JoeWeber
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Everything posted by JoeWeber
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Why thank you. The origin of the 2% GDP agreement: The 2% defence investment guideline In 2006, NATO Defence Ministers agreed to commit a minimum of 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defence spending to continue to ensure the Alliance’s military readiness. This guideline also serves as an indicator of a country’s political will to contribute to NATO’s common defence efforts since the defence capacity of each member has an impact on the overall perception of the Alliance’s credibility as a politico-military organisation.
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The not our fault argument is unbecoming. Stick with the fact that Canada and others have been welshing on a defense spending agreement. Whether or not you personally think 2% of GDP is too much is irrelevant.
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????? We're over 4% and have been. What are you referring to?
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What part of our allies signed an agreement to spend more on defense and continue to welsh on it year after year are you having a hard time with?
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Sure, or maybe not sure. But absolutely for sure is that unless our allies do more and better we won't be able to argue for a much needed and desired decrease.
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Baloney. You know and you know the answer is not a chance. You can't answer it honestly because that would lay bare the truth and all of your previous arguments would go flop. The real irony here has been your false conclusion that I am in favor of the US having a filet and fine merlot military when the clear thrust of my argument has consistently been that we spend far too much on defense to the exclusion of much needed social programs that our partners enjoy. I'd be thrilled to see a 300 or 400 billion dollar per year reduction in our defense bill but until the rest of the world kicks it up a good notch we're basically screwed.
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Neato. Now the tricky bit, if the United States and the rest of NATO were equaling but not exceeding Canada's contribution to Ukraines defense, and that includes the level of sophistication of homeland developed war material, would Ukraine be in the position it is today 5 weeks post invasion?
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I never didn't get your position. So riddle me this: are you happy that America is able to support Ukraine with our supplies of military hardware or should we instead only be able to afford to send thoughts and prayers? And are you stating that in your opinion Canada already spends enough on defense?
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That's the silliest bit yet. Why not be completely obtuse and argue the Ukrainians would wish that we still fought with spears and swords, Russians included?
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Go tell the Ukrainians.
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That is like saying that because you live in the boonies you needed to buy a dog. Great but not our problem. On the other hand the defense of democracy is definitely a shared problem.
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I am in no way misinterpreting your points. You are simply deflecting attention from mine. Maybe, just maybe, we might be less militaristic if we were able to rely on our friends to pull their share of the load. And maybe, just maybe we wouldn't be forced into decline like the Romans, interbreeding like the Hapsburgs or, worse, telling friends we're tired of picking up the bill.
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You are intentionally mischaracterizing my points.
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I do not hate Canada. I hate that we carry the burden while Canada and others go cheap. Here is more current data: https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/6/pdf/210611-pr-2021-094-en.pdf
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need /niːd/ verb 1. require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable. "I need help now because the Russians are attacking and the Canadians are still busy splitting up yesterdays lunch bill."
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I'll concede you are probably defensive enough. Circling back to the real point: We need to pay less and Canada needs to pay a lot more. I'm guessing Canadians are happy that we are able to send divisions to the Ukrainian border and plane loads of Javelins etc. to support the Ukrainians incredibly brave defense. I would be happier if Canada, all of our partners actually, had the ability to send equal amounts of military support. You know, like real partners.
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Apparently Canada goes cheap on their history books, too. Believe as you will but do not believe that the cheap or the meek will inherit the earth. My prediction is that in five years all of our allies except Canada will have increased spending on their militaries to a significant degree. Then the truth of Canada's fidelity will be laid bare for all to see.
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No disagreement. Now do I believe Trump had a single cognizant thought in his adult life, well no. I will credit his advisors first. But regardless of what Trump, Brent, the new Mod or anyone else thinks I know for a fact that I'm always right and that's how I roll.
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Bill, what and who's defence was defunded?
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No, kidding, I'm not. This is not about looking into the neighbors window it's about looking down the street and around the corner. You won't have the time for anything when the time comes except to say thank you. You're being disingenuous, again.
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Let's not pretend it's for any reason other than Canadians are smarter than Americans. Yep, in fact picking when it comes to up the dinner check Canada is smarter than everyone except Slovenia and Portugal. https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/6/pdf/210611-pr-2021-094-en.pdf In all seriousness, Canadians should be embarrassed. Moreover, some Canadians should be a little more understanding of attitudes held by the likes of myself, Keith, Brent and anyone else that would care to join in.
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I agree. Canada goes cheap because it has strong friends. If the US were Mexico Canada would for sure be pulling it's weight.
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And that diatribe has to do with sacrificing on a shared basis for the mutual defense of western democracy how? 1.4% of GDP is all you spend as a contribution. Both you and SkyDekker have every right to point out our flaws and make suggestions but for Christ's sake please grasp that what advantages you enjoy socially are paid for in part by not keeping up your end of the mutual defense deal.
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Thanks. So it's not what I said and you were just projecting. Not sending troops and spending less money isn't the same as no engagement or winning in a smarter way. Maybe you can just be honest and agree that the only reason Canada goes so cheap on their military is because there is no fear of attack from the North Pole or Greenland.
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Is that what I said or are you just tossing out a straw man for giggles? Also, take as much time as you need to fix the toxic culture in the Canadian military, we'll be here if you need us.