Personal Finance Topics / Macroeconomic Trends and Risks
No. of Recommendations: 14
Seven days ago:
Trump accuses Starmer of seeking to 'join wars after we've already won'https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dn3j04lydoToday:
the US president earlier posted on Truth Social, urging the UK and other nations to join the US in sending ships to the passage.Alan
No. of Recommendations: 19
the US president earlier posted on Truth Social, urging the UK and other nations to join the US in sending ships to the passage.Oh my god. It's brilliant. I never would have imagined he could be so brazen as to take
this approach to getting himself out of this situation....but could he possibly be doing this? It looks like he's trying to act as though the U.S. has already won the war...
and that it's everyone else's responsibility to take care of the rest!!!!“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” Trump wrote on the platform.
“The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well. This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be — It will bring the World together toward Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!” he continued.https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/578461...Right? The U.S. set Iran on fire (metaphorically), but now it's everyone else's job to put it out. Not ours. Not part of
our war - we won
that part. We 100% defeated Iran - “both militarily, economically, and in every other way.” We're now just waiting for all the other countries to step in and do the job that
they're supposed to do, which is take care of this pesky Straits of Hormuz problem. Which isn't something
we should be doing - no, we've already defeated Iran, it's time for someone else to step up. I mean, we'll be glad to
help. A LOT! You know,
coordinate with those other countries who are solving this problem. Which definitely isn't part of
our war, you know - because we already defeated Iran completely.
Man, if that's the direction he's going - it would be just breathtaking in trying to shift blame away from himself. Like, just an absolutely brilliant effort to try to wriggle out of this situation. His Administration has been clear in their disdain for the "You break it, you bought it" metaphor for a country being responsible for its actions - but this would be even a step further. Not just claiming that if we break we haven't bought it, but we don't even have to clear up the pieces.
Simply amazing! And not a great sign for those thinking that the U.S. might actually have a plan for defeating Iranian forces that are threatening the Gulf, or for securing that part of the battlefield. Instead, it looks like we're just going to draw an imaginary line and claim that
that part of the military theater "doesn't count" and we can still have completely defeated Iran even though we don't have the ability to defend in the the gulf or the Straits. Again, that would be just genius - "heads I win, tails doesn't count because the war only involves the parts where it comes up heads."
Let's see if he really tries to play that line....
No. of Recommendations: 7
Oh my god. It's brilliant. I never would have imagined he could be so brazen as to take this approach to getting himself out of this situation....but could he possibly be doing this? It looks like he's trying to act as though the U.S. has already won the war...and that it's everyone else's responsibility to take care of the rest!!!!
A few days ago, some bright spark in the regime said they weren't quite ready to start the escorting mission yet. I replied they will not be ready, because the USN doesn't have the ships to do it. The Perry class frigates that served so well in the 80s have all been decommissioned or sold to other countries. The Ticonderoga class cruisers have mostly been decommissioned. The LCS and Constellation class frigate programs were abortions. So, the only thing the Navy has is Burke class DDGs, which would need to be pulled off carrier escort duty.
Seems the SecNav finally go that point through Emperor Trump's skull. So, now, Trump the Manley and Virile, tells our allies the escort mission is their problem, putting their ships and crews in harm's way, in a war started by the US and Israel.
As you said, the chutzpah of that attitude is breathtaking.
What can our erstwhile allies do about it? France, the UK, and China, are permanent members of the UN Security Council. They can put forward a resolution demanding a cease fire. But the US would simply veto it. The news tonight reported Iran has reached out about negotiating a settlement, but Trump the God says the terms offered aren't good enough, so the war goes on. My suspicion is the war will go on until Israel is satisfied it's conquest of Lebanon is complete, at a minimum.
With any "luck" Emperor Trump can leverage UN opposition to his war as an excuse to expel the UN from NYC, so he can make a big stack of money off that river front property.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 6
"The U.S. set Iran on fire (metaphorically)....."
Aint metaphorically, USA actually set them on fire. In 1 errant missile strike, USA incinerated what, 130 Iranian school children ??
Fuck Trump, and Fuck MAGA.
I was too young to participate in the 1960s 'Nam protests.Hell, I don't even really remember all that much with any 1st hand knowledge.
But even as an old guy, I'm willing to go to war with MAGA.
Anybody else feelin that ????
No. of Recommendations: 9
Oh my god. It's brilliant. I never would have imagined he could be so brazen as to take this approach to getting himself out of this situation....but could he possibly be doing this? It looks like he's trying to act as though the U.S. has already won the war...and that it's everyone else's responsibility to take care of the rest!!!!
And of course, now that the place is on fire, he can walk away and blame the rest of the world for failing to put out the flames after he’s already done the “heavy lifting”.
No. of Recommendations: 11
Trump Last Week: We don’t need British Ships because we’ve already won the war.
Trump This Morning: Hopefully the UK will send ships.
No. of Recommendations: 2
urging the UK and other nations to join the US in sending ships to the passage.
All of them shall do so. But the ships all have to sail from the bottom of their relevant bath tubs of the world to the Middle East, so it will take some time--and they don't have much fire power. But they CAN "send ships"--just not the ones Spankee refused to build while he was in office starting in Jan 2017.
No. of Recommendations: 8
“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” Trump wrote on the platform.
“The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well. This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be — It will bring the World together toward Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!” he continued.
OMG.
But we have always known that this man is incapable of feeling shame for anything he does.
No. of Recommendations: 10
China effectively, says "bite me".
China weighs in on Hormuz crisis after Trump urges global warship deployment
Beijing called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East hours after Trump, on Saturday, March 14, publicly appealed to several countries to help protect the shipping corridor amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
“As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace,” the spokesperson said.https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-weighs-...Trump the Magnificent will only de-escalate when "Bibi" tells him to.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 8
Trump the Magnificent will only de-escalate when "Bibi" tells him to.Speaking of Israel, shouldn't the Israeli navy be escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz? True, their navy consists of a mere 100 or so ships, but...
https://www.warpowerisrael.com/navalpower.php
No. of Recommendations: 9
Let's see if he really tries to play that line....
Boy, it sure looks like he is going to. He's threatened China with a delay in the upcoming summit if they don't start providing security in the Straits. He's threatened NATO with an unspecified "very bad future" if they don't as well.
That doesn't bode well for those hoping that the Administration had a prior plan for dealing with Iran closing the Strait. If you're going to rely on coalition-building as part of your military operations, you would normally want to have those coalitions built by the time you launch the attack. Or if due to secrecy concerns you don't do that, you'd want to start the coalition dialogue right after the war started, rather than waiting a few weeks in hopes that Iran doesn't do one of the more obvious things they could do in response to an attack.
So either he's really committing to the bit, or Trump genuinely plans to say that this isn't part of our war effort and is someone else's problem.
No. of Recommendations: 16
So either he's really committing to the bit, or Trump genuinely plans to say that this isn't part of our war effort and is someone else's problem.
You know, when the town bully beats you up, abuses you, calls you names, reaches into your pocket and takes your money, perhaps you shouldn’t be surprised when he calls for help and you don’t come rushing to his aid.
You can be Biff, you can be George McFly, or you can be Marty. Be Marty, it’s a better ending for everyone.
No. of Recommendations: 3
...you would normally want to have those coalitions built by the time you launch the attack.Trump the Great and Powerful doesn't do "coalition building". He's a "JC". He does diktat. As you said, now he is ordering out erstwhile allied to fight his war for him, or he'll hurt NATO.
Trump threatens NATO allies over Strait of Hormuz help
On Saturday, Trump had called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and others to send warships to the key shipping route, which Iran has been blocking since the war and where about a fifth of the world's oil supplies typically pass through.
None of the countries have publicly committed to Trump's request — with some rejecting it outright — after the president upped the ante in an interview with the Financial Times late Sunday, saying their failure to do so would "be very bad for the future of NATO."https://www.npr.org/2026/03/16/nx-s1-5749109/trump...And that thing about knowing the war is over "in his bones"? Of course he doesn't know what the war will be over, until "Bibi" tells him it is.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 1
Indeed, the arrogance is breathtaking.
‘We will remember’: Trump warns countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz as shipping stalls
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their territory. It’s the place from which they get their energy. And they should come and they should help us protect it,” Trump said.
“Why are we maintaining the Hormuz Strait when it’s really there for China and many other countries? Why aren’t they doing it?”https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/16/trump-demands-alli...Meanwhile, his water carriers tell USians to shut up and pay more, for everything, because God and Savior Trump's operation is more important.
I posted links before, about how the ADL freaks out when anyone suggests Epstein ran a honey pot for Mossad, or that Israel has undue influence on the US. Anyone else smell more than a hint of Hamletitis?
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 13
Oh my god. It's brilliant. I never would have imagined he could be so brazen as to take this approach to getting himself out of this situation....but could he possibly be doing this?
Sorry albaby1, I disagree with you on this one.
It’s not brilliance, it’s psychosis (a mental health symptom, not a disease, characterized by a disconnection from reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking).
Trump has a very long history of blaming others for his actions that go south due to his ignorance and incompetence and taking credit for positive results of others. Or just taking credit for completely opposite things. Or just outright lying.
Tariffs are great because we make money but inflation is Biden’s fault. Or low gas prices are wonderful for affordability and high gas prices are wonderful because “we” make lots of money. Gas only gas $1.99 a gallon! We’re going to get rid of undocumented criminals and they incarcerate a 5-year old boy in a blue bunny hat. Peaceful protesters are domestic terrorists. Politicians should be hanged for treason for quoting military regulations. Obama is weak and will start a war with Iran because he is a poor negotiator but Trump is strong because he started a war with Iran (with zero preparations) WHILE negotiations were going on because he has a “feeling” they were go attack us with missiles.
Seriously, the list is endless.
Trust me, there’s no genius going on in Trump’s actions. Just the same old, same old.
No. of Recommendations: 1
It’s not brilliance, it’s psychosis (a mental health symptom, not a disease, characterized by a disconnection from reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking).
Trump has a very long history of blaming others for his actions that go south due to his ignorance and incompetence and taking credit for positive results of others. Or just taking credit for completely opposite things. Or just outright lying.
Typical "JC". I have told stories before, of the honchos at the pump seal company, and RS, behaving the same: living in an echo chamber full of yes-men, punishing anyone who does not toe the line and feed their delusions.
Three of the GOP candidates running for Gov of Michigan are "JCs". We are fracked.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 3
Typical "JC". I have told stories before, of the honchos at the pump seal company, and RS, behaving the same: living in an echo chamber full of yes-men, punishing anyone who does not toe the line and feed their delusions.
Yep, I have many examples of ignorant and incompetent people who thought they were smarter than everyone else from my decades of working.
Every single one of them ended badly.
Fasten your seatbelts.
No. of Recommendations: 4
i dont get it.
even if capable, why does trump need a brilliant strategy for anything?
people need to get over that his ego, voters, etc...ever takes priority over grift.
and the only thing that may threaten that is losing both houses of congress.
with near permanent support of ~30% of americans for any action, trump will never be imprisoned while living.
their identity and his are entangled, and thus the disbelief trump is capable of evil and corruption. this is why they are happy to accept everyone in the epstein case must be guilty except trump...MAGA entertainment quota satisfied.
[if you need a outcomes benchmark for the gop, keep in mind bush the lesser never accepted his mideast follies, initiated under false evidence, as a failure]
No. of Recommendations: 2
Again, that only works if Iran stops launching drone attacks on US facilities. Iran gets a vote.
No. of Recommendations: 1
people need to get over that his ego, voters, etc...ever takes priority over grift.
As noted by someone, a few months ago, how will we ever tell a future POTUS, that he can't be as corrupt as Trump the Magnificent?
...and the only thing that may threaten that is losing both houses of congress.
That is only a problem if there is a "free and fair" election this fall.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 1
Sorry albaby1, I disagree with you on this one.
I'm pretty sure Albaby was being ironically sarcastic. Or at least I hope he was!
No. of Recommendations: 14
Again, that only works if Iran stops launching drone attacks on US facilities. Iran gets a vote.
Oh, I agree - or rather, I don't think this "works" at all, in any real sense. I'm not sure anyone outside of the deep MAGA base will buy off on the idea that Iran attacking naval traffic in the gulf and strait isn't part of our war, and a part we haven't totally won yet. But it is something he can say to his supporters that many (most) might actually swallow...and it's a tactic that hadn't occurred to me. I didn't think he had much choice but to try to solve the Hormuz problem - but it looks like he might actually just declare it to be someone else' problem.
When I referred to it as "brilliant," I was being a little ironic, yes. Though it is somewhat clever in a very slimy way - much like the old joke of a prisoner who murdered his parents asking sympathy from the court because he's an orphan. It's so shameless to claim that now that we heedlessly set fire to the tenuous stability that existed in the region, the other countries that will be harmed by our precipitous actions are now on the hook for putting out the fire, because it's their interests we harmed. It's just a little amazing to even come up with something that brazen and ridiculous....
No. of Recommendations: 2
China effectively, says "bite me".
On the noon local Detroit news just now: British PM saying "we will not participate in a wider war". German Foreign Minister "we didn't start this". Last night, I saw reports the Japanese and Australians were saying "no" as well.
God on Earth Trump "4D chess" again? Without Naval escort, no freight moves, so the price of oil soars, to the great profit of Trump the Magnificent's big oil paymasters. His water carriers have been telling USians, clearly and plainly: the regime cares not one whit how much Proles pay for fuel, and Trump the God can blame the other countries for refusing to be roped into his war.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 4
When I referred to it as "brilliant," I was being a little ironic, yes.
As a certified sarcastic curmudgeon, I can usually detect these things. This one went right over my head. 😬
Many apologies. My bad.
No. of Recommendations: 0
To be fair to you, Al presents as earnest in every other post.
