Halls of Shrewd'm / US Policy
No. of Recommendations: 4
I wonder what would happen if the world just decided to ignore us. Canada and Mexico and Denmark stop talking to us about anything. The G7 becomes the G6, and doesn't invite us. No one (except Putin and Kim) returns the Felon's calls (nor the Sec of State, nor anyone else). No one allows Air Force One to land in their countries.
Just a thought experiment. I know it would never happen.
I think it would send the Felon into a rage. He would probably ramp up his threats (which would fall on deaf ears in my scenario, which would make him even more angry). He'd probably slap more tariffs, which would elicit a response in-kind. Short of military invasion, there is very little else he could do. He could close our overseas military bases, but that would harm us as much (if not more) than them. Nations are already looking at alternatives to American military hardware (since the USA has become unreliable, and you need a reliable partner to sell you spare parts and updates to the hardware you buy), and at least some are considering cancelling orders (like for the F35), which would be devastating to the defense industry workforce (layoffs would ensue).
No. of Recommendations: 1
What if the coastal states seceded from the U.S. and petitioned to join Canada as Canadian provinces?
No. of Recommendations: 4
Just a thought experiment. I know it would never happen.
Don’t be so sure. My wife and I readdan article this morning that indicated Canada prime minister is not taking calls from the White House.
Can’t find the article now so I can’t quote it. But I think it’s a great idea….
Military to military? Sure, we’ll take the call. State Department to Foreign Ministry? Great! give us a ring!
But that lunatic who will lie to my face, and then lie to Maria Bartiromo about what I said….. and then change his mind tomorrow about what we agreed to? Hell no. Not talking to that guy.
The danger lies in the misunderstandings that could arise from not speaking directly.
But misunderstandings are already a major problem; Trump has this filter that twists everything that others say into “what he thinks they are REALLY saying”
In any event, I say give it a try.
No. of Recommendations: 0
What if the coastal states seceded from the U.S. and petitioned to join Canada as Canadian provinces?
Well, there is the Constitution. In it, there are no provisions for states leaving. So, I'm guessing it would lead to a civil war. Also, there is a lot of federal property in the coastal states. Especially military bases (e.g. San Diego). That would be a significant complication.
But Canada might actually go for it. Interesting thought experiment. Just the addition of California would be a huge boon to Canada (or any nation...the CA economy is enormous). NY is home to one of the largest financial centers on the planet, which would also be a boon for Canada. And NY does share a border with Canada, so that would -in principle- be easy. Except for the Constitution and civil war thing.
Though maybe civil war would be averted. A LOT of right-wingers want CA to go away. They may not fight it at all (foolishly). Maybe they should be careful what they wish for...they might get it.
No. of Recommendations: 3
Military to military? Sure, we’ll take the call. OK. I get that.
State Department to Foreign Ministry? Great! give us a ring!Disagree. Rubio is parroting the buffoonery and nonsense of the Felon (e.g. about Ukraine). He's just as bad, and so not worth talking to.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/10/marco-rub...That's not up to Rubio, it's up to Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. As long as Rubio (or anyone in a position of power in the US) think they have a say, then people shouldn't take their calls. Especially when they aren't even including a representative from Ukraine in the "talks". That is either buffoonery, or akin to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Either way, don't take the call.
No. of Recommendations: 4
That's not up to Rubio, it's up to Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
I was talking about Canada or any other NATO country. But I get your point about Rubio. Hegseth too.
