For Americans, wars happen someplace else. Russia's WWII and US WWII were very, very different....
"For Russians, the war was an experience of massive suffering, grief and destruction....
"On September 8, 1941, German forces closed in around the Soviet city of Leningrad [now St. Petersburg], initiating a siege that would last nearly 900 days and claim the lives of 800,000 civilians.“…Mr. Putin wasn’t born until after WWII but his parents were trapped in the Leningrad blockade and their two year old baby boy died there. Had the boy lived, he would’ve been Pres. Putin’s older brother.”…
"The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union was utterly ruthless, propelled by a racist ideology of contempt for the Slavs and hatred of “Jewish Bolsheviks.” An estimated 27 million died, about two thirds of them civilians....
The horrors of the war inspired a genuine desire for peace....
As of the 2025 "Ukraine minerals deal," US now has a permanent excuse to be on Russia's border 24/7. How nice that US also "volunteered" to take over Ukraine's nuclear power plant to "protect it" from Russia. Embarrassing. Trump has put a bloody exclamation point on the fact that Ukraine has been a de facto Soros/US colony funded by US taxpayers for 35 years.
"As of the 2025 'Ukraine minerals deal,' US now has a permanent excuse to be on Russia's border 24/7." That seems like a bingo to me. Thanks very much, Susan, for the comment.
Just watched three differet shows on Judge N - total of 4 guests - Friday had two
all of them discussed what a waste of time the Kellogg EU UA meeting was and how foolish.
And they all got it wrong - misunderstood what Trump did with Kellogg, EU and UA
--- Trump needed a starting point, a point to start from that Both EU and UA agreed on.
Trump knew it would be high hopes and an unrealistic wish list - But needed a starting point.
--- Trump sent Kellogg to do the initial work - because Kellogg had enough " prestige " that the EU and UA would sit with him [ Trump did not want to insult them too much ]
-- but Kellogg was not ' valuable personnell ' such that valuable personnell time was not wasted - eg: Trump would not waste Witkoff on such a task.
Kellogg was the perfect person to send.
Trump had to start somewhere so - to put it simply - If Putin asked well what is it they want ? - Trump/Witkoff could say so. This was the first time EU and UA said what they wanted.
And while albeit small, there was a chance Putin would accept the starting point for negotiations.
Putin probably asked - What is it they want ? saying I [ Putin ] do not want to waste my time on something not realistic. Apparently when Putin was advised - a formerly scheduled meeting with Witkoff was cancelled.
But it was a starting point, without valuable time or personnel wasted.
I opine Israel is Broke - desperately needs USD - Trump is just trying to find a way to get them the money - Israel entered into Gaza - but still ongoing, spread to Lebanon and Syria they had not budgeted for any of this - they had budgeted a quick war against Hamas.
Trump has not budgeted for it either - so I opine one has to first look at everything from
One Primary Viewpoint - Or Goal :
..............................To maintain Israel’s current lifestyle amidst its economic woes:
Current Need (2025): $50–60 billion USD to cover immediate war costs, economic losses, and fiscal gaps.
Yearly Need (Ongoing): $63–86 billion USD, assuming sustained but reduced conflict and limited domestic reforms. ONGOING for the foreseeable future Israel will now required 60 - 80 Billion a year in assistance.
-----------------------------------------------
If you do not agree or are suspect, I welcome different opinion - or correction - or happy to provide how I arrived at this figure - some of the considerations below
Every move appears geared to benefiting Israel - knowing Israel currently has limited economy, limited investment, limited tourism, etc. etc. population of reservists not working but in the military etc. etc. = limited money = and Trump/US is the only one that will support them financially so Trump has to find a way to get money to Israel.
==============================================
Direct War Costs:
The Finance Ministry estimated the Gaza war’s cost through August 2024 at NIS 100 billion ($26.4 billion). The Bank of Israel projects a total of NIS 250 billion ($66 billion) by the end of 2025, excluding the recent Lebanon ground offensive, which could add significantly to expenses.
Military spending in 2024 is ~7% of GDP, double the 2022 level, driven by troop mobilization, Iron Dome operations, and bombing campaigns.
The defense budget may need to nearly double long-term to sustain operations, with reservist compensation and equipment maintenance adding billions annually.
Indirect Economic Losses:
GDP Decline: Israel’s GDP growth was 2% in 2023, down from 6.5% in 2022, with 2024 projections slashed to 1.1% (or -1% per capita after 2% population growth). The business sector’s GDP shrank over 5% in 2024.
Tourism Collapse: Tourism, ~2.6% of GDP pre-war, has “flatlined” since October 2023, with visitor numbers dropping from 300,000/month to 39,000 in November 2023, costing thousands of jobs and small businesses.
Foreign Investment: Foreign direct investment is declining, with foreign holdings of Israeli bonds dropping from 14.4% (NIS 80 billion) in September 2023 to 8.4% (NIS 55.5 billion) by July 2024. High-tech, ~20% of GDP, faces reduced investment due to war risks.
Labor Disruptions: The mobilization of 350,000 reservists (many from high-tech) has disrupted industries, leading to contract delays and reduced productivity.
Agriculture: War has crippled farming near Gaza and Lebanon, key sources of produce, exacerbating food security concerns.
I take back everything I have written. The stock market is up to pre-liberation day levels. And a high stock market means everything is well. Threats work apparently, as everyone bends the knee to the U.S. Trump should try some more as no one seems willing to call his bluff.
So China needs ethane. And we need prescription drugs and engine parts and rare earths (and so much else) from China. The tariffs are just going to be bit by bit exempted. If Trump's goal was to get China to negotiate a new trade deal, why not ask kindly, then threaten tariffs, and then impose them rather than imposing them as a first step (and in an insulting fashion) and then backtracking? Perhaps that is just his negotiating style but it doesn't seem like the best approach toward the Chinese, at least. Or, perhaps the whole exercise IS meant as part of a multi-faceted attack on China. I hope not.
I was being facetious. It seems that all is well, according to some, if the stock market continues its ever upward trajectory.
Trump has handled these tariffs in a heavy handed manor.
I was thinking about this while at Home Depot getting some sprinkler system parts. All of this stuff is made overseas. What if I can’t get them because of a trade war? I can have thousands of dollars of damage to my lawn over the lack of a several dollar part.
We look like “the ugly American” when we act like this. No one forced us to outsource our manufacturing. CEOs did it to make extra bucks.
Yeah, Manul, I figured you were being facetious. You make a very good point about your lawn. It's not just sprinkler systems, of course. Here is a relevant article:
"The big question is, since a good deal of machining is now done overseas, is it possible to support all of the industries and companies who need machined products in the U.S by only using foreign suppliers?"
Are you sure your lawn can't make it 10-15 years without your sprinkler system? /s
Agree. It's almost a penalty box for Waltz, "promoted" to show good graces, albeit to a job that is going to increasingly suck over time, as we reflexively veto everything the UN proposes, even the occasional good, humanitarian measures.
Give him what amounts to a sinecure these days (as the “no” and veto guy at the UN) to mollify the folks who originally put him in a spot where he could do actual damage.
I was curious about Waltz's wife, not that she's the reason he was moved, but sometimes the wives are worse globalist warmongers than the men. Julia Nesheiwat is a daughter of Jordanian immigrants' (Christian), has multiple advanced academic degrees, worked in Bush 2, Obama, and Trump 1 admins in "security" and "climate" positions. Was a US military intel officer until 1997. Was a "fellow" at Council on Foreign Relations, a top governing advisor for World Economic Forum, and is currently a "distinguished fellow" at the Atlantic Council. Among top 2023 donors to Atlantic Council ($1 million+) of course are US taxpayers (US Dept of Defense and US Dept of State), and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Since I think UK is broke, that was probably US taxpayers too.
Many of us were happy to see Trump tackle the unfair J6 prosecutions and the DEI bureaucracy. However, at this point I am inclined to believe that the administration is in meltdown, per Macgregor. Threatening foreign countries with stupid and inane tweets? Is Trump a teenager? Grow up! The RTDS crowd may see this as some sort of game that Trump will ultimately win, but I view this game as dangerous and beneath us.
Trump was supposed to be a peacemaker, but he is failing badly. He needs an intervention.
Well, as long as he's having fun. The worst thing about Trump's behaviour is that he's confirming the prejudices of everyone I despise. He's going to set back populism 30 years at a time when it has never been more needed.
I guess the historylessness of Trump's claims reflect the reality of our low-information voters who do not know anything about the 20th century except that Jews needed a safe haven in the middle east after Germans tried to kill them all. The past is another country which you can invade to seize the high ground.
Also, compare the full-court press a few months ago to stop Darryl Cooper from questioning pieties that have grown up around the Good War.
I noticed the VE celebrations on Britain have a " shared celebration " theme.
I love the poppies are back at the Tower as well.
I could be wrong, but the last President who seemed to have any knowledge of history was JFK and Nixon?
The lack of historical awareness in this Administration and America in general is very cringe worthy.
Dad always reminded us of VE and VJ Day each year. He fought in WWII.
My mother remembers when poppies were part of remembrance days in America, specifically then called Armistice Day. Poppies long being associated with WWI.
Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day, and slowly the red poppies of remembrance largely disappeared from
For Americans, wars happen someplace else. Russia's WWII and US WWII were very, very different....
"For Russians, the war was an experience of massive suffering, grief and destruction....
"On September 8, 1941, German forces closed in around the Soviet city of Leningrad [now St. Petersburg], initiating a siege that would last nearly 900 days and claim the lives of 800,000 civilians.“…Mr. Putin wasn’t born until after WWII but his parents were trapped in the Leningrad blockade and their two year old baby boy died there. Had the boy lived, he would’ve been Pres. Putin’s older brother.”…
"The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union was utterly ruthless, propelled by a racist ideology of contempt for the Slavs and hatred of “Jewish Bolsheviks.” An estimated 27 million died, about two thirds of them civilians....
The horrors of the war inspired a genuine desire for peace....
The encirclement of Russia took a qualitative leap ahead with the 2014 seizure of Ukraine by the United States.”…3/16/2022, Diana Johnstone, https://consortiumnews.com/2022/03/16/diana-johnstone-for-washington-war-never-ends/
As of the 2025 "Ukraine minerals deal," US now has a permanent excuse to be on Russia's border 24/7. How nice that US also "volunteered" to take over Ukraine's nuclear power plant to "protect it" from Russia. Embarrassing. Trump has put a bloody exclamation point on the fact that Ukraine has been a de facto Soros/US colony funded by US taxpayers for 35 years.
"As of the 2025 'Ukraine minerals deal,' US now has a permanent excuse to be on Russia's border 24/7." That seems like a bingo to me. Thanks very much, Susan, for the comment.
Another reason for the US to stay involved in the Ukraine is the biolabs that've had there since before 2008 or so...
https://sfcmac.com/obama-us-involvement-in-ukraine-bio-labs/
Very sick - pun intended.
It appears we’re in a game of flinch.
Understanding Trump and Kellogg EU and Ukraine
Just watched three differet shows on Judge N - total of 4 guests - Friday had two
all of them discussed what a waste of time the Kellogg EU UA meeting was and how foolish.
And they all got it wrong - misunderstood what Trump did with Kellogg, EU and UA
--- Trump needed a starting point, a point to start from that Both EU and UA agreed on.
Trump knew it would be high hopes and an unrealistic wish list - But needed a starting point.
--- Trump sent Kellogg to do the initial work - because Kellogg had enough " prestige " that the EU and UA would sit with him [ Trump did not want to insult them too much ]
-- but Kellogg was not ' valuable personnell ' such that valuable personnell time was not wasted - eg: Trump would not waste Witkoff on such a task.
Kellogg was the perfect person to send.
Trump had to start somewhere so - to put it simply - If Putin asked well what is it they want ? - Trump/Witkoff could say so. This was the first time EU and UA said what they wanted.
And while albeit small, there was a chance Putin would accept the starting point for negotiations.
Putin probably asked - What is it they want ? saying I [ Putin ] do not want to waste my time on something not realistic. Apparently when Putin was advised - a formerly scheduled meeting with Witkoff was cancelled.
But it was a starting point, without valuable time or personnel wasted.
.
-------------------- All Israel - All the Time -
I opine Israel is Broke - desperately needs USD - Trump is just trying to find a way to get them the money - Israel entered into Gaza - but still ongoing, spread to Lebanon and Syria they had not budgeted for any of this - they had budgeted a quick war against Hamas.
Trump has not budgeted for it either - so I opine one has to first look at everything from
One Primary Viewpoint - Or Goal :
..............................To maintain Israel’s current lifestyle amidst its economic woes:
Current Need (2025): $50–60 billion USD to cover immediate war costs, economic losses, and fiscal gaps.
Yearly Need (Ongoing): $63–86 billion USD, assuming sustained but reduced conflict and limited domestic reforms. ONGOING for the foreseeable future Israel will now required 60 - 80 Billion a year in assistance.
-----------------------------------------------
If you do not agree or are suspect, I welcome different opinion - or correction - or happy to provide how I arrived at this figure - some of the considerations below
Every move appears geared to benefiting Israel - knowing Israel currently has limited economy, limited investment, limited tourism, etc. etc. population of reservists not working but in the military etc. etc. = limited money = and Trump/US is the only one that will support them financially so Trump has to find a way to get money to Israel.
==============================================
Direct War Costs:
The Finance Ministry estimated the Gaza war’s cost through August 2024 at NIS 100 billion ($26.4 billion). The Bank of Israel projects a total of NIS 250 billion ($66 billion) by the end of 2025, excluding the recent Lebanon ground offensive, which could add significantly to expenses.
Military spending in 2024 is ~7% of GDP, double the 2022 level, driven by troop mobilization, Iron Dome operations, and bombing campaigns.
The defense budget may need to nearly double long-term to sustain operations, with reservist compensation and equipment maintenance adding billions annually.
Indirect Economic Losses:
GDP Decline: Israel’s GDP growth was 2% in 2023, down from 6.5% in 2022, with 2024 projections slashed to 1.1% (or -1% per capita after 2% population growth). The business sector’s GDP shrank over 5% in 2024.
Tourism Collapse: Tourism, ~2.6% of GDP pre-war, has “flatlined” since October 2023, with visitor numbers dropping from 300,000/month to 39,000 in November 2023, costing thousands of jobs and small businesses.
Foreign Investment: Foreign direct investment is declining, with foreign holdings of Israeli bonds dropping from 14.4% (NIS 80 billion) in September 2023 to 8.4% (NIS 55.5 billion) by July 2024. High-tech, ~20% of GDP, faces reduced investment due to war risks.
Labor Disruptions: The mobilization of 350,000 reservists (many from high-tech) has disrupted industries, leading to contract delays and reduced productivity.
Agriculture: War has crippled farming near Gaza and Lebanon, key sources of produce, exacerbating food security concerns.
Thanks! Of course israel is going to pay the US back…right? Great! With interest hopefully, or just signing over all offshore gas.
Who knew that "America First" really meant "Israel First?" Live and learn. One of the greatest bait-and-switch schemes in recent memory.
I hesitate to write this, but is Trump, too, showing signs of dementia? God help us!
I take back everything I have written. The stock market is up to pre-liberation day levels. And a high stock market means everything is well. Threats work apparently, as everyone bends the knee to the U.S. Trump should try some more as no one seems willing to call his bluff.
So China needs ethane. And we need prescription drugs and engine parts and rare earths (and so much else) from China. The tariffs are just going to be bit by bit exempted. If Trump's goal was to get China to negotiate a new trade deal, why not ask kindly, then threaten tariffs, and then impose them rather than imposing them as a first step (and in an insulting fashion) and then backtracking? Perhaps that is just his negotiating style but it doesn't seem like the best approach toward the Chinese, at least. Or, perhaps the whole exercise IS meant as part of a multi-faceted attack on China. I hope not.
I was being facetious. It seems that all is well, according to some, if the stock market continues its ever upward trajectory.
Trump has handled these tariffs in a heavy handed manor.
I was thinking about this while at Home Depot getting some sprinkler system parts. All of this stuff is made overseas. What if I can’t get them because of a trade war? I can have thousands of dollars of damage to my lawn over the lack of a several dollar part.
We look like “the ugly American” when we act like this. No one forced us to outsource our manufacturing. CEOs did it to make extra bucks.
Yeah, Manul, I figured you were being facetious. You make a very good point about your lawn. It's not just sprinkler systems, of course. Here is a relevant article:
https://www.industryweek.com/supply-chain/article/22028096/is-us-manufacturing-losing-its-toolbox
"The big question is, since a good deal of machining is now done overseas, is it possible to support all of the industries and companies who need machined products in the U.S by only using foreign suppliers?"
Are you sure your lawn can't make it 10-15 years without your sprinkler system? /s
Also, Russia is now "our friend and ally."
Decoupling from U.S. controlled financial systems just became an even higher priority for the rest of the world.
The U.S. un ambassador is more ceremonial, than having any power.
Agree. It's almost a penalty box for Waltz, "promoted" to show good graces, albeit to a job that is going to increasingly suck over time, as we reflexively veto everything the UN proposes, even the occasional good, humanitarian measures.
But why keep Waltz at all? He is either incompetent or subversive. Would you want an employee like that?
Give him what amounts to a sinecure these days (as the “no” and veto guy at the UN) to mollify the folks who originally put him in a spot where he could do actual damage.
I was curious about Waltz's wife, not that she's the reason he was moved, but sometimes the wives are worse globalist warmongers than the men. Julia Nesheiwat is a daughter of Jordanian immigrants' (Christian), has multiple advanced academic degrees, worked in Bush 2, Obama, and Trump 1 admins in "security" and "climate" positions. Was a US military intel officer until 1997. Was a "fellow" at Council on Foreign Relations, a top governing advisor for World Economic Forum, and is currently a "distinguished fellow" at the Atlantic Council. Among top 2023 donors to Atlantic Council ($1 million+) of course are US taxpayers (US Dept of Defense and US Dept of State), and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Since I think UK is broke, that was probably US taxpayers too.
Many of us were happy to see Trump tackle the unfair J6 prosecutions and the DEI bureaucracy. However, at this point I am inclined to believe that the administration is in meltdown, per Macgregor. Threatening foreign countries with stupid and inane tweets? Is Trump a teenager? Grow up! The RTDS crowd may see this as some sort of game that Trump will ultimately win, but I view this game as dangerous and beneath us.
Trump was supposed to be a peacemaker, but he is failing badly. He needs an intervention.
Well, as long as he's having fun. The worst thing about Trump's behaviour is that he's confirming the prejudices of everyone I despise. He's going to set back populism 30 years at a time when it has never been more needed.
And then you have this. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/ouch-cnns-narrative-implodes-live-three-former-democrat/
But will they still vote for him in 2026 and 2028, Cardi?
Bingo. We've got one shot left and he's out there doing all of this (whatever "this" is)...
As Col McGregor just said: "He's like a teenager on Tik-Tok".
The most unrealistic plan ever conceived,
By a country on the edge of economic meltdown.
We need to be making friends, not enemies. The world can get along without America,
But America cannot survive without the rest of the world.
Russia whipped the Germans, before we could even get there.
The Battle of Kursh involved more tanks than the rest of the countries combined.
The Russians built a tank factory, the size of Chicago. Still in operation for military equip.
I guess the historylessness of Trump's claims reflect the reality of our low-information voters who do not know anything about the 20th century except that Jews needed a safe haven in the middle east after Germans tried to kill them all. The past is another country which you can invade to seize the high ground.
Also, compare the full-court press a few months ago to stop Darryl Cooper from questioning pieties that have grown up around the Good War.
I noticed the VE celebrations on Britain have a " shared celebration " theme.
I love the poppies are back at the Tower as well.
I could be wrong, but the last President who seemed to have any knowledge of history was JFK and Nixon?
The lack of historical awareness in this Administration and America in general is very cringe worthy.
Dad always reminded us of VE and VJ Day each year. He fought in WWII.
My mother remembers when poppies were part of remembrance days in America, specifically then called Armistice Day. Poppies long being associated with WWI.
Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day, and slowly the red poppies of remembrance largely disappeared from
America. Interesting, but maybe no connection.
"When appearing weak, issue a slew of empty threats to remove all doubt"
Don Tzu
"When you're weak, appear stoopid too!" Don Tzu
Re: Secondary Sanctions aka Double-Secret Sanctions.
RUSSIA/CHINA/IRAN (RCI) response: Dogs Bark, Caravan Moves On.
Russia is more than not immune to US sanctions. Is US pushing CI to learn and do the same?
Underlying US interest, other than expanding black-market trade, TBD.
and if they don't work, he'll release to Triple Dog sanctions!
With "Hell to pay!"
Mon Dieu!! The coup de grâce of All Dares!!!
Super Size me. Referring of course to Trump's crock of sh--.