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PaperclipPerfector  13d ago (text post)   33649 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of February 24, 2025

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both of them said Vance's address was the most shocking speech they'd seen in their respective diplomatic careers

They are illiberal in a way shaped perfectly to block people like Vance or more traditional American Republicans from winning elections. Very selectively applied laws used to round up critics of leftists using police raids. A political Overton window enforced through state action and without any input from voters. Vance rightfully points out that Europe's true threats are just this sort of action.

The response is predictably shock, outrage and literal weeping.

I think many Americans just don't realise how visceral and close and frightening the Ukraine war is for many people in Europe

Europe buys Russian gas and contributes only the most meager and hesitant support for Ukraine. I notice the revealed preference here. "Apparently not very important."

The response is predictably shock, outrage and literal weeping.

The weeping was from the man talking about retiring, not about Vance's speech, FYI.

I saw the video. He addresses Vance's speech and immediately cries.

But yeah, also that is his farewell so maybe he was coincidentally weepy.

Oh dang I got suckered in by fake apologetics. Man it's so hard to trust anything today. Sigh.

A political Overton window enforced through state action and without any input from voters.

It's remarkable. The Europeans have somehow crafted a democracy that is immune from responding to the desires of the public.

For example, immigration.

Supermajorities in both France and Germany think immigration levels are too high. Perceptions of immigration have net negative ratings of 40-50%. And it's also one of the most important issues. Yet the leaders just keep ignoring the voters and doubling down on mass immigration.

Even "right-wing" parties seem completely unwilling to stem the tide.

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