'America has Turned'

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Historian Heather Cox Richardson writes about how recent days will be viewed in history from the perspective of Europe. This time "will live in infamy" Richardson quotes the London's Financial Times editorial board: "[i]n the past ten days, [Trump] has all but incinerated 80 years of postwar American leadership." Instead, it has become an "unabashed predator," allied with Russia and other countries the U.S. formerly saw as adversaries.

Posted by retort at 10:48 AM | 68 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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Trump wants a world safe for autocracy | Opinion
https://www.ft.com/content/452d7f83-fcce-424a-9d6d-4493b0112ec8[image or embed]
-- Financial Times (@financialtimes.com) February 24, 2025 at 6:51 AM

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I expect to be explaining this all to some German shortly. Among the things that I will tell him.

1) I didn't vote for that bastard, Trump. A lot of us didn't.

2) I am sorry that this wasn't enough. If it's any consolation, the people who support Trump are already paying through their noses.

3) Keep NATO and expand it. At this point just assume that the United States isn't part of it. Stop sharing intelligence information with us.

4) About a dozen NATO countries including Germany could acquire nukes. Do that.

5) You need a much bigger fleet.

#1 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 10:45 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

At home, on Veterans Day. let's stop showing "Saving Private Ryan".

On the 4th of July, stop showing "The Sands of Iwo Jima".

Neither film represents this country any more.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 10:48 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I would say to that German: At this point in time Germany is a much better country than the USA.

I would say: keep your democracy as an inspiration to those of us in America who have not given up hope.

I would say: No thanks. I don't wan to emigrate, though I could. I'm going to help ride this thing out and maybe the next time I speak with you I can look you in the eye again.

#3 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 10:52 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

You still alive?

#4 | Posted by fortfisher at 2025-02-25 11:02 AM | Reply

You still alive?

#4 | POSTED BY FORTFISHER

You still getting your welfare, er, Social Security checks?

#5 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:16 AM | Reply

#4 | POSTED BY FORTFISHER

You know, when I talk to these Germans they are bound to ask me about people like you.

Would you like to say a word in your defense that I can pass along?

#6 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:17 AM | Reply

The hand wringing is off the charts.

All will be right if the Democrats can get off the racist train.

#7 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-02-25 11:20 AM | Reply

SIG HIEL!

#8 | Posted by fortfisher at 2025-02-25 11:21 AM | Reply

Elon Musk is apparently our unelected co-President. He is a racist piece of filth who left his own country because the black majority rule and the abolition of apartheid. He hopes to reignite racism here in the U.S. Donald Trump is exactly the same.

#9 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-25 11:24 AM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

We have entered some ugly times, and this is just the opening act. The general trajectory of the arc is probably the predictable one (leading to terminal flame-out); it's the particulars lying ahead, as yet undiscerned, that could be pretty horrific.

#10 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-02-25 11:24 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

SIG HIEL!

#8 | POSTED BY FORTFISHER

Great. I will pass that on, although I'm pretty sure it's what they already expected from you.

#11 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:28 AM | Reply

The hand wringing is off the charts.

#7 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT

So it's all like business and usual and nothing bad has happened?

When do you start to be upset? Is there any red line at all or are you just awaiting your appointment as Party Block Monitor?

#12 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:31 AM | Reply

-I expect to be explaining this all to some German shortly.

some German?

You mean your Adolph Hitler doll?

You realize nobody here thinks you're going to actually talk to an actual German, right?

#13 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 11:33 AM | Reply

"The hand wringing is off the charts."

The attack on the rule of law is "off the charts".

The chaos and confusion are "off the charts".

Trumpy's attacks on American Citizens is "off the charts".

Your lack of concern for fellow Americans is "off the charts".

The Gulf of Mexico is now "off the charts".

Just as Ukraine will soon be "off the charts".

#14 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-25 11:37 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

You realize nobody here thinks you're going to actually talk to an actual German, right?

#13 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Has some large animal kicked you in the head recently?

Searching for a theory here.

#15 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:37 AM | Reply

"Yesterday the European Union imposed more sanctions on Russia. Today the United Kingdom announced a sweeping package of sanctions rivaling those of the war's early days. They include sanctions against companies in various countries that supply components like tools, electronics, and microprocessors for Russian munitions. The sanctions also include Russian oligarchs, ships transporting Russian oil, and North Korea's defense minister No Kwang Chol, whom the U.K. holds responsible for deploying North Korean soldiers to help Russia."

Why did they wait until now to do these things?

Why not do this shortly after the initial invasion?

Can anybody in Europe wipe their ass without relying on the US for the toilet paper?

#16 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 11:40 AM | Reply

Can anybody in Europe wipe their ass without relying on the US for the toilet paper?

#16 | POSTED BY EBERLY

When I get there I'll ask them.

#17 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 11:43 AM | Reply

Yesterday the European Union imposed more sanctions on Russia. Today the United Kingdom announced a sweeping package of sanctions rivaling those of the war's early days. They include sanctions against companies in various countries that supply components like tools, electronics, and microprocessors for Russian munitions. The sanctions also include Russian oligarchs, ships transporting Russian oil, and North Korea's defense minister No Kwang Chol, whom the U.K. holds responsible for deploying North Korean soldiers to help Russia."

Why did they wait until now to do these things?

Why not do this shortly after the initial invasion?

Can anybody in Europe wipe their ass without relying on the US for the toilet paper?

Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 11:40 AM | Reply

Maybe because America was doing the sanctions so they didn't feel the need to until Trump sold our country out to Putin. You understand??

#18 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-25 11:48 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-You understand??

understand what? That you typed "maybe" in front of a sentence so that they aren't really your words? Drop the maybe or just admit you're guessing.

We all question why the US is counted on to the world's policeman.

When we get our friends to get off their asses and do something for themselves to solve a problem in their own damn backyard.....you call that "selling our country out".

I'm not going to call it anything at this point. I know...that makes me a traitor. Have fun attacking me. But it doesn't solve anything.

But you're acknowledging that all of Europe does nothing and counts entirely on the US for their security.

It seems......

#19 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 11:57 AM | Reply

We all question why the US is counted on to the world's policeman.

#19 | Posted by eberly

No one with a brain asks that.

Everyone knows the US polices where doing so benefits us somehow more than the cost of policing.

#20 | Posted by Sycophant at 2025-02-25 12:00 PM | Reply

"We all question why the US is counted on to the world's policeman."

Let me answer: commerce.

Same reason the robber barons hired the Pinkertons.

The US military greases the machinery of world trade.

#21 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-02-25 12:02 PM | Reply

you misspelled "everybody" with a brain....

It gets asked by everybody when we're bringing back dead soldiers and there is a political argument over it.

#22 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:04 PM | Reply

22 | POSTED BY EBERLY

The recently murdered world order was designed to prevent another World War.

It's been doing it's job.

This fascist radicalism has made everyone much less safe.

Including you happy-go-lucky folks in Kansas.

#23 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:11 PM | Reply

It's interesting how some posters are totally fine with Trump creating a rift between America and the nations we considered allies.

The shortsightedness is baffling.

A lot of you don't realize what Trump's actions will mean for your kids and grandkids.

Best of luck!

#24 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-02-25 12:12 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-When I get there I'll ask them.

going on a trip?

#25 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:13 PM | Reply

I'm not totally fine with anything.

But it's interesting to be lectured about how to worry about my kids and grandkids from a childless person.

#26 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:17 PM | Reply

25 | POSTED BY EBERLY

A couple, actually.

Going to see Loch Ness for the first time in the Fall.

Want a postcard?

#27 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:17 PM | Reply

But it's interesting to be lectured about how to worry about my kids and grandkids from a childless person.

#26 | POSTED BY EBERLY

I think that he expects you to respond as a person with children.

#28 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:17 PM | Reply

"The recently murdered world order was designed to prevent another World War.

It's been doing it's job."

Does anybody want to take a crack at interpreting this from Zedspeak into English?

I've been kicked in the head by an animal....I'm a little off today.

#29 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:18 PM | Reply

" Going to see Loch Ness for the first time in the Fall.

Want a postcard?

#27 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2025-02-25 12:17 PM | REPLY | FLAG:"

Be careful. Nessie bites.

#30 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:19 PM | Reply

I've been kicked in the head by an animal....I'm a little off today.

#29 | POSTED BY EBERLY

We are making allowances.

What didn't you understand?

#31 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:20 PM | Reply

-I think that he expects you to respond as a person with children.

I don't think my children is symbolic that I'm more of a forward thinking and patriotic American than he is.

I might actually be a more forward thinking and patriotic American than you all.

but my kids aren't why

#32 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:22 PM | Reply

" Has some large animal kicked you in the head recently?

#15 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2025-02-25 11:37 AM | FLAG: "

His eyes aren't crossed any more!

#33 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:23 PM | Reply

In related news:

LA County sent an email that they have just completed debris clean up on the first property.
One down, 10,000 more to go!

God speed.

#34 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-02-25 12:29 PM | Reply

But it's interesting to be lectured about how to worry about my kids and grandkids from a childless person.

#26 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Gold! This is gold, never thought about this.

Now that we know which (mostly) posters are female, we should also know their kid kount.

#35 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-02-25 12:31 PM | Reply

I might actually be a more forward thinking and patriotic American than you all.

#32 | POSTED BY EBERLY

A patriotic American whom Donald Trump has made your children and your grandchildren more likely to die in a war.

#36 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:34 PM | Reply

He is a racist piece of filth who left his own country because the black majority rule and the abolition of apartheid.

Actually he left to avoid being drafted.

#37 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-02-25 12:34 PM | Reply

" A patriotic American whom Donald Trump has made your children and your grandchildren more likely to die in a war.

#36 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2025-02-25 12:34 PM | FLAG: "

One of the things I liked about his first term was no new wars.

#38 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:38 PM | Reply

One of the things I liked about his (Donald's) first term was no new wars.

#38 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Only if you toss certain things down the memory hole.

#39 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:40 PM | Reply

Why not do this shortly after the initial invasion?

#16 | Posted by eberly

I'll take a stab at this. Perhaps it was because they were afraid Russia would cut of their main source of fossil fuels? Although, they should probably be equally concerned that Trump could do the same.

#40 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2025-02-25 12:40 PM | Reply

One of the things I liked about his (Donald's) first term was no new wars.

#38 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

A war is coming.

#41 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:41 PM | Reply

-A patriotic American whom Donald Trump has made your children and your grandchildren more likely to die in a war.

I have a 17 year old son.

Who's considering an academy appointment.

This hits close to home......

#42 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:43 PM | Reply

Hey Zed, after you change your underwear just move out of the country for God's sake. The country made it loud and clear in November that your kind just plain sucks. Do everyone a favor and hide in a cave and suck your thumb.

#43 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-25 12:44 PM | Reply

All will be right if the Democrats can get off the racist train.

#7 | Posted by oneironaut

Bigotry is largely an American cultural issue that should not be attributed to a specific party. Although, it's generally one party that is constantly trying to erode civil rights. And it's not the Democrats.

#44 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2025-02-25 12:44 PM | Reply

" A war is coming.

#41 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2025-02-25 12:41 PM | FLAG: "

Based on what happened during first term? If history is a guide your prediction is likely wrong.

#45 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:45 PM | Reply

Hey Zed, after you change your underwear

#43 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

I'll be glad to send it to you. Please post address.

#46 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:46 PM | Reply

" A war is coming.

#41 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2025-02-25 12:41 PM | FLAG: "

No new wars during his first term. That is a statement of fact.

#47 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:47 PM | Reply

" Bigotry is largely an American cultural issue that should not be attributed to a specific party. Although, it's generally one party that is constantly trying to erode civil rights. And it's not the Democrats.

#44 | POSTED BY WHATSLEFT AT 2025-02-25 12:44 PM | FLAG: "

Tell that to girls and women and then duck.

#48 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:48 PM | Reply

#45 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

A war is coming based upon Trump gutting the security apparatus.

That's just fro a start.

The man is weak and stupid; and all of his weaknesses are better understood by our enemies than they are people like FORTFISHER.

#49 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:48 PM | Reply

This hits close to home......

#42 | POSTED BY EBERLY

I know that you are proud of your son. I hope he accepts that Academy appointment.

But we have to admit reality: The chances for a war, for a big war, have increased in the last five weeks.

Unconventional warfare in the form of successful terror attacks first.

#50 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:51 PM | Reply

" A war is coming based upon Trump gutting the security apparatus."

That's not what I'm witnessing. But, I'm a humble man and don't own a crystal ball, so ...

#51 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:52 PM | Reply

The country made it loud and clear in November that your kind just plain sucks.

#43 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

The country didn't expect to get what it got.

I know that's just damned stupid, based on Trump's history of behavior.

But we live in an era where stupid is king.

Enjoy royalty while you can.

#52 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:52 PM | Reply

No new wars during his first term. That is a statement of fact.

Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:47 PM | Reply

Wrong. Trump attacked Syria in retaliation for the suspected chemical attack. While not an officially declared one. It still was an act of war. Just sayin

#53 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-25 12:54 PM | Reply

That's not what I'm witnessing.

#51 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Then it's up to you to describe what it is you think is going on.

What I AM witnessing is the weakest, most unprotected, moment in the United States in five generations.

We are going to get hit, and it's going to be bad.

#54 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:54 PM | Reply

Why not do this shortly after the initial invasion?

Can anybody in Europe wipe their ass without relying on the US for the toilet paper?

Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 11:40 AM | Reply

Maybe because America was doing the sanctions so they didn't feel the need to until Trump sold our country out to Putin. You understand??

#18 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-25 11:48 AM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)
| Newsworthy 1

Laura, you're predictably useless in regards to foreign policy. If Trumps ends the war in Ukraine by getting concessions from both Putin and Zelinsky you will no matter what say Trump sold out to Putin. Pull a string on your back and the same thing comes out of your mouth everytime. If the war ends, people stop dying and we stop sending Ukraine billions every year you will still be pissed because it happened under Trump.

#55 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-25 12:54 PM | Reply

We all question why the US is counted on to [be] the world's policeman.

#19 | Posted by eberly

Because since 1919 or so the US has always wanted to play that role.

#56 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-02-25 12:56 PM | Reply

#55 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

Trump is selling out to Putin.

Right now.

Jeez.

When there is another war it will take you people a solid year to admit it.

#57 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:58 PM | Reply

-Perhaps it was because they were afraid Russia would cut of their main source of fossil fuels

No question that's a factor.

#58 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:58 PM | Reply

" We all question why the US is counted on to [be] the world's policeman.

#19 | Posted by eberly

Because since 1919 or so the US has always wanted to play that role.

#56 | POSTED BY DBT2 AT 2025-02-25 12:56 PM | FLAG: "

Up until Pearl Harbor the mood of the nation was mostly isolationist.

#59 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-25 12:59 PM | Reply

we stop sending Ukraine billions every year

#55 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

Looking for that Trump rebate?

There really is a sucker born every minute.

#60 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 01:00 PM | Reply

The man is weak and stupid; and all of his weaknesses are better understood by our enemies

If Putin offered to award him the "Hero of the Russian Federation" for pulling the US out of NATO, he'd do it in a heartbeat. Even Obama doesn't have one of those.

#61 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-02-25 01:01 PM | Reply

#55 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-25 12:54 PM | Reply

The only one who will have to concede anything will be Ukraine. Putin won't have to give up a thing. Mark my words.

#62 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-25 01:01 PM | Reply

The country made it loud and clear in November that your kind just plain sucks.

#43 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

The country didn't expect to get what it got.

I know that's just damned stupid, based on Trump's history of behavior.

But we live in an era where stupid is king.

Enjoy royalty while you can.

#52 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 12:52 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

It sure did. Trump is doing what he said he would do. I know, you'll say the price of eggs didn't drop on day 1. Ok, I'll give you that one but the rest is moving in the direction he said it would. You can't defend Biden for 4 years and then say Trump is doing a shitty job after 1 month.

#63 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-25 01:02 PM | Reply

The only one who will have to concede anything will be Ukraine. Putin won't have to give up a thing. Mark my words.

#62 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-25 01:01 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

And how much more will Ukraine concede if this war continues for another 10 years? How many more will die and how much property will be destroyed. You're already going with the Trump/Putin line. Someone pulled the string again.

#64 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-25 01:06 PM | Reply

Did anyone even know who Heather Cox Richardson was prior to reading the first line of this letter? Zeds out here acting like shes sixth cousins to Nostradamus.

#65 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-02-25 01:06 PM | Reply

Trump is doing a shitty job after 1 month.

#63 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

Trump is failing.

Failing right now.

Failing bad.

You are going to have to suffer from some disaster before you know it.

Whatever that disaster is, it's what you voted for.

#66 | Posted by Zed at 2025-02-25 01:06 PM | Reply

But it's interesting to be lectured about how to worry about my kids and grandkids from a childless person.

#26 | Posted by eberly at 2025-02-25 12:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

Careful, that could be considered homophobic.

#67 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-02-25 01:07 PM | Reply

#2 ZED, Perhaps "Born On The Fourth Of July" w/Tom Cruise would be a better fit.

#68 | Posted by john47 at 2025-02-25 01:15 PM | Reply