Putin, more than anything, spurred countries to get closer to 2%. = Lapsody

------------

I am starting to see this "getting closer" argument offered as a defense from mean old Trump hurting NATO's feelings.

You should realize that "getting close" is a meaningless statement allowing the person hearing it to read into it whatever warm and cuddly impression he needs to feel.

To me, getting close could mean anything. And some delinquencies demand an entirely different approach than ineffective repeated polite requests.

What does getting close mean?

a. The delinquent NATO member country is at 1.8% and is closing on the 2.0 % goal at .05% per year - get there in 4 years, responsible;

or

b. The delinquent NATO member country is at 1.2% and is closing on the 2.0 % goal at .01% per year - get there in 80 years, taking advantage of the other members;

or

c. The delinquent NATO member country is at 0.7% and has been there since the Clinton Admin - will never get there, a charity case.

Trump is reminding the delinquent NATO member countries, in his typical blunt style, what the meaning of 'Commitment" is. These obligations are real, and not to be dismissed like school loans.