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This is an important message brought to you by reality; on day 6.
In this new political reality, even if you don’t see the above message written down somewhere, else know this:
Expect that your day will come; it will be the day when you discover an important truth that may likely define every day for the rest of your life.
If you do not give in to the philosophy of MAGA, if you do not comply with the laws of MAGA, if you do not pledge loyalty to MAGA, if you question the bigotry within MAGA, you will discover – the hard way – that you must comply with the totality of MAGA or suffer consequences.
Fundamentally, you’ll find that it’s safer to be inside MAGA; until you – as many will – discover that no place is safe.
I’ve been reading accounts of the strengthening grip that Stalin and Mao and Mussolini and Hitler and Putin exercised on their countries; the parallels to what we’re experiencing here are uncanny.
The weird thing is that there is a common refrain that shouts out a specific truth – as if from a common script – in these places where xenophobic populism, bigotries targeting vulnerable populations, blatant racism, unrepentant demagoguery and a kleptocracy amongst oligarchs become the defining the purposes of government…
In countries around the world and in times long past and in recent times, it’s not until authoritarianism has taken full root; it’s not until then when people say, almost universally:
IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE
fyi: it hasn’t happened here yet.
RESIST
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Mussolini was a clown.
Hitler was a buffoon.
BOTH DESTROYED THIER COUNTRIES
Franco (Spain) was less of a clown; he has a legacy.
“Another told the newspaper that it was a “cold shower” to realize that Trump is serious in his attempt to acquire the island: “Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous.””
Paul, if Trump orders an invasion of Greenland or Panama, what do you think will happen?
As we know, US soldiers are forbidden from following illegal orders. Would it be illegal to invade an Ally?
The Constitution only allows Congress to declare war; however; a President order military interventions.
He simply has to call them something other than “war.”
Would our military stand up against this? Would the non-MAGA Republicans acquiesce?
What would be the outcome?
It’s difficult to imaging that invading and/or claiming Danish territory is anything other than an intention to further the goal of exiting NATO.
It certainly would usher in the end of US participation as an ally and set the stage for the US to be an antagonist.
And, as I think I noted elsewhere, taking over Greenland and/or Canada could be seen as a tacit acknowledgement that global warming is real.
The resources in Greenland are going to become more accessible as it warms, including those used for making batteries.
In principle, self-determination seems like a basic human right.
However, in practical terms, what does that really mean?
Who prevails over whom; is this a question of military force?
If those distinctions were obvious from the beginning, there wouldn’t have had a civil war in the US. The world history of colonization wouldn’t have unfolded as it did.
The war in Ukraine raises questions – for instance, does it make sense for the residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to have the opportunity to vote themselves free from Ukraine for annexation into Russia?
This question fundamentally assumes a free and legitimate referendum could be arranged.
My attempt at humorous thinking is that an alternate universe might be necessary.
Would US soldiers be able to conclude who the allies are?
If Trump has convinced them that Greenland and the Panama Canal are rightfully ours and these countries are refusing legitimate demands, how would that be clear even to juries or judges?
I would HOPE it would be in a court of law, but I’m not at all sure it would. What if it went to SCOTUS, especially with another Trump judge?
I do worry that Trump could get us into an incredibly stupid war against our allies.
I don’t know that he’s a pyschopath; however, like a psychopath, he has zero shame in lying or being called out for lying.
The other question I have is this:
Would adding Greenland to the US glorify him? Personally, I believe so.
Obviously, there’s a lot to unpack. My understanding is the indigenous Inuit make up about 90% of the total population. Further, I understand there’s support amongst that 90% for independence from Denmark.
I don’t have a number for that support.
Obviously, that’s different than becoming a protectorate or whatever of the USA.
The USA fought a civil war to deny states a right of secession.
In contrast, Canada’s supreme court ruled that Quebec can separate if a majority of the citizens voted to secede providing a closely monitored referendum was held.
Laws governing these rights are different everywhere; however, should the citizens of Greenland have the right to vote for independence from Denmark?
What about a vote to become a protectorate of the USA?
I’m not advocating for or against or for any of these choices; I’m just saying that it’s complicated and there are many, many considerations in the soup of self-determination.
I get the “if the Greenland population votes for it” point. Self-determination is both basic and complicated. I also think that Trump won’t like it if they voted to not accept US “annexation” and he’s denied an election meeting his terms.
Also, Denmark doesn’t think they can leave, and I don’t think the US saying they can will change Denmark’s mind.
What do you think about military action? Either from the US or Greenlanders vs Denmark?
Hopefully you wouldn’t support any sort of war.
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Of course not. I don’t think there will be a war.
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Me neither. I doubt it, even for Trump. However, Trump consistently exceeds my pessimistic expectations.
I have to say, I’m struggling with how pessimistic I need to be with regard to Trump..
Trump admits to bluffing as a strategy, where he might exaggerate his position, his interest, or his capabilities to steer negotiations in his favor.
So, maybe pessimistic makes sense to you; on the other hand, you might want to consider that you’re being played.
The Jan 6 riots dramatically shifted my range of pessimism regarding Trump and his intentions.
Observing actual facts has nothing to do with being “played”.
Also, there’s the reality of seeing him pardon violent rioters while simultaneously making clear he’d like to see Liz Cheney and the entire J6 committee in a federal prison.
I’m not going to argue this with you.
Other stories catching our Attention
The Final Story-Threat of the Day is Perhaps the Most Consequential
The White House is seeking to send a message to reticent Senate Republicans to get on board with all of President Donald Trump’s nominees, warning of political consequences for those who defy him.
“It’s pass-fail. You either support everyone or you don’t,” a senior White House official told NBC News. “The Senate needs to advise and consent, not advise and adjust.”