[Continuation] The Trump Presidency VIII - Page 7

ponderingturtle · 2nd July 2018, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by Delphic Oracle

He doesn't realize when S.A. increases production, the price drop halts American production because they would be operating at a loss.

They should work in COAL! Or STEEL. The only industries that matter.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 2nd July 2018, 06:46 AM

Trump has said in a new interview that he's planning more tax cuts for just before the election, that his Supreme Court picks might end up seeing abortion becoming illegal in some states, and says he might get involved with the Russia investigation

Regnad Kcin · 2nd July 2018, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B

But I still have a toe in that water - in 2003 I bought and still own a Buell Firebolt that uses a Sportster engine in an Italian-sourced frame with lots of multinational bits and pieces. It strikes a perfect cord for me in the twisties around my N GA home.

https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6165/...64c74513f3.jpg

Sorry for the hijack/derail - but I can’t just stand by and watch my HD cred assaulted!

Sigh.

I rode a bit back during college (Honda 550 - 4) and not long ago decided to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Got my safety training and license and heart set on a nice little machine. Mrs. Kcin, however, informed in all certain terms that that path would not be ridden on.

Glad to see you armor up. I’m astounded at the number of riders I encounter whose only protection is a (mandated) helmet.

FenerFan · 2nd July 2018, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B

Nope, post AMF “dark days”...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/...a7d19f30_o.jpg

In 1986 (I think) Harley had a promotion: buy a bare-bone Sportster for $3,995 and you could trade it in for a full-sized Harley any time in the next year and get the full value applied. I gave it a shot, but decided the whole HD thing was not for me.

But I still have a toe in that water - in 2003 I bought and still own a Buell Firebolt that uses a Sportster engine in an Italian-sourced frame with lots of multinational bits and pieces. It strikes a perfect cord for me in the twisties around my N GA home.

https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6165/...64c74513f3.jpg

Sorry for the hijack/derail - but I can’t just stand by and watch my HD cred assaulted!

No offense intended, my tongue was securely in my cheek. Nice pic, too.

Fast Eddie B · 2nd July 2018, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by FenerFan

No offense intended, my tongue was securely in my cheek. Nice pic, too.

I suspected as much - and thanks!

Captain_Swoop · 2nd July 2018, 01:06 PM

Trump Tweets

"Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

ponderingturtle · 2nd July 2018, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

"Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

Wow almost kind of normal presidential.

Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US?

Armitage72 · 2nd July 2018, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by ponderingturtle

Wow almost kind of normal presidential.

Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US?

Pretty much any question about Trump that starts with "Does he know ..." has an obvious answer.

gregthehammer · 2nd July 2018, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

"Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

OT - That clunky turn of phrase is a pet peeve of mine! The 'Very Much' is pure fluff! (we have a guy at here at the office who uses that same phrasing. Drives me nuts!)

Trebuchet · 2nd July 2018, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

"Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

Originally Posted by ponderingturtle

Wow almost kind of normal presidential.

Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US?

Trump doesn't write all his own tweets. You can tell which ones he didn't because of relatively high levels of spelling, grammar, and sanity.

Captain_Swoop · 2nd July 2018, 02:16 PM

Interview with Bolton on 'Face the Nation'

He indicated Trump is open to recognising Crimea as part of Russia.

After Brennan points out that "that's shocking for our European allies," Bolton says, "the president makes the policy, I don't make the policy."

Brennan asked "US intelligence believes Russia is actively trying to undermine NATO. Military spending aside, you understand why Trump's comments about Crimea & NATO-bashing are concerning?"

Bolton replied "Well, if you think Russia is a threat, why is Germany spending so little on defense?"

Brennan asked "Trump's own intel chiefs say Russia is still meddling. When you met w/Putin, did you confront him?"

Bolton replied "What Putin said was there was no meddling in 2016 by the Russian state"

Brennan asked "Right now, Russia is blanket bombing southern Syria. That violates the last agreement Putin made with Trump. Why would Trump trust Putin now?"

Bolton replied "Well, both countries dislike Iran"

gregthehammer · 2nd July 2018, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Interview with Bolton on 'Face the Nation'

He indicated Trump is open to recognising Crimea as part of Russia.

After Brennan points out that "that's shocking for our European allies," Bolton says, "the president makes the policy, I don't make the policy."

Brennan asked "US intelligence believes Russia is actively trying to undermine NATO. Military spending aside, you understand why Trump's comments about Crimea & NATO-bashing are concerning?"

Bolton replied "Well, if you think Russia is a threat, why is Germany spending so little on defense?"

Brennan asked "Trump's own intel chiefs say Russia is still meddling. When you met w/Putin, did you confront him?"

Bolton replied "What Putin said was there was no meddling in 2016 by the Russian state"

Brennan asked "Right now, Russia is blanket bombing southern Syria. That violates the last agreement Putin made with Trump. Why would Trump trust Putin now?"

Bolton replied "Well, both countries dislike Iran"

Regarding the bolded -
I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves.

Craig4 · 2nd July 2018, 04:25 PM

Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils.

CapelDodger · 2nd July 2018, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by gregthehammer

Regarding the bolded -
I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves.

The US had no fear of that. What they did want was to station a large army in Europe without provoking local hostility, and the argument that the locals were getting top-grade protection on the cheap contributed to that.

What the US particularly didn't want, of course, was military competition breaking out in Western Europe in the same old way, and they could put a stop to that sort of thing any time they liked.

Cl1mh4224rd · 2nd July 2018, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils.

Somehow I doubt that. These people are very flexible in their weighing of "evil".

Hlafordlaes · 2nd July 2018, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by gregthehammer

Regarding the bolded -
I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves.

Originally. Then the realities of increasing up-front investment in advancing modern weaponry hit home as well: if you have no one to share the costs, per-item expenses skyrocket. Arms sales to others who are not doing as much spending otherwise is what has made the US arsenal possible, at an affordable price (prior to the F-35).

Until the US started flooding Europe with its Utopian Freedom Gospel singers like Bannon, it also seemed to understand that European unity was worthwhile, and required the major investments undertaken to make it possible. But too many in Europe heeded the "wise" Americans and ended up "getting religion," and here we are with a disintegrating Union. Quite ripe for Russian hegemonic expansion, to the detriment of US interests... at least those that have not already taken a bribe.

The Don · 2nd July 2018, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils.

I'm not so sure.

I think the GOP has got to the stage where whatever President Trump does is just fine (as long as they keep their seat) and the uninformed masses don't even know what Crimea is, much less where it is or have any idea that it's part of Ukraine. They will not understand why this is important and even if they do, they simply do not care. It's half a world away and has absolutely zero impact on their day to day life.

I mean it sounds like a good deal to me, make someone important (Putin) happy by giving him something that was never yours to begin with.

Anyone who would be unhappy about the US recognising the Russian annexation of Crimea is already firmly anti the Trump Administration and President Trump. Anyone who supports the Trump Administration, or is even wavering, probably doesn't care.

timhau · 2nd July 2018, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils.

That depends on whether their reasoning goes "This is what I think, and therefore I voted Republican" or "I voted republucan, therefore this is what I think."

Aridas · 3rd July 2018, 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by Cl1mh4224rd

Somehow I doubt that. These people are very flexible in their weighing of "evil".

Incredibly so, sometimes. When 22% approve Obama doing something and 86% approve Trump doing the exact same thing... that becomes really obvious.

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 05:08 AM

Trump Tweets

"Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics, is rapidly becoming, together with Nancy Pelosi, the FACE of the Democrat Party. Her ranting and raving, even referring to herself as a wounded animal, will make people flee the Democrats!"

"The economy is doing perhaps better than ever before, and that’s prior to fixing some of the worst and most unfair Trade Deals ever made by any country. In any event, they are coming along very well. Most countries agree that they must be changed, but nobody ever asked!"

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 05:09 AM

Trump Tweets

"When we have an “infestation” of MS-13 GANGS in certain parts of our country, who do we send to get them out? ICE! They are tougher and smarter than these rough criminal elelments that bad immigration laws allow into our country. Dems do not appreciate the great job they do! Nov."

"How can the Democrats, who are weak on the Border and weak on Crime, do well in November. The people of our Country want and demand Safety and Security, while the Democrats are more interested in ripping apart and demeaning (and not properly funding) our great Law Enforcement!"

The Great Zaganza · 3rd July 2018, 05:20 AM

I don't read Trump tweets, I switch off or at least Mute whenever Trump speaks anywhere on anything - there is absolutely nothing that the President of the United States can say that is worth paying attention to.
What we should focus on is what people with a sense of morals, civility and responsibility have to say: the Trump posse and bootlickers don't deserve the free media bandwidth they are getting: they should be forced to pay to have their **** being heard.

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 05:28 AM

Trump Tweets

"Many good conversations with North Korea-it is going well! In the meantime, no Rocket Launches or Nuclear Testing in 8 months. All of Asia is thrilled. Only the Opposition Party, which includes the Fake News, is complaining. If not for me, we would now be at War with North Korea!"

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 05:30 AM

I still can't believe that the President of the USA says things like

"Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics"

Cl1mh4224rd · 3rd July 2018, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

"Many good conversations with North Korea-it is going well! In the meantime, no Rocket Launches or Nuclear Testing in 8 months. All of Asia is thrilled. Only the Opposition Party, which includes the Fake News, is complaining. If not for me, we would now be at War with North Korea!"

Someone should tell him the good news.

CapelDodger · 3rd July 2018, 05:42 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

I still can't believe that the President of the USA says things like

"Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics"

Trump really should avoid the c-word.

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 05:51 AM

Trump Tweets

"Just out that the Obama Administration granted citizenship, during the terrible Iran Deal negotiation, to 2,500 Iranians - including to government officials. How big (and bad) is that?"

Stacko · 3rd July 2018, 07:30 AM

The president says that a company's sales dropped in 2017 because its customers were unhappy with a move it announced in 2018.

*********** linear time, how does that work?

Hlafordlaes · 3rd July 2018, 08:42 AM

Excellent quick rundown of non-US NATO contributions by former Allied Commander. Worth the quick fact check which, of course, belies everything the fascists are saying.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 3rd July 2018, 09:06 AM

https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_/st...43657115561984

Quote:

Just a reminder in all the noise that House GOP hasn't released a transcript of FBI Agent Peter Strzok's testimony, despite his attorney's repeated calls to do so. For people who have been so vocal about "transparency," they certainly like keeping a lot of secrets.

Captain_Swoop · 3rd July 2018, 09:08 AM

Trump Tweets

"Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S. Harley customers are not happy with their move - sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!"

Darat · 3rd July 2018, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Trump Tweets

"Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S. Harley customers are not happy with their move - sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!"

Harley-Davidson customers have precognition?

acbytesla · 3rd July 2018, 09:14 AM

Trump tries to take credit for everything. Take credit for the pain at the pump. Gas prices up more than 25 percent since he took office. Coincidence?

Trebuchet · 3rd July 2018, 09:16 AM

Hey, at least it isn't $10.00/gallon like it was under Obama.

acbytesla · 3rd July 2018, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Hey, at least it isn't $10.00/gallon like it was under Obama.

When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.

Hellbound · 3rd July 2018, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.

ERROR: Sarcasm attachment failed. Please restart post. Fatal error.

Segnosaur · 3rd July 2018, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.

Gas has always been $3 in the United States. And your chocolate ration has been increased.

Darat · 3rd July 2018, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.

Wow Trump had it down to $2.38 back in 2016 and then Obama screwed it up*

*Trump is now no longer constrained by fake causality.

acbytesla · 3rd July 2018, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Hellbound

ERROR: Sarcasm attachment failed. Please restart post. Fatal error.

Haven't you learned by now?

You can't do sarcasm on the Internet. It screws up all us Sheldon Coopers.

Craig4 · 3rd July 2018, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.

It was always $10 per gallon under Obama. Someone clearly has been remiss in his attention to the pronouncements from the Ministry of Truth. There are special camps to help you concentrate on their messages of Truth. A stay at one can be arranged.

2nd July 2018, 05:07 AM	#241
ponderingturtle Orthogonal Vector Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 44,544	Originally Posted by Delphic Oracle He doesn't realize when S.A. increases production, the price drop halts American production because they would be operating at a loss. They should work in COAL! Or STEEL. The only industries that matter.
	__________________ Sufficiently advanced Woo is indistinguishable from Parody "There shall be no poofing in science" Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Force ***** on reasons back" Ben Franklin

2nd July 2018, 06:46 AM	#242
Squeegee Beckenheim Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21,922	Trump has said in a new interview that he's planning more tax cuts for just before the election, that his Supreme Court picks might end up seeing abortion becoming illegal in some states, and says he might get involved with the Russia investigation
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

2nd July 2018, 10:05 AM	#243
Regnad Kcin Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,036	Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B But I still have a toe in that water - in 2003 I bought and still own a Buell Firebolt that uses a Sportster engine in an Italian-sourced frame with lots of multinational bits and pieces. It strikes a perfect cord for me in the twisties around my N GA home. https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6165/...64c74513f3.jpg Sorry for the hijack/derail - but I can’t just stand by and watch my HD cred assaulted! Sigh. I rode a bit back during college (Honda 550 - 4) and not long ago decided to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Got my safety training and license and heart set on a nice little machine. Mrs. Kcin, however, informed in all certain terms that that path would not be ridden on. Glad to see you armor up. I’m astounded at the number of riders I encounter whose only protection is a (mandated) helmet.
Regnad Kcin Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,036	__________________ My heros are Alex Zanardi and Evelyn Glennie.

2nd July 2018, 12:21 PM	#244
FenerFan Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Istanbul...again Posts: 3,046	Originally Posted by Fast Eddie B Nope, post AMF “dark days”... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/...a7d19f30_o.jpg In 1986 (I think) Harley had a promotion: buy a bare-bone Sportster for $3,995 and you could trade it in for a full-sized Harley any time in the next year and get the full value applied. I gave it a shot, but decided the whole HD thing was not for me. But I still have a toe in that water - in 2003 I bought and still own a Buell Firebolt that uses a Sportster engine in an Italian-sourced frame with lots of multinational bits and pieces. It strikes a perfect cord for me in the twisties around my N GA home. https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6165/...64c74513f3.jpg Sorry for the hijack/derail - but I can’t just stand by and watch my HD cred assaulted! No offense intended, my tongue was securely in my cheek. Nice pic, too.
	__________________ "... no man wants his obituary to mention a pig." --phiwum “Limp Bizkit did nothing wrong.”- Chalkman

2nd July 2018, 12:47 PM	#245
Fast Eddie B Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mineral Bluff, GA Posts: 5,299	Originally Posted by FenerFan No offense intended, my tongue was securely in my cheek. Nice pic, too. I suspected as much - and thanks!
	__________________ “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that...I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” - President Donald J. Trump, January 20, 2017. "And it's, frankly, disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write. And people should look into it." - President Donald J. Trump, October 11, 2017.

2nd July 2018, 01:06 PM	#246
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

2nd July 2018, 01:11 PM	#247
ponderingturtle Orthogonal Vector Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 44,544	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets "Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!" Wow almost kind of normal presidential. Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US?
	__________________ Sufficiently advanced Woo is indistinguishable from Parody "There shall be no poofing in science" Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Force ***** on reasons back" Ben Franklin

2nd July 2018, 01:25 PM	#248
Armitage72 Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 2,256	Originally Posted by ponderingturtle Wow almost kind of normal presidential. Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US? Pretty much any question about Trump that starts with "Does he know ..." has an obvious answer.

2nd July 2018, 01:42 PM	#249
gregthehammer Muse Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 532	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets "Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!" OT - That clunky turn of phrase is a pet peeve of mine! The 'Very Much' is pure fluff! (we have a guy at here at the office who uses that same phrasing. Drives me nuts!)
gregthehammer Muse Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 532

2nd July 2018, 02:10 PM	#250
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Great Northwet Posts: 18,727	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets "Congratulations to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on becoming the next President of Mexico. I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!" Originally Posted by ponderingturtle Wow almost kind of normal presidential. Does he know that a major part of his campaign was standing up to the US? Trump doesn't write all his own tweets. You can tell which ones he didn't because of relatively high levels of spelling, grammar, and sanity.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

2nd July 2018, 02:16 PM	#251
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Interview with Bolton on 'Face the Nation' He indicated Trump is open to recognising Crimea as part of Russia. After Brennan points out that "that's shocking for our European allies," Bolton says, "the president makes the policy, I don't make the policy." Brennan asked "US intelligence believes Russia is actively trying to undermine NATO. Military spending aside, you understand why Trump's comments about Crimea & NATO-bashing are concerning?" Bolton replied "Well, if you think Russia is a threat, why is Germany spending so little on defense?" Brennan asked "Trump's own intel chiefs say Russia is still meddling. When you met w/Putin, did you confront him?" Bolton replied "What Putin said was there was no meddling in 2016 by the Russian state" Brennan asked "Right now, Russia is blanket bombing southern Syria. That violates the last agreement Putin made with Trump. Why would Trump trust Putin now?" Bolton replied "Well, both countries dislike Iran"

2nd July 2018, 03:01 PM	#252
gregthehammer Muse Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 532	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Interview with Bolton on 'Face the Nation' He indicated Trump is open to recognising Crimea as part of Russia. After Brennan points out that "that's shocking for our European allies," Bolton says, "the president makes the policy, I don't make the policy." Brennan asked "US intelligence believes Russia is actively trying to undermine NATO. Military spending aside, you understand why Trump's comments about Crimea & NATO-bashing are concerning?" Bolton replied "Well, if you think Russia is a threat, why is Germany spending so little on defense?" Brennan asked "Trump's own intel chiefs say Russia is still meddling. When you met w/Putin, did you confront him?" Bolton replied "What Putin said was there was no meddling in 2016 by the Russian state" Brennan asked "Right now, Russia is blanket bombing southern Syria. That violates the last agreement Putin made with Trump. Why would Trump trust Putin now?" Bolton replied "Well, both countries dislike Iran" Regarding the bolded - I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves.
gregthehammer Muse Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 532

2nd July 2018, 04:25 PM	#253
Craig4 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Home to the Deep State. Posts: 17,301	Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils.

2nd July 2018, 04:50 PM	#254
CapelDodger Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cardiff, South Wales Posts: 23,781	Originally Posted by gregthehammer Regarding the bolded - I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves. The US had no fear of that. What they did want was to station a large army in Europe without provoking local hostility, and the argument that the locals were getting top-grade protection on the cheap contributed to that. What the US particularly didn't want, of course, was military competition breaking out in Western Europe in the same old way, and they could put a stop to that sort of thing any time they liked.
	__________________ It's a poor sort of memory that only works backward - Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) God can make a cow out of a tree, but has He ever done so? Therefore show some reason why a thing is so, or cease to hold that it is so - William of Conches, c1150

2nd July 2018, 04:55 PM	#255
Cl1mh4224rd Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,761	Originally Posted by Craig4 Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils. Somehow I doubt that. These people are very flexible in their weighing of "evil".
Cl1mh4224rd Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,761

2nd July 2018, 10:24 PM	#256
Hlafordlaes Disorder of Kilopi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: State of Flux Posts: 8,908	Originally Posted by gregthehammer Regarding the bolded - I was under the impression that the USA tacitly preferred the arrangement whereby our allies didn't spend so much on their respective militaries, lest they became military threats to the USA themselves. Originally. Then the realities of increasing up-front investment in advancing modern weaponry hit home as well: if you have no one to share the costs, per-item expenses skyrocket. Arms sales to others who are not doing as much spending otherwise is what has made the US arsenal possible, at an affordable price (prior to the F-35). Until the US started flooding Europe with its Utopian Freedom Gospel singers like Bannon, it also seemed to understand that European unity was worthwhile, and required the major investments undertaken to make it possible. But too many in Europe heeded the "wise" Americans and ended up "getting religion," and here we are with a disintegrating Union. Quite ripe for Russian hegemonic expansion, to the detriment of US interests... at least those that have not already taken a bribe.
	__________________ Driftwood on an empty shore of the sea of meaninglessness. Irrelevant, weightless, inconsequential moment of existential hubris on the fast track to oblivion. His real name is Count Douchenozzle von Stenchfahrter und Lichtendicks. - shemp

2nd July 2018, 11:17 PM	#257
The Don Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sir Fynwy Posts: 25,269	Originally Posted by Craig4 Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils. I'm not so sure. I think the GOP has got to the stage where whatever President Trump does is just fine (as long as they keep their seat) and the uninformed masses don't even know what Crimea is, much less where it is or have any idea that it's part of Ukraine. They will not understand why this is important and even if they do, they simply do not care. It's half a world away and has absolutely zero impact on their day to day life. I mean it sounds like a good deal to me, make someone important (Putin) happy by giving him something that was never yours to begin with. Anyone who would be unhappy about the US recognising the Russian annexation of Crimea is already firmly anti the Trump Administration and President Trump. Anyone who supports the Trump Administration, or is even wavering, probably doesn't care.

2nd July 2018, 11:41 PM	#258
timhau NWO Litter Technician Join Date: May 2004 Location: Looks like Finland. Smells like Finland. Quacks like Finland. Where the hell am I? Posts: 12,848	Originally Posted by Craig4 Trump should remember that the lesser of two evils voter got him elected. If Trump recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, to that demographic he looks a whole lot more like the greater of two evils. That depends on whether their reasoning goes "This is what I think, and therefore I voted Republican" or "I voted republucan, therefore this is what I think."
	__________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord, in his wisdom, doesn't work that way. I just stole one and asked Him to forgive me. - Emo Philips

3rd July 2018, 01:19 AM	#259
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,471	Originally Posted by Cl1mh4224rd Somehow I doubt that. These people are very flexible in their weighing of "evil". Incredibly so, sometimes. When 22% approve Obama doing something and 86% approve Trump doing the exact same thing... that becomes really obvious.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

3rd July 2018, 05:08 AM	#260
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics, is rapidly becoming, together with Nancy Pelosi, the FACE of the Democrat Party. Her ranting and raving, even referring to herself as a wounded animal, will make people flee the Democrats!" "The economy is doing perhaps better than ever before, and that’s prior to fixing some of the worst and most unfair Trade Deals ever made by any country. In any event, they are coming along very well. Most countries agree that they must be changed, but nobody ever asked!"

3rd July 2018, 05:09 AM	#261
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "When we have an “infestation” of MS-13 GANGS in certain parts of our country, who do we send to get them out? ICE! They are tougher and smarter than these rough criminal elelments that bad immigration laws allow into our country. Dems do not appreciate the great job they do! Nov." "How can the Democrats, who are weak on the Border and weak on Crime, do well in November. The people of our Country want and demand Safety and Security, while the Democrats are more interested in ripping apart and demeaning (and not properly funding) our great Law Enforcement!"

3rd July 2018, 05:20 AM	#262
The Great Zaganza Maledictorian Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5,930	I don't read Trump tweets, I switch off or at least Mute whenever Trump speaks anywhere on anything - there is absolutely nothing that the President of the United States can say that is worth paying attention to. What we should focus on is what people with a sense of morals, civility and responsibility have to say: the Trump posse and bootlickers don't deserve the free media bandwidth they are getting: they should be forced to pay to have their **** being heard.
	__________________ Opinion is divided on the subject. All the others say it is; I say it isn’t.

3rd July 2018, 05:28 AM	#263
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "Many good conversations with North Korea-it is going well! In the meantime, no Rocket Launches or Nuclear Testing in 8 months. All of Asia is thrilled. Only the Opposition Party, which includes the Fake News, is complaining. If not for me, we would now be at War with North Korea!"

3rd July 2018, 05:30 AM	#264
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	I still can't believe that the President of the USA says things like "Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics"

3rd July 2018, 05:31 AM	#265
Cl1mh4224rd Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,761	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets "Many good conversations with North Korea-it is going well! In the meantime, no Rocket Launches or Nuclear Testing in 8 months. All of Asia is thrilled. Only the Opposition Party, which includes the Fake News, is complaining. If not for me, we would now be at War with North Korea!" Someone should tell him the good news.
Cl1mh4224rd Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,761

3rd July 2018, 05:42 AM	#266
CapelDodger Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cardiff, South Wales Posts: 23,781	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop I still can't believe that the President of the USA says things like "Crazy Maxine Waters, said by some to be one of the most corrupt people in politics" Trump really should avoid the c-word.
	__________________ It's a poor sort of memory that only works backward - Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) God can make a cow out of a tree, but has He ever done so? Therefore show some reason why a thing is so, or cease to hold that it is so - William of Conches, c1150

3rd July 2018, 05:51 AM	#267
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "Just out that the Obama Administration granted citizenship, during the terrible Iran Deal negotiation, to 2,500 Iranians - including to government officials. How big (and bad) is that?"

3rd July 2018, 07:30 AM	#268
Stacko Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 10,144	The president says that a company's sales dropped in 2017 because its customers were unhappy with a move it announced in 2018. *********** linear time, how does that work?

3rd July 2018, 08:42 AM	#269
Hlafordlaes Disorder of Kilopi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: State of Flux Posts: 8,908	Excellent quick rundown of non-US NATO contributions by former Allied Commander. Worth the quick fact check which, of course, belies everything the fascists are saying.
	__________________ Driftwood on an empty shore of the sea of meaninglessness. Irrelevant, weightless, inconsequential moment of existential hubris on the fast track to oblivion. His real name is Count Douchenozzle von Stenchfahrter und Lichtendicks. - shemp

3rd July 2018, 09:06 AM	#270
Squeegee Beckenheim Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21,922	https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_/st...43657115561984 Quote: Just a reminder in all the noise that House GOP hasn't released a transcript of FBI Agent Peter Strzok's testimony, despite his attorney's repeated calls to do so. For people who have been so vocal about "transparency," they certainly like keeping a lot of secrets.
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

3rd July 2018, 09:08 AM	#271
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 17,761	Trump Tweets "Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S. Harley customers are not happy with their move - sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!"

3rd July 2018, 09:10 AM	#272
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 83,860	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Trump Tweets "Now that Harley-Davidson is moving part of its operation out of the U.S., my Administration is working with other Motor Cycle companies who want to move into the U.S. Harley customers are not happy with their move - sales are down 7% in 2017. The U.S. is where the Action is!" Harley-Davidson customers have precognition?
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

3rd July 2018, 09:14 AM	#273
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 19,179	Gas prices skyrocket under Trump Trump tries to take credit for everything. Take credit for the pain at the pump. Gas prices up more than 25 percent since he took office. Coincidence?
	__________________ “ A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence. ” ― David Hume

3rd July 2018, 09:16 AM	#274
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Great Northwet Posts: 18,727	Hey, at least it isn't $10.00/gallon like it was under Obama.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

3rd July 2018, 10:08 AM	#275
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 19,179	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Hey, at least it isn't $10.00/gallon like it was under Obama. When was it $10.00 a gallon? In Obama's last year in office 2016, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.38 Today, it's about $3 I mean since Trump is responsible for it all.
	__________________ “ A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence. ” ― David Hume