War in Ukraine

All you need to see is how easily everyone has flipped on "free trade" in the last decade. It killed an Asian free trade agreement, NAFTA is a dirty word, and the libs largely went from making fun of tariffs here to saying "well we need them to stop China." There have been a hand full of consistent posters on the issue, but largely most people have been on both sides at one point or the other, depending on partisanship. Because few people outside of economists actually care about free trade as a principle.

 

Because they're not a normal country. Because they want to bring our system down and they want a world where there really are no rules. They want the very thing you are worried about. Why would we just "play ball" with a country that literally has it out for us? If we want to live in a rules-based order, we're going to have to find those who value that and build one separate and secure from people like Putin, Xi and anyone stupid enough to go with them.

 

Do you think America "trades fair?" (Assuming we could even define what this actually means)

 

Or create a third column when you get their citizens hooked on unrealistically (due to government subsidizing of the industry - for this very purpose) low-priced goods (electric cars, for instance).

 

We have the same system (global capitalism), why would they want to bring it down? And what are they replacing it with? I mean you could convince me they dont want to have to deal with America economically if they dont have to, but I would think every country in the world would love that choice if they could manage it, but the American economy is too big to ignore for basically anyone. Economic dependence is not popular, because it comes with certain expectations.

 

We follow the basic rules. We will act in our own interests as always, but playing by the rules does that because it is in our interests that others follow the rules too. Does the US Government throw hundreds of billions in subsidies to industries like the CCP does? No, we don't. It's a lot more messy in a free, western system. Which is a good thing when you look at the likes of Putin and Xi and how those countries are basically stuck with the decisions of these particular individuals.

 

the last time the us went into Mexican territory after criminals the Mexican government fought back. And won. 1916. Look it up. And don’t even get me started on the insurgency our troops would face. Yeah. Total disaster. Even in victory. Do not do it!

 

Rather, can’t get other information into you. Somehow between 2003 and 2022 you decided to build a firewall to shield yourself from anything offscript.

 

They don't want to bring capitalism down, they just want it all on their terms. If they want to invade Taiwan (purely for ego), then we should let them and, for that matter, not even utter a critical word. Ditto for anywhere else. Yes, they should be able to create their own set of rules for the South China Sea and completely ignore internationally agreed upon borders. Yes, any territory they claim is theirs, no matter how specious the claim. No questions asked. No criticism of the policy allowed.

So, yes, they want their cake (trade) and they want to eat it too (no rules). And they can go fuck themselves! JMHO. . . and a lot of others as this is now baked into the system. There's a reason Biden didn't touch any of Trump's tariffs on China and actually added to them and put in stronger enforcement of them.

Now, if the government changes, all bets are off. But as long as the CCP is in charge - in particular Xi - then this is how it's going to be.

 

I'm aware of American history, and they are not the only country in the region we've sent occupying troops to for various reasons of security or national interest. I'm not saying its a wise idea ... far from it. But you guys are overly bullish on the sort of international consequences we would suffer IMO. We invaded a country unilaterally and what did it cost us internationally? Lots of people will suffer for sure, but it wont be because China dropped some sanctions or whatever.

 

Cool. We still sticking to the Iraq War killed more men than the Civil War?

You go boy!!!! Preach!!!!

 

But we would suffer. It's not like the world would be perfectly cool with that because it's our business and not theirs, right?

That's what these people are suggesting. That the US would behave just like Russia if Mexico tried to start working with China/Russia/etc.

All this for the sake of argument, of course as none of those countries have anything real to offer Mexico.

 

I’m just illustrating your absurdity through absurdity. 650k dead is likely more Russian troops than have EVER been inserted into theatre. You should be embarrassed that you’re not embarrassed.

 

"The basic rules?" What are those? That seems like something made up, like Calvin Ball.

 

Sending 1500 troops into another country is an invasion.
North Korea has invaded Ukraine once that occurs.

 

I think a lot of the world think nameless Americans deserve to suffer for once in the abstract, and they are probably right about that, given the roll of geography insulating us from war, famine and man-made destruction. But to the extent that our suffering becomes other people's suffering, well they probably arent hoping for that. But they dont have the power to stop it either, certainly not through some kind of punitive economic or military action. America is like a toddler with a gun for most of the world, you're just hoping you dont catch a stray or make them mad.

 

No you should be embarrassed. So, never more than 650K in theater, huh?

Double that at Stalingrad.

But, hey, we've got some nice parting prizes for you. . . .

 

Just call them advisors, problem solved.

 

And, yet, given all that, we still wouldn't do it. Or would require something truly significant to even think about it. Keep in mind, the only thing keeping the CCP from seeking it's ego-boost by attacking Taiwan are the military consequences.

So, self flagellate all you want, but we're probably the better alternative even if we're just virtue signaling. And those who think the CCP offers a better alternative (and not just leverage) will learn their lesson the hard way.