Politics

[Rocked and Loaded]

Before the Ukraine thing though?

Invading Georgia in 2008.

 

[Scott CWO]

I wish more people would study history and its impact on global politics today. We would be far less isolationist as a people, and far
More likely to make astute moves internationally if we did.

In my travels, something that surprised me in Kiev were the statues of Stalin and Lenin still standing. I asked friends about it and no one seemed to know why, although they clearly hated both of these men. I suspect they are gone now.

I agree.

In jest, why read, study history, take the Putin kleptocracy mobster at his word or care about open seas and markets when you can just be led by the internet disinformation and a cult of personality? What could our interests have to do with international trade and protecting access to markets? Can’t we just go down to Walmart and get everything we need? Just like there’s no reason to hunt anymore because meat comes from the supermarket, not an animal!

Why educate yourself when it’s easier to go along with Trump bonding with Putin over being butt hurt about the Russian collusion issue? Let’s sacrifice Ukraine and our place in the world because Trump is bitter about the collusion accusations because isn’t that more important? Fools!

I voted for Trump but would have preferred a better choice. I fully support his border security and the domestic issues he’s working on but his handling of Putin is a disaster. I agree with his peace stance and ending the killing but his bonding with Putin is ridiculous and dangerous for us and our allies. Trump exposed his selfish reasoning during the disastrous White House meeting when he mentioned Putin and “Russia, Russia, Russia” in his remarks. This is all personal to him and he can’t see past his own bruised ego over the collusion accusations.

If people cannot discern the good versus the bad that Trump does, they should ask themselves why they don’t possess critical thinking skills? Is this how people deal with everything in their lives - all or nothing? Do people really excuse bad behavior by their children, employees, co-workers and spouses because they like some other things that those people do? I believe in taking people’s actions in parts, not as a whole. Why some people cannot support Trump on some things and recognize and call out his mistakes on other things is baffling to me. Sheep led to slaughter!

 

[WAB]

I agree.

In jest, why read, study history, take the Putin kleptocracy mobster at his word or care about open seas and markets when you can just be led by the internet disinformation and a cult of personality? What could our interests have to do with international trade and protecting access to markets? Can’t we just go down to Walmart and get everything we need? Just like there’s no reason to hunt anymore because meat comes from the supermarket, not an animal!

Why educate yourself when it’s easier to go along with Trump bonding with Putin over being butt hurt about the Russian collusion issue? Let’s sacrifice Ukraine and our place in the world because Trump is bitter about the collusion accusations because isn’t that more important? Fools!

I voted for Trump but would have preferred a better choice. I fully support his border security and the domestic issues he’s working on but his handling of Putin is a disaster. I agree with his peace stance and ending the killing but his bonding with Putin is ridiculous and dangerous for us and our allies. Trump exposed his selfish reasoning during the disastrous White House meeting when he mentioned Putin and “Russia, Russia, Russia” in his remarks. This is all personal to him and he can’t see past his own bruised ego over the collusion accusations.

If people cannot discern the good versus the bad that Trump does, they should ask themselves why they don’t possess critical thinking skills? Is this how people deal with everything in their lives - all or nothing? Do people really excuse bad behavior by their children, employees, co-workers and spouses because they like some other things that those people do? I believe in taking people’s actions in parts, not as a whole. Why some people cannot support Trump on some things and recognize and call out his mistakes on other things is baffling to me. Sheep led to slaughter!

Well said, I agree with you 100%. Trump is focused on many of the right things domestically, but his handling of the Ukraine/Russia issue is worse than anything I could have imagined. Like you, I voted for him, but I would have preferred a better candidate.

 

[Wheels]

A Congressman finally says what we all know. Money is coming back to the Congressmen on both sides and Elon only has a 100-150 day window before it gets too hot and Congressmen start pushing back.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1897998178600837459

 

[Tanks]

Well said, I agree with you 100%. Trump is focused on many of the right things domestically, but his handling of the Ukraine/Russia issue is worse than anything I could have imagined. Like you, I voted for him, but I would have preferred a better candidate.

Same. I agree with what he is doing domestically though I would have preferred a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer. I disagree with cutting defense spending so much and his Ukraine policy is about what I had expected, total capitulation to Russian positions.

As far as tariffs go, time will tell. Kinda reminds me of the story of "Boy Who Cried Wolf". "We are gonna increase the tariffs, then wait we will do it later "etc., etc.. Not good for the economy for sure at this point.

 

[WAB]

Same. I agree with what he is doing domestically though I would have preferred a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer. I disagree with cutting defense spending so much and his Ukraine policy is about what I had expected, total capitulation to Russian positions.

As far as tariffs go, time will tell. Kinda reminds me of the story of "Boy Who Cried Wolf". "We are gonna increase the tariffs, then wait we will do it later "etc., etc.. Not good for the economy for sure at this point.

I agree on Tariffs. It is a very complex issue. As both a Canadian and US citizen, I hate to see the countries at odds. Canada holds a lot of cards on the energy side, the US in manufactured goods. Agriculturally it’s a mixed bag. Western Canadian farmers are
More efficient than their US counterparts, and the province of Ontario alone used to have more acres under glass than the entire USA (I assume they still do, but I’m not sure). But at a macro level US Ag production is 10x Canadian.

However, all this said, I don’t think the Canadian government has the knowledge, capability or will to play the cards they do have.

 

[Fastrig]

I agree.

In jest, why read, study history, take the Putin kleptocracy mobster at his word or care about open seas and markets when you can just be led by the internet disinformation and a cult of personality? What could our interests have to do with international trade and protecting access to markets? Can’t we just go down to Walmart and get everything we need? Just like there’s no reason to hunt anymore because meat comes from the supermarket, not an animal!

Why educate yourself when it’s easier to go along with Trump bonding with Putin over being butt hurt about the Russian collusion issue? Let’s sacrifice Ukraine and our place in the world because Trump is bitter about the collusion accusations because isn’t that more important? Fools!

I voted for Trump but would have preferred a better choice. I fully support his border security and the domestic issues he’s working on but his handling of Putin is a disaster. I agree with his peace stance and ending the killing but his bonding with Putin is ridiculous and dangerous for us and our allies. Trump exposed his selfish reasoning during the disastrous White House meeting when he mentioned Putin and “Russia, Russia, Russia” in his remarks. This is all personal to him and he can’t see past his own bruised ego over the collusion accusations.

If people cannot discern the good versus the bad that Trump does, they should ask themselves why they don’t possess critical thinking skills? Is this how people deal with everything in their lives - all or nothing? Do people really excuse bad behavior by their children, employees, co-workers and spouses because they like some other things that those people do? I believe in taking people’s actions in parts, not as a whole. Why some people cannot support Trump on some things and recognize and call out his mistakes on other things is baffling to me. Sheep led to slaughter!

I think everyone is jumping the gun on what the Trump administration has/will do with Russia and Ukraine.....we have zero specifics on anything at this point, outside of a confrontation with Zelensky, where I thought Z was a bit out of line....but apparently he did apologize. If Zelensky signs the mineral deal and meets with the Trump admin team next week as planned, then we may start to see where they are taking this......taking a wait and see attitude on this one....Trump does a lot of blustering up front, then typically moves to a more acceptable position at the end of the day, it's just his style, like it or not.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I just have one request; If you are so strongly anti-Trump (certainly your prerogative), please enlighten us as to how Pres. Harris would have done a better job given the world situation?

More of the same? Brilliant plan to cut government waste? Handle the southern border crisis? Ukraine?

Looking forward to your answers.

I honestly don't know if that was directed at me, as there are a number of members on here who are not enamored with how President Trump is handling foreign affairs, specifically with regards to Russia and Ukraine. But I'll take a crack at it.

My perspective on President Trump really hasn't changed in a long while, and I doubt it will anytime soon. I have now voted for him three times, and each time I had to hold my nose a little more than the time before. This past election I had stated flatly I would not vote for him again, but at the behest of a number of conservative colleagues and friends with my agency I did, swayed by their arguments about what it would mean for a potential return to some level of normalcy within our agency - an utterly selfish reason on my part. So I have voted for the man three times.

I like - borderline love - most of what he is trying to accomplish here at home - cutting waste, the border. Totally on board. I do not care for how he is handling Ukraine - or Russia, and I think it was asinine that he said Ukraine started the war. WTF???? Also, I don't care for him as a person at all. I think he is completely swallowed up with visions of his own brilliance, a narcissist of the highest degree, and that ultimately is the chief driver of everything he does. I don't think he's capable of seeing a path to a greater America that doesn't have him as the architect that gets us there. That does not mean he can't still be an effective President, as was proven by his first term.

My problem with your post is you say it like it's absolutely binary: Trump or Harris, and I guess, ultimately, that is what it did come down to, as far as at the ballot box. In my mind however there is a third choice: Trump, but a better version of Trump. Hope and pray that Trump can do better. That he can be more measured, more Presidential. Doing things effectively, but without being a boorish ass about it. We both know that's not going to happen, but it's still what I hope for.

I get what you are saying: Harris absolutely would have sucked monkey balls. Her in charge would have been a nightmare, a Gunny Highway clusterfuck of the first order. But knowing that doesn't mean I have to be all on board with everything Trump does, simply because Harris would have done it worse.

You are correct sir: Harris would have been utterly untenable, in every possible way. You are also correct that President Trump is doing some good things here at home. We are going to have to agree to disagree with respects to Ukraine and Russia. Just because Harris would have likely f**ked it up worse doesn't mean I have to like how President Trump is handling it now.

Happy Friday everyone!

 

[Fastrig]

I honestly don't know if that was directed at me, as there are a number of members on here who are not enamored with how President Trump is handling foreign affairs, specifically with regards to Russia and Ukraine. But I'll take a crack at it.

My perspective on President Trump really hasn't changed in a long while, and I doubt it will anytime soon. I have now voted for him three times, and each time I had to hold my nose a little more than the time before. This past election I had stated flatly I would not vote for him again, but at the behest of a number of conservative colleagues and friends with my agency I did, swayed by their arguments about what it would mean for a potential return to some level of normalcy within our agency - an utterly selfish reason on my part. So I have voted for the man three times.

I like - borderline love - most of what he is trying to accomplish here at home - cutting waste, the border. Totally on board. I do not care for how he is handling Ukraine - or Russia, and I think it was asinine that he said Ukraine started the war. WTF???? Also, I don't care for him as a person at all. I think he is completely swallowed up with visions of his own brilliance, a narcissist of the highest degree, and that ultimately is the chief driver of everything he does. I don't think he's capable of seeing a path to a greater America that doesn't have him as the architect that gets us there. That does not mean he can't still be an effective President, as was proven by his first term.

My problem with your post is you say it like it's absolutely binary: Trump or Harris, and I guess, ultimately, that is what it did come down to, as far as at the ballot box. In my mind however there is a third choice: Trump, but a better version of Trump. Hope and pray that Trump can do better. That he can be more measured, more Presidential. Doing things effectively, but without being a boorish ass about it. We both know that's not going to happen, but it's still what I hope for.

I get what you are saying: Harris absolutely would have sucked monkey balls. Her in charge would have been a nightmare, a Gunny Highway clusterfuck of the first order. But knowing that doesn't mean I have to be all on board with everything Trump does, simply because Harris would have done it worse.

You are correct sir: Harris would have been utterly untenable, in every possible way. You are also correct that President Trump is doing some good things here at home. We are going to have to agree to disagree with respects to Ukraine and Russia. Just because Harris would have likely f**ked it up worse doesn't mean I have to like how President Trump is handling it now.

Happy Friday everyone!

a Gunny Highway clusterfuck of the first order.....coffee came out my nose laughing at that one

 

[Hunt anything]

I agree on Tariffs. It is a very complex issue. As both a Canadian and US citizen, I hate to see the countries at odds. Canada holds a lot of cards on the energy side, the US in manufactured goods. Agriculturally it’s a mixed bag. Western Canadian farmers are
More efficient than their US counterparts, and the province of Ontario alone used to have more acres under glass than the entire USA (I assume they still do, but I’m not sure). But at a macro level US Ag production is 10x Canadian.

However, all this said, I don’t think the Canadian government has the knowledge, capability or will to play the cards they do have.

I agree, I spent the month of October 2004 in the Huderite areas south of Saskatoon hunting birds. I was really impressed by the efficiency of the farms up there. Not just the Huderites but all of the farmers. It was awe inspiring to see a dozen combines each with a grain trailer move across the landscape 24 hours a day! Actually it was kinda spooky seeing it at night. I don’t know about in the spring during planting but the harvest was amazing.

I know it is really weather dependent up there, you have to get em in and get em out as the weather can change in a heartbeat.

 

[Fastrig]

I agree, I spent the month of October 2004 in the Huderite areas south of Saskatoon hunting birds. I was really impressed by the efficiency of the farms up there. Not just the Huderites but all of the farmers. It was awe inspiring to see a dozen combines each with a grain trailer move across the landscape 24 hours a day! Actually it was kinda spooky seeing it at night. I don’t know about in the spring during planting but the harvest was amazing.

I know it is really weather dependent up there, you have to get em in and get em out as the weather can change in a heartbeat.

I don't how it is today, but my dad's cousin had a harvesting contract business in that time and they would start in Canada at the beginning of the harvest season and pretty much go non-stop, day and night, for months until they ended at the bottom of the US fields.....7-8 full rigs running was impressive to see. They replaced those rigs every other season, flat worn out after that.

 

[Scott CWO]

I think everyone is jumping the gun on what the Trump administration has/will do with Russia and Ukraine.....we have zero specifics on anything at this point, outside of a confrontation with Zelensky, where I thought Z was a bit out of line....but apparently he did apologize. If Zelensky signs the mineral deal and meets with the Trump admin team next week as planned, then we may start to see where they are taking this......taking a wait and see attitude on this one....Trump does a lot of blustering up front, then typically moves to a more acceptable position at the end of the day, it's just his style, like it or not.

I hope you’re right but I fear you are wrong based on the inputs my brain has received. It’s great to hope but I usually find it is more accurate to go by what people say and do. Suspending military aid to Ukraine? Back door discussions with Zelensky’s rivals about an election? Not good.

 

[deewayne2003]

Well taking a break from war and trade; it appears the winds of change are coming to universities, after employees who now feel confident enough in the current political landscape to blow the whistle on Oklahoma State University misappropriating $44mil+ of state funds.

Internal audit finds 'significant issues' in how OSU spent appropriated money

An internal audit at Oklahoma State University found "significant issues" with how certain legislatively appropriated money was allocated and spent.

www.oklahoman.com

This coming after the president of the University abruptly resigned on Feb 3rd; followed by the sudden resignation of the head of grant dispersal after 29years with the University.

 

[Tanks]

I think everyone is jumping the gun on what the Trump administration has/will do with Russia and Ukraine.....we have zero specifics on anything at this point...

He has stopped all aid including stuff authorized previously and was waiting delivery in Poland. More importantly he has stopped intelligent sharing which means Ukraine does not have as good targeting information as before. To be honest I am surprised he also has not stopped Starlink.

On the other side has also has stopped Cyber command functions at DOD targeting Russia.

It could not have been better for Putin and Russia.

 

[skydiver386]

Some folks need to back up just a little on the "Trump's a narcissist" and "Trump only does things to satisfy his ego", etc.

Trump is doing what he's doing in Ukraine in order to break Russia away from its relationship with China, who he sees as a larger enemy.

I disagree with the policy, but once you understand what he's trying to do, it's not hard to see why he says and does the things he does.

 

[Fastrig]

I hope you’re right but I fear you are wrong based on the inputs my brain has received. It’s great to hope but I usually find it is more accurate to go by what people say and do. Suspending military aid to Ukraine? Back door discussions with Zelensky’s rivals about an election? Not good.

Again, we are only getting spoon fed stuff, not necessarily accurate stuff either. I don't trust the MSM at all, and take everything else with a grain of salt. There is a lot going on behind the scenes no one is privy to yet. I honestly don't think Trump is enamored with either side of this war, he just wants the fighting to stop and our money to go elsewhere. He's never been a "go to war" type guy, always feels a deal can be made. Up till now, no one has even tried, at least he is....I'm going to sit back and see what unfolds before making any judgements. He may get it right, he might not, hopefully the former.

 

[Fastrig]

He has stopped all aid including stuff authorized previously and was waiting delivery in Poland. More importantly he has stopped intelligent sharing which means Ukraine does not have as good targeting information as before. To be honest I am surprised he also has not stopped Starlink.

On the other side has also has stopped Cyber command functions at DOD targeting Russia.

It could not have been better for Putin and Russia

So your answer to stopping the fighting is to continue to funnel the means in which to continue the fighting? We've been doing that for three years and there are roughly a million soldiers dead, plus a boat load of civilians. Maybe another approach is in order? I don't have answers to any of this, don't have enough information to make any, none of us do. Up to this point, all we've been doing is adding fuel to the fire, looks like the new approach is to starve the fire so it goes out.....but that's just a guess as well.

 

[Certus]

I am following this debate with interest.

Mind, first, in politics there is no like, or dislike, there is only articulated and defined interest.
Secondly there is no historic permanent evidence of liking or disliking between America and Russia. But i will come to that later.

I met in drilling business and in shipping many Americans, in drilling mostly from Louisiana and from Texas, and have been to USA many times. eastern and western coast, north and south. I never met American disliking somebody by nationality. All of them great people, and never refusing a drink in the bar, if chance appeared. (They do complain on this or that administration)

Historical evidence suggests there is no "disliking" or "liking".
In American Civil war Britain (although "neutral") took political stance convenient to confederate states. French textile relied on southern cotton, and they "as neutral" also took political stance convenient to confederate states.

Both countries France and Britain supplied weapons to confederate states. This did not help union.
Besides diplomatic activity and refusal of Russia to join France and Britain is some form of alliance against union, they sent naval fleet to prevent seaborn raids in the north ports by confederates.
This helped creation of union

(A bit earlier - British and Texas relations: Texan - Mexican war and the British part. Battle of Campeche - engraved on my colt 1860 army cal 44, there is a pictogram of Campeche battle with Mexican fleet. Mexicans had most modern naval guns - paixhan - red leg would know about it -, under command of British (officers or advisors, and partially manned brit crew) - aint that funny, and Sam Houstons fleet took them out Brits didnt help Texas either.)

WW I, they took the same side (USA and Russia).
Then there was a short conflict 1918-20 between them, where international coalition tried to remove Bolsheviks from power. to be honest to help Russian monarchy. (sorry)

But most surprising is Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Overall in his time and before world 2, he made several shocking decisions (similar level of shock to the world and nation, as pres, trump is making now ) including revived friendship with Russia. All those had consequences and conclusions after the world war 2.

Early Isolationism and Shift in American foreign Policy,
Good neigbour policy, which preserved relations in south America,
Recognition of soviet union in 1933,
land and lease program conceived before USA entered the war, 1940.
And economic embargo on Japan.
Those are tectonic changes in till then American foreign policy which lead the states and the world to and out from world war 2. And Russia and the states to world war 2 alliance.

Russia pushed till Berlin in WW2, having 27 million casualties of their own. The question is, if America was not allied to Russia (or that Roosevelt did not take early decisions), or kept isolationism in force, how would world war 2 end west from Berlin? Western Europe wellbeing aside, moving America from isolationism led America to become global power. (USA benefited from alliance)

So, the history suggests there are phases in relationship, good and bad. But when it was good, it was good for USA

I am not certain where the president Trumps decision making will lead the world in the future, but the decisions he makes (the way how he makes them from established main stream flow) reminds me of FDR.

After president Trump took the oval office, the statements were unimaginable:
Take Greenland
Take Panama
Make peace with Russia.
(just like that???)

How?
OK, Panama is Americas backyard, so I was suspecting kinetic action Grenada 2.0.
Everyday I read something surprising, and yesterday I read:
Blackrock paid a buy out of Panama ports from Chinese. (no shots fired, no Grenada 2.0)
America therefore, owns Panama as promised. (entry ports Balboa and Christobal)

This also, i don't believe it happened just by offer that cannot be refused in local harbor msters office, I am certain there was diplomatic agreement between China and USA, before the deal was made. Chinese pulled out.

Now, lets move "like and dislike" aside. To understand the politics, we have to understand the interest. I still haven't figured out the next American strategic global interest. But it could easily be Arctic resources. I could imagine some form of partnership would be handy, because Russia has the biggest amount of assets in the region, and technology so far. Thye have rare earhts for export in good quantity
Panama is easily understandable, control of major sea routes, and possibility quickly to transfer the navy assets.

Explanation:
While some of above is known history, some is less known. How do I know about the texan battle of Campeche, when Texas fought for ist own independence?
I have colt army 1860, cap and ball. Black powder. On its cylinder are engraved some tall ships with sail. What a sailing boats have to do with Army? Battle of Campeche, engraved so Samuel Colt could make advertising in Texas when Colts company faced some problems.
I made a reaserch, and made an article about it, once. Few years ago.

See Russia and the US were allies WW2, then we had the Cold War, then it ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and I can’t really find any reason for America to directly dislike Russia since. Redleg I haven’t read any of those books but they largely seem Cold War based going off the titles. Again other than Ukraine what has Russia done to America to warrant such dislike (since the end of the Cold War?). It largely just seems to be a hangover from a country/government that stopped existing 3 decades ago.

 

[Brent in Az]

 

[Brent in Az]

Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio are headed to Saudi Arabia to meet with a Ukrainian delegation to resume peace talks.