Increased Military Spending

[Lawrence D'Oliveiro]

For once, I agree this is something the Government has to do.

We don’t want to be warmongers. But remember what FDR said: “Speak softly,
and carry a big stick”.

Above all, don’t be like a certain man-child world leader who goes around
shouting “I’ve got a big stick! I’ve got a big stick! See how big my stick
is! My stick is the biggest ever!”.

[Rich80105]

On Mon, 7 Apr 2025 07:43:22 -0000 (UTC), Lawrence D'Oliveiro

Post by Lawrence D'Oliveiro
For once, I agree this is something the Government has to do.
We don’t want to be warmongers. But remember what FDR said: “Speak softly,
and carry a big stick”.
Above all, don’t be like a certain man-child world leader who goes around
shouting “I’ve got a big stick! I’ve got a big stick! See how big my stick
is! My stick is the biggest ever!”.

The loss of a ship was tragic, and needs to be replaced with a ship
that is technically military defence, but also recognises a major
purpose of such a force as being available for disaster relief, both
in New Zealand and in the South Pacific.

We are not big enough to have an effective "big stick" - that is why
alliances with other nations are important for more than trade.

[Lawrence D'Oliveiro]

We are not big enough to have an effective "big stick" ...

But we do have a long tradition of supporting multilateral initiatives
(e.g. in the UN) to maintain international law and order. Hopefully this
will add to our ability to pull our weight.

[Rich80105]

On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 00:47:15 -0000 (UTC), Lawrence D'Oliveiro

Post by Lawrence D'Oliveiro

We are not big enough to have an effective "big stick" ...

But we do have a long tradition of supporting multilateral initiatives
(e.g. in the UN) to maintain international law and order. Hopefully this
will add to our ability to pull our weight.

I doubt there will be any meaningful US decisions that would not be
vetoed by either the USA or Russia (or both). Hopefully however there
will be agreements between individual countries than ensure that
disruption is minimised for trade between countries other than the USA

[Lawrence D'Oliveiro]

I doubt there will be any meaningful [UN] decisions that would not be
vetoed by either the USA or Russia (or both).

Perhaps informal arrangements could be made, that reflect the broad
consensus of the Security Council (excepting the sole vetoing member),
without operating through official UN channels. Perhaps a General Assembly
vote could be seen as sufficient justification for some action.

The veto power really needs to be restricted somewhat. I think raising the
threshold to two permanent members voting no, instead of just one, to
block a measure, would help a lot.

[Willy Nilly]

Post by Lawrence D'Oliveiro
For once, I agree this is something the Government has to do.
We don’t want to be warmongers. But remember what FDR said: “Speak softly,
and carry a big stick”.

Teddy Roosevelt said that. Know the difference.