Does anyone here think there will be any traction to this Italy gate?

[hughespat57]

"Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." - Yoda

Fear of communism lead the U.S. into the Vietnam war, where 58,200 young Americans died, along with over 1 million N.Vietnamese soldiers, 250 ,000 S. Vietnamese soldiers and over 2 million civilians on both sides. The war had ended by 1975 with American forces going home and Vietnamese forces winning the country. 20 years later, the U.S. resumed diplomatic and economic relations with Vietnam. 45 years later, there are now fewer communist countries in the world than in 1975. The fear of communism spreading, the "domino effect" was wrong. What should this history teach us?

"Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose."
Dwight D. Eisenhower - a very smart man.

I agree, and so does the CCP, China doesn't want a hot war, they are doing it by economic control, political influence and subterfuge (hacking). They do forcefully control their own citizens however.

@Carpediem44DB
@Boat Guy
"As a tech guy, I've been vocal and adamant that these systems are ripe for hacking and corruption. But, hey, who am I? People who have never coded in their life nor designed a network are explaining to me how it is...I just shake my head. I designed networks for the Fed. Gov and sold tempested computers years ago... wtf do I know?"

Been there and still do it for a living.
Was around for the first Posix complient Windows 3.11 system, was "certified secure".
As long as you did not break the case seals or install a network card....

Any system that is interconnected or any system you can gain physical control over can be hacked, some are just easier than others.

 

[hughespat57]

Oh and @Juliery just joined my ignore list...

 

[Blueone]

Oh and @Juliery just joined my ignore list...

You’re going to run out of people if you keep doing that... you will be arguing with yourself

 

[boatman37]

I agree, and so does the CCP, China doesn't want a hot war, they are doing it by economic control, political influence and subterfuge (hacking). They do forcefully control their own citizens however.

@Carpediem44DB
@Boat Guy
"As a tech guy, I've been vocal and adamant that these systems are ripe for hacking and corruption. But, hey, who am I? People who have never coded in their life nor designed a network are explaining to me how it is...I just shake my head. I designed networks for the Fed. Gov and sold tempested computers years ago... wtf do I know?"

Been there and still do it for a living.
Was around for the first Posix complient Windows 3.11 system, was "certified secure".
As long as you did not break the case seals or install a network card....

Any system that is interconnected or any system you can gain physical control over can be hacked, some are just easier than others.

Yep. I am a System Security Engineer (and CISSP) and ANYTHING connected to a network can be hacked

 

[hughespat57]

You’re going to run out of people if you keep doing that... you will be arguing with yourself

No I wont!
Yes you will...
Shut up already you're causing problems...
That's your opinion

Oh sorry; my split personality came out for a moment

 

[Juliery]

BS that they wonder. Any NATO countries should understand for sure given the majority still don't invest enough in their own defense....like Canada.

Well, that's because Canada doesn't deliberately go around the world making enemies. Who would we be defending ourselves from? Canadians have always supported peace-keeping missions. Canadians have voted that we would much rather help other countries with foreign aid than fight with them. Canadian peacekeepers continue to serve overseas in such places as Mali. In total, more than 125,000 Canadians have served in UN peace operations. Canadians have also participated in UN-sanctioned peace operations led by NATO and in missions sponsored by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). Canada has supported the U.S. led forces in Afghanistan.

 

[Golfman25]

Well, that's because Canada doesn't deliberately go around the world making enemies. Who would we be defending ourselves from? Canadians have always supported peace-keeping missions. Canadians have voted that we would much rather help other countries with foreign aid than fight with them. Canadian peacekeepers continue to serve overseas in such places as Mali. In total, more than 125,000 Canadians have served in UN peace operations. Canadians have also participated in UN-sanctioned peace operations led by NATO and in missions sponsored by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). Canada has supported the U.S. led forces in Afghanistan.

If nobody wants to go to war, then why do we need "peace-keeping missions?"

I suppose if we just pulled out of South Korea, Mr. Kim will invite everyone over for a BBQ.

 

[Juliery]

If nobody wants to go to war, then why do we need "peace-keeping missions?"

I suppose if we just pulled out of South Korea, Mr. Kim will invite everyone over for a BBQ.

Peace keepers are invited in to help settle civil insurrection. Much different than imposing an Air Force bombing escapade where it is not wanted. Syria is a good example of this. The U.S. is not the global SWAT team, rushing in to further inflame domestic tensions and then going home, leaving nothing but death and disaster in their wake, for others to clean up.

 

[Boat Guy]

@hughespat57 & @boatman37, with all that's happening in the world today, I've been toying with the idea of reengaging...I've been talking with some old and new players and might form another business, but only dealing with the high level....

Just a little clarification regarding "connected"...Even "air-gapped" systems are vulnerable...

China doesn't want a hot war YET...Their plans always go out decades...When they are ready to execute military strikes it will be swift. I'm not sure we have anything that hasn't been compromised. The Chinese are very covert, never tipping their hat....And the rounding up of dissidents in HK is nothing to see....You see the swift action of the EU, the US and the UN....China is cowering .... ( <-sure)

 

[Golfman25]

The U.S. is not the global SWAT team, rushing in to further inflame domestic tensions and then going home, leaving nothing but death and disaster in their wake, for others to clean up.

Wow, you sound like Trump.

 

[Juliery]

@hughespat57 & @boatman37, with all that's happening in the world today, I've been toying with the idea of reengaging...I've been talking with some old and new players and might form another business, but only dealing with the high level....

Just a little clarification regarding "connected"...Even "air-gapped" systems are vulnerable...

China doesn't want a hot war YET...Their plans always go out decades...When they are ready to execute military strikes it will be swift. I'm not sure we have anything that hasn't been compromised. The Chinese are very covert, never tipping their hat....And the rounding up of dissidents in HK is nothing to see....You see the swift action of the EU, the US and the UN....China is cowering .... ( <-sure)

The People's Republic of China has lost many friends in Canada. They have caused a fentanyl health crisis approaching Covid level deaths. Many fatalities are just young people "experimenting." They have corrupted the real estate markets, buying expensive homes with drug cash, that now sit empty. Corrupt Chinese officials were able to launder billions in cash in our casinos. Our crooked government Ministers stood by. That's now being investigated. Chinese corporations have bought up Canadian resource companies, then quietly brought in Chinese workers to operate the facilities. Canadians are really pissed about this and our governments seem powerless to stop them, fearful of trade and diplomatic repercussions. They hold two Canadian businessmen hostage on "spying" allegations because Canada has been cooperating with the U.S. in the extradition of a Huawei business executive. Then there's been the ongoing Chinese hacking of government and business servers. Our governments have been totally naive in negotiating agreements with China. China is entirely untrustworthy and malicious in it's dealings, always underhanded and deceitful. Say that and you're labeled "racist". But it's fact.

@hughespat57 & @boatman37, with all that's happening in the world today, I've been toying with the idea of reengaging...I've been talking with some old and new players and might form another business, but only dealing with the high level....

Just a little clarification regarding "connected"...Even "air-gapped" systems are vulnerable...

China doesn't want a hot war YET...Their plans always go out decades...When they are ready to execute military strikes it will be swift. I'm not sure we have anything that hasn't been compromised. The Chinese are very covert, never tipping their hat....And the rounding up of dissidents in HK is nothing to see....You see the swift action of the EU, the US and the UN....China is cowering .... ( <-sure)

 

[boatman37]

@hughespat57 & @boatman37, with all that's happening in the world today, I've been toying with the idea of reengaging...I've been talking with some old and new players and might form another business, but only dealing with the high level....

Just a little clarification regarding "connected"...Even "air-gapped" systems are vulnerable..

Yep. I am contracted with a federal agency and we have air gapped systems and systems behind ACL's and they are still treated the same as far as being vulnerable

 

[Creekwood]

Well then the same could be said about Facism. So why the need for Antifa?

I have no idea and I am in no way supportive of Antifa. I don't think there is a need for any of the radical fringe groups that want to ignore laws and the constitutional processes for maintaining law and order and setting laws and rules. And that includes Antifa, Proud Boys, and any other groups that seek to accomplish change by violent, rather than constitutional processes.

 

[Creekwood]

The People's Republic of China has lost many friends in Canada. They have caused a fentanyl health crisis approaching Covid level deaths. Many fatalities are just young people "experimenting." They have corrupted the real estate markets, buying expensive homes with drug cash, that now sit empty. Corrupt Chinese officials were able to launder billions in cash in our casinos. Our crooked government Ministers stood by. That's now being investigated. Chinese corporations have bought up Canadian resource companies, then quietly brought in Chinese workers to operate the facilities. Canadians are really pissed about this and our governments seem powerless to stop them, fearful of trade and diplomatic repercussions. They hold two Canadian businessmen hostage on "spying" allegations because Canada has been cooperating with the U.S. in the extradition of a Huawei business executive. Then there's been the ongoing Chinese hacking of government and business servers. Our governments have been totally naive in negotiating agreements with China. China is entirely untrustworthy and malicious in it's dealings, always underhanded and deceitful. Say that and you're labeled "racist". But it's fact.

I don't think it is racist to describe China in that way at all. It would be racist to assume that a Chinese background individual (citizen of Canada/US or not) will behave a certain way, or support China, or to treat them differently because of what happens in China.

And everything you have said above is exactly true. The problem Canada has with China is that it is a huge trading partner (like the US - our largest trading partner). So if you want to do business, you need to do so ethically and that is hard to do with China. I do think our leaders got duped into thinking China was reforming to become more capitalist and democratic. It is not. It has a communist agenda and is very much "China first".

That is why it is so important that democracies around the world stand together as true allies and hold China to account if it wants to do business with us. No one country can fly alone against China.

 

[Woody]

Well, that's because Canada doesn't deliberately go around the world making enemies. Who would we be defending ourselves from? Canadians have always supported peace-keeping missions. Canadians have voted that we would much rather help other countries with foreign aid than fight with them. Canadian peacekeepers continue to serve overseas in such places as Mali. In total, more than 125,000 Canadians have served in UN peace operations. Canadians have also participated in UN-sanctioned peace operations led by NATO and in missions sponsored by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). Canada has supported the U.S. led forces in Afghanistan.

I'm not surprised by your answer. You only look at it in the way that benefits you.

The NATO purpose....'NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. Collective defense is at the heart of the Alliance.'

While you might not make any enemies or pick a fight, some one else might attack another NATO member. The NATO Alliance will help defend them, attack one and you attack us all. It was determined and agreed, a 2% GDP investment by each member in itself(military) keep the Allliance strong and even a deterrent.

The majority of NATO members still are not reaching the 2% goal, only 9 or 10 out of 30 currently do after continuing push from Trump, something both Bush and Obama did before him with little success.

It's not too much to expect, should there ever come the day, that some of the slackers be able to join the fight with more military might than a Boy Scout Troop.

 

[Henry Boyd]

...and it's the greatest nation on earth.

Tell me once more why if its already great why we needed to make it great again after spending four years of making it great again?

 

[OllieC]

Tell me once more why if its already great why we needed to make it great again after spending four years of making it great again?

Do I have really have to explain why the US is currently the best country on the planet for the individual because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights - you know, those Bill of Rights & Liberties certain parties want to usurp?

p.s. I hope I didn't offend anyone for my love of country.

 

[Blueone]

Do I have really have to explain why the US is currently the best country on the planet for the individual because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights

p.s. I hope I didn't offend anyone for my love of country.

Just Henry so far

 

[Henry Boyd]

Do I have really have to explain why the US is currently the best country on the planet for the individual because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights - you know, those Bill of Rights & Liberties certain parties want to usurp?

p.s. I hope I didn't offend anyone for my love of country.

No offense to me at all. I’ve never thought America wasn’t great, hence my confusion at the need make it great again in the first place, and it further confused me why after four years of making it great, it needed four more of the same.

 

[boatman37]

No offense to me at all. I’ve never thought America wasn’t great, hence my confusion at the need make it great again in the first place, and it further confused me why after four years of making it great, it needed four more of the same.

Trump made good headway but there is still more that needs done. Healthcare being one. Thankfully I have a meeting tomorrow about this years healthcare and not much of an increase for this year. $982/month for me and my wife. It was about $950/month so not much change. Before Obama I was paying about $350/month and that was for the whole family. Thankfully kids are grown and n their own now or I would be paying $1800/month. Welfare needs to be reformed too. Too many make it a lifestyle. It was meant to be a temporary thing to help in between hard times. Now kids grow up with the plan and goal of being on welfare. We have a family here in town (2 sisters) that have about 25-30 kids between them (not exaggerating). They are baby factories to get more 'free' money. Many around here that live in the projects pay $50/month rent but drive brand new cars and have never had a job. I'm all for those that legitimately need it as a temporary thing but when it is a 'career' there is a problem.