A robust Europe that could be more assertive on the world stage is good for the world in the long run. I say that as an American. Best of luck to the Germans, EU as a whole, the UK, and everyone else in the region.

Me reading the first paragraph: there’s no way the USA is going to willingly let Russia…

(Remembers who’s in the White House.)

Ah, yeah, so Russia is going to be in Syria as they as they want to be eh?

Ah yeah I was actually talking about non reddit places. I do remember the pre reddit days when those forums were common. Maybe it’s rose colored glasses but I do remember the convos being a bit deeper.

Well, hopefully Lemmy or someone figures out how to do reddit better than reddit tbh.

yeah the best subs on reddit are almost always at least semi-niche with mods who are serious about the topic but not a-holes. I haven’t had many issues with many mods but I still avoid most of the main subs simply because the discussion there is often very weak.

Do you have any recommendations on how to find indie forums? I don’t know if there are lists or whatnot out there.

It’s also just so weak.

Not that macho’ism should be a major point or even desirable trait for a world leader IMO, but so many people like Trump because he’s allegedly strong. Yet when I watch the above clip I just keep thinking “he’s so weak and soft and overly sensitive to essentially everything.” Like how can you want a tough leader, then watch that exchange and think “Trump is tough.” What?

That sucks and permabans really shouldn’t be a thing except in extreme causes of threatening to like harm/dox some one and stuff like that. Not seeing where you did anything to get banned at all, but especially not permabanned.

If Lemmy just ends up being another reddit that’s going to suck so bad.

Prostitution is always a weird one for me. On one hand, I don’t really care about these decisions between two (or more) adults. On the other hand, many and probably most people are forced into prostitution due to economic hardships (edit: and that’s messed up and exploitive). But on yet another hand, cracking down on prostitution could cut off a crucial lifeline for many people facing dire economic straits.

It’d be nice to live in a world without wanton exploitation. In such a world, yeah I’d just mind my own business without much extra thought.

If the flight wasn’t full and they didn’t allow them to move seats that’s extremely messed up.

had no idea he held canadian citizenship.

I appreciated his general thoughts on poverty, inequality, etc. I haven’t studied them in depth so admittedly I’m mostly going off statements here and there and shallow news coverage.

The molestation/rape stuff though can’t be overlooked. The problems there go much, much deeper than any one individual and is a rot in a massive and wealthy institution that holds a lot of sway over millions of people.

And there are lots of old dinosaur thoughts in the church, like the idea that all “unnatural” birth control is wrong.

I do think Francis was probably a step overall in the right direction, but it was a small step and I’m left thinking that much more radical reform is needed.

To be fair, I doubt Trump understands the difference between Bangladesh and India.

Sigh. What a time line.

I really hope moderates and parties on the left wake up and realize they could have a Trump of their own if they’re not appealing to their population.

I’m generally pro migration/pro refugee and am quite sympathetic. But the issues with assimilation, not really vetting refugees, etc. has clearly alienated voters across Europe. Ditto for other wedge issues.

If moderates and those on the left continue with their status quos, high risk they’ll end up pushed from power.

I missed “figurines” and was wondering who in their right mind would have 500 cats in a restaurant? And who in their right mind would steal them?

That’s drill American oil. But, his decision making process at least during his first term often came down to who made the last halfway decent argument lol.

America for a long time wanted cheap oil, so we (USA, I’m American) invade Iraq, Iraq pumps out cheap oil and we win.

Now, with fracking and national insulation high oil prices aren’t as high of a concern. And if the right money has trump’s ear, well… high oil prices might be “good” from his POV.

I’d gladly take a cabinet of golden retrievers over what we go.