But before I get into today's Blog I just have to comment on yesterday's fiasco where Donald Trump's Cabinet Members were forced to publicly voice fealty to their Insecure and Egotistical 'Dear Leader'.
Never in my many years following politics have I ever witnessed such a Wanton Display of Gutlessness... it made me want to Barf. How could such accomplished men and women lower themselves to such Depths...up to then, for the most part, I had believed Trump's Cabinet Selections were worthy appointees.
I am now forced to reconsider my belief.
BACK TO TODAY'S BLOG...Trilogy #2
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany came out this past week and declared that Europe was now on its own, no longer could they depend on backing from the United States of America.
Other major countries in Europe including France and Great Britain and a number of lesser states are following suit.
So what set Merkel off? She cites two recent developments- the Trump Administration's dressing down of NATO countries like Germany for not pulling their weight and the second was its decision to leave the Paris Accord.
Let's look at both.
First NATO - Germany spends but 1.2 % of its GDP on the military far below the 2% demanded by NATO HQ. The US spends 3.3 % which is well above the stated target but is much less than it was but a decade or so ago. (Of note, Russia is currently out spending both - as a % of GDP at 5.3%.) I have written countless times about the need for NATO Countries to step up to the plate and take over some of the costs from the US because, quite frankly, America can no longer afford to pay the bulk of the freight entailed by defending the Free World (hence the drop in their own % of GDP toward the military). And, we are once again experiencing an arm's race and in addition to the massive spending of Russia, China is building up its military at an alarming rate.
So, thank you Angela, although you are complaining about the need for Europe to defend itself...it is about time. As and aside, I would like to point out to the Chancellor that there may have not even been a free Germany today had it not been for the American Marshall Plan which brought her country back from oblivion at the end of WWII and of course, at the expense of the American Taxpayer.
Second the Paris Accord- Here again Germany et al are astounded that the US has withdrawn from this Accord. In my first Trilogy Blog I set out fully why this Accord is a bogus endeavour that directs attention away from the real problems of the world and contains no real targets but does require the First World to send Billions of Dollars to the Less Developed. Their Hope is by 2020 a Fund of $100 Billion (that is not a typo) annually will established for this wealth transfer. Merkel may be dismayed by this development but I can tell you, her citizens will not.
Once again, Ms. Merkel has made the right decision...
If Europe does follow through on its pledge to do more and rely upon the United States less, we will all benefit.
Keep up the good work Angela even though you do not have the foggiest idea what you are in fact accomplishing.
As I see it...
'K.D. Galagher'
