The Fire Next Time?

[Stavros]

There are some key questions to which we do not yet have an answer.

Will the ferocious rhetoric of his campaign translate into actual policy when Trump becomes President in 2025?

A lot may depend on the team he assembles to draft his policies, and the relationship he has with Congress in order to implement it, and respond to the laws that they pass.

Re the Supreme Court -are any of the current Justices going to retire? Even if Alito and Thomas did so, they would surely be replaced by two more Justices nominated by the Federalist Society and congenial to Trump and his supporters.

Re the Economy: Trump inherits an economy stronger and more vibrant than it has been for decades, though he is not the kind of man to give thanks to the Biden Administration that delivered it. Thus

"President-elect Donald Trump is poised to inherit a remarkably healthy economy when he takes office in January. By almost all measures, the U.S. economy is doing exceptionally well. Gross domestic product was up an annual 2.8% (https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-third-quarter-2024-advance-estimate) last quarter, inflation is just about down (https://www.bea.gov/data/personal-consumption-expenditures-price-index) to the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2% and unemployment is low (https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/civilian-unemployment-rate.htm) by historic standards".
Trump inherits a sturdy economy (https://www.marketplace.org/2024/11/06/strong-economy-next-president-inflation-employment/)

The key unknown here concerns Tariffs and Taxes, and how far Trump is willing to sacrifice all the benefits he inherits from Biden for some ideological obsession, given that his previous diet of Tariffs did not produce the outcomes he said they would-

"The results of those policies fell far short of the Trump administration’s goals of eliminating the trade deficit, stimulating economic growth, and narrowing the budget deficit. Indeed, during the Trump presidency, the trade deficit in goods widened by some 20 percent to reach over $900 billion (https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/05/2020-trade-figures-trump-failure-deficit-466116) in 2020. Meanwhile, even before the 2020 Covid-induced recession, economic growth under the Trump presidency was little different (https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/USA/united-states/gdp-growth-rate) from that of the Obama administration, while the budget deficit steadily increased before blowing out to 13.3 percent (https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/reports-statements/financial-report/2020/results-in-brief.html) of GDP in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.".
Will Donald Trump Trigger a Debt and Dollar Crisis? | The National Interest (https://nationalinterest.org/feature/will-donald-trump-trigger-debt-and-dollar-crisis-213486)

And this in turn could create huge problems in the management of the Debt, and undermine further Trump's promises

"One of the major drawbacks of massive resort to tariffs is that they will substantially raise import prices. That will hit the common man hard in the pocket and will add to inflation. According to the Peterson Institute of International Economics (https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2024/trumps-bigger-tariff-proposals-would-cost-typical-american-household-over), Mr. Trump’s tariff proposal will cost a typical US household in the middle-income distribution around $2,600 a year.

Another major drawback of an “America First” program is that it could tip an already weak Chinese (https://nationalinterest.org/feature/china%E2%80%99s-dim-economic-prospects-209964) and European (https://nationalinterest.org/feature/mario-draghi%E2%80%99s-plan-europe-some-good-ideas-and-one-really-bad-one-212915) economy into recession. It could also invite trade policy retaliation by China and Europe in the form of higher tariffs on American imports. That, in turn, could take us down the economically destructive beggar-thy-neighbor policies of the 1930s.

As if all of this were not enough reason for concern about our economic outlook, Mr. Trump has promised to deport up to 11 million (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/mass-deportation) undocumented immigrants. If such a program were implemented, it would almost certainly put upward pressure on food prices and cause production disruptions in those industries employing large numbers of immigrant workers.

The best we can hope for economically in a second Trump administration is that Mr. Trump walks back many of the economic proposals he made on the campaign trail. If not, we should brace ourselves for the eventual return of the bond vigilantes, a flight from the US dollar, and some very rough economic sledding ahead.".
Donald Trump: A Threat to the U.S. Economy? | American Enterprise Institute - AEI (https://www.aei.org/op-eds/donald-trump-a-threat-to-the-u-s-economy/)

The man is on fire, but when the reckoning comes, will it all have turned out to be smoke and mirrors?

[Stavros]

Here is a thought: Boris Johnson, the Champion of Brexit, the man who said he would 'Get Brexit Done' and swept to victory in the General Election of 2019 and thought he would be Prime Minister for 10 years, was out of power in 2022, the architect of his own downfall because of his lies, his incompetence and is erratic behaviour -all of which he continues to defend, as if he was a victim of other people's motives.

Sound familiar?

[Stavros]

Looks like for Kevin Roberts of Project 2025 fame it really will be Fire!

"“There’s plenty of fuel. Like deadwood in a forest, many of America’s institutions have been completely hollowed out … Decadent and rootless, these institutions serve only as shelter for our corrupt elite. Meanwhile, they block out the light and suck up the nutrients necessary for new American institutions to grow. For America to flourish again, they don’t need to be reformed; they need to be burned. A nice start would include:“

Every Ivy League college, the FBI, the New York Times, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Education, 80% of ‘Catholic’ higher education, BlackRock, the Loudoun County Public School System, the Boy Scouts of America, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Economic Forum, the Chinese Communist Party, and the National Endowment for Democracy.”".
Project 2025 chief’s book urges ‘burning’ of FBI, New York Times and Boy Scouts | Project 2025 | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/08/project-2025-kevin-roberts-book-burning-fbi-new-york-times)

What happens to all those books in Harvard's libraries? Book burning?

[Stavros]

So the Trump Presidency may not be as close to Project 2025 as it could be with the America First Policy Institute led by Stephen Miller.

Among its proposals is this one -

"Just like Project 2025, (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/project-2025-trump-victory-plan-manifesto-summary-b2643020.html)AFPI’s policies propose massive changes to the executive branch like relocating physical federal agencies and Cabinet departments to low-income areas of the U.S.It also encourages dismantling the administrative state by requiring congressional vote in order to implement rules and regulations within federal agencies.
Perhaps the most alarming change is making all agency heads “serve to the pleasure of the president.”".
The right-wing organization in Trump’s ear replacing the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 | The Independent (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-america-first-policy-institute-project-2025-b2644777.html)

The pleasure of the President....or as is said when the House of Lords confirms the passing of laws in Parliament Le Roi le veult...

[KnightHawk 2.0]

So the Trump Presidency may not be as close to Project 2025 as it could be with the America First Policy Institute led by Stephen Miller.

Among its proposals is this one -

"Just like Project 2025, (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/project-2025-trump-victory-plan-manifesto-summary-b2643020.html)AFPI’s policies propose massive changes to the executive branch like relocating physical federal agencies and Cabinet departments to low-income areas of the U.S.It also encourages dismantling the administrative state by requiring congressional vote in order to implement rules and regulations within federal agencies.
Perhaps the most alarming change is making all agency heads “serve to the pleasure of the president.”".
The right-wing organization in Trump’s ear replacing the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 | The Independent (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-america-first-policy-institute-project-2025-b2644777.html)

The pleasure of the President....or as is said when the House of Lords confirms the passing of laws in Parliament Le Roi le veult...The AFPI Policies is some downright alarming and scary ass shit.

[Stavros]

If Trump has chosen Lee Zeldin to head the EPA, he won't be shutting it down? There's a flame that just went out. Not that it is good news for the environment, or the EV market (with the blessing of Emir Musk?).

Lee Zeldin, Trump's EPA pick, could press deregulatory agenda fast | Overdrive (https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15708055/lee-zeldin-trumps-epa-pick-could-press-deregulatory-agenda-fast)

[Stavros]

Stand up the 'the Great Elon Musk', and the DOGE of the United States.

If you work for the Federal Govt and its agencies, I guess its flames first, then curtains, then nothing.

"Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency.
In a statement, Trump said:

"I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the “Save America” Movement".“This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!” Musk said.".

Note on efficiency in Govt: if the President walks off the job to play golf, is that an efficient use of taxpayers money?

[KnightHawk 2.0]

Stand up the 'the Great Elon Musk', and the DOGE of the United States.

If you work for the Federal Govt and its agencies, I guess its flames first, then curtains, then nothing.

"Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency.
In a statement, Trump said:

"I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the “Save America” Movement".“This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!” Musk said.".

Note on efficiency in Govt: if the President walks off the job to play golf, is that an efficient use of taxpayers money? Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy new job titles will last until July 4th 2026,and will be kicked to the curb afterwards. No it isn't an efficient use of taxpayers money.

[Stavros]

"It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States. Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice. Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government...".
Trump announces Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard for top intelligence post – US politics live (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/nov/13/donald-trump-joe-biden-elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-us-politics-live)

End it or start it? Now they be smokin'!

SMOKIN'! | The Mask (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KONoeHwu2pg)

[KnightHawk 2.0]

"It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States. Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice. Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government...".
Trump announces Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard for top intelligence post – US politics live (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/nov/13/donald-trump-joe-biden-elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-us-politics-live)

End it or start it? Now they be smokin'!

SMOKIN'! | The Mask (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KONoeHwu2pg)Matt Gaetz who was under investigation by the Department Of Justice for sex trafficking,and Tulsi Gabbard was a democrat has gone Full MAGA. Neither of them have experience in the cabinet positions they are being appointed for,and both will have a difficult time getting confirmed by the US Senate.

[KnightHawk 2.0]

Matt Gaetz who was under investigation by the Department Of Justice for sex trafficking,and Tulsi Gabbard was a democrat has gone Full MAGA. Neither of them have experience in the cabinet positions they are being appointed for,and both will have a difficult time getting confirmed by the US Senate.And Fox Weekend Host
Pete Hegseth has been appointed by Donald Trump to be the Secretary Of Defense . Donald Trump picks for his cabinet keeps getting crazier and crazier by the minute.

[Stavros]

If Trump has chosen Lee Zeldin to head the EPA, he won't be shutting it down? There's a flame that just went out. Not that it is good news for the environment, or the EV market (with the blessing of Emir Musk?).

Lee Zeldin, Trump's EPA pick, could press deregulatory agenda fast | Overdrive (https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15708055/lee-zeldin-trumps-epa-pick-could-press-deregulatory-agenda-fast)

Not on this list: Education -is the DoE about to be abolished?

As for Kennedy, truly a sad day for the USA, a dangerous day for humanity, a festival day for the 'science is bullshit' brigades.

Trump’s administration and White House staffing picks and likely contenders – so far (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/pompeo-kennedy-musk-could-trump-185541338.html)

[Stavros]

As with the comment in the Musk thread on the contradiction between the Visionary Commander of Comms slashing Federal spending when Trump wants to increase it on Defence, so the BBC here looks at the fault lines. RFK wants to regulate the food and drinks industry, Musk and the Ramaswamy want Regulations scrapped across the board. Rubio wants a tougher approach to China, Tulsi Gubbard has opposed Rubio as a warmongering 'NeoCon'. Miller wants severe border controls and a round-up and expulsion of illegal immigrants, maybe even legal immigrants, but they find work easily in the US because employers like to hire people who are not bothered by the minimum wage, and can be fired at a moment's notice.

The fire has been lit, but will it burn out of control?

United by loyalty but Trump's new team have competing agendas - BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg5nzr2p8eo)

We don't seem to have this problem with the new Labour Govt, they are collectively all at sea right now.

[Stavros]

Then there is this guy, Peter Hesgeth, whom I had never heard of before, and who seems uniquely unqualified. You can hear his views on women in the military in the video starting at 00.20

Trump names cabinet picks including role for Elon Musk (https://www.today.com/video/trump-names-cabinet-picks-including-role-for-elon-musk-224318533755)

Here are just some of the women he has insulted

8 female soldiers who changed the course of US military history (https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/2020/03/09/8-female-soldiers-who-changed-the-course-of-us-military-history/)

[Stavros]

The article is behind a paywall, but you only need marvel at the 'Five Guys' in the photo. The look on RFK's face when handed an example of the kind of food he wants to ban must been priceless.

Trump gives RFK Jr McDonald’s ‘poison’ to eat on private plane to UFC (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/11/17/trump-rfk-jr-mcdonalds-poison-plane-kfc/)

[Stavros]

Not so much a 'bonfire of the vanities' as a Bonfire of the Sanities. Looks like the US education sector is going to burn, baby, burn. As for the children and students in schools and Universities -Big Brother is Watching You!

What are Donald Trump’s plans to overhaul US colleges and universities? | Trump administration | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/18/trump-education-policies)

[Stavros]

How to sum up the political system of the USA, from a lad who doesn't seem to like it at all

"Gaetz – who himself underwent a two-year FBI investigation into sex trafficking allegations that ended without charges – was chosen after reportedly telling Trump (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/14/trump-cabinet-administration-maga-extremism)that he would “go over there and start cuttin’ fuckin’ heads”. He had previously called for “a full-court press against this WEAPONIZED government” in a social media post.
“If that means abolishing every one of the three letter agencies, from the FBI to the ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] I’m ready to get going!” he continued."
DoJ and FBI officials consult lawyers amid threats of Trump legal retribution | Trump administration | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/18/trump-gaetz-justice-fbi-retribution)

One wonders what Jefferson would make of this.

[KnightHawk 2.0]

The article is behind a paywall, but you only need marvel at the 'Five Guys' in the photo. The look on RFK's face when handed an example of the kind of food he wants to ban must been priceless.

Trump gives RFK Jr McDonald’s ‘poison’ to eat on private plane to UFC (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/11/17/trump-rfk-jr-mcdonalds-poison-plane-kfc/)Completely agree,it was priceless seeing the look on the conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer Robert F Kennedy Jr's face,when being handed an example of the kind of food he wants to ban. And yet there he is on Trump's Plane eating McDonald's.

[Paladin]

ALL US Military Officers serve "at the pleasure of the President", so why not cabinet and agency heads"

Did you forget Truman having to fire MacArthur because he had gone whacko????

[Stavros]

ALL US Military Officers serve "at the pleasure of the President", so why not cabinet and agency heads"

Did you forget Truman having to fire MacArthur because he had gone whacko????

a) officers swear an oath to the Constitution. The only people who serve 'the pleasure of the President' are his White House staff.

b) what happens if it is the President who is 'whacko'?

[Stavros]

How to sum up the political system of the USA, from a lad who doesn't seem to like it at all

"Gaetz – who himself underwent a two-year FBI investigation into sex trafficking allegations that ended without charges – was chosen after reportedly telling Trump (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/14/trump-cabinet-administration-maga-extremism)that he would “go over there and start cuttin’ fuckin’ heads”. He had previously called for “a full-court press against this WEAPONIZED government” in a social media post.
“If that means abolishing every one of the three letter agencies, from the FBI to the ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] I’m ready to get going!” he continued."
DoJ and FBI officials consult lawyers amid threats of Trump legal retribution | Trump administration | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/18/trump-gaetz-justice-fbi-retribution)

One wonders what Jefferson would make of this.

We now know what the Visionary Commander of Comms thinks:

"In a statement posted on X, Musk said that Gaetz has three “critical assets” that he believes are needed for the role of Attorney General.“A big brain, a spine of steel and an axe to grind”".
Trump reportedly calling senators to get Matt Gaetz confirmed as attorney general – US politics live (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/nov/19/donald-trump-hush-money-trial-president-us-election-elon-musk-republican-matt-gaetz)

Has Musk ever sat down and talked to Gaetz? As for "an axe to grind", is that a quality or just a threat? But who is making the decisions these days? Trump or Musk?

[KnightHawk 2.0]

We now know what the Visionary Commander of Comms thinks:

"In a statement posted on X, Musk said that Gaetz has three “critical assets” that he believes are needed for the role of Attorney General.“A big brain, a spine of steel and an axe to grind”".
Trump reportedly calling senators to get Matt Gaetz confirmed as attorney general – US politics live (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/nov/19/donald-trump-hush-money-trial-president-us-election-elon-musk-republican-matt-gaetz)

Has Musk ever sat down and talked to Gaetz? As for "an axe to grind", is that a quality or just a threat? But who is making the decisions these days? Trump or Musk?More than likely it's Elon Musk making the decisions these days.

[Stavros]

The key point is in the title of the law and the intention of Senator Rounds

"'The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,' Rounds said.He argued local control is best when it comes to education.
The proposal comes after Trump called for the department to be closed down in October.
'We want federal education dollars to follow the student rather than propping up a bloated and radical bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.," Trump said. 'We want to close the federal Department of Education.' ".
Trump allies take the first step to wipe out entire government agency (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-allies-take-the-first-step-to-wipe-out-entire-government-agency/ar-AA1uA8bn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=d04e815252b040039b49651c9cd0b709&ei=24)

I don't know, but doesn't this mean that a 'national standard' that gives every American student the same basis, indeed rights on which to learn -notably disabled students- is not now guaranteed? Some States may change their policy, some may feel freer to change their curriculum, to give parents more say in the day to day management of schools -whatever the outcome it means neither the President nor Congress, nor I assume the Supreme Court will have any say on what happens in a State. Piece by piece the Federal Union is being dismantled. Is this what Americans voted for?

[KnightHawk 2.0]

The key point is in the title of the law and the intention of Senator Rounds

"'The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,' Rounds said.He argued local control is best when it comes to education.
The proposal comes after Trump called for the department to be closed down in October.
'We want federal education dollars to follow the student rather than propping up a bloated and radical bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.," Trump said. 'We want to close the federal Department of Education.' ".
Trump allies take the first step to wipe out entire government agency (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-allies-take-the-first-step-to-wipe-out-entire-government-agency/ar-AA1uA8bn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=d04e815252b040039b49651c9cd0b709&ei=24)

I don't know, but doesn't this mean that a 'national standard' that gives every American student the same basis, indeed rights on which to learn -notably disabled students- is not now guaranteed? Some States may change their policy, some may feel freer to change their curriculum, to give parents more say in the day to day management of schools -whatever the outcome it means neither the President nor Congress, nor I assume the Supreme Court will have any say on what happens in a State. Piece by piece the Federal Union is being dismantled. Is this what Americans voted for?Yes unfortunately,this is what over 76 million americans voted for in the 2024 General Election when they voted for the Convicted Felon And Con Artist Donald Trump.

[Paladin]

Better then the empty headed alternative.

[Paladin]

Sure,,, those are all, to use an obvious pun, "Trumped up" charges, put forth by biased, corrupt DAs, in kangaroo courts, presided over by corrupt judges. And we see where they are all headed. Some of those DAs and AGs & judges should be disbarred.

[Stavros]

Sure,,, those are all, to use an obvious pun, "Trumped up" charges, put forth by biased, corrupt DAs, in kangaroo courts, presided over by corrupt judges. And we see where they are all headed. Some of those DAs and AGs & judges should be disbarred.

Really?

Does the Constitution, or any Law of the United States give the President the right to determine the outcome of an election in, say the State of Georgia? Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe the President has any right to get involved in the election process of a State. As for defaming election workers -"XXX [name redcated] is a known hustler' -who told Trump that, Giuliani?

The Constitution states explicitly that any attempt to prevent the work of Congress will be an act of Sedition against the United States. On the basis of what the Constitution stated, the events that took place on the 6th of January 2021 were illegal. It is also illegal at any time to enter the Capitol building, not through the front door, but by smashing a window and crawling into it that way.
It is also illegal to walk into the Office of the Speaker, ransack her desk, and urinate and defecate on the carpet. The people who did this are not 'Patriots' but criminals, pure and simple.

US Law makes it illegal for financial contributions to an election campaign be used for personal purposes, like paying off a Porn Star and a Playboy Model to shut them up because their revelations would embarrass one of the candidates.

It is also illegal to falsify the value of property, not once, but twice -to claim tax credits from the IRS, and to secure favourable loans from a bank.

Look at Trump's history, the glide by the margins of the law has been his shtick since he went solo in the 1980s, leaving behind a trail of failed businesses. On the basis of his record, the US will be bankrupt in two if not four years, only he won't pay for it.
You will.

[filghy2]

To a man with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Trump seems to think that threatening huge tariffs is the answer to every international problem, probably because he is stupid enough to think there is no cost to the USA.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/30/trump-brics-tariff-trade-00192042

Do Trump and his cronies really believe that the best way to counter the rise of China is to antagonise the rest of the world? As well as explaining how tariffs work, someone needs to tell him that the US no longer dominates the world economy - even at market exchange rates it's now only a quarter of world GDP.

[Paladin]

Ummm,,, that bank loan trumped up set of charges complained that he OVERvalued the worth, which would have the effect of INCREASING taxes, which by the way are at the state level, not federal level.

Keem whining and complaining over there...

[Stavros]

Ummm,,, that bank loan trumped up set of charges complained that he OVERvalued the worth, which would have the effect of INCREASING taxes, which by the way are at the state level, not federal level.

Keem whining and complaining over there...

Except that he told the IRS the property was worth less than he told the Banks, in order to reduce his tax bill!

[Stavros]

To a man with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Trump seems to think that threatening huge tariffs is the answer to every international problem, probably because he is stupid enough to think there is no cost to the USA.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/30/trump-brics-tariff-trade-00192042

Do Trump and his cronies really believe that the best way to counter the rise of China is to antagonise the rest of the world? As well as explaining how tariffs work, someone needs to tell him that the US no longer dominates the world economy - even at market exchange rates it's now only a quarter of world GDP.

Exactly this. But the Trump party has rejected Free Market Economics, they no longer believe what Reagan or Thatcher believed, and could end up hitting Texas, the most Republican of states and not just Canada, Mexico and Europe-

How Trump's tariff threat could DESTROY a major state (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/how-trump-s-tariff-threat-could-destroy-a-major-state/ar-AA1v2vCQ?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=EDGEESS&cvid=a7a0324a5d4246f28c4c5c1943686480&ei=91)

[filghy2]

Sure,,, those are all, to use an obvious pun, "Trumped up" charges, put forth by biased, corrupt DAs, in kangaroo courts, presided over by corrupt judges. And we see where they are all headed. Some of those DAs and AGs & judges should be disbarred.

I guess we may soon find out whether you are really against politicisation of justice.
https://apnews.com/article/kash-patel-fbi-trump-things-to-know-4cb7802bb3378576f3aa37df5f9770ad

[Paladin]

I guess we may soon find out whether you are really against politicisation of justice.
https://apnews.com/article/kash-patel-fbi-trump-things-to-know-4cb7802bb3378576f3aa37df5f9770ad

And the feckless, foppish demented, corrupt dolt just pardoned his crack smoking, tax evading, influence peddling son. This is of course AFTER garland and his criminal cronies dragged things on until the statute of limitations had run out on the most serious charges. politicization of justice at its most extreme. More heads should roll, but they probably won't.

[filghy2]

And the feckless, foppish demented, corrupt dolt just pardoned his crack smoking, tax evading, influence peddling son. This is of course AFTER garland and his criminal cronies dragged things on until the statute of limitations had run out on the most serious charges. politicization of justice at its most extreme. More heads should roll, but they probably won't.

Let me refresh your memory on the number of personal cronies pardoned by Trump in his first term, including Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_granted_executive_clemency_by_Donal d_Trump

Do you evn know what the word foppish means? Foppish is when a man wears orange makeup, for example.

[Stavros]

And the feckless, foppish demented, corrupt dolt just pardoned his crack smoking, tax evading, influence peddling son. This is of course AFTER garland and his criminal cronies dragged things on until the statute of limitations had run out on the most serious charges. politicization of justice at its most extreme. More heads should roll, but they probably won't.

Shock! Horror! Biden gets hammered for doing what Trump does.

Curious though: The Laptop -only there is no laptop. The machine was destroyed years ago. They extracted the hard drive, which has been in the hands of so many different people it surely cannot be used as evidence in a court of law? Then there is the question -Hunter owned the laptop but did not go back to claim it -did the store owner try to contact him? Why, if he did, did the store owner give a piece of private property to a Republican? And whose business is it what is on that hard drive? The whole case was a farce from start to finish.

Ok the optics are not good, but so far Trump has been hiring friends and relatives and Billionaires like he is Yeltsin Redux, albeit without the booze problem. None of this will end well.

[filghy2]

And the feckless, foppish demented, corrupt dolt just pardoned his crack smoking, tax evading, influence peddling son. This is of course AFTER garland and his criminal cronies dragged things on until the statute of limitations had run out on the most serious charges. politicization of justice at its most extreme. More heads should roll, but they probably won't.

In addition to not knowing the meaning or spelling of words, you seem to be very ignorant of basic facts.
1. The Special Counsel who investigated Hunter Biden was a Republican appointed by Trump.
2. The allegations about corruption in the Ukraine collapsed after the informant was charged with fabricating his claims to the FBI.
3. The charges on which he was convicted seem to be ones that wouldn't normally be prosecuted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weiss_special_counsel_investigation

To be clear, I'm not defending this pardon. The power for the President to issue unlimited pardons does not belong in a democracy. But it's shameless hypocrisy to complain about this one pardon while excusing Trump doing it on an industrial scale.

[Paladin]

Let me refresh your memory on the number of personal cronies pardoned by Trump in his first term, including Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_granted_executive_clemency_by_Donal d_Trump

Do you evn know what the word foppish means? Foppish is when a man wears orange makeup, for example.

Were any of them ELEVEN YEAR timespans???

I know the meanings of then words I used. Sometimes I use them in historical context.

[Stavros]

I am still trying to find the words to describe this. Phallic? Biblical? Spooky?

Do Canadians get to choose? So I guess it's not serious, but the imagery alone speaks volumes for the man's Matterhorn-sized ego.

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vR_gp.XQJlKWOLmVovMs5Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIwNDg7aD0xMjgwO2NmPXdlYn A-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_telegraph_818/c23f2a0a9121c798bbad2d73a71f5848

[filghy2]

And the feckless, foppish demented, corrupt dolt just pardoned his crack smoking, tax evading, influence peddling son. This is of course AFTER garland and his criminal cronies dragged things on until the statute of limitations had run out on the most serious charges. politicization of justice at its most extreme. More heads should roll, but they probably won't.

This is the list of deep state enemies previously identified by Trump's nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel. Is this what you have in mind? Many of these people actually worked for Trump, so it seems like their 'crime' is criticising Trump or refusing to do something he wanted.
https://www.mediaite.com/news/government-gangsters-trumps-fbi-director-pick-kash-patels-60-name-list-of-deep-state-enemies/

Michael Atkinson – Former inspector general of the intelligence community
Lloyd Austin – Secretary of Defense under President Joe Biden
Brian Auten – Supervisory intelligence analyst, FBI
James Baker – Former general counsel for the FBI and Twitter executive
Bill Barr – Former attorney general under Trump
John Bolton – Former national security adviser under Trump
Stephen Boyd – Former chief of legislative affairs, FBI
Joe Biden – President of the United States
John Brennan – Former CIA director under President Obama
John Carlin – Former DOJ national security division head under Trump
Eric Ciaramella – Former National Security Council staffer
Pat Cipollone – Former White House counsel under Trump
James Clapper – Former director of national intelligence under Obama
Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate
James Comey – Former FBI director
Elizabeth Dibble – Former deputy chief of mission, U.S. embassy, London
Mark Esper – Former Secretary of Defense under Trump
Alyssa Farah – Former strategic communications director under Trump
Evelyn Farkas – Former Pentagon official under Obama
Sarah Isgur Flores – Former DOJ communications head under Trump
Merrick Garland – Attorney General under Biden
Stephanie Grisham – Former White House press secretary under Trump
Kamala Harris – Vice President and former presidential candidate
Gina Haspel – Former CIA director under Trump
Fiona Hill – Former National Security Council staffer
Curtis Heide – FBI agent
Eric Holder – Former attorney general under Obama
Robert Hur – Special counsel for Biden document investigation
Cassidy Hutchinson – Former assistant to Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows
Nina Jankowicz – Former head of Biden’s Disinformation Governance Board
Lois Lerner – Former IRS official under Obama
Loretta Lynch – Former attorney general under Obama
Charles Kupperman – Former deputy national security adviser under Trump
Gen. Kenneth McKenzie (Ret.) – Former CENTCOM commander
Andrew McCabe – Former FBI deputy director
Ryan McCarthy – Former Secretary of the Army under Trump
Mary McCord – Former DOJ national security division head
Denis McDonough – Former Obama chief of staff, current VA secretary
Gen. Mark Milley (Ret.) – Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Lisa Monaco – Deputy attorney general under Biden
Robert Mueller – Former FBI director and Russiagate special counsel
Bruce Ohr – Former DOJ official under Obama and Trump
Nellie Ohr – Former CIA employee
Lisa Page – Former FBI counsel
Pat Philbin – Former deputy White House counsel under Trump
John Podesta – Former Obama adviser, current Biden climate adviser
Samantha Power – Former U.N. ambassador under Obama, current USAID administrator
Bill Priestap – Former FBI counterintelligence chief
Susan Rice – Former Obama national security adviser
Rod Rosenstein – Former deputy attorney general under Trump
Peter Strzok – Former FBI counterintelligence agent
Jake Sullivan – National Security Adviser under Biden
Michael Sussman – Former DNC lawyer
Miles Taylor – Former DHS official under Trump
Timothy Thibault – Former FBI agent
Andrew Weissman – Mueller’s Russiagate deputy
Alexander Vindman – Former National Security Council official
Christopher Wray – Current FBI director under Trump and Biden
Sally Yates – Former deputy attorney general under Obama
Adam Schiff – Senator-elect and former House Intelligence Committee chairman

[Paladin]

This is the list of deep state enemies previously identified by Trump's nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel. Is this what you have in mind? Many of these people actually worked for Trump, so it seems like their 'crime' is criticising Trump or refusing to do something he wanted.
https://www.mediaite.com/news/government-gangsters-trumps-fbi-director-pick-kash-patels-60-name-list-of-deep-state-enemies/

Michael Atkinson – Former inspector general of the intelligence community
Lloyd Austin – Secretary of Defense under President Joe Biden
Brian Auten – Supervisory intelligence analyst, FBI
James Baker – Former general counsel for the FBI and Twitter executive
Bill Barr – Former attorney general under Trump
John Bolton – Former national security adviser under Trump
Stephen Boyd – Former chief of legislative affairs, FBI
Joe Biden – President of the United States
John Brennan – Former CIA director under President Obama
John Carlin – Former DOJ national security division head under Trump
Eric Ciaramella – Former National Security Council staffer
Pat Cipollone – Former White House counsel under Trump
James Clapper – Former director of national intelligence under Obama
Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate
James Comey – Former FBI director
Elizabeth Dibble – Former deputy chief of mission, U.S. embassy, London
Mark Esper – Former Secretary of Defense under Trump
Alyssa Farah – Former strategic communications director under Trump
Evelyn Farkas – Former Pentagon official under Obama
Sarah Isgur Flores – Former DOJ communications head under Trump
Merrick Garland – Attorney General under Biden
Stephanie Grisham – Former White House press secretary under Trump
Kamala Harris – Vice President and former presidential candidate
Gina Haspel – Former CIA director under Trump
Fiona Hill – Former National Security Council staffer
Curtis Heide – FBI agent
Eric Holder – Former attorney general under Obama
Robert Hur – Special counsel for Biden document investigation
Cassidy Hutchinson – Former assistant to Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows
Nina Jankowicz – Former head of Biden’s Disinformation Governance Board
Lois Lerner – Former IRS official under Obama
Loretta Lynch – Former attorney general under Obama
Charles Kupperman – Former deputy national security adviser under Trump
Gen. Kenneth McKenzie (Ret.) – Former CENTCOM commander
Andrew McCabe – Former FBI deputy director
Ryan McCarthy – Former Secretary of the Army under Trump
Mary McCord – Former DOJ national security division head
Denis McDonough – Former Obama chief of staff, current VA secretary
Gen. Mark Milley (Ret.) – Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Lisa Monaco – Deputy attorney general under Biden
Robert Mueller – Former FBI director and Russiagate special counsel
Bruce Ohr – Former DOJ official under Obama and Trump
Nellie Ohr – Former CIA employee
Lisa Page – Former FBI counsel
Pat Philbin – Former deputy White House counsel under Trump
John Podesta – Former Obama adviser, current Biden climate adviser
Samantha Power – Former U.N. ambassador under Obama, current USAID administrator
Bill Priestap – Former FBI counterintelligence chief
Susan Rice – Former Obama national security adviser
Rod Rosenstein – Former deputy attorney general under Trump
Peter Strzok – Former FBI counterintelligence agent
Jake Sullivan – National Security Adviser under Biden
Michael Sussman – Former DNC lawyer
Miles Taylor – Former DHS official under Trump
Timothy Thibault – Former FBI agent
Andrew Weissman – Mueller’s Russiagate deputy
Alexander Vindman – Former National Security Council official
Christopher Wray – Current FBI director under Trump and Biden
Sally Yates – Former deputy attorney general under Obama
Adam Schiff – Senator-elect and former House Intelligence Committee chairman

Just be thankful that you're not on the list. ;)

Maybe he's got a secret list. I might even be on it. :o

[filghy2]

In a recent interview, Trump has once again demonstrated his woeful ignorance on economics.
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/if-we-are-subsidising-canada-mexico-let-them-become-a-state-of-us-trump-124120900027_1.html
"I’m a big believer in tariffs. I think tariffs are the most beautiful word. I think they’re beautiful. It’s going to make us rich. We’re subsidizing Canada to the tune over $100 billion a year. We’re subsidizing Mexico for almost $300 billion. We shouldn’t be — why are we subsidizing these countries? If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state. We’re subsidizing Mexico and we’re subsidizing Canada and we’re subsidizing many countries all over the world."

The US government isn't paying subsidies to Canada or Mexico, so he appears to be referring to the trade deficit, although the actual numbers for the latest year are $68 billion and $152 billion.

1. A trade deficit is obviously not a subsidy, because the US receives imported goods in return for its payments.
2. Balance of payment accounting means that the overall trade deficit must be equal to net capital inflow into the US. Trump also wants more foreign investment into the US, but it's impossible to have more capital inflow and reduce the trade deficit.
3. The trade balance isn't something that can be controlled with tariffs because it depends on saving and investment decisions across the economy. Trump's tariffs in his first term did not reduce the trade deficit. That can happen only if Americans spend and borrow less and save more.

He went on to say this:
"They cost Americans nothing. They made a great economy for us. They also solve another problem. If we were going to have problems having to do with wars and having to do with other things, tariffs — I have stopped wars with tariffs by saying, “You guys want to fight, it’s great. But both of you are going to pay tariffs to the United States at 100%.” And — they have many purposes, tariffs, if properly used. I don’t say you use them like a madman. I say properly used."
Which wars were stopped with tariffs? This seems to be pure fiction.
Obviously, there is a cost to Americans because importers will pass the cost onto their customers as much as they can. Even if American goods are substituted, they will be more expensive because that's why goods were imported in the first place.