The Donroe Doctrine

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
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With a straight face, Prime Minister Mark Carney last week trumpeted his assorted trade deals with China as a “new world order,” quote unquote. That was an unfortunate choice of words, but apt.
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So, for Carney to celebrate a New World Order with China was, to say the least, a poor choice of words. Off to the woodshed, PMO spinners. In his private moments, Mark Carney probably acknowledges that – diplomatically, economically, militarily – Canada is a middle power, if that. A single chair at the G7 notwithstanding, we get pushed around. A lot.
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On China, there have been two Mark Carneys. There is the election-time Mark Carney, who solemnly declared China “the biggest security threat” facing Canada. Then, there is the post-election Mark Carney, who now says China is a more reliable trading partner than the United States, that we are on “the right track” with the Chinese regime, that it’s an historic “strategic partnership” and – my personal favourite – the aforementioned “new world order.” Hulk Hogan, stand aside.
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Without invoking U.S. President Donald Trump by name, Carney referenced "American hegemony" and said "great powers" are using economic integration as "weapons."
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"Canadians know that our old, comfortable assumption that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security is no longer valid," Carney said.
As it grapples with this new dynamic, Carney said Canada must be "principled and pragmatic" and turn inward to build up the country and diversify trading relationships to become less reliant on countries like the U.S., now that it's clear "integration" can lead to "subordination."
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Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
31,102
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Regina, Saskatchewan
No chancy Mr Wheren. No chancy!
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The U.S. Mid-Terms are still ten months away, & no guarantee that will reel in Orange Jesus regardless of the outcome, & then there’s another two years after that, that Trump is in power, assuming he doesn’t go for that “third term” he’s been rambling on about a while back, or elect himself emperor or whatever.

Maybe Trump America will be in a war with someone, or everyone, by then, and will have to postpone their elections until some further date, etc…
 
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Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
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Regina, Saskatchewan
DAVOS, Switzerland—President Trump is showing up for an annual gathering of the global elite here in the Swiss Alps, swinging a wrecking ball at the international order.
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Trump insists he will take possession of Greenland from North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally Denmark—by force if he has to. Ahead of his trip, he posted an image portraying him lecturing European leaders in front of a map in which Greenland, Canada and Venezuela are emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes.

On Thursday, he plans to unveil what he is calling a Board of Peace that aims to supplant the United Nations—and be led by him, in perpetuity.
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The reactions from many U.S. allies and partners, some of them aired in public, many of them still only expressed in private, are stark: Trump’s America seems to have lost its mind. The unfolding break is profound, and, to many outside the U.S., Washington’s behavior defies any rational explanation.
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The tone in Europe has hardened in recent days, after Trump announced punitive tariffs against European nations that sent troops for exercises in Greenland. Even far-right and nationalist parties courted by the Trump administration as an alternative to centrist politicians on the continent have voiced outrage and called for retaliation.
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Carl Bildt, the former prime minister of Sweden who now co-chairs the European Council on Foreign Relations, Tuesday described Trump’s social-media post with the map as “a Nero warning”—a reference to the infamous Roman emperor blamed at the time for burning down the city.
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Trump’s message to the Norwegian prime minister that “I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace” because he had not been given the Nobel Peace Prize shows a serious problem with the U.S. president’s judgment, said Bernard Guetta, a French member of the European Parliament.
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Ettore Sequi, a former secretary-general of the Italian foreign ministry, said Trump has made clear his desire to blow up the international system and summed up the situation by saying: “The strategic choice for Europe is whether it is able to talk to Trump while keeping a gun on the negotiating table.”
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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), a Trump ally also attending Davos, said in an interview that “a lot of people think” Trump “is destroying the old order. Good. It didn’t work.” He said he had little patience for European hand-wringing and was confident that the issue of Greenland would be resolved to everyone’s benefit?
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“We are not going to transfer title under a force-of-arms threat, but the idea of finding a way to bolster Greenland’s capabilities and to have more control by us is coming together,” he said. “Enough with the Greenland drama. It’s all going to work out.” (???)
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European leaders have promised a united response to Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on several European countries if he doesn’t get Greenland.
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The European Parliament has put on hold a trade deal with the U.S. that was negotiated last summer. That means that unless the standoff is resolved, tariffs on some 93 billion euros in American goods will come into effect next month, with more painful moves, such as sanctions on U.S. tech companies, also under consideration.
 

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
31,102
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Regina, Saskatchewan
The U.S. Mid-Terms are still ten months away, & no guarantee that will reel in Orange Jesus regardless of the outcome, & then there’s another two years after that, that Trump is in power, assuming he doesn’t go for that “third term” he’s been rambling on about a while back, or elect himself emperor or whatever.
While the U.S. hasn’t publicly threatened to use military force in Cuba, Trump officials privately say the brazen raid that extracted Maduro should serve as an implicit threat to Havana.

Cuba’s fate has long been entwined with Venezuela: subsidized Venezuelan oil has been a mainstay of its economy since shortly after Hugo Chávez took power in Venezuela in 1999. Washington intends to weaken the regime by choking off that oil, which has kept Cuba’s lights on, senior U.S. officials said. Cuba could run out of oil within weeks, bringing the economy to a grinding halt, according to economists.
The regime has withstood years of intense U.S. pressure, from the Central Intelligence Agency-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 to a punishing embargo imposed in 1962 that became more stringent over time.

The administration is also taking aim at Cuba’s overseas medical missions, Havana’s most important source of hard currency, including through visa bans targeting Cuban and foreign officials accused of facilitating the program, because doctors?

“Cuba’s rulers are incompetent Marxists who have destroyed their country, and they have had a major setback with the Maduro regime that they are responsible for propping up,” a White House official said, reiterating that Cuba should “make a deal before it’s too late.”

The Trump administration has assessed Cuba’s economy as being close to collapse and that the government has never been this fragile after losing a vital benefactor in Maduro, these people said. Officials don’t have a concrete plan to end the Communist government that has held power on the Caribbean island for almost seven decades, but they see Maduro’s capture and subsequent concessions from his allies left behind as a blueprint and a warning for Cuba, senior U.S. officials said.

U.S. intelligence assessments have painted a grim picture of the island’s economy, plagued by chronic shortages of basic goods, medicines and frequent blackouts, according to people familiar with the analysis.
That’ll learn them for being in the Western Hemisphere. “There is no surrender or capitulation possible nor any kind of understanding based on coercion or intimidation,” said Cuban President Díaz-Canel. Sort of sounds like Denmark, or Canada, or the EU, or NATO, but that’s probably just a coincidence.

In a statement, the State Department said that it is in America’s national security interests for Cuba “to be competently run by a democratic government and to refuse to host our adversaries’ military and intelligence services.”

Under the current "Trump regime," many political scientists, like Steven Levitsky, Daniel Ziblatt, and Brian Klaas, argue the U.S. has transitioned from a full democracy to a "competitive authoritarian" system or “anacracy,” where elections happen but the ruling party unfairly uses state power, creating a tilted playing field, though some still see it as a flawed democracy or in deep crisis.
Key Perspectives
  • Competitive Authoritarianism: This view suggests the U.S. retains democratic structures (elections, institutions) but the governing party (under Trump) manipulates them to its advantage, stifling opposition and abusing power, making it no longer a robust democracy.
  • Anocracy/Autocratization: Experts describe the U.S. as experiencing "autocratization," a process where democratic norms erode, accelerating under Trump, pushing it toward rule by a single leader.
Since 1960, the United States has imposed unilateral economic sanctions upon Cuba, sanctions that affect all sectors of the society as well as all categories of its population. Since February 3, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy made the decision to isolate the island completely, these sanctions have been total.

This network of sanctions is unique in terms of its length, its thoroughness, and its sophistication. It is also retroactive and applies to events that happened before the legislation was adopted, and extraterritorial: it extends to other nations and is therefore in conflict with the norms of international law, but that’s neither here nor there, & international law is so passé.
 

Ocean Breeze

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The hard truth about “international law” is that it can be used to justify or condemn just about anything. The reality is, and always has been, that the strong do as they please, and the weak submit to their authority.

But we do have an interest in maintaining an international order that frowns upon military adventurism and respects the rights of sovereign states, even if we don’t like them. There should be clear national security reasons for attacking another country and deposing its leader — and they should be debated by Congress before unilateral action is taken.

The fact that the Trump administration spent months planning the attack and developing the drug-war pretext for it shows that this was not a pragmatic decision based on a clear and present danger to the United States. And if we can’t even count on Trump to abide by his own pacifist ideals, there’s no telling what he might do next.
This is a very astute assessment of the current reality.......and where the Trump regime is heading. He has weaponized tariffs and is using them to "reward" and punish as he sees fit depending on what triggered him in the most event seconds.
Bottom line: He is a clear and present danger to the world. No one is safe from his tyrannical whims now. one might assume that there is a powerful group that is also pulling his strings .......
The other reality is that he is mentally unstable. He is too inconsistent, unreliable, erratic, reactionary, biased , prejudiced ....so one canot predict what he will say or do from one minute to the next.
Carney has him figured out......and realizes the danger he poses. Carney has a big challenge and it will take all his excellent brain power, experience and wisdom to deal with this.

What does not help is Canadas internal strife...like Alberta threatening to go unrepentant and Quebec making its own noises. Those things fracture the unity......and make the country very vlnerable to a tyrarant loke Donald.... as he is RUTHLESS , CALLOUS , and not ocncerned with any laws anymore. He has been allowe d and even encouraged by his peons to do as he wishes ...and now beleives he is invincible. He is delusonal and intoxicted with power now.....and craves even MORE .
Bottomline BIG PROBLEM for anyone that he will target . Greenland got a temporary respite.....and no one knows what THAT "framework " looks like. It might be nothing more than a face saving tactic .for Donald after the created that senational incidnet regarding Greenland. That was totally Irrational.......as the US already has full access to Greenald .
Trump has no intentions of leaving office. He will rig the midtemrs to make sue he 'wins". The world has an unstable lunatic as the "leader of the free world "....... Meanwhile the other tyrants of the world are seeing benefits for their own agenda . Appeasing him is futel and silly.....as he will turn around and betray one. But he remains loyal to Putin and seems to be learning tactics from him. Meanwhile the US itself is heading for a major crisis ...... which Trump will manage "forcefully" and militarily if he chooses. It is not a democracy or republic anymore.

THANK YOU for posting this very relaxant topic.......as it is so timely........ and we need to be very informed and aware of what is happening around us. Unpleasant as it is.
 
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Ocean Breeze

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You think American states don't have fights about pipelines? Or do you think Trump will be President forever?
It is worse that that. Look at what is happening in Minnesota??...The Trump goons are getting out of control. .shooting /killing NURSE.....American citizen that tried to assist someone that was being terrorized by ICE.
Maybe Minnesota will decide to join Canada....... as then it would REALLY be free.......free from the tyrant that is running amock down there. Here are some realitise . The current USG has destroyed relationships and lost respect on the world stage. It has become a certifiable bully with major psychological problems that include delusions of controlling the world and using economic tactics as "leverage". It is now callous, coldly indifferent and as we can see in the US also inhumane. Lawlessness is the order of the day.... And the population is now too dummed down to see what is happening. OR support this tyranny as their new "normal"
 

Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
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Carney has him figured out......and realizes the danger he poses.
I think most in the U.S. and most of the planet have him figured out…but now what? 40% of all military spending on the planet is done by the US, and they’ve (the Trump administration) demonstrated repeatedly in the last year that they have few qualms using that military internationally and domestically against their own people.
 
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Ron in Regina

"Voice of the West" Party
Apr 9, 2008
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Regina, Saskatchewan
It is worse that that. Look at what is happening in Minnesota??...The Trump goons are getting out of control. .shooting /killing NURSE.....American citizen that tried to assist someone that was being terrorized by ICE.
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And it’s there for anyone who’s willing to look to see what’s actually happening, & to see where the truth lay in this back-and-forth fiasco.
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Ocean Breeze

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I think most in the U.S. and most of the planet have him figured out…but now what? 40% of all military spending on the planet is done by the US, and they’ve (the Trump administration) demonstrated repeatedly in the last year that they have few qualms using that military internationally and domestically against their own people.
Exactly'!!!! and good question: What now?? What can be done and who can do it ?? Wonder how far Trump has to go before people get really angry...and things explode?? The issue is that Trump is bit stable (emotionally or psychologically). He is a pathological liar, sociopathic narcissist that is currently intoxicated on power. (and that really makes him dangerous ) There is no rational , reasonable ,or logical reason for a lot of his erratic actions. (can words) He takes a perverse pleasure at his own sadistic behavior. ( suing , bad mouth, shaming and trashing others .....and threatening them) The way he and his goons treat immigrants now is inhumane...but it seems to make them feel powerful . He is derterened to create chaos and fear so the population becomes complient to his will and insane whims.
Reality is that this is a massive problem that is affecting so many (intentional and unintentional) MAGA is like a cult in their loyalty to this tyrant. they , like the ICE agents will do whatever Trump demands of them. (and anyone that does not.....will be disappeared or tr4ated like a terrorist. Watching to see how far he will go with Minneapolis and his threats to CDA. Bottom line: scary times.
 

bob the dog

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Exactly'!!!! and good question: What now?? What can be done and who can do it ?? Wonder how far Trump has to go before people get really angry...and things explode?? The issue is that Trump is bit stable (emotionally or psychologically). He is a pathological liar, sociopathic narcissist that is currently intoxicated on power. (and that really makes him dangerous ) There is no rational , reasonable ,or logical reason for a lot of his erratic actions. (can words) He takes a perverse pleasure at his own sadistic behavior. ( suing , bad mouth, shaming and trashing others .....and threatening them) The way he and his goons treat immigrants now is inhumane...but it seems to make them feel powerful . He is derterened to create chaos and fear so the population becomes complient to his will and insane whims.
Reality is that this is a massive problem that is affecting so many (intentional and unintentional) MAGA is like a cult in their loyalty to this tyrant. they , like the ICE agents will do whatever Trump demands of them. (and anyone that does not.....will be disappeared or tr4ated like a terrorist. Watching to see how far he will go with Minneapolis and his threats to CDA. Bottom line: scary times.
It was way better when the southern border was flooded with refugees and 10% to the Big Guy ruled the day. Democrats just prefer to keep their shady business in the shade. They also stole the election and spent the next 4 years doing everything in their power to prevent him from running again.

The longest job to be completed is the one never started and you can't say Trump is not trying.

I did not like how he axed the internet tax for his buddy Zuckerberg and others so will give you the ego trip observation but overall it's not an easy job.
 

Ocean Breeze

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It was way better when the southern border was flooded with refugees and 10% to the Big Guy ruled the day. Democrats just prefer to keep their shady business in the shade. They also stole the election and spent the next 4 years doing everything in their power to prevent him from running again.

The longest job to be completed is the one never started and you can't say Trump is not trying.

I did not like how he axed the internet tax for his buddy Zuckerberg and others so will give you the ego trip observation but overall it's not an easy job.
No one said it was an easy job. Not the issue. The issue is that a leader can accomplish these goals in a much more humaneway. Usig the harsh tactics that are being used just reduuces the coutnry to a thrid world level.

HOW this is done is just as critical as what is being done. Regressive tactics are destructive . One might examine the recruiting tactics for staff for ICE. They are literally lookng for people with the same ideology as Trump..... which is defy8ng the law and using barbaric inhumane tactics. People are being disappeared, and killed.... and no one is held to account.......as the law means nothing there now. It is what trump says it is. and what suits his whim o f the moment. It is a tough job.....and it requires the right personality to handle it. Plus a calm maturity that is based on reason and humanitarian principles. and ethical standards..
 
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Tecumsehsbones

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No one said it was an easy job. Not the issue. The issue is that a leader can accomplish these goals in a much more humaneway. Usig the harsh tactics that are being used just reduuces the coutnry to a thrid world level.

HOW this is done is just as critical as what is being done. Regressive tactics are destructive . One might examine the recruiting tactics for staff for ICE. They are literally lookng for people with the same ideology as Trump..... which is defy8ng the law and using barbaric inhumane tactics. People are being disappeared, and killed.... and no one is held to account.......as the law means nothing there now. It is what trump says it is. and what suits his whim o f the moment. It is a tough job.....and it requires the right personality to handle it. Plus a calm maturity that is based on reason and humanitarian principles. and ethical standards..
Well, ya gotta admit, shooting 'em in the head is way less bother than going through all the deportation hearing paperwork. More fun, too!
 

bob the dog

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Aug 14, 2020
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No one said it was an easy job. Not the issue. The issue is that a leader can accomplish these goals in a much more humaneway. Usig the harsh tactics that are being used just reduuces the coutnry to a thrid world level.

HOW this is done is just as critical as what is being done. Regressive tactics are destructive . One might examine the recruiting tactics for staff for ICE. They are literally lookng for people with the same ideology as Trump..... which is defy8ng the law and using barbaric inhumane tactics. People are being disappeared, and killed.... and no one is held to account.......as the law means nothing there now. It is what trump says it is. and what suits his whim o f the moment. It is a tough job.....and it requires the right personality to handle it. Plus a calm maturity that is based on reason and humanitarian principles. and ethical standards..
Every day Vladimir Putin remains alive surprises me
 

Ocean Breeze

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View attachment 32836
The U.S. Mid-Terms are still ten months away, & no guarantee that will reel in Orange Jesus regardless of the outcome, & then there’s another two years after that, that Trump is in power, assuming he doesn’t go for that “third term” he’s been rambling on about a while back, or elect himself emperor or whatever.

Maybe Trump America will be in a war with someone, or everyone, by then, and will have to postpone their elections until some further date, etc…
That is a very eral possibility (probability). Not suerr he would do a war as he will find some oterh way to cancel the midtersm.......and retain full control.....(and power) The midtersms will be intersting.........as we need to watch what tactics he will use to have them go HIS way. The lunatic is a danger to democracy the country and the world. And the US seems helpless now to impeach him. ( been there and done taht he will say ...or his lawyers will) It is scary to watch how lawless America is becoming. From the person that was DEMANDING to win the Peace prize..........he is a trigger for unrest, chaos and an agent for military action. It is unadulterated insanity.
Notice how he abuses former allies, but remains compliant with the dictators of the world. And MAGA will support whatever insanity he will do. It is almost as if they are anti American as they blindly follow one man..........not the construction.
 

bob the dog

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Aug 14, 2020
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That is a very eral possibility (probability). Not suerr he would do a war as he will find some oterh way to cancel the midtersm.......and retain full control.....(and power) The midtersms will be intersting.........as we need to watch what tactics he will use to have them go HIS way. The lunatic is a danger to democracy the country and the world. And the US seems helpless now to impeach him. ( been there and done taht he will say ...or his lawyers will) It is scary to watch how lawless America is becoming. From the person that was DEMANDING to win the Peace prize..........he is a trigger for unrest, chaos and an agent for military action. It is unadulterated insanity.
Notice how he abuses former allies, but remains compliant with the dictators of the world. And MAGA will support whatever insanity he will do. It is almost as if they are anti American as they blindly follow one man..........not the construction.
You are implying the world was doing fine before Donald Trump came along. It was not.