Political Posts

[John Hjorth]

KALs cartoon this Economist weekly edition :

 

 

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Most likely not needed to state here, that I'm a big fan, his humor is just awesome, to me personally. 

[Mephistopheles]

https://fortune.com/2025/12/04/bill-gates-childhood-death-rate-under-5-first-reversal-this-century/
 

Credit where credit is due. Those DOGE cuts showing real results. Put together with the tariffs, I’m hoping for no income tax in the near future thanks to Trump and Musk.

[cubsfan]

3 hours ago, John Hjorth said:

It's meaningless talks when Ukariane, and the European countries aren't participating in such, based on the expectation, that USA will not participate in, contribute to any peace guarantees.

 

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.

[John Hjorth]

2 hours ago, cubsfan said:

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.

 

Aren't actually you thereby also argiung that it is not a matter for POTUS to be involved in, releated to establishing a ceasefire, armistice, truce and peace, Mike [ @cubsfan ].

 

It's clear POTUS can't solve this with the approach opted for by him. [<- This statement does not imply that I mean, that it's solvable by now at all!]

 

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I'm certainly not excusing anything.

[John Hjorth]

Especially for Mike [ @cubsfan ], but also for CofB&F members :

 

Tass - Ruissian News Agency [September 12 2025] : Russian diplomat decries Danish plans to localize production of missile fuel for Ukraine

 

From the Press Release :

 

Quote

... "Therefore, Denmark would become the first country among sponsors of the terrorist Kiev regime to give its land for the production of components for weapons for combat use against peaceful cities in our country. This crazy scheme shows that Copenhagen which, jointly with other countries that have been the most aggressive toward Russia, has sabotaged efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis with political and diplomatic means has pursued a hostile militarist policy course," Zakharova noted. This, she continued, is fraught with escalation risks as it would encourage neo-Nazis in Ukraine to commit more barbaric crimes against civilians in Russian regions.

 

According to Zakharova, Denmark does not conceal that, among other things, this move is meant to spur the development of the Danish defense industry, as sign of Denmark’s desire to capitalize further on the bloodshed in Ukraine. ...

 

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Let Russia just carry on !, -I would say, it would be a dream scenario, really, to get NATO activated and actively involved in this mess!

[cubsfan]

42 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

 

Aren't actually you thereby also argiung that it is not a matter for POTUS to be involved in, releated to establishing a ceasefire, armistice, truce and peace, Mike [ @cubsfan ].

 

It's clear POTUS can't solve this with the approach opted for by him. [<- This statement does not imply that I mean, that it's solvable by now at all!]

 

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I'm certainly not excusing anything.

 

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. 

[adventurer]

5 minutes ago, cubsfan said:

 

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. 

True. Trump was right in pushing Europe to up their military budgets too. 

 

37 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

Especially for Mike [ @cubsfan ], but also for CofB&F members :

 

Tass - Ruissian News Agency [September 12 2025] : Russian diplomat decries Danish plans to localize production of missile fuel for Ukraine

 

From the Press Release :

 

 

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Let Russia just carry on !, -I would say, it would be a dream scenario, really, to get NATO activated and actively involved in this mess!

Though I am not an expert, I doubt Europe`s military strength is anywhere near where you believe it to be, considering your last sentence.  

[John Hjorth]

@adventurer,

 

52 minutes ago, adventurer said:

... Though I am not an expert, I doubt Europe`s military strength is anywhere near where you believe it to be, considering your last sentence.  

 

With 'last sentence', I assume you're referring to this :

 

1 hour ago, John Hjorth said:

... Let Russia just carry on !, -I would say, it would be a dream scenario, really, to get NATO activated and actively involved in this mess!

 

I meant, that would activate NATO, thereby at least those with military capibities willing to defend the musketeer oath [NATO Treaty, Article 5], which I'm confident would involve Great Brian, France and Germany, perhaps also Canada.

 

Alone because of that PORF wouldend't dare, in short it's just a new 'Red Line'.

 

What would interesting is what how USA would react in such situation. Would POTUS back up, also, or just start coming up with self-constructed excuses in NATO to come to assistance when called?

 

Denmark has always follwed suit, when USA has called, ie. in the WAR against Terror, and we have taken our fair share of war veterans - shoulder by shoulder with USA mesured by country population size, several places. POTUS had actually acknowledged that.

 

-And what will it have of consequences with regard presence of US milary bases in Europe, and European countries having agrrements with USA giving access to use of other bases and airports, if POTUS TACOs when called in such situiation?

 

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Edit :

 

54 minutes ago, adventurer said:

... True. Trump was right in pushing Europe to up their military budgets too. ...

 

That sentence I have already mentioned upstream long ago, that I agree with Mike [ @cubsfan ] about.

Edited December 4, 2025 by John Hjorth
Added new paragraph

[nsx5200]

17 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

Japan and Taiwan better watch out because the US is not a credible defense partner any more as they will sell out any ally as they see it fit.

In regards to Japan and Taiwan, it doesn't seem to be that simple, as Trump just signed Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act to counter China.  On the surface, based on the Whitehouse release, it sounds like a routine bill without real significance.  But when you look at the text from the bill's sponsors, it's essentially an anti-China(CCP) bill.  This administration is trying to shift the focus away from Europe towards China, as Trump, thinking the US as a continental power instead of a maritime power, try to contain China.

 

If anybody follows Sarah Paine, she thinks the actions from this US administration is shifting the geopolitical center from the US back to Europe again as Europe strengthens their institutions in order to deal with the ongoing & upcoming global issues.

 

Authoritarian governments like China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, etc., over the long time, have shown to be failed models.  The more authoritarian, the slower the growth, if at all.  We have seen how quickly China's growth slowed when the party becomes more authoritarian.  We should invert, and avoid those authoritarian tendencies.

[Sweet]

I’ve noticed more frequently how Russia is announcing loudly that if Europeans do x it’s basically war.  Today it’s about using frozen Russian assets.  Don't hear much mention about the US which is a deliberate attempt to put a wedge between Europe and the US.  Fairly blatant threats and aggression and yet there is regularly commentary that would somehow have you believe that this is a both sides thing.

 

Edited December 4, 2025 by Sweet

[Sweet]

17 hours ago, cubsfan said:

 

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.

Be careful what you wish for, because I’m fairly sure Europe can handle Russia without the US if they really needs to.  I’m less sure that the US can handle China without the Europeans.  This is the wrong era to be fracturing long standing alliances.

[cubsfan]

36 minutes ago, Sweet said:

Be careful what you wish for, because I’m fairly sure Europe can handle Russia without the US if they really needs to.  I’m less sure that the US can handle China without the Europeans.  This is the wrong era to be fracturing long standing alliances.

 

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.

Edited December 4, 2025 by cubsfan

[Sweet]

3 hours ago, cubsfan said:

 

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.

 

good to hear.  And you know I agree with you about Europe not living up to its NATO commitments 

[cubsfan]

11 minutes ago, Sweet said:

good to hear.  And you know I agree with you about Europe not living up to its NATO commitments 

 

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.

[Dalal.Holdings]

I think it’s unbelievable that Europeans are so livid at the U.S. for wanting to end the war while Macron is over in China courting Xi for investments in France—you know, the same guys who are arming Russia in the conflict.

 

That Europeans are lukewarm towards China but pissed at the U.S.—after all we’ve done for the continent over 80 years including this conflict. Just total ingratitude.

 

And of course they laughed when Trump said they needed to spend more on defense. Here we are and their military and intelligence gathering is basically useless.

[cubsfan]

^^^ 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.

[Dalal.Holdings]

3 hours ago, cubsfan said:

^^^ 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.

 

"Americans/Trump are evil since they want to end this conflict & suggested cutting support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, China which is actively arming Russia is someone we should develop closer ties to."

--Emmanuel Macron, probably

 

Make it make sense ?

 

And then ignore everything the U.S. has done for Europe since the 1940s...

[Dalal.Holdings]

https://www.ft.com/content/27e82b33-6e54-4e96-954f-43d1c7b3c98f?utm_social_handle_id=18949452&utm_social_post_id=615202078

 

Quote

A new US national security strategy is calling for “cultivating resistance” in Europe, warning that the continent is subverting democracy, blocking peace in Ukraine and facing “civilisational erasure” from high migration and falling birth rates.

Quote

“American diplomacy should continue to stand up for genuine democracy, freedom of expression, and unapologetic celebrations of European nations’ individual character and history,” it says.

 

Quote

According to the wide-ranging document, which also covers US relations with Asia and the Middle East, the administration will pursue a policy of “burden-shifting” intended to make Europe “stand on its own feet and operate as a group of aligned sovereign nations”.

 

Trying to get Europe to stand on its own feet for the first time in 80+ years ?

 

[cubsfan]

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

[dealraker]

Dang...our Trumper ecco chamber is in full bloom!

 

Yawl buy the Dolla General like I told you to?

[villainx]

13 minutes ago, dealraker said:

Yawl buy the Dolla General like I told you to?

 

This is what I get for not following this thread!  Totally missed this,  DG killing it this year.

[cubsfan]

Good for you guys. Nice pick.

[John Hjorth]

27 minutes ago, dealraker said:

Dang...our Trumper ecco chamber is in full bloom!

 

Yawl buy the Dolla General like I told you to?

 

 - It's Friday! - Let's have some fun! - Soon, it's also weekend on the Western side of the Atlantic pond! 

Edited December 5, 2025 by John Hjorth

[Cigarbutt]

https://fortune.com/2025/12/04/rich-people-flooding-dollar-stores-us-affordability-crisis/

[dealraker]

35 minutes ago, Cigarbutt said:

https://fortune.com/2025/12/04/rich-people-flooding-dollar-stores-us-affordability-crisis/

Across the street from my lake house my nephew and I bought 25 acres a couple years ago.  Next to this is 450 acres that sold in November this year to a couple entities, one being VennTerra a prolific developer in our area.  We knew all this was coming as there is ongoing endless massive development both commercial and residential relative to the size and current population of the Lexington, NC area.

 

We are hoping for a nice grocery store a bit closer to the ones 8 miles away.  But...uhh...chances are we'll probably get yet another Dolla General instead...and only maybe a slightly more upscale shopping experience.  There are so many DG's going up it boggles the mind.  

 

Ya think they are focused on the "stand alone in the rural" theme?  Dream on.  These things are popping up within sight of WalMart.  Density is clearly the new model.

 

I'm skeptical.  But I've bought many a stock I was skeptical about.  Not the brightest bulb in the store, sometimes it is for me monkey see- monkey do level analysis.