The Politics Thread

[Contessa Donatella]

The thing that bothers me is, in my lifetime at least, the most qualified people to ever run for President, were Hillary Clinton & Kamala Harris!

Edited February 13 by Contessa Donatella

[brockreynolds]

There's nothing we can do. Let him have it, and hope Putin dies soon. Ukraine is not worth nuclear war. 

[Gray Bunny]

Yes. It was and still is infuriating to hear people (family members) saying that old phrase of, "I didn't want to see another politician in the White House," re: the 2016 election, as if the position of POTUS is an electrician, plumber, pre-school teacher, etc. and not the ultimate political leader. 

[janea4old]

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/baerbock-weimar-2700212

Weimar+ Statement by Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the European External Action Service and the European Commission

Press release 
12 of February 2025 - Paris

We are ready to enhance our support for Ukraine. We commit to its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's war of aggression.

We share the goal to keep supporting Ukraine until a just, comprehensive and lasting peace is reached. A peace that guarantees the interest of Ukraine and our own.

We are looking forward to discussing the way ahead together with our American allies. Our shared objectives should be to put Ukraine in a position of strength. Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations. Ukraine should be provided with strong security guarantees. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a necessary condition for a strong transatlantic security.

We recall that the security of the European continent is our common responsibility. We are therefore working together to strengthen our collective defense capabilities.

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[janea4old]

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, February 12, 2025.

“I’m here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States from being the primary guarantor of security in Europe.”

“The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome for a negotiated settlement.”

Edited February 13 by janea4old

[Khan]

So, what does he mean, exactly?  Is he telling Europe (and the rest of the world) that they're on their own?

[janea4old]

Yes. The USA has just thrown out foreign policy that has been in place since 1945.

Edited February 13 by janea4old

[Khan]

And for what?  What do we gain from reverting to isolationism, aside from pity and scorn?

[Maxim]

He is doing exactly as Putin planned and wished. We are entering very troubling times.

[I Am A Swede]

I don't think the Ukrainian people would agree with you. And don't think for a moment that it will end with the Ukraine. Georgia, Moldova, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will be next in line, and I think that Poland and maybe even Finland would feel slightly apprehensive.

[janea4old]

 

I feel the same.  Russia had no right to invade Ukraine, which is enough in itself.   But also, it has always seemed obvious to me that Ukraine was intended by Putin as a stepping stone to take over Europe, piece by piece.

Poland joined in with other European countries in support of Ukraine in this statement abovethread here:   (link to post)

Edited February 13 by janea4old

[Contessa Donatella]

One of the members of our Jarly zoom is a Ukrainian refugee living in Germany. Whenever she talks about it, I feel so bad for her & her people. She has a beautiful toddler whose name is Alice Hope. Love that & her.

[janea4old]

Article from November 2024:  Finnish women voluntarily training in case of someday potential war from Russia, via the Women’s National Emergency Preparedness Association of Finland.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/23/fires-first-aid-and-guns-meet-the-finnish-women-training-for-war-with-russia

[reallyhateskateonlost]

RFK confirmed.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/13/politics/rfk-jr-senate-confirmation-vote/index.html

He wants us to eat healthy but not take vaccines.

 

 

[janea4old]

updates: Mitch McConnell voted *YES* to advance Pete Hegseth's nomination as Defense Secretary from the preliminary hearings to the full Senate vote; 
but then he voted *NO* to the final confirmation vote. 

Mitch McConnell voted *YES* to advance Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as Director of National Intelligence from the preliminary hearings to the full Senate vote; 
but then he voted *NO* to the final confirmation vote.

Mitch McConnell voted *YES* to advance RFK Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services from the preliminary hearings to the full Senate vote; 
but then he voted *NO* to the final confirmation vote.

Mitch McConnell's opinion was published as an opinion column in the Louisville Kentucky "Courier-Journal" on February 12, 2025, saying Trump's tariffs are a bad idea:
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2025/02/12/trump-tariffs-damage-kentucky-economy-bourbon-mcconnell/78393549007/

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Edited February 13 by janea4old