In my opinion, and I could be completely wrong, Mr Musk is saying controversial things to draw attention and users to "X". Which implies that X is losing money.

Similarly, Mr Trump is talking about acquiring or invading Greenland and Panama to distract from his criminal sentencing coming up soon. It does not help with the Ukraine situation.

Excellent Observation. You have re-invented the Peter_principle. The same guy is responsible for both.

I first read it in Parkinson'e Law as "Everybody is promoted to the level at which they are incompetent."

It also pushed H1b visas off the front page.

Smoke and mirrors.

We don't need a crystal ball to see that X is losing money. He borrowed most of the money, so it's other people's. And he may be making a purchase: buying attention, may consider it a good price.

Liddle Donnie wants people to pay attention to his sentencing. It's good publicity for him. He and the Trumpkins will celebrate the extermination of Ukraine. They like the attention talk of invading other countries brings.

I didn't claim to invent it, but to correct your expression of it slightly.

Mr Parkinson pioneered the modern management advice book and was an admirable Englishman.

They'll be back. The businesspersons giving him millions will get what they want - and pay for. The Trumpkins won't care.

Let me remind folks:

Hitler gained power because he conquered other territories (Austria, Czechoslovakia notably) while other countries sat on their hands.He built his army using the natural resources in those lands. Stopping him brought about WW2, and perhaps set the scene for Korean & Vietnam wars as well. Most in Europe regard that inaction as a grave mistake, and are anxious not to repeat it. Does Trump think Ukraine is his to give away?

That's a good question. Given his erratic behaviour it's hard to predict what he'll say or do. In the considered opinion of many the president-elect is not well. Also, he's mercurial; he changes his actions quickly on a whim.
The other really dangerous thing about Trump is that he rarely if ever admits to making a mistake. Hence, his people will be hesitant to give him constructive criticism.

The Irish?

Are anxious that it not happen - how much they're willing to do to stop it - they don't even want to pay more for energy.

Yes. He'll smirk at their conquest.

He never admits to having made a mistake.

They stop being 'his' people when they criticize him.

The Irish NOW generally regard inaction against Hitler as a mistake. That's purely theoretical, because our army is a joke, but we'll sit drinking beer and say "Oh yes, somebody should have done something about that." We'll never think that in fact WE are somebody!

Having said that, all of my faith are neutral. Putin will hear nothing from us, except please to stop persecuting us as extremists.

The European situation was neatly summed up by Churchill. He was regarded as extremist until the war started, and England realised they actually needed an Extremist. From what you folks say, interesting times lie ahead. Ireland has the advantage of insignificance on the world stage, and sycophants across the political spectrum here very willing to plead our case. But before Trump gets very many bills through Congress and the Senate, you'll have your mid terms, which may well cramp his style.

Bad attitude? Lol it is one of the most chills forums I have been on in YEARS.

I think that is giving them too much credit as to their motives. They both just have huge egos that require daily validation boosts!

I don't think that is true. I would say the opposite in that they are much more anxious not to start ww3 and so would make many conscessions just like how chaimberlain did. History would certainly repeat itself I would imagine.

No way I could see the uk being strong on anything. They are just reactionary and most of the other european 'beta' countries would be the same.

That applies to politicians as well. Never admit anything unless absolutely backed into a corner.

I think nobody but President-elect Trump actually knows how his term will actually play out and it's quite possible HE doesn't know either. Initially with the election results I was very worried for our country, and by some extension, the world, that Project 2025 would actually hold the reins and an extremely efficient authoritarian Theocracy could result.

Lately I am more of the mind it could be a study in ineptness. Trump seems to take most of his cues from TV. Every nominee he's promoted so far has been a television/web personality, many from Fox News. So far some have been shot down and 2 didn't even have the paperwork done to meet the vet deadline and with no subsequent date.

As for Musk, he and extreme MAGA are at war by their own statements. Steve Bannon called him a child, and an evil racist and said he'd "rip his face off" while adding he should "go back to Africa" (nevermind the economic and military losses of such a move) .

Musk was equally aggressive with
Popcorn indeed! However with Trump stating he "won on groceries" and then later complaining "groceries are hard" it is looking like he will bail ob his commitments once again, especially to those not Elite, and forget all about his base that got him elected.

All we can objectively hope for in my view is it doesn't get catastrophic and we common citizens learn important lessons on the actual value of the actual Constitution.... on both sides of the aisle. One important lesson would be learning to appreciate the vastly underrated, even largely ignored, importance of Primary Elections.

He knows nothing but how he feels at the moment. Flattery and bribery will get almost anything out of him.

How many billions does Bannon have? He doesn't matter.

He made no commitments: he simply ran his mouth. The base will get what they really want: his apotheosis.

Wow, not a MAGA crowd here. Glad the majority woke up and voted the right way this time for God, constitution, and the country. Maybe we can get things turned around ... which is maybe as there will always be push back... But maybe get a few things straightened out at least concerning borders and education at least. Where men are men and women are women.