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Comment by ceejayoz

14 hours ago

> automotive platforms are a key military asset

All the more reason not to save companies that can't compete in the global space. What good is a jeep that the Chinese laugh at?

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ceejayoz

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CPLX  13 hours ago

You think people laughing is an important metric versus having an integrated industrial facility capable of producing vehicles in large quantities?

Maybe start at the beginning. Where do you think power comes from in the world? I'll give you a hint. It's not the ability to construct narratives.

  • ceejayoz  13 hours ago

    > You think people laughing is an important metric…

    I think if you're gonna argue "preserving the auto industry is a national security issue" you have to address the fact that an auto industry that relies on protectionism to avoid being competitive with the rest of the world will probably not be very effective at national security.

    Otherwise, you wind up like Russia in Ukraine - people laugh at your failed efforts.

    > an integrated industrial facility capable of producing vehicles in large quantities

    Large quantities of vehicles don't do much good if those vehicles are shitty compared to the opposition's. Iraq's army under Hussein was one of the largest on the planet at one time.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_73_Easting

    "The nine M1A1 tanks of Eagle Troop destroyed 28 Iraqi tanks, 16 personnel carriers and 30 trucks in 23 minutes with no American losses."

    "In doing that the scout platoon encountered another Iraqi tank position of thirteen T-72s. The lightly armored Bradleys, each equipped only with a 25-mm cannon and two TOW missiles, are intended for reconnaissance, not direct engagement with armored tanks. Despite a misfire, and having to reload the launchers in the face of the enemy, the two Bradleys destroyed 5 tanks before help arrived."

    • CPLX  13 hours ago

      If you don't think industrial capacity is relevant to geopolitical power then I don't think we're really having a serious conversation here.

      7 replies →

  • axus  10 hours ago

    Donald Trump demonstrated very well the power of constructing narratives. It's served him more than the technological terrors he has at his disposal.