After being arrested and sent to pre-trial detention on November 9, 2021 , a criminal case was initiated on yet more of my “spiritual brothers” in Russia ;( I’m one of Jehovah’s witnesses) On April 17, 2023, the Ahktubinskiy District Court of the Astrakhan Region (Russia) finally convicted my dear brothers Rinat Kiramov, Sergei Korolev, and Sergey Kosyanenko. They were each sentenced to seven years in prison Their crime? Reading and studying their Bibles and Bible literature which is supposedly allowed under their Constitution. These dear mens’ reputations are without blemish as peace-loving, hard-working members of their communities; and as baptised Christians have not, and will not take up arms against their fellow-man as Jesus commanded.
So, What’s all that got to do with today’s excellent offering from Bill & Joel?
It’s this : I live in UK Today and every day I read and study God’s Word; I speak about it in a peaceful and respectful fashion to others on every reasonable occasion...once again obeying Jesus command to his followers recorded at Matthew 24:14. I haven’t been arrested (yet) in my 60yrs of doing this ; I have not been put in any pre trial detention classes as a “terrorist” or belonging to a “terrorist” organisation awaiting trial on trumped-up charges as my dear brothers and sisters (yes, even sisters of my age in their ‘80s!) are in Russia , and other totalitarian countries such as North Korea etc (there’s a list of those who are presently detained in jail or who have been in jail for many years, on our website for any who are interested ).
So even though the USA and other so-called ‘Western’ nations are certainly not perfect and never will be , at the moment I know where I prefer to live. (As a Russian brother in my congregation said the other day “his heart breaks every day” when he thinks of his family and friends over there who are not allowed freedom of thought, or belief, if it disagrees with the Party line. )
Of course, soon ALL nations will be persecutors, including the Western nations who think they are “free”. They will follow the will of their respective governments .Just as Hermann Goering succinctly pointed out at the Nuremberg Trials : (quote) “naturally, the common people don’t want war, neither in Russia nor England nor America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and DENOUNCE THE PACIFISTS for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN EVERY COUNTRY”.
Yes sweet Jaqui, we are no longer free in the West. The "Freeloaders" or "Useful Idiots" of America have fallen to the lies of our Chinese bought and paid for "Leaders".
Those most ignorant of our society believe the lies they were told since birth, from their mother's, who were told the same, explaining that those who's hard earned money you take, are your enemy. That this government that gives you enough to destroy your hope, are your friend...
Try to educate them or go against the givers, and you are patched with a star of racism.
History never repeats, but we have all heard this rhyme before.
The source of American power was individual freedom and self reliance. They built American industries. It was a marvelous journey from 1630 to 1960. From there all down hill and now proceeding at warp speed. Kennedy is going to be a disruptor of the the warfare state. If a nuclear explosion doesn’t happen first.
I hate to take issue with our Dear Editor, but his percentage of GDP of 6 percent is significantly overstated. If the 877 Billion that's on Joel's chart is accurate, and the 2022 forecast for U.S. GDP is anywhere in the ball park (just shy of 24 Trillion), military spending will be around 3.7 percent which is relatively speaking a long way from 6 percent.
The other thing is that no number provided by the Communist Party of China can be relied upon. Even if their number is somewhat accurate they don't pay their soldiers and military personnel anywhere near what we do so there's really no way to compare our apple to their orange. I'm just saying . . .
Ask any American at any age if he was told at one time or another that America is number one.
You get the answer with an overwhelming yes.
Why was this necessary and what was the purpose ?
We experience bullying in schools and give the appearance of fighting it. We have determined time and time again how detrimental it is to our children in the school environment.
Our leaders are the only ones that have no clue what bullying on the international arena represents. At the core of that mentality is and always was money.
Our success in terms of earning a living comes from a system closest to the fundamental human nature, knock yourself out if you want to have a little more money.
I immigrated from Europe. As far as I remember Americans in Europe were always ridiculed for their behavior, attire and attitude. To me as a youngster America represented different values and many of them I did not understand. I was a kid that wanted the lifestyle of Americans. Materialism was my motivation at that time just like a kid in a candy store.
If one things of immigrants as people who came to America because they thought of freedom, democracy and values beyond materialism, think again.
Take the Jewish people who were running away from European antisemitism coming to America that was more antisemetic then all Europe combined. They changed their Jewish name to disguise their Jewish heritage. They came to embrace to take advantage of the land of milk and honey. Another example are the Japanese people. Placed in camps during the war just for their Japanese heritage, they stayed and more kept coming. The American Nazis were looked at with indifference. They rallied, spread propaganda in support of Hitler under the blind eye of American government.
America assumed that believing in being number one will last forever just because they have become God’s chosen people. The world ignored American claims and worked to improve their condition. American greed obscured their vision and contributed to their advancement at the cost of Americans. Now we spend billions to enhance our military capabilities. I wonder if the losses outweigh the benefits.
Sorry brother Isaac, but you were able to "immigrate" from Europe because of America's "Exceptionalism".
One Fact, America was number one to all of the world at one time. Without the sacrifice of our youth, you would have Never had the opportunity to come here.
You should thank whatever God your worship, for the big "Bully" coming to save God's truly "Chosen People", because you're one of the Chosen who "America" and God saved.
We visited the Cemeteries there last year on an extended vacation to Europe (which included taking in the British Open at the Old Course at St. Andrew, Scotland). I lost it emotionally as my Uncle's name is on a wall there.
I admire your patriotism but remember that America allowed others to bleed before it engage in the world itself. Hitler was a threat to America just as he was to Europe. There should be no doubt that America is a great country and it contributed a great deal to the development of the world and helped protected evil. At the same time this should not blind us from being objective and help turn events at home in a positive direction. Hope you agree that America today is in many respects worst off politically and economically than it was before and declining. We protected the world from bleeding and contributed to unnecessary shedding of blood.
" . . . Hope you agree that America today is in many respects worst off politically and economically than it was before and declining." -- Isaac J.
Absolutely, there is no question that we are in a steep decline (more accurately a free fall). The only people making more money off the now brazen political grift in this country are the people that pull the politicians' strings.
You are another self righteous guy who swallowed the American indoctrination. One can be a patriot but fair in his assessment of the environment he lives in and the history of his country and the countries of the people where they came from. Huffing and puffing is not patriotism. You are preaching rather than commenting and that is not the place according to my opinion. So cousin, pray to your God to protect America from evil and others from evil America.
There is everything wrong with declaring yourself number one vs. being number one. The first implies bullying. We never defined the number one issue as to what makes us number one. We all have different priorities and therefore we have to be careful with defining the term. America used that posture to bully other nations, generating hate toward others, ignoring the opinion of others. As an example, when Russia decided to change its system, instead of embracing an opportunity to create a lasting peace, we continued on the path of hate and disregard. We can comfortable say right now that we created a new military block opposing America and threatening peace. As evidence I refer you to the increase in military spending and creating new weapons to outdo China. This is nothing but a repeat of the era of Cold War. Who will pay for it? American middle class. We can definitely say, America has not had a number one leadership for a long time. In that regard we are number one in electing retarded (brainless, stupid, self serving)individuals to leadership.
I was never told "America was number one", but I was told "America is an exceptional nation". And it is, because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. It was written by people that knew World History and actually learned from the mistakes of others.
The true threat today isn't from anything or anyone on the outside, it is we that are standing by idly while tyrants nibble away at our rights and freedoms. If we don't put a line in the sand now we'll end up like every other unexceptional country in the world that is based on the concept that only men make laws and there are no such things as inalienable rights and natural law.
Hey Isaac. You have to understand the American public has never had a chance to choose. The two parties put up to pre-selected pigs. The first one to break that cycle was Trump. Now I am not a fan of the man personally but his policies were wonderful for this country. so when people imply we made bad choices at the ballot box, there were no good choices. I would be happy with a trump versus Kennedy ticket. Actually, I would be ecstatic over that. This country is in a nosedive. But the current regime is by far the worst I have ever seen!!
I stand by my original statement. I'm sorry if it offends you, or if you think I am off-base. This is not my forum, and I don't intend to debate your contention here.
I did not take offense or have an issue with your post. I was responding to Mr. Jarsen's post which I think is slightly off the mark. I always get amused when I visit Europe and people there want to tell me about everything that's wrong with America and our government. They don't know or understand the first thing about us so I have to do some edifying.
Yes Bill ,ireland and switzerland ( i live there ) and Sweden etc etc may spend 0,3 of their budget in military. I am like you better spend on education and healthcare ... but those countries are safe may be because USA spend 6 percent and scare away the the “buddies” if the USA did not come to war in WW2 , I ll writing in Germain or not at all .
I know I am like you mind your business as a country and may be not . As a Joel yes China is GDP may be growing but try to divide by the average salary in China and you go no where with you stats , there not going to catch USA in their dreams . USA will suffer a big may be the biggest recession in 100 years , but the rest of the world will be worse , may be not Ireland and Switzerland.
The Soviet boogeyman is being replaced with the Chinese boogeyman. I believe China has one aircraft carrier. In the era of the supersonic missile an aircraft carrier is akin to the utility a horse provided in WW1.
Kennedy if elected will most likely join the rest of his presidential family members.
It's one thing to run as a disruptor with the intent to drain the swamp, and restore the Republic, and another to claim to do so while spending $8 trillion in 4 years.
Bill, sorry but my recollection is that against the allied generals advice we allowed Stalin to establish a foot hold in Europe/Germany and supported Mao in China against the advice of MacArthur who warned Truman that the Asians Koreans Vietnamese Laos Cambodia etc would eat us alive in other words we killed the good people and support the Bad tyrants whom we hoped would become friends so now here we are both ends of Eurasia are eating our lunch and we have not won any wars since WW1 all other were lost except for the FAT BOY's we dropped on innocent civilians to force Japanese tyrants to surrender reluctantly and then pretended to fight on in Korea.
The REAL loss of life and human energy is not just the body count of civilians/soldiers etc what about all of their families left without husbands/men workers etc the likely cost in real terms is not even imaginable oh and yes we did definitely sent the bill the the good ole American Taxpayers !!
NO the US didn't conquer anyone. And yes, collectively we killed as many as a 200 million people in the 20th century alone. and did not forgot to send a bill! because we are all still paying for it now! Otherwise excellent reminder/example that good intentions seldom deliver good outcomes!
I have terrible, terrible news. In 10 years, 25 years, and 50 years (if anyone is still here), there will be someone out there as "evil," perhaps even more "evil," than Vladimir Putin. The guys who founded this country said "The American Republic does not go around the world slaying dragons." But what did they know.
It was just about 30 years after the American Revolution Jefferson wrote to a friend bemoaning the fact that the unelected judicial branch of the government had been given the power to judge the constitutionality of decisions made by the 2 elected branches. The elite stand erect smiling at each other from behind the thrones, their shoes shiney from the tongues of kings and presidents.
Yes Bob, but who the fuck is Putin? The only news I've heard in the past year is Trump is "evil"
( always a democrat, so what do you expect?), Transvestites are whatever they want to be (not mentally ill), and Meghan Markle hates the brit's( as do all of us true Irish!)
Sweden already went toe to toe with Russia. Maybe it’s elite remembers. Is it ironic or schizophrenic that lawyer Granholm aims for a force of high cost battery operated tanks to be used to sink oil tankers and blow up fuel depots and pipelines? Or both? And boy will that fleet - the batteries in them - burn. But there’s one of your authors of the end of empire right there. She’s too dumb to see the DC C-M-I (congressional-Military-Industrial) complex weapons are already at least two decades behind those of whom we are told incessantly are our enemies. Those bio weapons are not gonna fill that delta.
I don't think it's so much an empire we're defending as it is policing, especially areas where our trade interests lay.
As the last man standing at the end of WW II, we had a propensity to keep saving the world. The villain was no longer the nasty Nazis and the Imperialist Japanese, however. This time it was the craven commies.
But not always. While Kuwait, Korea and Vietnam may have been policing writ large, the former two on behalf of the United Nations, there were no commies in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was misplaced revenge that took us into those two countries, neither a threat to us
Nothing wrong with policing if we're paid to perform the service. Kuwait reimbursed us for expelling its invader, Saddam Hussein. I'm not informed enough to assert how we're compensated by other nations where we have a military presence
What''s clear to me is China is not enthralled with Uncle Sam as the cop on the street, so to speak, especially in what it perceives its neighborhood
Russia or rather the USSR as a derivation of the Russian Empire was also standing at the end of that war. Russia caused the outcome of that war. The related flim-flammery begins around the revisionism and that DC blew up their stuff while bragging about glitzy mercantilism and materialism. And ignores that today DC supports - nay celebrates - open Banderists, the grandchildren of Galician Wehrmacht, shelling of civilians and nuclear power plants, and bombing of philosopher’s daughters, among other things.
Not so funny how everyone forgets 9/11, and how we the people were once screwed again... But that being said, it was truly the second attack on American soil, cementing the "War" on "Islam"(Terror). Of course never about neither...only the creation of our current 100% surveillance state...
Most important Jimm, is Fuck China, because they have been doing the same to US for many years, as you have already forgotten Covid(made in America), and China will not be as a good cop on the street, unless you enjoy living in any democratic city now, for they show true witness of the future of America...If we the people allow it:/
Are you serious? Like this is some temporary malaise? I understand; it's a startling, sobering admission, but consider.
America's success was the source of its downfall. Remember the ol' "it can't happen here" canard? Did Rome "reverse"? Did Spain "reverse"? Did the Dutch "reverse"? Did France "reverse"? Did the Ottomans "reverse"? Did Great Britain ("The sun never sets on the British Empire") "reverse?" Did the Soviet Union "reverse"? Shall America "reverse"?
True: China is on the upswing, but are they lily-white and virtuous? What are they doing? They have their commie-red, bloody fingers in everything imaginable, and not just in their own backyard (South China Sea/Taiwan), but in Asia, all of Latin America, and Africa (where all empires go to die, and China will be no different), and they'll go broke and crumble just as we are now doing. We had our moment in the sun; be thankful you saw the top. Few are that privileged. Best always. PM
I agree with you fully. I wish Trump got some help from a personality expert and tried to put a lid on his mannerisms. His personality is a big deterrent for the voters who like candidates like actors, muscle builders and alike. The public is a strange entity but it is what it is and it takes some gymnastics to accommodate that. I think, beside his ego, he truly loves this country and could take us in directions we need to focus on. It will be a long time before America finds an electable candidate that is not part of the elite.
After being arrested and sent to pre-trial detention on November 9, 2021 , a criminal case was initiated on yet more of my “spiritual brothers” in Russia ;( I’m one of Jehovah’s witnesses) On April 17, 2023, the Ahktubinskiy District Court of the Astrakhan Region (Russia) finally convicted my dear brothers Rinat Kiramov, Sergei Korolev, and Sergey Kosyanenko. They were each sentenced to seven years in prison Their crime? Reading and studying their Bibles and Bible literature which is supposedly allowed under their Constitution. These dear mens’ reputations are without blemish as peace-loving, hard-working members of their communities; and as baptised Christians have not, and will not take up arms against their fellow-man as Jesus commanded.
So, What’s all that got to do with today’s excellent offering from Bill & Joel?
It’s this : I live in UK Today and every day I read and study God’s Word; I speak about it in a peaceful and respectful fashion to others on every reasonable occasion...once again obeying Jesus command to his followers recorded at Matthew 24:14. I haven’t been arrested (yet) in my 60yrs of doing this ; I have not been put in any pre trial detention classes as a “terrorist” or belonging to a “terrorist” organisation awaiting trial on trumped-up charges as my dear brothers and sisters (yes, even sisters of my age in their ‘80s!) are in Russia , and other totalitarian countries such as North Korea etc (there’s a list of those who are presently detained in jail or who have been in jail for many years, on our website for any who are interested ).
So even though the USA and other so-called ‘Western’ nations are certainly not perfect and never will be , at the moment I know where I prefer to live. (As a Russian brother in my congregation said the other day “his heart breaks every day” when he thinks of his family and friends over there who are not allowed freedom of thought, or belief, if it disagrees with the Party line. )
Of course, soon ALL nations will be persecutors, including the Western nations who think they are “free”. They will follow the will of their respective governments .Just as Hermann Goering succinctly pointed out at the Nuremberg Trials : (quote) “naturally, the common people don’t want war, neither in Russia nor England nor America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and DENOUNCE THE PACIFISTS for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN EVERY COUNTRY”.
You were so right Herr Goering.
Yes sweet Jaqui, we are no longer free in the West. The "Freeloaders" or "Useful Idiots" of America have fallen to the lies of our Chinese bought and paid for "Leaders".
Those most ignorant of our society believe the lies they were told since birth, from their mother's, who were told the same, explaining that those who's hard earned money you take, are your enemy. That this government that gives you enough to destroy your hope, are your friend...
Try to educate them or go against the givers, and you are patched with a star of racism.
History never repeats, but we have all heard this rhyme before.
Yes Jaqui, Mr Goering was so right...
The source of American power was individual freedom and self reliance. They built American industries. It was a marvelous journey from 1630 to 1960. From there all down hill and now proceeding at warp speed. Kennedy is going to be a disruptor of the the warfare state. If a nuclear explosion doesn’t happen first.
I hate to take issue with our Dear Editor, but his percentage of GDP of 6 percent is significantly overstated. If the 877 Billion that's on Joel's chart is accurate, and the 2022 forecast for U.S. GDP is anywhere in the ball park (just shy of 24 Trillion), military spending will be around 3.7 percent which is relatively speaking a long way from 6 percent.
The other thing is that no number provided by the Communist Party of China can be relied upon. Even if their number is somewhat accurate they don't pay their soldiers and military personnel anywhere near what we do so there's really no way to compare our apple to their orange. I'm just saying . . .
Ask any American at any age if he was told at one time or another that America is number one.
You get the answer with an overwhelming yes.
Why was this necessary and what was the purpose ?
We experience bullying in schools and give the appearance of fighting it. We have determined time and time again how detrimental it is to our children in the school environment.
Our leaders are the only ones that have no clue what bullying on the international arena represents. At the core of that mentality is and always was money.
Our success in terms of earning a living comes from a system closest to the fundamental human nature, knock yourself out if you want to have a little more money.
I immigrated from Europe. As far as I remember Americans in Europe were always ridiculed for their behavior, attire and attitude. To me as a youngster America represented different values and many of them I did not understand. I was a kid that wanted the lifestyle of Americans. Materialism was my motivation at that time just like a kid in a candy store.
If one things of immigrants as people who came to America because they thought of freedom, democracy and values beyond materialism, think again.
Take the Jewish people who were running away from European antisemitism coming to America that was more antisemetic then all Europe combined. They changed their Jewish name to disguise their Jewish heritage. They came to embrace to take advantage of the land of milk and honey. Another example are the Japanese people. Placed in camps during the war just for their Japanese heritage, they stayed and more kept coming. The American Nazis were looked at with indifference. They rallied, spread propaganda in support of Hitler under the blind eye of American government.
America assumed that believing in being number one will last forever just because they have become God’s chosen people. The world ignored American claims and worked to improve their condition. American greed obscured their vision and contributed to their advancement at the cost of Americans. Now we spend billions to enhance our military capabilities. I wonder if the losses outweigh the benefits.
Sorry brother Isaac, but you were able to "immigrate" from Europe because of America's "Exceptionalism".
One Fact, America was number one to all of the world at one time. Without the sacrifice of our youth, you would have Never had the opportunity to come here.
You should thank whatever God your worship, for the big "Bully" coming to save God's truly "Chosen People", because you're one of the Chosen who "America" and God saved.
Yes brother, You're Welcome:)
Isaac, maybe on your return trip to Europe, stop off in Normandy, go visit the American Cemetery and Memorial, and Witness fact...It's sobering.
We visited the Cemeteries there last year on an extended vacation to Europe (which included taking in the British Open at the Old Course at St. Andrew, Scotland). I lost it emotionally as my Uncle's name is on a wall there.
Yes Dave,
I admire your patriotism but remember that America allowed others to bleed before it engage in the world itself. Hitler was a threat to America just as he was to Europe. There should be no doubt that America is a great country and it contributed a great deal to the development of the world and helped protected evil. At the same time this should not blind us from being objective and help turn events at home in a positive direction. Hope you agree that America today is in many respects worst off politically and economically than it was before and declining. We protected the world from bleeding and contributed to unnecessary shedding of blood.
" . . . Hope you agree that America today is in many respects worst off politically and economically than it was before and declining." -- Isaac J.
Absolutely, there is no question that we are in a steep decline (more accurately a free fall). The only people making more money off the now brazen political grift in this country are the people that pull the politicians' strings.
Yes my cousin,
You are another self righteous guy who swallowed the American indoctrination. One can be a patriot but fair in his assessment of the environment he lives in and the history of his country and the countries of the people where they came from. Huffing and puffing is not patriotism. You are preaching rather than commenting and that is not the place according to my opinion. So cousin, pray to your God to protect America from evil and others from evil America.
There's nothing wrong with being "number one". The fallacy is thinking it will be always be so. Sic transit gloria. Best always. PM
Mr. Murray,
There is everything wrong with declaring yourself number one vs. being number one. The first implies bullying. We never defined the number one issue as to what makes us number one. We all have different priorities and therefore we have to be careful with defining the term. America used that posture to bully other nations, generating hate toward others, ignoring the opinion of others. As an example, when Russia decided to change its system, instead of embracing an opportunity to create a lasting peace, we continued on the path of hate and disregard. We can comfortable say right now that we created a new military block opposing America and threatening peace. As evidence I refer you to the increase in military spending and creating new weapons to outdo China. This is nothing but a repeat of the era of Cold War. Who will pay for it? American middle class. We can definitely say, America has not had a number one leadership for a long time. In that regard we are number one in electing retarded (brainless, stupid, self serving)individuals to leadership.
I was never told "America was number one", but I was told "America is an exceptional nation". And it is, because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. It was written by people that knew World History and actually learned from the mistakes of others.
The true threat today isn't from anything or anyone on the outside, it is we that are standing by idly while tyrants nibble away at our rights and freedoms. If we don't put a line in the sand now we'll end up like every other unexceptional country in the world that is based on the concept that only men make laws and there are no such things as inalienable rights and natural law.
Dave J.
It is nice that you were told what you were told and I hope that what you were told kept up with your personal experiences.
Hey Isaac. You have to understand the American public has never had a chance to choose. The two parties put up to pre-selected pigs. The first one to break that cycle was Trump. Now I am not a fan of the man personally but his policies were wonderful for this country. so when people imply we made bad choices at the ballot box, there were no good choices. I would be happy with a trump versus Kennedy ticket. Actually, I would be ecstatic over that. This country is in a nosedive. But the current regime is by far the worst I have ever seen!!
I stand by my original statement. I'm sorry if it offends you, or if you think I am off-base. This is not my forum, and I don't intend to debate your contention here.
I did not take offense or have an issue with your post. I was responding to Mr. Jarsen's post which I think is slightly off the mark. I always get amused when I visit Europe and people there want to tell me about everything that's wrong with America and our government. They don't know or understand the first thing about us so I have to do some edifying.
Yes Bill ,ireland and switzerland ( i live there ) and Sweden etc etc may spend 0,3 of their budget in military. I am like you better spend on education and healthcare ... but those countries are safe may be because USA spend 6 percent and scare away the the “buddies” if the USA did not come to war in WW2 , I ll writing in Germain or not at all .
I know I am like you mind your business as a country and may be not . As a Joel yes China is GDP may be growing but try to divide by the average salary in China and you go no where with you stats , there not going to catch USA in their dreams . USA will suffer a big may be the biggest recession in 100 years , but the rest of the world will be worse , may be not Ireland and Switzerland.
Thank you Bill and Joel for an excellent class today.
Jerry
yes it does feel/sound like a classroom I once sat in 65 years ago .. oh but to be back there once more .. thanks for the memory1
Has anyone figured out how much money/value/wealth is extracted annually from emerging countries by the IMF and World Bank?
Bill, Yes, the US sucks..... I heartily agree, but I think I got it a month ago when you started posting this series!!
The Soviet boogeyman is being replaced with the Chinese boogeyman. I believe China has one aircraft carrier. In the era of the supersonic missile an aircraft carrier is akin to the utility a horse provided in WW1.
Kennedy if elected will most likely join the rest of his presidential family members.
It's one thing to run as a disruptor with the intent to drain the swamp, and restore the Republic, and another to claim to do so while spending $8 trillion in 4 years.
Bill, sorry but my recollection is that against the allied generals advice we allowed Stalin to establish a foot hold in Europe/Germany and supported Mao in China against the advice of MacArthur who warned Truman that the Asians Koreans Vietnamese Laos Cambodia etc would eat us alive in other words we killed the good people and support the Bad tyrants whom we hoped would become friends so now here we are both ends of Eurasia are eating our lunch and we have not won any wars since WW1 all other were lost except for the FAT BOY's we dropped on innocent civilians to force Japanese tyrants to surrender reluctantly and then pretended to fight on in Korea.
The REAL loss of life and human energy is not just the body count of civilians/soldiers etc what about all of their families left without husbands/men workers etc the likely cost in real terms is not even imaginable oh and yes we did definitely sent the bill the the good ole American Taxpayers !!
NO the US didn't conquer anyone. And yes, collectively we killed as many as a 200 million people in the 20th century alone. and did not forgot to send a bill! because we are all still paying for it now! Otherwise excellent reminder/example that good intentions seldom deliver good outcomes!
Hi
I have terrible, terrible news. In 10 years, 25 years, and 50 years (if anyone is still here), there will be someone out there as "evil," perhaps even more "evil," than Vladimir Putin. The guys who founded this country said "The American Republic does not go around the world slaying dragons." But what did they know.
It was just about 30 years after the American Revolution Jefferson wrote to a friend bemoaning the fact that the unelected judicial branch of the government had been given the power to judge the constitutionality of decisions made by the 2 elected branches. The elite stand erect smiling at each other from behind the thrones, their shoes shiney from the tongues of kings and presidents.
Yes Bob, but who the fuck is Putin? The only news I've heard in the past year is Trump is "evil"
( always a democrat, so what do you expect?), Transvestites are whatever they want to be (not mentally ill), and Meghan Markle hates the brit's( as do all of us true Irish!)
The dragons are now slaying us;/
Sweden already went toe to toe with Russia. Maybe it’s elite remembers. Is it ironic or schizophrenic that lawyer Granholm aims for a force of high cost battery operated tanks to be used to sink oil tankers and blow up fuel depots and pipelines? Or both? And boy will that fleet - the batteries in them - burn. But there’s one of your authors of the end of empire right there. She’s too dumb to see the DC C-M-I (congressional-Military-Industrial) complex weapons are already at least two decades behind those of whom we are told incessantly are our enemies. Those bio weapons are not gonna fill that delta.
I don't think it's so much an empire we're defending as it is policing, especially areas where our trade interests lay.
As the last man standing at the end of WW II, we had a propensity to keep saving the world. The villain was no longer the nasty Nazis and the Imperialist Japanese, however. This time it was the craven commies.
But not always. While Kuwait, Korea and Vietnam may have been policing writ large, the former two on behalf of the United Nations, there were no commies in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was misplaced revenge that took us into those two countries, neither a threat to us
Nothing wrong with policing if we're paid to perform the service. Kuwait reimbursed us for expelling its invader, Saddam Hussein. I'm not informed enough to assert how we're compensated by other nations where we have a military presence
What''s clear to me is China is not enthralled with Uncle Sam as the cop on the street, so to speak, especially in what it perceives its neighborhood
Russia or rather the USSR as a derivation of the Russian Empire was also standing at the end of that war. Russia caused the outcome of that war. The related flim-flammery begins around the revisionism and that DC blew up their stuff while bragging about glitzy mercantilism and materialism. And ignores that today DC supports - nay celebrates - open Banderists, the grandchildren of Galician Wehrmacht, shelling of civilians and nuclear power plants, and bombing of philosopher’s daughters, among other things.
Not so funny how everyone forgets 9/11, and how we the people were once screwed again... But that being said, it was truly the second attack on American soil, cementing the "War" on "Islam"(Terror). Of course never about neither...only the creation of our current 100% surveillance state...
Most important Jimm, is Fuck China, because they have been doing the same to US for many years, as you have already forgotten Covid(made in America), and China will not be as a good cop on the street, unless you enjoy living in any democratic city now, for they show true witness of the future of America...If we the people allow it:/
The Saudi's were the 9/11 attackers. Bush invaded the wrong country. And you're right about China. Oppressive leadership. Eventually it will implode
The truth really hurts; the bigger truth hurts even more. Where can we find hope that this generational downward cycle will reverse?
Are you serious? Like this is some temporary malaise? I understand; it's a startling, sobering admission, but consider.
America's success was the source of its downfall. Remember the ol' "it can't happen here" canard? Did Rome "reverse"? Did Spain "reverse"? Did the Dutch "reverse"? Did France "reverse"? Did the Ottomans "reverse"? Did Great Britain ("The sun never sets on the British Empire") "reverse?" Did the Soviet Union "reverse"? Shall America "reverse"?
True: China is on the upswing, but are they lily-white and virtuous? What are they doing? They have their commie-red, bloody fingers in everything imaginable, and not just in their own backyard (South China Sea/Taiwan), but in Asia, all of Latin America, and Africa (where all empires go to die, and China will be no different), and they'll go broke and crumble just as we are now doing. We had our moment in the sun; be thankful you saw the top. Few are that privileged. Best always. PM
I'm afraid I agree with you entirely. Empires rise and fall.
Work Farmer
I agree with you fully. I wish Trump got some help from a personality expert and tried to put a lid on his mannerisms. His personality is a big deterrent for the voters who like candidates like actors, muscle builders and alike. The public is a strange entity but it is what it is and it takes some gymnastics to accommodate that. I think, beside his ego, he truly loves this country and could take us in directions we need to focus on. It will be a long time before America finds an electable candidate that is not part of the elite.