The “we” being Europe. Tired of the mood swings of tRump and his abusive treatment of Zelenskyy that I would swear was staged, they have decided that they no longer need to depend on the US anymore and they are working to increase military things in a hurry – but not too much of a hurry so they make sure everything is done right the first time. Hungary, of course, will not be doing any of this because Orban is pro-Russia.
But you know what? The EU doesn’t need Hungary. They can do just fine without them *or* the US. The US is rapidly becoming just a bit player in world affairs. Agent Orange thinks America is great and powerful. It isn’t anymore. So. This week, the European Commission proposed measures for fiscal flexibility on defense spending and a plan to borrow 150 billion euros ($163 billion) to lend to EU governments for Europe-wide defense capabilities, including artillery systems, missiles and anti-drone systems. I’d say that was stepping up. They are going to support Ukraine since the US isn’t going to do so anymore…or so it seems.
The Orange Sphincter stopped sending aid and intelligence to Ukraine. Muskrat is threatening to remove the Starlink satellites helping Ukraine communicate, especially seeing what Russia might be doing. Y’know what? That means Europe and Ukraine will find a way to work around it. Starlink has been of great benefit to them. The aid and intelligence were of great benefit to them. But doing without doesn’t mean Ukraine will fall back and let Russia have their country.
European leaders backed the initiative at a meeting this past Thursday, and the European Council President said that the continent – which could be under fire if Russia takes Ukraine – was “moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defense”. That’s some pretty strong words, right? And not only are the words good, but countries are already looking at what they need and how to get it. So their words are definitely going to be followed up by action.
Over here in the US, where we’re already getting whiplash from tariffs, let alone joining other people’s wars, tRump is no longer thinking about Ukraine, except to lust over their rare earths, which I’m betting are NOT easy to get. But they have to keep Russia out of their lands for Orangesicle to have them. It was amazing that Zelenskyy apologized after being blindsided by Vance, and that mess Was Not His Fault. But, to get back to Europe…
The EC President, Antonio Costa, also said that member states should be allowed flexibility under common EU fiscal rules, which currently restrict the amount of debt a country can undertake. Germany is reorganizing its debt structure to allow for higher defense spending. The UK has raised its defense contribution to 2.5% of its GDP. They’re already getting started with this. Then we have Orban in Hungary saying things like the EU’s current support initiative for Ukraine through additional defense spending will “ruin Europe.” Or “If now the U.S. quits (financing the war) …why would the other 26 member states have a chance to take this war to the end?”
Nonsense. If it’s wisely planned there should be nothing of the sort. The EU is pulling together for defense and rearmament. They are pulling together for Ukraine. I would think Putin, whose army is on its last legs, having been decimated by Ukraine, and Zelenskyy and his country, who are tired of fighting but will NOT give up, are both looking for peace. It just can’t include Russia taking over. There’s more to the EU thing but it’s too much to include here.
And in the meantime, the US’s wannabe-dictator, is shaming all of us, here. Ok maybe, only half of us. But still … I’m ashamed. I hate this. But there’s that one point something number that put him back in the White House. With all this nonsense going on, maybe one or two MAGAites would be ashamed, too … Naaaah. Thanks for staying with me!
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And this is before the job cuts come in as everyone else stops buying American aircraft, military vehicles, heavy equipment, engines, or technological equipment, or software or services.
You know, the stuff America makes to sell to the rest of the world. That employs Americans to make it.
The Europeans need to remind Orban that, if Russia succeeds in taking over Ukraine (even if only turning Ukraine into a puppet state like Belarus), then Hungary will be right on the list of Putin’s additional targets. Putin isn’t just interested in restoring the old USSR territorial borders but in restoring the old USSR’s influence and control–which includes Hungary. And if Orban needs further reminding of just how much control the old USSR had over its satellite states, he should remember that Hungary will be coming up next year on the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and what happened when Hungary chose to “defy” Moscow.
Europe doesn’t need Starlink and they want out. There are definitely alternatives.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-to-help-ukraine-replace-musks-starlink/
Only a dedicated imbecile could have caused the evident surge of self-interest and unity in Europe just when his master Putin needs a fragmented EU to stay out of his unfinished and failing business in Ukraine. Vlad the Handler must be quite annoyed by Trump’s lack of discretion; the bloated golf-cheat simple doesn’t know how to whisper and tip-toe during negotiations. He and his sidekick Vance mugged President Zelensky in public and every European leader knew what that meant: it could and would happen to any of them, anytime. So they’re getting together to make sure Europe’s strong enough to withstand any threat, including from America. And NATO? Same thing. Bravo Mr Art of the Deal.
He is truly an idiot, but let’s face it, he’s only doing it because Putin told him to.
Putin is not an idiot in the same sense as Trump, but he is a grandiose idiot, and he’s also desperate.
The family and culture I grew up in during the 1950s did NOT tolerate lies or liars, racism (before that term was even used) or lying. My Scots/Scots-Irish old man taught me how painful a lie can be. Best to proffer the truth. It assured a less-painful outcome. (Note, I say “less” painful.)
Betrayal or breaking trust was among the most cardinal of sins. Once betrayed, one was longer among the trusted. I see that as where the U.S. stands at this moment. Trump has betrayed America. Trump has betrayed our allies. Trump has saddled up with a murdering dictator, Vladimir Putin, Trump’s idol and role model. Trump has made the U.S. an international pariah, just the way Putin wants it. Our Traitor-in-Chief could give a healthy f**k about our country, its people or any other country or people. Someone posted recently that Trump is likened to Nero. Is JD Vance to Trump what Otho was to Nero? No matter. There is zero good in that any of that mix and makeup.