Just now, scottiejohn said:

Yet more deflections!

Rubbish.

Just now, scottiejohn said:

And no apology for describing a vey serious subject as a game!

You're a troll.

You've been exposed. So move along, and thanks for playing. 🙂

2 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Rubbish.

You're a troll.

You've been exposed. So move along, and thanks for playing. 🙂

You are still describing a very serious subject as a plaything.

Shame on you and good riddance!

Greenland is next. 🙂

"Speaking to reporters, the US president said "we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security".

He forgot to mention all the rare minerals American corporations want to steal from Greenland. 🙂

'We need Greenland': Trump repeats threat to annex Danish...

The US president has repeatedly said he wants the island to become a part of the US.

4 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

You are still describing a very serious subject as a plaything.

No, you are the plaything, troll. Wake up. 😂

5 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Shame on you and good riddance!

Thanks for playing, troll.

Next time, try harder.

Alright lads, before another laptop keyboard gets sacrificed and another virtual chair is thrown...
Let’s shake it off and listen to the man, c'mon, everybody sing together, and bust a move with Maduro like you just don't care 🕺💃
🎶 Sure the sanctions hit but the beat still drops… 🎶

After all, one ever solved geopolitics in a comment section anyway.

49 minutes ago, mymonkeyhusb said:

Alright lads, before another laptop keyboard gets sacrificed and another virtual chair is thrown...
Let’s shake it off and listen to the man, c'mon, everybody sing together, and bust a move with Maduro like you just don't care 🕺💃
🎶 Sure the sanctions hit but the beat still drops… 🎶

×<MEDIA>@assets.aseannow.com

After all, one ever solved geopolitics in a comment section anyway.

So, you have one leader saying "make peace not war" and another leader saying "fight, fight, fight." 😄

Maduro wishes US agents 'good night' and 'Happy New Year' in released clip

Looks like the international leftist feel sorry for a former socialist head of state as he wishes his captures a HNY. Don't feel sorry for him, many Americans don't ,he's been a thorn since 1999.

https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/04/maduro-wishes-us-agents-good-night-and-happy-new-year-in-released-clip

Google ai overview:

"Yes, U.S. indictments mention the existence of recorded meetings in which associates, specifically two nephews of his wife, Cilia Flores, discussed and agreed to send large cocaine shipments and funnel money, with some proceeds allegedly going to Maduro's wife".

What other administration put a bounty on Maduro?

Biden /Harris! Which goes to show how she has no clue, or the bounty was a political ruse.

Harris latest word salad comment<

google ai overview:

"The statement, "The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home," is a direct quote from former Vice President Kamala Harris, in criticism of then-President Donald Trump's military action in Venezuela in January 2026".

1 hour ago, riclag said:

What other administration put a bounty on Maduro?

Biden /Harris! Which goes to show how she has no clue, or the bounty was a political ruse.

Harris latest word salad comment<

google ai overview:

"The statement, "The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home," is a direct quote from former Vice President Kamala Harris, in criticism of then-President Donald Trump's military action in Venezuela in January 2026".

Rubio mocks Kamala Harris for shocking double standard after she criticized Maduro arrest

Secretary of State Marco Rubio ripped Kamala Harris and other Democrats over their criticism of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro’s arrest on Saturday.
Rubio — and other critics — pointed out that the Biden admin also offered a massive reward for Maduro’s arrest, they just failed to bring him in.

Marco gets it!

Trump will start world war 3 with Europe if he tries to steal Greenland.

On 1/5/2026 at 3:39 AM, KhunHeineken said:

The member is simply pointing out that other American presidents have done similar, which they have.

On 1/5/2026 at 3:52 AM, scottiejohn said:

Only in order to deviate from his unsupportable subject matter as usual.

The first U.S. of A. President to do something like, attack another country, without the approval of congress, was President Franklin.

On 1/5/2026 at 4:20 AM, mymonkeyhusb said:

Funny and scary as F... at the same time!

Most Americans couldn't find Venezuela on a map. Let them have privatised healthcare. That will teach them.

Could Europe stop America interfering in its business?

In 2005, the Swedish diesel-electric submarine HMS Gotland participated in a naval exercise with the U.S. Navy off the coast of California. Despite operating against a formidable carrier strike group that included the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the Gotland managed to “sink” the carrier multiple times in simulated attacks over two years.

That taught them.

6 hours ago, Purdey said:

Most Americans couldn't find Venezuela on a map.

Yes, but ALL Americans what cheap gasoline. 🙂

7 hours ago, radiochaser said:

The first U.S. of A. President to do something like, attack another country, without the approval of congress, was President Franklin.

And they put him on the $100 bill. 🙂

Maybe Trump will order $200 bills be printed and he goes on it. 🙂

On 1/5/2026 at 8:28 PM, KhunHeineken said:

Greenland is next. 🙂

"Speaking to reporters, the US president said "we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security".

He forgot to mention all the rare minerals American corporations want to steal from Greenland. 🙂

'We need Greenland': Trump repeats threat to annex Danish...

The US president has repeatedly said he wants the island to become a part of the US.

I understand your POV about American corporations and greed (fix injustices quickly). I wondered if it's only greed or is there more to consider why "Trump wants Greenland".

Trump is all about America First. I imagine that might include worrying about American security. I see Trump focusing on the Western hemisphere these days from north to south. Greenland is in the Western hemisphere. Could Trump want to install more military presence there for security?

Everyone is talking about rare earth minerals in Greenland.

Please forgive me for not thinking rare earth minerals through myself, but I just don't have enough knowledge about why rare earth minerals are so sought after. So I used ChatGPT as a starting point and here is what it said:

Rare minerals (often called critical or strategic minerals) matter to nations because they underpin economic power, national security, and technological leadership. Control over them affects everything from smartphones to missiles.

Here are the main reasons they’re so important:

1. Essential for Modern Technology

Many rare minerals have unique properties that are hard or impossible to replace.

Examples:

Rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium): high-strength magnets in EV motors, wind turbines, headphones

Lithium, cobalt, nickel: rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, electric vehicles)

Gallium, germanium: semiconductors, fiber optics, solar panels

Platinum group metals: catalysts, fuel cells, medical devices

Without these minerals, modern electronics and clean energy systems simply don’t work.

2. National Security & Defense

Advanced weapons systems rely heavily on rare minerals:

Jet engines, missile guidance systems, radar, satellites, night-vision gear

Stealth coatings and precision munitions

If a country depends on foreign suppliers, especially rivals, its military readiness can be compromised. That makes secure access a strategic priority, not just an economic one.

3. Economic Power & Industrial Competitiveness

Nations that control supply chains can:

Support high-tech manufacturing at home

Attract investment and create skilled jobs

Influence global prices and markets

Countries lacking access risk:

Factory shutdowns

Higher costs for consumers

Falling behind in future industries (AI hardware, EVs, renewable energy)

4. Geopolitical Leverage

Rare minerals can be used as a political tool.

Concentrated supply → leverage over importing countries

Export restrictions or quotas can pressure rivals

Control over processing/refining is often more powerful than mining itself

This is why countries race not just to mine minerals, but to control refining and supply chains.

5. Energy Transition & Climate Goals

Clean energy technologies are mineral-intensive:

EVs need far more minerals than gasoline cars

Wind turbines and solar panels rely on rare elements

Grid-scale batteries require massive raw material inputs

Meeting climate targets without secure mineral supplies is nearly impossible.

6. Scarcity Isn’t Just About Rarity

Many “rare” minerals are not truly rare in the Earth’s crust—but:

They are hard to extract

Often occur in low concentrations

Mining and processing are environmentally damaging and expensive

This makes reliable production far more limited than geological availability.

7. Long-Term Strategic Planning

Because it can take 10–20 years to develop a new mine and processing facility, nations must plan far ahead. A shortage today may not be solvable quickly, making early control extremely valuable.

In short:

Rare minerals are important because they are the building blocks of modern civilization, and whoever controls them gains:

Economic strength

Military security

Technological leadership

Geopolitical influence

_______________________________________

So the next question is what is so wrong with China, Russia, North Korea, Iran or any other hostile country gaining control of rare earth minerals? Surely they are not as bad as our country. I mean they would cordially share their minerals with us right? Surely they are much more concerned about the welfare of U. S. citizens than we are of theirs.

Regarding Venezuela, it looks like Trump sat on the Sunday hats of a few countries at once. By acting in Venezuela, he foiled any plans of China and Russia controlling the flow of oil and also put the islamists training there in a dangerous situation.

Has he given up on England and Europe? Is he circling the wagons so to speak, shoring up defensive positions in the hemisphere (risk avoidance)?

51 minutes ago, mymonkeyhusb said:

I understand your POV about American corporations and greed (fix injustices quickly). I wondered if it's only greed or is there more to consider why "Trump wants Greenland".

Trump is all about America First. I imagine that might include worrying about American security. I see Trump focusing on the Western hemisphere these days from north to south. Greenland is in the Western hemisphere. Could Trump want to install more military presence there for security?

Everyone is talking about rare earth minerals in Greenland.

Please forgive me for not thinking rare earth minerals through myself, but I just don't have enough knowledge about why rare earth minerals are so sought after. So I used ChatGPT as a starting point and here is what it said:

Rare minerals (often called critical or strategic minerals) matter to nations because they underpin economic power, national security, and technological leadership. Control over them affects everything from smartphones to missiles.

Here are the main reasons they’re so important:

1. Essential for Modern Technology

Many rare minerals have unique properties that are hard or impossible to replace.

Examples:

Rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium): high-strength magnets in EV motors, wind turbines, headphones

Lithium, cobalt, nickel: rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, electric vehicles)

Gallium, germanium: semiconductors, fiber optics, solar panels

Platinum group metals: catalysts, fuel cells, medical devices

Without these minerals, modern electronics and clean energy systems simply don’t work.

2. National Security & Defense

Advanced weapons systems rely heavily on rare minerals:

Jet engines, missile guidance systems, radar, satellites, night-vision gear

Stealth coatings and precision munitions

If a country depends on foreign suppliers, especially rivals, its military readiness can be compromised. That makes secure access a strategic priority, not just an economic one.

3. Economic Power & Industrial Competitiveness

Nations that control supply chains can:

Support high-tech manufacturing at home

Attract investment and create skilled jobs

Influence global prices and markets

Countries lacking access risk:

Factory shutdowns

Higher costs for consumers

Falling behind in future industries (AI hardware, EVs, renewable energy)

4. Geopolitical Leverage

Rare minerals can be used as a political tool.

Concentrated supply → leverage over importing countries

Export restrictions or quotas can pressure rivals

Control over processing/refining is often more powerful than mining itself

This is why countries race not just to mine minerals, but to control refining and supply chains.

5. Energy Transition & Climate Goals

Clean energy technologies are mineral-intensive:

EVs need far more minerals than gasoline cars

Wind turbines and solar panels rely on rare elements

Grid-scale batteries require massive raw material inputs

Meeting climate targets without secure mineral supplies is nearly impossible.

6. Scarcity Isn’t Just About Rarity

Many “rare” minerals are not truly rare in the Earth’s crust—but:

They are hard to extract

Often occur in low concentrations

Mining and processing are environmentally damaging and expensive

This makes reliable production far more limited than geological availability.

7. Long-Term Strategic Planning

Because it can take 10–20 years to develop a new mine and processing facility, nations must plan far ahead. A shortage today may not be solvable quickly, making early control extremely valuable.

In short:

Rare minerals are important because they are the building blocks of modern civilization, and whoever controls them gains:

Economic strength

Military security

Technological leadership

Geopolitical influence

_______________________________________

So the next question is what is so wrong with China, Russia, North Korea, Iran or any other hostile country gaining control of rare earth minerals? Surely they are not as bad as our country. I mean they would cordially share their minerals with us right? Surely they are much more concerned about the welfare of U. S. citizens than we are of theirs.

Regarding Venezuela, it looks like Trump sat on the Sunday hats of a few countries at once. By acting in Venezuela, he foiled any plans of China and Russia controlling the flow of oil and also put the islamists training there in a dangerous situation.

Has he given up on England and Europe? Is he circling the wagons so to speak, shoring up defensive positions in the hemisphere (risk avoidance)?

But there is no threat of China or Russia controlling Greenland's rare earth. China has been kicked out of Greenland's infrastruture projects in 2018. Since then, Greenland, Denmark and the EU have edicted FDI laws to prevent that. There is also a strategic partnership between the EU and the US to secure minerals supply chains.

Greenland (or Denmark) has never been opposed to the US buying or mining its minerals. Actually, a large share of mining companies operating in Greenland are US companies. The main reason they aren't investing more in Greenland is simply because they don't want to.

45 minutes ago, mymonkeyhusb said:

I understand your POV about American corporations and greed (fix injustices quickly). I wondered if it's only greed or is there more to consider why "Trump wants Greenland".

Trump is all about America First. I imagine that might include worrying about American security. I see Trump focusing on the Western hemisphere these days from north to south. Greenland is in the Western hemisphere. Could Trump want to install more military presence there for security?

Everyone is talking about rare earth minerals in Greenland.

Please forgive me for not thinking rare earth minerals through myself, but I just don't have enough knowledge about why rare earth minerals are so sought after. So I used ChatGPT as a starting point and here is what it said:

Rare minerals (often called critical or strategic minerals) matter to nations because they underpin economic power, national security, and technological leadership. Control over them affects everything from smartphones to missiles.

Here are the main reasons they’re so important:

1. Essential for Modern Technology

Many rare minerals have unique properties that are hard or impossible to replace.

Examples:

Rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium): high-strength magnets in EV motors, wind turbines, headphones

Lithium, cobalt, nickel: rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, electric vehicles)

Gallium, germanium: semiconductors, fiber optics, solar panels

Platinum group metals: catalysts, fuel cells, medical devices

Without these minerals, modern electronics and clean energy systems simply don’t work.

2. National Security & Defense

Advanced weapons systems rely heavily on rare minerals:

Jet engines, missile guidance systems, radar, satellites, night-vision gear

Stealth coatings and precision munitions

If a country depends on foreign suppliers, especially rivals, its military readiness can be compromised. That makes secure access a strategic priority, not just an economic one.

3. Economic Power & Industrial Competitiveness

Nations that control supply chains can:

Support high-tech manufacturing at home

Attract investment and create skilled jobs

Influence global prices and markets

Countries lacking access risk:

Factory shutdowns

Higher costs for consumers

Falling behind in future industries (AI hardware, EVs, renewable energy)

4. Geopolitical Leverage

Rare minerals can be used as a political tool.

Concentrated supply → leverage over importing countries

Export restrictions or quotas can pressure rivals

Control over processing/refining is often more powerful than mining itself

This is why countries race not just to mine minerals, but to control refining and supply chains.

5. Energy Transition & Climate Goals

Clean energy technologies are mineral-intensive:

EVs need far more minerals than gasoline cars

Wind turbines and solar panels rely on rare elements

Grid-scale batteries require massive raw material inputs

Meeting climate targets without secure mineral supplies is nearly impossible.

6. Scarcity Isn’t Just About Rarity

Many “rare” minerals are not truly rare in the Earth’s crust—but:

They are hard to extract

Often occur in low concentrations

Mining and processing are environmentally damaging and expensive

This makes reliable production far more limited than geological availability.

7. Long-Term Strategic Planning

Because it can take 10–20 years to develop a new mine and processing facility, nations must plan far ahead. A shortage today may not be solvable quickly, making early control extremely valuable.

In short:

Rare minerals are important because they are the building blocks of modern civilization, and whoever controls them gains:

Economic strength

Military security

Technological leadership

Geopolitical influence

_______________________________________

So the next question is what is so wrong with China, Russia, North Korea, Iran or any other hostile country gaining control of rare earth minerals? Surely they are not as bad as our country. I mean they would cordially share their minerals with us right? Surely they are much more concerned about the welfare of U. S. citizens than we are of theirs.

Regarding Venezuela, it looks like Trump sat on the Sunday hats of a few countries at once. By acting in Venezuela, he foiled any plans of China and Russia controlling the flow of oil and also put the islamists training there in a dangerous situation.

Has he given up on England and Europe? Is he circling the wagons so to speak, shoring up defensive positions in the hemisphere (risk avoidance)?

You conveniently avoid America's history in the Middle East, in regards to oil. You should look into the connection between Dick Cheney and the Haliburton company.

You do know the reason the coalition of the willing went into Iraq was because American intell said Saddam was amassing weapons of mass destruction. They lied to the world, and thousands were killed and maimed, including American soldiers.

I really don't know what many allied countries, including my own, see in America as a security force. America has never won a war. (I don't include WW1 and 2) America is famous for "cut and run." Look at the recent retreat from Afghanistan. What's funny is, look at all the military hardware they left the Taliban. 🙂

It's well known that the biggest employer in America, directly and indirectly, is defense and associated industries. America needs a war around every 20 years. It's good for the American economy. Putin has discovered this.

You see, China is happy to trade and buy from other countries, where America invades, steals, and retreats.

History shows, every empire in the past has fallen. America continues to make more and more enemies around the world. America can't hold onto empire forever.

For the record, I am not anti American. I am just highly critical of the American government's, past and present, foreign policy, particular when it involved military action.

I mentioned in another thread I wondered how many government contracts Haliburton will get in Venezuela. Another member posted their shares went up 7% since the invasion. Funny that.

You make the American government's action seem righteous, but I suggest you research more to find the true motives of why they send other people's children off to war.

1 hour ago, candide said:

But there is no threat of China or Russia controlling Greenland's rare earth. China has been kicked out of Greenland's infrastruture projects in 2018. Since then, Greenland, Denmark and the EU have edicted FDI laws to prevent that. There is also a strategic partnership between the EU and the US to secure minerals supply chains.

Greenland (or Denmark) has never been opposed to the US buying or mining its minerals. Actually, a large share of mining companies operating in Greenland are US companies. The main reason they aren't investing more in Greenland is simply because they don't want to.

Thanks for your reply and thanks for the info. 👍

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

You conveniently avoid America's history in the Middle East, in regards to oil. You should look into the connection between Dick Cheney and the Haliburton company.

You do know the reason the coalition of the willing went into Iraq was because American intell said Saddam was amassing weapons of mass destruction. They lied to the world, and thousands were killed and maimed, including American soldiers.

I really don't know what many allied countries, including my own, see in America as a security force. America has never won a war. (I don't include WW1 and 2) America is famous for "cut and run." Look at the recent retreat from Afghanistan. What's funny is, look at all the military hardware they left the Taliban. 🙂

It's well known that the biggest employer in America, directly and indirectly, is defense and associated industries. America needs a war around every 20 years. It's good for the American economy. Putin has discovered this.

You see, China is happy to trade and buy from other countries, where America invades, steals, and retreats.

History shows, every empire in the past has fallen. America continues to make more and more enemies around the world. America can't hold onto empire forever.

For the record, I am not anti American. I am just highly critical of the American government's, past and present, foreign policy, particular when it involved military action.

I mentioned in another thread I wondered how many government contracts Haliburton will get in Venezuela. Another member posted their shares went up 7% since the invasion. Funny that.

You make the American government's action seem righteous, but I suggest you research more to find the true motives of why they send other people's children off to war.

Thanks for your reply.

I agree with you. We cannot allow our soldiers to be put in combat for an unjustifiable reason.

I like to try to get into the way others think to widen my perspective on an issue. I'll never know for sure if my conjecture is close to the reasons for Trump's actions but it helps me get a broader perspective.

Every nation pursues its national interests with security one of the top issues. I put myself in Trump's shoes and then work through the options.

Agreed. There's no question American corporations will flourish as a result of Maduro's capture.

24 minutes ago, mymonkeyhusb said:

There's no question American corporations will flourish as a result of Maduro's capture.

Is that the real reason/background for his illegal actions?

6 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Is that the real reason/background for his illegal actions?

One of many reasons I reckon. I think he will answer you regarding legality by saying there is nuanced precedent by former Presidents. The big question is was it simply a super large arrest warrant operation being executed with military supporting safety of law enforcement or is it this and "messages" to other leaders in South America and specifically Iran? As far as I understand it, Congress and the War Powers Act aren't specifically applicable in this case. May we learn the truth. Good question!

6 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

And they put him on the $100 bill. 🙂

Maybe Trump will order $200 bills be printed and he goes on it. 🙂

I would like that. Easier to carry $1000.00 in the wallet with 5 bills than 10 bills.

6 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Yes, but ALL Americans what cheap gasoline. 🙂

If you mean "want" you got that right! My RAM pick-em-up-truck has a 31 gallon tank.

Imagine having to pay European (or California) gas prices when filling it up!

7 minutes ago, radiochaser said:

I would like that. Easier to carry $1000.00 in the wallet with 5 bills than 10 bills.

Trump will soon have to print this kind of bank notes.

2 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Trump will soon have to print this kind of bank notes.

Now you are just making wishes.

You know about wishes right.

On 1/7/2026 at 2:32 PM, radiochaser said:

I would like that. Easier to carry $1000.00 in the wallet with 5 bills than 10 bills.

But then the whole world would have to see Trump everyday, and forever. 🙂

On 1/7/2026 at 2:40 PM, CallumWK said:

Trump will soon have to print this kind of bank notes.

America is going down that path anyway.

One day the world will peg its currencies to the Chinese Yuan.

13 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

But then the whole world would have to see Trump everyday, and forever. 🙂

Yeah, I could imagine President Trump having $200.00 bills printed up, with his mug on it, just for that very reason!