Chit-Chat: The Feels

[Eri]

Yikes, I think the whole thing yesterday was planned. They were provoking Zelensky into making him look bad so they can brand the confrontation as "disrespect" for US support, shaping public sentiment to withdraw from the war and Ukraine altogether. Trump seems less interested in global hegemony and more in controlling the Americas, viewing that as vital for security, questioning NATO's relevance, etc.

Like Russia, I think this administration favors a world of spheres of influence. Trump's mention of speaking to Putin two days prior, undisclosed to the press, indicates their frequent communication. Trump may trade European influence for a focus on countering China and Russia, evident in his ambitions for annexing Canada and Greenland. 

A united Europe poses a threat to both the US and Russia. Consequently, both have long invested in fracturing the EU, which is more apparent in the recent supporting of far-right, Eurosceptic parties to undermine the union. A divided Europe, with weaker nations like England and France away from Germany, will have less bargaining power and more inclination to follow US influence. Can you attest @CheshireCat?

 

Edited Yest. at 12:48 PM by Eri

[Browncoat]

Since when does aid need to be paid back?  If I give a sandwich to someone who's hungry, I don't expect payment!  Helping Ukraine defend themselves against an invasion isn't a monetary transaction.  The repayment is aid in turn -- see also Ukraine offering to send firefighters to help in California.  

[Annber03]

4 minutes ago, Eri said:

Yikes, I think the whole thing yesterday was planned. They were provoking Zelensky into making him look bad so they can brand the confrontation as "disrespect" for US support, shaping public sentiment to withdraw from the war and Ukraine altogether. .

If that was their plan, judging from the general backlash they're receiving for it, it's clearly backfired. And rightly so. 

But of course, if Trump were capable of intelligent, logical thought, he wouldn't be, well...Trump, so....

[nokat]

1 minute ago, Annber03 said:

If that was their plan, judging from the general backlash they're receiving for it, it's clearly backfired. And rightly so. 

But of course, if Trump were capable of intelligent, logical thought, he wouldn't be, well...Trump, so....

I sometimes get hope knowing that not everyone is eating the bullshit.

[Eri]

12 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

If that was their plan, judging from the general backlash they're receiving for it, it's clearly backfired. And rightly so. 

But of course, if Trump were capable of intelligent, logical thought, he wouldn't be, well...Trump, so....

And petty, don't forget petty!

"State Department Terminates U.S. support of Ukraine Energy Grid Restoration"

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/48056

Russia definitely has something on him lol.

The real test is going to be if he can continue to control with fear over the Republican party. When will the Republicans who "disagree" with Trump decide they've had enough and start fighting him from Congress to curtail his efforts?

Edited Yest. at 01:06 PM by Eri

[Annber03]

8 minutes ago, nokat said:

I sometimes get hope knowing that not everyone is eating the bullshit.

I've found some comfort in hearing about how various papers and other media outlets that are bending the knee to Trump are losing subscribers at a significant rate. I think these people are really misjudging just how much support there truly is for Trump out there, and they really need to start reading the room and seeing just how exhausted many of us already are by all this bullshit. 

Edited Yest. at 01:05 PM by Annber03

[nokat]

2 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

I've found some comfort in hearing about how various papers and other media outlets that are bending the knee to Trump are losing subscribers at a significant rate. I think these people are really misjudging just how much support there truly is for Trump out there, and they really need to start reading the room and seeing just how exhausted many of us already are by all this bullshit. 

I've kept my news to a few sites that aren't pro-trump, and watch clips from The Late Show and The Daily Show to watch the circus. That some papers are feeling the burn after what they did (constant coverage of orangalini) I don't care if they sink.

[krankydoodle]

Like the leader that he is, following the shitshow yesterday that shocked and horrified people around the world, Trump's gone to Florida again where I'm sure he'll somehow manage to carve out time to golf in addition to working feverishly on preventing another world war. This will be his fifth visit to Florida since he took office. What a disgrace.

 

[DrSpaceman73]

34 minutes ago, Eri said:

And petty, don't forget petty!

"State Department Terminates U.S. support of Ukraine Energy Grid Restoration"

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/48056

Russia definitely has something on him lol.

The real test is going to be if he can continue to control with fear over the Republican party. When will the Republicans who "disagree" with Trump decide they've had enough and start fighting him from Congress to curtail his efforts?

I saw this but wasn't sure this decision happened before or after their fight. 

Not that it matters too mmuch.im not sure which is worse honestly. 

[Annber03]

38 minutes ago, Eri said:

And petty, don't forget petty!

"State Department Terminates U.S. support of Ukraine Energy Grid Restoration"

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/48056

Russia definitely has something on him lol.

The real test is going to be if he can continue to control with fear over the Republican party. When will the Republicans who "disagree" with Trump decide they've had enough and start fighting him from Congress to curtail his efforts?

At some point there will be a reckoning of some sort. Whomever winds up leating the fight, let's just hope it happens as soon as humanly possible. 

12 minutes ago, krankydoodle said:

Like the leader that he is, following the shitshow yesterday that shocked and horrified people around the world, Trump's gone to Florida again where I'm sure he'll somehow manage to carve out time to golf in addition to working feverishly on preventing another world war. This will be his fifth visit to Florida since he took office. What a disgrace.

 

On the one hand, of course he runs away to Florida to avoid doing any actual work.

On the other hand...the less time he spends anywhere near the White House, the better for us all, honestly. So...*Makes scle motion with hands* 

[DrSpaceman73]

53 minutes ago, Browncoat said:

Since when does aid need to be paid back?  If I give a sandwich to someone who's hungry, I don't expect payment!  Helping Ukraine defend themselves against an invasion isn't a monetary transaction.  The repayment is aid in turn -- see also Ukraine offering to send firefighters to help in California.  

This is the new us policy under trump 

Transactional diplomacy. 

https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/07/trump-transactional-global-system-us-allies-markets-tariffs/

He started it under term one but ramped it up since Jan 20th

Basically we're not interested in helping unless we / usa gets something in return. 

Now In truth there is some of this in all diplomacy. Would we have cared about Kuwait if they didn't have oil?  Probably not. All countries pick and choose you can't directly intervene everywhere. 

But this is more blatant and coercive much more isolationist

Edited Yest. at 01:45 PM by DrSpaceman73

[Bliss]

Classic example of narcissistic projection:

"You're going to start WWIII"

(my apologies if my wording isn't exact - going from memory, and not wanting to watch the offensive video again to capture the exact words...)

[nokat]

1 minute ago, Annber03 said:

On the other hand...the less time he spends anywhere near the White House, the better for us all, honestly. So...*Makes scle motion with hands* 

He signed so many executive orders without looking at them.

[Blergh]

FWIW, there's SO much wrong about #45  and Creepy Vance kicking Zelinskyy (and Ukraine) when they are down, I don't even know where to start. I wish I could say I was surprised that he'd have done that.

However, FWIW, my 90-something Mama who's followed news and world events from the late 1930's onward tells me that she had NEVER seen one head of state treat another head of state so hostilely after inviting him/her to their quarters in all these decades as she saw #45 treat the President of the Ukraine- even when one nation was at WAR with the other!

[bluegirl147]

The media gaslighting continues.   On GMA this morning someone said when Trump does his speech Tuesday night it will be a victory lap for all that he done with the cultural issues.  STFU.

[Milk-Eyed Mender]

19 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

On the one hand, of course he runs away to Florida to avoid doing any actual work.

On the other hand...the less time he spends anywhere near the White House, the better for us all, honestly. So...*Makes scle motion with hands* 

I guess you didn't hear Trump has "more important things to do."

1. Golf

2. Defend Wayne Gretzky

3. Golf

4. Run warm bath for Vladimir Putin who's been put through so much

5. Golf

6. Grift

7. Golf 

Ad infinitum....

[Dimity]

42 minutes ago, Blergh said:

FWIW, there's SO much wrong about #45  and Creepy Vance kicking Zelinskyy (and Ukraine) when they are down, I don't even know where to start. I wish I could say I was surprised that he'd have done that.

However, FWIW, my 90-something Mama who's followed news and world events from the late 1930's onward tells me that she had NEVER seen one head of state treat another head of state so hostilely after inviting him/her to their quarters in all these decades as she saw #45 treat the President of the Ukraine- even when one nation was at WAR with the other!

I was trying to think of another time a world leader behaved so badly on the world stage and the first example that came to mind was the time  at the UN when Khrushchev  took off his shoe and either brandished it or banged on the table (depending who you believe).  A display that in retrospect seems mild compared to the actions of your president. 

I would add that anyone defending him is actually worse than he is.  They see what he is and they don't care.

1 hour ago, Browncoat said:

Since when does aid need to be paid back?  If I give a sandwich to someone who's hungry, I don't expect payment!  Helping Ukraine defend themselves against an invasion isn't a monetary transaction.  The repayment is aid in turn -- see also Ukraine offering to send firefighters to help in California.  

 

Edited Yest. at 02:29 PM by Dimity

[tres bien]

After the 2016 election I said to a couple of 75ish  yr old women at the gym the White House might blow up when he moves in

They said we’ve lived through worse 

I never bothered to ask them have we?

[nokat]

6 minutes ago, tres bien said:

After the 2016 election I said to a couple of 75ish  yr old women at the gym the White House might blow up when he moves in

They said we’ve lived through worse 

I never bothered to ask them have we?

I'm thinking at 75, no, you haven't seen worse.  I'm in my 60s, and saw so much progress with LGBTQ+ rights, options for women with regards to their reproductive rights, DEI that is so hated for some reason. I've been waiting to see a woman as president, but apparently a disgusting man is better than a qualified woman.

I kind of feel like I grew up in this bubble of hope that fizzled out.

[Dimity]

5 minutes ago, nokat said:

I'm thinking at 75, no, you haven't seen worse. 

They lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and they are at the age where their brothers and friends were shipped off to Vietnam.  I'd say they have a valid point - or did in 2016.  But that said I totally agree with you, they - and you and I - are at an age where we are seeing all the good that was accomplished in our lifetime being swept away by a tinpot dictator and the people paying him.

Edited Yest. at 03:23 PM by Dimity

[nokat]

10 minutes ago, Dimity said:

They lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and they are at the age where their brothers and friends were shipped off to Vietnam.  I'd say they have a valid point.  But that said I totally agree with you, they - and you and I - are at an age where we are seeing all the good that was accomplished in our lifetime being swept away by a tinpot dictator and the people paying him.

You make good points. I'm next door to a veteran suffering because of 
Agent Orange. I remember the cold war with the U.S.S.R.

We lived through some scary things, but I've never felt more afraid than I have now.

[Ohiopirate02]

32 minutes ago, tres bien said:

After the 2016 election I said to a couple of 75ish  yr old women at the gym the White House might blow up when he moves in

They said we’ve lived through worse 

I never bothered to ask them have we?

Yes we have. The Civil War comes to mind. And if we want to get technical, the White House has been attacked by a foreign enemy before. The British did attempt to burn it down during the Wat of 1812. The exterior survived while the interior had to be rebuilt. 

[peacheslatour]

1 hour ago, Milk-Eyed Mender said:

I guess you didn't hear Trump has "more important things to do."

1. Golf

2. Defend Wayne Gretzky

3. Golf

4. Run warm bath for Vladimir Putin who's been put through so much

5. Golf

6. Grift

7. Golf 

Ad infinitum....

 

8. Throw a party at Mar A Largo for these fine upstanding kindred spirits.

[tres bien]

I’m in my 70’s my parents grew up during the depression and my father fought in WWII

All those  things mentioned that the country lived through and survived were not started by the democratically elected president 

That’s my fear

[Dimity]

5 minutes ago, tres bien said:

All those  things mentioned that the country lived through and survived were not started by the democratically elected president 

Two things come to mind: "Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?" and the Gulf War.  American hands are not clean.  The big difference I am seeing here is that for the first time in my memory (and I may be wrong) there is a US president cosying up to Russia and threatening allies --  and that's just what he's doing outside the US border.  It's frightening and exhausting.

[Lantern7]

President setting up a posthumous pardon.

[Dimity]

2 minutes ago, Lantern7 said:

President setting up a posthumous pardon.

Someday if we're really lucky some future Republican president may posthumously pardon Trump.

[tearknee]

Budd Dwyer, next? Just strong-arm PA ;)

4 minutes ago, Lantern7 said:

President setting up a posthumous pardon.

 

[LexieLily]

1 hour ago, Dimity said:

Someday if we're really lucky some future Republican president may posthumously pardon Trump.

When Trump ultimately does meet his maker I'm taking bets on how long it takes for the GOP to pull a Mariah Carey and pretend they never knew him. 

[nokat]

1 hour ago, Dimity said:

Two things come to mind: "Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?" and the Gulf War.  American hands are not clean.  The big difference I am seeing here is that for the first time in my memory (and I may be wrong) there is a US president cosying up to Russia and threatening allies --  and that's just what he's doing outside the US border.  It's frightening and exhausting.

In no way are our US hands clean. It is also not the first time it seemed to turn on its own citizens. It's the nazi salutes happening that scare the hell out of me.

[Blergh]

19 minutes ago, LexieLily said:

When Trump ultimately does meet his maker I'm taking bets on how long it takes for the GOP to pull a Mariah Carey and pretend they never knew him. 

If #45 remains unrepentant to the end (which appears to be highly likely), I wouldn't be surprised if his Maker would ALSO say He never knew #45 and send him on a one-way trip to the opposite realm.

[Absolom]

3 hours ago, Dimity said:

They lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and they are at the age where their brothers and friends were shipped off to Vietnam.  I'd say they have a valid point - or did in 2016.  But that said I totally agree with you, they - and you and I - are at an age where we are seeing all the good that was accomplished in our lifetime being swept away by a tinpot dictator and the people paying him.

I think those of us who are older have seen several bad times.  I know the Cuban Missile Crises was super scary, but it was over and done not lingering for four years.  I've never seen such a totality of chaos in so many areas at once and not knowing how much worse it might get.  I've never had such an absolute lack of trust in the country's leadership not even with Nixon or Reagan.  I've never thought that they were being led by someone as off their rocker as Musk.  While some suffered from some mental decline, I've never before felt the vindictiveness and maliciousness that pours from this administration.

[nokat]

1 hour ago, Dimity said:

Someday if we're really lucky some future Republican president may posthumously pardon Trump.

I guess I'm bad for hoping for the posthumous part.

[DrSpaceman73]

1 hour ago, Lantern7 said:

President setting up a posthumous pardon.

Useless waste of time and grandstanding. 

[DrSpaceman73]

16 minutes ago, Absolom said:

I think those of us who are older have seen several bad times.  I know the Cuban Missile Crises was super scary, but it was over and done not lingering for four years.  I've never seen such a totality of chaos in so many areas at once and not knowing how much worse it might get.  I've never had such an absolute lack of trust in the country's leadership not even with Nixon or Reagan.  I've never thought that they were being led by someone as off their rocker as Musk.  While some suffered from some mental decline, I've never before felt the vindictiveness and maliciousness that pours from this administration.

I've voted against many of those who went on to become president. 

But I. Could still see some positive qualities in those I opposed. 

Obama was always calm in control, well spoken. Acted presidential.

 

Clinton was slimy but could charm people, a good and bad quality ,  and worked well with the opposition.  He'll he actually produced a balanced budget!   Only president in God knows how long to do that. 

Trump has absolutely no redeeming qualities and i have nothing positive to say about him. He's a selfish, stupid narcissistic arrogant control freak whose outbursts like yesterday could easily lead us into a serious widespread war. 

And when I say stupid I don't mean that as hyperbole or as a simple insult. I mean the man is not bright. He has zero diplomatic skills.  He's a liar and a manipulator. 

Edited Yest. at 06:57 PM by DrSpaceman73

[Dimity]

@DrSpaceman73 that is it exactly. When I say Trump is stupid I am not trying to be insulting, I mean what I say. He is a very stupid man.

[peacheslatour]

3 minutes ago, Dimity said:

@DrSpaceman73 that is it exactly. When I say Trump is stupid I am not trying to be insulting, I mean what I say. He is a very stupid man.

“Everyone says he is crazy – which maybe he is – but the scarier thing about him is that he is stupid. You do not know anyone as stupid as Donald Trump. You just don’t.”

-Fran Lebowitz

[Anela]

7 hours ago, tres bien said:

NOAA has fired 800 employees 

Good luck with hurricane/tornado season ☹️

 

7 hours ago, Annber03 said:

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah, as a total weather geek, this is horrifying and distressing to me on so many levels. 

Fuck you, Musk. 

Yep, tornado season starts soon, if it hasn’t already.  

6 hours ago, Eri said:

And petty, don't forget petty!

"State Department Terminates U.S. support of Ukraine Energy Grid Restoration"

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/48056

Russia definitely has something on him lol.

The real test is going to be if he can continue to control with fear over the Republican party. When will the Republicans who "disagree" with Trump decide they've had enough and start fighting him from Congress to curtail his efforts?

I think it has to be something more than a pee tape.  His fans would probably be fine with that.  Or they would call it a deep-fake.  

5 hours ago, Blergh said:

FWIW, there's SO much wrong about #45  and Creepy Vance kicking Zelinskyy (and Ukraine) when they are down, I don't even know where to start. I wish I could say I was surprised that he'd have done that.

However, FWIW, my 90-something Mama who's followed news and world events from the late 1930's onward tells me that she had NEVER seen one head of state treat another head of state so hostilely after inviting him/her to their quarters in all these decades as she saw #45 treat the President of the Ukraine- even when one nation was at WAR with the other!

I saw a comment from a young woman last night, who said this was a step too far for her trump-supporting dad.  

[Anela]

Keir Starmer said the UK stands with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. 

https://www.threads.net/@keithboykin/post/DGqtvlkRU_2?xmt=AQGzUGwUuUL4AuJVrzHK-F71bsPp8uaZ4R86PhJ5SiAC4A

Edited Yest. at 07:24 PM by Anela

[PRgal]

3 hours ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

Yes we have. The Civil War comes to mind. And if we want to get technical, the White House has been attacked by a foreign enemy before. The British did attempt to burn it down during the Wat of 1812. The exterior survived while the interior had to be rebuilt. 

These "Brits" were mostly people from Canada.  We always love to tell people that.  😂

[Dimity]

23 minutes ago, Anela said:

Keir Starmer said the UK stands with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. 

https://www.threads.net/@keithboykin/post/DGqtvlkRU_2?xmt=AQGzUGwUuUL4AuJVrzHK-F71bsPp8uaZ4R86PhJ5SiAC4A

Good. Now we wait to see if he stands with Canada.

[peacheslatour]

From well known political cartoonist Pedro X. Molina-

 

[nokat]

38 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Good. Now we wait to see if he stands with Canada.

I may need to add this to my vocabulary: 

Who are those odious fuckwits shouting at Zelenskyy?

Dimity, there are those of us who want, but don't expect help. I can croak out "O Canada." Seriously though, some of us appreciate the support. I won't add the Canada geese to that, because they are scary mean.

[tearknee]

2 hours ago, LexieLily said:

When Trump ultimately does meet his maker I'm taking bets on how long it takes for the GOP to pull a Mariah Carey and pretend they never knew him. 

We do that about Carey every Christmas... 

52 minutes ago, PRgal said:

These "Brits" were mostly people from Canada.  We always love to tell people that.  😂

George Washington was a worse traitor than Arnold ;)

[Dimity]

Aww, poor Trump,  Zelensky is getting an audience with King Charles and he got a well deserved heroes welcome in London. But at least Putin still likes you best.

[tres bien]

2 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Aww, poor Trump,  Zelensky is getting an audience with King Charles and he got a well deserved heroes welcome in London. But at least Putin still likes you best.

PM Keir Starmer delivered an invitation from KC to Trump when he visited the White House this week 

[tearknee]

4 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Aww, poor Trump,  Zelensky is getting an audience with King Charles and he got a well deserved heroes welcome in London. But at least Putin still likes you best.

If anyone needs them, i have a box of King Charlies in my purse.

[tres bien]

In more fun news. JD took his family on a ski vacation to Vermont this weekend where they were met by protesters some carrying signs that said go ski in Russia

🤣🤣😆

[Dimity]

2 minutes ago, tres bien said:

PM Keir Starmer delivered an invitation from KC to Trump when he visited the White House this week 

Yep, when they still deluded themselves that they could reason with Trump. 

[bluegirl147]

45 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

From well known political cartoonist Pedro X. Molina-

 

Bezos will learn the hard way.  Washington Post still makes money from advertisers.  Let's see how many they keep when it becomes a mouthpiece for the Trump administration  regime.

3 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Aww, poor Trump,  Zelensky is getting an audience with King Charles and he got a well deserved heroes welcome in London. But at least Putin still likes you best.

With very very few exceptions the world is with Ukraine. Including millions of Americans. If Trump's unwavering support for Russia doesn't convince people he is in Putin's pocket nothing will.   I just hope in my lifetime we find out why.  Is it a pee tape?  Or money?