Does Trump and his coterie of brilliant advisors led by Mike Pompeo know whether they are coming or going in terms of dealing with Iran? Since the assassination of General Suliemani, the administration has given conflicting signals of what we can expect in the future. First we were told the killing of Suliemani was to abort an imminent threat against American personnel in the … [Read more...] about Trump and Advisors: Coming or Going?
The REAL true meaning of Christmas (Full article)
It all started innocently enough. Our local grocery story was offering a deal, spend $500 in December and get a free ham. No way I was going to turn that down. So the groceries were delivered and so was this strange looking hunk of meat, in a long sack about 4 feet long. Inside was my ham but it looked like the entire pig, minus the head and feet. When I called the grocery … [Read more...] about The REAL true meaning of Christmas (Full article)
CONGRESS HAS TO RECLAIM ITS WAR-MAKING AUTHORITY
by John L. Micek It didn’t take long for “World War III” to become a trending topic on Twitter in the hours after news broke that a drone strike by U.S. forces resulted in the death of a top Iranian military commander. Almost simultaneously, those who’d never heard of the now-late Qasem Soleimani until cable news and social media blared his name began debating whether the … [Read more...] about CONGRESS HAS TO RECLAIM ITS WAR-MAKING AUTHORITY
‘Strike of Choice’: US Lawmakers Decry ‘Utterly Unconvincing’ Trump Briefing on Soleimani Assassination
Not just Democrats, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said what Trump officials presented was "the worst briefing I've had on a military issue in my nine years" serving in the Senate. by Jon Queally COMMON DREAMS Congressional Democrats emerged from a classified briefing presented by Trump administration officials on Wednesday afternoon and decried the "sophomoric and utterly … [Read more...] about ‘Strike of Choice’: US Lawmakers Decry ‘Utterly Unconvincing’ Trump Briefing on Soleimani Assassination
IMMINENT ATTACK (Cartoon, Column and Video)
John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Adviser, now says he’ll testify during Trump’s impeachment trial if the Senate subpoenas him. Keep in mind, the Senate is controlled by Republicans who don’t want anything that even slightly resembles a fair trial. And what would happen if the Senate did send Bolton a subpoena? Bolton was in the room and is a direct witness of … [Read more...] about IMMINENT ATTACK (Cartoon, Column and Video)
Congressional Republicans abandon constitutional heritage and Watergate precedents in defense of Trump
Republican lawmakers are seen as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) oversees a vote on the second article of impeachment against President Donald Trump in the House of Representatives, Dec. 18, 2019. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images Ken Hughes, University of Virginia Once, not so long ago, congressional Republicans were … [Read more...] about Congressional Republicans abandon constitutional heritage and Watergate precedents in defense of Trump
Trump asks NATO allies for help with Iran after years of bashing the alliance
President Donald Trump speaks from the White House on January 08, 2020 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images Klaus W. Larres, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill U.S. President Donald Trump took a tough line in his address to the nation Jan. 8 in response to the Iranian airstrikes on two U.S. bases in Iraq. Trump announced that he … [Read more...] about Trump asks NATO allies for help with Iran after years of bashing the alliance
Strategy
The US national security bench is thin
When a national leader flirts with war, citizens need assurance that decision makers are knowledgable, competent and experienced. And that positions aren't full of acting heads or, worse yet, empty. In the case of President Donald Trump's two-step with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that is not the case. Perhaps that's why Pompeo has such influence with Trump. Who was … [Read more...] about The US national security bench is thin
Iran’s brazen missile attacks could signal start to US Mideast decline
The brazen missile attacks from Iranian territory on US bases in semi-autonomous Kurdish territory and Iraq’s northern Anbar province show a lack of fear that signals the decline of America’s strategic influence despite its huge military superiority. The Iraqi attack is a measured response to the US killing of Iranian war hero Qasem Soleimani. It can be justified as self … [Read more...] about Iran’s brazen missile attacks could signal start to US Mideast decline
Ricky Gervais vs Hollywood Hypocrites
During the evening of 05 January 2020, Hollywood's annual Narcissists on Parade - a.k.a. Golden Globe Awards - took place, and some of the biggest hypocrites on planet Earth received their comeuppance courtesy of Ricky Gervais. From Piers Morgan: "These selfless do-gooders left three hours later feeling abused, insulted, broken and shell-shocked thanks to a host who … [Read more...] about Ricky Gervais vs Hollywood Hypocrites
Donald Trump may have axed himself in the foot
The killing of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani feels like a job well done to President Donald Trump and his advisors, but he seems to have axed himself in the foot and may end up losing some of his most devoted voters. His threats to Iran of devastating ripostes on its territory if it seeks revenge for Soleimani’s death may cause a new very long war of attrition. That would betray … [Read more...] about Donald Trump may have axed himself in the foot
Bolton’s Hair-Splitting “Patriotism” – Party over Country
John Bolton, Ambassador ofttimes to CloudCuckooLand has issued an embarrassing and highly calculated statement that he is willing to testify ... Screencap from CNN Before the Senate, that is. Listen: STATEMENT OF JOHN R. BOLTON Posted on January 6, 2020 During the present impeachment controversy, I have tried to meet my obligations both as a citizen and as former … [Read more...] about Bolton’s Hair-Splitting “Patriotism” – Party over Country
Murder One, Murder Them All – A Redundant Warning
When Osama bin Laden was killed at his compound in Pakistan in 2011, many rejoiced at his death. My view was contrary as I wrote in what I believe was my most controversial post at TMV. In that piece I accused the Obama administration of having murdered bin Laden. The piece also predicted that the dark philosophy of murder-as-problem-solving would be advanced … [Read more...] about Murder One, Murder Them All – A Redundant Warning
THE ANATOMY OF EXPANSIONISM
If Rip Van Winkle had fallen asleep in 1980, he would have drifted off with the forbidding image of Sayyid Ruhollah Khomeini, the first Grand Ayatollah of Iran, crystallized in his memory. While our President, Ronald Reagan, blissfully assured the nation that it was "Morning in America" again and that we all could turn the heat back on, Iran’s Supreme Leader was … [Read more...] about THE ANATOMY OF EXPANSIONISM
‘Uncut Gems’ Sets Itself Apart As A Stress-Inducing, Loud Mess
Messy, stress-inducing, loud, in-your-face, and incredibly frustrating. How else do you explain Uncut Gems, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie? Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) as an enthusiastic and sometimes over-the-top jeweler in New York City who trying to catch a break. With his professional work, family, girlfriend, and ego, there's a lot for Howard to keep track of. … [Read more...] about ‘Uncut Gems’ Sets Itself Apart As A Stress-Inducing, Loud Mess
RIGHT HAND MAN SOLEIMANI
Each Generation is Special, a ‘Limited Edition’
CODA: While this piece was being completed, significant and ominous events occurred in the Middle East. Events that could take our country, and the world, into grave, uncharted territory. As I told our editor in chief, the event last night is a huge escalation that may have consequences and implications none of us can predict and that may define our and future … [Read more...] about Each Generation is Special, a ‘Limited Edition’
The Assassins’ Apologia
Note that an apologia is NOT what we currently term an 'apology'; it is a defense and a denial of accusation. There is no admission of guilt. The opposite, in fact: A formal defense or justification. [Latin: apology] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Donald J. Trump (the "J" stands for "Judas") has decided to toss out the ultimate … [Read more...] about The Assassins’ Apologia
Is Iowa Berning?
While the Democratic establishment has tried to marginalize the progressive left — Sanders and Warren — Sanders continues to poll steadily and collect a lot of money.Enough money to get him through the first few primary tests. Possibly, Bernie is lighting a fire just the way he did in Burlington when he ran for mayor 40 years ago and for president in 2016. He did it by … [Read more...] about Is Iowa Berning?