In case there ever was any doubt - the US got screwed on Start II...

[Uncle Ted]

The US should reduce its number of nuclear weapons by selling a good share of them off to our NATO allies, close down our bases in Europe and let them worry about protecting their own sorry asses for once.

[mUUser]

The US should reduce its number of nuclear weapons by selling a good share of them off to our NATO allies, close down our bases in Europe and let them worry about protecting their own sorry asses for once.

I was listening to an interview with Donald Trump yesterday, and he agrees. At least make 'em pay for our services.



In an interview with Neil Cavuto, Trump said he wasn't near a tv, and asked if President Obama dropped to his knees when he met President Hu. The guy is an entertaining interview.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I disagree with Trump's 'tariff all imports from China' stance, but think he is dead on accurate about either getting repaid for services or abandoning our 'official' overseas bases in 39 countries (and countless other countries with 'unofficial' bases).

[Paperback Writer]

I was listening to an interview with Donald Trump yesterday, and he agrees. At least make 'em pay for our services.

Give them an offer they can't refuse?

[Jacob]

I disagree with Trump's 'tariff all imports from China' stance, but think he is dead on accurate about either getting repaid for services or abandoning our 'official' overseas bases in 39 countries (and countless other countries with 'unofficial' bases).

This seems to assume that we are in other countries (Germany, for example) for the benefit of the German people, rather than for our own strategic purposes. I don't believe the former is true.

So, the proper question to ask is not whether we ought to be propping up Germany and Korea, but whether the cost is worth the benefit that we are getting.

I have a hard time imagining that the cost is justified. So, in the end, I'm probably on the same side. But Trump's phrasing shows a lack of understanding of the issues involved. I admit to being uneducated as to such issues myself.

[creekster]

This seems to assume that we are in other countries (Germany, for example) for the benefit of the German people, rather than for our own strategic purposes. I don't believe the former is true.

So, the proper question to ask is not whether we ought to be propping up Germany and Korea, but whether the cost is worth the benefit that we are getting.

I have a hard time imagining that the cost is justified. So, in the end, I'm probably on the same side. But Trump's phrasing shows a lack of understanding of the issues involved. I admit to being uneducated as to such issues myself.

You're right. We essentially have ot buy our right to be there anyway. From Berlin to ANkara to Okinanwa, we aren't really wanted. We stay becasue we want to stay, not becasue we are begged to stay.

[il Padrino Ute]

would you prefer to hamstring any semblance of multilateralism by being completely unwilling to "capitulate" (compromise is usually the word used)?

It's only a compromise if all parties give something up. Capitulate is the correct word here.

[il Padrino Ute]

The US should reduce its number of nuclear weapons by selling a good share of them off to our NATO allies, close down our bases in Europe and let them worry about protecting their own sorry asses for once.

I agree. The US needs to let the other countries take care of their own problems. Besides, it's not like the bases are there for the good of those countries. The bases are there to benefit the US.