I literally explained how I was taking issue with the use of the word “imperialism” and not commenting the morality of the action. But maybe reading comprehension is hard for you? It so I’m sorry for your affliction.

By this definition though, literally all wars of conquest (i.e. most of them) are “imperialism”.

I am a tankie so while I lean on Lenin’s definition of imperialism, let’s put that aside for a moment. “Imperialism” cannot be simple conquest. Because when we think of “imperialism” without tying it to a specific example, I think we all broadly get the same picture. Something like an octopus, extending its reach out far and wide an establishing control over places, in service of enriching the metropole. Conquest can be one initial stage of imperial control, or imperialism doesn’t even need military conquest. It’s why I would say the United States in 2026 is unequivocally imperialist. So were the pre-WW1 Western European nations.

I’m not making any sort of judgement on the rightness or wrongness of Russia’s actions. It’s just that I get a bee in bonnet when liberals try and downplay the true imperialism of present day US and Europe by saying “bbbbut Russia is imperialist too!!!” when they don’t even have any understanding of the word.

This will only make actual antisemitism (the kind you describe) worse. The authors of this letter are telling Jewish voters to abandon any principles they have regarding their own country - it doesn’t matter if you support abortion rights, believe in funding public education and social welfare, or just oppose the Trump / fascist agenda. None of that matters compared to supporting Israel. It’s the antisemitic “dual loyalty” trope come to life.

I would go with NYC, LA, San Francisco, and Miami. Those are the four cities that, internationally, everyone knows and wants to go see.

Chicago isn’t an international city like the other 4 here. It’s just… very large. And in that sense it’s like Houston, Detroit or Atlanta. Large, important cities in the US but not particularly relevant on the world stage.

(And yes I know I’m gonna get angry Chicagoans responding, I’m kinda shitposting a bit here)