As with George W Bush before him - manufacturing dissent against Saddam Hussein's rule with his Iraqi 'Weapons of mass destruction' to justify extreme action, so too Trump has now embarked on a similar escapade...

Similar... but not identical.

Now the targets of dissent, Canada and Mexico, are in on the pantomime with the US to manufacture a reason for extreme actions under the cover of which all three can attempt to achieve an economic reset.

An economic reset, made imperative by the pandemic's exposure of immediate existential threats to all countries over-reliant on international imports for even the most basic necessities like food, let alone on medical supplies to maintain a defense against a future pandemic.

But it's real:

The death toll is enormous in the USA -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_drug_overdose_death_rates_and_totals_over_time

Synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) were
involved with 70,601 deaths in 2021.
Around 111,000 people died in 2022.
Around 108,500 in 2023.

Bobby. wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 7:22am:

But it's real: The death toll is enormous in the USA - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_drug_overdose_death_rates_and_totals_over_time Synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) were involved with 70,601 deaths in 2021. Around 111,000 people died in 2022. Around 108,500 in 2023.

Sure... and American citizens and companies have been producing and supplying synthetic opiates for years... That is what created the opioid crisis in the US in the first place, and the reason why codeine in Australia is now a Schedule 4 drug.

So... the tariffs on China... At 10%, while Canada and Mexico get 25%  ??!!

Well, that's a matter of the international hierarchy.

After the US, China is peerless... it cannot be treated like just any other country, least of all Canada and Mexico.

Accordingly, China gets a tariff of just 10%... that will be all that Xi Jinping signed up for.

The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it?

Given Trump’s track record, especially while in office, his follow-through rarely extends beyond executive orders. His latest economic playbook is no different. Instead of laying the groundwork to strengthen local manufacturing before implementing tariffs, he’s gone straight for the blunt-force option: tariffs first, no real industrial strategy to support them.

The result?

Economic pain for ordinary Americans, with little to no gain, particularly in the short term.

And yet, you actually trust that Trump has some grander plan? Have you even looked into Project 2025 and what it outlines regarding government support for local industry?

Spoiler: it doesn’t prioritise subsidising or supporting local manufacturing at all. Instead, it’s a blueprint for slashing government involvement in the economy, cutting subsidies, and dismantling programs that support domestic industries.

Put simply, more incentive for the free-market to continue to prioritise profit over jobs, moving more things offshore and with the tariffs raising the prices their international competitors have to charge, they'll just raise their prices to match for more profit.

That leaves Trump with one economic lever: tariffs. No strategy, no investment, just economic disruption under the delusion that manufacturing will magically return. This isn’t leadership, it’s reckless economic vandalism.

And yet, you’re all cheering for him.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 11:34am:

The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Given Trump’s track record, especially while in office, his follow-through rarely extends beyond executive orders. His latest economic playbook is no different. Instead of laying the groundwork to strengthen local manufacturing before implementing tariffs, he’s gone straight for the blunt-force option: tariffs first, no real industrial strategy to support them. The result? Economic pain for ordinary Americans, with little to no gain, particularly in the short term. And yet, you actually trust that Trump has some grander plan? Have you even looked into Project 2025 and what it outlines regarding government support for local industry? Spoiler: it doesn’t prioritise subsidising or supporting local manufacturing at all. Instead, it’s a blueprint for slashing government involvement in the economy, cutting subsidies, and dismantling programs that support domestic industries. Put simply, more incentive for the free-market to continue to prioritise profit over jobs, moving more things offshore and with the tariffs raising the prices their international competitors have to charge, they'll just raise their prices to match for more profit. That leaves Trump with one economic lever: tariffs. No strategy, no investment, just economic disruption under the delusion that manufacturing will magically return. This isn’t leadership, it’s reckless economic vandalism. And yet, you’re all cheering for him.

Yes, that's exactly what it is.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 11:34am:

The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it?

Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have...

Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 10:48am:

So... the tariffs on China... At 10%, while Canada and Mexico get 25%  ??!! Well, that's a matter of the international hierarchy. After the US, China is peerless... it cannot be treated like just any other country, least of all Canada and Mexico. Accordingly, China gets a tariff of just 10%... that will be all that Xi Jinping signed up for.

Mexico have around 350bil trade surplus to America and Canada 200bil, I expect these to be drastically reduced to remove the tariffs. So its Trump and the American people versus Mexico and the democrats.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 11:34am:

The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Given Trump’s track record, especially while in office, his follow-through rarely extends beyond executive orders. His latest economic playbook is no different. Instead of laying the groundwork to strengthen local manufacturing before implementing tariffs, he’s gone straight for the blunt-force option: tariffs first, no real industrial strategy to support them. The result? Economic pain for ordinary Americans, with little to no gain, particularly in the short term. And yet, you actually trust that Trump has some grander plan? Have you even looked into Project 2025 and what it outlines regarding government support for local industry? Spoiler: it doesn’t prioritise subsidising or supporting local manufacturing at all. Instead, it’s a blueprint for slashing government involvement in the economy, cutting subsidies, and dismantling programs that support domestic industries. Put simply, more incentive for the free-market to continue to prioritise profit over jobs, moving more things offshore and with the tariffs raising the prices their international competitors have to charge, they'll just raise their prices to match for more profit. That leaves Trump with one economic lever: tariffs. No strategy, no investment, just economic disruption under the delusion that manufacturing will magically return. This isn’t leadership, it’s reckless economic vandalism. And yet, you’re all cheering for him.

meh

america will be successful if the people are optomistic and free.

that translates to a president with extreme self belief and an end to over regulation.

trump, musk , doge are all steps in the right direction.

lets not forget that the size of government is an anchor around the economy

and with 95 % of washington voting democrat, its pretty obvious they think trump is going to take the blowtorch to them

that can only unleash entrepreneurial spirit and the mighty engine of small business, tech and entrepreneurs.

america succeeds or fails based on the enterprise of these people.

trump is the perfect catalyst for diminishing government

and elon is the perfect catalyst for unleashing entrepreneurial activity.


the fact trinkets on temu are going to cost 10 % more is of significance only to those stuck in consumer culture (the takers),   trump is about helping the creators, the lifters, the risk takers and job creators.

and remember the equation

success =  competancy X  self belief

trump isnt that competant but he makes up for it in self belief

and thats what the USA needs

self belief

self love

patriotism

an end to self attack and white guilt which erode self belief  ;)

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 2:04pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have... Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since.

It could very well be.  But he's been promising to fix everything, much of it from day one.  It's a stark contrast to what he's doing.

But if he is trying to bring on a recession to help a reset, he's doing a good job.

Trump's decrees, including tariffs, (in association with Canada, Mexico and China), are the equivalent of an Australian state/federal public service staff restructure - designed to be disruptive, and from which the most common outcome is the guarantee of more to come.

The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes.

It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead.

In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it?

But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting.

Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted.

Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it.

Canada and Mexico should know better than to try and screw over their fellow North Americans
But hey, they played the Lefty game and now it's biting them in the arse, just like it is for all Lefties from Argentina to Australia.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 3:38pm:

The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it.

BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant

A new survey concluded that there was not a single soul who would be interested in reading any further political Facebook rants, finding that even the mothers of those writing and posting them would not care to read them.

"Save your time, effort, and brain power. Nobody cares," said one participant in the survey. "You're a member of one political party. You dislike everything the opposing political party does and says. You are outraged by something or other. We all get it. We don't need to read the extended version of your latest diatribe against the people you think are the problem with the country. Seriously, nobody cares. Save it."

Sources confirmed that continually posting long political rants on Facebook and other social media platforms was the worst use of a person's time. "Go sit outside. Absorb some sunshine," another survey respondent said. "The list of things people are more interested in than your political opinions is long and exhaustive. Even if someone somehow had the most momentary willingness to read what you're posting, they'd check out after the first paragraph. Paragraphs 2 through 17 are overkill at that point. Just don't."

At publishing time, an additional report also indicated that people were just as uninterested in seeing a picture of what you made for dinner last night.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 2:04pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have... Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since.

Sure, but the difference here is Americans will get tariffs for four years, they'll pay a fortune for nothing, and the next administration will be forced to pick up the pieces.

Karnal wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 3:51pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 2:04pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have... Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since. Sure, but the difference here is Americans will get tariffs for four years, they'll pay a fortune for nothing, and the next administration will be forced to pick up the pieces.

Vietnam from Kennedy to Johnson to Nixon to Ford...
Oil crisis from Ford to Carter
Economic downturn from Carter to Reagan
Economic downturn from Reagan to Bush I
Iraq from Bush I to Clinton to Bush II...
Afghanistan from Bush II to Obama to Trump to Biden
World GFC from Bush II to Obama
Pandemic response from Trump to Biden
Ukraine and Gaza from Biden to Trump

Politics as usual, then...

Oh but to the Lefties it's all different because it's Trump

aquascoot wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 2:24pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Given Trump’s track record, especially while in office, his follow-through rarely extends beyond executive orders. His latest economic playbook is no different. Instead of laying the groundwork to strengthen local manufacturing before implementing tariffs, he’s gone straight for the blunt-force option: tariffs first, no real industrial strategy to support them. The result? Economic pain for ordinary Americans, with little to no gain, particularly in the short term. And yet, you actually trust that Trump has some grander plan? Have you even looked into Project 2025 and what it outlines regarding government support for local industry? Spoiler: it doesn’t prioritise subsidising or supporting local manufacturing at all. Instead, it’s a blueprint for slashing government involvement in the economy, cutting subsidies, and dismantling programs that support domestic industries. Put simply, more incentive for the free-market to continue to prioritise profit over jobs, moving more things offshore and with the tariffs raising the prices their international competitors have to charge, they'll just raise their prices to match for more profit. That leaves Trump with one economic lever: tariffs. No strategy, no investment, just economic disruption under the delusion that manufacturing will magically return. This isn’t leadership, it’s reckless economic vandalism. And yet, you’re all cheering for him. meh america will be successful if the people are optomistic and free. that translates to a president with extreme self belief and an end to over regulation. trump, musk , doge are all steps in the right direction. lets not forget that the size of government is an anchor around the economy and with 95 % of washington voting democrat, its pretty obvious they think trump is going to take the blowtorch to them that can only unleash entrepreneurial spirit and the mighty engine of small business, tech and entrepreneurs. america succeeds or fails based on the enterprise of these people. trump is the perfect catalyst for diminishing government and elon is the perfect catalyst for unleashing entrepreneurial activity. the fact trinkets on temu are going to cost 10 % more is of significance only to those stuck in consumer culture (the takers),   trump is about helping the creators, the lifters, the risk takers and job creators. and remember the equation success =  competancy X  self belief trump isnt that competant but he makes up for it in self belief and thats what the USA needs self belief self love patriotism an end to self attack and white guilt which erode self belief  ;)

Strange. A short time ago you were saying how good free trade is. DL should hit the golf course, you said, bang Melania and leave the country in the hands of the "noble capitalists" over at America Inc.

Now Melania's got him in the dog house, he's taking it out on the capitalists and Real Americans, who are stuck holding the bill. DL's holed up back in D.C with a pocket pussy, a wet towel and Walt changing his sheets.

But that's okay. In four year's time, you've got Ron D waiting his turn followed by the "noble Stanley McCrystal" and all the other chumps you supported in 2024.

Ever get the feeling you've been ploughed?

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 3:58pm:

Karnal wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:51pm: MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 2:04pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have... Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since. Sure, but the difference here is Americans will get tariffs for four years, they'll pay a fortune for nothing, and the next administration will be forced to pick up the pieces. Vietnam from Kennedy to Johnson to Nixon to Ford... Oil crisis from Ford to Carter Economic downturn from Carter to Reagan Economic downturn from Reagan to Bush I Iraq from Bush I to Clinton to Bush II... Afghanistan from Bush II to Obama to Trump to Biden World GFC from Bush II to Obama Pandemic response from Trump to Biden Ukraine and Gaza from Biden to Trump Politics as usual, then...

And the best economy in the G7 thanks to Sleepy Joe - self sabotaged by you-know-who.

We expected it to be bad, Meister, we didn't know it would be this bad.

You?

Karnal wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 4:03pm:

Now Melania's got him in the dog house

Got him under surveillance, more like...

Melania has joined the CIA.

https://img.lemde.fr/2025/01/24/0/0/7740/5146/800/0/75/0/a55f0ca_ftp-import-images-1-ae7lpueny2ih-5840789-01-06.jpg

Karnal wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 4:06pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:58pm: Karnal wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:51pm: MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 2:04pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 11:34am: The US should strive for greater self-sufficiency, but is a recession really the best way to achieve it? Well, Keating said it first for Australia- the recession we had to have... Maybe he was right... and we haven't had one since. Sure, but the difference here is Americans will get tariffs for four years, they'll pay a fortune for nothing, and the next administration will be forced to pick up the pieces. Vietnam from Kennedy to Johnson to Nixon to Ford... Oil crisis from Ford to Carter Economic downturn from Carter to Reagan Economic downturn from Reagan to Bush I Iraq from Bush I to Clinton to Bush II... Afghanistan from Bush II to Obama to Trump to Biden World GFC from Bush II to Obama Pandemic response from Trump to Biden Ukraine and Gaza from Biden to Trump Politics as usual, then... And the best economy in the G7 thanks to Sleepy Joe - self sabotaged by you-know-who. We expected it to be bad, Meister, we didn't know it would be this bad. You?

And it's only been five minutes...

Karnal wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 4:03pm:

Strange. A short time ago you were saying how good free trade is.

There is absolutely nothing strange about horse boy changing his tune. He does it on every single issue he has ever raised. The only thing he is consistent on is his inconsistency.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 4:11pm:

Karnal wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:03pm: Now Melania's got him in the dog house Got him under surveillance, more like... Melania has joined the CIA. https://img.lemde.fr/2025/01/24/0/0/7740/5146/800/0/75/0/a55f0ca_ftp-import-images-1-ae7lpueny2ih-5840789-01-06.jpg

A sneaky kiss behind the rapist's back.

The first time she's smiled in years.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/27/1600x900/Final_1737969295191_1737969304995.jpg

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 4:41pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:11pm: Karnal wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:03pm: Now Melania's got him in the dog house Got him under surveillance, more like... Melania has joined the CIA. https://img.lemde.fr/2025/01/24/0/0/7740/5146/800/0/75/0/a55f0ca_ftp-import-images-1-ae7lpueny2ih-5840789-01-06.jpg A sneaky kiss behind the rapist's back. The first time she's smiled in years. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/27/1600x900/Final_1737969295191_1737969304995.jpg

I say, check out his hat. DL's gone all gothic MAGA, like Elon.

What a style queen, eh?

BUTTHURT !!!

Karnal wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 5:45pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:41pm: MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:11pm: Karnal wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 4:03pm: Now Melania's got him in the dog house Got him under surveillance, more like... Melania has joined the CIA. https://img.lemde.fr/2025/01/24/0/0/7740/5146/800/0/75/0/a55f0ca_ftp-import-images-1-ae7lpueny2ih-5840789-01-06.jpg A sneaky kiss behind the rapist's back. The first time she's smiled in years. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/27/1600x900/Final_1737969295191_1737969304995.jpg I say, check out his hat. DL's gone all gothic MAGA, like Elon. What a style queen, eh? BUTTHURT !!!

I guess a red hat is an easier target for the (Republican) snipers.

Frank wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 3:44pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant

Cry some more, bitch.

Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won...

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 6:08pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:44pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant Cry some more, bitch. Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won...

Don't misgender me, hater!  :'( :'( :'(
Number Of Genders Hits 10-Year Low

U.S. — A recent survey of genders in America reveals that the number of genders has just hit a 10-year low.

The number of human genders, which has been as low as one in the distant past, but has stayed constant at two for most of human existence, had wildly spiked around 2020, for unknown reasons. It has dropped precipitously over the past 10 days, and is quickly returning to stability at two.

"It's really encouraging to see a return to safe and stable levels of human gender numbers," said Frank Stevens, who conducts polls for the Institute of Family, Sexuality, and Gender Studies. "After the astronomical numbers of the last few years, nature is finally healing. An overwhelming majority of people are acknowledging that two is really probably quite enough — things weren't going so well when we had more."

Conservative estimates indicate that the number of allegedly existent genders was somewhere in the low 12,000s by late 2023. This number had been revised to around 400, after pollsters excluded members of the Biden Administration.

At publishing time, the number of men asking to compete in women's sports had also declined, though this was probably unrelated.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 6:08pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:44pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant Cry some more, bitch. Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won...

Since the rapist won the election back in November, Frank has been off his rocker.

It's a mystery why he's so angry.

He wanted a rapist & convicted felon to win, and he did.

He wanted the First Lady/VP to throw out fascist dog whistles (e.g. Nazi salutes), and she/he has done that.

He wanted Trump to destroy the US economy, just to own the Libs, and that's exactly what Trump's doing.

He wanted planes falling out of the sky, eggs & gas prices to double along with continued (and intensified) war in the Middle East and Ukraine and that's exactly what's happening.

So, given that Frank is getting exactly what he wanted, why is he so angry all the time?

Does someone need a hug?   :-/

Leroy wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 2:12pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 10:48am: So... the tariffs on China... At 10%, while Canada and Mexico get 25%  ??!! Well, that's a matter of the international hierarchy. After the US, China is peerless... it cannot be treated like just any other country, least of all Canada and Mexico. Accordingly, China gets a tariff of just 10%... that will be all that Xi Jinping signed up for. Mexico have around 350bil trade surplus to America and Canada 200bil, I expect these to be drastically reduced to remove the tariffs. So its Trump and the American people versus Mexico and the democrats.

Whatever the outcome, there's something in it for all three countries and close allies in all permutations of the word - economic, political, military and cultural.

My guess for Canada and the US, the optimal outcome would be economic stimulation towards self-reliance and limiting reliance on imports - for example, during the pandemic masks were rapidly in short supply as their production had been almost completely outsourced to China - indicating that essential products in an emergency could not be supplied or commandeered from local sources by the state.

For Mexico, my guess is that it will be the relocating of the means of production back to the US - such as food production - leaving Mexico to capitalise on its demographic advantage and supply labour.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 6:08pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:44pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant Cry some more, bitch. Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won...

Laffing at you.

How can you be so cloth eared as to misconstrue satire and laughter as 'tantrum' and 'crying'.

Frank wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 7:59pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 6:08pm: Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:44pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant Cry some more, bitch. Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won... Laffing at you. How can you be so cloth eared as to misconstrue satire and laughter as 'tantrum' and 'crying'.

Because you don't have the intelligence to engage in sarcasm you're not copying and pasting from elsewhere.

Nice try though.

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 8:06pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 7:59pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 6:08pm: Frank wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:44pm: SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 3:38pm: The excuses being trotted out by the Trump loyalists to justify his actions, which have conspicuously failed to live up to the lofty promises he made, especially the deluge of “day one” guarantees, are nothing short of laughable. The contrast between what was promised and what has materialised, particularly when compared to the predictions of critics and those who genuinely engaged with his rhetoric, speaks volumes. It’s fascinating to consider how the narrative would unfold if Biden were in charge instead. In all likelihood, it would be prime time for flogging "I did this" stickers, wouldn't it? But for Trump, they're reinterpreting his promises, as if they're bakers trying to make sense of Q drops, or flat-out lying and gaslighting. Every part of this, from Trump's failures to the faithful response, is entirely going as predicted. Yet they chose to, and continue to choose not to be able to see it. BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant Cry some more, bitch. Who would have thought you'd shed more tears or throw more tantrums after Trump won... Laffing at you. How can you be so cloth eared as to misconstrue satire and laughter as 'tantrum' and 'crying'. Because you don't have the intelligence to engage in sarcasm you're not copying and pasting from elsewhere. Nice try though.

Because you are a type, pal, and the Bee satirizes your type very well.

No need for me to try to compete with them.

Bobby. wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 7:22am:

But it's real: The death toll is enormous in the USA - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_drug_overdose_death_rates_and_totals_over_time Synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) were involved with 70,601 deaths in 2021. Around 111,000 people died in 2022. Around 108,500 in 2023.

Canada is responsible for under 1%. Canada's drug problem at the border is Drugs coming in from the USA not the other way around.

Frank wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 3:44pm:

BREAKING: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Rant

Show us this 17 paragraph rant ? Don't know what you are talking about.

If the supply of fentanyl into the US story can be easily debunked, and if the unrestricted immigration into the US via Mexico story can be easily proved to be no longer a thing, then it stands to reason that Trump's entire tariff posturing is part of a collaboration between the three countries.

And Trump is the perfect front guy for this band... Any leader who has no sense of self-embarrassment uttering statements like 'they're eating the dogs' on world broadcast during a presidential debate, will have no problem saying anything - including claiming that one of America's oldest allies, staunchest friend and closest neighbour is willfully trying to undermine the US??!!

Of course it's bullshit... and they're all in on it.

Ever ready to cash in on a suckhole opportunity, an Australian government uses Trump tariffs to avoid making a controversial decision.

Government postpones big stick for big tech until after election amid Trump tariff fears

What's the difference? If a decision risks tariffs, then it risks tariffs... both now and after the election.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/labor-postpones-big-stick-for-big-tech/104891616

"The tariffs won't impact us here, who cares"

/facepalm

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 10:02pm:

"The tariffs won't impact us here, who cares" /facepalm

Seems a copout for an Australian government to publicly shy from a decision because it might upset a US Administration....

It's like they're sure Yank arselicking is an acceptable national ethos such that they'll be forgiven by the people for doing it.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2025 at 10:31pm:

SadKangaroo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2025 at 10:02pm: "The tariffs won't impact us here, who cares" /facepalm Seems a copout for an Australian government to publicly shy from a decision because it might upset a US Administration.... It's like they're sure Yank arselicking is an acceptable national ethos such that they'll be forgiven by the people for doing it.

even albo has been sucked into trumps reality,
for albo to go against trump , albo would have to be at the cause , not at the effect.

as one gets tired of pointing out, trump is about the only world leader who is at the cause

everyone else is just reactive.

the superior man is ALWAYS at the cause

frightened bed wetting neurotic women live in "reactive" energy
(the sort of energy typified by most of our resident leftie men who "react" to trump on an hourly basis ::))

what is playing out on the world stage is what a bunch of milk toast girly men most national leaders are

the people are sick of being led by beta males

the era of the strong man has arrived

want my advice skip?

go build a business and smacking forget trump even exists

you'll be way better off in 5 years then sitting here vibing with angry leftie losers

of course you'll have to give up complaining and thats a powerful addiction

all is good in the world  :)