American Politics

[seanfhear]

Guy was a pro. That wasn't just an assasination, it was a message.
Some pretty clear photos round now ~ Hard to believe that he won't be caught.

[tetsujin1979]

that all depends on someone grassing him up. Doubt that'll happen.

[seanfhear]

that all depends on someone grassing him up. Doubt that'll happen.If he was hired by powerful interests ~ I doubt, he will ever be collecting his pension.

[John83]

Some pretty clear photos round now ~ Hard to believe that he won't be caught.
Are there? I saw some of a guy at a hostel earlier but the comments seemed to be sure it was the wrong guy: similar but different jacket and bushier eyebrows were the comments I recall. I haven't cared to compare for myself.

[tetsujin1979]

The reaction comments are telling
1864699657059750275

[CraftyToePoke]

Guy was a pro. That wasn't just an assasination, it was a message.

They are definitely struggling to put their hand to him.

The small flood of individual horror stories making their way onto my socials ( because I clicked on one ) about the realities of their system are eye opening.

I read one - if anything online can be believed, I fully realise - about court stalling tactics supplying drugs to a sick man who died, he had a case open prior for the cause of his illness, against a third party, which the insurance company sued the widow for 10% to claw back what they did do for him before cutting him off.

No idea if true or possible. But no sympathy for this guy to be seen so far, or his equals in other companies.

[SkStu]

America is so broken. Like any ideal that is taken to an extreme, this incident and the fallout shows up the worst of capitalism, consumerism and "profit before people". The place is completely devoid of ANY checks and balances, really, and riddled with influence and interference from special interest groups and lobbyists. Absolutely toxic. And that doesnt seem to change meaningfully with whichever side controls the various branches of government. That said, I don't take any joy in some guy getting assassinated for, ultimately, just doing his job and serving his master(s).

[pineapple stu]

Well this guy seems to have been the master, no? The CEO making the decisions after all.

But I do agree with you in general. I think you can hold that the guy seems to have been an absolute See You Next Tuesday and not celebrate his murder. I don't think the idea of mob rule is a road America - or anywhere - really wants to go down.

The weird thing though is that on balance Americans seem to want this sort of healthcare. They just don't seem to realise it until they have an issue themselves. But until that changes, how much appetite for change is there really?

You could not pay me enough to live and work in America to be quite honest.

[SkStu]

Well this guy seems to have been the master, no? The CEO making the decisions after all.

He was the CEO running the operation, of course, but in service to the expectations and demands of shareholders (I assume). That's what I was getting at. Its hardly tackling the root cause. A new CEO wont change things, I dont think.


The weird thing though is that on balance Americans seem to want this sort of healthcare. They just don't seem to realise it until they have an issue themselves. But until that changes, how much appetite for change is there really?

Spot on. There is a general arrogance in the USA to their place in the world, their version of democracy and what constitutes "rights". A survival-of-the-fittest / merit / competition type approach to most things that we see as requiring compromise and reason always seems to be the prevailing sentiment. Its rather perverse.

[CraftyToePoke]

An arrest

https://www.rte.ie/news/us/2024/1209/1485542-united-health-murder/

[mark12345]

I, for one, would hope that I, or any member of my family, would also be convicted of 34 counts of fraud, if I, or any member of my family, had committed 34 counts of fraud.

The charges were all related to payments to a porn star to keep quiet about their affair, so it wouldn't come out during his first campaign. that he falsified to make it look like a campaign payment.
from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65181178

He was convicted by a jury of his peers, same as everyone else who faces justice.

Sunday night broadcast to a national audience in America. Mark Levin explains the whole 34 counts of fraud in detail and how the prosecutor and judge were way out of their lanes in doing what they did. You should watch the first 8 minutes of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F4EC0Q-Ogo

[tetsujin1979]

Why? Does it say he wasn't convicted of 34 counts of fraud?

[mark12345]

Why? Does it say he wasn't convicted of 34 counts of fraud?

What it says is the prosecutor and judge had no jurisdiction to take the case to court. The charges against Trump were federal charges, not state. And both of these men knew this but went ahead and prosecuted him anyway. What does that say about them? And they are making a complete mockery of the justice system. It will likely end up in the supreme court because Bragg took one charge, bogus as it was, and gave us 34 different varieties of it - something which apparently has not been done before according to legal people in New York. Levin also notes that those media outlets jumping all over Trump during this case, have all entered into non-disclosure agreements multiple times themselves. Check out the video - he explains things better than I ever could.

[tetsujin1979]

Does it say that he was found guilty?

[pineapple stu]

"This video has been removed by the uploader"

Compelling evidence alright

[tetsujin1979]

Aw man, I was totally going to watch that

[pineapple stu]

Mark Levin's wiki page is hardly encouraging -


A 2016 study which sought to measure incendiary discourse on talk radio and TV found that Levin scored highest on its measure of "outrage". The study looked at 10 prominent radio and television programs, known for incendiary discourse on political matters, and scored content on the basis of whether it used "emotional display", "misrepresentative exaggeration", "mockery", "conflagration", "slippery slope", "insulting" or "obscene language", and other factors, finding that Levin was the radio host who engaged in the most outrage. The study found that he utilized "outrage speech or behavior at a rate of more than one instance per minute."[2] In How Democracies Die, Harvard University political scientists Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky write that Mark Levin was among the popular right-wing talk radio hosts who "helped to legitimate the use of uncivil discourse" in American politics, and contribute to the erosion of democratic norms.[71] According to Politico, Levin has a "penchant for hysteria."[72]

[mark12345]

"This video has been removed by the uploader"

Compelling evidence alright

Who removed it? Not me

[mark12345]

Does it say that he was found guilty?

Found guilty? By whom? By what judicial system? By what standard of justice when it can be trashed like that. At that rate they might as well charge you in their kangaroo court.

[tetsujin1979]

Found guilty? By whom? By what judicial system? By what standard of justice when it can be trashed like that. At that rate they might as well charge you in their kangaroo court.Excellent! First, I'll commit 34 counts of fraud, then they can convict me.

[pineapple stu]

Who removed it? Not me
Are you seriously trying to make a case around a non-existent video clip?!

[joey B]

1876427306417410495

It feels like we’re living in a sim sometimes when things like this have become normalised,this is the President of the United States just tweeting out that he’s sending his son to look at another country’s territory before they take it !

[mark12345]

Excellent! First, I'll commit 34 counts of fraud, then they can convict me.

What?

[mark12345]

Are you seriously trying to make a case around a non-existent video clip?!

Just checked the link I posted and you are right it has been taken down by YT.
I watched it on Sunday night and again last night before posting. Fox News link below if you want to watch it.

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6366720985112?msockid=36e0ccfab40b6d9d3a17dd49b52b 6c13

[mark12345]

1876427306417410495

It feels like we’re living in a sim sometimes when things like this have become normalised,this is the President of the United States just tweeting out that he’s sending his son to look at another country’s territory before they take it !


It does feel strange alright, if I'm honest.

The Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal stories were seen as a running joke for the last couple of weeks here in America (Canada is not going to become the 51st state and no one in either country expects it to). The Canada story was just a throw-away comment by Trump who is likely trying to appeal to those Canadians who favour him over Trudeau whom they detest. But joking aside I think Trump would love to be able to depend on Canada to allow access for the US military to the northern portion of that country. And if he is looking to make an American presence felt in Greenland, then it is obvious there is something afoot in that part of the world. The common denominator is geography - it is obvious that if Trump is talking about Greenland and Canada he sees a threat to America from China and possibly Russia.

It has been reported that China and Russia have designs on Greenland (for minerals and as a strategic base) and Trump is likely trying to beat them to the punch. What does the future hold for the 55,000 population of Greenland if all 3 superpowers are making plans for their country, and what will Denmark be able to do to stop any expansionist plans? Trump is also concerned about China's growing presence in South America and the Panama Canal is seen as a very important passageway for shipping. America built it and gave the canal to the Panamanians as a "gift" apparently under Jimmy Carter. So the fact that the Chinese are elbowing their way into that area is concerning for America.

Hopefully Greenland can remain with the natives of that country and Canada remain the property of the people of Canada, while the Panamanians uphold their part of the agreement about the Canal, if there was one. It is a situation that bears watching.

How is this being perceived in Ireland?

[seanfhear]

Maybe Donald Trump will take Ireland as well ? !

[tetsujin1979]

What?

Well they can hardly convict me of 34 counts of fraud if I haven't committed 34 counts of fraud, can they? They don't give Nobel prizes for "Attempted" Chemistry

[tetsujin1979]

It does feel strange alright, if I'm honest.

The Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal stories were seen as a running joke for the last couple of weeks here in America (Canada is not going to become the 51st state and no one in either country expects it to). The Canada story was just a throw-away comment by Trump who is likely trying to appeal to those Canadians who favour him over Trudeau whom they detest. But joking aside I think Trump would love to be able to depend on Canada to allow access for the US military to the northern portion of that country. And if he is looking to make an American presence felt in Greenland, then it is obvious there is something afoot in that part of the world. The common denominator is geography - it is obvious that if Trump is talking about Greenland and Canada he sees a threat to America from China and possibly Russia.

It has been reported that China and Russia have designs on Greenland (for minerals and as a strategic base) and Trump is likely trying to beat them to the punch. What does the future hold for the 55,000 population of Greenland if all 3 superpowers are making plans for their country, and what will Denmark be able to do to stop any expansionist plans? Trump is also concerned about China's growing presence in South America and the Panama Canal is seen as a very important passageway for shipping. America built it and gave the canal to the Panamanians as a "gift" apparently under Jimmy Carter. So the fact that the Chinese are elbowing their way into that area is concerning for America.

Hopefully Greenland can remain with the natives of that country and Canada remain the property of the people of Canada, while the Panamanians uphold their part of the agreement about the Canal, if there was one. It is a situation that bears watching.

How is this being perceived in Ireland?

That Trump should probably settle his tax evasion in Panama before he decides to invade
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-panama-canal-threats-hotel-taxes-court-filing-2005079

[mark12345]

Maybe Donald Trump will take Ireland as well ? !

Paddy's green shamrock shore? No that will always be Irish.
But on a more serious note the Greenland and Panama Canal stories are gaining traction this morning. And apparently military force will be used to remove the Chinese from Panama because according to Trump they have no business running the Canal when it was something built for the Panamanians by America. Greenland's days are numbered apparently. There will be a three way struggle over that land because China, who already possesses the lions share of precious minerals in the world, is looking to annex Greenland as well. And Russia also needs those minerals. That would leave America completely dependent on China for many things we use in our daily lives today.
That is what is being reported this morning for what it's worth.

[Demesne Lad]

France to Trump: EU won’t let you invade Greenland – POLITICO (https://www.politico.eu/article/french-foreign-minister-to-trump-eu-wont-let-you-invade-greenland/)

Anyone remember playing 'Risk' years ago, when games were played on a table, with real, physical dice, markers, etc.?

[The Fly]

France to Trump: EU won’t let you invade Greenland – POLITICO (https://www.politico.eu/article/french-foreign-minister-to-trump-eu-wont-let-you-invade-greenland/)

Anyone remember playing 'Risk' years ago, when games were played on a table, with real, physical dice, markers, etc.?Does he think Greenland is in the EU?

[John83]

...And apparently military force will be used to remove the Chinese from Panama because according to Trump they have no business running the Canal when it was something built for the Panamanians by America.
China does not run the canal; they run two of five nearby ports. https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/fact-check-does-china-control-the-panama-canal-as-trump-suggests/ar-AA1wv7Sm
The US finished the canal for their own profit, taking over a bankrupt French effort and leasing the land from the Panamans after a naval blocade to assist the Panamans in splitting from a Colombia weakened by a recent civil war. Like most US interventions in the Americas in particular, it was driven by self-interest above all else.
If the US was worried about Chinese influence in the region, they could invest there themselves, but Trump doesn't like paying for things he takes.


Greenland's days are numbered apparently. There will be a three way struggle over that land because China, who already possesses the lions share of precious minerals in the world, is looking to annex Greenland as well. And Russia also needs those minerals. That would leave America completely dependent on China for many things we use in our daily lives today.
That is what is being reported this morning for what it's worth.
If only there were some kind of mutual defence treaty organisation. They could name it after the North Atlantic or something.
The US already has a base in Greenland, though I can't imagine they'll continue to be welcome there at this rate.

It's becoming clear why so many Americans are unconcerned with Trump's ties to and admiration of Putin, and criticised the support of Ukraine. They're exactly the same kind of blood-thirsty expansionist *******s. Trump seems determined to have a river of blood named after him, if this isn't all bull**** to distract from the grief he was getting over openly supporting immigation.

If the Chinese invest in an area on favourable terms, and the US invades to take it, consider how much propaganda you have to be swallowing to consider the Chinese the bad guys.

[tetsujin1979]

A whole load of fact checking here
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/07/politics/fact-check-trump-false-claims-january-6-europe-nato-and-canada/index.html

[seanfhear]

A whole load of fact checking here
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/07/politics/fact-check-trump-false-claims-january-6-europe-nato-and-canada/index.html
CNN ~ LOL's.

[tetsujin1979]

CNN ~ LOL's.
That exactly right - lots of legitimate concerns

[mark12345]

France to Trump: EU won’t let you invade Greenland – POLITICO (https://www.politico.eu/article/french-foreign-minister-to-trump-eu-wont-let-you-invade-greenland/)

Anyone remember playing 'Risk' years ago, when games were played on a table, with real, physical dice, markers, etc.?

Not very helpful from Macron. How about saying something like: "Europe will stand with America to protect Greenland from Chinese and Russian expansionism. "

[tetsujin1979]

How about something like "I'd probably invade a country if I was under investigation for tax evasion there too"

[pineapple stu]

Not very helpful from Macron. How about saying something like: "Europe will stand with America to protect Greenland from Chinese and Russian expansionism. "
Who'll protect Greenland from American expansionism though?

[John83]

Not very helpful from Macron. How about saying something like: "Europe will stand with America to protect Greenland from Chinese and Russian expansionism. "
Talk is cheap. Ukraine needs help now and Trump wants them to negotiate giving up half their country.

[mark12345]

Who'll protect Greenland from American expansionism though?

So Russia is in Ukraine and China is elbowing its way into Taiwan, or soon will be. But somehow it's America the bad guy for trying to prevent further Chinese and Russian expansionism in Greenland? Did not Europe call for America 's intervention in the Ukraine war? So it's come to help us when we are in need but we don't trust you enough to head off problems in your own area.

[tetsujin1979]

Are Russia or China currently bombarding Greenland?

[joey B]

1876926950251389059

Today in MAGA world it was Hezbollah who were involved in January 6th !

[seanfhear]

1876926950251389059

Today in MAGA world it was Hezbollah who were involved in January 6th !
Should the FBI agent provocateurs be prosecuted ? !

[joey B]

Should the FBI agent provocateurs be prosecuted ? !

Absolutely Sean,I’ve heard Greenlandic Inuit were involved aswell so hopefully they’ll look into that too !!!

[tetsujin1979]

Should the FBI agent provocateurs be prosecuted ? !
Are these agents from the FBI agent-provaocateurs? Does that make them double agents?

[seanfhear]

Ok, I'll put it another way ~ If there was agents from the FBI and they were agent-provocateurs ~ Should they be prosecuted ?

I suggest people should play the long game on this !

[seanfhear]

Are these agents from the FBI agent-provaocateurs? Does that make them double agents?
Perhaps the FBI works in mysterious ways ~ ~ After-all a lot of what the FBI do is secret.

Do you have much knowledge about how the British intelligence agencies worked in Northern Ireland for example ?

[pineapple stu]

But somehow it's America the bad guy for trying to prevent further Chinese and Russian expansionism in Greenland? .
What Russian/Chinese expansionism into Greenland?

Trump is the only one talking about any expansionist stuff with regards Greenland as far as I can see

[tetsujin1979]

Ok, I'll put it another way ~ If there was agents from the FBI and they were agent-provocateurs ~ Should they be prosecuted ?

I suggest people should play the long game on this !
Gotcha, like in golf


Perhaps the FBI works in mysterious ways ~ ~ After-all a lot of what the FBI do is secret.

Do you have much knowledge about how the British intelligence agencies worked in Northern Ireland for example ?
I do know that whatever British intelligence did in Northern Ireland, it has nothing to do with what happened in Washington DC on 6th January 2021

[mark12345]

What Russian/Chinese expansionism into Greenland?

Trump is the only one talking about any expansionist stuff with regards Greenland as far as I can see

My take on it Stu, is that I want Greenland to remain the property of the people of Greenland (Inuits). Granted they are governed by Denmark and many of them don't apparently like their fate in the hands of the Danish government, but so be it. What I don't want to happen is that we wake up one morning and there are platoons of Russian and Chinese soldiers doing joint maneuvers in northern Greenland. It will be too late to get them out of there at that point. Trump obviously has information that you and I don't.