View Full Version : The Commander In Chief
Any of y'all following this week's issue?
Navy Secretary out, the Commander In Chief boldly seizing direct hands-on control of our military's discipline system, etc. etc.?
I have to think Putin is sitting there laughing.
Any of y'all following this week's issue?
Navy Secretary out, the Commander In Chief boldly seizing direct hands-on control of our military's discipline system, etc. etc.?
I have to think Putin is sitting there laughing.
We're officially in thrall to Russia, and have been for a long time. Fiona Hill, speaking truth to power, should probably avoid the polonium tea.
We're officially in thrall to Russia, and have been for a long time. Fiona Hill, speaking truth to power, should probably avoid the polonium tea.
Her "look folks, y'all are working for the Russians, you know that, right?" testimony was pretty direct.
In the case of setting aside certain courts martial sentences, I think Trump’s interference is an attack on the military’s ability to enforce the kind of restraint that distinguishes our armed forces from the uniformed gangs employed by various dictators, including Mr. Putin.
Civilian control is an absolute necessity, but ignoring standards of conduct developed over many bloody years will set the stage for future tragedy and dishonor.
Her "look folks, y'all are working for the Russians, you know that, right?" testimony was pretty direct.
And they're all still trying to sell the false narrative.
Why, exactly, would Ukraine be trying to sabotage its ally, the United States? I'd like to hear an explanation.
catherine
11-25-19, 3:43pm
CNN's Michael Smerconish has nominated The Diplomats as Time's Person of the Year, and I think it's not a bad one. They have been brave and credible witness to executive balderdash.
And now, Trump's threatening to sic Conan, the hero dog, on any journalist who dares to open their mouth.
I suppose that passes for humor among his ilk.
flowerseverywhere
11-25-19, 3:54pm
Any of y'all following this week's issue?
Navy Secretary out, the Commander In Chief boldly seizing direct hands-on control of our military's discipline system, etc. etc.?
I have to think Putin is sitting there laughing.
total disrespect for the CIA, Military Brass, FBI, Congress. Get in line.
Especially coming from commandant bone spurs. Who has n this case is totally out of line. Listen to people who know what they are talking about for once, that have seen the effect of non discipline in the war zone, and who understand the sacrifice our troops make.
I think we have made some progress since the previous administration on Russian matters. There was a time when President Obama and Ms. Hill opposed lethal aid to Ukraine, apparently worried it might upset the Germans, among others. We haven’t had anything like the incident where Obama promised “more flexibility” to the Russians after his re-election when he thought no one was listening. US forces killed over a hundred Russian “mercenaries” in Syria on Trump’s watch. We also withdrew from the INF treaty because it was clear the Russians weren’t holding up their end.
This Manchurian Candidate stuff is starting to sound a little birtherish to me.
I think Trump's perception of the military isn't conditioned by knowledge of the actual military, but by movies about the military. Specifically, Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris movies. In the movies, mavericks who flout the rules are heroes. In the real military, they are dangerous.
JaneV2.0
11-26-19, 11:36am
I think Trump's perception of the military isn't conditioned by knowledge of the actual military, but by movies about the military. Specifically, Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris movies. In the movies, mavericks who flout the rules are heroes. In the real military, they are dangerous.
Good point.
Teacher Terry
11-26-19, 11:50am
This thread should be titled the nutcase in chief.
I've wondered how much talk radio hosts are influencing presidential decisions. Unsubstantiated rumor I read somewhere is that his decision was something he picked up from Fox news, although I'm sure he took some relish in proving his power over the military.
catherine
11-26-19, 12:53pm
I've wondered how much talk radio hosts are influencing presidential decisions. Unsubstantiated rumor I read somewhere is that his decision was something he picked up from Fox news, although I'm sure he took some relish in proving his power over the military.
He was raised, groomed, and validated on the media, basically. So of course, he is going to be influenced by the media when it comes to decisions that are going to impact everyone in the world. He has not undergone the training, experience, and discipline (nor the willingness to listen to those that have) that governs military decisions. He's like a kid playing Stratego.
ApatheticNoMore
11-26-19, 1:05pm
Probably influenced more by right wingnut media than the Russians, but we do love blaming external enemies.
I think Trump's perception of the military isn't conditioned by knowledge of the actual military, but by movies about the military. Specifically, Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris movies. In the movies, mavericks who flout the rules are heroes. In the real military, they are dangerous.
Of all living Americans, about 7.4% have served or are currently serving in the military. By sex, 13.4% of males and 1.4% of females have some level of military experience. By region, the South is represented disproportionately, as are people with other family members who served. It could be we are in danger of developing a military caste.
We can’t know for sure how many of us have bought into such pop culture memes as the soldier as victim, soldier as action hero, psycho soldier or the various flavors of band of brothers schmaltz.
This Manchurian Candidate stuff is starting to sound a little birtherish to me.
I think the "Useful Idiot" scenario is far more plausible.
I think Trump's perception of the military isn't conditioned by knowledge of the actual military, but by movies about the military. Specifically, Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris movies. In the movies, mavericks who flout the rules are heroes. In the real military, they are dangerous.
He did attend military school...3037 Before his bone spurs.
Malcolm Nance has a background in intelligence and counter-terrorism with expertise in Russia and the Middle East. He's written three books on the subject of meddling in our government and elections. The latest is The Plot to Betray America: How Team Trump Embraced Our Enemies, Compromised Our Security, and How We Can Fix It I haven't read that one yet, but first two books in the series leave little doubt that Trump is a willing participant. He may have started out as a "useful idiot."
So an MSNBC personality thinks Trump has been a Russian asset since 1977. Why do we need to concoct all these perfervid fringie conspiracy theories? Isn’t it enough that he’s an idiot, useful or otherwise?
Personally, I will be more comfortable when he’s no longer CinC, but I doubt the value of b- movie plot lines in getting us there.
So an MSNBC personality thinks Trump has been a Russian asset since 1977. Why do we need to concoct all these perfervid fringie conspiracy theories?
Heck, that whole theory was probably planted by the Russians, just to stir the pot :-)
catherine
11-26-19, 4:12pm
So an MSNBC personality thinks Trump has been a Russian asset since 1977. Why do we need to concoct all these perfervid fringie conspiracy theories? Isn’t it enough that he’s an idiot, useful or otherwise?
Personally, I will be more comfortable when he’s no longer CinC, but I doubt the value of b- movie plot lines in getting us there.
So, I'm interested in knowing what the conservative camp here plans to do in 2020. It's obvious that not too many people here (at least the ones that have been open about their opinions) think Trump represents our country well. What are you going to do? My DH's theory is that people don't want to admit that they vote for Trump, and they'll pan him publicly but vote for him privately. Maybe that's just a NE thing. My DIL bought DH a MAGA hat back in 2016 and he wouldn't wear it--he was too embarrassed to, but he he still voted for Trump. He says that's how Trump gets in--by those who defy the polls and defy the outward signs of his appeal or lack of it.
What are y'all gonna do? If he's the useful idiot of a very large segment of the population, will he still be as useful in 2020? If not, what next--unless you want Joe Biden or Bernie or Liz or Pete in the WH?
Heck, that whole theory was probably planted by the Russians, just to stir the pot :-)
Or the Chinese. Now that they’ve brought the NBA to it’s knees, they’re looking for fresh fields to conquer.
Or the Chinese. Now that they’ve brought the NBA to it’s knees, they’re looking for fresh fields to conquer.
It must be difficult for folks who are writers for The Onion these days - it's hard to keep up with all the real life wackiness.
So, I'm interested in knowing what the conservative camp here plans to do in 2020.
It doesn't matter how I vote for President here. This state goes establishment-Democrat so strongly that I could vote for anyone and it'd get lost in the noise.
Which frees me to vote for whatever 3rd party candidate seems moral.
Or to not vote at all, so as not to lend my complicity to a ridiculous system.
So, I'm interested in knowing what the conservative camp here plans to do in 2020.
I don't know yet what I'm going to do, it depends greatly on who the Democrats choose as their candidate. If it's someone who promises to provide free this and free that in exchange for my vote, they're not getting it. If it's someone who is ok with the erosion of the inalienable rights this country was founded on, they also do not get my vote.
If my only viable choice is between someone like that and Trump, well Trump it is. I'm not easily embarrassed so his antics don't inflame me as much as they do to so many others. As long as he doesn't tell me what I must believe and who I must admire or berate me for not willingly volunteering more of my assets to support agendas I don't necessarily subscribe to I'll stick with him.
The ball's in the Democrats court. What are they gonna do with it?
What are y'all gonna do?
Probably write in Romney or Haley when I vote in the Wisconsin primary. Is Elise Stefanik old enough to run?
In the unlikely event the Democrats cough up a remotely acceptable candidate from among the one percenters, I might consider them in the general. If they nominate one of the wealthy establishment revolutionaries in the pack, I’ll probably vote Libertarian again.
What’s a free market, classical liberal, natural rights, deficit hawk, constitutionalist Burkean individualist government minimalist dinosaur like me to do in these parlous times? The Democrats seem to be spinning out of orbit into redistributionist class war identity politics and gimcrack wonkery; and the Republicans seem to be sinking into a populist Slough of Despond.
It may be time for a new Conservative party.
It may be time for a new Conservative party.
I'm in.
I'm in.
Good, we’ll need wealthy backers. Mention it to Bezos next time you have lunch. Offer him naming rights for the next state admitted to the Union and making porch piracy a federal offense. I had high hopes for the Modern Whigs at one point, but they seem pretty moribund.
I think we should stand for free markets, limited federal power, and a sound currency. I’d like to see Supreme Court term limits, but I’m not a fanatic about it. We should push for a balanced budget amendment and federal adoption of Generally Accepted Accounting Principals. In fact, we could adopt a motto like “Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit”.
iris lilies
11-26-19, 5:38pm
So, I'm interested in knowing what the conservative camp here plans to do in 2020. It's obvious that not too many people here (at least the ones that have been open about their opinions) think Trump represents our country well. What are you going to do? My DH's theory is that people don't want to admit that they vote for Trump, and they'll pan him publicly but vote for him privately. Maybe that's just a NE thing. My DIL bought DH a MAGA hat back in 2016 and he wouldn't wear it--he was too embarrassed to, but he he still voted for Trump. He says that's how Trump gets in--by those who defy the polls and defy the outward signs of his appeal or lack of it.
What are y'all gonna do? If he's the useful idiot of a very large segment of the population, will he still be as useful in 2020? If not, what next--unless you want Joe Biden or Bernie or Liz or Pete in the WH?
I am always a little uncomfortable in what seems like playing both sides of the fence. I didn’t vote for The Donald, but that doesn’t mean I hate everything he does. I sincerely believe the stock market would not have rebounded as high as it has without him making business friendly decisions for regulations. Some of his other actions are ok.
I am beginning to be so annoyed by the non stop, half witted comments here in the anti-Donald camp that I have, for the first time recently, entertained the notion of voting for him next time around. But I try to take a higher course of action for my country and I don’t think he is the right thing.
Teacher Terry
11-26-19, 6:12pm
IL, there are plenty of Republicans and Trump lovers on City Data. Yes this forum tends to be more Democrat.
It may be time for a new Conservative party.
Heck, it might be time for a new Liberal party. I could see the "anyone but Hillary" phenomena repeating itself among some fence riders or potential cross-overs.
catherine
11-26-19, 6:27pm
Heck, it might be time for a new Liberal party. I could see the "anyone but Hillary" phenomena repeating itself among some fence riders or potential cross-overs.
How about a new third party? I'm not happy with the Democrats by a long shot (except for Bernie--who is continually sidelined by the DNC and the media).
How about a new third party? I'm not happy with the Democrats by a long shot (except for Bernie--who is continually sidelined by the DNC and the media).Isn't the Socialist Party still around? Bernie could re-name it the Democratic Socialist Party and not have to do a thing with its existing platform after spending the past couple of election cycles re-branding.
catherine
11-26-19, 6:37pm
Isn't the Socialist Party still around? Bernie could re-name it the Democratic Socialist Party and not have to do a thing with its existing platform.
That's an idea!
There already is a Democratic Socialist party:
https://www.dsausa.org/
I know this because my brother is one.
They say they're not a party, but an organization. Looks like a potentially nice replacement for the current Democratic Party though.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party; through campus and community-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people.
ToomuchStuff
11-27-19, 4:12am
This thread made me look, but this forum is not old enough to find out what people thought of third parties in other elections.
flowerseverywhere
11-27-19, 7:40am
This thread made me look, but this forum is not old enough to find out what people thought of third parties in other elections.
I voted for Ralph Nader at one point, but I can’t remember when. Probably the 70’s which was a time of Vietnam protests, a sexual and drug revolution and so on.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader
catherine
11-27-19, 8:34am
This thread made me look, but this forum is not old enough to find out what people thought of third parties in other elections.
I don't think people like third parties because they're considered spoilers--look at Ross Perot. Most of the time the 3rd party candidate is a fringe candidate. It would be really interesting to see if a new party could actually appeal to a wide swath of the population, but like everything else, it's hard to go up against the Machine of the RNC and DNC.
I try not to think about his self-agrandizing takeover of this country because he's "a businessman and knows how to fix it". God help us if he gets another 4 years.>:(
I voted for Ralph Nader at one point, but I can’t remember when. Probably the 70’s which was a time of Vietnam protests, a sexual and drug revolution and so on.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader
I've voted for third party candidates often--Shirley Chisholm, John Anderson. Family members voted for Jesse Jackson, Ross Perot...The current stakes are too high for such foolishness, even though doing so would be fairly harmless in this state.
I've voted for third party candidates often--Shirley Chisholm, John Anderson. Family members voted for Jesse Jackson, Ross Perot...The current stakes are too high for such foolishness, even though doing so would be fairly harmless in this state.I voted for Jesse Jackson in the '84 Democratic Primary in the hopes of shaking things up a bit. By the time the next opportunity came in '88, I was pretty much over that.
Teacher Terry
11-27-19, 12:31pm
When Chrysler announced plans to close Kenosha’s largest employer probably in the 80’s Jesse came and spoke hoping to save the plant. He was phenomenal.
When Chrysler announced plans to close Kenosha’s largest employer probably in the 80’s Jesse came and spoke hoping to save the plant. He was phenomenal.
Now there was a man who liked a good rhyme.
iris lilies
11-27-19, 3:56pm
Now there was a man who liked a good rhyme.
Didn’t he though! I’ll never forget the recording that came into our ZIP Code for the national presidential election year —was it the year 2000?— Anyway, the recording was good old Jessie saying “get your souls to the polls! “ The only problem was That my neighbor received a recording well after 7:00 PM when the polls close. The Democratic machine got a court order to keep the polls open because of some kind of shenanigans I can’t remember. It’s pretty clear Jesse and his cohorts had planned for the “emergency” extension of voting to take place.
I do remember a time when Jesse was not a cartoon character, he was sincere and pretty legitimate for when he represented.
I loved his ability to laugh at himself:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x54vjte
gimmethesimplelife
11-30-19, 10:54am
This thread should be titled the nutcase in chief.I could not agree more. Rob
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