2 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

Well harrisfan certainly comes across about as intelligent as Trump.

Well spotted...........

5 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

Well harrisfan certainly comes across about as intelligent as Trump.

Please don't insult Trump!

🤣

40 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

Well harrisfan certainly comes across about as intelligent as Trump.

Zero times zero equals ...??

Anybody who ascribes any political philosophy to Trump is completely missing the point. He does not have any.

He has a pathological need to be the centre of attention. He requires constant positive affirmation of his worth.

Other than that his political career is simply an opportunity to exact retribution on others and charge all and sundry for the services of the US government. You want a merger approved, pay up. You want a pardon, fund a Trump associate. You want a government contract, donate to the "ballroom". You want to avoid being sued, provide millions of dollars of 'pro bono' services. You want to avoid regulatory oversight, buy a Trump meme coin.

There is no strategy, no philosophy, only retribution and grift. That's it. That's why all his buddies are uber-corrupt dictators. They get it.

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

So will it hit 200 this year?

Some commentators are predicting USD 500.

16 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Anybody who ascribes any political philosophy to Trump is completely missing the point. He does not have any.

He has a pathological need to be the centre of attention. He requires constant positive affirmation of his worth.

Other than that his political career is simply an opportunity to exact retribution on others and charge all and sundry for the services of the US government. You want a merger approved, pay up. You want a pardon, fund a Trump associate. You want a government contract, donate to the "ballroom". You want to avoid being sued, provide millions of dollars of 'pro bono' services. You want to avoid regulatory oversight, buy a Trump meme coin.

There is no strategy, no philosophy, only retribution and grift. That's it. That's why all his buddies are uber-corrupt dictators. They get it.

The true measure of his moral vacuity is railing against fentanyl (pick any country), then giving pardons to drug dealers.

20 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Anybody who ascribes any political philosophy to Trump is completely missing the point. He does not have any.

He has a pathological need to be the centre of attention. He requires constant positive affirmation of his worth.

Other than that his political career is simply an opportunity to exact retribution on others and charge all and sundry for the services of the US government. You want a merger approved, pay up. You want a pardon, fund a Trump associate. You want a government contract, donate to the "ballroom". You want to avoid being sued, provide millions of dollars of 'pro bono' services. You want to avoid regulatory oversight, buy a Trump meme coin.

There is no strategy, no philosophy, only retribution and grift. That's it. That's why all his buddies are uber-corrupt dictators. They get it.

Agree that he lacks a coherent or any ideolody except for his narcissism and bizarrely tariffs.

But the overall character of this regime is indeed a flavor of American fascism particularly considering the people that are a part of it and/or pulling the strings -- Vance, the tech oligarchs (Thiel), Miller, and PUTIN (who Trump obviously is in love with).

Fascism manifests itself in different ways in different times and cultures.

The maga movement is not really new in American history.

But it's never before had such near total POWER.

You can compare it to Christianity which manifests itself very differently in different cultures.

1 hour ago, theshu25 said:

Well harrisfan certainly comes across about as intelligent as Trump.

As I said earlier I do not think we should insult Trump's (lack) of intelligence"

🤣

People saying the maga movement isn't fascist because Trump hasn't done this thing that Hitler did, or that thing that Mussolini did are just being terminally literal.

Looking at history, Hitler was mostly originally inspired by things happening in the USA.

Despite speculation from medical professionals about age-related fatigue, President Donald Trump said his tendency to fall asleep during Cabinet meetings — or, as he put it, to “rest his eyes” — is simply because the meetings are boring.

The Daily Beast described the meetings as “marathon suck-up sessions,” while Trump told New York magazine they are “boring as h***,” prompting him to close his eyes as aides take turns praising him.

Critics, former officials and media commentators have likened Trump’s Cabinet meetings to those of a North Korean–style regime or a cult of personality, citing the public displays of effusive praise by his appointees.

“I’m going around a room, and I’ve got 28 guys — the last one was three and a half hours,” Trump said of his December 2025 meeting.

Trump trashes 'boring' Cabinet sessions

Video footage from the December 2, 2025, meeting showed Trump with his eyes closed for extended periods — up to 15 seconds at a time — while Cabinet members like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke.

A Washington Post analysis estimated he struggled to stay awake for nearly six minutes of that meeting.

5 hours ago, Jingthing said:

People saying the maga movement isn't fascist because Trump hasn't done this thing that Hitler did, or that thing that Mussolini did are just being terminally literal.

Looking at history, Hitler was mostly originally inspired by things happening in the USA.

It's not fascist. You are simply-minded.

5 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Looking at history, Hitler was mostly originally inspired by things happening in the USA.

Hitler liked eugenics, which originated with progressives. Are you a progressive?

20 hours ago, Wingate said:

A deranged MAGA (pardon the redundancy) just attacked Rep Ilhan Omar at a town hall meeting.

Fascists, one and all.

You don't have to apologize. A large portion of the MAGAs are severely deranged, just like Darth Vader Donnie the First

On 12/1/2025 at 5:08 PM, Harrisfan said:

Fascism is left wing

Wow!

What a clever and provocative statement.

33 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

Wow!

What a clever and provocative statement.

WOW too. A new, MAGA-scientific definition of fascism. From Donnie's Catechism.

One can certainly use Bovino as an example of the USA's approach to the fascism of Germany under Hitler.

Small, insignificant men with no special education and insignificant positions in professional life became rulers of life and death after they joined the SS. Poor, previously insignificant people were suddenly at the top and shamelessly using their power.

The same goes for Bovino, an insignificant border guard also becomes a smug judge of the lives of people who are worth far more than his shabby persona.

And there are more than enough such Bovinos under Trump's regime. The proximity to German fascism is clearly visible and can be experienced every day.

1 hour ago, BerndD said:

You don't have to apologize. A large portion of the MAGAs are severely deranged, just like Darth Vader Donnie the First

The deranged ones talk Trump all the time.

Just now, Harrisfan said:

The deranged ones talk Trump all the time.

You're not worth answering. Change your name to Donniesfan.

This is the only reaction I give to the deranged Donniesfan.

Just now, BerndD said:

You're not worth answering. Change your name to Donniesfan.

This is the only reaction I give to the deranged Donniesfan.

Talk to a therapist.

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

Thank you for a long and well considered post, I appreciate it. I also see where you coming from, and I will reply between the lines my point of view.

He's doing what he campaigned to try to do. Nothing has been a surprise, except this time, he's actually getting a chance to do something.

I totally agree, he is doing exactly what he said he was going to do, and unfortunate no surprises there. I have to give him right on many critical issues due to European dependency on Russia and China, as well USA!

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

... cut taxes, enough for me to avoid any now, as without, I'd have to file

... closed the border, and deporting illegal alien, most convicted felons for now. Only an idiot want criminals in their neighborhood. Mind boggling they want to protect them from deportation. Harboring child molesters & rapist. Who does that.

Also good to clean up the borders as well get the convicted criminals behind bars, and deport those who legally can be deported without to much damage to the lawfully immigrants and locals, and I think the methods we disagree about.

Tax in USA, I have no idea, but the system for the average Joe considering healthcare and possible school education for those less fortunate? I think USA lose many talents by having a unfair system.

America seems to be all about those who are lucky, lucky with where they are born, the right side of town, parents, and also common health, where you can not miss out, and if you miss out on you chances in life, you are doomed, and those unjustified unhealthy happenings, might bring some to become criminals. Statistic shows I might be right, comparing USA to Europe.

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

... hasn't started any wars, just rattling the sabre

... tariffs & inflation, have to wait and see, but will fail, as nobody cares enough to 'buy USA', and would only work in theory

He hasn't started a war? Did he stop any war? I mean he personally?

Ukraine war still going on, and Israel bombed Gaza back to stone age literally!

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

... exchange rate, weak dollar, nobody in USA would notice, and has kept to only ~8% down for Thai expat ... so far. Weak dollar good for what little is manufactured & exported from USA, and tourist arrivals.

Well at least Nok climbing slowly, and It makes my solar system 80k cheaper if I it meet my exchange rate point next month. Looking promising. And my gold tripled since his first period.

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

It's always a choice of, 'lesser of 2 evils', to lead the 'one party' state. There is very little difference between the Reps & Dems. Both corrupt & self serving, and just spin it differently. I prefer the Trump spin, not the Bushs (tax & war mongers) spin, or the Dems, Clinton, Obama, Biden BS, as can't think of anything they've done for the good of the USA.

Trumps Area just started, so I wouldn't Cheer to quick. Politics never managed to please everyone, but honestly the separation we see now?!

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

Part of why I left, besides, I couldn't think of a good reason to stay, as USA going a little too 'PC & Nanny state' for me. USD goes much further elsewhere, when you're not wasting it on RE Taxes and healthcare cost. The cost of admission, isn't worth it for me any more. I'll play elsewhere.

Same for me, I thought I was moving back, but just these few years I lived here more or less permanent since 2017, have made me intolerant for unnecessary. bureaucracy. I do not say there is no bureaucracy here, but still manageable

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

After 45 yrs, pretty much seen all there was to see, that interest me in the USA. Now that I left, kind of wish I left earlier, or at least traveled a bit more, while still working at airline.

No regrets, I have done everything I wanted to do, so I think I choosed right with my possibilities. There is something of course but one day you just have to say enough is enough, and stop wasting time on things that really doesn't matter in the long run. I could had seen the indigenous temples in South America, but now, why? I know it is different being there, same as every other historical monuments, buildings or places, but I'm okay. Tired of tourist infested places, wasting money and time just because I want to see something.

And do you know what touched to most in all the places I have visited? The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall took me with surprise emotionally, and had a deep impact on me as a human. Seing all those names, flowers, pictures people still mourning in 1995, did something to me for life. How meaningless all wars are, and will be, but still unfortunately necessary if the cause is for a better tomorrow.

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

TH is a great fit for me. USA is fine for most people, who use the opportunities it offers. The rest, cry & complain about not being happy, but do nothing for their happiness. Som nam naa

That's how it goes, some will always blame something or someone for not being happy

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

I don't think I'd want to have been born any where else. Strangely, but sadly, the USA system is still better than most other countries have to offer. There is no 'freedom of expression' in Europe or other continents. They actually arrest you for having a different opinion.

This is not true, most of Europe do have free expression and free speech. Radicals will somehow be winded up one way or the other, so I need a specific case. The risk of being cancelled is everywhere especially in USA, and it doesn't just belong to the left.

Being the middle guy, I look from side to side and shakes my head 🙂‍↕️

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

He's only there for 3 more years, then they'll have someone else they voted, appointed, to complain about. Idiots will continue to elect & appoint corrupt politicians. And trolls will continue to post BS. It's all good for comic relief.

We will see

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

Most of the delusional trolling has ruined AN though, to the point, even with most put back on that 'list', I wonder why I bother of late. ICE thread got about 10 added to the list. See if it makes AN tolerable in the future.

I completely agree, I do not understand why I bother involving myself with politics, but it is like glue, and you need to fight for what you believe is true, and what is correct and fair. Idiocy seems to win no matter what.

On 1/28/2026 at 9:21 AM, KhunLA said:

Your fine self and a few other, post good stuff, and can agree to disagree on other topics. Sorting through the trolls, makes AN a very quick read.

Thank you the same back. Have a good afternoon

Stephen Miller is the architect of the current mess..........he'll be someone's girlfriend in prison quite soon...........

8 minutes ago, CANSIAM said:

Stephen Miller is the architect of the current mess..........he'll be someone's girlfriend in prison quite soon...........

That's a nice fantasy but under Trump the DOJ is at the command of Trump's whims, so that's not gonna happen anytime soon.

On 1/27/2026 at 9:21 PM, Harrisfan said:

Trump is a narc not a fascist. Lefty nuts call everyone fascist cause they are dumb. Trump is 100% narc. A control freak.

Can't he be both?

1 minute ago, Chutney said:

Can't he be both?

No fascists are former marxists who hate capitalism.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

That's a nice fantasy but under Trump the DOJ is at the command of Trump's whims, so that's not gonna happen anytime soon.

How bout midterm soon....😉

44 minutes ago, CANSIAM said:

How bout midterm soon....😉

If there is a real election and if the dems take all of congress, that still doesn't change the corrupt situation with pardons and at the DOJ.

The hidden meaning of ICE 'Barbie'? 🤣

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Barbie

1 minute ago, candide said:

The hidden meaning of ICE 'Barbie'? 🤣

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Barbie

Does anyone watch South Park? There's an episode where Cartman is impersonating Kathleen Kennedy and says, "Put a chick in and make her gay." The left is nothing but a bunch of little Cartmans.

The left claims to be on the side of intellect, but never displays any.

3 hours ago, CANSIAM said:

How bout midterm soon....😉

last year the left claimed there would be no more elections if Trump was elected.

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

And do you know what touched to most in all the places I have visited? The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall took me with surprise emotionally, and had a deep impact on me as a human. Seing all those names, flowers, pictures people still mourning in 1995, did something to me for life. How meaningless all wars are, and will be, but still unfortunately necessary if the cause is for a better tomorrow.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is impressive. A few of my friends fathers have names on the wall.