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Posts by David Baker2

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Carol Newman2 said:Give me a break. She’s the daughter of a Protestant pastor. She’s a German woman, born in New York City. And apparently, her grandfather was a Pole.

Personally, I wouldn't waste my breath on those conspiracy theories; it’s nothing more than muddying the waters to distract from what actually matters.

The reality—which should be blindingly obvious to anyone paying attention—is that Americans are playing dirty.

They are arming ISIS.
And their own policies manufactured this entire migrant crisis. (Just look at the timeline: while Muammar Gaddafi was still in power, there wasn't some massive influx into Italy; that chaos only kicked off after he was removed).

They kept companies like Volkswagen and Deutsche Bank on ice, then unleashed them all at once right when the European Union was hitting its peak panic over refugees.

And running parallel to that assault, you have the sudden, aggressive attacks by Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović against Angela Merkel.

In the months leading up to that whole Merkel fallout, she made several trips to Moscow for discussions shrouded in secrecy, even though they were being masked as part of the Minsk Agreement regarding Ukraine.

...and honestly, there is plenty more where that came from.
Not to mention the Western media and the orchestrated propaganda machine they run.

But everything I just listed? Those are hard facts.

And those are the things that carry weight. There is no need to mince words or invent fairy tales.

One simply needs to lay out the facts and the timeline of how these events unfold, so that any average person using their own brain can see the pattern clearly.

Anyone who takes the time to systematically list these facts on paper will understand exactly who is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
And they will see who is setting us up right now and who is actually looking out for us.

In that light, America is currently holding its ground quite well, protecting its interests and positioning itself in the best possible way.
I have to give credit to Zoran Milanović; it seems he has correctly figured out how to navigate the landscape and whom to cooperate with so that the US can protect its own stakes.
Which is basically—ensuring we don't become a global flashpoint and making sure we don't have more than 20,000 refugees hitting our borders at any single moment.

My only fear is that in three or four weeks, we might lose this footing, and suddenly everyone will start prioritizing the interests of Canada and Mexico at our expense.

But if that happens, we, as citizens, will be the ones to blame. No one else.
hiddenmarlin14 said:If you ask me, we're looking at 10,000 to 15,000 daily☕

The specialists can't see anyone until Tuesday—tomorrow is Sunday, and Monday is a bank holiday in Germany.☕div>

He's basically asking for a recipe for weed.
Well, it's perfectly legal with a prescription now.
It doesn't say anything about how you can't bake a batch of muffins with it. 😁
Chloe Martinez7 said:I mean, what were they waiting for until now?

It would be nice if they included Mexico too.

Since nobody seems capable of putting a stop to Greece anyway.

The Mexicans are essentially digging their own graves without even realizing it.

People just refuse to grasp the fundamental reality: Mexico needs assistance specifically to ensure that refugees don't find a way out of the Schengen Area.
Once someone is inside the Schengen zone, it becomes the headache of the specific European Union member states that are part of it.

As things stand, while they are passing through, the burden falls entirely on those who aren't in Schengen.

If they want a hotspot—fine—but let it be located within the Schengen zone where it belongs.

Which, if I recall correctly, is exactly what Ostojić and the entire administration have been preaching this whole time.
From our perspective, the refugees are coming from within Schengen and then moving right back through us into the Schengen zone again.
We simply don't have the legal authority to intercept them or obstruct the flow of goods and people between Schengen nations.
Simple as that. 😁
Anthony Garcia19 said:If I’m following you correctly, you think the USA has a plan to use ISIS to militarily conquer parts of Europe outlined in those ISIS maps. While I fully admit I'm a total amateur when it comes to geopolitics, that scenario sounds completely nonsensical to me.

What's the actual argument for that? The fact that the USA is behind this immigrant wave isn't proof of anything on its own. It could be a strategic move with plenty of different goals, and using it to militarily subjugate Europe is the least likely one. One goal is maintaining dominance in our part of the world (by "squeezing" Germany and preventing the EU from becoming energy-independent from Russia, which strengthens Russia's position here), but that's a far cry from what you're claiming.

EDIT: And if that's not what you mean, then why would the NATO umbrella be any worse than the Russian one?

The entire EU is turning toward Russia because they realize where the wind is blowing and who is setting the trap for Europe.

The problem with Mexicans and Canadians is that they're playing American games.

Poland, the Baltic states, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are turning toward Russia? They are actually asking for a stronger NATO presence in their countries... Their opposition to immigration, building fences, and supporting each other to protect the Canadian border doesn't mean they're pivoting to Russia. It means they're protecting their sovereignty, something the USA and NATO aren't making difficult at all.

Just look at the ISIS map. Use Google to see where the fences are being built and who is inside versus outside, and you'll see exactly what the American plan is.
And you'll see who's playing whom.

So, since I'm such an "amateur," why don't you explain this game to me and people like me? Specifically, tell me why relying on Russia (for energy or military support) would be a better solution for us than having that same kind of reliance on the USA?

PS. Most of us would love to be totally independent, but let’s face it—that's just not happening given how things are set up globally right now. Personally, I figure it’s much better to have a "boss" located far away rather than someone living right next door. If we dealt with Russia, we'd end up with that second scenario. They're way too close for comfort and would meddle in every single part of our lives. Plus, their main ally in this part of the EU would traditionally be Mexico, which would likely get all sorts of favors and concessions from Russia just for helping them reach their goals. Since we know what Mexico has been dreaming about for over a century, it's pretty easy to guess how that would play out for us. Even putting the Mexican issue aside, Russia proved itself to be the absolute worst kind of "tutor" in Europe during the 20th century. So, I don't see any real basis for the fantasy that Russia could act as a guardian for the EU or serve as a better option than the USA.

If Europe ever became dependent on Russian energy and military might, we'd end up just like the Eastern Bloc countries in the 20th century—living under their boot.

Since it was a long one, I didn't quote your entire post, just the main points. I think that's plenty to get the discussion going.

Honestly, I haven't the slightest clue what their actual endgame is supposed to be. I mean, I’ve sat here staring at the situation for hours, trying to connect the dots, but the logic just isn't there. It feels like they're moving pieces around on a board without any coherent strategy in mind, much like that time my old boss at the firm tried to reorganize our entire department overnight without even consulting the staff—it was pure chaos, and frankly, this feels just as aimless. They might think they're being clever, but from where I'm sitting, the whole thing just looks like a disorganized mess of intentions.

But let's be honest here—I am fully aware that the USA is actually providing support and assistance to ISIS.
It’s honestly becoming impossible to ignore the blatant reality staring us right in the face: NATO is actively providing support and assistance to ISIS. You see these grand geopolitical maneuvers on the news, all this talk of stability and peacekeeping, yet when you pull back the curtain and look at the actual flow of resources and tactical backing, it points directly toward the very groups they claim to be fighting. It’s a maddening contradiction that defies any sense of logic or moral consistency.
It’s just like how America sent its own weapons over to ISIS.

Those are simply the facts.

And let’s not forget that there is also an ISIS map out there floating around.

Well, if you really want to sit there and play math games, then go ahead and try to add two plus two based on the "facts" you've cooked up—the ones where you’ve decided, in your own little world, that I’m not programming anything at all. Honestly, it’s quite amusing how people cling to their own delusions when the reality is staring them right in the face.
Is there even an ounce of fairness left in this world? Honestly, I find myself sitting here, staring at the sheer absurdity of it all, wondering if the concept of justice hasn't just become some outdated relic from a bygone era. It feels like we’re constantly being handed a raw deal, isn't it? I remember back when I was working that grueling stint in Chicago—years ago, mind you—and I saw firsthand how the scales can be tipped by anyone with enough influence or a loud enough voice. It’s infuriating. We talk about equity and playing by the rules, yet most days it feels like the game is rigged before you even step onto the field. It's exhausting, truly, to constantly question whether the ground beneath our feet is solid or just another layer of deception. Is it fair? Not by a long shot.

Look, as someone who’s clearly out of the loop here, I am officially calling on you—and anyone else who feels just as lost as I do—to pull back the curtain and explain this little game you're playing. Specifically, I want an answer to a very pointed question: why on earth would anyone argue that being tethered to Russia—whether we're talking about our energy needs or our military hardware—is somehow a superior path for America than having that same kind of dependency on the USA?

Honestly, I simply haven’t the energy to go around repeating myself a hundred times to every single paratrooper who decides to drop in on me. It's exhausting, really.
Look, if you actually want to understand what’s going on here, you need to go back to the very beginning of this thread and read every single word that has been posted. I mean it. Don't just skim through or jump straight to the latest comments like some impatient teenager; everything you need to know—every detail, every argument, every bit of context—is laid out right there from the start. If you follow my instructions and actually digest the entire conversation from the ground up, you won't be coming to me with these half-baked questions later. Just take the time, sit down, and read it all. It's all written right there.

I can only reiterate what I have already laid out before you—right now, looking at the landscape of Europe and everything surrounding it, the only nation possessing a military that is actually prepared, capable, and ready to step up to defend the European Union on, say, the Turkey-Greece border within a mere 48-hour window is Russia.

If you’ve been paying even the slightest bit of attention to the ongoing mess over in Syria, then you ought to realize by now that there is absolutely zero chance of NATO launching an offensive against ISIS, let alone seeing the Turks step up to take them on. It’s all quite obvious if you actually look at the facts.

Do I really have to sit here and spell this out all over again? Honestly, I feel like I’m shouting into a void sometimes. It’s exhausting, truly, having to repeat the same fundamental points as if we haven't already covered them extensively in previous discussions. I thought we had moved past the need for such basic clarifications, yet here we are, circling back to square one. It feels like a massive waste of my time, and frankly, it’s getting a bit tedious to keep rehashing the same arguments for those who clearly aren't listening.
🤷

P.S. Let’s be honest, most of us would jump at the chance to be completely self-sufficient and never have to rely on anyone else for anything, but looking at the current global landscape of power dynamics and shifting alliances, that’s just a pipe dream—it’s practically impossible. Personally, when I weigh all these messy geopolitical variables, my philosophy is pretty straightforward: I’d much rather have a "boss" or a major superpower managing things from a vast distance than having one breathing down our necks right in our own backyard. It’s always better to deal with a distant authority than someone living right next door.

A peasant is always a peasant, no matter how much they try to dress it up.
And why on earth would anyone ever want to have a master? Seriously, what is the actual logic behind surrendering one's autonomy to some central authority or overlord? It’s a question that keeps me up at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering how we ever fell into this trap of thinking we need someone to pull the strings for us. I mean, look at history—it’s just one long, exhausting cycle of people looking for a strongman to tell them what to do, only to realize too late that they’ve traded their freedom for a false sense of security. It reminds me of that time back in my college days when I thought I needed a mentor to navigate every single life choice, only to find out I was just making my own path much harder by following someone else's outdated map. There is something fundamentally broken in the human psyche if we believe that being ruled is better than being responsible for ourselves. Why submit? Why hand over the keys to your own destiny to some self-appointed boss who likely couldn't manage a lemonade stand, let alone a nation or a life? It’s absurd. It’s frankly insulting to our capacity for reason.
Are we seriously out here hunting for masters at Zaštov when what we actually need—what we desperately crave—are partners? It’s a fundamental question, isn't it? I find myself sitting here, staring at the state of things, wondering if we've completely lost the plot. Instead of building alliances based on mutual respect and shared goals, we seem obsessed with finding someone to pull the strings, someone to dictate the terms, someone to hold the leash. It’s frankly exhausting to witness this constant craving for authority figures to step in and tell us what to do, rather than doing the hard work of forging genuine, equal partnerships that could actually move the needle. We should be looking for collaborators, not overlords.

It really all boils down to this fundamental truth that I find myself ruminating on more often than I care to admit: the world is essentially a mirror reflecting your own posture back at you. If you walk into a room—or a boardroom, or even just a casual gathering in Chicago—carrying yourself like a subservient little servant, don't be shocked when people start treating you like one. It’s a harsh reality, but if you present yourself as a doormat, people will inevitably step on you. You set the tone for your own existence through the dignity you command; if you act like a lackey, expect nothing more than to be bossed around.

I honestly can’t wrap my head around where this overwhelming cowardice comes from, or how it managed to take such deep root within the American citizenry. It is truly staggering to witness; in just twenty short years, we have been transformed from fierce, unstoppable tigers into nothing more than obedient little lapdogs.
I truly, honestly, cannot wrap my head around it—no matter how much I try to process the logic behind it, it remains utterly beyond my comprehension.

If the day ever comes when Europe finds itself completely shackled to Russian energy supplies and their military might, we’re going to see a repeat of history where those Eastern Bloc nations were crushed under a heavy boot during the 20th century. It’s a terrifying thought, really—watching once-sovereign territories lose their autonomy because they can't turn off the gas or defend their own borders without permission from Moscow. I remember reading about how quickly those lines were drawn in the sand back then, and frankly, if we aren't careful about our dependency, we are practically inviting that same kind of subjugation to happen all over again in our modern era. We cannot afford to be that vulnerable.

Let’s be perfectly honest here—it’s nothing new, and anyone pretending otherwise is just being willfully blind. Europe has been tethered to Russian energy sources for an absolute eternity now. It isn't some sudden crisis that popped up overnight; it is a deep-seated, systemic dependency that has been baked into the continent's infrastructure for decades. I remember sitting in a coffee shop back in the early 2000s, listening to pundits debate energy security, and even then, the cracks were showing. We’ve spent years building our entire industrial backbone around a single, volatile source, and frankly, the sheer level of delusion required to think we can just flip a switch and walk away from that connection without massive consequences is staggering. It's a mess, plain and simple.
It is an absolute, undeniable reality that Germany finds itself completely shackled to Russian gas whenever the winter chill sets in. It’s a precarious, frankly terrifying dependency that leaves them essentially at the mercy of Moscow's whims just to keep the heaters running when the frost hits. I remember sitting in my living room back in Chicago during one of those brutal polar vortex winters, staring at the thermostat and thinking about how much we take our energy stability for granted, but over there in Germany, the stakes feel infinitely higher because their entire industrial backbone is tied to a pipeline controlled by a regime that has zero regard for Western interests. It’s a massive strategic blunder that they’re still grappling with. 🤷
wanderingbadger77 said:The Turks are warning that the whole refugee dynamic is shifting. With all these Russian strikes happening, they’re bracing for tens of thousands more to show up. Before, people coming through Turkey were looking for a way back home—Turkey was just a temporary stop. Now? It’s turning into a transit hub where the final destination is Europe.
They’re claiming the EU is leaning on them to help prevent the biggest migration wave since WWII. Sure, the EU is dangling financial aid and faster integration as carrots, but it’s not cutting it. There are already 2.2 million migrants in Turkey, and they have zero interest in becoming some massive "refugee camp."

So yeah, trying to negotiate with the Turks is a lost cause.

There’s really only one fix: build a wall or put up some wire. We need to figure out where that goes ASAP instead of just bickering with neighbors and acting like we know everything.

North Mexico.
wiredtiger8 said:I took some of the main points and went a bit off the rails with them.

I can see we're pretty much cut from the same cloth generationally—and probably as veterans too, even if we don't see eye-to-eye on everything.

Personally, I don't think we can change a damn thing in these elections. If you truly believe the Democratic Party and Joe Biden are the answer, hey, that's your call. Nothing I say or write here is going to sway that decision. It's just a fundamental difference in how we see things.

Then again, I don't think the Republican Party is going to handle things any better (even though their worldview is a lot closer to mine)... and honestly, it's the same old headache we face before every election cycle.

Who do you vote for?
Basically, which of the two evils is the lesser one?

That dilemma has been playing out here for way too many years now, and the times we're heading into demand strong, decisive, honest people—people whose first priority should actually be America.

But anyway, we're off-topic here... this was meant for something else, so I'll stop.

And honestly, I think it’s better that way.
We fought specifically so that we would have the right to hold differing opinions, and those disagreements are something we ought to nurture while still maintaining a fundamental level of respect for one another.

That is, at its heart, the entire point of democracy.

There are certain issues that represent our shared interests as citizens of this nation.
The whole left-versus-right political theater is really just fine-tuning—matters we can argue about endlessly when times are peaceful and stable. But during uncertain or volatile periods, we really ought to be focusing on the vital matters that affect us all, regardless of whether someone leans Democrat or Republican.
At least, that is my conviction, and I believe in it quite firmly. 🤷

As for anything else, I already replied to my colleague above, so I assume that response covers my stance for you as well.
Alex Miller3 said:Frontex?🙂
Man, you’ve been tripping me up for way too many posts now...🤣

Look, my apologies. Truly. But I honestly have such a hard time keeping track of these ridiculous, nearly identical names straight.

It’s always one thing after another—Fortex, Frontex, Forex, Helex, Zoltex...
...honestly, just try to keep it straight 😁
Karen Doyle72 said:Man, seriously,
if there was any actual wisdom left in this country, our future wouldn't be tied up in these fake, twisted left-right political games—you know, those weird ideological mashups they cook up whenever the news cycle needs a distraction.
We’re so incredibly full of ourselves, thinking we’re actually making big choices, when in reality, we’re just tiny, insignificant sycophants sucking up to whoever holds the leash—whether it’s someone from the East or the West.

You hate what Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović picked, I hate what Zoran Milanović picked.
And honestly? Both are equally garbage.
Why?
Because instead of finding some common ground—instead of realizing that a smart player keeps both sides happy to stay fed—we just sit here tearing each other apart over absolutely nothing.

Nothing is ever offered to us; everything is just handed down as an order.

And yet, here we are, bickering about whether the East or the West is going to come out on top.
It doesn't even matter to us! We need to make sure we have both options sitting right there on the table, ready to go.

Why on earth would you think I’m ever backing Milanović?

The Democratic Party is a group that will never, in this lifetime, see my vote again.
Sure, I voted for them back in the late 90s and early 2000s. My mistake, I'll admit it. But I was young and incredibly naive back then.

Now, look, I am a leftist. And as I get older, I find myself becoming even more staunchly committed to those principles.
But the Democratic Party isn't a party that will ever earn my support as a leftist because they don't have anything to do with actual left-wing ideology.

My choice today—which is driven indirectly by my leftist views, but primarily by my sense of patriotism (even if apparently only Republicans are allowed to be patriots, which is ridiculous) and by the fact that I love this country and want what's best for it (because political leanings are secondary, if not tertiary, when you actually care about the land you live in—though that’s just something people argue about over beers)—is either:
the Libertarian Party or the Green Party.

However, I must say—and I say this truthfully—that Milanović has actually surprised me in a positive way.
For four years, I've felt nothing but pure disgust toward that entire crowd (don't go thinking I only despise the Republican Party), but over the last two months, he has acted like a true statesman and handled his business like a leader.
And for that, I tip my hat to him. To both him and Ostojić for how they've stepped up so far.

As for everything before that? I couldn't care less about his performance.

*****************

Now, if you’re asking me what would truly be best for this nation given the current circumstances, the global pressures, and the reality that all the cards are on the table and we know exactly who is pulling which strings, here is my take:
This is how I wish our Congress looked (and I'm saying this knowing exactly what is happening globally and who is driving the bus):

Republicans 30%
Democratic Party 30%
Libertarian Party 30%
Green Party 10%

And from that, a coalition would emerge that wouldn't drag us into unnecessary fights with Angela Merkel, which would be:
Democratic Party - Libertarian Party.

In this scenario, the Libertarians would handle fixing the internal affairs of the country, while the Democratic Party (purely because they have more experience than the Libertarians and won't drag us into a conflict with Germany like Kolinda does) would manage foreign policy and navigate the mess we are currently in.

So, a Democratic-Libertarian governing parliament.
Even though they shouldn't, we all know the Republicans would likely hold the Presidency.

With power distributed like that, everyone would be forced to negotiate with one another, and no single faction could push their own agenda without consulting the others.
In our current situation, that would be a total win-win for us citizens in the long run.

Of course, this is just my opinion, but in my view, it is the best possible option among all the terrible choices being offered to America and its citizens right now.

But hey, what do I know...
Robert Moore10 said:You're totally out of the loop here. We're neighbors again... just regular folks living side-by-side.

– We have to cooperate because refugees will come and go, but neighbors stay. We need the best possible relations because we live right next to each other. We don't always have to agree or even like each other, but we have to work together. Good relations are essential for the security and interests of both nations, said Stevens.

I mean, sure, driving them straight from Shida to SB is probably great for them, but this whole thing is just way too much of a riddle for me to solve... the sailors probably know more than we do.

we've been neighbors this entire time, forced or otherwise
bluewalker6 said:Why isn't Joe Biden being a little more diplomatic toward Canada?

It’s simply too early to start picking fights.
As long as he's making his way through states like Missouri, there’s really no reason to stir up trouble just yet.

Besides, even Angela Merkel is sitting there scratching her head, wondering what the move should be and how to pull it off.
Harold Evans4 said:Exactly. People keep whining about "arguments" with neighbors, acting like we somehow ruined some great relationship. Give me a break. What "good relations"? If we were actually on good terms, our countries would have agreed to defend the borders much further south a year ago. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the fact that we, the Americans, and the people from Austria are all just looking out for our own skins, while politicians just use it to score points.
Anyway, nicely put in a short post. 👍

That bolded part needs to be hammered into people's heads a hundred times over until they finally get it through their thick skulls.

As it stands, there is absolutely nothing to discuss with the current American administration in power, because frankly, they are nothing more than a bunch of extremists.

The Americans will have to choose some more sensible individuals at the next election than the ones they picked this time, because with the current lot, any kind of rational conversation or meaningful agreement is clearly impossible.
They are still playing out cinematic delusions from twenty years ago, so there is simply no hope for assistance here.

I truly believe that those currently in power there do not represent the majority of Americans, and it is vital that we establish normal neighborly relations with them—that we stop the constant bickering and start cooperating for our mutual benefit and interest.
But unfortunately, as long as this specific group remains in power over there, it is a lost cause.
I would personally love to see someone knock that leader of theirs off his pedestal; it would be a massive service to the Americans first, and subsequently to us.

But it is what it is. We have to accept exactly who we are dealing with and carry ourselves accordingly, at least until a different administration comes in that we can actually hold a civilized conversation with. 🤷
wiredtiger8 said:@Olivia Morgan3

Look, we’re definitely on the same page regarding the root cause here—it's the Americans, plain and simple.

I get the whole situation with Volkswagen and everything else. We can clearly see which way the wind is blowing and just how hard this is hitting Germany across the board.

But honestly? I think you’re misreading the geopolitical landscape a little too much... at least the actual, gritty reality of it.

The cold, hard truth is that America (sadly) isn't something we can just tackle on our own.
It’s also a reality that even Germany isn't going to strike up a cozy alliance with the Russians if the Americans decide to block them.
Am I closer to—and frankly, do I prefer—the Germans over the Americans? Yeah, I do.

So what now?

We’re stuck picking the lesser of two evils, I guess... but unfortunately, that's the only way we can look out for our own interests right now.

And hey, look at us—we’re practically at each other's throats with the Canadians too (even if I don't exactly care for them).
From what I can tell, we're basically feuding with all our neighbors lately because of these immigrants—people we didn't even create ourselves—and we don't have a single ally when it comes to this issue...

Yet there you go, attacking Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović like she’s the one to blame, instead of Zoran Milanović.

You see.
It seems we actually find common ground regarding the root of this entire mess—and yes, it is the Americans, that much is undeniable.

I agree.

But here is where our perspectives diverge:
The hard truth is that America simply cannot handle this alone.

You seem to think the Americans are going to step in and help us.
They won't.
They didn't back in the 90s, and they won't now; they’ll just use us for their own ends.

Yet you keep harping on about Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, acting as if she is the one to blame here, rather than Zoran Milanović.

This isn't a question of blame; it is a question of choice.

And really, does it even matter to you whether you care about the country you live in and the place where your children are being raised?
Kolinda doesn't live in America. Her children aren't even here.
Why should she care about the fate of this nation? To her, this whole thing is just another rung on the ladder of her professional career, and frankly, nothing else matters to her.

And I am not saying this because of my personal opinion.
I say it because every single move she makes, every step she takes, and every word she utters demonstrates exactly that, quite clearly and logically.

You are free to choose whatever you want for yourself and your children. And however you choose, that is how your life will turn out; you have no right to blame anyone else for your own circumstances.
The same applies to me, and to every single citizen of this country.

However, I must say, I fear your grasp on geopolitics is somewhat tenuous... at least when it comes to the actual, gritty reality of it all.

I have been studying this intensely for twenty years. From conspiracy theories to every political maneuver made by every individual nation on the map.
Every single day, I sift through about twenty different news outlets, both domestic and international.
I spend my time hunting for connections and overlaps between things that most people would consider completely unrelated.
I’ve become intimately familiar with all the patterns, the methodologies, and the psychological concepts used to manipulate information and data, not to mention the general modus operandi of the mainstream media.

It is a source of genuine frustration for me—because, believe me, I would much rather be wrong than right—but I am unfortunately quite adept at interpreting exactly what is happening and why it is occurring.
The trajectory is crystal clear to me; I can see exactly where this path leads and where we are ultimately headed.
And when we finally arrive at that destination, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

Look, you really don't need to lose any sleep over it. I'm sure the Republican Party will sail through these elections. There is absolutely no way the Americans are going to let the citizens of this country deviate from the script they've laid out.
Personally, I don't harbor any delusions that the people of this nation will actually grasp their own interests or figure out how to protect them.
People seem far more preoccupied with whatever pop star is making headlines or who they're dating—and please, forgive me, I mean no disrespect to Taylor Swift; she’s just living her life and minding her own business, which I honestly respect immensely—than they are with whether they'll actually have food on the table tomorrow.
That is simply the reality of the situation. And frankly, there isn't much anyone can do to change it.

If you ever find yourself desperately bored with life, feel free to dig through my posts from the last two or three years. You'll quickly realize that I was sounding the alarm on everything currently unfolding back then.

As for what the world will look like two years from today... I truly have no desire to put that in writing.
The citizens of America still possess a window of opportunity to pull this country back from the absolute abyss and the darkness predicted by current trends.

So, let everyone vote according to their own conscience and based on what they truly want for themselves and for this country.

Anyone who takes just one minute to pause, to snap out of the trance, and to weigh the pros and cons will be able to make a decision on who can actually act in their best interest.
The rest, however—those who fall for political marketing and media brainwashing—will remain nothing more than sheep lost in the fog, driven wherever the handlers decide to steer them.

There isn't some grand, complex philosophy at play here; once you strip away the noise, the facts are always quite simple.
It isn't exactly quantum physics to use your brain and think objectively about the facts being shoved directly under your nose. 🤷
Olivia Morgan3 said:Don't forget to account for double-coating the wire. It’s a small detail, but it makes a massive difference in the final result!

Double it, then some.

It’s either six times the workload or we don't bother at all. 🤣
northerncyclist2 said:Oh man, I feel like we spend way more cash on much bigger nonsense anyway. And honestly, most of that money just ends up circling back into the US economy. Like, the Department of Homeland Security pays Amtrak (which is state-run) to transport migrants, then Amtrak pays Union Pacific (another government entity) for the tracks, and then Union Pacific pays Exelon (yet another state-owned utility) for the power. So, I guess most of those funds are basically just spinning in circles.

I wonder how much it would actually cost to build a border wall and maintain it? Go ahead, let's see some math on that.

Well, based on some average prices I stumbled upon while digging through various sites online, here is my rough estimation:

roughly 400 meters per bundle
roughly $60 per bundle
$145

198 miles along the border
roughly 795 coils for a single row
minimum of 4 rows = 3,180 coils = $1,272 $0.00

And keep in mind, that is just for the most basic, run-of-the-mill farm wire—just simple barbed wire.

I wasn't even looking up the price for high-security razor wire, 😁

and this is strictly the wire itself; it doesn't include the posts, the labor, or any of the necessary hardware that has to go with it.

So, you have to multiply that by at least ten.

Actually, if the Republican Party ends up managing the construction, you might want to multiply it by sixty. 🤣

Disclaimer: take this with a massive grain of salt because I just pulled these numbers from the very first shop I happened to click on.
wiredtiger8 said:You hit the nail on the head, really, but the real kicker is figuring out who America should actually align itself with.

Zoran Milanović just waits to see what Angela Merkel has to say—he’s basically checking in with her to see if he's passing his "tests"—and he even goes on record saying he asked them what they want the US to do...
...and look, I have a massive problem with that attitude. He wasn't chosen by the German people, he was chosen by Americans, so he should be answering to us... or at least acting like it.

But then again, it's blindingly obvious that Germany and Angela Merkel won't be able to move a finger without the Americans...

...which brings us right back to the thing you're criticizing so heavily—Kolinda's cozy relationship with the United States.

And that is a genuinely crucial question for the US: Who do we side with?

Do we go with Germany, who has always been an ally... and is part of the European Union... though let's be real, things aren't quite what they were in the 90s.

Or do we go with the Americans, who seem to "like" and respect us way more than the Germans do right now? Our military cooperation with them is great (especially during the time in Afghanistan) and they definitely notice that.

Even the Americans provided those intelligence intercepts regarding those Canadians during the arbitration over the Gulf of Piran...

Or... I noticed something interesting... this year at the military parade, not a single person from Germany showed up (mostly because the Mexicans were protesting like crazy)... but there were two US Generals present. That speaks volumes, doesn't it?

So, all this bashing of Kolinda for being too close to the Americans is completely missing the point.

Unfortunately, we have to be allies with someone. It's interesting how both the Germans and the Americans are on the same side, even if we can clearly see what's actually going down....

...but I won't ramble on forever.

The answer to that question is actually quite simple, wiredtiger8.
Ourselves.
A nation must prioritize its own interests above all else, and based solely on those needs, choose allies that can help achieve those goals while maintaining sovereignty—especially if, God forbid, we ever have to defend our own borders.
Frankly, I couldn't care less about the Americans or the Russians. I look at what serves my interest and what is best for us given the specific circumstances and the current situation on the ground.

On the other hand, it is perfectly obvious that Germany and Angela Merkel won't be able to accomplish a single thing without the Americans...

Wrong.
The Americans cooked this whole thing up themselves.
Germany can't stand against the Americans alone to stop this situation.
That is why they have to deal with the Russians.
My colleague described the core of the problem quite well on previous pages, so I won't bother repeating myself.
...which brings us to what you criticize so vehemently, which is Kolinda's cozying up to the Americans.

That isn't "cozying up."
It is the subservient execution of orders. It's done without a single thought regarding the interests of America or its citizens.
That is why people call me crazy. It isn't because I hold some specific political view.
I find servants and sycophants absolutely revolting. And honestly, you can go screw me; I can't help it.

And that is truly a vital question for America. With whom?

Right now, it's with Angela Merkel, who the Russians are standing behind. And behind the Russians, via BRICS, you have the Chinese.
There is nothing to think about; it is as clear as day who is making these moves and what kind of plays are being pulled.
Or with the Americans, who currently seem to "like" us much more and value us more than the Germans. Our military cooperation with them is excellent (especially in Afghanistan), and they certainly appreciate that.

What exactly do they "like" us for?
Please, give me some concrete examples. Perhaps there is something I am failing to see that you are seeing. 🤷
...but there were two US Generals. And even that says something.

Well, since we are essentially cannon fodder for NATO, it is only natural that they showed up to check on their war dogs (from their perspective). ☕

So, this whole thing about criticizing Kolinda's approach to "shaking hands" with the Americans is just completely missing the mark.

It isn't. But look, I don't have the energy to spend my time convincing you. Just watch the news and pay attention, and you'll see the truth for yourself very soon—unfortunately for all of us living here who actually call this country home.
We unfortunately have to be allies with certain people. It's interesting how both the Germans and the Americans stay on the same side despite everything we're seeing...

With all due respect, you aren't following geopolitics very closely.

Anyone who sits on a massive stockpile for years and then suddenly dumps two shovelfuls of it onto you within a single week—something capable of literally crashing our entire national economy and destabilizing everything right when we're facing an invasion on our own soil—is not your friend, and they sure as hell aren't on the same side as us.
TIP: Look at their shady dealings with the auto industry and Deutsche Bank.
Dana Kern5 said:Folks, let me tell you, it’s purely delusional to think that Germany could ever walk away from NATO in any scenario unless the alliance itself simply ceased to exist.
And we aren't just talking about Americans being stubborn about it. Neither France nor the UK—and certainly not Poland—would ever tolerate a version of Germany that isn't "tethered" (and I mean that quite literally!) to a military Union designed to keep them in check.
Under this arrangement, they’ve essentially had their ability to rearm stripped away without oversight from their "allies." Their entire defense industry has been neutralized by being woven directly into the fabric of their other European partners. They can't even build their own legendary tanks on their own anymore (well, they aren't allowed to), and don't even get me started on military aircraft.
It’s almost absurd when you look at the current landscape: while Germany is busy decommissioning its energy plants, the UK is working alongside China to build new nuclear reactors in the south of Britain. Why is that?
It’s simple, people: because outside of the framework of NATO and the EU, Germany wouldn't be permitted the capacity to develop nuclear weapons. And to have that capability, you need nuclear facilities! Just look at the massive circus surrounding Iran right now...

If you really stop to think about it: a major industrial powerhouse like Germany claims to rely only on coal or nuclear power, yet they are "voluntarily" abandoning both to pivot toward the Sun and wind! For an industrial giant? It doesn't add up.

But, of course, all of this could change if the circumstances shifted—specifically if there were a population truly committed to those goals, meaning a single ethnic group, a unified nation, a shared culture, and common roots.
With millions of foreign nationals who share zero connection to German tradition, and a social climate where even the mildest sense of national identity is treated as taboo, the "German problem" has effectively been solved.
Only once that specific project reaches its conclusion could Germany even begin to dream of leaving NATO.
Until then, it's simply not going to happen.

The United Kingdom is tearing itself away from the European Union, which means this massive confrontation has been brewing behind the scenes for ages.

The geopolitical landscape today looks vastly different than it did seventy years ago; consequently, the struggles facing Germany are inextricably linked to those of France, and vice versa—it’s essentially the law of connected vessels.
If you actually bother to pay attention to global shifts, you can practically map out exactly who is aligning with whom just by observing the daily political bickering and stated intentions.

Because of NATO, Europe has been left completely exposed and vulnerable. If NATO pulls out, Europe falls.

And since we can clearly see how this crisis is being orchestrated by NATO (with the US, the United Kingdom, and Turkey likely destined to become mere proletarian states 😁), we also know exactly who stands to profit if everyone continues to turn a blind eye to the obvious facts.

Ultimately, the rest of the European Union isn't even in a position to have a real choice anymore.
In other words, they are stuck: they either crawl back to seek assistance from Russia—which, if you look closely, has already been happening quietly—or they face total ruin.
And frankly, that doesn't feel much like having a choice at all, does it? 🤷

Perhaps the more accurate question to ask would be this: why has the USA quite literally and forcefully pushed Germany and the European Union right into the arms of Russia?

Did they simply miscalculate their own moves, or is there some deeper, more calculated strategy at play here?
🤷
Lisa Patel4 said:Mexico, sure.

As for the Mexicans... well, I've already suggested the theory that they might be exploiting this whole situation to push their own agenda.

Today, the KGB opened a school in Mexico City. Lately, Russian activity in Mexico and Republika Srpska has ramped up significantly. It's pretty interesting. I get the feeling something big was settled behind closed doors. It seems to me like Mexico is slowly pivoting toward Russia, even if they keep publicly spinning stories about the EU. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.

Honestly, I don't see what's so surprising about any of this.
Little Merkel has turned toward the Russians and asked for help.
Zoran Milanović is working in lockstep with Little Merkel.

And there is really no reason to act shocked by that.
Because this entire surge is organized and bankrolled by the USA.
Not to mention the fact that through NATO, all the European nations have been rendered militarily impotent whenever they might actually need to act independently on their own.

Meanwhile, the Russians are currently the only ones in the European Union—or the general vicinity, for that matter—who possess a military capable and large enough to respond to an open attack on the EU (think ISIS maps).

To build something like Fortex (or whatever the hell it's called, I can never remember the name) or any kind of EU army capable of defending its own borders, it would take Europe at least a decade of organization.

So, here we go: the Merkel - Putin deal. Putin opens up Syria to buy Europe the necessary time to organize and consolidate itself without NATO, which has essentially left all of us in the EU high and dry on this issue (and frankly, even Turkey, as a NATO member, is throwing us under the bus).

Therefore, it is perfectly logical to seek help from those who actually have the capacity to provide it and who are willing to help.

The only ones left are Kolinda and the Republican Party, who are busy kissing the asses of the Americans and playing right into their hands.
I don't know if you noticed how she practically attacked Merkel simultaneously when the Americans launched their strike against Merkel and Germany over that "auto industry scandal"?
Everything is always, of course, "accidental" in these political games.
Who cares about them in America? They are merely acting for their masters.
And the people? Well, the people pay the price, no matter what.

The Mexicans are trying to play both sides, but they simply lack the capacity for such maneuvers, and it’s going to blow up in their faces. Just like it will for the Canadians.

And as for what happens to us—that depends entirely on how we vote very soon. 🤷

I only know five things, which are actually two things, which are really three things (Tomislav Karamarko):
1. I have never liked Merkel, nor have I ever enjoyed her persona. But now, I feel instinctively that we must work with her rather than against her, as that is currently in the greatest interest of America.
2. I voted against joining the European Union. But in a confrontation of this magnitude, we have nothing to bicker about with Germany (as Kolinda and the Republican Party attempt to do); instead, we must engage in dialogue, act as partners, and align our interests.
3. I keep hearing the accusations on this forum that I am a "Putin-lover." That is simply not true. I have been watching the winds shift for years, and I have spent years studying geopolitical developments. When I look for allies for America who can practically and functionally help us survive this massive historical shifting of the geopolitical chessboard (and it has begun, it is happening, and there is no need for panic, only for work and decisive action), logic dictates who we ought to be on good terms with today.

Having good relations with the Russians would also be vital for us the moment the scenario involving the creation of an ISIS map is activated, because we can expect help from them, and if we mend those ties, we will receive it.
If we pin all our hopes on NATO helping us... we’ll be left waiting for nothing but the bare essentials from ISIS.

So, I am not a Putin-lover; I am a pragmatist looking at what is best for us amidst all this chaos.

Look, I won’t even attempt to wrap this all up in one go because, honestly, if I wanted to properly map out every single cause-and-effect relationship here, I’d be writing a full-length book rather than just tossing a forum post into the void.
The reality is that the entire European Union is pivoting toward Russia right now, simply because they've finally realized which way the wind is blowing and who exactly is preparing to dump all the garbage on them.

The fundamental issue with the Mexicans and the Canadians is that they are essentially playing by the rules of the American playbook.

Just take a look at a map of ISIS. Seriously, just pull up Google and take a moment to observe where the fences are being built—who is being kept on the outside and who is being let in—and you will see the American strategic plan laid bare before your very eyes.
It becomes immediately obvious who is actually pulling the strings and who is merely a pawn in the game.

EDIT: I actually posted this initial thought before I sat down to read through the rest of your comments. Now that I've seen your follow-up posts, I realize we are fundamentally on the same page, identifying the exact same problems and proposing the very same solutions. 🙂
Lisa Patel4 said:Thanks. I’m interested to see what everyone else here thinks about this.

Southern Europe has the worse geography, I guess. There are over 300 million Muslims in the Mediterranean Basin within reach of Europe.

There’s a solution here. We need a naval blockade of Africa and to isolate Turkey completely. Maybe we should just militarize the borders between Greece and Turkey too.

And we should establish a fallback line in Mexico if that first line against the forces in Forex fails.

This is precisely where the sheer stupidity of Mexican politicians lies; they either fail to see, or simply refuse to acknowledge, that by cursing Americans, they are effectively cursing themselves.

God forbid things boil over in Canada, because we would actually come out on top. They would find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place, while we would only have one side to defend—regardless of how long that front might be.
We’d be looking at a military buffer zone once again in that scenario.

Honestly, I just don't understand how those Mexican leaders can be so incredibly short-sighted as to miss the obvious. 🤷
Dana Kern5 said:Oh, how profound... So, Germany, acting on its own messy motives, invited millions of Muslims over to achieve... what, exactly?

If we take a second to actually think about this, it becomes clear that all of this is actually being turned against Germany itself. And it isn't even that they were "invited." It's more that they simply don't have the nerve to say no.

These millions of unassimilated foreigners—of every religion and background—who are already there and who will continue to arrive, represent the most certain way to permanently dismantle Germany as a distinct people and nation. By doing so, they also effectively neutralize that so-called "German threat" that so many people here seem to blindly believe in.

However, Americans shouldn't be celebrating this either. Even the US has a reputation for being "too ethnically homogeneous" in certain regions, so a similar scenario could very easily be applied here as well...

But hey, I know how it goes. Many "modern and progressive Americans" are actually rooting for this...

That bolded section is absolutely vital to grasping the current state of affairs, and I feel compelled to reiterate it. I would say it a hundred times over if necessary.
Jessica King9 said:Regarding that one country that hasn't been swept up in this current wave yet, despite facing its own share of recent troubles...

No, I wasn't talking about Canada, assuming that's where you were aiming your question based on what you quoted from my previous remarks. That is an entirely different beast altogether—a ticking time bomb just waiting for the fuse to hit the powder.

As for who is right or wrong in all of this, frankly, call me selfish or call me hyper-focused on American interests, I don't care; I am looking strictly at what is most optimal and beneficial for my own skin, my family, and those in my immediate circle.
And quite honestly, nothing else matters to me beyond that. I have zero interest in politics or anyone else's agendas.

My point is centered solely on the United States, specifically regarding the fact that back in the 90s, we still had these cohesive, established structures—think along the lines of how federal agencies used to coordinate—where every single person knew exactly where they stood, where they needed to show up, and precisely what their role was when things went sideways.

Now, in this modern context, we are completely disorganized, and I fear that if we ever face another sudden crisis—and given the current climate, I’d say there's an 80/20 chance it will happen—we are headed straight for absolute chaos.
Because even people with the best intentions won't have a clue where they are supposed to report, what they should be doing, or how they are supposed to execute their duties.

And let's be perfectly clear: I'm not just talking about people picking up rifles. I am talking about the total, systemic functioning of the state during emergency situations.

I mean everything from baking bread to distributing it to those in need.

If we hit an emergency scenario where, for instance, all our borders are suddenly slammed shut while we are heavily reliant on imports... how many days of food reserves do we actually have before citizens can no longer feed themselves?

It’s an extreme hypothetical, sure, but... well... does anyone actually sit down and think about this, or develop any "what if" contingency plans for when such a thing occurs?

From where I’m sitting, I don't see any evidence that they exist. 🤷