Greenland

[Xan]

"We need Greenland for national security." My understanding is that we have an existing agreement that lets us do virtually anything we need militarily in Greenland. It's also under the control of an ally. Is Trump really willing to blow up NATO in order to attempt to seize Greenland? Why? Is it for the minerals? Is he just old and goofy? What am I missing?

[yankees60]

"We need Greenland for national security." My understanding is that we have an existing agreement that lets us do virtually anything we need militarily in Greenland. It's also under the control of an ally. Is Trump really willing to blow up NATO in order to attempt to seize Greenland? Why? Is it for the minerals? Is he just old and goofy? What am I missing?

It's all a product of all of living in incomprehensible Trump World!

No reasonable, logical explanations for a LOT of things.

[Xan]

Maybe you're right, Vinny.

Also I thought one of the worst things about a potential Harris presidency was that she wanted to do price controls. Now suddenly Trump is not only for price controls (at least for credit card interest), but he's for government ownership of companies. Isn't that straight-up communism? Yikes!

[whatchamacallit]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

[I Shrugged]

I guess it sounds like typical Trump negotiation tactics.

[Grinch]

His administration should tell him he'd be better off buying or taking over Greece; it's warmer there, and it sounds similar in German too.

Grönland — Griechenland

[yankees60]

His administration should tell him he'd be better off buying or taking over Greece; it's warmer there, and it sounds similar in German too.

Grönland — Griechenland

Don't give him / them such ideas!!! They might do it solely for the reasons that you state!

[dualstow]

Greece has no natural resources.
That’s why they built a navy and conquered the world.

[coasting]

Why? ... What am I missing?

This is what comes to my mind regarding Greenland takeover talk, Venezuela military action, ICE operations, Fed Chair criminal investigation, etc. It all distracts from the Epstein files.

Best comment I read all week: "If the Justice Dept. is as incompetent at investigating Powell as it has been in delivering all the Epstein files, Powell may be in his job for a long time."

There are way too many people possessing a "dog with a bone" mentality regarding this topic. Determined, relentless, they are not giving up until the facts come out. It will continue to haunt the administration.

[Jack Jones]

Maybe you're right, Vinny.

Also I thought one of the worst things about a potential Harris presidency was that she wanted to do price controls. Now suddenly Trump is not only for price controls (at least for credit card interest), but he's for government ownership of companies. Isn't that straight-up communism? Yikes!

Even the seemingly innocuous Trump accounts are more of the same. The government buys up the SP500, holds it in an account for you, and then later gets a cut when you pay taxes on it.

[I Shrugged]

Last election, we truly had two awful choices. I still feel that Harris would have been way worse, though.

And I was okay with Trump the first time. I heard it put this way recently, “The best things said about him are true, but so are the worst things.”

[coasting]

TACO Wednesday? The President does seem to fear the bond market.

But not as much as he fears the Epstein files.

[glennds]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

[boglerdude]

CCP is buying Canada. Needs to be boxed out of Alberta. They own Vancouver and have police stations. Agitprop to get conservatives out of power to remove tariffs and keep manufacturing in China. Unemployment destroys countries. eg ICE protestors underemployed and communist funded. Communist leadership isn't actually communist, it's crony capitalist like all governments. But the foot soldiers are children who are still ideological. Or adults who never grew up. To accept that human nature is bad, is to accept that you are capable of doing bad for the right price. Some can't come to terms with that. The only "good" oligarch might be Elon, he's smart enough to remain and his own man and enjoys trolling (vs Trump who only enjoys winning). Humor is illegal in authoritarian regimes.

random content https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E0ot9iJm_k

[yankees60]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

Anything done by President Liar and Vice-President Evil's Lowlife Administration generally results in chaos and confusion. Simple resulst from dishonesty and deceit underpinning all their actions.

[Mountaineer]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

Anything done by President Liar and Vice-President Evil's Lowlife Administration generally results in chaos and confusion. Simple resulst from dishonesty and deceit underpinning all their actions.

But they were voted out of office over a year ago!

[dualstow]

[glennds]

Maybe you're right, Vinny.

Also I thought one of the worst things about a potential Harris presidency was that she wanted to do price controls. Now suddenly Trump is not only for price controls (at least for credit card interest), but he's for government ownership of companies. Isn't that straight-up communism? Yikes!

Seeing as how it is also a pay-to-play situation, would that make it crony-communism?

[yankees60]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

Anything done by President Liar and Vice-President Evil's Lowlife Administration generally results in chaos and confusion. Simple resulst from dishonesty and deceit underpinning all their actions.

But they were voted out of office over a year ago!

The world will never understand how proclaimed followers of Jesus / The Bible enthusiastically supported the most un-Jesus-like, un-Bible-like person.

Does that narrow it down for you which president is being referred to?

[Mountaineer]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

Anything done by President Liar and Vice-President Evil's Lowlife Administration generally results in chaos and confusion. Simple resulst from dishonesty and deceit underpinning all their actions.

But they were voted out of office over a year ago!

The world will never understand how proclaimed followers of Jesus / The Bible enthusiastically supported the most un-Jesus-like, un-Bible-like person.

Does that narrow it down for you which president is being referred to?

No, it just confirms the previous administration was even more corrupt than the current one.
And, that you don’t understand the difference between the kingdom of the right and the kingdom of the left or that good works do not determine whether you are saved. He who is baptized and believes will be saved.
For what it's worth, I don't think the current president is a great moral example. I do think he cares more about what is good for our country than the previous president. Perhaps because he is way smarter, or maybe just way more competent, than the previous president. As for moral character, at least as good as the previous but he is just open about it where the previous covered stuff up. I think I have previously described the cover up told to me by first hand witnesses in the police and medical professions after his wife was killed in a car accident when pulling out in front of another vehicle (not the story that was publicized). Basically as Martin Luther said, don't put your trust in princes.

[yankees60]

I can't say that I have read much into the situation but I did read that there is now more European defenses going into Greenland now.

I figured that was really the end goal. If he has to threaten to take it over himself to get it to be defended then that ends up being a pretty good deal.

Coming off of the Venezuela situation makes you think we were really going to invade Greenland but I think having it defended by allies will be just as well.

The saying is, take Trump seriously but not literally.

Who exactly does Greenland need to be defended against? I've heard China and Russia mentioned, but have either of them given an indication that they are considering attacking Greenland?
I think we (the US) are the only ones that have implied any aggression of late towards Greenland. So if the allies are defending it, are they defending it against us? I'm totally confused.

Anything done by President Liar and Vice-President Evil's Lowlife Administration generally results in chaos and confusion. Simple resulst from dishonesty and deceit underpinning all their actions.

But they were voted out of office over a year ago!

The world will never understand how proclaimed followers of Jesus / The Bible enthusiastically supported the most un-Jesus-like, un-Bible-like person.

Does that narrow it down for you which president is being referred to?

No, it just confirms the previous administration was even more corrupt than the current one.
And, that you don’t understand the difference between the kingdom of the right and the kingdom of the left or that good works do not determine whether you are saved. He who is baptized and believes will be saved.
For what it's worth, I don't think the current president is a great moral example. I do think he cares more about what is good for our country than the previous president. Perhaps because he is way smarter, or maybe just way more competent, than the previous president. As for moral character, at least as good as the previous but he is just open about it where the previous covered stuff up. I think I have previously described the cover up told to me by first hand witnesses in the police and medical professions after his wife was killed in a car accident when pulling out in front of another vehicle (not the story that was publicized). Basically as Martin Luther said, don't put your trust in princes.

For the record I've detested Biden for 35 years now. During the Thomas hearings he revealed aspects of his character that I never heard anyone note. And he's done nothing since but lower my opinion of him. For that and other reasons (one of them what you describe above about his wife's and daughter's death) I've never believed Biden to have any form of moral character. He never fooled me with his act.

I did not vote for his in the 2020 primaries, the 2020 election, 2024 primaries, would not have in the 2024 election.

But why do Trump voters always have to compare him to Biden? Biden is not president. Trump is.

How anyone could vote for such a thoroughly deceitful, dishonest person on top of his gross dereliction of duty on January 6, 2021 can never be justified to me.

In the entire life of our country and Christianity there has been nothing that has more damaged the Chrisitan witness than supporting Trump. There are hardly any non-Christians who are going to be drawn to Christianity if this is the type of person that Christians revere.

[Mountaineer]

Martin Luther's Views on Governance

The Apocryphal Quote
The phrase "I would rather be ruled by a wise Turk than by a foolish Christian" is often attributed to Martin Luther. However, there is no evidence that he actually said this. The quote appears to be a simplification or misinterpretation of his views on governance and morality.

Luther's Actual Stance
Luther did express thoughts on the nature of rulers. He believed that a prudent ruler, even if not morally good, could be preferable to a good ruler who is imprudent. This reflects his view that effective governance is crucial, regardless of the ruler's faith.
Context of His Writings
In his writings, particularly during the 1520s, Luther addressed the threat of the Ottoman Empire. He encouraged resistance against the Turks but emphasized that such resistance should not be framed as a holy war. Instead, he argued for a secular defense of Christian lands, indicating a complex view of the relationship between faith and governance.

Conclusion
While the quote about preferring a wise Turk is popular, it does not accurately represent Luther's documented views. His writings suggest a nuanced understanding of leadership, prioritizing competence over faith in governance.

From Wikipedia

Vinny,
Perhaps today’s reading from Portals of Prayer might help shed some light about your concerns or questions re Christians not bashing Trump. For what it’s worth, I sometimes think you may confuse “not bashing” with “support of his morals”. Also, I cannot look into anyone’s heart to know whether or not they are a believer.

Portals of Prayer
SATURDAY, January 31, 2026
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18

Unity in Christ
It is a very human thing to have divided loyalties. We often label people and divide ourselves along team lines. Our world tells us to find our people, to draw lines between us and others, and to stick to those divisions. But such earthly distinctions are superficial or trivial, as Paul points out in today’s reading. He appeals to us to “be united in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10), which would be the mind of Christ.

We are united in Christ Jesus! Paul writes, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Our earthly tribalism is antithetical to the Gospel. This means that maintaining divisions between people is the opposite of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross for us, Jesus broke down the barrier of sin between us and God. 

The only important distinction between people is belief or unbelief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. But God can break down even that wall through the Holy Spirit working faith in unbelieving hearts. Grant this, O Lord, unto us all!

[yankees60]

Martin Luther's Views on Governance

The Apocryphal Quote
The phrase "I would rather be ruled by a wise Turk than by a foolish Christian" is often attributed to Martin Luther. However, there is no evidence that he actually said this. The quote appears to be a simplification or misinterpretation of his views on governance and morality.

Luther's Actual Stance
Luther did express thoughts on the nature of rulers. He believed that a prudent ruler, even if not morally good, could be preferable to a good ruler who is imprudent. This reflects his view that effective governance is crucial, regardless of the ruler's faith.
Context of His Writings
In his writings, particularly during the 1520s, Luther addressed the threat of the Ottoman Empire. He encouraged resistance against the Turks but emphasized that such resistance should not be framed as a holy war. Instead, he argued for a secular defense of Christian lands, indicating a complex view of the relationship between faith and governance.

Conclusion
While the quote about preferring a wise Turk is popular, it does not accurately represent Luther's documented views. His writings suggest a nuanced understanding of leadership, prioritizing competence over faith in governance.

From Wikipedia

Vinny,
Perhaps today’s reading from Portals of Prayer might help shed some light about your concerns or questions re Christians not bashing Trump. For what it’s worth, I sometimes think you may confuse “not bashing” with “support of his morals”. Also, I cannot look into anyone’s heart to know whether or not they are a believer.

Portals of Prayer
SATURDAY, January 31, 2026
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18

Unity in Christ
It is a very human thing to have divided loyalties. We often label people and divide ourselves along team lines. Our world tells us to find our people, to draw lines between us and others, and to stick to those divisions. But such earthly distinctions are superficial or trivial, as Paul points out in today’s reading. He appeals to us to “be united in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10), which would be the mind of Christ.

We are united in Christ Jesus! Paul writes, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Our earthly tribalism is antithetical to the Gospel. This means that maintaining divisions between people is the opposite of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross for us, Jesus broke down the barrier of sin between us and God. 

The only important distinction between people is belief or unbelief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. But God can break down even that wall through the Holy Spirit working faith in unbelieving hearts. Grant this, O Lord, unto us all!

Thanks for all of that. Highly enlightening.

However, how do you reconcile all of that with my Hitler example.

If Hitler had died on December 31, 1938 (pre invading Poland on September 1, 1939) today he would have been regarded as one of the Greatest German leaders EVER (as he was during 1938). He was highly competent in much of what he'd accomplished for Germany during his five years (to that point) as dictator. Yes, there were that little problem of how he treated the Jewish people (and other undesirables). But that was them and NOT us. Look at all he did for the rest of US and the country.

Again, I the ordinary German people tried to get out of accepting responsivity for Nazi Germany by saying, 'We did not know," while the others in positions of authority tried to get out of accepting responsivity for Nazi Germany by saying "We were just following orders."

Those were both rejected then and history will similarly reject those in this country who support this current administration.

I'm confident I am on the right side of history on this one. You?

[Mountaineer]

Martin Luther's Views on Governance

The Apocryphal Quote
The phrase "I would rather be ruled by a wise Turk than by a foolish Christian" is often attributed to Martin Luther. However, there is no evidence that he actually said this. The quote appears to be a simplification or misinterpretation of his views on governance and morality.

Luther's Actual Stance
Luther did express thoughts on the nature of rulers. He believed that a prudent ruler, even if not morally good, could be preferable to a good ruler who is imprudent. This reflects his view that effective governance is crucial, regardless of the ruler's faith.
Context of His Writings
In his writings, particularly during the 1520s, Luther addressed the threat of the Ottoman Empire. He encouraged resistance against the Turks but emphasized that such resistance should not be framed as a holy war. Instead, he argued for a secular defense of Christian lands, indicating a complex view of the relationship between faith and governance.

Conclusion
While the quote about preferring a wise Turk is popular, it does not accurately represent Luther's documented views. His writings suggest a nuanced understanding of leadership, prioritizing competence over faith in governance.

From Wikipedia

Vinny,
Perhaps today’s reading from Portals of Prayer might help shed some light about your concerns or questions re Christians not bashing Trump. For what it’s worth, I sometimes think you may confuse “not bashing” with “support of his morals”. Also, I cannot look into anyone’s heart to know whether or not they are a believer.

Portals of Prayer
SATURDAY, January 31, 2026
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18

Unity in Christ
It is a very human thing to have divided loyalties. We often label people and divide ourselves along team lines. Our world tells us to find our people, to draw lines between us and others, and to stick to those divisions. But such earthly distinctions are superficial or trivial, as Paul points out in today’s reading. He appeals to us to “be united in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10), which would be the mind of Christ.

We are united in Christ Jesus! Paul writes, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Our earthly tribalism is antithetical to the Gospel. This means that maintaining divisions between people is the opposite of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross for us, Jesus broke down the barrier of sin between us and God. 

The only important distinction between people is belief or unbelief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. But God can break down even that wall through the Holy Spirit working faith in unbelieving hearts. Grant this, O Lord, unto us all!

Thanks for all of that. Highly enlightening.

However, how do you reconcile all of that with my Hitler example.

If Hitler had died on December 31, 1938 (pre invading Poland on September 1, 1939) today he would have been regarded as one of the Greatest German leaders EVER (as he was during 1938). He was highly competent in much of what he'd accomplished for Germany during his five years (to that point) as dictator. Yes, there were that little problem of how he treated the Jewish people (and other undesirables). But that was them and NOT us. Look at all he did for the rest of US and the country.

Again, I the ordinary German people tried to get out of accepting responsivity for Nazi Germany by saying, 'We did not know," while the others in positions of authority tried to get out of accepting responsivity for Nazi Germany by saying "We were just following orders."

Those were both rejected then and history will similarly reject those in this country who support this current administration.

I'm confident I am on the right side of history on this one. You?

I only know that God is in charge and it doesn’t matter what you or I think He should do. I have faith He knows what He is doing for His good purposes.

The Fourth Commandment.
7] Thou shalt honor thy father and thy
mother [that it may be well with thee and
thou mayest live long upon the earth].
8] What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God that
we may not despise nor anger our parents
and masters, but give them honor, serve,
obey, and hold them in love and esteem.

Note: Masters means all those God has put in authority over us. We are to honor, respect and obey them unless they require us personally to not follow God’s Word, in which case we are to follow God and accept the consequences of doing so. So far Trump has not required me personally to act in ways contrary to God’s Word.