red750 Posted February 22 Posted February 22 Trump has advised his choice of name-change for Greenland if he acquires it. "America is back bigger and better than ever with Red, White and Blue Land." 1
Jerry_Atrick Posted February 22 Posted February 22 2 hours ago, old man emu said: The problem was that Trump's advertising campaign did not reference it Actually, unlike Hitler, Trump did not only not refeence Project 2025, he actively distanced himself from it.. This is one but a plethora of references: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/22/g-s1-19202/trump-project-2025-border-immigration What does that tell you about Trump, and about those who elected him, when we could see what he was on about? 1
red750 Posted February 22 Posted February 22 The only thing that will make Trump look good is a crematorium. 1
facthunter Posted February 23 Posted February 23 THAT would create a bit of a Stink. JD Vance is equal polling with Trump NOW for President This is a poll of GOP voters NOW. Nev 1
onetrack Posted February 23 Posted February 23 (edited) NEWS: Trump fires Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. C. Q. Brown. From Raw Story - "President Trump's unprecedented decision to oust Gen. C.Q. Brown as chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff along with other top military leaders triggered a Trump-era “Friday night massacre” that sent an ominous message to the rest of the U.S. Armed Forces. That’s according to The Atlantic’s Tom Nichols, who wrote in an opinion piece published hours after the Pentagon shake-up that the military was “the last piece” President Donald Trump needed “to establish the foundations for authoritarian control of the U.S. government” after installing MAGA loyalists inside the Justice Department, FBI, and intelligence services. And that sobering connection left Nichols warning readers of the dangers the “remarkable move” presents to the country. 'President Trump tonight began a purge of the senior ranks of the United States armed forces in an apparent effort to intimidate the military and create an officer corps personally loyal to him,' the anti-Trump conservative wrote. 'None of this has anything to do with effectiveness, or ‘lethality,’ or promoting ‘warfighters,’ or any other buzzwords. It is praetorianism, plain and simple,' Nichols concluded. The Atlantic commentator subjected Trump’s latest round of high-level firings to intense criticism, noting that under normal circumstances, the chairman serves a four-year term. 'The position, like that of FBI director, is meant to bridge across administrations rather than change with each incoming president—specifically so that the chairman (again, like the head of the FBI) does not become a partisan political appointment.' The end result of Trump’s Pentagon purge is a stark message 'to the rest of the military' that 'could not be clearer,' Nichols wrote Friday. 'Trump loathed Brown’s predecessor, General Mark Milley, and has floated the idea that Milley should be executed for actions he took as Chairman,' Nichols wrote, adding that the president 'believes that every senior official in the United States should be a personal appointee of the president—so long as that president is him.' (end of article)" Here's the takeaway points of the above Trump move. 1. A powerful dictator requires the full support of the military forces of the country. The dictator ensures that support, by appointing loyalists to critical positions in the military leadership. 2. Gen. C. Q. Brown is an African-American. Trumps stated aim was to remove Gen. C. Q. Brown because he spends too much time supporting DEI, and not enough time supporting "true" military aims. 3. Tom Nichols is also African-American and claims that the Trump move to oust Gen. C. Q. Brown is all part of his attempts to remove black and coloured people from positions of power, and to overturn the Civil Rights Act. 4. The group "Blacks for Trump" appears to be having some buyer remorse. I predict a wave of African-American revolt later this year and next year as Trumps wholesale firing of Govt employees turns into many personal losses and setbacks for African-Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/us/black-voters-trump.html Edited February 23 by onetrack clarification.... 2
rgmwa Posted February 23 Posted February 23 I think that’s optimistic. It’s not happening that fast. They may be running the country into the ground but they are still running it and there’s not a lot an unhappy population can do about that until the mid-terms. 3
red750 Posted February 23 Posted February 23 I was sent this today. Trump’s world looks chaotic. It’s not. CLINTON FERNANDES, SMH, 19 Feb 25. A month after Donald Trump’s second inauguration and the geopolitical global upheaval that may be unprecedented, one thing is clear: The president is an American sovereigntist, not an isolationist. Once this is understood, Trump’s seemingly wild upturning of the geopolitical order makes sense. Sovereigntists are illiberal internationalists. They came of age after World War I, preventing the US from joining the League of Nations (predecessor of the United Nations). At the time, American sovereigntists regarded the league as a stalking horse for global governance, anti-colonial independence movements, black internationalists, left-wing political movements and liberal Christians. Today’s sovereigntists aim to weaken non-Western international associations that seek a more democratic international order. They make common cause with similar forces; Giorgia Meloni of Italy and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, for example. Their aim is an illiberal international geopolitical order where domestic political systems resemble ‘‘competitive authoritarianism’’ – multi-party elections embedded in a rigged legal and political environment. Under this model, the media and machinery of government are used to attack opponents and co-opt critics. Trump wants the US, not China, to write the technical standards of the global economy. Control over these standards creates lock-in effects in finance, telecommunications, space, robotics, bioengineering, nanotechnologies, and advanced materials and manufacturing methods. That means fullspectrum rivalry with China. If economic control is not possible, the plan B goal is global economic separation from China. For Trump to achieve these goals, there are three key frontlines: Eastern Europe, Middle East and Taiwan. Trump pushes for a Europe that is divided, subordinate to the US, and geopolitically inconsequential. He has long wanted to prevent the economic integration of the vast Eurasian continent, whether by Russian energy flows or China’s Belt and Road network. The economic centre of gravity in Europe is ‘‘Greater Germany’’ – an economic zone of 200 million people in interdependent economies. Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands are the western flank and Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and the Czech and Slovak Republics on the eastern flank. A successful Greater Germany would have connected Russia’s energy exports with the Chinese economy at the other end of a Eurasian continental front. Instead, it is now reliant on US tankers for energy. In his first term, Trump tried to weaken the EU by supporting Brexit and other Eurosceptic forces. He ordered a US troop cut in Germany while strengthening co-operation with Europe’s so-called frontier states – the Baltic states, Romania, Poland, Georgia and Ukraine. Over the weekend, Vice President J.D. Vance waded into European nationalist politics, in ‘‘an attempt to export MAGA to Europe’’, as The Washington Post observed. He urged Europe’s centrist leaders to give way to anti-migration, nationalist voices, who are also sovereigntists in their own way. He said Europe needs to spend more on defence – not to gain strategic independence, but ‘‘so the United States can focus on some of our challenges in East Asia’’. That means Vance, and by extension Trump, wants to focus on China, without diverting military resources to the European theatre. The second frontline is the Middle East, where Israel’s military strength remains vital to US strategy. Israel’s proficiency in surveillance technology can help friendlier Arab regimes stay in power by improving their ability to monitor and control their populations. In times of crisis, the US gets veto power over who can access Middle Eastern oil and on what terms: energy-rich Arab monarchies can restrict China’s access to energy supplies if the US wishes to coerce it. Their wealth can combine with Israel’s industries to create a pro-US power centre. That was the objective behind the Trump-driven Abraham Accords – the treaties signed in 2020 by Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. An important intelligence leak in October 2024 confirmed US knowledge of Israel’s nuclear weapons. Blocking Iran’s nuclear development while permitting Israel’s isn’t double standards, but geopolitics. Israel’s muscle, including its nuclear weapons, can deter Iran’s challenge to the Arab monarchies. US legislation mandates the preservation of a ‘‘qualitative military edge’’ for Israel; any weapons sales to the Middle East require certification by the US Defence Security Co-operation Agency that ‘‘[the] proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region’’. Israel gets first access to US defence technology in the region. Israel relies on the US for its power but fights in its interests to ensure a pro-US Middle East. The two countries’ interests have a strategic convergence. The third frontline is Taiwan, which US army general Douglas MacArthur described in 1950 as ‘‘an unsinkable aircraft carrier and submarine tender’’. At the edge of mainland China’s continental shelf, China cannot reach the western Pacific Ocean without going through the Miyako Strait north of Taiwan, or through the Luzon Strait south of Taiwan. Both are within range of US forces in Japan and Philippines, respectively. Chinese submarines must transit shallow coastal waters before entering the deep ocean basin on the other side. Undersea sensors at key choke points allow the US to detect, track and follow Chinese submarines as they leave their bases, and sink them if ordered to do so in a crisis. According to Australia’s defence policy, that part of the world is designed to demonstrate its relevance to US goals. Trump’s shifting of the geopolitical tectonic plates may seem chaotic, but it’s not – only his style is, along with what appears to be petty score-settling and renaming of places. A shrewd geopolitical calculus is at work. He remains an American sovereigntist. The challenge for Australian policy planners, who perhaps previously mischaracterised him as an isolationist, is how to remain on the winning side of the global confrontation between a US-led West and an increasingly dissatisfied rest of the world, to whom China’s outreach may seem enticing. Professor Clinton Fernandes is part of UNSW’s Future Operations Research Group which assesses military threats, risks and opportunities. He is a former Australian Army intelligence officer. 2
facthunter Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Yeah He's a Bloody genius just pretending to be an idiot. He's running the USA MAFIA. Nev 1
rgmwa Posted February 23 Posted February 23 I think Trump himself is just the frontman in that effort. He’s not a strategic thinker but his instincts, competitiveness and contempt for partnership arrangements plus the inherent acquisitiveness of a real estate developer fit neatly into that scenario. He operates on a more personal level where personal grievances and a desire to dominate govern his behaviour more than any thoughts of implementing a global geopolitical plan. However no doubt that suits those sitting quietly in the background who have those global aspirations very well. 2 1
Grumpy Old Nasho Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Well he's getting things done, stopped the illegals, working on a peaceful solution between Ukraine and Russia, helping to get hostages returned to Israel, cutting govt spending and waste, creating a more favorable outcome for US manufactures, etc ... looks good so far. 1
Jerry_Atrick Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Let me see.. Negotiations for the ceaefire between Hamas and Israel was started under Biden and concluded as Trump took office - so he is taking credit for his predecessor's work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Gaza_war_ceasefire; Not sure I would give that one to Trump. The "peaceful" solution to the Ukraine war, at the moment, doesn't look like a terribly good deal, and will give Russia what they want and embolden Russia to do more. My son thinks Russia won't go for the Baltic states because they are in Nato, but Trump has publocly affirmed Nato (or at least the US won't necessarily come to a NATO states aid should they be invaded by Russia. It seems to be contributing to geopolitical destabilisation - hardly what I would call a positive development. Also, he is trying to get iss grubby hands on the Ukrainian rare earths... Cutting government spending is so far wehat he is not doing. He is slashing aid and spending where it is needed, including reneging on contracts with local farmers that if they invested in certain practices to reduce environmental impact and at the same time improve productivity, they would receive government help. Now those farmers face ruin.. The areas where he is saving is then being spent on.. wait for it... contracts with Musk et al. Below are a couple of articles. There is no evidence that a more favourable outcome for US manifacturers will ever be realised. Firstly, have you noticed that defence manufacturers' in Europe share prices have increassed significantly, as have their order books? So, what used to be purchased from US manufacturers is now being purchased from European manufacturers. Australia would be nuts not to develop its home grown industry. The tarrifs which were announced and then revoked have already spooked consumers from countries they were to impact and they are now actively looking to buy non-American. Even my partner is actively making choices for non American owned brands (very hard to do). Virtually every economist from the US to Europe and beyond have the models that tell us they it is unlikely to be a boon for US manufacturing even in their own country, as at the end of the day, when you are in a cost of living crisis, and salaries don't keep up, there is simply less discretionary spend. And his decision to stick with fossil fuels for energy will make American industry less comeptitive over the mid term as renewables around the world leas to cheaper eneergy prices everywhere except America. Yes, China is still building coal fired plants, but they are investing much more heavily in renewables because they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, here are some more articles for you: On the so called peace deal with Putin, that is destabilising the region and will probably lead to a regional war: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250219-baltic-region-prepares-war-as-russia-us-debate-ukraine-fate DOGE's big claims of savings aren't quite what they seem: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/upshot/doge-contracts-musk-trump.html And yet for 2025, Musk companies already have $332M: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/musk-government-contracts-spacex-tesla-taxes-b2703141.html (and why hasn't he taken an axe to the space programs.. surely they are not as important as feeding America's own people?) Consumers ditching US made/owned stuff: https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/canadian-consumers-seeking-out-domestic-products-over-trump-s-tariff-threats In Europe as elsewhere, you wouldn't want to buy a Tesla at the moment (Europe don't buy muxh US stuff anyway). Reality verus claims... the latter rarely adds up. But hey, you want to believe a 6 time bankrupt, go for it. And, his approval rating is starting to wane: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-approval-rating-slips-americans-worry-about-economy-2025-02-19/ 1 2
red750 Posted February 23 Posted February 23 There are none so blind as those that will not see. He could be beating up your grandmother and you would still think the sun shines out of his ass. 3
octave Posted February 23 Posted February 23 7 hours ago, Grumpy Old Nasho said: working on a peaceful solution between Ukraine and Russia, No working on facilitating Ukraine surrendering to Putin. It is disgusting that Trump is pushing the line that the war is Ukraine's fault. Rewarding a country for invading its neighbour is idiotic and cowardly. 7 hours ago, Grumpy Old Nasho said: helping to get hostages returned to Israel I won't say he played any part however however Trump seems to believe he is solely responsible. The recent hostage release between Israel and Hamas was achieved through negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Key figures in these efforts included U.S. President Joe Biden, who announced the ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal in his farewell address, and President-elect Donald Trump, whose incoming administration played a significant role in the negotiations. Qatar's involvement was particularly notable, leveraging its established relationships with both Israel and Hamas to facilitate dialogue. Egypt also contributed to the mediation process, drawing on its regional influence and historical role in Israeli-Palestinian affairs. The collaborative efforts of these nations and their leaders were instrumental in brokering the agreement that led to the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire. 7 hours ago, Grumpy Old Nasho said: cutting govt spending and waste I am not sure this has actually been achieved as yet. Remember that sacked workers have been offered many month's salary and then there have been the "buyouts" The problem though is that this is being done indiscriminately. In the worst cases nuclear safety workers and people working to keep bird flu at bay only for them to panic and rehire these crucial workers. Sacking huge numbers of FAA workers with Elon suggesting he will get Space X to do the job. Rocket engineers are brilliant people at building rockets but I do not want them in running ATC when I am flying somewhere. Apart from this, it is an enormous conflict of interest for Space x to have anything to do with running the FAA 7 hours ago, Grumpy Old Nasho said: creating a more favorable outcome for US manufactures, Really, this might require some hard evidence. Time will tell but Tariffs If cuts are going to be made they need to be done intelligently and not by a ketimine-fueled lunatic. Earlier I made a reference to cutting with a scalpel and not a chainsaw. low and behold Musk was presented with a chainsaw 1 1
red750 Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Political guru James Carville forecasted Donald Trump's Administration will collapse within the next 30 days. The veteran Democratic strategist told Mediaite's Dan Abrams that Trump's popularity is sinking, and he believes the administration will implode from a lack of public support. 'I believe that this administration, in less than 30 days, is in the midst of a massive collapse and particularly a collapse in public opinion,' Carville said. 'What I have said very publicly is that Democrats need to play possum. This whole thing is collapsing. 'It doesn't need Elizabeth Warren and somebody screaming to pacify some progressive advocacy groups in Washington, which, by the way, I wish these people were just useless. They're actually worse than useless, that they're detrimental.' He advised Democrats to lay low while the White House falls apart and predicted Republicans will find it difficult to pass any legislation and be forced to reach across the aisle for their support. 'It's going to be easy pickings here in six weeks. Just lay back,' Carville said. 'We're in the midst of a collapse. It's over.' Carville doubled down on his previous statements that Democrats 'do nothing' in response to Trump and Elon Musk's takeover of the federal government. 'What I think they should do is what we call in rural America, play possum. Just let it go,' he told MSNBC last week. 'Don't get in the way of it. Or as we like to say, don't just stand there, do nothing. Let this germinate… We don't need to get in front of it. This freight train is moving. Let's just get out of the way and then we're gonna have time.' Although recent polling numbers show Trump's approval is starting to drop, it still remains higher than at any point during his first term. February polling from Emerson College found that Trump's approval rating dropped to 48 percent - down one point from the month before. 'The poll findings suggest generally unpopular domestic and foreign policy ideas, however, Trump's approval has not shifted significantly since last month,' Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. CNN/SSR polling of 1,206 U.S. adults from February 13 to 17 showed Trump with a 47 percent approval rating. A J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com poll of 1000 registered voters from February 10 showed Trump has enjoyed some of his best approval ratings since winning the election. He now has support across almost all age groups, including an overall favorability rating of 53 percent. Only voters over the age of 65 give him an overall negative rating. 2
octave Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Something that is being missed by most people is that Trump is NOT conservative, he is radical. Consider the separation of powers. We have the Legislative branch (Congress etc.) The Executive (President and Cabinet) and the Judicial. These checks and balances have pretty much always been respected. Vance has openly stated that the trump administration may just ignore the courts. As well as this Trump is removing anyone he deems not to be loyal enough (not to the Constitution but to him) This is terrifying. it is basically a coup. We have seen this before in other countries and it never ends well. 4
facthunter Posted February 23 Posted February 23 Given 1/2 a chance he will be an outright Dictator. Nev 1
old man emu Posted February 24 Author Posted February 24 The American retailer, Costco, has 66 stores in Australia. It is a multinational corporation with its headquarters in the State of Washington. A visit to a Costco store is an amazing thing. You can buy so much foodstuff by the carton and they have everything that you would find in a major department store. The jeans I had bought were marked with Costco's home brand name - Kirkland. I chuckled to myself this morning as I was pulling on my blue jeans. I noticed that they were made in China. What's so funny? Can you imagine how sales will drop in Costco's 616 stores in the USA when Trump's tariffs are introduced? And think about the other stores which sell Levi Strauss jeans. Levi's are made in many developing countries, including Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Lesotho, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico. 1
facthunter Posted February 24 Posted February 24 Trumps BIBLES are China printed for $3 Ea. Retails for $50. Trump is full of ..IT. Nev 1
old man emu Posted February 24 Author Posted February 24 And MAGA caps - same place of production. If there is one thing we can say abut Trump's consistency, it is that he is a consistent liar. 1
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