Non-proliferation is for sissies, nukes for everyone!

[PLATO]

Quick question, Would the press be going rabid if Trump recommended someone to be the ambassador to Germany who just happened to be a friend of Merkel?

Is Merkel an evil, money grabbing, mafia type, dictator? If not, then...no

[BeBMan]

Quick question, Would the press be going rabid if Trump recommended someone to be the ambassador to Germany who just happened to be a friend of Merkel?

German press? Depends if it's the more Merkel-friendly part...nah

I'd say most of the serious media would see it as lack of political "tact" so to speak (regardless of political leaning), so not positive, but I'd say it's (like the Farage thing) more of an episode, not a serious issue.

[rah]

Is Merkel an evil, money grabbing, mafia type, dictator? If not, then...no

What difference does that make? Really.
Isn't the goal of an ambassador to facilitate relationships. Whether good or evil?

I am being serious here. Is the implication that if they're buddies, he's going to sell us out? That's absurd.

[PLATO]

What difference does that make? Really.
Isn't the goal of an ambassador to facilitate relationships. Whether good or evil?

I am being serious here. Is the implication that if they're buddies, he's going to sell us out? That's absurd.

Actually, I think I may agree with you on further reflection. I really believe that the concern is that he may not be harsh enough on Russia due to possible Oil deals...it is always about the oil, remember?

[rah]

What he's going to be soft and tell him we won't nuke the crap out of them.
Let's be real, how often is an ambassador given permission to seriously threaten a host country?

I'd much rather have an ambassador that was friendly with a leader if things ever get to the brink.

Deals are the best when both sides win, and that is usually the starting point for any negotiations.

And in all honesty I was really negative about it until I thought about it more too.

[kentonio]

R E X

It is ALL about the Oil. NATO could set up in Moscow's suburbs and Putin wouldn't care if he got billions of dollars out of it and was able to keep oppresing his people.

I think you're vastly underestimating Putin. He's certainly a dick, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about Russia and indeed see himself as a major historical figure in its future. A lot of what he says about balance between the major powers also happens to be true. I think we all got sucked in by the 'Russia is yesterdays news' phase, and havent adapted anywhere near quick enough to its re-emergence. Much of what he's talking about now would have been obvious during the cold war when everyone was careful about each geo-political move made. Russia today isn't anything like as powerful as the Soviet Union from then, but then again we have a lot of other things to factor in these days including the rising giant of China.

It feels like it would be a very good idea for us to go back to being very careful, which just makes a Trump presidency even more terrifying.

[kentonio]

America could have done the same thing with you, Kentonio.

And would have done if they thought it was in their best strategic interests. Countries don't have friends, much as we like to pretend they do.

[Dauphin]

Suez.

[kentonio]

Bingo.

[Ben Kenobi]

And would have done if they thought it was in their best strategic interests. Countries don't have friends, much as we like to pretend they do.

Lots of us Canadians did the same. Maybe you should open your eyes a bit.

[kentonio]

Lots of us Canadians did the same. Maybe you should open your eyes a bit.

Did the same what? Be specific.

[giblets]

Wait a second, didn't hitler declare war on the US?

[BeBMan]

Yeah, but it was Bush's fault.