(Soon to be) Former President Donald Trump

[Stevie Reid]

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I agree with much of this, and your previous post.

It's striking to me, as you say, that on the issues that people care about, they ought to be voting Democrat. As they should on the economy, because the real-life pattern on that favours the Democrats too. Both the mainstream and far right have managed to convince themselves and much of the population that up is down, and that Democrat is basically a swear word. A significant % of Republican voters believe conspiracy theories that should embarrass them and their descendents into the next century.

It will get better (), but it's hard to see how it happens without some really damaging series of events so that people find common cause. The people in charge are likely to bring that about sooner rather than later. So there's that.

On a personal level, I joined sports club when we moved here to DC. Almost everyone there whose job I know is funded by the federal government. Scientists and IT people with the health agencies, State Department language workers, NASA scientist, teachers who work on programmes funding disadvantaged youth, Postal Service admin, university and private sector workers with government contracts. Military veterans in receipt of healthcare and benefits from the VA. We had a team meeting a fortnight ago, and literally everyone is directly affected.

And it's not just a DC problem. There are states where the main employers are public sector, or dependent on public funds (many of them Republican) or likely to be hammered by trade war repercussions.

And that's before you get to the geo-political ramifications.

I think you're absolutely right that they will **** up and on a grand scale soon, but the ramifications of that are likely to be bad for everyone - as you have alluded to.

And yes, the ridiculous DOGE stuff consists of idiots messing with forces that they do not fully understand. I'm sure that with a proper and thorough audit some inefficiencies could be found in the massive federal budget and its many departments. But of course to do that properly would take many years, and rather a lot of money in itself.

The idea that anyone could effectively audit these agencies in a couple of days is ridiculous. The idea that someone like Musk and his team of young coders can, is utterly insane. But then the whole point is to steal money - which you seemingly can do very quickly, before moving onto the next one. All whilst making up bull**** instances where millions of dollars have gone to an endless number of "woke" causes.

The sight of many Americans literally cheer leading the world's richest man hoovering up federal funds is astonishing. But as mentioned before, this is the Right's forte - getting folk to vote against their own interests, and celebrating the result.

All very reminiscent of Brexit, where anger that should have been directed at the Tories for the crippling austerity was successfully diverted to the EU - leading to people in many towns and cities being elated at an outcome which was ultimately going to negatively impact their quality of life when the result came in.

Apparent bureaucracies are another easy target for the Right. But similar to the UK and the EU, people in the States will quickly find out what happens if no one steps in to cover the functions they perform.

[Smartie]

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I agree with much of this, and your previous post.

It's striking to me, as you say, that on the issues that people care about, they ought to be voting Democrat. As they should on the economy, because the real-life pattern on that favours the Democrats too. Both the mainstream and far right have managed to convince themselves and much of the population that up is down, and that Democrat is basically a swear word. A significant % of Republican voters believe conspiracy theories that should embarrass them and their descendents into the next century.

It will get better (), but it's hard to see how it happens without some really damaging series of events so that people find common cause. The people in charge are likely to bring that about sooner rather than later. So there's that.

On a personal level, I joined sports club when we moved here to DC. Almost everyone there whose job I know is funded by the federal government. Scientists and IT people with the health agencies, State Department language workers, NASA scientist, teachers who work on programmes funding disadvantaged youth, Postal Service admin, university and private sector workers with government contracts. Military veterans in receipt of healthcare and benefits from the VA. We had a team meeting a fortnight ago, and literally everyone is directly affected.

And it's not just a DC problem. There are states where the main employers are public sector, or dependent on public funds (many of them Republican) or likely to be hammered by trade war repercussions.

And that's before you get to the geo-political ramifications.

I note with interest that you are based in the USA.

It's a matter of regret for me personally that I made certain career choices that didn't translate into a move to the US being feasible, as I love America and would have loved to have lived there.

You know that phrase about it "being better inside the tent pissing out than on the outside pissing in"?

I'm trying to decide if that's the case with the US just now - whether the madness will bite hardest at home or be felt most elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

[s.a.m]

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I note with interest that you are based in the USA.

It's a matter of regret for me personally that I made certain career choices that didn't translate into a move to the US being feasible, as I love America and would have loved to have lived there.

You know that phrase about it "being better inside the tent pissing out than on the outside pissing in"?

I'm trying to decide if that's the case with the US just now - whether the madness will bite hardest at home or be felt most elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

I think I would feel as angry, sad and helpless about the state of things at home as I do here The one thing that helps, being in Dc in particular, is that there's practically zero visible evidence of support for the current regime - anyone who does is staying quiet about it here. The people I know are well-informed and politically aware and have mostly travelled or lived abroad, or have strong family links elsewhere - and as I said, have reason to be worried about their futures. Not just for themselves and families - though I'm sure that's uppermost in their minds - but the work or research they're doing being stopped, or data they've relied on disappearing from government websites along with public guidance and information. Monitoring of disease and infection being slashed... All while being sneered at and insulted by a billionaire, nutjob megalomaniac who's got no experience or knowledge of the things he and his plooky minions are hacking to bits. It's crazy.

In terms of where it hits hardest, best guess would be that it depends on whether or not the UK, the EU and elsewhere present a united front against the bullies backed, if neccessary, by a firm response. I can't see the US escaping some degree of damage, whether it's the economy or their place and reputation in the world, and how it affects their trade and security interests. If it gets extreme, might there be a new secession movement (along with California and their petition)? And also how any of those affect, say, China and their place in the world, or some new power axis that involves them. We'll see.

As it happens, I wasn't expecting to be here either. We're approaching retirement age and, for all I've said, I'm enjoying the opportunity to do things I couldn't do at home and to explore new places. I'm having fun. For the time being.

(Apart from the existential angst, obvs. )

[cabbageandribs1875]

[Stevie Reid]

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Who could have possibly guessed? If only they all had some kind of insight into what his character and conduct would be like as President.

[Keith_M]

I didn't want to post this on the main board... in case word got out that I have insider info... but one of my 'connections' has shared a secretly recorded, insider video of Trump's meet up with Putin.

Please be careful who you share this with.

LINK

[DaveF]

Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

[Hibrandenburg]

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Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

He's definitely still blaming Zelensky/Ukraine for his first impeachment. This is payback time with the added incentive of making money out of either Ukraine handing over it's mineral rights or reestablishing trade with Moscow.

[JimBHibees]

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Trump blames Ukraine in a press conference.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

"You should have never started it. You could have made a deal," he later added.

"I could have made a deal for Ukraine," he said. "That would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land - and no people would have killed, and no city would have been demolished."

Incredible stupidity

[Keith_M]

So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.

[Hibrandenburg]

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So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.

He's done everything right in my modest opinion. He had to make diplomatic tones towards Trump, knowing full well that Trump was going to blow smoke up Putin's arse. The US has now sided with Russian aggression and Zelensky would have been mad to have been seen to provoke what was already coming.

[Ozyhibby]

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He's done everything right in my modest opinion. He had to make diplomatic tones towards Trump, knowing full well that Trump was going to blow smoke up Putin's arse. The US has now sided with Russian aggression and Zelensky would have been mad to have been seen to provoke what was already coming.

It’s Europe that needs to step up now. There will be no more money coming from the US now. We have to fund this war. European leaders need to get serious about this. And Starmer needs to stop his BS about being a bridge over the Atlantic. This is our war and it’s up to us. The Americans have turned their back. With a bit of luck they leave sanctions in place but we can’t count on it.
Europe still has the military and economic power to defeat Putin. It’s needs to get serious about doing it.


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[Bostonhibby]

"Almost all of the land, everything"

You'd expect basic literacy at least but then again look at who he is front man for.

Getting hard to forgive Americans for inflicting this self centred brute on the world

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[Bostonhibby]

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So Ukraine started the war. Presumably by forcing the Russians to invade.

Sorry to have to say this but Zelenskiy's previous comments on Trump now look incredibly naive.

Not really surprising to see a narcissist put revenge politics above all else, doing it at home so abroad is easy.

I'm wondering where wee Nige is now positioning himself on the invasion of a sovereign state by a hostile European Nation.


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[Hibrandenburg]

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It’s Europe that needs to step up now. There will be no more money coming from the US now. We have to fund this war. European leaders need to get serious about this. And Starmer needs to stop his BS about being a bridge over the Atlantic. This is our war and it’s up to us. The Americans have turned their back. With a bit of luck they leave sanctions in place but we can’t count on it.
Europe still has the military and economic power to defeat Putin. It’s needs to get serious about doing it.


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100% but there's no way Trump will keep sanctions in place. There's money to be made.

[Ozyhibby]

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100% but there's no way Trump will keep sanctions in place. There's money to be made.

The sanctions may help American oil and gas companies. Hopefully they are bribing trump.


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[Hibrandenburg]

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The sanctions may help American oil and gas companies. Hopefully they are bribing trump.


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If oil and gas is cheaper to be obtained from Moscow than the US, that's where he'll go.

[lapsedhibee]

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He's definitely still blaming Zelensky/Ukraine for his first impeachment. This is payback time with the added incentive of making money out of either Ukraine handing over it's mineral rights or reestablishing trade with Moscow.

He can sell Chinese "MRGA" hats in Moscow. Genius.

[Paulie Walnuts]

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"Almost all of the land, everything"

You'd expect basic literacy at least but then again look at who he is front man for.

Getting hard to forgive Americans for inflicting this self centred brute on the world

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Every single American that voted for him should be utterly ashamed of themselves. They won’t be of course, but they should be. Absolute ****ing idiots.

[Ozyhibby]

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If oil and gas is cheaper to be obtained from Moscow than the US, that's where he'll go.

America is a net exporter though. Russia being out of the market helps America.
Also, lifting sanctions has to be done by congress. Hopefully he doesn’t have the numbers.


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[The Tubs]

Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

[Ozyhibby]

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Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

Let’s focus on Russia first.


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[Hibrandenburg]

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Time to start burning the stars and stripes across Europe.

No, just time to move on.

[Smartie]

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Let’s focus on Russia first.


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https://x.com/kajakallas/status/1891...7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Correct. Let's not do Russia's job for them.

We may yet get to that stage but we're not there yet.

[The Tubs]

They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

[Hibrandenburg]

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They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

Donald Trump and his cronies are not the USA. By all means burn the **** out of Trump pictures and effigies if that's what floats yer boat, but burning the US flag is an insult to all good Americans including those who paid the ultimate price defending our freedom.

[Smartie]

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They have a cabinet filled with nutjobs and greedy fascists taking their institutions to pieces. I would plan a trajectory in which Europe spends the least amount possible on their defence services/manufacturing. I don't know how it stands with information, but you can see anyone who shares with Europe soon to be considered as "deep state".

A burning of flags would be a fitting signal to half-decent yanks about what's going on. Pity many folk far from Russia in Europe are, in my opinion, too lukewarm about the whole situation, though I'm not referring to people on this thread.

Decent and half-decent yanks are already onside.

The nutjobs are a lost cause.

The whole place rests on a limited few in the middle who can be swayed, and I'd guess that public burning of American flags would be likely to turn them away from us rather than towards us.

[The Tubs]

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Decent and half-decent yanks are already onside.

The nutjobs are a lost cause.

The whole place rests on a limited few in the middle who can be swayed, and I'd guess that public burning of American flags would be likely to turn them away from us rather than towards us.

The decent ones voted for Harris last time, and those that didn't vote were sufficiently suppressed/put off. This was suppression under a Democrat executive. I really can't see people getting another real say in how their country is governed for a while. Europe, for what it represents, has probably become the enemy.

Look at what Musk is doing with X and Visa. I think he wants it to be the US version of WeChat. You can't function in China without it and Musk probably wants to do the same with X. I bet you'll probably need X to vote.

Having said that, I've never trusted much in my approach to psychology, so you might have a point about the flags.

[Ozyhibby]

With all the people being fired in the US I don’t think there is any way they do not fall into recession soon. That will hurt us here as well especially since our debt is already maxed out.


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[grunt]

US State Dept staff banned from subscribing to independent media