To think Ted Cruz was partially on the money when he said in 2016 that "Donald might wake up one morning and nuke Denmark". What has happened to the US...
Fox News happened.
And social media. Trump is the social media president.
Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
81–90 of 395 posts
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#82Earlier quoted context omitted.
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So, since there's a lot of talk like this, how are we leeches? If anything, surely it's the Americans who are leeches, what with the fact that they're living off software exports and monopolies as opposed to production of actual useful goods? Do you think we didn't invest in our defence? Here in Sweden we put in 5% of GDP until the Soviet Union dissolved. It was pro-US politicians like Carl Bildt, a man who associate…
Not to take away from the larger point, but the US remains a manufacturing juggernaut compared to anyone that isn't China. It's still the #2 manufacturing nation in the world and produces more than the EU as a whole. It's just become a small aspect of a much larger economy.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#83I wish Europe would just push back. More than what they are currently. There is so much potential there, but somehow the EU all look at the US as some form of idealogical father figure. Excuse the hyperbolic-talk.
The EU has a huge strategic problem because they let their own defenses and industry rot for decades and can't functionally stand alone against Russia, US pressure, and Chinese economic infiltration / industrial replacement at the same time. At least, not without great sacrifices the population isn't willing to make, like pension reform. So they are playing gentle with the US because it's the least bad choice right n…
> can't functionally stand alone against Russia, US pressure, and Chinese economic infiltration / industrial replacement at the same time.
No country in the world can do that. That's not a consequence of 'they let their own defenses and industry rot for decades'.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#84He was actually asked about why he is even doing this nonsense by the NYT, since they can get Denmark already to agree on any new military bases (they already have one) or mineral extraction anyway:
David E. Sanger:
Why is ownership important here?
President Trump:
Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success. I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do, whether you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document, that you can have a base.
Katie Rogers
Psychologically important to you or to the United States?
President Trump
Psychologically important for me. Now, maybe another president would feel differently, but so far I’ve been right about everything.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#85Earlier quoted context omitted.
So, since there's a lot of talk like this, how are we leeches? If anything, surely it's the Americans who are leeches, what with the fact that they're living off software exports and monopolies as opposed to production of actual useful goods? Do you think we didn't invest in our defence? Here in Sweden we put in 5% of GDP until the Soviet Union dissolved. It was pro-US politicians like Carl Bildt, a man who associate…
Not to take away from the larger point, but the US remains a manufacturing juggernaut compared to anyone that isn't China. It's still the #2 manufacturing nation in the world and produces more than the EU as a whole. It's just become a small aspect of a much larger economy.
I'm sure you mean well, but to make this comment at all takes away from the larger point no matter how you try to disclaim it. It's just not the time.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#86We will soon discover if the EU actually as a spine or is just a bendover for the US...(My money is on the latter, and I'm from EU)
Europe cant afford to have enemies on both sides. It will align with the US reluctantly because even a bat shit crazy US is better than Russia. China plays it too close to the chest to be a friend.
It will not align with the US if that means territorial losses. Russia is an economical lightweight that's causing a bit of a headache on the eastern border but for the EU looking weak would make things so much worse.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#87Totally bizarre to watch the US transform from the endearingly crazy and rich friend to the one who holds you at gunpoint and robs you.
Transforms. Look at history, they’ve always done that when convenient to them.
True. Those who think they are being unfair just now, this is actually the fairest they've been since forever. Fairest in terms of arm twisting and other tactics being applied to everyone equally instead of being selective. Previously it was on the lines of the west and the rest, but now its just America and the rest.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#88Earlier quoted context omitted.
The EU has a huge strategic problem because they let their own defenses and industry rot for decades and can't functionally stand alone against Russia, US pressure, and Chinese economic infiltration / industrial replacement at the same time. At least, not without great sacrifices the population isn't willing to make, like pension reform. So they are playing gentle with the US because it's the least bad choice right n…
> can't functionally stand alone against Russia, US pressure, and Chinese economic infiltration / industrial replacement at the same time. No country in the world can do that. That's not a consequence of 'they let their own defenses and industry rot for decades'.
The EU is 450 million people! It's the size of the entire continent of south america! It was the richest part of the world for centuries! They absolutely should be able to function as an independent block with international trade for convenience and not survival.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#89It is wildly fascinating to experience, in real time, how fragile the US system is. Trump really did show that the US is built on the assumption that people in power will behave, basically a honor system. Trump is stress testing every single aspect of the US.
He's dousing the US with gasoline, and fumbling around with matches. The people around him, knee deep in gas, are too afraid to take the matches from him.
In so many other countries, Trump would face a no confidence vote. Snap elections.
Re: Eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
#90Since the only thing Trump understands is force, I am looking forward to the retaliation from and military positioning of EU member states to defend Greenland. Perhaps it is what is needed to finally impeach.
The EU is not a military/security alliance (yet).