The rule is on this forum we can not discuss politics. But it's my forum and I can break the rules, occasionally. This will be a locked thread, sorry, and if anyone posts a new threat to continue this discussion, I will delete it.

I've seen a few youtube posts from people I follow, interesting USA based people like FranLab, Everyday Astronaut, Corridor Crew, Joe Scott, Ben Sullins. Usually these channels are not political, but over the last month I've see a dramatic change in their content, where they are either trying to debunk some of the misinformation coming from the White House, expressing how the recent changes have affected them personally, or just trying to defuse tensions between their followers. Its unnerving, watching these normally calm people getting very upset about the state of their country. We need more people to stand up and tell it as it is, and that includes me.

Last night I saw a video from a channel I follow, Jim's Radio Shop, a Canadian, and I highly recommend you view it to get a Canadians point of view. https://youtu.be/aSq6YkGKprM?si=PkCsEYRpu20GaHNv  
I totally agree with him and feel the same way.

Now my view is the USA people deserve what they get. Definately those who voted for the orange idiot, but also many of those who didn't. The people who didnt want Trump as president, could see the damage he could cause, but said nothing, or didn't even bother to vote against him, just a bad.

Yesterday Trump put tariffs on importing Australian aluminum and steel products to the USA.

Now to an Australian, this is an insult. The tariffs will have little effect on us, only a small portion of our trade is with the USA. Australia will easily find other markets, most of our trade is with Asia. But this is a betrayal from a country we considered a long time friend. This relationship will take many years to repair.

When it comes to our military alliance, could we even trust the USA to help in a local conflict, or would they want a deal, like our uranium reserves in exchange for solders? Just a reminder, the USA depends on Australian sites for both deep space communications and access to our intelligence and spy networks, plus their own base in Australia ( Pine Gap ). Australia also manufactures weapons used by the USA.

The USA seams determined to break ties with all friendly nations. This self interest will lead to a isolated USA, much like Russia is today. All previously friendly nations will create new alliances with other countries. While the Trump empire can only last a few years, the damage will take much longer to repair.

I do feel for the USA people who voted against Trump, I can only imagine how it feels to watch what's happening to their country from the inside.

Now, some facts.

There are more than 2 genders. Go ask any doctor or midwife, its not black and white. Fran talks about this - https://youtu.be/XzX0hSW3W4g?si=VonIDP_n33Po7Wr_
The gulf of Mexico is still called the Gulf of Mexico. The only way the name can be changed is if the USA, Mexico and Cuba agree to the change. Google maps in the USA may say Gulf of American, but not outside of the USA. Think about this, your government ordered Google ( and others ) to lie to you. What else has been changed?
Asking nations to be the 51st state of the USA, seriously?
Name calling on social media, Trump and Elon, are you 12? Grow up.

In finishing, this is not personal to any forum member. The no politics policy means I really dont know what anyone's political leaning is. I appreciate you all, no matter what your political, economic, religious or geographical location. This is me venting how I feel. The world seams very uneasy and sad at the moment, and its that way due to a hand full of delusional greedy men with to much power, and the people naïve enough to follow them. Just like 1930's Europe.

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The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
JAQ