US & NA Politics Thread

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**feeder**

I find it amusing that we are super upset about the Netherlands not contributing their 2% to NATO ten minutes ago and that's why America is last in the developed world for social programs but now we are excited about all the super cool new space lasers we're gonna spend trillions producing.

**Vaktathi**

So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

**Ouze**

KTG17 wrote:
Lewinsky testified under oath that after a session of heavy petting and oral sex in the White House, Clinton told her that a foreign embassy was tapping the two phone lines in her D.C. apartment.

Wow. Man, stay out of DC.

Ah yes, our bros in Israel. Just as awesome as our allies, Saudi Arabia.

I'm surprised there hasn't been a pardon for Pollard yet. I expect that to happen pretty soon.

**feeder**

Once again proving that if it's got Freedom, Patriot, or True in it's title it's probably none of those things.

**Ustrello**

Vaktathi wrote:
So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

The freedom caucus are a bunch of hacks who would sell out their own mother if it meant they could get another drop of power

**whembly**

Kilkrazy wrote:
Ouze wrote:
Cheesecat wrote:
Da Boss wrote:
The UK is the US best ally, a country that has fully committed to military operations with the US every time it was asked to in recent memory. British troops have died on your behalf.

I thought Canada was the US's favourite.

Bruh. Our of all the gakky, terrible things Trump has done, weirdly the attacks on Canada sort of bother me the most. I mean obviously being rude to the PM isn't really on the same level as pushing a policy that predictably would, and did, result in breastfeeding babies being ripped from their mothers arms but.... it's just so wtf! Canada has been our bros since literally forever. It's just so weird and gakky,

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Easy E wrote:
KTG17 wrote:
Get used to him being around. He will most likely win re-election.

I agree, because American's love Reality TV more than good governance.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised either. There really is no good candidate that has yet coalesced against him. It's like in 2012, really early, there was a guy on here who kept saying that Obama would for sure lose because polling was showing generic republican was beating him by >8 points. The problem is Obama wasn't running against a generic republican, he was running against a specific list of republicans, and he was beating all of those specific republicans by the same percentage. And of course, he did win,. because specific republicans come with specific baggage and weaknesses.

Even if you come up with a decent candidate, I am not sure how you counter Trump's style of campaigning. What do you do when you promise specific, quantifiable policy positions, and he promises flying cars? What do you do when a substantial chunk of the populace is willing to say to agree that yeah, flying cars could totally happen, and I'd like one too! Because flying cars is really not different than the idea that we're going to build a wall that meaningfully affects illegal immigration and that Mexico would pay for it.

How are you supposed to counter a candidate who slides out of scandal by simply overwhelming you with them?

No idea.

Always bear in mind hat Trump lost the popular vote.

Despite all the gerrymandering, the lies, the Russian interference, and all of the bs, the Republicans still lost.

There is hope.

Popular vote is meaningless, I keep telling you that.

If the gop lost anything it’s the fact their actions to led to a Trump nomination.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Vaktathi wrote:
So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

I think they’re outta their minds here....

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ustrello wrote:
Vaktathi wrote:
So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

The freedom caucus are a bunch of hacks who would sell out their own mother if it meant they could get another drop of power

Like ALL caucuses dude... they’re politicians!

**Ustrello**

whembly wrote:
Kilkrazy wrote:
Ouze wrote:
Cheesecat wrote:
Da Boss wrote:
The UK is the US best ally, a country that has fully committed to military operations with the US every time it was asked to in recent memory. British troops have died on your behalf.

I thought Canada was the US's favourite.

Bruh. Our of all the gakky, terrible things Trump has done, weirdly the attacks on Canada sort of bother me the most. I mean obviously being rude to the PM isn't really on the same level as pushing a policy that predictably would, and did, result in breastfeeding babies being ripped from their mothers arms but.... it's just so wtf! Canada has been our bros since literally forever. It's just so weird and gakky,

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Easy E wrote:
KTG17 wrote:
Get used to him being around. He will most likely win re-election.

I agree, because American's love Reality TV more than good governance.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised either. There really is no good candidate that has yet coalesced against him. It's like in 2012, really early, there was a guy on here who kept saying that Obama would for sure lose because polling was showing generic republican was beating him by >8 points. The problem is Obama wasn't running against a generic republican, he was running against a specific list of republicans, and he was beating all of those specific republicans by the same percentage. And of course, he did win,. because specific republicans come with specific baggage and weaknesses.

Even if you come up with a decent candidate, I am not sure how you counter Trump's style of campaigning. What do you do when you promise specific, quantifiable policy positions, and he promises flying cars? What do you do when a substantial chunk of the populace is willing to say to agree that yeah, flying cars could totally happen, and I'd like one too! Because flying cars is really not different than the idea that we're going to build a wall that meaningfully affects illegal immigration and that Mexico would pay for it.

How are you supposed to counter a candidate who slides out of scandal by simply overwhelming you with them?

No idea.

Always bear in mind hat Trump lost the popular vote.

Despite all the gerrymandering, the lies, the Russian interference, and all of the bs, the Republicans still lost.

There is hope.

Popular vote is meaningless, I keep telling you that.

If the gop lost anything it’s the fact their actions to led to a Trump nomination.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Vaktathi wrote:
So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

I think they’re outta their minds here....

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ustrello wrote:
Vaktathi wrote:
So, it appears the House Freedom Caucus was preparing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Not sure that's politically feasible, especially after the Russian indictmentw today, but it's certainly interesting seeing what the Freedom Caucus considers worth its time.

The freedom caucus are a bunch of hacks who would sell out their own mother if it meant they could get another drop of power

Like ALL caucuses dude... they’re politicians!

Besides the Copperheads I would say the Freedom caucus are probably the worst caucus in our history

**Xenomancers**

KTG17 wrote:
ChargerIIC wrote:

Ball bearings. I'm not kidding.

Too slow probably. I think lasers will be the weapon of choice. Can't beat the speed of light with our technology.

IDK about slow. In space their is no friction and projectiles maintain their muzzle velocity. They can also be arched around a horizon where a laser needs direct LOS.

IMO lasers are just a fantasy in space combat. They are just too easy to counter. I know it's not as simple as this - but lasers can be deflected by refective surfaces and need to stay on target for a while in order to do damage. So essentially things like (spinning your ship)(throwing bebris/mirors/ in front of your ship would render lasers useless.) I think high ROF projectile weapons and smart bombs in space (a missle that you launch into an area without rockets and it activates it's rocket motor when it finds a target) will be the prefered weapons.

**Ouze**

I feel like specifics of the US Space Force, space combat, and effectiveness of laser weapons are not political issues and might perhaps be best served in it's own thread.

**Da Boss**

It is obviously something Trump just decided to start going on about to distract from whatever scandal it was that time.

**DarkTraveler777**

Ouze wrote:
I feel like specifics of the US Space Force, space combat, and effectiveness of laser weapons are not political issues and might perhaps be best served in it's own thread.

But aren't they essentially "space guns" and gun discussions go here?

**Ouze**

DarkTraveler777 wrote:
Ouze wrote:
I feel like specifics of the US Space Force, space combat, and effectiveness of laser weapons are not political issues and might perhaps be best served in it's own thread.

But aren't they essentially "space guns" and gun discussions go here?

Spoiler:

I think we need a judge's ruling on this one.

**Manchu**

Near future space combat tech can have its own thread. I will lock it if it becomes about President Trump.

**Ouze**

Thanks!

**Dreadwinter**

I cant believe a mod just had to post that.....

**Vaktathi**

Midterm primary turnout in California highest since 1998

Voter turnout in California's midterm primary elections was reportedly the highest its been since 1998, according to new numbers.

The Associated Press reported Friday that more than 37 percent of registered voters cast a ballot during the state's June primary, a 12 percent increase from the previous midterm primary in 2014.

It will be interesting to see if that carries through to the general elections.

**reds8n**

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44827135

An Arizona state lawmaker bragged to a police officer that he sometimes drives more than double the speed limit - after he was pulled over for speeding.

Police stopped Representative Paul Mosley for going 97mph (156km/h) in a 55mph zone near Parker, Arizona, on 27 March in a filmed incident.

Mr Mosley said he would go "130, 140" mph on his way home and told the cop he had legislative immunity.

The lawmaker has posted an apology on his Facebook page.

In the video, first reported by KLPZ, Mr Mosely tells the officer who pulled him over that he "didn't even notice" his speed because of his "nice" car.

"I'm trying to surprise my wife," he said, adding that he only speeds "as long as it's safe".

Mr Mosley also tells the La Paz County officer he does not break the law because he can, but "because I'm just trying to get home".

The deputy's written report also stated that the Republican lawmaker said they should not waste time on the incident since he has legislative immunity.

In his apology, Mr Mosley said: "My desire to get home to see my family does not justify how fast I was speeding nor my reference to legislative immunity when being pulled over."

He adds: "In addition, my jokes about frequently driving over 100 miles per hour during my 3-hour commute to and from the capitol were entirely inappropriate and showed extremely bad judgement on my part, for which I am truly sorry."

Mr Mosely was elected in 2016 and is running for re-election in November.

A top Arizona lawmaker, Speaker J D Mesnard, said in a statement he was "disturbed" by the video.

"Nothing short of an emergency justifies that kind of speeding, and assertions of immunity in that situation seem outside the intent of the constitutional provision regarding legislative immunity," said Mr Mesnard.

CBS News reported the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police has revoked its endorsement of Mr Mosley due to his speeding.

In a statement, John Ortolano, the order's president, condemned the lawmaker's "recklessness, his demeanor and his utter disregard for the safety of the public"

The deputy's written report also stated that the Republican lawmaker said they should not waste time on the incident since he has legislative immunity.

... gonna have to roll better on that bluff check.

**tneva82**

"As long as it's safe" accidents happen when you least expect them

**r_squared**

An interesting thing that I noticed about "Space Force" was the enthusiasm with which some posters were willing to talk about it rather than tackle real politics. It's like jangling keys to distract, Trump certainly knows his base.

**nfe**

How has the US media been covering reactions to Trump in the UK? Much coverage of the vast protests? Much coverage of the counter-protest in Glasgow by Scots for Trump (all half-dozen of them)?

**A Town Called Malus**

So apparently your president broke the protocol of meeting the Queen twice whilst he was over here. First he didn't bow and he then walked in front of her whilst they were inspecting the Queens Guard.

**NinthMusketeer**

Only twice?

**reds8n**

..IIRC guests are supposed to walk in front of the monarch/whomever when actually inspecting the guard.

But not prior to/after etc etc

..

**Da Boss**

To me, his attack on the elected leader of the UK and suggestion of her main rival as a better Prime Minister is a much, much more serious breach of etiquette. But I am a filthy republican.

**Tannhauser42**

reds8n wrote:

The deputy's written report also stated that the Republican lawmaker said they should not waste time on the incident since he has legislative immunity.

... gonna have to roll better on that bluff check.

I think we all know exactly what the deputy was thinking when the words "legislative immunity" floated through his mind:

Spoiler:

Da Boss wrote:
To me, his attack on the elected leader of the UK and suggestion of her main rival as a better Prime Minister is a much, much more serious breach of etiquette. But I am a filthy republican.

At least that can be interpreted through the lens of politics and will thus be at least somewhat justifiable in some way. But acting poorly in front of the queen is just bad manners, and nobody should accept bad manners.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

Trump responds to indictments by...blaming Obama!!!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/14/donald-trump-robert-mueller-indictments-barack-obama-russia

According to widespread reporting and Obama aides including vice-president Joe Biden, chief of staff Denis McDonough and senior adviser Ben Rhodes, Obama attempted to formulate a bipartisan statement on Russian election interference in September 2016, two months before the election, but saw the effort “watered down” by Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.

In a memoir, Rhodes called McConnell’s action “staggeringly partisan and unpatriotic in its disregard for a foreign adversary undermining our democracy”.

**reds8n**

So since this was the GRU - Russian Military intelligence behind the attacks, it falls under article 5 in the NATO Treaty yeah ?

Sure is lucky nobody is busy trying to disrupt that organisation eh ?

Why didn’t they do something about it, especially when it was reported that President Obama was informed by the FBI in September, before the Election?”

so how many days before Trump declares that not did he not fire Comey and he fully backed the investigation and

**Ouze**

A Town Called Malus wrote:
So apparently your president broke the protocol of meeting the Queen twice whilst he was over here. First he didn't bow and he then walked in front of her whilst they were inspecting the Queens Guard.

I can't comment on the latter, but Americans should not bow to foreign heads of state.

Prior presidents have gotten a lot of flak for sorta-kinda doing it so he was doubtlessly being very careful not to.

**warhead01**

Tannhauser42 wrote:

But acting poorly in front of the queen is just bad manners, and nobody should accept bad manners.

But is it forgivable? From what I saw She seemed in a good mood, not that I could tell if she was just acting. He might have apologized privately. Who knows. Even with his mistakes it looked like he was received well to me. (Almost a warm reception in a way.) I imagine they had low expectations. haha. I haven't looked to see but did Obama get a similar reception? But I know he also made a goof or two.

**Dreadwinter**

Nobody is perfect when they meet the Ancient One. I am sure he was a little nervous when he met the God Empress.

PS: Do you guys suspect the Queen may be a perpetual?