NATO
Now I’m basically in favor of disbanding NATO (and the UN – but that’s a different argument). NATO may have served a purpose after WWII and perhaps up to the end of the “Cold War” – which ended in 1989 or so.
Today? What’s the purpose?
Let’s ignore the pros and cons of the present ammunition drain and think of the fundamental claim of NATO: “All for one and one for all“
So the US gets into a kerfluffle – partially to finally break up the Iranian government (our declared and actual enemy since ’79 – at least) and significantly to keep oil flowing. Argue pros and cons of the oil trade but our world runs on the stuff with no realistic alternatives in sight at the moment – oil has too many advantages over any other practical fuel source in today’s environment.
But the US has very little dependence on Middle East oil – it’s Europe and others that depend on the good will of that part of the world … so one can make an argument that at least part of this war is US fighting on Europe’s behalf.
In today’s news:
“more and more EU and NATO countries are moving to block US military flights operating in Iran. This includes Spain, Switzerland, Italy and now France.“
OK. Their choice. Though it kind of defeats the premise of NATO, doesn’t it?
But if they were being attacked, I’m pretty sure they’d wail and moan and beg Uncle Sam to come save their asses.
We need to get rid of these useless treaties … NATO being high on the list.
The yur’a’peeins always bragging about their own righteousness; they can be righteous without our tax dollars.
If the gov’t was run like a business it could offer service for hire and provide an entire menu of items and prices. Perhaps even provide financial services for said prices.
But the only way such a system can be successful is if all the major employees have vested interest in that success. That is, if the business isn’t successful then neither are the employees.
Can you imagine american politicians in such a position?
Me neither.
The only reason politicians exist in the first place is because if they had to rely on the free market for their sustenance they would either be in prison or killed.
The illogical, criminal environment of the gov’t is the only way that politicians can survive and thrive.
I designed a new home for a client and sent the plans out to material suppliers and subcontractors for bids. The first week of Jan I had the bids and plan was applied for a building permit and that house is now under construction.
Beginning of Mar another client wanted the exact “same” home so I sent the plans out again. Got the numbers back this afternoon.
Guess what?
From 05 Jan 26 to 31 Mar 26 (85 days) the prices have increased almost 15%. These are hard numbers directly from the horses mouth, not some silly nonsense from bullshit clickbait websites.
I called 2 contractors I know and they are seeing the same thing.
This stuff is not sustainable.
================
“same”:
I always change the plans a little bit, to beat the monotony, without effecting the cost.
FWIW, the hard numbers are about $700k.
Good thing inflation’s under control, isn’t it?
Being the owner of a full-size pickup, I can tell from here the garage is too small.
$700k to build or buy?
Build. That house has 10′ ceilings in the garage with 8′ tall garage doors. It is being built on a 1/3 acre lot that cost $230k. It is a waterfront lot on a “direct access” canal. That means the owner can jump in his boat parked out back and drive it to the ocean. The owner is supposedly a very famous sports announcer but I never heard of him. I don’t do sports. This is his 2nd home.
In that home the right side 2nd floor is completely master suite, about 1300 s.f. The left side is 2 story too but it is completely open to the 1st floor below. From the 1st floor you can look way up there and see out the 2nd floor windows. The first floor level is 10 feet above sea level and the whole thing is designed to withstand 200 mph wind velocity.
Showed this to my brother – he’s a little bit younger than you; maybe you’d get along but he can be a smart-ass at times – but only when he’s awake. You design them; he puts them together.
His comment: “That would be the guard house at the one we are doing now”
I’d think he was blowing smoke but I’ve seen the places he works on. Add another 0 plus some to the price. I can’t believe so many people have so much money … then live like packed sardines.
It’s funny that you had this up today. One of the guys I follow on Facebook made a very similar point and I left this comment. Copied verbatim…..
Extremely short sighted.
“I think that absent NATO, in the mid- to long-term, Europe will devolve into the border clashes that will eventually get out of hand.”
I think they’re closer to that happening soon than we are; their illegal/marxist/muzzie problem is far worse than ours … and that’s pretty bad.
I feel the Big Kaboom Marvin expected coming soon.
And I don’t like that feeling. In the 60’s when I was in elementary school, the “Big Kaboom” meant a drill at school where we all got under our desks. That was all the depth that a kid could understand. But of course, adults understand much more of what a post-Kaboom life might mean, and none of it is good.
The irony both from the Euros and from the Arab countries is that Iran hasn’t made a secret of their nuclear ambitions. Allowing them to achieve their ambitions would create a nuclear arms race in both Europe and the Gulf region. And that ain’t good either. The Gulf Arabs understand this…..Persia is just across the Gulf. But the Euros haven’t quite got it yet.
NATO may not fall apart. Some “prognosticators” are predicting the revival of the Holy Roman Empire with Germany at the head. It could happen very quickly.
“think of the fundamental claim of NATO: “All for one and one for all“ “
Well, yes, the Europeans are all in on that, as long as Unkle Sugar pays for it and does the heavy lifting.
“the Iranian government (our declared and actual enemy since ’79 – at least)”
Iran certainly thinks so. I’m not so sure the United States is in full agreement, however.