US Politics Thread 2021-24

[Skybird]

The chronology of events points overwhelmingly to Trump manipulating prices to use insider knowledge to enrich himself and his cronies.

And he knows nothing, absolutely nothing about the Chinese.

Its not the only thing he knows nothing about.

[AVGWarhawk]

The chronology of events points overwhelmingly to Trump manipulating prices to use insider knowledge to enrich himself and his cronies.




May I see the chronology of events you seemingly have? Marth Stewart should be investigated again?

[August]

May I see the chronology of events you seemingly have? Marth Stewart should be investigated again?


He doesn't have one nor could he name these supposed "cronies". He just mindlessly repeats whatever he reads from the leftist press.

[AVGWarhawk]

He doesn't have one nor could he name these supposed "cronies". He just mindlessly repeats whatever he reads from the leftist press.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trumps biggest supporter, took it in the shorts. So much for insider trading.

[August]

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trumps biggest supporter, took it in the shorts. So much for insider trading.


I understand that DOGE is looking into how Democrat politicians like Jefferies and Pelosi could become multi-millionaires on a congress-critters salary of $174k per year.

[AVGWarhawk]

I understand that DOGE is looking into how Democrat politicians like Jefferies and Pelosi could become multi-millionaires on a congress-critters salary of $174k per year.

He can look but nothing will be spoken or found. I would say that all in DC have had some participation in insider trading. Never the less, it is very suspect for all.

[AVGWarhawk]

The stock market appeared to be relatively.....calm. Overall, still a good day. :Kaleun_Salute:

[Dargo]

In the 129-year history of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the index has closed higher or lower by at least 1,000 points just 31 times. Four of those times happened in the past week. Bonds aren’t rising, they’re falling largely because investors have lost faith in US trade policy, and they fear America could get hurt even worse than the countries Trump’s tariff policy is targeting.

The oil market has been trading like we’re going into a recession. Prices have tumbled over the course of the past couple of weeks as investors feared Trump’s trade policy could sap demand for travel, shipping and transportation, all of which require fuel. US oil on Friday morning fell below $60 a barrel, close to a four-year low, before recovering slightly. Brent, the global benchmark, was hovering around $63 a barrel, the lowest since April 2021, before also gaining slightly. Oil prices have served as a prime recession indicator in recent years. Prices tumbled after surging above $100 a barrel for the first time as the Great Recession took hold in 2008. And prices went negative for the first time during the pandemic, as a glut of oil became so severe that traders were literally paying storage facilities to take the unwanted oil off their hands.

The dollar on Friday tumbled to its lowest level in three years. That’s the opposite of what you’d expect when tariffs are put in place. Typically, tariffs raise the value of a local currency, because it encourages residents to purchase homemade goods instead of foreign options, stretching their money further in comparison to other currencies. But currency traders have sold off the dollar, because they believe America will bear the brunt of Trump’s trade war fallout and end up comparatively weaker than before tariffs were put in place.

[AVGWarhawk]

In the 129-year history of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the index has closed higher or lower by at least 1,000 points just 31 times. Four of those times happened in the past week. Bonds aren’t rising, they’re falling largely because investors have lost faith in US trade policy, and they fear America could get hurt even worse than the countries Trump’s tariff policy is targeting.

The oil market has been trading like we’re going into a recession. Prices have tumbled over the course of the past couple of weeks as investors feared Trump’s trade policy could sap demand for travel, shipping and transportation, all of which require fuel. US oil on Friday morning fell below $60 a barrel, close to a four-year low, before recovering slightly. Brent, the global benchmark, was hovering around $63 a barrel, the lowest since April 2021, before also gaining slightly. Oil prices have served as a prime recession indicator in recent years. Prices tumbled after surging above $100 a barrel for the first time as the Great Recession took hold in 2008. And prices went negative for the first time during the pandemic, as a glut of oil became so severe that traders were literally paying storage facilities to take the unwanted oil off their hands.

The dollar on Friday tumbled to its lowest level in three years. That’s the opposite of what you’d expect when tariffs are put in place. Typically, tariffs raise the value of a local currency, because it encourages residents to purchase homemade goods instead of foreign options, stretching their money further in comparison to other currencies. But currency traders have sold off the dollar, because they believe America will bear the brunt of Trump’s trade war fallout and end up comparatively weaker than before tariffs were put in place.

My findings are bonds increase today. Not by much but still increased. Oil can decrease per barrel all day. Better prices at the pump. Up market today is a positive. Gloom and doom it's not.

America has beared the brunt for a long time.

[mapuc]

Have read and heard people saying that Trump doesn't know what he is doing.

What if he knows exactly what he's doing ?

The Danish Parliament is working on a deal with USA

Amid a diplomatic crisis with Washington, Danish MPs are set to ratify the defense agreement signed in December 2023, which will grant the United States unlimited access to three Danish bases for 10 years.
(Only some part of the article is available rest is behind paywall)

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/04/11/denmark-poised-to-strengthen-military-cooperation-with-the-us_6740086_4.html

Markus

[AVGWarhawk]

Have read and heard people saying that Trump doesn't know what he is doing.

What if he knows exactly what he's doing ?

Markus


He just might know what he is doing. I have no doubt Trump has thought about tariffs for a long time. He has always tailed about tariffs.

[Skybird]

What if pigs could fly? It would rain sh!t from the sky.

Well - can they?

Hardly.

Trump has just changed his fincial adviser team. According to reports in the US media, Trump has demoted his two most important customs advisors. According to “Politico”, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick is to be demoted and will just represent policy more externally in future. The real man behind Trump's tariffs, trade advisor Peter Navarro, is therefore set to largely disappear from the government's political stage, according to reports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is to move more to the fore. He is considered to be more level-headed among Trump confidants.

[AVGWarhawk]

What if pigs could fly? It would rain sh!t from the sky.

Well - can they?

Hardly.

Trump has just changed his fincial adviser team. According to reports in the US media, Trump has demoted his two most important customs advisors. According to “Politico”, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick is to be demoted and will just represent policy more externally in future. The real man behind Trump's tariffs, trade advisor Peter Navarro, is therefore set to largely disappear from the government's political stage, according to reports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is to move more to the fore. He is considered to be more level-headed among Trump confidants.

Yellen needs to go.

[Dargo]

My findings are bonds increase today. Not by much but still increased. Oil can decrease per barrel all day. Better prices at the pump. Up market today is a positive. Gloom and doom it's not.

America has beared the brunt for a long time.Oil producers need WTI oil prices to amount to a minimum of $62 per barrel in order to profitably drill a new well. Sure $60 is a great price for your economy. What is stupidity doing? Well, an orange wish in one hand, shyte in the other, see which one fills up first.

[AVGWarhawk]

Oil producers need WTI oil prices to amount to a minimum of $62 per barrel in order to profitably drill a new well. Sure $60 is a great price for your economy. What is stupidity doing? Well, an orange wish in one hand, shyte in the other, see which one fills up first.

Drill baby, drill.

[Buddahaid]

Drill baby, drill.

The US is already the top oil producer in the world.

[Dargo]

Drill baby, drill.Yeah drill some bonds.The head of Treasury trading at a major US bond manager said liquidity was “not great today” and explained that “market depth was running 80 per cent below normal averages” on Friday. “If a stiff breeze blew through the Treasury market today, rates would move a quarter point,” added Guy LeBas, chief fixed-income strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott. Friday’s Treasury volatility was accompanied by a drop in the dollar. A gauge of the currency’s strength against major peers fell as much as 1.8 per cent on Friday. Sterling, the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc all made significant gains.https://www.ft.com/content/5b436a19-4061-48a8-87fa-94c0c8d83e0e

[AVGWarhawk]

The US is already the top oil producer in the world.

😃. Sweet

[Dargo]

😃. SweetAbout 35 percent of U.S. supply comes from international partners, compared to about 65 percent produced domestically. With Canada the biggest supplier of crude, 70%

[AVGWarhawk]

Yeah drill some bonds.https://www.ft.com/content/5b436a19-4061-48a8-87fa-94c0c8d83e0e

Your sour attitude is showing. 🤣

[Dargo]

Your sour attitude is showing. ��You know who is dumping your bonds, yep exactly the ones you gave a 145% tariff, and they just started they have an F load of them.

Government Spending Continues to Climb Even as DOGE Touts CutsFederal spending is higher since President Trump took office even as the Department of Government Efficiency slashes contracts, cuts jobs and ends diversity programs. A Wall Street Journal analysis of daily financial statements issued by the Treasury Department found government spending since the inauguration is $154 billion more than in the same period in 2024 during the administration of President Joe Biden. DOGE claims cuts of $150 billion so far, but the Journal analysis found those efforts have yet to affect the bottom line. And while the government’s income—taxes and revenues including tariffs—is also up, it isn’t enough to keep pace with higher spending.

https://archive.ph/tMBuf
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-doge-government-spending-increases-5903992d

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0uqRkRzo1M

[AVGWarhawk]

You know who is dumping your bonds, yep exactly the ones you gave a 145% tariff, and they just started they have an F load of them.

Do not care. China needs America buying the crap manufactured. That simple.

[Dargo]

No mater how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.

[Reece]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0uqRkRzo1M

Nice for Australia!! :Kaleun_Applaud:
. . . but I wonder how long till we're hit by tariffs!!

[Buddahaid]

Do not care. China needs America buying the crap manufactured. That simple.

Not nearly as much as you think.

[Hawk66]

Do not care. China needs America buying the crap manufactured. That simple.


It seems like some of you don’t fully understand how economics works. On the one hand, China has been a major contributor to the wealth of the U.S. and the West in general. But on the other hand, many overlook the fact that China may now have the upper hand.

Contrary to what some believe, China doesn’t ultimately need the U.S. as a trading partner. I’d suggest visiting your local library and reading up on China—its history, its culture. These are smart people with a long-term strategic mindset that stretches decades into the future.

China is not a democracy. Even if it lost the U.S. as a trade partner and fell into a recession, the Chinese government would likely respond with more aggressive foreign policies—such as escalating tensions around Taiwan—in order to rally domestic support.

Your Donald is lying to you. The U.S. is far from independent. Just look at who holds U.S. debt. Compare that to Japan, where a significant portion of government bonds are owned by its own people.

It just doesn’t add up. Trump’s fanboys live in a fantasy world, and that dream may be coming to an end soon. One can only hope it doesn’t result in a financial crisis worse than 2009.

[Ostfriese]

Not nearly as much as you think.


The Chinese have already stated that their countertariffs are high enough to reduce all US imports to zero within a short time, so they won't react with another raise of tariffs.



I doubt, though, that the Trumpists understand that this means that this not only makes the US poorer, but also increases the trade deficit.

[Otto Harkaman]

In a twilight realm where whispers bloom,
Three croaking birds foretold of doom:
Ostfriese croaked in stately tone,
A herald of fate from lands unknown.
Dargo, with a raucous, bold decree,
Preached political woes by the old oak tree;
His words, like caws on autumn's breeze,
Warned of change with sardonic ease.
And then there was Skybird, high and free,
A somber soul of prophecy;
Each note a warning, stark and clear,
Of revolution drawing near.
Together they sang in eerie tune,
Under a political, pending monsoon;
A trio of croaks in the night so grim,
Foretelling a doom both dark and dim.
Yet in their croaks a playful jest,
A cosmic irony in fate’s behest—
For in their doom, so bold and brash,
Lurked hints of change amidst the clash.

[Dowly]

I for one hope that Trump doesn't pussy out from the China tariffs. :up:

[u crank]

In a twilight realm where whispers bloom,
Three croaking birds foretold of doom:
Ostfriese croaked in stately tone,
A herald of fate from lands unknown.
Dargo, with a raucous, bold decree,
Preached political woes by the old oak tree;
His words, like caws on autumn's breeze,
Warned of change with sardonic ease.
And then there was Skybird, high and free,
A somber soul of prophecy;
Each note a warning, stark and clear,
Of revolution drawing near.
Together they sang in eerie tune,
Under a political, pending monsoon;
A trio of croaks in the night so grim,
Foretelling a doom both dark and dim.
Yet in their croaks a playful jest,
A cosmic irony in fate’s behest—
For in their doom, so bold and brash,
Lurked hints of change amidst the clash.

Pretty good. :up:

[Ostfriese]

In a twilight realm where whispers bloom,
Three croaking birds foretold of doom:
Ostfriese croaked in stately tone,
A herald of fate from lands unknown.
Dargo, with a raucous, bold decree,
Preached political woes by the old oak tree;
His words, like caws on autumn's breeze,
Warned of change with sardonic ease.
And then there was Skybird, high and free,
A somber soul of prophecy;
Each note a warning, stark and clear,
Of revolution drawing near.
Together they sang in eerie tune,
Under a political, pending monsoon;
A trio of croaks in the night so grim,
Foretelling a doom both dark and dim.
Yet in their croaks a playful jest,
A cosmic irony in fate’s behest—
For in their doom, so bold and brash,
Lurked hints of change amidst the clash.


https://i.imgflip.com/7d0abu.png


Don't worry, we'll have a heartfelt "told you so" for you as well.

[Skybird]

:haha:

I dream of a future when sonars ping in rhymes and torpedoes go Booom! in swing and rythm! :D

@Otto: :salute:


But just for the record: Dargo and me more often disagree than agree on things. :O:

[Dowly]

I for one hope that Trump doesn't pussy out from the China tariffs. :up:


Aaand Trump backs down. :har:


Most electronics and other related items have been removed from reciprocal tariffs list:
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3db9e55


What a pussy.


EDIT: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20xn626y81o


US President Donald Trump's administration has exempted smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs, including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports.

US Customs and Border Patrol published a notice late on Friday explaining the goods would be excluded from Trump's 10% global tariff on most countries and the much larger Chinese import tax.

The move comes after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China.

The exemptions also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.

[Dargo]

In a twilight realm where whispers bloom,
Three croaking birds foretold of doom:
Ostfriese croaked in stately tone,
A herald of fate from lands unknown.
Dargo, with a raucous, bold decree,
Preached political woes by the old oak tree;
His words, like caws on autumn's breeze,
Warned of change with sardonic ease.
And then there was Skybird, high and free,
A somber soul of prophecy;
Each note a warning, stark and clear,
Of revolution drawing near.
Together they sang in eerie tune,
Under a political, pending monsoon;
A trio of croaks in the night so grim,
Foretelling a doom both dark and dim.
Yet in their croaks a playful jest,
A cosmic irony in fate’s behest—
For in their doom, so bold and brash,
Lurked hints of change amidst the clash.Ty for the wonderfull poem:up:

[Raf1394]

It seems Trump excludes smartphones, memory cards and computer chips from tariffs.

US customs got these procedures.

[Dargo]

More than 200 companies around the world manufacture and supply Apple iPhone manufacturers with the components they need to produce the phones. These component manufacturers create the memory chips, glass screen interfaces, casings, cameras, and everything in between. And the countries where these manufacturers are located are also widely varied. Components come from companies in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, India, and many other countries, including the United States. Apple and all other companies have figured this out so they can produce a product in a max efficiency. But no here comes an Orange bully who thinks he knows better than hundreds of companies, bankers, trade experts, economist etc.:doh:

[Catfish]

Some 6 years ago a change of paradigm took place, along with comparative advantage it seems Trump has either not heard of what that means ot he intentionally ignores it.
It only makes sense when you bet on falling stocks. And of course you can make lots of money when you can make them fall yourself.

[Dargo]

‘This time I will do what I want with the tariffs,’ Trump vowed on Tuesday night in Washington at a dinner with party colleagues. ‘The tariffs are permanent.’ Hours later, he changed his mind. Again. In February, Trump also announced levies, against Canada and Mexico, only to postpone them in the nick of time, then announce them again, then cancel them in March. Trump keeps daring to say A, but at B he swoons.

Even the end goal keeps changing. After all, why this trade war? At times, Trump and his cabinet members respond with grandiose visions: rearranging the global economy, revitalising US industry, a much-needed repayment of the national debt. Temporary pain would be necessary. And the levies? A long-term strategy. At other times, Trump and his allies talk about the trade war as a short-term tactic. Levies would be a pressure tool to get other countries to ‘better deals’. A route to more free trade, in other words. On Tuesday, a day before the U-turn, minister Bessent (‘negotiating tactics!’) and adviser Navarro (‘long-term!’) proclaimed those opposing goals at the same time on different TV channels. It cannot be both. The world sees that too. That looks less like strategy, more like doubt. And doubt is disastrous for the market.

Since the postponement, the narrative has revolved around the deals again. ‘We are overwhelmed by the response to come to Washington and negotiate with President Trump,’ said Bessent. Over 70 countries are said to have applied. ‘Everybody is kissing my ass,’ Trump said. ‘Please sir, give me a deal!’ But in reality, Trump has weakened his position. Other world leaders saw this week that the US president does appear sensitive to financial pain. Will he ever actually carry out his threats? ‘It has not become easier for the US to negotiate,’ Moritz Schularick, head of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, concluded in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. ‘Next time, people will only be less likely to believe Trump, wondering when he will yield again.’ Trump's 90-day delay also gives him very little time. Although the president swore this week that he could close ‘any deal within a day’, not one new deal has been finalised as yet.

[Skybird]

Three diagrams. If they make an economist not freeze, check his heartbeat. Its probably already gone.

The development of China's hold of US bonds, and its gold.

https://i.postimg.cc/59BWVVJW/1.png (https://postimages.org/)

The development of the gold price in recent years.


https://i.postimg.cc/MTzgD9Pf/2.png (https://postimages.org/)


All Central banks' buyings of gold in recent years.


https://i.postimg.cc/y6cvdmvw/3.png (https://postimages.org/)


All these three graohs tigetehr ring RED ALERT. Global debts by the end of tbis year are expected to be beyond 100 trillion dollar. The US has tripled its debt since the year 2000, an d now must poay more in interests than it spends for its defense budget: over one trillion in interests.



You really must not be Kassandra to imagine where this is necessarily leading to.

[Buddahaid]

And then there's a sixty-day expiration time limit unless Congress votes to make them permanent. That is if the goalposts don't keep moving. Trump's a ponce wanker.

[Dargo]

In their determination, the geriatric Trump and his advisers are ignoring the current economic development of intensive global cooperation in production and logistics chains to produce the best quality product for the consumer at the lowest price. Here, the labour cost factor in particular plays an important role in the question of which countries are best to source components from in order to make the final product efficiently and cheaply. Producing a final product is mostly assembling numerous parts from different suppliers into a final product. Workers' wages are high in the US compared to Asian producing countries. The Trump administration is pushing high with the announced import tariffs on foreign products. Indeed, there is little chance that those import tariffs will move mass producers to produce in the US. For labour-intensive production, wages are too high and innovation cannot completely neutralise that problem either.

So the wait is for fierce protests from US consumers against the rising consumer prices of foreign products that US consumers have also become addicted to, such as the American-origin iPhone. There are also plenty of unique products from abroad in the commodities and semifinished goods industry that US consumers or industries cannot live without. The world's pre-MAGA economic order cannot be bent to the will of one world leader just because it wants to. Economic laws have no boundaries in the world that must be respected because one president wants it that way. The US has a strong economic dominance, but it is certainly not an untouchable monopolist.

[Skybird]

https://youtu.be/yJwtUxGpU6M?si=nesCFTZvRnB2XZ54

[Buddahaid]

RR

I already posted that a few days ago but it's still worth viewing.:yeah:

[Gorpet]

[FOCUS (https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/umfassender-report-wer-trumps-zoll-taktik-wirklich-verstehen-will-muss-diesen-bericht-lesen_1c90bdea-d5e5-4c96-bbe6-dec7878d7538.html)] The US's so-called "tariff hammer" is based on a comprehensive report on global trade restrictions. Anyone reading this "bible" will come across examples of international trade barriers that cast Trump's demands in a different light.

Anyone who wants to defeat their opponent must know how they think. This applies to bloody wars, such as the one in Ukraine against Russia, as well as to trade wars, such as the one US President Donald Trump has now instigated with his so-called "tariff hammer."

It is therefore worthwhile to delve deeper and explore the president's motivations. Anyone who does so, however, must be prepared for their own worldview to be questioned. In this case, the EU will certainly also have to face uncomfortable questions.

Trump did not announce his tariff plan out of the blue. For a quarter of a century, his biography, from businessman to politician, has been permeated by the idea that the US is paying far too high a price for its prosperity and progress because other countries have erected trade barriers that do not exist in the US.

The country's high level of debt originates here. Trump, then a businessman and real estate tycoon, said on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1988: The Japanese were coming into the US market and flooding it with their products.

Conversely, anyone who went to Japan and wanted to sell something could forget it. "The Art of the Deal," Trump's view of the economy and trade, was published as a book in 1987 and describes his attitude towards it, which he still holds today. So, Trump can't be accused of being a "turncoat," like many in politics.

With his re-election as president, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the official US Chamber of Commerce, together with US embassies around the world, began working on a report listing the hurdles the US considers to be obstacles to its own trade.

The result is the "2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers." It explicitly addresses not just tariffs, but everything that, from the US perspective, restricts free trade. Anyone who now accuses Trump of destroying global trade needs to take note of this 380-page report.

The intention of this new standard work, the bible of US dealers, so to speak, is the opposite of destroying trade: From the American perspective, it is more about liberation. The report focuses particularly on two regions: 48 pages are devoted to China. And no less than 34 pages to the EU.

The EU chapter begins quite sympathetically. "The United States and the EU member states maintain the most extensive economic relationship in the world. Trade and investment flows between the United States and the EU are a key pillar of prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic and create significant economic opportunities," the US trade experts note.

But then comes the qualification: "Goods and services from the United States, however, face persistent barriers to accessing certain sectors of the EU market."

What follows is truly unflattering for the Europeans. The report goes into great detail and doesn't limit itself to complaints about high EU tariffs of up to 26 percent on fish and seafood or 22 percent on US trucks traveling on European roads.

Trump's troops are illuminating the EU's shoals and citing the banana example: After decades of disputes, the Americans reached an agreement with the EU in 2010 to achieve a uniform EU banana import regime, but this did not prevent Italian customs authorities from collecting tariffs on bananas from the US retroactively from 2004.

The Italian Supreme Court finally ruled in 2017 that this was illegal, which the Italian customs authorities happily ignored. They are still suing.

However, the Americans aren't so much upset about the Italian case, but rather about the fact that "despite the existence of customs regulations that apply to all member states, the EU does not have its laws run through a single customs administration." "Rather, there are separate authorities in each member state responsible for administering EU customs law."

The consequences are chaos and costs: "US exports suffer from the uneven and inconsistent application" of EU requirements. Member states use different data.

The EU-promised standardization of customs data systems was postponed from the end of 2020 to the end of 2025. The next reform is scheduled for 2028, and US companies literally only understand "banana."

Another example that is driving Americans to despair is the EU wine regulation. US wine merchants exported $170 million worth of wine to the EU in 2024.

The problem: It could be much more, but the EU prohibits the use of traditional designations such as "Tawny" or "Ruby" for port wines and "Chateau" for other wines originating in the US. For many US producers, however, these very terms are part of their brand names. This makes the EU market largely off-limits for them.

"The EU has taken no discernible steps to address the United States' concerns and has consistently refused to provide a timeline for reviewing applications for use of terms submitted by US industry," the trade report states. US winemakers are now annoyed.

Following this example, there's a key paragraph in the report that demonstrates just how far apart the US and the EU are: The United States is concerned about a number of measures the EU maintains, ostensibly for the purpose of food safety and the protection of human, animal, or plant life or health, it states.

"Specifically, the United States is concerned that these measures could unnecessarily restrict trade without furthering safety objectives, as they appear to be applied beyond what is necessary to protect human, animal, or plant life or health, and are not based on scientific knowledge or are maintained without sufficient scientific evidence."

The accusation is thus: The EU is using health mumbo jumbo to defend itself against imports that could make life difficult for its own manufacturers.

The 380 pages are peppered with examples of such things, which, from the US perspective, "distort or undermine fair competition." The report gains additional credibility because the authors themselves admit that in some cases they included "stakeholder valuations" in the data to estimate the financial impact of trade barriers.

"The methods used to calculate these valuations are sometimes uncertain." The government is aware of this and therefore does not rigidly adhere to such calculations. There is a hint of a willingness to negotiate here – another trait that has been evident throughout Trump's career.
-------------------


However, the US sometimes complains about tax systems in other countries that tax not only American products, but also those produced domestically. Such taxes may not be applied in the US, but they are in effect in many other countries, and the US cannot claim that other countries should do what the Americans do at home. That is one point of criticism of Trump's argument.

I attach importance to another, because the issue has interested me for years: food safety. American supermarkets are allowed to sell many toxic food additives in their food that have been proven to have toxic and carcinogenic effects—not just theoretically—and whose use is often only permitted in the USA due to the industry's strong lobbying efforts, but which are banned in many places abroad, and often everywhere. And rightly so. The USA really shouldn't want to sell this nasty crap to other countries; they should also abolish it at home (which is part of Kennedy's political goals; he's so right about these issues). The list of critical industry-added toxins in food is several hundred entries long, and it's only too often that it targets children's "food" in particular (but not exclusively). And no, I'm not talking about the most infamous "chlorine chickens."

From a health perspective, the trade in glucose syrup, HFCS, soy, and similar chemicals is fundamentally worthy of criticism. Farmers should be encouraged to switch to livestock farming, with cattle raised on pasture, and free-living chickens for egg production. The agricultural lobby, whose operators own the lion's share of large-scale monocultures, will of course vehemently oppose this - thery are driving forc ebehind the internationbal propagation of vegetariansim and veganism and fake meat: plant-based copy-crap that should replace real meat. These fields and acres should be converted to pastureland. Done correctly and not exaggerated out of profit greed, this is even more sustainable than anything else a farmer can do with his fields. Lets not forget: agriculture's invention 12 thosuand years ago has ruined human food and hralth and led to a huge delcine of the alotter, a massive physicla degeneration. Its not healthy what we eat- not at all! Its just that it can be produced cheaply and in large quantities.

On the wine names and simullair problems: why not just rebranding, relabelling export shares of a production to comply with regional custimer laws? In the end Eurooean wine name sindeed refer to regional names, and I dont see why totally difefrent wines form somewhere else shoud, then be marketed under these names. When I buy an original Parmigiano form Italy, i spend the money on some specific taste quality that indeed is the reaosn why I pay a bot more, if then I get some cheese from soemnmewhrer else that sues the same name and in the end tastes a little bit different (even if tasting good taken for itself), I feel betrayed. Thats not what I was willing to spend a little more for.

When i buy a Bordeaux, then I want to get (and taste) a Bordeaux, not some Californian wine abusing the name. This is not to say that californian wine cannot be good, in fact they can be excellent. But they are no Bordeaux, or Port, or whatever - they are Californian. As such they should be named and sold.

What the US sometimes demand here, is the right to label fraud. Granted, some Asian producers practice this excessively, but that does not make it any less wrong.

Damn, Are you writing a book ? It's lengthy for a rant. For,eggs,chicken, beef and wine. How about throwing some women in there to.That's what i'm most interested in.Or are they considered high dollar consumables that are in short supply. Here in America ,Female's are running wild,with man hate.The only thing that will save mankind is the Quran. And if you worried about tariffs? Apparently your government has been spending your money on welfare. And lying to you about everything. But now the new American President is going to wake you up. And every day we are watching your politicians scrambling in fear. Oh my, Greta Thunberg a 12 year-old shifted the world into. Our present day calamity. But she didn't know the Americans and NATO along with the Europeans wanted a war with Russia. A war of dominice a war of genocide and you know, genocide doesn't include those who are caught in the mists of battle. And where is Greta Turnberg.?????

[Skybird]

The author Rainer Zitelmann is a historian and sociologist.


[FOCUS (https://www.focus.de/finanzen/news/usa-werden-ausgenutzt-acht-der-zehn-reichsten-unternehmen-kommen-aus-amerika_55bad939-524f-448d-b348-6239e77cbae0.html)] What's really behind Trump's punitive tariffs? These are two beliefs that have caused much harm throughout history.

Absurd economic theories have often caused immense damage. Just think of Marxism and other forms of anti-capitalism, which have plunged many countries into poverty. But rarely have zero-sum economic thinking and scapegoating caused as much harm in just a few days as they have since Trump's Liberation Day.

Because zero-sum and scapegoating are the basis for Trump's tariff policy. Zero-sum thinking refers to the false assumption that in economics, one side's advantage must always be another's disadvantage. Anti-capitalists are deeply convinced of this, and Trump is convinced of it too. He can't imagine both sides winning from free trade; for him, one side's gain is another's loss.

Linked to zero-sum thinking is scapegoating. Other countries are blamed for problems in one's own country. This is also a popular interpretation, for example among the rulers of Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, or Iran: According to the rulers, Western sanctions are responsible for their countries' problems. Many African countries, in turn, blame historical colonialism for their current poverty.

Trump has repeatedly changed his political beliefs throughout his life. In the early 1990s, for example, he advocated reversing Ronald Reagan's tax cuts and raising the top tax rate to 50 to 60 percent. And as a candidate of the so-called "Reform Party," he advocated numerous positions otherwise supported by the political left, such as a one-time tax on the rich and universal health insurance paid for by employers.

One of the few constants in Trump's beliefs, however, is that other countries are responsible for the United States' problems. As early as the 1980s, he denounced the US trade deficit with Japan.

He accused Japan of unfair trade practices and flooding the country with cars. He later adopted the position of his trade advisor, economist Peter Navarro, who, in his book "Death by China," blamed the Chinese for the United States' problems. However, after the disaster caused by the tariffs he recommended, Navarro had to step back a few days ago.

Whether a country looks to itself or others for the cause of its economic problems can be crucial to its economic success. An example of two Asian countries I have studied intensively: Vietnam and Nepal. In the 1980s, Vietnam was the poorest country in the world, poorer than all African countries.

If the Vietnamese had followed the scapegoat mentality, they could have blamed the Americans, or even the French, Japanese, or Chinese, who waged war on their country. But they didn't. They understood that their centrally planned economy was to blame. Therefore, in the late 1980s, they introduced private property and opened up the country. Today, few economies in the world are as open as Vietnam's. The result: The number of poor people fell from 80 percent to three percent today.

Counterexample: Nepal: With an average annual income of €290, Nepal is the second poorest country in Asia after Afghanistan and one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Trump should love the country, because hardly anywhere else has so many and such high tariffs; for cars, they sometimes exceed 300 percent. A BMW X5 costs the equivalent of around €400,000 in Nepal due to the high import duties and taxes.

There are long lists of everything that cannot be imported in order to protect Nepal's economy. The country's leaders believe in Maoism and adhere to the zero-sum belief and scapegoat mentality. Other countries are supposedly to blame for the problems.

American economist Mark Skousen has dismissed Trump's claim that his country is being exploited by others as absurd. In response to criticism that the US has "suffered from abuses" of unfair trade over the years, he points out that eight of the ten richest companies in the world are American. Trump just likes to play Monopoly.

Trump has repeatedly complained that there are many more German cars in the US than American ones in Germany: "If you walk down Fifth Avenue, everyone has a Mercedes-Benz in front of their house. How many Chevrolets do you see in Germany? Not many, maybe none at all, you don't see them."

The idea that perhaps many customers simply consider the Mercedes to be a better car than the Chevrolet doesn't occur to Trump; for him, it's simply "unfair" that Americans buy more German cars than the other way around. Trump has repeatedly said that the word "tariffs" is the most beautiful word in the dictionary for him, which is as absurd as someone declaring that "taxes" is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.

One can only hope that the logic of the markets and economic realities will continue to force Trump to act against his convictions, little by little—as has already happened in recent weeks when he had to allow more and more exceptions to the measures announced on "Liberation Day."

[Dargo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFfg3fdGQHE

[Catfish]

^ First calm and cool diagnose. Why didn't Trump impose 1000 % import tarriffs, then he would have really wrote history lol


Just a short fable, if anyone can understand this:

https://www.farmersfable.org/

This is not communism, when all people have the same BEFORE exchanging, it will not work. This is pure mathematics, and nothing to do with any left or right ideology. Which also means that the economical theories from the 19th century and still believed by the recent financial markets, are wrong. Change of paradigm if anyone is interested.

https://ergodicityeconomics.com/about/

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlopbcfXpQ

[Skybird]

China has stopped the export of many rare earths and certain magnetic minerals to the US, hitting the American car, space, aircraft, military and computer sector. Already on April 4, the Chinese government imposed restrictions on the export of six heavy rare earth metals that are refined exclusively in China, as well as on rare earth magnets, 90 percent of which are produced in China. The metals and the special magnets made from them may only be exported from China with special export licenses.


The Donald is falling deeper and deeper into his donaldinarium and now says the moratorium on tariffs for certain high tech products (which would have hurt Apple the most) may only be shortliving. It is most obvious that he has completely underestimated China and how long and well China has prepared itself for the tariffs confrontation with him, and the confrontation with the US in general. While Xi must consider a bit the general piblic mood on the streets after the economic and corona turmoil of the past years, he nevertheless already is an autocrat like Trump wants to become one, and he already lives in an autocracy like Trump wants to build one. That makes it easier for Xi to ride tougher waves in public opinion. Rules of how politicians in america must pay attention to what the general public thinks, do not apply in this form in China, cannot just be carried over. China has the longer leverage. The Big Boss in the WH still has not realised this, steering deeper and deeper into the mess he created.

[u crank]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlopbcfXpQ

I have always liked Mahar even though I disagree with some of his politics. He is honest and will say uncomfortable things about fellow Liberals and their beliefs. Some really interesting stuff here.

[Skybird]

The export ban on Chinese rtare earths and magnetic mienrals affects not just the US, but is a ban worldwide. So fa,r China stops the US from egtting these via bypassing trades with other coutries who bought from China. China this way wants to put pressure on possible allies to try to influence the US.



A significant share of these banned exports is about rare earths you practically cannot get anywehre else. The Chinese shot aims at the heart of global hightech economy.

[AVGWarhawk]

China has stopped the export of many rare earths and certain magnetic minerals to the US, hitting the American car, space, aircraft, military and computer sector. Already on April 4, the Chinese government imposed restrictions on the export of six heavy rare earth metals that are refined exclusively in China, as well as on rare earth magnets, 90 percent of which are produced in China. The metals and the special magnets made from them may only be exported from China with special export licenses.


The Donald is falling deeper and deeper into his donaldinarium and now says the moratorium on tariffs for certain high tech products (which would have hurt Apple the most) may only be shortliving. It is most obvious that he has completely underestimated China and how long and well China has prepared itself for the tariffs confrontation with him, and the confrontation with the US in general. While Xi must consider a bit the general piblic mood on the streets after the economic and corona turmoil of the past years, he nevertheless already is an autocrat like Trump wants to become one, and he already lives in an autocracy like Trump wants to build one. That makes it easier for Xi to ride tougher waves in public opinion. Rules of how politicians in america must pay attention to what the general public thinks, do not apply in this form in China, cannot just be carried over. China has the longer leverage. The Big Boss in the WH still has not realised this, steering deeper and deeper into the mess he created.

It is also a stark reminder that China is not a willing or cooperative trading partner. Not to mention the intellectual property China steals. It has been going on for decades. Even Obama mentions it. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AubgucSYQBE

China is no friend of the USA.

[Skybird]

While to some degree I agree, this Chinese step now is not about not wanting to be a trade partner, but about retaliation in an economic battle launched most incompetently by Trump in which he does not have the sharp weapons he assumed he had. Currently evertyhing explodes in his face. He thoguzht he could simpyl poress China into obeidence by use iof brute force and srtubborness. Now he learns that Xi is as stubborn as himself and has the longer leverage. Trump already had to repeatedly "correct" his tariffs "strategy" severla times . Confidence in your choice of weapons and strategy looks different.

Or in short, he did the biggest mistake of all. He underestimated his opponent and started this all very ill-prepared, planned on illusions and false concepts about how economy in the year 2025 works. Why do you think the two masterminds of his tariffs policy had been degraded and sent back into row number 2?

He listened to the wrong guys who had their heads stuck in the world of many decades ago and who ignored that things are no more like they were back then.


Trump claims to be a master of "deals". He is not and his history and long record of business failures an dlegal battles shows it. He is a loser, and a master only in dodging responsibility and letting others for his failures pay and suffer. Thats a pattern in his whole career. This time he lets pay not just some stupdi business partners who fell for him, but your whole antiopn and peopel, and then a good part of the whole world. He gambles away everything - he always did, and now does it again. And its always others who have to pay his bill.

[AVGWarhawk]

While to some degree I agree, this Chinese step now is not about not wanting to be a trade partner, but about retaliation in an economic battle launched most incompetently by Trump in which he does not have the sharp weapons he assumed he had. Currently evertyhing explodes in his face. He thoguzht he could simpyl poress China into obeidence by use iof brute force and srtubborness. Now he learns that Xi is as stubborn as himself and has the longer leverage. Trump already had to repeatedly "correct" his tariffs "strategy" severla times . Confidence in your choice of weapons and strategy looks different.



Or in short, he did the biggest mistake of all. He underestimated his opponent and started this all very ill-prepared, planned on illusions and false concepts about how economy in the year 2025 works. Why do you think the two masterminds of his tariffs policy had been degraded and sent back into row number 2?


He listened to the wrong guys who had their heads stuck in the world of many decades ago and who ignored that things are no more like they were back then.


China needs the American market.

[AVGWarhawk]

The export ban on Chinese rtare earths and magnetic mienrals affects not just the US, but is a ban worldwide. So fa,r China stops the US from egtting these via bypassing trades with other coutries who bought from China. China this way wants to put pressure on possible allies to try to influence the US.



A significant share of these banned exports is about rare earths you practically cannot get anywehre else. The Chinese shot aims at the heart of global hightech economy.

America is not devoid of rare earth.

Known for its natural beauty, the US state of Wyoming may soon be known for something buried beneath its stunning topography: An estimated 2.34 billion metric tons of rare earth minerals (REMs), which make the world’s computing-dependent technologies possible, were recently discovered near Wheatland, a town in southeastern Wyoming.

According to American Rare Earths, the company’s wholly-owned deposits have a potential volume far greater than China’s estimated 44 million metric tons of the minerals, which could establish the US as the world’s largest supplier. At present, China supplies about 95% of the global supply of REMs, 74% of which are imported by the US.

https://www.theearthandi.org/post/estimated-2-34-billion-metric-tons-of-rare-earth-minerals-discovered-in-us

[Skybird]

China needs the American market.A relation which is mutual. More mutal than Trump realises. He wants to bring you back industrial structures there were 50 and 100 years ago. Well. Good luck with that. And good luck with finding the workers in the US willing to work under those conditions once again.

[Skybird]

America is not devoid of rare earth.

Which I have acknowledged repeatedly, the problem is neither are many of these ressources accesible from now to today, nor do you have all critical ressources needed. And it seems China has targeted right those that you do not have in your reach (or the world). Like it or not, China is home to some rare earths you find practically nowhere else, are not mined at all anywhere else, or not in sufficient quantities. Says not me - but geologists, I just parrot them.

[AVGWarhawk]

A relation which is mutual. More mutal than Trump realises. He wants to rbign you back undustrial structures there were 50 and 100 years ago. Well. Good luck with that. And good luck with finding the workers in the US willing to work under those conditions once again.

It is only mutual in the respect that Americans have been trained like Pavlov's dogs. They drool at cheap things at the store. The mentality instilled in Americans that needs to change:

1. They are above any type of factory job
2. Buying cheap things that do not last is ok

In my mind, I would take a factory job over working the till at the local McDonald's.

[AVGWarhawk]

Which I have acknowledged repeatedly, the problem is neither are many of these ressources accesible from now to today, nor do you have all critical ressources needed. And it seems China has targeted right those that you do not have in your reach (or the world). Like it or not, China is home to some rare earths you find practically nowhere else, are not mined at all anywhere else, or not in sufficient quantities. Says not me - but geologists, I just parrot them.

Under the Biden administration locating and working a plan to harvest rare earth in the USA was implemented. The USA is not sitting back looking to depend on another nation such as China.

[Skybird]

The USA is not sitting back looking to depend on another nation such as China.
Thats the future which in some years may or may not be. The problems you face now are NOW. And they can crush you NOW. And us. And many others as well. No thanks for that. The 1950s and the 1920 and the 1900s will not come back. And maybe you and we all should be thankful for that. Less punishing work. More general wealth even for the poorer castes of the social hierarchy.



Trump and his croonies are not the likes who will need to work their hands bloody in mines and factories.

[AVGWarhawk]

Thats the future which in some years may or may not be. The problems you face now are NOW. And they can crush you NOW. And us. And many others as well. No thanks for that. The 1950s and the 1920 and the 1900s will not come back. And maybe you and we all should be thankful for that. Less punishing work. More general wealth even for the poorer castes of the social hierarchy.



Trump and his croonies are not the likes who will need to work their hands bloody in mines and factories.

This the reason Trump wanted to make a deal Ukraine. Ukraine has rare earth. Do you think the money sent to the Ukraine does not have a string attached?

Concerning factory work, I can assure you there are may cities and town that would like to have it back. You can start with Detroit MI and go from there.

[August]

Trump and his croonies are not the likes who will need to work their hands bloody in mines and factories.


Neither are you and your cronies Skybird, so you wouldn't know that mining and manufacturing has come along way from 1800's sweatshop images you are trying to paint in your latest TDS rant.

[AVGWarhawk]

Neither are you and your cronies Skybird, so you wouldn't know that mining and manufacturing has come along way from 1800's sweatshop images you are trying to paint in your latest TDS rant.

My guess is many do not have any idea what jobs many American's would love to have.

[Ostfriese]

My guess is many do not have any idea what jobs many American's would love to have.


Jobs that pay the bills. And the horrendous costs of health insurance...

[AVGWarhawk]

Jobs that pay the bills. And the horrendous costs of health insurance...

The truth of the matter is not everyone is wanting a tech(IT) job nor interested in one. The lists of cities and towns in America that have gone to the wayside due to industry leaving is many. These are the cities that people scraping by would help revitalize not only the city but the people living there.

[Ostfriese]

The truth of the matter is not everyone is wanting a tech(IT) job nor interested in one. The lists of cities and towns in America that have gone to the wayside due to industry leaving is many. These are the cities that people scraping by would help revitalize not only the city but the people living there.

That‘s certainly the case, no doubt about that. The problem that remains: how can a job pay the bills (and the malarkey you call healthcare) if the same job can be done by someone in Southeast Asia for less than a dollar per hour?

[AVGWarhawk]

That‘s certainly the case, no doubt about that. The problem that remains: how can a job pay the bills (and the malarkey you call healthcare) if the same job can be done by someone in Southeast Asia for less than a dollar per hour?

That is the problem. America has to get off the cheap train mentality. It has been bred into Americans very existence to a fault. The folks in Southeast Asia getting less than a dollar per hour are scraping by. Sweat shops, etc. In short, Americans need to suck it up.

[August]

That‘s certainly the case, no doubt about that. The problem that remains: how can a job pay the bills (and the malarkey you call healthcare) if the same job can be done by someone in Southeast Asia for less than a dollar per hour?

Ask yourself the same question Bud. You guys use tariffs to protect your industries from those dollar an hour Southeast Asian jobs too so why are we so evil for wanting to do the same thing?

As for health care don't try to pull that one over on us. You people pay for your healthcare too, it's just paid in a different way through higher taxes. At least our doctors aren't government employees.

[mapuc]

Ask yourself the same question Bud. You guys use tariffs to protect your industries from those dollar an hour Southeast Asian jobs too so why are we so evil for wanting to do the same thing?

As for health care don't try to pull that one over on us. You people pay for your healthcare too, it's just paid in a different way through higher taxes. At least our doctors aren't government employees.

When it comes to taxes we pay different depending in which country we live in here in Europe-In Denmark it is around 40 % and in Sweden it is around 31 %. Then we have additional taxes like VAT(Moms) in Denmark it is 25 % In Sweden it depends on what kind of product it is- from 6% to 25 %.

Where did you get this information from-The doctors here in Denmark and Sweden aren't government employees. They are hired by the hospital or some employer. You could instead ask who pay their salary ? It is the employer e.g. the hospital or where ever this doctor is employed.

Our hospital or doctor reception in Denmark are subject to the regions. There are 9 regions in Denmark.

Markus

[August]

In Denmark it is around 40 % and in Sweden it is around 31 %. Then we have additional taxes like VAT(Moms) in Denmark it is 25 % In Sweden it depends on what kind of product it is- from 6% to 25 %.

Wow and that's with only a tiny military budget! :)

We pay a fraction of that huge tax burden. My income tax bracket is 22%, the sales tax (VAT) in my state is 6.25% on most items and my employer pays for my health care insurance.

The doctors here in Denmark and Sweden aren't government employees. They are hired by the hospital or some employer. You could instead ask who pay their salary ? It is the employer e.g. the hospital or where ever this doctor is employed.


Who pays the hospital or clinic that pays them? Their money comes from the Danish government they are government employees imo. You have publicly funded healthcare and we have employer funded healthcare, unless you're poor or 65 years and older then it's all free under Medicaid.

I don't claim that the US system is best or even better than anyone elses but no nation gets free healthcare. You Euros pay through the nose for it just like we do.

[Ostfriese]

Ask yourself the same question Bud. You guys use tariffs to protect your industries from those dollar an hour Southeast Asian jobs too so why are we so evil for wanting to do the same thing?

Based on numbers from 2021 overall EU tariffs and US tariffs were similar - and low, less than 1.5% overall.

As for health care don't try to pull that one over on us. You people pay for your healthcare too, it's just paid in a different way through higher taxes. At least our doctors aren't government employees.


Nobody claimed that healthcare is free, and nobody thinks it is free.
Our doctors aren't government employees, the German health system is not paid for by taxes. Employer and employee equally share the costs, unless you earn more than 73,800 Euros in which case you pay alone.


And of course our system, despite being expensive and not without flaws, is still only half as expensive on a per capita basis than the US system. No one here has to pay five-figure hospital bills despite being insured. We simply don't allow rich scumbags to raise the prices for medicine as they like.
You only have to look at insulin - about $100 per dose in the US, about $7 to $11 in Europe. Why? Because a rich scumbag is allowed to rip you off.

[Hawk66]

[QUOTE=August;2953386]Ask yourself the same question Bud. You guys use tariffs to protect your industries from those dollar an hour Southeast Asian jobs too so why are we so evil for wanting to do the same thing?

Most medical practitioners are not public or "government" employees in Germany. Only those working in public hospitals are — and even then, these hospitals aren’t state-run in the way you might assume. They are usually publicly funded but operate independently. There are also many entirely privately financed clinics. But what really matters is: how is a system or a business judged ? The value it provides to its customers....so for you then a system which on the paper is 100% "free markets" is better as one is in parts publicly funded even if the latter is cheaper and provides insurance for almost all people ? Strange KPI I have to say

A few years ago, I was labeled a “socialist” here and accused of all sorts of nonsense. But let me ask you: is what Trump is doing really a free-market policy? Take Apple, for instance. When tariffs were supposed to apply across the board, Apple quietly received exemptions — because Trump didn’t dare apply them to such a powerful company.

And then, when another company causes public outrage or gets too much attention, it’s suddenly “too powerful” and needs to be reined in. That’s not free-market policy — that’s selective populism. He picks and chooses targets based on political optics, not principles. He plays the angry guy for the crowd.

As Skybird and I have both said many times: we no longer live in the 20th century. You can’t ignore the impact of the tech revolution.

Even if tariffs worked as Trump claims — and even if by the 2030s some manufacturing returned to the U.S. — what would it change? Americans would likely consume less. But more importantly: automation would take over. And in the end, 10% of the workers, which would needed in in the 1950s, remain.

Do you honestly believe American companies wouldn’t use the most advanced technologies available? Of course they would. This entire strategy of bringing back low-skilled jobs just doesn’t add up — and most economists say the same. Again Read "The Second Machine Age".

But yes, we seem to be living in a post-scientific era now, where emotion and tribal loyalty matter more than facts and economic reasoning.

[Ostfriese]

Oh, and btw: ignoring the courts is an authoritarian move. It's undermining checks & balances.. Trump ignores the courts (the US Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision, of all the courts).

[AVGWarhawk]

Oh, and btw: ignoring the courts is an authoritarian move. It's undermining checks & balances.. Trump ignores the courts (the US Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision, of all the courts).

The same could be said with Biden. The ignoring of the courts concerning student loan debt payoffs.

[Ostfriese]

The same could be said with Biden. The ignoring of the courts concerning student loan debt payoffs.
My parents taught me that "But the others" wasn't a valid argument, and I learned and understood that when I was 4 or 5 years old.

[Skybird]

Hey US ladies - Do your part! Wherever "Levy's" is on it, you should find American craftsmanship in it. Your men deserve to wear jeans made in the US!


https://saubere-kleidung.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Bangladsh-garment-factory.jpg
(Between 80 and 90% of Levy's production has been moved to South-East Asia and Central and South America).

[Skybird]

[FAZ] Next round in the trade dispute: The government in Beijing has instructed Chinese airlines not to purchase any more aircraft from Boeing for the time being. This was reported by the financial service Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. This is the world's second-largest economy's response to the sharp increase in tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by US President Donald Trump, which now amount to up to 145 percent for some products.
According to the report, Beijing has also demanded that Chinese airlines stop all purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from US companies. The order comes after China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 125% on American goods last weekend. These tariffs alone would have more than doubled the cost of US-made aircraft and parts, making it no longer viable for Chinese airlines to purchase Boeing aircraft.

The Chinese government is also looking at ways to support airlines that lease Boeing planes and face higher costs. The aircraft manufacturer's share price fell by up to 4.6 percent in pre-market trading. By the start of the week, its value had fallen by 10 percent since the beginning of the year.

------------

Knock-knock, Airbus - anyone there? :03:

[Dowly]

Ask yourself the same question Bud. You guys use tariffs to protect your industries from those dollar an hour Southeast Asian jobs too so why are we so evil for wanting to do the same thing?
You're not evil, I fully agree with the idea that countries should be more self sufficient from China. However, the way your current admnistration is doing it is not going to help any. From what I've seen, there is no plan to actually get that manufacturing back to the US and make it not only worth it for the companies, but worth it for the consumers who have to pay more for the products.

[AVGWarhawk]

My parents taught me that "But the others" wasn't a valid argument, and I learned and understood that when I was 4 or 5 years old.

Yes, but portraying this as something new does not work well either. Ignoring the courts by past presidents is not new. It does not need to be pointed out to prove some point that Trump is just felon, idiot, dope, and anything else you learned at 5 years of age.

[AVGWarhawk]

Hey US ladies - Do your part! Wherever "Levy's" is on it, you should find American craftsmanship in it. Your men deserve to wear jeans made in the US!


https://saubere-kleidung.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Bangladsh-garment-factory.jpg
(Between 80 and 90% of Levy's production has been moved to South-East Asia and Central and South America).

If one looks hard enough they can find jeans manufactured in America. Jeans Made in the USA for example. The price point is similar for jeans made elsewhere in the world.

[mapuc]

Dave wrote that our doctors was government employees-Which they aren't-This lead me to a counter question:

Where does the American hospitals get their money from ? Running a hospital ain't exactly cheap. Getting the money from ordinary people(Patients) can't fill the gab or can it ?

Markus

[AVGWarhawk]

You're not evil, I fully agree with the idea that countries should be more self sufficient from China. However, the way your current admnistration is doing it is not going to help any. From what I've seen, there is no plan to actually get that manufacturing back to the US and make it not only worth it for the companies, but worth it for the consumers who have to pay more for the products.

Sometime one just has to ripoff the bandage quickly. Trumps first term did in fact bring some manufacturing back to the USA. Then COVID. I'm ok with paying more for a product that will last.

[Skybird]

Not from Germany, but Austria: 17 reasons why the winner of the trade war will be China.


https://www-andreas--unterberger-at.translate.goog/2025/04/17-grnde-warum-am-ende-der-sieger-des-krieges-china-heit/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[AVGWarhawk]

Dave wrote that our doctors was government employees-Which they aren't-This lead me to a counter question:

Where does the American hospitals get their money from ? Running a hospital ain't exactly cheap. Getting the money from ordinary people(Patients) can't fill the gab or can it ?

Markus

Hospitals in the USA are really a business. Their money is received via insurance companies for services rendered. Some folks do not have insurance but get treated. The cost for these folks is passed on to those who are paying health insurance. One of the sticking points of Obamacare.

[mapuc]

Hospitals in the USA are really a business. Their money is received via insurance companies for services rendered. Some folks do not have insurance but get treated. The cost for these folks is passed on to those who are paying health insurance. One of the sticking points of Obamacare.

Thank you, so they aren't getting any monetary support like the Harvard University from the government ?

Markus

[AVGWarhawk]

Thank you, so they aren't getting any monetary support like the Harvard University from the government ?

Markus

Yes, they do get federal aid(usually for the uninsured). Hospitals do accept large(usually to build a new wing) as well.

Good write up on the hospital system in the USA.

https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/4424372-us-hospitals-receive-billions-in-funding-but-where-does-it-actually-go/#:~:text=This%20responsibility%20is%20now%20recogn ized,facilities%20provide%20to%20the%20uninsured.

[August]

Look at all the Euros claiming they don't have socialized health care.

Then why are you paying double the income tax and quadruple the sales tax I wonder? It's not like you're spending it on your military's.

[mapuc]

Look at all the Euros claiming they don't have socialized health care.

Then why are you paying double the income tax and quadruple the sales tax I wonder? It's not like you're spending it on your military's.

You're right we pay way to much taxes and our healthcare system does not work 100 % despite getting billions of Danish Kroner each year from the Regions.

Our elders are getting none eatable food each day despite they pay a salary per month and the retirement home is also getting money from the Regions*

* Regions is below the State and above the municipalities - Their main task is Healthcare and road service(Repair or make new roads etc)

So bottom line-We pay to much taxes when consider what we get for it.

Markus

[Dowly]

Sometime one just has to ripoff the bandage quickly. Trumps first term did in fact bring some manufacturing back to the USA. Then COVID. I'm ok with paying more for a product that will last.But the crux of the issue is that you don't have the manufacturing ready or even planned to even replace the cheaper stuff yet alone your TVs, phones, components and other higher end stuff.


If it remains more cheaper for a company to keep their manufacturing in China even with the tariffs in place then the only one who are going to suffer for it are the american consumers and american small businesses that can't cover the higher import costs.

[AVGWarhawk]

But the crux of the issue is that you don't have the manufacturing ready or even planned to even replace the cheaper stuff yet alone your TVs, phones, components and other higher end stuff.


If it remains more cheaper for a company to keep their manufacturing in China even with the tariffs in place then the only one who are going to suffer for it are the american consumers and american small businesses that can't cover the higher import costs.

On the contrary, there is manufacturing here of electronics and accessories. These manufactures, just as China did, can make these products. The issue is parts are obtained globally. That too needs to change. The USA can no longer throw their hands up and say it can't be done when it can. Certainly it will take time. Sure, some will keep buying the cheap items but I will pay a higher cost for a quality product. I will walk away for items from China and purchase American made. Case and point, I go on vacation and find a pottery shop that make coffee cups, plates and the like. A coffee cup is $35.00. Hand made and locally. I buy it. It lasts me for decades. Yet, I get a coffee cup from China that has printed on it "I love West Virginia" it fades after 3 dishwasher cycles. It now reads "I love V g in a". But I paid $10.00. No thanks. Never again.

I posted a few back that Americans needs to get out of their head the cheap labor and products are the only way. The USA is contributing to sweatshops and poor factory conditions. The USA is supporting a country that does not support much of any climate change initiative. The products are cheap and in the landfill in short order. People do not get the amount of money wasted on poorly made products from China. Not all from China is cheaply made but a majority of it is.

[mapuc]

During the years it has happened that companies with their factory here in Denmark have moved to another country where the cost was cheaper. Many of these companies moved back to Denmark-Reason, was because of bad quality.

Company like Coloplast moved to Hungary(I think it was)After around 2-3 years they moved back to Denmark-The reason was a huge drop in the quality of their medical products.

Markus

[Dargo]

Greenland's foreign minister has said it is seeking deeper cooperation with China and potentially a free trade agreement (https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-china-united-states-free-trade-agreement-independence-denmark-security-2059484)
The art of the deal!

[AVGWarhawk]

Greenland's foreign minister has said it is seeking deeper cooperation with China and potentially a free trade agreement (https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-china-united-states-free-trade-agreement-independence-denmark-security-2059484)
The art of the deal!

God bless those 56,850 people in Greenland. Huge market. Not much of a deal.

[Catfish]

https://www.newsweek.com/multiple-colleges-harvard-fight-trump-admin-2059807

[AVGWarhawk]

https://www.newsweek.com/multiple-colleges-harvard-fight-trump-admin-2059807


Looks like another one losing the cash cow. Good.

[Buddahaid]

Looks like another one losing the cash cow. Good.

Looks like another giving the finger to modern day McCarthyism.

[AVGWarhawk]

Looks like another giving the finger to modern day McCarthyism.

Life ain't fair. We all deal with it.

[Buddahaid]

Life ain't fair. We all deal with it.

Here's the complaint.
https://clearinghouse.net/doc/158540/

https://clearinghouse.net/case/46388/

[AVGWarhawk]

Here's the complaint.
https://clearinghouse.net/doc/158540/

https://clearinghouse.net/case/46388/

Yes, like anyone else, let's file a complaint when the faucet is turned off. Reminds me of my SIL who was cut off of welfare. She was astonished. How could they do such a thing to a able bodied person. Monsters. Maybe Harvard can make up the difference with the well to do doctors they churm out.

[Buddahaid]

Yes, like anyone else, let's file a complaint when the faucet is turned off. Reminds me of my SIL who was cut off of welfare. She was astonished. How could they do such a thing to a able bodied person. Monsters. Maybe Harvard can make up the difference with the well to do doctors they churm out.

The lawyers filing the complaint worked for Trump on other cases.

[u crank]

The Fall of Harvard: How America’s Oldest University Became Its Most Expensive Liability

https://spectator.org/fall-harvard-america-oldest-university-liability/

What was once a training ground for future statesmen and scientists has become a bloated, self-satisfied bureaucracy. Harvard’s leaders now prioritize activism over academics, show greater loyalty to foreign interests than their own government, and are more focused on preserving a brand than protecting the country that created it.

If America is the shining city on a hill, Harvard was meant to be its citadel, the pinnacle of its intellectual promise. It was supposed to train the next generation of American leaders, not roll out the red carpet for adversaries seeking to harm the country from within. While Harvard parades itself as the gatekeeper of progress, it’s quietly mortgaging its soul to the highest bidder, even if that bidder wants to undercut American sovereignty and pilfer advanced research with potential military applications.


This isn’t about punishing one school. It’s about ending a culture of entitlement, a toxic belief that some institutions are simply too historic, too well-connected, or too smug to be held accountable. They’re not. And they shouldn’t be.

[AVGWarhawk]

The Fall of Harvard: How America’s Oldest University Became Its Most Expensive Liability

https://spectator.org/fall-harvard-america-oldest-university-liability/


Beautifully and artfully quoted. Hats off! What institution of higher learning is next?

[Catfish]

Simply beautiful :haha:

https://adfontesmedia.com/american-spectator-bias-and-reliability/

https://www.allsides.com/news-source/american-spectator

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/american-spectator/

[u crank]

Simply beautiful :haha:

https://adfontesmedia.com/american-spectator-bias-and-reliability/

https://www.allsides.com/news-source/american-spectator

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/american-spectator/

So are you suggesting that people on the right should not be allowed to express their opinions? How about addressing the opinion in the article instead of shooting the messenger. I for one would be interested in knowing what you think about the article, or if you even read it.

[Dowly]

On the contrary, there is manufacturing here of electronics and accessories. These manufactures, just as China did, can make these products. The issue is parts are obtained globally. That too needs to change. The USA can no longer throw their hands up and say it can't be done when it can. Certainly it will take time. Sure, some will keep buying the cheap items but I will pay a higher cost for a quality product. I will walk away for items from China and purchase American made. Case and point, I go on vacation and find a pottery shop that make coffee cups, plates and the like. A coffee cup is $35.00. Hand made and locally. I buy it. It lasts me for decades. Yet, I get a coffee cup from China that has printed on it "I love West Virginia" it fades after 3 dishwasher cycles. It now reads "I love V g in a". But I paid $10.00. No thanks. Never again.

I posted a few back that Americans needs to get out of their head the cheap labor and products are the only way. The USA is contributing to sweatshops and poor factory conditions. The USA is supporting a country that does not support much of any climate change initiative. The products are cheap and in the landfill in short order. People do not get the amount of money wasted on poorly made products from China. Not all from China is cheaply made but a majority of it is.


You keep going about the cheap stuff, but that's not the problem that you'll run into with these tariffs. A cheap item that costs $2 to import and is sold at $10 will not see much of an increase in price even after +100% tariff.


Where the American consumers will start hurting is the pricier, low margin stuff. Say a TV costs $500 to import and is then sold at $700. Add +100% tariff on that and suddenly the price of importing raises to $1000 and if the retailer wants to keep the margin the same your new TV now costs $1300+. You can apply this to nearly all of the higher end stuff since they often are sold at low margins.

[AVGWarhawk]

You keep going about the cheap stuff, but that's not the problem that you'll run into with these tariffs. A cheap item that costs $2 to import and is sold at $10 will not see much of an increase in price even after +100% tariff.


Where the American consumers will start hurting is the pricier, low margin stuff. Say a TV costs $500 to import and is then sold at $700. Add +100% tariff on that and suddenly the price of importing raises to $1000 and if the retailer wants to keep the margin the same your new TV now costs $1300+. You can apply this to nearly all of the higher end stuff since they often are sold at low margins.

Just today I read an article concerning a snipping tool. Klein to be exact. Purchasers who use snipping tools daily found that Lowes(garden center store) is selling Klein Tools that are now made in China. These snips were made in the USA. The uproar in the comments concerning cheap crap from China was many. The upset of Klein going to China to manufacture subpar tools at a cheaper price. These people WILL pay for the higher price for a quality tool. These same people have the same mindset to pay more for quality anything.

I will pay for a product that will last. I have a big problem paying for a product that I need to purchase a second one in a short time. I purchased appliance bulbs from China(true story). The box came with 2 bulbs. $5 USD. The first bulb lasted 2 weeks. It actually cracked off the base where it screws into the socket. I replace with the second bulb in the box. Hopefully it last more than 2 weeks. If not, I'm going to have to drop another $5 USD for 2 more bulbs. I will be into this junk from China for $10 USD plus my time to replace bulbs and ordering new ones. I'd rather pay $10 USD up front for a bulb for a quality bulb(1 one) that will last for a year or more.

[AVGWarhawk]

For those that think China is on the up and up with the world.


China Will Have Trouble Cashing In on Trump's Global Trade War

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/china-will-have-trouble-cashing-in-on-trump-s-global-trade-war/ar-AA1CXPgo?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&cvid=934fd5f3655643449e2f3d4f730c8ed0&PC=EMMX01

China now faces a delicate task. It must show the Trump administration that it has the determination and the tools to punish the U.S. in any confrontation. It must also demonstrate to the rest of the world, but especially to the EU and its neighbors, that it will play a stabilizing and accommodating role. Beijing doesn't want to just survive this trade war with Washington. It wants to use it to demonstrate that the U.S. is an unreliable and capricious partner. The Trump administration is taking many steps to erode global trust in U.S. leadership, but China needs to signal to the world left trapped between the two economic giants that it can bridge the gap left by U.S. withdrawal.

This will be difficult for two reasons. First, China has already used the tools it will deploy against the U.S. to punish other trading partners. Beijing itself has a long history of using economic coercion to respond to what it sees as geopolitical slights, including in recent years against the Philippines, South Korea, Australia and Lithuania. Every other country will be watching the retaliatory spiral between China and the U.S., in no small part to observe their own vulnerabilities to the measures taken by both countries. Japan well remembers China's brief ban on rare earth minerals in 2010, which changed how Japanese companies stock these materials. Vietnam has long clashed with China over their overlapping claims in the South China Sea, suffering retaliation on some of its main exports to China as a result.

The second difficulty stems from the current U.S. strategy, which now seems set on forcing major economies to choose between the U.S. and China. Take, for example, the Vietnam-China economic relationship. Vietnam is China's fourth-largest trading partner, while China is Vietnam's largest, in large part because of how integrated Vietnam's economy is into Chinese supply chains. Vietnam was one of the major beneficiaries of the first U.S.-China trade war in 2018, as companies-many of them Chinese-relocated production there to take advantage of lower tariffs for finished goods. If the U.S. negotiates a deal with Vietnam that requires eliminating China from its supply chains, what will China be able to offer Vietnam that is more attractive when China's own domestic consumption is so weak? Is there enough complementarity between China and Vietnam without the U.S. consumer at the end of their supply chain?

For countries in Europe, China's challenge is different but equally difficult. The EU is the most likely destination for Chinese exports that would have gone to the U.S. but are no longer competitive there because of Trump's tariffs. How will China provide assurances that greater dependency on China will not lead to further deindustrialization in Europe? One attractive option for the EU is for China to export its manufacturing, rather than its manufactured goods. Chinese companies could build factories across Europe, boosting local employment and perhaps even innovation in sectors where Chinese companies outperform their European counterparts, such as robotics, EVs and aspects of clean energy. Some of these plans are in the works. The rub here is that Xi wants China to maintain its position as the workshop of the world and to upgrade that workshop even further, into advanced semiconductors and aviation. Xi may see this offshoring solution as detrimental to his long-term vision of China's future. Facing high rates of youth unemployment, as well, it may not be politically easy for China to begin its own offshoring wave.

China may have a historic opportunity to capitalize on the chaos and uncertainty emanating out of D.C. right now. Open resistance to Trump's agenda is increasing in the U.S. among business leaders buffeted by uncertainty and unstable markets, so time is limited. But China may be hamstrung by its own record of economic coercion in the past as well as its inability to offer anything that replaces Washington's fundamental competitive advantage: the U.S. consumer.

[Catfish]

So are you suggesting that people on the right should not be allowed to express their opinions?
Where did i suggest that? I took my liberty to express what I think of this article, which I had indeed the misfortune to read.
Just yesterday I read about Trump's anti science politics and hear about it in the radio. If you like to destroy science and independent research you of course have the liberty to express it.
Using fox news, the spectator or the american stinker for evidence or proving your point though will not change my opinion, from the article's ridiculous accusations of treachery to kissing Trump's behind. Bad for Columbia university already, but maybe the Atlas of science may indeed shrug in the coming months.

[u crank]

Where did i suggest that? I took my liberty to express what I think of this article, which I had indeed the misfortune to read.
Just yesterday I read about Trump's anti science politics and hear about it in the radio. If you like to destroy science and independent research you of course have the liberty to express it.
Using fox news, the spectator or the american stinker for evidence or proving your point though will not change my opinion, from the article's ridiculous accusations of treachery to kissing Trump's behind. Bad for Columbia university already, but maybe the Atlas of science may indeed shrug in the coming months.

Questions for you. Did Harvard use race as a factor in their admission policies? Answer yes. It took a ruling by the Supreme Court in June 2023 to stop that practice. Did Harvard allow anti Semitic speech and demonstrations on their campus. Again the answer is yes. Whether you like it or not this is what all of this is about. America's preeminent university was willfully disobeying the Civil Rights act and other laws and are now being brought to task for it. And they seem quite unrepentant about it. They are getting what they deserve. What do you think of that kind of disregard for well established laws about race?

[Buddahaid]

Questions for you. Did Harvard use race as a factor in their admission policies? Answer yes. It took a ruling by the Supreme Court in June 2023 to stop that practice. Did Harvard allow anti Semitic speech and demonstrations on their campus. Again the answer is yes. Whether you like it or not this is what all of this is about. America's preeminent university was willfully disobeying the Civil Rights act and other laws and are now being brought to task for it. And they seem quite unrepentant about it. They are getting what they deserve. What do you think of that kind of disregard for well established laws about race?

Here's what's in the complaint and what they think of it.
https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.283315/gov.uscourts.mad.283315.1.0.pdf

And all the filings.
https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69881741/american-association-of-university-professors-harvard-faculty-chapter-v/

"NATURE OF ACTION
1. This action challenges the Trump administration’s unlawful and unprecedented misuse of federal funding and civil rights enforcement authority to undermine academic freedom and free speech on a university campus.

2. On March 31, 2025, Defendants announced an investigation of Harvard University for asserted but unspecified failures to address antisemitism. Three days later, on April 3, Defendants concluded from that investigation that Harvard must adopt a list of vague yet sweeping programmatic and structural changes to university management, operations, and curriculum. Defendants described these changes as “non-exhaustive” preconditions for Harvard “to remain a responsible recipient of federal taxpayer dollars” valued at approximately $9 billion.

3. Harvard, like all American universities, depends on federal funding to conduct its academic research. Threats like these are an existential “gun to the head” for a university. Nat’l Fed’n of Indep. Bus. v. Sebelius, 567 U.S. 519, 581 (2012). They also hold hostage billions of dollars in congressional appropriations that are crucial to ensuring the American university system
remains a global leader in scientific, medical, and technological research.

4. Defendants claim they are enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act—the antidiscrimination law covering institutions that receive federal funds—but their disregard for the statute’s requirements belie that claim. Under Title VI and its implementing regulations, the government may accelerate an investigation to the stage of terminating funding only after complying with
several specific steps: issuing findings of noncompliance; making an effort to obtain voluntary compliance and determining that voluntary compliance is impossible; giving notice to both the university and Congress; providing a hearing; and ensuring that any changes demanded as a condition
of avoiding termination are tailored to the findings of noncompliance. 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. These procedures exist because Congress recognized that allowing federal agencies to hold funding hostage, or to cancel it cavalierly, would give them dangerously broad power in a system in which
institutions depend so heavily upon federal funding.

5. Defendants have not followed any of these procedures. Instead, Defendants summarily threatened to terminate at least $255.6 million in federal funding between Harvard University, its affiliates, and the federal government and to hold over $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments to Harvard University and its affiliates under review, all without any meaningful process or any specific finding of wrongdoing, unless Harvard immediately agrees to implement the Trump administration’s demands to overhaul the University’s governance and leadership, academic programs, admissions system, hiring process, and discipline system—with the promise of more demands to come. These sweeping yet indeterminate demands are not remedies targeting the causes of any determination of noncompliance with federal law. Instead, they overtly seek to impose on Harvard University political views and policy preferences advanced by the Trump administration
and commit the University to punishing disfavored speech.

6. These tactics amount to exploiting Title VI to coerce universities into undermining free speech and academic inquiry in service of the government’s political or policy preferences. Just last year the Supreme Court unanimously held such coercion to be unconstitutional. See Nat’l Rifle Ass’n of Am. v. Vullo, 602 U.S. 175, 190 (2024).

7. Their actions against Harvard follow a playbook that has already succeeded in undermining free speech and academic freedom in America. Last month, Defendants launched a similar investigation into Columbia University and, shortly thereafter, summarily terminated over $400
million in federal contracts while threatening billions more. Under immense financial pressure, Columbia acceded to the Trump administration’s demands. A remarkable component of that concession was Columbia’s agreement to “[e]xpand[] … intellectual diversity” as defined by the Trump
administration, alter its procedures for hiring faculty and disciplining students according to the administration’s policy preference, and place an entire academic department under the control of a receiver without any formal finding of misconduct. Despite its voluntary cooperation, as of April
10, the Trump administration has been reported to be seeking further demands from Columbia in the form of a consent decree and the NIH has further frozen all Columbia’s grant funding without
any notice. In recent days, the Trump administration has also frozen over $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University, with an even more shocking lack of process, not even purporting to issue communications providing notice under Title VI or any
other legal authority.

8. Defendants’ unlawful actions have already caused severe and irreparable harm by halting academic research and inquiry at Harvard, including in areas that have no relation whatsoever to charges of antisemitism or other civil rights violations. Defendants’ actions also create, by design, a pervasive climate of fear and self-censorship for Plaintiffs and their members.

9. “Our Nation is deeply committed to safeguarding academic freedom, which is of transcendent value to all of us and ... is therefore a special concern of the First Amendment.” Keyishian v. Bd. of Regents of Univ. of State of N.Y., 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967). “To impose any strait jacket upon the intellectual leaders in our colleges and universities would imperil the future of our Nation.” Sweezy v. New Hampshire, 354 U.S. 234, 250 (1957). Our country’s greatness depends in meaningful part upon the continued independence and intellectual freedom of its universities and colleges. The Court should act to ensure free speech and academic freedom by enjoining Defendants’ acts and declaring them unlawful."

[AVGWarhawk]

Here's what's in the complaint and what they think of it.
https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.283315/gov.uscourts.mad.283315.1.0.pdf

And all the filings.
https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69881741/american-association-of-university-professors-harvard-faculty-chapter-v/

"NATURE OF ACTION
1. This action challenges the Trump administration’s unlawful and unprecedented misuse of federal funding and civil rights enforcement authority to undermine academic freedom and free speech on a university campus.

2. On March 31, 2025, Defendants announced an investigation of Harvard University for asserted but unspecified failures to address antisemitism. Three days later, on April 3, Defendants concluded from that investigation that Harvard must adopt a list of vague yet sweeping programmatic and structural changes to university management, operations, and curriculum. Defendants described these changes as “non-exhaustive” preconditions for Harvard “to remain a responsible recipient of federal taxpayer dollars” valued at approximately $9 billion.

3. Harvard, like all American universities, depends on federal funding to conduct its academic research. Threats like these are an existential “gun to the head” for a university. Nat’l Fed’n of Indep. Bus. v. Sebelius, 567 U.S. 519, 581 (2012). They also hold hostage billions of dollars in congressional appropriations that are crucial to ensuring the American university system
remains a global leader in scientific, medical, and technological research.

4. Defendants claim they are enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act—the antidiscrimination law covering institutions that receive federal funds—but their disregard for the statute’s requirements belie that claim. Under Title VI and its implementing regulations, the government may accelerate an investigation to the stage of terminating funding only after complying with
several specific steps: issuing findings of noncompliance; making an effort to obtain voluntary compliance and determining that voluntary compliance is impossible; giving notice to both the university and Congress; providing a hearing; and ensuring that any changes demanded as a condition
of avoiding termination are tailored to the findings of noncompliance. 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. These procedures exist because Congress recognized that allowing federal agencies to hold funding hostage, or to cancel it cavalierly, would give them dangerously broad power in a system in which
institutions depend so heavily upon federal funding.

5. Defendants have not followed any of these procedures. Instead, Defendants summarily threatened to terminate at least $255.6 million in federal funding between Harvard University, its affiliates, and the federal government and to hold over $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments to Harvard University and its affiliates under review, all without any meaningful process or any specific finding of wrongdoing, unless Harvard immediately agrees to implement the Trump administration’s demands to overhaul the University’s governance and leadership, academic programs, admissions system, hiring process, and discipline system—with the promise of more demands to come. These sweeping yet indeterminate demands are not remedies targeting the causes of any determination of noncompliance with federal law. Instead, they overtly seek to impose on Harvard University political views and policy preferences advanced by the Trump administration
and commit the University to punishing disfavored speech.

6. These tactics amount to exploiting Title VI to coerce universities into undermining free speech and academic inquiry in service of the government’s political or policy preferences. Just last year the Supreme Court unanimously held such coercion to be unconstitutional. See Nat’l Rifle Ass’n of Am. v. Vullo, 602 U.S. 175, 190 (2024).

7. Their actions against Harvard follow a playbook that has already succeeded in undermining free speech and academic freedom in America. Last month, Defendants launched a similar investigation into Columbia University and, shortly thereafter, summarily terminated over $400
million in federal contracts while threatening billions more. Under immense financial pressure, Columbia acceded to the Trump administration’s demands. A remarkable component of that concession was Columbia’s agreement to “[e]xpand[] … intellectual diversity” as defined by the Trump
administration, alter its procedures for hiring faculty and disciplining students according to the administration’s policy preference, and place an entire academic department under the control of a receiver without any formal finding of misconduct. Despite its voluntary cooperation, as of April
10, the Trump administration has been reported to be seeking further demands from Columbia in the form of a consent decree and the NIH has further frozen all Columbia’s grant funding without
any notice. In recent days, the Trump administration has also frozen over $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University, with an even more shocking lack of process, not even purporting to issue communications providing notice under Title VI or any
other legal authority.

8. Defendants’ unlawful actions have already caused severe and irreparable harm by halting academic research and inquiry at Harvard, including in areas that have no relation whatsoever to charges of antisemitism or other civil rights violations. Defendants’ actions also create, by design, a pervasive climate of fear and self-censorship for Plaintiffs and their members.

9. “Our Nation is deeply committed to safeguarding academic freedom, which is of transcendent value to all of us and ... is therefore a special concern of the First Amendment.” Keyishian v. Bd. of Regents of Univ. of State of N.Y., 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967). “To impose any strait jacket upon the intellectual leaders in our colleges and universities would imperil the future of our Nation.” Sweezy v. New Hampshire, 354 U.S. 234, 250 (1957). Our country’s greatness depends in meaningful part upon the continued independence and intellectual freedom of its universities and colleges. The Court should act to ensure free speech and academic freedom by enjoining Defendants’ acts and declaring them unlawful."

This is all very nice and such, is it written anywhere that the federal government continue to dump money into Harvard indefinitely? This is an entitlement?

[Dargo]

That cheap stuff with the new consumer tax of 145% becomes a lot more expensive for consumers. Problem solved for you.

[AVGWarhawk]

That cheap stuff with the new consumer tax of 145% becomes a lot more expensive for consumers. Problem solved for you.

:Kaleun_Applaud:

[mapuc]

It looks like you have a dilemma
First, you have your 1st Amendment(free speech)
Second, you are not allowed to raise your voice if it contain antisemitisk stuff.

Markus

[AVGWarhawk]

It looks like you have a dilemma
First, you have your 1st Amendment(free speech)
Second, you are not allowed to raise your voice if it contain antisemitisk stuff.

Markus

Sometimes it is viewed at a hate crime(freedom is scary in the USA. We deal with it).

[Dargo]

Trump has just announced a new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports. The art of stupidity continues and... XI will not call Trump back even when it becomes a 1000%. I have heard of having the blues, but this is ridiculous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyXkxo781lA

[AVGWarhawk]

Trump has just announced a new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports. The art of stupidity continues and... XI will not call Trump back even when it becomes a 1000%. I have heard of having the blues, but this is ridiculous.


Hey, we agree on something!!!! This is getting ridiculous.

[Catfish]

Questions for you. Did Harvard use race as a factor in their admission policies? Answer yes.
Really?
"Does Harvard consider race in admissions?
As our admissions committee members review applications, it is incumbent on our staff to comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court in which we cannot consider race/ethnicity in our review of applications."

"Is it easier for minorities to get into Harvard?
At Harvard, an Asian candidate in the eighth highest academic decile had 5.1% chance of admittance, compared to 7.5% for white, 22.9% for Hispanic, and 44.5% for black applicants, per the brief. 29.06.2023"

They also do not seem to make it exactly easier for minorities, it rather depends whether the applicant can afford Harvard. Of course as a private university selling education for the rich, they can charge what they want.

Regarding government intervention the antisemitic demonstrations are still an expression of free speech as long, after all it is not ok by Netanyahou to steamroll and kill whole civilian houses and blocks, let alone what Israel does and did in areas that do not belong to Israel, since decades. While I condemn the "activities" of the HAMAS, the whole situation in the middle east is a mess, there is no easy right or wrong anymore.

Using antisemitic paroles to disallow universities to block gay, transgender or whatever to access education looks like a pretext. Like it or not, those are also people with rights.

[Commander Wallace]

Regarding government intervention the antisemitic demonstrations are still an expression of free speech as long, after all it is not ok by Netanyahou to steamroll and kill whole civilian houses and blocks, let alone what Israel does and did in areas that do not belong to Israel, since decades. While I condemn the "activities" of the HAMAS, the whole situation in the middle east is a mess, there is no easy right or wrong anymore.

Using antisemitic paroles to disallow universities to block gay, transgender or whatever to access education looks like a pretext. Like it or not, those are also people with rights.

They most certainly Are Not examples of freedom of expression. When you have individuals calling for violence against other students, Intervention is warranted. This is the same situation with Columbia University. Palestinian demonstrators and sympathizers were interfering in the learning process of other students. They were also threatening them with violence. If you are in this Country on a visa or applying for citizenship, leave your politics and hatred in your own Country or remain there.

It's very simple, If you are in the U.S on a student Visa, abide by the rules of the host country. In this case, the U.S. If Harvard allows racism to exist in it's Institution, then funding should cease. I have no Idea why Harvard is being subsidized by the Government anyway. With regards to transgender Individuals, I have no problems with them at all, unless they try to make their problems and Issues our problem.

I can't see other Countries allowing foreigners to dictate the rules and regulations in their Countries. The U.S will no longer allow foreigners to disrupt Education or Society and it's Infrastructure in this Country.

[Dargo]

More from the stupidity front:
JD Vance: The UK could become the first Islamist country to get a nuclear weapon.
Ever heard of Pakistan?
https://i.ibb.co/Md1Y2DJ/cantfixstupid.gif (https://imgbb.com/)

[u crank]

Really?
Does Harvard consider race in admissions?

Apparently they do.

Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students_for_Fair_Admissions_v._Harvard

Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023), is a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court ruling that race-based affirmative action programs in most college admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

In 2013, Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) sued Harvard University in U.S. District Court in Boston, alleging that the university's undergraduate admission practices violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating against Asian Americans.

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Harvard that, by a vote of 6–2, reversed the lower court ruling. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts held that affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional.

[Catfish]

^ Ok, looks like it alright. :hmmm:

[Skybird]

https://youtu.be/T-khzUcvHDw?si=BeGaBkzPhi4thunA

[AVGWarhawk]

https://youtu.be/T-khzUcvHDw?si=BeGaBkzPhi4thunA

He is back in Delaware now.

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nenN_wAzut0

[AVGWarhawk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nenN_wAzut0

I live in MD. Von Hollen only did this for political purposes. He has spent more time on this than the Rachel Morin case were an illegal raped and killed her. Von Hollen is a douche bag. Further, we come to learn this person has not one but two restraining orders his wife initiated due to violence. Yet, she is on TV claiming what a great husband he is. Also, he is here illegally. So there is that. A Go Fund Me has been started. We are being taken for a ride on this one.

Not to mention the claim he is a great father. So was Osama bin Laden.

As a side note, Von Hollen voted NO on the Laken Riley Act. The forever democratic state of MD. Now run by a overly progressive governor who pissed his way through a 5 billion dollar surplus in under a year leaving a 3.2 billion dollar deficit this year. He just raised taxes and fees like it was nothing.

EDIT: to add in my findings from PG County Police, he was picked up twice while associating with MS13 gang members. Unless you are one of them you do not associate with MS13. A CI advise the police he was part of MS13. They claim the judge in this case erred in believing the CI had a valid claim. Ask yourself, did the CI have any skin in the game to lie about this? Doubtful. At the end of the day, he was here illegally. He as having run in with the law, violence with his wife and associating with MS 13 gang members.

[VipertheSniper]

I live in MD. Von Hollen only did this for political purposes. He has spent more time on this than the Rachel Morin case were an illegal raped and killed her. Von Hollen is a douche bag. Further, we come to learn this person has not one but two restraining orders his wife initiated due to violence. Yet, she is on TV claiming what a great husband he is. Also, he is here illegally. So there is that. A Go Fund Me has been started. We are being taken for a ride on this one.

Not to mention the claim he is a great father. So was Osama bin Laden.

As a side note, Von Hollen voted NO on the Laken Riley Act. The forever democratic state of MD. Now run by a overly progressive governor who pissed his way through a 5 billion dollar surplus in under a year leaving a 3.2 billion dollar deficit this year. He just raised taxes and fees like it was nothing.

EDIT: to add in my findings from PG County Police, he was picked up twice while associating with MS13 gang members. Unless you are one of them you do not associate with MS13. A CI advise the police he was part of MS13. They claim the judge in this case erred in believing the CI had a valid claim. Ask yourself, did the CI have any skin in the game to lie about this? Doubtful. At the end of the day, he was here illegally. He as having run in with the law, violence with his wife and associating with MS 13 gang members.

Whatever you think of Abrego Kilmar Garcia, and to be clear, at this point I wouldn't believe anything that comes from this adminstration about him, outside of a courtroom under oath, I just hope you'll never have to avail yourself of due process against the government if this BS is allowed to stand, because you'll have none.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400.8.0.pdf

[Buddahaid]

Whatever you think of Abrego Kilmar Garcia, and to be clear, at this point I wouldn't believe anything that comes from this adminstration about him, outside of a courtroom under oath, I just hope you'll never have to avail yourself of due process against the government if this BS is allowed to stand, because you'll have none.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400.8.0.pdf

Yep. Knock off the BS and due your Article II Section 3 constitutional duty.

"he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed"

[AVGWarhawk]

Whatever you think of Abrego Kilmar Garcia, and to be clear, at this point I wouldn't believe anything that comes from this adminstration about him, outside of a courtroom under oath, I just hope you'll never have to avail yourself of due process against the government if this BS is allowed to stand, because you'll have none.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400/gov.uscourts.ca4.178400.8.0.pdf

The police files have nothing to do with this administration.

[August]

The police files have nothing to do with this administration.


They don't care. Chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome makes them ignore such distinctions. He's an illegal alien whom US courts have twice ordered to be deported. Whether he has gang ties or not, and it sure looks like he does, he should have been kicked out of this country long ago.

[VipertheSniper]

They don't care. Chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome makes them ignore such distinctions. He's an illegal alien whom US courts have twice ordered to be deported. Whether he has gang ties or not, and it sure looks like he does, he should have been kicked out of this country long ago.

His research stopped at the first convenient thing confirming what the government has told about Kilmar Abrego Garcia again and again. That these accusations and the rather flimsy evidence was actually ruled on and he was released without bond because he posed no threat? Crickets.

They all swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution, the courts have powers under the same, so when the executive ignores what a court orders them to do, i.e. something that is in the power of the courts under the constitution, because they don't like it, they are violating the constitution.

How you refuse to see how bad that is, just because here the subject of the case is an illegal immigrant and you'd rather not have him in the USA, is quite telling.

If they are allowed to get away with this, the will get away with everything.

[Skybird]

[FOCUS] The global economy isn't waiting for salvation these days, but for crucifixion. If Trump doesn't end his tariff madness, a global flood of profit warnings threatens.

The day before Easter is completely unsuitable for speaking uncomfortable truths. We are all waiting for salvation and resurrection, not political gloom and an economic hellish journey.

And yet it must be said. Because no one who speaks confidentially with major investors and corporate leaders these days can escape the Socrates phrase "I know that I know nothing." All decision-makers know what you should also know: The worst is yet to come.

The reason: Donald Trump's policies are influencing the business plans of all globally operating companies, as the previous assumptions in business plans about supply chains, growth figures, consumer behavior, and especially prices (both purchasing and selling prices) have become obsolete. Unless Trump unexpectedly calls off his war on globalization, a flood of profit warnings will soon follow, shaking the capital market, dampening consumer confidence, and straining banks' loan books.

Why this is an automatic process: The profit warning is a projection mandated by law intended to protect all investors from unpleasant surprises. Even if the profit warning itself comes as a surprise to most small investors and many employees.

Who decides: Every listed company has a so-called 'ad hoc committee' – which always includes the CFO. Decisions are made there based on input from the audit committee chair and the auditors. The fear of investor lawsuits is on everyone's mind.

Why the flood of profit warnings hasn't materialized so far: CEOs are well aware, thanks to their CFOs, that the old plans will not hold up. But these same CFOs can't present new certainty instead of the old clarity, which is why they calculate in scenarios.

The fact is: The world is currently eluding predictability. These scenarios – financial experts call them "forecasts" – are nevertheless the preparatory work for the "profit warning."

Grace period: CFOs and ad hoc committees are still waiting. The irony of the story: Through his erratic decisions, the US president, who handles tariffs like sticks of dynamite, is making it easy for those involved to postpone profit warnings. Trump could still decide to reverse course.

CFOs are hesitating, perhaps with the ulterior motive of allowing fund managers and other large investors to quietly withdraw from the stock. Cash positions are currently being built everywhere. Because once the Bloomberg Terminal is flooded with profit warnings, the herd instinct of the capital market is likely to cause enormous price losses. No one wants to give the starting signal for a "race to the bottom" at the moment.

Trump's tariff policy – ​​this is the core of the fear – is changing the game of globalization to date. Trump isn't doing this by accident, but intentionally: He wants to bring about a reallocation of capital flows by repricing import and export flows. The rerouting of supply chains – with all its implicit consequences for business development – ​​is his goal. Therefore, no export-oriented company can escape the consequences of this policy.

The price changes we are already seeing in the markets are the storm birds warning of the storm:

Dollar meltdown: The US currency has lost almost eight percent of its value against the euro since the beginning of March and almost nine percent against the Swiss franc.

Gold rush: Investors – including many central banks – are bringing their reserves to safety. Gold (up 24 percent since the beginning of the year) acts as a store of value in times of uncertainty.

Globalization discount: Companies that owe their market position primarily to diversified supply chains and free trade have experienced a retreat from investors since Trump's first tariff announcement in early February. Apple down 15 percent; Tesla down 36 percent; Adidas down 13 percent.

Tech crunch: US chipmaker Nvidia expects high costs due to export restrictions, which it reports at $5.5 billion in the first quarter alone. Its share price has lost nearly 30 percent of its value since Trump took office.

The global economy isn't waiting for salvation these days, but for crucifixion.

Conclusion: The emerging crisis, which is likely to spill over from the capital markets to the real economy, is the most predictable in recent world history. The resurrection will follow—this is also the comforting aspect of this Easter story of 2025—but only later. The global economy isn't waiting for salvation these days, but for crucifixion. The new Pontius Pilate looks like Donald Trump.

[AVGWarhawk]

His research stopped at the first convenient thing confirming what the government has told about Kilmar Abrego Garcia again and again. That these accusations and the rather flimsy evidence was actually ruled on and he was released without bond because he posed no threat? Crickets.

They all swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution, the courts have powers under the same, so when the executive ignores what a court orders them to do, i.e. something that is in the power of the courts under the constitution, because they don't like it, they are violating the constitution.

How you refuse to see how bad that is, just because here the subject of the case is an illegal immigrant and you'd rather not have him in the USA, is quite telling.

If they are allowed to get away with this, the will get away with everything.

What part of illegally in the USA do you fail to recognize? Not an accusation. That's just for starters. My research is the actual documents from the PG County police. You may.find them with a Google search. Nothing cherry picked. I needed to go no further into what church he attended.

He has ample time to go though the proper channels to citizenship. He didn't and that is in him. He was picked up twice by the police. Released both time. Still didn't bother to work towards citizenship. When does one take the responsibility for not doing what is required?

Might bit confused here. He is told as being in maximum security prison. Vin Hollen did meet him. He appeared to be at a restaurant wearing a nice shirt and KC baseball cap. What gives?

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6j7jjpgy6o

Idiot!!!! Von Hollen mets wrong person.


https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/md-senator-meets-wrongly-deported-md-man

[Buddahaid]

Idiot!!!! Von Hollen mets wrong person.


https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/md-senator-meets-wrongly-deported-md-man

Read it again.

[AVGWarhawk]

Read it again.

DOH! Reading is fundamental!

[Ostfriese]

You would care if Kilmar didn't have brown skin.

[August]

...the subject of the case is an illegal immigrant


End of story right there. Every one of them ought to be sent back to wherever they came from.

[Commander Wallace]

You would care if Kilmar didn't have brown skin.


I''m getting so tired of your racist comments and propaganda. I''m sure most everyone else in the U.S feels like I do. Your time and efforts would be much better spent with fixing your own Country's problems. We all know you have enough of them.

They don't care. Chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome makes them ignore such distinctions. He's an illegal alien whom US courts have twice ordered to be deported. Whether he has gang ties or not, and it sure looks like he does, he should have been kicked out of this country long ago.

End of story right there. Every one of them ought to be sent back to wherever they came from.


That's the basis for the argument in and of itself. AVG Warhawk made some valid points as well.The vast majority of the Electorate of America voted. We want these criminals and those who do nothing but overwhelm our Country, It's Schools and Health Systems out of here. We couldn't care less what the rest of the Liberal World Thinks. We run this Country, not you. Worry about your own Countries in Europe and what you will do without the U.S propping you up. It seems the only ones in Europe that understand these Issues are the U.K and France.

[ET2SN]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvRF9S_5tTI

:smug:

Remember, it isn't a problem until its YOUR turn. :yep:

[VipertheSniper]

if this admin didn't have such a raging boner to put their cruelty towards illegal immigrants on full display to intimidate other migrants, none of this would've happened though.
Had they followed the TRO by Boasberg and called the planes back, they would've gotten the TRO overturned on appeal, the due process rights of the incarcerated to challenge their deportation under the Aliens Enemies Act would've been established. That Abrego Garcia was not to be deported to El Salvador would've surely come up. Maybe he would've been deported somewhere else, but he wouldn't be in a camp in country where he was not supposed to be sent.

Instead now you have the executive branch thumbing their noses at SCOTUS.

[Commander Wallace]

if this admin didn't have such a raging boner to put their cruelty towards illegal immigrants on full display to intimidate other migrants, none of this would've happened though.
Had they followed the TRO by Boas berg and called the planes back, they would've gotten the TRO overturned on appeal, the due process rights of the incarcerated to challenge their deportation under the Aliens Enemies Act would've been established. That Abrego Garcia was not to be deported to El Salvador would've surely come up. Maybe he would've been deported somewhere else, but he wouldn't be in a camp in country where he was not supposed to be sent.

Instead now you have the executive branch thumbing their noses at SCOTUS.


Watch your language. :nope: Where do you come up with Cruelty ? You said it yourself, they are here in the U.S Illegally. We don't want them here. End of Story. These Illegals were never vetted. It's simple, we in the U.S REFUSE to be financially responsible for them. Further, they have no respect for our Country or it's laws but they want to here to rape and victimize our people. Garcia is from El Salvador and he is back where he belongs. Further, Garcia is a criminal and piece of garbage gang member. Since he is in the U.S Illegally, he has little to no rights here. End of story.

As far as Liberal Judge Boasberg, you need to learn we have three branches of Government. Legislative, Judicial and Executive. Trump represents the Executive branch of the U.S Government. Trump is responsible for formulating policies to protect this Country. Trump is doing what WE elected him to do. Boasberg does not formulate our foreign and domestic policies and needs to learn his place - and limitations. Further, Boasberg has no authority over a sovereign Country like El Salvador and it's indigenous citizens.

If you like them so much, we can arrange to ship them to you and they can then destroy your Country.

[AVGWarhawk]

Sigh ....



"The report details the traffic stop encounter that led law enforcement officers to suspect Abrego Garcia of involvement in human trafficking. The documents also reveal that law enforcement confirmed Abrego Garcia to be a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member. "

Picked up by the cops 3 times or possibly more. He is here making trouble and being even less of a good citizen and dad that is claimed.


https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/04/18/dhs-releases-bombshell-investigative-report-kilmar-abrego-garcia-suspected-human

[Dargo]

France has overtaken Germany as Europe’s top destination for asylum seekers. During the first quarter of 2025, France registered more than 40,000 applications, just above Spain (39,318) and Germany (37,387). The truth is that Britain and France are both seen as soft touches by the migrants and the gangs who smuggle them into their countries. Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Italy have all shown that with determination and a coherent plan it is possible to reduce illegal immigration and asylum applications.

Instead of following the example of Denmark, the governments of Britain and France cobble together agreements that are rarely worth the paper they’re written on. In March 2023, Rishi Sunak and Macron met in Paris and, amid much fanfare, announced an ‘entente’ that would put an end to the scourge of small boats crossing the Channel. The scheme involved Britain handing France £480 million. Nearly 9,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, a 42 % increase on the same period in 2024. Perhaps Britain should ask Macron for its money back.

[AVGWarhawk]

if this admin didn't have such a raging boner to put their cruelty towards illegal immigrants on full display to intimidate other migrants, none of this would've happened though.
Had they followed the TRO by Boasberg and called the planes back, they would've gotten the TRO overturned on appeal, the due process rights of the incarcerated to challenge their deportation under the Aliens Enemies Act would've been established. That Abrego Garcia was not to be deported to El Salvador would've surely come up. Maybe he would've been deported somewhere else, but he wouldn't be in a camp in country where he was not supposed to be sent.

Instead now you have the executive branch thumbing their noses at SCOTUS.

Much better keeping are heads in the sand. What cruelty do you want to discuss?

ICE arrests 171 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during nation-wide law enforcement effort. This was in the last 12 months. The list goes on.

Rachel Morin, raped and killed by an illegal immigrant. Charged and convicted this week. Would you like to discuss the cruelty to her 5 children? Her murder was ignored by Von Hollen who has a boner for a criminal.

Stop with the victim mentality. It does not sit well with families of murdered, raped and beaten by illegal immigrants.

[August]

...but he wouldn't be in a camp in country where he was not supposed to be sent.


His own country which he should have been sent back to long ago.

[Skybird]

America is a very strong trading power - but not as strong as it thinks it is. And it is absolutely not invincible for China.

Similarly, America is also a very strong military power, the strongest in the world. But here, too, it is not as strong as it thinks it is. Above all, people in America do not currently understand what makes America strong: namely a network of allies that provide bases for operations and logistics hubs globally, to an extent that neither Russia nor China can boast. The disadvantage is that the American armed forces cover the entire planet and are therefore overstretched due to this large playing field.

Trump hasn't got a clue about any of this. To be clear, I think driving the tariffs up to make Chia pay for its constant violation of copyright protection and unfair trade practices is okay, I follow until here: confronting Chinas we should. But not in this dilletantic and self-damaging fashion! He is messing with China, although China is much better prepared financially than the USA is, and at the same time he is pissing off trading partners and allies, and driving both China and former allies towards each other. The trade conflict with China also has the potential to devolve into a hot war, in which Wahsington has only the opportunity to drive the price of China's victory and eventual conquest or destruction of Taiwan without being able to realistically demonstrate how they think they can win such a war. And as a side-effect, Trump destroys the global role of the dollar, one of America's most valuable strategic weapons. As a result, we currently see the biggest exodus of money from the US I have ever red or heard of. Capital currently flees from America. In unimaginable amounts.

In other words, everything Trump tackles - fails, and weakens America, and does the opposite of what he claims.

Idiot. :haha: Probably the biggest political idiot since - well, since a damn very long time anyway.

https://www-faz-net.translate.goog/aktuell/wirtschaft/handelskrieg-mit-china-usa-ist-nicht-so-maechtig-wie-donald-trump-glaubt-110427457.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[Gorpet]

America is a very strong trading power - but not as strong as it thinks it is. And it is absolutely not invincible for China.

Similarly, America is also a very strong military power, the strongest in the world. But here, too, it is not as strong as it thinks it is. Above all, people in America do not currently understand what makes America strong: namely a network of allies that provide bases for operations and logistics hubs globally, to an extent that neither Russia nor China can boast. The disadvantage is that the American armed forces cover the entire planet and are therefore overstretched due to this large playing field.

Trump hasn't got a clue about any of this. To be clear, I think driving the tariffs up to make Chia pay for its constant violation of copyright protection and unfair trade practices is okay, I follow until here: confronting Chinas we should. But not in this dilletantic and self-damaging fashion! He is messing with China, although China is much better prepared financially than the USA is, and at the same time he is pissing off trading partners and allies, and driving both China and former allies towards each other. The trade conflict with China also has the potential to devolve into a hot war, in which Wahsington has only the opportunity to drive the price of China's victory and eventual conquest or destruction of Taiwan without being able to realistically demonstrate how they think they can win such a war. And as a side-effect, Trump destroys the global role of the dollar, one of America's most valuable strategic weapons. As a result, we currently see the biggest exodus of money from the US I have ever red or heard of. Capital currently flees from America. In unimaginable amounts.

In other words, everything Trump tackles - fails, and weakens America, and does the opposite of what he claims.

Idiot. :haha: Probably the biggest political idiot since - well, since a damn very long time anyway.

https://www-faz-net.translate.goog/aktuell/wirtschaft/handelskrieg-mit-china-usa-ist-nicht-so-maechtig-wie-donald-trump-glaubt-110427457.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

I,disagree for 1 The United States is not the Power House it was. In the day's long ago and your welcome to figure it out. In 2025 The United States, is a country in evolution within itself. Will it emerge as a Republic or a Fascist, Socialist hybrid? Inline with the World's Elite. If you think Donald Trump doesn't have a clue. He knows these people for what the are and what they want to do.

Donald Trump at some point in his life he decided he didn't want their future for the United States and this Planet.He left the Global Country Club and they have been trying to kill him every since he said No.

[Gorpet]

America is a very strong trading power - but not as strong as it thinks it is. And it is absolutely not invincible for China.

Similarly, America is also a very strong military power, the strongest in the world. But here, too, it is not as strong as it thinks it is. Above all, people in America do not currently understand what makes America strong: namely a network of allies that provide bases for operations and logistics hubs globally, to an extent that neither Russia nor China can boast. The disadvantage is that the American armed forces cover the entire planet and are therefore overstretched due to this large playing field.

Trump hasn't got a clue about any of this. To be clear, I think driving the tariffs up to make Chia pay for its constant violation of copyright protection and unfair trade practices is okay, I follow until here: confronting Chinas we should. But not in this dilletantic and self-damaging fashion! He is messing with China, although China is much better prepared financially than the USA is, and at the same time he is pissing off trading partners and allies, and driving both China and former allies towards each other. The trade conflict with China also has the potential to devolve into a hot war, in which Wahsington has only the opportunity to drive the price of China's victory and eventual conquest or destruction of Taiwan without being able to realistically demonstrate how they think they can win such a war. And as a side-effect, Trump destroys the global role of the dollar, one of America's most valuable strategic weapons. As a result, we currently see the biggest exodus of money from the US I have ever red or heard of. Capital currently flees from America. In unimaginable amounts.

In other words, everything Trump tackles - fails, and weakens America, and does the opposite of what he claims.

Idiot. :haha: Probably the biggest political idiot since - well, since a damn very long time anyway.

https://www-faz-net.translate.goog/aktuell/wirtschaft/handelskrieg-mit-china-usa-ist-nicht-so-maechtig-wie-donald-trump-glaubt-110427457.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Diversity makes America Strong...Just as Diversity makes Germany Strong.Just as the UK and The French Right ? We have Armies of Diversity willing to die for Democracy. Hell here in America they tried to set up a Diversity for the Ukraine Legion, BLM, Antifa,Feminist, Pedos,Tranny's , Homeless, Out of work actors, and the illegals on the promise of citizenship. And guess what ? Nobody showed up for Diversity for Ukraine. WTF? :o Oh by the way if China wants Taiwan, We will not see any Diversity ships. How many NATO Surface Ships will be in the Battle ? The Americans lost 2 Submarines worth millions, Running into undersea mountains they didn't know about . Even though they have been in those waters since WW2.

[Skybird]

Eh - pardon, what...? :06:
I sdaid that the US are economically and militarily strong, but that oin both areas it overestimates iotself, and is not as strong as it thinks it is. And that maybe it is not a clever idea if you depend on somebody for cooperaiton or elemntal supply to piss this somebody of, while you additionall piss off your former allies. Trumpo had to row back severla times alrerady, seems to have been caught compeltely ont he wrog foot abotu the stock markets reacitons to his tariff games. Money is fleeing from the Us currentlyx. Not just a bit money. Very big major capital players. Trust has been destroyed, and it will not come back neither quick nor easily. A few comaonies move to the US, yes, but many more stopped their investments, or started to move out.


Your country is no trustworthy and reliable partner anymore. That simplke it is. And I do not even mention foriegnpltical extravaganzas like Trump's love and support for Putin's war goals and Trump's hate on Ukraine because he hates Zelenskyi for personal reasons. Five Eyes has practically thrown the US out...! The other four nations said they do not trust the US services anymore to keep sensitive information secret and not giving them carelessly or intentionally away. The cooperaiton of Four Eyes with the US currently is only on very low level where damages applied by the US would be more or less not too critical. Thats a very substantial vote of no confidence, I would think - the US is (beside the UK) one of the two founding fathers of the later Five Eyes.


You country under Trump has chosen its new role - that of the villains. Live with your new reputation. Its ruined. During the rest of my life time, and beyond I assume, nobody will ever trust you again. If you flip oages back to the time of the Iraq 03 war, you will see that I preicted, mpre or less, the US turning this way sooner or later, what remains to eb seen is how striog the influence of the Christian radicals will still become in the new political order. So far, Trump opportunistically manipulated them, but in the background they are growing. And I am not so certai n at all that Trump still is master in his house of cards for sure,I think he is under growing spell of influencers and whisperers of far more radical ideological orientation than Trump origiinally was.

[Skybird]

^, ^^ Eh - pardon, what...? :06:

I said that the US are economically and militarily strong and the strongest single military player and one fo the two or three strongest economical players in the world (the dollar is advantage and vulnerability at the same time), but that in both areas it overestimates itself, and is not as strong as it thinks it is. And that maybe it is not a clever idea if you depend on somebody for cooperation or elemental supply to piss this somebody off and bully him away, while you additionall piss off your former allies so that they turn their back on you. Ypour aloainces are part of your traditional strengths, especially in the military field. They are the reason why your forces can walk around the planet as they want. Nobody else can do that.


Trump had to row back several times already, seems to have been caught completely on the wrong foot about the stock markets and sespecialyl biond market's reactions to his tariff games. Money is fleeing from the US currently. Not just a bit money. Very big major capital players. Trust has been destroyed, and it will not come back neither quick nor easily. A few comaonies move to the US, yes, but many more stopped their investments, or started to move out. Exactly the opposite of what Trump predicted, happens right now. You will start to feel it later in the second half of this year.


Your country is no trustworthy and reliable partner anymore. That simple it is. It may be feared, but it is not respected. Its th globe's bitter joke. And I do not even mention foreign political extravaganzas like Trump's love and support for Putin's war goals and Trump's hate on Ukraine because he hates Zelenskyi for personal reasons. Five Eyes has practically thrown the US out...! The other four nations said they do not trust the US services anymore to keep sensitive information secret, and hence are not giving them carelessly or intentionally away. The cooperation of Four Eyes with the US currently is only on very low level where damages applied by the US would be more or less not too critical. Thats a very substantial vote of no confidence, I would think - the US is (beside the UK) one of the two founding fathers of the later Five Eyes, with roots dating back to WW2.

You country under Trump has chosen its new role - that of the villains. Live with your new reputation. Its ruined. During the rest of my life time, and beyond I assume, nobody will ever trust you again. If you flip pages back to the time of the Iraq 03 war, you will see that I predicted, more or less, the US turning this way sooner or later, what remains to be seen is how strong the influence of the Christian radicals will still become in the new political order. So far, Trump opportunistically manipulated them, but in the background they are growing. And I am not so certain at all that Trump still is master in his house of cards for sure, I think he is under growing spell of influencers and whisperers of far more radical ideological orientation than even Trump originally was. And he is old, his mental and intellectual (no joke intended) ability is not stable, but inevitably declining.



Seen this way he stumbles over too many years with junk food that he so much loves. :D

[Jimbuna]

Okay folks, tis that time again where a level of moderation becomes necessary.

Overall the content has been quite acceptable but of late one or two posts not so.

Try to read over what you are posting before hitting that submit button and in so doing try to ensure the contents you are about to post do not contain race/hate speech, insults or name calling.

I'm locking the thread for approximately 24 hours to give as many people as possible the chance to read the above.

I thank you all in advance for your cooperation.

[Jimbuna]

Okay everyone, thread is open again but please take into consideration what I posted above.

[Otto Harkaman]

At Thingstead’s frost‑bound seat, the Risen Lord bids blustering tongues their rancor forego;
Through thorn‑crown’s dawn‑lit word He sows the seed of peace, reaping mercy where discord did grow.

[Skybird]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jx9ep5l63o

DHL clamps down deliveries to the US worth more than 800$. Early May Trujmps warf on globaleconmy will close thgat loophole, possible that then DHL may also stop delivering anything below 800$. They get overburdened with red tape, they say.

There were a few news reports in past days indicating that other logistics companies also ache under the explosion of paperwork.

DHL is the world's biggest logistics service supplier.

[AVGWarhawk]

DHL is the world's biggest logistics service supplier.

Not the only game in town for international shipping. No doubt UPS, FedEx, Amazon and the plethora of common air carriers will enjoy the additional business.

[Skybird]

^ They too face the exploding red tape problem.

It costs time, staff workign hours and hence: money - additional to the customs and tariffs for the parcel's content.


It costs a lot already now, one year ago I ordered golf attachment for the Quest from the US. Delivery and customs costed as much as the item itself, and still it took long time, even while they sent it as UPS Express (only option they offered).



Have cancelled two other deals with shops in the US already back then.

[AVGWarhawk]

^ They too face the exploding red tape problem.

It costs time, staff workign hours and hence: money - additional to the customs and tariffs for the parcel's content.


It costs a lot already now, one year ago I ordered golf attachment for the Quest from the US. Delivery and customs costed as much as the item itself, and still it took long time, even while they sent it as UPS Express (only option they offered).



Have cancelled two other deals with shops in the US already back then.

Not really. I have been in the transportation industry starting in 1993. I have seen it all. It does not take long to adjust.

Customs is always a problem. This is were a majority of the red tape is found.

[Reece]

Unusually quiet here for the last 2 days!! :timeout: Anyone know why! :hmmm:

[AVGWarhawk]

Unusually quiet here for the last 2 days!! :timeout: Anyone know why! :hmmm:

Like the Russians, a cease fire was initiated for Easter.

[Reece]

I see!! . . . . . No I don't!! :D

[AVGWarhawk]

I see!! . . . . . No I don't!! :D

Russian called for a cease fire with the Ukraine during the Easter weekend.

Anyway, not much to say. There are those who hate Trump. Those that like Trump. His policies are great. His policies suck. He ignores SCOTUS. Nothing much different then the last seated presidents. Notice a trend with US Politics? Much to say about everything but nothing gets done for the American people.

[Buddahaid]

Except tanking the economy and more federal spending per month than the last guy.:Kaleun_Cheers:

[AVGWarhawk]

Except tanking the economy and more federal spending per month than the last guy.:Kaleun_Cheers:

Right on time Budda! Last I checked the market is picking back up. Those who short sold Tesla are now crying. :03:

[Commander Wallace]

Unusually quiet here for the last 2 days!! :timeout: Anyone know why! :hmmm:

Maybe it's as simple as Subsim members giving Jim the respect he has earned and not wanting to make his duties here more difficult than necessary.

As AvgWarhawk has said, people have varying opinions, thoughts and Ideas on Trump's Presidency. Our members should accept that and not use the Subsim Forum's to attack other members and their respective Country's. I have seen the U.S being denigrated by Subsim members from mainly, Countries in Europe. It's understandable that Subsim members from the U.S would be upset over this unfair treatment.

I think it would be helpful if Subsim remembered that large parts of Europe, including Germany, were rebuilt by the U.S on the U.S taxpayers dime after WW2. This is after Germany started not one but two World Wars. This is of course, well documented. The United States under the Marshall Plan in 1948 provided economic aid for the reconstruction of Western Europe after World War II. The aid amounted to $13.3 billion Dollars to help restore economies and Infrastructure in Western Europe.

Europe owes the U.S a great deal and should show some gratitude. In the Interim, I think Subsim Members should endeavor to make Jim's job as easy as we can. :yep:

Graph showing Distribution of U.S Economic aid under the U.S Marshall Plan in 1948.


https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20170418_IN10688_images_a56b771de0c6a09592378aa84c c7d0bfa8e84664.png


https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/marshall-plan-and-postwar-economic-recovery


https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/marshall-plan


https://www.statista.com/statistics/1227834/distribution-marshall-plan-by-country/


https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20170418_IN10688_images_a56b771de0c6a09592378aa84c c7d0bfa8e84664.png

[Buddahaid]

...Europe owes the U.S a great deal and should show some gratitude...

What about the aid France gave during the American Revolutionary War? Seems the US owes France a great deal as well.

Anyway, The Trump administration is extremely close to finding themselves in contempt.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815.100.0_2.pdf

"III. Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the Defendants’ objections are largely overruled and sustained in part only as to Interrogatories 9–11 and RPDs 6–8. Plaintiffs must narrow Interrogatories 9–11 and RPDs 6–8 consistent with this Order and resubmit to Defendants by no later than 8:00 PM tonight.

Defendants shall answer and respond to all outstanding discovery requests and supplement its invocation of privilege as directed by no later than 6:00 PM April 23, 2025.

So Ordered.
April 22, 2025
Date
/S/
Paula Xinis
United States District Judge"

[Commander Wallace]

What about the aid France gave during the American Revolutionary War? Seems the US owes France a great deal as well.



I wouldn't disagree with that at all. However, the degree of assistance rendered to France by the U.S far and away eclipses the amount of assistance France rendered to the U.S. That's in Dollar values. Further, the degree of devastation visited upon France by Germany was on a much larger scale than what England did in the U.S.

That being said, the degree of assistance rendered by France was timely.

Your post illustrates the fact that the U.S and Europe have always supported each other. It's my hope, that will continue in the foreseeable future.

[Dargo]

Maybe it's as simple as Subsim members giving Jim the respect he has earned and not wanting to make his duties here more difficult than necessary.

As AvgWarhawk has said, people have varying opinions, thoughts and Ideas on Trump's Presidency. Our members should accept that and not use the Subsim Forum's to attack other members and their respective Country's. I have seen the U.S being denigrated by Subsim members from mainly, Countries in Europe. It's understandable that Subsim members from the U.S would be upset over this unfair treatment.

I think it would be helpful if Subsim remembered that large parts of Europe, including Germany, were rebuilt by the U.S on the U.S taxpayers dime after WW2. This is after Germany started not one but two World Wars. This is of course, well documented. The United States under the Marshall Plan in 1948 provided economic aid for the reconstruction of Western Europe after World War II. The aid amounted to $13.3 billion Dollars to help restore economies and Infrastructure in Western Europe.

Europe owes the U.S a great deal and should show some gratitude. In the Interim, I think Subsim Members should endeavor to make Jim's job as easy as we can. :yep:

Graph showing Distribution of U.S Economic aid under the U.S Marshall Plan in 1948.


https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20170418_IN10688_images_a56b771de0c6a09592378aa84c c7d0bfa8e84664.png


https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/marshall-plan-and-postwar-economic-recovery


https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/marshall-plan


https://www.statista.com/statistics/1227834/distribution-marshall-plan-by-country/


https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20170418_IN10688_images_a56b771de0c6a09592378aa84c c7d0bfa8e84664.pngThe Netherlands has repaid its Marshall Plan debt to the United States, the finance ministry announced on Sunday (23 December 1968). The total amount of $5.5 million was repaid 15 years early. $5.5 million was redeemed 15 years early. ‘The early repayment was made by the Netherlands as an appropriate form of cooperation in the light of the overall US balance of payments situation,’ the finance ministry said. The US$129.5 million loan was made to the Netherlands in 1948. Under the original repayment schedule, the principal would have been repaid by the Netherlands in instalments in the years 1976 to 1983. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1968/12/23/nederland-betaalt-marshallschuld-af-kb_000034884-a2832612

This is true for all other countries that received the Marshall Plan so don't keep bringing up old hat. We have already paid off this debt 57 years ago stop your whining!

[Commander Wallace]

The Netherlands has repaid its Marshall Plan debt to the United States, the finance ministry announced on Sunday (23 December 1968). The total amount of $5.5 million was repaid 15 years early. $5.5 million was redeemed 15 years early. ‘The early repayment was made by the Netherlands as an appropriate form of cooperation in the light of the overall US balance of payments situation,’ the finance ministry said. The US$129.5 million loan was made to the Netherlands in 1948. Under the original repayment schedule, the principal would have been repaid by the Netherlands in instalments in the years 1976 to 1983. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1968/12/23/nederland-betaalt-marshallschuld-af-kb_000034884-a2832612

This is true for all other countries that received the Marshall Plan so don't keep bringing up old hat. We have already paid off this debt 57 years ago stop your whining!


The question of whether your Country repaid it''s debt is irrelevant. If it wasn't for the U.S, the National language in your country would be German and you would be a German Citizen.

[Dargo]

The question of whether your Country repaid it''s debt is irrelevant. If it wasn't for the U.S, the National language in your country would be German and you would be a German Citizen.The Soviets made a bigger sacrifice to defeat Hitler than the US, that by the way was not the only country fighting Germany. So you can still cry me a river, I have no debt to you. The Soviet Union lost around 27 million people during the war, including 8.7 million military and 19 million civilian deaths.

https://i.ibb.co/jP21S63K/WW2-Deatsh.png (https://ibb.co/bMZ8kWNh)

[Commander Wallace]

The Soviets made a bigger sacrifice to defeat Hitler than the US, that by the way was not the only country fighting Germany. So you can still cry me a river, I have no debt to you. The Soviet Union lost around 27 million people during the war, including 8.7 million military and 19 million civilian deaths.

https://i.ibb.co/jP21S63K/WW2-Deatsh.png (https://ibb.co/bMZ8kWNh)

The Soviet Union should have made bigger sacrifices considering it made pacts with Hitler and then was double crossed. Hitler invaded the Soviet Union as part of operation Operation Barbarossa in Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, which began on June 22, 1941 When you sleep with dogs, you get fleas. You should be able to attest to that.

The reality is, the war in Europe was your fight, not ours.. I also never said that other Countries never fought and made contributions. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and England among many. Truth be told, it was England itself with Australian ,Canadian and American units that enlisted in England that held the line and fought against Hitler in Europe, until the U.S could get into the war.

Your Country cowardly did the same as Russia, declaring it's neutrality to Hitler. Your Country suffered the same fate as the Soviet Union. Your Country surrendered to Germany after a German Invasion in 4 days. How laughable is that ? We should have left your Country to be devoured by Germany.

Quote: The Holocaust (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holocaust) saw the mass murder (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_murder) of Dutch Jews (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Jews) by Nazi Germany (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany) in occupied Netherlands (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German-occupied_Netherlands) during the Second World War (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War). The Nazi occupation in 1940 immediately began disrupting the norms of Dutch society, separating Dutch Jews in multiple ways from the general Dutch population. The Nazis used existing Dutch civil administration as well as the Dutch Jewish Council "as an invaluable means to their end"

Canadian Units liberated the Concentration Camps in the Netherlands. As far as deaths in the Soviet Union, Stalin Killed many more Millions of his own people than did World War 2 during the purges there.

Now, cry me a river.

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

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

[Dargo]

Being neutral had nothing to do with Hitler or the USSR, the Netherlands was a neutral country like Sweden and Switzerland from 1839 to 1940. Oh, we had a transit camp, just like every country occupied by Germany. And yes, we had comparatively high chances of picking up Jews because we had faith in registration, the Germans only had to open the cabinets to pick out the Jews. None of this makes us owe you anything. Same as I don't blame Germany of the now for anything that happened in 1940-1945.

[Commander Wallace]

Being neutral had nothing to do with Hitler or the USSR, the Netherlands was a neutral country like Sweden and Switzerland from 1839 to 1940. Oh, we had a transit camp, just like every country occupied by Germany. And yes, we had comparatively high chances of picking up Jews because we had faith in registration, the Germans only had to open the cabinets to pick out the Jews. None of this makes us owe you anything.

I never said you owed us anything. I think a certain modicum of gratitude would be appropriate, considering the sacrifices to liberate your Country and Europe. It doesn't alter the fact that you Country declared it's neutrality refusing to fight for it's own people. That's so pathetic. It also doesn't alter the fact that your Country cowardly surrendered four days after it was invaded. You left it to other countries to fight for you. A great uncle of mine was seriously and permanently injured at Bastogne on their way to Liberate the Netherlands. I hold nothing against Germany or it's people, either.

Your Country left it to others to do their fighting and then you say you don't owe anyone anything. You're a real piece of work. I would ask if you have served in your Military ? I suggest you learn how to fight and not be a coward. Maybe do your own fighting for a change instead of relying on others to do your fighting.

[Skybird]

:doh:

[Reece]

I opened a can of worms Marc!! :doh::oops:

[Commander Wallace]

I opened a can of worms Marc!! :doh::oops:

You didn't open a can of worms, Reece. We in the U.S are simply tired of seeing our Country repeatedly bashed over and over. Those individuals from these Countries doing the bashing have their own Issues. We in the U.S don't revel in the misfortunes of other Countries. Others from these Countries love doing that to us. Subsim isn't the place for this.

I noticed that those dishing it out don't like when they are hit back with History and such. After four months, we in the U.S are tired of it. A simple solution for those involved. Refrain from the Country bashing. Dargo and others are at the top of the list of those involved.

[Skybird]

That is your view of things, Commander Wallace. I would neither say it is the authoritative one, nor an unbiased one. Which might be owed to the Zeitgeist in your country. And Trump.



Meanwhile, reality sets in:


[FOCUS] Trump wanted to bring China to its knees economically – instead, the US economy is reeling. The withdrawal of the punitive tariffs is more than just an admission: It is a political failure.

Donald Trump's announcement that he will not impose the 145 percent punitive tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States signals a complete defeat for the US president. His plan to impose new trade rules with the US on the entire world has thus failed.

Just a few days after the punitive tariffs went into effect on April 2, Trump was forced to backtrack because the stock and bond markets plummeted, and around $9.6 trillion in stock market capitalization was wiped out in just four days because of him.

To save some face, Trump suspended the punitive tariffs for the entire world except for China. There, he even went further, announcing that this was not the end of the line. His goal was to forge a global alliance against the People's Republic: all against one.

Now, less than three weeks later, these punitive tariffs are also history and have landed in the trash. The increased prices for US imports to China caused a dramatic drop in sales in the People's Republic. And the increased prices for imports from China to America are making these products unaffordable for consumers in the United States.

From vacuum cleaners to food blenders, everything is almost 2.5 times more expensive than it was in March. As a result, many Chinese companies are no longer shipping goods to America at all. US companies, in turn, cannot fill this gap in a short time, so Americans are now faced with empty shelves or unaffordable products.

Since China possesses the world's most important reserves of rare earths, which are essential for the production of smartphones, refrigerators, and satellite technology, Beijing had the upper hand here as well. That's why Trump initially lifted the tariffs on these products, because otherwise the US economy would have faced unforeseeable difficulties. This, too, was a foreseeable defeat, and observers are wondering what scenario the US president had in mind that kept him believing he could defeat Beijing.

Donald Trump said that the punitive tariffs would now be reduced overall, not just for specific sectors, without committing to a specific number, but they would "not go to zero." Previously, his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, called Trump's punitive tariffs "unsustainable." In Donald Trump's own words, he is now "a total loser," and Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, is the winner.

China successfully gambled on waiting to see how the global economy would develop in response to Trump's trade policy. Even though Beijing had signaled that it remained open to talks, the country's communist leadership ruled out sending Xi Jinping into direct negotiations with Trump without any basis or basis for what America actually expects from China.

The US president, who approaches all political matters more like a bully than a diplomat, hoped to use his punitive tariffs to put pressure on China and ultimately bring it to its knees, with the calculation that he would then also subjugate all the other countries he had threatened with reviving his punitive tariffs after the expiration of his 90-day "grace period."

In the US president's mind, all the nations threatened with punitive tariffs were already meekly queuing ("ready to kiss my ass," as he put it in vulgar language) to sign a trade deal with him. Although Washington had begun talks with its partners in Asia, especially South Korea and Japan, it had not made public what was discussed and what concessions were being considered. To describe the start of negotiations as a "big win" is bold.

The People's Republic had already warned countries like Japan against falling into Trump's trap and concluding a new deal that would require them to harm China economically in return. But Tokyo would have absolutely no opportunity to do so, because the Japanese economy, like many others in the world, is now so closely linked to supply chains that run through China that decoupling the two countries is out of the question, even if they wanted to. Tokyo is under particular pressure because Japan is the first country with which the Trump administration entered into trade negotiations last week.

Experts say Japan has little to offer the US to boost sales of American products in the island nation. They point to the possibility of importing more rice from the US. Such a move would not reduce the trade deficit between the two countries, which stands at approximately $54.5 billion.

Would increased rice exports to Japan justify exuberant talk of a "big win"? Hardly, but Donald Trump currently has to sell even the smallest progress as a major victory to avoid being seen as a loser. All the rhetoric, however, does not change the fact that he has already lost the trade war with China, the feud with President Xi Jinping, after just a few weeks.
--------------


I am all for confronting Chinese trade practices and their cheating and manipulation, Chinese traders have had a lousy reputation throughout Asia since many, many centuries. But seeking the fight in the way Trump did, was both stupid and ridiculous. He does not even have a realistic awareness for his/America's own strengths - and weaknesses. Not to mention that of the others, and China.



Simply playing the barbar, standing with your legs wide apart, fists on your hips, and lying and yelling and shouting at and spitefully mocking everyone else is a bit of a stretch.



And stupid to try with modern China.

[AVGWarhawk]

What about the aid France gave during the American Revolutionary War? Seems the US owes France a great deal as well.

Anyway, The Trump administration is extremely close to finding themselves in contempt.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815.100.0_2.pdf

"III. Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the Defendants’ objections are largely overruled and sustained in part only as to Interrogatories 9–11 and RPDs 6–8. Plaintiffs must narrow Interrogatories 9–11 and RPDs 6–8 consistent with this Order and resubmit to Defendants by no later than 8:00 PM tonight.

Defendants shall answer and respond to all outstanding discovery requests and supplement its invocation of privilege as directed by no later than 6:00 PM April 23, 2025.

So Ordered.
April 22, 2025
Date
/S/
Paula Xinis
United States District Judge"


The individual in question can come have his due process. He will be going back after the due process is processed. :03:

Just for craps and giggles, all being deported should have their due process? I mean, if determined to be here illegally we should sit and wait for what exactly? This individual has been picked up and placed in front of a judge multiple times. How much due process does he need?

[AVGWarhawk]

I am all for confronting Chinese trade practices and their cheating and manipulation, Chinese traders have had a lousy reputation throughout Asia since many, many centuries. But seeking the fight in the way Trump did, was both stupid and ridiculous. He does not even have a realistic awareness for his/America's own strengths - and weaknesses. Not to mention that of the others, and China.



Simply playing the barbar, standing with your legs wide apart, fists on your hips, and lying and yelling and shouting at and spitefully mocking everyone else is a bit of a stretch.



And stupid to try with modern China.

And the entire world sits on their hands. Trump confronts China with their unfair trade practices, manipulation, strong arming and patent theft. Nothing but hot air on what an idiot he is.

What is Frank-Walter Steinmeier doing to combat this issue with China?

[Commander Wallace]

That is your view of things, Commander Wallace. I would neither say it is the authoritative one, nor an unbiased one. Which might be owed to the Zeitgeist in your country. And Trump.

Meanwhile, reality sets in:

[FOCUS] Trump wanted to bring China to its knees economically – instead, the US economy is reeling. The withdrawal of the punitive tariffs is more than just an admission: It is a political failure.

Donald Trump's announcement that he will not impose the 145 percent punitive tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States signals a complete defeat for the US president. His plan to impose new trade rules with the US on the entire world has thus failed.

Just a few days after the punitive tariffs went into effect on April 2, Trump was forced to backtrack because the stock and bond markets plummeted, and around $9.6 trillion in stock market capitalization was wiped out in just four days because of him.

To save some face, Trump suspended the punitive tariffs for the entire world except for China. There, he even went further, announcing that this was not the end of the line. His goal was to forge a global alliance against the People's Republic: all against one.

Now, less than three weeks later, these punitive tariffs are also history and have landed in the trash. The increased prices for US imports to China caused a dramatic drop in sales in the People's Republic. And the increased prices for imports from China to America are making these products unaffordable for consumers in the United States.

From vacuum cleaners to food blenders, everything is almost 2.5 times more expensive than it was in March. As a result, many Chinese companies are no longer shipping goods to America at all. US companies, in turn, cannot fill this gap in a short time, so Americans are now faced with empty shelves or unaffordable products.

Since China possesses the world's most important reserves of rare earths, which are essential for the production of smartphones, refrigerators, and satellite technology, Beijing had the upper hand here as well. That's why Trump initially lifted the tariffs on these products, because otherwise the US economy would have faced unforeseeable difficulties. This, too, was a foreseeable defeat, and observers are wondering what scenario the US president had in mind that kept him believing he could defeat Beijing.

Donald Trump said that the punitive tariffs would now be reduced overall, not just for specific sectors, without committing to a specific number, but they would "not go to zero." Previously, his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, called Trump's punitive tariffs "unsustainable." In Donald Trump's own words, he is now "a total loser," and Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, is the winner.

China successfully gambled on waiting to see how the global economy would develop in response to Trump's trade policy. Even though Beijing had signaled that it remained open to talks, the country's communist leadership ruled out sending Xi Jinping into direct negotiations with Trump without any basis or basis for what America actually expects from China.

The US president, who approaches all political matters more like a bully than a diplomat, hoped to use his punitive tariffs to put pressure on China and ultimately bring it to its knees, with the calculation that he would then also subjugate all the other countries he had threatened with reviving his punitive tariffs after the expiration of his 90-day "grace period."

In the US president's mind, all the nations threatened with punitive tariffs were already meekly queuing ("ready to kiss my ass," as he put it in vulgar language) to sign a trade deal with him. Although Washington had begun talks with its partners in Asia, especially South Korea and Japan, it had not made public what was discussed and what concessions were being considered. To describe the start of negotiations as a "big win" is bold.

The People's Republic had already warned countries like Japan against falling into Trump's trap and concluding a new deal that would require them to harm China economically in return. But Tokyo would have absolutely no opportunity to do so, because the Japanese economy, like many others in the world, is now so closely linked to supply chains that run through China that decoupling the two countries is out of the question, even if they wanted to. Tokyo is under particular pressure because Japan is the first country with which the Trump administration entered into trade negotiations last week.

Experts say Japan has little to offer the US to boost sales of American products in the island nation. They point to the possibility of importing more rice from the US. Such a move would not reduce the trade deficit between the two countries, which stands at approximately $54.5 billion.

Would increased rice exports to Japan justify exuberant talk of a "big win"? Hardly, but Donald Trump currently has to sell even the smallest progress as a major victory to avoid being seen as a loser. All the rhetoric, however, does not change the fact that he has already lost the trade war with China, the feud with President Xi Jinping, after just a few weeks.
--------------


I am all for confronting Chinese trade practices and their cheating and manipulation, Chinese traders have had a lousy reputation throughout Asia since many, many centuries. But seeking the fight in the way Trump did, was both stupid and ridiculous. He does not even have a realistic awareness for his/America's own strengths - and weaknesses. Not to mention that of the others, and China.

Simply playing the barbar, standing with your legs wide apart, fists on your hips, and lying and yelling and shouting at and spitefully mocking everyone else is a bit of a stretch.

And stupid to try with modern China.

Wrong again, Marc. It''s the general consensus of our American Subsim members.

With regards to China, you are woefully misinformed. China has used it's military to try to bully everyone in it's general vicinity, especially in the South China Sea. China claims the vast majority of the area in spite of it's claims being rejected. An international tribunal in The Hague has invalidated China's claims.

China intentionally sends the constituent components to Mexican Cartels with which they manufacture Fentanyl and then smuggle into the U.S. Fentanyl has then been mixed with Heroin and Cocaine in varying and inconsistent ratio's, resulting in over dose deaths in the U.S.

China is a major player in providing material support to Russia in it's War with the Ukraine. This now includes sending troops as North Korea is also doing. The vast majority of our Subsim members support the Ukraine.

Chinese Students steal everything they can get their hands on in U.S Universities, especially, research. Intellectual Property and Patents mean nothing to China. Countries doing business in China have been required to turn over their source codes to China. China steals from Countries spanning Europe, Asia and the U.S through State sponsored hackers.

Quote: A letter sent to the universities, including Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, alleged that the Chinese government was embedding researchers in top American institutions to gain direct access to sensitive technologies.

https://apnews.com/article/china-us-students-technology-security-d6895c64e0f314fbc7138e96709f0d7d

China is a gross polluter and it's own Country is a toxic wasteland. The air quality is very unhealthy there. Further, it was determined that Covid originated from the Wuhan Laboratories in China. We all know people that have died from Covid. It's apparent that China was experimenting with Biological research, most likely as part of engaging in biological Military weapons.

Chinese money and lust for Ivory and has resulted in the whole sale slaughter of Elephants in Africa. Recently, a Chinese man was apprehended in the U.S for smuggling protected Eastern Box Turtles from the U.S to different addresses in Hong Kong. It's obvious China has no respect for International norms, laws, regulations or the people in other Countries.

You and others may denigrate Trump, However, Trump is keenly aware of these and other Issues. I think we will see a long overdue decoupling of our economies. I also think Chinese Students should be removed from the U.S, wholesale. China has advocated for It's students and Why not. The students constantly steal and replicate sensitive research. It's long overdue that Institutions in the U.S and Europe recognize China for what it is.

Trump is doing what was asked of him, which is protect the U.S and it's citizens from China and others. If your Country prefers to ignore that and deal with China, that's your business.

Keep in mind, when you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.



https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-hackers-took-trillions-in-intellectual-property-from-about-30-multinational-companies/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/18/turtles-hong-kong-united-states-smuggling-justice-department/82502618007/

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/07/12/485666758/beijings-claims-to-south-china-sea-are-invalid-international-tribunal-says

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/09/05/160595798/slaughtering-of-elephants-is-soaring-because-of-chinas-demand-for-ivory

[AVGWarhawk]

Wrong again, Marc. It''s the general consensus of our American Subsim members.



With regards to China, you are woefully misinformed. China has used it's military to try to bully everyone in it's general vicinity, especially in the South China Sea. China claims the vast majority of the area in spite of it's claims being rejected. An international tribunal in The Hague has invalidated China's claims.


China intentionally sends the constituent components to Mexican Cartels with which they manufacture Fentanyl and then smuggle into the U.S. Fentanyl has then been mixed with Heroin and Cocaine in varying and inconsistent ratio's, resulting in over dose deaths in the U.S.


China is a major player in providing material support to Russia in it's War with the Ukraine. This now includes sending troops as North Korea is also doing. The vast majority of our Subsim members support the Ukraine.


Chinese Students steal everything they can get their hands on in U.S Universities, especially, research. Intellectual Property and Patents mean nothing to China. Countries doing business in China have been required to turn over their source codes to China. China steals from Countries spanning Europe, Asia and the U.S through State sponsored hackers.


Quote: A letter sent to the universities, including Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, alleged that the Chinese government was embedding researchers in top American institutions to gain direct access to sensitive technologies.



https://apnews.com/article/china-us-students-technology-security-d6895c64e0f314fbc7138e96709f0d7d



China is a gross polluter and it's own Country is a toxic wasteland. The air quality is very unhealthy there. Further, it was determined that Covid originated from the Wuhan Laboratories in China. We all know people that have died from Covid. It's apparent that China was experimenting with Biological research, most likely as part of engaging in biological Military weapons.



Chinese money and lust for Ivory and has resulted in the whole sale slaughter of Elephants in Africa. Recently, a Chinese man was apprehended in the U.S for smuggling protected Eastern Box Turtles from the U.S to different addresses in Hong Kong. It's obvious China has no respect for International norms, laws, regulations or the people in other Countries.



You and others may denigrate Trump, However, Trump is keenly aware of these and other Issues. I think we will see a long overdue decoupling of our economies. I also think Chinese Students should be removed from the U.S, wholesale. China has advocated for It's students and Why not. The students constantly steal and replicate sensitive research. It's long overdue that Institutions in the U.S and Europe recognize China for what it is.



Trump is doing what was asked of him, which is protect the U.S and it's citizens from China. If your Country prefers to ignore that and deal with them, that's your business.



Keep in mind, when you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.



https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-hackers-took-trillions-in-intellectual-property-from-about-30-multinational-companies/



https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/18/turtles-hong-kong-united-states-smuggling-justice-department/82502618007/



https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/07/12/485666758/beijings-claims-to-south-china-sea-are-invalid-international-tribunal-says


https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/09/05/160595798/slaughtering-of-elephants-is-soaring-because-of-chinas-demand-for-ivory


But, but, but, but, but, but.....they sell cheap stuff. It's all good. Sheesh...

[Hawk66]

And the entire world sits on their hands. Trump confronts China with their unfair trade practices, manipulation, strong arming and patent theft. Nothing but hot air on what an idiot he is.

What is Frank-Walter Steinmeier doing to combat this issue with China?

Just a small reminder: The German president is mostly a representative guy (few exceptions)...so y may ask this question Friedrich Merz...if he's elected in early May as chancellor. It will be interesting how Merz and Trump come along....Merz has worked in the private sector, so I guess it will not so easy for Trump to sell his , let's say so, weird and unconventional ideas of how capitalism and economics are supposed to work in general :haha:

[AVGWarhawk]

Just a small reminder: The German president is mostly a representative guy (few exceptions)...so y may ask this question Friedrich Merz...if he's elected in early May as chancellor. It will be interesting how Merz and Trump come along....Merz has worked in the private sector, so I guess it will not so easy for Trump to sell his , let's say so, weird and unconventional ideas of how capitalism and economics are supposed to work in general :haha:

It will be more interesting to see if this individual sits on his hands, blows hot air and generally does nothing as China continues to play their games. :salute:

[Commander Wallace]

But, but, but, but, but, but.....they sell cheap stuff. It's all good. Sheesh...

Well yes, we know. Good, cheap and in a landfill in a year or less. :doh:

[Commander Wallace]

Just a small reminder: The German president is mostly a representative guy (few exceptions)...so y may ask this question Friedrich Merz...if he's elected in early May as chancellor. It will be interesting how Merz and Trump come along....Merz has worked in the private sector, so I guess it will not so easy for Trump to sell his , let's say so, weird and unconventional ideas of how capitalism and economics are supposed to work in general :haha:


Who knows. They may see things eye to eye. Maybe they will reach a consensus and move forward. That's how Friends and Allies work things out. :yep:

[mapuc]

Just my 5 cent.

None of us has the right to point fingers at others. We were all in the same boat in WWII(the allieds) and we helped each other

Denmark did send their merch fleet to US, where they came under American control. Those who wasn't captured by the Germans during the invasion of Denmark.

When it comes to the Danes. Many joined both side.

I truly understand the ordinary Americans standpoint-It is time for us Europeans to take charge in our own country and Europe not to forget take charge in Ukraine.

Markus

[Commander Wallace]

Just my 5 cent.

None of us has the right to point fingers at others. We were all in the same boat in WWII(the allieds) and we helped each other

Denmark did send their merch fleet to US, where they came under American control. Those who wasn't captured by the Germans during the invasion of Denmark.

When it comes to the Danes. Many joined both side.

I truly understand the ordinary Americans standpoint-It is time for us Europeans to take charge in our own country and Europe not to forget take charge in Ukraine.

Markus


As usual Markus, you're always a diplomat and the voice of reason. :yep:

To a large degree, I agree with you. By and large, the bulk of the fighting by the allies was done by the U.S, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and I'm sure others. That really wasn't the Issue.

The point I was making was that Dargo and and other Citizens of various Countries in Europe should have a little gratitude not only regarding the liberation of their respective Countries by fighting men of the Allies but also that the U.S alone provided financial support after WW2. I am of course referring to the Marshall plan. This was made to Germany, Italy and also Japan, the Axis Powers. How crazy is it that the victor in a war essentially paid War reparations to rebuild their former adversaries ? The U.S of course helped to rebuild it's allies as well.

Ostfriese (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=213506) in post # 12886 (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2953895&postcount=12886) had made racist remarks. Further, Ostfriese had also made the inflammatory remarks that our treatment of Migrants was cruel in a since deleted post. Ostfriese should understand that well as he is a German citizen. This is a rather Ironic position and a stupid and laughable comment considering how Germany treated their Jewish Citizens whom they considered less than desirable in World War 2.

By most accounts, Germany killed 6 Million people of Jewish heritage in Industrialized Killing Factories. Germany killed many more prisoners of war, those of an intellectual capacity like Scholars and many who were thought to be a problem for Hitler's regime. This is of course, well documented. My point is this. People from Germany should understand their own history before denigrating other Countries handling of their respective internal affairs. Germany and Poland and other Countries are having their own Issues regarding Muslim Migrants. We all know that has been a fiasco.

And yet, we in the U.S, haven't thrown that in their faces as they have regarding the Citizens and Subsim members of the U.S. I don't say this to hurt or wound our German friends and Subsim members but simply to put things in perspective. I am also half German if that means anything. That being said, I understand my own German heritage and history. If you live in a glass house, don't throw rocks at people, lest you have them thrown back at you.

The U.S under Trump is removing those in the U.S here Illegally. The Migrants are unvetted and mostly criminals who rape, pillage, bring drugs and crime and those who have no regard for the U.S, it's laws or citizens. We in the U.S don't want our Country, Schools and health Systems overwhelmed by foreigners. Further, we in the U.S don't want to be responsible for the Worlds people and we refuse to be. President Trump is doing what he promised to do during his campaign. It's a position a large number of the Electorate in the U.S agreed with.

We don't care what color the people coming here may be as there are those from Russia, India, Pakistan and everywhere else Illegally crossing our borders. We are not being inhumane but simply shipping them back to their Countries of origin.

The last time I checked, we didn't need the permission of the rest of the World to resolve what is, an internal affair of a sovereign Country - namely, the U.S

[Dargo]

‘He's backtracking!’: Donald Trump turns a corner on tariffs and Chinese social media feasts on itIn the trade war with China, Trump is suddenly taking his foot off the accelerator, promising a hefty tariff cut. Is this U-turn a first crack in the armour?

Is Trump backtracking?
Surely that is the tenor on the popular Chinese platform Weibo, where various hashtags such as ‘Trump backs down’ or ‘Trump conceded defeat’ were trending on Wednesday. ‘145% is really very high, and it will not stay that high,’ Trump said in the Oval Office about import tariffs on Chinese goods. In doing so, the US president more or less confirmed what his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said at an investor day at the bank JP Morgan Chase: that the current tariff bid is unsustainable, and ‘de-escalation’ is in the pipeline. According to Trump, high tariffs on Chinese goods will ‘come down significantly, but not to zero’. Between the current level and the level in early 2025 - around 20 per cent on average - there is still a huge gap.

To what extent negotiations between China and the US are already under way remains unclear, but the US intends - dixit Trump - to be ‘very nice’. However, in a reaction, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun let it be known that the US is still putting ‘extreme pressure’ on Beijing, thus jeopardising a possible agreement. According to Dorien Emmers, lecturer in Chinese studies and economics at KU Leuven, there is a clear distinction between public and political opinion in China. ‘The self-proclaimed world leader declaring China an enemy and then having to retrace his steps, that's the story that social media users now naturally feast on.’ According to her, behind the Chinese government's cool reaction is a lot of suspicion: ‘China is just trying to be very predictable in its policies, which is at odds with this chaos. Policymakers do not want to be influenced by Trump's every whim. After all, what if this friendly attitude turns out to be another temporary whim?’

Where did this U-turn suddenly come from?
The softer tone from the US ‘underlines that US tariff policy has a significant discrepancy between actual results and original goals,’ according to Chinese political scientist Bao Jianyun in the state-run Chinese daily Global Times. Earlier, according to observers, panic in bond markets was the reason why 75 countries got a ‘tariff break’ from the US. But since then, the cascade of alarm bells has not stopped. Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its economic growth forecast for 2025 most downward for the US, from 2.7 per cent to 1.8 per cent. ‘I don't know if reports and facts impress Trump that much,’ says international trade professor Glenn Rayp (UGent). Rather, he sees a shift within his entourage. ‘I suspect there are some people who have spoken heavily to him on trade policy.’

On Monday, Trump received the CEOs of Walmart, Target and Home Depot, the three largest US retail companies. These are said to have warned, according to US media, that the ripples of Trump's policies will be felt in prices as early as two weeks, and that in time even every policymaker's nightmare beckons: empty shop shelves. Calculations by the Budget Lab at Yale University show how badly the tariffs will hit an average household. With an unchanged trade flow, the loss of purchasing power runs to $4,900 by 2025. Even if the share of Chinese imports drops from 14 to 3 per cent due to the tariffs, it is $2,600. A recent CNBC poll shows that 55 per cent of the US population does not approve of Trump's economic policies; never was that proportion higher. Dissatisfaction has also grown sharply among ‘blue collar’ workers - a key constituency of the president - compared to his first term in office.

Can the calm return now?
‘Whether Trump would have said that tariffs will go up or down, the reaction of companies remains the same,’ says Kevin Verbelen, foreign trade expert at Agoria. According to him, ‘all the dust has to settle’ before the doubts disappear, and anyone with investment plans will remain on hold for the time being. A cautious hurrah mood prevailed in stock markets, but much will now depend on how China engages in dialogue, Rayp says. ‘That the US is stepping back on gas after proceeding so triumphantly may cause China to be strengthened in its stance.’ Chinese President Xi Jinping believes China has a higher economic pain threshold. ‘China has become less dependent on the US in response to trade war 1.0,’ Emmers said. The share of US exports fell from 19.2 to 14.7 per cent between 2018 and 2024 - much more sharply than in reverse. ‘But it would still hurt China to tighten the belt so sharply.’

An important role can be played by Europe, Rayp believes, in landing the dialogue. ‘There is a need for a constructive third party. Not just Europe, but a broader cluster of non-aligned countries. That is the only way to avoid this going down the wrong road again.’ https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/hij-krabbelt-terug-donald-trump-maakt-een-bocht-rond-tarieven-en-chinese-sociale-media-smullen-ervan~bc2523d2/

[AVGWarhawk]

@Dargo

Yes, he is back tracking. He needs to. I posted a few back, this needs a scalpel were he is using a battle axe. At the very least, it has drawn attention to what China likes to do and the games played.

Also, Trumps number in the polls for the economy is dropping like a rock. Many can not weather months of stocks dropping like a rock. It appears we have 3 solid days of increased positive activity on the market.

Let's see where this goes. And yes, I still believe some major changes in the world economy are needed.

[Reece]

The Supreme Court Finally Takes On Trump

https://media.newyorker.com/photos/68068ce6d0f4182162feac74/16:10/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Marcus_SupremeCourt_April21_2025.jpg

https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-supreme-court-finally-takes-on-trump

[Buddahaid]

The new economy....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJgGkRDyekU

[AVGWarhawk]

The new economy....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJgGkRDyekU



Nothing ventured....nothing gained.

The Supreme Court Finally Takes On Trump

https://media.newyorker.com/photos/68068ce6d0f4182162feac74/16:10/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Marcus_SupremeCourt_April21_2025.jpg

https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-supreme-court-finally-takes-on-trump



Good old due process. How did that work out for the J6 prisoners?

China cancels pork order from USA. Interesting. China owns Smithfield Meats. The largest US based company for of all things, pork. :doh:


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/china-cancels-massive-pork-order-amid-trade-tensions/ss-AA1DApQl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=W129&cvid=02633f63cd1842ca95828300fef12092&ei=48

[Dargo]

China cancels pork order from USA. Interesting. China owns Smithfield Meats. The largest US based company for of all things, pork. :doh:


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/china-cancels-massive-pork-order-amid-trade-tensions/ss-AA1DApQl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=W129&cvid=02633f63cd1842ca95828300fef12092&ei=48And nobody eats pork in the US?

[AVGWarhawk]

And nobody eats pork in the US?

What does that have to do with the price of eggs in China? China cancels their own pork import. :doh:

And yes, pork is consumed in the US. However, we purchase a local hog that lasts us a year. Local beef as well(half bull). :03:

[Dargo]

What does that have to do with the price of eggs in China? China cancels their own pork import. :doh:

And yes, pork is consumed in the US. However, we purchase a local hog that lasts us a year. Local beef as well(half bull). :03:"China owns Smithfield Meats." China can sell that, and it has already made deals for pork import with other countries like Spain. Annddd I see no egg in those pig's url.

[AVGWarhawk]

"China owns Smithfield Meats." China can sell that, and it has already made deals for pork import with other countries like Spain. Annddd I see no egg in those pig's url.

I see a problem forthcoming for Smithfield.

[AVGWarhawk]

Well, if I don't already have the pork in my freeze from the hog I purchase locally I shop Bob Evans. :03:

[Otto Harkaman]

Beneath the dragon-gates of the East, the boar’s bright flesh bears iron tolls,
As silver-stung hamlets weep, their hogs adrift on trade’s churning fjord.


:ahoy:

[Skybird]

https://youtu.be/-YSW5nk6Qm0?si=Z2kvAUj4YnDLxBSD

[Reece]

:har::har: :har:

[Aktungbby]

:oops:/\...fiduciary humor knowingly underwritten by the gold fillings of WWII deathcamp victims isn't so neutral??!!https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Buchenwald_Teeth_74565.jpg/375px-Buchenwald_Teeth_74565.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_dental_gold https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/nazis/readings/sinister.html

[Dargo]

Based on German war documents, it is clear that 60 % of Swiss armaments went to Nazi Germany, 70 % of electrical products, 80 % of electronic equipment and half of optical products. Swiss boasted after the war that their country had worked for refugees and remained neutral. But that ideal image has been punctured. In 2002, a government commission concluded, among other things, that the country had gone too far in its economic relations with Nazi Germany and that its refugee policy had violated fundamental humanitarian principles. During the war, the Swiss had no problem with these shady dealings, but later they felt wetness. In 1946, Switzerland therefore entered into the Washington Agreement with the United States, France and Britain by which the country redeemed all claims to the looted gold in the future with a one-off payment of 250 million Swiss francs (now almost 3 billion euros).

[Otto Harkaman]

So this is interesting, I listened to an interview with Tucker Carlson and one of Pete Hegseth's fired aides. They were talking about Susan Rice who was still on Pentagon boards for policy making a couple days ago. Interesting once the Trump administration realized this they booted her, thank goodness!

https://youtu.be/4M6ArW1my30?si=5e8MIqCJxAp_IPvv

https://youtu.be/lQdFdPiOsZA?si=AcpCzh39fovyFuhb

I think Susan Rice was the shadow president.

[Aktungbby]

Based on German war documents, it is clear that 60 % oSwiss boasted after the war that their country had worked for refugees and remained neutral. But that ideal image has been punctured. :hmmm:...small wonder that my favorite cheese(Swiss) has so many holes in it!:shucks: and of my dental fillings are composite and not gold!:D

[Raf1394]

I'm still curious about that statement from Trump, where he said ''THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT,”

And then 4 hours later, made that statement about the tarrifs, and the market went up.

Its market manipulation for sure... but i guess as president in office, he can get away with it? But even a president has rules he needs to follow. A US president has power, but isn't above the law like a dictator.

[Skybird]

[NZZ (https://www.nzz.ch/international/papstwahl-2024-maga-katholiken-planen-machtuebernahme-im-vatikan-ld.1881217)] "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church"

Following the death of Pope Francis, the MAGA movement is hoping for a change of course in Rome. British journalist and Trump ally Benjamin Harnwell is working on a "gladiator school" for Christian nationalists.

Two days after the livestream in St. Peter's Square, Benjamin Harnwell, sporting a wide mohawk and a medallion of the Virgin Mary around his neck, sits in a Rome café, dreaming of total power: "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church," he says.

MAGA is Donald Trump's right-wing nationalist "Make America Great Again" movement, and Harnwell, a Briton, is its champion in Italy. He sips his pilsner and is visibly pleased with the impact of his words. "Hard line, right?" he asks, grinning. He doesn't say exactly how he intends to take control of the Catholic Church. But Harnwell knows: attention is everything. And the more he provokes, the more attention he gets.

Not all Catholics see the death of Pope Francis as a cause for mourning. Some hope that the end of his pontificate will usher in a new era in the Catholic Church – a return to the conservative, traditional roots of the Christian faith and away from Francis's supposedly progressive path.

One of those Catholics is Harnwell. Less than twelve hours after the death of Pope Francis last Easter Monday, the 49-year-old set up his camera in St. Peter's Square and began the live broadcast to the US: "It will take a hundred years, Steve, to repair the damage [Francis] has caused," he commented.

Harnwell's interview partner, "Steve," is Bannon, the former chief strategist of US President Donald Trump. The right-wing nationalist played a key role in Trump's victory in the 2016 election campaign. Although Bannon no longer plays an active role in the US government, his online show "War Room" has established itself as an important voice in the MAGA camp.

In this show, Harnwell, as an "international correspondent," attacks Pope Francis. Bannon gives him prominent space because his theories fit perfectly with his style. The Christian faith—or what MAGA circles consider it—has become increasingly important both for Bannon, the most prominent representative of the Catholic MAGA movement, and for the Trump administration. It is a culture-war version of the Catholic faith that opposes immigration, so-called gender ideology, abortion, and even divorce.

Since Trump survived an assassination attempt during the election campaign, he has presented himself as a politician with a divine mission, promising to "bring back religion," and has established a task force to identify and end "anti-Christian" tendencies. Trump is not a Catholic, though his vice president, J.D. Vance, is: he converted to Catholicism in 2019. This also proved useful in the presidential election for votes from the working-class community, which traditionally has a large Catholic population in the United States. However, when Vance attempted to justify the US government's mass deportations with Catholic doctrine in February, things backfired badly: The Pope contradicted him in a letter that was unusually direct for Vatican diplomacy.

The criticism was not surprising: Even during Trump's first term in office, there had been tensions between Vance, a climate change denier and MAGA capitalist, and the America-critical Pope. Francis preached against "predatory capitalism," which exploits people and destroys the environment. Now, after Francis's unexpectedly swift death, the MAGA camp is hoping for a new Pope who will stand on its side in the culture war.

One of their preferred candidates is Cardinal Raymond Burke. The American, who belongs to the conservative camp, has repeatedly publicly criticized Pope Francis. In November 2023, the Pope had had enough: He withdrew Burke's salary and his apartment in Rome.
Now is the time for revenge. That's how Harnwell sees it, who would like to pass on his worldview to the right-wing nationalists of tomorrow as a lecturer at the "Academy for the Defense of Western Judeo-Christian Culture."

In 2018, he and Bannon planned to establish this academy together in the Trisulti Charterhouse, an abandoned monastery two hours' drive southeast of Rome. Bannon once aptly called the academy the "Gladiator School." But after two years, they lost the lease because Harnwell was accused of various criminal and administrative offenses. In 2024, a court acquitted him of all charges. Now he's trying to get the monastery back.

"The academy is aimed at everyone who wants to fight more effectively for the defense of Western civilization," he explains. Politicians, journalists, and activists. That's why it's supposed to be built near Rome, one of the most important birthplaces of this civilization. Harnwell calls the ideology that will be taught there "Christian nationalism." "It unabashedly affirms the Christian faith in public life and puts the nation first." And it stands in contrast to the "dictates of the globalist supranational consensus." The most important representatives of Christian nationalism today are "obviously" Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to Harnwell.

Harnwell no longer counts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among them, even though Bannon publicly supported her in 2018 with a visit to Atreyu, her party's political festival. But because Meloni positioned herself against Russia as prime minister in the Ukraine war, Harnwell says she's out of favor in the MAGA camp: "She has betrayed her principles and her base," says Harnwell. While observers viewed Meloni's meeting with Trump as evidence of the good relations between the two leaders, Harnwell believes Trump was merely "friendly."

It remains to be seen whether the Meloni administration will be kind enough to return the monastery to Harnwell and Bannon so they can realize their plans there. And whether their wish for a more MAGA-friendly pope will be fulfilled.

Vatican observers assume that the outcome of the upcoming conclave is particularly uncertain because the cardinals eligible to vote largely do not yet know each other: 108 of the 133 cardinals who will elect the new head of the Catholic Church have been appointed by Francis since 2014. Many of them come from the peripheries of the universal Church, whose integration he placed great value on during his pontificate. In the days leading up to the conclave, from May 5 to 10, they will exchange ideas about their visions of the Catholic Church of the future.

In addition to Raymond Burke, Harnwell also names the conservative Cardinals Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Robert Sarah, and Peter Erdö as preferred candidates. However, he would also agree with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who, as Vatican Secretary of State under Francis, was the number two in the Vatican and is considered a great diplomat and mediator. Parolin is currently considered the best chance of becoming the next pope. But there's a saying in Italy: Whoever enters the conclave as the favorite leaves it as a cardinal.

[AVGWarhawk]

What a load of manure.

[Reece]

Yes!! :yep:

[Bubblehead1980]

[NZZ (https://www.nzz.ch/international/papstwahl-2024-maga-katholiken-planen-machtuebernahme-im-vatikan-ld.1881217)] "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church"

Following the death of Pope Francis, the MAGA movement is hoping for a change of course in Rome. British journalist and Trump ally Benjamin Harnwell is working on a "gladiator school" for Christian nationalists.

Two days after the livestream in St. Peter's Square, Benjamin Harnwell, sporting a wide mohawk and a medallion of the Virgin Mary around his neck, sits in a Rome café, dreaming of total power: "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church," he says.

MAGA is Donald Trump's right-wing nationalist "Make America Great Again" movement, and Harnwell, a Briton, is its champion in Italy. He sips his pilsner and is visibly pleased with the impact of his words. "Hard line, right?" he asks, grinning. He doesn't say exactly how he intends to take control of the Catholic Church. But Harnwell knows: attention is everything. And the more he provokes, the more attention he gets.

Not all Catholics see the death of Pope Francis as a cause for mourning. Some hope that the end of his pontificate will usher in a new era in the Catholic Church – a return to the conservative, traditional roots of the Christian faith and away from Francis's supposedly progressive path.

One of those Catholics is Harnwell. Less than twelve hours after the death of Pope Francis last Easter Monday, the 49-year-old set up his camera in St. Peter's Square and began the live broadcast to the US: "It will take a hundred years, Steve, to repair the damage [Francis] has caused," he commented.

Harnwell's interview partner, "Steve," is Bannon, the former chief strategist of US President Donald Trump. The right-wing nationalist played a key role in Trump's victory in the 2016 election campaign. Although Bannon no longer plays an active role in the US government, his online show "War Room" has established itself as an important voice in the MAGA camp.

In this show, Harnwell, as an "international correspondent," attacks Pope Francis. Bannon gives him prominent space because his theories fit perfectly with his style. The Christian faith—or what MAGA circles consider it—has become increasingly important both for Bannon, the most prominent representative of the Catholic MAGA movement, and for the Trump administration. It is a culture-war version of the Catholic faith that opposes immigration, so-called gender ideology, abortion, and even divorce.

Since Trump survived an assassination attempt during the election campaign, he has presented himself as a politician with a divine mission, promising to "bring back religion," and has established a task force to identify and end "anti-Christian" tendencies. Trump is not a Catholic, though his vice president, J.D. Vance, is: he converted to Catholicism in 2019. This also proved useful in the presidential election for votes from the working-class community, which traditionally has a large Catholic population in the United States. However, when Vance attempted to justify the US government's mass deportations with Catholic doctrine in February, things backfired badly: The Pope contradicted him in a letter that was unusually direct for Vatican diplomacy.

The criticism was not surprising: Even during Trump's first term in office, there had been tensions between Vance, a climate change denier and MAGA capitalist, and the America-critical Pope. Francis preached against "predatory capitalism," which exploits people and destroys the environment. Now, after Francis's unexpectedly swift death, the MAGA camp is hoping for a new Pope who will stand on its side in the culture war.

One of their preferred candidates is Cardinal Raymond Burke. The American, who belongs to the conservative camp, has repeatedly publicly criticized Pope Francis. In November 2023, the Pope had had enough: He withdrew Burke's salary and his apartment in Rome.
Now is the time for revenge. That's how Harnwell sees it, who would like to pass on his worldview to the right-wing nationalists of tomorrow as a lecturer at the "Academy for the Defense of Western Judeo-Christian Culture."

In 2018, he and Bannon planned to establish this academy together in the Trisulti Charterhouse, an abandoned monastery two hours' drive southeast of Rome. Bannon once aptly called the academy the "Gladiator School." But after two years, they lost the lease because Harnwell was accused of various criminal and administrative offenses. In 2024, a court acquitted him of all charges. Now he's trying to get the monastery back.

"The academy is aimed at everyone who wants to fight more effectively for the defense of Western civilization," he explains. Politicians, journalists, and activists. That's why it's supposed to be built near Rome, one of the most important birthplaces of this civilization. Harnwell calls the ideology that will be taught there "Christian nationalism." "It unabashedly affirms the Christian faith in public life and puts the nation first." And it stands in contrast to the "dictates of the globalist supranational consensus." The most important representatives of Christian nationalism today are "obviously" Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to Harnwell.

Harnwell no longer counts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among them, even though Bannon publicly supported her in 2018 with a visit to Atreyu, her party's political festival. But because Meloni positioned herself against Russia as prime minister in the Ukraine war, Harnwell says she's out of favor in the MAGA camp: "She has betrayed her principles and her base," says Harnwell. While observers viewed Meloni's meeting with Trump as evidence of the good relations between the two leaders, Harnwell believes Trump was merely "friendly."

It remains to be seen whether the Meloni administration will be kind enough to return the monastery to Harnwell and Bannon so they can realize their plans there. And whether their wish for a more MAGA-friendly pope will be fulfilled.

Vatican observers assume that the outcome of the upcoming conclave is particularly uncertain because the cardinals eligible to vote largely do not yet know each other: 108 of the 133 cardinals who will elect the new head of the Catholic Church have been appointed by Francis since 2014. Many of them come from the peripheries of the universal Church, whose integration he placed great value on during his pontificate. In the days leading up to the conclave, from May 5 to 10, they will exchange ideas about their visions of the Catholic Church of the future.

In addition to Raymond Burke, Harnwell also names the conservative Cardinals Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Robert Sarah, and Peter Erdö as preferred candidates. However, he would also agree with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who, as Vatican Secretary of State under Francis, was the number two in the Vatican and is considered a great diplomat and mediator. Parolin is currently considered the best chance of becoming the next pope. But there's a saying in Italy: Whoever enters the conclave as the favorite leaves it as a cardinal.

Great read.

Neofascists attempting to use religion to justify their crimes and other atrocities. Not exactly a new movie, but unfortunately one we are living the USA currently and if next Pope is "conservative", will definitely be an obstacle.

All part of the "Dark Enlightenment" and sadly a lot of rubes are playing into it.

Good news, is the Trump Regime is bleeding support, heavily. Special elections are being lost left and right, millions protesting, courts are mostly ruling in favor of the people and not the regime. We're in grave danger as long as his regime and GOP are in power, but a lot of positive signs for the non-fascist majority. Hopefully the next Pope will be an asset, rather than a hinderance.

[AVGWarhawk]

Hopefully the next Pope will be an asset, rather than a hinderance.


Best of luck.

[Otto Harkaman]

Majority, Millions :o

I think the last two Congressional Special Elections went to Republicans in Florida, next Special Elections not till Fall. :hmmm:

[AVGWarhawk]

Majority, Millions :o

I think the last two Congressional Special Elections went to Republicans in Florida, next Special Elections not till Fall. :hmmm:

Not to worry. Those who are in trouble in their district will start screaming impeach, impeach, impeach. The usual political nonsense we see from both sides.

[Gorpet]

[NZZ (https://www.nzz.ch/international/papstwahl-2024-maga-katholiken-planen-machtuebernahme-im-vatikan-ld.1881217)] "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church"

Following the death of Pope Francis, the MAGA movement is hoping for a change of course in Rome. British journalist and Trump ally Benjamin Harnwell is working on a "gladiator school" for Christian nationalists.

Two days after the livestream in St. Peter's Square, Benjamin Harnwell, sporting a wide mohawk and a medallion of the Virgin Mary around his neck, sits in a Rome café, dreaming of total power: "MAGA won't rest until we take control of the Catholic Church," he says.

MAGA is Donald Trump's right-wing nationalist "Make America Great Again" movement, and Harnwell, a Briton, is its champion in Italy. He sips his pilsner and is visibly pleased with the impact of his words. "Hard line, right?" he asks, grinning. He doesn't say exactly how he intends to take control of the Catholic Church. But Harnwell knows: attention is everything. And the more he provokes, the more attention he gets.

Not all Catholics see the death of Pope Francis as a cause for mourning. Some hope that the end of his pontificate will usher in a new era in the Catholic Church – a return to the conservative, traditional roots of the Christian faith and away from Francis's supposedly progressive path.

One of those Catholics is Harnwell. Less than twelve hours after the death of Pope Francis last Easter Monday, the 49-year-old set up his camera in St. Peter's Square and began the live broadcast to the US: "It will take a hundred years, Steve, to repair the damage [Francis] has caused," he commented.

Harnwell's interview partner, "Steve," is Bannon, the former chief strategist of US President Donald Trump. The right-wing nationalist played a key role in Trump's victory in the 2016 election campaign. Although Bannon no longer plays an active role in the US government, his online show "War Room" has established itself as an important voice in the MAGA camp.

In this show, Harnwell, as an "international correspondent," attacks Pope Francis. Bannon gives him prominent space because his theories fit perfectly with his style. The Christian faith—or what MAGA circles consider it—has become increasingly important both for Bannon, the most prominent representative of the Catholic MAGA movement, and for the Trump administration. It is a culture-war version of the Catholic faith that opposes immigration, so-called gender ideology, abortion, and even divorce.

Since Trump survived an assassination attempt during the election campaign, he has presented himself as a politician with a divine mission, promising to "bring back religion," and has established a task force to identify and end "anti-Christian" tendencies. Trump is not a Catholic, though his vice president, J.D. Vance, is: he converted to Catholicism in 2019. This also proved useful in the presidential election for votes from the working-class community, which traditionally has a large Catholic population in the United States. However, when Vance attempted to justify the US government's mass deportations with Catholic doctrine in February, things backfired badly: The Pope contradicted him in a letter that was unusually direct for Vatican diplomacy.

The criticism was not surprising: Even during Trump's first term in office, there had been tensions between Vance, a climate change denier and MAGA capitalist, and the America-critical Pope. Francis preached against "predatory capitalism," which exploits people and destroys the environment. Now, after Francis's unexpectedly swift death, the MAGA camp is hoping for a new Pope who will stand on its side in the culture war.

One of their preferred candidates is Cardinal Raymond Burke. The American, who belongs to the conservative camp, has repeatedly publicly criticized Pope Francis. In November 2023, the Pope had had enough: He withdrew Burke's salary and his apartment in Rome.
Now is the time for revenge. That's how Harnwell sees it, who would like to pass on his worldview to the right-wing nationalists of tomorrow as a lecturer at the "Academy for the Defense of Western Judeo-Christian Culture."

In 2018, he and Bannon planned to establish this academy together in the Trisulti Charterhouse, an abandoned monastery two hours' drive southeast of Rome. Bannon once aptly called the academy the "Gladiator School." But after two years, they lost the lease because Harnwell was accused of various criminal and administrative offenses. In 2024, a court acquitted him of all charges. Now he's trying to get the monastery back.

"The academy is aimed at everyone who wants to fight more effectively for the defense of Western civilization," he explains. Politicians, journalists, and activists. That's why it's supposed to be built near Rome, one of the most important birthplaces of this civilization. Harnwell calls the ideology that will be taught there "Christian nationalism." "It unabashedly affirms the Christian faith in public life and puts the nation first." And it stands in contrast to the "dictates of the globalist supranational consensus." The most important representatives of Christian nationalism today are "obviously" Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to Harnwell.

Harnwell no longer counts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among them, even though Bannon publicly supported her in 2018 with a visit to Atreyu, her party's political festival. But because Meloni positioned herself against Russia as prime minister in the Ukraine war, Harnwell says she's out of favor in the MAGA camp: "She has betrayed her principles and her base," says Harnwell. While observers viewed Meloni's meeting with Trump as evidence of the good relations between the two leaders, Harnwell believes Trump was merely "friendly."

It remains to be seen whether the Meloni administration will be kind enough to return the monastery to Harnwell and Bannon so they can realize their plans there. And whether their wish for a more MAGA-friendly pope will be fulfilled.

Vatican observers assume that the outcome of the upcoming conclave is particularly uncertain because the cardinals eligible to vote largely do not yet know each other: 108 of the 133 cardinals who will elect the new head of the Catholic Church have been appointed by Francis since 2014. Many of them come from the peripheries of the universal Church, whose integration he placed great value on during his pontificate. In the days leading up to the conclave, from May 5 to 10, they will exchange ideas about their visions of the Catholic Church of the future.

In addition to Raymond Burke, Harnwell also names the conservative Cardinals Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Robert Sarah, and Peter Erdö as preferred candidates. However, he would also agree with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who, as Vatican Secretary of State under Francis, was the number two in the Vatican and is considered a great diplomat and mediator. Parolin is currently considered the best chance of becoming the next pope. But there's a saying in Italy: Whoever enters the conclave as the favorite leaves it as a cardinal.

Who is NZZ ? Never heard of them. And could you remind me, what is the Dominant religion in Germany today ? 2025. I think your country has a bit of a Muslim problem than a American MAGA problem. Do you think American Catholicism,Christianity and our Jewish oh and the 7th day Adventist and i don't know how many other religions that we have our country. But for some reason, You think MAGA...For a man with your education and intelligence. You show your true colors and the hate you have for the USA. It's ok ,The Pope lives behind 40 foot tall walls with armed guards. The Vatican itself will fall not to Maga , But to AI.

[Ostfriese]

Who is NZZ ? Never heard of them. And could you remind me, what is the Dominant religion in Germany today ? 2025

Unaffiliated with any religion (46%), followed by Catholicism (about 23% very similar to the US, btw.), and Protestantism (about 21%, the vast majority of them are Lutherans). Islam is at about 4.5%.

[Gorpet]

Great read.

Neofascists attempting to use religion to justify their crimes and other atrocities. Not exactly a new movie, but unfortunately one we are living the USA currently and if next Pope is "conservative", will definitely be an obstacle.

All part of the "Dark Enlightenment" and sadly a lot of rubes are playing into it.

Good news, is the Trump Regime is bleeding support, heavily. Special elections are being lost left and right, millions protesting, courts are mostly ruling in favor of the people and not the regime. We're in grave danger as long as his regime and GOP are in power, but a lot of positive signs for the non-fascist majority. Hopefully the next Pope will be an asset, rather than a hinderance.

Bubblehead,Did you just move to Florida ? And if you did Why ? Was it getting to, Expensive to live under the Democrats ? And now you want to bring "Dark Enlightenment" to the Sunshine State ? Well we welcome your daughters and your partner. They will certainly get some Dark Enlightenment. But i expect you will use your 2nd Amendment right and buy gun faster than a Florida flea will hop on your dog.

[Gorpet]

Unaffiliated with any religion (46%), followed by Catholicism (about 23% very similar to the US, btw.), and Protestantism (about 21%, the vast majority of them are Lutherans). Islam is at about 4.5%.

Thanks, It's weird,weird How Make America Great Again and that slogan brings fear into peoples minds. When 16 teen years ago It was Hope and Change and it gutted the middle class. And to bring about change, It gutted the middle class across just the Western countries. Tks . Well damn , YT doesn't like the word Atheist and we Americans threw that at anybody, that didn't like apple pie and mini skirts. LOL ce ya.

[Skybird]

Who is NZZ ? Never heard of them.You have, i quote them often. Neue Zürcher Zeitung, imo the best German-tongued newspaper in Europe.

[Skybird]

Canada: Make the Left Great Again. :D Well done, Donny. You were the right man for that job. :up:

[AVGWarhawk]

Canada: Make the Left Great Again. :D Well done, Donny. You were the right man for that job. :up:

Just another Pierre Trudeau.

[Bilge_Rat]

Canada: Make the Left Great Again. :D Well done, Donny. You were the right man for that job. :up:

Well no, even though the legacy media is trying to give the election an anti-Trump spin, Trump was a very minor factor, the election was run mostly on local/national issues and really came down to picking the lesser of two evils:

1. Carney is an unknown quantity with zero political experience and the charisma of a banker and voters are fed up with the Liberals after 10 years; but

2. Many voters do not trust Polievre either who is much too aggressive and has zero real world experience since he has been a politician his entire life.

and the results show that, votes are divided pretty much equally between liberals and conservatives and the participation rate at 61% is pretty much a historical low.

I talked to a lot of my network before the election and Trump was way down the list of priorities.

[Buddahaid]

Canada: Make the Left Great Again. :D Well done, Donny. You were the right man for that job. :up:

I like the "Make Orwell Fiction Again" party.

[Skybird]

Well no, even though the legacy media is trying to give the election an anti-Trump spin, Trump was a very minor factor, the election was run mostly on local/national issues and really came down to picking the lesser of two evils:

1. Carney is an unknown quantity with zero political experience and the charisma of a banker and voters are fed up with the Liberals after 10 years; but

2. Many voters do not trust Polievre either who is much too aggressive and has zero real world experience since he has been a politician his entire life.

and the results show that, votes are divided pretty much equally between liberals and conservatives and the participation rate at 61% is pretty much a historical low.

I talked to a lot of my network before the election and Trump was way down the list of priorities.
When Trudeau left office, the Liberals trailed behind by 20+ points. Thats not too long ago.

What happened to Canadians that all of a sudden the gave the Liberals an almost 25 points jump forward...? I fail to see an inner political reason, but I admit I know almost nothing about Canada. But I noticed that except Alberta the rest of Canada is currently located closer to Europe than to the US.

[u crank]

When Trudeau left office, the Liberals trailed behind by 20+ points. Thats not too long ago.

That was a reflection on how unpopular Trudeau was but not necessarily the Liberal party. If Carney can abstain from some of prince blackface's more authoritarian ways he might be alright. But then again he is a liberal. :D

[August]

That was a reflection on how unpopular Trudeau was but not necessarily the Liberal party. If Carney can abstain from some of prince blackface's more authoritarian ways he might be alright. But then again he is a liberal. :D


Oh c'mon now U Crank, obviously first hand knowledge about your own country completely pales in comparison to the rantings of some socialist German propaganda rag. :)

[Dargo]

Trump signs order requiring truck drivers to speak English, pass literacy tests as ‘communication problems’ mount (https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/trump-signs-order-requiring-truck-drivers-to-speak-english-pass-literacy-tests/)losing my commercial driving licence because my essay on homoeroticism in Whitman is too shallow and derivative. :D

[VipertheSniper]

Oh c'mon now U Crank, obviously first hand knowledge about your own country completely pales in comparison to the rantings of some socialist German propaganda rag. :)

If you refering to the NZZ, it's a swiss paper and a pretty conservative one at that. You classifying that as a socialist propaganda rag is honestly ridiculous.

What a load of manure.

I mean that's more or less straight from the horses mouth, or ass, if you prefer. You believe that was fabricated or what? The guy seems to be quite proud of his efforts.

[Commander Wallace]

Trump signs order requiring truck drivers to speak English, pass literacy tests as ‘communication problems’ mount (https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/trump-signs-order-requiring-truck-drivers-to-speak-english-pass-literacy-tests/)
losing my commercial driving licence because my essay on homoeroticism in Whitman is too shallow and derivative. :D


The order requiring people who drive a truck to be be competent and literate in the English Language is legitimate. It should be extended to anyone operating a motor Vehicle in the U.S. Driving a Truck is a huge responsibility. If someone operating a Truck can't read the English language, they have no business on the road, in a truck or any other Motor Vehicle. That's an accident waiting to happen. Why should those who drive safely in the U.S have to contend with those who can't read on the road ?

[Buddahaid]

The order requiring people who drive a truck to be be competent and literate in the English Language is legitimate. It should be extended to anyone operating a motor Vehicle in the U.S. Driving a Truck is a huge responsibility. If someone operating a Truck can't read the English language, they have no business on the road, in a truck or any other Motor Vehicle. That's an accident waiting to happen. Why should those who drive safely in the U.S have to contend with those who can't read on the road ?

State's issue since they issue driver's licenses.

[Aktungbby]

actually, that's the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that sets the rules for truck companies.

[Bubblehead1980]

Bubblehead,Did you just move to Florida ? And if you did Why ? Was it getting to, Expensive to live under the Democrats ? And now you want to bring "Dark Enlightenment" to the Sunshine State ? Well we welcome your daughters and your partner. They will certainly get some Dark Enlightenment. But i expect you will use your 2nd Amendment right and buy gun faster than a Florida flea will hop on your dog.

LMAO Dark Enlightenment is a far reich, neofascist thing bro. Not my bag.

Actually, I am a native Floridian, grew up here, and spent large portions of my adult life here. I have lived in quite a few vastly different places over the years for college, grad school, work, etc. I'm back for family, primarily. I also have a desire to help change things for the better in my home city/county/state through my professional work, do my part. Each time I have returned over years to live here, aside from visits, I've noticed it's changed overall for the worse due to policies of last 25+ years under Bush, Crist, Scott, DeSantis. Cost out of living, especially housing and utilities is outrageous. Wages for typical worker are low, very few protections, rights, or services. Meanwhile, corporations (especially insurance, nursing homes, tourism) are catered to, protected. DeSantis's attacks. This could be a great place to live for everyone, much like the USA, but there are a lot of greedy, corrupt forces, and ignorant people in the way.
Since COVID, seems like a huge concentration of reich wing nutjobs, fascist inclined individuals flocked here, of course claiming they love "freedom."


Btw. I say this as a native, political independent, and former Republican

[Commander Wallace]

actually, that's the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that sets the rules for truck companies.



Yep. Exactly. :yep: Although, Automotive licenses are Issued through the State.

[August]

Wisconsin high court suspends Milwaukee judge accused of helping man evade immigration authorities

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, saying Tuesday that it is in the public interest to relieve her of her duties as she faces two federal charges.
The FBI took Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan (https://apnews.com/article/who-is-milwaukee-judge-hannah-dugan-c7247d7d053b8f1e098919e69f5853f3) into custody Friday morning at the county courthouse. She has been charged with concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.
In its two-page order, the court said it was acting to protect public confidence in Wisconsin courts during the criminal proceedings against Dugan. The order noted that the court was acting on its own initiative and was not responding to a request from anyone. Liberal justices control the court 4-3.



https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-judge-arrested-supreme-court-suspended-49f25ea7702d3211719f926f8cfc90b7?link_source=ta_th read_link&taid=68114f9262ec760001eb3bcf&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=threads.net#

[Otto Harkaman]

Storm-steed riding 47POTUS claims hall’s high seat with thunder-word and iron-scroll;
In hundred-day tide his rune-bound edicts bend law’s oak and fire the frost of old foes.


:ahoy:

[vienna]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zMF16zsa26s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IR3GbzoH8oQ



<O>

[mapuc]

Wonder if we can put all this in one word
Trumpisme ?

Markus

[Dargo]

It is ‘complete chaos’ in the container sector. Never before have so many ocean carriers been cancelled globally in a month as for the coming month: 80 container ships have cancelled or changed their routes. That amounts to about 20 per cent of total container capacity. By comparison, during the worst of the corona crisis, the number of cancelled sailings stood at 50, says industry association Evofenedex. In international shipping, the effects of the new US trade policy are increasingly palpable. According to Casper Roerade of Evofenedex, the number of changes to shipping routes is alarming and he does not rule out the possibility of more ships being taken out of service in the coming weeks. ‘The full impact for the shipping industry is yet to be seen,’ Roerade says.

In particular, container ships normally sailing between China and the US are shifting their routes. Trade between China and the US has declined sharply after President Trump recently introduced increasingly higher import duties on products China. Products from the rest of the world have also been additionally taxed since the beginning of April. Trump quickly reduced these levies to 10 per cent for most countries. But the US government's fickle policies are also causing a lot of unrest worldwide.It is chaos. There are appalling delays at the port of Rotterdam. On global sea freight, it is a mess right now.Many exporters are currently watching the cat out of the tree. It is leading to a lot of changes in the sailing schedule of container ships at the moment. This is also noticed by TransHeroes, a logistics company that books containers on cargo ships. Some companies are waiting to send goods. But there are also companies that have been waiting for weeks for stuff they ordered or that are not getting their own products on a boat at the moment. ‘The delays that are occurring now are particularly unpleasant when you are depending on what is in the containers,’ Asveld says.

[Skybird]

Wonder if we can put all this in one word
Trumpisme ?

Markus


Its a sect. Same psychological laws like in describing human behavior and submission in sects apply. Thats why it is useless to look at total approval ratings, there are the disciples that have blind faith no matter what, that cannot be reached by rational judgement or reality. They will act aggressively (and do) if you put their idol in question, their dogma, very much like Dietrioch Bonhoeffer explained it in his famous letter on human stupidity as a social phenomenon. These disciples are fanatics, they will always stick to him, and therefore approval ratings cannot drop below a certain treshold that reflects these fanatics' total number.


You must therefore instead look at the level of polarization between disciples and "heretics" (all unbelievers). And here Trump scores by far the worst of all presidents there have been since WW2 minimum, possible even earlier.


Trump is a fire accelerator in its purest form. The damage he already has "acchieved" cannot be taken back with in the next two or three generations. If ever. And more bad is yet to come. Nothing can be ruled out anymore, it seems. Madness rules where rationality and reason and wisdom should be at home.



If we non-Americnas are clever, we cana benefit from the American madness and use this warning call as an opportunity to advance ourselves out of necessity. Where there is danger, it means there is risk - and also opportunity. Its completely up to us. But we should not wait and hope for the US.



The breathtaking quality of our own intellectual "elites" :haha: and political "leaders" :D however leaves a foul taste in my mouth when typing this. I think we will ruin this chance with flying colours, and afterwards point fingers at others.

[Otto Harkaman]

When kamikaze fiends lashed winds from Yemen’s shores, the carrier turned her iron prow and loosed her Hornet into the sea’s hungry maw.
A tow tractor followed its winged kin to the deep, yet fellowship held fast—only one sailor bore a scratch upon his helm.
https://www.twz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/truman-hard-turn.jpg
The USS Harry S. Truman has been on its current deployment for approximately 7 months.

[AVGWarhawk]

Trump is a fire accelerator in its purest form. The damage he already has "acchieved" cannot be taken back with in the next two or three generations. If ever. And more bad is yet to come. Nothing can be ruled out anymore, it seems. Madness rules where rationality and reason and wisdom should be at home.






The breathtaking quality of our own intellectual "elites" :haha: and political "leaders" :D however leaves a foul taste in my mouth when typing this. I think we will ruin this chance with flying colours, and afterwards point fingers at others.


A bit over dramatic.

[AVGWarhawk]

It is ‘complete chaos’ in the container sector. Never before have so many ocean carriers been cancelled globally in a month as for the coming month: 80 container ships have cancelled or changed their routes. That amounts to about 20 per cent of total container capacity. By comparison, during the worst of the corona crisis, the number of cancelled sailings stood at 50, says industry association Evofenedex. In international shipping, the effects of the new US trade policy are increasingly palpable. According to Casper Roerade of Evofenedex, the number of changes to shipping routes is alarming and he does not rule out the possibility of more ships being taken out of service in the coming weeks. ‘The full impact for the shipping industry is yet to be seen,’ Roerade says.

In particular, container ships normally sailing between China and the US are shifting their routes. Trade between China and the US has declined sharply after President Trump recently introduced increasingly higher import duties on products China. Products from the rest of the world have also been additionally taxed since the beginning of April. Trump quickly reduced these levies to 10 per cent for most countries. But the US government's fickle policies are also causing a lot of unrest worldwide.Many exporters are currently watching the cat out of the tree. It is leading to a lot of changes in the sailing schedule of container ships at the moment. This is also noticed by TransHeroes, a logistics company that books containers on cargo ships. Some companies are waiting to send goods. But there are also companies that have been waiting for weeks for stuff they ordered or that are not getting their own products on a boat at the moment. ‘The delays that are occurring now are particularly unpleasant when you are depending on what is in the containers,’ Asveld says.

Less trucking in the USA. California will be happy as smog/emissions will be reduced considerably. Got to look at the sunny side sometimes. :salute:

[Skybird]

https://www.bbc.com/news/resources/idt-17e9c07b-93f4-45b3-9558-7590b9eaf3ad

[AVGWarhawk]

https://www.bbc.com/news/resources/idt-17e9c07b-93f4-45b3-9558-7590b9eaf3ad

I'm thinking the others did not do much of anything the first 100 days to make any waves in the polls. Good or bad.

[Bubblehead1980]

I'm thinking the others did not do much of anything the first 100 days to make any waves in the polls. Good or bad.


FDR did many great things in his first 100 days. This is where the whole "First 100 days became "a thing" in US politics if I recall.

Trump's first 100 days are an objective disaster. All he's managed to do is align us with Putin, other tyrant nations, alienate allies and decent nations of the world, enable racism, xenophobia, nativism, sexism etc, wreck the economy. Oh yea, border crossings appear down. Not worth it, such a manufactured crisis, exploiting the underlying racism, xenophobia etc in US culture, especially among working class people, especially among working class white people. Of course, he and the cult just claim anything he does is an "accomplishment."

[AVGWarhawk]

FDR did many great things in his first 100 days. This is where the whole "First 100 days became "a thing" in US politics if I recall.

Trump's first 100 days are an objective disaster. All he's managed to do is align us with Putin, other tyrant nations, alienate allies and decent nations of the world, enable racism, xenophobia, nativism, sexism etc, wreck the economy. Oh yea, border crossings appear down. Not worth it, such a manufactured crisis, exploiting the underlying racism, xenophobia etc in US culture, especially among working class people, especially among working class white people. Of course, he and the cult just claim anything he does is an "accomplishment."

FDR was not in the comparison. The economy will rebound as well as the stock market. So a guy wants America to stop taking it in the shorts with matters of the world economy and policing the planet. I do not see a problem here. How he went about it is a different story.

[Buddahaid]

FDR did many great things in his first 100 days. This is where the whole "First 100 days became "a thing" in US politics if I recall.

Trump's first 100 days are an objective disaster. All he's managed to do is align us with Putin, other tyrant nations, alienate allies and decent nations of the world, enable racism, xenophobia, nativism, sexism etc, wreck the economy. Oh yea, border crossings appear down. Not worth it, such a manufactured crisis, exploiting the underlying racism, xenophobia etc in US culture, especially among working class people, especially among working class white people. Of course, he and the cult just claim anything he does is an "accomplishment."

^
Yep.

[Bubblehead1980]

Wonder if we can put all this in one word
Trumpisme ?

Markus


Trumpism is Trumpian neofacism. A mix of corporatist, oligarchic fascism, aligned with religious fascists (so called "christian" nationalists). A the core of Trumpism is the "Dark Enlightenment" of Curtis Yarvin" to which Peter Thiel and JD Vance are on board with, as are technofascists such as Musk etc.

Frankly, Trump is too shallow and too much of a morn to know what fascism is, all he knows is he wants unchecked power and these malevolent types have enabled him to further their agenda. Trump is just the demagogue mouthpiece, to get those inclined towards fascism on board, i.e. most conservatives, especially the rubes among the masses.

All the elements of neofascism are present in actions, policies, rhetoric, alignments etc. ; Nativism, ultranationalism, racism, xenophobia, authoritarianism, hostility and even violence towards intellectuals, artists, (the intelligentsia) free press, liberal democracy, judges, separation of powers, rule of law, corporatism, liberalism, socialism and much more.


That is Trumpism.

[August]

Sounds like Trump Derangement Syndrome to me.

[Reece]

Originally Posted by Skybird https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/smartdark/viewpost.gif (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2955387#post2955387)



Trump is a fire accelerator in its purest form. The damage he already has "acchieved" cannot be taken back with in the next two or three generations. If ever. And more bad is yet to come. Nothing can be ruled out anymore, it seems. Madness rules where rationality and reason and wisdom should be at home.






The breathtaking quality of our own intellectual "elites" :haha: and political "leaders" :D however leaves a foul taste in my mouth when typing this. I think we will ruin this chance with flying colours, and afterwards point fingers at others.
A bit over dramatic.

I don't think so!! :hmmm:

[Buddahaid]

Sounds like Trump Derangement Syndrome to me.

You would know as you have one of the worst cases....:Kaleun_Wink:

[August]

You would know as you have one of the worst cases....:Kaleun_Wink:
You can always depend on a Democrat to accuse others of something they are themselves.

[Buddahaid]

You can always depend on a Democrat to accuse others of something they are themselves.

You can always depend on a MAGA Republican to never admit they are in error.