[Continuation] The Trump Presidency: Part 19 - Page 5

a_unique_person · 31st December 2019, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

Very good meeting on the Middle East, the Military, and Trade. Heading back to The Southern White House (Mar-a-Lago!).
Updates throughout the day.

Read the Transcripts!

Big branding exercise going on there for Mar-a-largo. When do the signs go up?

Segnosaur · 31st December 2019, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Aridas

Quote:

"President Donald Trump signed a bill on Monday that increases fines on criminal robocall violations and cracks down on companies making the calls, as part of a federal push against telephone scammers."

Mmm. When I looked it up, it received near unaminous bipartisan support.

So in other words, if Trump didn't sign it, it would still get into law because the president wouldn't be able to veto it.

The Man · 31st December 2019, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by JoeMorgue

Funny story. About a decade or so back when the big internet/cable/phone bundles were at their peak I was in the same scenario, it was actually cheaper to get a phone/cable/internet then just cable/internet.

But I never actually bothered to buy a landline phone. There was an old regular POTS Line phonejack in the kitchen of my apartment but I never used. Hell I could even have told you what my phone number was without looking at my bill.

But this thing had this feature where called ID would show up on your TV screen for.. some reason. So I had this weird scenario where I had a home phone line, but no home phone, but would still at least once or twice a night have "CALL FROM NUMBER SO AND SO" appear on my TV Screen.

These days the on TV caller ID is better at tagging scam, robo and phishing calls. It will actually come up as "fraudulent caller" or "Robocall".

Norman Alexander · 31st December 2019, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Segnosaur

So in other words, if Trump didn't sign it, it would still get into law because the president wouldn't be able to veto it.

Let's be honest. Trump won't read two paragraphs of a daily briefing memo. So he has no idea what the bills are that he does sign. I'm sure if it was presented in the usual leather and ribbon folder, he would sign his own arrest and execution warrant. As this documentary shows.

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

DallasDad · 31st December 2019, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Does anyone still use a landline?

I do. I'm visually impaired. I can use a huge computer screen, or a phone with big number buttons. The info displayed on a cell phone (I've tested dozens) is simply impossible for me to read. This means I can't use the directory, tell who's calling, or type in a number to call someone. SMS is even worse.

ETA: We also use a land-line for business. Customers who call from cell phones know any problems are their own. They most certainly don't want the dropouts/garbled words to be from our side. Even when we can't hear them well due to cell problems, they can usually hear us say, "You're dropping out. Please try calling back."

bruto · 31st December 2019, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Does anyone still use a landline?

I do. Rural area with cellular dead zone and no cable. My landline provider is ISP too (dsl at least). Lots of land lines in Vermont, lots of dial-up internet too.

tyr_13 · 31st December 2019, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

China doesn't need to steal tech much any more. The big US tech companies were more than willing to sell it to them for the last couple of decades - sales are good for business, don't you know!

And now China is starting to take the initiative in some tech areas. The USA is being deprived of tech wizards from within due to ongoing reductions in investment in education courtesy of De Vos. The scientific community is getting older and thinning out. The brain is not just draining overseas, what remains is getting decrepit and shrinking. And Trump could not care less about that because it doesn't affect him personally.

Not that I disagree with the suicidal short sighted stupidity of many US firms, China still very, very much steals tech. They don't only steal tech, but it isn't at the level of other countries there either.

China has become a leader in some fields, but has failed to do so in others despite massive investment (semiconductors for example). But because of a lack of competition for several reasons, it hasn't happened (unlike shipbuilding which, wow did illegal subsidization help that!). China's one party rule (on top of being, you know, actual communists) means that there isn't even much competition for their pork, let alone traditional market incentives to reward performance. This is a huge drag on their investments, and smaller promising companies struggle to get funding while the larger favorites of corrupt politicians are awash in government provided capital. If there was a viable political cost in the from of a challenge from another party, then maybe, but they don't even have a free enough press to get upset at this inefficient use of funds. Many of these mechanisms mirror the waste in US defense spending. Much of it is hidden, favorite companies get money despite failures, etc. This is appropriate as China is spending roughly the same percent of its GDP on these tactics as the US spends on defense. China not only subsidizes capital, but also land and utility costs for these companies.

Many of these industries have actually grown less profitable as they have gotten larger in China. Most return far below market rates. It should be a situation that mirrored the Soviet corrupt overspending that collapsed them. There are several factors that make that not the case, not the least of which is Trump seemingly playing right into their hands. Their markets actually recovered before the announced phase one deal (which frankly sucks). China needed taking on and the Trump GOP did it the dumbest way. Targeting steel and aluminum? It's not even an amateur move.

Beyond that, they have NO affirmative argument, no positive strategy, to actually help things here. As you say, they're actively making innovation incentive and factors worse. The anti-science GOP is immeasurably hurting the US and US business. They are negating the systematic advantages we used to have, and amplifying our weaknesses. It's madness.

Aridas · 31st December 2019, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by tyr_13

Not that I disagree with the suicidal short sighted stupidity of many US firms, China still very, very much steals tech. They don't only steal tech, but it isn't at the level of other countries there either.

China has become a leader in some fields, but has failed to do so in others despite massive investment (semiconductors for example). But because of a lack of competition for several reasons, it hasn't happened (unlike shipbuilding which, wow did illegal subsidization help that!). China's one party rule (on top of being, you know, actual communists) means that there isn't even much competition for their pork, let alone traditional market incentives to reward performance.

Err... to be clear, actual communism is classless, stateless, currencyless, etc. They aren't even remotely actual communists, as a general rule (nor is actual communism really even feasible yet at a large scale). There's lots of problems with both China and communism, but the problems really, really are not one and the same.

acbytesla · 31st December 2019, 05:15 PM

I find it amusing that China steals tech. They seem to do it almost with the aid of US corporations.

As someone who worked for a decade as a an IT broker. I had Chinese people calling me daily to purchase counterfeit computer equipment that was frequently manufactured in HP, Apple, Cisco etc factories running in China. They wouldn't say it was counterfeit. But when they offer to sell you new in box Cisco components that normally sell for $600 new and maybe $350 on the used market for $100 you know something is up. So you buy a couple to see what is up and then you receive pristine parts in Cisco boxes and you can't tell the difference in appearance or functionality.

I just bought a couple of cheap chinese diesel heaters for $150 each that look and operate exactly like the $1000 European models.

Captain_Swoop · 31st December 2019, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

I just bought a couple of cheap chinese diesel heaters for $150 each that look and operate exactly like the $1000 European models.

Because they are the European models

tyr_13 · 31st December 2019, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Aridas

Err... to be clear, actual communism is classless, stateless, currencyless, etc. They aren't even remotely actual communists, as a general rule (nor is actual communism really even feasible yet at a large scale). There's lots of problems with both China and communism, but the problems really, really are not one and the same.

Yeah, very poor wording choice on my part. They're...capitalism/communism with Chinese qualities as they like to put it. Functionally a pseudoe command/crony economy. The weaknesses and inefficiencies therein are not as bad as the oligarchy in Russia, but still has inherent weaknesses there. China moved a bit away from it, but Xi appears to be more adverse to capitalists/market based reforms as the reformers have basically all been silenced. In fact, the conflict with Trump seems to have cemented Xi's opinion and given him the internal political capital to 'win' that debate for now.

SezMe · 31st December 2019, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

California and New York must do something about their TREMENDOUS Homeless problems. They are setting records! If their Governors can’t handle the situation, which they should be able to do very easily, they must call and “politely” ask for help. Would be so easy with competence!

Part of me wishes Newsom (CA gov) would call his bluff and tweet him back, saying, "OK, come and fix the problem" except the ensuing cluster **** would harm real people.

SezMe · 31st December 2019, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B

But if I am armed, I’ll do my very best not to screw the pooch and injure or kill an innocent bystander.

I believe every word you say but also remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

SezMe · 31st December 2019, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Does anyone still use a landline?

Yes. My home sits in a "well" of crappy to zero coverage so I use Skype.

Originally Posted by TragicMonkey

Old people.

Hey, I resemble that.

Stacyhs · 31st December 2019, 07:58 PM

Regarding Trumps's tweets: does anyone outside his adoring idiotic base believe anything he tweets? His lying is so bad that anything he says, I immediately dismiss as likely false. It says a lot when the first reaction to anything a POTuS says is met with disbelief.

Norman Alexander · 31st December 2019, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Stacyhs

Regarding Trumps's tweets: does anyone outside his adoring idiotic base believe anything he tweets? His lying is so bad that anything he says, I immediately dismiss as likely false. It says a lot when the first reaction to anything a POTuS says is met with disbelief.

For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true.

The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe...

Stacyhs · 31st December 2019, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true.

The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe...

I agree. Not even he could tweet all that crap. It's a combination of him and his sycophants.

Captain_Swoop · 1st January 2020, 04:12 AM

Trump Retweeted

Lindsey Graham
@LindseyGrahamSC
Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad.
He has put the world on notice - there will be no Benghazis on his watch.
(1/4)

To the Iranian government:
Be careful what you wish for — a country that depends on the ability to refine oil for its existence needs to be cautious.
(2/4)

President Trump, unlike President Obama, will hold you accountable for threats against Americans and hit you where it hurts the most.
Choose your battles wisely.
(3/4)

To our Iraqi allies:
This is your moment to convince the American people the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting.
Protect our American personnel. You will not regret it.
(4/4)

Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq.
President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis.

Captain_Swoop · 1st January 2020, 04:25 AM

Trump Tweets

One of my greatest honors was to have gotten CHOICE approved for our great Veterans. Others have tried for decades, and failed!

I am far better on HealthCare than the Democrats!

The Fake News said I played golf today, and I did NOT! I had meeting in various locations, while closely monitoring the U.S. Embassy situation in Iraq, which I am still doing. The Corrupt Lamestream Media knew this but, not surprisingly, failed to report or correct!

The Anti-Benghazi!

Captain_Swoop · 1st January 2020, 04:27 AM

Trump Tweets

The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request....

....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!

Captain_Swoop · 1st January 2020, 04:29 AM

Trump Retweeted

Jack Posobiec
@JackPosobiec
No more Beghzais! Trump sent in in the Devil Dogs! Thank you Mr President for standing up for our men and women deployed overseas. Get them all home safe

Darat · 1st January 2020, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true.

The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe...

I actually do think he "researches" his tweets, we know he spends literally hours every day watching television, that is his research.

The ones he doesn't research are those that quote other people as we know he does not read so I assume those are brought to his attention by a flunky.

Darat · 1st January 2020, 04:45 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request....

....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!

What on earth are "Warfighters"? Soldiers?

a_unique_person · 1st January 2020, 05:45 AM

He switches from praising Iraq to threatening it.

Fast Eddie B · 1st January 2020, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by SezMe

I believe every word you say but also remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Thank you for that.

On the plus side, I received extensive firearms training over the course of nine months at the Police Academy in 1882. I think the effects of much of that training still linger after 35+ years.

Downside is that I just turned 70. I think my cognitive abilities are still pretty much intact, but certainly my reflexes, balance, strength and coordination are not what they once were. But I think knowing one’s limitations plays a parts when one decides on a course of action in a critical situation.

Anyway, little chance I’ll ever find myself in an active shooter scenario, and that I’ll be in a position to act if I am. Still, I find some comfort that that little 9mm in my pocket gives me options I would not otherwise have if I were unarmed. Including the option to seek cover and concealment and to do nothing. I’m also grateful that the two states I reside in - Georgia and Tennessee - and most of the surrounding states trust their citizens enough to allow concealed carry. I think it’s a trust that in the vast majority of cases is well founded.

BobTheCoward · 1st January 2020, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by Darat

What on earth are "Warfighters"? Soldiers?

Yes, they started using it around September 11th it feels like. Like any term like rha, it becomes overused by middle management and wannabe Javerts.

Segnosaur · 1st January 2020, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

The Anti-Benghazi!

Yup he sure is.

Clinton was grilled for hours by hostile Republican congress critters over Benghazi, didn't crack and was found innocent.

Trump won't let himself be interviewed at all (lest he perjur himself), actively interferes with investigations and is guilty of all sorts of corruption.

Sent from my LM-X320 using Tapatalk

Skeptic Ginger · 1st January 2020, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Retweeted

Lindsey Graham
@LindseyGrahamSC
Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad.
He has put the world on notice - there will be no Benghazis on his watch.
(1/4)
...

Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq.
President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis.

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request....

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Retweeted

Jack Posobiec
@JackPosobiec
No more Beghzais! Trump sent in in the Devil Dogs! Thank you Mr President for standing up for our men and women deployed overseas. Get them all home safe

Last night the news was that Iraqi soldiers delayed coming. The embassy was overrun and the people inside did get away.

Sounds like someone gave Trumpy a fake news report so they wouldn't get yelled at.

shemp · 1st January 2020, 09:24 AM

Doesn't sound like the Iraqi government is too enthusiastic about doing something to stop this.

Darat · 1st January 2020, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

He switches from praising Iraq to threatening it.

If I was Iraq or Iran I'd be very concerned, the chance of him getting the country right when he declares "attack" is very slim.

Planigale · 1st January 2020, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B

Thank you for that.

On the plus side, I received extensive firearms training over the course of nine months at the Police Academy in 1882. I think the effects of much of that training still linger after 35+ years.

Downside is that I just turned 70. I think my cognitive abilities are still pretty much intact, but certainly my reflexes, balance, strength and coordination are not what they once were. But I think knowing one’s limitations plays a parts when one decides on a course of action in a critical situation.

Anyway, little chance I’ll ever find myself in an active shooter scenario, and that I’ll be in a position to act if I am. Still, I find some comfort that that little 9mm in my pocket gives me options I would not otherwise have if I were unarmed. Including the option to seek cover and concealment and to do nothing. I’m also grateful that the two states I reside in - Georgia and Tennessee - and most of the surrounding states trust their citizens enough to allow concealed carry. I think it’s a trust that in the vast majority of cases is well founded.

Were you trained on muskets?

Planigale · 1st January 2020, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by shemp

Doesn't sound like the Iraqi government is too enthusiastic about doing something to stop this.

It appears the Iraqi government aren't keen on the US attacking and killing Iraqis in Iraq without the consent of the Iraqi government. Especially of Iraqi militia forces that were important in defeating ISIS, and may still be needed to support the Iraqi government.

Fast Eddie B · 1st January 2020, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Planigale

Were you trained on muskets?

Oops! 1982.

Delphic Oracle · 1st January 2020, 01:27 PM

The difference in options available to respond in the green zone in Baghdad vs. a relative backwater port town in Libya seem relevant.

But who really wants to waste any breath on it, it won't be heard.

carrps · 1st January 2020, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by bruto

The government already owns a nice plot of land up in Manzanar, complete with buildings. Perfect spot with proven history. A simple executive order would open it right up. Combine it with workfare and make the lazy bums sweep it out and put on a fresh coat of paint.

Did they replace the old buildings? Last time I was there, there were no buildings. Basically, just a lot of desert and a memorial marker.

Norman Alexander · 1st January 2020, 05:48 PM

So Trump is now trying to re-ignite the failed "BENGHAZI!!" meme for the umpteenth time, while alternatively threatening and/or cajoling two Middle Eastern countries that he can't tell apart and couldn't find on a map if he tried. While claiming he didn't go golfing although there is plenty of video showing that he did. And his arse-lickers are encouraging him and fawning at his amazing magnificence, and cross-eyed gun-wavers tell him he is a great "warfighter"...

Honestly, this sounds incredibly like the plot of a 1950's Ealing comedy with Peter Sellers playing a mad king, rather than any modern 21st century nation.

Captain_Swoop · 1st January 2020, 06:39 PM

Trump Tweets

Best equipment & finest military in the World. On site quickly!

Safe-Keeper · 1st January 2020, 09:06 PM

Warfighters sounds like some 90's console video game.
Along with the sequel, Warfighters II: Devil Dogs.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 2nd January 2020, 02:52 AM

Captain_Swoop · 2nd January 2020, 03:09 AM

Trump Tweets

Great job!

Trump War Room --- Text FIGHT to 88022
@TrumpWarRoom
No lies about a video.
No lies about who was responsible for the attack.
No unanswered calls for help.
No dead Americans.
There will be no Benghazis on President Trump’s watch! https://twitter.com/lucasfoxnews/sta...82298960646147

31st December 2019, 02:41 PM	#161
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 42,986	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets Very good meeting on the Middle East, the Military, and Trade. Heading back to The Southern White House (Mar-a-Lago!). Updates throughout the day. Read the Transcripts! Big branding exercise going on there for Mar-a-largo. When do the signs go up?
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

31st December 2019, 02:56 PM	#162
Segnosaur Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 16,891	Originally Posted by Aridas Quote: "President Donald Trump signed a bill on Monday that increases fines on criminal robocall violations and cracks down on companies making the calls, as part of a federal push against telephone scammers." Mmm. When I looked it up, it received near unaminous bipartisan support. So in other words, if Trump didn't sign it, it would still get into law because the president wouldn't be able to veto it.
	__________________ Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot

31st December 2019, 03:09 PM	#163
The Man Unbanned zombie poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Posts: 15,127	Originally Posted by JoeMorgue Funny story. About a decade or so back when the big internet/cable/phone bundles were at their peak I was in the same scenario, it was actually cheaper to get a phone/cable/internet then just cable/internet. But I never actually bothered to buy a landline phone. There was an old regular POTS Line phonejack in the kitchen of my apartment but I never used. Hell I could even have told you what my phone number was without looking at my bill. But this thing had this feature where called ID would show up on your TV screen for.. some reason. So I had this weird scenario where I had a home phone line, but no home phone, but would still at least once or twice a night have "CALL FROM NUMBER SO AND SO" appear on my TV Screen. These days the on TV caller ID is better at tagging scam, robo and phishing calls. It will actually come up as "fraudulent caller" or "Robocall".
	__________________ BRAINZZZZZZZZ

31st December 2019, 03:46 PM	#165
DallasDad Muse Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 900	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Does anyone still use a landline? I do. I'm visually impaired. I can use a huge computer screen, or a phone with big number buttons. The info displayed on a cell phone (I've tested dozens) is simply impossible for me to read. This means I can't use the directory, tell who's calling, or type in a number to call someone. SMS is even worse. ETA: We also use a land-line for business. Customers who call from cell phones know any problems are their own. They most certainly don't want the dropouts/garbled words to be from our side. Even when we can't hear them well due to cell problems, they can usually hear us say, "You're dropping out. Please try calling back."
DallasDad Muse Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 900	Last edited by DallasDad; 31st December 2019 at 03:52 PM.

31st December 2019, 04:12 PM	#166
bruto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Way way north of Diddy Wah Diddy Posts: 27,318	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Does anyone still use a landline? I do. Rural area with cellular dead zone and no cable. My landline provider is ISP too (dsl at least). Lots of land lines in Vermont, lots of dial-up internet too.
	__________________ I love this world, but not for its answers. (Mary Oliver) Quand il dit "cuic" le moineau croit tout dire. (When he's tweeted the sparrow thinks he's said it all. (Jules Renard)

31st December 2019, 04:22 PM	#167
tyr_13 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16,360	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander China doesn't need to steal tech much any more. The big US tech companies were more than willing to sell it to them for the last couple of decades - sales are good for business, don't you know! And now China is starting to take the initiative in some tech areas. The USA is being deprived of tech wizards from within due to ongoing reductions in investment in education courtesy of De Vos. The scientific community is getting older and thinning out. The brain is not just draining overseas, what remains is getting decrepit and shrinking. And Trump could not care less about that because it doesn't affect him personally. Not that I disagree with the suicidal short sighted stupidity of many US firms, China still very, very much steals tech. They don't only steal tech, but it isn't at the level of other countries there either. China has become a leader in some fields, but has failed to do so in others despite massive investment (semiconductors for example). But because of a lack of competition for several reasons, it hasn't happened (unlike shipbuilding which, wow did illegal subsidization help that!). China's one party rule (on top of being, you know, actual communists) means that there isn't even much competition for their pork, let alone traditional market incentives to reward performance. This is a huge drag on their investments, and smaller promising companies struggle to get funding while the larger favorites of corrupt politicians are awash in government provided capital. If there was a viable political cost in the from of a challenge from another party, then maybe, but they don't even have a free enough press to get upset at this inefficient use of funds. Many of these mechanisms mirror the waste in US defense spending. Much of it is hidden, favorite companies get money despite failures, etc. This is appropriate as China is spending roughly the same percent of its GDP on these tactics as the US spends on defense. China not only subsidizes capital, but also land and utility costs for these companies. Many of these industries have actually grown less profitable as they have gotten larger in China. Most return far below market rates. It should be a situation that mirrored the Soviet corrupt overspending that collapsed them. There are several factors that make that not the case, not the least of which is Trump seemingly playing right into their hands. Their markets actually recovered before the announced phase one deal (which frankly sucks). China needed taking on and the Trump GOP did it the dumbest way. Targeting steel and aluminum? It's not even an amateur move. Beyond that, they have NO affirmative argument, no positive strategy, to actually help things here. As you say, they're actively making innovation incentive and factors worse. The anti-science GOP is immeasurably hurting the US and US business. They are negating the systematic advantages we used to have, and amplifying our weaknesses. It's madness.
	__________________ Circled nothing is still nothing. "Nothing will stop the U.S. from being a world leader, not even a handful of adults who want their kids to take science lessons from a book that mentions unicorns six times." -UNLoVedRebel Mumpsimus: a stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong

31st December 2019, 04:37 PM	#168
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,352	Originally Posted by tyr_13 Not that I disagree with the suicidal short sighted stupidity of many US firms, China still very, very much steals tech. They don't only steal tech, but it isn't at the level of other countries there either. China has become a leader in some fields, but has failed to do so in others despite massive investment (semiconductors for example). But because of a lack of competition for several reasons, it hasn't happened (unlike shipbuilding which, wow did illegal subsidization help that!). China's one party rule (on top of being, you know, actual communists) means that there isn't even much competition for their pork, let alone traditional market incentives to reward performance. Err... to be clear, actual communism is classless, stateless, currencyless, etc. They aren't even remotely actual communists, as a general rule (nor is actual communism really even feasible yet at a large scale). There's lots of problems with both China and communism, but the problems really, really are not one and the same.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

31st December 2019, 05:15 PM	#169
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 27,984	I find it amusing that China steals tech. They seem to do it almost with the aid of US corporations. As someone who worked for a decade as a an IT broker. I had Chinese people calling me daily to purchase counterfeit computer equipment that was frequently manufactured in HP, Apple, Cisco etc factories running in China. They wouldn't say it was counterfeit. But when they offer to sell you new in box Cisco components that normally sell for $600 new and maybe $350 on the used market for $100 you know something is up. So you buy a couple to see what is up and then you receive pristine parts in Cisco boxes and you can't tell the difference in appearance or functionality. I just bought a couple of cheap chinese diesel heaters for $150 each that look and operate exactly like the $1000 European models.
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

31st December 2019, 05:36 PM	#170
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 31,403	Originally Posted by acbytesla I just bought a couple of cheap chinese diesel heaters for $150 each that look and operate exactly like the $1000 European models. Because they are the European models

31st December 2019, 07:16 PM	#171
tyr_13 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16,360	Originally Posted by Aridas Err... to be clear, actual communism is classless, stateless, currencyless, etc. They aren't even remotely actual communists, as a general rule (nor is actual communism really even feasible yet at a large scale). There's lots of problems with both China and communism, but the problems really, really are not one and the same. Yeah, very poor wording choice on my part. They're...capitalism/communism with Chinese qualities as they like to put it. Functionally a pseudoe command/crony economy. The weaknesses and inefficiencies therein are not as bad as the oligarchy in Russia, but still has inherent weaknesses there. China moved a bit away from it, but Xi appears to be more adverse to capitalists/market based reforms as the reformers have basically all been silenced. In fact, the conflict with Trump seems to have cemented Xi's opinion and given him the internal political capital to 'win' that debate for now.
	__________________ Circled nothing is still nothing. "Nothing will stop the U.S. from being a world leader, not even a handful of adults who want their kids to take science lessons from a book that mentions unicorns six times." -UNLoVedRebel Mumpsimus: a stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong

31st December 2019, 07:38 PM	#172
SezMe post-pre-born Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 24,839	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets California and New York must do something about their TREMENDOUS Homeless problems. They are setting records! If their Governors can’t handle the situation, which they should be able to do very easily, they must call and “politely” ask for help. Would be so easy with competence! Part of me wishes Newsom (CA gov) would call his bluff and tweet him back, saying, "OK, come and fix the problem" except the ensuing cluster **** would harm real people.

31st December 2019, 07:40 PM	#173
SezMe post-pre-born Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 24,839	Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B But if I am armed, I’ll do my very best not to screw the pooch and injure or kill an innocent bystander. I believe every word you say but also remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

31st December 2019, 07:42 PM	#174
SezMe post-pre-born Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 24,839	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Does anyone still use a landline? Yes. My home sits in a "well" of crappy to zero coverage so I use Skype. Originally Posted by TragicMonkey Old people. Hey, I resemble that.

31st December 2019, 07:58 PM	#175
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 17,479	Regarding Trumps's tweets: does anyone outside his adoring idiotic base believe anything he tweets? His lying is so bad that anything he says, I immediately dismiss as likely false. It says a lot when the first reaction to anything a POTuS says is met with disbelief.

31st December 2019, 08:06 PM	#176
Norman Alexander Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gundungurra Posts: 8,481	Originally Posted by Stacyhs Regarding Trumps's tweets: does anyone outside his adoring idiotic base believe anything he tweets? His lying is so bad that anything he says, I immediately dismiss as likely false. It says a lot when the first reaction to anything a POTuS says is met with disbelief. For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true. The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe...
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}

31st December 2019, 08:13 PM	#177
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 17,479	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true. The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe... I agree. Not even he could tweet all that crap. It's a combination of him and his sycophants.

1st January 2020, 04:12 AM	#178
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 31,403	Trump Retweeted Lindsey Graham @LindseyGrahamSC Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad. He has put the world on notice - there will be no Benghazis on his watch. (1/4) To the Iranian government: Be careful what you wish for — a country that depends on the ability to refine oil for its existence needs to be cautious. (2/4) President Trump, unlike President Obama, will hold you accountable for threats against Americans and hit you where it hurts the most. Choose your battles wisely. (3/4) To our Iraqi allies: This is your moment to convince the American people the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting. Protect our American personnel. You will not regret it. (4/4) Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq. President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis.
	Last edited by Captain_Swoop; 1st January 2020 at 04:22 AM.

1st January 2020, 04:25 AM	#179
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 31,403	Trump Tweets One of my greatest honors was to have gotten CHOICE approved for our great Veterans. Others have tried for decades, and failed! I am far better on HealthCare than the Democrats! The Fake News said I played golf today, and I did NOT! I had meeting in various locations, while closely monitoring the U.S. Embassy situation in Iraq, which I am still doing. The Corrupt Lamestream Media knew this but, not surprisingly, failed to report or correct! The Anti-Benghazi!

1st January 2020, 04:27 AM	#180
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 31,403	Trump Tweets The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request.... ....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!

1st January 2020, 04:29 AM	#181
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 31,403	Trump Retweeted Jack Posobiec @JackPosobiec No more Beghzais! Trump sent in in the Devil Dogs! Thank you Mr President for standing up for our men and women deployed overseas. Get them all home safe

1st January 2020, 04:43 AM	#182
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 96,143	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander For about two years now I have been using Trump's twitter eructions as a guide to what is NOT the truth inside his administration. Whatever he says, the opposite is very probably true. The other side to consider is that he almost certainly does not personally research or write the tweets for his channel. We all know that it is a curated concoction of Fox & Friends plus Hannity and Ingraham (i.e. Murdoch swill), a bit of Breitbart, a pinch of Trump rants, and a whole bunch of heavily-researched and misquoted piffle from neo-Nazi and NRA micro-sites. In short, it's ranting *****. SO presidential I just cannot begin to believe... I actually do think he "researches" his tweets, we know he spends literally hours every day watching television, that is his research. The ones he doesn't research are those that quote other people as we know he does not read so I assume those are brought to his attention by a flunky.
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

1st January 2020, 04:45 AM	#183
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 96,143	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request.... ....Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year! What on earth are "Warfighters"? Soldiers?
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

1st January 2020, 05:45 AM	#184
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 42,986	He switches from praising Iraq to threatening it.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

1st January 2020, 06:47 AM	#185
Fast Eddie B Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA Posts: 6,635	Originally Posted by SezMe I believe every word you say but also remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Thank you for that. On the plus side, I received extensive firearms training over the course of nine months at the Police Academy in 1882. I think the effects of much of that training still linger after 35+ years. Downside is that I just turned 70. I think my cognitive abilities are still pretty much intact, but certainly my reflexes, balance, strength and coordination are not what they once were. But I think knowing one’s limitations plays a parts when one decides on a course of action in a critical situation. Anyway, little chance I’ll ever find myself in an active shooter scenario, and that I’ll be in a position to act if I am. Still, I find some comfort that that little 9mm in my pocket gives me options I would not otherwise have if I were unarmed. Including the option to seek cover and concealment and to do nothing. I’m also grateful that the two states I reside in - Georgia and Tennessee - and most of the surrounding states trust their citizens enough to allow concealed carry. I think it’s a trust that in the vast majority of cases is well founded.
	Last edited by Fast Eddie B; 1st January 2020 at 06:48 AM.

1st January 2020, 06:55 AM	#186
BobTheCoward Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 20,166	Originally Posted by Darat What on earth are "Warfighters"? Soldiers? Yes, they started using it around September 11th it feels like. Like any term like rha, it becomes overused by middle management and wannabe Javerts.

1st January 2020, 08:10 AM	#187
Segnosaur Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 16,891	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets The Anti-Benghazi! Yup he sure is. Clinton was grilled for hours by hostile Republican congress critters over Benghazi, didn't crack and was found innocent. Trump won't let himself be interviewed at all (lest he perjur himself), actively interferes with investigations and is guilty of all sorts of corruption. Sent from my LM-X320 using Tapatalk
	__________________ Trust me, I know what I'm doing. - Sledgehammer I'm Mary Poppin's Y'all! - Yondu We are Groot - Groot

1st January 2020, 09:18 AM	#188
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 85,873	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Retweeted Lindsey Graham @LindseyGrahamSC Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad. He has put the world on notice - there will be no Benghazis on his watch. (1/4) ... Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq. President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis. Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets The U.S. Embassy in Iraq is, & has been for hours, SAFE! Many of our great Warfighters, together with the most lethal military equipment in the world, was immediately rushed to the site. Thank you to the President & Prime Minister of Iraq for their rapid response upon request.... Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Retweeted Jack Posobiec @JackPosobiec No more Beghzais! Trump sent in in the Devil Dogs! Thank you Mr President for standing up for our men and women deployed overseas. Get them all home safe Last night the news was that Iraqi soldiers delayed coming. The embassy was overrun and the people inside did get away. Sounds like someone gave Trumpy a fake news report so they wouldn't get yelled at.

1st January 2020, 09:24 AM	#189
shemp a flimsy character...perfidious and despised Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: People's Democratic Republic of Planet X Posts: 39,664	Doesn't sound like the Iraqi government is too enthusiastic about doing something to stop this.
	__________________ If being a twat was a TV show, Trump would be the boxed set. "...just as a magnet attracts iron filings, ~~Trump~~ shemp attracts, and is attracted to, louts." - George Will "[shemp is] a most notable coward, an infinite and endless liar, an hourly promise breaker, the owner of no one good quality." - Shakespeare

1st January 2020, 09:32 AM	#190
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 96,143	Originally Posted by a_unique_person He switches from praising Iraq to threatening it. If I was Iraq or Iran I'd be very concerned, the chance of him getting the country right when he declares "attack" is very slim.
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

1st January 2020, 11:08 AM	#191
Planigale Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: 49 North Posts: 4,550	Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B Thank you for that. On the plus side, I received extensive firearms training over the course of nine months at the Police Academy in 1882. I think the effects of much of that training still linger after 35+ years. Downside is that I just turned 70. I think my cognitive abilities are still pretty much intact, but certainly my reflexes, balance, strength and coordination are not what they once were. But I think knowing one’s limitations plays a parts when one decides on a course of action in a critical situation. Anyway, little chance I’ll ever find myself in an active shooter scenario, and that I’ll be in a position to act if I am. Still, I find some comfort that that little 9mm in my pocket gives me options I would not otherwise have if I were unarmed. Including the option to seek cover and concealment and to do nothing. I’m also grateful that the two states I reside in - Georgia and Tennessee - and most of the surrounding states trust their citizens enough to allow concealed carry. I think it’s a trust that in the vast majority of cases is well founded. Were you trained on muskets?

1st January 2020, 11:13 AM	#192
Planigale Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: 49 North Posts: 4,550	Originally Posted by shemp Doesn't sound like the Iraqi government is too enthusiastic about doing something to stop this. It appears the Iraqi government aren't keen on the US attacking and killing Iraqis in Iraq without the consent of the Iraqi government. Especially of Iraqi militia forces that were important in defeating ISIS, and may still be needed to support the Iraqi government.

1st January 2020, 11:26 AM	#193
Fast Eddie B Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA Posts: 6,635	Originally Posted by Planigale Were you trained on muskets? Oops! 1982.

1st January 2020, 01:27 PM	#194
Delphic Oracle Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 5,293	The difference in options available to respond in the green zone in Baghdad vs. a relative backwater port town in Libya seem relevant. But who really wants to waste any breath on it, it won't be heard.

1st January 2020, 05:29 PM	#195
carrps Thinker Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 244	Originally Posted by bruto The government already owns a nice plot of land up in Manzanar, complete with buildings. Perfect spot with proven history. A simple executive order would open it right up. Combine it with workfare and make the lazy bums sweep it out and put on a fresh coat of paint. Did they replace the old buildings? Last time I was there, there were no buildings. Basically, just a lot of desert and a memorial marker.
carrps Thinker Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 244

1st January 2020, 05:48 PM	#196
Norman Alexander Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gundungurra Posts: 8,481	So Trump is now trying to re-ignite the failed "BENGHAZI!!" meme for the umpteenth time, while alternatively threatening and/or cajoling two Middle Eastern countries that he can't tell apart and couldn't find on a map if he tried. While claiming he didn't go golfing although there is plenty of video showing that he did. And his arse-lickers are encouraging him and fawning at his amazing magnificence, and cross-eyed gun-wavers tell him he is a great "warfighter"... Honestly, this sounds incredibly like the plot of a 1950's Ealing comedy with Peter Sellers playing a mad king, rather than any modern 21st century nation.
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}