Post Archive
Region: The Confederacy of Free Nations
I have no time for Putin but I don't think he is the great bogeyman many westerners make him out to be (in terms of a threat to world peace I mean. He is definitely a bogeyman at home.) But yes, Trump going against America's traditional allies is playing into Putin's hands as it divides the West. Putin is banking on the US weakening its relationship with Europe both economically and militarily. Trump is already working on the former.
Honestly? I think Britain will end up worse off. Trump's idiocy can be reversed with a competent administration that comes after him. Britain's economic blues will last a long time after Brexit. Hell, if things go a certain way, Britain as a political entity may even cease to exist as Scotland goes independent and Northern Ireland reunites with the Republic. I think the former is more likely than the latter, however.
Axeldonia, Gualimole, Midasia
I think post-Trump America will be worse off. Trump has singlehandedly made it ok to lie and be racist. Although Brexit could be disastrous for the UK, the racial tension in the US could take decades to heal. Trump could also lose the US money if he puts tariffs on steel from Canada by way of executive order. That executive order would label Canada as a national security threat, which it is not. Trump's foreign policy is already shaky, if he truly desires to dismantle NATO, we will see a world dominated by Russian aggression. Trump's message of Make America Great Again really says give permission to let americans hate again.
Yukona
I think he definitely is the boogey man westerners make him out to be. It's his administration that has whipped Russia up into a nationalist fervor of "us or them", as a threat to world peace - I mean he invaded a sovereign country on more than one occasions and has shown/said multiple times that the west is against him.
As for Britain, I agree - however on the topic of Trump, regardless of what can be reversed a lot of damage has been done, and the American public have shown that they can vote somebody like that in. Many leaders will be wondering 'who's next', and if it's someone that fits the bill a bit better, what about after him/her (here's hoping we see a female President). Trump has shown that much work that has been done can be immediately reversed by the next President in a concrete example, and therefore leaders will be more reluctant to strike deals and rely on America, especially if they're behaving like this against their own allies! More-so, the fact that Britain and Canada (among others) have stood by the US no-matter what, but he has shown that this relationship is no longer 'special', means that many of these countries are going to have to reassess their foreign policy. The next dude in the oval office might be alright, but the uncertainty and the "what if it happens again" is still present. I would not underestimate the damage he's going to/has had.
Midasia
The unemployment that comes from protectionist policies is as ironic as it is dangerous.
Midasia
I don't think Putin is more or less dangerous than say the US. They and other western powers are quite happy to invade sovereign nations like Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Imperialism is BS no matter who does it.
I think you're correct when you say that other countries will be more wary when dealing with the US now because they've shown they have the will to vote in populists like Trump. As for Britain and Canada standing by America no matter what, that's their own fault quite frankly. I've always detested the devotion to Atlantacism that many British and European leaders have shown. There was never a special relationship. It was a delusion that the Brits consoled themselves with after they lost their empire. It was a way to soften the blow of giving up their superpower status to the Americans. That's why we're always clinging to the US's coattails. It's a desperate attempt to remain relevant in a changed world where Britain is now just a moderately sized European state, not a global imperial power.
I firmly believe that the EU needs to chart a more independent course when it comes to foreign policy. Leave the Americans to their whims. The EU must unite and pursue their own aims and objectives in this sphere. It should also be increasing its military spending to better stand on its own two feet when it comes to defence, especially since Russia has shown it is itching to expand into eastern Europe. I'm not entirely averse to a European army so long as it was voluntary to sign up to it. You never know, if the EU opts for more integration now that the UK is leaving and wont be there to veto it, the European army may very well become a real possibility. I think the natural conclusion to this is member states giving a quota of their armed forces to the European defence force.
Axeldonia, Mercunova
Frankly, the European Army is by this point a pipe-dream. I've mentioned it's problems before with how countries really don't want to foot the bill and would basically just be a slave market for Germany (If you think America is pissed now, wait till you see how mad the US MIC would get at being pushed out of Europe.) and either way the EU is still going to be reliant on the US for the most advanced military technology fir a long while yet, maybe functionally forever depending on certain circumstances.
If nothing else the EU isn't going to make an Aircraft like the F-35 for the next 40-100 years if they ever do.
People need to stop with this Germany runs the EU stuff. It's tiresome and untrue. Either way, I still want Europe to ween itself off the American defence teat.
Axeldonia, Yukona
Germany has the largest MIC in Western Europe. Cutting people off from America's means buying indigenous (and you're probably not spending that much on it?) or buying German except in Britain's fevor dreams where it comes back from selling off it's own. Removing Europe's most advanced gear makes the very concept of a "european army" useless honestly in the face of aggression. Russia might be poor enough that they cant make many SU-57s, but the SU-57 is still going to be leaps ahead of the Typhoon or other german craft, and making a fifth gen fighter will be nearly impossible for Western Europe.
The big MIC crunch back in '95-2000 removed the possibility of "weening" honestly.
Alrighty! I'm feeling better now that I've had a day off work.
My two bits? I personally don't give a flying rats bum about all the crap going on over in Eastern Europe. It's not because I'm a Stalinist-tankie as Guali put it, but rather the fact that I have more pressing concerns to deal with here in the Land of Racism and the Home of Trump. Oh... And regarding Brexit and the EU Army? I'm not versed on the history of the Isles, so I'm just observing at this point. And an EU Coalition Force sounds cool, but like Kal said... a pipe dream.
Ah... Before I forget..
The Equestrian Union will be celebrating Aleksander Coltsov's birthday (as well as my actual birthday) on June the 14th. And I am still trying to think of something for the Medieval RP.
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Axeldonia, Penguania And Antarctica
If Europe became a unified political entity, would this be a good thing for the people of Europe? And how powerful do you think a European superstate would be?
Axeldonia
If the French, German and British militaries can barely stand each other enough to work together on less than half a project's lifespan, I foresee no reason to assume a pan-European government would work together any better.
As for power? See the previous comment. It would be far to disjointed and self-attacking to express power on complicated issues.
I think thats a silly idea considering how diverse Europe is, thats like Pan-Africanism. The ammount of cultures and identities youd lose to the mega state would be awful
Can't imagine how warm the Scots Guards regiment is today in their massive bearskins, kilts and sachets in Trooping the Colour - not really dressed for the weather
Nuremgard
You have to love a man in a kilt.
Yukona
its all about the air flow
Nuremgard
Easy access to what's underneath.
Yukona
I need a new laptop. First one was too small, second one ran too slowly. Third time lucky? Pray for me!
Russkov Soviet, Penguania And Antarctica, Percyton
"Third times the charm!". Hmm... I should apply that to my reign....
Nuremgard, Percyton
I just realized something that is kinda funny to me. I'm the Equestrian Union (EQU) but my initials are basically EU. And I have a ring of stars on my flag just like the EU flag.... Did I join the European Union without realizing it?
Hmm.... I'll have to think on this...
Also, given my ever-present problem of changing national colors... What do you guys think? Keep it simple-ish like now, or go back to the ornate ones I had when I was an Empire? This will help me come up with a final design.
Nuremgard, Percyton
I preferred the ornate ones to be honest. Your current flag is a bit plain.
Russkov Soviet
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/430256739473162240/455064290630565909/Better_US_Flag.png
Russkov Soviet
Did you enjoy Trooping the Colour today, Yukona/The West Country? The Orange Order marched today in Glasgow because of it. Yuck.
Russkov Soviet, Mercunova, Percyton
Yes I did man
Russkov Soviet
This is one thing I dread about the summer in Glasgow. All the marching by the OO.
Yeah but thats quite separate yknow
I personally think we ought to ban them from marching. Or make them march in a stadium that they pay to rent out. And pay for their own security.
Russkov Soviet
https://www.opavote.com/en/vote/4647932351479808
Russkov Soviet
The Talking Point
The government is proud to report that ten percent of all tax revenue goes to funding suspected terrorist organizations.
Spanelsko.... never change.
Russkov Soviet, Nuremgard, Jaslandia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mib4YZt8mcg&t=1m20s
Bearlong, Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia, Lex Caledonia, Yukona, Percyton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDf9XX_p1mA
Bearlong, Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia, Lex Caledonia, Percyton
Welcome back Peng, its been a while.
Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia, Percyton
Just a life sign.
Bearlong, Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia, Percyton
Speaking of awhile... Clemodecralia CTE'd again.
In just over 4 hours from now the leaders of 2 of the worlds most powerful Countries will meet, Lets all put Politics aside and come together! <3
Russkov Soviet, Percyton
The two most powerful? Uh... 'Murica and China? Or am I thinking of something else?
Mercunova
Also, I've finally (God forbid) come up with the FINAL national flag design. The colors may be tweaked depending on thoughts, but I think it's time to just STOP switching...
Nuremgard
Looks cool!
Who might these leaders be?
Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong-Un leads one of the most powerful countries in the world?
Mercunova, Spanelsko
Depends on who you ask.
I think anyone who thinks North Korea is one of the most powerful countries in the world doesn't have a very good grasp of world politics.
Russkov Soviet, Mercunova, Cesorion, Spanelsko, The West Country
Hiya pengu
Percyton
I don't think I'll ever have a grasp on world politics. The memery of the Interwebs has broken my brain...
What a Historic day! Amazing to witness!
Penguania And Antarctica, Percyton
Hello, Peng! Great to hear from you again! I was wondering where you had gone, and I missed you.
What's a historic day?
Jaslandia, Penguania And Antarctica
More-so their military, mate. Half of their gear is older than my nan and is dodgier than her knees.
The Talking Point
The country routinely whitewashes uncomfortable parts of its history.
I really think that we are a failed democracy if we by accident manage this.
Then again having slavery, serfdom, child labour legal doesn't sound too democratic or moralistic (for some reason NS calls us ´´Moralistic Democracy´´)
Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia
I still wouldn't underestimate them though.
Love the whinging, dramatic headline in the Sun today.
https://wingsoverscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sunfp.jpg
Most of the landmarks pictured here are in Remain-voting areas. How dare those MPs vote for what they believe to be in the best interests of the nation. They should instead be led by the nose by hysterical publications like the Sun. That's democracy.
Not one word about how there will be a vote to overrule devolution. http://archive.is/Ej6P1
Now that's betrayal British style.
Am absolutely ragin
Nuremgard, Axeldonia
Im bloody livid this is outrageous this countrys gone to the dogs
Russkov Soviet
We all have pasts that we aren't proud of, but sometimes whitewashing part of it can lead to a better society... sometimes.
Spanelsko
Devolution is dead. If this doesn't convince Scots they need to get the hell out of this "Union" then nothing will.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
RIP Clem.
Russkov Soviet, Yukona
Same for Est
Russkov Soviet, Yukona
Everyone's falling by the wayside
Russkov Soviet, Midasia
Damn. RIP to him too. Feels like we've lost a lot of people recently.
Russkov Soviet, Midasia
All these politics have got my mind racing... or it may be the lack of sleep due to a heavy work schedule. But, nevertheless, I have decided to hold a vote inside my beloved Union. The people will have but three choices: Rebirth of the Empire, Continuation of the Union, or the Birth of the Imperial Republic under me. Of course... the voting will be extended to leaders and denizens of the CoFN, but will be stalled during the upcoming Birthday celebrations
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Axeldonia, Penguania And Antarctica, Midasia
Interesting. Looks like the people of the Equestrian Union have a big choice ahead of them.
Russkov Soviet, Penguania And Antarctica, Midasia
IndyRef2 SOON
Nuremgard, Axeldonia
T h i r d w a r o f S c o t t i s h i n d e p e n d e n c e
So glad the SNP MPs walked out of Parliament. What an absolute disgrace. Ian Blackford got kicked out but that Tory twat that shouted "suicide" to heckle the SNP MPs didn't get kicked out.
What a f*cking disgusting joke of a Parliament. Infuriates me.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
What's the difference between the three concepts?
Russkov Soviet
Its disgusting tbh
Nuremgard, Axeldonia
But it doesn't matter how badly they treat our elected MPs. There will be Scots who think this was great and were outraged that the SNP did not do as they were told.
We need to get the hell out. Any Scot who prefers Westminster rule can go live in England if they love it so much. That's how I feel right now.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
IF YOU DONT LIEK IT YOU CAN F*CKING GO HOME
I'm already home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fZZqDJXOVg
I think anyone who doesn't have undying support the union should move to France if they love it so much.
I mean
The bloke should've just sat down.
I dislike the Tories as much as anyone else, probably more so, but the SNP were just outright obstructionist today. You don't make a stand by throwing your toys out the pram.
Yukona, Cesorion
Aye that's right. They didn't get time to properly debate but they should have just sat down, shut up and did as they were told.
No. I'm glad they walked out.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia, Mercunova
I think just like the whole will of the people thing with Brexit, if it was the other way around youd have no problems. If it was the IndyRef and they went against the will of the people youd be bouncing of the ceilings, assuming that its hypothetically advisory. In this instance, I dont think anyone has ever gotten the chance to do that in a PMQ and he wasnt the exception, he got given a choice and he chose to leave on the basis of a publicity stunt. Yes to raise awareness about the issue but this is not the only time they can debate it and they are not the only major party advocating devolution.
It was the fvcking PMQs, everyone knows you don't do substantive debate during that time, you wait until the end of the session. This isn't an attack on the SNP, it's just the SNP breaching protocol and then acting like the victims.
Yukona, Cesorion
It's not my fault your Brexit referendum was non-binding.
Well it seems stunts are the only way to highlight important issues since the media doesn't give a f*ck that Westminster is trampling on devolution. I don't give a f*ck if they broke so called parliamentary protocol. It forced the media to talk about why it happened in the first place.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
Not much really. It's more of what the government prioritizes the most. The Union is for a powerful economy, but the military will suffer. The Empire is for the expansion of its lands, but a military weak enough to control. The people will struggle slightly. The Equestrian Imperial Republic is wholly militarily minded, wanting to get the Red Army into the Top 10. It's not certain, but the people and the economy will take a hit.
I'm on a short break, so I can't elaborate much. Questions are welcome. Voting has started, and Day One is mostly catered to International voters. At present: Union (45.2%) - EQIR (30.8%) - Empire (24%).
Jaslandia
How would the Empire expand its lands without a strong military?
Russkov Soviet
Kinda the same way the U.S. did with the Louisiana Purchase. Buy it, then occupy. This alone is why the Empire is 3rd.
I vote for whichever one prioritises the people.
Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia
Its not so much adhering to protocol as it is adhering to the orders of the day, and ensuring that the House addresses all that is on its docket for that day. Just as suppertime is not the place for clipping your toenails, PMQs are not the time to raise an order to be debated and voted upon.
That said, if any MP chooses to use the Houses schedule and procedure to their advantage to bring awarenesss to their cause, all the power to them. But Im willing to guess that any Speaker would have done just as Bercow did.
Cesorion
Well when they followed procedure, Scotland got a whole 15 minutes of debate time. Is this fair?
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
Standing order should have been upheld according to official rules, they were well within their right for a walkout. The Speaker isn't to blame though, its these f*cking tory brexiteer wanks.
Nuremgard, Axeldonia
They've always hated devolution, mate. Brexit is the perfect chance to roll it back.
Axeldonia
Nope, but pretty standard practice for a third-place party- especially one that has just barey nabbed 5% of the total seats. The same could have just as easily happened to Canadas third-party, and they have over twice as much representation proportionally. Expecting a party that has cinched ~5% of the seats to dictate the length of daily orders just isnt logical unless theyre propping up a Government in minority.
Well just have to hope that Scots have long memories when the next independence referendum comes along.
Yukona
Yes. Let's hope so.
Axeldonia
I don't fully understand this Brexit stuff as well as I should, but... Free Scotland? *awkward chuckle*
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lex Caledonia
The correct kind of Scotland.
Russkov Soviet, Nuremgard, Axeldonia
The Scotland we need most.
Axeldonia, Lex Caledonia
My Brexit referendum? I have never expressed support for Brexit, nor did I ever vote for it, thank you very much. I seem to recall someone else voting for it here you seem to have me confused
You're the one who made the referendum remark. The Scottish one in 2014 was binding. The Brexit one wasn't.
I mean, it was legally non-binding, but any gov't going against it would be committing suicide so it's effectively binding.
So it's not binding at all. The government is just comprised of spineless pussies who don't want to go against the "will of da peepul"
I think the point of my post went over your head. Your sudden militancy and anger at Brexiteers is ironic.
It's not ironic just because I used to be one. I'm allowed to change my mind. That is allowed in a democracy you know.
Yeah but resenting and not understanding the thing you once were
It's effectively binding in the sense no government ever would go against a majority referendum of their own populace. This is your will after all, if I recall correctly.
Yukona
Again, my former will. I have changed my mind about the EU. So your attempt to be snide doesn't wash here.
Axeldonia
I've decided to go a bit r e t r o
what do y'all think?
Russkov Soviet, Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lex Caledonia, Yukona
Nice colours.
Jaslandia, Axeldonia
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