Post by: Anthony on May 25, 2020, 07:30:53 AM
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Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said Sunday that the U.S. should “give up on its wishful thinking of changing China” and avoid bringing the two countries to a “new Cold War.”
“China has no intention to change, still replace, the United States,” he said, according to the Washington Post. “It is time for the United States to give up it's wishful thinking of changing China and stopping 1.4 billion people in their historic march toward modernization.”
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been strained for some time. President Trump has criticized Beijing over a trade imbalance and the outbreak of the coronavirus lead both to accuse the other of an improper response. Trump recently said that he may completely end U.S. funding for the World Health Organization over its cozy ties with Beijing.
The White House has insisted that Beijing downplayed the virus' threat in December, which led to the subsequent outbreak. China has denied the charge and accused Trump of shirking responsibility to the organization, according to the AFP.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/china-warns-us-against-sparking-cold-war
Post by: Lucifer on May 25, 2020, 07:38:32 AM
Now that the tables have turned, they don't like it. Their economy can't survive without selling to us.
Now, the real sad part. We have many in our government that are bought and paid for by the Chinese. These scumbags will stop at nothing to further sell us out and make the US dependent on China.
Post by: Anthony on May 25, 2020, 07:55:51 AM
China needs a market to sell to. The US has been that market, and we've let the Chinese exploit it, steal from us and place heavy tariffs on our goods.
Now that the tables have turned, they don't like it. Their economy can't survive without selling to us.
Now, the real sad part. We have many in our government that are bought and paid for by the Chinese. These scumbags will stop at nothing to further sell us out and make the US dependent on China.
Yes, many of our Politicians of both parties, and many in the Bureaucracy are beholden to the Chinese due to being PAID OFF. That's Treasonous. I think their needs to be a moratorium on Chinese lobbying and pay offs to Americans in Government.
Post by: Rush on May 25, 2020, 07:59:13 AM
What has occurred instead is we have become more like them, on the verge of voting in totalitarian control of our economy. We are even all walking around in those stupid masks.
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on May 25, 2020, 08:06:28 AM
Yeah, I'm going to believe the (mainland) Chinese government assurances. riiiiiiiiight.
Post by: Anthony on May 25, 2020, 08:09:47 AM
It was probably somebody replacing Rush, or Rush himself, or maybe Sean, that's been saying lately that at first when we opened trade with China the expectation was that as they lifted out of poverty and modernized they would see the benefits of capitalism and become more democratized. That was a terrible miscalculation. They have indeed seen the benefits of capitalism, as they stole our technology and implemented a state-approved form of capitalism under their social totalitarianism. But become a democracy? No, they are not becoming like us.
What has occurred instead is we have become more like them, on the verge of voting in totalitarian control of our economy. We are even all walking around in those stupid masks.
Many people, worldwide DON'T WANT, nor can they handle particpative Government. The Chinese are one of them. Look at much of the Middle East, and Asia. Even Japan is largely a Police State. Saudi Arabia, and most of the M.E. except for Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Singapore, China, etc. They don't want our form of government. The sad fact is may want to be ruled and governed because that is all they know. Feudalism is alive and well in much of the world.
A Core characteristic of the Chinese is they are DISHONEST LIARS that do not respect anything Western. That is how they justify the LIES. We are inferior and subhuman.
Post by: EppyGA - White Christian Domestic Terrorist on May 25, 2020, 08:09:58 AM
Post by: Rush on May 25, 2020, 08:29:33 AM
Many people, worldwide DON'T WANT, nor can they handle particpative Government. The Chinese are one of them. Look at much of the Middle East, and Asia. Even Japan is largely a Police State. Saudi Arabia, and most of the M.E. except for Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Singapore, China, etc. They don't want our form of government. The sad fact is may want to be ruled and governed because that is all they know. Feudalism is alive and well in much of the world.
A Core characteristic of the Chinese is they are DISHONEST LIARS that do not respect anything Western. That is how they justify the LIES. We are inferior and subhuman.
American independence and individualism is unique in the world.
Post by: Little Joe on May 26, 2020, 05:02:01 AM
American independence and individualism is unique in the world.I don't believe that is a function of anything special about the people living in the USA (ie, "Americans").
I think it is a direct result of our Constitution and our form of government. That is why it is so terrifying that the left wants to tear it up and make us look like everybody else.
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 05:09:31 AM
I don't believe that is a function of anything special about the people living in the USA (ie, "Americans").
I think it is a direct result of our Constitution and our form of government. That is why it is so terrifying that the left wants to tear it up and make us look like everybody else.
At one time, earlier in our existence, I think it was very true. Americans left Europe, rebelled against the Royal system and created one where citizens could participate and had codified, guaranteed Rights. I do think in many that attitude still remains which does make us Exceptional and different in the world. However, the trend seems to be that many, mostly Leftists, want a large, controlling Government to "give" them safety, security and a living. They accept a new Royalty, less freedom, less liberty and are willing to compromise basic Rights like free speech and gun ownership.
Post by: Little Joe on May 26, 2020, 05:17:00 AM
At one time, earlier in our existence, I think it was very true. Americans left Europe, rebelled against the Royal system and created one where citizens could participate and had codified, guaranteed Rights. I do think in many that attitude still remains which does make us Exceptional and different in the world. However, the trend seems to be that many, mostly Leftists, want a large, controlling Government to "give" them safety, security and a living. They accept a new Royalty, less freedom, less liberty and are willing to compromise basic Rights like free speech and gun ownership.What part of what I said are you disagreeing with me on? The Constitution is what allowed us to be exceptional. It is true that it is being shredded but that was what gave us the edge in the first place, and still would if we followed it.
Post by: Rush on May 26, 2020, 05:33:37 AM
I don't believe that is a function of anything special about the people living in the USA (ie, "Americans").
I think it is a direct result of our Constitution and our form of government. That is why it is so terrifying that the left wants to tear it up and make us look like everybody else.
Agree. However what might be special about us is our genetic heritage and our geographical history. Those of us who are white descend from people who had the cojones to risk a dangerous journey overseas to find a life free from oppression.
People like that made the Constitution and our form of government so it’s a chicken and egg thing. The geography of course was that it was a wide open land full of untapped resources and therefore full of opportunity which facilitated our ability to be self sufficient and prosperous. There was of course conflict with Native Americans but they were too few in number and not as technologically advanced, and were decimated by European pathogens, so the resources were mostly available to the newcomers, and those Native Americans who assimilated into the new, dominant culture.
Those of us who are black descend from people even stronger and more determined than the Europeans and survived an even more insanely dangerous overseas journey. Those of us who are Hispanic, Asian, and all others likewise descend from people (or are themselves if recently arrived) who were adventurous enough to leave a familiar homeland seeking better opportunities.
It was a confluence of all that that made our country what it is, and hopefully still keeping it a beacon of freedom and individual rights, and you are right, it would never have remained so without the Constitution.
And yes, all of this is threatened by a new religion: Woke culture, and it’s accompanying utopian ideal of economic collectivism - everything the soul of the U.S. is not.
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 05:39:24 AM
What part of what I said are you disagreeing with me on? The Constitution is what allowed us to be exceptional. It is true that it is being shredded but that was what gave us the edge in the first place, and still would if we followed it.
Where did I say I disagreed? I think the attitudes were there anyway, but the Constitution made them long lasting.
Post by: Little Joe on May 26, 2020, 06:05:31 AM
Where did I say I disagreed? I think the attitudes were there anyway, but the Constitution made them long lasting.I guess I took it wrong, but I was unclear about what you meant by:
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At one time, earlier in our existence, I think it was very true.I was wondering if you were disputing that the Constitution still makes us exceptional, as watered down as it is. If it gets even more watered down, or parts repealed, then we will be in real trouble.
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 06:16:21 AM
I guess I took it wrong, but I was unclear about what you meant by: I was wondering if you were disputing that the Constitution still makes us exceptional, as watered down as it is. If it gets even more watered down, or parts repealed, then we will be in real trouble.
I think people embraced personal liberty, freedom, and Natural Rights more as a concept and lifestyle in the past. They didn't need a document to give them Rights, or remind them they had them. Today, especially over the past 40 years or so, popular culture, society, the Media, Government and Education has watered down these concepts and has given Government a lot more power over us. Yes, I am generalizing.
Post by: Rush on May 26, 2020, 06:54:49 AM
I think people embraced personal liberty, freedom, and Natural Rights more as a concept and lifestyle in the past. They didn't need a document to give them Rights, or remind them they had them. Today, especially over the past 40 years or so, popular culture, society, the Media, Government and Education has watered down these concepts and has given Government a lot more power over us. Yes, I am generalizing.
Many of us anyway. Generational distance from self sufficiency hurts. I heard some statistic recently that decades ago only some some percent of businesses needed to be licensed, where today a large percent do, I forget the exact numbers it was like 20% in the 50s vs 80% today or something.
The point is, look how the assumptions have changed, from we are free to conduct a livelihood to we need permission from some overlord to do so.
And we are too accepting of this.
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 07:01:30 AM
Many of us anyway. Generational distance from self sufficiency hurts. I heard some statistic recently that decades ago only some some percent of businesses needed to be licensed, where today a large percent do, I forget the exact numbers it was like 20% in the 50s vs 80% today or something.
The point is, look how the assumptions have changed, from we are free to conduct a livelihood to we need permission from some overlord to do so.
And we are too accepting of this.
As you know, I've often blamed the Feminization of society and rise of Women, now promoted over Men and Boys. Saw a commercial for some deodorant recently that said a women can be (should be) FIERCE and Feminine at the same time. Why do women have to be fierce? I don't even think of myself as needing to be "fierce", nor think that is a positive attribute for anyone unless gravely threatened. Do women feel threatened? Is society making them feel threatened that there is a need for them to be FIERCE?
We've accepted way too much government and government control, But NOW I blame Men as much as Women for embracing it. They've become like women with a penis.
Post by: Rush on May 26, 2020, 07:06:50 AM
As you know, I've often blamed the Feminization of society and rise of women, now promoted over Men and Boys. Saw a commercial for some deodorant recently that said a women can be (should be) FIERCE and Feminine at the same time. Why do women have to be fierce? I don't even think of myself as needing to be "fierce", nor think that is a positive attribute for anyone unless gravely threatened. Do women feel threatened? Is society making them feel threatened that there is a need for them to be FIERCE?
We've accepted way too much government and government control, But NOW I blame Men as much as Women for embracing it. They've become like women with a penis.
Masculinity is evil. And women should be more like men, or are indistinguishable from men. That’s feminism logic.
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on May 26, 2020, 07:32:30 AM
Just had the liberal-dominated book group Zoom meeting yesterday. The book was Melinda Gates‘ “Moment of Lift” on empowering women.
I tried to point out that we all got here together and that men needed re-educating because women already got the picture and ‘empowerment’ basically meant coping with men. “Why don’t we ever hear the term ‘unwed father,’” asked I. “Why did Hillary stay with serial cheater Bill? How did she make any difference there in educating men or empowering women?”
Blank looks. Back to how awesome Melinda Gates is for going to Zimbabwe and ignoring the problems in America.
Post by: bflynn on May 26, 2020, 07:50:52 AM
China cannot afford a cold war with us. Cutting off trade with the US would damage both their income and their source for new technologies.
Post by: bflynn on May 26, 2020, 07:53:42 AM
Don’t get me started. Men want their woman to be a whore in bed, Betty Crocker in the kitchen, hold a well-paying job, be home for the kids whenever needed, be available for sex 24/7, do all the housework and child rearing, and be the Virgin Mary when first they take her to meet the parents.
You're overstating this enough to make me think you don't really know what you're talking about as well as coming across as hating men.
I don't know that this is even worth of a response because it's so over the top.
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on May 26, 2020, 07:58:45 AM
China cannot afford a cold war with us. Cutting off trade with the US would damage both their income and their source for new technologies.
Really? Those in power would lose exactly what?
Those in power give a rat's patoot for exactly who?
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 08:00:19 AM
Don’t get me started. Men want their woman to be a whore in bed, Betty Crocker in the kitchen, hold a well-paying job, be home for the kids whenever needed, be available for sex 24/7, do all the housework and child rearing, and be the Virgin Mary when first they take her to meet the parents.
I don't think that is true at all. Many Men, including myself are self sufficient. We are good cooks, clean, do our own laundry, maintain our homes, etc. We don't need women to do all those thing for us, except for sex, and today one does not need a "commitment" to have a sexual relationship with someone.
Edit: To Rush's point, I may be totally off base here. Which has never happened before. ;D
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Just had the liberal-dominated book group Zoom meeting yesterday. The book was Melinda Gates‘ “Moment of Lift” on empowering women.
I tried to point out that we all got here together and that men needed re-educating because women already got the picture and ‘empowerment’ basically meant coping with men. “Why don’t we ever hear the term ‘unwed father,’” asked I. “Why did Hillary stay with serial cheater Bill? How did she make any difference there in educating men or empowering women?”
Blank looks. Back to how awesome Melinda Gates is for going to Zimbabwe and ignoring the problems in America.
Don't get me started with Bill and Melinda Gates. He wants to be God and thinks he is, and she pretty much feels the same way and along for the ride. Female "Empowerment" is a joke. You can not "Empower" someone, it must come from within. It is another Leftist lie to shirk responsibility for one's own circumstance. You can be inspired, educated, encouraged, etc. But ultimately it is up to YOU.
Post by: Rush on May 26, 2020, 08:04:56 AM
You're overstating this enough to make me think you don't really know what you're talking about as well as coming across as hating men.
I don't know that this is even worth of a response because it's so over the top.
I thought she was being sarcastic, or overstating to prove a point. I mean turn it around. I want my man to be a limitless paycheck, look like a Greek god, perform in bed like a porn star, have the emotional sensitivity of my best girlfriend, the handyman skills and car mechanic skills of a blue collar worker while dressing like a corporate professional, and own an airplane.
We all have a picture of the "ideal" mate in mind, but most of us realize life doesn't work like that. If men had to learn not to expect their woman to be perfect, the reverse is also true.
I don't know if that was Becky's point, but that's sort of my take on it.
Post by: Anthony on May 26, 2020, 08:11:45 AM
I thought she was being sarcastic, or overstating to prove a point. I mean turn it around. I want my man to be a limitless paycheck, look like a Greek god, perform in bed like a porn star, have the emotional sensitivity of my best girlfriend, the handyman skills and car mechanic skills of a blue collar worker while dressing like a corporate professional, and own an airplane.
Stop describing me. ;D
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We all have a picture of the "ideal" mate in mind, but most of us realize life doesn't work like that. If men had to learn not to expect their woman to be perfect, the reverse is also true.
I don't know if that was Becky's point, but that's sort of my take on it.
You're probably right. Sorry Becky!
Post by: bflynn on May 26, 2020, 08:36:39 AM
Really? Those in power would lose exactly what?
Those in power give a rat's patoot for exactly who?
They would lose their ability to compete militarily against the US, they would lose their power to control Tiawan, they would lose their power to influence countries around them. But most of all they would lose their self assumed right to ascend as the next great empire.
Post by: nddons on May 28, 2020, 06:57:49 AM
Many of us anyway. Generational distance from self sufficiency hurts. I heard some statistic recently that decades ago only some some percent of businesses needed to be licensed, where today a large percent do, I forget the exact numbers it was like 20% in the 50s vs 80% today or something.Generational distancing is a fitting term. Both of my parents were born in the US, but their parents made the choice to leave their homelands of Poland and Lithuania and seek freedom in the US. My dad grew up with that spirit, and went back to Europe to fight fascism 1944-1945.
The point is, look how the assumptions have changed, from we are free to conduct a livelihood to we need permission from some overlord to do so.
And we are too accepting of this.
All of that rubbed off on me. I heard their stories first hand. I’ve passed that along to my daughter, who has the same spirit. Will her kids get those stories, that history? I’m not sure.
Post by: nddons on May 28, 2020, 07:52:08 AM
I thought she was being sarcastic, or overstating to prove a point. I mean turn it around. I want my man to be a limitless paycheck, look like a Greek god, perform in bed like a porn star, have the emotional sensitivity of my best girlfriend, the handyman skills and car mechanic skills of a blue collar worker while dressing like a corporate professional, and own an airplane.I thought she was being sarcastic too.
We all have a picture of the "ideal" mate in mind, but most of us realize life doesn't work like that. If men had to learn not to expect their woman to be perfect, the reverse is also true.
I don't know if that was Becky's point, but that's sort of my take on it.
I envisioned marrying a tall passionate Mediterranean brunette. I’m 6’3” after all.
Then I fell in love with a short 5’3” feisty Irish girl. Will be married 37 years in November, provided I make it that far after this stay at home thing. Lol. (Actually I went back to the office as of yesterday - first time in 67 days.)
Post by: Rush on May 28, 2020, 08:52:28 AM
I thought she was being sarcastic too.
I envisioned marrying a tall passionate Mediterranean brunette. I’m 6’3” after all.
Then I fell in love with a short 5’3” feisty Irish girl. Will be married 37 years in November, provided I make it that far after this stay at home thing. Lol. (Actually I went back to the office as of yesterday - first time in 67 days.)
Congrats on going back to the office, and on 37 years. We just had our 35th, and we did survive 2 months of being locked up in the house together without killing each other, but just barely. This is the third week he's been back at the office and it's like I can breathe again. We got locked down early because we had traveled and his boss made him isolate for two weeks and just as that ended they made everyone go home.
I had made up my mind I wanted to marry a guy about 2 years older than me and about 2 inches taller, and also an engineer because I was an engineer. He is 2 1/2 years older and 2 1/2" taller (I was 5'10 1/2" and he was 6'1"). He had also taken flying lessons and was into Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I knew I'd met my soul mate. ;D Within 2 months of our first date he had proposed and I accepted.
Boy that sounds awful shallow. But we found we shared almost identical value systems and enjoyed each other's company which might be two of the most important things in choosing a mate. That and whether or not to have children. He wanted 2 and I wanted 3 and we thought that was close enough. (He won in the end.)
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on May 28, 2020, 09:07:28 AM
We’ll be 24 years married in August but both of us had stunningly bad first marriages, which I think helps us appreciate each other a lot more.
His working at home these last few months has been delightful for us both.
I’d been single 13 years when we met. I’d finally made a list of qualities I knew were nonnegotiable for me. After dating about a dozen guys over those years, I was amazed to meet someone who actually checked ALL my boxes.
I do think that specificity and sticking to some enduring principles tends to attract the same. At one point a coworker asked me why I hadn’t remarried and I told him I was sticking to my principles and nonnegotiables. One of the principles was no sex before marriage, and I joked that with that I’d reduced the field of candidates to less than 0.1%.
He said no, stick with that ... you’ll attract someone principled.
And I did. 🥰❤️
Post by: Anthony on May 28, 2020, 09:12:30 AM
One of the principles was no sex before marriage, and I joked that with that I’d reduced the field of candidates to less than 0.1%.
He said no, stick with that ... you’ll attract someone principled.
And I did. 🥰❤️
Hmmm. Isn't it usually the opposite? No sex AFTER marriage?
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on May 28, 2020, 09:17:50 AM
Hmmm. Isn't it usually the opposite? No sex AFTER marriage?
As I typed that, I envisioned you bolding it and adding a snarky comment. 🤣
Post by: jb1842 on May 28, 2020, 09:54:51 AM
Post by: Rush on May 28, 2020, 10:06:58 AM
Married 10 years, retired with wife who works from home. Also stuck in a house with a soon to be 3 year old whose potty training and fights naps.
Ouch. My daughter has a 3 year old who is potty training plus a 4 month old. I remember those days.
Post by: jb1842 on May 28, 2020, 10:23:45 AM
Ouch. My daughter has a 3 year old who is potty training plus a 4 month old. I remember those days.
I think he passed the big hurdle a few days ago. No accidents, no bribing with with candy. He just goes when he needs to.
Post by: Anthony on May 29, 2020, 05:55:37 AM
As I typed that, I envisioned you bolding it and adding a snarky comment. 🤣
Glad I could accommodate your prediction. What's your point?
Post by: bflynn on May 29, 2020, 06:49:49 AM
I think he passed the big hurdle a few days ago. No accidents, no bribing with with candy. He just goes when he needs to.
My son never cared about potty training. He just never cared, the diapers are so good these days. What clicked for him was having him take the 3' tall mickey mouse to the bathroom with commentary. One time, he got it.
Post by: Rush on May 29, 2020, 09:50:58 AM
Congrats on going back to the office, and on 37 years. We just had our 35th, and we did survive 2 months of being locked up in the house together without killing each other, but just barely. This is the third week he's been back at the office and it's like I can breathe again. We got locked down early because we had traveled and his boss made him isolate for two weeks and just as that ended they made everyone go home.
I had made up my mind I wanted to marry a guy about 2 years older than me and about 2 inches taller, and also an engineer because I was an engineer. He is 2 1/2 years older and 2 1/2" taller (I was 5'10 1/2" and he was 6'1"). He had also taken flying lessons and was into Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I knew I'd met my soul mate. ;D Within 2 months of our first date he had proposed and I accepted.
Boy that sounds awful shallow. But we found we shared almost identical value systems and enjoyed each other's company which might be two of the most important things in choosing a mate. That and whether or not to have children. He wanted 2 and I wanted 3 and we thought that was close enough. (He won in the end.)
Well crap. I jinxed myself. His company has sent him back home. Apparently he could only work at the office (well, his “office” at the plant) as long as there was a contractor on site he was supervising.
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on May 29, 2020, 11:13:29 AM
Well crap. I jinxed myself. His company has sent him back home. Apparently he could only work at the office (well, his “office” at the plant) as long as there was a contractor on site he was supervising.
Sounds like you want to hire a contractor... :-)
Post by: nddons on May 30, 2020, 05:45:52 AM
Congrats on going back to the office, and on 37 years. We just had our 35th, and we did survive 2 months of being locked up in the house together without killing each other, but just barely. This is the third week he's been back at the office and it's like I can breathe again. We got locked down early because we had traveled and his boss made him isolate for two weeks and just as that ended they made everyone go home.Wow. Such precision! I should have hired an engineer to find me a tall Mediterranean brunette. My back has never been the same with a wife who is 12” shorter than me.
I had made up my mind I wanted to marry a guy about 2 years older than me and about 2 inches taller, and also an engineer because I was an engineer. He is 2 1/2 years older and 2 1/2" taller (I was 5'10 1/2" and he was 6'1"). He had also taken flying lessons and was into Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I knew I'd met my soul mate. ;D Within 2 months of our first date he had proposed and I accepted.
Boy that sounds awful shallow. But we found we shared almost identical value systems and enjoyed each other's company which might be two of the most important things in choosing a mate. That and whether or not to have children. He wanted 2 and I wanted 3 and we thought that was close enough. (He won in the end.)
These are all nice stories and all but I hope they don’t impact our threesome with Becky.
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on May 30, 2020, 05:59:34 AM
Wow. Such precision! I should have hired an engineer to find me a tall Mediterranean brunette. My back has never been the same with a wife who is 12” shorter than me.
These are all nice stories and all but I hope they don’t impact our virtual threesome with Becky.
Fixed it. 🤣
Post by: nddons on May 30, 2020, 06:12:28 AM
Fixed it.Killjoy.
Post by: Rush on May 30, 2020, 07:47:11 AM
Post by: Anthony on May 30, 2020, 08:07:47 AM
Post by: nddons on May 30, 2020, 08:19:29 AM
Do you have to be Virtually Married, before you can have Virtual Threesomes?Says the guy who has perfected virtual marriage.
Post by: Anthony on May 30, 2020, 08:30:29 AM
Says the guy who has perfected virtual marriage.
I wish they were Virtual, but my lawyers, however...... ::)