Can't believe some readers thought you were being dramatic, Tim.
Let's take a moment to unpack what's happening here, because this isn't just about visa fees or mileage points—it's a snapshot of a world reacting to *decades* of American policy whiplash. Brazil's reciprocity visa? A direct mirror of the hostile, transactional approach to global relations that became gospel under the Trump administration. When we treat allies like adversaries and slap tariffs on trading partners, we shouldn't act shocked when the world holds up a mirror. And Europe issuing burner phones to staff entering the U.S.? That's not hyperbole—it's a chilling indictment of how far trust in American governance has eroded, thanks to years of chaotic immigration theatrics and surveillance overreach.
Now, these tariffs on Chinese goods—145% hikes? This isn't "putting America first." It's a tax on American consumers, plain and simple, while failing to address the root of our reliance on overseas manufacturing. And United Airlines' points fiasco? A microcosm of corporate greed thriving in an era where accountability is optional.
What ties all this together? A world scrambling to adapt to America's self-inflicted volatility. The lesson here isn't about stocking up on luggage or gaming fare classes. It's about recognizing that when we abandon diplomacy, equity, and basic competence on the global stage, the backlash isn't just political—it's personal. It hits families at Iguazu Falls, travelers at security lines, and working Americans at the checkout counter. The question isn't whether we'll pay the price. It's *how much* we're willing to pay before we demand better.
I hear you loud and clear Glen. It’s why I spend most of my time living elsewhere and only return to the USA when I need to for business or to visit relatives. I left during the first Tangerine Man term and it’s worse this time around because there are no adults keeping the angry senile aggressor in check. It’s going to have to burn down before people wake up and we can rebuild again. Until the gullible who swallowed the bait see their lives crumble under crushing inflation, we won’t be able to swing back to sanity.
Can't believe some readers thought you were being dramatic, Tim.
Let's take a moment to unpack what's happening here, because this isn't just about visa fees or mileage points—it's a snapshot of a world reacting to *decades* of American policy whiplash. Brazil's reciprocity visa? A direct mirror of the hostile, transactional approach to global relations that became gospel under the Trump administration. When we treat allies like adversaries and slap tariffs on trading partners, we shouldn't act shocked when the world holds up a mirror. And Europe issuing burner phones to staff entering the U.S.? That's not hyperbole—it's a chilling indictment of how far trust in American governance has eroded, thanks to years of chaotic immigration theatrics and surveillance overreach.
Now, these tariffs on Chinese goods—145% hikes? This isn't "putting America first." It's a tax on American consumers, plain and simple, while failing to address the root of our reliance on overseas manufacturing. And United Airlines' points fiasco? A microcosm of corporate greed thriving in an era where accountability is optional.
What ties all this together? A world scrambling to adapt to America's self-inflicted volatility. The lesson here isn't about stocking up on luggage or gaming fare classes. It's about recognizing that when we abandon diplomacy, equity, and basic competence on the global stage, the backlash isn't just political—it's personal. It hits families at Iguazu Falls, travelers at security lines, and working Americans at the checkout counter. The question isn't whether we'll pay the price. It's *how much* we're willing to pay before we demand better.
I hear you loud and clear Glen. It’s why I spend most of my time living elsewhere and only return to the USA when I need to for business or to visit relatives. I left during the first Tangerine Man term and it’s worse this time around because there are no adults keeping the angry senile aggressor in check. It’s going to have to burn down before people wake up and we can rebuild again. Until the gullible who swallowed the bait see their lives crumble under crushing inflation, we won’t be able to swing back to sanity.
This was a law office ad posing as a comment so it has been removed.