Terror Attack in Britain

Several issues here. the WaPo reports that the man responsible was Brih born, although Muslim and influenced by terrorism (along with a criminal record). And of course Donald Trump Jr. attacked the mayor of London by taking his statement about preparedness out of context (WaPo). What this tells me is that nativism will not protect us; terrorism is more and more likely to be homegrown. And also, what if Londoners had guns? Would it have been worse (because he would have a gun) or better because others would have guns?

Tillerson skipping NATO

And further proof of the Russia connection and the attempt by Trump and the Repubs to turn the U.S. into an oligarchy along the lines of China and Russia, Reuters reported yesterday late that Tillerson is skipping a NATO conference to visit with the China President on a visit to DC followed by a trip to Russia later in April. Coincidence? I think not. Wake up Americans! Gee whiz!

The real story of the Merkel Trump meeting

Wa Po analyzed the meeting with Merkel and there are interesting take aways. First, Trump is embarrassing the U.S. And he doesn't understand how any of this works. Are there things to talk about with NATO - yes. But first you have to understand the thing. AAARRGGHHH. It is so frustrating.

“Trump’s comments misrepresent the way NATO functions,” Daalder told us. “The President keeps saying that we need to be paid by the Europeans for the fact that we have troops in Europe or provide defense there. But that’s not how it works.”

Wikileaks is more about privatization rather than deep state

WaPo has a fascinating story on where Wikileaks gets its info . It tells you that the push to find intel for security has caused us to be less picky about who is hired and that is leading to the leaks. I still have issues with Assange though. He's a putz, albeit a smart one.

Eminent Domain for the Wall

The Daily Beast reports that people have started to receive notices.  So much for small government.

China urges a cool head to the U.S.

WaPo reports that China urges Tillerson and the US to keep their cool with N. Korea.  China. Urges. the U.S. to keep its cool. This is the world we now live in. The U.S. is now a joke and not a leader - except that we have more nuclear weapons. Yay us. :p

German elections

From Brookings about Martin Schultz, the Social Democrat running against Merkel. 

It is getting real folks (N. Korea I mean)

Three articles here that address the same issue of Sec of State Tillerson rejecting talks with N. Korea and adopting a new tactic. WaPo Tillerson says all options are on the table , BBC News US Speaks of N. Korea military option, and NYT Rex Tillerson Rejects Talks . What does this mean? He** if I know. On one hand, Tillerson could be using tough talk to drive China into a more aggressive action against N. Korea. The issue there is that China has not done enough to control the Kims, probably to maintain a sphere of influence and keep Japan in check. In addition, we have been "talking" to N. Korea for 20+ years with no sustained cooperation and Kim has simply increased their nuclear capabilities. On the other hand, is Tillerson venturing into a delicate diplomatic situation with Trumpian and Exxon bravado that will pull us to the verge, or into war in Asia? (And let us remember the history of fighting in Asia.....WWII, Korea, Vietnam..... our last big success was Commodore Perry's sailing into Yedo Bay and then the Teddy Roosevelt Great White Fleet.) You decide.

There is hope on the geopolitical front.

WaPo covered that the Dutch Prime Minister defeated Geert Wilders the far right candidate. NYT Takes a more reserved look at the defeat of Wilders

Increased military action in Syria

WaPo points out the fact of increased US involvement in Syria, albeit in an advisory capacity (I will ignore the Vietnam references)  as well as the questions about the Commander in Chief and the military becoming props. This is a real concern to me anyway, and I don't have boys in the fight. (Although I have 4 draft age.) I don't know what to think. The whole thing is a hot mess and I want someone to admit it.

Trump and the Saudi Prince meet

CNN Money posts about the meeting between Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince I don't know how you feel about Saudi Arabia but I have issues with Saudi Arabia politically.

Trump's Jekyll and Hyde on Foreign Policy

Politico Magazine has a piece on Trump's Foreign Policy that is truly terrifying. WWIII. Just saying.

PM cites interviews from the 80s and 90s where Trump claims he has more expertise than any other 20th century leader and that his foreign policy goes to pre WWI. Yes. Really.

EU and Freedom of Expression

Al Jazeera did an article on a Ruling from the EU Court Allowinig Employers to ban political, religious, and philosophical symbols that is largely perceived as targeting Muslim women. Is this a slippery slope?

What will Rex Tillerson do in Asia?

PBS News Hour : Why is Tillerson Keeping a low profile  Yes, indeed. Asia is a real concern and what exactly will he do? This administration acts like a totalitarian regime.

Russian Intervention is a National Security Issue and State Lawmakers seek to curb it

Brookings Russia's ability to intervene is a National Security Issue

PBS News Hour State Lawmakers seek to curb foreign influence

So isn't this a job for our federal government? Oh wait, they are trying to destroy government (anarchists). The Russia thing needs to be investigated.

Sec of State Tillerson - The Quiet Man, or a Killer of Swamp Creatures?

NYT Tillerson leads State Dept from the Shadows

I am not sure what I think about this. I just thought his different approach is worth noting. The next few months will tell, with North Korea and all.

On another note, I think "drain the swamp" actually means get rid of Democrats. Seriously. It isn't about ending corruption, it is about becoming a one party government.



Quote: But he is also introverted, a bit standoffish. He never met in person with John Kerry, his predecessor. “These guys came in to drain the swamp,” one career State Department official said, “and it’s clear that they are under orders not to cooperate or deal with swamp creatures.”

Competing World Visions

NYT Putin and Merkel have different visions for Europe

Again, nationalism is taking hold all over the world. What's the over under for the next world war? And under Trump the U.S. is ceding its global influence. What irony that Germany is now the voice of reason in the 21st century!

Sigh. April is the witching month. See my post on Trump and a Crisis.....

WaPo North Korea's Arsenal

And this isn't the soccer kind. South Korea leadership is in chaos. Trump is unpredictable and ill informed/prepared. North Korea is crazy. Yeah, nothing to worry about here. Let me just say that we have no idea or understanding about Asia and never have. It is a historical fact.

When is the next world war?

WaPo Anti immigrant anger in liberal Netherlands

I don't know when the next world war will be but the disturbing trend towards nationalism is a real concern.