Cold

I voted Kings in 5. Defence wins championships and the oily ones just aren’t built that way.

I don’t necessarily believe this. Ok “nobody in their right mind” is true, but that sorta leaves out Israel. If the U.S. stops giving them everything they ask for, I think it becomes a viable option for them. Especially if Iran starts putting nukes together.

I've speculated the US would probably be better off with a Canadian in charge. Kamala Harris is at least an honorary Canadian, having spent most of her formative years in Canada. How about Keanu? He has broad cross party appeal?

If the Chinese were so inclined, my thought is they would follow their current playbook. Pick a (or several) smallish island(s) in the arctic, call it unoccupied land, and start building on it. Once they’ve squatted on it, it would become very difficult to get them off. They would declare the island for China, including the ocean rights surrounding it.

It was brought up in the War in Ukraine thread and I was curious what better informed people than myself thought about this. With the strong isolationist stance being touted by the Trumster, and a reasonable shot of him being re elected, is it wise for Canada to revisit its position on nuclear weapons? - Climate change continues to open up the Arctic. - Russia, China and the U.S. have been eyeing our Arctic territories for quite a while. - we do not have the conventional forces to defend this territory in any meaningful way. Thoughts?

Not my best summary, but definitely my most simplified. Yes, there are multitudes of extenuating factors, but historically this conflict, in my opinion, comes down to land and security. If the Israelis want to stop Palestinian radicalization, the first step is to stop taking their territory. The second step is to create a path forward for the Palestinians. An example would be the way Japan was treated after WW2, vs. The way Germany was treated after WW1. There has to be a path forward. I’m not solely putting the blame on Israel. They have had to defend themselves from their neighbours on a constant basis since day one. They have been on war footing continuously for over 70 years. That hardly leads to a charitable mindset. But their current settlement activities are a major factor in this particular conflict.

I’m superficially educated in this conflict, I won’t pretend otherwise. Brass Tacks Israel - As a small nation surrounded by countries that; at best strongly dislike them, to at worst are actively working to wipe them out, have to, out necessity, be ruthless in the face of all attacks on their country. History has shown the Israeli people that genocide is a tangible threat. - This can lead to overreach in their response, especially with how it affects civilians. - They are the only nuclear country in the Middle East, and use this as a bargaining chip with the West, specifically the U.S., to receive the most modern armaments, planes, etc. available. Additionally, they have a strong technology base, with the ability to design and build cutting edge systems themselves. - The settler movement, strongly supported by the nationalists, has created an extreme level of turmoil and suffering in the Palestinian Territories, directly leading to radicalization of a significant percentage of their population. This has created fertile ground for foreign countries and organizations to exploit. - the sea blockade of the Palestinian Territories, adds to this pain - The actual desire by the Israeli government to figure out a 2 state solution is dubious at best. Palestinians - Feel a strong resentment against the way Israel was created, exacerbated by Israel’s refusal to return property and territory after wars, starting with the 1948 Arab- Israel war. Leading to the Palestinian refugee problem. - historically has had strong support from both neighbouring countries and organizations, leading to continuous proxy wars and skirmishes. - see the settler movement as a continuation of a policy of Annexation - live under oppression in the occupied territories. - have a strong radical element, strongly influenced by Israeli policy possible end games The 2 state solution (highly unlikely) - It would require Israel to remove established settlements and perhaps cede some additional territory - would require a strong reversal of Palestinian sentiment with regards to Israel - would require enormous amounts of outside aid to rebuild a functioning society, including the overturning of Hammas from government Single state solution - Also highly unlikely, as the it would be nearly impossible to incorporate the Palestinian peoples into a single state with Israel - possible if Israel displaces the majority of Palestinians from the territory. Status Quo - the most likely outcome, with some form of cease fire - not a permanent solution as Israel seems to have no intention of stopping continued settlement and Palestinians have no reason to stop violently responding. So what am I missing? what other options make sense?

I suspect they will eventually twist the 14 year residency requirement to be an “or” with natural born citizen, instead of the current “and”.

I Don’t believe Elon is currently eligible to run for president in the U.S. not a born in the USA citizen. But, if they want him, they’ll find a way.

Oooh! Now that’s pretty phenomenal one up manship! I wonder what Vegas would do in response?

Why copy what others are doing? why not step sideways and aim for holograms or something if they insist on being tacky

Plus there is a ready made song

The JCB line they are digging blue collar machines! https://www.jcb.com/en-ae/products/excavators?gbraid=0AAAAADzDuWJ99I1ti4Xe2JC6Ebz8eXIXb&gclid=CjwKCAiAqY6tBhAtEiwAHeRopUh554l_bUrVuoE-w9R9b2I52ZYTStfTD808yib28wZSmM_K4G42mxoCHgEQAvD_BwE

I’m pretty sure the big betting websites, that are dumping a ton of ad money on the league, are eventually going to demand changes. That or they start treating the league similar to placing bets on pro wrestling.