Trump Announces Alaska Summit with Putin

[andy06shake]

hey maybe to stop bloodshed, stop making things that shed blood. and stop passing them out in the world to assert power. to do so becomes an irresistible lure and inevitably corrupts a nation.

okay, okay, i know, "go back to your van you hippie", but it was asked...

Can i come, ile bring the ""entertainment"?

In a perfect world, im apt to ponder i would be on the same page UltraBudgie.

But in this one, not so much. 

The fact is, pandering to people like Putin is simply counterproductive, because if you give an inch, they want the mile.................and Ukraine. 

[Kwaka]

Crimea wasn't some Russian gift, it was historically Tatar, and Russia's grabbing it in 2014 was flat-out theft, not destiny.

I disagree. The evidence of the language used there and the referendums refutes that. In looking at what happened during WW2 in that region, it make no sense to claim that Russia interest started in 2014.

Crimea is a strategic region, many died on all sides.

[UltraBudgie]

Can i come, ile bring the ""entertainment"?

If a perfect world, im apt to ponder i would be on the same page UltraBudgie.

But in this one, not so much. 

The fact is, pandering to people like Putin is simply counterproductive, because if you give an inch, they want the mile.................and Ukraine. 

ah yes, true true... realpolitik...

moral leadership requires courage, and is often seen as vulnerability

still worth it to keep trying, because if we don't, what does that say about us?

[Kurokage]

I disagree. The evidence of the language used there and the referendums refutes that. 

You really pulled out the "referendum" card in a country under occupation, which is bought to from from the same Kremlin with a 99% vote for Putin. 

[FlyersFan]

So what did they achieve? 

No formal agreement or ceasefire was reached.

And despite both leaders calling the talks "productive," there were no concrete outcomes regarding the war.

"heavy on diplomacy theater and light on meaningful progress."

They are in discussions.
This one was three hours.
Only one side was involved.
There is almost zero chance of a cease fire can be achieved with just that.
It's a process.
That's what was achieved ... engaging in the process.

I don't like Trump either.  
But saying he looked weak with this is ridiculous.
If he had agreed to give away the store then he would have looked weak and played.
But he didn't.  All he did was start the peace talks.  It takes time.

[andy06shake]

I disagree. The evidence of the language used there and the referendums refutes that. In looking at what happened during WW2 in that region, it make no sense to claim that Russia interest started in 2014.

Crimea is a strategic region, many died on all sides.

It's ok to disagree mate, that's what we do, and the reason for debate.

By that logic, Britain should reclaim the U.S. because people speak English.

Language doesn't equal ownership, Kwaka.

Those so-called "referendums" were held at gunpoint, with soldiers and fake ballots, which equates to zero credibility in any way.

Russia's obsession with Crimea isn't about history, it's about power and empire dreams.

Yes, lots of people died in WW2, but that doesn't give Moscow carte blanche or a forever claim on the land.

If death tolls justified borders, half of Europe would be redrawn every century.

And Russia's interest didn't "start in 2014," it merely escalated into invasion then back then.

That's not heritage, that's aggression dressed up as nostalgia.

[FlyersFan]

 Trump has a serious condition affecting the circulation of blood in his legs.

He has a condition that is very common ... 1/3 of adults who live long enough get it ... and it ranges from mild to serious depending on the person.  Most are mild and, when getting treatment, is not a big deal.

UC DAVIS CVI

He didn't keep it quiet or hide it like Biden did.
It's in the open.  And he obviously is getting treated for it.

[andy06shake]

They are in discussions.
This one was three hours.
Only one side was involved.
There is almost zero chance of a cease fire can be achieved with just that.
It's a process.
That's what was achieved ... engaging in the process.

I don't like Trump either.  
But saying he looked weak with this is ridiculous.
If he had agreed to give away the store then he would have looked weak and played.
But he didn't.  All he did was start the peace talks.  It takes time.

A "process" may be, but certainly not progress.

And they have been in "discussions" for years now, so..................

As to achievements, a great show of military prowess on part of the USA, loved the fighter escort in and B-2 flyover. 

But that's not Trump, and he did indeed look weak and played out, if in doubt, see those poor hands and ankles.

It was a distraction, and it did not work imho.

[FlyersFan]

Putin played him, just like everyone with any sense said he would.

I think Putin is playing everyone with this.
But the peace talks have to happen.  
Gotta' go through the process.

It's not Americas job to end the war in Ukraine.
But Trump will make some economic moves to come down hard on Russia.
And then do some more talks.  
This stuff takes time.

[FlyersFan]

A "process" may be, but certainly not progress.

Okay.  I see what you are saying.
But I see engaging in the process as part of the progress.
Having no discussions is unproductive.
I think Putin is playing the world ... but you have to have discussions.
And at the same time, tangible pressure on Russia like sanctions, tariffs, armed Ukraine etc.

As for saying this is a distraction from Epstein ... I dont' think so.
I don't think anything can distract from that.
Regular street Democrats and regular street Republicans agree ... Release the files.
Nothing is going to distract from that.