CigarBanter
Cigar Banter => Daily Cigar Deals Discussion => Topic started by: CigarBanter on November 04, 2025, 03:51:41 AM
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Happy Tuesday! In between insults we'll occasionally discuss cigars. Join in and perhaps learn something along the way. Warning: don't proceed if you have thin skin but don't be afraid to post either... And welcome aboard!
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Morning, twofers.
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Joe:
Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Toro - 10/49.99
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Sis:
Door #1 - Ave Maria Lionheart Earl (Robusto) - 10/49.99
Door #2 - Morning Brew Assortment - 15/69.99
5 x 'M' by Macanudo Toro (6.0"x50)
5 x Java by Drew Estate Maduro Robusto (5.5"x50)
5 x Nub Cafe Cappuccino 354 (3.7"x54)
Door #3 - Man O' War Virtue Toro - 10/44.99
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Lots of driving on deck for me today, including having to pick up the oldest from school on my lunch because the wife has a doctor's appt in the middle of the day.
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Former VP Dick Cheney dead at 84.
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Tough crowd this morning.
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Morning, twofers.
Good morning, DaveDave.
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Morning, twofers.
Good morning, DaveDave.
Morning, SandwichMakerTony.
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Tough crowd this morning.
Yeah, sorry. It's been a busy morning considering there was no commute.
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Morning, twofers.
Good morning, DaveDave.
Morning, SandwichMakerTony.
Indeed. Prosciutto and Mozzarella this morning, for everyone
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I was hoping to have already gotten out and voted by this time. But it will have to wait until after my 10:am meeting.
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I was hoping to have already gotten out and voted by this time. But it will have to wait until after my 10:am meeting.
Rumor has it you have a fairly big contest going on there.
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Morning, twofers.
Good morning, DaveDave.
Morning, SandwichMakerTony.
Indeed. Prosciutto and Mozzarella this morning, for everyone
Yummo
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Connections: Sports Edition
Puzzle #407
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I was hoping to have already gotten out and voted by this time. But it will have to wait until after my 10:am meeting.
Rumor has it you have a fairly big contest going on there.
Indeed. It really can go either way.
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1 extra
Strands #611
“F-I-L-M”
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Former VP Dick Cheney dead at 84.
Or as Trumpf would say, a RINO
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Today is Tuesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2025
with 57 to follow.
The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
On this date in history:
In 1879, James and John Ritty of Dayton, Ohio, patented the first cash register, known as "Ritty's Incorruptible Cashier."
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the steps leading to the tomb of Tutankhamen, ancient Egypt's child-king. Unlike other burial places in the Valley of the Kings, King Tut's tomb was largely untouched by looters.
In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming is elected the first female governor in the United States.
In 1924, voters overwhelmingly re-elected Calvin Coolidge president of the United States over Charles Davis.
In 1952, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president, ending 20 years of Democratic administrations.
In 1956, Soviet forces entered Budapest to crush an anti-communist revolt in Hungary. UPI correspondent Russell Jones described the conflict as "the murder of a people."
In 1979, Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking about 90 people hostage, 63 of them Americans.
In 1980, Republican Ronald Reagan was elected the 40th president of the United States in a landslide victory over incumbent Jimmy Carter.
In 1991, Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines, returned home, ending more than five years of exile in the United States.
In 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, 73, was assassinated by a Jewish extremist following a peace rally in Tel Aviv.
In 2002, Roman Catholic Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston apologized for assigning priests who may have been sexually abusive to parishes where they continued to have access to children.
In 2003, the elevation of a gay Episcopal priest to bishop prompted worldwide opposition, a Kenyan cleric said, "The devil has clearly entered our church."
In 2006, Katharine Jefferts Schori was installed as the first female presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church.
In 2008, Barack Obama, a Democratic U.S. senator from Illinois, was the first African American elected president of the United States, taking 338 electoral votes to 161 for Republican John McCain.
In 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change officially went into effect. One hundred and ninety-seven countries signed the accord promising to keep the global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels.
In 2019, more than 450 Oklahoma inmates were released from prison as part of the nation's largest commutation of sentences.
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Today's Birthdays
Those born on this date are under the sign of Scorpio. They include:
humorist Will Rogers in 1879;
journalist Walter Cronkite in 1916;
actor Doris Roberts in 1925;
actor Loretta Swit in 1937;
musician Scherrie Payne (Supremes) in 1944 (age 81);
former U.S. first lady Laura Bush in 1946 (age 79);
actor Ivonne Coll in 1947 (age 78);
writer Charles Frazier in 1950 (age 75);
actor Markie Post in 1950;
comedian/actor Kathy Griffin in 1960 (age 65);
actor Ralph Macchio in 1961 (age 64);
TV personality Jeff Probst in 1961 (age 64);
musician Tim Burton (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) in 1963 (age 62);
actor Matthew McConaughey in 1969 (age 56);
actor Samantha Smith in 1969 (age 56);
musician Sean "Diddy" Combs in 1969 (age 56);
actor Steven Ogg in 1973 (age 52);
celebrity chef Curtis Stone in 1975 (age 50);
actor Heather Tom in 1975 (age 50);
actor Travis Van Winkle in 1982 (age 43);
actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau in 1990 (age 35);
actor Gia Kim in 1992 (age 33);
actor Drew Starkey in 1993 (age 32);
NBA player Tyrese Maxey in 2000 (age 25).
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Today's Over/Under is 12
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Today is Tuesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2025
with 57 to follow.
The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
On this date in history:
In 1879, James and John Ritty of Dayton, Ohio, patented the first cash register, known as "Ritty's Incorruptible Cashier."
Not gonna lie, I kinda wish we still called them this.
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Morning, muchachos.
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Today's Over/Under is 12
10
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Morning, muchachos.
Morning, Page2Raz.
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Today's Birthdays
Those born on this date are under the sign of Scorpio. They include:
humorist Will Rogers in 1879;
journalist Walter Cronkite in 1916;
actor Doris Roberts in 1925;
actor Loretta Swit in 1937;
musician Scherrie Payne (Supremes) in 1944 (age 81);
former U.S. first lady Laura Bush in 1946 (age 79);
actor Ivonne Coll in 1947 (age 78);
writer Charles Frazier in 1950 (age 75);
actor Markie Post in 1950;
comedian/actor Kathy Griffin in 1960 (age 65);
actor Ralph Macchio in 1961 (age 64);
TV personality Jeff Probst in 1961 (age 64);
musician Tim Burton (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) in 1963 (age 62);
actor Matthew McConaughey in 1969 (age 56);
actor Samantha Smith in 1969 (age 56);
musician Sean "Diddy" Combs in 1969 (age 56);
actor Steven Ogg in 1973 (age 52);
celebrity chef Curtis Stone in 1975 (age 50);
actor Heather Tom in 1975 (age 50);
actor Travis Van Winkle in 1982 (age 43);
actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau in 1990 (age 35);
actor Gia Kim in 1992 (age 33);
actor Drew Starkey in 1993 (age 32);
NBA player Tyrese Maxey in 2000 (age 25).
Ten
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Morning, muchachos.
Morning, Page2Raz.
Morning, Dave.
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Pickup time, back in about an hour, hopefully.
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
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Was able to get the kid from school and back, and even with enough time to drop her at the voting location. And on the way back from there, I saw a big billboard on the side of a building for our ward rep, who's running for reelection. Running unopposed, I might add. But still, his picture looked nice. :D
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Wordle 1,599 4/6
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Connections: Sports Edition
Puzzle #407
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🟢🟢🟢🟢
🟡🟡🟡🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
You are correct. Nationalism as defined, similar to patriotism is not a negative and I'm all for it. Current use however has aligned nationalism with Christian nationalism and isolationism, both of which I am not in favor of.
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Connections
Puzzle #877
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
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No extras.
Strands #611
“F-I-L-M”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵
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Today's Birthdays
Those born on this date are under the sign of Scorpio. They include:
humorist Will Rogers in 1879;
journalist Walter Cronkite in 1916;
actor Doris Roberts in 1925;
actor Loretta Swit in 1937;
musician Scherrie Payne (Supremes) in 1944 (age 81);
former U.S. first lady Laura Bush in 1946 (age 79);
actor Ivonne Coll in 1947 (age 78);
writer Charles Frazier in 1950 (age 75);
actor Markie Post in 1950;
comedian/actor Kathy Griffin in 1960 (age 65);
actor Ralph Macchio in 1961 (age 64);
TV personality Jeff Probst in 1961 (age 64);
musician Tim Burton (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) in 1963 (age 62);
actor Matthew McConaughey in 1969 (age 56);
actor Samantha Smith in 1969 (age 56);
musician Sean "Diddy" Combs in 1969 (age 56);
actor Steven Ogg in 1973 (age 52);
celebrity chef Curtis Stone in 1975 (age 50);
actor Heather Tom in 1975 (age 50);
actor Travis Van Winkle in 1982 (age 43);
actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau in 1990 (age 35);
actor Gia Kim in 1992 (age 33);
actor Drew Starkey in 1993 (age 32);
NBA player Tyrese Maxey in 2000 (age 25).
Today's Over/Under is 12
11.
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
You are correct. Nationalism as defined, similar to patriotism is not a negative and I'm all for it. Current use however has aligned nationalism with Christian nationalism and isolationism, both of which I am not in favor of.
Since you oppose isolationism, do you think nationalism and internationalism are a spectrum? Is there a point at which you feel nationalism and internationalism would be in some sort of equilibrium?
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
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Time to head out and pick up some more kids. Hazzuh!
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I can't help but worry that by answering your question, you and the handful of others on here, are going to receive the confirmation of how much of an idiot I am. Essentially, I love this country and I'm proud to be from the U.S.A. However, I also recognize that being a world leader entails a significant amount of responsibility, and we must collaborate with other nations to be effective world citizens. I guess we could begin manufacturing everything we need domestically and not trade with any other nations. I don't think it's realistic. I understand that as a nation, we shouldn't do things that benefit others but harm us. My priority is the U.S.A. But I am in favor of rising tides that raise all ships, versus I'm gonna take care of #1, and fuck everyone else. Based on that, I'll let you put a label on me.
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Connections
Puzzle #877
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I can't help but worry that by answering your question, you and the handful of others on here, are going to receive the confirmation of how much of an idiot I am. Essentially, I love this country and I'm proud to be from the U.S.A. However, I also recognize that being a world leader entails a significant amount of responsibility, and we must collaborate with other nations to be effective world citizens. I guess we could begin manufacturing everything we need domestically and not trade with any other nations. I don't think it's realistic. I understand that as a nation, we shouldn't do things that benefit others but harm us. My priority is the U.S.A. But I am in favor of rising tides that raise all ships, versus I'm gonna take care of #1, and fuck everyone else. Based on that, I'll let you put a label on me.
It's really not about labeling, and even if it were, this is an inquiry - genuine curiosity on my part. So even if you were to say "I'm 100% internationalist, and think both borders and notions of national identity should be done away with," I'm not going to tell you you're wrong. 
As it is, what I'm hearing from you and TD is that you DO consider yourselves nationalist to a significant degree, and don't think that's a bad thing to be so long as things like race or religion are not enjoined to it.
There ARE a lot of people in the world, and in this country, who think nationalism of any sort is bad. Nationalism is inherently anathema to any authentic Marxist.
This brings us to an interesting question. To what degree does your personal calculus of individualism vs collectivism influence your calculus of nationalism vs internationalism?
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I agree with that also. For years we have been obsessed with spreading "democracy" to combat communism. That pursuit has been totally FUBAR. We have made a bigger mess of the middle east with our meddling and now are looking to do the same thing in South America. None of our business.
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Wordle 1,599 4/6*
⬛⬛⬛⬛🟩
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🟨🟨⬛⬛🟩
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I agree with that also. For years we have been obsessed with spreading "democracy" to combat communism. That pursuit has been totally FUBAR. We have made a bigger mess of the middle east with our meddling and now are looking to do the same thing in South America. None of our business.
Well, you said you weren't isolationist. Is there any type of foreign involvement that is not "meddling?" China pours money into South and Central America, and Russia, and even the mideast. Is that not "meddling" on their part? And is their meddling not our interest? Is it only our business if it involves Europe?
Again, genuine inquiry. What's the line between "not isolationist" and "meddling?"
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I agree with that also. For years we have been obsessed with spreading "democracy" to combat communism. That pursuit has been totally FUBAR. We have made a bigger mess of the middle east with our meddling and now are looking to do the same thing in South America. None of our business.
Well, you said you weren't isolationist. Is there any type of foreign involvement that is not "meddling?" China pours money into South and Central America, and Russia, and even the mideast. Is that not "meddling" on their part? And is their meddling not our interest? Is it only our business if it involves Europe?
Again, genuine inquiry. What's the line between "not isolationist" and "meddling?"
Nothing wrong with helping other countries, sharing technology, assisting when asked. Meddling is trying to ACTIVELY force regime change or putting inappropriate strings on aid or cooperation.
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I agree with that also. For years we have been obsessed with spreading "democracy" to combat communism. That pursuit has been totally FUBAR. We have made a bigger mess of the middle east with our meddling and now are looking to do the same thing in South America. None of our business.
Well, you said you weren't isolationist. Is there any type of foreign involvement that is not "meddling?" China pours money into South and Central America, and Russia, and even the mideast. Is that not "meddling" on their part? And is their meddling not our interest? Is it only our business if it involves Europe?
Again, genuine inquiry. What's the line between "not isolationist" and "meddling?"
Nothing wrong with helping other countries, sharing technology, assisting when asked. Meddling is trying to ACTIVELY force regime change or putting inappropriate strings on aid or cooperation.
Do you think China or Russia are playing by those rules?
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Let's talk about nationalism. The term seems to have developed a severely negative connotation. As a guy who is fascinated by words and by the usage of words, this interests me. By definition, "nationalism" and "patriotism" broadly overlap. But it would seem that most people have a negative view of "nationalism" and a positive view of "patriotism."
Do you think nationalism is a negative thing? Where do you believe the line is between nationalism and patriotism? Why?
I was a little confused at first because I didn't associate a negative connotation with the word NATIONALISM. Now I see what you were asking. No, I don't see this as a negative thing, but I can understand how it can be used in a divisive way, and I'm not happy about that.
Linking the word with something else, as TD indicated, can automatically put it into controversial territory - i.e. "White Nationalism" or "Christian Nationalism." But I'm more interested here in the word itself, which frequently enough is put into a negative light without linking it to other things.
I consider myself a realist, especially about international affairs, so like TD I cannot be considered an isolationist. But I expect y'all might find my views on America's role in foreign affairs rather...intense, perhaps? Maybe even "ultranationalist?"
But we're not going there. This is just about concepts. I'm curious whether y'all consider yourselves more nationalist, more internationalist, or somehow both.
I agree with that also. For years we have been obsessed with spreading "democracy" to combat communism. That pursuit has been totally FUBAR. We have made a bigger mess of the middle east with our meddling and now are looking to do the same thing in South America. None of our business.
Well, you said you weren't isolationist. Is there any type of foreign involvement that is not "meddling?" China pours money into South and Central America, and Russia, and even the mideast. Is that not "meddling" on their part? And is their meddling not our interest? Is it only our business if it involves Europe?
Again, genuine inquiry. What's the line between "not isolationist" and "meddling?"
Nothing wrong with helping other countries, sharing technology, assisting when asked. Meddling is trying to ACTIVELY force regime change or putting inappropriate strings on aid or cooperation.
Do you think China or Russia are playing by those rules?
I know you're asking Dave, but I'll reply in his stead. Absolutely not, China and Russia are not playing by those rules. But like I tell my own kids, what the heck does that have to do with how we behave?
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Exactly. It's not like they are having success with their efforts either.
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Missed page 3...
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also...
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then...
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finally...