On Nov 14, 2024:
posted by ptown_trojans_1America assumed the responsibility to protect and defend democracy around the world post World War II. The era of peace and prosperity we have endured since World War II is a result of that.
America should protect and defend democracy around the globe...within reason of course. Ukraine should not be abandoned, but should be encouraged to seek a fair and reasonable solution.
Israel should still be a key US ally, but likewise, within reason.
That’s the myth that keeps this insane military spending going.
There have not been any more Western European wars during that time, but there have been Eastern European wars (like the current one), multiple major Asian wars (one of which we were the primary cause of casualties and still lost), major civil wars in Africa, ongoing guerrila wars in South America, large wars in the Middle East where we were one of the biggest instigator of casualties…the list goes on. Many of those places we fought not because of some altruistic aim to defend democracy, but to defend our economic interests and our prestige.
On Nov 13, 2024:
posted by CenterBHSFanIt's interesting because a few years ago the Dems loved Musk because of his electric cars thing.
But, then he bought Twitter and kicked out the interference of govt spooks. Now the Dems pretend their skin is melting off at the mere mention of his name.
He is definitely a polarizing man.
Guys like him push innovation forward. I just and watching 'Mericans loving on him.
I know you'll counter that he is hated by left wingers, but they're not appointing him to the head of a government commission, so that's why I mentioned mit from the MAGA context. It's okay to laugh about the MAGA crowd once in awhile without doing a "whatabout" on the "dems" - really.
I'm looking forward to what Musk may be able to do.
On a personal side, I have to laugh about the number of MAGA people in my life (including immediate family) who HATED musk only a few years ago because he was "getting rich of government subsidies" and was sponging off of government largesse. I was told yesterday by one of these fine fellows that he is, in fact brilliant. When I pointed out the this person was one of the people who had trashed him, he said (paraphrasing) "That goes to show how brilliant he is. He knew how to use the liberals and he was so good at it, he even fooled me."
posted by ptown_trojans_1Not when they first started as Secretary of Defense. Both wanted to radically change the department and failed is my point.
This guy better have a good plan and good under secretaries
Both wanted to unleash war above all . I’m hopeful this new guy isn’t a battle monger.
posted by ptown_trojans_1I use them as a example as people from Republican administrations, HW Bush and W Bush, that understand the complex bureaucracy and still had difficulty.
Cheney and Rumsfeld sure understood "make war".
posted by CenterBHSFanHow much hesitancy do you think a Republican Congress will apply to cutting wasteful spending?
Probably not a lot unless it starts to impact defense spending or any particular pet government program. To do this properly, they must be willing to cut everything - not just education or "woke" stuff, stuff that gets people all excited but doesn't add up to nearly as much as the military. Defense spending provides a substantial opportunity to reduce our government. We outspend the rest of the world by so much that we can afford drastic cuts and still be in a position to be a strong global power.
If defense spending is not included in this, it is primarily for show and no one is serious about really cutting the size of government.
posted by kizer permanenteNothing says efficiency like having TWO people do A job
I don’t mind this if they’re able to get some traction on it.
On Nov 12, 2024:
posted by QuakerOats
Exactly; he was great the last time around too.
Looks like Rubio for Sec of State / Lee Zeldin at EPA / and Noem for DHS.
Paulson took himself out of Treasury consideration.
Now how is this draining the swamp? Rubio is a career politician who is as swamp as swamp can get.
I'm in favor of some of the names Trump's put forward for positions. But this one in particular is a reminder to me that Trump is nothing more than yet another politician.
posted by queencitybuckeyeGerry Faust, 89
A good man put into a very tough situation.
On Nov 11, 2024:
posted by CenterBHSFanThis Starlink election theory is gaining traction.
No it isn’t outside of the tinfoil hat crowd.
On Nov 10, 2024:
posted by friendfromlowryIt’s in Columbus broseph
I didn’t know that. Don’t know why I assumed the other. Well, that is excellent.
On Nov 9, 2024:
I U’s first 10-win season is pretty cool. That game in Bloomington in two weeks is going to be big.
posted by jmogGood lord you are insufferable.
For the 4th time this election wasn’t even close, if it was they probably would have bought, just like every close election where either side lost since at least 2000.
Not that hard to follow logic and reason you should try it once.
Your logic’s got nothing to do with it.
posted by majorsparkNo. But eventually working class neighborhoods will be burned and looted. Loons will stand in the street and block them from going to work. You know how it goes. But those bastards that got out of hand at the seat of power.
I hope that doesn’t happen.
posted by jmogFor the 3rd time both Gore and Hillary fought and/or denied election results. Stop being so dense and just admit both sides are assholes at times when they lose close ones.
Was talking about Harris and Trump. Nothing more.
posted by Ironman92https://x.com/alexandruc4/status/1855334711410966575?s=46&t=C2WPcF6lbnPsYusDnwucFQ
Here comes the violence even though they are gracious conceders
I was talking about the presidential candidates - for the third time.
As for this March, will it be proceeding down to Washington where the marchers will smash their way into the Capitol?
Good win as predicted vs Purdue. Hope IU continues to hammer Michigan.
This site should be renamed Polymath Chatter.
posted by jmogIf it was even remotely close you don’t think the Dems would have fought it?
Even back in 2000 they did with Gore. Both sides fight it when it’s close.
This wasn’t close.
If that makes you feel better, sure.
posted by jmogHe brought it up as a joke, and I replied as a joke. Hope that helps…
Considering how you’ve beaten that dead horse for months - and in no way intending it as a joke - no it doesn’t.