The man in charge of the National Parks has his friggin' hat on backwards!

[jeremyrh]

And that is exactly the point, Les. People wanted to try something completely different, because “same old, same old” was gradually leading in the direction they didn’t want to go.

There is actually some truth in that. Republicans and Democrats are two cheeks of the same bum that has been dumping on the ordinary person for decades. Unfortunately Trump will only be different in a bad sense - siphoning more cash to the rich and degrading the lives of the rest of the population. The diagnosis was correct but the treatment will only make the illness worse.

[Alan Klein]

There is actually some truth in that. Republicans and Democrats are two cheeks of the same bum that has been dumping on the ordinary person for decades. Unfortunately Trump will only be different in a bad sense - siphoning more cash to the rich and degrading the lives of the rest of the population. The diagnosis was correct but the treatment will only make the illness worse.

But the evidence is that things are better in America.  The stock market is up, GDP growth is up, and  unemployment is down to the lowest in decades, the lowest unemployment ever for Blacks.  ISIS is gone for the most part.  You never read about them any more in the papers.  Taxes are reduced for most people.  We're talking about immigration although it isn't solved yet.  Stopping illegal immigration will help poor Americans get jobs or better paying jobs.  We're trying to restore free and fair trade which will help Americans retain jobs and help American businesses.  Of course, there's going to be a lot of disruption until that's settled.   War with North Korea is on the back burner and we're talking to them.  We're trying to get NATO nations to pay up what they're suppose too which will strengthen NATO and put more money into American's pockets.  Justices are being appointed to the supreme court who's decisions will reflect what the constitution says and not what their personal beliefs are. 

If you hate Trump no matter what, you'll never be able to see these things.  Trump the usurper, the anti-establishmentarian, has the audacity to not only be against Democrats, but Republicans too.  The American establishment, including media, cannot stand the fact that they're not in charge and are doing everything possible to destroy him.  They could win.  Then again they may not.  It's an interesting fight something we've never seen in at least my life.  Trump relishes in the brawl.  He loves giving as much as he takes, probably more.  Most mortals would back off.  Not him.  Frankly, I don't know how he takes all the heat. 

[RSL]

But the evidence is that things are better in America.

You're spinning your wheels, Alan. These are people who will holler about the "evidence" when they're talking about global warming ('er, "climate change," since there isn't any global warming), but who haven't a clue abut economics, so even when the actual economic facts whop them in the face they don't get the message. And they never will.

[jeremyrh]

Your ramblings cast doubt on your understanding of the meaning of words. Economy? We shall see. Certainly sparking a world trade war is not a very good start. ISIS were a creation of US failure in Iraq and there is no sign of any improvement in the situation there so no doubt they will be back under a new flag shortly. Trump will soon meet Putin. If he continues to undermine NATO then we can be assured that the outcome will not be to anyone's advantage except Putim's. Domestically hevis a crook who is undermining democracy. On the world stage he is an imbecile who is wrecking the alliances the have kept us safe since WW2. Success? Not exactly.

[RSL]

As I said, Jeremy: "they never will." Looks as if you're part of "they."

[Alan Klein]

Your ramblings cast doubt on your understanding of the meaning of words. Economy? We shall see. Certainly sparking a world trade war is not a very good start. ISIS were a creation of US failure in Iraq and there is no sign of any improvement in the situation there so no doubt they will be back under a new flag shortly. Trump will soon meet Putin. If he continues to undermine NATO then we can be assured that the outcome will not be to anyone's advantage except Putim's. Domestically hevis a crook who is undermining democracy. On the world stage he is an imbecile who is wrecking the alliances the have kept us safe since WW2. Success? Not exactly.

If alliances are so important, then European countries should be paying what they said they would pay.  Apparently, they'd rather have the American taxpayer pay for European safety.  If Putin is such a threat, why is Germany reducing their spending on their military?  If alliances are so important, why does Europe charge higher tariffs than America?  Why don't you treat America as fair as we treat you?

The truth is Europe has taken advantage of American largesse for decades.  It hates Trump because he's called your bet and raised and you just want to go back to the way it was because it was cheaper for you and you made more money.  Trump's no fool.  He's the only politician working to protect and help America.  He doesn't care what you think of him like Obama did who continued to give away the store.  It's not personal.  It's about money.  You're just going to have to pay more. 

[LesPalenik]

If alliances are so important, then European countries should be paying what they said they would pay.  Apparently, they'd rather have the American taxpayer pay for European safety.  If Putin is such a threat, why is Germany reducing their spending on their military?  If alliances are so important, why does Europe charge higher tariffs than America?  Why don't you treat America as fair as we treat you?

The truth is Europe has taken advantage of American largesse for decades.  It hates Trump because he's called your bet and raised and you just want to go back to the way it was because it was cheaper for you and you made more money.  Trump's no fool.  He's the only politician working to protect and help America.  He doesn't care what you think of him like Obama did who continued to give away the store.  It's not personal.  It's about money.  You're just going to have to pay more.

Actually, Germany is increasing their military budget. Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen last week in Washington reaffirmed Germany's commitment to significantly increasing its defense budget. Not being able to rely on USA, it's in their best interest to take care of their own affairs.

https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-von-der-leyen-calls-for-more-nato-defense-spending/a-18551385

As to Europe's reaction to Trump, hate is not the right word. Appall, outrage and disbelief would be more correct.

As to Trump being no fool, you are right, fools would be insulted being grouped with Trump. That circus with separating adults and children is just the latest fiasco and evidence of poor judgement. Apart from being inhumane, it was a colossal waste of money and resources when they did it, and now it costs even more to undo it. Prime example of stupidity.  The trade war shenanigans are even more stupid. They have already caused harm and not only to China, but also to Americans and Canadians.

[BernardLanguillier]

Interesting to see the parallel btw the gun control and economic war topics.

Each gun owner thinks he is better off with a gun when the global stats are 100% clear that he isn’t because it increases significantly the odds himself (and others too) die from a firearm.

The same guys think that a US with a (temporarily) booming economy as a result of a trade war is good for itself when history unmistakably teaches us that it is going to backfire at the US (and other countries too).

When told so these guys feel like they are being ridiculed by a domestic and foreign elite.

See a pattern?

Well they didn’t understand the difference btwn global and local optimum in math class. Probably due to the budget cuts in teaching resulting from the philosophical idea that people should pay for their own education. A Republican belief...

Cheers,
Bernard

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

Actually, Germany is increasing their military budget....

Which only proves that Trump's pressure works.

[RSL]

. . .a (temporarily) booming economy as a result of a trade war. . .

Hi Bernard, Please explain how you think the trade war is causing the boom.

[BernardLanguillier]

Hi Bernard, Please explain how you think the trade war is causing the boom.

The current boom isn’t yet the result of the trade war that is just starting, it is the result of some great American campanies, mostly in the tech domain (the Apples of this world) that are loved by customers worldwide, and of state driven spendings in defense. Another point is tax cuts for corporate entities that will further affect the lower incomes by moving basic services - such as education - to the private sector (where the richer will get great service).

I was projecting myself in the mind of the people who think that imposing taxes on BMWs will help domestic car manufacturers. But you may be right, there may never even be an actual boom in the first place, even if the trade war is started in hope that there will be a local one in the US.

Cheers,
Bernard

[RSL]

In other words, you misspoke (or miss-thought) when you said the trade war is causing the boom?

I know, it's hard for anyone to admit he screwed up.

And, wow, that's quite an explanation. Especially the part about the effects of tax cuts. Where did you take your courses in economics?

[jeremyrh]

If alliances are so important, then European countries should be paying what they said they would pay.  Apparently, they'd rather have the American taxpayer pay for European safety.  If Putin is such a threat, why is Germany reducing their spending on their military?  If alliances are so important, why does Europe charge higher tariffs than America?  Why don't you treat America as fair as we treat you?

The truth is Europe has taken advantage of American largesse for decades.  It hates Trump because he's called your bet and raised and you just want to go back to the way it was because it was cheaper for you and you made more money.  Trump's no fool.  He's the only politician working to protect and help America.  He doesn't care what you think of him like Obama did who continued to give away the store.  It's not personal.  It's about money.  You're just going to have to pay more.

Youve been listening to Faux News too much Alan. Perhaps you think that abusing allies (Trudeau, Merkel) is a recipe for success. It's not. It may be a recipe to get re-elected by the great unwashed. We'll see if the is of benefit to the US as a whole.

[BernardLanguillier]

In other words, you misspoke (or miss-thought) when you said the trade war is causing the boom?

I know, it's hard for anyone to admit he screwed up.

And, wow, that's quite an explanation. Especially the part about the effects of tax cuts. Where did you take your courses in economics?

Russ,

Ok, I see that you are not interested in debating, I’ll stop here.

Cheers,
Bernard

[LesPalenik]

Which only proves that Trump's pressure works.

Yes, and they will buy more goods from Airbus, Thyssenkrupp, MBDA, British Aerospace, Leonardo (Italy).
I fail to see how that will help Joe The Plumber.

https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/buy-german-berlin-readies-defense-policy-907700

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

... I fail to see how that will help Joe The Plumber...

By not having to pay what Germany is going to pay now?

[jeremyrh]

Which only proves that Trump's pressure works.

Or not.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/01/news/nato-spending-donald-trump/index.html

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

Or not...

It would be interesting to see the breakdown between 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 so far.

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

It would be interesting to see the breakdown between 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 so far.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/03/10/how-much-do-nato-member-nations-spend-on-defense/

Since 2014 most have increased spending, to meet the goal of 2% by 2024, as agreed.

Cheers,
Bart

[Farmer]

Where did you take your courses in economics?

Where did you take yours, Russ?  For me, The University of New South Wales (undergrad) and Charles Sturt University (postgrad), plus 13.5 years in international trade finance and banking (from junior clerk to national level management).  And there are at least two people who immediately spring to mind on this forum who have higher qualifications and more experience than me.

So, what are your qualifications and experience since you've twice in this thread cast aspersions on others?  And before you jump to any conclusions about my views on the related questions due to political leanings, remember that I'm fiscally conservative (enough to make Slobodan comment on that fact).  So just lay out your qualifications before you keep calling for others (and having been alive isn't a catch all qualification for every opinion that you have).