A Political Thread pt. 2

[AlRums]

When you look at the policies that the Democrats pushed in the last administration, it is impossible to call them a center party.

As opposed to MAGA?

 

[Sour Patch Kid]

What do you mean by this? With all due respect that sounds like something Trump would say to criticise a non-maga city without any explanation or data into what this means

It means exactly what it says. Liberal prosecutors have over the past years enacted their own take on legal statute, not following state law but their own. Specifically in Cook County, where Chicago is located. The prior lead prosecutor began charging criminals based upon HER wishes not the wording of the Illinois State Statutes. In Illinois, shoplifting, or retail theft is a felony if over $300. The former prosecutor did not like that so she made her own rule that said that the offender needed TEN prior convictions for shoplifting before it would be a felony. That is not what the law says, just a leftist prosecutor defending the criminal over the citizens she is sworn to protect. Illinois, as well as places like New York and California have reduced and basically obliterated bond laws so that criminals are back on the street, committing more crime instead of sitting in jail awaiting trial. An example seen in the last day. While liberals cry about gun crime and the bad, bad gun they are more than willing to let criminals loose who are charged with these crimes than hold them. Four men were arrested for breaking into train containers in Chicago. One of them was caught with a loaded pistol in his possession with no permitting to possess it. Instead of holding him in jail, he was released with "conditions" as were his accomplices.

Additionally, cities like New York and Chicago have stopped reporting accurate crime statistics. Chicago will take a person battering someone with a baseball bat and report it as a "battery" as opposed to an "aggravated battery" because it is a less serious crime. Also at least in Chicago, many residents have stopped reporting crimes because they have lost faith in the courts willingness to hold criminals accountable.

 

[Sour Patch Kid]

As opposed to MAGA?

I would not say that MAGA or the Republicans in general are in the center.

 

[McTallshort]

I find it amazing how, in all your comments about Trump, his rampant criminality and dictatorial tendencies just don't make an appearance at all...

The guy literally outdid Nixon for firing prosecutors into he gets one to do what he wants, refused to recognise the legal result of an election, supported a violent insurrection, has broken numerous laws already since returning to office and is now openly trying to use the justice department to pursue his personal grievances domestically and his diplomats to do the same internationally...

How the hell does none of that seem to factor into your decision making at all!?

That's the intriguing thing for me and why I asked the question. No matter the perceived situation you find yourself in how could you simply ignore so many red flags both before and after the election? The American political system is in massive flux with the Republicans taken over by MAGA and the democrats not taken over by anyone who has a functioning mind and obviously the Russians have taken advantage of this as will the Chinese but to ignore and then to excuse such a floored character as not only Trump but Vance, Musk, Gabbard, Kennedy the alcoholic TV host who now runs the military is quite astounding.

It's a lesson we in Europe and the UK must learn from. Without robust democratic systems and without solid opposition parties this could happen anywhere.

 

[ChicagoKid]

I won't get into the legality of using them in another country in this way as I'm not 100% even though it sounds dodgy as ****.

However, what would deploying special forces actually solve? While it may be illegal, these cartels are technically still a business. They operate on supply and demand and there is a huge demand in the US. Not only will you have your crackheads, but many middle and upper class also taking drugs recreationally.

No matter how much you crack down, people will find a way. You take out one leader, another will take their place. You might slow it down, but only temporarily.

How about making drugs legal at approved medical facilities from approved manufacturers? This way the drugs would be cleaner, you would have trained medical staff to deal with emergencies. It would cut the demand for the cartels and it would be taxable.

Unfortunately, the way lobbying works, prisons are a bigger business in the US and contribute to the economy more. Like poverty, most American politicians don't actually want to solve the problem, but are happy to use it as a political football to get what they want.

If another country or group of people were killing 100k Brits per year, would you genuinely care about the legality? As for your post, you clearly don't understand the deadliness of fentanyl. There is no legal or safe way to consume fentanyl. It's the equivalent of saying there is a safe way to swim in croc-infested waters.

Do you not accept that for decades America has enjoyed and actually wanted to be the alpha male of the west from a security standpoint? That it has taken full advantage of it's leadership position and used it to turn America into a global superpower.

Western allies have enabled America to open strategic bases all over the world and assisted in various military conflicts (some of which were highly contentious) in order for it to gain advantage, achieve it's strategic goals and become a military and economic powerhouse.

I can understand why many Americans feel aggrieved at the idea of paying Europe's security bill but let's not deny the advantage that America has gained over decades whilst fulfilling a role that it wanted for so long. It is only the current administration that has suddenly changed it's tune and decided that the arrangement no longer works for them.

No, I do not accept your premise. America passed Britain in the 1880s to become the world's largest economy. Secondly, since the Monroe doctrine in 1823 until 1941, Americans have tried desperately to let Europeans kill each other without intervening. We are an isolationist nation by our very nature. We are the descendants of people fleeing violence and oppression. Why should we look back at the old world, as it tries over and over again to destroy itself? We don't. And hopefully your tepid and toothless leaders realize this.

Now, for the first time since 1946, you are seeing American sentiment finally reset back to its original equilibrium: Let Europe Deal with European problems.

Bidens average GDP over 4 years was 50% higher than strumpets.

Why would you use nominal GDP instead of Real GDP? Because according to Obama's chief economist, the majority of Americans became poorer under Biden. Don't believe me, read it yourself: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/post-neoliberal-delusion

Let's not forget, when Trump says he wants Europe to spend more on their defence, what he actually means is he wants us to spend more on American defence exports. He said he wants Europe to look after Europe's defence, however when Europe say they will use that money to develop an independent system he says no. His stance is based solely upon Europe buying more from America. If we all spent 5% of GDP on defence spending but didn't buy any more from America he wouldn't be happy...

Wrong. If you want to buy our stuff, great. If not, someone else will like the Turks or Israelis. Just spend 2-3% and we are kosher.

That's the intriguing thing for me and why I asked the question. No matter the perceived situation you find yourself in how could you simply ignore so many red flags both before and after the election? The American political system is in massive flux with the Republicans taken over by MAGA and the democrats not taken over by anyone who has a functioning mind and obviously the Russians have taken advantage of this as will the Chinese but to ignore and then to excuse such a floored character as not only Trump but Vance, Musk, Gabbard, Kennedy the alcoholic TV host who now runs the military is quite astounding.

It's a lesson we in Europe and the UK must learn from. Without robust democratic systems and without solid opposition parties this could happen anywhere.

No matter how I answer this or the January 6th question, I won't convince anyone.

I will just say I would infinitely prefer to be an American right now than a member of the UK. By almost every single metric, my children will have a better life raised in America than in the UK. And the growing gap between both places shows no sign of converging in my lifetime.

 

[General Melchett]

No, I do not accept your premise. America passed Britain in the 1880s to become the world's largest economy. Secondly, since the Monroe doctrine in 1823 until 1941, Americans have tried desperately to let Europeans kill each other without intervening. We are an isolationist nation by our very nature. We are the descendants of people fleeing violence and oppression. Why should we look back at the old world, as it tries over and over again to destroy itself? We don't. And hopefully your tepid and toothless leaders realize this.

Now, for the first time since 1946, you are seeing American sentiment finally reset back to its original equilibrium: Let Europe Deal with European problems.

America has been responsible for some of the worst atrocities in the last 80 years starting with dropping a WMD on Japan at the end of WW2, carpet bombing Laos, Vietnam, Korea, creating a phony war in Iraq using false WMD claims etc. Oh yes - America has proved itself to be such a peace loving anti war isolationist nation.

If Europe should deal with European problems why doesn't America leave Israel to deal with Israeli problems? Or does the 'ocean apart/not our border' argument not apply to Israel? Why are Americans not complaining about having to foot the bill for Israel's security?

 

[ncurd]

It's a lesson we in Europe and the UK must learn from. Without robust democratic systems and without solid opposition parties this could happen anywhere.

And it has happened here we didn't have a well functioning opposition in Corbyn (diffrent people will have theories why) and it allowed for Johnsons massive majority and that shitshow during and after the Pandemic. Which in turn led to the Trussterfuck.

It why whilst part of me find Badenoch ineptitude hilarious it concerns me the Tories are on their way forever and Reform genuinely replaces them. Luckily they are having a massive insight now.

 

[McTallshort]

If another country or group of people were killing 100k Brits per year, would you genuinely care about the legality? As for your post, you clearly don't understand the deadliness of fentanyl. There is no legal or safe way to consume fentanyl. It's the equivalent of saying there is a safe way to swim in croc-infested waters.

No, I do not accept your premise. America passed Britain in the 1880s to become the world's largest economy. Secondly, since the Monroe doctrine in 1823 until 1941, Americans have tried desperately to let Europeans kill each other without intervening. We are an isolationist nation by our very nature. We are the descendants of people fleeing violence and oppression. Why should we look back at the old world, as it tries over and over again to destroy itself? We don't. And hopefully your tepid and toothless leaders realize this.

Now, for the first time since 1946, you are seeing American sentiment finally reset back to its original equilibrium: Let Europe Deal with European problems.

Why would you use nominal GDP instead of Real GDP? Because according to Obama's chief economist, the majority of Americans became poorer under Biden. Don't believe me, read it yourself: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/post-neoliberal-delusion


Wrong. If you want to buy our stuff, great. If not, someone else will like the Turks or Israelis. Just spend 2-3% and we are kosher.

No matter how I answer this or the January 6th question, I won't convince anyone.

I will just say I would infinitely prefer to be an American right now than a member of the UK. By almost every single metric, my children will have a better life raised in America than in the UK. And the growing gap between both places shows no sign of converging in my lifetime.

Well as long as you're happy and you can square that circle then all the best to you.

 

[Yulia]

.

Agree

 

[Reiser99]

If another country or group of people were killing 100k Brits per year, would you genuinely care about the legality? As for your post, you clearly don't understand the deadliness of fentanyl. There is no legal or safe way to consume fentanyl. It's the equivalent of saying there is a safe way to swim in croc-infested waters.

Well that's a great way to shut a conversation down. Good luck with your war on drugs. I'm sure the end is near.

 

[Flankers' paradise]

Education Rankings by Country 2025

worldpopulationreview.com

having the 31st best education system must, with all due respect, count for a lot

If another country or group of people were killing 100k Brits per year, would you genuinely care about the legality? As for your post, you clearly don't understand the deadliness of fentanyl. There is no legal or safe way to consume fentanyl. It's the equivalent of saying there is a safe way to swim in croc-infested waters.

No, I do not accept your premise. America passed Britain in the 1880s to become the world's largest economy. Secondly, since the Monroe doctrine in 1823 until 1941, Americans have tried desperately to let Europeans kill each other without intervening. We are an isolationist nation by our very nature. We are the descendants of people fleeing violence and oppression. Why should we look back at the old world, as it tries over and over again to destroy itself? We don't. And hopefully your tepid and toothless leaders realize this.

Now, for the first time since 1946, you are seeing American sentiment finally reset back to its original equilibrium: Let Europe Deal with European problems.

Why would you use nominal GDP instead of Real GDP? Because according to Obama's chief economist, the majority of Americans became poorer under Biden. Don't believe me, read it yourself: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/post-neoliberal-delusion


Wrong. If you want to buy our stuff, great. If not, someone else will like the Turks or Israelis. Just spend 2-3% and we are kosher.

No matter how I answer this or the January 6th question, I won't convince anyone.

I will just say I would infinitely prefer to be an American right now than a member of the UK. By almost every single metric, my children will have a better life raised in America than in the UK. And the growing gap between both places shows no sign of converging in my lifetime.

you say "just spend 2-3%" as if that's it. if that really was the case then Trump wouldn't be getting involved with Russia/Ukraine period. He wants Europe to spend more on American defence contracts and to strip Ukraine of all of it's minerals. You're deluded if you think otherwise. Since 2020 America has accounted for roughly 2/3rds (160) of Europe's defence spending of roughly 240 billion euros (170 billion dollars approx). You won't make that up by selling more to Turkey and Israel

 

[McTallshort]

And it has happened here we didn't have a well functioning opposition in Corbyn (diffrent people will have theories why) and it allowed for Johnsons massive majority and that shitshow during and after the Pandemic. Which in turn led to the Trussterfuck.

It why whilst part of me find Badenoch ineptitude hilarious it concerns me the Tories are on their way forever and Reform genuinely replaces them. Luckily they are having a massive insight now.

To be honest Johnson is a Temu version of Trump and Musk is Temu bond villain.

 

[ChicagoKid]

Education Rankings by Country 2025

worldpopulationreview.com

having the 31st best education system must, with all due respect, count for a lot

you say "just spend 2-3%" as if that's it. if that really was the case then Trump wouldn't be getting involved with Russia/Ukraine period. He wants Europe to spend more on American defence contracts and to strip Ukraine of all of it's minerals. You're deluded if you think otherwise. Since 2020 America has accounted for roughly 2/3rds (160) of Europe's defence spending of roughly 240 billion euros (170 billion dollars approx). You won't make that up by selling more to Turkey and Israel

Okay, I'm deluded then.

But answer me this: If our education system is so bad and we are so stupid, why are you so much poorer, less powerful, and less influential than we are. Why can't you create new companies and grow your economy?

Why do you use our iPhones, use Netflix to watch our shows, use Amazon to have goods delivered, use our software at work, and drive our cars?

If we are so dang stupid, what does that make the people who buy our stuff to operate their daily, modern lives?

 

[McTallshort]

Okay, I'm deluded then.

But answer me this: If our education system is so bad and we are so stupid, why are you so much poorer, less powerful, and less influential than we are. Why can't you create new companies and grow your economy?

Why do you use our iPhones, use Netflix to watch our shows, use Amazon to have goods delivered, use our software at work, and drive our cars?

If we are so dang stupid, what does that make the people who buy our stuff to operate their daily, modern lives?

Immigration

 

[ChicagoKid]

To be honest Johnson is a Temu version of Trump and Musk is Temu bond villain.

The issue with Europe and the UK is not only do you have poor leaders, you also have poor economics. Say what you want about America, but we growing wealthier and inventing new trillion dollar companies seemingly every few years.

If I'm a Brit, this chart would scare me to death: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/GBR/united-kingdom/gdp-per-capita

You aren't growing, you are getting older, your debt is growing, your safety net is buckling (see above on NHS cuts), your immigration system is broken, and you can't defend yourself without American help.

 

[McTallshort]

The issue with Europe and the UK is not only do you have poor leaders, you also have poor economics. Say what you want about America, but we growing wealthier and inventing new trillion dollar companies seemingly every few years.

If I'm a Brit, this chart would scare me to death: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/GBR/united-kingdom/gdp-per-capita

You aren't growing, you are getting older, your debt is growing, your safety net is buckling (see above on NHS cuts), your immigration system is broken, and you can't defend yourself without American help.

Ok your debt is growing and you already don't have a safety net and I'm unsure why you aimed that comment at me

 

[ChicagoKid]

America has been responsible for some of the worst atrocities in the last 80 years starting with dropping a WMD on Japan at the end of WW2, carpet bombing Laos, Vietnam, Korea, creating a phony war in Iraq using false WMD claims etc. Oh yes - America has proved itself to be such a peace loving anti war isolationist nation.

If Europe should deal with European problems why doesn't America leave Israel to deal with Israeli problems? Or does the 'ocean apart/not our border' argument not apply to Israel? Why are Americans not complaining about having to foot the bill for Israel's security?

1.) Do we have military personnel on the ground in Israel? No. We sell them war equipment. We will gladly sell war equipment to you too.

2.) We aren't footing the bill. Israel has bought 100s of billions of dollars in military equipment in the last 50 years. Again, we will sell you stuff. If you don't want to buy it from us, go to China, Russia, or someone else who can produce it. Because the last 11 years have shown Western European countries are incapable of developing their own military industrial needs.

Ok your debt is growing and you already don't have a safety net and I'm unsure why you aimed that comment at me

We have a safety net. It isn't as generous as yours is. But yours is getting less generous by the day and that's before you try rearming the continent. And I was responding to you because I'm on mobile and it's easier.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

1.) Do we have military personnel on the ground in Israel? No. We sell them war equipment. We will gladly sell war equipment to you too.

2.) We aren't footing the bill. Israel has bought 100s of billions of dollars in military equipment in the last 50 years. Again, we will sell you stuff. If you don't want to buy it from us, go to China, Russia, or someone else who can produce it. Because the last 11 years have shown Western European countries are incapable of developing their own military industrial needs.

We have a safety net. It isn't as generous as yours is. But yours is getting less generous by the day and that's before you try rearming the continent. And I was responding to you because I'm on mobile and it's easier.

Sorry but that is ********, Israel haven't simply bought US equipment, large chunks of it has been funded by the US itself. Israel is THE largest cumulative recipient of US aid in the world. https://www.cfr.org/article/us-aid-israel-four-charts If you have such an issue with military funding for other nations, why not Israel? Usual crass hypocrisy and ignorance.

I notice a lot of spouting Fox news talking points in your post, you're doing exactly the same thing as an ex-friend of mine did, calling themselves a centrist but then everything they say after shows they are anything but. What you're actually showing is just the plain old chest beating nationalist.

It's very telling you avoided answering about Jan 6th and my comments on Trump's criminality. Very very telling.

 

[General Melchett]

1.) Do we have military personnel on the ground in Israel? No. We sell them war equipment. We will gladly sell war equipment to you too.

2.) We aren't footing the bill. Israel has bought 100s of billions of dollars in military equipment in the last 50 years. Again, we will sell you stuff. If you don't want to buy it from us, go to China, Russia, or someone else who can produce it. Because the last 11 years have shown Western European countries are incapable of developing their own military industrial needs.

We have a safety net. It isn't as generous as yours is. But yours is getting less generous by the day and that's before you try rearming the continent. And I was responding to you because I'm on mobile and it's easier.

You are footing the bill because you provide Israel with a security guarantee which requires significant military capability. Someone has to pay for that in the same way we as individuals have to pay for an insurance policy. Yes Israel pays for weapons you ship over to them but they don't pay anything towards the capability required in the event that America has to step in and defend them from the likes of Iran. They're basically getting a free insurance policy funded by the American taxpayer.

 

[Welsh Exile]

No matter how I answer this or the January 6th question, I won't convince anyone.

Give it your best shot.