US Politics Thread 2021-24

[Jimbuna]

^ Probably one of if not the only point I can agree with him.

[mapuc]

Among our Journalist he is very much disliked and when he started to demand us to pay our part. They got a heart attack and wrote in big letters
Trump is going to leave NATO.

Trump haven't never mentioned anything about leaving NATO, what he said was that NATO members who doesn't pay their part would not get help from USA.

Today they see the verdict against him as a victory for the democracy.

He may have a huge percentage supporters among the Rep. voters
This isn't enough he has to have the support from the Rep politicians
Which may be an another story.

Markus

[Otto Harkaman]

Ukraine
Overall, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the total U.S. assistance, including military, economic, and humanitarian aid, has surpassed $52 billion​ (CRS Reports)​​ (Defense.gov)​.

President Joe Biden has clearly stated that the United States will not deploy American troops to Ukraine. He has reiterated his position multiple times, emphasizing that while the U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukraine through military aid and advisory roles, American soldiers will not be involved in combat operations on Ukrainian soil. This stance is aimed at avoiding a direct conflict between U.S. and Russian forces​ (Kyiv Post)​​ (The White House)​.

However, there have been discussions about increasing the number of U.S. military advisers at the embassy in Kyiv. These advisers would primarily assist with logistics, maintenance of military equipment, and other support roles, but they would not engage in combat​ (Politico)​.

California
California's state budget for 2024 has revealed significant fiscal challenges, including a projected deficit. The shortfall for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 is estimated to be between $38 billion and $68 billion, according to various projections. This gap is partly due to lower-than-expected tax revenues and economic factors such as stock market declines and Federal Reserve interest rate hikes​ (California Budget and Policy Center)​​ (California Budget and Policy Center)​.

In addition to this broader budgetary shortfall, an audit released in early 2024 highlighted that California had spent $24 billion over the past five years on homelessness initiatives without adequately tracking how effectively the funds were used. This has raised concerns about the management and oversight of state expenditures​ (The Independent)​.

[mapuc]

Originally Posted by Otto Harkaman

However, there have been discussions about increasing the number of U.S. military advisers at the embassy in Kyiv. These advisers would primarily assist with logistics, maintenance of military equipment, and other support roles, but they would not engage in combat​ (Politico)​.

Where have I heard this before.. Seem to recall some historical similarity.

Markus

[August]

Originally Posted by mapuc

Where have I heard this before.. Seem to recall some historical similarity.

Markus

If you got a point to make then you'll have to narrow it down some. We have military advisors in a bunch of countries atm.

[mapuc]

Originally Posted by August

If you got a point to make then you'll have to narrow it down some. We have military advisors in a bunch of countries atm.

If my historical memory doesn't play tricks with me I remember how USA in the beginning started to send U.S. military advisers to South Vietnam

Markus

[August]

Originally Posted by mapuc

If my historical memory doesn't play tricks with me I remember how USA in the beginning started to send U.S. military advisers to South Vietnam

Markus

And since then we have sent advisors to dozens of other countries.

FWIW by 1963 we had over 11,000 military advisors in Vietnam recruiting, training, advising and even leading indigenous combat troops at firebases throughout the country. That hardly compares to a couple dozen supply experts stationed in the US Embassy in Kiev.

[mapuc]

Originally Posted by August

And since then we have sent advisors to dozens of other countries.

FWIW by 1963 we had over 11,000 military advisors in Vietnam recruiting, training, advising and even leading indigenous combat troops at firebases throughout the country. That hardly compares to a couple dozen supply experts stationed in the US Embassy in Kiev.

You're right It was me who was wrong A dozen supply expert/U.S. military advisers in Ukraine isn't the same as the development in Vietnam.

Must have remembered wrong.

Markus

[Otto Harkaman]

As of 2024, the exact number of U.S. military advisors currently operating in Ukraine is not publicly disclosed due to security concerns. However, recent reports suggest that the U.S. is considering sending additional advisors to support the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The number of advisors is expected to be small, possibly fewer than two dozen​ (Voice of America)​​ (Yahoo)​.

These advisors are primarily involved in non-combat roles, such as providing logistical support, overseeing weapon transfers, and offering strategic advice to Ukrainian military officials. This deployment is meant to assist with the efficient use of U.S. military aid and ensure proper oversight of the equipment and resources provided to Ukraine​ (Stars and Stripes)​​ (Kyiv Post)​.

[August]

Excerpt from a very interesting lecture.

[Oubaas]

Originally Posted by Jeff-Groves

Sorry. But I have a problem listening to anyone that pronounces Arkansas
as Rcansaw.
Do you also say Cansaw for Kansas?

No, no, no! It's spelt "Arkansas", but it's pronounced "Throatwarbler Mangrove"!

[Catfish]

^ lol

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

https://archive.ph/isZq4#selection-1473.0-1479.694
Yeah, funny how that works. Countries that take advantage of the US and allocate their spending to their own domestic boondoggles finally wake up when Trump calls them on their ****.

You'd rather "thank" Putin

[Otto Harkaman]

^ Well if they had funded and prepared themselves years ago maybe Putin wouldn't have dared to show his hand


How much better prepared would the Western European Nato countries have been if they had funded 2% GDP to their defense? (Asking AI:chatgpt4)

To quantify the potential impact, let's consider a hypothetical scenario where key Western European NATO countries had consistently spent 2% of their GDP on defense over the past decade. Here are some rough estimates:

1. Economic Scale: Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have large economies, so the absolute increase in defense spending would be substantial.
- Germany: GDP around $4 trillion. Increasing defense spending from around 1.2% to 2% would add approximately $32 billion annually.
- France: GDP around $2.7 trillion. Increasing from around 1.8% to 2% would add approximately $5.4 billion annually.
- United Kingdom: GDP around $3 trillion. Increasing from around 2% (already close to target) would add a smaller but still significant amount.

2. Cumulative Effect: Over a decade, these increases would result in hundreds of billions of additional defense dollars.
- Germany: $32 billion/year x 10 years = $320 billion.
- France: $5.4 billion/year x 10 years = $54 billion.
- United Kingdom: Even a small increase of $1 billion/year x 10 years = $10 billion.

These figures represent significant enhancements in capabilities, force readiness, and strategic assets. Improved funding would likely lead to:
- Enhanced deterrence: Stronger and more credible military presence in Europe.
- Faster response: Quicker mobilization and response to threats.
- Greater resilience: Better ability to withstand and recover from conflicts or crises.

### Conclusion

If Western European NATO countries had consistently met the 2% GDP defense spending guideline, their military capabilities and preparedness would be notably enhanced. This increased readiness and capability could have served as a stronger deterrent to potential aggressors like Russia, potentially altering strategic calculations and preventing aggressive actions.

[Catfish]

^ nobody believed some ten years ago that there would ever be a war again against Europe initialised by Russia. Even after the sacking of Crimea.
This is why no one wanted to spend a dime for a defence that was so completely unnecessary (ahem).

Whatever, what Trump said or says is irrelevant. In hindsight all is perfectly clear for the wisecracks.
As a true sick narcicist Trump uses any situation to blame others and try to pose as the one who knew it all, and better. Just watch some interviews, this guy is a blithering idiot who has not even the excuse of Alzheimer's disease.
b.t.w. you cannot trust a fraudster, be it selling a car, or his people.

[mapuc]

Will this prevent them from getting into USA ?

The decree means that when the number of illegal migrants crossing the US-Mexico border becomes too high, the border will be temporarily closed. According to the AFP news agency, it is 2,500 a day.

https://ekstrabladet-dk.translate.go..._x_tr_pto=wapp

Markus