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And Obama/Iran that wasn't something Obama did all by himself. There was a coalition of alllies that supported the deal.
It was not a perfect deal at all.
The attempt wasn't to solve world peace, it was to make the best of the worst situation.
AND -- fundamentally -- that was what Trump should have been trying to do with North Korea and Russia. The USA doesn't want to be allies with these horrible leaders, they just want to be close enough to have maybe a little influence and keep an eye.
I am surprised this morning that there is now even a stronger belief that Trump seems to be unwilling to stand up to Putin & there must be a reason for it.
While I do think that thre were folks in Trump's campaign that talked to the Russians, that Trump thought he could be 'friends' with Putin (Trump sees Putin as a strong, powerful leader and he admires that)....I don't believe that there was criminal action to collude. There may have been some chatter and Trump campaign may have known that the Russians were kind of on his side....but I really don't think there was out and out collusion.
Trump's unwillingness to criticize Putin with any substance does make you wonder though.
Trump reminds me of a toddler or teen. Having been through those stages a few times, I noticed that the kids in that age group tend to push more or test more with the parents than the authorities. More likely to try and assert their independence and show they are the tough ones.
Trump reminds me of that -- with the allies he knows they will still be USA allies no matter what, so he can try and show how strong, firm and America First he is. Kim Jung Le and Putin -- those guys are scary guys and they don't play....Trump isn't so comfortable being the big guy around them.
When the president calls the DOJ a liar and states that he believes someone from another country then there is a huge problem. Even more so when the president is being called out for possible collusion with that country.
Why is this is hard for you people??
He can kill a person a newborn infront of them and swear he was standing his ground and used lethal force in self defense. They are true believers.
NATO is not something we all pay in to, nor is it something that we owe debts towards.
Each country had the ability to set their own defence budget, and in terms of European countries the majority of this budget is in relation to dealing with the threat posed by Russia and terrorism.
To this end European NATO countries pay $270 Billion in defence spending per year, which is more than the $70 Billion Russian expenditure or the $175 Billion Chinese Defence expenditure, indeed European NATO members spend more on defence than Russia and China combined, and are the largest defence spenders after the US itself.
In terms of the US, it's Defence Budget covers a lot of diverse roles at home and in the world, and only a small percentage of the US Defence budget is in relation to Europe, possible two or three percent. The other 98% has nothing to do with Europe.
Whilst in terms of US Active Service Personnel, around 5% are based in Europe, the other 95% having nothing to do with Europe's defence.
The US does not own the bases in Europe, they are merely classed as visiting forces, they do however get access to intelligence, logistics, medical support, naval support and many of the bases are more to do with projecting US Power in the Middle East, North Africa, Parts of Asia and in relation to Russia itself.
The bases actually save the US money, as operations would be far more expensive wthout them and the same forces would cost even more to bring back home and house, as European countries often pay in kind by providing services for free to US Forces. The Germans provide around $1 Billion in services and are curently building new schools for US Forces.
As for the 2% it is not legally binding, it's just a guideline to work towards by 2024, and NATO countries do not owe the US anything. Most NATO countries have been increasing defence budgets since the 2014 guidelines ad many have grouped together to form new reaction forces and to invest in more interoperability.
The US actually gets a good deal from NATO, and don't let the Donald tell you otherwise, indeed Congress realises this, as do the Pentagon.
Congress and the Pentagon aren't so anxious to ditch bases in Europe as so many here on this board are ready to do.
Trump's call for Allies to pay their bills is for show. Trump has figured out that this rhetoric plays to his base. It makes it seem like his is #MAGA....but he really wouldn't accomplish much for the USA by all the countries reaching the 2% itotal miliitary budget that goes to their own budget - not anybody else (I know repeating myself but it seems to be forgotten very quickly by some).
Agreed! Even caught on tape some how they would justify it. Cult indeed.
Out of science fiction I wonder if those that listen to Hannity, Ingraham, Rush, then tune to Fox are not receiving subliminal messages on a hidden frequency. I used to listen to that block and I was a supporter of conservatives. Yet, I was really more interested in doing more then listening to AM radio. My mind cleared after a few weeks and I have to say my mood changed for the better. More then anything right wing media is to blame in furthering the cult. They are the evangelists of the cult.
When the president calls the DOJ a liar and states that he believes someone from another country then there is a huge problem. Even more so when the president is being called out for possible collusion with that country.
Why is this is hard for you people??
Old Navajo saying, "You can't wake up a person pretending to be asleep."
But we don't know everything Trump said to Putin. Many people are so quick to assume things.
That is one of the MAJOR problems. You don't go into a meeting with an adversary by yourself. It is your word against them. Trump should have covered his behind, on that one. (Wonder what they chatted about, the 2 good old boys. Times past, when the Miss Universe contest was held in Russia?) Putin saying he did not know Trump before the election is such a farce. Trump was trying to build a Trump tower in Russia? Owes money to Russian banks?
Looks like our esteemed leader has committed Treason. One definition of Treason is: "Willful violation of allegiance to one's country." Is Trump really that naïve or is he so cocky that he thinks he can get away with anything?
Treating the leaders of NATO and Prime Minister May, like dirt beneath his feet and just his total rudeness to our allies; just reeks of lousy leadership, so beneath a president and commander in chief of the United States.
I think it's time to ask people if their dream of a white, straight, Christian America that looks like a cartoon version of the 1950s is worth supporting an open traitor like Trump? Would people in the 1950s have supported such a man? Eisenhower was a war hero and there was no questioning what side he was on.
There was a song we kids used to sing. Fidel says. Love Nikita Khrushchev. Fidel says. Love Nikita Khrushchev. Best Little Commie in the World!!!!
Change the names for 2018.
Edit: My parents were Democrats. They gave me an "I Like Ike" button to wear. Is it Patriotic to mock a (now dying) POW Republican Senator? My Dad (WW2 Vet) must be rolling over in his grave with that alone. Something is seriously wrong with our President.
Last edited by Jo48; 07-17-2018 at 06:36 AM..
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