(03-17-2026, 09:13 PM)Ninurta Wrote:(03-17-2026, 09:04 PM)putnam6 Wrote: AI suggests it could save 800 million a year just by leaving NATO, and more, depending on which bases they leave.
and leave ANZUS intact with reduced patrols... unless they decide to take a slap at us, too....
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Can't talk for NZ but the politics as I see them here is typical of these times. Wait and see. The US has several vested military interests here aand have for some time. Can't see them pulling out of Pine Gap or the North West. The marine contingent in Darwin, perhaps, but I'm reading now they may set up a base for the B52's in the top end. Well. Speculation. Use of the Sub base in West Aussie is perhaps handy for both nations but it the Pollies here who, if they detect the slightest unfavourable disposition amongst the voters (mostly imported) then it's a 'Yeah, Nah'.
The other reality is that we do pump oil, send it overseas for refining then buy the fuels back. Hence we pay a hefty price. The Pollies have also shut 6 platforms down over the years. Why they think that way I do not know. Genuine voters, the minority have no problem helping out the yanks.
So the argument against assisting with the straits of Homuz while we now are experiencing the highest fuel prices in history is mute. Get the straits open.
We're heading into recession because of these think tactics and the gas bagging by the parties does nothing to help. I called out my local MP the other day. Wanted my name, address and phone number to get back to me. So I gave it. Waiting for his call. He was an independent but now has a position in another party and was openly writing himself up about that. I didn't vote for that party. I say again, what are they thinking.
It's become a sickness in a country that was once tagged "The Lucky Country." Just running out of that luck.
Kind regards,
Bally