3 ms·

I feel that the European understanding has largely been that the US and Europe share a "sphere of influence." We thought we were on the same side, the side of d

I feel that the European understanding has largely been that the US and Europe share a "sphere of influence." We thought we were on the same side, the side of democracy, freedom, and free trade. Obviously, there were always disagreements, but they were mostly limited to local decisions. Europe might have stronger regulations, for example, but that, by and large, did not impact the US directly; it only impacted how US companies were allowed to behave in the European market. So I don't think anyone saw a huge problem with importing a lot of digital services from the US, particularly since this leveled out some of the US trade deficit. We shipped goods to the US, and the US sold digital services to us. Nobody expected a US president who effectively behaves in the way you would expect a Russian asset to behave. In hindsight, this was wrong, but I don't think it was obvious that one could or should predict this during Clinton, Bush 2, Obama, or even Trump's first term.

incomingpain 2y ago
>I feel that the European understanding has largely been that the US and Europe share a "sphere of influence." We thought we were on the same side, the side of democracy, freedom, and free trade. From my pov the EU left those things behind. France is a recent example where they banned the front runner marine le pen from running. This is after a suspicious move to remove democratic options in order to defeat her in the last election? France also had the ability to warrantlessly do home searches? How about wearing a mortal kombat mask or burka in public? If I were to wear my mandalorian helmet in public, it would cost me $150? If you wanted to wear a vest and protest in paris you cant do that? they bring in the military and round up those protestors? they use force to end protests that the government doesnt approve of? How about free trade? Has France ratified CETA with Canada? They overwhelmingly opposed it in their senate? >Obviously, there were always disagreements, but they were mostly limited to local decisions. I beat up on France but much of the EU has seemingly abandoned freedom. >Nobody expected a US president who effectively behaves in the way you would expect a Russian asset to behave. In hindsight, this was wrong, but I don't think it was obvious that one could or should predict this during Clinton, Bush 2, Obama, or even Trump's first term. I'm not from USA but this Trump = Russian hoax stuff was very well dispelled. He maintained all the sanctions on Russia. His moves recently greatly harm Russia and China.
- InsideOutSanta 2y ago
  >they banned the front runner marine le pen from running She was convicted of embezzlement and remains ineligible to be a presidential candidate until the appeal is decided, which will likely happen before the campaign in 2027. "Freedom" should not mean "being able to commit as much crime as I want without any repercussions." However, this is increasingly the definition right-wing politicians use—for themselves. Notably, this definition does not apply to undocumented immigrants, for example. >I'm not from USA but this Trump = Russian hoax stuff was very well dispelled I'm not sure what exactly you're referring to, but it's a fact that multiple Trump companies received funding from Russian sources. However, note that I did not accuse Trump of being a Russian asset. I said he behaves in a way I would expect from a Russian asset. Given that this is Donald Trump, there are various plausible explanations for why he does that.
- orwin 2y ago
  Don't do systematic embezzlement, or at least try to look contrite when you get caught, and you'll be fine. Bardella is a much stronger candidate for the RN anyway. Some people _really_ like criminals here it seems. If I had my work pay for my father's butler and claim that as 'business expenses', I sure hope they would fire me when they eventually find out years later.
DeathArrow 2y ago
>We thought we were on the same side, the side of democracy, freedom, and free trade. To some it might seem that side was the side of leftism, progresism, wokeism and globalization.
- InsideOutSanta 2y ago
  In hindsight, yes, the right seems to lack belief in democracy and freedom.

incomingpain 2y ago

>I feel that the European understanding has largely been that the US and Europe share a "sphere of influence." We thought we were on the same side, the side of democracy, freedom, and free trade. From my pov the EU left those things behind. France is a recent example where they banned the front runner marine le pen from running. This is after a suspicious move to remove democratic options in order to defeat her in the last election? France also had the ability to warrantlessly do home searches? How about wearing a mortal kombat mask or burka in public? If I were to wear my mandalorian helmet in public, it would cost me $150? If you wanted to wear a vest and protest in paris you cant do that? they bring in the military and round up those protestors? they use force to end protests that the government doesnt approve of? How about free trade? Has France ratified CETA with Canada? They overwhelmingly opposed it in their senate? >Obviously, there were always disagreements, but they were mostly limited to local decisions. I beat up on France but much of the EU has seemingly abandoned freedom. >Nobody expected a US president who effectively behaves in the way you would expect a Russian asset to behave. In hindsight, this was wrong, but I don't think it was obvious that one could or should predict this during Clinton, Bush 2, Obama, or even Trump's first term. I'm not from USA but this Trump = Russian hoax stuff was very well dispelled. He maintained all the sanctions on Russia. His moves recently greatly harm Russia and China.

InsideOutSanta 2y ago
>they banned the front runner marine le pen from running She was convicted of embezzlement and remains ineligible to be a presidential candidate until the appeal is decided, which will likely happen before the campaign in 2027. "Freedom" should not mean "being able to commit as much crime as I want without any repercussions." However, this is increasingly the definition right-wing politicians use—for themselves. Notably, this definition does not apply to undocumented immigrants, for example. >I'm not from USA but this Trump = Russian hoax stuff was very well dispelled I'm not sure what exactly you're referring to, but it's a fact that multiple Trump companies received funding from Russian sources. However, note that I did not accuse Trump of being a Russian asset. I said he behaves in a way I would expect from a Russian asset. Given that this is Donald Trump, there are various plausible explanations for why he does that.
orwin 2y ago
Don't do systematic embezzlement, or at least try to look contrite when you get caught, and you'll be fine. Bardella is a much stronger candidate for the RN anyway. Some people _really_ like criminals here it seems. If I had my work pay for my father's butler and claim that as 'business expenses', I sure hope they would fire me when they eventually find out years later.

DeathArrow 2y ago

>We thought we were on the same side, the side of democracy, freedom, and free trade. To some it might seem that side was the side of leftism, progresism, wokeism and globalization.

InsideOutSanta 2y ago
In hindsight, yes, the right seems to lack belief in democracy and freedom.