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jbnw's avatar

I really handn't intended to watch, but ended up watching the oath and the inaugural address. I was unexpectedly moved - a very direct speech, identifying issues to resolve (making it interesting to see Biden behind him napping) and immediately addressing some issues that need addressing - I don't think we're used to seeing quick actions.

I noticed no mention of Ukraine, but I'll take ending wars and creating no new wars, as well as peace and unity. I was surprised to see positive wishes from Putin almost immediately.

So yes, I'll wait and see, but today I feel positive about potential changes. I haven't felt proud to be an American to be many years, but today I do.

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

I’m getting there, hopefully. Still, the horrid genocide in Gaza has done a number on my pride in being an American.😢☮️🇵🇸

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jbnw's avatar

That, and fostering a hot war in Ukraine after a real insurrection. Reports say that around 1,000,000 military dead in Ukraine, and I've been to too many places I see in the news.

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

It’s just horrid what these regime change wars do. I hope to see an end to that.😢☮️🇵🇸

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Mark Taylor's avatar

Thanks for watching what I couldn't.

No mention of the US/Israel Gaza genocide?

The fake "ceasefire" is more a rest-and-rehab break for the fragile Israeli "Defense" Force. When the time comes and the call from Miriam Adelson interrupts his Big Mac lunch he'll be full on into the massacre.

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

I so hope you’re wrong. Like I said in my comment above or what I meant was that this genocide is a stain on the America I once knew very long ago.😢😞🙁

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Mark Taylor's avatar

It's completely set up to end. It'll get Trump through the first month or so. The Knesset and Netanyahu have made it clear they will resume bombing. The Israelis NEVER follow through on diplomatic agreements regarding Palestine. I've been a little taken aback by how naive even very experienced journalists and government types have been about this supposed "breakthrough". I think it's just wishful thinking. I have no such illusions about Israel. I just look at their record and sociopathy.

The genocide is more than a stain, it is a clear cut American war crime and full-on participation in a holocaust. Just heard today, that with current death estimates, 16-17% of the population of Gaza has been killed by the US and Israel. And that is undoubtedly an undercount.

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

I agree with you. I don’t trust Israel either. Far from it. Yes it is more than a stain on the US. Joe Biden admitted in one of his last interviews that he basically knew it was a genocide. It’s just sickening what has happened for well over a year.😢☹️🤮

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Mark Taylor's avatar

I honestly hope he burns for eternity in hell listening to the screams of the babies and children he murdered. He'd probably enjoy the soundtrack but the repetition over eternity would eventually drive him nuttier than he already is. I hate the man.

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Meredith Hobbs's avatar

Hear hear!

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Shadiya's avatar

*coughs* you mean, on top of the one that created America? Lest we forget.

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jbnw's avatar

I will wait and see. I liked his words on peace and unity.

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Mark Taylor's avatar

He's a two-time American president. They all lie. Just look at the record. Heck, look at his record of lying in his first term. It will be more blatant this time.

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Ohio Barbarian's avatar

And if and when that happens, things will get even more interesting.

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Pietro Wislon's avatar

Norman Finkelstein finds a parallel between ceasefires and the inaugaration of American Presidents.

https://youtu.be/sJ4SMY2UNW4?si=RvaS5IJFVJjoqbbn

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Mark Taylor's avatar

Thanks, Pietro. As usual, Norman knows the history we all forget. False hope is dangerous and can really break the spirit of resistance.

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Ohio Barbarian's avatar

Nope, just the ceasefire, and a vague promise of peace. It surprised me, and I think it might mean something, though I have no idea what.

You might be right; OTOH Trump may surprise you by standing up to Netanyahu because that's what he has to do to put America First, and it's his second term, he can't run again, and he's fucked over better billionaires than the Adelsons before.

It's not worth arguing over now. We're going to KNOW soon enough.

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Mark Taylor's avatar

Check the Norman Finkelstien video clip Pietro posted above. I just hate seeing more false hope on such a horrible situation.

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The Passionate Progressive's avatar

Thank you for your summary of a speech I just couldn't bear to watch...I did just finish my Foreign Affairs article(s) which had commentary from various analysts/academics to include those from Singapore and Brazil....As you concluded the predictions were all over the map....I did feel hope in the analysts predicting not what this means for the US but for the rest of the world and that despite Trump's behavior, there will be no turning back for the global south and multi-polarity will continue.

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Tonyl's avatar

OK, I will reiterate what I've said many times; dont look at what Trump and others in the US government say - watch what they DO. They (and other sorry excuses for human beings) are no better than what has gone before. How long before the American people realise that they are SLAVES ? !!! These people have, for so many years, acted with impunity in oppressing people around the world AND they do it to their own people too !!. Dont believe me ? how many of you belong to families that dont live pay cheque to pay checque ? You should have been objecting generations ago.

I think that why the financial calamities of 2008 etc were not recognised as another 1929 moment is because in the 21st century, governments have had greater opportunity to paper over the cracks. It is not a coincidence that the US administration recognises the BRICS countries as a clear and present danger to their economy, hence Trump's pronouncements on tarrifs. Taken to their logical conclusion; tarrifs are self defeating (it is simply a tax on incoming goods) so dont be surprised to see a shrinking of the availability of goods on your shelves. BRICS is coming !!!

If the day ever arose where the Bush, Clinton, Obama people were arraigned before a court then I would believe that the (long-suffering) people have awakened.

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Jim S's avatar

Thank You OB

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