Vance see the Pope on Sunday. Pope dies on Monday. Can I start the conspiracy theories now? Trump gets himself elected Pope on Tuesday. No need for any of those daft election things with black or white smoke out the chimney. Everybody knows he's the only person for the job.
Europe can commit to weapons and troops but the problem is they would need to ramp up production, which could take a couple of years, or still rely on the US. We have the same problem if we need to defend ourselves as the systems are heavily tied to America in some cases. I don't think it's possible for Ukraine to eek it out until Europe or anyone else steps in to fill a America sized hole. The trouble as I see it is everyone thought America had more power, that they would bend the knee and cave in when they called but instead I think the reality of what many now think is coming to light, embarrassing the "king" won't go down well given how he is famed for lashing out when ridiculed.
The British army doubts it could even come up with enough troops for Starmer's crazy peace keeping force idea. So I think getting involved in a fighting war with Russia is not worth thinking about. If NATO countries start putting boots on the ground I can see missiles coming out of Russia and landing on any country in Europe.
@Obelix-Vendée Yes I do see that several European countries are endeavouring to assist Ukraine in a number of ways but others are still prevaricating. Trouble is Ukraine requires a great deal of ongoing military help - whether armaments or personnel - and it is going to take a long time to get that together. As @pete says, the British army has been banging on for ages about the state of their defence abilities and the drop in personnel numbers. I don't know which other countries are in the same boat ? I understand that defence spending hasn't been high on many agendas for several decades. If Trump refuses further military aid and has no interest in NATO, then Ukraine only has Europe to rely on and how seriously should we take Putin's threats of escalation if Ukraine doesn't back down and give him everything he wants ? Russia certainly seems to have moved on from destroying power infrastructure to deliberate targetting of civilians. According to the latest news, Trump is sure that a "deal" between Russia and Ukraine will come to fruition very soon !! Again, I'd love to know what all these phone conversations consist of.
This morning the news told me the Pope gave Vance three Kinder eggs for his kids. Apparently Kinder eggs are forbidden in many US states as dangerous for kids. Bring on the conspiracy theories! (Sadly, the "news" about the Kinder eggs has now disappeared so I can't link it. )
The problem with being long on Catholic doctrine is that it leaves you short on what Jesus actually preached - Love thy neighbour, don't be racist or holier than thou because of your own race and creed (parable of the good Samaritan), heal the sick, feed the poor, don't cast the first stone, honour women.... No godliness at all in Trump, Putin a,d the very dodgy Vance. @Philippa, the EU stumbling block is Hungary which refuses to help Ukraine or let aid cross its borders. They need to find a way to neutralise its veto. Windfall for European arms makers as Brussels ramps up defence spending Several prominent European companies are major weapons manufacturers. They won't have nuclear subs on offer but they'll have what's needed for modern warfare with drones and missiles and don't need the USA. The trick will be prsenting a united stance sufficient to frighten Putin.
I vote for that. Have to look up Kinder eggs. LOL My husband is catholic --seems the popes' death has no effect on him. So past Friday his brother was over, and as usually stayed for supper. Earlier BIL announced that he's giving up "MEAT" that day. So I boiled up some eggs for protein for him. And for us roasted a small turkey breast. Had mashed spuds and carrots. So BIL, starts cutting away at the turkey breast for his plate. Husband says to him---you said no meat---BIL says Turkey is not meat. He meant no Beef. Will tell you this family is always a hoot.
@redstar If your BIL can't tell the difference between Cattle and Birds then for heaven's sake don't offer him any Pork or Lamb/Mutton. That's liable to send him completely mad
LOL. To me if a person is purple it does not matter, it's all about their resume, and can they do the job. Wish the world would stop with this skin color thing. Never forget somewhere in 1970 some fashion show on TV, the speaker was saying, And Mr. Smith, black fashion designer presents etc. Like who cares, if his designs were good so be it. But like wise, the speaker did not say, And Mr. Jones the white fashion designer etc.
And the male female religious thing. Name me one religion that is led by a woman and/or has women at every level of its hierarchy.
