International relations

Updated,
posted on 3.10.19
3.11.19:

The German guy was following the talking points of the media.  The media has way, way too much influence in this country.  There's not much that can be done about that, or so it is said.  Did you know that only a handful of corporations control the media?

Yet, who benefits from that????  But the German guy was talking about Germany.  I don't know that country, but if it is anything like this country, the media has got a strong grip on people over there as well.

The media is not our friend.

3.10.19:

On a recent Uber ride, I had a German on board.  We engaged in a lively and friendly discussion about international relations.

His English was impeccable.   Not even an accent.  He could pass as an American.  Nobody would guess that he is from Germany.  His knowledge of history was first rate.  Indeed, he impressed me with his knowledge, and I must say, that his may well surpass my own.  But I won't be overawed by the guy, that is not the point.  The discussion was interesting.  Most interesting, indeed.

What did I learn?

There's a problem with our European allies.  This needs attention.   I hope somebody in Washington is on this, because if they are caught napping, we might have a problem.

He is concerned about a war with the Russians.  What he said seems plausible.

It may well be nice if we could negotiate a peace with Russia, but if that fails, our arms will have to do the talking.  He doesn't think the Germans are prepared for a war.  I thought that odd, since they seem to be worried.  They are more worried about the Americans than the they are about the Russians.  But the Americans aren't interested in taking over their country.  The Russians?  If they are worried about the Russians, maybe they should be concerned about that as a possibility.

He mentioned the German's recent warlike history, and so there may be that.  Nevertheless, if they are to remain independent, they need to be persuaded to increase their readiness.  That's the big challenge that needs to be met.

I would have liked to have talked longer, but the ride was about 30 minutes, so it was all too brief.