hi meister.

an interesting fact.

the dutch, the habsburgs, the prussians, napoleonic france, the ottoman empire , the british empire all collapsed shortly after they hit one parameter.

the money they were spending on interest for foreign debt began exceeding the ammount they were spending on their military.

The USA hit this circumstance last year.

Is it possible for america to fund the defence of europe , fund the conflict in the middle east and fund the defence of taiwan simultaneously.

it would appear not

Obama declared that america must pivot to the pacific during his term.

How then can trump solve the financial position and the military position.

How can he de escalate the situation in europe.

Is not the idea of american companies establishing a large presence whilst co-partnering with the ukraine in mining a win/win?

Would putin be likely to re kindle a war with the ukraine if there were 1000's of americans working in the ukraine, creating wealth for the ukranians and providing security in the process.

Is this not a possible solution?

The alternative would see Zalensky , in the words of sun tzu, "seeing the destruction of his country,so that he could rule over the ashes"

The USA can no longer take on russia, iran, china and north korea by itself.

putin is an evil man but he is very very mild compared to stalin (butcher of 20 million of HIS OWN PEOPLE) who was invited and indeed courted by FDR and churchill.

Trump can re establish a world that is much safer and more prosperous.

the alternative is "what exactly"??

Meister Eccy doesn't have an alternative solution Aqua. Nor do any of the Lefties. Thats the doom of the situation. France, the Democrats and the ALP are holding onto past fears and the old ways. All they care for is how superior they are, not about how superior the world as a whole can be towards a better future. It's all about just them, not everyone.
What did they have to show for themselves during the bumbling Biden term?
Dressing in drag LGBTQetc style like a Hamas coward in woman's clothes.
That pretty much sums up their 'self indulgence'. Politics is a French Fashion Mardi Gras Parade.

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 8:45am:

Would putin be likely to re kindle a war with the ukraine if there were 1000's of americans working in the ukraine, creating wealth for the ukranians and providing security in the process.

'Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine (November 20, 2024)
Location: Ukraine, all districts
Event: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place.  The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.'
https://ua.usembassy.gov/mascot-update-u-s-embassy-kyiv-ukraine/
...after Trump's election....

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 8:45am:

hi meister. an interesting fact. the dutch, the habsburgs, the prussians, napoleonic france, the ottoman empire , the british empire all collapsed shortly after they hit one parameter. the money they were spending on interest for foreign debt began exceeding the ammount they were spending on their military. The USA hit this circumstance last year. Is it possible for america to fund the defence of europe , fund the conflict in the middle east and fund the defence of taiwan simultaneously. it would appear not Obama declared that america must pivot to the pacific during his term. How then can trump solve the financial position and the military position. How can he de escalate the situation in europe. Is not the idea of american companies establishing a large presence whilst co-partnering with the ukraine in mining a win/win? Would putin be likely to re kindle a war with the ukraine if there were 1000's of americans working in the ukraine, creating wealth for the ukranians and providing security in the process. Is this not a possible solution? The alternative would see Zalensky , in the words of sun tzu, "seeing the destruction of his country,so that he could rule over the ashes" The USA can no longer take on russia, iran, china and north korea by itself. putin is an evil man but he is very very mild compared to stalin (butcher of 20 million of HIS OWN PEOPLE) who was invited and indeed courted by FDR and churchill. Trump can re establish a world that is much safer and more prosperous. the alternative is "what exactly"??

Secretary of State Marco Rubio just gave one of the BEST interviews I have watched in defense of President Trump's Ukraine and Russia strategy.

President Trump picked a seasoned media veteran like Rubio for moments like these, here is the full interview!

https://x.com/ACTBrigitte/status/1895671572813496728

Secretary of State Marco Rubio just gave one of the BEST examples of how to lick President Trump's arse in public.

He's gonna be tasting Big Macs for the next two weeks.

And, Brigette Gabriel   ;D

A radical Islamophobe who wrote an "autobiography" full of bullshit.

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 1:13pm:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio just gave one of the BEST examples of how to lick President Trump's arse in public. He's gonna be tasting Big Macs for the next two weeks. And, Brigette Gabriel   ;D A radical Islamophobe who wrote an "autobiography" full of bullshit.

There is NO WAY that you listened to the interview, skin crawling creep.

You are just talking out of your arse, unthinkingly, derangedly as usual.  Oblivious creep.

Frank wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 1:23pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 1:13pm: Secretary of State Marco Rubio just gave one of the BEST examples of how to lick President Trump's arse in public. He's gonna be tasting Big Macs for the next two weeks. And, Brigette Gabriel   ;D A radical Islamophobe who wrote an "autobiography" full of bullshit. There is NO WAY that you listened to the interview, skin crawling creep. You are just talking out of your arse, unthinkingly, derangedly as usual.  Oblivious creep.

"Trump has made deals his entire life"    ;D

"He's the only person on this planet who can bring the combatants to the table"    ;D

"When he says these things he means them"    ;D

Rubio will be pulling fries out of his teeth for the next fortnight.

Posting dribble rubbish as usual pathetic troll.
You sum up the Democraps effort perfectly.

Jasin wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 1:42pm:

Posting dribble rubbish as usual pathetic troll.

That "dribble rubbish" comes from Rubio.

I'm just the messenger, old boy.

Watch the video and try not to laugh, or vomit.

Rubio's tongue is so far up Trump's ass they'll need a pair of long-nose pliers to get it out.

You blather rubbish and stupidity as much as that Monk bozo.

Just to inject some sanity into this discussion - who's on first:-

https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/03/38/34/66/360_F_338346612_QNFGv3WP6F19UrihdLabbHIo84rTMKfd.jpg

Why is Zelensky being blamed for a war he did not start, but which was started due to Putler's megalomaniac urge to restore the old Russian Empire?  You blame him for the Russians killing his people while defending their own country?

You all mad or something?

You know what horrifies me most?  Despite their liberal upbringing (not Liberal) and their guidance towards rational thinking and such - my children actually support all the unsupportables... Abo 'rights' without limit, 'suffering Palestinians' (this despite their Jewish Ancestry - they should know better), feminism/mad 'women's "rights"... and all the other Woke guff going the rounds.

Their mother clearly raised them to be blind to reality as much as she is.  Clearly their upbringing inserted blinkers as well as buttons for her to push.... I am shocked and disappointed that they cannot see what has happened and is happening to Poor Fellow - OUR Country.  :-/  :'(

Good question Grapps.
Only when Zelensky the media celebrity lefty drag queen became President.
Did other European and even NATO European nations invest in a Russian 'acquisition' of Ukraine which had suddenly pumped up their prices, especially on food exports and seedings (which were genetically modified not to produce seed of their own). Russia promised a more reliable and cheaper alternative.
The double whammy was that the CIA had been for a previous decade trying to push NATO expansionism in Ukraine to be their Cuba on the Russian doorstep and under Zelensky's Lefty regime, it was looking likely by covert means.
Hence why Russia waltzed in as if it were just a formality as most of eastern and mid European nations were 'banking' on them.

Now though, it's just a mess and many are now preparing to invest in Ukraine after the Zelensky Left is removed and Russia just takes a Donbas & Crimea slice for keeps and withdraws come and end to the war.

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 2:23pm:

Just to inject some sanity into this discussion - who's on first:- https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/03/38/34/66/360_F_338346612_QNFGv3WP6F19UrihdLabbHIo84rTMKfd.jpg Why is Zelensky being blamed for a war he did not start, but which was started due to Putler's megalomaniac urge to restore the old Russian Empire?  You blame him for the Russians killing his people while defending their own country?

1. Because Zelensky wanted to increase Western influence in Ukraine, and had no understanding that Putin, being paranoid as well as megalomaniac, would actually invade to stop this NATO encroachment up to  Russia's borders (...as usual, you can't see the other bloke's point of view).

ie, Zelensky is as aware of the  motivations of others as 'a bull in a china shop', not smart for a leader. 

2. therefore.....yes. 

And then we have dummies like Starmer saying "we will stand by you all the way", even after a $trillion worth of property and life losses, and increasing - funded mainly by the US taxpayer. Ukraine would have soon been defeated in a war of attrition, against Russia  without NATO support (mainly US support).

And then Zelensky would have been forced to negotitae wih Putin, which is what Trump wants him to do now, in order to stop draining the US treasury (as Trump and  Musk see it). 

Trump's one saving grace is he actually loves life (even if mostly his own life)  - unlike you neanderthal "freedom or death" fools who are dying (!) to give rein to their inner thug on a battlefield....ignoring the CAUSES of the particular war.

"War is for losers": DJ Trump.

Meister of course proves he is just another unconscious neanderthal loser (described above) who descends to calling people "cowards" for not wanting to participate in the insanity of war.

Yet he is too mentally incompetent/conflicted  to actually say Trump is a coward - an assertion that wouldn't stand close scrutiny. 



Quote:

You all mad or something?

It's 'mirror time', graps.



Quote:

You know what horrifies me most?  Despite their liberal upbringing (not Liberal) and their guidance towards rational thinking and such

YOU give us a good example of the apparent limits of 'rational thinking', graps

Correction.
He only sought ARCHAIC (Rome/Athens) Western culture/politics.
Not the modernising progressive Right of British Western politics.

Jasin wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 4:08pm:

Correction. He only sought ARCHAIC (Rome/Athens) Western culture/politics. Not the modernising progressive Right of British Western politics.

Jasin speaking in riddles ('speaking in tongues'?), as usual...

Another neanderthal loser, looking back to the 'might is right' (through war) of  the ancient world - and "British Western politics" -  rather than forward to a modern world which actually supports international law - which at least the current crop of confused global leaders claim they are supporting, despite the fact it doesnt actually exist yet, owing to the egregious (blind/instinctive/tribal)  belief in an obsolete  'absolute  national sovereignty' narrative. 

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 1:46pm:

Jasin wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 1:42pm: Posting dribble rubbish as usual pathetic troll. That "dribble rubbish" comes from Rubio. I'm just the messenger, old boy. Watch the video and try not to laugh, or vomit. Rubio's tongue is so far up Trump's ass they'll need a pair of long-nose pliers to get it out.

That is your usual malicious and disgusting formulation, despicable lying creep.

Trump is prez.
Rubio is the Secretary of State.
Trump is carrying out the policy he campaigned on and was elected on.
His Secretary of State works on implementing and explaining the implementation of the promised policy. So he was interviewed by CNN and he explained what the Trump administration is doing.

You, being a congenitally despicable liar, would expect him to act like you would: to backstab and betray, to lie and maliciously undermine.

The Left and the Lefty Trolls on here post rubbish of discord in the Republican ranks in desperate hope that it is a fact, because they and the Democraps are full of discord. They stabbed dopey Joe in the back. Kamala pushed him and his wheelchair off the cliff.
Look at the ALP. History of backstabbing their leaders.

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 8:45am:

hi meister. an interesting fact. the dutch, the habsburgs, the prussians, napoleonic france, the ottoman empire , the british empire all collapsed shortly after they hit one parameter. the money they were spending on interest for foreign debt began exceeding the ammount they were spending on their military. The USA hit this circumstance last year.

Did it? I think you are misreading the stats:

(wiki)

The total amount of U.S. Treasury securities held by foreign entities in December 2021 was $7.7 trillion, up from $7.1 trillion in December 2020.Total US federal government debt breached the $30 trillion mark for the first time in history in February 2022

Not exactly the comparison I want, but you can see US foreign debt is only around a quarter of total US debt.

and google

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that interest payments (on US debt) will total $952 billion in fiscal year 2025 and rise rapidly throughout the next decade"

ie interest on total US debt - not US debt held by foreigners (which is about a quarter of total US debt) -  will match the Pentagon's budget in 2025.   


Quote:

How then can trump solve the financial position and the military position.

Well, he's on the right track, by pulling out all stops to attract manufacturing away from China back to the US. 

In war, the ability to produce stuff is king; China is currently streets ahead.


Quote:

The USA can no longer take on russia, iran, china and north korea by itself.

Trump has certainly slowed China's  rise with his trade wars - before the pandeminc,  China was expected to surpass the US economy by the end of the decade, but no-one expects that now, because China can't easily find alternative markets to replace the massive consumption capacity of the US economy.

But the US pivot away from the ME and Europe (and Russia which is a minnow in terms of consumption, and only has its nuclear-arsenal card left) is certainly a good move (from the US perspective): China is the real competitor which might soon rival US military power, owing to China's prowess in new tech as well as its massive productive capacity.


Quote:

Trump can re establish a world that is much safer and more prosperous.

Yes, because he's a strong man backed by the Pentagon, speaks to Xi,  and is prepared to negotiate to avoid war - and isn't likely to cross China's redlines to  "defend" Taiwan which isn't even an independent nation (and never has been). 


Quote:

the alternative is "what exactly"??

An effective international rules-based system, still some time away.....

[Maybe when/if the PLA can demonstrably bring more force to the table than the Pentagon, this will be the time men decide the arms race is bs, and disputes can be settled without resort to war. I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity, under the auspices of an effective UN international rules based system].

Frank wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 5:05pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 1:46pm: Jasin wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 1:42pm: Posting dribble rubbish as usual pathetic troll. That "dribble rubbish" comes from Rubio. I'm just the messenger, old boy. Watch the video and try not to laugh, or vomit. Rubio's tongue is so far up Trump's ass they'll need a pair of long-nose pliers to get it out. That is your usual malicious and disgusting formulation, despicable lying creep. Trump is prez. Rubio is the Secretary of State. Trump is carrying out the policy he campaigned on and was elected on. ...

Indeed.

And Rubio is inserting his tongue deep into Trump's colon.

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 5:37pm:

I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity.

Marla lives on cannabis. You too?

chimera wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 5:44pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too?

Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony.

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:06pm:

chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony.

So what's with the massive military build-up by Chi- na.

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:06pm:

chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony.

both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders.

the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted.

most of the european powers certainly would have

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 8:45am:

hi meister. an interesting fact. the dutch, the habsburgs, the prussians, napoleonic france, the ottoman empire , the british empire all collapsed shortly after they hit one parameter. the money they were spending on interest for foreign debt began exceeding the ammount they were spending on their military. The USA hit this circumstance last year. Is it possible for america to fund the defence of europe , fund the conflict in the middle east and fund the defence of taiwan simultaneously. it would appear not Obama declared that america must pivot to the pacific during his term. How then can trump solve the financial position and the military position. How can he de escalate the situation in europe. Is not the idea of american companies establishing a large presence whilst co-partnering with the ukraine in mining a win/win? Would putin be likely to re kindle a war with the ukraine if there were 1000's of americans working in the ukraine, creating wealth for the ukranians and providing security in the process. Is this not a possible solution? The alternative would see Zalensky , in the words of sun tzu, "seeing the destruction of his country,so that he could rule over the ashes" The USA can no longer take on russia, iran, china and north korea by itself. putin is an evil man but he is very very mild compared to stalin (butcher of 20 million of HIS OWN PEOPLE) who was invited and indeed courted by FDR and churchill. Trump can re establish a world that is much safer and more prosperous. the alternative is "what exactly"??

Hi there, Aquascoot. You neglected to include Russia in your assessment.

Interest rate 21%. Inflation 10%. Foreign assets frozen. $300 bil in foreign debt. 800,000 men dead.

Russia is currently losing this one. Their invasion has reached an effective stalemate. The war is draining all available funds, with no gains.

All Vlad needs is a nuclear power to tap him on the back and say, it's time.

The alternative is what, exactly?

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:22pm:

the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted.

Tibet, India's north and 9 Dash empire are outward. As is Tasman Sea.
US has owned Iran, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, North Korea, North Vietnam, Serbia, Gaza and Israel.

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:06pm:

n a hated global hegemony.

The US long-nose navy is the hated global hegemony. China is buying Africa, South America and the port of Darwin.

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:22pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders. the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted. most of the european powers certainly would have

Strange. Chinese gunboats are currently doing operations off Taipei Harbour. A flotilla of Chinese warships just sailed past Sydney Harbour.

Yes, they were just 150 nautical miles from your quarter acre block in outer suburban Brisbane. Now why would the Chows be acting so bold, perhaps?

Do you think the big fella's encouraging them to be look inwards? A little Zen meditation, perhaps?

No doubt DL's given Xi a copy of his favorite Sun Tzu, no?

Steven Covey's good, DL said, but you really need to read the classics.

When the weak bend, go for their breaking point.

Art of War, innit.

Frank wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 6:14pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. So what's with the massive military build-up by Chi- na.

To convince the US that Taiwan is not worth "defending" (since Taiwan has never been an independent state, (unlike Ukraine, whose independence, ironically,  Krushev  granted to Ukraine when the Warsaw Pact was a balancing force vis a vis NATO).....


But my point was (which you ignored): if/when China surpasses the US economy eg, if a consensus one-party state proves to be  more efficient for maximising economic growth than an adversarial  multi-party democracy***, then China - as suggested by aquascoot - being 'inward looking, might prefer to hand the responsibilities of being  'the world's policeman' to the UN  (via an UNSC minus its crippling veto power).

[**China is soon engaging in its annual 'two sessions' annual gathering of top policy makers, in which delegates hammer out policies for maximising economic growth consistent with the nation's five year plans; quite a different system to one in which eg Trump's policies are likely to be overturned in the US midterm elections as he alienates the workers who elected him...] 

 

So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward.

Got it.
Ta.

Karnal wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 5:36am:

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:22pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders. the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted. most of the european powers certainly would have Strange. Chinese gunboats are currently doing operations off Taipei Harbour. A flotilla of Chinese warships just sailed past Sydney Harbour.

The strange - and sad thing - is your inability to analyze
"national self-interest", and then resort to the insanity of war to settle disputes arising from that self-interest.

[Interestingly, the anti-nuclear-weapons people are out in force in NY for  their week-long events calling for global nuclear disarmanent,  while Trump himself has said there are "too many nukes in the world", forcing the US to stay ahead in the nuclear arm race, thereby directing resources away from social welfare in the US: the US spends only 20% of GDP on social programs, cf, Europe's similar size economy which spends 25% of GDP on social welfare.  Cf, military spending: US - 3.5% of GDP,  Europe - 2%.]


Quote:

Yes, they were just 150 nautical miles from your quarter acre block in outer suburban Brisbane. Now why would the Chows be acting so bold, perhaps?

To dissuade you from "defending" Taiwan which is inhabited by Chinese people, and has never been an independent nation.

While  the Oz military are supposedly maintaining "freedom of passage" in the SCS including transits of the Taiwan Straits, when China -  the world' greatest trading nation -  itself needs that "freedom of passage"  to remain open.   


Quote:

Do you think the big fella's encouraging them to be look inwards? A little Zen meditation, perhaps?

No. Trump knows  a war with a nuclear power to "defend"  Tawain is insane. You want to risk WW3?


Quote:

No doubt DL's given Xi a copy of his favorite Sun Tzu, no?

No.  War is obsolete in the age of MAD, which was Trump's point to Zelensky. 

chimera wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 7:36pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: n a hated global hegemony. The US long-nose navy is the hated global hegemony.

Indeed, the developing  world is increasingly suspicious  of 'America First'. 


Quote:

China is buying Africa, South America and the port of Darwin.

It's called foreign investment, everyone does it. 

Frank wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 12:57pm:

So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward. Got it. Ta.

You incapable of debate?

I explained the issues re Taiwan, and China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's
INTERNAL affairs.  Please engage your brain.

Funny to see you - agreeing with Trump - wanting to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine, but negotiations re Taiwan 'sovereignty' are apparently off the table...why is that?

Note: Trump is obviously disinclined to start WW3 over Taiwan, which is inhabited by Chinese people and has never been an independent nation.

You are in more luck with Israel - the recently created US outpost in the ME - and Netanyahu's  intention to take all of Palestine; Trump only has to face ME ire (which he can easily do),  while the rest of the world isn't prepared to lift a finger to defend Palestine.   

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 2:32pm:

Frank wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 12:57pm: So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward. Got it. Ta. You incapable of debate? I explained the issues re Taiwan, and China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's INTERNAL affairs.  Please engage your brain. Funny to see you - agreeing with Trump - wanting to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine, but negotiations re Taiwan 'sovereignty' are apparently off the table...why is that? Note: Trump is obviously disinclined to start WW3 over Taiwan, which is inhabited by Chinese people and has never been an independent nation. You are in more luck with Israel - the recently created US outpost in the ME - and Netanyahu's  intention to take all of Palestine; Trump only has to face ME ire (which he can easily do),  while the rest of the world isn't prepared to lift a finger to defend Palestine.

china will probably get taiwan

trump will get his minerals for his batteries and chips  from the ukraine instead

he cant land the first armoured division on taiwan...that would be rediculous.

so like a good lateral thinker, he has outframed the problem

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 1:14pm:

chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 7:36pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: a hated global hegemony. The US long-nose navy is the hated global hegemony. China's global hegemony is internal, none of anyone's business and is doesn't exist. Quote: China is buying Africa, South America and the port of Darwin. 'It's called foreign investment, everyone does it.'

Yes I know. They all have a Belt and Road, build railroads across Africa, invade north India, break bones of Vietnamese fishermen and install police training schools in other countries. It's all internal.  'China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's INTERNAL affairs'.  Canberra is internal to China.   

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 1:07pm:

Karnal wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 5:36am: aquascoot wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:22pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders. the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted. most of the european powers certainly would have Strange. Chinese gunboats are currently doing operations off Taipei Harbour. A flotilla of Chinese warships just sailed past Sydney Harbour. The strange - and sad thing - is your inability to analyze "national self-interest", and then resort to the insanity of war to settle disputes arising from that self-interest. [Interestingly, the anti-nuclear-weapons people are out in force in NY for  their week-long events calling for global nuclear disarmanent,  while Trump himself has said there are "too many nukes in the world", forcing the US to stay ahead in the nuclear arm race, thereby directing resources away from social welfare in the US: the US spends only 20% of GDP on social programs, cf, Europe's similar size economy which spends 25% of GDP on social welfare.  Cf, military spending: US - 3.5% of GDP,  Europe - 2%.] Quote: Yes, they were just 150 nautical miles from your quarter acre block in outer suburban Brisbane. Now why would the Chows be acting so bold, perhaps? To dissuade you from "defending" Taiwan which is inhabited by Chinese people, and has never been an independent nation. While  the Oz military are supposedly maintaining "freedom of passage" in the SCS including transits of the Taiwan Straits, when China -  the world' greatest trading nation -  itself needs that "freedom of passage"  to remain open.    [quote]Do you think the big fella's encouraging them to be look inwards? A little Zen meditation, perhaps?

No. Trump knows  a war with a nuclear power to "defend"  Tawain is insane. You want to risk WW3?


Quote:

No doubt DL's given Xi a copy of his favorite Sun Tzu, no?

No.  War is obsolete in the age of MAD, which was Trump's point to Zelensky. 

[/quote]

Oh-er, looks like we have a new MAGA recruit, leftards - by way of Beijing.

How does it feeeeeeel, Fwank? You're sharing your cabin with a Ching-Chong Chinaman.

All aboard, leftards. Broad church, innit.

Taiwan is currently an independent nation, Great. They have things called erections. You know, like jolly old Ukraine, who voted for Zalensky.

4%, according to DL. RIGGED !!!

He never should have started his naughty old war with Vlad, no? What a warmonger. There's JD and DL, pleading with the warmonger Zalensky. Give us your raw earth, DL said. We'll look out for you.

Yes, Zalensky said, but we'll need a security guarantee. Your miners would lose their shirts. Vlad would take the lot.

Don't you worry about that, DL said. Vlad would be too scared.

Excuse me, Zalensky said. Vlad's already broken 25 agreements, so we know.

Yes, but that was Sleepy Joe. He was half-dead. Totally incompetent.

Sorry, the last deal he broke was in 2020. We had a prisoner swap. Here - Zalensky showed photos. These are kids - 200,000, taken to Russia, placed with new parents and taught to forget their old ones. Look, this one's a pastor - he's even kidnapping priests, locking them up and torturing them.

So sad, DL said.

Look, JD said, don't be rude. Have you thanked DL once?

Sorry? Zalensky said.

For your earth. Here we are offering to take your minerals off your hands, JD said. We haven't heard you say thank you.

Thank you, Zalensky said.

DL didn't hear you, JD said. Say it louder - for the fake news.

I'm trying to explain, Zalensky said. You take our raw earth, Vlad will cheat you, then you'll know. You'll feel it.

No no, DL said, I've heard enough. You people need to mind your manners. You need to smile and say thanks for the fake news.

Yes, Zalensky said, but...

Don't interrupt, DL said. Don't tell us how we're going to feel. We're going to feel strong again. We're going to have so much raw earth, we'll be rolling in it. We will make America...

DL went on a bit after that, but they were done. DL chucked Zalensky and his interpreter out of the White House. They didn't even get to eat lunch.

So Great's happy. DL's not going to mess with any dictator's plans for world domination. Ukraine?

Gone. Next stop Poland. While Vlad does into Europe, that leaves Xi to take Taiwan, grab the South Pacific and encircle Australia.

Xi, Vlad and DL can discuss Stephen Covey next time they catch up for a round of golf.

A real "win-win", eh?

Ever get the feeeeeling?

Karnal wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 8:54pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 1:07pm: Karnal wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 5:36am: aquascoot wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:22pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders. the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted. most of the european powers certainly would have Strange. Chinese gunboats are currently doing operations off Taipei Harbour. A flotilla of Chinese warships just sailed past Sydney Harbour. The strange - and sad thing - is your inability to analyze "national self-interest", and then resort to the insanity of war to settle disputes arising from that self-interest. While  the Oz military are supposedly maintaining "freedom of passage" in the SCS including transits of the Taiwan Straits, when China -  the world' greatest trading nation -  itself needs that "freedom of passage"  to remain open.    Quote: Do you think the big fella's encouraging them to be look inwards? A little Zen meditation, perhaps? No. Trump knows  a war with a nuclear power to "defend"  Tawain is insane. You want to risk WW3? [quote]No doubt DL's given Xi a copy of his favorite Sun Tzu, no? No.  War is obsolete in the age of MAD, which was Trump's point to Zelensky.

Oh-er, looks like we have a new MAGA recruit, leftards - by way of Beijing.

How does it feeeeeeel, Fwank? You're sharing your cabin with a Ching-Chong Chinaman.

All aboard, leftards. Broad church, innit.

Taiwan is currently an independent nation, Great. They have things called erections. You know, like jolly old Ukraine, who voted for Zalensky.

4%, according to DL. RIGGED !!!

He never should have started his naughty old war with Vlad, no? What a warmonger. There's JD and DL, pleading with the warmonger Zalensky. Give us your raw earth, DL said. We'll look out for you.

Yes, Zalensky said, but we'll need a security guarantee. Your miners would lose their shirts. Vlad would take the lot.

Don't you worry about that, DL said. Vlad would be too scared.

Excuse me, Zalensky said. Vlad's already broken 25 agreements, so we know.

Yes, but that was Sleepy Joe. He was half-dead. Totally incompetent.

Sorry, the last deal he broke was in 2020. We had a prisoner swap. Here - Zalensky showed photos. These are kids - 200,000, taken to Russia, placed with new parents and taught to forget their old ones. Look, this one's a pastor - he's even kidnapping priests, locking them up and torturing them.

So sad, DL said.

Look, JD said, don't be rude. Have you thanked DL once?

Sorry? Zalensky said.

For your earth. Here we are offering to take your minerals off your hands, JD said. We haven't heard you say thank you.

Thank you, Zalensky said.

DL didn't hear you, JD said. Say it louder - for the fake news.

I'm trying to explain, Zalensky said. You take our raw earth, Vlad will cheat you, then you'll know. You'll feel it.

No no, DL said, I've heard enough. You people need to mind your manners. You need to smile and say thanks for the fake news.

Yes, Zalensky said, but...

Don't interrupt, DL said. Don't tell us how we're going to feel. We're going to feel strong again. We're going to have so much raw earth, we'll be rolling in it. We will make America...

DL went on a bit after that, but they were done. DL chucked Zalensky and his interpreter out of the White House. They didn't even get to eat lunch.

So Great's happy. DL's not going to mess with any dictator's plans for world domination. Ukraine?

Gone. Next stop Poland. While Vlad does into Europe, that leaves Xi to take Taiwan, grab the South Pacific and encircle Australia.

Xi, Vlad and DL can discuss Stephen Covey next time they catch up for a round of golf.

A real "win-win", eh?

Ever get the feeeeeling? [/quote]


a bit much to read

so to summarise

if china wants taiwan , they can take it.

you think america is going to land the 1st armored division to defend it?

do you think biden would have?

Karnal wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 8:54pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 1:07pm: Karnal wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 5:36am: aquascoot wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:22pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 6:06pm: chimera wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 2nd, 2025 at 5:37pm: I expect China, at that time,  won't be interested in being a new global empire, rather playing a role in establishing a new universal prosperity. Marla lives on cannabis. You too? Why would China even want to defeat the US in a costly war (in terms of life and property on all sides) when/if it surpasses the US economy; surely  peace is a much more attractive option for China and the world, than a hated global hegemony. both the americans and the chinese dont seem the types to expand their borders. the chinese look inward and the yanks could have taken over europe and 1/2 of asia in 1945 if they wanted. most of the european powers certainly would have Strange. Chinese gunboats are currently doing operations off Taipei Harbour. A flotilla of Chinese warships just sailed past Sydney Harbour. The strange - and sad thing - is your inability to analyze "national self-interest", and then resort to the insanity of war to settle disputes arising from that self-interest. [Interestingly, the anti-nuclear-weapons people are out in force in NY for  their week-long events calling for global nuclear disarmanent,  while Trump himself has said there are "too many nukes in the world", forcing the US to stay ahead in the nuclear arm race, thereby directing resources away from social welfare in the US: the US spends only 20% of GDP on social programs, cf, Europe's similar size economy which spends 25% of GDP on social welfare.  Cf, military spending: US - 3.5% of GDP,  Europe - 2%.] Quote: Yes, they were just 150 nautical miles from your quarter acre block in outer suburban Brisbane. Now why would the Chows be acting so bold, perhaps? To dissuade you from "defending" Taiwan which is inhabited by Chinese people, and has never been an independent nation. While  the Oz military are supposedly maintaining "freedom of passage" in the SCS including transits of the Taiwan Straits, when China -  the world' greatest trading nation -  itself needs that "freedom of passage"  to remain open.    [quote]Do you think the big fella's encouraging them to be look inwards? A little Zen meditation, perhaps? No. Trump knows  a war with a nuclear power to "defend"  Tawain is insane. You want to risk WW3? [quote]No doubt DL's given Xi a copy of his favorite Sun Tzu, no?

No.  War is obsolete in the age of MAD, which was Trump's point to Zelensky. 

[/quote]

Oh-er, looks like we have a new MAGA recruit, leftards - by way of Beijing.

How does it feeeeeeel, Fwank? You're sharing your cabin with a Ching-Chong Chinaman.

All aboard, leftards. Broad church, innit.

Taiwan is currently an independent nation, Great. They have things called erections. You know, like jolly old Ukraine, who voted for Zalensky.

4%, according to DL. RIGGED !!!

He never should have started his naughty old war with Vlad, no? What a warmonger. There's JD and DL, pleading with the warmonger Zalensky. Give us your raw earth, DL said. We'll look out for you.

Yes, Zalensky said, but we'll need a security guarantee. Your miners would lose their shirts. Vlad would take the lot.

Don't you worry about that, DL said. Vlad would be too scared.

Excuse me, Zalensky said. Vlad's already broken 25 agreements, so we know.

Yes, but that was Sleepy Joe. He was half-dead. Totally incompetent.

Sorry, the last deal he broke was in 2020. We had a prisoner swap. Here - Zalensky showed photos. These are kids - 200,000, taken to Russia, placed with new parents and taught to forget their old ones. Look, this one's a pastor - he's even kidnapping priests, locking them up and torturing them.

So sad, DL said.

Look, JD said, don't be rude. Have you thanked DL once?

Sorry? Zalensky said.

For your earth. Here we are offering to take your minerals off your hands, JD said. We haven't heard you say thank you.

Thank you, Zalensky said.

DL didn't hear you, JD said. Say it louder - for the fake news.

I'm trying to explain, Zalensky said. You take our raw earth, Vlad will cheat you, then you'll know. You'll feel it.

No no, DL said, I've heard enough. You people need to mind your manners. You need to smile and say thanks for the fake news.

Yes, Zalensky said, but...

Don't interrupt, DL said. Don't tell us how we're going to feel. We're going to feel strong again. We're going to have so much raw earth, we'll be rolling in it. We will make America...

DL went on a bit after that, but they were done. DL chucked Zalensky and his interpreter out of the White House. They didn't even get to eat lunch.

So Great's happy. DL's not going to mess with any dictator's plans for world domination. Ukraine?

Gone. Next stop Poland. While Vlad does into Europe, that leaves Xi to take Taiwan, grab the South Pacific and encircle Australia.

Xi, Vlad and DL can discuss Stephen Covey next time they catch up for a round of golf.

A real "win-win", eh?

Ever get the feeeeeling? [/quote]
Do go on....

aquascoot wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 2:44pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 2:32pm: Frank wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 12:57pm: So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward. Got it. Ta. You incapable of debate? I explained the issues re Taiwan, and China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's INTERNAL affairs.  Please engage your brain. Funny to see you - agreeing with Trump - wanting to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine, but negotiations re Taiwan 'sovereignty' are apparently off the table...why is that? Note: Trump is obviously disinclined to start WW3 over Taiwan, which is inhabited by Chinese people and has never been an independent nation. You are in more luck with Israel - the recently created US outpost in the ME - and Netanyahu's  intention to take all of Palestine; Trump only has to face ME ire (which he can easily do),  while the rest of the world isn't prepared to lift a finger to defend Palestine.    china will probably get taiwan trump will get his minerals for his batteries and chips  from the ukraine instead he cant land the first armoured division on taiwan...that would be rediculous. so like a good lateral thinker, he has outframed the problem

There, you see? Aquascoot gets it. He's been "paying attention". He digs the "new paradigm".

Vlad gets Eastern Europe, Chi-na will probably get Taiwan.

Then, the South China Sea, the South Pacific and a nice big fee for all our ships.

DL gets Greenland and Panama, and Canada becomes the 51st state of the USA.

Sorry - territory. We wouldn't want those leftist Canadians getting a vote.

That would be rediculous.

Quote:

a bit much to read so to summarise if china wants taiwan , they can take it. you think america is going to land the 1st armored division to defend it? do you think biden would have?

That's a question. An uncomfortable read?

We can't help you there, dear.

Chi-na's "paying attention". It's tuning into the "new paradigm".

That's where DL helps Vlad and Xi seize their new empires. In return, they let him grab his.

Do you deny it?

Either way, with your suburb surrounded on all sides, your DL's extra 25% tax, the shipping fees Xi decides to add on and war in the Pacific and Europe, be at peace.

We will make America great again, no?

Karnal wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 9:38pm:

aquascoot wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 2:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 2:32pm: Frank wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 12:57pm: So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward. Got it. Ta. You incapable of debate? I explained the issues re Taiwan, and China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's INTERNAL affairs.  Please engage your brain. Funny to see you - agreeing with Trump - wanting to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine, but negotiations re Taiwan 'sovereignty' are apparently off the table...why is that? Note: Trump is obviously disinclined to start WW3 over Taiwan, which is inhabited by Chinese people and has never been an independent nation. You are in more luck with Israel - the recently created US outpost in the ME - and Netanyahu's  intention to take all of Palestine; Trump only has to face ME ire (which he can easily do),  while the rest of the world isn't prepared to lift a finger to defend Palestine.    china will probably get taiwan trump will get his minerals for his batteries and chips  from the ukraine instead he cant land the first armoured division on taiwan...that would be rediculous. so like a good lateral thinker, he has outframed the problem There, you see? Aquascoot gets it. He's been "paying attention". He digs the "new paradigm". Vlad gets Eastern Europe, Chi-na will probably get Taiwan. Then, the South China Sea, the South Pacific and a nice big fee for all our ships. DL gets Greenland and Panama, and Canada becomes the 51st state of the USA. Sorry - territory. We wouldn't want those leftist Canadians getting a vote. That would be rediculous.

what was rediculous was seeing trudeau lined up with the idiots from europe thinking THEY can do a deal.

vlad wont deal with those cretins

only with donald

how did donald manage to make himself so critical to any deal?

could it be that unlike previous president metamucil, he understands how deals are done?

as head of USA pty ltd, he understands hostile takeovers and asset stripping.?

that he is going to get the best possible deal for his shareholders (the people of "real" america) and all the other posers can piss off back to whatever rock they crawled out from under

Trumpy has NO idea as to how deals are done.

Trumpy can meet Putler hundreds of times. He has no influence over Ukraine any more. He only had influence while supplying out-of-date or clapped out weapons to Ukraine.

aquascoot wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 10:20pm:

Karnal wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 9:38pm: aquascoot wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 2:44pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 2:32pm: Frank wrote on Mar 3rd, 2025 at 12:57pm: So Chinese warships are sailing around Australia, performing live fire exercises because they are looking inward. Got it. Ta. You incapable of debate? I explained the issues re Taiwan, and China's need to dissuade you from sticking your nose into China's INTERNAL affairs.  Please engage your brain. Funny to see you - agreeing with Trump - wanting to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine, but negotiations re Taiwan 'sovereignty' are apparently off the table...why is that? Note: Trump is obviously disinclined to start WW3 over Taiwan, which is inhabited by Chinese people and has never been an independent nation. You are in more luck with Israel - the recently created US outpost in the ME - and Netanyahu's  intention to take all of Palestine; Trump only has to face ME ire (which he can easily do),  while the rest of the world isn't prepared to lift a finger to defend Palestine.    china will probably get taiwan trump will get his minerals for his batteries and chips  from the ukraine instead he cant land the first armoured division on taiwan...that would be rediculous. so like a good lateral thinker, he has outframed the problem There, you see? Aquascoot gets it. He's been "paying attention". He digs the "new paradigm". Vlad gets Eastern Europe, Chi-na will probably get Taiwan. Then, the South China Sea, the South Pacific and a nice big fee for all our ships. DL gets Greenland and Panama, and Canada becomes the 51st state of the USA. Sorry - territory. We wouldn't want those leftist Canadians getting a vote. That would be rediculous. what was rediculous was seeing trudeau lined up with the idiots from europe thinking THEY can do a deal. vlad wont deal with those cretins only with donald how did donald manage to make himself so critical to any deal? could it be that unlike previous president metamucil, he understands how deals are done? as head of USA pty ltd, he understands hostile takeovers and asset stripping.? that he is going to get the best possible deal for his shareholders (the people of "real" america) and all the other posers can piss off back to whatever rock they crawled out from under

Vlad isn't dealing with anyone, you rediculous old fool - only your DL.

Ukraine needs defending. The new coalition will do that. DL's out. Ukraine can sign their raw earth over to the EU.

Day One's done, dear. The Great Negotiator can invite Vlad round for 18 holes.

And you can wave at Xi's warships from the top paddock.

STOP THE BOATS !!!

For Karnal - that was a good one....

Monk's back - guess he got over the moderators Big Fat Geek Weeding.... welcome back, Monk ... I hate to see a young man get into trouble...  now where's mothra for a monster mash?

Jovial Monk wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2025 at 10:28pm:

Trumpy has NO idea as to how deals are done. Trumpy can meet Putler hundreds of times. He has no influence over Ukraine any more. He only had influence while supplying out-of-date or clapped out weapons to Ukraine.

No no, he does, Monk. You get Vlad and Zalensky in a room, remember? You don't let em out until they're done. If Vlad doesn't budge, you say, Vladimir...

Actually, DL didn't say what he'd do after that, but it didn't sound nice.

Turned out DL went with another tactic, as you do. He went with the strategy where you get Vlad in a room, cancel his sanctions and give him all his money back.

He then got Zalensky in another room and tried to make him say thanks.

Anyway, Zalensky stormed off to England in a huff and signed a deal with the Euros instead. Problem solved, no?

Well, no. Now DL's gotta deal with Xi. Before long, he'll need to deal with his little buddy Kim, Bibi, MBS and the Mullahs, all starting their new Endless Wars and getting up to no good.

And that's okay. DL can invite them all over to the White House and vet them for manners. The Saudis better wear suits. Kim will need to get a proper hair cut. And no Mao suits for Xi.

JD will be checking, like a private school perfect. Did you say thank you?

Good. We wouldn't want anybody starting WWIII and running off to England, now would we?

The fake news would give DL hell.

DRAIN THE SWAMP !!!

Sir Keir said Britain, France and Ukraine had agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States on Thursday.

Mr Trump is yet to respond personally to the UK leaders summit.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-03/europe-ukraine-peace-plan-as-it-happened/105001646


shurely shome mishtake.  The Entante Cordiale can do it alone, no?

aquascoot wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2025 at 8:45am:

hi meister. an interesting fact. the dutch, the habsburgs, the prussians, napoleonic france, the ottoman empire , the british empire all collapsed shortly after they hit one parameter. the money they were spending on interest for foreign debt began exceeding the ammount they were spending on their military. The USA hit this circumstance last year. Is it possible for america to fund the defence of europe , fund the conflict in the middle east and fund the defence of taiwan simultaneously. it would appear not Obama declared that america must pivot to the pacific during his term. How then can trump solve the financial position and the military position. How can he de escalate the situation in europe. Is not the idea of american companies establishing a large presence whilst co-partnering with the ukraine in mining a win/win? Would putin be likely to re kindle a war with the ukraine if there were 1000's of americans working in the ukraine, creating wealth for the ukranians and providing security in the process. Is this not a possible solution? The alternative would see Zalensky , in the words of sun tzu, "seeing the destruction of his country,so that he could rule over the ashes" The USA can no longer take on russia, iran, china and north korea by itself. putin is an evil man but he is very very mild compared to stalin (butcher of 20 million of HIS OWN PEOPLE) who was invited and indeed courted by FDR and churchill. Trump can re establish a world that is much safer and more prosperous. the alternative is "what exactly"??

The US imperial structure is unlike any previous empire - it establishes fully operational bases staffed by very few Americans, as opposed to shipping over standing armies.

The US did not provide hundreds of billions in cash to Ukraine as Europe did... the US provided beyond-use-by-date weapons with their total cost reestimated, to account for inflation, at hundreds of billions of dollars. The cost of the US having to destroy and dispose of these weapons would have exceeded the cost of simply shipping them to Ukraine... Now the US wants to be repaid for these arms as if they were straight out of the shrink-wrap- a Mafia-style shakedown.

The US, like all imperial powers, doesn't ask permission to enter a country and doesn't leave. Instead, it arrogates all military control from the host country to itself.

US wars since WW2 have, almost all of them, been instigated by the US -the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Gulf War I, Afghanistan, Gulf War II...

In every case, it has asked for, and received, assistance from its allies - wars those allies would not have entered, much less instigated, except on the command of the US.

Which emerging imperial nation insisted Europe not rearm after WW2 and, instead, leave it to do the arms-supplying as required?

While many have been taken in by the notion that the US is exiting the imperialism business in favour of isolationism, that's not what's happening.

What the US is doing is winding down its world naval policing operations and focusing its navy in areas of its self-interest.

The rest of its empire will be ruled using its ubiquitous and well-established bases - with new ones established as required - and relying on 21st-century state-of-the-art comms and satellite technology to monitor and manage the world without having to leave the US - i.e. few boots on the ground, if any, to manage wars at the frontline, using 24/7 aerial materiel to prosecute war.