Stinking Fwench Government Whores Sell Soul (again) and Tiawan to Chinese Commies

[Lancer]

"We prefer killing Brits by proxy, while you guys kill them directly.

Once again, we see the difference between us subtle diplomats and them uncouth cowboys "

[Az]

Well, about a trillion is from the costs of oil. since the arab oil embargo. Of course, the US didn't have to help Israel. ( and infact, the weapons that were sent then, didn't ever reach the battlefield). But I am sure that nuclear retaliation against overwhelming conventional advantage would be more beneficial to the US - nuclear wars usually are great for the economy, and would finally solidify america's independence from the evil Israeli lobby.

The "requirement to use US jobs" argument is bogus - period. Israel has to contract all of the things it buys with US money from US military contractors, and companies. That's why we have silly "made in the US" conserve jars, and lots of other stuff on our bases. Same goes with the planes, etc.

I wish our government would stop being the recipient of this 'aid' of yours. It's like welfare, only bad.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by Ned
BTW, given everything, I see a new balance of major powers lining up as this:

1. US-Britain-Japan-India
2. France-Germany-Russia-China

Anyone disagree?

I do.

France's diplomacy will be likely very different once Chirac leaves power. He doesn't seem to have any heir whith the same ideas, that has also reasonable chance of success. The fashionable right winger of the time loves the US. The mainstream left is very pragmatic.

If anything, I think that France, in the long run, will try to push for Europe to become a bloc that's rather cooperative with the Yanks, but that sternly defends its interests.

[Az]

...the way it should be, really.

[Lancer]

Spif, speaking of French interests, how does French wealth compare to German? In the case of a political union in europe, wouldn't France tend to be swallowed by German economic power? I guess what I'm saying is, when it comes to France, Germany swallows, right? At least until the Union?

Typical marriage imo.

[Az]

I don't think that Germany will swallow, in this case.

there are too many other countries. Of course, the German regions will be very strong, economically, in the future superstate, but there are always these regions, and their populations are often underrepresented ( See the case of the US)

[kronic]

There's no difference in GDP per capita, but the German economy is about 1/4 larger. That said, the German population will dramatically decline while the French population is rather set to grow in the next decades. France may even have a higher population than Germany in 3 or 4 decades. Germany certainly isn't a thread to France anymore.

[Heresson]

Originally posted by Lancer
"That is a problem for us as they seem to find their way into our enemies' hands."

Remember when, >>>during the Falklands war<<< the French wanted to sell Argentina more exocets to replace those used to sink British ships?

You see! They were willing to help the Brits!

[Spiffor]

What Kronic said. Besides, the dynamics of the Franco-German partnership has shown that the German government is eager to leave France mucho leeway (i.e., completely agreeing with France on plenty of matters, like the lift of the embargo) as long as France completely agrees with germany on the matters that are dear to it.

For example, the reason why Chirac didn't lower the sales tax on restaurants is because the Germans have adamantly opposed it. My guess for the German position is that such a measure would go against the fiscal harmonization of Europe.

[Lancer]

Spif, it's nice when government types find such a good, harmonious reason not to lower taxes, isn't it? This could be the basis of a new Berlin-Paris axi...umm, bipolar alliance.

[Lancer]

"Germany certainly isn't a thread to France anymore."

That figures. I mean the US at this point would send the Germans a nice 'go in and win' card if they invaded today, but nooo...

The Germans have no sense of timing.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by Lancer
Spif, it's nice when government types find such a good, harmonious reason not to lower taxes, isn't it? This could be the basis of a new Berlin-Paris axi...umm, bipolar alliance.

Actually, the Berlin-Paris axis is an old thing in Europe, as it was instrumental in the take off of the EEC/EU. It became dormant since the 80ies, and has been ressurected quite loudly in early 2003...


... when France and Germany unilaterally announced that Europe (read: they) would oppose an American attack in Iraq.

[Gatekeeper]

Originally posted by DanS
Yes, to all of your questions. On the other hand, US consumers would be paying more for their goodies, so it's not so clearly a double positive for the US.

Maybe instead of spending the money, they'd save it instead, thus benefitting America in the long run. Or shift it toward other manufacturers, U.S.-based or not.

Gatekeeper

[Gatekeeper]

Originally posted by DAVOUT
China is not really certain of its economic strength; Chinese ministers always state that :
- they have to be cautious because the banking system is weak, with enormous bad debts from nationalized companies, there are a lot of old factories which are not competitive, and there is a big unemployment;
- for these reasons they never contemplate the de-linking, but a progressive revaluation of the yuan.

The effects of a progressive revaluation would hardly be visible on the US economy.

I imagine currency issues aren't in the domain of the WTO. If so, is there anything a nation can do if it doesn't want another linking to its currency?

Gatekeeper

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by notyoueither
A Frenchman is advocating a totalitarian state be left alone to 'annex' a democratic neighbour, and we should all stay our hands and stand down?

Colour me shocked, and stunned by deja vu.

So you disagree with the principle of "anti-secession" laws?