Mesmerizing discussion with our last great diplomat, Chas Freeman and Mercouris/Diesen. Some brilliant commentary by CF on how the end of the Cold War led to our incapacity to think strategically, how we mistook containment (Keennan) for a purely military policy, and not a mixture of political/economic/military policy. It’s long but extremely impressive. He also deplores the loss of the “vocabulary” of diplomacy. How far the mighty have fallen!
Oh, I watched that. He had a lot of sensible things to say, but I was disappointed in his characterization of Trump as a "moron". Not what I'd expect from a guy of his stature, and apparently based on his view that all non-morons understand that tariffs should never ever happen. That a guy of his standing should apparently be so ignorant of history is very disappointing. I understand that people may find Trump's persona off putting--I almost never listen to him, but I'm not foolish enough to equate that persona with a lack of intelligence.
Yes, his remark about Trump was gratuitous and out of place - much more compelling was his analysis of how US foreign policy towards Russia and the rest of the world has failed to evolve, leaving us without influence or credibility on the world stage.
Jeffrey Sachs was pretty good with Judge Nap yesterday. He was saying basically the same thing I was saying a few days ago (he has said this before). I had been saying that our foreign policy is to prevent the rise of regional powers that could resist our hegemony on a regional basis--Russia, China, Iran. I said that was unrealistic as a goal and therefore unreasonable as a policy. Sachs took it a bit further and pointed out that this policy translated into practice as the US trying to "keep everyone else down." Ugly and bound to be self defeating.
Just saw that this morning - Sachs at his most scorched-earth! As you say, how can such a foreign policy (whack-a-mole on steroids) lead to any good outcome, except more strife and blood letting in every direction…
Yeah that was a bolt out of the blue - as Mark said, he almost went out of his way, in an otherwise measured and poised presentation, to take a swipe at Trump…
That is why I will forever grateful for Trump's presidency. Whether he intended to or not, he kicked over the stone and let the light shine on the evil beasts who inhabit our political jungle.
I'm watching The Duran w/Danny now, too. Alexander is really picking his brain about the nitty-gritty of warfare. Great conversation so far.
As a native of WV, the Weirton story does not surprise me; its been systematically happening over the past several decades in our State. Aluminum, steel, coal and chemical industry disappearing, devastating small communities (including my home town). The State is making a concerted effort and investment in building up our outdoor tourism angle - its slow going but people here are resilient and adaptable. Its starting to turn things around, slowly. Its all over the US, though.
West Virginia is a gem...so happy to hear the State government is acting on that. My wife and I escape several times a year to our favorite spots in Randolph and Tucker Counties (mostly) simply to recharge and enjoy the beauty and peace of the place.
May I lapse into whimsical optimism and suggest that even if the DS manages to build up a large migrant-based army it will be no match for heavily armed 2A supporting locals who know the terrain like the back of their hands? The DS is going down, probably at a massive cost to us all, and this won't change the result.
Will the last American left please flush?
I LOLed. Not sure why--makes one cry.
Eh, who hasn't been shot by an ex-girlfriend?
There's no $900M shortfall in IL. Heck we're doing this now... https://www.foxnews.com/us/illinois-pumping-250m-taxpayer-funds-help-illegal-migrants-chicago
To watch while recuperating:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e5hEH5o3B8
Mesmerizing discussion with our last great diplomat, Chas Freeman and Mercouris/Diesen. Some brilliant commentary by CF on how the end of the Cold War led to our incapacity to think strategically, how we mistook containment (Keennan) for a purely military policy, and not a mixture of political/economic/military policy. It’s long but extremely impressive. He also deplores the loss of the “vocabulary” of diplomacy. How far the mighty have fallen!
Oh, I watched that. He had a lot of sensible things to say, but I was disappointed in his characterization of Trump as a "moron". Not what I'd expect from a guy of his stature, and apparently based on his view that all non-morons understand that tariffs should never ever happen. That a guy of his standing should apparently be so ignorant of history is very disappointing. I understand that people may find Trump's persona off putting--I almost never listen to him, but I'm not foolish enough to equate that persona with a lack of intelligence.
Yes, his remark about Trump was gratuitous and out of place - much more compelling was his analysis of how US foreign policy towards Russia and the rest of the world has failed to evolve, leaving us without influence or credibility on the world stage.
Jeffrey Sachs was pretty good with Judge Nap yesterday. He was saying basically the same thing I was saying a few days ago (he has said this before). I had been saying that our foreign policy is to prevent the rise of regional powers that could resist our hegemony on a regional basis--Russia, China, Iran. I said that was unrealistic as a goal and therefore unreasonable as a policy. Sachs took it a bit further and pointed out that this policy translated into practice as the US trying to "keep everyone else down." Ugly and bound to be self defeating.
Just saw that this morning - Sachs at his most scorched-earth! As you say, how can such a foreign policy (whack-a-mole on steroids) lead to any good outcome, except more strife and blood letting in every direction…
…and the ever-increasing censorship and silencing of those who would protest, in its wake.
Yeah that was a bolt out of the blue - as Mark said, he almost went out of his way, in an otherwise measured and poised presentation, to take a swipe at Trump…
Immigrant soldiers? Looks like the leadership never read about the history of the fall of Rome….
The Dems: why solve a problem when you can make it worse? Kinda like: never let a crisis go to waste !
Illustration of our leadership, and going back years.
The only reason this is coming out is he upset somebody…
https://nypost.com/2024/02/20/us-news/sen-bob-menendezs-mile-high-sex-lover-saw-hidden-cash/
Brother Bob's a lover not a fighter.
He must have a background as a Chicago city alderman too.
and he hordes cash just like Fani! It's a cultural thing!
Thanks for the laugh!
That is why I will forever grateful for Trump's presidency. Whether he intended to or not, he kicked over the stone and let the light shine on the evil beasts who inhabit our political jungle.
I'm watching The Duran w/Danny now, too. Alexander is really picking his brain about the nitty-gritty of warfare. Great conversation so far.
As a native of WV, the Weirton story does not surprise me; its been systematically happening over the past several decades in our State. Aluminum, steel, coal and chemical industry disappearing, devastating small communities (including my home town). The State is making a concerted effort and investment in building up our outdoor tourism angle - its slow going but people here are resilient and adaptable. Its starting to turn things around, slowly. Its all over the US, though.
Hope you feel better, Mark.
West Virginia is a gem...so happy to hear the State government is acting on that. My wife and I escape several times a year to our favorite spots in Randolph and Tucker Counties (mostly) simply to recharge and enjoy the beauty and peace of the place.
A standing army composed of foreigners. What could possibly go wrong?
May I lapse into whimsical optimism and suggest that even if the DS manages to build up a large migrant-based army it will be no match for heavily armed 2A supporting locals who know the terrain like the back of their hands? The DS is going down, probably at a massive cost to us all, and this won't change the result.