That is absolutely the most important thing DJT could do: eliminate Israel’s ability to write and direct U.S. policy. The neo con “moment” has been an unmitigated disaster. One could be forgiven for theorizing that since 1963 the U.S. has been a combination ATM and pool of mercenaries for the vision of Zionism, whose logical consequences we’ve all seen the last two years. to think that every decision by an “american” president has to be vetted by Netanyahu via his creatures in DC is maddening.
I hope the after-effects from your collision are short-lived and not dire.
My Lenten resolution is to fast-and-abstain from computer involvement, in favor of other pursuits. Rubio's tattooed cross on forehead was the first failure; it summoned a WTF reaction.
Trump's speech to joint session -- the bit about "US will get a golden dome to protect us. Israel has one ...." Another failure, another WTF. Israel sets the standard for US defense? I interpret that Trump's commitment to Israel goes far beyond money, and he apparently has no sense of the profound differences between Israel's size, challenges, underlying crazy zionist ideology, and those of USA.
Trump has, in the manner of unintended consequences, actually done Canada a favour. It's comical to watch the flurry of patriotism now passing across the TV screen - so untypical of Canada - but behind the superficial appearances I believe a profound shift is taking place.
What I'm seeing is a unity of purpose across the entire political spectrum, something I've never seen before, at least not to this degree. Inter-provincial trade barriers are coming down, made in Canada labels are appearing everywhere, and most importantly, our energy sector is now seriously considering other markets, notably China, who in all likelihood will help finance the necessary infrastructure for LNG and other exports. Unlike some temporary cost to people shopping across the border or booking a vacation, this is a permanent change.
You'd think Trump would understand this given his former role as a RE developer. Development projects that take years if not decades to materialize can be quickly undone by the kind of uncertainly he is manufacturing, a condition which as I pointed out in my previous post, could well outlive his administration. What the Russians have called "agreement incapable."
If that was on purpose then I'd have to thank him, but I know it's not. It's just what happens when low information demagogues weasel their way to power. Of course they can't usually do that on their own, so the question still remains, who's really behind all this and is it on purpose, or are they too a victim of unintended consequences?
Seeing the full-page "Strong and Free" cover of The Globe and Mail this week (ridicule was the only reason I saw it) did, in fact, made me a little sad. I am tremendously fond of Canada and Canadians, having grown up skiing and fishing there each year, and making around 30-35 trips up as an adult. I think what I've always liked about Canadians (speaking in generalities here) was their unassuming nature, irreverent sense of humor and "can do" spirit, sort of a mellower version of our "don't tread on me" vibe.
If a stage-managed, new-found sense of nationalism, coupled with the assumption that all who support MAGA principles are low-information types, make it easier for you to follow down the primrose path toward Castreau-Freelandia, have at it. For me, I prefer the "true North strong and free" version I've known most of my life. Just an American perspective...
No, you miss my point entirely. Most of us see through these bullshit, red-meat displays being set before us down here, MAGA or otherwise. The limited-government principles of MAGA are really the draw, not the Trumpian theater.
You have, effectively, a Marxist/WEF cabal up there flying the maple leaf everywhere while actively working to thwart your freedoms and traditions, and you all seem to be falling for it.
I don't think he was saying that. NFO was being respectful in his response to your post. What he is saying is Canada has, as a percentage of population, a greater number of ideologically rigid and often times uninformed people who identify as Marxist-Globalists with a strong penchant for Authoritarians. The trucker protests were admired by many in the USA yet Canada has demonstrated they are on the same trajectory as the Empire as a whole and this protest was likely an outlier among people who think like you.
I grew up in a border state to Canada, I played in a summer baseball league in Manitoba for a number of years and traveled extensive through central Canada and as far west as Alberta. I remember a club from Thompson drove all the way to Kindersly, Saskatchewan for a weekend tournament, lose their first game to my club and turning around to go home a drive of some 800 miles. Had a lot of fun and generally like the Canadian people, but you folks have lost your own way. I know Canadians cross the border to shop in the "States" so getting huffy and angry will hurt you just as perhaps more than it will hurt us. Your national sport, hockey, thrives because of the USA. In addition you've been Chinese friendly for years and I suspect you harbor your share of Chinese people whom you have welcomed with open arms (for their money?) that would harm both Canada and the USA. The last time I was in Vancouver it looked like little Hong Kong and as a result homes are now out of reach for many Canadian citizens. In recent years I have engaged many Canadians in florida during the "season" and they've grown quite nasty, denigrate the American people while enjoying our beautiful beaches. Perhaps you should temper your angst a bit when engaging with us at least on this substack site.
"Perhaps you should temper your angst a bit when engaging with us at least on this substack site."
So it's "us" is it? How exactly does one become a member of this exclusive club? Never mind, I won't bother posting here anymore. Enjoy your echo chamber.
Well you are participating by reading and commenting on a site that is not exclusive, but has a very loyal following of people who are fully engaged in the politics of foreign affairs and hold a deep love for this country. There is no membership, but we tend to be respectful to each other and the views that are expressed. Among the many substack sites or other blogs where harsh rhetoric, smears, and name calling is typical, it's not tolerated here and rudeness is not often part of our engagement style. There is no echo chamber and we welcome contrary opinions, but if you can't deal with counter punches then don't throw the first punch.
"The last time I was in Vancouver it looked like little Hong Kong..."
That must have been a long time ago. Most of the Chinese in Vancouver are from the People's Republic. As for home prices, who's responsible for that? Chinese who took advantage of an opportunity, or the politicians who allowed overseas investors? How is it any different in Seattle or San Francisco?
Yes, it was some years ago, but from what I have learned from other Canadians it hasn't changed all that much unless it's for the worse. Doesn't matter to me who was responsible. It's different in that they are not Canadian and therefore a have chance they might survive left wing stupidity
Mark, please don't feel like you're under any obligation to publish on a schedule. Quality is much more important than quantity, and in my estimation your analysis is first rate.
You mentioned Larry Johnson. I think Larry is representative of the type of analysis that is doomed to end in frustration. I say this because analyzing Trump on a rational basis is bound to be disappointing because the man simply isn't rational. My curbside diagnosis places him, much like his pal Elon, somewhere on the autism spectrum. If you know what to listen for it's fairly evident - the monotonous monologues, the poor command of the language and limited use of adjectives plus the way his voice trails off at the end of his pronouncements, as if he were making a profound statement to which there could be no possible rebuttal. All signs of a narcissistic personality disorder. Combine that with his autism, typified by a lack of interest in complex subjects (not to mention actual facts) and this is what you get.
All that said, I think Trump is symptomatic of a much greater problem. The mere fact that he managed to get elected to the highest office in the land is alarming in itself, but what he's done since then points to a much larger problem, which is the potential for abuse of that office using powers that shouldn't have been there in the first place - i.e. rule by executive decree.
I'm sure the founders had a different idea when they established those powers, but the game has changed drastically since their time. Trump is setting a precedent which will outlive his term, and it's not a good one. I expect whoever comes after him, regardless of party affiliation, is going to take advantage of the precedent he's setting, and that that will be the course of US politics going forward - a nation ruled mainly by executive degree.
Your statement "I'm sure the founders had a different idea when they established those powers, but the game has changed drastically since their time".
Mark has written several times about the ebb and flow of executive branch power, congressional and judicial impact in many cases to curtail this and others where this e-power flourished (think FDR). The constitution is strong and stiff enough to equally articulate the power of the 3 branches of gov't. What's happened over time is the creation and evolving power of the 4th branch.
To judge Trump on the first statement has proven time and again to be not a good judge of intent or final outcome. To think otherwise is just not doing your homework. There is an old expression “run it up the flagpole to see who salutes”. In my old job, a lot of good came out of checking the “temperature” of the room before we acted.
Reminds me of Trump 1.0 and the whole "Rocket Man" sideshow.
All that bluster and hot air, and at the end, a historic meeting and shaking of hands.
Yes, there is an objective, and yes, Trump has a particular style of "negotiating" that seems to get results, but also looks abrasive and counter intuitive.
Mark, no apologies necessary. The vicissitudes and intrusions of life on our plans and preferences are omnipresent and unpredictable. In my case I recently experienced the loss of a family member and that has taken all of the surplus time and emotional energy I had during this period. Things happen that we do not want and yet have to accept. Is this conditionality of our lives a reminder from God to be humble and to depend on Him? Through faith all of our experiences will testify to God's wisdom and love and blessings and grace. I am very thankful that you were not injured as a result of this event and I wish you the same realizations of grace in your life and experiences. Someone once wrote "The heart is a lonely hunter." Your heart is not a lonely hunter. It and your mind are shared and appreciated by very many and your welfare is just as much our concern as your thoughts. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Amanda! I really appreciate your concern. It is tough but it is a blessing to know that we are in God's love and care, now and eternally.
Yes, dissonant1. I'm with Amanda R and ML. May the Lord be with you.
"Things happen that we do not want and yet have to accept. Is this conditionality of our lives a reminder from God to be humble and to depend on Him? Through faith all of our experiences will testify to God's wisdom and love and blessings and grace."
A profound insight on your part.
Tomorrow I'm going to a visitation and Mass for a retired colleague's son. The young man was 29. Based upon the obituary, I suspect suicide.
In my life, I need more than one hand, and maybe more than two, to count the suicides of friends or acquaintances, their children, etc. I've unfortunately lost friends or acquaintances to murder.
Mr. Wauck stated that, "Yes, as we grow older our experiences deepen." I agree and will add that my faith has deepened, even as I experience a lot of pain as I watch those I love and those I don't even know, encounter setbacks, health scares, job loss, death, etc.
Thank you, IJM. It is heartbreaking to hear you recount the losses you and your loved ones have endured. I am thankful that your understanding of God and your faith have increased over time. I am sure that your witness to your faith is a comfort to those you care about who have experienced losses.
When I think of suicide I think of the following:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).
What Christ did for us is determinative of our salvation, not what we do or have done or our sinful failings. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them … I give them eternal life … and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27–28). God's love and mercy are conditioned only on what His Son did for us in atoning for our sins and in our sharing in His death through Baptism. That is the wonder of it: Our sins are washed away in the blood of the Lamb, and we (regardless of them) are given membership in God's family forever.
Thanks for sharing your very heartfelt and difficult experiences.
Hear! Hear! Agree. These engagements under the guise of humanitarian reasons are not doing the American people any good, in fact, it is to our detriment as we can see by the distribution of our tax funds into the pockets of the already rich and politically connected and the Anglo-Zionists.
Sorry to hear about your accident, glad no one got hurt.
Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but I believe Trump does want peace. Sometimes he says some crazy stuff, seemingly off-the-cuff, but I think he's actually being very deliberate in his approach, trying to distract the deep state with his rhetoric while he works towards his goals.
It's not just you. For my birthday, I got an upper GI endoscopy and a rear end wreck, just like you, sitting still.
That is absolutely the most important thing DJT could do: eliminate Israel’s ability to write and direct U.S. policy. The neo con “moment” has been an unmitigated disaster. One could be forgiven for theorizing that since 1963 the U.S. has been a combination ATM and pool of mercenaries for the vision of Zionism, whose logical consequences we’ve all seen the last two years. to think that every decision by an “american” president has to be vetted by Netanyahu via his creatures in DC is maddening.
I hope the after-effects from your collision are short-lived and not dire.
My Lenten resolution is to fast-and-abstain from computer involvement, in favor of other pursuits. Rubio's tattooed cross on forehead was the first failure; it summoned a WTF reaction.
Trump's speech to joint session -- the bit about "US will get a golden dome to protect us. Israel has one ...." Another failure, another WTF. Israel sets the standard for US defense? I interpret that Trump's commitment to Israel goes far beyond money, and he apparently has no sense of the profound differences between Israel's size, challenges, underlying crazy zionist ideology, and those of USA.
Glad you are safe Mark, and doing what you love doing, the same way as we love hearing from you....
A Canadian perspective:
Trump has, in the manner of unintended consequences, actually done Canada a favour. It's comical to watch the flurry of patriotism now passing across the TV screen - so untypical of Canada - but behind the superficial appearances I believe a profound shift is taking place.
What I'm seeing is a unity of purpose across the entire political spectrum, something I've never seen before, at least not to this degree. Inter-provincial trade barriers are coming down, made in Canada labels are appearing everywhere, and most importantly, our energy sector is now seriously considering other markets, notably China, who in all likelihood will help finance the necessary infrastructure for LNG and other exports. Unlike some temporary cost to people shopping across the border or booking a vacation, this is a permanent change.
You'd think Trump would understand this given his former role as a RE developer. Development projects that take years if not decades to materialize can be quickly undone by the kind of uncertainly he is manufacturing, a condition which as I pointed out in my previous post, could well outlive his administration. What the Russians have called "agreement incapable."
If that was on purpose then I'd have to thank him, but I know it's not. It's just what happens when low information demagogues weasel their way to power. Of course they can't usually do that on their own, so the question still remains, who's really behind all this and is it on purpose, or are they too a victim of unintended consequences?
Seeing the full-page "Strong and Free" cover of The Globe and Mail this week (ridicule was the only reason I saw it) did, in fact, made me a little sad. I am tremendously fond of Canada and Canadians, having grown up skiing and fishing there each year, and making around 30-35 trips up as an adult. I think what I've always liked about Canadians (speaking in generalities here) was their unassuming nature, irreverent sense of humor and "can do" spirit, sort of a mellower version of our "don't tread on me" vibe.
If a stage-managed, new-found sense of nationalism, coupled with the assumption that all who support MAGA principles are low-information types, make it easier for you to follow down the primrose path toward Castreau-Freelandia, have at it. For me, I prefer the "true North strong and free" version I've known most of my life. Just an American perspective...
"If a stage-managed, new-found sense of nationalism..."
You mean like MAGA?
Pass
No, you miss my point entirely. Most of us see through these bullshit, red-meat displays being set before us down here, MAGA or otherwise. The limited-government principles of MAGA are really the draw, not the Trumpian theater.
You have, effectively, a Marxist/WEF cabal up there flying the maple leaf everywhere while actively working to thwart your freedoms and traditions, and you all seem to be falling for it.
"You have, effectively, a Marxist/WEF cabal up there..."
What, and you don't?
Canadians have far more in common with Russians than with Americans, it's just taking them a while to figure it out.
I don't think he was saying that. NFO was being respectful in his response to your post. What he is saying is Canada has, as a percentage of population, a greater number of ideologically rigid and often times uninformed people who identify as Marxist-Globalists with a strong penchant for Authoritarians. The trucker protests were admired by many in the USA yet Canada has demonstrated they are on the same trajectory as the Empire as a whole and this protest was likely an outlier among people who think like you.
Except the border? When will they figure that part out?
Oh, also the subservience to the City of London.
That's a bit like eastern Europe thinking they have more in common with London and Paris than with Russia.
I grew up in a border state to Canada, I played in a summer baseball league in Manitoba for a number of years and traveled extensive through central Canada and as far west as Alberta. I remember a club from Thompson drove all the way to Kindersly, Saskatchewan for a weekend tournament, lose their first game to my club and turning around to go home a drive of some 800 miles. Had a lot of fun and generally like the Canadian people, but you folks have lost your own way. I know Canadians cross the border to shop in the "States" so getting huffy and angry will hurt you just as perhaps more than it will hurt us. Your national sport, hockey, thrives because of the USA. In addition you've been Chinese friendly for years and I suspect you harbor your share of Chinese people whom you have welcomed with open arms (for their money?) that would harm both Canada and the USA. The last time I was in Vancouver it looked like little Hong Kong and as a result homes are now out of reach for many Canadian citizens. In recent years I have engaged many Canadians in florida during the "season" and they've grown quite nasty, denigrate the American people while enjoying our beautiful beaches. Perhaps you should temper your angst a bit when engaging with us at least on this substack site.
"Perhaps you should temper your angst a bit when engaging with us at least on this substack site."
So it's "us" is it? How exactly does one become a member of this exclusive club? Never mind, I won't bother posting here anymore. Enjoy your echo chamber.
Comrade ebear, please don't go... please stick around.
Well you are participating by reading and commenting on a site that is not exclusive, but has a very loyal following of people who are fully engaged in the politics of foreign affairs and hold a deep love for this country. There is no membership, but we tend to be respectful to each other and the views that are expressed. Among the many substack sites or other blogs where harsh rhetoric, smears, and name calling is typical, it's not tolerated here and rudeness is not often part of our engagement style. There is no echo chamber and we welcome contrary opinions, but if you can't deal with counter punches then don't throw the first punch.
"The last time I was in Vancouver it looked like little Hong Kong..."
That must have been a long time ago. Most of the Chinese in Vancouver are from the People's Republic. As for home prices, who's responsible for that? Chinese who took advantage of an opportunity, or the politicians who allowed overseas investors? How is it any different in Seattle or San Francisco?
Yes, it was some years ago, but from what I have learned from other Canadians it hasn't changed all that much unless it's for the worse. Doesn't matter to me who was responsible. It's different in that they are not Canadian and therefore a have chance they might survive left wing stupidity
https://www.foxnews.com/media/canadians-fed-up-says-alberta-lawyer-leading-delegation-washington-statehood-talks
Way ahead of that guy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascadia_movement
Sorry to hear of your car incident. Be aware of latent whiplash. Might be an idea to see a chiropractor just in case.
Kudos for this post- very measured analysis which is refreshing in this age of hysterical reactions to everything.
Mark, please don't feel like you're under any obligation to publish on a schedule. Quality is much more important than quantity, and in my estimation your analysis is first rate.
You mentioned Larry Johnson. I think Larry is representative of the type of analysis that is doomed to end in frustration. I say this because analyzing Trump on a rational basis is bound to be disappointing because the man simply isn't rational. My curbside diagnosis places him, much like his pal Elon, somewhere on the autism spectrum. If you know what to listen for it's fairly evident - the monotonous monologues, the poor command of the language and limited use of adjectives plus the way his voice trails off at the end of his pronouncements, as if he were making a profound statement to which there could be no possible rebuttal. All signs of a narcissistic personality disorder. Combine that with his autism, typified by a lack of interest in complex subjects (not to mention actual facts) and this is what you get.
All that said, I think Trump is symptomatic of a much greater problem. The mere fact that he managed to get elected to the highest office in the land is alarming in itself, but what he's done since then points to a much larger problem, which is the potential for abuse of that office using powers that shouldn't have been there in the first place - i.e. rule by executive decree.
I'm sure the founders had a different idea when they established those powers, but the game has changed drastically since their time. Trump is setting a precedent which will outlive his term, and it's not a good one. I expect whoever comes after him, regardless of party affiliation, is going to take advantage of the precedent he's setting, and that that will be the course of US politics going forward - a nation ruled mainly by executive degree.
Your statement "I'm sure the founders had a different idea when they established those powers, but the game has changed drastically since their time".
Mark has written several times about the ebb and flow of executive branch power, congressional and judicial impact in many cases to curtail this and others where this e-power flourished (think FDR). The constitution is strong and stiff enough to equally articulate the power of the 3 branches of gov't. What's happened over time is the creation and evolving power of the 4th branch.
To judge Trump on the first statement has proven time and again to be not a good judge of intent or final outcome. To think otherwise is just not doing your homework. There is an old expression “run it up the flagpole to see who salutes”. In my old job, a lot of good came out of checking the “temperature” of the room before we acted.
I think I've had enough time to figure Trump out. Some flags just aren't worth saluting, and Trump's is one of them.
Make Israel Great again?
Pass
Reminds me of Trump 1.0 and the whole "Rocket Man" sideshow.
All that bluster and hot air, and at the end, a historic meeting and shaking of hands.
Yes, there is an objective, and yes, Trump has a particular style of "negotiating" that seems to get results, but also looks abrasive and counter intuitive.
Mark, no apologies necessary. The vicissitudes and intrusions of life on our plans and preferences are omnipresent and unpredictable. In my case I recently experienced the loss of a family member and that has taken all of the surplus time and emotional energy I had during this period. Things happen that we do not want and yet have to accept. Is this conditionality of our lives a reminder from God to be humble and to depend on Him? Through faith all of our experiences will testify to God's wisdom and love and blessings and grace. I am very thankful that you were not injured as a result of this event and I wish you the same realizations of grace in your life and experiences. Someone once wrote "The heart is a lonely hunter." Your heart is not a lonely hunter. It and your mind are shared and appreciated by very many and your welfare is just as much our concern as your thoughts. Thank you.
Yes, as we grow older our experiences deepen. Best
I'm sorry for your loss Dissonant. I hope your family is OK.
Thank you very much, Amanda! I really appreciate your concern. It is tough but it is a blessing to know that we are in God's love and care, now and eternally.
Yes, and we’ve missed your gifted and profound take on things!
You are very kind, ML. I have missed your incisive wisdom and wit!
Yes, dissonant1. I'm with Amanda R and ML. May the Lord be with you.
"Things happen that we do not want and yet have to accept. Is this conditionality of our lives a reminder from God to be humble and to depend on Him? Through faith all of our experiences will testify to God's wisdom and love and blessings and grace."
A profound insight on your part.
Tomorrow I'm going to a visitation and Mass for a retired colleague's son. The young man was 29. Based upon the obituary, I suspect suicide.
In my life, I need more than one hand, and maybe more than two, to count the suicides of friends or acquaintances, their children, etc. I've unfortunately lost friends or acquaintances to murder.
Mr. Wauck stated that, "Yes, as we grow older our experiences deepen." I agree and will add that my faith has deepened, even as I experience a lot of pain as I watch those I love and those I don't even know, encounter setbacks, health scares, job loss, death, etc.
Hang in there.
Thank you, IJM. It is heartbreaking to hear you recount the losses you and your loved ones have endured. I am thankful that your understanding of God and your faith have increased over time. I am sure that your witness to your faith is a comfort to those you care about who have experienced losses.
When I think of suicide I think of the following:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).
What Christ did for us is determinative of our salvation, not what we do or have done or our sinful failings. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them … I give them eternal life … and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27–28). God's love and mercy are conditioned only on what His Son did for us in atoning for our sins and in our sharing in His death through Baptism. That is the wonder of it: Our sins are washed away in the blood of the Lamb, and we (regardless of them) are given membership in God's family forever.
Thanks for sharing your very heartfelt and difficult experiences.
Thank you. You possess wisdom and insight.
Oh and I’m glad you don’t sit in front of you computer all day in spite of the incident today.
I’m American and I want the “killing to stop”. Everywhere. That is what I voted for.
Hear! Hear! Agree. These engagements under the guise of humanitarian reasons are not doing the American people any good, in fact, it is to our detriment as we can see by the distribution of our tax funds into the pockets of the already rich and politically connected and the Anglo-Zionists.
Sorry to hear about your accident, glad no one got hurt.
Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but I believe Trump does want peace. Sometimes he says some crazy stuff, seemingly off-the-cuff, but I think he's actually being very deliberate in his approach, trying to distract the deep state with his rhetoric while he works towards his goals.
I think he wants peace, as well.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6369632097112