I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Vance is far, far, far worse than Trump.
In many ways that's true but I don't think he would have the support of anywhere near as many people as Trump has. I have no idea what it is, but Trump has something that the people of America find appealing. I don't think Vance has that.
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Vance is far, far, far worse than Trump.
In many ways that's true but I don't think he would have the support of anywhere near as many people as Trump has. I have no idea what it is, but Trump has something that the people of America find appealing. I don't think Vance has that.
Yeah I'd agree, without Trump the MAGA movement would be nowhere near as effective
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Much as I dislike Trump that is going too far and will lead to this thread being closed.
More realistically, after the mid terms in two years Trump is a lame duck president. He can't run again and so has less power over the Republicans.
Will a more moderate candidate appear to run against Vance?
Don't put that as a given Henry, I believe he said before he was elected that there would be no more elections, and I think he believes he can change the constitution to allow him to run forever...🤦♂️
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Vance is far, far, far worse than Trump.
In many ways that's true but I don't think he would have the support of anywhere near as many people as Trump has. I have no idea what it is, but Trump has something that the people of America find appealing. I don't think Vance has that.
Yeah I'd agree, without Trump the MAGA movement would be nowhere near as effective
Vance was pushed as VP by Don Jnr, who may well be thinking of running on the same ticket as Vance in 2028. Fortunately, DJTJ also does not have 'it'.
I’m surprised that there are so many jokey and/or dismissive reactions to this thread, some from those on here who have made several trips here to France to visit the war graveyards.
The OP mentioned France, where I live, and it certainly does feel like we’re getting ready for war. The government are cutting interest rates on normal savings account and encouraging the public to move their savings to fund weapon production. Many people will do this because the returns will be higher. My son, who is 17 next month is certainly taking it seriously. He has triple nationality and is telling me that he wants to give up his French nationality to avoid being called up.
If you think this isn’t going to happen then I’d like to hear a serious argument why, because, with two teenage boys, I am worried about it.
Any global war i.e. WW3 would result in a mass extinction event that would leave no winners. Mutual Assured Destruction has prevented such a global war for 80 years - there have been wars of course but either local or with the superpowers by proxy, and I see no reason why that should change. Having mad men in Washington and Moscow doesn't overly increase the risk as there will always be checks and balances in place - Trump doesn't have his sole finger on the button, and neither does Putin.
That's a serious argument that you may or may not agree with!
Wouldn't be so sure about that. With their platinum penthouse bunkers built thousands of metres below earth or moon hideouts in the outer reaches from Earth, I can't think of 3 more crack pot leaders than Putin, Trump and Xi that would back themselves in a full Earth repopulation program once the toxic dust settles.
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Much as I dislike Trump that is going too far and will lead to this thread being closed.
More realistically, after the mid terms in two years Trump is a lame duck president. He can't run again and so has less power over the Republicans.
Will a more moderate candidate appear to run against Vance?
Don't put that as a given Henry, I believe he said before he was elected that there would be no more elections, and I think he believes he can change the constitution to allow him to run forever...🤦♂️
Trump alone cannot change the constitution - it is a very high barrier to make amendments. If he unilaterally banned elections there would be civil war.
I’m surprised that there are so many jokey and/or dismissive reactions to this thread, some from those on here who have made several trips here to France to visit the war graveyards.
The OP mentioned France, where I live, and it certainly does feel like we’re getting ready for war. The government are cutting interest rates on normal savings account and encouraging the public to move their savings to fund weapon production. Many people will do this because the returns will be higher. My son, who is 17 next month is certainly taking it seriously. He has triple nationality and is telling me that he wants to give up his French nationality to avoid being called up.
If you think this isn’t going to happen then I’d like to hear a serious argument why, because, with two teenage boys, I am worried about it.
Any global war i.e. WW3 would result in a mass extinction event that would leave no winners. Mutual Assured Destruction has prevented such a global war for 80 years - there have been wars of course but either local or with the superpowers by proxy, and I see no reason why that should change. Having mad men in Washington and Moscow doesn't overly increase the risk as there will always be checks and balances in place - Trump doesn't have his sole finger on the button, and neither does Putin.
That's a serious argument that you may or may not agree with!
Wouldn't be so sure about that. With their platinum penthouse bunkers built thousands of metres below earth or moon hideouts in the outer reaches from Earth, I can't think of 3 more crack pot leaders than Putin, Trump and Xi that would back themselves in a full Earth repopulation program once the toxic dust settles.
I honestly think the prospect of a world war is lower with Donny there, he’ll just sell out Ukraine and anyone he needs to. People will continue to lap it up and make excuses for him, and I suspect the UK and EU will come out in a similar position but with a bigger spend on national defence. At the expense of their populations.
@jimmymelrose, appreciate your very honest post. I don’t share your concern but maybe I would if I had teenage boys in your position. Not too long ago - before the current crisis, macron was talking about national service for all, and I suspect that talk and positioning like this is part of his continued attempts at securing a more favourable legacy.
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Much as I dislike Trump that is going too far and will lead to this thread being closed.
More realistically, after the mid terms in two years Trump is a lame duck president. He can't run again and so has less power over the Republicans.
Will a more moderate candidate appear to run against Vance?
Don't put that as a given Henry, I believe he said before he was elected that there would be no more elections, and I think he believes he can change the constitution to allow him to run forever...🤦♂️
Trump alone cannot change the constitution - it is a very high barrier to make amendments. If he unilaterally banned elections there would be civil war.
There is literally zero chance of a Constitutional amendment, which would be required to allow a third term, but the MAGA nuts still seem quite confident that they can achieve a third term. I have no idea what route they are planning but it will not be pretty.
I’m surprised that there are so many jokey and/or dismissive reactions to this thread, some from those on here who have made several trips here to France to visit the war graveyards.
The OP mentioned France, where I live, and it certainly does feel like we’re getting ready for war. The government are cutting interest rates on normal savings account and encouraging the public to move their savings to fund weapon production. Many people will do this because the returns will be higher. My son, who is 17 next month is certainly taking it seriously. He has triple nationality and is telling me that he wants to give up his French nationality to avoid being called up.
If you think this isn’t going to happen then I’d like to hear a serious argument why, because, with two teenage boys, I am worried about it.
Any global war i.e. WW3 would result in a mass extinction event that would leave no winners. Mutual Assured Destruction has prevented such a global war for 80 years - there have been wars of course but either local or with the superpowers by proxy, and I see no reason why that should change. Having mad men in Washington and Moscow doesn't overly increase the risk as there will always be checks and balances in place - Trump doesn't have his sole finger on the button, and neither does Putin.
That's a serious argument that you may or may not agree with!
The checks and balances in America don't appear to be working like they used to.
I’m surprised that there are so many jokey and/or dismissive reactions to this thread, some from those on here who have made several trips here to France to visit the war graveyards.
The OP mentioned France, where I live, and it certainly does feel like we’re getting ready for war. The government are cutting interest rates on normal savings account and encouraging the public to move their savings to fund weapon production. Many people will do this because the returns will be higher. My son, who is 17 next month is certainly taking it seriously. He has triple nationality and is telling me that he wants to give up his French nationality to avoid being called up.
If you think this isn’t going to happen then I’d like to hear a serious argument why, because, with two teenage boys, I am worried about it.
Any global war i.e. WW3 would result in a mass extinction event that would leave no winners. Mutual Assured Destruction has prevented such a global war for 80 years - there have been wars of course but either local or with the superpowers by proxy, and I see no reason why that should change. Having mad men in Washington and Moscow doesn't overly increase the risk as there will always be checks and balances in place - Trump doesn't have his sole finger on the button, and neither does Putin.
That's a serious argument that you may or may not agree with!
Wouldn't be so sure about that. With their platinum penthouse bunkers built thousands of metres below earth or moon hideouts in the outer reaches from Earth, I can't think of 3 more crack pot leaders than Putin, Trump and Xi that would back themselves in a full Earth repopulation program once the toxic dust settles.
...several hundred years hence 🙄
Mar-a -Lago Jupiter is almost done. You knew that already??
Oddly, Spanish TV (Tele 5) were saying on the news this morning that Russia has plans to try something with Europe before 2030. Nothing dramatic lke invading Poland , but an incursion into the Baltic states to open a corridor and see how much apetite the West (minus the US I imagine) has for a face off in the east of Europe.
I keep up to date on a lot of this stuff because I'm still active on OSINT as a hobby sort of. So to address the Original post directly there's a lot of info at there about what is happening in regards to " WW3 and the threat of it "
I digress, this specifically is in relation to a planned Russian military buildup near the Baltic borders ( in the region of 100,000 men under the pretenses of a military training exercise. Much like they did pre Ukraine invasion.
At this point the idea of a Baltic incursion is theory crafting based on the above and we won't know until closer to the time. Personally there's two sides sides of this.
1) I can't see it while the Ukraine conflict drags on as it is with the constant military drafts they are doing to maintain manpower advantage in Ukraine and how decimated their officer corp has become and the fact they're buying shells off of North Korea because they can't produce them quick enough ( doctrinal issues ) not to mention they're only just keeping the economy above water.
2) that said if there is a time to test NATO it is during this current US administration and before Europe has a chance to properly rearm themselves away from American equipment.
As an after thought and ignoring Brexit because this isn't meant to be an inherently political post. The problem Russia has now is that with Europe reorienting away from the US they are at risk of awakening the third global superpower ( Europe ) from internal bickering and forcing it into a position of strategic cohesion. For decades, Europe’s divisions—political, economic, and military—have been a shield for Russian interests, allowing Moscow to exploit fractures between member states. But if European nations, driven by necessity, begin acting with unified purpose, Russia may find itself facing a power bloc with the industrial strength, economic weight, and military potential to challenge its ambitions directly especially if European standardisation becomes a thing.
The Ukraine war has also exposed how woeful ill-equipped and poorly trained the Russian military is in general. For years they've projected an image of being a very strong military power but it turns out their supplies, their staffing and their training are hilariously inadequate. Add to that the number of professional soldiers they've naturally lost across three years of constant warfare and the appetite for getting into yet another war in the next 5 years can't be that high just logistically.
A podcast I listen to hosted by two former Army officers talked a lot at the start of the war about how Russia doesn't have what the US has, which is the 18th Battalion Oil Change Brigade (or whatever). Basically, the US Military is full of people whose job it is to make sure shit works, and for as many qualms as they have about the US Military, it's largely pretty good at making sure shit works (with some very noticeable exceptions, like humvees not being combat vehicles, but I digress).
That being said, I think something that is underrated is that the war in Ukraine has given Russia a chance to work the kinks out. They've basically done what Russia has always done, started poorly, thrown more and more resources/people at it, and eventually gotten their way. It's a tale as old as time. And they've been able to retool their economy to not be dependent on the west and be a wartime economy. It's not a great economy, mind, but it's overall working for its purpose and there isn't really any talk of Putin being overthrown, either by the Oligarchs or the populace. So I'm personally not as optimistic as some are about the state of the Russian Military.
That being said, it's all kind of academic as a hot war with Russia would almost certainly lead to nuclear weapons being used and all of us being destroyed.
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Vance is far, far, far worse than Trump.
In many ways that's true but I don't think he would have the support of anywhere near as many people as Trump has. I have no idea what it is, but Trump has something that the people of America find appealing. I don't think Vance has that.
Yeah this. Vance is the final form of Trumpism, but he doesn't have the appeal of Trump. Ultimately, for as much as Thiel and Musk wish it weren't the case, they've hooked themselves to a cult of personality, not a broad movement. And Trump not being there anymore will change the dynamic drastically (I'm not saying he'll be assassinated, more thinking for '28).
Oddly, Spanish TV (Tele 5) were saying on the news this morning that Russia has plans to try something with Europe before 2030. Nothing dramatic lke invading Poland , but an incursion into the Baltic states to open a corridor and see how much apetite the West (minus the US I imagine) has for a face off in the east of Europe.
I keep up to date on a lot of this stuff because I'm still active on OSINT as a hobby sort of. So to address the Original post directly there's a lot of info at there about what is happening in regards to " WW3 and the threat of it "
I digress, this specifically is in relation to a planned Russian military buildup near the Baltic borders ( in the region of 100,000 men under the pretenses of a military training exercise. Much like they did pre Ukraine invasion.
At this point the idea of a Baltic incursion is theory crafting based on the above and we won't know until closer to the time. Personally there's two sides sides of this.
1) I can't see it while the Ukraine conflict drags on as it is with the constant military drafts they are doing to maintain manpower advantage in Ukraine and how decimated their officer corp has become and the fact they're buying shells off of North Korea because they can't produce them quick enough ( doctrinal issues ) not to mention they're only just keeping the economy above water.
2) that said if there is a time to test NATO it is during this current US administration and before Europe has a chance to properly rearm themselves away from American equipment.
As an after thought and ignoring Brexit because this isn't meant to be an inherently political post. The problem Russia has now is that with Europe reorienting away from the US they are at risk of awakening the third global superpower ( Europe ) from internal bickering and forcing it into a position of strategic cohesion. For decades, Europe’s divisions—political, economic, and military—have been a shield for Russian interests, allowing Moscow to exploit fractures between member states. But if European nations, driven by necessity, begin acting with unified purpose, Russia may find itself facing a power bloc with the industrial strength, economic weight, and military potential to challenge its ambitions directly especially if European standardisation becomes a thing.
The Ukraine war has also exposed how woeful ill-equipped and poorly trained the Russian military is in general. For years they've projected an image of being a very strong military power but it turns out their supplies, their staffing and their training are hilariously inadequate. Add to that the number of professional soldiers they've naturally lost across three years of constant warfare and the appetite for getting into yet another war in the next 5 years can't be that high just logistically.
A podcast I listen to hosted by two former Army officers talked a lot at the start of the war about how Russia doesn't have what the US has, which is the 18th Battalion Oil Change Brigade (or whatever). Basically, the US Military is full of people whose job it is to make sure shit works, and for as many qualms as they have about the US Military, it's largely pretty good at making sure shit works (with some very noticeable exceptions, like humvees not being combat vehicles, but I digress).
That being said, I think something that is underrated is that the war in Ukraine has given Russia a chance to work the kinks out. They've basically done what Russia has always done, started poorly, thrown more and more resources/people at it, and eventually gotten their way. It's a tale as old as time. And they've been able to retool their economy to not be dependent on the west and be a wartime economy. It's not a great economy, mind, but it's overall working for its purpose and there isn't really any talk of Putin being overthrown, either by the Oligarchs or the populace. So I'm personally not as optimistic as some are about the state of the Russian Military.
That being said, it's all kind of academic as a hot war with Russia would almost certainly lead to nuclear weapons being used and all of us being destroyed.
I'm just going to suggest that the Russian successes in Eastern Ukraine (incremental at best, are being won only at great cost to the Russian people (demographic changes are part of the reason for their kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children that they hop to indoctrinate), but also because the Western democracies have failed, in the main, to supply the right military support with adequate speed and in sufficient volume.
NATO armchair generals who express disappointment expect NATO-style results without Ukraine having NATO-style resources.
If the West can find and hold its nerve the outcome is more likely to be 1917 than 1945 for the Russian forces. Sanctions should be tightened (including removing the specific profits made by those Western companies that continue to do business with Russia, either directly or indirectly, and using that money to aid Ukraine, as well as releasing the seized Russian assets).
I heard it is all about 'battlefield' nuclear weapons these days, so as long as you don't live on a battlefield you ought to be all right. Mind you it's going to be a bit worrying for the good folk of Edington, Stamford bridge, Hastings, Bannockburn, Naseby, Edge Hill, St Fagans...oh and I nearly forgot...Britain.
I think (or hoping) that Trumpy will be assassinated within the next 2 years and then we can get back to normal.
Much as I dislike Trump that is going too far and will lead to this thread being closed.
More realistically, after the mid terms in two years Trump is a lame duck president. He can't run again and so has less power over the Republicans.
Will a more moderate candidate appear to run against Vance?
Don't put that as a given Henry, I believe he said before he was elected that there would be no more elections, and I think he believes he can change the constitution to allow him to run forever...🤦♂️
Since Trump have started his 2nd term, he wants Canada, Greenland and the UK to be the 51st to 54th states of the USA. 🤔 It's difficult to do a parody of Trump anymore as he has assembled yes men and women similar to other ultra right or left wing Governments in world history.
China now know they can invade Taiwan without any comeback from the USA and Russia have renewed confidence with claiming vast parts of Ukraine if not the whole country and i believe the Baltic Countries are in grave danger over the next decade of being cohersed back into the hands of the Russia Soviet bear.
The UK on the world stage has zero influence and is being played by Trump and his goons. The UK are outsiders in Europe and with a tourist Disney type monarchy. Tory or Labour makes no difference as doors are opening and shutting and we continue to look backwards in history and not forward.
WWIII may be further away ironically but Geopolitical wars all over the globe will continue as the Middle East will foreever more be a violent area continuing to kick off with the various self interests and religious antipathy to its neighbours.
This Global malarkey pales into insignificance compared to Charlton's journey...
So...just wondering here as US politics isn't a strong suit of mine. What would happen if Trump were to drop dead today? Would JD Vance automatically take over or would there have to be an election?
I don't know for certain, but I think Vance would become President, but as he appears to be as mad as Trump, it wouldn't make much difference.
I actually think he is far worse than Trump. What Trump says and what he actually does is quite often not the same thing. With Vance I think he would carry out on what he says.
I agree, he is awful, he was the main protagonist in The Oval Office when President Zelensky was treated appallingly.
Trump is sucking Putins dick but not many of Russia's misdemeanours have been at the US. Gas pipelines, electric and internet cables have been cut in Europe/Baltic, hacking infrastructure, subs/drones in home waters, they are pushing the boundaries, but unless they piss off America, they are safe.
But you have to question the whole rationality. Every country can only benefit from world trade, restricting it for personal bias can help nobody.
How long before this turns into yet another closed thread!!
There seems to be quite a lot of agreement on the thread, so no reason for it to be closed. We're in unchartered waters, in an increasingly dangerous world.
What I find amazing is that these people on the whole seem to have a lot of support from the voters in their respective countries !
there is literally no honour amongst any of them and I’m very concerned that if push come to shove these people would do something really stupid rather than lose face
Seriously how many of these main characters in world leadership would pass a basic sanity or intelligence test ?
What I find amazing is that these people on the whole seem to have a lot of support from the voters in their respective countries !
there is literally no honour amongst any of them and I’m very concerned that if push come to shove these people would do something really stupid rather than lose face
Seriously how many of these main characters in world leadership would pass a basic sanity or intelligence test ?
They do it by lying, they repeat what some people want to hear, over and over until it becomes the 'truth'.
What I find amazing is that these people on the whole seem to have a lot of support from the voters in their respective countries !
there is literally no honour amongst any of them and I’m very concerned that if push come to shove these people would do something really stupid rather than lose face
Seriously how many of these main characters in world leadership would pass a basic sanity or intelligence test ?
They do it by lying, they repeat what some people want to hear, over and over until it becomes the 'truth'.
You just need to say 'this is my truth'. The actual truth seems more and more irrelevant.
How long before this turns into yet another closed thread!!
There seems to be quite a lot of agreement on the thread, so no reason for it to be closed. We're in uncharted waters, in an increasingly dangerous world.
Comments
More realistically, after the mid terms in two years Trump is a lame duck president. He can't run again and so has less power over the Republicans.
Will a more moderate candidate appear to run against Vance?
With their platinum penthouse bunkers built thousands of metres below earth or moon hideouts in the outer reaches from Earth, I can't think of 3 more crack pot leaders than Putin, Trump and Xi that would back themselves in a full Earth repopulation program once the toxic dust settles.
Trump alone cannot change the constitution - it is a very high barrier to make amendments. If he unilaterally banned elections there would be civil war.
The checks and balances in America don't appear to be working like they used to.
You knew that already??
That being said, I think something that is underrated is that the war in Ukraine has given Russia a chance to work the kinks out. They've basically done what Russia has always done, started poorly, thrown more and more resources/people at it, and eventually gotten their way. It's a tale as old as time. And they've been able to retool their economy to not be dependent on the west and be a wartime economy. It's not a great economy, mind, but it's overall working for its purpose and there isn't really any talk of Putin being overthrown, either by the Oligarchs or the populace. So I'm personally not as optimistic as some are about the state of the Russian Military.
That being said, it's all kind of academic as a hot war with Russia would almost certainly lead to nuclear weapons being used and all of us being destroyed.
NATO armchair generals who express disappointment expect NATO-style results without Ukraine having NATO-style resources.
If the West can find and hold its nerve the outcome is more likely to be 1917 than 1945 for the Russian forces. Sanctions should be tightened (including removing the specific profits made by those Western companies that continue to do business with Russia, either directly or indirectly, and using that money to aid Ukraine, as well as releasing the seized Russian assets).
Mind you it's going to be a bit worrying for the good folk of Edington, Stamford bridge, Hastings, Bannockburn, Naseby, Edge Hill, St Fagans...oh and I nearly forgot...Britain.
Since Trump have started his 2nd term, he wants Canada, Greenland and the UK to be the 51st to 54th states of the USA. 🤔 It's difficult to do a parody of Trump anymore as he has assembled yes men and women similar to other ultra right or left wing Governments in world history.
China now know they can invade Taiwan without any comeback from the USA and Russia have renewed confidence with claiming vast parts of Ukraine if not the whole country and i believe the Baltic Countries are in grave danger over the next decade of being cohersed back into the hands of the Russia Soviet bear.
The UK on the world stage has zero influence and is being played by Trump and his goons. The UK are outsiders in Europe and with a tourist Disney type monarchy. Tory or Labour makes no difference as doors are opening and shutting and we continue to look backwards in history and not forward.
WWIII may be further away ironically but Geopolitical wars all over the globe will continue as the Middle East will foreever more be a violent area continuing to kick off with the various self interests and religious antipathy to its neighbours.
This Global malarkey pales into insignificance compared to Charlton's journey...
But you have to question the whole rationality. Every country can only benefit from world trade, restricting it for personal bias can help nobody.
there is literally no honour amongst any of them and I’m very concerned that if push come to shove these people would do something really stupid rather than lose face
Seriously how many of these main characters in world leadership would pass a basic sanity or intelligence test ?