11 hours ago, Wingate said:

but some things are skyrocketing, like Trump's disapproval rating.

 

Other things that are skyrocketing are Trump bashing threads on AN. 

 

2 hours ago, daveAustin said:

You haven’t stood up to anyone though. Canada is a great place but a bit of a meek little kitten on the world stage. A bit like Oz. After everything that donkey has done to embarrass you, at least have the stones to get in his face. Hockey is a girls game btw. 😋

All that is changing with a great and bold Mark Carney he's making Trump look like an amateur school boy. It helps that he outclasses Trump by 60 IQ points and is a better negotiator and is not hung up on dogma, hatred and desire for revenge. 

2 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

Other things that are skyrocketing are Trump bashing threads on AN. 

 

If you had one nanogram of objectivity, you would understand how much the dunce gives us to work with. 

7 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Lots of refineries?  You mean the 18 in canada or ? Now compare that to the USA and get back to me.

 

How about total refining capacity of Canada vs USA. You're right a little education never hurts. Canada refines a miniscule amount when compared to the USA. But you knew that you just wanted to trot out the lots that canada has.

 

Fun fact the USA has 132 up from 124 just a few years ago. Remind me oh ye highly educated how many canada has built in that same time frame. 

 

Another fun fact. The last one built in canada was in 2020. The first built since 1984.

 

Schools out.

No. I guess it's nice to think of yourself as a teacher and somebody who knows something about a particular subject, but you fail to take into account Canada's population relative to the number of refineries. If you looked at that statistic you would realize that Canada has more refineries per person than the US has. 

10 hours ago, ericthai said:

 

 

I'm glad you think globalization worked so well.  Maybe speak to some business owners. Ever try to import products from the US into Thailand? China? Vietnam?

Yup, free trade is really only one way. 

 

Then countries do trans-shipments to make it look like it was produced in another country so they can export to the USA with no tariffs. 

I think this is the issue, that most people not involved in imports and exports dont understand what really goes on. 

 

My friend had a company selling personalized coffee cups. He had is shop in New York.  He had issues with sellers from China selling for less with shipping included. His shipping cost from New York to Tampa was more than what a China supplier paid for shipping from China,  Why? because the US government gave China companies special shipping rates.  

 

The US politicians destroyed the US manufacturing industry via (unfair) free trade agreements for cheap goods. 

I worked for a company that exported cold-rolled steel from Australia to the west coast of America in the 80's and 90's. No export subsidies, no government support. Competing for sales in the world market.

 

The company could land steel, including the transport cost, all the way across the Pacific, cheaper than the same steel could be railed from the mills in Cleveland and Chicago.

 

When I visited US Steel in the 80's, it had a shear line where the shearing operation was equipment activated by ropes. It had been in use since 1900.  Productivity compared to hydraulically-powered shears was very ordinary.

 

While politicians undoubtedly contributed to the demise of American manufacturing, IMO failure to modernize was icing on the cake.

 

America has 140 km of high speed rail. China has 48,000 km, to expand to 60,000 km. 

 

Be of good cheer, though. America spends more on defense than the next 10 countries combined, so the US is modern in that respect.

 

I don't see any signs defense spending is contracting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 hours ago, Yagoda said:

It's all he thinks about except for where he can steal somebody else's work product. Anybody check his screeching above for cut and paste?

Yes, I did do a check. He's quite busy editing other people's editorials on Trump.

 

Removed unnecessarily rude comment 

48 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I worked for a company that exported cold-rolled steel from Australia to the west coast of America in the 80's and 90's. No export subsidies, no government support. Competing for sales in the world market.

 

The company could land steel, including the transport cost, all the way across the Pacific, cheaper than the same steel could be railed from the mills in Cleveland and Chicago.

 

When I visited US Steel in the 80's, it had a shear line where the shearing operation was equipment activated by ropes. It had been in use since 1900.  Productivity compared to hydraulically-powered shears was very ordinary.

 

While politicians undoubtedly contributed to the demise of American manufacturing, IMO failure to modernize was icing on the cake.

 

America has 140 km of high speed rail. China has 48,000 km, to expand to 60,000 km. 

 

Be of good cheer, though. America spends more on defense than the next 10 countries combined, so the US is modern in that respect.

 

I don't see any signs defense spending is contracting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

China is superior to America from a technological point of view on so many levels, their factory production is decades beyond where American can only dream of beingt. Their High-Speed Rail and so much other infrastructure  completely eclipses the sad and forlorn America in decline. 

 

Nothing Trump does or says is going to change any of that one iota. America had its day in the sun and it's not going to become great anytime soon, tldespite the howling in the wind by countless sentimental old fools. 

16 hours ago, Yagoda said:

What is unpleasant about old dudes still banging young hardbodied ladies? You prefer boys? Why do you denigrate most members here? Whats wrong with my character? I pay and dont negotiate like a cheap charlie.

 

See above. They ask, I give.

 

So? How? Cuz I like to F**k and smoke weed and eat mangos off trees and cruise ruins and temples and go to gogo bars and eat hotel and street buffets and cruise the mehkong and chao phraya and <deleted> and go to beer bars, live music, rice paddies, villages, jungles, go go bars, smoke more weed, float in the pool and <deleted> some more.?

 

Im 70. Im watching my mum fade away daily, shes 94, she wont be able to walk in a week. EVERY DAY IS YOUR LAST DAY, live it, I sure am and care not a whit what anyone thinks.

See above. Why do you depict being a pompous, church lady, holier than thou annoying moralist?

If you live your lifestyle within the law and had little else to say no one would care - though some might find it distasteful .

It seems though you are so judgemental about the ideas and lifestyles of others - transgender, gays, anyone who doesn't believe in Trumpian capitalism. 

On transgenders the vast majority have the view of live and let live without knowing if there is a scientific basis to it. I have not heard anyone here say they should be able to play sport at the highest level against the opposite sex by birth. So the difference of opinion is not as extreme as the right would like to think. 

With gays - it's hard to understand - given your lifestyle is abhorrent to many - why you yourself would judge others on what type of partner they prefer - particularly  given your every day is your last day mentality.

In terms of politics and economics - one example - there was a big focus on difference of medicine prices in Australia and the US. We pay a bit more taxes - get cheap medicine - no screeching or anything else. Biden's policies were in the main part to the right of Australia's right wing party. So not sure why you have to talk in black and white extremes about communism and socialism. That's all.  

8 hours ago, blaze master said:

Fun fact the USA has 132 up from 124 just a few years ago.

I'll take your word that Canada has 18 refineries. Now let's compare populations and car owners. We all know Americans are in love with their cars, don't like public transit (or walking ) so that's an indicator of the thirst for refined fuel. Regarding population, the United States has more than 8 times the population of Canada. So per capita - 18 refiners times 8 is 144. You in the US need to build 12 more - get to work. School's out.

1 hour ago, ronnie50 said:

I'll take your word that Canada has 18 refineries. Now let's compare populations and car owners. We all know Americans are in love with their cars, don't like public transit (or walking ) so that's an indicator of the thirst for refined fuel. Regarding population, the United States has more than 8 times the population of Canada. So per capita - 18 refiners times 8 is 144. You in the US need to build 12 more - get to work. School's out.

 

It's more than just basic numbers.  How old are the refineries?  What is their capacity?  How much is spent annually on maintenance?  What products can they produce?  What is their condition and expected remaining useful life?

 

The last significant oil refinery built in the United States was the Marathon Refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, which opened in 1976. However, the most recent refinery to start operation is the Texas International Terminals refinery in Channelview, Texas, which began operating in February 2022.

 

The Sturgeon plant, Canada's first new refinery since 1984, will begin turning oil-sands bitumen into diesel by the end of the year,

 

And do they need more refineries?

 

While Canada only refines about a quarter of the oil it produces, it refines more oil than it consumes. That means any newly constructed refineries would be refining oil for export, not for internal consumption.

7 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

Yes, you are lame.     

Caught with your pants down, Mike.😄

5 hours ago, Wingate said:

If Trump survives another 3.5 years of KFC buckets, Big Macs and canckles, he will likely do enough damage that he'll ask Carney if the US can become the 11th Province.

 

Look at the fine print on Trump's supposed great tariff deals. Even the UK deal says it's a platform for discussion and the last line is that nothing in the platform is binding. Well, that's not entirely true...Trump did impose the rates, so everything American consumers buy from abroad will be rising 15-40%. US companies bit the bullet initially, assuming or hoping TACO would TACO. They can no longer hold off raising prices. Ford is unlikely to be willing to take another $800,000,000 quarterly hit due to Trump's tariffs. Heck, Proctor & Gamble said in their conference call they have to raise prices. Even among MAGAnistas, I don't think soap and shampoo and toothpaste are "discretionary items", though I may be wrong. Noting the number of teeth on display at the typical Trump rally, I'm not sure toothpaste is an essential.

 

Let's see what prices have fallen since Trump took over again....hmmm....oh yea, existing home prices are falling. Trump NFT prices are falling. Not much else is down, but some things are skyrocketing, like Trump's disapproval rating.

The only price down is the gas price, thanks to OPEC increasing production

15 hours ago, Tug said:

Absolutely support Canada over TRUMP ….heres a clue Canada used to be our STAUNCHEST ALLIES before trump…..the EUROPEANS used to be our STAUNCHEST ALLIANCE before trump <bs snipped>

Nothing says "STAUNCHEST ALLIES" more than charging up to 250% tariffs on US dairy😅

22 hours ago, mikebike said:

Trump SHOULD be living in all  USA citizens heads. WTF were you thinking electing a con man, nepo baby, dumb as a stone, TV personality, failed businessman, incompetent, racist, authoritarian, a hole to lead your failing country? Just asking for a friend 😎

You forgot convict, sexual predator 

8 minutes ago, MarkBR said:

You forgot convict, sexual predator 

And traitor. Jan 6th 2021 must never be forgotten.

so what the heck is going on in canada?

western provinces are threatening to leave canada and join the US?

 

Will Carney make these provinces "an offer they can't refuse" and save Canada? 

 

Then Carney will be a hero ... if not, then Carney will go down as the biggest loser in history? Much bigger loser than Trump? 

 

18 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Naw fat guys just pay extra.

 

Notice the lefty Democrat body shaming. Bet ya call folks fag too.

There are "lefty Dems" and there are "lefty Dems". I'm one of the latter. Only partially woke.

 

Someone's sexual preference or gender sense is of no concern to me. Neither is a choice. Research indicates different connections in the brain and sizes of brain areas, such as the hypothalamus and amygdala. That being said, I don't want trans playing women's sports. It's unfair to women. For example, in 2024, there were 1700 high school boys in the US who ran 100 meter times faster than the Women's Olympic Champion. Males are inherently faster and stronger, especially at the elite level.

 

Fat, however, is a choice. I'm totally un-woke when it comes to obesity. Absent a disability, people get fat because they lack discipline, self-control and are lazy. It's high time to "fat shame", because it costs society much more than the obese pay.

 

Nobody goes to bed a svelte and ripped 180 lbs and wakes up the next morning with a 40 inch waist and spare tires. That takes wanton disregard for one's health, well-being and pride. Fat people cannot be trusted, because they show unmistakable evidence of sloth and laziness. That likely carries over into everything they do, so hiring a fatty is a huge gamble.

 

Yes, it takes effort to stay in shape. All good things require effort.  One can choose to be slothful and slovenly, but such losers cannot be expected to be taken seriously. Their physical appearance says who and what they are.

 

This is harsh. I admit it. That's the price for being only partially woke. I cannot pretend beer bellies, spare tires and perniculi are beautiful. They're ugly, and fat people often stink, especially in the heat and humidity of Thailand.

 

Many things in a person's behavior indicate character or lack thereof. Obesity is one thing. Cheating at golf is another. Trump checks both boxes, and it shows in everything he does.

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

No. I guess it's nice to think of yourself as a teacher and somebody who knows something about a particular subject, but you fail to take into account Canada's population relative to the number of refineries. If you looked at that statistic you would realize that Canada has more refineries per person than the US has. 

 

Go back and read the comments to get the point.

4 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

I'll take your word that Canada has 18 refineries. Now let's compare populations and car owners. We all know Americans are in love with their cars, don't like public transit (or walking ) so that's an indicator of the thirst for refined fuel. Regarding population, the United States has more than 8 times the population of Canada. So per capita - 18 refiners times 8 is 144. You in the US need to build 12 more - get to work. School's out.

 

Its a good thing im not in the USA nor am I American.....eh.

 

Also again for 3rd time. Population is not the point. Go back and read the comments for clarity.

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

so what the heck is going on in canada?

western provinces are threatening to leave canada and join the US?

 

Will Carney make these provinces "an offer they can't refuse" and save Canada? 

 

Then Carney will be a hero ... if not, then Carney will go down as the biggest loser in history? Much bigger loser than Trump? 

 

Looks like a rather severe state of desperation is kicking in. Can you show us proof of Western Canada asking to become part of the US, or is this just part of your wildly active and rather desperate imagination? I can only imagine Canadians giving up their free healthcare to be part of an American system that bankrupts an individual for getting ill. 

4 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Nothing says "STAUNCHEST ALLIES" more than charging up to 250% tariffs on US dairy😅

 

Google is yer buddy, yo.

 

Canada imposes high tariffs on U.S. dairy products, which can reach up to 298.5%, but these rates only apply if U.S. exports exceed specific quotas set under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. In practice, these quotas have never been exceeded, so the higher tariffs have not been applied.

 

Gosh, what silly goober signed that treaty?

 

All sides came to a formal agreement on 1 October 2018,^[12] and U.S. president Donald Trump proposed USMCA during the G20 Summit the following month, where it was signed by him, Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto, and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

9 hours ago, jvs said:

So you must pay double? A fat tariff! i use words  you can understand.

Body shaming? 

Now you are using Woke words! Don't let anyone body shame you,you keep waddling at your own pace.

Nice weather over there in the US?

Have a great day!

Im still a winner. Your philosophy is a loser.

Reported Troll post removed.

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Looks like a rather severe state of desperation is kicking in. Can you show us proof of Western Canada asking to become part of the US, or is this just part of your wildly active and rather desperate imagination? I can only imagine Canadians giving up their free healthcare to be part of an American system that bankrupts an individual for getting ill. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/canada-u-s-51st-state-annexation-1.7490806

12 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Looks like a rather severe state of desperation is kicking in. Can you show us proof of Western Canada asking to become part of the US, or is this just part of your wildly active and rather desperate imagination? I can only imagine Canadians giving up their free healthcare to be part of an American system that bankrupts an individual for getting ill. 

 

I came across a bunch of videos in my Youtube feed the last couple of weeks making these claims.

 

But I will not link them because I don't have the links and because it's hard to know what is fake news / fear mongering in this day and age. 

 

 

18 hours ago, candide said:

Complete B.S. The US also had plenty of non-tariff barriers, restrictions on foreign ownership, the Buy American Act, weaponized laws to acquire foreign companies (ex. Alstom), etc... 

Please tell me what restrictions are on foreign owned companies in the USA??  I dont see any, a foreigner can open a company in the USA just like anyone else.... Not like only allowed to hold 49% shares in a company in places like...well Thailand!  

 

Buy American act??? if your government is buying things I would think you want them to spend your money on products made in your country, not imported if not needed.  

 

weaponize laws??  We have laws, either you abide by them or you dont and if you dont there are consequences, not weaponization!  Did the European commission weaponize too?

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47765974

 

https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-general-electric-divest-aftermarket-business-order-complete

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Looks like a rather severe state of desperation is kicking in. Can you show us proof of Western Canada asking to become part of the US, or is this just part of your wildly active and rather desperate imagination? I can only imagine Canadians giving up their free healthcare to be part of an American system that bankrupts an individual for getting ill. 

Mike You're parroting an old line... These days in the US all health insurance plans have a max out of pocket. 

It can be high, I see anywhere from $2K up to 15K for a single person and as high as 30K for a family max.

 

Not wanting to join the US but there are talks about wanting to separate.

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/federal-election-2025/article/western-separatism-a-pipe-dream-alberta-political-scientist-says-hostile-intergovernmental-relations-are-another-story/

https://businessfactors.com/why-western-canada-wants-to-separate-from-the-east/

 

 

12 hours ago, sharot724 said:

 

wow, comparing prices from 2020 until now and who was running things during this time?? maybe the price increases are due to the massive inflation over the past 4 years.

12 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I worked for a company that exported cold-rolled steel from Australia to the west coast of America in the 80's and 90's. No export subsidies, no government support. Competing for sales in the world market.

 

The company could land steel, including the transport cost, all the way across the Pacific, cheaper than the same steel could be railed from the mills in Cleveland and Chicago.

 

When I visited US Steel in the 80's, it had a shear line where the shearing operation was equipment activated by ropes. It had been in use since 1900.  Productivity compared to hydraulically-powered shears was very ordinary.

 

While politicians undoubtedly contributed to the demise of American manufacturing, IMO failure to modernize was icing on the cake.

 

America has 140 km of high speed rail. China has 48,000 km, to expand to 60,000 km. 

 

Be of good cheer, though. America spends more on defense than the next 10 countries combined, so the US is modern in that respect.

 

I don't see any signs defense spending is contracting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I agree that factories in the US not updating didn't help.  Actually that's how I ended up in Thailand. I worked for an engineering company and we had some projects in the US, but 95% of our projects were in SouthEast Asia. So much construction of new factories and plant automation going on it was crazy.  Even in 97 when the crisis hit, things slowed down but after about 1 year things started moving forward again.  

 

So agree there are allot of moving parts and it's not just one thing, however the trade deals politicians made were not fair.

Not only that Covid showed the world how reliant everyone is on China, that's not a good thing.