Uvalde trial: Former school police officer Adrian Gonzales found not guilty on all counts. It’s tough to digest, isn’t it? The news that Adrian Gonzales, a former school police officer involved in the Uvalde tragedy, was found not guilty on all counts. A lot of people are grappling with this, and understandably so. It seems many are surprised, even shocked, by the verdict.
The focus of the charges against Officer Gonzales, it turns out, was very specific. The prosecution zeroed in on his actions, or lack thereof, during the *first three minutes* of the event. They argued he should have immediately charged the shooter solo.… Continue reading
Trump steps back from the brink on Greenland. But the damage has been done. The whole Greenland saga, a whirlwind of pronouncements and backpedaling, perfectly encapsulates the chaos that has become the norm. The idea of acquiring Greenland, tossed out by the former president, wasn’t just a bizarre whim; it was a symptom of a deeper rot, a blatant disregard for international norms, and a clear demonstration of the erratic, destabilizing nature of the administration.
The threat of force and acquisition seemed to have the strong backing of individuals like Stephen Miller, known for a particularly aggressive worldview, which fueled the initial bluster.… Continue reading
Swedish pension fund Alecta cuts US Treasury holdings citing US politics, and the story starts to unfold. It seems the Swedish pension fund Alecta has made a significant move, divesting a considerable chunk of its holdings in US Treasuries. The reason? Increased risk and unpredictability stemming from the current political climate in the United States. While the exact reasoning hasn’t been directly attributed, it’s clear the fund is reacting to the state of US politics. This is no small potatoes either. Reports suggest the divestment totaled around 70 to 80 billion Swedish crowns, which translates to a substantial $7.7 to $8.8 billion.… Continue reading
Britain will not yield to pressure from Trump on Greenland, Starmer says, and that’s a welcome declaration. It suggests a much-needed spine stiffening against a familiar brand of bullying. Finally, some clear pushback against the idea that the “special relationship” automatically translates into subservience. It’s about time the UK recognized that blind allegiance to the US, particularly under the previous administration, often came at the cost of its own principles and values.
The mention of Trump’s shifting stance on the Chagos Islands and his sudden interest in Greenland reveals a cynical power play. It’s a reminder of the often-unpredictable nature of US foreign policy.… Continue reading
Lagarde walks out of Lutnick speech in Davos critical of Europe, sources say. Well, this is a headline that practically screams “drama,” doesn’t it? It immediately conjures up images of frosty glares, hushed whispers, and maybe even a few raised eyebrows in a room full of expensive suits. The crux of it? Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank, decided she’d had enough of a speech by Howard Lutnick, a billionaire investor, that was apparently quite critical of Europe. And she walked out.
Time is valuable, that’s for sure. And from the sounds of it, many of the people in that room felt the same way about listening to what Lutnick had to say.… Continue reading
US troops could disobey questionable orders, a concept that’s surfacing in discussions fueled by the recent words of a Catholic Archbishop. The core of the matter, as I understand it, is whether soldiers are bound to follow *all* orders, regardless of their nature, or if they have a moral and perhaps even a legal obligation to refuse those that are considered wrong. This question is particularly pertinent in a climate where trust in leadership might be wavering. It’s not a simple question of legality; the moral compass of the individual soldier is undeniably a factor.
It’s important to remember that the Archbishop isn’t just saying troops *could* disobey; the very oath of enlistment and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, are critical here.… Continue reading
Trump says no nation can secure Greenland but the US in Davos speech, and it’s a statement that immediately raises eyebrows, to put it mildly. The sheer audacity of the assertion is striking, especially when considering the intricate web of international relations and alliances that exist in the world today. It’s a bold claim, a sweeping pronouncement that suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of global security and the role of partnerships in maintaining it.
This viewpoint seemingly ignores the existence and the purpose of NATO, a collective defense alliance that includes the United States, and which Greenland, as a part of Denmark, is inherently part of.… Continue reading
The judge’s decision to decline the appointment of a special master to oversee the release of the remaining Epstein files, while legally sound in its reasoning, has ignited a firestorm of frustration and suspicion. The core of the ruling hinges on the concept of “standing.” It seems the judge determined that the congressmen who requested the special master didn’t have the necessary legal standing to do so, meaning they weren’t directly impacted by the issue in a way that granted them the right to bring the case forward. However, the judge seemingly offered a subtle hint, suggesting that victims of Epstein’s crimes, who would likely have the standing needed, could bring the case themselves.… Continue reading
EU lawmakers stall US trade deal in protest over Greenland. It seems the political temperature has risen significantly, and the potential for a trade showdown between the European Union and the United States is brewing. The situation stems from the brewing discontent with the current US administration and their potential policies, specifically focusing on the idea of the US attempting to purchase Greenland.
EU lawmakers appear ready to use trade as leverage, a move that could significantly impact the US. The heart of the EU’s potential strategy, as I understand it, involves targeting trade areas where the US is particularly vulnerable.… Continue reading
Carney Speech on U.S. ‘Rupture’ and Canada’s Survival Draws Standing Ovation at Davos:
It’s fascinating to unpack the buzz around Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at Davos. The overwhelming response – a standing ovation – speaks volumes, doesn’t it? It seems to have resonated deeply with a global audience, which is quite a feat. While Carney’s proven himself a steady hand at the helm for Canadians, this speech appears to be his international coming-out party.
The core of the speech centered on what he termed a “rupture” – a clear reference to the shifting global landscape, particularly the decline of U.S.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood