4 ms·

It is quite amusing watching people try to argue that there's a very serious plan behind Greenland whilst Trump privately lobbies for it with the arguments of a

It is quite amusing watching people try to argue that there's a very serious plan behind Greenland whilst Trump privately lobbies for it with the arguments of a young and very spoiled child. His tariff preferences have the same level of thought behind them, at least until the people that have the slightest idea of how things actually work can tone them down and put his ideas on the shelf for long enough to stave off serious damage and unwind their TACO trades. It's entirely possible he's not even informed enough on the issue to be intentionally lying.

jacquesm 9mo ago
What amazes me is that all of the checks and balances have either failed or have been disabled. The US is always full of their 'Founding Fathers', I can't help but think that they'd be horrified to see the situation as it has developed so far and that's with a serious note that I suspect it will get a lot worse still.
- cdrnsf 9mo ago
  The heritage society has worked for decades to tilt the ideological balance of the judiciary and the Supreme Court specifically. The GOP base’s cult-like devotion to Trump and his power to target the reelection prospects of individual representatives and senators has lead to them sidelining themselves. Unlike Trump’s first term, his cabinet and agency heads are little more than loyalists and yes men. Checks and balances are gone. Independent thinking is gone. The president has long been an incompetent racist and malignant narcissist and the country (and world — for now) are suffering as he unleashes whatever cruel, imbecilic impulses that cross his mind. Add to that the fact that he’s quite clearly unwell.
  - jacquesm 9mo ago
    Well, they've 'won'. Now they get to own the damage they are inflicting because this isn't going to end well.
    - cdrnsf 9mo ago
      I’m not sure they care so long as they maintain their wealth and can insulate themselves.
      - jacquesm 9mo ago
        It's like setting fire to a house and thinking that your room will be the one that is spared. Complete madness.
        tokai 9mo ago
        Its the autocrat play book, hurting your country makes it easier to pilfer it. Doesn't matter if the pie get smaller as long as your slice of it gets bigger.
        jacquesm 9mo ago
        Indeed, but it never works long term, it only works for a while.
        cdrnsf 9mo ago
        Given Trump's age and health, I don't think he's worried about the long term.
        jacquesm 9mo ago
        Every few months adds another five to 10 years of recovery. I am worried about the long term.

jacquesm 9mo ago

What amazes me is that all of the checks and balances have either failed or have been disabled. The US is always full of their 'Founding Fathers', I can't help but think that they'd be horrified to see the situation as it has developed so far and that's with a serious note that I suspect it will get a lot worse still.

cdrnsf 9mo ago
The heritage society has worked for decades to tilt the ideological balance of the judiciary and the Supreme Court specifically. The GOP base’s cult-like devotion to Trump and his power to target the reelection prospects of individual representatives and senators has lead to them sidelining themselves. Unlike Trump’s first term, his cabinet and agency heads are little more than loyalists and yes men. Checks and balances are gone. Independent thinking is gone. The president has long been an incompetent racist and malignant narcissist and the country (and world — for now) are suffering as he unleashes whatever cruel, imbecilic impulses that cross his mind. Add to that the fact that he’s quite clearly unwell.
- jacquesm 9mo ago
  Well, they've 'won'. Now they get to own the damage they are inflicting because this isn't going to end well.
  - cdrnsf 9mo ago
    I’m not sure they care so long as they maintain their wealth and can insulate themselves.
    - jacquesm 9mo ago
      It's like setting fire to a house and thinking that your room will be the one that is spared. Complete madness.
      - tokai 9mo ago
        Its the autocrat play book, hurting your country makes it easier to pilfer it. Doesn't matter if the pie get smaller as long as your slice of it gets bigger.
        jacquesm 9mo ago
        Indeed, but it never works long term, it only works for a while.
        cdrnsf 9mo ago
        Given Trump's age and health, I don't think he's worried about the long term.
        jacquesm 9mo ago
        Every few months adds another five to 10 years of recovery. I am worried about the long term.