June 11, 2018

"Trump is simply not experienced enough or temperamentally inclined to handle the complexity of nuclear negotiations or issues as complex as those associated with the long history of the Koreas."

Said David Rothkopf, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, quoted in "Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un likely to meet alone at Singapore summit" (USA Today).
Also, given the track record of North Korea and Trump to "dissemble," Rothkopf said that "it is a minimum best practice to have a witness to the conversation."
But if Trump brings in his witness, Kim will have his witness. And doesn't Trump know far more than Kim about how to deal one-on-one with another man? Trump has spent a lifetime doing that, but what has Kim had to do, given the adulation he's received and his propensity to resort to killing anyone who could challenge him? And, by the way, Kim is only 34 years old. In years alone, Trump has far more experience.

And yet the Peace scholar thinks Trump is "simply not experienced enough." Depends on what you mean by experience, but clearly Kim is far less experienced. Isn't it smart to put Kim at this immense disadvantage? Trump means to pull him in, to give him a big American hug and to warm up this young fan of America.

ADDED: I see in the comments, my phrase "this young fan of America" is being questioned. My source is Dennis Rodman:
Rodman, who brands Mr Kim a “friend of for life”, said... Mr Kim, who he dubs the “little guy”, was a massive fan of American music from the 1980's. “When he’s around his people, he’s just like anybody else. He jokes and loves playing basketball, table tennis, pool,” he told DuJour magazine. ...They love American ’80s music. They do karaoke to it. He has this 13-piece girls band with violins. He gets a mic and they play the whole time. He loves the Doors and Jimi Hendrix. Oldies. When I first went, the live band only played two songs for four hours: the theme songs from Rocky and Dallas.... He can’t say it enough. He wants to talk to him to try to open that door a little bit. He’s saying that he doesn’t want to bomb anybody. He said, ‘I don’t want to kill Americans.’ He loves Americans.”


ALSO: Look at where Trump and Kim are meeting, on a resort island, Sentosa, next to Singapore. One reason to choose that place is that it can be closed off for security, but it also vividly tantalizes with American-style attractions:
The island, which is nearly two square miles in size... features 17 hotels and luxury resorts, private beaches, two golf courses, a casino, a Madame Tussauds museum, a water theme park, Universal Studios Singapore, and the largest Merlion statue....
More about Sentosa at Wikipedia, with lots of pictures, a longer list of attractions. Here's the aerial view of the fun-packed place:


CC by Chensiyuan.

When I look at that picture, what I hear in my head is "Optimistic Voices" (from "The Wizard of Oz"), you know that song, perhaps not by its title. It's: “You're out of the woods/You're out of the dark/You're out of the night/Step into the sun/Step into the light/Keep straight ahead for the most glorious place/On the face of the earth or the sky/Hold onto your breath/Hold onto your heart/Hold onto your hope/March up to the gate and bid it open... OPEN."

424 comments:

1 – 200 of 424   Newer›   Newest»
MPH said...

“Fan of America”

Please, Professor.

tim in vermont said...

It's rhetoric, MPH. Don't let partisan politics blind you to ways of seeing.

tim in vermont said...

That's why we have Chuck.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Trump's predecessors did a fine job.

Rob said...

They asked Rothkopf because Robert De Niro was unavailable.

Kevin said...

Let’s review:

Obama’s tells Trump North Korea will be his biggest problem.

Kim starts launching missile and threatening Guam.

Trump’s tweets are going to get us into a nuclear war!

There is going to be a meeting but it only elevates Kim.

Trump botched the whole thing and the meeting is off.

The meeting is on but Trump let North Korea’s top spy into the Oval Office.

The meeting is happening but Trump can’t handle it.

Next: the meeting was a success but only because of China’s actions in the background.

gspencer said...

"Said David Rothkopf, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace." Not thorough enough; need a quote or two from some brainiac the Sovereignty Elimination Unit at the Council on Foreign Relations to belittle Trump as well. Real frosting on the NWO cake would be to add an opinion or two from someone at Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs).

And since neither man speaks the language of the other interpreters are necessarily witnesses.

Jersey Fled said...

I'll know it was a success when $150 billion gets loaded on a plane for North Korea.

etbass said...

Without Dennis Rodman, Trump is sunk.

Matt Sablan said...

Man. Remember 4 to 8 years ago when Obama's inexperience was a good thing?

Kevin said...

“A Trump decision to meet alone with Kim may not help, analysts said, because either leader could misrepresent statements by the other unless witnesses are present.”

I think they were referring to Trudeau, not Kim.

Henry said...

You need a witness? There's always Dennis Rodman.

David S said...

Because the existing Georgetown/Harvard/Yale revolving door has worked so well the last 60+ years?

Kevin said...

I read the article but couldn’t find the part where the expert was asked about the failure of previous efforts where all the correct experts were involved.

I assume this was cut due to space constraints.

traditionalguy said...

The Expert Profession just has to tell us it's too hard for a commander-in-chief of a great endeavor to to understand doing Treaties. That reminds me of all the Army Generals that said George Patton was to quick to go into and win battles that they would have needed to study for weeks first, while the Germans got ready.They said Patton was dangerous because he shot from the hip.

Patton would say the same thing Trump says: I have been preparing for this all my life. He already know the plan.

stevew said...

No president is qualified, really. What these negotiations need to be successful is a peace scholar.

-sw

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Here's my simplistic prediction. Kim is desperate and needs the sanctions lifted. Kim will play along with the American hug from Trump. Kim will cease firing his missiles in the short term. As soon as Little Kim's juice box is re-filled, and his pillow is fluffed, Kimmie will revert back to some level of open hostility. Nothing will change. He might actually stop trying to enrich uranium, but his people will continue to starve, masses kept in line, and more prisons will be built for dissenters.

We might get lil' Kim to step away from the ledge with his nukes, but little else will change.
*A dead Kim regime is the only answer for any eventual hope that a re-unification with a free and capitalist South is possible. If that happens, Trump deserves a medal from the Hillarywoodlanders. (hahaha Trump could cure cancer and the left would still call him a Nazi)

rhhardin said...

The pose of expert no longer works.

Kevin said...

Shorter version: we want someone else in the room to be a plausible anonymous source for all the false statements we’ve already written.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

I just want to see that rat-f*ers returned home in the same state as Otto.

Henry said...

Trump is neither the best nor the brightest.

Mark said...

Given Kim has a track record of lying or going back on his word, making deals without a witness will yield a he said/she said moment within a year or so.

All commenters here will conveniently forget this thread and instead rant about Obama again.

Of course Ann will never hold anyone to their word.

Darkisland said...

Gspencer

Kim speaks fluent English. He was educated in Switzerland.

So there could be a truly one-on-one meeting with no interpreters. Not to hash out the details but to discuss an agreement in broad conceptual terms. eg;

DJT: "You verifiably give up your nukes and we help you into the 21st century."

Kim: "Fine, but we want a McDonalds in Pyongyang and an NBA team with Dennis Rodman as general manager."

DJT: "Done, let's shake on it"

They come out all smiles, announce the agreement and then let the boffins draw up a 150 page document with the details on inspections, human rights, lifting sanctions, location of the McD and so forth.

I suspect that it will be a process for DJT and Kim to reach a conceptual agreement. Maybe as much as a year. Then there will be haggling over the details (you want how much in lease payments for McD?)

So maybe not even the conceptual agreement today but one can dream, can't one?

John Henry

Kevin said...

Don’t you realize how much is riding on this summit?

Not the end of a war, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the lifting of the North Korean people out of abject poverty, and the possible realignment of alliances in Asia.

No, I’m talking about the complete loss of any remaining media credibility should Trump’s efforts not fail spectacularly.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

I am just glad that we have moved on from blaming Canada for running a trade deficit with the US.

Kevin said...

“Given Kim has a track record of lying or going back on his word, making deals without a witness will yield a he said/she said moment within a year or so.”

It’s amazing the number of educated people who do not understand. We’re not in the Obama-esque world of words anymore. Either Kim does what needs to be done or we’re going to intervene militarily.

There is no say, there is do or do not.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Rodman is blissfully unaware of the actual conditions that exist in NoKo. much like the hack press.

Darkisland said...

Mark,

Whatever deal they might make one-on-one with no witnesses would have no binding effect. The only thing that will have an effect is the written agreement that they both sign and run through any required ratification.

I really don't see the need for witnesses at this meeting.

As someone else said, all a witness will do is give a plausible source for "Our source tells us" fake news leaks.

I am optimistic but not naive. I hope that they can reach a mutually beneficial agreement. I hope that both Kim and the US will live up to the agreement.

I am realistic enough to know that we/they may not.

I do trust President Trump to keep the US side. I think it is in Kim's interest to keep his side of whatever is agreed to in the final document. I do not trust a possible President Clinton/Warren/Harris/Sanders to keep it. I do not trust them to make it attractive for Kim to keep it. (Or unattractive for Kim to break it)

John Henry

daskol said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
daskol said...

Cognitive dissonance is tough to watch, but it's nice to have reporters laying it out now alongside other potential explanations of the situation. Mr. Rothkopf is going to have a tough time of it should denuclearization proceed proceed this meeting. His head is going to hurt. The more intellectually honest he is, the worse the pain will be.

Darkisland said...

Dickin

I doubt Rodman is unaware. I think he is just being quiet about it.

I suspect that 5 years from now we will find that Rodman's basketball missions to NoKo were carrying messages back and forth between President Trump and Kim as a trusted intermediary. If a Bolton or Kissinger were doing this, it would be political. Using Rodman keeps it on an informal, friendly, level. And actually seems to be getting things done.

If (big if) this is the case, why would Rodman want to speak out about the human rights issues and embarass Kim?

John Henry

brylun said...

Rothkopf, a Democrat, said he voted for Obama twice.

Robert Cook said...

I have never seen a single episode of DALLAS.

Hagar said...

Do we also have an opinion from Zbig-Zbig?

walter said...

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...I am just glad that we have moved on from blaming Canada for running a trade deficit with the US.
--
Geez, Althouse. ARM's not done expressing his trade expertise.

Rocky and Dallas for two hours..Kim really is into torture.

Earnest Prole said...

Trump: “Hold my beer.”

Kevin said...

“I am just glad that we have moved on from blaming Canada for running a trade deficit with the US.”

Trump has reiterated on several occasions he blames the incompetent Americans who negotiated the deal.

Original Mike said...

Great. Now I’ve got the Dallas theme song stuck in my head.

Not Sure said...

Nixon used ping pong to reach out to China. Trump uses basketball.

From cultural appropriation to cultural imperialism.

Ann Althouse said...

The article says there will be interpreters. I would also wonder if there won't be recording devices. Anyway, I think Trump has the potential to get Kim to speak English. I picture Trump really enfolding Kim in a way that deeply affects him.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Kevin said...
Trump has reiterated on several occasions he blames the incompetent Americans who negotiated the deal.


r/woooosh

Oso Negro said...

As Hunter Thompson memorably said “when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro”

tim in vermont said...

r/woooosh

Thanks for providing the sound effects for any concerns for the economic interests of Americans, labor especially, whizzing over your head. Fucking deplorables should just get in line for the only thing they are good for, the dole!

tim in vermont said...

It's not Canadian products that are the problem, it's Chinese steel.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

If there is anything funnier than Bush and Reagan voters worrying about the concerns of the working man, I have yet to hear it.

Michael said...

ARM
What a weird thing to write. Bizarre.

Mrs. X said...

David who? Carnegie what? We should care what he thinks why?

MikeR said...

I am tired of so-called experts talking about what "North Korea" does and its "track record" - as if it were some kind of AI. This is their way of pretending that they have any expertise at all with its current leader.
Kim may not actually want to spend his life being the absolute ruler of a third-world hellhole. It's fun for about a week.

tim in vermont said...

If there is anything funnier than Bush and Reagan voters worrying about the concerns of the working man, I have yet to hear it.

whooosh!

Ignorance is Bliss said...

Mark said...

Given Kim has a track record of lying or going back on his word, making deals without a witness will yield a he said/she said moment within a year or so.

That seriously misunderstands the point. The one-on-one can't result in any legally binding agreement. Trump doesn't have the authority; all treaties need to be ratified by the Senate. Kim has all the authority in North Korea, as such he can't be legally bound.

The one-on-one lets them talk about goals, values, assurances. If anything real gets decided, other people will be brought in to write up the details.

Ann Althouse said...

"I have never seen a single episode of DALLAS."

Me neither, but I did listen to a half minute of the theme music (which I didn't recognize), and I nearly lost my mind. Imagine being Dennis Rodman in North Korea, listening to a band play that over and over for hours.

tim in vermont said...

One thing that concerns many working men is that, perhaps against the economic interests of the wealthiest among us, they would prefer meaningful jobs rather than to go on the dole.

Reagan understood this. It mystified Obama. Hell, even Clinton understood this.

AllenS said...

Not sure if Kim speaks English. 4 major languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh.

LINK TEXT

Original Mike said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ann Althouse said...

Speaking of "Optimistic Voices," I'm an optimistic voice here. I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance. Help him! What if Kim Jong-Un balks because he sees that American-style press is vicious to a leader even when he's trying to do good for his people?

Ann Althouse said...

" Trump doesn't have the authority; all treaties need to be ratified by the Senate."

Like the way Obama got Senate ratification of the Iran deal.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

tim in vermont said...
Reagan understood this.


Reagan understood what his paymasters wanted him to understand. The destruction of unions, the disengagement of productivity and wages, that's Reagan. You guys used to be proud of how you destroyed the unions. You all supported another union basher in Wisconsin. Yet now, after decades of running working people into the ground, now you care - about a trade deal with Canada where the US runs a surplus. It's sad and its pathetic.

AllenS said...

Read this ARM --

LINK TEXT


If you can produce a link to your claim, please cite it.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Pointing out that the US runs a trade deficit doesn't get you very far AllenS. Everyone knows this. Who is the biggest beneficiary of this? It sure as fuck isn't Canada.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

I am sure you remember this disgraceful little story:

Trump tells fundraiser he made up trade figures in meeting with Trudeau

Michael said...

Wouldn't the "peace scholar" be better served by just shouting "Fuck Trump"?

AllenS said...

Here's how far it got me, ARM, you said that "the US runs a surplus" [trade surplus with Canada] and that simply was not true. If it is true as you say, then provide a cite.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

And this is from the Executive Office of the President (you know, where Trump works):

"U.S. goods and services trade with Canada totaled an estimated $673.9 billion in 2017. Exports were $341.2 billion; imports were $332.8 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with Canada was $8.4 billion in 2017."

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

AllenS said...
"the US runs a surplus" [trade surplus with Canada] and that simply was not true. If it is true as you say, then provide a cite.


Fuck this is lazy. You would prefer to believe the nonsense spouted by the Great Pumpkin than look at what is actually going on.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

To ARM, everyone on the dole is a good thing, you uncaring bistirds.

Francisco D said...

If you are looking for tired, half thought out leftist platitudes, ARM is your man.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Koot Katmandu said...

HMM, So many people who said Trump will never win the Presidency are still pulling predictions outta their Butts.

Curious George said...

"Mark said...
Given Kim has a track record of lying or going back on his word, making deals without a witness will yield a he said/she said moment within a year or so.

All commenters here will conveniently forget this thread and instead rant about Obama again.

Of course Ann will never hold anyone to their word."

Looks like Chuck has some competition for blog douchebag.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

I sometimes drive the back-roads to my destination in northern Colorado along simple country roads, humble farms and rural pastures. At one surprising point, a huge brick mansion rises in the distance. It sits on what looks to be a private lake. The thing is yuge. I mean it makes the Dallas mansion look mini in comparison. Probably some bastard lives there who voted for Trump. Anyway, as I drive by I hum the Dallas theme song out loud.

Larry J said...

Trump has spent his career dealing with New York union bosses, mob bosses, and other assorted Democrats. Dealing with Kim Jung Il is more of the same.

Raphael Ordoñez said...

From Olaf Stapledon's Last and First Men, Chapter III (America and China) Part 3 (On an Island in the Pacific):

"Thus when at last big business and the workers on each side of the Pacific had determined to stop the war by concerted action, it was very difficult for their representatives to meet. […]

"It was in the twenty-sixth year of the war that two seaplanes converged by night from the East and West upon an island in the Pacific, and settled on a secluded inlet. The moon, destined in another age to smother this whole equatorial region with her shattered body, now merely besparkled the waves. From each plane a traveller emerged, and rowed himself ashore in a rubber coracle. The two men met upon the beach, and shook hands, the one with ceremony, the other with a slightly forced brotherliness. Already the sun peered over the wall of the sea, shouting his brilliance and his heat. The Chinese, taking off his air-helmet, uncoiled his pigtail with a certain emphasis, stripped off his heavy coverings, and revealed a sky-blue silk pyjama suit, embroidered with golden dragons. The other, glancing with scarcely veiled dislike at this finery, flung off his wraps and displayed the decent grey coat and breeches with which the American business men of this period unconsciously symbolized their reversion to Puritanism. Smoking the Chinese envoy's cigarettes, the two sat down to re-arrange the planet. […]

"Occasionally during the conversation reference was made to the great cultural difference between the East and West; but both the negotiants seemed anxious to believe that this was only a minor matter which need not be allowed to trouble a business discussion.

"At this point occurred one of those incidents which, minute in themselves, have disproportionately great effects. The unstable nature of the First Men made them peculiarly liable to suffer from such accidents, and especially so in their decline.

"The talk was interrupted by the appearance of a human figure swimming round a promontory into the little bay. In the shallows she arose, and walked out of the water towards the creators of the World State. A bronze young smiling woman, completely nude, with breasts heaving after her long swim, she stood before them, hesitating."

Tommy Duncan said...

I realize that ARM yanks our chains because he enjoys pissing off people. But after a while that shtick gets very old, predictable and juvenile. His hatred is repulsive, which is his intended effect.

Sebastian said...

"Trump is simply not experienced enough or temperamentally inclined to handle the complexity of nuclear negotiations or issues as complex as those associated with the long history of the Koreas."

Even by prog standards, this is insane.

He is the most experienced deal maker prior to his election of any president in the history of the U.S.

Sure, the issues are "complex." But they are also simple: if NK does what we want, we'll make a deal; if not, we won't.

Trump has the leverage gained by threatening "maximum pressure," has already maneuvered Kim into appearing to need the meeting more, and has indicated his willingness to walk away. Advantage: Trump.

As others have noted, the lack of comparisons is the tell. O came into office with far less experience but wasn't chided for it. He made a deal converting maximum leverage into minimal results and an outrageous giveaway.

His predecessors all took a crack at the NK issue but failed miserably. Trump may fail too, but so far his chances seem a little better.

exhelodrvr1 said...

Ann,
"I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance"

After the last 18 months, you still can't believe that?

exhelodrvr1 said...

" Imagine being Dennis Rodman in North Korea, listening to a band play that over and over for hours."

Not to worry. Dennis Rodman does not hear what everyone else does.

TestTube said...

I'll throw out this prediction again.

KJU will not be the leader of North Korea in 2019. Either he will be dead, or he will have fled to claim asylum in some country -- probably the U.S.

It is highly probable that KJU does not return to North Korea after this summit, either claiming asylum with the United States and going into exile with his entourage, or getting killed by either his own government or by China

Sebastian said...

"I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance."

Oh, no! Not that again!

I can't believe American journalists are historically ignorant, personally immoral, uniformly-Dem anti-GOP anti-Trump anti-American a**holes!

Michael K said...

I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance.

I can. HuffPo, their Bible, is today advising Democrats to definitely run on impeachment of Trump.

I'm starting to be concerned about ARM. The rage seems to be taking over. Sort of like that HuffPo writer.

Your name isn't Kaitlin Byrd, is it ARM?

Yes, I do think Kim speaks English but these negotiations are always done with translators. Reagan and Gorbachev used them, too.

traditionalguy said...

Trump as JR. Now that.s a meme that flies. Stormy Daniels can play Sue Ellen. JR loved messing up Sue Ellen's mind.

Life as entertainment. If Kim wants that more than he wants to be murderous Commie Mao, then Trump will make it come true for him.

Michael K said...

It is highly probable that KJU does not return to North Korea after this summit,

This may not be far fetched as I have read for years that NK is a warlord state with the Kim family on top but dependent on the warlords.

On the other had, the negotiations will have to be about the warlords, too.

TestTube said...

Our experienced diplomats have for decades refused to negotiate from the enormous position of power the United States has over KJU.

If Trump fails, he tweets out something, then goes for a round of golf in Florida. Certain pundits gleefully write mean stuff about him. No big deal.

If KJU fails, he probably gets killed by either his own people or by China.

And the success criteria for KJU are much greater. He needs to secure sizable quantities of foreign aid and food imports without losing face to succeed.



Bay Area Guy said...

For geopolitical insight, I'd take Rodman over Rothkopf.

tcrosse said...

What worries me is that the Korean War will restart because of an auto-correct error in the final communiqué.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Tommy Duncan said...
I realize that ARM yanks our chains because he enjoys pissing off people.


This is the cowards way out. Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people. Explain how running a trade surplus with Canada is bad for the US. If I am wrong explain how I am wrong.

I understand why Chuck gets so frustrated over the passive acceptance of Trump's lies. It kills any chance of meaningful debate. If you swallow Trump's lies whole you have lost track of reality, which is his goal.

Fernandinande said...

Knowledge of "Dallas" and "The Wizard of Oz" is essential to a deep understanding of Western culture, which is in turn vital to proper psychological health (as human beings are cultural animals) and societal stability. These stories are neither history, as we commonly conceive it, nor empirical science. Instead, they are investigations into the structure of Being itself and calls to action within that Being. They have deep psychological significance.

mockturtle said...

"I have never seen a single episode of DALLAS."

Reminds me of visiting my husband's sister in the UK in the early 80's. At one point she exclaimed, "It's time for Dallas!" and turned on the telly. We assured her it wasn't necessary on our account, as we had never watched it. She was shocked and explained that it was very popular in England. IIRC, it was an episode relating to 'who killed JR' and she was keen to find out, I guess.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Unions killed the host. They got too greedy and if you don't understand that basic fact, you might be an economic moron.

If people and companies want to unionize, that's up to them. Unions now are an unnecessary joke. Union dues are an unnecessary tax on the employee and if the employee is allowed to opt out, they usually do.

Big Mike said...

I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance.

Oh, I certainly can and do believe it. Is it not like Bill Maher openly advocating for a severe recession to damage Trump's reelection prospects, notwithstanding that some large number of ordinary people (but not Maher!) will lose their jobs and possibly their homes.

Let's flip the scenario. Suppose it was Obama negotiating with Kim. Can you imagine Republicans exulting in the prospect of his failing? Or would we be hoping that he would be successful in reducing the threat of nuclear war? If you answer "yes" to the first question and "no" to the second, you need to meet more Republicans.

Democrats are nasty people, right down to their souls.

MadisonMan said...

a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

(eyeroll) So, they're quoting someone who is not being paid a salary, likely. Nice for his clip file.

Hypothesize: Trump and KJU reach an accord that is positive for all, but has to pass the Senate. Would Democrats vote for it, or against it?

Gahrie said...

Reminds me of visiting my husband's sister in the UK in the early 80's. At one point she exclaimed, "It's time for Dallas!" and turned on the telly. We assured her it wasn't necessary on our account, as we had never watched it. She was shocked and explained that it was very popular in England. IIRC, it was an episode relating to 'who killed JR' and she was keen to find out, I guess.

I was living in the UK in the early 80's, and indeed Dallas was the hottest show on TV. The Brits were obsessed with the show and the media spent the whole summer speculating on who shot JR. Many millions of pounds were bet on it.

I can remember at one time Starsky and Hutch was the big show, at other times it was The Dukes of Hazard or Baywatch.

Humperdink said...

"Trump is simply not experienced enough ....

Probably the funniest line yet describing Trump. Maybe Trump should reach out to Obama's Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes. Rhodes, with an MFA in Creative Writing, would bring a wealth of experience to the Trump team *cough*.

Or maybe Big Ben's spouse would be available. That would be Ann Norris, who was chief foreign policy adviser to former U.S. Senator Babs Boxer (D-Commie-Pinko)

narayanan said...

Over/Under on Kim rides back to USA for sometime with Rodman?

His sister takes over - first woman whatever in NoKo - breaks the glass ceiling - Hillary in tears.

Michael K said...

Trump and KJU reach an accord that is positive for all, but has to pass the Senate. Would Democrats vote for it, or against it?

You're kidding, right ?

Would McCain, or his wife if appointed, vote for it ?

Gahrie said...

If there is anything funnier than Bush and Reagan voters worrying about the concerns of the working man, I have yet to hear it.

I understand your confusion...it is natural to one immersed in Lefty ideology. You see, unlike the Left, voters on the Right vote for what is best for the country and not just selfish self-interest.

TestTube said...

tcrosse,

I don't think the Korean war will restart. Maybe China is willing to relight a proxy war with its largest trading partners (US, Japan, South Korea), but I doubt it.

narayanan said...

Translaton/interpret gives extra time to process responses - Indian business honchos use their 'educated' sons and daughters to do this service.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

Man. Remember 4 to 8 years ago when Obama's inexperience was a good thing?

Well if the Press didn't have double standards they'd have none at all.

Michael K said...

Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people.

Explain how unions resembled parasitic wasps.

The unions killed their respective industries. Officers competed to promise more to members and it didn't matter if the demands killed the industries.

Why not read about Eastern Airlines?

Eastern was one of the "Big Four" domestic airlines created by the Spoils Conferences of 1930, and was headed by World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker in its early years. It had a near monopoly in air travel between New York and Florida from the 1930s until the 1950s and dominated this market for decades afterward.

Then the Machinists union decided they were immortal. Just as deregulation affected the airlines.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, during the deregulation, labor disputes and high debt loads strained the company under the leadership of former astronaut Frank Borman. Frank Lorenzo acquired Eastern in 1985 and moved many of its assets to his other airlines, including Continental Airlines and Texas Air. After continued labor disputes and a crippling strike in 1989, Eastern ran out of money and was liquidated in 1991.

It was considered by the pilots to be the best and most reliable airline. The IAM killed it dead.

That's why the only remaining unions are government employees, which they are sure can go on forever paying more and more.

TestTube said...

narayanan,

How does KJU really feel about his sister? Is he fond enough of her that he will include her in an asylum deal, or let her twist in the wind back in NK? KJU's history does not indicate a strong concern for the well-being of relatives.

She would have to be an exceptional person indeed to survive a power struggle in NK caused by her brother's death or abdication.

Tom said...

Trump has $10,000,000,000.00 reasons plus an improbable win of the presidency that mildly suggests he's a superior negotiator.

Remember, Trump earned his fortune in a traditional business, not in a tech start up. And he did it by finding and using leverage. I don't care for Mr Trump's means and methods - that's not how run my business. But, for an academic to argue he has no experience negotiating is simply nuts.

Original Mike said...

”Hypothesize: Trump and KJU reach an accord that is positive for all, but has to pass the Senate. Would Democrats vote for it, or against it? “

Against it. No question.

For the good of the country, Trump must be stopped.

Browndog said...

This is the same logic they use on Betsey DeVos.

She is "unqualified" to head the Dept. of Education because she's not a life-long academic bureaucrat responsible for the decline and utter failure of the American school system.

If you didn't break it, you can't fix it

TestTube said...

You really don't need to be that good of a negotiator when the other guy has death hanging over his head.

If KJU isn't desperate to get off of the tiger without ending up like Khaddafi, then he should be.

Really, can anybody name what leverage KJU has?

robother said...

Peace Scholars have had pretty good gig since 1950. Ending the Cold War where it began 70 years ago could mean having to finally go out a get a real J-O-B.

narayanan said...

Kim's sister is with him in Singapore - minder for Warlords. proxy for China?

Fabi said...

"Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people."

Ask Detroit.

Original Mike said...

”Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people.”

My wife is (was) in a union that disbanded under Walker’s reforms, There was a worker in her unit who, claiming disability, was often absent. When she was there she declined a lot of her tasks, again claiming disability (her back). Everyone else, of course, was required to pick up the slack.

That employee is no longer there, to the benefit of everyone.

Drago said...

Wow.

ARM was really fired up by that Li'l Bobby DeNiro (high school graduate and reader of words written by others) lefty/dem/LLR pep talk last night.

LOL

Curious George said...

Blogger Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
...This is the cowards way out. Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people. Explain how running a trade surplus with Canada is bad for the US. If I am wrong explain how I am wrong."

Explain how your "trade deficit" squirrel has anything to do with the Nork summit.

What a tool.

TestTube said...

narayanan,

If his sister is in Singapore, then I am even more confident that KJU and his sister are going to either bolt during the conference, or negotiate a deal to abdicate in return for protection.

Drago said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TestTube said...

narayanan,

Or both KJU and his sister are going to be killed by either their own people or by China during the conference or shortly thereafter.

Drago said...

'"Trump is simply not experienced enough or temperamentally inclined to handle the complexity of nuclear negotiations or issues as complex as those associated with the long history of the Koreas."
Said David Rothkopf, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, quoted in "Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un likely to meet alone at Singapore summit" (USA Today)."

The people who drove the car into the ditch want the keys back. Perhaps they should just sit in the back and pipe down for awhile.

A President once said something along those lines......

LOL

chuck said...

What negotiating experience does David Rothkopf have? I'd guess very little, and I'd be surprised if he even suspected that he might be unqualified in that regard. Scholars are weird that way.

Drago said...

chuck: "What negotiating experience does David Rothkopf have?"

Every bit as much as ARM....zero.

But he does have vast experience in supporting deals that giveaway American sovereignty, giveaway American economic/political/military advantages, place America below our competitors, and denigrate the sacrifice of those who came before him.

In other words, he is an absolutely perfect lefty/lib/LLR.

TestTube said...

One other possibility is that NK's nuclear weapon program and ballistic missile programs were successful enough that KJU thinks he can at least try extorting another round of aid.

But I don't think so. There have been no recent launches or tests, plus there was KJU's unilateral offer to shut down the program, and the collapse of the test site mountain.

I think both of the programs flopped, there is nothing that KJU can sell off for funds, and not even enough to bluff with. Last piece of leverage gone.

And KJU is not going to get far on his good looks, personal charm, or even pity.

Drago said...

Trump has probably already completed the negotiations necessary to establish the parameters of an agreement with NK.....by negotiating with Xi of China.

I believe this entire exercise is simply a PR event leading up to formalizing what Trump and Xi have agreed to.

readering said...

Not enough time on official schedule to accomplish anything. I expect KJU will be treated to lively discussion of crowd sizes followed by photo op with bowl of kimchee. Or maybe the Saudis will lend an orb.

Drago said...

readering: "Not enough time on official schedule to accomplish anything. "

readering draws on his/her/xis/xer/xe deep, deep, deep experience in complex military/business/geo-political negotiations to render a pre-verdict.

Or is it simply the fact that pallets of cash alone are necessary to deliver a "success" and you don't see any arriving in Singapore?

LOL

readering said...

Flattered.

Gahrie said...

Not enough time on official schedule to accomplish anything.

Because of course, there were no negotiations going on between the US and North Korea during the run up to the conference, they just decided to wait and let Trump and Kim do it all.

The way these things go, all, or almost all, of the actual work happens before the summit takes place.

tim in vermont said...

Six months ago everybody to the left of Ted Cruz was saying that Trump was whipping up a nuclear war, now they hope he fails in ending the 68 year old Korean War.

Gahrie said...

I can't wait until after the peace treaty is signed when the Left and the MSM will be busy explaining how Obama was the real reason it happened.

Browndog said...

NeverTrumper Jonah Goldberg said if the only thing to come out of this summit is a determination as to whether or not the Norks are serious it will be a success.

I sort of agree, but I also believe that goalpost he set is about to move.

tim in vermont said...

I don’t know why anybody bothers to read Jonah anymore. Is there anything you can learn from him that is of any use? He used to be very good. Now he seems like he is worried that Trump’s negotiators don’t wear top hats, white gloves, and striped pants.

FullMoon said...

iHenry said... [hush]​[hide comment]

Trump is neither the best nor the brightest.


Who would you recommend?

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“readering draws on his/her/xis/xer/xe deep, deep, deep experience in complex military/business/geo-political negotiations to render a pre-verdict.”

The Propagandist has deep experience in complex military/ business/ geo-political negotiations, so much so he knows who does and who doesn’t. He of course can render propaganda 24/7.

hombre said...

‘Also, given the track record of North Korea and Trump to "dissemble," Rothkopf said that "it is a minimum best practice to have a witness to the conversation."’

For what purpose? We live in an era when the lie “If you like your health plan (doctor), you can keep your health plan (doctor)” was witnessed by millions with no appreciable consequences and when women breach non-disclosure agreement for which they have been paid to the accolades of their sympathizers.

Witnesses don’t create honesty or honor. In this country our professional witnesses, the mediaswine, are among the least honest, most dishonorable, people in the public arena.

This guy is just another TDS twit.

Birkel said...

Why would anybody want the "best and brightest" after what McNamara did? Perhaps the people who deign to know what is best and what is brightest are wrong. I would bet against the "best and brightest" at every turn if there were a casino laying odds.

But the "best and brightest" surround themselves with like-minded people with nearly uniform backgrounds and self-confirm their collective bestest and brightest status. Not only are they wrong, they're wrong in wonderfully predictable ways. This is not a random walk of unknown unknowns to come. This is a known unknown of things to come.

You can reach the truth asymptotically. But you cannot do that if you assume people who disagree with you are wrong. That is one of the insights of market behavior commonly ignored.

pacwest said...

"There is no say, there is do or do not."

That is what Trump is saying. I hope Kim has seen Star Wars.

But I guess we should add in the provision that all labor in NK has to be unionized.

MikeR said...

'"Trump doesn't have the authority; all treaties need to be ratified by the Senate."
Like the way Obama got Senate ratification of the Iran deal.'
This is all a wrong approach. Kim doesn't need promises from the United States. More, he would be insane to rely on them. Remember Gaddafi.
He needs a path to take that is safe regardless of who is president, and Mr. Trump has to help him find it.
I personally think that the example of MbS is very helpful here. Trump is able to point to another autocrat who is perfectly safe even though he has been ruthless within his own country. Because he's on the side of the West, the West will let him get away with it.

FullMoon said...

"Mark said...
Given Kim has a track record of lying or going back on his word, making deals without a witness will yield a he said/she said moment within a year or so.


This is why Trump needs to run in 2020. If Dems or establishment Repub wins, things go back the way they were. Second term will solidify progress made so far.

Drago said...

Inga: "The Propagandist has deep experience in complex military/ business/ geo-political negotiations,...."

Interesting that you would post that.

In some cases, negotiations between government/military/business leaders is rather straightforward and doesn't require a rocket scientist.

Drago said...

readering: "Flattered."

"flattered"....."flattened"....

It's a fine line.

Drago said...

quick question for readering: Exactly how many pallets of cash delivered to NK would it take for you to call this negotiation a "success"?

Birkel said...

Drago,

That question is impossible to answer without first telling the reader what denomination of bill is used.

Anonymous said...

FullMoon: Who would you recommend?

Birkel: Why would anybody want the "best and brightest" after what McNamara did?

I understood Henry @6:56 to be using the phrase in its original, ironic sense.

Henry, please correct me if you did mean it literally.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JAORE said...

"Peace scholar".

Hey, we've got to listen to this guy. After all he brought peace between the Palestinians and Israel, Muslims and Christians. In his early years he brought the Catholics and Protestants together in Northern Ireland.

It may have only been in position papers he wrote, but you can't ignore the expertise.

Drago said...

The fear on the left over the possibility of a negotiated success is palpable.

It's incredibly fun to watch in real time....

Michael K said...

Li'l Bobby DeNiro (high school graduate and reader of words written by others) lefty/dem/LLR pep talk last night.

Unless he got his GED

De Niro began high school at the private McBurney School[14] and later attended the private Rhodes Preparatory School,[15] although he graduated from neither.

He was good in "Casino," though.

Danno said...

Blogger Ann Althouse said...Speaking of "Optimistic Voices," I'm an optimistic voice here. I can't believe American journalists are talking as if they are exulting in the prospect of Trump failing and trying to undermine him in advance.

TDS runs deep and appears to be irreversible.

bagoh20 said...

I never considered it before, but I now think that experience and success in negotiating is one of the most, if not the most important qualification for POTUS. Of course this is after having the proper ideology and values. A good negotiating leftist president is just a powerful weapon with no guidance system.

Birkel said...

AD-AB,
My comment stands on its own without characterizing Henry's usage. Too many people are enamored with credentials, intelligence, or experience for my comfort.

Michael K said...


Blogger Drago said...
The fear on the left over the possibility of a negotiated success is palpable.

It's incredibly fun to watch in real time....


This is what the summer of 1914 looked like on a smaller scale.

The Democrats are flirting with disaster. I wonder when the realization will hit ?

bagoh20 said...

I wanted Obama's policies to fail, but I never wanted the country to lose to prove the point. I think most on the left are like Bill Maher, willing to have economic disaster to win partisan points, but since they hate America anyway it's not a great surprise.

Drago said...

Michael K: "The Democrats are flirting with disaster. I wonder when the realization will hit?"

Potentially when Trump hits them with the 2020 equivalent of a political Schlieffen Plan designed to penetrate democrat african-american / US midwest and swing state voter bastions....and unfortunately for the lefties/dems/libs/LLR's, there will be no power in the background (like the US in WWI and WWII) waiting in reserve to shore up operations.

Drago said...

Can you imagine the commercials that can be launched against democrats showcasing the dems arguing for increased transfers of US wealth to other nations, letting US communities die on the vine, letting the MS-13ers run wild with their "divine sparks", "crumbs", decreased unemployment doesn't matter, bonuses don't matter, etc.

Amazing.

Original Mike said...

Beginning to look like Kim will be summiting with a hangover.

Howard said...

The democrats are doing their best Palestinian impression by never failing to miss an opportunity. Trump cleared (mostly) by Mueller in Sept. The House and Senate stand pat in November. POTUS reelected in 2020.

Drago said...

Remember the obama's doing the "wave" at a baseball game with their good pals the Castro's in Cuba and how the left complained about having a good time with dictators?......

LOL

readering said...

Told focus on Chinese tv is on things like who enters the room first, seating arrangements, what they eat.

And of course satisfaction on Kim flying Air China (without focusing on flying Boeing).

Drago said...

Howard: "The democrats are doing their best Palestinian impression by never failing to miss an opportunity."

So very true.

They have allowed the bubble they exist within to become a mental and vision prison where they simply cannot really see what is happening "out there".

In their defense, given the conditions over the last 70 years in terms of society, media, politics, globalization, etc, it takes something a little special for a lefty/lib to see beyond the ocean of liberalism they swim in.

Some do, but they are still voices in the wilderness. Dershowitz, Mark Penn, others.

The evidence is everywhere yet remains invisible to so many on the left.

Drago said...

readering: "And of course satisfaction on Kim flying Air China (without focusing on flying Boeing)"

That is an interesting and fun combo, isn't it, despite the non-coverage on Chinese national TV.

Michael K said...

Potentially when Trump hits them with the 2020 equivalent of a political Schlieffen Plan

I'm thinking about this fall.

The comments to this article in the NY Times suggest there is no realization yet.

Even Bill Clinton has tried to warn them.

Mr. Espy has told associates, his phone rang: It was the former president, who launched into a monologue advising Mr. Espy on campaign strategy and pledging to deliver fund-raising help.

He tried to warn Hillary about reaching out to blue collar workers but she was not interested.

The Democrats are all about donors, like Tom Steyer.

mockturtle said...

TDS runs deep and appears to be irreversible.

Danno, that is the saddest truth of our generation. I don't know how many of you have 'friends' and relatives who are still at odds with your political leanings but there seems to be no warming of relations in my experience. My sister won't visit or have me to her house because I support Trump and, more egregiously, I don't believe in man-caused climate change. That was also why my brother wasn't speaking to me when he died last year. To me, our political differences mean nothing but to them, I am the ENEMY, writ large. Thank God my children and granchildren and I are very close.

Drago said...

Politically, it is suicide for any dem/lefty/LLR to say anything that could be construed as even potentially supportive of Trump or any of his efforts.

This is the complete "Rosie O'Donnellization"/"LLR Chuck-ification" of the entire dem party and establishment republican party.

Of course, in a general election, a dem who had been vocally supportive of many of Trump's efforts while adhering to traditional dem positions would be a challenge for Trump.

The probability someone like that could possibly gain the dem nomination?

Zero.....and potentially negative....

Achilles said...

Dickin'Bimbos@Home said...
Here's my simplistic prediction. Kim is desperate and needs the sanctions lifted. Kim will play along with the American hug from Trump. Kim will cease firing his missiles in the short term. As soon as Little Kim's juice box is re-filled, and his pillow is fluffed, Kimmie will revert back to some level of open hostility. Nothing will change. He might actually stop trying to enrich uranium, but his people will continue to starve, masses kept in line, and more prisons will be built for dissenters.

You would be wrong.

Trump is not as stupid as BushClintonBushObama.

Achilles said...

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
I am just glad that we have moved on from blaming Canada for running a trade deficit with the US.

Good to see ARM lying and obfuscating again.

Achilles said...

Number of years Canada has run a trade deficit with the US since 1985:

Zero.

stevew said...

The only thing on Kim's must have list is the stabilization and longevity of the power of his rule. Give him that, and all things are possible.

-sw

Drago said...

"Good to see ARM lying and obfuscating again"

I couldn't start the day without a good dose of ARM lying and obfuscating, LLR Chuck going completely TDS, and a glass of delicious and refreshing fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice.

Birkel said...

Drago,

Try the fresh-squeezed schadenfraude. It's tasty.

Achilles said...

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
If there is anything funnier than Bush and Reagan voters worrying about the concerns of the working man, I have yet to hear it.

I just wanted this to live again.

As ARM defends BushClintonBushObama trade policy he laughs at... err wait what?

Republican voters have ascertained that their party was screwing them. Democrat voters are much too stupid to figure out democrats are screwing them.

Keep embarrassing yourself.

Achilles said...

Ann Althouse said...
" Trump doesn't have the authority; all treaties need to be ratified by the Senate."

Like the way Obama got Senate ratification of the Iran deal.

Even better would be the prospect of Trump negotiating an end to the Korean war and the neocons/democrats in the Senate refusing to ratify it.

What would come next would be glorious.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Achilles said...
Zero.


Once again completely failing to understand what bankers do.

stevew said...

@mockturtle

That is a sad state of affairs for you, especially that family are willing to put politics above their relationship with you. One of my sisters and I had a long discussion about this; she is very much a Trump hater, I was agnostic in the election (he wasn't my choice but I live in MA and so don't typically vote for POTUS, I was and am adamantly anti-Hillary though, which is also a problem for my sister). She was winding herself up with anger and disgust at me because I wouldn't agree with her that Trump means the end of civilization. I finally asked her why she gives him so much power over her - to the point where she considers abandoning friends and family over this disagreement? The question was a virtual slap across the face which brought some sense into her. This was a year or so ago. We don't talk about Trump, but we do stay in touch and visit and all. I think it has helped that the world has not come to an end since Trump's election, she can see that he isn't the threat she and all her fellow travelers imagined.

-sw

Gretchen said...

Yeah a lefty academic who spent his life in a University setting or running a think tank questions the negotiating skills of a man who has spent the last 50 years negotiating international deals. My money is on Trump, if anyone can accomplish this it is him. He has already gotten Kim to turn over hostages, agree to peace with South Korea and come to the table.

Some idiot on TV was talking about how it was important NOT to let Kim get propaganda pictures of him and Trump together. The idiot had probably never negotiated a better deal on a used car. Why not let Kim have propaganda pictures. It doesn't hurt the US, and it is a concession that costs us nothing and is a win for Kim. The other party in a negotiation, especially someone like Kim needs to believe he has control. He also needs to know Trump will walk away. Trump has already proven that. Obama never walked away, he just brought a bigger pallet of cash.

Trump is the honey badger of politics. He gets stung by cobras, and doesn't give a fuck, then he eats cobras. He even resembles the honey badger.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Danny, that is the saddest truth of our generation. I don't know how many of you have 'friends' and relatives who are still at odds with your political leanings but there seems to be no warming of relations in my experience. My sister won't visit or have me to her house because I support Trump and, more egregiously, I don't believe in man-caused climate change. That was also why my brother wasn't speaking to me when he died last year. To me, our political differences mean nothing but to them, I am the ENEMY, writ large. Thank God my children and granchildren and I are very close.”

That is indeed sad. Of my four children, one is a conservative and she and my son in law did vote for Trump, reluctantly. My son in law’s family are mostly conservatives who voted for Trump, I still like them. I have friends in my deeply red county that are conservatives and voted for Trump, I still like them. We manage to get together and enjoy each other’s company and in some cases even talk politics without coming away hating each other. It’s a good idea not to say in person what one may say on a forum such as this. Real life relationships are much more important. And I actually like some of the commenters here, despite their Trump support!

I think one has to learn to compartmentalize when it comes to politics and relationships in today’s divisive atmosphere. There are some people that I care so deeply for that I’m not willing of able to cut them out of my life. I recall once my son in law and I were talking about teacher’s unions during the time of the Wisconsin protests. In the heat of the moment he said something about them being “like pigs at the trough”, which was pretty nasty, but I didn’t react to it except to say, “seriously D?” I still hugged him goodbye that day, no animosity, because he is a good person and loves my daughter and is a great dad. The next morning early I got a phone call, I let it go to voice mail because I was still sleepy. In another hour, but still early the phone rings again, this time I answer. It was my son in law, asking if I was angry and apologizing for the “pigs at the trough” comment. I was shocked he thought I’d be mad at him for it. I laughed and told him no I could never be mad at him for political differences, we are family. What a decent sweet caring man my conservative son in law is!

Some things are beyond politics and hurt feelings. Life is too short to cut people one truly loves and cares for out of one’s life. It takes two to make or break a relationship.

Churchy LaFemme: said...

From Olaf Stapledon's Last and First Men, Chapter III (America and China) Part 3 (On an Island in the Pacific):

Stapledon was a visionary who wrote books of scope so vast that they extended the boundries of the genre. (Not that he would have thought of himself as an SF author, as such did not then exist..). In short, his books are well worth your time.

But..

Like many Englishmen in the early years of the 20th Century, he did not understand Americans at all.

Drago said...

Careful ARM. One of your eyebrows is drooping...metaphorically.

Achilles said...

Inga said...
“readering draws on his/her/xis/xer/xe deep, deep, deep experience in complex military/business/geo-political negotiations to render a pre-verdict.”

The Propagandist has deep experience in complex military/ business/ geo-political negotiations, so much so he knows who does and who doesn’t. He of course can render propaganda 24/7.

Anyone with a room temperature IQ could at this point determine Trump is doing a better job than BushClintonBushObama.

But idiot tools think shipping pallets of cash to people is "diplomacy."

Rusty said...

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
"Achilles said...
Zero.

Once again completely failing to understand what bankers do."

Industrial grade irony.

buwaya said...

If Kim has pictures taken with Trump, and he permits them to be published in North Korea, that would go a long way to undermining the regimes propaganda line since 1945. An inherently subversive act.

mockturtle said...

Unknown & Inga: With my family, Trump is an issue but not the main issue. Both of my siblings are/were animal rights eco-fanatics who believe humans are a scourge on the planet. Think Portlandia. My sister and I do exchange gifts, emails and brief phone conversations but never visits.

My mother, who also died last year, and I were very close, thankfully.

Michael K said...

A very important article on the Kim-Trump summit from Asia Times.

Unlike his father, the 34-year-old Kim has been active in pursuing pro-market economic growth and may be aiming to emulate Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s reforms in the late 1970s. Kim’s recent sacking of three senior old-guard military officials may hint that he is ready to offer some important concessions to prepare a favorable diplomatic environment for concentrating on economic development.

Watch what Trump does, not what he says.

Achilles said...

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
Achilles said...
Zero.

Once again completely failing to understand what bankers do.

Please explain how bankers turn zero deficits into your mythical surplus.

Probably something to do with shipping pallets of cash to Iran or North Korea.

I know it is devastating to have facts dropped in your face when you are lying again.

What good did the banks ship to Canada? Oh that is right you need to change the subject because you are a liar. The banks probably take payment in Canada for things they sell in the US and that is how ARM comes up with support for his lies.

buwaya said...

Any NK treaty is not going to be with the US but with South Korea.
Its really their war, and indeed probably will involve their money.
And Japanese money.

I doubt there will be any treaty signed with the US requiring Senate confirmation.

Francisco D said...

"Explain how killing the unions was really good for working people."

It is basic economics.

Most people get paid based on the value they add to a product or service. Unions distort that equation by forcing employers to pay them on the basis of coercion.

I don't resent the fact that Michael Jordan was making over $100 million a year in endorsements because he was adding much more than that in value to the products he endorsed. I have known salesmen with HS diplomas who bring in $3-4 million a year in sales and make over $300-400K a year. That's double what I made with a PhD. Seems fair to me. The salesman's talent is in more demand and adds more value.

Jim at said...

All commenters here will conveniently forget this thread and instead rant about Obama again. - Mark

Maybe you could remind us - so we don't conveniently forget - just exactly what Obama did with regards to North Korea.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Unknown & Inga: With my family, Trump is an issue but not the main issue. Both of my siblings are/were animal rights eco-fanatics who believe humans are a scourge on the planet. Think Portlandia. My sister and I do exchange gifts, emails and brief phone conversations but never visits.”

Yep, extremism is a scourge on society. I’d be your friend offline, I respect you and agree with some of your commentary. And I love your sense of humor, thinking back to the penis size brouhaha. I appreciate your support when Francisco was bashing nurses/ me as mere “bedpan experts”.

Michael K said...

I doubt there will be any treaty signed with the US requiring Senate confirmation.

The Trump visit to NK will be the tell.

Also the Deng comparison, I think, is very very important. I don't know the writer for Asia Times but David Goldman recommends him.

Michael K said...

Unions distort that equation by forcing employers to pay them on the basis of coercion.

There was a time when unions were important. That time was a long time ago.

I was a member of the Teamsters when I was in high school. There was strike vote I attended.

The single guys all wanted to strike. They had no families (This was before baby daddies) and did not care. The older guys with kids and houses voted no.

It was an education for me and I was only 17.

Jim at said...

You guys used to be proud of how you destroyed the unions. - ARM

Hell, I still am. Very.

See, one can actually work in a good, well-paying job without being forced to join a union and have a portion of one's paycheck going to candidates who think you're deplorable.

I'm funny that way.

pacwest said...

"Kim’s recent sacking of three senior old-guard military officials"

This is something I don't see mentioned much, but it seems to hold a great deal of significance, especially after what has happened in Saudi Arabia (thank you Rex Tillerson).

I think the main sticking point is going to be security of the regime guarantees. A treaty ratified by Congress can help, but what protections can be given against an internal revolt?

Just a thought, but what about a joint defense agreement by China and the US against external threats to NK? Lots of wheels within wheels in something like that.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

I was a member of the nurses union at a hospital I worked in. For teachers and nurses a union is a must. These are treacherous professions, in which one doesn’t get much backup from the higher ups. Plus the union helped regarding nurse / patient ratios and the mandating of overtime.

Original Mike said...

”For teachers and nurses a union is a must.”

My wife would disagree with you.

readering said...

I want to know if they remove their shoes. After GWB in Iraq, one can never be too careful.

Michael K said...

Inga is not going to mention what happened to the teachers' union when Walker made membership voluntary.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“My wife would disagree with you.”

And my friends who are teachers would disagree with her. So what else is new under the sun?

Drago said...

Inga: "So what else is new under the sun?"

Trump is President.

Original Mike said...

”Inga is not going to mention what happened to the teachers' union when Walker made membership voluntary.”

Yeah. A concrete measure of sentiment.

Fabi said...

"For teachers and nurses a union is a must. These are treacherous professions, in which one doesn’t get much backup from the higher ups."

Novel use of "treacherous".

hombre said...


Blogger Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...
“If there is anything funnier than Bush and Reagan voters worrying about the concerns of the working man, I have yet to hear it.”

So your point is what? That the Party of the dole, grifters, welfare cheaters, illegal immigrants, union bosses, race hustlers, overpaid govt employees and pardoned felons is concerned about the “working man.”

Now THAT’S laughable!! Bwahahahaha!

Rusty said...

"You guys used to be proud of how you destroyed the unions. - ARM"
And now industrial grade stupid.
Yes. It all happened in a vacuum and the unions took no part in their own demise.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Jim at said...
Hell, I still am. Very.


An honest righty. Increasingly rare these days. The crocodile tears flowing so freely for the poor 'workers' seems to have washed all the others away.

Fabi said...

ARM is starting to bubble this afternoon. This may be a bad moment to point out he's conflating unions and the working class. I'll also steer clear of Venn Diagrams.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Along with Act 10 came a barrage of anti-teacher rhetoric. Conservative talk show hosts filled the radio waves describing images of teachers riding six-figure salary gravy trains. They did this by lumping the cost of teacher benefit packages in with teachers’ salaries. I have yet to meet a traditional MPS teacher making six figures.

As a result of these attacks on teachers, young people are fleeing the profession. According to a 2016 report from the Public Policy Forum, 22.5% of Wisconsin teachers have left the profession in recent years. New teachers worry that the current system does not guarantee a clear career path, and enrollment in Wisconsin teacher preparation programs is down nearly 28%. A traditional first-year teacher entering MPS makes $41,477 a year with no guarantee of ever advancing on a pay scale.

Michael K said...

The crocodile tears flowing so freely for the poor 'workers' seems to have washed all the others away.

I would suggest you read "Crash Course" to see what the UAW did to the GM Saturn.

You won't, of course.

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