Things that I really like (10 Viewers)

[Desertkiwi]

Yes, I'm with you on this one. It's amazing to me that some get so upset by hearing contrary viewpoints. And the default is to "ignore" you. I'm willing to talk with anyone and like to hear their views even if I disagree with them. It's not a personal thing in my opinion if someone has a contrary opinion.

Yeah, don’t get the ‘ignore’ thingy in the slightest. All sounds a bit childish to me. No one’s forcing anyone to read anything on here. It’s all choice and free speech…….

 

[paxtoysoldier]

It's your right to ignore whatever you want to. You don't need a button. But I choose to listen to everyone, as painful as that may be...
Best Wishes to All
Paddy

 

[OzDigger]

Canada has a very small coastal defense force. They don't need an actual navy because they realize their proximity to the US protects them from any invasion. In return, Canada has imposed tariffs on US goods and sided with China in a trade war against the US. Apparently concluding that they dislike Trump more than the communist Chinese.

On a global basis, Canada has an average size navy, similar to Australia, and I doubt they consider their proximity to the US as being a positive factor in their defence, more a liability as the US tend to PO a lot of other countries, especially with Herr Trump in charge.

The United States has an overly large Navy, Army and Air Force, among the largest in the World. Why? Who would want to 'invade' the US when they can just walk, boat or fly in. But what are the chances of the US Government making serious cutbacks on military spending and improve their health system, and education etc etc. Somewhere between Slim and None I suspect (sadly).

And I don't mean any offence to American members, but seriously guys, why spend soo much on defence, is someone making a lot of money out of it

 

[marco55]

I get sick of people putting party over country. Take medical insurance, you can't tell me if they sat down and worked together they couldn't come up with something that's affordable to all and insurance companies could still make a profit, just not billions upon billions.
Mark

 

[OzDigger]

I guess people are going to have to learn to live with the disappointment of being put on ignore by certain members.

Sounds like something one would do if they were 14, but whatever.

"I'm not listening la la la la la"..................

I am open to whatever people have to say about any subject, opposing views are always welcome and it's good to see how others feel/what they think about things, I don't have to agree with it, but I am open to someone elses viewpoint, this is how you learn and grow as a human being, it's called freedom of speech for a reason.

My youngest Sister and I don't always agree on politics, but we love each other and I respect her position and am open to what she has to say; ignoring her would be childish and petty, I see and hear stories all the time about how siblings and friends no longer speak due to political differences.

That's pathetically sad.

Disgusting is more like it.

As the saying goes; "I may not agree with what You Say, But I Will Defend to the Death Your Right to Say It."

I don't have anyone on ignore as I enjoy a good debate, but can understand why some would 'ignore' or even stop posting here, this is a Toy Soldier forum afterall.

I had a break from the forum over Christmas etc, enjoyed catching up with my sons. I also became eligible for the Aged Pension in late January and tried a few other hobbies in my full retirement, such as growing house plants. That hobby didn't work out for a variety of reasons, so back to TF forum as I still love Military History/Miniatures and enjoy discussing this hobby as well as non hobby themes.

I'm sure I've upset a number of forum members over my long years on the forum, same as in real life, my ADHD and 'forthright' personality doesn't help I guess. I've been told I'm worse in person as my 'filter' was broke from childhood, and I have a quick wit, usually at other peoples expense, as you know most people don't like being the source of humour, we all prefer to laugh at other peoples expense. That said, I don't hate anyone on this forum, any disagreements are all in the past to me as 'out of sight is out of mind' is literally where my mind is at.

Although I claim to be in the middle politically, I guess I lean a bit to the Right. Which has resulted in a number of debates/arguements with my older brother, who I would say was close to Looney Woke Left. He reckons I'm a Trump supporter, which I tended to encourage in the past as I found that amusing. Sadly things came to a head when he and his wife paid for my birthday meal at a local surf club in January, these meals being a tradition in our family.

Anyhow I brought up the recent ICE shootings in the US as I had recently watched a video (see below) that brings some more clarity to the matter, and is more pro ICE. I should mention that I suspect my brother is Narcissistic, I'm not an expert but if he isn't suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), he's close enough imo. And of course anyone with NPD does not like anyone disagreeing with them, and me being ADHD, I rarely give AF about that. Soo things got louder and more heated until we were both standing up in the surf club and shouting at each other, then silence decended as he said he wasn't going to talk to me anymore, which is a known tactic of those with NPD. So I can relate to your relationship with your sister, but hope it doesn't get to that stage with your sibling.

 

[mikemiller1955]

On a global basis, Canada has an average size navy, similar to Australia, and I doubt they consider their proximity to the US as being a positive factor in their defence, more a liability as the US tend to PO a lot of other countries, especially with Herr Trump in charge.

The United States has an overly large Navy, Army and Air Force, among the largest in the World. Why? Who would want to 'invade' the US when they can just walk, boat or fly in. But what are the chances of the US Government making serious cutbacks on military spending and improve their health system, and education etc etc. Somewhere between Slim and None I suspect (sadly).

And I don't mean any offence to American members, but seriously guys, why spend soo much on defence, is someone making a lot of money out of it

good points...and I'm not offended at all by what you said...you are spot on...

the US military budget this year will probably exceed $1 TRILLION...that's an insane amount of money...
health and education system is currently a shambles...heck...we don't even have a health system...it's all privatized...

wanna see a big number...the cost of the "Golden Dome" defense Trump has been touting...$3.5 TRILLION over the next 20 years...
gonna need another couple of tariff increases to finance that one...

conversely....of the Big Three...we spend over twice as much as the other 2 countries combined...

China's 2025 budget was estimated at $247 BILLION with a forecasted increase of about 7.5% for 2026...

Russia in the middle of a protractive expensive war for 2026 is estimated at $162 BILLION...

 

[mikemiller1955]

I get sick of people putting party over country. Take medical insurance, you can't tell me if they sat down and worked together they couldn't come up with something that's affordable to all and insurance companies could still make a profit, just not billions upon billions.
Mark

if only Mark...it's a shame that can't or has not been done!

 

[OzDigger]

good points...and I'm not offended at all by what you said...you are spot on...

the US military budget this year will probably exceed $1 TRILLION...that's an insane amount of money...
health and education system is currently a shambles...heck...we don't even have a health system...it's all privatized...

wanna see a big number...the cost of the "Golden Dome" defense Trump has been touting...$3.5 TRILLION over the next 20 years...
gonna need another couple of tariff increases to finance that one...

conversely....of the Big Three...we spend over twice as much as the other 2 countries combined...

China's 2025 budget was estimated at $247 BILLION with a forecasted increase of about 7.5% for 2026...

Russia in the middle of a protractive expensive war for 2026 is estimated at $162 BILLION...

Agree Mike, these are crazy amounts of money which are spent on a non-productive industry, at a time when few countries can afford it, politically, economically, and I dare say, morally.

The Australian defence force is relatively efficent compared to these figures, but I suspect the recent AUKUS (Australia/UK/US) nuclear submarine 'deal' will be a complete waste of money: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AUKUS

 

[Warrior]

I don't have anyone on ignore as I enjoy a good debate, but can understand why some would 'ignore' or even stop posting here, this is a Toy Soldier forum afterall.

I had a break from the forum over Christmas etc, enjoyed catching up with my sons. I also became eligible for the Aged Pension in late January and tried a few other hobbies in my full retirement, such as growing house plants. That hobby didn't work out for a variety of reasons, so back to TF forum as I still love Military History/Miniatures and enjoy discussing this hobby as well as non hobby themes.

I'm sure I've upset a number of forum members over my long years on the forum, same as in real life, my ADHD and 'forthright' personality doesn't help I guess. I've been told I'm worse in person as my 'filter' was broke from childhood, and I have a quick wit, usually at other peoples expense, as you know most people don't like being the source of humour, we all prefer to laugh at other peoples expense. That said, I don't hate anyone on this forum, any disagreements are all in the past to me as 'out of sight is out of mind' is literally where my mind is at.

Although I claim to be in the middle politically, I guess I lean a bit to the Right. Which has resulted in a number of debates/arguements with my older brother, who I would say was close to Looney Woke Left. He reckons I'm a Trump supporter, which I tended to encourage in the past as I found that amusing. Sadly things came to a head when he and his wife paid for my birthday meal at a local surf club in January, these meals being a tradition in our family.

Anyhow I brought up the recent ICE shootings in the US as I had recently watched a video (see below) that brings some more clarity to the matter, and is more pro ICE. I should mention that I suspect my brother is Narcissistic, I'm not an expert but if he isn't suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), he's close enough imo. And of course anyone with NPD does not like anyone disagreeing with them, and me being ADHD, I rarely give AF about that. Soo things got louder and more heated until we were both standing up in the surf club and shouting at each other, then silence decended as he said he wasn't going to talk to me anymore, which is a known tactic of those with NPD. So I can relate to your relationship with your sister, but hope it doesn't get to that stage with your sibling.

My ignore comment was not directed at you; sorry about your riff with your brother, I really hate to see such things over differences in political views, sad really, I hope things get back on track with the two of you.

One thing no one wants is regret; imagine not talking to a sibling or a friend and then that person passes, that's it, over and out, regret will eat you alive.

My oldest brother and my Dad did not see eye to eye, they loved each other but banged heads all the time, he told me at our Dad's funeral "I have a lot of regret over my relationship with Dad, you had such a great relationship with him, I wish I had made things right with him before he died."

Imagine that hanging over your head and how that must bother him.

I love my youngest Sister to death even if she is a woke, libtard, far, far left wing loon who has the worst case of TDS I've ever seen...................

 

[OzDigger]

My ignore comment was not directed at you; sorry about your riff with your brother, I really hate to see such things over differences in political views, sad really, I hope things get back on track with the two of you.

One thing no one wants is regret; imagine not talking to a sibling or a friend and then that person passes, that's it, over and out, regret will eat you alive.

My oldest brother and my Dad did not see eye to eye, they loved each other but banged heads all the time, he told me at our Dad's funeral "I have a lot of regret over my relationship with Dad, you had such a great relationship with him, I wish I had made things right with him before he died."

Imagine that hanging over your head and how that must bother him.

I love my youngest Sister to death even if she is a woke, libtard, far, far left wing loon who has the worst case of TDS I've ever seen...................

George mate, I wasn't upset by your 'ignore' post, just making a general statement about what some people may feel about this forum when debates get political.

As for my brother, yes a sad situation, and I accept some blame as I'm like the proverbial 'dog with a bone' regarding debates, difficult for me to drop it. However in the past he has frequently started discussions on US politics, which I usually tried to avoid. Therefore I did not expect this outcome, hopefully things will return to normal in time.

 

[Panzer ace]

Tip of my cap to George and Matt for proving that you can agree to disagree, post back and forth and ultimately find common ground.

I have never met either one of them in person yet I consider them to be my friends, I respect them even more after this recent exchange.

 

[Combat]

George mate, I wasn't upset by your 'ignore' post, just making a general statement about what some people may feel about this forum when debates get political.

As for my brother, yes a sad situation, and I accept some blame as I'm like the proverbial 'dog with a bone' regarding debates, difficult for me to drop it. However in the past he has frequently started discussions on US politics, which I usually tried to avoid. Therefore I did not expect this outcome, hopefully things will return to normal in time.

While it's true that this is a "toy soldier" forum this thread is in a subsubsection of the forum that has nothing to do with toy soldiers. If it is upsetting to anyone who doesn't want to hear contrary views on a variety of topics and just want to discuss toy soldiers, there is a very simple solution that doesn't involve putting others on ignore or suggesting what they believe should be discussed. Just stick to the portion of the forum dedicated to toy soldiers. In most instances, the posts here have nothing to do with politics.

 

[Combat]

On a global basis, Canada has an average size navy, similar to Australia, and I doubt they consider their proximity to the US as being a positive factor in their defence, more a liability as the US tend to PO a lot of other countries, especially with Herr Trump in charge.

The United States has an overly large Navy, Army and Air Force, among the largest in the World. Why? Who would want to 'invade' the US when they can just walk, boat or fly in. But what are the chances of the US Government making serious cutbacks on military spending and improve their health system, and education etc etc. Somewhere between Slim and None I suspect (sadly).

And I don't mean any offence to American members, but seriously guys, why spend soo much on defence, is someone making a lot of money out of it

The US spends money on defense for a number of reasons. Some legitimate and some not. There are legitimate threats from China, Russia, N. Korea and others. Our politicians derive power and influence from spending money. Thus the COVID handouts and military spending allow them to decide how that money is spent. That means they are lobbied by industries who want the money who in turn keep them in office. The net result is that much of the entire world does rely on the US military - directly or indirectly - to provide for their national defense. That is just a fact whether they want to acknowledge it or not. Canada spends practically nothing on defense because they understand that the US would never allow a foreign adversary to invade Canada given its proximity to the US. The US has military bases around the world to protect those countries. If the US is not being used to defend those countries, then why do those countries allow the US to have such bases? Europe's economy and socialist policies are centered around the US paying for the privilege to defend them from Russia.

 

[Warrior]

George mate, I wasn't upset by your 'ignore' post, just making a general statement about what some people may feel about this forum when debates get political.

As for my brother, yes a sad situation, and I accept some blame as I'm like the proverbial 'dog with a bone' regarding debates, difficult for me to drop it. However in the past he has frequently started discussions on US politics, which I usually tried to avoid. Therefore I did not expect this outcome, hopefully things will return to normal in time.

I just wanted to be sure to let you know my comment was not directed at you, really hope things get patched up between you and your brother, in less than 3 years Trump will be gone and the left will have to find some other shiny object to be upset about.

 

[Warrior]

Canada has a very small coastal defense force. They don't need an actual navy because they realize their proximity to the US protects them from any invasion. In return, Canada has imposed tariffs on US goods and sided with China in a trade war against the US. Apparently concluding that they dislike Trump more than the communist Chinese.

You shouldn't be upset at Canada over this; you should be more upset that Canada gave the musical world Nickelback.

 

[Combat]

Great hockey game between Canada and the US this morning. Fast paced. I didn't realize the hockey rink is smaller in the Olympics than the NHL. Interestingly, it hasn't resulted in a lot of scoring. In fact, the opposite. The ice feels crowded on the offensive end. Lots of stick on stick blocks that are obstructing shots. Canada seems to have the momentum but it just takes one lucky break in such a close game.

 

[Combat]

Not a fan of 3 on 3 overtime in a championship game. It basically makes the game a 50-50 proposition decided by luck. The way the US played so far, however, that is the best they could ask for. They have been outplayed and look tired.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Not a fan of 3 on 3 overtime in a championship game. It basically makes the game a 50-50 proposition decided by luck. The way the US played so far, however, that is the best they could ask for. They have been outplayed and look tired.

USA Men's Hockey...just won Gold over Canada in OT...

 

[Warrior]

Great hockey game between Canada and the US this morning. Fast paced. I didn't realize the hockey rink is smaller in the Olympics than the NHL. Interestingly, it hasn't resulted in a lot of scoring. In fact, the opposite. The ice feels crowded on the offensive end. Lots of stick on stick blocks that are obstructing shots. Canada seems to have the momentum but it just takes one lucky break in such a close game.

After the Italians laid out the ice surface and found out it was smaller than it should be, the reaction was "Oh wella, closa enougha".............we do cement, food and women well; other stuff, not so much.

 

[Combat]

USA Men's Hockey...just won Gold over Canada in OT...

Great game. The US was very lucky. Missed opportunities by the Canadians and great goalie play was the difference. I didn't realize that the US had not won in hockey in over 40 years. The Canadians looked miserable getting the silver. That made it all the better. And why was Crosby dressed when he was injured and got going to play? Very strange.