Hawaiian

It's quite possible, or maybe just a coincidence, that Trump nominated people like Gaetz, Kennedy and Gabbard to satisfy a certain element of his supporters, knowing they would be shot down. Now that he has been elected, he really doesn't need their support, so that's probably not the reason. Anyone out there care to comment?

Looks as if you have joined the ranks of the Chicken Little Gang. The sky is not falling. You of all people should know better.

I knew "everyone knows that" would elicit an answer. Agree, quite a few Americans are able to pass a simple civics quiz. American History was a favorite subject of mine in high school. While quite knowledgeable I still have a lot to learn in this ever changing environment.

The point I was making is comparing GDP is not necessarily telling the whole story. Government turmoil in Germany and now France can take their toll on their respective economies. China is another example with some of the statistics coming out of the country most likely doctored and not very accurate. This is where our intelligence apparatus is valuable in any analysis or comparison.

Very true, unfortunately.

May be #8 on the list, but a much larger and more diverse population than the other seven.

The Chinese government rarely, if ever, cooperates in nailing these con artists. I think many operate with the blessings of the CCP.

Whenever I have had a problem with my Capital One card, charge back is one of the first options they mention. They also have been very good at notifying me of any suspicious activity on my account. Plus their foreign currency exchange rate is excellent and no fee involved.

Seem as this link does not work. Please try this: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-promises-hell-to-pay-middle-east-hostages-not-released-takes-office

Just another media outlet that can't be trusted for accurate, unbiased news.

Just because Wray's appointment was for ten years doesn't mean he can't be removed before that. Since the position is part of the executive branch the president can remove him for whatever reason. Everyone knows that.

https://www.aol.com/trump-promises-hell-pay-gaza-190158256.html

The first half of 2024 had Japan and Tokyo as number one with Bangkok replacing Tokyo towards the end of the year. I like both countries, but Thailand is more affordable plus we have relatives and many long-time friends. I have traveled extensively in Japan when the yen was 270 to the dollar. Today the dollar buys much less. I am not a fan of big cities and never travel to Bangkok, instead visiting friends in Chonburi, Petchaburi and Mae Khlong.

Interesting observations. A lot of possible scenarios in what you posted.

Once Trump gets back into the saddle again, he will waste no time in fixing some of mess he inherits. There are things he cannot do unilaterally and will need the help of Congress. Have you noticed that China has been very quiet lately? Xi knows quite well that Trump can inflict a lot of damage to China's already shaky economy. Tackling the Ukraine/Russia issue is what many, including myself, are concerned about. The Middle East is another area that needs careful attention. Iran needs to be neutered, but how to accomplish that is tricky. While difficult, I believe Tom Homan will get a handle of the border situation and stem the flow of illegals coming into the country. The threat of punishing tariffs will push Mexico to the table. Yes, I know tariffs are a double edged sword and Trump will resort to them only if nothing else works. Time will tell.

If Thailand does nothing but file a protest, this will happen again and possibly the price will be more than one death and two fishing boats.

If this proves to be an unprovoked attack, the assailants should be kicked out of Thailand and blacklisted for life.

As a general contractor for 38 years I know exactly how progress payments work. Since there was no contract, Mexico was not obligated to pay. A few years back my neighbor fenced in his pasture to contain his cattle. He asked me to pay half of the cost for the part that separated our properties. I said no. End of story.

If the U.S. is to blame for the fentanyl crisis, then Mexico is to blame for the proliferation of American made firearms. Why? According to your reasoning if the was no demand the flow of drugs would stop. Then the same thing applies to guns.

And just who are these "real men"?

Why would Mexico pay for a wall that was never completed? We know who stopped it and let millions of dollars worth of material to be sold as scrap. As far as Medicare and Social Security go Trump cannot unilaterally do it and Congress sure as hell won't.

I thought MSNBC was dead. Guess I was wrong, but I hear on its way out.

Kash will also clean out the driftwood. Need to get rid of the Pages and Strzoks that are left.

https://www.checkyourfact.com/2024/10/24/fact-check-trump-cut-social-security-medicare/ So where will the cuts come from.

The DEA reports that members of the cartels operate in all 50 states.