August1991 Posted February 23 Report Posted February 23 The US SecGen, Marco Rubio, recently raised the issue of embassies in Washington and Moscow. This is not the 19th century. Trump can phone Putin. === Why are American bureaucrats living in Moscow? Or anywhere abroad? In this world, we do everything online. Quote
Michael Hardner Posted February 23 Report Posted February 23 They provide in-person services for nationals and businesses in that nation? 1 Quote Click to learn why Climate Change is caused by HUMANS Michael Hardner
August1991 Posted February 23 Author Report Posted February 23 3 hours ago, Michael Hardner said: They provide in-person services for nationals and businesses in that nation? Uh, they don't. More to the point: I walked by homeless Canadian citizens in Montreal yesterday. Why should a Consulate person abroad treat any Canadian citizen any diifferently? Quote
August1991 Posted February 23 Author Report Posted February 23 I have a Visa card. With a 1-800 number. I do not expect to pay taxes for a bunch of Visa guys to have an office. Musk is correct. Quote
Michael Hardner Posted February 23 Report Posted February 23 (edited) 5 hours ago, August1991 said: 1. Uh, they don't. More to the point: 2. I walked by homeless Canadian citizens in Montreal yesterday. Why should a Consulate person abroad treat any Canadian citizen any diifferently? 1. Okay, tell us what you know then. I'm sure you understand that the rest of us understand the conventional knowledge of what goes on with foreign services. 2. Why can a business person get access to a federal minister when I can't? Do you know the answers to these questions? 5 hours ago, August1991 said: I have a Visa card. With a 1-800 number. I do not expect to pay taxes for a bunch of Visa guys to have an office. Musk is correct. You pay for things. You get goods and services. The economy is an ecosystem, that evolves. The political economy - same thing... Instead of asking obtuse questions, tell us a better way. You're smart enough for that. Edited February 23 by Michael Hardner Quote Click to learn why Climate Change is caused by HUMANS Michael Hardner
August1991 Posted February 26 Author Report Posted February 26 On 2/23/2025 at 6:47 AM, Michael Hardner said: .... Instead of asking obtuse questions, tell us a better way. .... I simply don't know. You ask good questions. 1 Quote
August1991 Posted March 9 Author Report Posted March 9 On 2/23/2025 at 6:47 AM, Michael Hardner said: ... You pay for things. You get goods and services. ... Sorta. A civilised society is an insurance scheme. As Justin Trudeau often says, we Canadians take care of each other. In Canada, I understand this. But what if a Canadian is abroad, is in trouble? ===== In Montreal, I often walk by people sleeping in the metro. Should our Embassies abroad treat people - Canadians or foreigners - any differently? Quote
Michael Hardner Posted March 9 Report Posted March 9 7 hours ago, August1991 said: But what if a Canadian is abroad, is in trouble? ===== In Montreal, I often walk by people sleeping in the metro. Should our Embassies abroad treat people - Canadians or foreigners - any differently? The same thing as a Canadian who needs healthcare at home. They're supposed to help. Do they ? Sometimes. Quote Click to learn why Climate Change is caused by HUMANS Michael Hardner
Scott75 Posted March 13 Report Posted March 13 On 2/22/2025 at 8:10 PM, August1991 said: The US SecGen, Marco Rubio, recently raised the issue of embassies in Washington and Moscow. This is not the 19th century. Trump can phone Putin. === Why are American bureaucrats living in Moscow? Or anywhere abroad? In this world, we do everything online. Not everything. There's something to be said for in person meetings, especially on sensitive issues. I'm certainly a fan of Trump's consideration of withdrawing from many of its military bases, particularly in eastern Europe, but on the other hand, I'm also a fan of keeping embassies abroad open, especially if they're not engaged in things like espionage. There's been far too much emphasis on resolving things with wars and far too little on resolving things with diplomacy. Trump has many flaws, but I applaud his efforts to try to resolve the Ukraine war in a peaceful manner. Quote
August1991 Posted March 13 Author Report Posted March 13 1 hour ago, Scott75 said: Not everything. There's something to be said for in person meetings, especially on sensitive issues. .... Agreed. But why do we have zillions of people living abroad, in Embassies and Consulates? Why can't they work at home? Quote
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