Politics

[Red Leg]

Those distinctions are important, because they show respect. It's not an army rank structure at all. Some of it is due to "jointness" being forced on them. Others are a very old tradition.

Colonel comes from a leader of a column.

Lieutenant is "in lieu of", as has been noted.

Other examples will occur to you.

Others have mentioned the differences between pay-grades and ranks. Again, Jointness forced.

Oh, and you will note those are Officer ranks. The Army has no Lance Corporal, Gunnery Sergeant, Master Gunnery Sergeant, etc. But my experience has always been others had the respect to learn Army equivalents, but that respect was rarely reciprocated.

True story: In Afghanistan, an Army Colonel was giving a lecture re: respecting Afghan culture, and that not everyone has the same background and decisions.

Same Colonel, later the same day, addressed a Navy Lieutenant Commander as "Major". When the LCDR said "sir, I'm in the Navy, I'm not a Major, the response was: "I don't have the time or inclination to worry about such things.

So the guy who was lecturing about respecting other cultures couldn't even allow for another American making a different decision.

It's all about showing respect.

I think I am fairly well informed of the history of the respective ranks and the service rank structures.

I frankly find your Colonel story hard to believe. Witness that yourself? I know of no soldier who would ever deliberately misuse the rank of an officer or enlisted man - particularly if he reached the rank of colonel. Though it does make a good - how does the Navy put it - sea story.

However, abbreviations of the identical proper rank are another issue; one I frankly don't care to get worked up over.

 

[Altitude sickness]

The last time the US loaned out more money than it borrowed was the mid 70s. Coincidentally it was the same time we no longer had enough gold to equal the cash needed. and we went off the gold reserve. And Saudi Arabia agreed to base oil prices on the Dollar in return for our protection For ever. If they ever went fully off the dollar the US is in dire trouble.


After WW2, when the borrowing and spending really got off track was during Reagan‘s military buildup and the Cold War. Both were necessary. But unlike WW2 we didn’t pay it off. We just kept up the borrowing. One excuse after another.

So here we are. Politicians wring their hands and have talked about the debt forever, but we live in such a short attention span political environment. One year or two at the most. where our true enemies have a 100 year strategy not a two-year strategy.

Using a scalpel would never work and it would never have gotten done. Someone needed to come in and turn the table over and disrupt the status quo so “Biggly” everybody would have to address it.

In the long run, all free markets will end up better off. the worry that we are going to flood their markets with products is a laugh. We can barely produce enough for ourselves except for the farming industry. And our over processed junk food. That we obviously have more than enough for the rest of the world.

What have any of us gained in life without experiencing a little pain and hard work. Anything good you have to suffer and delay the payoff a little first.

What do we tell our kids? You have to work hard and put off your immediate gratification for a quality later life. Then we don’t want do it ourselves when the countries Security is at stake.

 

[bowjijohn]

I think I am fairly well informed of the history of the respective ranks and the service rank structures.

I frankly find your Colonel story hard to believe. Witness that yourself? I know of no soldier who would ever deliberately misuse the rank of an officer or enlisted man - particularly if he reached the rank of colonel. Though it does make a good - how does the Navy put it - sea story.

However, abbreviations of the identical proper rank are another issue; one I frankly don't care to get worked up over.

Sea story

We call(ed) them ‘salty dits’

Same thing

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

I’m sure this will be shot down by the trump faithful as leftist propaganda but I thought it was a well spoken message.

Some numbers to back up what he said,

ww1 650 000 Canadians served

ww2 1.1 million Canadians served

Korean conflict 27000 Canadians served

Vietnam 20-40 thousand Canadians volunteered to fight in Americas military , offsetting the 30000 draft doggers who fled to Canada.

Gulf war 5100 Canadians served

Somali civil war 1400 Canadians served

Bosnian war 1500 Canadians served

Kosovo 1300 Canadians served

Afghan war over 40 000 Canadians served

Not to even mention the assistance rendered in the days after 9/11, the humanitarian aid after hurricanes, firefighters who have fought wildfires in America.

But trump says Canadians are the worst so we must be right?

 

[Altitude sickness]

Great reminder Tubby. I could’ve done without the video of that Lump of $h!!

He has the moral character of a sack of dirt. He would do well in Canadian politics. Please take him from us

 

[Red Leg]

The last time the US loaned out more money than it borrowed was the mid 70s. Coincidentally it was the same time we no longer had enough gold to equal the cash needed. and we went off the gold reserve. And Saudi Arabia agreed to base oil prices on the Dollar in return for our protection For ever. If they ever went fully off the dollar the US is in dire trouble.


After WW2, when the borrowing and spending really got off track was during Reagan‘s military buildup and the Cold War. Both were necessary. But unlike WW2 we didn’t pay it off. We just kept up the borrowing. One excuse after another.

So here we are. Politicians wring their hands and have talked about the debt forever, but we live in such a short attention span political environment. One year or two at the most. where our true enemies have a 100 year strategy not a two-year strategy.

Using a scalpel would never work and it would never have gotten done. Someone needed to come in and turn the table over and disrupt the status quo so “Biggly” everybody would have to address it.

In the long run, all free markets will end up better off. the worry that we are going to flood their markets with products is a laugh. We can barely produce enough for ourselves except for the farming industry. And our over processed junk food. That we obviously have more than enough for the rest of the world.

What have any of us gained in life without experiencing a little pain and hard work. Anything good you have to suffer and delay the payoff a little first.

What do we tell our kids? You have to work hard and put off your immediate gratification for a quality later life. Then we don’t want do it ourselves when the countries Security is at stake.

That is all very noble, but explain to me what the administration's actual strategy is and how it is coherently addressing either the revenue or trade imbalance issues. I am all for greater equity is our international trade, though I assume we intend to maintain all of our agricultural subsidies? The tariff initiatives have been confusing and been issued and changed seemingly on a whim. For the life of me, I can't quite get a grip on how introducing a near collapse to our own markets moves us along that vision of better free trade opportunities and less debt.

For instance, that near collapse has put Treasuries in a precarious state that directly affects the nation's long term economic health through the value of that debt and the cost of its refinancing - a huge portion of which will have to be refinanced in the near term. Current estimates, assuming the 50-60 basis point increase goes no higher this week, indicate the administration's actions have added 170-200 billion USD to the debt annually.

To date, we are going the wrong direction. I find it somewhat amusing that Steve Bannon is now suddenly applauding the President's intent to raise taxes on the "wealthy." I assume Elizabeth Warren is pleased.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Great reminder Tubby. I could’ve done without the video of that Lump of $h!!

He has the moral character of a sack of dirt. He would do well in Canadian politics. Please take him from us

We have enough politicians of our own

 

[Altitude sickness]

I agree Red Leg, Unfortunately consumer confidence is a huge factor and the media is no friend to consumer confidence. And the hysteria has dealt a major blow to those holding US bonds. But they will come to their senses as there is no better place to have your money right now.

We no longer live in a society where everybody gets behind the greater good. Too self centered and shallow.
We would rather be right in our own opinion and enjoy seeing the other party fail instead of what is really good for our country.

I’m not a fan of FDR, but his phrase comes into play right now. Fear and uncertainty is what is really driving the bond market and consumer confidence down, nothing of consequence has actually even happened to any of the targeted nations. Except China.

And I think we both agree once again Trump is his own worst enemy. He should let the experts go to work and let them do the talking.

Use General Patrons leadership style. Hire great people, tell them what you want, then stay the hell out of their way.

 

[mdwest]

I’m sure this will be shot down by the trump faithful as leftist propaganda but I thought it was a well spoken message.

Some numbers to back up what he said,

ww1 650 000 Canadians served

ww2 1.1 million Canadians served

Korean conflict 27000 Canadians served

Vietnam 20-40 thousand Canadians volunteered to fight in Americas military , offsetting the 30000 draft doggers who fled to Canada.

Gulf war 5100 Canadians served

Somali civil war 1400 Canadians served

Bosnian war 1500 Canadians served

Kosovo 1300 Canadians served

Afghan war over 40 000 Canadians served

Not to even mention the assistance rendered in the days after 9/11, the humanitarian aid after hurricanes, firefighters who have fought wildfires in America.

But trump says Canadians are the worst so we must be right?

Sadly, anything endorsed by Schiff automatically gets categorized as shit and garbage… he’s got a well earned reputation for lying, and just being a total douche bag of a human being… so other then extreme leftists and his California constituents, pretty much no one in this country gives a shit about his opinion on anything..

If anything, an endorsement by Schiff equals automatic condemnation by the overwhelming majority of Americans… him speaking on the issue will drive more Americans into the “screw Canada” category (they’re really saying “screw Schiff”.. but Canada pays the price)…

It would be similar to Trudeau publicly saying “Schiff is a great guy.. we want to model Canada after everything he represents.. look at how awesome Burbank California is!”

Doesn’t matter if he’s right or wrong… the mere fact that Trudeau said it would make both Canadians and Americans hate the idea…

 

[Brent in Az]

Texas activist who threatened to kill ICE agents and throw Kristi Noem into a Gulag, cried like a little girl in court, when the judge ordered he remain behind bars.
A flight risk, and a danger to society.

 

[PARA45]

Texas activist who threatened to kill ICE agents and throw Kristi Noem into a Gulag, cried like a little girl in court, when the judge ordered he remain behind bars.
A flight risk, and a danger to society.

All those Keyboard Ninjas are tough behind their keyboard. Once challenged, they are yellow belly cowards and run or cry.

 

[Brent in Az]

I've noticed a very serious upward trend in aviation/aircraft incidents over the last couple of years.
Mostly recently the fiery explosion of a small plane in Florida yesterday. The rotor detaching from the helicopter that plunged into the Hudson. 2 commercial airliners clipping wings at Reagan airport Friday
Many incidents lately of commercial airliner emergency landings and turn arounds.
Not sure what is going on in the industry as a whole, but it is quite alarming.
At this rate, it won't be long before we see another mass casualty event.

For those of you that are frequent fliers, be careful.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Sadly, anything endorsed by Schiff automatically gets categorized as shit and garbage… he’s got a well earned reputation for lying, and just being a total douche bag of a human being… so other then extreme leftists and his California constituents, pretty much no one in this country gives a shit about his opinion on anything..

If anything, an endorsement by Schiff equals automatic condemnation by the overwhelming majority of Americans… him speaking on the issue will drive more Americans into the “screw Canada” category (they’re really saying “screw Schiff”.. but Canada pays the price)…

It would be similar to Trudeau publicly saying “Schiff is a great guy.. we want to model Canada after everything he represents.. look at how awesome Burbank California is!”

Doesn’t matter if he’s right or wrong… the mere fact that Trudeau said it would make both Canadians and Americans hate the idea…

Would rep. John Kennedy work better? I’m pretty sure I can find a link to a speech John Kennedy made along the same lines thanking Canada for its help in the wake of 9/11 and the aid both military and private in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Tubby, your point was well made. Just the wrong greasy politician. No need to use any political hack. Right or left to make the point you made.

Canada is an irreplaceable friend to the U.S.

Shame on us for allowing the lowest
among us, (career politicians) to separate the US and Canada citizens.

 

[SaintPanzer]

I frankly find your Colonel story hard to believe. Witness that yourself? I know of no soldier who would ever deliberately misuse the rank of an officer or enlisted man - particularly if he reached the rank of colonel. Though it does make a good - how does the Navy put it - sea story.

Yes, my own eyes and ears. It was in the J-5 at USFOR-A in December, 2009.

 

[gbflyer]

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Tubby, your point was well made. Just the wrong greasy politician. No need to use any political hack. Right or left to make the point you made.

Canada is an irreplaceable friend to the U.S.

Shame on us for allowing the lowest
among us, (career politicians) to separate the US and Canada citizens.

What I can’t understand is why no one in Canada has take the time to frame a trade deal with the main concession being a reinstatement of the u.s. base in Newfoundland. If I were a Canadian trade minister that would be my approach now that the rest of the countries have shown they don’t have the testicular fortitude to band together and trade as one body.

It would give trump an out as he could claim he “won” something while at the same time taking the pressure off Greenland. It would also benefit the economy of Newfoundland. Any Canadian leader with any sense should go for it even if the idea was to move away as America as a trading partner. You give a short enough term lease to gain you the trade relief and time needed to put east and west pipelines in. While simultaneously investing heavily in military equipment with plans to take over the base America builds. We’re it me I’d concede to leases on both coasts for 20 years (I can’t see any shorter being agreed to) with every intention of manning the bases domestically as soon as the leases ran out.

Who says you can’t learn something from anyone, what’s more trump than that I’d gain canada two military bases and let America pay for it all.

 

[deewayne2003]

Chinese troops fighting in Ukraine, recruitment posters offering $6,800 sign on bonus, $1,400mo pay and 50% housing purchase subsidy.

These two men, one South African & the other American have a combined 25 years of living in China and speak fluent Mandarin & Cantonese.

 

[mdwest]

Would rep. John Kennedy work better? I’m pretty sure I can find a link to a speech John Kennedy made along the same lines thanking Canada for its help in the wake of 9/11 and the aid both military and private in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

If you want consideration from the right, John Kennedy is a good start. He's got a fairly solid following and seems to largely be trusted. He is far more "center right" than Schiff is "center left" (Schiff is an extreme leftist).. although most believe John Kennedy is quite a bit harder right leaning than he claims to be.. If nothing else he's a lot easier to trust.. Some on the left might call him out because they don't share his beliefs.. but he hasn't been caught in multiple scandals, caught outright intentionally lying and/or manipulating, etc like Schiff has..

 

[mdwest]

What I can’t understand is why no one in Canada has take the time to frame a trade deal with the main concession being a reinstatement of the u.s. base in Newfoundland. If I were a Canadian trade minister that would be my approach now that the rest of the countries have shown they don’t have the testicular fortitude to band together and trade as one body.

It would give trump an out as he could claim he “won” something while at the same time taking the pressure off Greenland. It would also benefit the economy of Newfoundland. Any Canadian leader with any sense should go for it even if the idea was to move away as America as a trading partner. You give a short enough term lease to gain you the trade relief and time needed to put east and west pipelines in. While simultaneously investing heavily in military equipment with plans to take over the base America builds. We’re it me I’d concede to leases on both coasts for 20 years (I can’t see any shorter being agreed to) with every intention of manning the bases domestically as soon as the leases ran out.

Who says you can’t learn something from anyone, what’s more trump than that I’d gain canada two military bases and let America pay for it all.

Thats actually not a horrible idea..

Its a "feel good" move only really.. Newfoundland isn't far enough north to have the same strategic value as Greenland if the concern is Russian and/or Chinese nukes or hypersonics..

But.. it forces a decision by Trump, and offers something out of the box as an option that he might well like.. Theres also a handful of abandoned US military bases already in Newfoundland that could be refurbished and reoccupied fairly easy (comparatively to opening a new base from the ground up)..

US pays to refurb Ernest Harmon AFB or Pepperrell ABD.. then occupies it with about 3000 people from the USAF and Space Force.. which helps with the local economy (3000 US military personnel will shop at the local grocery store, fuel up at the local gas stations, rent housing within 20 miles of the base, etc..etc..).. Trump gets to play like he got a "victory"... Canada then leverages that for some better positioning in the trade/tariff discussions..

Potential win-win for everyone.. and helps rebuild grass roots relationships (Newfoundland determines it likes the US, because the air base is enriching Newfoundland.. )...