Can NATO survive without the United States?

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  48 Comments  •  5 Likes  •  2 weeks ago

““It is in this sense that — perhaps counterintuitively — a withdrawal of US forces will create an even stronger, not weaker, Europe,” Graefrath wrote.”

Trump blusters about this and that almost every day and I doubt that he remembers half what he is saying unless someone is writing it down (so that they can walk most of it back the next day) so that he can deny saying it or explain what it was he meant to say. NATO is more than alliance it...

National Parks cutting hours, limiting services as Trump layoffs reduce staffing

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  36 Comments  •  5 Likes  •  4 weeks ago

“"I don't know whether we’ll see overflowing latrines, polluted streams, or deadly wildfires first, but Doug Burgum is already leaving a path of...”

I am retired and enjoy traveling to national and state parks in the midwest mostly but around the country.   It seems more real when the craziness in Washington affects things that affect my life.

Dem Lawmakers in Chaos 3 Weeks Into Trump's Presidency, Pulling Chuck Schumer in Opposite Directions

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  76 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  one month ago

“Washington Democratic Rep. Adam Smith told the Journal, “Our brand is toxic in many of the places that we need to win, swing states, swing districts.””

I found the views of insiders in the Democrat Party about what is wrong and the fact that there is little unity in thought on how to fix things to be interesting.   Can Schumer fix it?  Seems unlikely Is the answer to a new direction, message and tactic for the democrat Party going forward...

CBS News poll — Trump has positive approval amid "energetic" opening weeks; seen as doing what he promised

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  9 Comments  •  one month ago

“With most describing him as "tough," "energetic," "focused" and "effective" — and as doing what he'd promised during his campaign — President Trump...”

I guess I did not expect that President trump would have positive approval ratings this early in his administration. It has been sort of "What I Said" is "What You See" and that is "What You Get"

Amy Klobuchar Hits Back At Booing Republicans With A Pricey Trump Punchline

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  5 Comments  •  1 Like  •  2 months ago

“"What is the difference between Greenland and Donald Trump? Greenland is not for sale,””

I never though of Sen Klobuchar as much of a public speaker or performer but she was a superb performer at the recent Washington DC dinner. From the booing, it seems the Republicans are a little thin skinned when on the receiving end of public ridicule They should get used to it as there are a...

Idioms That Only Americans Understand

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  History & Sociology  •  19 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  2 months ago

“Though English borrows a lot from other languages, Americans have created plenty of unique sayings. Jump on the bandwagon and learn more about...”

I came across this interesting article that was a pleasant diversion from the hubbub of trash talking from one side to the other concerning the senate hearings, the depressing news of the tragedy in California and the normal crap presented by the news media on a daily basis. Some made me laugh...

When Do We Paint the Town Red?

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  History & Sociology  •  23 Comments  •  2 Likes  •  2 months ago

“Going on a big night out is sometimes described as “painting the town red,” but the origins of this phase might have been more literal. When is it...”

"Paint the Town Red"       "Yellow Belly"         "Black Dog of Depression"      "Green Thumb"    All interesting phrases of which there are many, many more and I sometimes wonder where they originated and why.  Do you know?  Do you have other such phrases and their origins? Please share with...

12 Old-Fashioned Jobs Making a Surprise Comeback in 2025

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  4 Comments  •  3 Likes  •  3 months ago

““I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” —Stephen Covey”

Almost daily we hear of jobs disappearing of people being replaced by machines and artificial intelligence. Here is a look at the opposite of all that. Some of these careers (making a comeback) are a real surprise to me but I am very glad to see some of them. I live in the country, and we have...

These 10 Items Got Hit the Hardest by Inflation in 2024

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  22 Comments  •  1 Like  •  3 months ago

““We think the Fed will deliver a cut at next week’s December meeting, with market expectations giving them ‘permission’ to do so,” Elyse...”

We heard a lot about inflation in the campaigning leading to the election of President Trump - pro and con.  Experts seem to think that while things have improved in some areas that other critical expense to the American people were hit hard by inflation in 2024 and the end is not clearly in...

Schumer torpedoed by Manchin and Sinema on crucial NLRB vote

Via: Robert in Ohio  •  News & Politics  •  32 Comments  •  1 Like  •  3 months ago

“"Her confirmation would give a lame-duck president control of an independent board well into his successor's term," McConnell added.”

Sen Schumer tried to sneak on in at the last minute but failed to deliver. Looks like the NLRB will have a Trump appointee and a Republican majority beginning in 2025