Trump and the Panama Canal

You are giving him far more credit for intelligence that he doesn't deserve.

The way I read it is that Trump is just trying to get attention. If it's Russia then he' usually kissing Putin's rear while trying to get media attention. If it's China then he's probably just bad mouthing China but, the main point is getting attention. It's a very common need for folks that have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, that is craving attention.

quote:
People with NPD have a deep need for attention and admiration from people around them. This is because they typically rely on other people as a source of self-esteem and do not have a defined sense of self. Someone with NPD may exhibit attention seeking behavior to get the admiration they feel they need or deserve.

 

Oops, I forgot to provide the link.

Am I narcissistic? How to tell
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/am-i-narcissistic

This article does an excellent job exactly describing Trump's personality. In summary:

1. An exaggerated sense of self-importance
2. A constant need for attention and admiration
3. The tendency to monopolize conversations
4. A lack of regard for other people’s feelings and needs
5. Difficulty receiving criticism and regulating behavior

Summary
People with NPD have an inflated sense of importance, an excessive need for admiration and attention, and a lack of empathy for others. They often struggle to maintain healthy relationships and may experience difficulties in other aspects of their lives.

I note that Medical News Today has an excellent rating on Media Bias Fact Check for excellent accuracy and no bias. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/medical-news-today/

 

Sometimes, I think he says these things to intimidate other countries; it just doesn't always work. We had to pay billions to bail out farmers because of Trump's tariffs on China. Not to mention that some farmers committed suicide. Can't get those lives back. He also didn't get the wall built after asserting that Mexico will pay for it.

 

If he's serious, he's a madman. If he's not, then he's a fool. Either way, a President (elect) of the United States should not be saying such things. Ever.

 

He is both a madman and a fool.

 

Since 1951, Greenland’s strategic importance has only increased.
1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement.
" This agreement empowers the U.S. to significantly influence and potentially control this strategically vital territory, making a compelling case for action that Congress and diplomats cannot ignore.

Historical Context

The 1951 agreement was forged in the crucible of the Cold War, recognizing Greenland’s critical importance to North Atlantic security. This pact granted the United States significant rights and responsibilities within Greenland, establishing a framework that continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region.

Key Provisions

The agreement’s provisions grant significant authority for increased American control when national security is invoked:

Military Presence: Article II of the agreement allows for the establishment of “defense areas” in Greenland, where the United States can construct and operate military facilities. This provision has enabled the continued operation of Thule Air Base, now the Pituffik Space Base, a cornerstone of American strategic capabilities in the Arctic.

Operational Control: In cases where the U.S. is responsible for operating defense areas, American commanders have substantial authority, with Danish personnel serving in advisory roles. This arrangement demonstrates the trust placed in American leadership and expertise.

A warming Arctic is opening new shipping routes and exposing vast mineral resources, attracting the attention of global powers like China and Russia. In this context, the provisions of the 1951 agreement take on renewed significance.

Arctic Security: Greenland’s location makes it an ideal base for monitoring and responding to activities in the Arctic region. The island’s proximity to North America — just a few hours’ flight from major U.S. cities — underscores its critical role in homeland defense."

"We are happy that the crazy idea of buying Greenland was made into a global news thing because of all the ... attention that Greenland got as a result of it," says Johansen, now the CEO of Greenland Invest, a private investment company focusing on shipping and seafood. That's even though Greenlanders don't agree with Trump's offer. "We are not for sale, but we are open for business," Johansen says, echoing remarks by government leaders."
And yes minerals, there is high interest in mining minerals in Greenland.

 

I wondered why Greenland even became a topic of discussion in the first place, so I decided to dig deeper into the subject.

Pituffik Space Base, Greenland — formerly known as Thule Air Base — holds immense strategic importance. It’s the Department of Defense’s northernmost installation and has recently in April 2023 been renamed to honor Greenlandic cultural heritage while aligning with its evolving role under the U.S. Space Force.

This renaming not only reflects a greater appreciation for Greenland’s identity but also underscores the base’s significance in the Arctic and beyond.

“From here, we have maintained an unbreakable bond working towards the collective defense and stability of the northern Arctic,” said Saltzman. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Greenland and Denmark for their partnership and friendship over the years. Today marks a new chapter in our shared history, one in which we recognize and celebrate the contributions and traditions of this land and its people…Together the men and women of Pituffik Space Base and our Greenlandic and Danish partners will ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous future both in space and above the Arctic Circle.”

 

In the Air Force, we used to say about Thule: "Great place. A girl behind every tree."

 

We used to say the same thing about Navy Base Diego Garcia!

 

Ironically, both require sunblock for two entirely different reasons.

 

Is there such a thing as "snow block"?

 

Will this lower the price of eggs?

 

Might. Canals can reduce the cost of shipping by quite a lot. If chicken feed is shipped via the Canal instead of by rail, there might be a savings.