Spot-on again Bear, nailed it all and the sham meeting in Alaska did nothing to scotch the rumours that Trump is in Vlad's pocket. Europe must stand squarely behind Ukraine and if that means telling the US that they are entirely wrong and supporting Ukraine without them then so be it.
I couldn't agree more, and I fervently hope that his vainglorious nonsense is thrown out by wiser, European, heads. This 'presidency' is like watching a slow-motion car crash heading straight for us. We really need to get out of the way right now.
I have to say I think the chances of trump listening to them is remote. He thinks he is the daddy. Maybe they have all chipped in to a big bribe. That might do it.
"The danger feels palpable. Trump has made no secret of the fact that he desperately craves a Nobel Peace Prize, and he would do absolutely anything possible to get it,"
Bear, did you know that Trump, last Monday, before the Alaska meeting, rang (cold called) the President of Norway and demanded he be nominated for the Nobel prize? Can you imagine what that must have been like for the poor Norwegian president?! Trump is a bully and like all bullies - he is weak.
Zelenskiyy has played a blinder today - turning up with Starmer, Ursula Von de Leyen and Mark Rutte of NATO along with a wide assortment of other Presidents and Prime Ministers of Europe. including Trump's 'golfing buddy' the President of Finland. Zelenskiyy is not going to be bullied this time. The Coalition of the Willing are there to kick Trump's arse and chew bubblegum. They won't be bringing bubblegum ;o)
They will protect Zelenskyy but this bunch knows better than to try and force Trump’s hand. Rutte got a lot of flak for the Daddy thing: with unashamed craven narcissists like him it just works! Macron does the same: the Bastille Day parade, the Versailles dinner. Like Putin, they know how to play him.
I wish that I could organise my thoughts into such eloquent pros. But there again I guess you save me a lot of time by writing exactly what I think! We can only hope that something positive comes out of today.
Excellent analysis of a rather worrying situation. It’s no accident that one of the Brexit scare stories was of a “European military force” being created. Of course Putin would not have wanted that and hence his efforts to support the Brexit campaign. So it’s time to put together a “European military force”, it’s essential for self defence and to reduce our reliance on the USA, after all they cannot be relied upon while the nutmeg is in charge. Special relationships to him means whoever is involved in the next deal!
Much as it may go against some form of grain, and as I have mentioned previously, this ginger clown is genuinely doing Europe a favour. We have relied upon a declining ex world power (the US) for far too long. This, imho, is the perfect opportunity to begin to ally ourselves with an emerging new world order where the long game is the norm rather than our parasitic capitalistic short termism.
Whilst the East may be far from perfect, we can learn a lot about stability, about looking after people (mostly) and move forward from the endless empty promises and picking of friends pockets whilst simultaneously giving them insincere hugs and kisses. Far better in my view to understand where one stands than be perpetually disappointed - again.
Bear, dear Bear, I think you might be spending too much time on X if you believe that the nonsense you get from MAGA on X is in any way representative of Social Media, i.e. online view of the world, or even America alone!
European Leaders did not go into full panic mode. If I knew this was going to happen, if Kamala predicted during the debate 11 months ago this was going to happen, if anyone who’s ever observed Trump in the past 10 years knew this was going to happen, of course Mark Rutte, Starmer and the European Leaders knew it was going to happen.
Caveat: I didn’t expect the red carpet, the clapping worthy of a kid finding his presents on Christmas morning, the flyby (“look at my toys”) and the ride with him in the car (“look at my beautiful toy”).
Another surprise is Meloni’s participation: is she joining in as the fascist whisperer, fascist translator? Rutte and Macron excel at stroking Trump’s ego whilst drawing the lines (at least some). I’m sceptical about Starmer’s ability to influence anything: he’s the flag bearer of a formerly influential former superpower (yay us).
Ukraine’s conditions are fair, Zelenskyy never budged and it is his sovereign country’s goddamn right! Trump is known to listen to the last person who spoke: ceasefire before the Alaska farce, Ukraine must give up territory after. All predictable.
I’m proud we’re standing strong against Russia and that’s the only thing of importance that will happen today. Trump doesn’t have an ounce of will, ability or power to move the needle in this conflict.
If it weren't for the fact that this is all about real, palpable, human lives, this would just be comedic. The brightly painted Trumplethinskin and the miniature Russian doll, playing dress-up "world leaders" whilst demonstrating their conjoined utter inability to comprehend what the word "leadership" actually means. I just hope the European cohort who have travelled with Zelensky, for once, show some true grit and determination and refuse point-blank to allow either he nor Ukraine to be bullied into a poor deal that requires any territory to be surrendered. Sadly, I'm not confident that will be the case. But the Orange Cheeto needs to be schooled, hard.
We have crystal clear clarity now as to why Farage opposed a European army. His associates across the pond, MAGA Republican, far right Oligarch collusionists, were preparing for a Europe unable to withstand Russian expansion through war. Farage agreed that Russia was justified in its invasion of East Ukraine and Crimea.
🐻....as usual concisely put, it makes you wonder what hold Putin has over Trump following his many visits to Russia since 1987....given the Epstein files 🤔 and his stated penchant....likes beautiful women… many of them on the younger side. Who knows. I hope the European leaders stay strong against this orange clown. Slava Ukraini
Yet again Bear, you articulate exactly what I am thinking, but better than I ever could. Trump always wants the best deal, the bestest deal, nobody has ever seen a deal like this before, but only for himself. Does he actually believe he can simultaneously be a peacemaker and a dictator? I cannot imagine the Norwegians could ever be pressured into handing over their much valued peace prize to that ignorant buffoon, as if they did, it would be instantly devalued. Who would want to be in the company of such a petty, vindictive, uneducated, criminal, sex offender and likely paedophile?
Yes, Europe absolutely needs to stand united, with Ukraine, and against not only Russia, but the USA too, at least until trump and his vile GOP are long gone. Trump cannot be trusted. He has reneged on every treaty he has signed; see Canada and Mexico and the "greatest treaty ever", the one HE signed, then tore up. The Budapest Memorandum, where UK, US and Russia promised to protect Ukraine if they gave up their nuclear weapons. In trump's mind, nothing matters unless he benefits.
I apologise for rabitting on. That clown is really bad for my mental health. Every day I tell myself to ignore whatever is happening over the pond. Then I see umpteen posts from "patriots" demanding "are cuntry back", see fartage gloating over people calling for the killing of ALL immigrants, and I despair. I'd really like MY country back, the friendly, compassionate, welcoming one, where we take care of the vulnerable, not murder them.
The concept we have to reconcile as Europeans, and what we need to do very, very quickly, is that the post-war assumption of American reliability has evaporated. The Atlantic safety net has been shredded to pieces by Trump himself, scissors in hand, and the only rational response for Europe is now to build its own. And not in the future. Now. Today.
Today, after pusilanimous treachery from Trump, Europe must commit all it can to battlefield victory of Ukraine.
It’s a mystery to me where all these people come from who support trump and want to wallow in this mess. It’s like a lot of things I think - like your daughter when she brings home that boyfriend who has trouble written all over him with a capital T. It’s going to get worse before it gets better, the more you try to point out the obvious the more you drive her to him. It has to run its course , you just need to keep an eye on and wipe the tears and pick up the pieces when the inevitable end comes. Let’s hope it isn’t too far away snd the damage isnt too severe.
Trump is a prisoner of his life experience and lack of cognitive ability as well as his personality disorder(s).
He treats his presidency and in particular these negotiations as being no more complex than 1980s property deals in NY with a side order of the Apprentice.
He is incapable of grasping the consequences of his actions. He is shallow, weak and vengeful when he feels slighted.
His administration is filled with inadequates who will kiss his arse to keep their places at the table, none of which have been earned.
Starmer and the rest of the European leaders have been playing along to one degree or another.
The time has come to grow a pair and whatever the economic consequences stand up to Trump and Putin.
Incidentally Putin as a Soviet trained thug is the greater danger right now.
Spot-on again Bear, nailed it all and the sham meeting in Alaska did nothing to scotch the rumours that Trump is in Vlad's pocket. Europe must stand squarely behind Ukraine and if that means telling the US that they are entirely wrong and supporting Ukraine without them then so be it.
I couldn't agree more, and I fervently hope that his vainglorious nonsense is thrown out by wiser, European, heads. This 'presidency' is like watching a slow-motion car crash heading straight for us. We really need to get out of the way right now.
I have to say I think the chances of trump listening to them is remote. He thinks he is the daddy. Maybe they have all chipped in to a big bribe. That might do it.
Absolutely this! We have to stand behind Ukraine 100%
The way Zelenskyy was treated by 🍊 compared to the way Putin was made me sick to my stomach.
"The danger feels palpable. Trump has made no secret of the fact that he desperately craves a Nobel Peace Prize, and he would do absolutely anything possible to get it,"
Bear, did you know that Trump, last Monday, before the Alaska meeting, rang (cold called) the President of Norway and demanded he be nominated for the Nobel prize? Can you imagine what that must have been like for the poor Norwegian president?! Trump is a bully and like all bullies - he is weak.
Zelenskiyy has played a blinder today - turning up with Starmer, Ursula Von de Leyen and Mark Rutte of NATO along with a wide assortment of other Presidents and Prime Ministers of Europe. including Trump's 'golfing buddy' the President of Finland. Zelenskiyy is not going to be bullied this time. The Coalition of the Willing are there to kick Trump's arse and chew bubblegum. They won't be bringing bubblegum ;o)
They will protect Zelenskyy but this bunch knows better than to try and force Trump’s hand. Rutte got a lot of flak for the Daddy thing: with unashamed craven narcissists like him it just works! Macron does the same: the Bastille Day parade, the Versailles dinner. Like Putin, they know how to play him.
I doubt there will be any arse kicking.
It will be diplomatic arse kicking LOL ;o)
Good grief! That man has no shame.
I wish that I could organise my thoughts into such eloquent pros. But there again I guess you save me a lot of time by writing exactly what I think! We can only hope that something positive comes out of today.
Excellent analysis of a rather worrying situation. It’s no accident that one of the Brexit scare stories was of a “European military force” being created. Of course Putin would not have wanted that and hence his efforts to support the Brexit campaign. So it’s time to put together a “European military force”, it’s essential for self defence and to reduce our reliance on the USA, after all they cannot be relied upon while the nutmeg is in charge. Special relationships to him means whoever is involved in the next deal!
Much as it may go against some form of grain, and as I have mentioned previously, this ginger clown is genuinely doing Europe a favour. We have relied upon a declining ex world power (the US) for far too long. This, imho, is the perfect opportunity to begin to ally ourselves with an emerging new world order where the long game is the norm rather than our parasitic capitalistic short termism.
Whilst the East may be far from perfect, we can learn a lot about stability, about looking after people (mostly) and move forward from the endless empty promises and picking of friends pockets whilst simultaneously giving them insincere hugs and kisses. Far better in my view to understand where one stands than be perpetually disappointed - again.
If this leads to us undoing Brexit, I am absolutely down with that :o)
Oops… meant to comment here (I think!)
Bear, dear Bear, I think you might be spending too much time on X if you believe that the nonsense you get from MAGA on X is in any way representative of Social Media, i.e. online view of the world, or even America alone!
European Leaders did not go into full panic mode. If I knew this was going to happen, if Kamala predicted during the debate 11 months ago this was going to happen, if anyone who’s ever observed Trump in the past 10 years knew this was going to happen, of course Mark Rutte, Starmer and the European Leaders knew it was going to happen.
Caveat: I didn’t expect the red carpet, the clapping worthy of a kid finding his presents on Christmas morning, the flyby (“look at my toys”) and the ride with him in the car (“look at my beautiful toy”).
Another surprise is Meloni’s participation: is she joining in as the fascist whisperer, fascist translator? Rutte and Macron excel at stroking Trump’s ego whilst drawing the lines (at least some). I’m sceptical about Starmer’s ability to influence anything: he’s the flag bearer of a formerly influential former superpower (yay us).
Ukraine’s conditions are fair, Zelenskyy never budged and it is his sovereign country’s goddamn right! Trump is known to listen to the last person who spoke: ceasefire before the Alaska farce, Ukraine must give up territory after. All predictable.
I’m proud we’re standing strong against Russia and that’s the only thing of importance that will happen today. Trump doesn’t have an ounce of will, ability or power to move the needle in this conflict.
If it weren't for the fact that this is all about real, palpable, human lives, this would just be comedic. The brightly painted Trumplethinskin and the miniature Russian doll, playing dress-up "world leaders" whilst demonstrating their conjoined utter inability to comprehend what the word "leadership" actually means. I just hope the European cohort who have travelled with Zelensky, for once, show some true grit and determination and refuse point-blank to allow either he nor Ukraine to be bullied into a poor deal that requires any territory to be surrendered. Sadly, I'm not confident that will be the case. But the Orange Cheeto needs to be schooled, hard.
We have crystal clear clarity now as to why Farage opposed a European army. His associates across the pond, MAGA Republican, far right Oligarch collusionists, were preparing for a Europe unable to withstand Russian expansion through war. Farage agreed that Russia was justified in its invasion of East Ukraine and Crimea.
🐻....as usual concisely put, it makes you wonder what hold Putin has over Trump following his many visits to Russia since 1987....given the Epstein files 🤔 and his stated penchant....likes beautiful women… many of them on the younger side. Who knows. I hope the European leaders stay strong against this orange clown. Slava Ukraini
Yet again Bear, you articulate exactly what I am thinking, but better than I ever could. Trump always wants the best deal, the bestest deal, nobody has ever seen a deal like this before, but only for himself. Does he actually believe he can simultaneously be a peacemaker and a dictator? I cannot imagine the Norwegians could ever be pressured into handing over their much valued peace prize to that ignorant buffoon, as if they did, it would be instantly devalued. Who would want to be in the company of such a petty, vindictive, uneducated, criminal, sex offender and likely paedophile?
Yes, Europe absolutely needs to stand united, with Ukraine, and against not only Russia, but the USA too, at least until trump and his vile GOP are long gone. Trump cannot be trusted. He has reneged on every treaty he has signed; see Canada and Mexico and the "greatest treaty ever", the one HE signed, then tore up. The Budapest Memorandum, where UK, US and Russia promised to protect Ukraine if they gave up their nuclear weapons. In trump's mind, nothing matters unless he benefits.
I apologise for rabitting on. That clown is really bad for my mental health. Every day I tell myself to ignore whatever is happening over the pond. Then I see umpteen posts from "patriots" demanding "are cuntry back", see fartage gloating over people calling for the killing of ALL immigrants, and I despair. I'd really like MY country back, the friendly, compassionate, welcoming one, where we take care of the vulnerable, not murder them.
The concept we have to reconcile as Europeans, and what we need to do very, very quickly, is that the post-war assumption of American reliability has evaporated. The Atlantic safety net has been shredded to pieces by Trump himself, scissors in hand, and the only rational response for Europe is now to build its own. And not in the future. Now. Today.
Today, after pusilanimous treachery from Trump, Europe must commit all it can to battlefield victory of Ukraine.
It’s a mystery to me where all these people come from who support trump and want to wallow in this mess. It’s like a lot of things I think - like your daughter when she brings home that boyfriend who has trouble written all over him with a capital T. It’s going to get worse before it gets better, the more you try to point out the obvious the more you drive her to him. It has to run its course , you just need to keep an eye on and wipe the tears and pick up the pieces when the inevitable end comes. Let’s hope it isn’t too far away snd the damage isnt too severe.
My fears exactly.
Greetings Bear.
Trump is a prisoner of his life experience and lack of cognitive ability as well as his personality disorder(s).
He treats his presidency and in particular these negotiations as being no more complex than 1980s property deals in NY with a side order of the Apprentice.
He is incapable of grasping the consequences of his actions. He is shallow, weak and vengeful when he feels slighted.
His administration is filled with inadequates who will kiss his arse to keep their places at the table, none of which have been earned.
Starmer and the rest of the European leaders have been playing along to one degree or another.
The time has come to grow a pair and whatever the economic consequences stand up to Trump and Putin.
Incidentally Putin as a Soviet trained thug is the greater danger right now.