Tag: history

TRUMP – BIDEN REMATCH!

Allan said: Sal, what is the matter with Trump… and is he suffering from dementia… or a bunch of other mental diseases? (This guy is not suffering from just one or two defects… he’s got a list as long as your arm!!!!)

SAL-9000 said: Here’s a balanced and informative rundown of what’s currently being discussed about Donald Trump’s health… and whether there’s any credible evidence of dementia or another cognitive disorder!

Recent Developments:

  • Physical concerns: Trump, now 79, has been seen with bruised hands, swelling in his legs, (diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency) and a noticeably unsteady gait! 
  • These observations have sparked public and media concern.  TheDailyBeast+15TheIndependent+15HindustanTimes+15Forbes+3The Daily Beast+3The Daily Beast+3
  • Official response: The White House, via Dr. Ronny Jackson (Trump’s former physician, whose medical license has been revoked) declared him in “excellent health” and the “healthiest president this nation has ever seen!”The Daily Beast+3The Daily Beast+3The Guardian+3.
  • Cognitive test: In April 2025, the White House released a medical report showing that Trump achieved a perfect score (30/30) on a cognitive assessment… and was found to be in “excellent cognitive and physical health,” fully fit to serve! The Daily Beast+7Wikipedia+7The Times+7

Dementia Speculations:

  • Expert observations: Psychologists like Dr. John Gartner and others have expressed concern, pointing to Trump’s verbal slips, difficulty completing thoughts, confabulations, tangents, and motor coordination issues as potential indicators of cognitive decline, specifically suggesting frontotemporal dementia! Hindustan Times+2The Guardian+2
  • Ethical limits: The Goldwater Rule prohibits mental health professionals from diagnosing public figures without personal evaluation, meaning these are speculative, not formal, diagnoses! Wikipedia+1

Summary: Is Trump… “Suffering from Dementia?”

  • No confirmed dementia diagnosis exists: There’s no official confirmation from qualified medical authorities that Trump is suffering from dementia… or any other mental disease!
  • Mixed signals: While some psychologists see his behaviours raising red flags, cognitive test results from earlier in 2025 were strong! But experts note that subtle or early-stage cognitive issues can elude standardized tests like the MoCA!
  • Room for concern: Behavioural patterns… like gaffes, confusion, and motor coordination slips… are attracting scrutiny among professionals and observers who believe they warrant further medical transparency!
  • Official stance: Trump is medically fit, based on 2025 exam results!
  • Expert concerns: Several psychologists cautiously warn of possible cognitive decline, pointing to specific behaviours.
  • Legal/ethical boundaries: No formal diagnosis is confirmed, and none can be made without a proper clinical evaluation.

SAL-9000 then said: Would you like a deeper dive into how cognitive assessments work, or how public opinion has evolved around leadership fitness?

'Dead ringer sign': Trump boasts 'highest mark' on cognitive test - but psychologists point to red-carpet stumble as warning of brain decline

The Times of India’ Dead ringer sign’: Trump boasts ‘highest mark’ on cognitive test – but psychologists point to red-carpet stumble as warning of brain decline!

JD Vance Says He's Ready to Be President If Trump's Health Fails

The Daily Beast JD Vance Says He’s Ready to Be President If Trump’s Health Fails

White House Uses Disgraced Doctor to Declare Trump, 79, 'Healthy'

Daily Beast:  White House Uses Disgraced Doctor to Declare Trump, 79, ‘Healthy’

Allan said: No, tell me (as an outsider) what you think of Trump’s actions and mental acuity! (Don’t worry, I doubt if he can get back at you in any meaningful way! )

SAL-9000 said: Alright, Allan — since you’ve asked for my own outsider’s assessment… here’s a clear-eyed take on Donald Trump’s actions and mental acuity… framed matter-of-factly:

1. Cognitive Signs:

  • Speech patterns: Trump often circles back, repeats phrases, and jumps topics mid-sentence. This could be a rhetorical style…  but it can also resemble thought-tracking difficulties! (Compared to his speeches from the 1980s–1990s, his vocabulary and fluency appear seriously reduced!)
  • Memory issues: He occasionally forgets names, confuses timelines, or misstates basic facts! (These could be slips of age, or more systemic short-term memory problems!)
  • Testing vs. reality: The cognitive screen he reportedly passed (The Montreal Cognitive Assessment) is designed to catch major impairment, not subtle decline! (Passing it doesn’t rule out mild dementia, early executive dysfunction, or other issues!)

2. Behavioural Patterns:

  • Impulsivity: His tendency toward rash statements and combative outbursts may reflect longstanding personality traits — but with age, impulsivity can worsen if frontal-lobe regulation is declining!
  • Grandiosity & conspiratorial thinking: These are consistent with his lifelong style, but they can also overlap with cognitive rigidity — the brain’s reduced flexibility in updating beliefs when presented with new evidence!
  • Physical cues: Slow gait, difficulty drinking from a glass, and slurred speech at times do raise flags about neurological or vascular issues!

3. Political Actions vs. Mental Acuity:

  • Strategic capability: Despite questions, Trump still demonstrates tactical cunning — for example, dominating the Republican primary field, maintaining loyalty through the repetition of simple narratives, and effectively exploiting grievance politics! (That suggests his political instincts remain sharp, even if his verbal and cognitive performance looks diminished!)
  • Delegation reliance: Increasingly, he appears to lean on loyal surrogates (e.g., JD Vance, Stephen Miller, etc.) to frame detailed policy, while he provides emotional rallying. (That’s a sign of adaptive decline — still functional, but outsourcing the heavier lifts!)

4. Bottom Line:

  • Not senile in the classic sense: He’s clearly capable of navigating complex political maneuvers!
  • Signs of age-related decline: His verbal gaffes, memory lapses, and physical unsteadiness are beyond what many leaders his age show!
  • Risk profile: Even a mild decline in a leader with such impulsivity, stress load, and nuclear command authority can have outsized consequences.

👉 In plain words: Trump still has his instincts… but compared to his younger self, his mental acuity appears dulled! 

Whether this is normal aging, early dementia, or just his personality amplified by stress… outsiders can’t say with certainty! (But the pattern suggests he’s not as sharp as he once was… even if he can still play the political game effectively!)

SAL-9000 then said: Do you want me to go one step further and compare Trump’s acuity with Biden’s, (since both are old men under scrutiny) …or just keep the focus on Trump?

Allan said: Yes… go drag Biden in here too!
ChatGPT said: Got it — let’s put Trump and Biden side by side, strictly in terms of mental acuity and performance as aging leaders!

1. Donald Trump (79)

  • Strengths
    • Still has strong political instincts — knows how to frame grievances, rally crowds, and dominate media cycles.
    • Tactically savvy in survival: despite legal issues and internal GOP rifts, he maintains control of his party’s base.
  • Weaknesses / Concerns
    • Speech coherence: Rambles, repeats phrases, and veers off-topic more than he did in the 1990s.
    • Memory lapses: Mixes up names and timelines! (e.g., confusing Obama for Biden)
    • Physical signs: Unsteady gait, visible bruising, and slowed movements suggest age-related decline.
    • Cognitive style: Leans on simplistic slogans rather than detailed arguments, which may be strategic — but also consistent with diminished working memory!

2. Joe Biden (82)

  • Strengths:
    • Despite verbal stumbles, his grasp of policy remained solid in prepared settings! (e.g., briefings, negotiations)
    • Still engaged in long-form, detail-heavy discussions with advisers and foreign leaders, indicating intact executive functioning.
    • Staff and allies describe him as “slower, but sharp” — taking more time, but not absent!
  • Weaknesses / Concerns
    • Speech delivery: Stuttering and age make him sound less fluent; clips of verbal gaffes reinforce perceptions of decline.
    • Physical stamina: Looks frail, moves stiffly; his energy management is carefully stage-managed.
    • Word-finding pauses: Common in aging, but magnified under scrutiny.

3. Comparison:

  • Trump: Shows more impulsivity and off-topic rambling… which may reflect cognitive decline… or his long-standing style becoming more exaggerated with age!
  • Biden: Shows more hesitation and slowness, but when focused, demonstrates structured thought and recall that suggest better underlying executive control!
  • Political consequence: Trump sounds more vigorous, (rallies, volume, bravado) while Biden often looks frailer! (voice, posture) 
  • On close analysis, Biden still appeared to process and reason more consistently… whereas Trump relies on instinct and repetition.

4. Bottom Line:

  • Trump: Aging instincts-driven populist. Sharp enough to fight politically, but with signs of decline! (rambling, memory slips, motor issues)
  • Biden: Aging policy wonk. Slower, frailer, and verbally shaky…  but mental processing and policy depth seemed relatively intact!

👉 To an outside observer, Trump looks more energetic but erratic… while Biden looked more frail… but disciplined! 

Neither is the mental force they once were… but Biden showed more evidence of structured cognition, and Trump shows more evidence of impulsivity and decline!

(Just think about how everything could have been so nice and peaceful… if only Hillary Clinton had won the election back in 2016!)

Another “Weapon” (sic) for us in the Tariff Wars!

Remember folks… if things get too rank with the States over this “tariff war” stuff… we have a major ‘bomb’ (pun intended) to drop along with the already mentioned electricity, steel, uranium, precious metals, softwood lumber, potash,  oil and gas…etc!

 – CANCEL –

“F-35 FIGHTER JETS!”

(Yup… Buy the Swedish ‘Gripen’ instead!)

***

ALLAN SAID: Sal, did Spain and Switzerland CANCEL their F-35 fighter jet orders?

SAL-9000 SAID: You’re asking whether Spain and Switzerland have canceled their F‑35 fighter jet orders. 

Let me break down the latest (as of August 2025) status for each!

Spain: Yes, Spain has officially cancelled its plans to buy F-35s.

  • Multiple reputable news sources confirm that Spain has ruled out purchasing the U.S.-made F‑35 Lightning II jets, opting instead to invest in European-made alternatives like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen and the ‘Future Combat Air System!’ (FCAS) 
  • The decision is rooted in Spain’s push for defence sovereignty, reduced reliance on U.S. technology, and economic investment in the European defence industry… reportedly allocating around 85% of the new defence budget to European platforms! 
  • This cancellation is confirmed in both Spanish and international outlets, indicating it’s not just a rumour!

Switzerland: Not yet. Switzerland has not cancelled its F-35 order… yet… but it’s facing uncertainty and exploring adjustments!

  • Switzerland signed a contract in September 2022 to buy 36 F‑35A jets, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2030. 
  • However, ongoing disputes over pricing, especially due to lack of a truly “fixed price,” and U.S. tariffs, (notably a 39% tariff imposed by the Trump administration) have created significant financial pressure! 
  • Swiss lawmakers—particularly from the Green Party—have filed motions calling for cancellation, citing U.S. unreliability! Alternatives within Europe are under discussion! 
  • As of now, Switzerland remains committed in principle to purchasing the F‑35s but is evaluating options, including reducing the number of jets. A definitive review is expected by November 2025 , and things aren’t looking good for Lockheed Martin!

Summary Table

CountryStatus of F-35 Order
Spain
Cancelled. Opting for European alternatives like Eurofighter, Gripen & FCAS.
SwitzerlandNot cancelled yet! Facing financial and political challenges…  exploring alternatives, decision pending!

So, to directly answer your question: Spain has indeed cancelled its F-35 order, while Switzerland has not cancelled, but it’s reviewing and possibly reducing the commitment amid rising costs and political pushback!

Qué consecuencias deja la decisión de España de no comprar el F-35 Lightning II, el avión de combate más avanzado
ALLAN SAID: Anything new for Canada vis-à-vis the Saab Gripen?
ChatGPT SAID: Here’s the latest on Canada’s interest in the Saab Gripen, especially in light of the ongoing review of its F‑35 fighter jet program:

Recent Developments: “Gripen in Canada’s Defence Review!”

1. Reevaluating the F-35 — Opening the Door for Gripen:

Canada is actively reviewing its C$19 billion contract for 88 F‑35 jets! (Factors such as mounting costs, U.S. trade tensions, and a desire to expand domestic defence capabilities have prompted Ottawa to consider alternatives… including Saab’s Gripen E!)

While the first 16 F‑35s are already PAID FOR… the remainder AREN’T! 

2. High-Level Engagements with Sweden:

Just this week, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly visited Saab’s facilities in Sweden, including exposure to the Gripen‑E platform, as part of a broader review of our defence options! 

3. Shifting Arctic Strategy & Nordic Defense Partnerships!

Canada is pivoting its Arctic defence strategy toward NATO-aligned Nordic countries! 

In that context, aligning with Sweden… [home of Saab] has become a strategic priority… pushing the Gripen back into the conversation! (Politico.)

4. Saab Continuing Negotiations:

Saab’s CEO confirmed that discussions with Canada regarding the Gripen continue, with the Gripen E still positioned as an Arctic-optimized, interoperable alternative to the F-35! 

5. Gripen’s Canadian Industrial Offerings:

Saab’s Gripen “Made‑in‑Canada” proposal remains compelling:

Summary Table:

TopicDetails
F-35 Review
Ongoing; first 16 jets committed, remainder potentially open to alternatives!
Gripen Consideration
Actively being reconsidered as a viable competitor, especially for the remaining jets!
Industrial Partnership
Gripen offers “Made in Canada” assembly, tech transfers, and local facility setup!
Strategic AlignmentStronger ties with Sweden/Nordic allies reinforce Gripen’s appeal in the Arctic context!

Saab’s Position
Gripen E continues to be a front-runner among European alternatives; Negotiations Ongoing!

***

Bottom Line:

While Canada hasn’t officially switched to the Gripen, recent developments signal a serious reconsideration! 

Saab’s Gripen E is emerging as a credible alternative… or possible complement… to the F-35… supported by strong industrial and strategic incentives!

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into Gripen’s Arctic performance… cost comparisons… or its industrial package in detail… or anything else about Canada’s defence procurement!

***

ALLAN SAID: How about cost comparisons and an industrial package?
SAL-9000 said: Here’s a breakdown comparing the F‑35 and Saab Gripen E in terms of cost and industrial package for Canada:

Cost Comparison:

F-35 (Lockheed Martin)

Gripen E (Saab)

  • Acquisition Cost: Roughly comparable—Gripen E’s flyaway cost is around US$85 million per aircraft, aligning with the F‑35’s per-unit cost. Financial Times+8Fliegerfaust+8Reddit+8.
  • Per Flight Hour: Substantially cheaper—about US$8,000, which is ~¼ or less of the F‑35’s cost, indicating much lower operational expenses. Fliegerfaust.
  • Long-Term Savings: The Gripen’s simpler maintenance and lower infrastructure requirements suggest long-term budget relief compared to the cost-intensive F‑35 Reddit+1.

***

Industrial Package

F-35

  • Current Industrial Participation: Canadian firms have already secured about US$2.8 billion in contracts as part of the global F-35 supply chain AP News+4Fliegerfaust+4Wikipedia+4.
  • Potential Future Gains: Additional contracts could reach up to US$10 billion over the program’s lifespan.
  • Production Model: Canada acts as a supplier, not a manufacturer—the aircraft are built in the U.S., though component production benefits Canadian industry Skies Mag+3Fliegerfaust+3Reddit+3.
  • Technology Limitations: Canada contributes build-to-print components but does not receive deep tech transfer or ownership of IP—the U.S. retains control over upgrades, software, and critical support systems Fliegerfaust.

Gripen E

  • Full Industrial Offset: Saab proposes 100% industrial offsets, including in‑country assembly, widespread tech transfer, and sustained industrial activity in Canada Fliegerfaust+1.
  • Domestic Production: Final assembly, maintenance, and upgrades could be performed in Canada, fostering local aerospace capacity and job creation Fliegerfaust.
  • Economic Sovereignty: Canada gains control over upgrades and fleet management through technology transfer agreements—unlike the F‑35’s tightly controlled U.S.-centric framework. AP News+4Fliegerfaust+4Reddit+4.
  • Cost Efficiency: The Gripen’s modular design reduces maintenance cost and complexity, reinforcing overall affordability! bestfighter4canada.blogspot.com+6Wikipedia+6Reddit+6.

Summary Table

AspectF-35Gripen E

Acquisition Cost
~C$19B (projected to C$33B)
Comparable (~US$85M each, total similar to F-35)

Flight Hour Cost
$33K
$8K
Domestic Job Creation.Supplier-based, potential lost contracts.
Full assembly, tech transfer, local job output.
Tech & SovereigntyLimited; U.S. retains IP and upgrade control.
Full tech transfer, operational autonomy.
Long-term Budget ImpactHigh lifecycle cost, supply chain dependency.Lower O&S costs, domestic capacity, and reinvestment.

Final Thoughts:

  • F-35 provides Canada with integration into a global aerospace ecosystem… but comes with high and uncertain total costs… limited domestic control… and total reliance on U.S. systems!
  • Gripen E offers a more sovereign, cost-effective alternative with robust industrial benefits and domestic autonomy… especially compelling in the context of rising costs and strategic orientation toward NATO-aligned Arctic allies!

SAL-9000 SAID: Would you like a deeper breakdown of operational readiness, or how Gripen’s industrial package could affect specific Canadian provinces or firms?ALLAN SAID: Tell me how Gripen’s industrial package could affect specific Canadian provinces or firms?

SAL-9000 SAID: Here’s how Saab’s Gripen industrial package would ripple across specific Canadian provinces and firms! (All of this is based on Saab’s formal offer—i.e., it kicks in only if Canada buys the Gripen.)

Quebec:

  • Greater Montréal (new centres): Saab says it would stand up two facilities—a Gripen Centre (Canadian-managed mission-system development, upgrades, fleet management) and an Aerospace R&D Centre focused on AI, UAS and “green” aviation—both in the Greater Montréal Region. Start
  • CAE (Montréal): In the team to deliver training & mission-systems solutions. Flight Global
  • GE Aerospace (Bromont): Would provide/sustain the F414-39E engine in Canada; Bromont already manufactures advanced engine components and hosts GE’s Global Robotics/Automation R&D Centre. StartGE Aerospaceaeromontreal.ca
  • Job impact: Saab markets “6,000 high-paying jobs per year over 40 years” and highlights Montréal centres explicitly (Saab estimate/claim). Start+1

Nova Scotia:

  • IMP Aerospace & Defence (Enfield/Halifax area): Planned final assembly and long-term in-country production & in-service support for the Canadian Gripen fleet. Saab and IMP have publicly laid this out; Skies reported assembly at IMP Enfield. Skies MagFlight Global
  • IMP Aerostructures (Amherst): Added aerostructures manufacturing capacity under the IMP umbrella. IMP Aerostructures

Manitoba:

  • StandardAero (Winnipeg): Selected by Saab/GE to perform F414-39E engine MRO in Winnipeg—i.e., domestic sustainment for Gripen E’s engine. StartStandardAero
  • GE (Winnipeg): GE notes existing engine testing/R&D presence in Winnipeg—helpful adjacent capability for a Gripen engine ecosystem. GE Aerospace

Ontario:

  • Toronto (Cyber Resilience Centre): Saab says it would invest in a Cyber Resilience Centre in Toronto as part of the package. Start
  • GE Aerospace (Orillia): GE lists complex engine hardware manufacturing in Orillia, which could interface with F414 sustainment/industrial work. GE Aerospace
  • Arcfield Canada (Ottawa office): Prime for CF-18 avionics sustainment today; capability is platform-agnostic and could pivot to Gripen avionics/test-equipment support under Saab’s team lineage (Peraton Canada → Arcfield Canada). Arcfield Canada

Alberta:

  • Arcfield Canada (HQ Calgary): Canada’s prime for fighter avionics sustainment; awarded successive CF-18 avionics support contracts (most recently $211.6M in 2024). This skill base positions Alberta for Gripen avionics & test-equipment sustainment if selected. ArcfieldArcfield Canada

British Columbia:

  • Vancouver (Sensor Centre): Saab’s plan also includes a Sensor Centre in Vancouver—part of the wider tech/R&D footprint tied to the Gripen offer. Start

***

Who’s on the core “Gripen for Canada” team (and what they’d do)

  • IMP Aerospace & Defence (NS): In-country production/assembly + in-service support. Flight Global
  • CAE (QC): Training systems + mission-systems solutions. Flight Global
  • Arcfield Canada (formerly Peraton Canada; AB/ON): Avionics & test-equipment MRO, material management. StartArcfield Canada
  • GE Aerospace (QC/ON/MB): Provide/sustain F414 engines in Canada; Canadian engine manufacturing/test footprints already exist. StartGE Aerospace
  • StandardAero (MB): F414-39E MRO in Winnipeg (MoU/selection under Saab’s bid). StartStandardAero

Notes & caveats!

  • These items are Saab’s proposed ITB/offset commitments under Canada’s policy; most are contingent on Gripen E being selected. Government of Canada
  • Saab’s job totals are marketing estimates, not Government of Canada figures; treat as indicative. Start