What to do About Russia and Ukraine?
Just heard that a couple of prominent House Republicans have admitted that some of their Republican colleges are basically mouthpieces for Russian propaganda.
McCaul was one, but I can't remember the other's name.
Here is an article about this.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/07/poli … index.html
“It is absolutely true we see, directly coming from Russia, attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor,” the Ohio Republican told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
It seems to have "seeped" into this forum as well.Turner's quote -- "House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda has “absolutely” seeped its way to Congress, saying some of his Republican colleagues have repeated false claims on the chamber’s floor."
Turner's claim lacks any specific names to support it—none whatsoever. Such an unsubstantiated accusation is not only inappropriate but also fits the definition of propaganda. CNN should refrain from publishing articles without concrete evidence to back up such allegations. This lack of accountability is a significant contributor to misinformation among many Americans, as they end up sharing unverified information. Simply referring to "some of his Republican colleagues" is insufficient to convince me.
Can you identify any individuals whom Turner has accused of spreading Russian propaganda? He seems to have generalized an entire group, leaving the public to speculate. It's quite ludicrous and undermines the integrity of journalism.
Turner's statement fits the definition of propaganda. (information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.)
The article
“It is absolutely true we see, directly coming from Russia, attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor,” the Ohio Republican told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
"House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda has “absolutely” seeped its way to Congress, saying some of his Republican colleagues have repeated false claims on the chamber’s floor.
“It is absolutely true we see, directly coming from Russia, attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor,” the Ohio Republican told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
Turner’s comments come after House Foreign Affairs chair Michael McCaul’s told Puck News last week that Russian propaganda has “infected a good chunk” of the GOP base.
Turner, who has been an outspoken advocate of passing additional aid to embattled Ukraine, said Sunday: “There are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not.”
“To the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle,” he added.
The Senate passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that included assistance for Ukraine and Israel in February, but House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose future as a leader in the party remains uncertain following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s move to oust him from the speakership, refused to immediately bring the package for a vote.
Turner said Sunday he does not believe Johnson is at “any risk” of being ousted by the “chaos caucus,” pointing to members “who are seeking attention for themselves and trying to stop all of the important work in Congress.”
This article is an example of how misinformation is spread and in many cases believed by readers. A claim without specific names, come on... I mean one could say just about anything could one not? I have no respect for any representative who uses these shotty tactics. Disgusting at best."Turner joins a growing line of GOP figures speaking out about it, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who said Russian propaganda has "infected a good chunk of my party's base."
McCaul appeared to place blame on conservative news outlets for what he sees as Russian propaganda making its way into parts of the GOP, per an earlier interview with Puck News.
"There are some more nighttime entertainment shows that seem to spin, like, I see the Russian propaganda in some of it — and it's almost identical [to what they're saying on Russian state television] — on our airwaves," he told Puck News.
For me, it looks like.The far right and it's media have become Putin's propaganda tool."For me, it looks like.The far right and it's media have become Putin's propaganda tool."
The assertion that the far right and its media serve as conduits for Putin's propaganda requires careful scrutiny. While it's true that certain far-right groups or media outlets may espouse views aligned with Russian interests, it's overly simplistic to generalize the entire far-right spectrum in this manner. Political ideologies within the far right are diverse and multifaceted, with varying positions on international affairs, including Russia. Media outlets associated with the far right often have their own agendas and motivations, which may not always coincide with those of Russia.
Turner's decision to make such sweeping accusations without providing specific names or even incidences he could point to undermines his credibility. While he may have been implying that some factions within the GOP are spreading Russian propaganda, it's crucial to remember that guilt by association is not fair or ethical. Turner's failure to substantiate his claims with concrete evidence of any kind does a disservice to himself and risks unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the entire group he's implicating. Just associating the word propaganda with anyone or any group without any examples, just tells me something about the person that uses the term. As I said Turner in my view went on Tapper and spread what is unproven propaganda.
I believe this type of media has contributed to a widespread loss of the skill to accurately interpret both the context of messages and to selectively perceive what aligns with one's preconceptions.
I am happy to report that the patriotic wings of the Democratic and Republican Parties, over the strenuous objections of the Russian MAGA wing and the resulting hundreds of needless Ukrainian soldier's deaths, passed aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Barring Rand Paul and Josh Hawley slowing things down in the Senate, the ammunition should start flowing to starving (for ammunition) Ukrainian soldiers again.
I would recommend to Ukraine to hold back 5% of what they get to build up reserves for the next time the Russian-oriented MAGA politicians cut off their supplies.
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/ … index.html
I can picture the cheering and celebration in the Ukrainian foxholes as news of this vote reaches them.And just for an update, if there was any doubts in your minds that this was going to escalate to a full blown WWIII situation...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/czC-WloagYw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT_w7YPtF10
France has now mobilized 2,000 troops, tanks and artillery, and moved them to the front lines in Ukraine.
Just in time to get knee-deep into it before June 2024 European elections... and before Nov 2024 here.There are planes already loaded, probably flying to Ukraine now, waiting for Biden to sign the aid package (which happened yesterday). Hopefully, $1B of needed munitions are now sitting in Kiev waiting to be sent to the front lines.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/2 … e-00154450"Then we decided to go back a decade later and create pandemonium throughout the region, starting with Iraq, "
Yes, we certainly did create pandemonium - the decision of another GOP president not elected by a majority. What is the definition of insanity?I was plotting out the front lines of the conflict using DeepState as a source. I hadn't done so for many months, once the Pro-Russian Republicans in Congress cut off funding to Ukraine.
I was struck by how much territory people like Ron Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tommy Tuberville, Rand Paul, Tom Massie, and Jim Jordan (among many others) have caused to be lost to Putin along with hundreds of dead, brave Ukrainian soldiers. The loss has been most egregious around Avdiika
https://deepstatemap.live/en?#13/48.5427/37.9653I don't understand the deep state concept of blue and red conflicts. If they can't get it together like the right and left side of the brain works. How the hell is it possible that the US or the west going over take the BRICS on world economic and social powers. The BRICS countries overtook the G7 countries share of the world's total gross domestic product (GDP) in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2020. The BRICS + 6 new member countries this year is half of the world's population. They dominate every natural and fossil fuel energy worldwide. Trade more produces better and holding currency in gold and silver. It seem every attack on the east, backfires now.
Why would Russia worry about western sanctions when Russia just sanctions them right back, even in communication. Who wins, the people on both sides lose. Can't it be, we all have a :Lets get along society: Or you prefer trillionaire continuig making triple their profits and billionaires double their profits? It makes a very unfriendly and unkind world.
Heard a new nickname for Putin's new mistress. You remember Tokyo Rose? Well now we have Moscow Marge(ory)Taylor Greene.
Russia claims capturing more Ukrainian villages. That is all on American Republicans like Moscow Marge, Ron Johnson, Jim Jordan, and the rest of the MAGA-wing of the Russian mafia.
https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ru … index.html"Ukraine’s foreign minister blames battlefield setbacks on ‘everyone who is not doing enough’"
He is, of course, speaking of LYING TRUMP and MAGA. How many Ukrainians have this discredited sector of America been responsible for dying?
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/18/europe/u … index.htmlUkraine is apparently still capturing ground inside Russia. Cool, Cool.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/08/europe/r … index.htmlThere is no way Ukraine is winning this war.
Russia and China are not in decline economic wise, like the west. They can afford this war , where US can not because US is attacking in Asia, Europe and Middle East and printing money is not going to do it anymore. The BRICS is beating the G7 in almost everyway.war: such a terrible thing .... Trump will put an end to these wars.
He says he can and his supporters believe him.Yep, Trump will deliver Ukraine to Putin like he has promised to do.
Can you be more specific unless you don't have data be back your claims up.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMrbbg1Q6/
For the west nations that has sanctioned Russia. The BRICS and African nations having to switch over to Russian oil, gas, trade and Yun for a much better deal.Didn't you just say: The BRICS is beating the G7 in almost everyway.
Your answer above was a non-answer. What is the data or studies you have to back up your claim about BRICKs and the G-7?
I don't use or trust TikTok, I don't want the Chinese gov't to have my data.Published by Statista Research Department, Jul 15, 2024
The BRICS countries overtook the G7 countries share of the world's total gross domestic product (GDP) in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2018. By 2024, the difference had increased even further, the BRICS now holding a total 35 percent of the world's GDP compared to 30 percent held by the G7 countries.
The BRICS + 6 new member countries this year is half of the world's population. They dominate every natural and fossil fuel energy worldwide. Trade more produces better and holding currency in gold and silver. Even at the Olympics China beating US in gold metal.
What is the US leading in the world besides nuclear missile, printing money and iron angles?
Just prove me incorrect for the rest.See how easy that was? Thank you. Now, the question is, can BRICS maintain that tiny edge with China and Russia's economies faltering?
Brazil is heading toward its deepest recession ever.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/brazil/overview
South Africa is teetering on recession;
https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/06/s … Africanews
Even India's huge growth is slowing down.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/inves … 2020%2D21.
On the other hand:
America's economy is strong and stable
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/20 … s-briefing
England's economy is returning to normal after the devastation brought on by the Conservative Party
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68989270
Japan's economy, which had been dragging down the G-7 performance is on the rebound.
https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/jap … -deflation
France's economy is stable but not growing much.
https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/ec … -france_en
Germany's recession may be partly responsible for the G-7 falling behind BRICS, but that is behind them although growth appears to be stagnant
https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/ec … germany_en
Italy's economy is stable and not in decline like most of BRICS.
https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/ec … t-italy_en
Canada's economy is finally on the mend as well and is strong.
https://www2.deloitte.com/ca/en/pages/f … tlook.html
With all the BRICS members in some sort of economic trouble or weakness and all of the G-7 members either stable or growing, how long before their slight edge disappears and goes into reverse?There is the properganda war on both sides. US being ranked 42nd most un trusted media country in the world, I lean to the latter.
From my own personal experience travailing over a 100 countries and working in the US for 20 year. I see too many Americans dragging their head and looking at the ground worrying about financial matters. Life expectancy for US male age is 72, The same as an worldwide average where the rest of third world is rising.
Good sense easily tells me when the BRICS has surpass the G7 is in almost every way. My hat and optimistism gose out to BRICS. Africa, middle east and Asia are done with wealthy western exploration, rape and piliaging. When they can do their own production from their own natural resources in more effective transportation and shorter distances.I could find in reference that confirmed "US being ranked 42nd most un trusted media country in the world, " i need more information.
I did find detail on how Americans perceive American news in general. The headline is that Americans' trust is at a near record low at 34%. What drives that pathetic number is Trump and his surrogates.
When you peel back the onion, you find that it is Trump's continued attack on American media (a sign of his dictatorial streak) and the fact that his MAGA followers are effectively brainwashed.
Trust has been falling ever since 1976 where Ds were at 75%, Is were at 75%, and Rs at 63%.
It fell continuously in all three groups until 1997 (where the rise in religeous conservatives took control of the Republican Party). At that point 64% of Ds trusted the media, 63% of Is, and 41% of Rs.
From 1997 to 2015 (and the arrival of Donald Trump's assault on media), the Ds trust had declined to 55%, while the Is fell to . On the other hand, the Is kept falling to 33%, and the Rs to 33%.
Keep in mind that Is are about 60% R-leaning and 40% D-leaning.
After Trump hit the airwaves, things changed dramatically because American's finally split into three camps: 1) main stream media like CNN, 2) right-wing media like Lying Fox News, and 3), some of both. Look what happened at that point.
The Ds trust rose to 70%, the Is rose briefly to 42% before trailing off to 27%. The Rs took a big drop from 2015 to 2016 and then continued the decline to 14% today.
Peal it back further, you find that for Ds and Rs, being college educated or not made no difference, But for the Is, the college educated Is trusted the media twice as much as the those that didn't have a college degree. That says a lot at who listens to Trump and who does not.
In terms of political ideology, the Independents tell the same story. Liberal Is are almost 2.5 times more likely to trust the media than their conservative counterparts. Likewise, moderate Is are almost twice as likely. Even the Rs show that divide with moderate Rs being more than twice as likely as conservative Rs to trust the media.
We have court cases now to show that right-wing media lies a lot to their viewers, the best known being Fox News admitting they lied.
I suspect the same breakdown applies across the world. Do you have a similar breakdown for the 42nd ranking? Who was doing the ranking?
I'll bet you if we look again this time next year, the BRICS will be trailing again.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/403166/ame … d-low.aspxPerhaps if the media had not declared political war on Trump and stuck to reporting the news rather than degenerating into a pack of political hacks we might not have lost trust.
If they had done that AND reported "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth" instead of slanting their "reporting" in an intentional effort to mislead (more commonly called a "lie"), we might not have lost trust.
But they didn't. They declared war on Trump and used every dirty trick they could come up with to make him look as bad as possible. And those of us that do not actively hate Trump and love Biden lost both interest and trust. That most interesting disease, TDS, still somehow produces trust in MSM for some, though.You know as well as I that the media DID NOT declare political war on Trump. They did their job and reported fairly on Trump.
If they did anything, they declared war on Biden.
"slanting their reporting" - You are, of course, referring to Lying Fox News, Newsmax, and OAN, aren't you? They are the ones who pled guilty to "slanting" the news.More Americans trust in political comedians podcast or show than they do mainstream media. Humor has a deeper funny logic and truth to it. Less likely to get sued too.
Certainly I trust President's as far I can throw these proped up meat puppets. Can't keep over 75% of their promises. If any person breaks even 2 promises. They are totally thrown out of my relationship circle.I think you are talking about Trump, although I think he kept more than 25% of his promises. Biden is up around 80% of promises kept, I think.
All those times a talking head (IE Rachel Maddow) went on and on emotionally extolling how they saw irrefutable proof that Trump was a Russian ______ (fill the blank) or how he would start WWIII.
And then, no evidence of being a Russian puppet, no WWIII during his Administration, etc.
And they haven't stopped crying about him for 10 straight years... you think maybe they are trying too hard? Or not enough?
I think they need to double down on their Trump coverage, make it all Trump all the time, every second reporting what he is doing or has done that is one more horrible, terrible, crime.
While those with real power and control steal the country from the people.
For their best interests of course.
They will own nothing and be happy about it.
Its a great new world they are bringing about.When did she claim there was "irrefutable proof " that Trump was a Russian _______. IMO you are making that up.
Pathological liar, serial felon, and sexual predator Trump hasn't stopped committing crimes for 10 straight years, maybe that is why.... and there are those here, there and everywhere who help/enable/assist "those with real power and control." Who's intent is to "steal the country from the people ... for THEIR (own) best interests ..." as Ken explained.
~ how come?
~ what does P P and M E get out of it?I see you are projecting pathological lying, serial felon, and sexual predator Trump on the rest of us. It won't work.
I am not that clever.
I just see that you are against Trump who is for the power of the
People ... not the Elites, Soros or whoever else wants the downfall of America.
Could that be you?
Wondering.I don't know whether you are clever or not, but projecting is what you are doing.
Avoiding answering, is what you are doing.
Are you for the downfall of America?
I am not. BTWIf you are not for the downfall of America, then why are you for a pathological lying, serial felon, and sexual predator such as Trump?
That is why I am voting for Harris - to Save America from Trump.
BTW, I am answering. When I say you are projecting Trump onto the Democrats that is the same thing as saying the Democrats are not what you claim, only Trump is.
And then there is this, America seems to be agreeing with me. Harris has now taken a solid lead in the General Election polls. She is leading in Michigan OUTSIDE the margin of error and she is leading in WI, but within the margin of error, and is within the margin of error (tied) in all other battleground states. Heck, she even cut Trump's lead in Florida by half.What did Trump do during his presidency that was so detrimental?
Oh my, where do I start:
1. Raise the level of hate in America through his rhetoric.
2. Ripped babies from the arms of their mothers at the border
3. Set the stage for you to lose your right to control your own body.
4. Instituted Covid polices or failed to institute others that, according to his own Covid gurus led to hundreds of thousands of unnecessary American deaths due to Covid
5. He fumbled his one good accomplishment, Operation Warp Speed, by failing to roll it out properly and get the vaccines in people's arms. Biden had to do that. (Then he backtracked on that and supported the antivaxxers)
6. He set the stage for the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan with his give-away deal. (Biden didn't help matters by fumbling the final withdrawal, but the damage had already been done by Trump.)
7. Began the assault on human rights of minorities and people who aren't white, male, and Protestant.
8. He set responding to global warming back decades by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord
9. He bankrupted countless farmers with his ill-conceived tariff wars while alienating our Western allies at the same time.
10. He made the world less safe and probably encouraged Putin's aggression in Ukraine by weakening the NATO alliance.
There are ten, and I could go on!
Trump is only for himself and nobody else. He only says he cares about the people but if he did, he wouldn't have let so many of us die from Covid. He could have done what so many other nations did who kept their death rate so much lower than ours.
Can you tell me why America ranked 8th highest in the world in deaths per 100,000 in 2020. Why didn't we do better? I'll tell you, because Trump, who is a pathological liar, a serial felon, and a sexual predator, didn't protect "the People".
Also, how can a man who is a pathological liar, a serial felon, and a sexual predator ever be "for the People". Persons with that sort of background are only for themselves, don't you think?Trump is the Elite, Kathryn. He's born with a golden golden spoon.
Kathryn:
Speaking of stealing things. Trump likes to talk about Jan.6 and how the election was stolen from him. However, the reality is Trump tried to steal the election from the duly elected president and did not provide a peaceful transfer of power to the duly elected president. Until this day he is still beating that drum.
Trump is not only all of those things that ME says, he is also a master con-artist. If you pay attention to how he behaves when his con is uncovered, first he attacks those who uncovered it and then he plays the victim to everybody. Here are examples of Trump playing the victim.
1. Russiagate Investigation:
Trump consistently framed the Russiagate investigation as an unfair attack on him. He argued that the probe was based on a farfetched theory of his campaign’s coordination with Russia and that it was promoted by biased or dubious operators within the FBI.
His experience with the investigation gave him credibility with his supporters, allowing him to dismiss subsequent allegations or investigations as mere repetitions of the same unfair treatment.
2.FBI Searches and Investigations:
Trump’s ability to reverse political physics is evident in how he handled events that would have been major blows for any other candidate. For example, having the FBI search his residence as part of a federal investigation would typically be damaging. However, he managed to turn it into a rallying cry for his supporters, characterizing it as just another episode of unfair treatment.
3.Impeachment Proceedings:
During both of his impeachment proceedings, Trump portrayed himself as a victim of a partisan witch hunt. He claimed that the process was rigged against him and that he was being unfairly targeted.
His supporters rallied around this narrative, viewing him as a martyr fighting against a corrupt establishment.
4.Media Coverage and Criticism:
Trump consistently criticized the media, labeling it as “fake news” and claiming that he was unfairly portrayed. He often framed himself as a victim of biased reporting.
His tweets and public statements frequently highlighted his grievances with media coverage, reinforcing the victimhood narrative.
5.Social Media Bans and Censorship Claims:
After being banned from several social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, Trump positioned himself as a victim of censorship. He argued that his freedom of speech was being curtailed.
His supporters echoed these sentiments, viewing the bans as evidence of a larger conspiracy against him.
I know you are not going to believe any of those statements, but that is where I feel sorry for you and his supporters. You are being played by Trump and don't even know it... or even worse care about it. You think he is for "the power of the people." Trump is for Trump.You got to love it. UAW is suing the "for the people" person, Trump, for unfair labor practices.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/13/business … index.html
Trump understands what we do not. We need him. He has jets. He has businesses. He has properties. He has knowledge. He has negotiation skills. He sees a very large and expanded view of opportunity, positivity and abundance.
He has good will for the people. He is not out for himself. Why would he still be fighting? When he said," Fight! Fight! Fight!" it was for the sake of the country. And the citizenry. His positives outweigh his negatives.
He could be anywhere doing anything. Lounging in Hawaii, playing golf in Portugal or strolling along the beaches in Greece.
But no. He is here, still fighting for US. If any one knows what it means to fight, its Trump.
And we should be thankful.
We have a lot to fight against.In truth, Trump only understands how to please himself. He could care less about you and his "fighting" already led to an insurrection and will very easily lead to a hot civil war (as a friend of Vance suggested needs to happen) if Trump loses.
Just consider how many of the people that sucked up to him that he through under the bus and discarded when he didn't need them? He will do the same to you.as he did for four years of peace and plenty?
His record in office speaks for itself ... if you can see clearly with the eyes to see and the ears to hear.
Many, many don't ...
to their own detriment.You must have missed this then.
1. Raise the level of hate in America through his rhetoric.
2. Ripped babies from the arms of their mothers at the border
3. Set the stage for you to lose your right to control your own body.
4. Instituted Covid polices or failed to institute others that, according to his own Covid gurus led to hundreds of thousands of unnecessary American deaths due to Covid
5. He fumbled his one good accomplishment, Operation Warp Speed, by failing to roll it out properly and get the vaccines in people's arms. Biden had to do that. (Then he backtracked on that and supported the antivaxxers)
6. He set the stage for the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan with his give-away deal. (Biden didn't help matters by fumbling the final withdrawal, but the damage had already been done by Trump.)
7. Began the assault on human rights of minorities and people who aren't white, male, and Protestant.
8. He set responding to global warming back decades by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord
9. He bankrupted countless farmers with his ill-conceived tariff wars while alienating our Western allies at the same time.
10. He made the world less safe and probably encouraged Putin's aggression in Ukraine by weakening the NATO alliance.
There are ten, and I could go on!Also, a simple question. Why do you want a sexual predator as your president?
He uses his brain more than his penis, as a general rule, it would seem.
How do I interpret that answer? The question is do you mind having a sexual predator as President of the United States?
Because the trial was in civil court rather than criminal, Mr Trump will not be required to register as a sex offender. I don't like Trump over other personal reasons.
Besides, how is Trump getting it up at age 79?There are chemicals. After my prostate surgery, I know first hand, lol.
And yes, it is true he won't have to register, but that doesn't change what he is.Certainly I wouldn't dare go into the slutty sex life of Harris or Trumps. President's no longer matter , they just follow the oligarchy men in black.
Mussolini famously said, "Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power." Life is better off more independent and community worldly family
Will terrorist Netanyahu's desire not to bring the hostages home going to finally cost him his job because he allowed terrorist Hamas to very recently murder hostages, some of who were on the list to come home?
Israeli's are telling him to leave and put a competent, non-Trump-like in his place.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/02/middleea … index.htmlHow is Netanyahu like Trump?
One could say Netanyahu is Biden-like and that would be VERY accurate.
Biden would not (does not) negotiate with Russia/Putin.
Netanyahu does not negotiate with Palestine/Hamas.
Biden continues to fund and escalate the war on Russians.
Netanyahu continues to escalate the war on Palestinians.
Trump avoided wars and oversaw new peace deals.You really do need to stop drinking that Kool-Aid you mentioned.
If Trump is not elected president, he is dead meat. If Netanyahu doesn't stay in power, he is dead meat.
I don't need to go into why Trump has to be elected, I'm sure you know what is waiting for him. Netanyahu has many fraud charges against him just like Trump.
If he agrees to a cease fire and he is out of office, they are waiting for him as well just like Trump. The only difference is Netanyahu has killed thousands of men women and children and turned Gaza to ruble to keep him from going to jail.
There are now 640,000 children who have to be vaccinated for the polio virus which comes from fecal matter and tainted water. All because Netanyahu not going to jail. So in that sense, he is far worse than Trump.
It just depends on what lens you are using to make the comparison.You have never spoken a truer sentence than the last.
And of course I know what is waiting for Trump, he knows as well, he has already faced multiple attempts already, one is certain to end his life or freedom in short order.
You must give the man credit for having the courage to face it and keep fighting. Admirable qualities that fly in the face of the public image our media has created for him.
Makes you wonder, if he is the worst human being on earth, how can he remain so confident in the face of such an awesome amount of power and authority arrayed against him?
How does that align with stories of him reaching out and helping people?
Trump has performed many acts of kindness
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinio … etter.html
5 Good Things About Donald Trump (Yes, Really)
https://www.houstonpress.com/news/5-obj … e-11286106
Even Trump's good deeds are unfairly questioned
https://www.dailyadvance.com/even-trump … 66988.html
There are quite a few of those stories out there, I just picked a couple.
The Problem is not that people disagree with Trump's positions...
The Problem is they don't want to argue those positions, like controlled borders, putting American citizens first, and so on...
The Party he is running against, does not believe in those things. The Party supports the Paris Accord Agreements and Open Borders - Open Society and the Global Compact on Migration and endless Wars.
The Party is in control of messaging and the messaging for 10 years now is that Trump is Hitler and sexist, racist, a rapist, a traitor and a KKK member.
Anything the NY court system could get to stick on him (even if only temporarily before the upper/federal courts throw it out as nonsense) they have, it has been an interesting thing to watch.I did leave one thing out about Trump. He is responsible for the death of many who died from Covid. In January of that year when Covid was first discovered in our country, Trump said it was just like any flu or cold and would go away in a couple of weeks.
He admitted saying that because he didn't want to scare people and it would make him look bad. However, many thousands died as a result of that decision.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald … s-n1239658Do give his fellow mob boss Gambino similar accolades of "courage"? (I pick him because he is an example Elie Honig is using in his book Untouchables.)?
Trump can remain "confident" as any mob boss can and has.
What stories of Trump "reaching out" and helping people. I know of none.
Lehigh Valley: Most of those don't Fact Check very well. Either they didn't happen, only Trump said it happened, or Trump exaggerated. Between your first two links, there was on common element - any Trump acts of kindness were few and far between. ("quite a few more" is itself an exaggeration.)
To your last link - isn't that presidents are supposed to do? And if you bring up Obama not doing it, then I am sure I will find a legitimate reason why not.Democrats have ALWAYS believed in putting America first (but not by being isolationists like Trump wants). They also believe in personal liberty which Trump and MAGA do not (e.g. taking away everybody's right to privacy at the federal level - Dobbs decision).
Democrats ALWAYS believed in controlling the border. What they don't believe in is Trump's policy to strip children away from parents (and then losing them) in order to stop border crossings.The Democrats aren't creating that messaging out of whole cloth are they. It is Trump's despicable actions and words that lead to those accurate descriptions of him.
Trump DOES have the same personal characteristics has Hitler or Putin or Stalin or XI or Madero or Un. What is in common with all those people Trump admires? They are Dictators which Trump has said he wants to become.
Trump at least ACTs like a racist with his rhetoric.
Trump is convicted of what some consider rape although jury would only go far as sexual abuse.
Trump, on many occasions, HAS given aid and comfort to people like the KKK.
So isn't the messaging accurate?But wait... what is all the talk of it doesn't matter who is President, you are voting for the Team?
You know, I've heard it a few times... Harris, Biden, who-ever, it doesn't matter... its about the team... or in other words its the Party, and what its goals and agendas are.
SO WHY THE DOUBLE STANDARD?
Who cares what Trump has said, or been convicted of, or acts like...
Isn't it about Team?
Isn't it about what Trump stands for... which is more important than the man himself?
The idea that America DOES matter... that America and Americans SHOULD come first.
And maybe.... just maybe... WWIII isn't what we want and SHOULD be avoided.
So... yeah, there is a reason why we have had 10 years of unbelievable effort to destroy Trump.What DOUBLE STANDARD??? Trump, the NARCISIST, made it all about himself - he IS the team for the Republicans.
Trump stands for nothing. Do you really want me to list all the things he has reversed course on just over the last eight years let alone his adult life.
He IS an autocrat, he WANTS to be dictator, he has NO MORALES, he has NO ETHICS, he has only ONE conviction that is unwavering - Himself!
What does TDS have to do with Ukraine? Have you all lost sight of the war?
russia is experiencing something they never thought would happen.
The Ukrainians refuse to give up and are taking the fight to them.
They have made an incursion into russia and are gaining territory. On other fronts things are not looking good for russia. Their army has been significantly compromised.
I told any and all who would listen to me that the Ukrainians would not give up or surrender. They would fight to the last person standing. The hatred for being dominated by russia goes back several generations.
"Ukraine gains initiative on front, Russia pays heavy price for Putin’s imperial fantasies — Pentagon Chief
“We are meeting at a dynamic moment. Ukraine continues to seize the initiative on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces are currently conducting operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast,” he said at the start of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
“Russia has paid a heavy price for Putin’s imperial fantasies. More than 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since Putin began his full-scale invasion,” Austin said.
According to the General Staff, the total combat losses of the Russian army since the start of the full-scale invasion have reached approximately 621,550 personnel.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/uk … &ei=11Have you heard whether the incursion in the north has relieved any pressure in the east like they hoped?
We’ve just donated a load of stuff to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid. Close friends of ours in Bristol make regular humanitarian aid trips to Ukraine; so far this year they’ve made 14 round trips.
We recently ended up with loads of clothes, all in good condition, from a house clearance (12 large black sacks), and earlier today, after picking up a load of medical supplies donated to them from a local NHS hospital they popped around to us to pick up the dozen black sacks of clothes we had.
In November they will be making a final trip for this year (their 16th trip this year) as a ‘Christmas’ trip; and when they do they will be coming back to us to take a large black sack of toys we have, along with a carrycot pram (in good condition) – so that too, will be going to a new home in the near future.Well, it was bound to happen - Trump is withholding war material ALREADY PROMISED to Ukraine because, get this, our stockpiles are getting low and we need it more. I wonder how much Putin paid him to do that?
Trump's so-called "America First" campaign is morphing into "America's Security Last" campaign. For some strange reason known only to MAGA, it is better to invite the enemy to our shores rather than continue the decades old effective policy of keeping any fight out of America.
How have we been successfully protecting America since WW II? By trying our best to grow democracy around the world - including in Ukraine. But since Trump doesn't even want to keep democracy in America, I guess it is too much to expect him to want other countries to have it.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-wont-send … 0Kd8c8-inp"Trump-Putin summit in Alaska resembles a slow defeat for Ukraine"
Is the mentally unstable Trump about to feed Ukraine to Russia again?
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/09/europe/t … lysis-intlMost likely...his "peace deals " mean that one side gets royally screwed... Like the Azerbaijan- Armenia framework.
Trump approved the transfer of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defense systems and artillery equipment, but with a twist: NATO allies are footing the bill. This arrangement allows European countries to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, aligning with Trump’s goal of shifting the financial burden away from the U.S. while still supporting Kyiv.
- NATO countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have pledged over $1 billion in U.S. weapons purchases for Ukraine under this plan.
- Zelensky’s Position: Ukraine’s president has rejected any deal involving territorial concessions, citing the Ukrainian constitution and public sentiment.
- Trump’s Deadline: Trump had given Putin a 10-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face new U.S. sanctions, including targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet and energy exports.
- India & China Factor: Putin recently consulted with leaders of India and China, possibly to shore up diplomatic support ahead of the summit.Didn't the deadline end yesterday? Is this another Trump TACO?
PP --- Thanks for sharing these details, it’s helpful to see the bigger picture of how this approach shifts some responsibility to NATO allies while still supporting Ukraine. I’m curious how you personally feel about this strategy overall. Do you think it’s a practical way to support Ukraine without overburdening the U.S. as I do, or do you see downsides that maybe aren’t obvious at first glance? I’d like to understand your perspective better.
Trump is meeting with Putin next Friday. I would like to be a fly on the wall. At any rate, I hope some good will come of it. Too many dying, too much destruction.The Russians have a better handle on Trump now than they did his 1st term... but they are still wary and find him unpredictable.
Some people realize that this 'unpredictability' ... this say one thing one day and something else the next... is all part of him maintaining that doubt ... it gives him an edge in negotiations.
Putin himself has admitted on occasion that they are/were more concerned about what Trump might do than anything Clinton or Biden may have done.
Someone from a far different culture/background might have a tough time wrapping his head around Trump... what is serious ...what is hot air ... what he might be willing to do ... does he really know the ramifications of his actions ... or if he launches an attack?
Doubt ...sow the seeds of doubt. Is he a lunatic that is clueless or one of the most formidable opponents you've ever crossed?
Considering how he is back in charge, and has a loyal crew (as far as politics goes) in tow this time... you might want to think twice before assigning him all the labels the Left likes to throw at him.Finally, you say something that is true in your first paragraph. Thank you.
Paragraph 2 - I think "realize" is the wrong word. It seems to me "think" is more appropriate since looking at Trump in the big picture, it is clear he is not acting, that chaos is his nature.
Paragraph 3 - I have no doubt.
Paragraph 4 - Certainly from a "far different culture" but I would go so far to say "any culture".
Paragraph 5 - Only MAUGA doesn't think he is a lunatic
Paragraph 6 - What percentage of "being back in charge" does Trump have responsibility for? Consider, if the non-MAUGA folks had not believed his lies, America would be in a much better economic and political position today.Ken, I’ve mostly kept my opinions on all the “what ifs” off the table, mainly because I find it very hard to figure out Putin. I’ve come to what I think is a decent understanding of how Trump operates, but then he’ll do something that completely surprises me. As I’ve said before, I believe Trump is a genius when it comes to deal-making, and a master manipulator when the situation calls for it.
I can only imagine that Putin has figured out he might not get many chances to deal with Trump, because Trump can be unpredictable and quick to make big decisions. Putin must be asking himself whether he really wants to unleash that. In my view, if Trump felt it necessary, he’d have no problem sanctioning Russia into the ground, just like he did with Iran during his first term. I also believe a lot has gone on behind the scenes that we simply don’t know about, and Trump will want to chalk this war up as a win. Like I’ve said before, I hope we see either a deal or a cease-fire.
On another note, I really love how Trump is selling NATO the weapons to send to Ukraine. It’s a win-win, and honestly, it’s the kind of simple, effective idea Biden should have thought of. Go figure.Unleashing the reckless and rash, painting one another into an inescapable corner in the face of the menacing IBM, may well be something that we should avoid.
I remain hopeful that Trump can bring peace to Ukraine. So far, I see a man who has brought hostages home from around the world and ends wars rather than starting them. I truly believe Trump will work harder than anyone to end this conflict.
As did Biden, but you trashed him for it. Also, even though you believe Trump's lies, Biden didn't start any wars nor did he ineffectively bomb a nation we weren't at war with.
Rewriting history... Biden wanted that war... Biden was calling for it in 2014.
They really thought the 8 years of preparation (from 2014 to 2022) was enough to make Ukraine capable of taking down Russia, or forcing an internal coup d'état.
They gave Russia and Putin a bloody nose... but didn't knock him out, and now he has garnered allies and re-organized the Nation and I'm sure the last few years of propaganda have plenty of people believing that they are in a fight for the very survival of their existence... which in truth, since the war is not just in Ukraine, but Russia as well... is not a stretch to sell.
The issue for Putin... and this is something that TSMOG reminded me of in another thread that I replied to a moment ago... is that Russia is not part of the 'gang'.
Russia... North Korea... and Iran are on the outs... worse, the BRICS alliance is increasingly a serious threat to all that the "powers that be" have been working towards, a One World Government... a New World Order.
When one keeps that in the back of one's mind... and gives those suspicions weight... then suddenly the wars against Russia and Iran make sense... the threats to China (which has now revealed its own desires for global dominance) and looming conflict seem almost a foregone conclusion, heck I was writing about it a decade ago... and I'm not exactly an insider on world affairs.
You say that like the Europeans have NO responsibility? Can you answer that?
Raise your hand if you knew that Trump closed ALL offices in the federal gov't responsible for colleting information on Putin's war crimes! How nice of him for his old friend.
And now he is hosting this war criminal wanted by the ICC for just that - on American soil in a NATO country. Talk about spit-in-your-face to Ukraine!Depressing and disgusting sight: U.S. soldiers on their knees, laying out the red carpet for a murderous fascist dictator.
The United States has fallen so very low, so very quickly.
It has fallen low, and it has happened relatively quickly. That is a very groveling and disturbing image that you have here. I am waiting for Putin to virtually spit in Trumps face. Why should Putin give Trump anything?
I am really surprised this Nobel Peace Prized seeking man didn't kowtow to Putin like they do to Chinese Emperors.
Traitor Trump clapped joyously at murdering and fellow dictator Putin's arrival (at least Putin isn't senile) and then escorts his hero into the Beast for a private chat (Hey Vlad, did you see how I am screwing over Americans? You taught me well.)
Lying Trump continues to LIE
"Fact check: Trump’s latest fake history about the war in Ukraine"
"President Donald Trump claimed Monday that he knew why Russian troops weren’t able to enter Kyiv in the days after they invaded Ukraine in 2022. Russia’s tanks, Trump said, got destroyed by missiles “because the tanks got stuck in the mud.” “You know, they would’ve been in Kyiv in four hours going down the highway. But a Russian general made a brilliant decision to go through the farmland instead,” he said, sarcastically criticizing the supposed general.
That is a LIE.
"In reality, Russia tried and failed to make it to Kyiv using roads and highways. Its tanks were thwarted by fierce Ukrainian resistance and logistical problems in addition to muddy conditions."
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/politics … kraine-war
Just started watching senile Trump speak - as usual, he is making absolutely no sense at all!
OK - there is no CEASEFIRE, so will Trump put those very terrible sanctions on Putin? Not on your life!So, what do we have now, a nothing burger?
Trump is the Colonel Klink of the international community. Let’s face it, the Emperor has no clothes…
Putin strokes his head as one would a puppy dog and says all sorts of nice things to stoke Trumps ego, without providing anything that substantially moves the needle in the conflict.
Trump has always been out of his element, his BS style is nothing against a shrewd and ruthless man like Putin. Yes, Trump has been played, red carpets not withstanding. The kinds of things that Trump needs to know going into diplomatic meetings such as this are the very things he loathes, knowledge of history and a disposition to listen to the advice of more experienced people. Let’s face it, his “intuition” is worst than useless.
There may well not be a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but at least Biden was on the correct side knowing full well that with the body count for Russia in this war, Putin is not going to capitulate or just fold up like a lawn chair.
But, you can believe that the Righties will spend inexhaustible energy spinning the actual result and its value away from the truth.Apparently, my initial paste of ChatGPT's analysis didn't take. Here is a quick summary of what Trump did not accomplish:
What Happened
* Trump and Putin met in Alaska to negotiate an end to the Russia–Ukraine war.
* Despite much advance hype, no ceasefire or peace deal was reached.
* Trump described the meeting as “very productive” and claimed “many points” were agreed upon, but offered no specific outcomes.
* Putin publicly invited Trump to Moscow — a gesture that drew political backlash in the U.S.
* Trump announced he would next speak with Zelenskyy, but no trilateral framework was confirmed.
Who WonThat sure doesn't sound like the "accolades" his supporters are making up about him.
Bottomline - Putin got what he wanted -- delay!
Also - Trump looked very TIRED (along with terrible hair and a thinning face)
Ambassador Bolton said, kindly, that Trump didn't lose, but Putin WON. I think Trump lost.
DECISON MAKING in the White House - whatever Trump is thinking at the moment. Then everybody says "Yes Sir" and waits for TACO to happen as it always does.Thanks for the updates.Yep, it's all about delay. And frightening the west to intervene or give help.
Trump is pathetic when negotiating with Putin as we know. He can't play his usual game of extortion through tariffs with Russia, and thus has no leverage.
And Putin, clever as we know, has probably some personal extortion material about Trump. So there we go. (Off course this is speculation..)
Interesting facts regarding Ukraine
* Rank & Power: Ukraine is currently ranked 20th among 145 countries in the Global Firepower Index for 2025, reflecting a strong military presence.
* Defense Industry Growth: Ukraine’s domestic arms production capacity has surged—from $1 billion at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to an estimated $35 billion in 2025. It now manufactures about one-third of its weapons and ammunition; notably, drone production is nearly self-sufficient.
Atlantic Council
* Drone and Artillery Forces: The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces include multiple specialized drone units—such as one brigade, six battalions, and several UAV regiments—totaling around 5,000 personnel.
* Tactical Performance: Despite Russian numeric advantages, Ukraine continues to demonstrate high tactical flexibility and effective adaptation on the battlefield.
2. Casualty Ratios & Figures
* Russian casualties: up to 1,000,000, including ~250,000 killed.
* Ukrainian casualties: about 450,000 casualty, including killed and 100,000–120,000 wounded.
Russian forces reportedly suffered 434,000 casualties in 2024 alone, including 150,000 combat deaths. Overall estimates since 2022: 300,000–350,000 killed, 600,000–700,000 wounded.
Institute for the Study of War
3. Territorial Shifts: Is Russia Gaining Ground?
Recent Gains: Between mid-July and mid-August 2025, Russian forces seized 241 square miles more of Ukrainian territory—a 7% increase over previous weeks. Notably, 76 square miles were captured just in the week from Aug 5–12, marking a 145% acceleration compared to preceding weeks.
Russia Matters
Overall Progress: Since early 2024, Russia’s territorial gains have been modest—on average 6 square kilometers per day—with less than 5,000 km² captured over that period.
CSIS
* Wider Context: Approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory is under Russian control.
* Current Hotspots: Russia has made notable advances in Donetsk, especially near Dobropillya, pushing about nine miles in certain sectors and threatening critical supply lines.
* Ukrainian Counteractions: Forces have pushed back in areas like Lyman, though Russian claims remain unverified.
4. Ukraine’s Military Reserves & Mobilization
Historical Overview: Pre-war, conscription was suspended but reinstated in 2014, enabling Ukraine to scale from ~130,000 to over one million personnel when including reservists and auxiliary forces.
Current Mobilization: Updated laws aim to sustain troop levels despite widespread desertion cases (with over 100,000 desertion investigations underway by November 2024).<-- That is sad.
Domestic Production: With domestic arms manufacturing rising sharply—including locally produced artillery systems like the 2S22 Bohdana—Ukraine’s logistical resilience continues to grow."Hear why Zakaria calls Trump-Putin summit ‘cringeworthy’"
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/politics … thy-digvidIn case there was any doubt.
Trump splits with allies, drops ceasefire demand for Ukraine war
President Donald Trump said Saturday that Ukraine and Russia should go straight to agreeing on a final peace deal, dropping his demand for a ceasefire in a dramatic reversal that aligns him with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the backing of European leaders, has insisted that a ceasefire must be in place before any negotiations to end the war. In the run-up to summit, the Europeans thought that they had Trump’s support after he previously pushed for a ceasefire.
Putin has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, insisting on lengthy negotiations for a final peace deal that Ukraine and its European allies say are just a cover for taking more territory.
Zelensky repeated his support for Trump’s earlier proposal for a trilateral summit of the U.S., Russian and Ukrainian leaders. “Ukraine emphasizes that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this,” he said.
After the summit, however, top Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said the issue of a trilateral summit was not broached in Alaska.
Friday’s summit ended earlier than planned and without an agreement, though it was widely seen as a public relations success for Putin, who was received as an equal by Trump after years of international isolation following his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity after the summit that he and Putin “agreed on a lot of points” but that “one or two pretty significant items” remained.
“It’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done,” Trump said.
Trump is aligned with Russia, from the start. He couldnt care less about Ukraine. He just want Ukraine to concede so the war could end, cause he's dying for a Nobel Prize. SMH
Its your fault, Obama! You broke him. Ha.IslandBites what is the story in your neck of the woods on Erin? Hoping all goes well for you.
Well, we got lucky with this one. It is now 155 mph. A monster. We're expecting rain and some wind, but it is not going to hit us.
Thanks for asking!
The sky from my backyard.
Phew!! I hope 'nature' doesn't throw a curve ball changing its direction. You are much more familiar with hurricanes than I. I pay attention, yet as one would suspect it is only as close as my TV some 10 feet away while I reside on a different planet altogether.
Me? Here in San Diego county of Southern California it is wildfire season, though with climate change it can occur anytime in the year.We got lucky. Everything went as predicted by the experts. That's why NOAA and NWS work is so vital. Trump cuts are extremely dangerous.
Those wildfires are horrible. I think I prefer my hurricanes, thank you. Ha!
And yes, climate change is f*ing us all.
But seriously, stay safe!
It was! Phew!
- tsmogposted 6 weeks ago
0Want to catch the Hannity interview with Trump after the historic Alaska meeting regarding the Russia - Ukraine conflict? Then jump to the link next.
Key takeaways from Trump-Putin summit as meeting with Zelenskyy might be next presented by Fox News (Aug 16, 2025) [Video = 33 min]
President says European nations must get involved as talks move to next phase
https://www.foxnews.com/world/key-takea … might-next
**********
Off topic, yet interesting take a peek at:
Government papers found in an Alaskan hotel reveal details of Trump-Putin summit by NPR (Aug 16, 2025)
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/16/nx-s1-55 … eft-behind
"Papers with U.S. State Department markings, found Friday morning in the business center of an Alaskan hotel, revealed previously undisclosed and potentially sensitive details about the Aug. 15 meetings between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin in Anchorage.
Eight pages, that appear to have been produced by U.S. staff and left behind accidentally, shared precise locations and meeting times of the summit and phone numbers of U.S. government employees." Why was trump clapping for war criminal Putin like he was some kind of a rockstar??
This was the most grotesque show of humiliation of the Office of the President of the United States...
Well since Trump actually saluted a North Korean General in 2019.
The red carpet treatment for Putin versus how Zelenskyy was mistreated at the White House is a literal stain on our country. And Trump clapping for him while Ukrainian mothers bury their dead sons is jaw droppingly, mind numbingly disgusting...Did you get an answer to "Why was trump clapping for war criminal Putin like he was some kind of a rockstar??" ?
I didn't think so.
When Russian diplomats show up wearing a CCCP sweatshirt, a seventh grader could work out that they're not going to act in good faith. Trump got played...AGAIN
Putin got his photo up...Trump applauding him and our soldiers fixing his red carpet...So Putin is getting exactly what he wants under the Trump regime...
I would argue that Trump helped him do that.
This comment is not addressed to any one person, but just my thoughts.
It’s amazing how quickly people are willing to dismiss the summit as a “failure” without actually listening to what was said by both leaders afterward. I watched the remarks live, and I also heard Trump expand on it during his Hannity interview. What came across was not weakness, but a consistent call for peace and negotiation. Trump made it clear this is not America’s war to fight, yet he expressed a willingness to push for talks between Putin, Zelensky, and NATO. That is exactly the kind of leadership the world needs, someone who will try to de-escalate instead of pour fuel on the fire. The armchair critics can mock all they want, but encouraging dialogue instead of endless war is hardly a “disaster.” In fact, it may be the only real path toward saving lives. But I also realize some could care very little about peace when they can ridicule the only guy who has stepped up to make an attempt to help stop this war. That amazes me, and shows me a side of society I find deeply disappointing.
The hate for a man who is very clearly trying to do good speaks louder than any criticism I could ever add. I am going high, and always amazed just how low some will go.To address the sum of why you see so much of what you call going low:
https://youtu.be/dlZ7cw_9pvc?si=w3MvTsusKNqT6S_p
Go right to the 19 minute mark and listen for a while.
What the Left preaches today, in our Universities, in the ideology is the destruction of Nation, the destruction of Western beliefs... It is self defeating and self destructive. Like a cancer.
Again we have a group. A political movement. An ideology that does not accept facts and realities... That includes what is going on in this war:
https://youtu.be/bD0_diUJTmg?si=GAj4OlbpZe6wwYclUniversities are designed to be spaces for critical thinking and inquiry, which inherently involves examining and questioning societal norms and structures, including those related to national identity and existing policies. Exploring different perspectives, including critical ones, is crucial for fostering informed citizens and strengthening democracy, Not sure why anyone would want it any other way. This administration's war on higher education is frightening.
Professors and universities are not the enemy... fascists are.To have people think "critically" is a death sentence to people who advocate authoritarianism. It is only people who are willingly and willfully BLIND, such as the Trump apologists are, who fall prey to authoritarians like Putin and Trump.
It is no wonder Trump apologists display so little critical thinking.
Patiently waiting for the "very severe consequences" Trump promised to bring down on Russia if a ceasefire was not agreed to in Alaska....
I'm guessing we'll get a TACO
https://x.com/NesaraGesara0/status/1955819589121782252I imagine the likely suspects will leave that one go out embarrassment.
TRUMP TACOs ON CEASEFIRE
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/ … s-08-16-25And Maga is still cheering this weak, ineffectual, lying excuse for a president...
On the contrary - We Saw, We Listened and what did we see and hear - Trump getting beat down by Putin - AGAIN. (At least Trump didn't issue any traitorous remarks this time around, got to give him credit for that.)
Here is the TRUTH about what happened and not the Pollyanna version portrayed to that most unamerican Hannity.
First, Trump starts with incoherent remarks to Putin - “Thank you very much, Mr. President, that was very profound [Trump is speaking of the lavish praise Putin gave him][/i], and I will say that I believe we had a very productive meeting. [i]There were many, many points that we agreed on - most of them, I would say - a couple of big ones that we haven't quite gotten there - but we've made some headway. So there's no deal until there's a deal. - SAY WHAT?
Then he says "I will call up NATO in a little while, I will call up the various people that I think are appropriate, and I'll of course, call up President Zelenskyy and tell him about today's meeting. It's ultimately up to them. [Not according to other Trump comments] They're going to have to agree with what Marco and Steve and some of the great people from the Trump administration who've come here, Scott and John Ratcliffe. [Say What?] Thank you very much. But we have some of our really great leaders. They've been doing a phenomenal job."
And then "We also have some tremendous Russian business representatives here. And I think, you know, everybody wants to deal with us. We've become the hottest country anywhere in the world in a very short period of time, [a famous Lie] and we look forward to that. We look forward to dealing— we're going to try and get this over with." [???]
And then "We really made some great progress today. I've always had a fantastic relationship with President Putin, with Vladimir. We had many, many tough meetings, good meetings. We were interfered with by the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. It made it a little bit tougher to deal with, but he understood it. I think he's probably seen things like that during the course of his career. He's seen — he's seen it all. But we had to put up with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. He knew it was a hoax, and I knew it was a hoax, but what was done was very criminal, but it made it harder for us to deal as a country, in terms of the business, and all of the things that would like to have dealt with, but we'll have a good chance when this is over." - [OMG, not that false whine again]
Then he repeats himself - "So just to put it very quickly, I'm going to start making a few phone calls and tell them what happened. But we had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there. [??????]"In spite of what the Trump apologists say here to excuse Trump's poor leadership, real questions remain about his weak performance and give-away to Putin the other day.
"Putin’s wins leave Trump with hard choices"
"Russian President Vladimir Putin got everything he could have hoped for in Alaska. President Donald Trump got very little — judging by his own pre-summit metrics." - although I guess it depends on which "pre-summit metrics" you are talking about. The senile old man couldn't remember which one he gave the day before so he gave a new one, lol.
"Despite Trump’s claim [lie] to have made “a lot of progress” and that the summit was a “10 out of 10,” all signs point to a huge win for the Russian autocrat."
Why did Trump rehabilitate the image of a war criminal and murderer on the world stage when he knew Putin was not there to bring peace. Where are the "severe sanctions" he promised (another broken one) if he left empty-handed. (the apologists will say that we don't know that he left empty-handed, lol)
"And by the end of their meeting, Trump had offered a massive concession to his visitor by adopting the Russian position that peace moves should concentrate on a final peace deal — which will likely take months or years to negotiate — rather than a ceasefire to halt the Russian offensive now. "
"Before the summit, Trump obliterated careful efforts by his staff to lower expectations when he told Fox News, “I won’t be happy if I walk away without some form of a ceasefire.”" - He knew he wasn't unless he is really, really stupid and senile.
"But the underlying premise of Trump’s peacemaking is that the force of his personality and his supposedly unique status as the world’s greatest dealmaker can end wars. That myth is looking very ragged after his long flight home from Alaska." - Trump forgets that he is the WEAKER bully of the two.
SO, what's he gonna do?
► Does he revert to his previous attempts to pressure Ukraine in search of an imposed peace that would validate Putin’s illegal invasion and legitimize the idea that states can rewrite international borders, thereby reversing a foundation of the post-World War II-era?
► Or as the dust settles, and he seeks to repair damage to his prestige, does he revert to US pressure and sanctions to try to reset Russian calculations? He at least left open the possibility of sticks rather than carrots in his Fox News interview, saying: “I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don’t have to think about that right now.”
► Alternatively, Trump could commit to the Russian vision of talks on a final peace agreement. History shows that this would be neither quick nor honored by the Russians over the long term. He’s hoping for a three-way summit between Putin, Zelensky and himself. That would satisfy his craving for spectacle and big made-for-TV events. But after Friday’s evidence that Russia doesn’t want to end the war, it’s hard to see how it would create breakthroughs.
► Another possibility is that Trump simply gets discouraged or bored with the details and drudgery of a long-term peace process that lacks big, quick wins he can celebrate with his supporters.
Trump’s Nobel campaign suffered a setback
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/16/politics … r-analysis"The senile old man couldn't remember which one he gave the day before so he gave a new one, lol.
"And I’ll go back to the United States” said Trump, while speaking at a US military base in Alaska. WHAT?!
If Trump thinks Alaska is still part of Russia, how tough can it be for the Kremlin War criminal to convince him that Ukraine is also part of Russia? LOL
https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1956517704971546867
Zelensky is traveling to the US to meet with trump at the White House tomorrow. And in a surprise move, Zelensky announced just this morning that some European leaders will be joining him....THANK GOD
Witkoff claims Putin has agreed to "legislative enshrinement within the Russian Federation not to go after any other territories when the peace deal is codified " and "legislative enshrinement in the Russian Federation not to go after any other European countries and violate their sovereignty."
What could possibly go wrong?
"Legislative enshrinement" is political double talk for Russia’s dictator runs the government and will continue taking over other countries if he wants to. ( spoiler alert: he wants to)
Witkoff has precisely ZERO foreign policy experience. Just another one of Trump's rich cronies selling out our democracy and probably working on side deals that will further enrich him once this nightmare is over... Idiots as far as the eye can see.It is truly MIND-BOGGLING (and a sure sign of mental illness) of how often Trump flip-flops on his Ukraine (and almost any other position). It really is true Trump is persuaded by the last person in the room.
* On Friday, Trump TACOs and kowtows to his bosom-buddy. And after his meeting with Putin and Trump dumps on Ukraine.
* On Sunday night he tweets that Ukraine and never join NATO and never get Crimea back.
* On Monday he meets with Zelenskii and the Europeans and TACOs again now supports their position.
This is Tuesday morning, when is the next TACO coming from this mentally unstable man?
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tru … n-08-19-25I thought it would be interesting to point out to Trump's apologists how many times Trump has TACO'd on Ukraine. (and this is only a few of them)
Sep 11, 2024 — “I’ll end it before inauguration / in 24 hours.” (said many times)
On the trail, Trump again vowed to “settle” the war immediately if reelected—framing a near-instant deal as feasible.
Feb 22–27, 2025 — From “no more freebies” to (incorrect) loans-only claims.
At CPAC, Trump pressed for “payback” from Ukraine (mineral rights/loans) and asserted Europe’s support was essentially all loans; Macron and fact-checkers corrected him (EU aid is largely grants/in-kind; only a portion are loans). This marked a shift to transactional preconditions for aid.
Mar 3–11, 2025 — Aid freeze → unfreeze within days.
The administration suspended U.S. military aid and some intel sharing to pressure Kyiv, then resumed within a week—an abrupt policy whipsaw.
Mar 14–15, 2025 — “24-hours” promise walked back.
Trump said he’d been “a little bit sarcastic” about ending the war in a day—backtracking from the centerpiece campaign claim repeated since 2023.
Early Jul 2025 — Pentagon pause → Trump reversal on weapons shipments.
A pause in some U.S. weapons deliveries was announced and then reversed by Trump days later, again toggling the spigot. (Analysts noted Kyiv’s main need is predictable support.)
Jul 28–29, 2025 — Peace ultimatum shrinks from ~50 days to 10–12 days.
After setting a 50-day window for “progress,” Trump shortened it to 10–12 days, a sharp change in the timetable he’d just laid out.
Reuters
(Revealed July 2025) — “Bomb Moscow” claim. Trump told donors last year (per audio reported in 2025) that he warned Putin he would “bomb the sh*t out of Moscow” if Russia attacked Ukraine. Russia invaded in 2022; no such action ever occurred.
Aug 5–6, 2025 – 100% tariffs ultimatum. Trump warned he’d slap 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Putin agreed to a ceasefire. He later said there were no imminent plans to penalize China, the biggest buyer—so the broad threat remains unfulfilled.
Aug 13, 2025 – “Severe consequences.” Trump threatened Russia with “severe consequences” if Putin didn’t move to stop the war, but offered no specifics and none were immediately announced. Days later his team shifted toward talks and security guarantees rather than new punishments.
Aug 18–19, 2025 – “Rough situation” warning. Trump said Putin would face a “rough situation” if he didn’t move toward peace, while simultaneously pushing negotiations and floating security guarantees—again, no specific punitive steps followed that warning.
[/b]Aug 18, 2025[/b] — Tells Ukraine to forget NATO & Crimea.
On the eve of talks with Zelenskyy, Trump said Ukraine should abandon NATO membership hopes and the return of Crimea, aligning with key Russian demands.
Reuters
Aug 2025 – Sanctions & “maximum economic pressure.” In the run-up to (and aftermath of) the Alaska summit, Trump (and aides) floated intensifying economic pressure if Putin didn’t budge, but then pulled back from that leverage during the same diplomatic sequence.
Aug 18–19, 2025 — From concessions to security guarantees (and talk of air support).
Within roughly a day, Trump also said the U.S. would help Europe provide security guarantees for Ukraine and floated possible U.S. air support while ruling out ground troops—tempering earlier hard lines with new commitments.AND TACO STRIKES AGAIN
Trump backs down again, giving Russia another two weeks to attack Ukraine with impunity before he will continue taking any action.
He said today in the Oval Office he would make a decision in two weeks when he expects to “know the attitude of Russia and, frankly, of Ukraine.”
WEAKWell, in my view, I think it’s wise to point out who actually makes snap decisions or draws “red lines”—that would be Obama and Biden.
When Obama drew his so-called red line in Syria back in 2012, warning Assad not to use chemical weapons, he failed to act when Assad crossed that line with sarin gas in 2013. Nothing but empty words.
And Biden? One word says it all: Afghanistan.
Trump, on the other hand, has a track record of not jumping the gun and not making threats he won’t back up. That’s a leader who understands the weight of his words.
Now suddenly it seems you’re worried about Ukraine, about the attacks, the deaths, and the chaos. But where was that concern under Biden? People died then, too, in staggering numbers.
There is nothing weak in how Trump is approaching this horrific issue, in my opinion. In fact, he’s the only leader who has directly addressed it, while the rest of NATO sat on their hands. What I noted is how now, belatedly, they’re practically begging Trump for help. They know they’re sitting ducks, and maybe they’ve finally woken up to it.
I have complete faith that Trump will bring this war to an end. I couldn't care less what anyone else feels on this subject. In my view, it is sickening. I see many on social media hoping he fails to feed their TDS. This is what really sickens me about those who hate Trump so much, they couldn't care less about this war, or the death and destruction. I have zero in common with this type."This is what really sickens me about those who hate Trump so much, they couldn't care less about this war, or the death and destruction. I have zero in common with this type.
That would be an assumption. Just because people strongly disagree with Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine does not mean they have no care about the war, death or destruction.
The two beliefs can exist independently.
I can have deep concern for Ukraine while I simultaneously believe that Trump is an incompetent , narcissistic, pathological liar.""This is what really sickens me about those who hate Trump so much, they couldn't care less about this war, or the death and destruction. I have zero in common with this type.
That would be an assumption. Just because people strongly disagree with Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine does not mean they have no care about the war, death or destruction." Willow
I was just pointing out how some take one sentence and use it to twist context. You do this frequently.
Here is full context of the paragraph you grabbed your comment from.
"I have complete faith that Trump will bring this war to an end. I couldn't care less what anyone else feels on this subject. In my view, it is sickening. I see many on social media hoping he fails to feed their TDS. This is what really sickens me about those who hate Trump so much, they couldn't care less about this war, or the death and destruction. I have zero in common with this type." Shar
That is my view, and that paragraph is pretty much my feelings straight up.
My inter paragraph was my view, a view is pretty much an assumption.
"I can have deep concern for Ukraine while I simultaneously believe that Trump is an incompetent , narcissistic, pathological liar." willow
Thanks for sharing your view. I think I could lip-sync it by now. You are very repetitive; one could mistake that for baiting.
"Now suddenly you’re worried about Ukraine, about the attacks, the deaths, and the chaos. But where was that concern under Biden? "
Do you have to be joking. Should I go back and repost what I've written during Biden's Administration about the support for the arming of Ukraine's army? I was met with a lot of rebuttal centered around the idea of "we can't afford to support them" and "America first" I can certainly go back and repost what Maga folks were saying about Biden's support of Ukraine during his administration.... So I guess the real question would be, why the reversal?"Now suddenly you’re worried about Ukraine, about the attacks, the deaths, and the chaos. But where was that concern under Biden? "
"Do you have to be joking. Should I go back and repost what I've written during Biden's Administration about the support for the arming of Ukraine's army? I was met with a lot of rebuttal centered around the idea of "we can't afford to support them" and "America first" I can certainly go back and repost what Maga folks were saying about Biden's support of Ukraine during his administration.... So I guess the real question would be, why the reversal?" Willow
I did not in any respect quote you or make mention on what you may have posted here. Do you note a ? mark? I asked you a direct question. I can somewhat remember you supporting arming the war, but my question was not directed at the US supporting the war in any regard. My statement was making a point and asking a question.
" Now suddenly you’re worried about Ukraine, about the attacks, the deaths, and the chaos. But where was that concern under Biden? "
To answer your question: we have watched this war rage for three and a half years, and it’s clear that the weapons you’ve supported sending to Ukraine, as you’ve admitted, have only prolonged the conflict, increasing death and destruction. Yes, I hope Trump can end this war and bring peace. It is the only hope Ukraine has of saving what is left of its country. NATO used the country as a war zone to try to stop Putin. They just now might be realizing --- Putin is just getting started.Here are three views on the Ukraine dilemma, Zelensky, Putin, and Trump
Zelenskyy’s View: Sovereignty, Security, and Lasting Peace
Zelenskyy has consistently framed Ukraine’s struggle as a fight for independence, democracy, and territorial integrity. His recent actions and statements underscore several key priorities:
• Security Guarantees: Zelenskyy is pushing for NATO-style protections to deter future Russian aggression. He’s been working with European leaders and the U.S. to secure long-term commitments.
• No Concessions on Territory: He’s made it clear that Ukraine will not withdraw from Russian-occupied regions like Donbas, calling them “illegally occupied” and warning that concessions would invite further war.
• Peace with Accountability: Zelenskyy insists peace must be “lasting,” not a temporary pause that allows Russia to regroup. He’s skeptical of Putin’s intentions, especially after continued missile attacks on civilian infrastructure.
• Diplomatic Unity: He’s rallied European leaders to present a united front in negotiations, emphasizing that “talks about us, without us, will not work”.
Putin’s View: Strategic Control and NATO Containment
Putin’s position is rooted in a blend of historical grievance and strategic ambition:
• Opposition to NATO Expansion: He views Ukraine’s Western alignment as a threat to Russian influence and security.
• Territorial Claims: Putin continues to assert control over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, framing them as historically Russian.
• Ceasefire Theater: Despite diplomatic overtures, Russia has launched massive attacks even during peace talks, leading many—including Zelenskyy—to believe Putin is not serious about ending the war.
• Leverage Through Violence: Putin uses military pressure to shape negotiations, often demanding Ukrainian withdrawal from contested regions as a precondition.
The Core Contrast
Zelenskyy’s stance is about defending a democratic nation’s right to exist freely. Putin’s is about reshaping post-Cold War borders and power dynamics. The tension between these visions is what keeps the war grinding on.
Donald Trump’s current position on the Russia–Ukraine conflict reflects a shift toward a more transactional and pragmatic approach, with an emphasis on ending the war quickly—even if that means Ukraine makes significant concessions.
Key Elements of Trump’s Position
• Territorial Concessions: Trump has suggested that Ukraine may need to cede territory—particularly Crimea and parts of Donbas—as part of a peace deal. He stated publicly that “Ukraine will have to cede some territory to end the war,” a stance long opposed by Kyiv and its European allies.
• NATO Membership: He’s pressured Ukraine to abandon its campaign for NATO membership, aligning with one of Putin’s core demands. Trump has argued that giving up on NATO could help bring peace more quickly.
• Diplomatic Mediation: Trump has positioned himself as a potential broker, arranging meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin. He’s floated the idea of a trilateral summit and claimed to have spoken with both leaders to facilitate negotiations.
• Security Guarantees: While discouraging NATO membership, Trump has entertained the idea of alternative security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially involving U.S. military personnel stationed there—a move that would be highly consequential.
• Pressure Tactics: In a surprising twist, Trump imposed tariffs on Indian goods to apply “secondary pressure” on Russia, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s oil trade and push it toward a settlement.
• Responsibility Framing: Trump controversially stated that Zelenskyy “can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to,” implying that Ukraine bears responsibility for prolonging the conflict—a framing that Kyiv strongly rejected.
Strategic Implications
Trump’s stance appears to prioritize a rapid resolution over long-term strategic alignment with Ukraine. His willingness to entertain Russian demands—like territorial control and NATO exclusion—suggests a realpolitik approach that could reshape U.S. foreign policy if implemented.
This position diverges sharply from Zelenskyy’s insistence on sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it aligns more closely with Putin’s vision of a post-Western security order. Whether this leads to peace or emboldens further aggression is the million-dollar question.
You do realize that the bold is your statement and then below is my response...
There is nothing lacking context.
There remain three sticking points
1 Just how much territory is Zelenskyy willing to allow Russia to annex, if any at all?
2. Why should Putin concede to allowing the West to provide all the protections afforded a NATO member to Ukraine, only short of the actual labels of “NATO member” itself?
3. There seems to be a big picture missing, Putin did not start the war and accumulate casualties to trade niceties in the negotiation game. Putin plays for keeps, while Europe is wary of any Russian concessions, Trump is naive if he thinks that if he plays nice, Putin will just roll over.
As for the Nobel Peace Prize, we will see.Trump literally is disagreeing with himself.
In December Trump said Biden was "stupid" for allowing Ukraine to attack within Russia.
Now he's saying Biden was incompetent for "not letting Ukraine fight back, and only defend itself."
How does MAGA keep supporting this nut?
One needs the complete background on that statement Trump made just before taking office. He had very good reasons and was about to take charge of our Nation, and the wars that were left for him. Context matters, timing and dates matter.
Biden originally set firm rules that U.S.-supplied weapons could not be used by Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory. For most of the war, that was the standing policy, with only limited exceptions added in mid-2024 for defensive strikes right along the border near Kharkiv. But then, in late 2024, just weeks before leaving office, Biden suddenly lifted those restrictions, authorizing Ukraine to use powerful U.S. long-range ATACMS missiles for deep strikes inside Russia.
That’s why Trump blasted the decision, calling it “stupid.” From his perspective, Biden should not have made such a consequential change on his way out the door. There were several reasons behind his reaction:
Escalation risk: Deep strikes into Russia could inflame the war and risk dragging America into direct confrontation.
Timing: With Biden leaving and Trump about to take office, it made no sense to drop such a controversial decision in the final stretch.
Lack of consultation: Trump was frustrated that his incoming administration wasn’t consulted on a matter that could define U.S. foreign policy moving forward.
Message of control: He wanted to show he would take a more cautious, calculated approach, not an eleventh-hour gamble. But seek peace from his first day in office.
So when Trump said it was “stupid,” it wasn’t just name-calling—it was a mix of strategy, timing, and concern over escalation, coupled with his belief that Biden undermined the transition of power by tying the hands of the next president.
He Called It "Stupid"
At a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, asked if he’d reverse Biden’s last-minute decision, Trump responded:
“I might. I think it was a very stupid thing to do. I don’t think that should have been allowed, not when there’s a possibility — certainly not just weeks before I take over. Why would they do that without asking me what I thought?” Trump
In same article Trump offered his reasoning for not wanting to escalate the war, as he felt Biden had done. Dec 2024 "Trump on Monday reiterated his call on both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war, calling the death and despair caused by the conflict “carnage.”
The Associated Press
DEC. 17, 2024
Trump publicly and frequently slammed that move. At a press conference, he said, “I think it was a very stupid thing to do … not just weeks before I take over. Why would they do that without asking me what I thought?” AP
He currently has -- Pentagon Has Quietly Blocked Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia--- with hopes of negotiating peace. To show goodwill in very uneasy negotiations. Hopefully, he can bring peace, because in my view, this will be Trump's last effort to give Putin a window to agree to end the war. I really don't like to think about what Trump will do if Putin does not stop firing on Ukraine. I assume glove will be off, and we will see NATO troops fighting the war they miscalculated.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-s … utm_source"That’s why Trump blasted the decision, calling it “stupid.” From his perspective, Biden should not have made such a consequential change on his way out the door. There were several reasons behind his reaction:"
you mean like Trump's Afghanistan BS before he left office??? OK
The man is a walking contradiction. No amount of waffling or pretzeling can change that.
"Biden undermined the transition of power by tying the hands of the next president.
MY GOD THE IRONY OF THIS STATEMENTMeanwhile, Putin is bombing the hell out of Ukraine. It's important to understand, a cease fine means nothing. There can be a cease fire in one day and the next day the bombing will start again. Look at Israel and Hamas.
The only way to bring lasting peace to Ukraine is there has to be a diplomatic process that takes time to come to fruition. That's what the European's were trying to tell Trump in the summit meeting.
The other way is that one side or the other gives up their will to fight anymore. Remember, it was Putin who invaded Ukraine."The only way to bring lasting peace to Ukraine is there has to be a diplomatic process that takes time to come to fruition. That's what the European's were trying to tell Trump in the summit meeting." PP
Are you kidding? I watched that roundtable, and everyone there thanked Trump for leading the negotiations and bringing them together. From day one, he has made it clear that he wants peace through negotiations. So please don’t suggest the Europeans deserve credit, where have they been the last three and a half years? They created this mess and are now turning to the U.S. for help.
It’s time to step back and look at the facts. Trump inherited a horrific war, one that could easily escalate into a world war, and yet he has been pushing for negotiations since the moment he took office. He has already brought leaders together for a summit at the White House, organized in just three days, and laid out a path forward. He has been clear: a ceasefire, in his view, is useless because it would only allow one side to rearm and prolong the bloodshed.
Europe had done little to pursue real negotiations until Trump took action. He could have chosen to ignore the situation, but he hasn’t. Instead, he’s trying to end a war that was allowed to fester and spiral out of control. That’s leadership, whether people want to admit it or not.
And yet I have to ask: why are so many on the left only now speaking up about this war? From the beginning, it’s been silence. Meanwhile, Trump has warned repeatedly that this could spiral into World War III, and he is doing everything in his power to prevent it. From day one, I have worried about where this conflict would lead, especially with how little attention it received early on.
It is hypocritical for anyone on the left to point fingers at Trump. The facts are plain: he has gotten NATO to increase defense spending and commit to more responsibility for their own security, even offering troops if needed. I’ve made my case, and I will not entertain putting Trump down for his efforts. It sickens me to see how our society thrives on hate instead of recognizing real leadership.
I have faith that Trump will fight tirelessly to end this war. His latest move, in my view, is sending a clear message to Putin: this is the last olive branch, take it, or face the consequences. I do not believe he will sit idly by while civilians are slaughtered. Hopefully, Putin recognizes the seriousness of this moment and agrees to negotiate an end to the fighting.
This war was handed to Trump—he did not cause it, nor is he responsible for how it began. But now it is his responsibility to do everything in his power to bring it to an end. And for that, I am deeply appreciative of his efforts.Europeans "created this mess "LOL how so?
"Europe had done little to pursue real negotiations
REALLY?
FROM AI....
European leaders met with Vladimir Putin in early 2022 to try and de-escalate tensions before he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts ultimately failed.
Key meetings and events include:
Emmanuel Macron: The French president met with Putin in Moscow on February 7, 2022, just weeks before the invasion. In a marathon five-hour meeting, Macron pushed for a diplomatic solution. Although he emerged claiming to have "secured an assurance" from Putin against further escalation, the promise was not kept.
Olaf Scholz: The German Chancellor traveled to Moscow on February 15, 2022, to meet with Putin. While visiting Kyiv the day before, Scholz had pledged support to Ukraine and warned of sanctions if Russia invaded. During his meeting with Putin, Scholz pushed for de-escalation, but Putin insisted he did not want a war around Ukraine while making "absurd" claims about Russia's security concerns.
European Union officials: Diplomacy also occurred at the European Union level, with officials coordinating with allies in the United States and NATO to manage the crisis.
Despite these intense diplomatic efforts, the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, demonstrating that Putin's decision was likely already made.
PUTIN DIDN'T GIVE A SHIT WHAT THESE LEADERS SAID THEN AND HE DOESN'T NOW.
I find it odd that some seem to believe that Putin can simply be talked out of his clearly stated ambitions toward Ukraine and his deeply held historical views of the land. The man is holding all the cards. He started it and he will be the one who decides when to end it.
"why are so many on the left only now speaking up about this war?
WHAT?
Democrats have fought tooth and nail to get funding and weapons for Ukraine against a growing tide of Republicans who simply wanted to walk away.... I can't speak for anyone else on the left but I personally would have liked to see Biden arm Ukraine to the point of annihilating every russian soldier that set foot into Ukraine... Made no secret about that....I can't speak for anyone else on the left but I personally would have liked to see Biden arm Ukraine to the point of annihilating every russian soldier that set foot into Ukraine...
————
I second the motion, no misnomer we can identify aggression when we see it.I agree, as helpful to Ukraine as Biden was, I feel he was too timid. He should have given Ukraine the tools and go-ahead to strike deep into Russia, even deeper than he finally allowed them.
The one thing America can't help Ukraine with, unfortunately, is manpower. While they may have enough to hold back Putin (if given the proper weaponry), I am not sure if they have enough in reserve to mount any sort of offensive to push Putin back.
That said, they are doing a masterful job with their drones. It is even showing up as fuel shortages on the front line in some places.
In the meantime, Trump keeps flailing away with his empty promises of sanctions if Putin won't listen to him. Putin knows Trump is a paper tiger who will just keep moving the goal posts so that he doesn't have to do anything meaningful to end the war Putin started.
It's interesting how two people can watch the same event and come away with entirely different conclusions. It's one thing to thank Trump (Kiss his ring) for inviting them, but it is another to hear what they actually said. They all said a cease fire is necessary, if followed by a diplomatic process.
As far as NATO goes, Trump is selling those countries arms to use against Putin, more than likely he is making a profit off of that. He is a deal maker not a statesman diplomat. He wants to make deals and get a quick fix, so he can win the Nobel Peace Prize. I am no more of a hypocrite than you are. Here is actually what transpired.
At the recent summit hosted by President Trump, several prominent European leaders emphasized that ending the war in Ukraine must begin with a diplomatic process, specifically calling for a ceasefire as a prerequisite to any lasting peace agreement.
Here are the key European voices who made that point:
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
• Urged that “the path is open” for negotiations but stressed the need for a ceasefire first.
• Quote: “We want a ceasefire at the very beginning, and then a framework agreement must be drawn up.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
• Echoed Merz’s stance, calling a ceasefire a “necessity”.
• Quote: “Your idea to ask for a truce, a ceasefire, or at least to stop the killings, is a necessity, and we all support this idea.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
• Participated in the summit and follow-up calls, backing the trilateral peace framework but also aligning with calls for security guarantees and a phased diplomatic approach.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer,"At the recent summit hosted by President Trump, several prominent European leaders emphasized that ending the war in Ukraine must begin with a diplomatic process, specifically calling for a ceasefire as a prerequisite to any lasting peace agreement." PP
I have to point out once again, Trump was the one who initiated negotiations with NATO and the EU nations, and he has been actively working for months to pursue peace. He has consistently emphasized negotiating for peace through dialogue. It’s hard to understand how someone following his direct statements wouldn’t realize this. In fact, I believe that if he were to step away, this war could continue indefinitely. I understand that we view this issue differently, and I respect your perspective, even if I don’t fully agree with it. Personally, I feel confident that Trump will help bring an end to the war. It’s also clear that the left won’t give him credit for these efforts, but that’s their prerogative.
It’s very clear that Europe, including the UK, wants assurance that the U.S. will be part of security guarantees. I trust that Trump will handle this request with caution and fairness. I don’t believe he would commit the U.S. to protecting another continent disproportionately—especially considering the overall expense of such a venture. In my view, Trump aims to leave America in better shape than he found it, not overly supporting Europe and the UK at the risk of sinking our debt into a place of no return.
Note -- I have been working on trying to get the transcript from the round table; as of yet, the Government has not posted it.
Rzeszów Airport in eastern Poland shut due to 'unplanned military activity' amid reports of Russian drones entering the country's airspace...OH WELL
Putin giving all of us the middle finger. Oh yeah, we're so respected...Bibi and Putin appear to have no respect for this regime.Trump promised to end the Ukraine war even BEFORE he took office because he was such a gifted deal-maker (in his own mind, of course). He failed, just like he has failed to bring down grocery prices and inflation (although recently he LIED and said he had).
Now, it seems, his deal-making is so good he has talked Putin into attacking Poland.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/09/europe/p … ntl-hnk-mlPoland shot down Russian drones after a direct NATO airspace violation. Their PM says this is the closest we’ve been to war since WWII. Putin suspects Trump won’t act, and that’s exactly why he’s testing him....
Donald Trump is the worst thing that could've happened to the United States. He has led America into an alley of no return. I sometimes wonder what he is planning? I also wonder if he's mentally balanced. What America has achieved during the last four decades, he has negated it. He has alienated his allies and his friendship with India; At the same time, he's not sure how to face China. One fact has emerged, the power center within a decade will be China and not the USA..
That was decided during Biden's reign of incompetence and malfeasance.
Biden was all too happy to NOT negotiate with Russia and escalate the war.
Biden was all too happy to sabre rattle against China over Tiawan, even sent good ol Pelosi there for a photo op I believe.
Biden let Iran walk all over us during his time... the Houthis and Hamas were having a field day.
House America was set afire... in so many ways... in those 4 years... from millions of migrants allowed in... to who knows how many secrets left for China and others to discover... that reminds me of the Chinese 'baloon' that sailed across the country.
Remember this... San Fran:
When does it stop being “Biden War” rather than Trump’s?
How long are we going to continue to excuse his ham handling of things?
There are a lot of Chinese that live in San Francisco, could the display be pride in their national origin?I agree... Trump is stuck dealing with it.
But I like to remind everyone, the damage was done, it was deliberately allowed to go past the point of no return, and every action that nitwit Administration took seemed to make things better for the BRICS nations and their unity, while harming American interests.
So, I am not focusing on particulars or what Trump may have done to make it worse or better... the fire was already allowed to spread into the forest, it needed to be stopped before it got that bad.Again, you have been debunked many times over.
You have already been debunked, so I won't repeat it.
No return? Before Trump 2.0, I would have said we always return. Now, because there is 3.25 more years left, I am not so sure anymore.
If Trump were President, there's no way Russia would attack Poland.
Hells bells . . .
I replied, I canceled. I'm not getting back in that stuff.
I came back.
I replied, I canceled. I'm not getting back in that stuff.
And here I am. The devil won.
That qualifies as a 'morning chuckle.' ^5
GAWas it really Russia that attacked Poland?
Or was it Ukraine again?
Or was it some black-ops unit (UK... US...???) escalating the conflict?
Poles blame Ukraine for flying drones into Poland
https://news-pravda.com/ukraine/2025/09/10/1674475.html
No Proof Russia is Behind the Attacks New Drills Near Ukraine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unFcNiXfG3I
Remember a couple years back?:
Officials investigate reports Russian missiles killed 2 in Poland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jifNL8El0A
Man do they have the AIs scrubbing the internet, finding anything about that incident, where Ukraine attacked Poland and then tried to blame Russia for it... hard to come by... no matter how well you word it.
https://news.sky.com/story/amp/missile- … s-12748538
Is it too early to say... I told you so?My chuickle was about the quip, not the details.
GAHiya GA...
Not being argumentative with you, just saying my bit, nice to see you engaging again.
Well, here is another example of fake concern.
"Trump on Russia’s incursion into NATO: ‘Here we go!’"
Go where? Another red carpet for Putin?
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/10/politics … a-responseI am beginning to think that on top of everything else Trump is, he is a masochist. Why do I conclude this? As many times as his hero Putin has stuck his finger in Trump's eye, Trump keeps letting him do it.
Here is the latest poke - Russian invades Romanian airspace with a drone.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/europe/r … space-intlFrustrated GOP senators blow steam on Russia: ‘Sick of’ Trump, Vance ‘love affair’ with Putin
Senate Republicans are growing increasingly exasperated over President Trump’s refusal to give them permission to move tough bipartisan sanctions legislation against Russia and countries that buy its oil.
Trump pressed European allies over the weekend to levy harsher sanctions against Russia, but he has dragged his feet on the bipartisan sanctions bill, which Republican senators were hoping to get done in July.
The failure to act is fueling growing disillusionment among some Senate Republicans that Trump is not serious about helping Ukraine.
“I’m sick of Trump and JD and their love affair with everything Putin,” the senator grumbled, noting Trump’s red-carpet welcome of Russian President Vladimir Putin at Alaska’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson last month and Vice President Vance’s recent comments defending Putin’s approach to peace negotiations.
The Republican lawmaker said Russia’s massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine last week, the biggest aerial barrage of the three-and-a-half-year war, was a major provocation and a clear sign that Putin doesn’t fear serious repercussions from Washington.
“They’re just testing how far we’ll bend over. It makes me sick,” the lawmaker said.
https://share.google/ZZFPqTSZWcvDtRDCt
Related Discussions
- 256
A Warning From Biden Or Just Another Confused Statement?
by Sharlee 2 years ago
Biden on Thursday when addressing the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee let loose with this --- This statement appears to be when Biden went off script. He was closing and decided to add this ....."So I guess — I said I was not going to talk very long; I’ve already talked too...
- 317
Is Russia Going to Invade Ukraine? Should America care if they do?
by Readmikenow 2 weeks ago
I guess in this situation I do have a bias. I'm Ukrainian. I have relatives in Ukraine. I've been to Ukraine more than once. I have a bias, but I may also have a bit more insight into the situation.Russa invaded Ukraine in 2014. The propaganda will say it was Ukrainian...
- 75
Biden Lobbed Threats At Putin
by Sharlee 2 years ago
Biden warns Putin against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine: 'Don't'Biden said the US response to any further potential attack by Russia would be 'consequential'President Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine in a television interview while declining...
- 92
Russian Hacking - What Will Trump Do When He Learns It's Real?
by Scott Belford 8 years ago
Donald Trump, as late as January 1, 2017, has refused to acknowledge what most everybody, Democrats and Republicans (less Trump supporters) alike know to be true ... Vladimir Putin is behind the arguably successful attack on America's democracy by swaying American voters to vote for Trump rather...
- 34
Biden says Putin a killer, will pay a price for election interference
by PrettyPanther 4 years ago
https://www.cnbc.comPresident Joe Biden says he believes Russian leader Vladimir Putin is a killer with no soul.Biden vowed that Putin soon “will pay a price” for interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election and trying to boost the reelection chances of then-President Donald Trump.Trump for...
- 340
Did Ukraine start the war?
by Willowarbor 6 months ago
Trump on Tuesday appeared to blame Ukraine’s leaders for the war triggered by a Russian invasion three years ago, scoffing at comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Kyiv being left out of a meeting between American and Russian officials.“I think I have the power to end this war....