altogether if the tariffs linger.
According to the Grauniad…
Ontario’s premier Doug Ford told the Wall Street Journal that he was imposing a 25% export tax on electricity sent to three US states, and might cut it off altogether if the tariffs linger.
I would buy tickets to watch Trump’s reaction to that. Short of war, what could he do without backing down?
He could and probably will bang another 25% on top of the original.
Oh wait he has already announced it
I suspect Trump will only provide some token gesture of assistance to Z even if Z comes back to beg again. The token gesture will definitely come with a huge sting attached.
The reason is simple. Trump's main priority is to boost US economy by all means even at the expense of the alliance. Trump knows that they (US) dominate the firepower but economy power is slowly slipping away, and much more difficult to manage. Hence, economy becomes the main priority.
Therefore, Ukraine is a lost course and no longer worth the "investment" (not referring to personal gain) because there are some easier pickings elsewhere in Middle East.
Only 3 years & 10 months of this to go
I doubt it. Things will get sticky very quickly, Trump will no longer be having fun and he'll flounce, I reckon.
https://www.tiktok.com/@thedailyshow/video/7478061419054009646
I particularly liked "and then I'll sweep your chimney" 😂
Full episode here:
Essential laugh/cry viewing, as ever.
Things will get sticky very quickly, Trump will no longer be having fun and he'll flounce, I reckon.
I was convinced he'd get bored with all the actual effort and resign his first term. Too much to gain and the massive narcissist won't want to be seen to fail, so I don't think it'll happen.
Would love to be wrong again though!
Anyone got any links to credible analysis on what's actually expected to happen with the US budget deficit?
On the one hand, there's a lot of noise about "cutting cRaZy SpenDInG" and on the other hand, massive tax cuts.
I've seen a few bits of commentary such as.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, or CRFB, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog, warned that making the tax cuts permanent would mean up to $4.6 trillion in extra deficit increases over the next decade and set a dangerous precedent for future borrowing.
"Over the long run, it may be what puts us into a debt spiral situation. The higher your debt, the higher your interest rates. And the higher your interest rates, the higher your debt," said Marc Goldwein, senior CRFB policy director.
Rising interest rates mean that the U.S. would be paying ever more to service its debt. Interest payments alone represented more than $1 trillion of the federal government's $6.7 trillion budget last year.
Tie that into a suggested declining US position as the printer if the worlds currency by some YouTube randoms who are suggesting a lot of "might/could/possibly" scenarios. Didn't see anything suggestion anything imminent, more a reduction of the option for the US to print money and sell dollars and what that "might" result in. Theyre assuming that the DOGE cuts will still lead trillions in additional deficit based on expected (published) cuts to budgets and taxes
It's going to suck to be poor in the US even more than it has been was the other theme.
Just got to my desk. Haven't heard any news yet.
So what is today's new outrage?
2hr congress Speech by Trump 🙂
Came here to ask the same thing, but saw that Vance had insulted the UK by saying it had not fought a war in 30 years. Odd that, I guess what I saw in 2012 and 2016 was just a dream.
Or, JD Vance is a weapons grade imbecile who is spouting shit, just like his tangerine-skinned Benito-wannabe "leader".
I made this observation on the 1st, a few pages back
It's notable that Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, just sat without a word for either side
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is officially the foreign affairs advisor to the US Government and a GOP Ukraine supporter. His post is officially third in importance after the President and VP and he's allegedly been sidelined,
Rubio is privately frustrated that Trump has effectively sidelined him. According to four prominent Republicans close to the White House, Rubio, who has been a Russia hawk and Ukraine supporter, has told people he is upset by his lack of foreign policy influence despite being, on paper at least, the administration’s top diplomat. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-ukraine-and-the-meme-ing-of-marco-rubio
I guess that he gave the top table advice that they didn't want to hear in the weeks before the meeting with President Zelensky
He has pissed off China some what.
*We are ready for war either trade or the really bad kind*
Bastardized the tweet from China but that the general gist
Rubio first to quit/get sacked? Much as I despise him, he could be the guy to call out Trump and pull the GOP back a little? Possibly.
Rubio first to quit/get sacked? Much as I despise him, he could be the guy to call out Trump and pull the GOP back a little? Possibly.
Nope. Has demonstrated his spinelessness on many other occasions.
How many in Team trump do we think have been shorting stock in preparation for yesterdays tariffs?
