cubsfan

Europe has figure out it's own problems: Do they want to act unified or not? Are they serious about the EU, but not a united defense or not? Getting Europe to make unified decisions about their own defense is like herding cats. The US can sympathize with this difficulty, as we have 50 states that to some extent control some of their destiny. However, in the end, the actual citizens decide where the bulk of critical decision making power about defense and foreign policy resides - with the citizens dually elected Chief Executive - President Trump.

Oh man, now you guys are going to tell us the Trump is deporting American citizens again...

But never too late to act. It's in their self-interest as the US desires a very strong Europe.

Thank you for posting the document. The Europeans should read it closely to understand the position of the USA. And it certainly lays out the importance of protecting Taiwan.

Good for you guys. Nice pick.

^^ Ha, ha - that stupid little punk Greta has set back Europe (and the US) more than any activist in ages!

^^^ This is right on the mark. Europe will have to figure out who their real friends are. If they wish to be part of China's Belt & Road initiative - good luck with that.

I do, and it's never personal. I'm pretty sure we want the same outcomes, but differ a bit on how to get there. The USA can rightly be held to task for many foreign policy disasters. And there will be more.

^^^ That's amazing. Sounds like the system exists for benefit of the bureaucrats only. Like D.C.

Your comments are always sensible and well taken. And I do believe you are correct - it's been unfortunate that Trump needed to deliver that message to Europe - and is mocked by the European leadership over it. Europe is wealthy and capable of defending itself - outstanding armament industries, etc. It has not shown the WILL to do so. Europe has 500M people and coupled with the strongest army in Europe - the Ukrainian Army - would be unbeatable with Europe behind it. Russia has 140M people and can't come up with a resounding military victory after 4+ years, alone against Ukraine. No way a united Europe can be beat by the Russians. Putin made a serious miscalculation on just the Ukrainians - but Ukraine alone, will be defeated eventually. The US & Israel have opened up the Mideast shipping channels that are vital to Europe's survival for energy. I hear zero thanks about that from Europe. Israel, along with some assistance from the USA, have eliminated the long range nuclear missile threat from Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terror to Europe as well. Again, not a peep from Europe, but I'm quite sure they are delighted. The US has a major issue with 2 narco-states, Mexico & Venezuela. Europe could give a shit about the needs of the US. Once Europe steps up to the table to seriously solve Ukraine and give them their needed security guarantee - you're likely to see significant logistical and military aid from the US. Finally, It will be hugely in Europe's best interest to help control China, lest you want to see an economic collapse. The USA is doing its best and making every effort to lessen its dependence on China. Europe will have to make it's own decision on how dependent they wish to be on China. But, to your point, a resounding yes to a united Europe & USA alliance.

The only thing I would argue is the POTUS is the ONLY one that is doing anything to end this war because Europe certainly is not.

More excuses from the Europeans. It's YOUR war - YOU give the security guarantees. YOU send your soldiers. YOU settle it. It's YOUR continent. Enough of the pathetic excuses.

Yeah, the US will sell out NATO, just as the Europeans have sold out Ukraine. We learned quick that they don't take their own defense seriously, so why should we.

So well said.

You must be so proud of the NY thugs that have unleashed hell on the citizens of your great city: New York’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20. The crimes of these aliens include 29 homicides, 2,509 assaults, 199 burglaries, 305 robberies, 392 dangerous drugs offenses, 300 weapons offenses, and 207 sexual predatory offenses. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/12/01/sanctuary-new-york-released-nearly-7000-criminal-illegal-aliens-including-murderers Sanctuary New York Released Nearly 7,000 Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Murderers, Terrorists, and Sexual Predators

I wouldn't argue with that sentiment. It's a painful and ugly problem that needs fixing

Could be. Regardless, it usually comes to down to: "It's the economy stupid" Trump could blow up the world, but if people think they will die rich - he will do fine.

I'm not so sure you are wrong @cwericb. Trump needs to get the economy moving or he has big, big trouble. At this point, the mid-terms look like 50/50 - so, yeah, he's definitely got his work cut out for him.

Good old deal - yeah, Trump cracked the code on the black/hispanic vote. Kirk cracked the code on the youth vote - by about a 10-11% swing to MAGA. But I get it: they are racists/misogynists and hate immigrants. You're definitely proved you're over 35!

Yeah, that's fine with me @cwericb I don't expect you to know or care about politics in the USA. That Kirk was the major force in the Trump win - is lost on just about everyone over the age of 35 - even in this country, as @Sweet pointed out. I like it that way - if you don't understand Kirk - you'll never understand Trump's sweeping victory.

Talk about a bubble.... if you don't know Charlie Kirk, then you don't know why Trump won the last election. Your ignorance is a very good thing in my book. TPUSA did it for Trump with their massive get out the vote campaign among the young.

I think that is a really good article regarding Putin's survival: he simply can't end the war unless he gets serious concessions, lest he end up dead because of his failure. The costs have been much too high. So, yeah, it's about retaining power and survival. The article totally leaves out the Ukrainian side of the equation. Zelensky is losing this war (slowly of course) and can't survive, maybe even another year. His #2 guy just got thrown under the bus for corruption. Everyone knows large amounts of aid are stolen by Zelensky and his buddies. They will all end up living in Paris and Geneva, rich beyond belief. It's a matter of time before his army falls apart due to desertions and manpower shortages. And exactly how many Ukrainians are going to sacrifice their sons when the leaders all walk away rich?

Of course the idiot leaders of Europe have to turn the spotlight to Trump - they have sold their own citizens down the river and are clinging to power. Look at Macron and Starmer - barely hanging on. They can't admit that Trump "told them so" - 8 years ago that NATO was headed to disaster because they ignore funding it. That their ridiculous climate change policies would enrich Russia and make them non-competitive. That uncontrolled immigration would destroy their cultures. That eliminating free and fair debate among citizens would mean suppressing Free Speech. They need to keep that shit out of the papers. The last thing they want is to be held responsible, lest they lose power so disgracefully. Heck, now they even jail you for social media posts! Much easier to blame Trump.

Eisman playbook has some interesting commentary on what may limit AI - power constraints. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-eisman-playbook/id1818671690?i=1000738823969