29 minutes ago, gargamon said:

I rest my case. Keep digging though. It may make you feel better.

Yes, you were wrong in your assumption, so should rest.

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

If you think you understand all of the reasons why America attacked Iran, you haven't been paying attention

I disagree with quite a few points, as I met quite a few more americans than 20 until now. I also gave in the 90's technical trainings in the US - they were engineers - and beeing 3 weeks together with the same group you get quite a good understanding what is known by the average IMHO.

The US is far from european standards in basic knowledge, and in newspapers 95% is written about the US. You could be lucky to find one article about europe maybe...

Last but not least alot of people around the globe paid attentionas this US admin started the war. And the deal with Iran - if it will ever be fixed - is much worse than the deal that existed and was terminated by Trump.

The art of Trumps deals:

"Make a problem and tell the people that YOU are the only one who will solve it".

4 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

I disagree with quite a few points, as I met quite a few more americans than 20 until now. I also gave in the 90's technical trainings in the US - they were engineers - and beeing 3 weeks together with the same group you get quite a good understanding what is known by the average IMHO.

The US is far from european standards in basic knowledge, and in newspapers 95% is written about the US. You could be lucky to find one article about europe maybe...

Last but not least alot of people around the globe paid attentionas this US admin started the war. And the deal with Iran - if it will ever be fixed - is much worse than the deal that existed and was terminated by Trump.

The art of Trumps deals:

"Make a problem and tell the people that YOU are the only one who will solve it".

I fully understand what Trump's been doing all along, as I sit in the middle and not take sides politically, and wait for the outcomes. I've seen weirdness in some presidents along with some honesty and stupid mistakes.

None of us, especially non US citizens, know the full reasons why this war started besides the obvious ones, and some actually are taking iran's regime's side, like they didn't know what was going on the last 40+ years there, and still is as we've seen this week.

I'm sure all who want peace are hoping for a positive outcome here, with terrorism by Iran stopped or at least curtailed, the Strait opening fully so the world can benefit, and iran's citizens having more than fear while living there. You can't judge some of today's youth in America as far as the rest's knowledge, as it's gotten worse all over.

This is AI, but has been noticed for years all over in Europe as well as the US..........Basic Skills Decline: According to the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), average student performance in reading, mathematics, and science has experienced an unprecedented drop across European countries.

1. Adult Literacy & Numeracy: Surveys from the European Commission show that adult literacy and numeracy skills have stagnated or declined in many EU member states over the last decade.

2. Scientific and Technological Output: While the absolute volume of European scientific publications remains high, Europe's overall share of global scientific research and high-impact international patents has dwindled. The continent lags behind competitors like the US and China in emerging technology fields.

3. Digital Distractions: Excessive non-educational screen time and social media use in classrooms are cited as major structural drivers contributing to falling educational scores.

4. Financial Literacy: Despite economic integration, financial knowledge across the European population remains low, which has prompted recent interventions from institutions like the European Central Bank. .

   As far as knowledge gained from US schools, when I was in school we learned a lot of history worldwide, and from what I saw with my 5 children there, it was the same. Unless they've changed things dramatically in the last 10 years, I'm thinking the children still have the same subjects and if they are passing, they should know world history, especially if they're interested in it. Unlike Thailand, you can't pass onto the next grade in America unless you pass your courses......

6. Overall Science & Facts: Large-scale international studies, such as the BBVA Foundation International Scientific Culture Study, show Europeans and Americans scoring nearly identically on batteries of basic scientific and geographical questions.

7. Evolution and Pseudoscience: Europeans, on average, show higher levels of acceptance for the theory of evolution compared to Americans. Conversely, some studies indicate that a higher percentage of American adults report beliefs in phenomena like extrasensory perception.

8. Geography and World Affairs: When tested on world geography and international affairs, surveys often show Americans exhibit knowledge gaps, though many cite that European proximity to other countries naturally breeds higher baseline international awareness.

   This makes sense as the countries, many of them, are geographically close, while the US has only Mexico and Canada as neighbors. Individually, those who are into history excel in America also.

   As far as listening to what Trump says, with a grain of salt.

Edited June 26Jun 26 by fredwiggy

There is now rampant speculation about what medication combination the President is receiving that necessitates two separate drug infusions.

JD wants to chip in with some claims of his own. Apparently he thinks it's crazy that Nixon went down for Watergate, and that tells you all you want to know about the criminal enterprise that is this administration.

'Vance Says Nixon Watergate Scandal Wouldn’t End a Presidency Now'

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-26/vance-says-nixon-watergate-scandal-wouldn-t-end-a-presidency-now

https://archive.ph/UNQH6

"Vice President JD Vance called it “crazy” that the Watergate scandal toppled Richard Nixon’s presidency, saying it would have barely registered in today’s political environment.

While promoting his new book at the Nixon presidential library in California, Vance said he had “always liked” the former president who resigned under a cloud of scandal. He drew parallels between Nixon and President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican who was impeached twice during his first term, saying they were both targeted by “deep state” forces."

Posts with derogatory nicknames, intentional misspellings, or personal remarks will be removed. Spell names correctly for all sides of the debate.

6 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

How many Americans do you know? Okay, I'll give you 20 personally, and I'm thinking that's a stretch. How well do you actually know those? Granted this generation on their medias seem to not be too knowledgeable but unless you actually know them, impossible to judge. Maybe the ones you know aren't as educated as those I do, but most of the Americans I've ever known personally have been pretty swift, as far as what I saw being around them more than a few times.

There will always be a middle class in America, and more are moving from there upwards and not down. Population increases mean higher prices, so it's not as easy to get by as before, but they seem to.

This doesn't seem to be how America is except as noted much earlier in time................Key Characteristics of Isolationism

• Diplomatic Detachment: Avoiding foreign alliances, mutual defense pacts, and participation in international peacekeeping or geopolitical coalitions.

• Economic Protectionism: Restricting international trade, tariffs, and global agreements to ensure the domestic economy becomes completely self-reliant (a concept known as autarky).

• Military Non-Intervention: Refusing to take sides in foreign wars or conflicts that do not directly threaten national security.

The Spectrum of Isolationism

• Pure Isolationism: Complete withdrawal from the global community. Historically, examples include Tokugawa-era Japan (1603–1868), which completely sealed its borders. Modern North Korea is often cited as a contemporary example, maintaining a strict policy of Juche (self-reliance).

• Limited Isolationism: A broad strategy of prioritizing domestic issues while maintaining minimal diplomatic or trade ties. Historically, the United States practiced a form of limited isolationism during the 19th and early 20th centuries, formally documented in the Monroe Doctrine and the George Washington Farewell Address, which warned against "entangling alliances."

Student debt has always been a problem, and when you want your children in college, that means debt. The schools are charging more now, along with budget cuts, but this has been since early 2000's. Housing prices go up and down, as they always have.

America has a great health and medical system, and anyone that needs it can go to public hospitals. That some choose unhealthy lifestyles is on them, not the system. America can have free health and likely will someday.

If you think you understand all of the reasons why America attacked Iran, you haven't been paying attention, and likely Trump is too much on your mind, like a few others.

A complete deflection from my point about the effect tariffs and the Iran war have had on the cost of living in America.

Why do I need to know Americans personally to understand them? Why can't I do it with observation?

You keep banging on about your 62 years in America to prove you know more about the USA than anyone else. Is that 62 years of experience, or one year's experience repeated 62 times?

10 hours ago, Lacessit said:

A complete deflection from my point about the effect tariffs and the Iran war have had on the cost of living in America.

Why do I need to know Americans personally to understand them? Why can't I do it with observation?

You keep banging on about your 62 years in America to prove you know more about the USA than anyone else. Is that 62 years of experience, or one year's experience repeated 62 times?

Observing a few Americans when they're out doing something for a short while isn't knowing how all Americans are. I didn't say I know more than anyone else. American's know more about how Americans live than those that don't live there. Obviously. I wouldn't say I know how Australians live from knowing 10 of them, both here and back home., catching a Marlin, seeing a few Crocodiles and Kangaroos and having a few beers with the locals there.

Wars cost money and always have, but if they gain something in the end, it's worth it, especially if it's saving lives or helping a country's citizens have eventual peace.

Living in America for 62 straight years, and visiting yearly, you know what's going on, especially if you're interacting with people daily, owning homes, integrating with fellow Americans in family, friends and associates from all walks of life and watching the daily news. Visiting a few times for a few weeks you see very little. Observation of people doing a few things doesn't have you knowing how they live, what they've been doing all their lives, and how the country affects them personally, nor how anyone thinks, even if a few talk to you.

Edited June 26Jun 26 by fredwiggy

Delusional?

Have you not seen his AI enhanced mugshot on his resume?

So hand-sum!

Fierce respect 🤣

https://images-prod.dazeddigital.com/597/azure/dazed-prod/1350/1/1351649.jpeg

Edited June 26Jun 26 by SiSePuede419
Hand Sum Man

49 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Observing a few Americans when they're out doing something for a short while isn't knowing how all Americans are. I didn't say I know more than anyone else. American's know more about how Americans live than those that don't live there. Obviously. I wouldn't say I know how Australians live from knowing 10 of them, both here and back home., catching a Marlin, seeing a few Crocodiles and Kangaroos and having a few beers with the locals there.

Wars cost money and always have, but if they gain something in the end, it's worth it, especially if it's saving lives or helping a country's citizens have eventual peace.

Living in America for 62 straight years, and visiting yearly, you know what's going on, especially if you're interacting with people daily, owning homes, integrating with fellow Americans in family, friends and associates from all walks of life and watching the daily news. Visiting a few times for a few weeks you see very little. Observation of people doing a few things doesn't have you knowing how they live, what they've been doing all their lives, and how the country affects them personally, nor how anyone thinks, even if a few talk to you.

Please tell me what America and the rest of the world have gained from the war with Iran.

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Please tell me what America and the rest of the world have gained from the war with Iran.

Fredwiggy can't give you an answer on that. But as the criminal in chief himself declared...

“As you know very well, a short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore. Two years ago, they were laughing. Now, we’re the most respected anywhere ― think of it ― anywhere in the world.”

On 6/25/2026 at 5:25 PM, Schoggibueb said:

I'm sure some former Fox News host will be available...

Hopefully not.

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Please tell me what America and the rest of the world have gained from the war with Iran.

I think everyone knows the answer to your question ! Even the Yanks ! and the yanks are doing what they always do ! bury there head in the sand and hope it will go away ! rather than stand up for themselves and get rid of the moron ! All America is responsible for this moron even if you voted for him or not you have a moral responsibility. He is supposed to be your representative in the world ! The world is STILL laughing at America

Edited June 27Jun 27 by MikeandDow

On 6/25/2026 at 4:30 PM, connda said:

Anyone with a functioning brain should realized that Trump is a psychotic megalomanic with delusions of grandeur which far outstrips his position as the leader of US. If anything, Trump is a danger to US national security. Personally I'd be very happy if he was removed from office ASAP as he's a danger to our Republic. He's quite literal high on his own supply, if you get my drift.

Next month...July...He will be gone. One way or another.

4 minutes ago, JohnOFphon said:

Next month...July...He will be gone. One way or another.

And how will this be achieved ?? you think a narcissist who craves power is simply going to give up and leave, your as mad as him !

Anyone ever seen a one man band before?

https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7EU6LVZXIDIDMNC23TI4LIYVLU.jpg?&w=390

Confidence Man, Verrrrrrrrrrry Confident ✅

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Please tell me what America and the rest of the world have gained from the war with Iran.

Many dead terrorists, which will possibly deter other's who want to try the same things. Iran's citizens knowing the US is on their side, so they can now take matters into their own hands, hopefully, and stop the regime from killing innocents because they want change. Other countries now looking at how the US can kick ass in a short time when screwed with, unlike what other presidents didn't do, and I'm not a Trump fan but knew all along what America was capable of if someone took the initiative.

28 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

I think everyone knows the answer to your question ! Even the Yanks ! and the yanks are doing what they always do ! bury there head in the sand and hope it will go away ! rather than stand up for themselves and get rid of the moron ! All America is responsible for this moron even if you voted for him or not you have a moral responsibility. He is supposed to be your representative in the world ! The world is STILL laughing at America

I wouldn't think the world is laughing at a country with the power America has shown, along with sticking up for itself first and not letting other countries take advantage of them any longer.

You do realize there are millions of Trump backers no matter what he does right? The rest aren't burying their heads in the sand but waiting for a change, which will come soon enough anyway.

Again, seeing you have no country you call your own, why worry what America is doing? Complaining like you do is doing what? Americans know what's going on even though you might not think so.

What perfect country are you from where the politicians do everything they've promised without any mistakes?

49 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

Fredwiggy can't give you an answer on that. But as the criminal in chief himself declared...

“As you know very well, a short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore. Two years ago, they were laughing. Now, we’re the most respected anywhere ― think of it ― anywhere in the world.”

Thousands still moving to America, along with trade with almost all countries worldwide continuing. Seems like nothing's changed. I'd sure like to see all these people laughing at America, and what their positions are. Barroom and armchair quarterbacks haven't amounted to much over the years. Watching a few videos from haters or biased people doesn't either.

The proof is the end result. When things are proven, you can look back and say, he was a moron, and he was wrong with this or that. Every president has done some strange things, and history from the past isn't what's happening now, as the world has changed.

Edited June 27Jun 27 by fredwiggy

4 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Thousands still moving to America,

Nope, that's just a simple lie.

AI:

Americans are leaving the U.S. in numbers not seen since the Great Depression, resulting in a negative net migration. Driven by high living costs, divisive politics, and safety concerns, ordinary citizens, students, and retirees are moving to more affordable and peaceful countries, including Mexico, Thailand, and nations across Europe.

A sharp rise in citizens seeking new lives abroad is backed by several shifting trends:

• Negative Net Migration: For the first time in over 50 years, more people moved out of the U.S. than moved in. Brookings Institution data estimated a net loss of up to 295,000 voluntary emigrants.

• Surging Renunciations: The number of Americans renouncing their U.S. citizenship has grown significantly, jumping to around 5,000 annually.

• Polls and Interest: A Gallup poll found that roughly 20% of Americans—about one in five—expressed a desire to permanently move to another country.

6 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

Nope, that's just a simple lie.

AI:

Americans are leaving the U.S. in numbers not seen since the Great Depression, resulting in a negative net migration. Driven by high living costs, divisive politics, and safety concerns, ordinary citizens, students, and retirees are moving to more affordable and peaceful countries, including Mexico, Thailand, and nations across Europe.

A sharp rise in citizens seeking new lives abroad is backed by several shifting trends:

• Negative Net Migration: For the first time in over 50 years, more people moved out of the U.S. than moved in. Brookings Institution data estimated a net loss of up to 295,000 voluntary emigrants.

• Surging Renunciations: The number of Americans renouncing their U.S. citizenship has grown significantly, jumping to around 5,000 annually.

• Polls and Interest: A Gallup poll found that roughly 20% of Americans—about one in five—expressed a desire to permanently move to another country.

Guess you missed this, along with a friend from immigration letting me know the same..........Between 2020 and 2025, an unprecedented wave of over 11 million immigrants arrived in the U.S.. This averages to more than 2 million new immigrants per year, with over 3 million arriving in peak years like 2023. This influx drives the majority of the nation's population growth.

The U.S. immigrant population (both legal and unauthorized) reached record highs, sitting at over 50 million individuals. Here are the key characteristics of this annual movement:

• Legal Admissions: The U.S. regularly grants legal permanent resident status (green cards) to over 700,000 individuals annually, and processes about 750,000 to over 1 million naturalizations for U.S. citizenship.

• Net Migration: The annual net migration rate (total arrivals minus departures) fluctuates between 1.2 to 1.3 million.

• Temporary Residents: Alongside permanent movers, around 3.6 million nonimmigrants (primarily students and temporary workers) reside in the U.S. on long-term visas at any given time.

• Shifting Origins: While Mexico and Asia remain top contributors, recent years have seen a massive surge in arrivals from South America and Europe. .

How about science @fredwiggy ?

The United States is experiencing a concerning decline in its global scientific dominance.

This is driven by federal funding cuts, an academic "brain drain" as top researchers consider leaving for other countries, and a drop in international students. While Congress has fought to restore some budgets, the sector remains highly unstable.

The Main Causes of the Decline

• Funding Cuts:

  The U.S. government has reduced money for major science programs. This includes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Thousands of research grants have been terminated or frozen, stalling important projects.

• The Brain Drain: Many U.S.-based scientists—both American and foreign-born—are considering moving their talents to other countries. Nations in Europe and Asia are actively spending more to attract these workers.

• Fewer International Students: American universities are seeing a sharp drop in new international student enrollment. This is mostly due to strict visa rules and a less welcoming environment.

• Loss of Government Staff: Federal science agencies, such as the EPA and NASA, have lost a large percentage of their staff over the past year. This makes it harder for the government to manage existing research and approve new studies.

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Between 2020 and 2025...

You just took old numbers. We have now end of June 2026.

2 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

How about science @fredwiggy ?

The United States is experiencing a concerning decline in its global scientific dominance.

This is driven by federal funding cuts, an academic "brain drain" as top researchers consider leaving for other countries, and a drop in international students. While Congress has fought to restore some budgets, the sector remains highly unstable.

The Main Causes of the Decline

• Funding Cuts:

  The U.S. government has reduced money for major science programs. This includes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Thousands of research grants have been terminated or frozen, stalling important projects.

• The Brain Drain: Many U.S.-based scientists—both American and foreign-born—are considering moving their talents to other countries. Nations in Europe and Asia are actively spending more to attract these workers.

• Fewer International Students: American universities are seeing a sharp drop in new international student enrollment. This is mostly due to strict visa rules and a less welcoming environment.

• Loss of Government Staff: Federal science agencies, such as the EPA and NASA, have lost a large percentage of their staff over the past year. This makes it harder for the government to manage existing research and approve new studies.

Considering moving is in many minds, although they never do. A decline happens in many places, followed by an upsurge, then another decline, much as has been seen for decades in many countries. If you've been a US citizen, you would have seen this throughout your life..

The Cycle of Decline and Upswing

1. The Downturns (Slumps & Stagnation)

• Budget Cuts & Job Losses: U.S. scientific momentum routinely hits roadblocks during times of massive federal budget cuts or abrupt policy changes, such as the major defunding and agency cuts seen in recent years.

• Brain Drain & Immigration: Restrictive immigration policies and attacks on foreign-born scientists can drastically reduce the influx of top-tier global talent, weakening the U.S. research hub.

• Loss of Global Dominance: Because other nations (like China) have rapidly scaled up their research investments, U.S. global output and patent shares have seen sharp relative declines.

2. The Upswings (Revitalization)

• Public/Private Investment Pushes: Following slumps, declines typically trigger panic and result in massive reinvestment initiatives, such as the passing of the CHIPS and Science Act, which inject billions to restore domestic semiconductor and technological superiority.

• Institutional Resilience: Despite government budget fluctuations, the underlying infrastructure of U.S. universities, healthcare systems, and corporate research labs historically rebounds, remaining heavily attractive to global talent.

• Public Trust: While trust in science fluctuates due to political shifts, long-term confidence in the core competence and honesty of scientists in the U.S. remains high.

Edited June 27Jun 27 by fredwiggy

4 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

You just took old numbers. We have now end of June 2026.

If you've been a US citizen, you would have seen this throughout your life.

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

If you've been a US citizen, you would have seen this throughout your life.

So you got nothing. No counterarguments to the current situation wich is activly pushed by the occupier of the white house.

You seem to like that he destroys everything that once has been built up.

And your "in a few years we can look back and decide then" is a bad joke.

8 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

I wouldn't think the world is laughing at a country with the power America has shown, along with sticking up for itself first and not letting other countries take advantage of them any longer.

You do realize there are millions of Trump backers no matter what he does right? The rest aren't burying their heads in the sand but waiting for a change, which will come soon enough anyway.

Again, seeing you have no country you call your own, why worry what America is doing? Complaining like you do is doing what?

What perfect country are you from where the politicians do everything they've promised without any mistakes?

What power America is a failed country

1. Political Polarization: Deep partisan divides, institutional decay, and plummeting public trust in government have led some analysts to warn of democratic backsliding.

2. Economic Inequality: Wealth disparities are stark, and the cost of living and healthcare remains a heavy burden for many citizens.

3. Global Standing: Aggressive trade policies and international conflicts have strained key alliances and isolated the U.S. on the global stage.

Yes there are millions of trump backers in the MAGA cult and we all have seen the intelligence of that cult on You Tube !!

8 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

" The rest aren't burying their heads in the sand but waiting for a change, which will come soon enough anyway." I would like to hear how this is going to happen !!!

America is Now a autocratic democracy run by your moron trump, do you think a narcissist power driven moron is going to just simply go !! you must be dreaming !! and again Waiting for change rather that enacting change that is burying your head in the sand !

I care about what that moron you yanks unleashed on the world, and the damage he is doing !!

that is a Silly comment "politicians do everything they've promised" some do ! some don't ! but i would say 99% don't go and authorize bombing of a school !

and where i am from is irrelevant , you must be very naive if you don't think the world is laughing at Americans ,

" Americans know what's going on even though you might not think so." That comment Is burying your head in the sand !!

5 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

So you got nothing. No counterarguments to the current situation wich is activly pushed by the occupier of the white house.

You seem to like that he destroys everything that once has been built up.

And your "in a few years we can look back and decide then" is a bad joke.

I just showed you something. You do realize presidents, and their mistakes, are put on the following one, as history has shown for centuries, and America seems to always come back. Population rises worldwide, and with that comes more problems. problems that weren't a problem earlier, so things have to be adjusted, and with those adjustments come mistakes, until they are corrected. I've been waiting all my life to see a president do all they've promised, and it explains why I remain neutral.

21 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Guess you missed this, along with a friend from immigration letting me know the same..........Between 2020 and 2025, an unprecedented wave of over 11 million immigrants arrived in the U.S.. This averages to more than 2 million new immigrants per year, with over 3 million arriving in peak years like 2023. This influx drives the majority of the nation's population growth.

The U.S. immigrant population (both legal and unauthorized) reached record highs, sitting at over 50 million individuals. Here are the key characteristics of this annual movement:

• Legal Admissions: The U.S. regularly grants legal permanent resident status (green cards) to over 700,000 individuals annually, and processes about 750,000 to over 1 million naturalizations for U.S. citizenship.

• Net Migration: The annual net migration rate (total arrivals minus departures) fluctuates between 1.2 to 1.3 million.

• Temporary Residents: Alongside permanent movers, around 3.6 million nonimmigrants (primarily students and temporary workers) reside in the U.S. on long-term visas at any given time.

• Shifting Origins: While Mexico and Asia remain top contributors, recent years have seen a massive surge in arrivals from South America and Europe. .

Your friend AI !!!

3 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

What power America is a failed country

1. Political Polarization: Deep partisan divides, institutional decay, and plummeting public trust in government have led some analysts to warn of democratic backsliding.

2. Economic Inequality: Wealth disparities are stark, and the cost of living and healthcare remains a heavy burden for many citizens.

3. Global Standing: Aggressive trade policies and international conflicts have strained key alliances and isolated the U.S. on the global stage.

Yes there are millions of trump backers in the MAGA cult and we all have seen the intelligence of that cult on You Tube !!

Thinking people who've voted for Trump aren't intelligent shows exactly what your intelligence consists of. Ever look at history and see what many leaders have done wrong, in all countries, including the one you're too ashamed to admit to? Strange how so many attack America and how it's run when it doesn't affect them and all they know about it is from videos. Then they put the blame on it's citizens because they put their trust in a politician. Have you seen what happens when people do that? In your own home country? Thinking all Americans trust Trump or are responsible for his actions is ignorance.

Edited June 27Jun 27 by fredwiggy