International Relations

My Vegas friend just wrote me to say Trump posted wearing a crown and dumping poo on protesters.
Sick joke, crass and nasty really, so low brow!
She gets herself overly worked up over politics.
I tried to tell her it has been going on for thousands of years and in this world, we can not stop evil; Anyone involved in politics has a few secrets they would rather stay hidden.
She needs to enjoy her so called golden years and not worry about such matters to the point she gets ill.
I heard with the US gov shut down, 42 million Americans may have the Nov food stamp payments cut off or suspended until the gov; reopens.
There are food stamp scammers out there but a large part of the population really does depend on that handout.
I think it is a test, might happen, might not. if it happens it could last a few days, weeks or even a month or so.
They need to gauge just how desperate people are and what they will do under pressure.
I talk big, not a huge hoarder of supplies but have told my US people to try and stock up a bit every time they shop; A can here and there, some dry goods etc.
Everyone should have at least a months supply around their home.
I do worry about my older sister, the only contribution halfie has is buying most of her own food with those stamps; Now the eldest is going to have to feed her too? Way too much pressure for her.
I keep trying to tell her to just drop her off at a shelter, let them handle her.
78 years old, she needs to enjoy life without so much stress. My husband says it is karma since neither had their own children.
I do not think that way, no one should expect children to care for them in old age unless the relationship is good and they are able and willing to help.
They have their own lives and why pressure them?
Not sure when the 3 kings will meet up here in the city, any day now.
In any case all those protests in the US will come to nothing, he still has over 3 more years in office and some people did vote for what is going on.
It is the poor who suffer the most, always has been that way.
Perhaps if you go to a protest, you might want to wear a rubber suit, just in case OV gets any ideas from Trump! Talk about duck and cover!! When the SHTF!! - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, saw that crap bomber image. Says it all really.  He's an uncouth bully of a person.   I know it seems like we cannot do anything but we can.  We're supposed to vote to determine what happens - people can have remorse for voting for Trump.  Good they got religion and realised they made a mistake.  People need to educate themselves on politics and not be complaining bystanders.  At least your friend has solid views. In the short term, no, nothing can be done but active protests will collectively worry Mango Man.  It only takes good (wo)men to do nothing.

The 3 Kings will indeed come here.  I would not say Three Wise Men.  How do you find Three Wise men in Hungary?  But maybe Jesus will turn up in the form of Zelenskyy.  Praise be.

I do read about the shutdown but it's just politics.  How they got there, meh, we're over here, the poor have always been the victims of these rich people at the top.  I do not understand the thinking of those types.  All that wealth, they should be required to pay at least half to social improvement projects.  They should be thinking like that from day one.  How many billions does one actually need?

I might not go to the protest as I was hit with some kind of stomach bug after returning from Africa.  It killed off my Monday evening and only just now, 24h later I am starting to recover.   It's not serious, it's a touch of salmonella probably but I cannot determine what I had that could have caused it.  I will recover of course.  But I hope I'll all ready to go Thursday.  As usual as soon as I get back here, domestic matters go bananas - so much to do from last minute autumn garden tidying up to dealing with car insurance.  Rain hasn't helped the former and Mrs F will deal with the latter.

@Marilyn Tassy
He often does this AI stuff on his social media. He doesn't care.
The latest stir is the White House and his Golden Ballroom.


Demolition crews on Monday began tearing down part of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s long-desired ballroom despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. - @SimCityAT

  I am sure the founding father,s are rolling in their graves!

I can not imagine Trump in tails dancing a waltz!

I think we should of perhaps stayed a part of the UK commonwealth after all!!

@Marilyn Tassy
He often does this AI stuff on his social media. He doesn't care.
The latest stir is the White House and his Golden Ballroom.


Demolition crews on Monday began tearing down part of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s long-desired ballroom despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. - @SimCityAT
I am sure the founding father,s are rolling in their graves!
I can not imagine Trump in tails dancing a waltz!
I think we should of perhaps stayed a part of the UK commonwealth after all!! - @Marilyn Tassy

I doubt it will be finished before in 3 years.

@Marilyn Tassy
He often does this AI stuff on his social media. He doesn't care.
The latest stir is the White House and his Golden Ballroom.


Demolition crews on Monday began tearing down part of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s long-desired ballroom despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. - @SimCityAT
I am sure the founding father,s are rolling in their graves!
I can not imagine Trump in tails dancing a waltz!
I think we should of perhaps stayed a part of the UK commonwealth after all!! - @Marilyn Tassy
I doubt it will be finished before in 3 years. - @SimCityAT

It's very possible Trump will be there until his death. Whilst the world would probably be a better place if that was next week, it might well be ten years.

However, on the bright side,  Trump will probably destroy the US as the world's leader.

Breaking News:

Just heard a radio report on LBC that Putin will bail on the 3 Kings meeting in Budapest.  It's an official White House press announcement.

Once again,  Trump is being played again by Maestro Putin. 

And the Klingon Empire rolls onward endlessly in Moscow.

And definition of madness comes to mind.  TACO man does the same thing and get screwed over by Putin each time.   Maybe it's amnesia, Alzheimer's or dementia.  Some reports talk of Mango Man being "incapacitated".   Not sure what is going on there.

BTW, this faux summit is probably a reaction to Trump saying maybe on the Tomahawks so Vlad says, don't do it, we'll talk, Trump falls for it (again) and says no Tomahawks for Zelenskyy.  The Putin then back tracks.  If Donny cannot see it by now, there's no hope for the guy. Fool me once etc.

Trump says, "You f**ked me by tricking me" and Putin says, "F**ked you? You don't know how hard that can feel? Bend over Donaldovitch".   I reckon Vlad has made Donny his b**ch.

@Marilyn TassyHe often does this AI stuff on his social media. He doesn't care. The latest stir is the White House and his Golden Ballroom. Demolition crews on Monday began tearing down part of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s long-desired ballroom despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. - @SimCityAT I am sure the founding father,s are rolling in their graves!I can not imagine Trump in tails dancing a waltz!I think we should of perhaps stayed a part of the UK commonwealth after all!! - @Marilyn TassyI doubt it will be finished before in 3 years. - @SimCityAT It's very possible Trump will be there until his death. Whilst the world would probably be a better place if that was next week, it might well be ten years.However, on the bright side, Trump will probably destroy the US as the world's leader. - @Fred

He could die in harness.  We should be so lucky.  Then we'll get Shady Vance who would in all likeliness be worse. 

Maybe the US will break apart but I can imagine a period of utter chaos for several years.  It would mean Shady could never get off the ground before an election.  He could always phone Vlad in Moscow for instructions. 

Donny has health issues with his circulation. I reckon he could be dead in 2 years.   

BTW, the US could adopt a Canadian style political system.  No shutdowns.  And civil engagement.  Free healthcare.

US politics right now is just so poisonous and the founding fathers would indeed be rolling their eyes while rolling in their graves.

Free healthcare in the US. If only...

Seniors over age 65 have medicare taken out from their monthly SS check even if it leaves them with 50 cents to live on for the month.

A total disgrace.

My Vegas friend had a GP appointment yesterday, was going to get a shot in her shoulder for bone spurs.

Waited for 2 hours, was told there were still 5 people ahead of her so she left, next open date is early Dec;! They did make sure to charge her credit card $65. before letting her know the wait time!

That on top of the over $400.per month they pay as a couple for low standard care.

She did not want to deal with a refund so told them to keep it till next visit. I never would of done that, can not trust them at all.

She can only go out for 3 to 4 hours with planning so they messed her up. She has to use a cath and dislikes using the public WC so refuses to drink anything a day before going out anywhere. She has gone pot free for a month and the BS yesterday almost had her light up again.

Her husband has been trying to get a CT scan for months, they keep messing about , been over 3 months of calls and still no set date for a scan.

It is really a shame, America is in the toilet for sure.

We called last week for a CT scan for me, they said it was too soon to book for Dec.

Much faster in Hungary and less hassle then the US.

Glad the 3 Kings are not meeting up; The HU tax payers do not need to cover that bill.

Indonesia is clearly ahead of the US and UK.

If I need to visit a doctor, I simply walk into the nearest BPJS (health insurance) designated place - no appointment required. The doctor does not charge and most prescriptions are free.

Hospital waiting times for BPJS patients vary, but a week for inpatient care is the longest I've heard of. Urgent cases are directly taken in without question. Outpatients have to wait in a queue. That can be a few hours long at busy times, but it's free.

Private clinics and hospitals vary in cost from amazingly cheap to secong mortgage prices - the quality of care and general state of the hospital tends to follow the price.

My first wife's breast tumor was a week waiting on health insurance,  but same day for $100 US at a simple but effective hospital.

The big, super-post hospital near my place is an arm and a leg, but I thought I'd wandered into a five star hotel lobby the first time I rolled in. We are talking auto-play piano next to the free blood pressure monitor.

The coffee shop and restauransts are pretty good as well.

@Fred

I can walk into any doctor's or hospital with my E-card (social insurance card). It has a chip in it, and I see the doctor; I don't need an appointment either. No charge. If I need a prescription, I just walk into any pharmacist, give them my Ecard and collect my drugs. and walk out. If I go to A&E, I am seen within 30 mins.

On the other side of My Ecard is My EHIC.

The card is automatically renewed every 5 years, and my photo on it needs to be updated every 10 years. 

I can go private, but why pay for a service that already is brilliant? I'm not bothered that I don't get a private room if I have to stay in the hospital, it's nice to have people to chat to, and we have free TV for each bed and free WiFi.

The UK does have a lot to learn, which I have said a few times in the Forum. My last stay, I was on a waiting list for 3 months, and that was over Christmas and during COVID. Not bad going if you ask me.

Interesting advert from Ontario;

See the anti-tariff ad Doug Ford has been airing in the U.S

The advert is well timed (and shown right across the USA, hence the $75M price tag) as Trump's tariffs are going to be in SCOTUS and may be deemed unconstitutional.  If that happens, it blows a nuclear bomb sized hole in his economic plans.  It'll be chaos for Mr Chaos.   

Downside is it's put Canadian PM on the spot as Trump has pulled out of trade talks.  But by next week, that'll all be back on.  It's the usual schtick.

In the US system, only Congress can approve taxes, not the President. Separation of powers etc.  It's going to massive fun from here to observe if Trump loses even if he's loaded SCOTUS with his people.

Net effect is my schadenfreude meter may be well off the scale!

@fluffy2560

Trump being Trump, and having a tantrum. He doesn't like it when people take the mick out of him. But its OK for him to mock people.

@fluffy2560
Trump being Trump, and having a tantrum. He doesn't like it when people take the mick out of him. But its OK for him to mock people. - @SimCityAT

Oh yes, that's his MO.   No-one expects him to really stop trade talks. 

I do like the cheeky Canadian video with Ronald Raygun (joke) poking fun at Republican/Trumpian Party.  Not sure it was worth $75M (presumably Canadian dollars).

It's Donny TACO time on the Canadian-US border.

Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao

Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has been pardoned by US President Donald Trump.

Zhao, also known as "CZ", was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws.

Binance also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $4.3bn (£3.4bn) after a US investigation found it helped users bypass sanctions.

The pardon reignited debate over the White House embrace of cryptocurrency as the Trump family's own investments in the industry have deepened.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Zhao's prosecution under the Biden administration part of a "war on cryptocurrency", pushing back on critics who said the pardon appeared motivated by Trump's personal financial interests.

"This was an overly prosecuted case by the Biden administration," she said, adding that the case had been "thoroughly reviewed". "So the president wants to correct this overreach of the Biden administration's misjustice and he exercised his constitutional authority to do so."

Binance had spent nearly a year pursuing a pardon for its former boss, who completed his four-month prison sentence in September 2024, the WSJ reported on Thursday.

Its campaign came as Trump, who released his own coin shortly ahead of his inauguration in January, promised to take a friendlier approach to the industry than his predecessor.

Since then, he has loosened regulations, sought to establish a national cryptocurrency reserve and pushed to make it easier for Americans to use retirement savings to invest in digital assets.

Zhao, who stepped down as Binance chief executive in 2023, wrote on social media on Thursday that he was "deeply grateful for today's pardon and to President Trump for upholding America's commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice".

The pardon lifts restrictions that had stopped Zhao from running financial ventures, but it's not yet clear whether it changes his standing with US regulators or his ability to lead Binance directly.

In a statement Binance called the decision "incredible news".

The exchange, which is registered in the Cayman Islands, remains the world's most popular platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

It did not respond to further questions about the conflict of interest claims.

Before the pardon, Zhao's companies had partnered with firms linked to Trump on new digital-currency projects including Dominari Holdings, where his sons sit on the board of advisers and which is based in Trump Tower.

The Wall Street Journal also previously reported representatives of the Trump family - which has its own crypto firm World Liberty Financial - had recently held talks with Binance.

The Trump administration previously halted a fraud case against crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, after his investments in the Trump family's crypto firm, World Liberty Financial.

He has also pardoned founders of the crypto exchange BitMex, who also faced charges related to money laundering, and Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, the dark web marketplace known as a place for drug trade.

Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale wrote on social media that he loved Trump but the president had been "terribly advised" on pardons.

"It makes it look like massive fraud is happening around him in this area," he said.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, blasted the decision in a statement as a "kind of corruption".

Asked about the decision to pardon Zhao on Thursday, Trump appeared not to not know who he was.

"Are you talking about the crypto person?" he asked, later saying he had granted the pardon at the "request of a lot of good people".

When US officials announced the Binance guilty plea in 2023, they said Binance and Zhao were responsible for "wilful violations" of US laws, which had threatened the financial system and national security.

"Binance turned a blind eye to its legal obligations in the pursuit of profit," said then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

"Its wilful failures allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers through its platform."

Zhao stepped down as Binance chief executive as part of the resolution of the case, writing at the time that resigning was "the right thing to do".

"I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1qrl9l1qo

Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao
Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has been pardoned by US President Donald Trump.

- @SimCityAT

I saw this and I immediately thought it was about corruption. 

Trump and Co have their own crypto coin and they can legitimise that by getting the Binance guy out of jail.

I was very surprised Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the organiser of Silk Road.  He was selling drugs and guns as far as I recall.

There are reports Trump doesn't even know about the people he pardoned.  Memory is one of the first visible signs of mental decline.  Age related, it starts after 75.  He really shouldn't be President if he doesn't know who is who.

Putin's nuclear missile threats:

Russia says it has tested nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile - sounds like Putin posturing. 

Also, there's a more detailed discussion on this "flying Chernobyl" here (from 2024)

Why are Russian missiles described as 'nuclear capable', but US nuclear capable missiles are not?

One might also wonder why US nuclear powered carriers aren't floating Hiroshimas.

Why are Russian missiles described as 'nuclear capable', but US nuclear capable missiles are not?One might also wonder why US nuclear powered carriers aren't floating Hiroshimas. - @Fred

The Russian missile is nuclear propelled,   By definition, it's chucking out nuclear pollution as it flies.

US missiles are powered by solid fuel. 

(Update: liquid fuel has not been used for years as it takes too long to fuel the missile when a near immediate response is required)

And US carrier reactors are self-contained. Any leakage would kill the crew. 

(Update: if there was an uncontrollable leak, probably they'd scuttle the carrier in very deep water but that's somewhat speculative).

The Russian missile is nuclear propelled, By definition, it's chucking out nuclear pollution as it flies.
- @fluffy2560

I didn't realise you were a nuclear engineer.  Please link to a reputable journal that shows this.

US missiles are powered by solid fuel.

Even the ones with nuclear warheads.

The point is, the press refer to Russian aircraft as 'nuclear capable' but US/UK vehicles,  even nuclear capable ones, never are.

It's pure (if crass) propaganda for idiots to absorb.

The Russian missile is nuclear propelled, By definition, it's chucking out nuclear pollution as it flies. - @fluffy2560I didn't realise you were a nuclear engineer. Please link to a reputable journal that shows this.US missiles are powered by solid fuel.Even the ones with nuclear warheads. The point is, the press refer to Russian aircraft as 'nuclear capable' but US/UK vehicles, even nuclear capable ones, never are.It's pure (if crass) propaganda for idiots to absorb. - @Fred

Ah the Fred we know is back.

Read the article links I included . Summarised nicely there. Wikipedia has some good info on attempts to produce air propulsion through nuclear means.  Also check out ICBMs for solid fuel boosters.

And yes, I did study nuclear physics.

Btw. at the.moment I am reading about Arthur Finkelstein. Something for you to complain about.

The Russian missile is nuclear propelled, By definition, it's chucking out nuclear pollution as it flies. - @fluffy2560I didn't realise you were a nuclear engineer. Please link to a reputable journal that shows this.US missiles are powered by solid fuel.Even the ones with nuclear warheads. The point is, the press refer to Russian aircraft as 'nuclear capable' but US/UK vehicles, even nuclear capable ones, never are.It's pure (if crass) propaganda for idiots to absorb. - @Fred
Ah the Fred we know is back.
Read the article links I included . Summarised nicely there. Wikipedia has some good info on attempts to produce air propulsion through nuclear means. Also check out ICBMs for solid fuel boosters.

And yes, I did study nuclear physics.

Btw. at the.moment I am reading about Arthur Finkelstein. Something for you to complain about. - @fluffy2560

Bold 1 - The one that calls out the propaganda you spew is indeed back.

Nuclear power is used in civilian as well as military machines. Your assertion the thing is polluting as it flies is the same as saying US aircraft carriers are doing the same to the seas. Basically, you're talking rubbish.

Bold 2 - More tripe. If you did, you'd realise the most likely engine type is an ion drive along the lines of the new Chinese engines under development at the moment. Such units might well be related, paralel, or shared technology.

Bold 3 - I am very familiar with the chap. He managed to initiate the BS, not just repeat it. I may not like him, but at least his work was original and intelligent. I have a very interesting file I wrote on his work.

The Russian missile is nuclear propelled, By definition, it's chucking out nuclear pollution as it flies. - @fluffy2560I didn't realise you were a nuclear engineer. Please link to a reputable journal that shows this.US missiles are powered by solid fuel.Even the ones with nuclear warheads. The point is, the press refer to Russian aircraft as 'nuclear capable' but US/UK vehicles, even nuclear capable ones, never are.It's pure (if crass) propaganda for idiots to absorb. - @Fred
Ah the Fred we know is back.
Read the article links I included . Summarised nicely there. Wikipedia has some good info on attempts to produce air propulsion through nuclear means. Also check out ICBMs for solid fuel boosters.

And yes, I did study nuclear physics.

Btw. at the.moment I am reading about Arthur Finkelstein. Something for you to complain about. - @fluffy2560
Bold 1 - The one that calls out the propaganda you spew is indeed back.
Nuclear power is used in civilian as well as military machines. Your assertion the thing is polluting as it flies is the same as saying US aircraft carriers are doing the same to the seas. Basically, you're talking rubbish.
Bold 2 - More tripe. If you did, you'd realise the most likely engine type is an ion drive along the lines of the new Chinese engines under development at the moment. Such units might well be related, paralLel, or shared technology.

Bold 3 - I am very familiar with the chap. He managed to initiate the BS, not just repeat it. I may not like him, but at least his work was original and intelligent. I have a very interesting file I wrote on his work. - @Fred

Nuclear stuff - take it up with the original authors. Ion drives are used in spacecraft and are not per se nuclear propulsion.  They are reaction engines using inert gas like Xeon expelled as charged particles.  Without me looking it up to remind myself, I believe they are low acceleration devices unsuitable to use in the atmosphere.  Nuclear propulsion uses hot air and a compressor just like a jet engine without the combustion chamber.  Different mechanism to ion drives. But you can do your homework and report back.

It's good you know who Finkelstein is.  Now, to pass today's exam,  critique his methodology in the context of populist politicians in power today - you can start with any  one of Trump,  Putin, Orban, Fico etc.  Don't bother with Farage as he's not in power.   Extra bonus if you can link in someone like Stalin.  Extra extra bonus if you can come up with a counter Finkelstein strategy.

Nuclear propulsion uses hot air and a compressor just like a jet engine without the combustion chamber. Different mechanism to ion drives. But you can do your homework and report back.
- @fluffy2560

You might be thinking of America's failed NEPA system from 70 years ago. Perhaps you could refine your goole searches in order to attempt to learn what I know without looking it up.

I would supect the missile is more likely to be propelled using an ion plasma drive. You might like to look at the latest Chinese tech rather than cold war stuff.

However, you are still trying to deflect from my question.

Why are Russian aircraft and missiles labeled as 'nuclear capable' when nuclear capable US aircraft are not?

Arthur might well have the answer to the question you are scared to answer.

The problem here is always the same. You tend to spew propaganda that suits your point of view without looking at the reality of any given situation.

You want to justify removing Orban and his government in favour of democracy, even though the elections that gave him power were internationally monitored and declared free and fair.

In other words, you want to remove real democracy from the people of Hungary  because you don't like how they voted.

That's a really crap position to put yourself in.

Nuclear propulsion uses hot air and a compressor just like a jet engine without the combustion chamber. Different mechanism to ion drives. But you can do your homework and report back. - @fluffy2560You might be thinking of America's failed NEPA system from 70 years ago. Perhaps you could refine your goole searches in order to attempt to learn what I know without looking it up. I would supect the missile is more likely to be propelled using an ion plasma drive. You might like to look at the latest Chinese tech rather than cold war stuff.However, you are still trying to deflect from my question.Why are Russian aircraft and missiles labeled as 'nuclear capable' when nuclear capable US aircraft are not?Arthur might well have the answer to the question you are scared to answer. - @Fred

No, ion drives are not very usable in atmosphere.   But they work well in space. More interesting technically is a photon engine.

Meanwhile, I'm not interested in your question. 

All I did was post news reports.  My purpose was to inform debate.  People can draw their own conclusions, however inane.

The problem here is always the same. You tend to spew propaganda that suits your point of view without looking at the reality of any given situation.You want to justify removing Orban and his government in favour of democracy, even though the elections that gave him power were internationally monitored and declared free and fair.In other words, you want to remove real democracy from the people of Hungary because you don't like how they voted.That's a really crap position to put yourself in. - @Fred

I'm monitoring what is being said by the opposition to see if they have effective counter messaging wrapped in a political strategy. 

Apart from the smoke screen of indignation blah-blah, what else you got that's analytical discourse and on point?

Have a report on my desk by tomorrow.

No, ion drives are not very usable in atmosphere. But they work well in space. More interesting technically is a photon engine.
Meanwhile, I'm not interested in your question.

All I did was post news reports. My purpose was to inform debate. People can draw their own conclusions, however inane. - @fluffy2560

Opinions vary. The Xhinese have built a working unit.

However,  I see you are still too scared to answer my question.

I assume it's because you know the propaganda is just lies, but you still want to believe it.

Opinions vary. The Xhinese have built a working unit.
However, I see you are still too scared to answer my question.
I assume it's because you know the propaganda is just lies, but you still want to believe it. - @Fred

Skipping over the bluster, have you got any links to the Chinese technology? 

Be interested in that.

Perhaps the US is simply jealous

https://www.nasa.gov/rocket-systems-are … cations%20(NERVA)%20was%20a,stage%20for%20the%20Apollo%20Program.

After all, Russia succeeded where they failed.

Now, who can link to the US complaining about nuclear propulsion when they tried it? I will accept a US government link that mentions the failed US attempts when they moan about Russia's missiles.

Perhaps the US is simply jealous https://www.nasa.gov/rocket-systems-are … cations%20(NERVA)%20was%20a,stage%20for%20the%20Apollo%20Program.After all, Russia succeeded where they failed. Now, who can link to the US complaining about nuclear propulsion when they tried it? I will accept a US government link that mentions the failed US attempts when they moan about Russia's missiles. - @Fred

Trump was complaining about missile tests earlier on today while flying about in Asia. 

I didn't read it but it's reported on the BBC and other sites.

There's a lot detail on nuclear propulsion in aviation on Wikipedia.  Mainly 1950s and 1960s.  There's a bit on nuclear powered cars.  I found it mildly amusing a car weighing 3 tonnes would need a 36 tonne engine just for the shielding.

The Mars rovers are powered by radioactive generators.  And before I forget, Russia used nuclear devices of the same kind of design to power their lighthouses!  Most of them have fallen into disrepair but the generators might still be there polluting up the land.

The yanks have lost several nuclear bombs.

That trumps possible reactors

The big problem is, as I have mentioned before, you believe propaganda that suits you, even when it compromises you democratic views.

Orban is the nasty dictator,  but he was freely elected. However, in your mind he's a nasty dictator so democracy can be set aside.

The Russians are evil, but the US removed democracy from Ukraine,  and NATO moved eastward,  thus forcing Putin's hand. Sadly, you don't want to know.

The Chinese military buildup is a response to a massive US military buildup in the  South China Sea.  China's position is defensive,  but the US is aggressive. However,  China is wrong to defend against the nation that has started more wars than any other in the whole history of the world.

Going back, the US committed mass murder of civilians in many countries,  operation Menu probably being the worst.

The list of US war crimes is almost endless, as is their list of lies, but fools believe them every time, and China is evil because it has build up a defence against them.

Only an idiot believes the US.

The big problem is, as I have mentioned before, you believe propaganda that suits you, even when it compromises you democratic views.Orban is the nasty dictator, but he was freely elected. However, in your mind he's a nasty dictator so democracy can be set aside.The Russians are evil, but the US removed democracy from Ukraine, and NATO moved eastward, thus forcing Putin's hand. Sadly, you don't want to know.The Chinese military buildup is a response to a massive US military buildup in the South China Sea. China's position is defensive, but the US is aggressive. However, China is wrong to defend against the nation that has started more wars than any other in the whole history of the world.Going back, the US committed mass murder of civilians in many countries, operation Menu probably being the worst.The list of US war crimes is almost endless, as is their list of lies, but fools believe them every time, and China is evil because it has build up a defence against them.Only an idiot believes the US. - @Fred

Suggest you read up on gerrymandering (redistricting).   It's a hot US topic right now as SCOTUS is probably going to change the Voting Rights Act.  It might be going on today with a ruling next year.  Or sooner.

China doesn't need to build on islands in the South China Sea.  It's a land and resource grab.   Its Nine-Dash line is simply laughable as a claim. 

I've been to the US owned islands in the Pacific many times.  They are mostly fixed aircraft carriers.  And not very nice places.  The US has been ramping up resources there including in the independent but Compact states like Palau, Marshalls and Federated States of Micronesia.   Not unexpected but too little, too late.

China doesn't need to build on islands in the South China Sea. It's a land and resource grab. Its Nine-Dash line is simply laughable as a claim. - @fluffy2560

Yes, they do need them. When faced with an invading forces, the first line of defense is critical. Much as it will be overrun quickly, it damages the invading military and buys precious hours that the defending nation (China) can use to good effect.

Take a look at when China built the island AFTER the US military buildup,  just as the Chinese increased their defensive forces in the same way.

China is now building carriers to counter the US threat to their oil supplies.

Everything China did, it did to defend against US forces in the South CHINA Sea. That's absolutely nowhere near the US, but is quite close the invaded and militarized US islands of Guam and Hawaii.

The US moans about islands, but China didn't displace anyone. Now, perhaps you can ask about displacing the people of Diego Garcia in order to build a massive military base. I think the rightful owner want it back, but the US and UK invasion force are intent on keeping the stolen land.

Perhaps you could write a stiff letter to the White House and another to Number ten.

Oh, you won't because throwing civilians out is fine in order to stop the evil Chinese.

I've been to the US owned islands in the Pacific many times. - @fluffy2560

You mean islands the US stole and militarized.

I've been to the US owned islands in the Pacific many times.  - @fluffy2560
You mean islands the US stole and militarized. - @Fred

I think you'll find the history of those islands differs widely. 

Some islands were pretty much completely Japanese.

And of course, to the victors go the spoils and the history. It's just a fact of life.

China doesn't need to build on islands in the South China Sea. It's a land and resource grab. Its Nine-Dash line is simply laughable as a claim.  - @fluffy2560
Yes, they do need them. When faced with an invading forces, the first line of defense is critical. Much as it will be overrun quickly, it damages the invading military and buys precious hours that the defending nation (China) can use to good effect.
Take a look at when China built the island AFTER the US military buildup, just as the Chinese increased their defensive forces in the same way.
China is now building carriers to counter the US threat to their oil supplies.
Everything China did, it did to defend against US forces in the South CHINA Sea. That's absolutely nowhere near the US, but is quite close the invaded and militarized US islands of Guam and Hawaii.
The US moans about islands, but China didn't displace anyone. Now, perhaps you can ask about displacing the people of Diego Garcia in order to build a massive military base. I think the rightful owner want it back, but the US and UK invasion force are intent on keeping the stolen land.
Perhaps you could write a stiff letter to the White House and another to Number ten.
Oh, you won't because throwing civilians out is fine in order to stop the evil Chinese. - @Fred

Au contraire, I think the Chagos islanders are hard done by and deserve to get their land back and for them to receive compensation rather than the UK subsidising Mauritius.   But how that relates to the Pacific is a non-sequitur.

US has been late to the party in the Pacific.  They should have have got there first.  It's their mistake and I have little sympathy for them.  I do have sympathy for the surrounding states.  Not necessarily The Philippines as they threw out US forces at one time and now need them back to support their claim.   D'oh! But the others around there, sure, I feel for them that China is bullying its way to control. 

You should know I know that region very well.  I've been all over those places. 

I've been to the US owned islands in the Pacific many times. - @fluffy2560
You mean islands the US stole and militarized.  - @Fred
I think you'll find the history of those islands differs widely.
Some islands were pretty much completely Japanese.

And of course, to the victors go the spoils and the history. It's just a fact of life. - @fluffy2560

So you agree the Chinese are right to take the uninhabited islands

US has been late to the party in the Pacific. - @fluffy2560

That's pretty average. The US was late for all of the wars it didn't start.

Of course,  it started most of then since 1945.

I've been to the US owned islands in the Pacific many times. - @fluffy2560 You mean islands the US stole and militarized. - @FredI think you'll find the history of those islands differs widely. Some islands were pretty much completely Japanese. And of course, to the victors go the spoils and the history. It's just a fact of life.  - @fluffy2560 So you agree the Chinese are right to take the uninhabited islands - @Fred

Another non-sequitur.

The Chinese should negotiate over the competing claims. 

The UNCLOS arbitration is a reasonable starting point but I don't hold out much hope for it to be resolved under the current circumstances.

Mango Man should work on that as it's really an intractable one and he thinks he's good at that stuff.