Some more thoughts that I I can't escape. 1. People keep saying Europe (some states exempt from this) but I keep asking how? Europe is not a defense ally. They have practically refused to increase defense spending. They refuse to collaborate on major security issues like China (variety of issues) and Russia (oil and gas) so do not say they are an ally. An ally means specific things and behaviors. If you want to say they are an ally, as I say that has to mean we are cooperating to address shared and specific threats, agreeing on the means and objectives we both want to obtain(notice the layered definition). There clearly is not that level of agreement so let's stop pretending there is. 2. The reason I do not care for the Russian dalliance, (notice I am not too heavily invested in it because we still know basically nothing about what is being discussed behind closed doors) is that the hardened states like Russia, China, Iran, and others understand one thing raw power and the willingness to exercise it. Iran won't play nice because Putin says hey be nice and even if Putin does, Iran can always go to Xi and say help me cause problems for your enemy. They understand the raw brutal exercise of power. That's why I supported Trump taking out Iranian generals and criticized Biden for being so soft on Iran. They understand power (Russia, Iran, etc) and it is a fools errand to pretend offering them the benefits of joining the international community matter. 3. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada are clearly because they are not doing enough on issues Trump wants addressed. Please note Mexico has said it will announce retaliatory tariffs on Sunday (i.e. Mexico is hoping they can strike a deal before then). 4. Lots of countries were sold a bill of goods by Acela Corridor Galaxy Brains saying they wouldn't and shouldn't have to choose between China and the US. No, you do have to choose and will have to choose. Now choose wisely. It should be pretty obvious but you do you. 5. I don't agree with everything Trump does, but I definitely agree with the general directionality and will make no apologies. Here is the basic issue: the countries complaining are what I will call status quo states. They do not want things to change. I can free ride off the US security posture, cut deals with China and Iran, and criticize the US ad nauseum while getting all the benefits. Whether it was dealing with China, Russia, defense contributions, and the list goes on, this status quo was unsustainable. Biden and Obama were popular with Europe because they didn't push them beyond issuing some polite press releases urging them to do more. The reality of these issues are bearing down on us hard and the time for pretend is rapidly closing. These other countries need to make decisions and get ready. Sooner rather than later.