Former Mexican president Message to Trump

[SB Shock]

https://youtu.be/iYZKrn7Bbl8

[WstateU]

[shocka khan]

Trump has insulted too many world leaders. My extended family, who live in Mexico, are well-educated, have good jobs and would never think about coming here, hate him for his insults.

Trump's behavior and continuing insulting of world leaders is not winning the hearts and minds of our allies. I did tell them I voted for Trump, they gave me an earful for that. Unfortunately, they have a point and I need to accept that. That does not change my mind on illegal immigration, I'm just making the point that this, as well as many other things he's done, could have been handled better.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

Thankfully, it appears most world leaders right now have an issue with Trump and/or with his policies, not with the United States. It seems they recognize he's an outlier in his own country, was elected by a minority of votes, and has an embarrassingly low approval rating. The next president should be able to repair the damage he has done with our allies merely by taking office. Until that happens, the danger, of course, lies in how our adversaries will capitalize on our loss of respect and admiration worldwide. The void left from American leadership will be--and has already been--something China and Russia seek to aggressively fill.

[ShockerPrez]

Thankfully, it appears most world leaders right now have an issue with Trump and/or with his policies, not with the United States. It seems they recognize he's an outlier in his own country, was elected by a minority of votes, and has an embarrassingly low approval rating. The next president should be able to repair the damage he has done with our allies merely by taking office. Until that happens, the danger, of course, lies in how our adversaries will capitalize on our loss of respect and admiration worldwide. The void left from American leadership will be--and has already been--something China and Russia have been aggressively filling.

The problem is that our friends in the world are all becoming socialists and adopting policies that are eroding their own sovereignty and Western civilization. Then getting mad at us for our lack of willingness to tie our hands behind our back so they can kick us in the balls.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

The problem is that our friends in the world are all becoming socialists and adopting policies that are eroding their own sovereignty and Western civilization. Then getting mad at us for our lack of willingness to tie our hands behind our back so they can kick us in the balls.

Wait what???

Is Canada becoming socialist? No. Australia? No. Britain's latest moves are certainly not, and they sure as hell made a statement about their own sovereignty last year. France just had an election where their socialist party got creamed--only 6% of total votes.

In the US, it seems some of us like to throw around the word "socialist" with reckless abandon, but it's been clear for awhile that many of us do not know exactly what it means.

[Aargh]

By some definitions all it takes is universal health care to label a country socialist.

[shocka khan]

By some definitions all it takes is universal health care to label a country socialist.

Conservatives abuse the term 'socialist' and 'socialism'.

However, the way we tried to implement universal health care was not done in a way which would make medical care more accessible.

If we're going to have universal health care, it should be single payor, and if not that, then I don't support it.

Note my fact situation is exactly the opposite of yours, as I have a medical condition which was under my control. I got my situation under my control, and am totally off medicine.

Should I be penalized for wanting to improve the quality of my life and get off the 'pharma plan'?

Note I will have to make some major decisions soon about my medical coverage. I don't like the idea of having to pay $1000/mo (COBRA) or $500/mo (Obamacare bronze) when I could have gotten a major medical policy for about half or two-thirds that amount.

Since I'm pretty fit, I don't really need anything except something which would cover hospitalization or a major risk (cancer is probably my biggest risk). I should have more and less expensive options available.

[shocka khan]

The problem is that our friends in the world are all becoming socialists and adopting policies that are eroding their own sovereignty and Western civilization. Then getting mad at us for our lack of willingness to tie our hands behind our back so they can kick us in the balls.

Your statement is overly broad. I do the same thing sometimes, and would appreciate it if you would call me out on it if I did.

We spend our tax dollars on the military. Other countries spend their tax dollars on healthcare (and, of course, other 'things').

I would not characterize Australia as a 'socialist country', for instance. I've been over there. If you buy a bottle of booze, it's about twice as much as in the United States. Same with cigarettes.

The Aussies tax alcohol and cigarettes (but not wine) because they believe (and rightly so) there is a connection between abuse of alcohol and cigarettes and negative outcomes. In other words, the 'free' healthcare they have over there has penalties attached to lifestyle choices.

I would not call that socialism.

[ShockerPrez]

The UK just gave more power to a political party whose leader is an avowed communist. Most of Europe is far, far more socialist than the US. France elected a socialist PM, although they dont call him a socialist, but he is. Europe is moving left. Even their 'conservative' leaders are left of center on most all issues.

Debate whether you think they are or not, but they continue to move left, never to the right. Europe is destroying themselves by continuing to admit vast numbers of refugees who believe in an ideology, for the most part, incompatible with Western civilization. Say anything to the contrary, and you are labelled a racist and demomonized. Reduction in freedoms of speech is based in political correctness, which is a socialist/communist term used to subdue freedom and anti-government sentiments for the purpose of controlling the population.

Just how I see things. Europe is moving left.

[ShockerPrez]

Should I be penalized because I've had rheumatoid arthitis since I was 6? I do everything I can to not take meds but sometimes my body attacks itself and there is nothing other than meds that can control it at times. What about a friends daughter who was born with a rare genetic mutation that results in severe developmental delays.

All else being equal, do you believe your insurance premium should be the same as someone who does not take meds covered by the insurance company for your condition?

[shocka khan]

Should I be penalized because I've had rheumatoid arthitis since I was 6? I do everything I can to not take meds but sometimes my body attacks itself and there is nothing other than meds that can control it at times. What about a friends daughter who was born with a rare genetic mutation that results in severe developmental delays.

There are some dread diseases (such as diabetes) which can be managed with lifestyle changes. Let me provide you with a counterpoint:

I have a friend who is a brittle diabetic. He even went to the extreme of having bariatric surgery (which he promptly reversed because he liked to go out and eat the wrong 'stuff').

He has neuropathy, problems with his eyes, problems with his heart, all due to diabetes. He has been told by his doctor if he has any medical issues they can't do anything for him.

He still loads up on carbs. He knows if he gets the carbs out of his diet he will be much healthier, but he refuses (or lacks the will) to do so.

So why should I have to subsidize his medical care? Why should I have to subsidize someone else who could do something about their medical conditions and does not?

I don't eat potatoes anymore (I can have sweet potatoes in limited quantities), I don't eat rice anymore, I can't have cake or pies anymore. I exercise strenuously (which is a requirement to keep my sugar low). I do all this to stay healthy. Why should I have to subsidize anyone who could easily do what I did, but refuses to do it?

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

The UK just gave more power to a political party whose leader is an avowed communist. Most of Europe is far, far more socialist than the US. France elected a socialist PM, although they dont call him a socialist, but he is. Europe is moving left. Even their 'conservative' leaders are left of center on most all issues.

Debate whether you think they are or not, but they continue to move left, never to the right. Europe is destroying themselves by continuing to admit vast numbers of refugees who believe in an ideology, for the most part, incompatible with Western civilization. Say anything to the contrary, and you are labelled a racist and demomonized. Reduction in freedoms of speech is based in political correctness, which is a socialist/communist term used to subdue freedom and anti-government sentiments for the purpose of controlling the population.

Just how I see things. Europe is moving left.

I still don't think "socialism" means what you think it means. Liberal and progressive do not necessarily mean the same thing as socialist.

If you mean Europe is more liberal and progressive than the US, I absolutely agree with you. I think they've been that way for generations, but I don't think they are becoming significantly more. You might want to check your sources regarding Corbyn being an "avowed communist" (not true). Check your sources about Macron as well, who is a centrist that left France's socialist party because he was too far right. In his political career he has advocated for the free market and has supported legislation that would be considered conservative in the United States.

[MoValley John]

There are some dread diseases (such as diabetes) which can be managed with lifestyle changes. Let me provide you with a counterpoint:

I have a friend who is a brittle diabetic. He even went to the extreme of having bariatric surgery (which he promptly reversed because he liked to go out and eat the wrong 'stuff').

He has neuropathy, problems with his eyes, problems with his heart, all due to diabetes. He has been told by his doctor if he has any medical issues they can't do anything for him.

He still loads up on carbs. He knows if he gets the carbs out of his diet he will be much healthier, but he refuses (or lacks the will) to do so.

So why should I have to subsidize his medical care? Why should I have to subsidize someone else who could do something about their medical conditions and does not?

I don't eat potatoes anymore (I can have sweet potatoes in limited quantities), I don't eat rice anymore, I can't have cake or pies anymore. I exercise strenuously (which is a requirement to keep my sugar low). I do all this to stay healthy. Why should I have to subsidize anyone who could easily do what I did, but refuses to do it?

Because cheesecake is an unalienable right and apple pie a la mode is delicious!

Just kidding. Good work on your diet!

[im4wsu]

Wait what???

Is Canada becoming socialist? No. Australia? No. Britain's latest moves are certainly not, and they sure as hell made a statement about their own sovereignty last year. France just had an election where their socialist party got creamed--only 6% of total votes.

In the US, it seems some of us like to throw around the word "socialist" with reckless abandon, but it's been clear for awhile that many of us do not know exactly what it means.

Well, those three certainly constitute MOST of the world's leaders.