coolbeans said:
So...I've been a little curious about this one since jumping back here--partially due to my curiosity of what denial comments you read here.
Help me understand this: you get a good laugh from those who don't buy him being a Russian tool, yet you use this couched language yourself saying he "might not be directly Putin's puppet" here? You're hesitant of making the affirmative puppet claim yourself.
But who's to say that's based on "muh Russia" narrative and more of a businessman seeing the US being taken advantage of by allies. I don't want to castigate all EU countries, but just look at something like NATO. Do all EU countries keep to their signed agreements, specifically in regards to how much they pay in? B/c the US has a history of going above and beyond in that respect. Is it really that hard to question how, from the outlook of some, it appears like some disruption is needed?
(Side note: Don't want to diminish EU involvement in Iraq/Afghanistan of dragged into it by us either. Only presenting this based on how quoted comment is framed)
Okay...you know "pretty much everything" is this abstract, flimsy term to work with, right? What extra actions will it take for it to not be convincing he's falling in lockstep with Russia's wishes? Because so far you have:
-Following NATO allies in kicking out diplomats from country after spy poisoning in UK
-On-and-off saber-rattling in Syria
-Presented no roadblocks, and seem to cheer on, Montenegro's official joining of NATO
-Continued sanctions over Ukraine and has done one up over Obama in sending weapons to fight against Russian-backed rebels
-Pompeo (part of Trump admin) coming out and not accepting Russia's annexation of Crimea as legitimate
BONUS: There's been no incriminating evidence on even the level of Obama's hot mic incident before his 2nd term: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsFR8DbSRQE
If you find this list to be lacking, some bullet points to be too tangential, or perhaps there's some inaccuracies here, then that's fine. But I want to get something solid here; no "well he's a just doing a bunch of what Russia would like" or some such dodgy language. What's the extent needed in your mind before you're convinced Trump ISN'T doing 'pretty much everything' Russia wants? No-fly zone in Syria which can escalate to war, more Balkan states joining NATO, a press conference calling Putin bad names? Let me know.
EDIT: And I'm not trying to sound like a total ***hole. It's just seeing that higher-than-thou assessment of others w/out much meat to your own claims. "Oh I just couldn't help but guffaw at some of these denial comments here. *Proceeds to utilize some wishy-washy language in respect to his own claims*"
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