"PGR88’s future (walking away from our commitments) virtually guarantees a significant nuclear war in the next generation (approximately.)While I’m in absolutely in favor of individuals being well armed to protect themselves, the concept extended to a worldwide nuclear arms race, which WILL occur if the US continues to slide into weakness, is dangerous in the extreme. The US needs to emphatically lead a strong NATO, not quiver in fear as our allies dither.
If PGR88 thinks we have problems now, wait until a big radiation cloud settles over us. We don’t even have to be / might well not be directly involved."
That's been my opinion for decades. However, I'm starting to think we should wean the Euroweenies off the taxpayer USA teat. They have taken advantage of our largess by doubling down on Socialism, slashing their own defense capabilities, knowing full well we'll stand in front off Soviet Russian tanks in their place.
We have so many bases over there it is almost parody. We should have closed up shop and instead demanded deeds from Afghanistan and Iraq for large permanent bases, and serious cash offsets for their perpetual protection. Call it METO instead of NATO. After 50 years there maybe the savages will become as disarmed, civilized, snooty and cavalier as Europe has become.
I don't see how the USA "emphatically leading a strong NATO" ( prior to Dumbo ) earned us a bit of respect from the Euroweenies. I see and hear all the same kinds of bullsh!t about us as we heard starting in the 1960's. Heck, we can still get all the insults for free by not spending our cash defending them, don't ya think?
I mean we still got boomers, we still have ICBM's, we have carriers, we have so much capability for liquidating any enemy that it makes no sense for grunts to be in country, at least in civilized Europe. If our exit threatens their very existence then we should be on the receiving end of massive cash offsets right now.
I'd take it further. We should demand a full accounting of the Marshall Plan and all the lesser know cash cow programs since, and demand payment with interest. If we're gonna be mercenaries then we should get the respect, and the dough.
We're freaking broke. Broker than broke. So broke that it is borderline insane now. And for our trouble we get lip from our 'allies' at every opportunity. ( I love hearing these idjits tell us we need gun control and open borders ).
Sort of irrelevant. It kept the peace in the area at least well enough to prevent a much wider (potentially going nuclear) conflict.
However, MY idea of a strong NATO, with strong US leadership means all members pull their weight. WEAK leadership results in us paying most of the bills, and here I agree with you: NATO members MUST step up. Our exit doesn't threaten just a free Europe's existence. Think a few more years out: It threatens US by drastically increasing the chances of a serious nuclear conflict. Consider the consequences of a 100 warhead nuclear conflict, even with NO bombs landing on us.
Yes, but most of those assets can't be used in most ground war scenarios in Europe, esp. the nukes. The nukes are weapons of last resort, and the other forces are to keep "last resort" from happening. Europe MUST step up to the plate - perhaps a President Trump or Cruz can convince them (or maybe even Fiorina, although I rather dislike her in some other regards.) Most of the other candidates I have little hope for, when it comes to this point.
As a friend of mine who was getting overwhelmed with care of his Dad told me, in regard to other family members, "It's time to step up too, m-f'ers!"
(I'm actually in the same position, but have a great wife, thank God!)