Political Posts

[John Hjorth]

8 minutes ago, Xerxes said:

How did other U.S. territories during good old imperial expansion era fared ?

 

Was Philippine better or worse off, swapping its Spanish masters for Americans. How about Puerto Rico and others. 
 

In Greenland case, it is being “marketed” as buying. What does that mean exactly for the locals. Will it be a territory or a state. Or a defacto territory with upgraded privileges of a state ? 

It is concerning or re-assuring (if you are Russian) that Americans much like Russians (and others) have their own “imperial dreams”. 

 

 

I think I need to read up:

 

 

 

Thank you for the book recommandation, @Xerxes,

 

I've now bookmarked it. I hope you'll eventually open a topic about it in the Books Forum.

[73 Reds]

1 hour ago, lnofeisone said:

I just need some coffee because it's serious mental gymnastics to say, "Oh, we had this agreement, but it doesn't conflict with us taking it back today." Let me remind you that Denmark sold the US Virgin Islands as part of that deal. Let's be honest here. Greenland is estimated to have rare earth minerals. That's the impetus.

 

Just to be clear here is where my logic doesn't bend this morning.

 

1) Denmark was staking out a position in Greenland which was going counter to US Monro doctrine

2) Denmark was making every effort to bring Greenland under its control economically and politically. That would imply resources, lands, military, etc.

3) US, the only power that would have any issues, then says, "It's fine. We want US Virgin Island, and we don't object to you having all of Greenland," and this is the world order for 100+ years.

Something happens.

4) It's now fine for US to go and take Greenland back?

 

That's like me selling my house and then coming back sometime later and telling the new owner, "Never mind, I'm going to take the basement back." 

 

 

 

 

Well, as I stated previously, Greenland's sovereignty should be up to its people.  Doesn't mean they can't make a deal with the US which would be in both countries' best interest, which is likely the thinking of the President.  I understand your point but the issue is not black and white; there is a lot of gray in between.  

[John Hjorth]

On 3/12/2025 at 4:19 PM, Viking said:

@John Hjorth , the issue with the US is much more than just tariffs. Tump has decided the best approach to international relations is to run the US like a mafia/cosa nostra organization. He is dealing with long time allies like 1940 and 1950’s Chicago when it was run by the mafia. Think about running a business back then. Or growing up in that neighbourhood. 
 

I am not sure fear/intimidation/shakedowns/absolute loyalty/fealty/eliminate opponents is a great way to run the most powerful country in the world. But it is what it is. 
 

And the mafia did do some good things for some people back then. So hey, maybe a return to the good old days will be a good thing in the end.
 

—————

 

Trump definitely has territorial aspirations. Canada. Greenland. Panama Canal. Who knows. But you would have to be an idiot to not take Trump seriously.

 

I simply can't help here going back to @Vikings post earlier in this topic [quoted above], now about, - almost -, two weeks ago.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

I'm a Dane, yes, and I'm upset about what's going on related to Greenland by actions etc. from USA nowadays.

 

I'm not upset as if I feel my country is under threat of annexation from USA, because it's not, because I'm a 'Southern Dane', as defined in one of my posts upstream.

 

The Kingdom of Denmark consist of three parts : The Southern part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Greenland has an agreement with rest of the Kingdom, that its population can leave the Kingdom, if it wants to do so, by following an in advance defined and agreed prodecure and process to do so.

 

The very simplified version of what on the political front is going on in Greenland, is that they [the Greenlandic population] have their own political boneheads and idiots yelling : 'Independence, independence! - The 'Danes' [the Southern Danes, including me] are abusing and exploiting us', so they want independence, all while thinking that total block subsidies etc. of approx. DKK 6 billion per year [ ~USD 1 billion]  from 'Southern Denmark' 'naturally' just should continue to flow their way - Not! [  ].

 

So the real alternatives for the Greenlandic population are :

• Stay in the Kingdom of Denmark, or
• Get independent, directly en route to ice age or stone age, without block subsidies etc. DKK 6 billion from 'Southern Denmark' [options for you to decide], after which USA like willl step in, 'without asking' any questions about the wishes of the Greenlandic population, because USA would never accept such a step.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

So much for sending Trump Force 2 up there in January, handing out red MAGA caps to fools and other people don't understand what they were participating in.

 

I suppose the FLOTUS has turned down going up there based on POTUS' proposal, because it was not compitible with her stilettes, so now the SLOTUS had to go in stead.

Edited March 24, 2025 by John Hjorth

[rogermunibond]

 

[Spekulatius]

Amateur hour:

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

[james22]

3 hours ago, John Hjorth said:

I'm a Dane, yes, and I'm upset about what's going on related to Greenland by actions etc. from USA nowadays.

 

Hold it if you can.

[cubsfan]

1 hour ago, Spekulatius said:

Amateur hour:

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

 

The good news is - the party is not facing an extinction event like the Democrats.

[John Hjorth]

2 hours ago, james22 said:

Hold it if you can.

 

Exactly something like that is what was expected by me personally as reaction from exactly you.

 

I can assure you, taking over Greenland is nothing else than taking on a steady stream of money outlays and acquiring ulcers for americans, while getting absolutely nothing in return.

 

I still remember the first time I had an intense discussion with the Lady of the House about buying some shares in LVMH, also for her money.  It did not exactly turn out well, but at least I eventually got my will, in the end, after quite some resistance.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

Many, many years ago I got emotionally involved for a short period with a Southern Danish woman, living in my own city [, damn, I'll never forget her smell, and she actually started the whole thing by hitting hard on me!], who eventually ended up being a very good - and trusted - friend of mine, in all aspects. The sister to her [also a nice lady] was living for some years on Greenland with her spouse, who was sent to Nuuk as a public servant, as a part of the Danish administration.

 

I heard absolutely crazy stories. Pretty much all societal structures and orders broke down into chaos back then, when the seal hunt started at that time of the year. People on the public payroll to take care of the elder population did not meet in, because of the seal hunt has started, people employed in kindergardens did the same, to go hunting, and so on, can you imagine the whole mess by everyone doing so up there, to go hunting.

 

- Everything simply collapses, to gradually get up running again - over time. And they don't mind - at all. It's all about living in the present, the past and and the future, obligations and sucg does not really matter.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

And when you afterwards were called to a 'friendly, but serious conversation' with your boss about not meeting in every workday in the period 'x to x', your answer is : 'Just fire me, if you're not satisfied with my performance', all while you see on your phone that your ordinary salary after tax has just rolled into your bank account.

 

Great! - Right?

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

Now back to LVMH : I did explain the LVMH investment thesis to the Lady of the House this way : You have to imagine a Russian oligarch [, semi bald, quite a belly, obsese, in a polo shirt, and shorts, that does not fit him, becaue his leg are like pibe cleaners, slim and haired  - in Monaco - entering a bling shop in the center of Monaco, because he was dragged in there by his bimbo girlfriend, saying to him at the desk : 'Show me you love me! - You do love me, right?' - after which the Russian oligarch is lingering, because of all the sanctions he is subject to, he is lingering about about if he is to use his Mastercard Black from UBS or the black card from Citi.

 

- - - o 0 o - - -

 

Good luck to POTUS, saying 'We'll make you rich!' - The Greenlandic population is ready to take advantage, - but not the way POTUS imagine.

Edited March 24, 2025 by John Hjorth

[LC]

8 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

I can assure you, taking over Greenland is nothing else than taking on a steady stream of money outlays and acquiring ulcers for americans, while getting absolutely nothing in return.

It’s not for Americans - it’s for Trump to show his contemporaries in Russia and China that he too can play land grab. 

[james22]

12 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

Exactly something like that is what was expected by me personally as reaction from exactly you.

 

You have neither the resources to invest nor the military to protect, do you?

 

12 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

I can assure you, taking over Greenland is nothing else than taking on a steady stream of money outlays and acquiring ulcers for americans, while getting absolutely nothing in return.

 

We're used to paying a high price to defend the West.

[Spekulatius]

3 minutes ago, LC said:

It’s not for Americans - it’s for Trump to show his contemporaries in Russia and China that he too can play land grab. 

He is getting a spot on Mt Rushmore in return, at least that’s what he hopes for.

 

As for ulcers, Greenland has strategic value and of course potential mineral riches, possible tourism and it’s basically a white spot on the man with only 65k people living there. So he wants to grab it like Eric the Red did 1000 years ago in a small boat. Now it’s Trump the Orange but in a bigger boat.

[Spekulatius]

On 3/22/2025 at 6:11 PM, Gregmal said:

There were a TON of people who got sucked in with Putin the Imperialist narrative. Especially in 2022… 

What is wrong with the narrative? It fits the way he acts perfectly.

[Spekulatius]

On 3/24/2025 at 8:24 AM, Spooky said:

Another Odd Lots podcast on the subject: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jim-millstein-on-the-massive-risks-of-any-mar-a-lago-accord/id1056200096?i=1000700564948

The guest is making some pretty good points:

 

The bond idea is questionable because only 15% of US treasuries are held by foreign governments and that percentage is falling (for good reasons).

 

Pay for protection is questionable.  First of all Trump is considered unreliable. Second China is an adversary, so it does not make not sense for them to pay.  Europe is boosting defense spending because the USA pivoted to Russia and that is exactly the enemy they are concerned about, hence the boost in defense spending. So why would Europe pay for protection here?

 

What is left is Japan and maybe Korea. I think Korea is inconsequential. Japan may buy some but is this worth the squeeze?

 

 

Edited March 30, 2025 by Spekulatius
Edit for spelling

[Spekulatius]

2 hours ago, cubsfan said:

 

The good news is - the party is not facing an extinction event like the Democrats.

Somebody needs to be fired here for accidentally exposing secrets and everyone in this chat chain should get disciplined because war plans are not supposed to be discussed in a chat group, but in a. Secure messaging system.

 

Its obvious that there are a lot of amateurs in the government right now.

Edited March 25, 2025 by Spekulatius

[John Hjorth]

44 minutes ago, james22 said:

 

You have neither the resources to invest nor the military to protect, do you?

 

 

We're used to paying a high price to defend the West.

 

 

To me personally, totally lame reactions from you, and as usual one-liners, no Kjoules in there, no real work behind, just trolling and stirring the pot.  For my part, it now stops exactly here. I'll ignore it from here. May your God be with you.

[james22]

3 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

 

 

To me personally, totally lame reactions from you, and as usual one-liners, no Kjoules in there, no real work behind, just trolling and stirring the pot.  For my part, it now stops exactly here. I'll ignore it from here. May your God be with you.

 

You can't afford or defend Greenland.

 

What work is required to see that?

 

From your description, seems we'd be doing you a favor taking it off your hands anyway.

[cubsfan]

22 minutes ago, Spekulatius said:

Somebody needs to be fired here for accidentally exposing secrets and everyone in this chat chain should get disciplined because war plans are not supposed to be discussed in a chat group, but in a. Secure messaging system.

 

Its obvious that there are a lot of amateurs in the government right now.

 

Why would anyone get fired ?

 

Biden had the most incompetent cabinet/staff of all time - and not one got fired.

[Cigarbutt]

42 minutes ago, Spekulatius said:

What is wrong with the narrative? It fits the way he acts perfectly.

History does not repeat but may rhyme; with the latest control-the-narrative duo, it's not a traditional imperialist movement, it's a modern and high-tech one, misinformation, divisive rhetoric and unchecked (?) power in action.

[Gregmal]

1 hour ago, Spekulatius said:

What is wrong with the narrative? It fits the way he acts perfectly.

Maybe if you only believe whats fed to us. He's been in power what, 25 years lol? He was besties with Dubya, heck even Time's man of the year. I know they dont let it be published here but there were very clear lines in the sand with NATO and Ukraine and we of course did what we do with those. So after 2+ decades big bad imperialist Putin has expanded the empire by how much? Oh and by the way he's been deathly ill now for 7-8 years...between all the threats and gossip I guess Ive lost track of what Im supposed to be terrified of. But we all know it doesnt matter. People will continue to exist in the world of the narrative they are fed. 

[John Hjorth]

I've personally myself - for quite some time - been thinking about why you have not engaged recently here on CofB&F for quite some time, Carl [ @Cigarbutt ],

 

That was untill I finally realized that the answer to my question was embedded in your last post..

 

Oh-well.

[cubsfan]

1 hour ago, Cigarbutt said:

History does not repeat but may rhyme; with the latest control-the-narrative duo, it's not a traditional imperialist movement, it's a modern and high-tech one, misinformation, divisive rhetoric and unchecked (?) power in action.

 

The only thing accurate about this graph:   The large distance between the Left & Right in the USA.

American's had the Left in charge for 4 years - and roundly rejected it as the destruction of traditional values that made the USA great. 

 

The left was totally in charge of everything - and they blew it sky high - and scared the shit out of the citizens. No one to blame but themselves.

[Buckeye]

2 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Somebody needs to be fired here for accidentally exposing secrets and everyone in this chat chain should get disciplined because war plans are not supposed to be discussed in a chat group, but in a. Secure messaging system.

 

It’s obvious that there are a lot of amateurs in the government right now.

This is clearly Biden’s fault. Hillary is probably involved too. Pam Bondi will get to the bottom of it. 

Edited March 25, 2025 by Buckeye

[Spekulatius]

2 hours ago, cubsfan said:

 

Why would anyone get fired ?

 

Biden had the most incompetent cabinet/staff of all time - and not one got fired.

Biden incompetent staff has never had a security leak like that. If you run a chat group discussing war plans, you are already incompetent, even if you don’t invite journalist to it by accident.

 

This is what happens if you hire people like this do the important jobs:

 

[Parsad]

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4131804/trump-hegseth-announce-air-forces-next-generation-fighter-platform/

 

Great name for the plane!  Eff 47!    You cannot make this shit up. 

 

Hegseth is also the numb nuts who added the Atlantic journalist to the secure Yemen Houthi attack plan texts!  Cheers!

[Spekulatius]

20 hours ago, Pelagic said:

 

As much as I'd like to see this happen, I just don't think the end result of taking 6% or so of global crude off the market is palatable to European leaders. It would also likely lead to a situation where the US is lobbying heavily to lift the blockade to bring down gas prices since the US consumer and economic sentiment in general is married to them. Big picture, paying $6 a gallon for a few months to a year is a better option than sustaining a war for a decade and potentially involving western troops, but trying to sell that argument to voters would be difficult.

 

It's also worth looking at this strategy from Ukraine's perspective. If their goal is simply autonomy from Russia, then yes sinking ships in the Black Sea or taking other means that they can to curtail Russian exports makes sense. But generally their goal is inclusion in the European order so a lot of the economic warfare options that are available to them they look at through that lens, choosing options that harm Russia but are also mostly contained within Russia. Which is why Ukraine striking Russian refineries works so well. It imposes real economic costs on Russia, as well as direct logistics issues for their military, while doing little to upset global markets.

 

I think the bigger concern is that blocking the Baltic and Black Sea would be seen as an act of war. I don’t think taking off Russian crude off the market is the biggest concern.

 

There are a lot of things that the Euopean could do but still tip toe around like acceding the frozen Russian funds in Belgium and Luxembourg. I think slowly they will come around that Europe can and has to escalate too, not just Putin.