Politics

[Mark A Ouellette]

I heard the axe also hit the Park service and some in the hunting community are concerned about issuance of hunting licenses for outfitters.

I wonder if the axe also hit Fish and Wildlife, and whether it would impact issuance of import permits?

No one knows for sure. Personally I would allow for any federal governemnt service to be delayed until the administrating agency is reviewed and/or audited.

We all may suffer a little while Trump and friends do their best to "reset" the government. Hopefully those businesses such as outfitters will be issued temporary licenses and/or permits so they may continue to operate.

 

[mdwest]

Whether it has or hasn’t is irrelevant… it will… it’s only a matter of time before all branches of government are audited and action is taken..

I’m pretty sure fish and wildlife is just as bloviated, inefficient, and ineffective as all of the other agencies..

And like all other agencies, they will be set back for a little while, and then recover..

 

[fourfive8]

Short of WW2, I am honestly curious which of the skirmishes that we as the US of A have meddled in have ended well? I was born in 1972 so I’m a kid to a lot of you. In my time, I’m not sure any.

Yes, now crickets …. A question that is rarely honestly answered or debated. 1972 was certainly a key date for one of the big ones- Vietnam. Johnson, select politicians and generals threw over 500,000 US troops into that. How did that work out?

 

[Hunt anything]

I heard the axe also hit the Park service and some in the hunting community are concerned about issuance of hunting licenses for outfitters.

I wonder if the axe also hit Fish and Wildlife, and whether it would impact issuance of import permits?

I talked to a friend in USFWS Saturday night and he said that they had been hit with around 500 layoffs so far covering a lot of different levels from Refuge managers to all probies.

 

[Altitude sickness]

I don’t think Trump and Hegseth will declare the same ridiculous ROE on our troops for the next dustup.

We would most likely go back to WW2 ROE

And therefore no nation state will want to land the first blow.

The enemy in a Man Dress will continue the sucker punch from the sidelines.

 

[BSO Dave]

Well, there you have it..Trump and his administration is as right wing as AfD, Meloni and Victor Orban and Fidescz.. Lets see how this will play out in Europe.

I guess the long period of western Europe and the US being close allies in NATO is history.

At least for now, Trump has no real intention of withdrawing from NATO... Had that been his actual agenda, I promise you that it would have happened by now... As it has been mentioned and debated here endlessly, Trump threatens the most extreme tactics far more than he implements them. They are effective, because he is so unpredictable and feared as you, yourself alluded to...

We need the EU alliance to continue for many valuable, mutually beneficial reasons. However, Trump likes to remind Europe that they still need us more than we need them... That truth is not going to change unless the EU can collectively commit to stepping up their self-defense on their own dimes...

In the simplest of terms, Trump's position is that the days of the USA's unquestioned umbrella protection of Europe is not going to continue for free... He wants the U.S. to realize returns in both economic and strategic reciprocations...

 

[Datchew]

I think a lot of “Ukraine skepticism” was a result of a combination of OIF/OEF hangover in the public psyche, coupled with a hearty mental vote of no confidence in the Biden administration to navigate a very tenuous situation.
The vitriol that followed—including on here—that if you don’t “support Ukraine” sufficiently enough, you’re a Putin stooge, you’re an isolationist, you have no concept of history, etc etc hasn’t changed any minds either. I really hate how everything has become EVENT, and your REACTION shows how you line up into one of two camps in society.

Well said.

Constant was (and is) the nonsense push of a false binary categorization to anyone questioning the Ukraine hivemind narrative.

I have family in Lithuania. I believe they understand the Russian better than the armchair quarterbacks and warmongers.

As we're all finally realizing, zelensky is no George Washington, Ukraine is heinously corrupt and always has been, the money laundering is coming out in the wash, and it's clear who the propaganda machines have been and how they've been funded via the US state dept.

And arguably approaching or over a million dead.
First for "unprovoked invasion"
Then for "democracy"
Then finally the truth via Lindsey Graham. Trillions in minerals and resources.

Sick.

 

[Altitude sickness]

I wanted to start a different thread to be able to have a poll. But this is the political thread. SO.

Who believes Macron of France will negotiate a Tariff and Ukraine peace agreement plan during his emergency EU meeting?

Will Macron get all or only a portion of what Trump is asking for from the EU partners?


I’ll vote that during the EU summit led by Macron they will come up with an agreement between all members to agree to sit down with a Trump rep. And they will agree to settle with Trump on each EU nation’s ridiculous tariffs on US products. So Trump will agree to lift the Tariffs while an agreement is being negotiated.



Ukraine,

I also vote. Macron will also get a consensus from the EU to pony up more for defense. And come up with how many troops the UN will send for peacekeeping in Ukraine.

 

[Altitude sickness]

At least for now, Trump has no real intention of withdrawing from NATO... Had that been his actual agenda, I promise you that it would have happened by now... As it has been mentioned and debated here endlessly, Trump threatens the most extreme tactics far more than he implements them. They are effective, because he is so unpredictable and feared as you, yourself alluded to...

We need the EU alliance to continue for many valuable, mutually beneficial reasons. However, Trump likes to remind Europe that they still need us more than we need them... That truth is not going to change unless the EU can collectively commit to stepping up their self-defense on their own dimes...

In the simplest of terms, Trump's position is that the days of the USA's unquestioned umbrella protection of Europe is not going to continue for free... He wants the U.S. to realize returns in both economic and strategic reciprocations...

BSO, I agree that during peace time or during small skirmishes we don’t need the EU militaries.

But ! If there is ever a large war where N Korea, China and possibly others and the U.S. are entangled. We will definitely need all NATO nations.

There are some very professional and competent militaries in NATO. Also Japan S Korea, Australia

 

[Brent in Az]

Rand Paul wants DOGE to audit the federal gold reserve at Fort Knox to make sure it's all there

 

[roverandbrew]

BSO, I agree that during peace time or during small skirmishes we don’t need the EU militaries.

But ! If there is ever a large war where N Korea, China and possibly others and the U.S. are entangled. We will definitely need all NATO nations.

There are some very professional and competent militaries in NATO. Also Japan S Korea, Australia

We are assisted by many countries in Europe when is comes to capacity building or augmenting our efforts in the TSCPs around the globe to counter near peer and malign actor influence.

 

[Brent in Az]

Trump is targeting federal probationary employee's who do dont have the civil servant protections

 

[USN]

Rand Paul and everyone else knows the gold is long gone. The real question is will the government admit that it all has been stolen.

 

[Red Leg]

Well said.

Constant was (and is) the nonsense push of a false binary categorization to anyone questioning the Ukraine hivemind narrative.

I have family in Lithuania. I believe they understand the Russian better than the armchair quarterbacks and warmongers.

As we're all finally realizing, zelensky is no George Washington, Ukraine is heinously corrupt and always has been, the money laundering is coming out in the wash, and it's clear who the propaganda machines have been and how they've been funded via the US state dept.

And arguably approaching or over a million dead.
First for "unprovoked invasion"
Then for "democracy"
Then finally the truth via Lindsey Graham. Trillions in minerals and resources.

Sick.I am sure they do, and only two other countries in NATO have committed more as a percentage of GDP to Ukraine than Lithuania at 2% of its GDP. No group of countries recognize the inherent threat posed by Russia more than the Baltics.

Yes, now crickets …. A question that is rarely honestly answered or debated. 1972 was certainly a key date for one of the big ones- Vietnam. Johnson, select politicians and generals threw over 500,000 US troops into that. How did that work out?

The highest contributor in NATO to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP is Estonia at 4.1% and number two is Denmark at 3%. The mighty US provides only 0.3%. Only three NATO countries provide a lower percentage of GDP than the US. They are France, Italy, and Belgium and France is not a full member of the alliance.

Yes, I know in real dollar terms the US has contributed about 40% of the total (in kind and in actual monetary support). But if one of us gives half a million to a charity and if Elon Musk does the same, it is an identical amount but not quite the same thing is it.

As far as casualties. what would you sacrifice for your independence - to not be under the bootheel of a tyrant like Putin? Our ancestors pledged to each other, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Of those 56 signers of the declaration of independence

Nine fought and died from wounds or hardships during the war.
Five were captured by the British, charged with treason and were tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Continental Army
Another had two sons captured.
Several lost wives, sons or entire families.
One lost his 13 children.
Two wives were brutally treated.
All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes.
Seventeen lost everything they owned.

And of course the enormous sacrifices of so many more whose names are not recorded by history.

Yet, all of that sacrifice would have been in vain were it not for French military materiel and eventual French army and naval support. Without it that support, our revolution would have utterly failed. Yet to many, Ukraine doesn't have that right, and we should do nothing to support them. Were a reemerging belligerent Russia not a clear threat to our national interests, I would hope this nation before all others still would be supportive of Ukraine's fight for self determination and a democratic future aligned with the West.

I am thoroughly sick of these nonsensical comparisons to Vietnam or Afghanistan. I do not believe that I am the only one who may have noticed that the US does not have a single infantryman serving in Ukraine - not even any advisors or contractor support. It is Ukrainians who are sacrificing their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for independence. They know the casualties they have suffered and they know the injury they have inflicted on their enemy. All they have asked for is the means to see this war to a just conclusion. The Biden administration provided barely the combat systems to survive (look at those percentage of GDP numbers again), and now Trump seems determined to force a settlement on them through a negotiation in which they are not even allowed to participate.

I am also thoroughly sick of the blame America first crowd. I despised them when they were leftists, and I find them no more appealing when they are suddenly on the right. This war began as a result of one thing. Vladimir Putin ordered and executed a brutal invasion. Against all expectations, Ukraine has fought that military to a standstill.

If we now sell out Ukraine to the Russians, I do not think history will treat us kindly.

 

[deewayne2003]

Curious if anyone else is watching the Canada/US hockey game? Canadians booing the US national anthem, three fights in the first minute of the game, a bunch of Canadian fans wearing Trump wigs. May be nothing, may be an indication of how Canadians actually feel about Trump’s ridiculous comments.

Because we all know hockey games bring out the best in Canadians!

 

[Altitude sickness]

The highest contributor in NATO to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP is Estonia at 4.1% and number two is Denmark at 3%. The mighty US provides only 0.3%. Only three NATO countries provide a lower percentage of GDP than the US. They are France, Italy, and Belgium and France is not a full member of the alliance.

Yes, I know in real dollar terms the US has contributed about 40% of the total (in kind and in actual monetary support). But if one of us gives half a million to a charity and if Elon Musk does the same, it is an identical amount but not quite the same thing is it.

As far as casualties. what would you sacrifice for your independence - to not be under the bootheel of a tyrant like Putin? Our ancestors pledged to each other, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Of those 56 signers of the declaration of independence

Nine fought and died from wounds or hardships during the war.
Five were captured by the British, charged with treason and were tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Continental Army
Another had two sons captured.
Several lost wives, sons or entire families.
One lost his 13 children.
Two wives were brutally treated.
All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes.
Seventeen lost everything they owned.

Yet, all of that sacrifice would have been in vain were it not for French military materiel and eventual French army and naval support. Yet to many, Ukraine doesn't have that right, and we should do nothing to support them. Were a reemerging belligerent Russia not a clear threat to our national interests, I would hope this nation before all others still would be supportive of Ukraine's fight for self determination and a democratic future aligned with the West.

I am also thoroughly sick of these nonsensical comparisons to Vietnam or Afghanistan. I do not believe that I am the only one who may have noticed that the US does not have a single infantryman serving in Ukraine. It is Ukrainians who are sacrificing their lives, fortunes, and honor for independence. They know the casualties they have suffered and they know the injury they have inflicted on their enemy. All they have asked for is the means to see this war to a just conclusion. The Biden administration provided barely the combat systems to survive (look at those percentage of GDP numbers again), and now Trump seems determined to force a settlement on them through a negotiation in which they are not allowed to participate.

I am also thoroughly sick of the blame America first crowd. I despised them when they were leftists, and I find them no more appealing when they are suddenly on the right. This war began as a result of one thing. Vladimir Putin ordered and executed a brutal invasion. Against all expectations, Ukraine has fought that military to a standstill.

If we now sell out Ukraine to the Russians, I do not think history will treat us kindly.

Isn’t it sad that Zelenskyy has been forced to keep his mouth shut during the entire Biden regime. Biden claims approximately 177 billion US aid was received by Ukraine. Zelenskyy Now feels free to say he only received 76 billion.

While we are negotiating the peace agreement. a side bar conversation needs to be where the 100 billion went.

I am now remembering a very odd visit from Nancy Pelosi and son to Ukraine and Taiwan before she handed over the Gavel. Was she solidifying the agreed to sketchy story mouth to ear. No digital evidence?


Putin has stated to Trump he is willing to sit down and discuss peace. But. His first iteration of demands are ridiculous and should never be allowed.

He gets even more land than he conquered. Ukraine must disarm. He knows that can never happen. So how serious is he.

 

[LivingTheDream]

The highest contributor in NATO to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP is Estonia at 4.1% and number two is Denmark at 3%. The mighty US provides only 0.3%. Only three NATO countries provide a lower percentage of GDP than the US.

I agree with most of what you say, and think you bring some great analysis.

However, I just wanted to point out that I dislike this talking point quoted above as it is the equivalent to having the rich pay their fair share. Also, so much of the military aid is "like kind" and in my opinion is more or a slight of hand by accountants.

 

[Red Leg]

I agree with most of what you say, and think you bring some great analysis.

However, I just wanted to point out that I dislike this talking point quoted above as it is the equivalent to having the rich pay their fair share. Also, so much of the military aid is "like kind" and in my opinion is more or a slight of hand by accountants.

Whether it offends you or not, virtually every NATO country has done proportionately more to aid Ukraine than the United States. That is a fact.

With respect to an accountant's slight of hand, I am not sure what you mean. It is largely a simple budgetary drill.

How else would you describe this process?

An M1A1 is pulled out of storage in the AZ desert. A maintenance team goes over it and makes it combat worthy. The parts associated with the overhaul and military labor time are charged to the Ukraine appropriation rather than a US Army logistics support appropriation. US Army depot maintenance teams and some contractors would be doing the work (the contractor is already on contract to the depot).

Then, a value is attached to the used tank. After all, you and I paid for it. That used tank value is then also subtracted from the Ukraine appropriation. Finally, the tank and its sisters are loaded on a naval transport and shipped to Germany for forward rail transport to Poland. That transport cost is also deducted from the appropriation. I am a decade out of date, but I would suggest the US is charging a total of around 10 million a platform for each tank arriving in theater.

Note that not a single dollar has changed hands anywhere. Not a nickel has left the US. The amounts are simply an accounting deduction from the appropriation to support Ukraine. Whether platforms, weapons, ammunition, or training, that is how military drawdown assistance works when funded by the US.

 

[Red Leg]

Isn’t it sad that Zelenskyy has been forced to keep his mouth shut during the entire Biden regime. Biden claims approximately 177 billion US aid was received by Ukraine. Zelenskyy Now feels free to say he only received 76 billion.

While we are negotiating the peace agreement. a side bar conversation needs to be where the 100 billion went.

I am now remembering a very odd visit from Nancy Pelosi and son to Ukraine and Taiwan before she handed over the Gavel. Was she solidifying the agreed to sketchy story mouth to ear. No digital evidence?


Putin has stated to Trump he is willing to sit down and discuss peace. But. His first iteration of demands are ridiculous and should never be allowed.

He gets even more land than he conquered. Ukraine must disarm. He knows that can never happen. So how serious is he.

Just judging by the propaganda coming out of the Russian news talk shows and comments by Sergey Lavrov, my impression is that the Russians believe that Trump is desperate for a deal because of the boasts and promises he has made. I hope they are wrong.

 

[hyipl]

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