Yes, yes, every piece slowly falls into place. *Cue maniacal villain laughter
It's like they actually studied history, to try and replicate the desired results as identically as possible. Or they didn't, at all, and this is just 2+2=4 scenario but with history.
Not a twitter/x or bluesky user, never really my type of preferred social media. So I wouldn't miss it.
However we must realize the most crucial factor about X in Europe, the fact that it's a clearly compromised and biased network, highly subject to corruption, division and disinformation.
Would the average person participate and support X if it was owned by a russian oligarch? And that russian propaganda was quite obvious within the social platform?
Some would, sure, but the majority would mistrust it and be far more critical about potentially false information.
So yeah, it should be categorically banned from EU nations. Not because I hate it, but because of the dangers of division it represents to our society. Specially when for those who like X-style platforms there's already "non-regime" alternatives.
As portuguese I'm proud of my country for doing that. I hope this is the start of a more active role within EU, especially because we've been sitting too comfortably as a nation. Also because we're the closest ones to the US and the west EU entry point.
Needless to be said, before the "acshually" movement starts saying "they didn't have an F-35 order", they did have the intention to buy them, just like the old F-16's.
Regardless, Trump is an immature toddler who puts up tariffs against other nations and as soon as they counter him he immediately removes them and starts crying about unfairness.
In his case "not buying the planned F-35's" pretty much = "Blowing up purchased and delivered F-35's to send a message".
What she did is what everyone in her situation should do - not just if your visa is revoked, but if you are one of the target minorities.
It's hard to get your life turned upside down and leave your comfort overnight, and very unfair. But you don't want to let them make the first move on you.
As hard as leaving everything behind feels, the chance of being imprisoned and being powerless in case democracy falls and tyranny begins is far, far worse.
Many people who chose not to flee newly-formed totalitarian regimes lived to regret that choice dearly. As did those who didn't have the choice to begin with.
Escape to safety, then denounce and seek justice and restitution. Safety first, always.