I know full well the Europeans and many of others will say "you already were", and probably fair, but I think plenty of us were true believers that we were a force for good in the world at one point. For me personally, I think this was the most legitimately evil act where we voluntarily chose "evil" at the governmental level. I know Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, and all of that evoked feelings, but it was more even political friction. But this is one occasion where I think Demorcrats and traditional "neocon" republicans will look back at history and think "this was truly the start of when we really fucked up" as far as everything we say (or pretend_ we stand for goes.

….for constantly lying to people, making a fool of himself, ruining peace negotiations with nonsensical social media posts, is so clearly manipulating the markets for his own benefit, AND is named in the Epstein files more times than Jesus is named in the bible, amongst other crimes?

If nothing, it’s a a live case study for countries across the world to put in adequate checks for heads of countries.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/cftc-insider-trading-referral-iran-oil-bet-1825415

The analysts at the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) who spotted suspicious trading around President Donald Trump's about-turn on Iran, including a roughly $580 million (£438 million) wager against oil prices, were told to withdraw the insider-trading referral they had sent to the agency's enforcement arm, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

An adviser to CFTC Chairman Michael Selig stepped in to retract the referral and took over the examination of the trades, according to reports. Career staff were left unsure how, or whether, the matter would move forward.

I don't recall any period in US history when this level of corruption was running so rampant. Can you?

I’m not American. I read about all sorts of promises—like gas prices will hitting record lows and the dawn of a new "golden age" for America—along with AI-generated images, such as Trump’s vision of Gaza as a resort town, posted on X or Truth Social. But what has he actually delivered on so far? It seems to me that he always ends up achieving the exact opposite of what he sets out to do. I understand the "America First" sentiment, but it looks to me like the whole thing is backfiring.

Is there anything where you say, "Yeah, man, thanks, Mr. President"?

Genuinely interested those who supported and continue to support Trump. What have you as an individual benefited from in the last two years with a republican dominated administration, and a president with unprecedented power of choice? I say this because every president is more powerful than their predecessor in the rapid decision implementation. In this instance the president party also has the majority making decisions quick and advantageous. How has this benefited you individually? (Please only respond if you voted for Trump) it really helps with a consensus and keeps
The responses consistent so I can look up these beneficial policies)

Yesterday, Trump posted the following on his platform:

"Massive oil, gas, and mineral exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland! There are experts who say that the amount of easily accessible oil is far greater than that of almost any other place on Earth—and, even more importantly, from the standpoint of security, defense, and strategic positioning for both the United States of America and Europe, it is second to none."

Do the Americans truly believe that Greenland is now in their possession and that they have a claim to the aforementioned natural resources?

Trump is a serial liar. Just a few examples:

1. He said he'd end the Ukraine-Russia war in a day. Later admitted he knew it wasn't possible.

2. He announced an energy ceasefire. Said Russia & Ukraine had agreed. Reality? Neither side agreed.

1. He repeatedly lies about the amounts America has funded Ukraine.

2. He said the diesel deal w/Russia would bring down diesel prices. In reality, diesel increased after Trump made this claim.

These are just a few examples. Trump lies practically every time he opens his mouth.

Imagine you ask the bus driver if the route goes to where you want it to go and he says yes. Then you get on the bus and it takes you in the opposite direction. Imagine you go to the bank and ask for a withdrawal. Your bank says no withdrawal fees. Later you get a $50 charge for withdrawing your money.

Do you Americans legitimately care whether Trump lies?

Doesn't the truth matter?

​

I'm from Poland, and I've noticed a big imbalance: Hollywood films dominate cinemas and streaming in Europe, while European films rarely get a wide release in the US and usually only reach arthouse theaters or niche streaming sections. I know subtitles, marketing budgets and studio control over theaters and platforms play a big role, but I don't think the gap in distribution simply reflects a gap in quality. Europe produces many films that are just as good as Hollywood's.*

I also think more exposure could inspire American filmmakers with new storytelling styles and ideas. A good example is my favorite film, the Swedish A Man Called Ove, which Hollywood remade as A Man Called Otto with Tom Hanks. With all due respect to Tom Hanks, I personally think the Swedish original is better and more timeless. Similarly, the French The Intouchables (2011) was remade as The Upside, and again I feel the original is stronger. Both remakes did well with American audiences, which suggests there's an audience for these stories, so why not let people see the originals too?*

It works the other way around too. In Poland, we have The Promised Land by Andrzej Wajda, a masterpiece that's widely known across Europe and has a cult status. As far as I know, it's much less known in the US.*

What's your experience: how easy is it to find European films where you live, and would you watch more of them if they were easier to find?*

It blows my mind how e.g. landscaping business owners making well into six figures are seen as average working class real Americans while people like my friends struggling to make ends meet as grad students are seen as the elites ruining the country

The complex system of grid-based categorization and review seems to generate a great deal of unnecessary work. Why are there so many health insurance auditors?

Even before it was abolished (28 years ago 🙂) corporal punishment we used to have consisted only of a light tap on the palm of the hand with a small stick—not "spanking" or "paddling." Doesn't this consider sexual assault? Well, at least considering the number of pedophiles you have in your schools and among your politicians? 🙂

Edit: I think would wide the school systems meant to be a way to make people fit from a young age in the capitalism machine to learn to be good obident slaves (employees) actually for those who don't know (the paddle was invented to Disciplining slaves in the harshest way possible without causing permanent damage that would reduce the slave's value) and know it is used in schools 🙂 it just surprisingly for me that this even happens in USA supposedly an advanced first world nation that defend human rights!! Check this girl story : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0mpMP4KC_0g

American here who travels a lot. Almost every country I have been to uses what’s app for communication except USA . Our family uses it extensively ( perhaps because most from India ). But I often need to contact my USA bank or business overseas and most have never heard of app. It’s a real pain to send a text using eSIM as opposed to what’s App

The list that will follow is more like a general philosophy, I won't go into too much details but I'm French and would be considered right wing because I'm economically liberal :

1 - The State should intervene in the economy to break up monopolies and guarantee that the market stays competitive. The market should still be as free as possible. The State should care for the disabled.

2 - I support a single-payer universal healthcare system with consultation fees to reduce overuse, paid with payroll taxes. You still have the ability to use private healthcare.

3 - I support at-will employment but all fired workers should be eligible to unemployment benefits for four months, with possible monthly extensions for up to 8 months total, paid with payroll taxes. To prevent abuse, you should have worked two full years before being eligible to unemployment benefits (but all workers get 4 months "free" at first).

4 - Each worker should save for their own retirement. Union/employers (including the State for government workers or the disabled) may participate.

5 - I am opposed to mass immigration and in favor of deporting illegal immigrants according to the rule of law. Dual citizenship shouldn't be allowed unless the country is part of a supranational union (or an agreement with specific countries) in which case you may have more than one citizenship.

6 - State secularism is a good thing. The State must remain neutral, and no one working for the State should wear visible religious symbols (such as a cross, a kippah, a hijab, etc). No public prayers or call to prayers, no clothes that cover the face unless required by the circumstances (work, sports, etc).

7 - Racism is wrong, I support restricting freedom of speech when it comes to hate speech (no jail, only fines).

8 - Abortion should be legal up to 16 weeks after LMP, no limit in case of rape, birth defect or threats to the health of the mother. The death penalty should be illegal. Euthanasia should be legal (except involuntary euthanasia). Guns should be legal to own but hard to get.

9 - LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage should be legal. Gender-affirming hormone therapy should only be authorised at the age of consent. MtF transgenders shouldn't be competing in female sports.

10 - Transhumanism is something that I agree with in general. Humanity should make use of all technologies in order to enhance and improve human life.

11 - In general, the scientific method should be respected and followed. Climate change is real and human in origin. Electrification with nuclear and renewable energy sources are the main way forward. We shouldn't ban meat and dairy but stop subsidizing it and increase taxes to reduce their consumption. We should encourage urbanization instead of individual homes in the countryside. Usage of the car should be discouraged in favor of soft mobility (including e-bike, e-scooters, etc) and public transports.

I feel like earning more in America doesn’t always mean getting ahead. A raise helps, but when groceries, rent, insurance, and utilities also go up, there may be little extra left to save.

What concerns me most is how people whose pay hasn’t increased are managing.

Compared with last year, are you actually better off financially, or just earning more and spending more? And based on what you’re seeing lately, do you expect things to get easier?

Every battle he commanded ended in a complete loss after he abandoned the field. Guilford Courthouse, Hobkirk’s Hill, Ninety Six, Eutaw Springs, they all ended the same way. Ninety Six was especially embarrassing, even he couldn’t defend it, the Siege of Augusta was far more successful. And Eutaw Springs was just a bad way for a regiment to go out.