Really interesting discussion, thanks! I read a great article the other day (sorry, don't remember where!) that I think helps to explain Trump's behavior with regard to Putin and Zelenskyy and also how he's treating the rest of us. In a nutshell, Trump operates like a mob boss. Mob bosses show respect to one another, so Trump shows respect to Putin. But within a family, the mob boss treats his underlings like dirt if necessary. The underlings have to respect the boss, but the boss can dish out rewards and punishment as he sees fit. So in Trump's view, Zelenskyy is an underling, as are the rest of us, and whatever he does we just have to suck it up.
Words can simply not express how grateful I am to you both for sharing this intelligent, thoughtful, considerate, passionate discussion. Truly. I have learned so much. I am a (middle aged mom), dual Irish/US citizen, living in Ireland for the past 20 odd years, so following the situations in both the US and Europe closely - and in Ukraine since the invasion. It is simply astonishing to me that this is happening in the US - that some Americans people (esp Republicans in Congress) seem to be accepting an alliance with Russia. I am hopeful Europe understands this, and they do seem to be coming together, especially the Nordic and Baltic states. I wish the European identity was stronger - national identity seems to come first among many citizens still. Even if politicians get on board, citizens need to get on board too. I wish everyone in Europe (and the States!) would watch this discussion. We are at such a critical point in history - and I am not sure ordinary citizens are paying attention enough. I promise to become a paid subscriber as soon as I can! Thank you again for your voices.
Really interesting discussion, thanks! I read a great article the other day (sorry, don't remember where!) that I think helps to explain Trump's behavior with regard to Putin and Zelenskyy and also how he's treating the rest of us. In a nutshell, Trump operates like a mob boss. Mob bosses show respect to one another, so Trump shows respect to Putin. But within a family, the mob boss treats his underlings like dirt if necessary. The underlings have to respect the boss, but the boss can dish out rewards and punishment as he sees fit. So in Trump's view, Zelenskyy is an underling, as are the rest of us, and whatever he does we just have to suck it up.
Words can simply not express how grateful I am to you both for sharing this intelligent, thoughtful, considerate, passionate discussion. Truly. I have learned so much. I am a (middle aged mom), dual Irish/US citizen, living in Ireland for the past 20 odd years, so following the situations in both the US and Europe closely - and in Ukraine since the invasion. It is simply astonishing to me that this is happening in the US - that some Americans people (esp Republicans in Congress) seem to be accepting an alliance with Russia. I am hopeful Europe understands this, and they do seem to be coming together, especially the Nordic and Baltic states. I wish the European identity was stronger - national identity seems to come first among many citizens still. Even if politicians get on board, citizens need to get on board too. I wish everyone in Europe (and the States!) would watch this discussion. We are at such a critical point in history - and I am not sure ordinary citizens are paying attention enough. I promise to become a paid subscriber as soon as I can! Thank you again for your voices.
Thank you so much, Claire!
Thank you so much 🙏🏼
It sounds like your classic groomed abusive relationship.
Hi, thank you! I really appreciate it.
We're are you from baby