HappyExpat57

Risk your liberty for 17,500 baht/month? Somehow I think she's not the brains behind this criminal enterprise.

I posted this question to "Grok" and this is what returned: "Trump supporters’ reluctance to criticize his policies often stems from a mix of loyalty, identity, and pragmatism. Many see him as a fighter against a system they distrust—elites, media, or government insiders—so they’re willing to overlook flaws or trade-offs in his policies to back someone they view as their champion. His style, unpolished and defiant, reinforces this bond; it’s less about policy details and more about what he represents to them. Take his economic moves, like tariffs. Supporters might shrug off criticism about higher consumer costs because they see it as a necessary jab at globalism or a way to bring jobs back, even if the evidence is mixed. Data from the Tax Foundation in 2020 estimated his tariffs cost U.S. consumers $57 billion annually, but for many, the symbolic “America First” stance trumps that. Same with immigration—hardline policies like the border wall get cheers despite logistical snags or costs (e.g., $11 billion spent by 2021 per GAO reports) because it’s about signaling toughness. There’s also a tribal angle. Criticizing Trump can feel like betraying the team, especially when they perceive constant attacks from the left. Social dynamics kick in—studies like those from the American Political Science Review (2021) show partisan identity often outweighs policy disagreement in shaping loyalty. Plus, some figure he’s better than the alternative; Biden’s approval tanked to 38% by late 2024 (per Gallup), so Trump’s flaws get a pass. It’s not universal, though. Some supporters quietly grumble—say, about his COVID response or spending (deficit hit $3.1 trillion in 2020, per CBO)—but vocal criticism risks ostracism or just doesn’t fit the narrative they’ve bought into. X posts from MAGA folks often frame it as “he’s not perfect, but he’s ours.” That’s the glue: loyalty over common sense.

I just had a root canal/crown replacement just under $1300 USD. Copay alone for the root canal would have cost more in the US, even with insurance. Having said that, I don't entirely trust the medical side of things. A very popular opthalmologist at a prominent hospital wanted to do cataract surgery on both my eyes, and went I went to the US for a 2nd opinion, they informed me one eye was fine, only one required the operation right now. All told, it's still much less expensive in Thailand and I've never experienced a wait to get what I needed done.

You've obviously never been in the US military or you're trolling.

Wow - such a flurry of vapid, argumentative, ridiculously stupid posts. Say hello to all your "friends" in the phantom zone aka ignore list.

No, not by a LONG shot!

A half dozen or so folks arrested is a setback? That's like saying a half dozen spoonfuls of water is a draining of the sea.

It's absolutely hit and miss, completely up to the mood of the immigration officer that is handling it that day.

Being a reporter in Thailand must be so easy. Any time you get writer's block, just pull out the tried and true Fatal Crash in <fill in the blank> Calls for Road Safety Improvements T.I.T.S., nothing about road safety will ever change.

Again, if someone takes just a moment to consider all the atrocities he has rained down upon the US, then add to that the fact he has the mental acuity of a rabid gerbil, you will come to the logical conclusion he is not really the one at the steering wheel. He is a useful idiot and the front man for a plan that has been years in the making to turn the US into a White Christian Nationalist authoritarian country. Read the "Project 2025" instruction manual, then watch a few episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale" and you will see exactly where Murikkka is headed.

And some people obviously have too much time on their hands, wondering about members' avatars and making incorrect (and frankly ridiculous) assumptions. This can be excused, MAGADIs aren't known for their mental prowess. Not that it's ANY of your business, I just happen to like Johnny Depp and his role in that movie.

Again, thinking has become such a lost art. There is not ONE single illegal alien in the US who would risk arrest/deportation to a Salvadoran prison camp to cast a vote for any Democrat. This move targets poor and/or elderly Democratic voters. And the funniest part is the Republicans should let this go - the Democrats are already doing a GREAT job shooting themselves in their own feet.

But did it really? I suspect they are aware of the disdain Murikkkans hold towards anyone not a White Christian Nationalist.

I always add cute emojis to my communcations about killing enemy combatants. S M F H

Not sure what you mean. Signal is a free app - I'm selling my home, my Realtor and I use it. And it is NOTHING that should EVER be used for official US gubmint communication.

this from what I have read is available for anyone that wants it! that is why it is not really considered to be secure in the classified info world. Maybe it is more secure than an open telephone for joe citizen but for anything of importance, the intel of unfriendly countries can read all of that talk! Does ANY hacker loudly proclaim "Hey look everybody - I hacked a signal account!" ??? Thinking is such a lost art.

I'm surprised. Usually, by this time, the MAGADIs have come completely unglued, foaming at the mouth, ranting on how all us lefties are, well, lefties. I think the façade is finally fading, the veneer stripping away, the truth is finally sinking in that they backed the wrong horse.

LOVE it!

They should ALL have their clearances revoked. I was at a relatively low level clearance in the civil service food chain (secret clearance/database admin for a naval hospital) and the training we received made it abundantly clear you never EVER use your personal devices for official communication. I repeat: They should ALL have their clearances revoked.

Hegseth vehemently denies he ever sent these texts on Signal (even though they are there for the WHOLE FRIGGIN' WORLD to see). Possibly a blackout drunk text?

You said a mouthful. I knew an international airline pilot, slightly connected. He was at a gala event in a large, crowded room when suddenly President Bill Clinton entered. The pilot said you could sense President Clinton's presence before you even saw him. He exuded charm and charisma in a way that a world leader should. I love AOC and her message, but she will always appear as a young girl fighting for a seat at the adult table. She has that voice that detracts much like Kamala did. Politics ain't fair, it just is what it is. Now, Nikki Haley? She's got that "thing" about her - I could fully imagine her sitting at the resolute desk. A frightening thought, but not at all beyond the realm of possibilities.