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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 12, 2024 9:05:02 GMT
Trump upsetting the left and the media,he says that if NATO member countries dont pay their full contribution he will encourage Putin to do "what the hell he likes to them". The EU need to get on and set up their army,one day Trump or another president will pull out of NATO,they pay the most and its really about the defence of Europe,it was set up long ago,times have changed and circumstances too. I certainly wouldnt want to be committed to paying for something that my great grandfather might have though was a good idea in the 1940s. Typical Donald. What a scamp! Highlighting the disgraceful lack of defence spending by most NATO members. In a world threatened by Russia, Iran and potentially China - does he have a point ? Yes he does. Will this appeal to a majority of the American public - yes, it probably does. Why should the US carry the main burden (in % terms, let alone net figures)? Will this latest bit of rhetoric attract column inches - yes it will. Were his words irresponsible and dangerous - yup. But he's got people talking about it. He wants to prompt a re-think about how NATO is funded. Worst case scenario (when/if he is President) he could threaten to withdraw. Solution. NATO members need to step up to their broken promises. www.statista.com/chart/14636/defense-expenditures-of-nato-countries/ Jan 12, 2024 "The concept that NATO countries should spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense was debuted in 2014 and by 2024, members of the military alliance should technically have "moved towards" or beyond this goal". Over to you Nobbygas to comment. Trump is right to highlight this issue regarding European Defence spending. He may well threaten this and that but the reality is that the US will continue to defend Europe. However, unless the Europeans receive a few kicks up the arse they will not change. The idea of a European Defence Army is just pure nonsense. It will never work. Too many vested interests at play here. Look at the Panavia Tornado aircraft. Off the top of my head it was a colaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain? Each country had different requirements and what we ended up with was a plane that was not quite a fighter, not quite a bomber, did a bit of this and that, but wasn't the plane that each of the countries really wanted. Command & Control of a European Army would be political, with probably each country involved getting to have a Head of the Army every 6 months or one year. Command by rotation will never work but it's the way the Europeans will work as they will all demand a seat at the top table, just look at the EU and how that works as an example. NATO does work. Each country generally produces it's own weapons, but there are standards that have to be met. For example, if all the NATO countries produced their own 155mm artillery then they have to enable that the ammunition used is compatible with the 155mm weapons of other countries in NATO. This applies across all weapons systems. There are also things in place like the standardization of aircraft re-arming, re-fueling etc. Any NATO aircraft can be re-fueled at any NATO airfield because they have standardized the fuel nozzles and entry points on the aircraft. The idea of a European Army is just the EU's way of taking control of NATO back from the US. You can't always rely on your big brother being there to defend you from the bullies. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself.
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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 12, 2024 9:09:24 GMT
Why America will not abandon Europe to invasion by the Russians (for example) "The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. Although overtaken by China in 2020 as the largest trading partner specifically for goods, when services and investment are taken into account, the US remains the EU’s largest trading partner by far." policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/united-states_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Union%20and%20the,economic%20relationship%20in%20the%20world. "The United States has a services trade surplus of an estimated $71.2 billion with the European Union in 2022" Meanwhile with the UK "U.S. goods and services trade with United Kingdom totaled an estimated $295.6 billion in 2022. Exports were $158.2 billion; imports were $137.4 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with United Kingdom was $20.8 billion in 2022." They are not going to let that go. Should we and the EU, spend enough to defend ourselves without the Americans, I believe so. Do we need to do it as a joint enterprise with our continental neighbours? I believe it is the only tenable option. Will the nationalists in the UK ignore the facts and harsh realities, you bet they will Cue numb nuts jumping up and down about joing a European defence force.
Clueless.In reality Oldie, I believe that you are clueless regarding the ways in which military forces work. Just because someone doesn't agree with you that does not make them "numb nuts" or indeed "nationalists". Can you explain just why the only tenable option is a European Defence Force? How will it work? Debate is always preferable to immature name calling don't you think?
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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 12, 2024 9:11:35 GMT
We all know that Trump is unfit to be the next POTUS. What is your point?
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 12, 2024 10:15:53 GMT
Why America will not abandon Europe to invasion by the Russians (for example) "The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. Although overtaken by China in 2020 as the largest trading partner specifically for goods, when services and investment are taken into account, the US remains the EU’s largest trading partner by far." policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/united-states_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Union%20and%20the,economic%20relationship%20in%20the%20world. "The United States has a services trade surplus of an estimated $71.2 billion with the European Union in 2022" Meanwhile with the UK "U.S. goods and services trade with United Kingdom totaled an estimated $295.6 billion in 2022. Exports were $158.2 billion; imports were $137.4 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with United Kingdom was $20.8 billion in 2022." They are not going to let that go. Should we and the EU, spend enough to defend ourselves without the Americans, I believe so. Do we need to do it as a joint enterprise with our continental neighbours? I believe it is the only tenable option. Will the nationalists in the UK ignore the facts and harsh realities, you bet they will Cue numb nuts jumping up and down about joing a European defence force.
Clueless.In reality Oldie, I believe that you are clueless regarding the ways in which military forces work. Just because someone doesn't agree with you that does not make them "numb nuts" or indeed "nationalists". Can you explain just why the only tenable option is a European Defence Force? How will it work? Debate is always preferable to immature name calling don't you think? You are correct in your assertion that I do not truly understand how military forces work. There is only so much one can glean from reading and a lot of stuff written about the military appears to be hyperbole to me. However I do have to choose what to vote for. And whilst it is clear the UK is a major force within the European landscape, I fear that we would struggle to defend ourselves against an armed forces the size of the Russians. If it was "one on one". I would be delighted if you could correct me and point out where I am wrong. If that is correct however then our first line of defense is on the continent is it not? My amateur mind tells me that the combined forces of the UK, Germany (now they have got over themselves and spending what they need to) and France would match up to the Russians, if not better than that.... My comments about "numb nuts" is made because the majority who object to facing the reality of our defence capabilities (assuming I am right) do so for no other reason than "they don't like it" That's no way to plan our defence is it.
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 12, 2024 10:18:13 GMT
We all know that Trump is unfit to be the next POTUS. What is your point? The point is he is the worse option.
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
Posts: 1,504
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Post by trymer on Feb 12, 2024 14:57:58 GMT
You dont have to be a military genius like Guderian or the Duke of Wellinton to know that the russians cant invade Britain,you only have to look at a map....
EU army....any volunteers from Britain should be helped and encouraged to go to brussels and sign up for it.
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
Posts: 1,504
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Post by trymer on Feb 12, 2024 15:40:00 GMT
Typical Donald. What a scamp! Highlighting the disgraceful lack of defence spending by most NATO members. In a world threatened by Russia, Iran and potentially China - does he have a point ? Yes he does. Will this appeal to a majority of the American public - yes, it probably does. Why should the US carry the main burden (in % terms, let alone net figures)? Will this latest bit of rhetoric attract column inches - yes it will. Were his words irresponsible and dangerous - yup. But he's got people talking about it. He wants to prompt a re-think about how NATO is funded. Worst case scenario (when/if he is President) he could threaten to withdraw. Solution. NATO members need to step up to their broken promises. www.statista.com/chart/14636/defense-expenditures-of-nato-countries/ Jan 12, 2024 "The concept that NATO countries should spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense was debuted in 2014 and by 2024, members of the military alliance should technically have "moved towards" or beyond this goal". Over to you Nobbygas to comment. Trump is right to highlight this issue regarding European Defence spending. He may well threaten this and that but the reality is that the US will continue to defend Europe. However, unless the Europeans receive a few kicks up the arse they will not change. The idea of a European Defence Army is just pure nonsense. It will never work. Too many vested interests at play here. Look at the Panavia Tornado aircraft. Off the top of my head it was a colaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain? Each country had different requirements and what we ended up with was a plane that was not quite a fighter, not quite a bomber, did a bit of this and that, but wasn't the plane that each of the countries really wanted. Command & Control of a European Army would be political, with probably each country involved getting to have a Head of the Army every 6 months or one year. Command by rotation will never work but it's the way the Europeans will work as they will all demand a seat at the top table, just look at the EU and how that works as an example. NATO does work. Each country generally produces it's own weapons, but there are standards that have to be met. For example, if all the NATO countries produced their own 155mm artillery then they have to enable that the ammunition used is compatible with the 155mm weapons of other countries in NATO. This applies across all weapons systems. There are also things in place like the standardization of aircraft re-arming, re-fueling etc. Any NATO aircraft can be re-fueled at any NATO airfield because they have standardized the fuel nozzles and entry points on the aircraft. The idea of a European Army is just the EU's way of taking control of NATO back from the US. You can't always rely on your big brother being there to defend you from the bullies. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. The problem with aircraft is that they have become so complex that developing them is hugely costly thats one reason why various countries join together on projects to share ideas and cost. Tornado being an MRCA means that there was going to be compromises, a bit Like a Leatherman which is useful,better than nothing but none of its tools are as good as the real tools. With Tornado of course Britain was in a bit of a mess,we had developed an aircraft so far in advance of everything else that the Soviets were krapping it,so what happened ? well the Labour party got into power and appointed a former member of the Communist party to be Minister of Defence !...and next thing you know the TSR 2 project was cancelled,aircraft and tooling destroyed !
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
Posts: 1,504
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Post by trymer on Feb 12, 2024 15:43:29 GMT
Typical Donald. What a scamp! Highlighting the disgraceful lack of defence spending by most NATO members. In a world threatened by Russia, Iran and potentially China - does he have a point ? Yes he does. Will this appeal to a majority of the American public - yes, it probably does. Why should the US carry the main burden (in % terms, let alone net figures)? Will this latest bit of rhetoric attract column inches - yes it will. Were his words irresponsible and dangerous - yup. But he's got people talking about it. He wants to prompt a re-think about how NATO is funded. Worst case scenario (when/if he is President) he could threaten to withdraw. Solution. NATO members need to step up to their broken promises. www.statista.com/chart/14636/defense-expenditures-of-nato-countries/ Jan 12, 2024 "The concept that NATO countries should spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense was debuted in 2014 and by 2024, members of the military alliance should technically have "moved towards" or beyond this goal". Over to you Nobbygas to comment. You can't always rely on your big brother being there to defend you from the bullies. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Which is why I say that Britain should become a strongly armed neutral country,able to defend ourselves from missile attacks and to respond in kind to nuclear threats or attacks.
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
Posts: 1,504
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Post by trymer on Feb 13, 2024 15:40:34 GMT
The idea that Biden only wants to retain the presidency to hand over to Michelle Obama seems to be gaining traction. What political experience does M.O have ? does it really matter as hubby will no doubt tell her what to do.
America seem to like these political dynasties (or dienasties as they say it) slick Willy Clinton "its Hillarys turn" (thankfully it wasnt) the Bushes,the Kennedy saga rolls on, the one dynasty that would have interested me would have been the Carters,unfortunately Billy Carter didnt run for office.
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 13, 2024 17:05:10 GMT
The idea that Biden only wants to retain the presidency to hand over to Michelle Obama seems to be gaining traction. What political experience does M.O have ? does it really matter as hubby will no doubt tell her what to do. America seem to like these political dynasties (or dienasties as they say it) slick Willy Clinton "its Hillarys turn" (thankfully it wasnt) the Bushes,the Kennedy saga rolls on, the one dynasty that would have interested me would have been the Carters,unfortunately Billy Carter didnt run for office. 8 years in the White House
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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 13, 2024 17:22:57 GMT
The idea that Biden only wants to retain the presidency to hand over to Michelle Obama seems to be gaining traction. What political experience does M.O have ? does it really matter as hubby will no doubt tell her what to do. America seem to like these political dynasties (or dienasties as they say it) slick Willy Clinton "its Hillarys turn" (thankfully it wasnt) the Bushes,the Kennedy saga rolls on, the one dynasty that would have interested me would have been the Carters,unfortunately Billy Carter didnt run for office. I have been saying for a long time on here that Michelle Obama would be the only one who could beat Trump.
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
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Post by trymer on Feb 13, 2024 19:56:00 GMT
The idea that Biden only wants to retain the presidency to hand over to Michelle Obama seems to be gaining traction. What political experience does M.O have ? does it really matter as hubby will no doubt tell her what to do. America seem to like these political dynasties (or dienasties as they say it) slick Willy Clinton "its Hillarys turn" (thankfully it wasnt) the Bushes,the Kennedy saga rolls on, the one dynasty that would have interested me would have been the Carters,unfortunately Billy Carter didnt run for office. I have been saying for a long time on here that Michelle Obama would be the only one who could beat Trump. The Democrats have got better candidates than Biden, Gretchen Whitmer (?) maybe, but as I said they seem to like dynasties so you could be right about M.O, I dont get it though,she is smart enough but basically she is just an ex presidents wife.
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 13, 2024 20:27:04 GMT
I have been saying for a long time on here that Michelle Obama would be the only one who could beat Trump. The Democrats have got better candidates than Biden, Gretchen Whitmer (?) maybe, but as I said they seem to like dynasties so you could be right about M.O, I dont get it though,she is smart enough but basically she is just an ex presidents wife. And Trump is what?
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 14, 2024 8:01:19 GMT
Election in New York for a Congressional Seat
Democrats take it from Republicans
"Democrats Just Flipped George Santos’s House Seat. Good Luck, Republicans. Democrat Tom Suozzi won a House seat in New York’s special election. And with that, everything changes."
Oopss
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 15, 2024 16:50:53 GMT
Don "Corleone" Trump back in court...again BBC News - Donald Trump's first criminal trial date set by judge in Stormy Daniels hush money case - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-us-canada-68289611During the 80s when Trump was pontificating and publishing books out of New York (The Art of the Deal, 1987) this guy was in the headlines John Gotti "The Teflon Don" after three high-profile trials in the 1980s resulted in acquittals, though it was later revealed that the trials had been tainted by jury tampering, juror misconduct and witness intimidation. Law enforcement continued gathering evidence against Gotti, who reportedly earned between $5 million and $20 million per year as Gambino boss" Any similarities? Anybody read about his latest "grift" involving his wife and Valentines greetings? It is so laughable it is unreal, and yet the right wing ultras will not disown him. Go figure
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trymer
Joined: November 2018
Posts: 1,504
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Post by trymer on Feb 15, 2024 20:39:17 GMT
Putin says that he wants Biden to win the election...thats because Trump says that he will end the Ukraine war in 24 hours of winning the presidency and Putin knows that he wont get it all his way.
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 15, 2024 20:49:30 GMT
Putin says that he wants Biden to win the election...thats because Trump says that he will end the Ukraine war in 24 hours of winning the presidency and Putin knows that he wont get it all his way. Unless Trump wins and gives him the green light to overrun the Baltic States
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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 16, 2024 14:41:16 GMT
Further evidence why a European military won't work. The EU cannot even agree on where to buy ammunition for Ukraine, with three EU countries demanding that the ammunition be bought from countries within the EU! "The European Union is considering ways to alleviate Ukraine's direct ammunition deficit by utilizing bloc funds for joint procurement of munitions on the global market, according to Politico. However, according to three EU diplomats, a small group of European countries led by France is blocking attempts to use EU funds for ammunition purchases outside the bloc. This is partly due to the need for European arms manufacturers to secure orders to justify increased production." EU protectionism.
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 4,401
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Post by oldie on Feb 16, 2024 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by lostinspace on Feb 16, 2024 20:34:06 GMT
That's an awful lot of money for his supporters to find!! But then they are that gullible
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