On 2/12/2025 at 3:54 AM, soalbundy said:

High personal debt, lower living standards, increasing homelessness, rising unemployment, poverty on the rise, the collapsing American empire causing an egoic loss of being number one in the world (see 'make America great again') 

 

Trump promises to turn the clock back, this simplistic message was easy to understand and found favour with a large portion of the populace whose earlier high standard of living (the American dream) was fueled by having the world's reserve currency allowing their standard of living to be paid for by the rest of the world.

 

The rise of Europe, China, India, the formation of BRICS and the exporting of American production to S.E. Asia is a harbinger of Americas downfall, the continuation of rolling over its huge debt to the rest of the world is being called into question.

 

Nobody takes American bullying seriously anymore. A good example of how poorly thought out Trumps 'imperialist' tariffs are is China now banning exports of tungsten to the USA as an answer to Trumps tariffs on China, China produces 90% of the worlds tungsten, America produces none, tungsten is needed in a myriad of industries from metal to electronics. Canada sells vast amounts of LNG cheaply to the US which then gets sold on for a higher price to Europe and Japan, Canada now, due to America's bellicose statements (51st state) and sanctions, realizes it can sell directly to Europe and Japan for a higher price than to America but still cheaper than America can supply to the world. These are just two examples of how America is shooting it's feet off. USAID reduction now allows China to woo African and Asian countries into its sphere of influence. Trump is accelerating America's demise.

I was hoping for many replies. I got them! Above summary I find the most significant one by far. Remarkable. It shows the many reasons why Americans are unhappy with "the way the world turns" plus an entrenched Political/Economical system that condems the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. Problems arise on many fronts simultainly.

 

But then: Every empire must fall. Folks are starting to realise that the US will not evade this faith. No surprise, that someone entered the stage wanting to "make America great again". If necessary with a crowbar. (Surely, in the final years of the Roman Empire, folks called out: "Romulus make Rome great again").

 

TARIFFS? Every country that imposes such import tariffs is signaling to the world that "we can not compete successfully in a globalised market".

 

Post with large font removed.

Another issue might be (on both sides of the Atlantic): Voters getting the impression the western Parlaments have detoriated into mere "debating clubs". Much talk without adressing the problems that concern the electorate. The "Ruling class" mainly occupied with defending their privileges.

 

We had the same situation during the "Weimar Republic" in Germany with the result that on January 30 1933 the Germans voted for a guy that promessed "to make Germany great again".

 

The similarities are freightening.

 

On 2/11/2025 at 9:57 PM, Harrisfan said:

Newton is dead and US is a far bigger nation than most. Smaller nations have more to lose by playing tough.

The laws of physics and thermodynamics don't change because the people who formulated them are dead.

 

If Australia told you to go p!ss up a rope, what would you do, invade?

 

IMO we would be better off without you, and there are plenty of other markets for what we mine and grow.

On 2/12/2025 at 8:41 PM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

Anti-American, pro Chinese left wing losers drivel.

 

 

China has now put tariffs on US vehicles which effectively kills off $3 billion of imports of the big SUV's and pickups America makes.

 

It has also banned exports of key raw materials the US auto industry, among others, need for manufacturing.

 

The Chinese auto market is the world's biggest, 26 million. The US runs a distant second with 15 million.

 

Trump said to auto workers if he was not elected, there would be no auto industry left in 2-3 years.

 

The Chinese now make cars cheaper and better.Just like the Japanese and Koreans before them.

 

The above is not drivel of any political slant. It's fact.

 

Trump , Musk , the democrats , The republicans the Oligarchs  and vested interests  and greed  and inequality  are wrecking USA   its really sad to watch the end of times for USA  ,,, and its going to be bad for everyone else too ....

On 2/11/2025 at 8:59 AM, blaze master said:

Another one not coping well at all. 

We won, you mad

It's done, too bad

Boo-hoo, so sad

 

 

Previously posted in the wrong thread by mistake-----------Sorry.

 

A new world order is coming where once men of integrity with high ideals an overwhelming sense of patriotism and a passion to serve is being replaced by whose only aim is to serve themselves.

Where once rationality, reason, saneness, the desire to seek out the truth to debate to uphold the power of democracy to expand the power of the mind has been replaced by misinformation lies disinformation and conspiracy theories.

The Internet that allows the world’s population to interact with each other instead of encouraging more constructive conversation is being manipulated by so called social media.

It is all controlled by algorithms and tech CEO’s Where they have the ability to suppress certain points of view where the masses vulnerability can be manipulated even to the extent of encouraging violent riots something we used to call brainwashing, 

Fact checkers are being abolished under the guise of free speech where in fact free speech now actually means a way of enabling the rich and powerful to destroy their critics.

Where once Nero fiddled while Rome burned now we have the likes of Trump Musk and Zuckerberg twiddling with each other’s joysticks.

On 2/11/2025 at 8:18 PM, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   On what authority do you have to speak on behalf of the rest of the World ?

   Was you elected to speak on behalf of 7 Billion people ?

It happened because Joe Biden was in charge for 4 years and he refused to step down in the last two years of his reign when he clearly wasn't fit for purpose .

   The Kamalal stood against Trump and her only accolade were her gender and race .

   Dems are as much to blame to Trump being POTUS as much as the Republican voters are 

You missed the point, the question is why have the Republicans embraced Fascism. There have been many [near] normal Republican presidents in the past. Now we are back to Munich. 

 

On 2/11/2025 at 6:35 PM, swissie said:

Currently, Donalds approval rating is around 53 % in the US, while the rest of the "western world" wonders how something like this could have happened.

Wondering how a guy can put "the western alliance" in jeopardy that has benefitted all the members of this alliance since WW2.

 

In Europe, the Person that is named Donald J.Trump is being considered as a pompous, erratic, overbearing character. If not for his money and fame, he would be spending his time in a psychiatric institution for his own good. General consensus.

 

Europeans are still puzzeled: What is so terribly wrong with the political/economical system in the US, that has elevated Donald into the highest office that this nation has to offer?

 

Me, and the overwhelming majority of Europeans would just like to know why the American electorate came to the conclusion, that the time is ripe for a person like Donald. Or, in other words: What is so terribly wrong in the US that made them vote for Donald?

 

I look foreward to many contributions from US posters. The more, the better. It might help Europeans to better understand what is happening in the US. Europeans (and the rest of the "free world) hunger for an explanation, boiling down to 1 word = WHY?

 

while the rest of the "western world" wonders how something like this could have happened.

>>> can it be called Karma?

 

Wondering how a guy can put "the western alliance" in jeopardy that has benefitted all the members of this alliance since WW2.

>>> what exactly is this alliance? How did it 'benefit' the members? And what did it do to the non-members?

1 minute ago, Ben Zioner said:

You missed the point, the question is why have the Republicans embraced Fascism. There have been many [near] normal Republican presidents in the past. Now we are back to Munich. 

 

 

   Wasn't fascism Italian, so it would be Rome and not Munich 

Surely all working working together pulling in the same direction has to be better than trying to score points and outdo each other, you put tariffs on me so I put tariffs on you or ban exports and imports to and from you.

The world has evolved with interconnected multinational supply chains that are now under the threat of being disrupted.

The way things are going benefits no one with the possible exception of the elite.

Trump thinks he is a great negotiator when in reality he's just a bully and blackmailer who is using his power to extort concessions that in the end are going to backfire and it's the American people that will ultimately pay the price.

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Wasn't fascism Italian, so it would be Rome and not Munich 

My bad, it is true that I tend to amalgamate Fascist, Nazis, etc. They are "same same" AFAIAC.

 

Just as our children will amalgamate Fascists, Nazis, MAGAs and Republicans.

 

And I am sorry the [few] Republicans that are left.

 

Ooh BTW have you heard of the Sudetes?

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

We won, you mad

It's done, too bad

Boo-hoo, so sad

I see the kindergarten has let the kids out early today!

On 2/12/2025 at 9:52 AM, spidermike007 said:

We’ve also built a strong social safety net – especially with public health care – that we are very proud of

Yeah, Canada, you've been able to do this, like most non-US members of NATO -- with their grandiose social programs --on the back of the US, who funds 2/3rds of NATO with nearly 1 trillion dollars annually! You, Canada, are one of the pikers:

Quote

.... while Spain (1.3 percent), Slovenia  (1.3 percent), Luxembourg (1.3 percent), Belgium (1.3 percent) and Canada (1.4 percent) spend the least.

 

"He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,"

 

Donald T4ump february 2024 quoted Boneparte Napoleon famous qoute 

 

Well, we all know how it did go with Napoleon

On 2/12/2025 at 12:34 PM, theshu25 said:

Trump is doing a great job in the war in ukraine isn't he. Trump is  no more then a village idiot. He has no idea what he is doing and is way way out of his depth,Leave the war to the grown ups,not a n  idiot like trump.

Well, let's see what happens. If the war ends -- and thousands of lives are saved, and zillions in property damage avoided, and normality returns, to some degree, to Europe -- I'd say so much for grown ups. Yeah, maybe the cost to Ukraine will be some Russian speaking territory -- but that wouldn't be any loss of loyal citizens.

5 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Wasn't fascism Italian, so it would be Rome and not Munich 

 

On 2/11/2025 at 9:28 PM, swissie said:

Currently, the "approval rate" of European voters supporting "Donalds Universe" is about 15%.  According to polls.

Well, of course. Europeans are scared. Donald plans to cut back -- hopefully, even end -- US funding of NATO. Currently, the US funds 70% of NATO -- at 967 billion dollar per year! Wow. That chunk of money could go a long way to helping US debt problems, as well as being able to better fund necessary programs to US well-being, like improving our sad education system. Easy call, really. Why waste these resources on a program that doesn't help the US, but only serves as a trip wire....?

 

So, Europe, no wonder you're shaking. Your taxes will go up, to now fund the defense you've been getting on the US dime. Over abundant social programs may suffer. Your 30 hour work weeks, two month vacations -- may suffer. So sad.

 

But, thanks Donald, as it's been about time. Original American colonists left Europe to get away from the malaise and frequent warfare. And the Atlantic provided a wonderful moat. World War I, unfortunately, popped that bubble, as the Democrats (Wilson) deemed it necessary to declare war -- and have 100,000 Americans die (while zero Dutch died in the combat surrounding them, as they stayed neutral. Go figure). Then, of course, because of American involvement -- and Germany not able to reach at least a draw -- we had the Treaty of Versaille, with all its baggage, leading to WWII.

 

Anyway, Europe, we're tired of funding your defense. And Trump, while a 'bull in a china shop,' is definitely a weird dude -- I applaud all that broken china -- at your expense, not America's.

6 hours ago, ravip said:

Wondering how a guy can put "the western alliance" in jeopardy that has benefitted all the members of this alliance since WW2.

Hasn't benefited the US. We just paid 1 trillion dollars a year to serve as a trip wire. Money much better spent on American priorities. Makes no never mind to me, and most Americans, whether or not Europeans have Russian as their lingua franca. And with ICBMs, America's defense problem is the same, whether or not Russia's border is in Easten Europe -- or at the Atlantic Ocean.

On 2/15/2025 at 1:35 PM, Lacessit said:

China has now put tariffs on US vehicles which effectively kills off $3 billion of imports of the big SUV's and pickups America makes.

 

It has also banned exports of key raw materials the US auto industry, among others, need for manufacturing.

 

The Chinese auto market is the world's biggest, 26 million. The US runs a distant second with 15 million.

 

Trump said to auto workers if he was not elected, there would be no auto industry left in 2-3 years.

 

The Chinese now make cars cheaper and better.Just like the Japanese and Koreans before them.

 

The above is not drivel of any political slant. It's fact.

 

Chinese cars better? Best laugh in years 

2 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Chinese cars better? Best laugh in years 

 

 

Certainly better priced

7/10 best cars are Toyotas 

 

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/consumer-reports-lists-ten-most-reliable-cars/

2 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Chinese cars better? Best laugh in years 

As I understand it, one of the Japanese EV carmakers tore down a BYD they had purchased, for the purpose of reverse engineering.

 

They were gobsmacked by how far ahead of their own vehicles the BYD was, in terms of technology.

 

Another demonstration of your abject ignorance.

4 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

As I understand it, one of the Japanese EV carmakers tore down a BYD they had purchased, for the purpose of reverse engineering.

 

They were gobsmacked by how far ahead of their own vehicles the BYD was, in terms of technology.

 

Another demonstration of your abject ignorance.

Save a few insults for the evening session

6 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

As I understand it, one of the Japanese EV carmakers tore down a BYD they had purchased, for the purpose of reverse engineering.

 

They were gobsmacked by how far ahead of their own vehicles the BYD was, in terms of technology.

 

Another demonstration of your abject ignorance.

You got it all wrong again too

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-electric-cars

 

 

Where's the freedom of speech in Russia ? He never mentions that.

 

Didn't he sue Bill Maher too for something he said, which was a joke. Where was the freedom of speech there?

 

Lets face it ... all this talk of wanting 'freedom of speech' is just another way of saying 'we want to be racist openly'. 

2 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Where's the freedom of speech in Russia ? He never mentions that.

 

Didn't he sue Bill Maher too for something he said, which was a joke. Where was the freedom of speech there?

 

Lets face it ... all this talk of wanting 'freedom of speech' is just another way of saying 'we want to be racist openly'. 

Defamation laws outweigh freedom of speech. Never studied law I see 

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

You got it all wrong again too

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-electric-cars

 

 

Don't you know motoring writers are the equivalent of journalistic prostitutes? They write according to who gives out the best invitations to trade shows and sporting events.

 

Sales figures are the best guide. BYD overtook Tesla as the biggest seller in 2022. It was only Biden tariffs that helped Tesla get back market leader position in 2024. Worldwide, BYD leads.

 

I have run out of insults for you, and it's not through lack of imagination. You might want to think about that.

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Don't you know motoring writers are the equivalent of journalistic prostitutes? They write according to who gives out the best invitations to trade shows and sporting events.

 

Sales figures are the best guide. BYD overtook Tesla as the biggest seller in 2022. It was only Biden tariffs that helped Tesla get back market leader position in 2024. Worldwide, BYD leads.

 

I have run out of insults for you, and it's not through lack of imagination. You might want to think about that.

So they know less than some online socialist know it all I see. You are so full of it.