cubsfan

I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to say? What is it silly to try? Are you saying that Apple is making a mistake with it's large planned investment in the USA?

Seriously tackling the deficit is huge. It's never been done with any serious commitment. US politicians always talk about tackling waste - now it is not only being exposed every day, but plans are being made to eliminate it. Entire agencies are being closed or hugely downsized. The deficit is an enormous challenge to this new administration. But when you have citizens that have been screwed by FEMA (North Carolina, Florida, etc) and all their money went to illegal immigrants - you are showing the country you care about the citizens. The southern border is sealed shut, which, along with the economy, was the biggest national issue. Deportations of criminals are happening. Annoucements like this are happening - good jobs coming back to the country: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/ The mood in the US is very positive and that bodes well for US business and for the economy and US taxpayers. I have no idea or prediction about the US stock market, given it's somewhat elevated. I'm much more concerned about job creation and eliminating government waste - if it all happens, then the stock market will figure it out eventually.

Things are getting far better in the US. There is tremendous optimism. But Europe looks like a no-growth basket case. If you can get new leadership, that could change everything. Good luck.

I was thinking the same thing. 30 days into the job and miracles are expected at the bottom line.

Right - they have absolutely no idea how to handle this guy. When you leave the fold like Tulsi, RFK, Joe Rogan and Elon - they just lose their minds.

Are they breaking tax law in the same way as Pelosi, Bernie and the rest of the politicians?

So I take it you don't believe there is massive amounts of waste in our federal government. We can agree to disagree.

Who needs liberty when you have your own autocrat: https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-sure-doesnt-look-like-democracy-anymore-opinion-1844799 The catalogue of authoritarian abuses is growing in Ukraine and shows little sign of slowing. Under the guidance of the West's favorite autocrat—Zelensky—it has created a state-controlled church, taken control of all television news, and banned major opposition parties. This far exceeds anything that occurred in recent American or British history. Both of those nations remained fundamentally democratic during war, even a civil war. This latest cancellation of presidential elections in Ukraine destroys any pretense that we are supporting a functioning democracy.

That's an easy one John - but hey - obviously you don't believe it.

So I apologize for saying this, when I didn't. I don't see the issue of calling him a dictator when his actions (listed above) clearly puts him in that category. Strongman, autocrat, big brother - figure it out for yourself. But democratic President he is not. There is no reason for all of these actions - particularly outlawing political opposition parties, free press and religious practices.

No apology required @Parsad - I owe you and others one though- So yeah, I'll be more careful. Here is what I said several times: 12/21/23 Right - unfortunately, Ukraine is going to run out of manpower. Already hearing about forced conscription of any able bodied males on the streets. With the media controlled by the government, and martial law in place , getting the real story is tough. Nobody wants to see Ukraine fail, but recovering the Crimea & Donbas is a pipe dream. 2/26/24 Nice summary - he's a little soft on Zelensky though. He makes him sound like a freedom fighter, but I think the bloom is off the rose on the President. Zelensky has suspended Habeas corpus, instituted martial law, outlawed political parties and elections, etc - so most of that is covered up - as you can't really criticize the guy as far as allies are concerned. Personally, I'd like to see Ukraine get their US aid - but not without a secure US southern border, which is currently a catastrophe - and not too much to ask. Doesn't look like it will happen. But any aid package needs to be audited as Ukraine is still among the most corrupt countries in the world. None of that is hard or too much to ask if you're giving a country $60B. 5/31/24 Well that is an excellent and important point. Ukraine itself will have to judge what price they wish to pay in lives. Our view shouldn't matter in that regard. As an outside observer, I do not think Ukraine can afford to lose a generation of young men and survive as a nation. In that regard, Putin has them over a barrell with an extended campaign. I do hope that Zelenksky is acting in the majority interest, but I have my doubts with all the corruption and thievery in Ukraine. When you've suspended civil liberties, imposed martial law, canceled elections, outlawed the opposition party - one has to wonder about the current leadership. Edited May 31, 2024

Why outlaw opposition parties? Why outlaw the free press and religious freedom? Or do you not believe those things are true?

Yeah, I have a lot of respect for your opinion too. Seriously. Everything I listed in terms of what Zelensky has done is true - every one. As much as you might like to think, Ukraine is not the UK or France. So what exactly is the problem? Exactly what have I said that is not true? I have been saying for almost 2 years that Zelensky was a dictator and that Ukraine was one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Of course, I want them to win the war, but that is not the issue. Why don't you want to deal with reality?

The article forgot to "thank" USAID for funding COVID19 research in the Wuhan Lab with their $40M donation. USAID really did their part in killing millions of people around the world.

Believe me - no one feels sorry for federal government workers having to deal with layoffs. The abuses, waste and corruption being uncovered are extraodinary. Americans are pissed.

Here is the playbook of a dictator @John Hjorth: - ban elections - outlaw opposition political parties - outlaw the media, and enforce only 1 government media outlet - restrict freedom of religion (and confine and confiscate their property) - extend martial law unnecessarily - restrict travel. - suspend habeus corpus (confinement without authorities justify in front of a judge) A dictator, like Zelensky will and has done this since the inception of the war. Let's not kid ourselves about who we are dealing with here. Ukraine has always ranked very high on the most corrupt countries in the world. No need to go through the list of journalists and political figures that have been assassinatied in Urkraine during this time.

Of course that is so much BS. If Zelensky has such massive popularity - then why would he NOT hold free and fair elections? He would win in a landslide. By your logic, Putin is NOT a dictator becuase he has overwhelming support by the Russian people.

It's a simple point really. When no one is listening - then they have to resort to smears. It's all they have anymore - since they have nothing of substance. What the man is doing for the America is amazing and appreciated. Something government has promised for decades - but have never done - cut waste and corruption.

Pretty funny actually that no one gives the man credit for the ungodly corruption, payoffs, and waste he is uncovering. That is what will be EPIC. America loves what he is doing - and the losers on the left will do ANYTHING to stop him. Good luck with that.

I agree with you 100%. Europe needs new leadership.

Great article discussing the issues few wish to face: Given Europe's extensive GDP, resources and manpower - why are they not preparing for the future after 3 years of seeing the worst threat to the continent since 1945?

@John Hjorth Good to hear.

Ukraine needs to agree to any satisfactory proposal. They are not dealing from a position of strength unless the Europeans wish to take this war over. Ukraine is clearly losing the war. The Europeans can easily scuttle any deal they think might happen - and they should if they feel that strongly. The harsh reality is that Ukraine is running out of men - no one wants to address this. No one.

John - I could care less what you think. I have never trusted Putin or praised him. But feel free to show me where I have said that - please do it. Don't lecture me on a "lasting peace" when you refuse to address the issue of "How this war will get won?" You refuse to address the issue of - how many more need to die? and Whose sons and daughters will die in combat? Will it be the Danish, English, French, American's lives sacrificed in the meat grinder? Or will it be a whole generation of Ukrainians that are left, as Ukraine is clearly running out of men? You refuse to address this at all - even after I gave you Mark Rutte and his opinion about Europe stepping up and taking the lead on the protection against a mortal enemy sitting on Europe's borders.