French Senator Nails It, American Senator Exposes It
[guest post by Dana]
I wanted to draw your attention to a couple of thoughtful videos about those who have their eyes wide open, and are willing to see and acknowledge what is before them, and those who have their eyes tightly closed, not wanting to see or admit what is before them. Please watch both videos before commenting.
In the first video, Claude Malhuret, a member of the French Senate, accurately describes President Trump and where things stand with regard to the war in Ukraine :
French senator perfectly describes the Trump situation. pic.twitter.com/d7sO1t9mmK
— Richard Woodruff 🇺🇦 (@frontlinekit) March 5, 2025
In the second video, Sen. Jeff Merkley exposes the danger of a willfully blind devotion to Trump:
Trump's allies are asked a simple question: "What else could a Russian asset actually possibly do that Trump hasn't yet done?" pic.twitter.com/LPYw7FbxSi
— Richard Woodruff 🇺🇦 (@frontlinekit) March 5, 2025
Meanwhile, planes loaded with military aid en route to Ukraine have been forced to turn back, due to Trump’s latest order to pause military aid to Ukraine.
According to the White House:
The White House has said that military aid has been suspended because the United States wants to ensure that this aid contributes to resolving the conflict.
“The President has made it clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to this goal. We are pausing and reviewing our assistance to ensure that it contributes to solving the problem,” they said in a statement.
The report explains that:
. . .all US military equipment not currently in Ukraine has been halted, including weapons that are in transit by planes and ships or waiting at transit zones in Poland.
It is increasingly clear that the decisions President Trump is making about the war in Ukraine consistently work against Ukraine while impeding their ability to defeat Russia. For example, I’ve never once heard Trump say that, for the war to end, Putin just needs to pull out of Ukraine and return the occupied territories. But Russia, thus far, has not been penalized or slowed in any way by Trump. And now, by halting all US shipments of military aid to Ukraine, the White House knowingly gives Putin an advantage.
The French senator in the first video, nails it with his observations about the President of the United States. It can be difficult to accept the truth because who would have ever thought that a modern American “Republican” president would dance to the tune of Vladimir Putin. Yet here we are.
I’m going quote from a smart piece by Garry Kasparov at The Atlantic:
Trump’s deference to the Russian autocrat has become full-blown imitation. . .
We may never know why Trump is so perversely loyal to Putin. We don’t know exactly why Musk went all in for Trump and Russia or what his deep conflicts of interest in the U.S. and China portend. But the urgency of their actions I do understand, and it’s a dire warning.
These are not the acts of people who expect to lose power any time soon, or ever. They are racing to the point where they will not be able to afford to lose control of the mechanisms they are ripping up and remaking in their image. What such people will do when they believe that mounting a coup is the lesser risk to their fortunes and power cannot be predicted.
There may be a Pulitzer Prize awaiting the person who discovers the answer to the question “Why?” But stopping Putinization—the looting by cronies, the centralization of authority, the moving of decisions into unaccountable private hands—is the vital matter of the moment. Trump admiring Putin is far less dangerous than Trump becoming him.
—Dana
Hello.
P.S. Do not dismiss second video because Merkley is a Democrat. That would be immature and lazy.
Dana (8f3329) — 3/6/2025 @ 6:30 amThe fundamental issue that you are not addressing is that the voters don’t care.
Joe (584b3d) — 3/6/2025 @ 7:11 amYou either need to come up with a persuasive argument to them or acknowledge that you do not like democracy (representative republic)
I never expected to fully agree with a French Senator and an American Democrat Senator. It’s clear that all Landau and Whitaker were trying to do was answer Merkley with spin and non-answers.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/6/2025 @ 8:36 amJoe, our system of government isn’t actually “Democracy” That’s convenient short hand we use because “Constitutional republic” is a mouthful that doesn’t resonate well.
If you look at the concerns of the founders “Mob Rule” was a major concern and checks and balances were put in place in an effort to prevent that.
Saying “Trump won a plurality of the vote so the voters are on board with whatever he wants to do regardless of it’s legality or impact on our system of government” isn’t very persuasive or accurate.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 8:39 amGiven the lack of pushback by House and Senate Republicans seems to indicate they are on board.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 3/6/2025 @ 8:56 amDemocracy Explained- 12 Types – Direct, Representative, Parliamentary, Presidential, Social, Liberal
Illustrate to Educate
Did you know there are over a dozen types of Democracy? Hey, it’s Dan Zimmerman, welcome back to Illustrate to Educate. In this video we’ll take a very brief look at 12 different types of democracy.
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
Parliamentary Democracy
Presidential Democracy
Federal Democracy
Social Democracy
Liberal Democracy
Participatory Democracy
Consensus Democracy
Illiberal Democracy
Electronic Democracy
Economic Democracy
First, what is Democracy? Democracy is a system of government in which the power to make decisions and influence policies is vested in the hands of the people. It’s a form of government that emphasizes the participation of citizens in the decision-making process and aims to protect their rights and interests. There are several different types of democracy, each with its own characteristics and variations. Let’s take a brief look at each type.
First there’s Direct Democracy. In a direct democracy, citizens have a direct role in making decisions. They participate in policy-making, often through referendums or town hall meetings. This system is most practical in small communities or on specific issues.
Next is Representative Democracy (or Indirect Democracy) In this type of democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives create laws and policies, and they are held accountable through periodic elections. Representative democracies are more common in larger, complex societies.
Then there’s Parliamentary Democracy. In a parliamentary democracy, the executive branch derives its legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature (parliament). The head of state and head of government are often separate roles, with the latter typically being the leader of the majority party in parliament.
Fourth is Presidential Democracy. In a presidential democracy, the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch. The president is the head of state and government, elected separately from the legislature. The United States is a notable example of a presidential democracy.
Then there’s Federal Democracy. In a federal democracy, power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments. Both levels of government have their own set of powers and responsibilities. Federal democracies are often used in large countries to accommodate regional diversity.
After that is Social Democracy. Social democracy combines democratic governance with a commitment to social and economic policies that promote equality and social welfare. It typically involves a mixed-market economy with strong social safety nets.
Seventh is Liberal Democracy. Liberal democracies are characterized by not only majority rule and the protection of individual rights but also the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a free press. They aim to balance majority will with the protection of minority rights.
Then there’s Participatory Democracy. This form emphasizes the active participation of citizens in decision-making processes beyond just voting. It often involves community-based initiatives, citizen assemblies, and deliberative forums.
After that is Consensus Democracy In consensus democracies, decision-making aims to achieve broad agreement and compromise among various political actors and interest groups. This approach is common in countries with diverse populations.
Number 10 is Illiberal Democracy. In illiberal democracies, there is a facade of democratic elections, but in practice, civil liberties, freedom of the press, and the rule of law may be undermined or restricted.
Next there’s Electronic Democracy or E-Democracy. This involves the use of digital technology, such as the internet and electronic voting systems, to enhance citizen participation and decision-making processes.
Lastly, Economic democracy refers to a system in which economic decisions and resources are distributed more equally among the members of a society. It aims to give individuals and communities a greater say in how economic activities are organized and how wealth is distributed. This can be achieved through various means, such as workplace cooperatives, participatory budgeting, and policies that promote income equality.
It’s important to keep in mind that the implementation and effectiveness of these democracy types can vary widely from one country to another. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of democratic system often depends on historical, cultural, and political factors. Democracy continues to evolve, and different countries may adopt hybrid systems or adapt their democratic institutions to better suit their needs.
BuDuh (4214e4) — 3/6/2025 @ 8:56 amJoe. The voters do care But not beyond the point of financial immolation. And not for a country that won’t aid us in defraying then cost of the aid. Especially when most of Europe’s aid is loans not grants like ours.
We have 36 million in debt and many other commitments. Note again, many other commitments.
. “But we must support the Ukraine!” Say the supporters of the UKE.
“I don’t think so”, say voters that see the US debt rising endlessly .”
“Man who won’t stretch out his hand to save himself can save himself”
“We must!” Say UKE supporters sounding for all the world like Kahn wanting to chase Captain Kirk.
“Weren’t you the same people that ridiculed Trump in 2018 when he insisted that NATO countries beef up their militaries ?” Ask skeptical voters ? “Wouldn’t the EU be in much better shape to aid UKE if they had?”
“Well yes but we don’t like Trump”
“Yes we factor that in” say the voters.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:02 amHFC, doesn’t seem like you’ve got an accurate understanding of the POV of the ppl who support Ukraine.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:06 amAm always willing to be educated.
But the core of “support UKE” seems to always comes down to “US must grant financial and military aid, no strings attached.”
And they insist that the US insistence on mineral rights to help us defray the billions we gave and will give is “beneath us.” I mean its our money and equipment, but its “beneath” the US to consider its own interests, or even acknowledge its own interests.
And to even consider that the US having its own interests is like the uncouth asking for the price of something at Gucci. Declasse!
And to note that the US has many other places outside the UKE needing financial and military support is vile.
UKE supporters are like Taiwan supporters: heedless of logsitics and cost, they feel UKE’s interest is our interest, and that we MUST support and defend UKE and Taiwan too, no matter the cost in lives and money.
None of them are going to the front of course, or signing their assets over to the Z man.
US voters at this point are beyond irritated at finding that bureaucrats have been plundering their treasury to support foreign clinics and operas. Now UKE supporters want to do the same for UKE and Taiwan etc. at. al.
“But democracy v. Putin!” they say. “Yes,” say the voters, Putin is a bad man in a world full of them. And we’ve been upholding democracy at great expense since at least 1941. We’re 36T ins dent and out inetrest is over $1T a year. Tell the UKE to call us when they get serious about resisting Putin and want to grant mineral rights.”
And so now what does the UKE side say?
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:43 amPretty sure you were active in the previous thread where I listed some of the reasons defending UKE was in our interest.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:46 amAs a “support UKE” guy, I don’t mind if we attach strings to future aid. I do mind when we chump the victim by changing the terms of the deal after the fact, which is bad faith on the part of the bully.
The question I have is…why aren’t you a “support UKE” guy?
The rest of your content is strawman.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:47 amPaul, I agree, I don’t have any problem with a long term economic development deal it’s UKE that results in the US benefitting. I think Trump went about it like a dufus with a crippling inferiority complex, but that’s how does most things and is more a complaint about execution.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:00 amI have repeatedly said that Trump will go to far. He cannot help himself. It’s not just Ukraine.
If he WAS the Manchurian candidate he could hardly do worse. On top of the Ukraine betrayal, his attempted destruction of the North American free trade zone will drive us into recession before the end of summer.
Maybe he’ll go for a perfecta and cancel Social Security or double income taxes.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:06 amAnd, yes, Harris was a different pile of bad. She would not have done what Trump has done, but she would have done plenty. Doubling income taxes would have been first on her list, along with opening our borders more fully and pretending China wasn’t a hostile nation.
We need to take back control of our elections.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:10 amBuDuh, that’s a heck of a link in #6. Do you have a link to the text you posted, or is it only a video file?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:12 am10. Time123- I am sure its in our “interest” to fund clinics in Uganda, electric bikes in Vietnam and the $9 billion we give to the UN is also in our interest, since all of those things at least marginally, benefit us.
Bleeding Putin is a benefit, signaling to outher countries that we will”bear any burden” is a benefit. Doing my assistant’s work is a benefit–she doesn’t have to do it and I can do it faster. And I get a reputation as a “nice guy” aong staff.
Balanced aginst that are the burdens and complications. Signaling to other countries that we have been telling for years to beef up their militaries–that we were just kidding: they don’t need to support their own militaries: we’ll do it. The Eu isn’t expected to act like grown ups: we’ll do it for free.
No one needs to pay for their support from us. We’ll absorb it. Even in the EU’s backyard.
I know the Ukraine is supplying the bodies, but that’s a lot of billions, esp. with 36 Trillion in debt. Esp when NATO countries have spent thir last 20 years on their own people’s healthcare. Esp when Taiwan barely spend on its defense: twice the people of Israel, but onlu half of the defense budget.
UKE supporters have no interest is discussing those, or insist that the intangible benefit of bleeding Putin for years on end to some unclear end, is a benefit we should be happy to contnue to pay billions for.
I stand with the United States. And if Z man wants to go on his own, so be it. Not what I wanted, its what he picked.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:22 amI stand with the United States.
“My country, right or wrong” is pretty 19th century, don’t you think?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:49 amPull the other leg.
Everyone here fully expected you to agree with them
NJRob (eb56c3) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:55 amUnited States interests are what would benefit her people.
That is the obligation of our representatives.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:00 amBTW, that video of the French Senator is worth saving. Every word is priceless. It’s long, but he never repeats himself and he tells it like it is.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:08 amUnited States interests are what would benefit her people.
Then why is Trump betraying them so badly?
Go on, defend the destruction of the North American trade zone after 30 years of economic integration. How is that going to help Americans? Last time these kinds of tariffs were imposed, a depression followed.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:11 am@17, HFC, seems like a fair summary of your comment is “I understand that there are benefits to the proposed support of UKE but feel they are outweighed by the costs especially when other parties have stronger interest and aren’t doing enough”
That’s defensible and we could even talk about it. It’s also a far cry from your initial comment on the matter.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:25 amHey Dana, https://apnews.com/article/france-nuclear-deterrent-umbrella-russia-55e91ab65d13559dfc55dfe376ba5268
This seems like news that might be worth Weekend round up .
A few days ago I made a comment that Nuclear proliferation was a likely outcome of the US backing away from our security guarantees. I feel like this is in line with that. I would also expect that other countries in the EU (such as Germany and Poland) may start to consider having their own Nuclear deterrence.
As will Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia if it comes to that.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:31 amAll of these are problems for a hypothetical Harris admin, the actual admin is doing these things, plus all the other blizzard of puppie.
Not like these bozo’s are actually doing much to China, other than raising taxes on American’s for some reason. The rest of his policies are distinctly pro-China, as in pulling out of all soft and hard support of allies makes it more likely of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and that’s China’s biggest foreign policy goal. Just like the rhetoric of last time was a gilded invitation to Putin.
So, he’s palling up to the Autocrats and instigating a trade war against the American people, cool.
Colonel Klink (ret) (96f56a) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:34 amAlso, pulling USAID soft power from the global stage is just surrendering influence to the Belt and Road initiative.
More, pivoting the world away from American leadership. If your goal was to ruin America, would any of these decisions be different.
Just like if you quote and hang around with Nazi’s, you’re a Nazi. If your breaking the world…on purpose…
Colonel Klink (ret) (96f56a) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:40 amAs will Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia if it comes to that.
Yes, I agree, but find that it is not actually encouraging. The dangers of nuclear war would rise, the potential for containing such a war would decrease.
Nuclear disarmament in North Korea and Iran, by whatever means, would help of course. But — without putting too fine a point on it — the possibility that one of the “rational” countries would elect an unstable leader would increase linearly with the number of countries.
But maybe the idea of nuclear non-proliferation is dead and needs replacing. Perhaps a regime where first use triggers disproportionate retaliation by many. Deterrence has a place in it regardless.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:54 amKevin, if you thought I was being complimentary I communicated badly. This is a negative development for the world, and the US. A defecto arrangement where the US the was the main nuclear power and we would provide security for many other nations that could easily develop their own nuclear arsenal has been a great benefit to us.
I see no upside to France increasing their nuclear arsenal and only downsides to Japan, SK, or Taiwan developing theirs. Once that happens our security will deteriorate and require use to accept that or increase our defense spending.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:02 pmSo, he’s palling up to the Autocrats and instigating a trade war against the American people, cool.
It’s not so much a trade war as destruction of domestic commerce. The USMCA followed on NAFTA with even tighter economic integration. There is no industry now that does not sprawl across borders to benefit from the advantages each country offers. Natural resources from Canada, technical expertise, and well-trained workers in the US, lower cost labor in Mexico.
All three countries have agriculture that complements the others. Say goodbye to stone fruit in winter or citrus in the summer. Meat will be cheaper for a while until the herds are downsized, but then they’ll be hostage to cow flu or something.
It also destroys the family farms in America as the majority of US agricultural product is sold abroad. Countervailing tariffs will stop a lot of that and the resulting price collapse will kill undercapitalized operations. This will mean that Big Ag ends up owning everything as they can tolerate recessions and they don’t have to keep everything planted.
I could go on. This is criminal and makes me reconsider the claim that he was a KGB recruit.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:07 pmKevin, if you thought I was being complimentary I communicated badly
Probably more that I listened poorly. I think we are on the same page. I think it’s a bit ironic though that the unstable leader shows up in the country you’d least expect.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:09 pm@29, it all makes sense if you assume no one has ever read “The Wealth of Nations” and that economic growth is a zero sum game.
It also makes sense if you assume trade policy is just another way to express your hurt feelings.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:11 pmAnother explanation is that he loves to threaten and bully and has no compunction lying about what his threats have done if he feels it makes him look good.
Time123 (2e928f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:14 pmAlso, pulling USAID soft power from the global stage is just surrendering influence to the Belt and Road initiative.
The tasks that USAID was intended to do are needful. However, oversight of what they were actually doing was lacking, and their unresponsiveness to congressional inquiries gained them few friends.
Yes, we need an agency that distributes drugs for AIDS and malaria and provides vaccinations for everything from measles to COVID. We need an agency that helps illiterate farmers improve crop yield and hooks up rural 3rd world villages to their national authorities via Starlink.
But we probably don’t need the agency that went off message, engaging in cultural imperialism and proselytizing ideas that are unlikely to be received well in the host country.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:18 pmit all makes sense if you assume no one has ever read “The Wealth of Nations” and that economic growth is a zero sum game.
But wait. Trump has a degree from Wharton! Surely he must have been exposed to economics. He had to take tests and stuff, right?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:20 pmWhat do you suppose most large companies are going to do with their expansion plans in the near future?
☐ We love uncertainty, let’s start hiring
☑ Find out what might lose us money now and close it
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 12:25 pmPlenty of strings were attached; the Biden administration held back armor, aircraft, etc. and restricted how the weapons that were provided (HIMARS) could be used.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:17 pm18 Kevin: I confess- – I am proud not to be a modern, cosmopolitan/dual passport/split loyalty/”nuanced” person when it comes to the interests of the United States.
Especially in opposition to those baying to empty our treasury for a string of presumptious foreign countries that think US taxpayers “owe them.” Especially for one that won’t help defray our costs in aiding them against Russia.
“UKE forever” types have elevated the interests of other countries above our own. And actually weakened NATO, by allowing it, like any welfare receipient, to believe it didn’t need to beef up their armed forces, because we will make up the shortfalls.
And convinced themselves that adding to our already enourmous debt for the benefit of the UKE, is a “benefit” to the US. And that conditioning US aid on a mineral deal Z is able to make – -looking out for the US – -is somehow vile. And Z’s refusal is somehow heroic.
19th Century: US had no debt to speak of. Now-36 Trillion. Its nice to be cosmopolitan!
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:38 pm36 Not those “use” Strings: repayment or “mineral deal” Strings
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:39 pmOn the contrary, the urgency is a sign that they are afraid of losing power and want this to last beyond Trump’s term.
Of course, they could be later sorry about increasing Presidential power, as they seem to be attempting, especially with the assertion of the right to fire members of independent regulatory agencies but maybe they have some hope of freezing the changes, and maybe they could be worried about not doing anything at all.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:48 pmCanada now charging tolls for traveling thru B.C. highways. DU.
asset (282412) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:53 pm11, Paul M: I do support it, and I am fine with bleeding Putin, and expediting visas for young Ukrainian models.
But not with sending endless billions gratis for a country that can but won’t help defray the cost. Also, realism requires some quiet assessment of where this is going to end up, what it will cost, will we have to ramp up the weaponry if Putin won’t deal, what that means, and if it all can be ended.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (0c349e) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:54 pmWhat party does that French Senator belong to?
He throws in a comment about de Gaulle being right in 1966 (that’s what he’s talking about) about the need for an independent military policy.
He’s too alarmist, but then mixes it in with hope.
And he has some inaccuracies. Elon Musk is not on ketamine. Trump did not call for Zelensky to resign – Lindsey Graham did and I think he was trying to get ahead of Trump.. Yalta did not sign over half of Europe to Stalin – it gave him everything Hitler did in 1939, but nothing more. Stalin promised free elections in Poland, and the Soviet Union broke the Yalta agreement.
As for what Sen. Jeff Merkley asked, there is plenty more Donald Trump could do if he were a Russian asset. He doesn’t need to work underhanded.. He’s president.
Trump wants to fulfill a campaign promise (or boast) to end the war, so he’s shooting for a ceasefire in place with everything else left unsettled.
The worst thing he has done is suspend U.S. military aid to Ukraine but at least this time, unlike in2019 he did it openly.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 1:58 pmI heard on the John Bachelor show the other day speculation that Xi Jinping is losing power, based on the fact that he’s fired a lot of people he appointed.
That is, maybe other ranking people in the Communist Party, who do NOT want a nuclear war of any kind or a war with Taiwan, and are afraid of losing everything or that their children will, are forcing people out, and for now they are leaving Xi in place but he may go the way of Khrushchev.
I don’t know if this can be true. It would amount to a mutiny.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:04 pmIt’s simple. Msk sees Trump trying to turn the American people against compassion (with regard to immigration but also a lot of other things) and he’s afraid that if that doesn’t happen, he could be taxed for all he is worth because there’s no end to compassion.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/politics/elon-musk-rogan-interview-empathy-doge/index.html
It is a Ponzi scheme, but a very slow growing Ponzi scheme that depends on a constantly increasing in wealth economy.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:15 pmKevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 11:11 am
It’s defended on the grounds of selfishness, and the Democrats are not challenging that idea. Also both parties side with producers (jobs) not consumers.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:21 pmAlso both parties side with producers (jobs) not consumers.
Odd, because producers and marketers are harder hit. These North America tariffs are mostly imposed on American business, driving up their costs. You may think that means they’ll just raise prices but you think wrong.
Add 10 grand to the price of a new car and people will just drive the one they have a bit longer.
Double the price of fresh fruit (most of which here comes from Mexico) and people will eat less fresh fruit.
Make it hard to export food, and every farmer with a mortgage will go broke.
Make the future unpredictable and business will hunker down rather than expand. That means less jobs, not more. In businesses that used to export the job loss could be total.
======
This will not help America or Americans. You know who will benefit? Japanese and Korean car companies and electronics firms who don’t have Chinese or Mexican entanglements. It will suck to be Apple though.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:43 pmIt would amount to a mutiny.
S.O.P. in China
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:44 pmHe throws in a comment about de Gaulle being right in 1966 (that’s what he’s talking about) about the need for an independent military policy.
De Gaulle withdrew France from the integrated NATO structure and asked the US Army to leave France in 1966.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 2:51 pmIt is a Ponzi scheme, but a very slow growing Ponzi scheme that depends on a constantly increasing in wealth economy.
It is no such thing. It differs
* In promising a sedate return commensurate with trust fund earnings.
* Payments are capped such that those paying the most get a non-proportional (smaller) return.
* The recipients age off faster than the pay-in period.
* New participants enter (and pay for 40 years before they collect a dime).
It is weak right now not because of the structure — which is pretty much based on insurance — but because the recipient cohort is of unusual size. This is temporary — the Millennials are as large a cohort as the Boomers. If any change is needed it is NOTHING like the 1983 reform that increased the tax rate, doubled the taxation cap, made the self-employed pay extra and raised the retirement age and eliminated some benefit types.
Social Security is not in trouble, nor will it need much of a fix (of course, sooner is better).
===
An actual Ponzi scheme fails because it promises unrealistic returns and as long as new participants enter fast enough it can run for a while. Since the rate of payment is much greater than any achievable market return, the moment new entrants slow down and/or the market retreats it is not possible to continue the outflow. And the scheme is exposed.
Madoff got away with it longer than most by not promising too much and being good at attracting new funds. But when the market cratered in 2008 and there was a run on his funds, he was exposed.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 3:09 pmKevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 3:09 pm
It has very little income. Its income is taxes. So in that way it is like a Ponzi scheme. Except that there can’t be a run on it.
And they can be changed in the future.
In 8 years or so, the “trust fund” will run out and if nothing is changed, benefits will be reduced 23%. It can’t collapse.
Of course the reduction could be taken off the top or another source of revenue found, of which there are many ideas, or even money could be lent to Social Security.
I think Berkshire Hathaway did better than Madoff – and it was real.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 4:43 pmThe argument is about producers. Not necessarily the truth.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/6/2025 @ 4:45 pmIt has very little income. Its income is taxes. So in that way it is like a Ponzi scheme. Except that there can’t be a run on it.
Every worker in America pays that tax. It’s not a little and it IS income. Sometimes, Sammy, you’re just weird.
In 8 years or so, the “trust fund” will run out and if nothing is changed, benefits will be reduced 23%. It can’t collapse.
And changing it now, with a little tiny fix, will be a lot better until waiting for Der Tag and which point it might be painful. There is no way on God’s green earth that there will be a benefits cut. The NRA is chock-a-block with oldsters. The problem is only temporary anyway. The long-term solvency is undisputed.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/6/2025 @ 4:49 pmUnlike you, Rob, I weigh the content of what they say. It’s sad that you’re with the terrorists.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/6/2025 @ 5:35 pmWhere all the alibis fall apart is that Trump is not saying that we will no longer support Ukraine because for whatever reasons.
He is trying to make the Ukrainians complicit in the rape and pillage of their country by forcing them to sign a “peace” deal.
He is not content with crucifying Ukraine; he wants the Ukrainians to pound the nails in themselves.
The word “Trump” should be synonymous with “evil”, alongside Judas and Caiaphas.
nk (0ee58c) — 3/6/2025 @ 6:08 pmMerkley’s only problem with Putin is that Vlad is the leader of Russia instead of the USSR.
lloyd (b5f77d) — 3/6/2025 @ 7:20 pmTranslation:
If the voters are dipshits it’s your fault, Dana, not the voters.
Well. What a dumb argument.
It’s not Dana’s job, nor mine, to persuade voters who are stupid. If it were I would eat a gun.
It’s our place to call out bullshit. Put the blame where it lies: on the stupid fuckjng voters who chose a guy who denies intelligence to Ukraine.
If you support that, Joe, fuck you.
If you don’t, then stop criticizing the people who agree with you and start criticizing the people who don’t.
Patterico (54516d) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:06 pmNJ Rob,
Do you support denying Ukraine intelligence?
If so, fuck you.
Patterico (54516d) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:09 pmI think you over estimate the influence of this forum.
Rip Murdock (271b5f) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:10 pmTrump is evil.
Those who support him support evil.
Denying Ukraine intelligence so they can avoid attacks on civilians….
People who agree with that are monsters. If you do, get the fuck off my blog and never come back.
Patterico (54516d) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:10 pmWho here is with the terrorists?
Declare your allegiance and be gone with you.
Patterico (54516d) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:13 pmThe fundamental issue that you are not addressing is that the voters don’t care.
You either need to come up with a persuasive argument to them or acknowledge that you do not like democracy (representative republic)
Joe (584b3d) — 3/6/2025 @ 7:11 am
There is no persuading people who have fallen for the Trump con.
Furthermore, criticizing the choices of voters is not the same as disliking democracy, or wishing to do away with democracy.
norcal (a72384) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:13 pmA more reasoned response than I could muster, norcal.
Patterico (54516d) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:21 pmI feel your frustration, Patterico. (I think last Friday was a day–to borrow a phrase from FDR–that will live in infamy.)
Sometimes you just have to call out evil. Capitulating to Putin is evil, and making excuses for him is even worse. No ifs, ands, or buts.
norcal (a72384) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:27 pmThe cost of that “little tiny fix” (whatever that is) will increase exponentially if the tax on SS benefits is eliminated, as a portion of the taxes are reinvested into the Trust Fund. When President Trump first announced his plan to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, the Committee for a Responsible Budget determined that
Paragraph breaks added.
Rip Murdock (726214) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:49 pmLink for post 64.
Rip Murdock (271b5f) — 3/6/2025 @ 9:50 pm@56 Unlike me who wouldn’t vote for trump over Ukraine, How many voters even thought about Ukraine when they voted for trump. Very few I suspect. Many of his voters are persuadable in support for Ukraine.
asset (ff7e3e) — 3/6/2025 @ 10:53 pmWith the hopeful re-emergence of Patterico, I would add to Merkley’s list:
1. Position unqualified people in important positions of power like Secretary of Defense, DNI, and FBI -> check
2. Create uncertainty for federal employees in the defense, critical infrastructure, and intelligence sectors -> check
3. Create uncertainty in long-standing defense associations like NATO and thereby threaten other such associations regarding S. Korea and Taiwan -> check
4. Imperil economic cooperation with our closest trading partners through tariffs -> check
5. Make weird overtures to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal while not taking force off the table -> check
6. Antagonize Canada by repeatedly implying that it should be our 51st state -> check
7. Propose that Ukraine started the war, that Zelensky is a dictator, that Ukraine should hold new elections, and that Putin was maligned because of the Mueller investigation -> check
8. Propose goals of wide-ranging cuts to Defense -> check
9. Suspend offensive cyber actions against Russia -> check
10. Propose that Russia rejoin the G7 -> check
11. Malign the American justice system through pardoning violent J6 protesters and dismissing the indictment of mayor Adams ->check
12. Fire the inspectors general responsible for weeding out corruption in government -> check
13. Fire Pentagon leadership with any tenuous association with DEI -> check
14. Accuse European allies of unfairly suppressing Right Wing authoritarians -> check
15. Scuttle/weaken nuclear non-proliferation deals as countries weigh the unreliable defense of the US -> In progress
As Merkley asks, what more would a Russian asset do short of handing over nuclear codes and joining forces with the Wagner Group to directly attack Ukraine? History is watching. As the French Senator suggests, now is the time to pivot and stop this madness. The world is less safe if the US isn’t there to stand for what’s right. Don’t let the next generation wonder why we followed a reality tv personality into hell……
AJ_Liberty (38bc19) — 3/7/2025 @ 6:59 amWrong formula, but right answer, since Trump is finally considering sanctioning the bully, but Trump is the fool who said this a few weeks ago…
Today, the WSJ is noting that the person who is putting up roadblocks to peace is the chief Russian terrorist thug.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/7/2025 @ 7:02 amIt’s a good day when Patterico comes back, and then AJ.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/7/2025 @ 7:04 amThis is Putin, a spy operation like this. Michael Weiss…
The Sky News story reads like a spy novel, but it’s a real Russian op, one of many, I’m sure.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/7/2025 @ 8:32 amThe cost of that “little tiny fix” (whatever that is) will increase exponentially if the tax on SS benefits is eliminated
Indeed, and I sometimes pay that tax, too. My main problem is that some of it goes to the general fund.
As for the fix, a mill or two on the tax rate, and an increase on the cap would deal with the immediate issue. Incrementing the retirement year for those under 45 now would help in the long term. Wait 5 years and the tax rate needs to go up more.
This would be FAR less of a hit on the current generation than what Bob Dole imposed on the Boomers in 1983.
Medicare, however, is in need of a drastic change. Probably changing to copay to 30%, which would encourage a lot more people to join the Medicare Advantage HMO (which also needs some more structure). It would also increase the costs of the private Supplements (which cover the increased copays).
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/7/2025 @ 8:34 am@67:
Were I not utterly pissed off about Ukraine and the imbecilic tariffs, I might be inclined to speak up for Trump’s ham-fisted attempts to gut Leviathan.
Some disruption is needed, although not at CIA and not at FBI counter-intelligence. In the military, he is entitled to the leaders he wants.
But right now, a pox upon him because even in that domestic endeavor he is screwing up by the numbers.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/7/2025 @ 8:40 amIt is interesting that even Trump is unhappy with Elon Musk’s DOGE, telling cabinet officers that THEY have primary responsibility for downsizing their departments.
This isn’t all that surprising as DOGE’s attempts have been unrelated to the actual goal of getting rid of duplication, waste and unneeded services. They should be cutting things like Rural Electrification, a completed task, or some of the endless misguided attempts to make water run uphill.
But no, they are firing new hires and attempting to find slackers to dismiss with the insulting email demands. This is pruning leaves when lopping off branches is what one wants. What DOGE is doing, clumsily, is purely cosmetic. Some of the DEI dismissals make sense — and satisfy Trump — but again it’s pruning “support” staff in sections, when you really want to see if the entire section is doing something useful.
And you can’t do that from outside.
Musk is looking at this like he would reducing costs at Tesla, or a takeover company like X, when it’s closer to a job of cutting divisions at Procter & Gamble. Such a stupid approach from such a smart guy.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:00 amUS satellite company Maxar reportedly cuts off Ukraine’s access to imagery
No doubt due to them having extensive contracts with the US government and getting thuggish demands.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:04 amTo those who suggested that Trump would cozy up to the rest of the Evil League of Evil,
Trump says he wrote to Iran seeking talks on a nuclear deal.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:08 am@59
I say this with sincere love: I’m genuinely impressed by your writing and legal acumen, yet at the same time, I’m frustrated by your intense hatred of anything remotely connected to Trump.
You’re overreacting. You’ve lost perspective. Your visceral disdain for all things Trump is clouding your ability to think rationally. That’s all you seem to be posting about here and on X.
There’s partisanship—believe me, I’ve felt it myself against Democrats in ways I never thought possible—but what you exhibit feels like something else entirely. I simply don’t understand it.
You might counter that I’m shortsighted or naive for hoping for the best outcomes from this administration. That’s fine. You have your opinion; I have mine.
On the intelligence debate: the notion that the U.S. is the only player capable of providing Ukraine with intelligence is undermined by reality. The vast majority of intelligence Ukraine receives comes from European and NATO sources. It’s their backyard, after all—they’ve spent decades building up their capabilities, which is precisely why NATO exists.
Let me be clear: I don’t support the Trump administration cutting off intelligence or allocated aid to Ukraine. I think it’s a shortsighted move that will come back to haunt them. That said, I don’t believe it’s as catastrophic as you’re making it out to be. Europe and NATO have their own robust intelligence networks, and it’s reasonable to assume there’s far more coordination happening behind the scenes than we’re aware of.
This leads me to suspect that the public cutoff might just be a performative act—pressure on Zelenskyy for show—while behind closed doors, little of substance actually changes. (Though that could shift quickly, which is why I oppose cutting anything in the first place.)
Now, is Trump evil? Let’s circle back to that.
We can agree that Putin is evil. In a just world, he’d be ousted and face the gallows. Russia was unjustified in starting this war…a conflict ignited and escalated under the last two Democratic administrations.
The real question in 2025 is: What will it take to end this war? There seem to be three paths forward:
If I’m reading you right, you’re in camp (1)—Ukraine should get whatever it needs to defend itself. I get that.
But every war carries moral costs. Even defensive ones. If we commit to waging war, we should use overwhelming force to end it swiftly and restore peace and ordered liberty as quickly as possible. That’s option (2)—except the enemy here is a near-peer nuclear power, which complicates things for obvious reasons, but mostly there’s no appetite for that..
So, rationally, we’re left with (1) a war of attrition or (3) a negotiated settlement and ceasefire.
Those who insist on (1)—a prolonged conflict to “defeat Russia”…often overlook the moral toll it takes. War should always be a last resort. When it’s unavoidable, every effort should focus on resolving it as fast as possible. Yet, in the case of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, many advocate for a drawn-out war of attrition, sacrificing lives on both sides for an outcome that remains elusive.
Morally, isn’t it at the very least debatable that advocating for the status-quo, a drawn-out war of attrition, a different sort of evil, when there are ample opportunities for cessation of the war?
Is Trump, his administration and his supporters “evil”?
At worst, no, they are not.
Arguably misguided and stubborn, yes. But evil?
My dear friend, that’s hyperbole.
Maybe it’s time to change the subject… or lay off of the toxic social media.
Let’s talk about our vacation in Switzerland, or how our kids are growing up.
Because, at the end of the day, we are more than just our politics.
whembly (b7cc46) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:23 amwhembly, but for Trump’s comment just today that he’s considering more sanctions on Putin–considering, not actually doing–Trump has supported Putin’s evil from Day One, as AJ and I have laid out in easily consumable bullet points.
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:52 amIt’s not a stretch to say that Trump is evil for supporting evil.
Should we give Ukraine intelligence to defend itself? Sure. Should we expect them to sign a financial deal with us to ensure their survival and that we will be repaid our debts. Yes.
NJRob (1c3e10) — 3/7/2025 @ 10:30 amwhembly — #77
The question is — is Trump evil? It’s not, is Trump evil because of the games he is playing on Ukraine?
From what we have seen Trump do in his second term apart from Ukraine — he’s evil.
DOGE is an evil concept — let’s just fire a lot of people without discussion, suspend valid contracts, ignore whether there are laws constraining you, and shut off all foreign aid (including important work on epidemics). Let’s cut off contract payments for work already performed because we can. Let’s reach into agencies, figure out the people who might have investigated your activities, and demote or destroy them. Let’s just fire people because we can (how else to explain the purge of probationary employees). Let’s create chaos with the economy on tariffs (are they on, are they off, bla bla bla), because attention shall be paid to the great and powerful Trump every day, no matter what the result. Let’s destroy law firms, because they represented my opponents. Let’s withdraw security from my opponents, just because…
As for whembly’s thoughts on Trump and Ukraine — that all of this is performative. The performance gives aid and comfort to Putin. Pretty evil. The throwing out of people in the US who fled the war in Ukraine. That kind of disruption of thousands of lives for no purpose whatsoever — seems pretty mean to me. I’m sure the action brings a cheerful smirk to JD’s face.
Now, fortunately, evil tends to be pretty stupid. And gather up opposition in a hurry. So, soon, we won’t be talking about whether Trump is evil or not, because we will be talking about the pushback against his evil actions.
Appalled (a8dabe) — 3/7/2025 @ 10:41 amHey, with the trade war by manic mood swings is so smart, stupid Hitler declared war on the American people and wiped out $2T in wealth in a week, just to backtrack again.
The thing businesses like the most, completely random trade regulations on a daily basis.
Talking with our VC firm, they are dialing back any investment in manufacturing, at least through 2025 or when chaos ends, huh, good luck with that.
Colonel Klink (ret) (96f56a) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:19 amWhy does the victim pay but not invader? Why has Trump not demanded any concessions or reparations from Putin?
Why does the victim get shafted by Trump, by rapaciously converting aid to debt after the fact? What kind of so-called friend does that?
Why is Trump joining the Greater Evil in doing all this? Is it not because he’s with the terrorists, hurting the victim which helps the Russian terrorist bully?
Paul Montagu (8f08d3) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:29 amTrump is – speaking generally- more bark than bite. I’m not convinced that ALL weapons have been halted and ALL intel is no longer shared.
steveg (95b518) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:32 amUkraine has been sending drones deep into Russian territory to hit oil and gas infrastructure. These need intel to be successful because they need to know where Russian anti air is, in order to evade it. This is something the US does very well.
If we stop hearing about drone strikes 500km into Russia, then I’d guess that is one of the intel spigots that got shut down
Also, who is this Petco fellow Using profanity on “Dana’s Deliberations”? Not sure why his comments show up in yellow, but it might be interesting to hear more from him. Dana should let him guest blog sometime.
😂🤣
Time123 (646bc3) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:38 amPetco was an AutoCorrect error by my phone. But it made the joke funnier.
Time123 (646bc3) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:39 am@86
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Put it in the Louvre.
whembly (b7cc46) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:55 amYes Appalled @80, there is no fence-sitting relative to Putin and his Ukraine actions. Once any observer tries to ascribe responsibility for the war to Zelensky, the quality of the institutions of Ukraine, the historical relationship between Russia or Ukraine, or to NATO’s proximity to Russia, the jig is up. They’re tragically missing the point and siding with evil.
How much of Trump’s position is based on ignorance, moral confusion, or downright malevolence? We can only listen to his words and assess his actions. Trump should be with our European allies and support democracy, freedom, and self-determination for the Ukrainians. He should oppose the naked aggression of Putin and the threat it poses to NATO and regional stability. He should condemn the kidnapping of children, the purposeful bombing of civilians and hospitals, the threatening of nuclear response, and the torturing, raping, and execution of civilians and prisoners of war. We hear little to nothing of this from Trump, with today’s talk of increased sanctions being a strained response to the past week’s pathetic optics.
To this point, Trump has appeared to be leaning strongly into brokering Putin’s version of peace: no NATO membership, no NATO forces, Russia keeps its land conquests, and a security deal predicated on mineral rights which seems oddly indifferent to which country might be controlling those mines. The reaction from Europe should send us a clear message, yet many continue to play partisan politics. I sense Trump is getting a lot of closed-door pushback. Last Friday’s Oval Office display was a disaster for the GOP who has to look beyond Trump and maintain America’s position in the world.
I understand the frustration with all of this. We need statesmen and brave voices….and careful heeding of markets. I fear a crisis is inevitable. A President has plenary power in the foreign policy domain, but we don’t need to follow him….
AJ_Liberty (5f05c3) — 3/7/2025 @ 12:08 pmHow much of Trump’s position is based on ignorance, moral confusion, or downright malevolence?
There’s not too much ignorance. Trump echoes lies to support anything he says. There’s not moral confusion. He wants others to be confused. He seems to like not malevolence but indifference and alleged “self”-interest.
But one explanation is an old definition of magnanimity. I don’t know if any of this is even a little bit right.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/opinion/trump-speech-approval.html
He doesn’t believe that. he’s lying.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/7/2025 @ 12:47 pmThis is something Trump totally ignores. It went on in other places, too, like Syria
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/7/2025 @ 12:49 pmsteveg (95b518) — 3/7/2025 @ 11:32 am
Somebody said this to me this morning. You are not alone in thinking this. He mentioned deportations, Gaza and tariffs taxes.
Everything that didn’t cross the Ukrainian border. But I don’t think this will last.
Can’t be.
Infrastructure is not mobile.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/7/2025 @ 12:53 pmProbably a coincidence:
The 3rd Ferengi Rule of Acquisition, as stated in the episode “The Maquis Part II” of Deep Space
iNine in the Star Trek universe, is:
“Never spend more for an acquisition than you have to.”
Quark is asked what does that have to do with war.
Quark says you are paying tooo high a price for peace.
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Maquis,_Part_II_(episode)
“They have weapons, you have weapons – everyone has weapons, but right now, no one has a clear advantage! So the price of peace is at an all-time low. This is the perfect time to sit down and hammer out an agreement. Don’t you get it? Attacking the Cardassians now will only make peace more expensive in the long run! Now, I ask you, is that logical?”
– Quark, to Sakonna
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 3/7/2025 @ 12:59 pmI think this is backwards. Vacations in Switzerland and Little Johnny’s soccer game reveal much, much less about a person’s character than whether or not he condones murder, torture, rape, kidnapping children, and various other war crimes. Would you also say, “But Vladimir Putin looked so nice on that ski trip with his children! Isn’t that what’s really important in life? He’s more than just his politics.”
We may be more than just our politics, but we aren’t talking about “politics” in the sense of frivolities like whether we should name the new high school after Reagan or Obama. We’re talking about choosing between allying with the free societies of the world that respect human rights, or the terror regimes of the world that seek to dominate their neighbors through murder and mayhem. What can be more fundamental to a person’s very being than whether he chooses to support good or evil? “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Matthew 16:26. “We look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.
Equivocation and sophistry about how it’s actually moral to oppose Ukraine’s right to defend itself against its abuser is enabling evil.
Arguing out of one side of our mouth that foreign aid to support Ukraine or to provide life-saving food and medicine to the third world is just contributing too much to our budget deficit – while we simultaneously argue out of the other side of our mouth that we need more tax cuts and all kinds of other spending that would literally increase the budget deficit by thousands of times more than what we will save from eliminating the foreign aid – well, whatever that is, it’s not coming from a good place inside of us.
Even if we can’t cure all the evils and suffering in the world, we certainly should not go out of our way to enable evil and suffering. However, it seems as if many people actually want to do just that … or at least they don’t think it’s a big deal, because after all it’s just “politics”.
If cruelty is the point of someone’s politics, then perhaps we don’t really need to look all that far beyond his politics to get the measure of the man.
Turd Ferguson (d27458) — 3/7/2025 @ 4:33 pmUsername checks out.
Dustin (b2fadd) — 3/7/2025 @ 6:40 pmTurd Ferguson (d27458) — 3/7/2025 @ 4:33 pm
Good comment, Mr. Ferguson
norcal (a72384) — 3/7/2025 @ 9:15 pm@93
Yup.
Purposely missing the point will do that.
whembly (003ea2) — 3/9/2025 @ 10:18 am