MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Trump becomes third US president impeached; Republican Senate tries
US President Donald Trump was impeached in a historic vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, setting up a Senate trial on removing him from office after three turbulent years. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesNot to worry … Trump will be re-elected and will be around for 5 more years...
Dec 19th, 2019 - 10:16 am - Link - Report abuse -1tallison46
Dec 19th, 2019 - 12:26 pm - Link - Report abuse -1As the impeachment was driven out of concerns about the illegal actives of a rogue President. Who probably won't be convicted by a Senate dominated Republican majority. It was more important to establish a clear and concise historical record, so future scholars
will have a record of the many wrong doings of this man. His behaviour should be of no surprise to the discerning.
“Trump's grandfather was a pimp and tax evader; his father a member of the KKK
As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; Donald Trump's racism can easily be traced through his lineage.”
http:// ahtribune.com/us/2016-election/242-trump-grandfather-pimp-father-kkk.html
”Trump confidante and longtime advisor Roger Stone said that Trump's father Fred Trump was a financier of the Society and a personal friend of founder Robert Welch. Trump's Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney was the speaker at the John Birch Society's National Council dinner shortly before joining the Trump administration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Birch_Society
tallison46
Dec 19th, 2019 - 01:04 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Completely agree with you as Trump has been the most successful President in modern history. The lowest unemployment rate in 50 years with significant economic growth and blue collar workers achieving major income increase.
Meanwhile, we see a TDS* afflicted resentful Marxist Canadian (Terry Hill) whine like a little bitch and defame a person's grandfather. (*Trump Derangement Syndrome)
”defame - damage the good reputation of (someone); slander or libel.”
Dec 19th, 2019 - 02:32 pm - Link - Report abuse -1In your humble opinion, which as to truth has no value, as is all that you proffer.
Whereas what I posted is irreversible facts that are properly cited, and thus proven.
Since you offer no prove, the evidence convicts you out of your own mouth as a liar, many thanks I enjoy exposing assholes as they really are.
No love for the sainted Ronald Reagan, Chicureo? How quickly they forget...
Dec 19th, 2019 - 02:54 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Geeeeeeeeeeeeee....
Dec 19th, 2019 - 04:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The political ignorance of the Yank brainwashed turnips in here at MercoPress is as unfathomable as the Marianas trench...
Take Tex-Mex Turnip Tallison46..., for example...
He happily declares that...: ***“Trump will be re-elected and will be around for 5 more years...”***
- Even an auld Argie Western-Patagonian eremit knows that the presidential term in the U.S. of A. Has always been 4 (four) years...
What a Turnip...!
Chicureo
Dec 19th, 2019 - 04:20 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Your personal animus, is what drives you, But if you enjoy making a complete horse's ass out of yourself, as in the following which exemplifies your support of Trump the Chump, be my guest.
TDS
Trump Derangement Syndrome, is the unwavering adoration and devotion to a political leader, beginning with Donald Trump the namesake of the disorder, extending to other forms of leadership including presidents and rulers typically of a fascist or populist nature. While the name is meant to have pejorative connotations the actual condition is characterized primarily by behaviors found in in “cult of leader” or “cult of personality” scenarios.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=TDS
So your fascist leanings are outed one more.
Estimado THINK
Dec 19th, 2019 - 04:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Technically you are correct about 4 years, but actually Trump is expected to serve until January 2025.
DescriptionDemonTree
From a Chilean biased point of view and until the election of Donald Trump, in my opinion Theodore Roosevelt was the greatest US President of the modern era. I would think FDR was second and Ronald Reagan was third. I wonder sometimes if Kennedy could have succeeded as the best, but sadly he was assassinated.
I greatly admire FDR, despite his long list of bad decisions, because he brought the North Americans out of the 1930's economic depression and led his country to defeat fascism; while leaving the Marshall plan to rebuild free Europe.
The Canadian who lives in his mother's basement is still seething because I earlier exposed one of his Presidential heroes as a fully documented war criminal. I feel sorry for him, because Quebec is a horrible place to live during the winter.
By the way, the new pied-à-terre in Viña is completely done! Madam Lafarge has really outdone herself and it looks like out of Architectural Digest. ¡Vive la différence!
Chicureo
Dec 19th, 2019 - 08:37 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Eisenhower is not my particular hero just a decent man, not a 'war criminal', except in your fervid imagination; otherwise you would show where there was even an attempt to charge him with a war crime. Unlike your hero Pinochet.
Are you still attempting to do a 'transference' of your 'mother hang-up'? I guess you've always had this inferiority complex with 'women', as you were just recently disparaging your wife. I guess you must feel pretty stupid accusing me of being a TDS, when its you not me who's singing his praises.
DemonTree
Dec 19th, 2019 - 09:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sorry about mis-addressing your name. My iPad spellcheck out-foxed me.
Speaking of being misinformed: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_derangement_syndrome
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_derangement_syndrome
Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 01:49 am - Link - Report abuse -1“Speaking of being ...” Unlike you I haven't personally opined about the man. I have simply referenced what facts have been proved in the public domain.
TDF
“Trump personally used the phrase for the first time in July 2018, saying people with the ”syndrome“ would rather go to war than be content with his 2018 summit with Russian
The term has been used by Trump supporters to discredit criticism of his actions”
So this your source? Hardly objective, but I will opine now, its my belief that he is dangerous sociopath, with limited intelligence, linked to a massive ego.
Six Signs of a Sociopath
Behaves in harsh and/or hurtful ways, and then expects you to have no reaction; to act like it never happened.
Manipulates others, either from the sidelines or directly.
Treats you very differently at different times or different days, for no apparent reason.
Lies easily when needed to get herself off the hook.
Externalizes blame. The sociopath does not take ownership or blame for his mistakes or misdeeds.
At times, appears to actually enjoy manipulating and/or hurting others.
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/childhood-neglect/2015/09/the-six-hallmarks-of-a-sociopath/
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/looking-for-mental-health-services
Dec 20th, 2019 - 03:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 08:30 am - Link - Report abuse -1They seem like solid choices. Americans today are still benefitting from the national parks created by Teddy Roosevelt, though I suspect construction of the Panama canal was a bad thing for Chile (and Argentina). From a British (or western europe) biased point of view FDR's support in the war was extremely welcome, and for Americans it turned their country into a superpower. But shouldn't Truman get credit for the Marshall plan, since it was introduced after the end of the war?
Who would you say was the best Chilean president in modern history? I bet a lot of Argentines would choose Perón if asked for their best, and a lot of others would say he was the worst.
Congrats on having your new place ready. That was quick! I hope you have a great New Year's party and that you'll enjoy your new view.
We moved last weekend with help from friends. It took far too many trips and we still have boxes everywhere, but I have the day off today so hopefully can start restoring order to the chaos. Unfortunately the terrible roads around here have been too much for my poor old car and bits of the plastic trim underneath are coming loose and falling off. Haven't been able to investigate properly yet due to the lack of daylight.
Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 10:52 am - Link - Report abuse -1So you can't even provide one scintilla of evidence that Trump's mental faculties are normal.
So all you can do is engage in an argument ad hominem, thank you showing you've lost another issue. At least your consistent, as a loser.
DemonTree
Dec 20th, 2019 - 01:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My warmest congratulations on settling into the new home. I'm happy for you and wish you great success on getting the hothouse installed. As a former USSR Lada sedan owner, I greatly sympathize with your automobile challenges.
Truman was an honest humble man that enacted FDR's plan to rebuild Europe. He deserves credit for allowing a decimated Japan to peacefully rebuild after bringing them to their knees. (You're very correct about the impact of the Panama Canal, but I don't blame T.R. for collapsing my country's economy.)
As far as the greatest Argentine President in the modern era, there were none, although it could be argued that Arturo Umberto Illia Francesconi was perhaps the only honest and truly altruistic.
Really, Chile has no claim to a greatest modern era president either, although Pedro Aguirre Cerda would be considered as humble and altruistic as Illia.
I do think that Piñera has the potential to be kindly remembered by history, should his reforms be successfully enacted.
It would be interesting to see THINK's perspective, because the truth pragmatically explained is fraught with debate.
Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 01:50 pm - Link - Report abuse -1The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dangerous_Case_of_Donald_Trump
Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 02:55 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Thanks. We're putting off erecting the greenhouse for now, what with the dark and constant rain, and so much to do inside. And lol at the Lada. Did you really own one? I thought they were only available inside the Eastern Bloc.
The USA's treatment of Japan and Germany after the war was pretty enlightened (Think is gonna say that isn't true, but I'm talking about after the first few months when they decided to rebuild Germany instead of following the Morganthau Plan), and with hindsight the benefits are obvious. It's a shame they didn't try a Marshall-type plan in Latin America to blunt the lure of communism, instead of using force and government interference.
Sad that you can't find a modern president in either Argentina or Chile that deserves the title of greatest. I suppose the ones who had the biggest impacts on their countries are remembered extremely negatively by large groups of people. Wikipedia says Pedro Aguirre Cerda created thousands of new schools and expanded the university system, and also encouraged industrialisation. That's a good legacy to leave.
As for Piñera, it depends on how things end up. He didn't deal well with the protests at the beginning, but he'll deserve some credit if he can find a way to navigate the current situation and end them with most citizens being happy with the result.
Think is welcome to reply if he wants to.
DemonTree
Dec 20th, 2019 - 04:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Smart move on placing the priority on the living space. Keeping your partner happy is wise.
Yes, a Lada was the first car I personally owned. They were very popular in Chile during the '80s. (THINK owned a sturdy 4WD Russian Nivea.)
I had the sincere pleasure know Carlos Saúl Menem, in La Rioja and Santiago. (He stayed here in exile for awhile.) Despite his infamy, the gentleman is a charming, endearing and incredibly corrupt ex-President that I still have respect for... ...despite being a scoundrel, he's my personal favorite modern-era Argentine leader.
Hermanito...
Dec 20th, 2019 - 06:51 pm - Link - Report abuse -1“Nivea” is a popular lubricant with an amazing spectrum of usages... ;-)
“Niva”..., on the other hand..., was/is one..., if not “the” Worlds best light 4x4's...
Not like those overhyped and overpriced capitalistic Mercedes or Range Rovers...
Having said all the above..., I would luuuuuuuuuuuuuv to drive Putins all new 4x4 toy...!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WrjjV6nGh0g
Estimado THINK
Dec 20th, 2019 - 07:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Leave it to the Russians to design a truly rugged ATV. I was also impressed that they still are manufacturing your favorite 4x4: https://www.motor1.com/news/388306/2020-lada-4x4-facelift/
Chicureo
Dec 20th, 2019 - 07:55 pm - Link - Report abuse -1My partner is happy because we've finally moved. :) Now we have a long list of things to do and not enough time to do them, but we have put a Christmas tree up and lit a fire in our new fireplace, so we can enjoy our new home.
How was the Lada? Can't be as bad as the jokes imply. Re the 'Nivea', I thought that didn't sound right, but you need a tough car for Patagonia. We especially liked the fact they'd put up a permanent sign warning about the potholes instead of fixing them. By the time I'd managed to look up what 'baches' meant, we'd discovered the answer for ourselves! Mind you, the ones on the road to our new house are worse, our friend broke a wheel on one last week.
Must be weird knowing a president. And didn't you say you'd met Piñera too? Does it give you more confidence in the government or less?
IIRC Think was considering getting an electric car. Dunno how they'd cope with unpaved roads though.
Shicuréo...
Dec 20th, 2019 - 08:52 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Ain't that a pretty Lada...?
I particulary like they keeping the traditional logo...
My Rus-Scandinavian ancestors Drakkar that sailed down the mighty Volga... giving their name to dear Mother Rus-sia and naming (and employing) the locals as Slav(e)s.... ;-)
Estimado THINK
Dec 21st, 2019 - 12:16 am - Link - Report abuse -1There must be a “disturbance in the Force” because we seem to completely agree. The Nivea looks great and I too really like the homage to a Viking Longboat, although I think Rover has a nicer one.
The new 4x4 would be a great success here in Chile if they had a decent dealership network with parts. The clean simple styling would especially appeal to a wide audience. (I even like the color of the model shown.)
DemonTree
Good to hear about the chimney and tree. That's a significant milepost of being settled.
My experience with my Lada was bittersweet. It was the first car I actually purchased and was used to romance Mademoiselle Lafarge. I used to lovingly polish it with wax and initially was very proud of it.
The particular model I had, could directly trace its linage to FIAT. In a barter agreement with the USSR, Gianni Agnelli sold the rights and machine tooling for one of their most popular and highly successful Fiat sedan. In turn, as a part of the barter agreement, the Soviets provided steel in return.
Apparently, the steel was of inferior quality and supposedly led to some of the failings of FIAT (Which took on the unfortunate nickname: “Fix-It-Again-Tony”)
Although Lada had a poor reputation and parts were at times difficult to obtain, the cars were simple to repair and sturdy. I could never get the wheels to stay in alignment, nor solve all the electrical glitches, but British cars of the era were also nightmares.
Chile is a small country. I've personally met several times with Michelle Bachelet when she was the Defence Minister, as well as President. (She is the “godmother” of one our Scorpène submarines.)
I've also conversed with Ricardo Lagos and even a few times with Alberto Fujimori when he was under “house arrest” in Chicureo, where he was free to frequent the golf club. (At one time, Fujimori hosted an Peruvian agricultural TV program and had a keen interest for farming.)
No “Disturbance in no Force”..., hermanito...
Dec 21st, 2019 - 01:18 am - Link - Report abuse -1- You know perfectly than them Ruskis know how to make things..., ask any German Panzer veteran about the T34..., or any American rifleman about the AK47..., or cape Canaveral about Baikonur..., not to speak about any junior naval officer in any “Free World” freakin' Navy about themTsirkon Mach9 plasma shrouded stealth missiles...
If your car got you around and you have good memories, I'd say it was a success. The Russians certainly can build things, but they weren't exactly famous for their great consumer goods during communist times.
Dec 21st, 2019 - 08:57 am - Link - Report abuse -1Chile's not a small country, it's got a bigger population than most EU members, besides being ridiculously long. Apparently you move in exalted circles. But what kind of house arrest lets you go out and play golf? That's not a punishment.
Estimado THINK
Dec 21st, 2019 - 11:16 am - Link - Report abuse -1This one: https://news.yahoo.com/russia-made-dangerous-changes-zircon-060000856.html
Jane's has several extensive articles about many of the Russian Federation newest deadly toys...
I've learned to never underestimate them. Did you know that an officer's chess playing standing is a part of the Russian officer promotion process?
DemonTree
You always have fond memories of your first car, although I always dreamed of owning something German. We've had really a good experience using a VW Argentine pickup that even outperforms Japanese reliability.
Serving behind a desk in the Navy had its perks and I have been fortunate/misfortunate to meet a number of notable persons. Menem was due more to social reasons and Fujimori was due to happenstance.
The ex-President was temporarily detained in an awkward attempt to re-enter Peru after spending exile in Japan. His presence was an embarrassment to the Chilean government and he was allowed to stay in a nice home located at the Hacienda Chicureo Club close to my home.
He never golfed, but used the restaurant and health facilities and I had the opportunity to interact with him. Back in 2007, no one knew whether he'd return to power or be extradited to imprisonment.
Shicuréo...
Dec 21st, 2019 - 12:34 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Hope you are happy now..., having soured me Christmas...!
I NOW WANT this one in metallic golden brown coriander...: https://www.lada.ru/cars/4x4/bronto/1.7_8_mkpp/standard/21214-52-070/790/card.html ...
but I already mailed me letter to Santa...:-(((
Estimado THINK
Dec 21st, 2019 - 01:03 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Looking closer at the details, it's really beautiful in a simplistic clean utilitarian design. Let's hope the Russians someday renter our market, because it would sell.
https://www.lada.ru/en/press-releases/116963.html
And I get the “in your face” statement it would make to an owner driving an uber exclusive and outrageously expensive Mercedes 4x4. Even the press about the electric hybrid is interesting.
A final note, is I relooked at the upgraded Lada badge and even it is a vast improvement over the earlier one. Let's hope Father Christmas doesn't have you on his naughty list...
Chicureo
Dec 21st, 2019 - 02:22 pm - Link - Report abuse -1I have no fond memories of my first car! It was a £500 Renault Laguna and the gearbox broke the second time I drove it. It would have cost more to fix than it was worth so we ended up taking it to the tip. Second car was an elderly Audi and that one worked out better.
In the circumstances I think you were lucky to end up with a desk job. It would be different if Chile had fought a real war, but the armed forces in Latin America are more often turned against their own citizens.
“Back in 2007, no one knew whether he'd return to power or be extradited to imprisonment.”
And in the end it was the latter, and then he was pardoned and released, and then unpardoned and sent back to jail. It's quite a tale. Sounds like Chicureo is the place where all the rich people live.
Re Russia, no one is underestimating them. They've been pretty agressive lately with incidents like this:
https://www.thelocal.se/20190224/sweden-summons-russian-ambassador-after-baltic-sea-fighter-jet-incident
Shicuréo...
Dec 21st, 2019 - 03:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Let's hope the Russians someday re-enter our market.”..., you say...
https://www.gellonautos.cl/lada-niva/ ..., I say...
But..., in your specific case..., I wold NOT recommend you to buy one...
Having known Mme. Lafarge for years now..., i'm sure it would immediately become her very own char de bataille..., precisely because its killer “On Your Face” capabilities...
You would be stuck with the Chevrolet...
Estimado THINK
Dec 21st, 2019 - 03:57 pm - Link - Report abuse -1You never cease to surprise me. I assume the eight and a half million is outstanding! I'm intrigued and slightly suspicious, because I haven't seen any Lada advertising in ages...
Fact: One of the nice advantages of living in the country with the widest selection of manufactured cars in the world!
DemonTree
Yes, I followed the sad saga of Fujimori. Meanwhile Peru has had a conflicted governance predicated with scandal. I can't name a great president of that country either...
The chilling truth is that “serving behind a desk”, would place a military officer in a far worse jeopardy of violating the human rights of my countrymen. I also sincerely believe I would rather honorably resign my commission than dishonor my family.
Although I've defended Pinochet despite his regrettable actions, I've always despised Admiral José Toribio Merino because he had absolutely no honor. It's a fine line of distinction, but many I served with felt the same.
Who bears the the guilt? An enlisted conscript or a commissioned officer? And then you need to ask, who were the officers coordinating those commanding officers? And finally, you need to ask who provided the senior commanding officers with the information enabling the dishonorable actions? Who bears the greatest guilt?
Regarding Santiago, the majority of wealthy Chileans live in La Dehesa, Vitacura and Las Condes. Chicureo is for the successful middle and upper-middle class.
TWIMC...
Dec 21st, 2019 - 09:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Interesting info”..., if true... (Source: Theclinic.cl)...:
Qué pasa con los famosos protocolos?
Matías: Aquí los únicos autorizados para usar la escopeta antimotines son del grado de capitán hacia arriba, es decir, los oficiales. Nunca ha salido ningún alto mando diciendo que el que el disparó fue un mayor o un capitán, un comandante o coronel. ¿Cierto..........?
-¿Son esas escopetas las que les han reventado los ojos a la gente?
Matías: Sí. ¿Y usted ha visto a algún alto mando diciendo que tiene procesado a un mayor o comandante porque disparó la escopeta e hirió a una persona? No porque si un suboficial hace algo, el mismo alto mando llama a la prensa para demostrar que lo dieron de baja o que se aplicarán sanciones. En cambio, si es un oficial, tapan todo. Y eso viene de años...........
Estimado THINK
Dec 21st, 2019 - 10:46 pm - Link - Report abuse -1I read your missive while enjoying a wonderful Cabernet...
Fiction my friend, but I share with you what is true...
Decades ago, there was a unit named A2 that read and listened to nearly every international communication. Another completely separate organization named DINA collated that with domestic INTEL and terminated with extreme prejudice the lives of hundreds.
...then it was, as if Pontius Pilate washing his hands...
...in less than a month, all the involved A2 officers and their staff were reassigned to the very worst positions possible. Many were strongly encouraged to take early retirement.
...the mediocre officers monitoring mundane data about things like Soviet submarines were given sudden promotions...
...even in retirement, some still read about Soviet submersibles...
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31459/egypts-soviet-era-chinese-made-american-upgraded-subs-can-still-fire-harpoon-missiles
Like you said earlier, Russians built some amazing durable equipment.
“300 ojos reventados”..., fiction..., huhhhhhh?
Dec 21st, 2019 - 10:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I suppose then..., this is a female carabinera trying a reverse parking...?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xoT4lvysiyw
Chicureo
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 12:03 am - Link - Report abuse -1Conflicted governance filled with scandal seems to be the rule in Latin America, and good governance the exception. Aren't most of Peru's former presidents under investigation for corruption? I seem to recall one shot himself before he could be arrested.
“Who bears the the guilt? An enlisted conscript or a commissioned officer?”
You like hard questions. I've always heard following orders is not a defence, so it must be both. But I didn't realise your 'desk job' could involve such difficult choices.
Admiral Merino was head of the Navy during the Junta? Then he must have been your ultimate superior... unfortunate. What did he do that was so much worse than Pinochet?
Estimado THINK
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 12:43 am - Link - Report abuse -1Could you perhaps give your observations about Admiral Merino vs. Pinochet... It would be interesting.
DemonTree
Peru is one of Latin America's richest nations, but their historic governance has been like a soap opera. Their army and airforce are pitiful, but their navy is outstanding. Their avocado production is a competitor of my business.
Yes, Merino was my commanding admiral, but fortunately I rarely had any interaction with the bastard. Officers l believe should always bear the responsibility, even when they have the least guilt.
Hermanito...
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 12:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As you well know..., as an Argentino Culiao..., I must be very careful with any observation about such sensible topics as Shilean Admiral Merino vs. Shilean General Pinochet...
But..., if needed..., I could make an analogy with their almost identical Argie twin bastards in time and space..., Admiral Massera vs General Videla...
https://external-preview.redd.it/Dn9GDUhKV1dW3ZORYbouG3chyJdzjtr1uHNNjCs6pmc.jpg?auto=webp&s=c7c9f803aad08d6174fe2fe65cdd1296c2974f38
(As I told you before..., both bastardly Admirals met at Estancia Remolino (TdF) in December 1978 to drink Uisge and mock the ingenuity of their respective civilian populations...)
The Argie admiral and genera died in complete dishonour and ostracism...
The Shilean ones died with full honors granted...
That's maybe one of the reasons why we in Argieland just had a fully peaceful and democratic party with ~2,000,000 participants at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires...,in stark contrast with what is happening since a couple of months at Plaza de la Dignidad in Santiago...
Capisce...?
Yesterday I read an obituary of Adm Merino, and today I read one for Massera. The latter gave a much clearer impression of why he was particularly hated. I always wondered why the Junta kept their prisoners at the naval school...
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 04:31 pm - Link - Report abuse -2Guess you were lucky not to have much contact with him, Chicureo. It's extra shitty that the Navy didn’t even look after their own during that time. What was your rank when you retired?
Re the protests, they've always been common in Argentina. Whereas it looks like Chileans have been bottling up their grievances and they're all coming out now.
As for Peru, why would their navy be so much better than the other branches? Peru is not an island nation.
Estimado THINK & DemonTree
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 06:32 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Blessed wishes to you both on the fourth day of Advent.
It's been a glorious day so far and currently enjoying a Sauvignon blanc...
You know my opinion about Pinochet.
I occasionally lunch with with a small group of my colleagues at the Club de la Union. Most are now retired and have wide diverse range of political opinions, but not one of us have any charitable memories about Admiral Merino. ...we do agree he was a mean drunk after a half bottle of Chivas Regal...
And yes, I was very fortunate...
Peru has an enormous Pacific area of control of 200 nautical miles from their coast. (An enormous fisheries region.). They also conduct drug and antiterrorist authority over their Amazon waterways as well as Lake Titicaca.
The last time they fought with my country, their capital was occupied, looted and burned. They also lost a significant amount of territory. During the mid-20th century their sea region was ruthlessly exploited by other countries.
Their naval officers are highly respected. I've had some very cordial encounters, but we are their nemesis and ingrained in their character is an enduring animosity for us. Their submarine fleet continue to keep us wary.
Peruvian politics allowed the other services to be corrupted and their training schools have been historically poorly administered. It's a cultural situation.
Shicuréo...
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 07:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Not to justify or defend Sr. Merino in any way but..., did anyone on that small but critical milico pensioner lunch group of yours at the Club de la Union ever served in combat...?
Estimado THINK
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What an interesting question...
I think the answer speaks volumes.
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 10:08 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Shicuréo...
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 10:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 01-0 to Mr. Merino..., I reckon...?
You're making me jealous, drinking wine out in the sun. I just finished wrapping presents for my family, takes longer every year. Don't know how you cope with 6 grandchildren.
Dec 22nd, 2019 - 10:45 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Argentina's EEZ must be comparable to Peru's, and they don't have a strong navy. Maybe they should?
Peru and Bolivia underestimated Chile in the War of the Pacific, and paid the price. Does Peru also demand their territory back, like Bolivia? Makes me wonder if Chile has a good relationship with any of its neighbours.
As for serving in combat, they lost their chance of fighting a real war when Argentina decided not to invade. Does the Chilean navy participate in UN peacekeeping missions?
DemonTree
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 02:26 am - Link - Report abuse -1I'm amused the “useful idiot” completely misunderstands the conversation...
The grandchildren is one of the reasons Madam Mémère insisted on a new pied-à-terre in Viña.
With all due respect for him,THINK gave me a loaded question, which he knew I couldn't answer because Chile was not innocent during the Falklands War, nor the unfortunate Alto Cenepa War of 1995.
There are subjects best left unexplained, and THINK knows...
He's still embarrassed and resentful of his nation's long running military debacle and although he's completely against rebuilding his country's defense capabilities, as he also knows Argentina has a pathetic reputation of protecting their supposed territories.
In 1978 Argentina even had an aircraft carrier in its fleet. They arguably had the best Airforce, but their national army has been notorious since the 1930's...
They have in Buenos Aires, one of the finest and most elegant military clubs in the world!
Chile has had a tenuous and conflictive relationship with our neighbors, ready to defend if a threat occurs. Bolivia will never be satisfied, nor will Peru absolve us for defeating them. We always need to be wary with Argentina.
Chile has been continuously involved in UN peacekeeping, international military cooperation and joint naval exercises.
Shicuréo...
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 12:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 01) If them grandchildren were one of the reasons Madam Mémère insisted on a new pied-à-terre in Viña..., I sincerily hope she took Greta Thunberg in consideration...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JAszGOAKX00
(The above + an all to overwhelming Shileo-Stalinistic Industrial Sea Wiew is what's keeping me from acquiring some shoreline property in beautiful Ventanas... ;-)))
2) Juppp..., “there are indeed subjects best left unexplained...”..., for you..., “Shilean Armed Farces Milicos” who can't answer no questions..., because your shady actions can't bear the light of day...
- Different story though the one of them Shilean armed conflicts Veterans from what our dear..., noble and Nobel Chilean poetress so fittingly once called...: “Pequeños Ejércitos Locos de Voluntad de Sacrificio”...
Capisce
Estimado THINK
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 03:04 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Out of sincere respect for your understanding of what cannot be said, many things that have happened were indeed tragic. Other aspects are seen by me from a parallax view, and I acknowledge your deductive abilities.
I acknowledge your intellectual perceptions, but there are however some things I judge you are misinformed.
Climate change is happening and has for millions of years. Coastal erosion is nothing new, difficult to alter and is why building site location is fundamental in Viña.
The greatest threat is earthquakes and tsunamis. That's why we were particular in selection of the builder and location. Worst case situation probably would be a flooded parking garage and lobby.
You well know that one of our naval challenges was relocating a submarine that Mother Nature had moved inland in 2010. An entire costal municipality was devastated then. Madam Lafarge and I have watched in horror the tsunamis devastating power on television.
The political debate about Climate Change I believe is a thinly veiled propaganda ruse to implement international carbon taxes. In fact, a scheme to redistribute global wealth.
I do strongly support strict measures on pollution, especially in our oceans and air pollution is a serious health issue, especially in Santiago. Clean air, clean water and reasonable cost effective adaptation to sustainable energy all make sense.
For Chile, LNG is the medium short term primary future solution to at least 60% of our domestic power needs. The idea of embracing thorium reactors, scare me and why I think we need to still encourage costly solar and wind supplemental power.
What everyone is conveniently ignoring is that undersea volcanic eruptions far outweigh human produced carbon emissions.
Prove me misinformed...
Shicuréo...
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 05:13 pm - Link - Report abuse +11) Your +40 years of Armed Farces brainwash havn't been in vain...
No useful information extracted...
Gives us at least the Geneva Convention approved info as their names, date of birth, rank and service number... ;-)
2) Happy to see that Mme. Lefarge has acted in line with her genomic imprint...
Sadly for you..., it isn't osmotically transferable...
3) Pleeeease..., stop using Lomborg-ian fallacies and trying to introduce quick- fix miracle arguments as your above...: ***“ Everyone is conveniently ignoring that undersea volcanic eruptions far outweigh human produced carbon emissions.”***...
NOBODY IN THE THINKING COMMUNITY IS OR HAS EVER IGNORED THE FACT THAT volcanic eruptions..., super calderas explosions..., pole shiftings or even the odd comet..., can cause more harm to life in our world than we human beings ever could...
But that isn't..., IN ANY WAY..., a justification to knowingly fkuck our only planet for personal profit of the few...
That's Gretas message...
No more..., no less...
Capisce...?
Estimado THINK
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse -1I googled Bjørn Lomborg, as I was not aware of his book.
You remain a wellspring of knowledge. Also perhaps a reexamination calibrating of ones compass. Certainly, I share some of your viewpoints, but I'm convinced “Climate Change” is Orwellian speak for “Carbon Tax” to justify redistribution of wealth.
How can you convince your fellow countrymen to stop eating beef?
What I've read from the Madrid gathering, people should consume more avocados, but haven't figured on how to justify the freight carbon imprint. Supposedly if I buy carbon credits to offset my imprint, I become carbon neutral. In other words, another tax...
Carbon emission trading is the devil introduced in the system not by climate scientists but by capitalistic economists...
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 07:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0IMHO..., Carbon quotas should be as devolved Indigenous Territories....: Non-Negotiable...
And pleeeeeeease...., don't mess with my Argie beef... ;-)
Redistribution of wealth from who to who?
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 08:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0DemonTree
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 10:10 pm - Link - Report abuse -1You ask a question that has many answers depending on your political agenda. In the wide scope of the worlds population of billions economically rated, what percentile do you think you fit in...?
Not to make you jealous, but it's been a particularly warm day and after guzzling liters of lemonade today, I've now replaced my traditional Sauvignon Blanc for an over chilled Viognier. (My answer to Global Warming...)
THINK expresses the opinion that “Carbon emission trading is the devil introduced in the system not by climate scientists but by capitalistic economists...”
He frightens me sometimes, as that is my exact sentiment as well. And his defense of consuming the fabulous Argentine beef is reassuring he's still not lost his national identity.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffreydorfman/2018/12/18/uncomfortable-truths-about-climate-change-carbon-taxes-and-inequality/#26d528847a1d
Redistribution of wealth by sharing with the poor, sounds reasonable until you realize you're the one they want to share by finding a new source of over-taxing...
Cheer So!
“In the wide scope of the worlds population of billions economically rated, what percentile do you think you fit in...?”
Dec 23rd, 2019 - 11:02 pm - Link - Report abuse -2In the world, a pretty high one. The article says a fair carbon tax would fall heaviest on the poor, which seems surprising, but then it's not going to be your money they are sharing, so why object?
And it's a very strange attitude to say you do not like a proposed solution to a problem, therefore the problem does not exist. Treatments for cancer are universally unpleasant, but pretending it's not real doesn't make it go away.
What did Chile have to do with the Cenepa war?
DemonTree
Dec 24th, 2019 - 01:44 am - Link - Report abuse -1I don't believe the Forbes article either, it was just an example of hundreds of articles that many contradict themselves. There is no clear answer, because the question has never really been defined adequately to convince skeptics like myself.
THINK understands it's the “devil introduced...by capitalistic [socialist] economists” to redistribute income.
THINK also knows the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Ecuador received extensive INTEL, PSYOPS and logistics support from its friends.
In all case, I wish you and your family enjoy the holidays in your new home my friend. Cheers!
Ermmmm...
Dec 24th, 2019 - 08:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0What has providing “extensive INTEL, PSYOPS and logistics support” to your enemies enemy to do with serving in combat...?
Geeeeee...
I better stop now...
I can feel a certain primordial sympathy sprouting up from the very bottom of my groins for that Devil old school veteran Merino Castro in command of a bunch of contradictory..., unclear..., sceptical cachorros de milicos sabelotodos y escritoriados... :-)
Feliz navidad..., y todo eso....
Chicureo
Dec 24th, 2019 - 08:53 am - Link - Report abuse -2Are you worried governments might start taxing other negative externalities, such as those caused by avocado farming?
“THINK understands it's the “devil introduced...by capitalistic [socialist] economists” to redistribute income.”
I didn't know Think believed Mauricio Macri to be a socialist...
I'm surprised he's not complaining at me, I've just increased my carbon footprint by moving to a bigger house in the countryside.
“the enemy of my enemy is my friend”
A useful principle, except when the enemy of your enemy is Al Quaida.
I hope you and your family have a good Christmas too.
I'd like to wish everyone that has commented here a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!
Dec 24th, 2019 - 09:06 am - Link - Report abuse +2Chicureo
Dec 25th, 2019 - 11:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“completely misunderstands the conversation...”
Chicureo “Although I've defended Pinochet despite his regrettable actions”
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