• @_ed
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    22 years ago

    Can I ask what the general consensus in finland re: joining nato -The best thing to do given the current circumstances?

    • NinmiOP
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      22 years ago

      It feels like an open secret that we’re joining. Everyone knows the verdict, but no one’s gonna say it out loud until it’s time to send in the application together with Sweden.

  • Kapow
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    02 years ago

    More importantly - how many countries in NATO would actually send troops in to defend Finland?

    It may just give you a false sense of security - so many members of NATO are all talk and no action.

    Do you trust the USA to defend you?

    • NinmiOP
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      2 years ago

      Russia certainly seems to believe NATO would, and I believe the article 5 is fairly clear cut. This war has also escalated efforts in EU to reinforce European defenses as well - namely in Sweden and Germany, which is fantastic to see as they represent the largest countries in their respective areas and ought to take more responsibility.

      • Kapow
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        02 years ago

        USA promised to defend Ukraine when Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons.

        • NinmiOP
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          22 years ago

          That’s not NATO, and they are doing by far the most for Ukraine out of all other nations. And I’m sure you too have seen the level of assurance Biden has given to uphold the “sacred oath to protect every inch of NATO territory”.

          As long as they don’t have another Trump at the helm, doubts about US help are nothing but fearmongering nonsense.

          • Kapow
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            2 years ago

            As long as you are comfortable with that assurance . . .

            But regardless of what you think of Biden, will the next USA President be prepared to spill American blood for Finland?

            What about the President after that.

            NATO members do not pay their bills. A lot of Americans feel Europe should look after Europe and America should not get involved.

            • NinmiOP
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              22 years ago

              It’s just like I already said, as long it’s not another Trump. And just like I said, Large EU nations are already starting to ramp up defense bugdets to exactly that NATO 2% recommendation. I don’t understand where you base any of this skepticism.

              • Kapow
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                12 years ago

                I am just sounding a warning.

                America is tired of fighting overseas wars, especially the people whose sons and daughters are most likely to enlist. These are the people that vote.

                The Ruling Class who profit from wars (military industrial complex and power hungry politicians) will always talk a good game and be very gung ho. But will they have the support of the people to spill blood in foreign lands.?

                Nobody knows the future, we can only hope for the best. We will know the answer to these questions till the proverbial sh*t hits the fan.

                As an aside, we spent time in Finland when we were young and have fond memories.

                • NinmiOP
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                  12 years ago

                  Glad to hear you’ve had positive experiences here.