ValueSubtracted

joined 2 years ago
MODERATOR OF
 

For starters, Trump appears aware that he’s become a factor in the Canadian election, and that he may have contributed to the Liberal Party’s extraordinary rebound. He, and people close to him, have made statements showing some awareness of those dynamics.

Another reason? Carney is not Trudeau. Trump spoke with unique disdain for the former PM, something his former aide John Bolton said Trump also did in private.

Carney also surprised some Americans with his comments yesterday about the rupture in Canada-U.S. relations, getting lots of attention in Washington.

Washington-based Canada-U.S. trade consultant Eric Miller said it has begun to dawn on people here that there could be long-term damage to a close relationship, one that benefits the U.S.

“They [realize the] need to moderate their rhetoric and keep the relationship going in a historically positive direction,” Miller said.

And finally, Americans don’t want a fight with Canada. Poll after poll shows that tariffs on Canada are unpopular, as is the 51st-state talk.

Consumer sentiment is plunging and inflation fears are at a decades-long high, so Trump has some incentives to patch things up.

“Of course, it’s one statement, one call,” Miller added. “[Trump] changes just like the weather.”

 

In the Westminster parliamentary system used in Canada, the legitimacy of an elected government hinges on its ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons. During an election period, the House is shut and so the prime minister cannot seek approval from the elected chamber.

Because of that, the prime minister and cabinet are directed by the convention to act with restraint, which means they shouldn't introduce big, new things or make changes that would be onerous for the next government to roll back.

This does not mean that the government is prevented from making decisions. Prime Minister Mark Carney still has the responsibility of ensuring the routine operation of the government continues and must also be able to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, wars or economic crises.

[Former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick] says that deciding what must be done — and what should not be done — comes down to the judgment of the prime minister guided by tradition, such as ensuring government actions demonstrate respect for the democratic will of Canadians.

"There's no rule book to go to that would tell you exactly where that threshold is," Wernick said.

When it comes to responding to tariffs being imposed on Canada by the Trump administration, the prime minister and his cabinet have the power and authority they need to respond with retaliatory tariffs or help for workers.

Tempered expectations re: RTD finales are good policy.

I think the titles as a whole are...fine. Nothing too attention-grabbing for me, but perfectly cromulent.

I truly wish I had some advice for you, but I honestly have no idea what to say to someone who thinks a "news" source like that is worth a grain of salt.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 14 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I found their website (not going to link it here), and it looks like a bog-standard right-wing misinfo outlet to me.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 11 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The overall advisory level remains green, "Take normal security precautions."

It's a good start. I hope they can keep it up.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Nah, you're probably right - I don't really pay attention to the meta because I don't care, but Intel has always been a bit of a black sheep.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 21 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The whole thing was ill-advised, and the execution makes it even worse.

In the picture, the white line crossing it out looks more like vandalism than part of the actual ad.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 25 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

"I provided a specific list of demands the next prime minister, regardless of who that is, must address within the first six months of their term to avoid an unprecedented national unity crisis," Smith said in a statement Thursday after a morning meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Alberta capital.

So it's extortion, then.

It's really impossible to discuss this without also discussing the fact that international students have been exploited for decades.

Make the weapons bolt-action.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 2 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

It seems especially weird when the universal console and experimental weapon are temporal in nature (granted, Temporal is the ship's secondary specialization).

Though if any faction benefits from the Intel spec, it's the Romulans and their battle cloak.

[–] ValueSubtracted@startrek.website 60 points 2 weeks ago (20 children)

There is no kill switch for the F-35, but the JPO’s statement points to the very real problems with the weapons system. In its own words, the jet “operates under well-established agreements,” its strength “lies in its global partnership,” and JPO “[remains] committed to providing all users with the full functionality and support they require.” In other words, the F-35 doesn’t fly unless JPO helps you, but don’t worry because it’s committed to helping.

The F-35 may not have a “kill switch” in the traditional sense, but the countries who bought it are locked into an irrevocable pact with Lockheed Martin and America. ALIS/ ODIN might not be able to turn off the F-35 remotely, but losing access to it can make it impossible to fly.

Only one country has escaped the F-35 software and logistics trap while still being able to fly the jet: Israel. The IDF’s contract for the jet allows it to operate its own software systems without ALIS/ ODIN and conduct its own maintenance.

view more: ‹ prev next ›