leh-nerd skin-erd

Fair enough, but he doesn't represent NYC in this case (and I'd argue that attempting to seize control of the Times Square Hilton brings with it certain challenges and legalities and most people would not support it), and growth in leadership isn't a bad thing.

I recognize we won't agree, but civility carried the day. "Diplomacy not being his strong suit" to me would be "We're on the wrong side of the trade deal, and the Canadian leadership has taken advantage of us for far too long" in whatever way DJT would say that. Or, maybe something like "We're getting screwed, and screw that!". "Diplomacy not being his strong suit" does not include "We're going to absorb your country" or anything close to that. As a quick, irreverent one-liner, probably not all that presidential but harmless. Going on about it when it's never going to happen, just gets old.

Again, it’s your contention that the world is at the point of no return, not mine. The fact that plantation owners paid for slaves doesn’t change the fact that it was morally, spiritually and ethically repugnant. You supporting a “pay to pollute” scheme reveals the main problem with the movement—screaming from the mountain top that the end of the world is nigh while living a consumption-based lifestyle that clearly flies in contrast with your message points.

Carbon tax is a scheme to move money from the group who has it, to those who want it. The absurd notion that some of the climate hypocrisy deniers put forth---that they can offset their pollution by paying to pollute is just one such example of abject stupidity. If the world is at a tipping point, "firms who pollute" should be dealt with harshly, efficiently, and with a strong message to those that might one day pollute. Come to think of it--your complicity in the destruction of our climate should be noted. I'm writing it down on the back of an envelope that included some junk mail.

There are many aspects of the Trump presidency that are admirable. I believe his ability to face down and overcome almost insurmountable odds is the stuff of legends, and if he's ultimately successful books will be written about his strength and resolve. I think you're overestimating him for pre-planning the eventual fall of our neighbors to the north. If I'm being completely honest, I would prefer this sort of irrelevant rhetoric be directed at true enemies of freedom than at one of our allies. On the other hand, if you're correct and there is a grand plan here to undermine Canadian leadership, there are far better ways to communicate the message point than that we're going to absorb the country into ours. It's unnecessary.

I disagree with your premise and suggestion that there is a parasitic relationship. Each country should act in its best interest, but taking one small example—tourism is good. The flow of goods across the border is of mutual benefit. On a local, micro level—Canadians coming across the border to support the Bills is good for us, and for them. I think the Canadian affinity for speedos is bad, quite in fact, but beyond that, the rest can be worked out. Getting back to Frank’s question, Trump’s continued commentary on 51st State is bad.

The 51st state comment was humorous as a one-off, but ultimately disrespectful and silly. That said, would you acknowledge the average American (and most posters here), know very little about politics in Canada, the players in the game and how their system operates? From a purely personal perspective, with Canadian relatives and having spent considerable time across the bridge—-I’d like to see a respectful, mutually beneficial and peaceful co-existence. The new guy says he wants to “take on the Americans”, so let’s see where that takes us. Perhaps we’ll ultimately get to the bottom of debate about fair trade and mutual benefit.

Breasty Chesterton, the exotic dancer? It sounds dirty if you ask me.

It wasn’t very nice, and I felt bad for Sanders. Still, they’re kids, and kids are not always nice.

Drinking the drinks Americans won’t drink?

In addition, the fact that he was undergoing cancer treatment does not preclude him from advising his superiors that he will be out of the office for a few days. I’m sure there are places one can work with loosey goosey standards where unexplained absences are encouraged, but a phone call to the office is a pretty low bar to cover one’s bases.

Imagine you’re at a backyard party*, you meet the friend of friend somewhere between the burgers and the table with the deviled eggs. You ask him, “What do you do, Zeke?” while looking for the beer cooler and trying to make sure your child isn’t causing a ruckus over near the bounce house. Zeke replies, “From the White House to White House, Texas, I carry the light the world over”. I think most people immediately think “Oh, great, I gotta be standing next to this d*uche.” *This is not at @Joe Ferguson forever house

The Europeans won’t side with the US, and that’s their right. However, the Russians annexed Crimea in 2014. What have they done to assist Ukraine, or significantly pressure Russia to return annexed lands in the 11 years since this all went down? Besides the devious plot to drive Putin to his knees by buying his fossil fuels, of course.

It’s a feel good slogan used as a battering ram by a political opponent when the situation is warranted. It’s an ideal, an aspiration but largely a myth when it comes to powerful people. “ANYBODY KNOW WHY RICHIE DID BOBBY LUPO???”

From my perspective, it’s entirely consistent with his posting history. He’s like the villain of a YouTube video over a parking space dispute, lots of theatrics, lots of animated allegations but ultimately not much substance.

Are you suggesting that there is only one conspiracy shoe in use at any given time? That sounds…odd. What’s the game here?

No one declared the topic to be “I’d like to talk about Iran and enlistment rates”, though you’ve done your level best to imply others have. If your feeling is that another poster is attempting to hijack the thread by talking about issues not on your Pravda-approved checklist, consider how you jumping in with your commentary perpetuates the discussion. The actual issue involves Hegseth, and many posters have shared their thoughts on that subject. You not liking the response is irrelevant, though if you had some actual constructive feedback other than bumper slogans about sticks rattling, maybe you wouldn’t present as an old guy pushing a stolen shopping cart and shouting obscenities at random passersby. You may lack the capacity to do so, though I do acknowledge you self-censoring. That contributes to a more positive community experience. Btw, I’m always amused and intrigued when insults are lobbed my way and asterisks conceal the meaning. Can you phonetically reposition “*****-wipes” for greater clarity?

That's what I mean--you would gladly trade places in spite of the fact that the actions of the infirmed (and rudderless) Biden team directly lead to the horrific loss of American lives during the botched Afghanistan withdrawal, as opposed to continuing on the current past because of an administrative error that, while reckless, is just that. That's one example, of course, of many. Again, just makes you a partisan willing to look the other way when the value is there for you personally.

If 'terrible judgement' was the standard, you would have wanted Biden to resign, Lloyd Austin's resignation and a whole host of other individuals shown the door. Instead, you voted for more of the same, and then the replacement candidate for more of the same. I am telling you the reason for wanting him fired is because he's not your guy in your admin, and the judgement issue is secondary to your partisanship. On the bright side, that's the way most people think.

That was my characterization, not yours. Not everything is about you…geesh. I had asked a while back for an example of a modern city that could serve as a template for your vision and don’t ever recall getting one. That’s not to imply you needed to accommodate my request, I was genuinely curious as to what something like that might look like. In the void, the mind wanders, the imagination gets to work, and here we are. Some people like communes, btw.

Unintended consequences Roundy. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game.

Just imagine you get your way and everyone gets herded to one of your stacked storage container cities. The milk issue comes up, every resident Viva L’Revolution Square Village above you, below you, to either side gets the explosive d because everyone buys at the same govt co-op you’re all forced to use because you have no cars. It’ll be raining hot fudge! Reason # 418 to be cautious of communes and liberal future city planners.

Step one will be to shut down our hospitals, that’ll lock down a high percentage of your people. You’re welcome.

I haven’t, though I’ve talked to people who enjoy it immensely. I have a visual impairment that creates a significant challenge for me in that sort of thing. I figure at some point I’ll try it, but the higher the speed of the volley the less likely I am to succeed. The older women bouncing around though, I think I can spot them. Nasty divorces are a great way to have nothing left in the bank. Buncha feet divas, the podiatrists.

I heard a similar story, but it was about a guy named Dr. Biden. He was Joe’s uncle, Bing Biden. Wrassled a hawk right out of the air when the hawk tried to ***** a chubby pug from a baby carriage pushed by a widow lady with a glass eye. Saved the day, Biff did, and I’m serious.