The Stream:
Instead of belittling Donald Trump for speaking-up for America’s interests, maybe we should be grateful.
Diplomacy has a purpose. It should not be about soothing spoiled international children. It should not be motivated by the hope that no one will dislike us. It should not be about fawning, scraping, wringing our national hands, or hanging our heads in shame.
Instead, the purpose of American diplomacy should be to promote our security and vital interests. Without offense when possible. But if offenses come in defending the needs of our nation, so be it.
America is powerful, free, prosperous and indispensable. We should never apologize for the fact that. And we shouldn’t let the fact that even some of our friends are jealous of us, or are quick to criticize us, bother us. Too bad for them.
President Trump is not known for tact. It’s unlikely he will ever become skilled at the art of biting his tongue — and seeming to enjoy it. Courtesy is important in any relationship, whether with another person or another country. Yet there are times when being plain spoken in public is a need and a virtue.
Outspending Europe on Their Defense
The President has received his share of criticism for calling on our European allies to keep their word and help pay for their own defense. In his comments last week at the NATO summit, he observed that “the United States has spent more on defense in eight years than the other 27 member countries combined, and that 23 of the countries still don’t meet a NATO target of spending 2 percent of their respective nations’ economic output on defense.”
It’s about time. MORE HERE
Excellent Article.
Europe has become the entitlement class much like the EBT and housing abusers in the US. They all think they deserve to be provided for because they refuse to provide for themselves, families or their Nations. Their arrogance tells me that we owe them that.
Reduce our military and support footprint in Europe. Reduce payments to European Governments who choose not to participate.
A little tough love is in order.
Europe is the grown up kids in the basement whining ….
‘you’re always buying the Sam’s Club soft drinks instead of the good stuff’ … ‘ya know, these barrels of Cheeze Balls aren’t half as good as the one’s Darren’s parents have’ … ‘maybe I’ll go move in w/ my step-mom’ … ‘can I have a hamster?’ … ‘I can’t believe I still have to play a PS3’
And they call us the ugly Americans! They won’t take no for an answer and within hours march the French poodle out in an attempt to guilt and humiliate our president. Thanks but no thanks you European cranks, that’s what we had obama for for 8 yrs and we said non and nein to Hillary.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0tuUcRBs4Rc&feature=youtu.be
I’ll say one thing, it is pretty Goddamn impossible for a working stiff to keep up with IOTW Report.
Now watch this Paris Accord fall like a house of cards.
In 1945 we should have kept every inch of land we lost American lives for.
Kept Europe. Allow them some democratic self government, but clearly under US control in a grand Pax Americana.
Asia and the MidEast too. Every inch of the ME oil fields had American troops on it.
We could have maintained the peace, and been well compensated for it.
Largest squandered opportunity for lasting peace in all human history.
Not that it really matters but we’ve reduced our CO2 output (thanks to natural gas usage) faster and more than everyone else anyway.
Did quick math. The Paris Treaty requires $100 Billion a year, every year, and increasing over time.
$100B is $1,052 every year from every working American. Including part timers on minimum wage and 12 year olds with paper routes.
@ Moe Tom, you gotta work at it! 🙂 agreed. Worth it tho.
Why are we still responsible for protecting those whiny deadbeats? Who are they afraid of now? The Soviet Union is gone— thanks to us. Grow up, get a pair, pay your share and take care of yourselves!