This is the best thing I have read all day. Europe needs to stand firm against Trump. He is a fascist and they need to see this. Europe is remarkably diverse and has the capability to remain resolute, while facing Trump and his unqualified and corrupt team that he has assembled. The lessons from the past century should be guiding them. Hopefully, they will unanimously refute all of Trumps unhinged demands and show him, and the world that there are those who will defend democracy, freedom, and the sovereignty of all NATO nations.
You have elucidated the sad truth of appeasement folly contained in my favorite old gospel lyric: “Don’t let the devil ride, for if you let the devil ride, soon he’ll want to drive.”
This advice should also be taken by the US Congress. If they resolved to stand up to Trump regardless of personal attacks they could impeach him and most of his cabinet. Things might be worse for a while but we need to develop leaders who put the American people, the Constitution and the rule of law ahead of their on personal ambition.
Our fight for freedom in the Retake Democracy Movement in the US is aligned with the values of our NATO allies. We want them to retain their sovereignty as much as we want a new improved and functional democratic republic in the US. We abhor the Trumpian imperialism and threats, and we have not given up our fight on this side of "the pond".
Well worth watching in its entirety, including the introduction and the Q&A afterwards. I can't recall ever hearing either Thucydides or Václav Havel cited in a political speech before, let alone both of them within the first minutes. (And Carney is continuing to improve his French, at record speed.)
And in its intelligence and depth, and prescriptions for constructive solutions, what an incredible contrast to Trump's insulting, farcical appearance on that same stage earlier today!
Most Canadians apparently agree, regardless of their superficial political allegiances. I have never voted for the Liberal Party in my life, but I am profoundly grateful to have Mr. Carney as our PM compared to any of the alternatives.
I am heartened by these powerfully clear words. Every citizen needs to wake up to the dangerous, brutal and corrupt behavior of this so-called American President. He is a serious threat to global collaboration and must be stopped at all costs.
An insightful analysis by Mr. O’Neill. I, too, hope that Europe can stand firm, as Zelda Hester writes. But there are many forces - including the US government - working against that solidarity. Another part of the solution: The US needs to rid us of the threat to the world that its current government poses. The change needs to be brought about from within.
What we have seen is not accommodation. What we HAVE seen is appeasement, which is viewed as weakness. It does not work and only calls for more concessions. The man is a domestic terrorist, and we don't negotiate with them. He is also out of his mind and must be impeached and removed. We don't attack our allies.
You'd have thought that the European leaders would have the lesson of Munich 1938 permanently branded into their brains, but you'd be wrong.
The lesson to be learned from Munich is that if you give into the bully's demand for your lunch money, the bully won't just go away happy. Rather, the bully has learned that you can be easily intimidated, and will be back for more. Before you know it, you'll be buying the bully's lunch for the rest of the school year!
It appears that Europe's leaders are every bit as wimpy as Neville Chamberlain when it comes to standing up to blustering bullies.
Europe is standing firm. Europe wishes that you take care of your naked emperor, we can't do that for you because otherwise we would do the same as your naked emperor does to Venezuela.
This is the best thing I have read all day. Europe needs to stand firm against Trump. He is a fascist and they need to see this. Europe is remarkably diverse and has the capability to remain resolute, while facing Trump and his unqualified and corrupt team that he has assembled. The lessons from the past century should be guiding them. Hopefully, they will unanimously refute all of Trumps unhinged demands and show him, and the world that there are those who will defend democracy, freedom, and the sovereignty of all NATO nations.
You have elucidated the sad truth of appeasement folly contained in my favorite old gospel lyric: “Don’t let the devil ride, for if you let the devil ride, soon he’ll want to drive.”
This advice should also be taken by the US Congress. If they resolved to stand up to Trump regardless of personal attacks they could impeach him and most of his cabinet. Things might be worse for a while but we need to develop leaders who put the American people, the Constitution and the rule of law ahead of their on personal ambition.
Absolutely correct, and thank you for stating this so clearly.
Our fight for freedom in the Retake Democracy Movement in the US is aligned with the values of our NATO allies. We want them to retain their sovereignty as much as we want a new improved and functional democratic republic in the US. We abhor the Trumpian imperialism and threats, and we have not given up our fight on this side of "the pond".
Professor O'Neill. Maybe your best yet.
My father, Naval Academy graduate, and grandfather, both Naval officers, would have understood your message.
"lead under conditions that guarantee pain"
Very much a question mark.
I profoundly appreciate your wisdom in helping us understand this time of choice.
Or as our Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney put it in his speech at Davos yesterday (Wednesday 2026/01/20):
"This is a rupture, not a transition."
https://www.cpac.ca/headline-politics/episode/world-economic-forum-special-address-by-pm-mark-carney?id=a5157ccf-d1f1-457a-89fd-46a6bd651479
Well worth watching in its entirety, including the introduction and the Q&A afterwards. I can't recall ever hearing either Thucydides or Václav Havel cited in a political speech before, let alone both of them within the first minutes. (And Carney is continuing to improve his French, at record speed.)
And in its intelligence and depth, and prescriptions for constructive solutions, what an incredible contrast to Trump's insulting, farcical appearance on that same stage earlier today!
Mr.Carney presented an excelent and articulate speech. His positions were clear.
I wish that we had leadership like this. Mr. Carney is a national treasure.
Most Canadians apparently agree, regardless of their superficial political allegiances. I have never voted for the Liberal Party in my life, but I am profoundly grateful to have Mr. Carney as our PM compared to any of the alternatives.
I am heartened by these powerfully clear words. Every citizen needs to wake up to the dangerous, brutal and corrupt behavior of this so-called American President. He is a serious threat to global collaboration and must be stopped at all costs.
An insightful analysis by Mr. O’Neill. I, too, hope that Europe can stand firm, as Zelda Hester writes. But there are many forces - including the US government - working against that solidarity. Another part of the solution: The US needs to rid us of the threat to the world that its current government poses. The change needs to be brought about from within.
"He reads accommodation as permission."
What we have seen is not accommodation. What we HAVE seen is appeasement, which is viewed as weakness. It does not work and only calls for more concessions. The man is a domestic terrorist, and we don't negotiate with them. He is also out of his mind and must be impeached and removed. We don't attack our allies.
You'd have thought that the European leaders would have the lesson of Munich 1938 permanently branded into their brains, but you'd be wrong.
The lesson to be learned from Munich is that if you give into the bully's demand for your lunch money, the bully won't just go away happy. Rather, the bully has learned that you can be easily intimidated, and will be back for more. Before you know it, you'll be buying the bully's lunch for the rest of the school year!
It appears that Europe's leaders are every bit as wimpy as Neville Chamberlain when it comes to standing up to blustering bullies.
Message to Mr. O'Neill.
Europe is standing firm. Europe wishes that you take care of your naked emperor, we can't do that for you because otherwise we would do the same as your naked emperor does to Venezuela.
Trump is worse than a first grader. His entire mentality is about winning. Winning strategies are not his forte.