I love looking at photographs. Some years ago, the defunct Newseum in Washington, DC, had an exhibit of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs that I found absolutely mesmerizing. It was an extraordinary collection that tells the story of our times without a single word. The photos were searing, painful, illuminating and extraordinary in that they were the evidence of history and testament to the age of wonder in which we live.
Indeed, pictures express a thousand words. The picture of the former slave with scars on his back as a result of being whipped, says it all. Please relay this picture to DeSatan and all the people at Prager U who believe that slavery wasn’t so bad, and slaves learned many skills. And explain how slaves were bought and sold as chattel; families being separated and children removed from parents.
As for the other pictures around the world? Pictures elicit an emotional response. These pictures in Gaza, Iran and Turkey show anger and hate. The same anger and hate we Americans expressed after 9/11. My only thought is, how did that work out for the US.
I think we all need to take a step back. The violence and response to the terrorist attack will only escalate to more death and destruction. We all need to take a deep breath and think through the consequences of our actions and responses before more escalation occurs and even more countries are drawn into this travesty.
More of the same isn’t the answer. We’ve seen this movie before, and each time the violence and death only gets worse, and the treatment of Palestinians, more draconian.
Einstein once said, the true definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.
It may be too late , but no one wants to hear that and many of our aging institutionalist leaders continue to believe that the honor system in our elected government still works and the center will hold, and neither one of those statements is true any more. It takes a well educated citizenry to make democracy work and our entire education system in America is broke. And it was broken by design over the past fifty plus years, little by little, and step by step by a committed core of well funded, anti democratic authoritarians on a mission to destroy representative democracy and an evolving pluralistic and more socially conscious society.
That’s spot on Dana, our education system has totally failed us, maybe totally isn’t the right word because half of the country does understand our peril. Half of the country appears to be totally clueless, and anytime a human being is clueless about something, the fault lies with their education. My point isn’t to denigrate teachers, who teach within a system, but to point out that the system over all is what has failed us. When someone like the insipid clown who was elected president, never opened his yap without a lie coming out, and half of the nation are just fine with that, you know that something is wrong.
It is our current educational system. Not knowing the ages of any of those of us in this community, my guess from comments is that we are of another time when we did learn history. Or it may not have been robust and still we had libraries - in schools and communities - to which many of us had access. Not all always which was part of this nation's shame. Now, I wonder what will be known. It may not be the best and yet it is a good option: The Week has The Week Junior. It's been my 'go-to' gift for young people in my life. Sure, it's not going to have photos of some of the world's horrors. What it does is provide an interest in news and publications and learning. The children - family and others - to whom it's been given 'eat it up', looking forward to every issue. We must supplement the meager offerings with what we can. (I'm a fan of graphic novels - and for young people, I've learned, a good way to learn. Darrin Bell's "The Talk" is one current one - also now in French - that has been a gift to others too.) Let's do more to add to the education of children in our lives and strangers.
I agree and there may be an unconventional way that a larger umbrella nonprofit could organize a non profit “history masters” tutoring group... where those of us with post grad degrees in history and retired history teachers and professors can volunteer, if so inclined, to teach history in our communities across the country. I’ll bet there are a lot of people like me that would jump at the chance to volunteer for something like that with strict academic requirements and a code of ethics, after we retire. Funding would be like non profit funding everywhere...voluntary, where everyone contributes what they can afford, and no child would be left behind. Lessons could be scheduled as little as one a week to once a month. Crazy....”heh”?
Let’s see what happens here. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness, right? A lot of intellectuals are following Steve thanks to Substack. Most of us are becoming very cynical about the future and the posts are becoming more fearful. That’s not good. There must be a positive and long term impactful way people can contribute to these difficult times whether it’s through volunteering as a teacher or an organizer or contributor. It must be voluntary and a non profit 501(c3).
Dana, that is absolutely true in the US, the grinding intention is historically and pellucidly clear.
But the arch danger of the moment is that so many countries have instituted the same practice and are boiling over simultaneously with nationalized hate, which always leads to the same end.
What we are seeing and have seen is nation capture, similar to the court capture specific to the US. Evil blossoms in ignorance, and can be directed at any institution or people, until resistance is overcome. And ignorance is a very inexpensive tool to institutionalize and maintain, the best way to deconstruct a State and guarantee a following.
My hope at this point is based on a comment by Lee Marvin’s character, a gun runner, in an movie from the 60’s. “There are few problems on this Earth that can’t be solved by the proper application of explosives.”
I’m convinced it has come to that. The only way that I see to avoid the worse case scenario right now is for the next generation of leaders to take power and for all us to support them and get the hell out of their way. “...from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans...born in this century...tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world,”
So very, very true. And I have taught school and put my own kids through with much angst then fortunately could cobble enough money to send them to a private school. After that expenditure as we face retirement we will cobble enough together to get by okay.
We also live in a world where know-it-alls and instigators rule the social media platforms with uninformed and righteous opinions and the rest are busy voting for Dancing with the Stars and watching football of which they are know-it-alls too. On line games and gambling ads on tv. Freedom of speech for haters and liars and troublemakers who via the internet have the ability and access to interfere with world problems. It’s a game. We might gain fame and money Let’s play. And if you don’t like someone? Shoot them!
And our mainstream, corporate media is leading the way. (I cannot erase from my mind an interview John Harwood did very recently with President Biden where Harwood nodded his head at everything Biden said. A nod is a sign of approval. John Harwood should be forced to sit in a room and watch himself sit with the President of the US acting like a corporate bobble head! Does he even have an education in journalism? Would he do the same with Goetz or MTG? I think he would.) ABC owned by Disney with Goofy and Cinderella telling us who to vote for if we vote at all. Gotta watch Kardashians or Housewives of (pick your city)first.
This is our dominant culture. I’ve already heard much of this from my toddler grandsons. What the hell do we expect?
From HCR, (Oct 17) re: Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA.)
Aguilar noted that Jordan was “the architect of a nationwide abortion ban, a vocal election denier, and an insurrection inciter.” He has “spent his entire career trying to hold our country back, putting our national security in danger, attempting government shutdown after government shutdown, wasting taxpayer dollars on baseless investigations with dead ends, authoring the very bill that would ban abortion nationwide without exceptions, and inciting violence on this chamber. Even leaders of his own party have called him ‘a legislative terrorist.’”
Regarding the 200 members "voting for" Jordan, IMO, some may have voted for him reluctantly, perhaps not fearing for their jobs, but for their lives, or for those of their families. They may not have wanted to appear on some "hit list" on Truth Social by Gag Man.
Too true. It's sad; but this is where the US is now. It didn't start with Trump and it won't end with Trump. There is a deep rot there that is spreading. :-(
If the cowards are so fearful that they can’t do the job, which as a minimum includes supporting the Constitution and protecting Americans, they should resign.
David Sear, that is possible, but they should say so then in public. Or they could be brave like Cassidy Hutchinson, Fanni Willis, Judge Chutkin, Leticia James to name just a few.
Steve I went to Normandy last month. Have wanted to take the D-Day tour for years and finally got the chance. No American should ever forget what happened there. As I stood on Omaha Beach I thought to myself, “How much time do we have?” Because I see what is happening in the world. I have been saying this to my friends and family for some time now. You said it better than I ever could. The world has changed. It is the 1930’s all over again. I watched that vote for speaker yesterday and realized then that we are out of time. We are at zero hour.
Is it time to leave Salzburg, join the Von Trapp family and settle in a new land? Why do I get a pit in my stomach when I see an American flag flying on a Jeep with too many bumper stickers on it? I used to love good country music. Now I feel I shouldn’t play it. Might send a mixed message to others. What can I do TODAY to push back?
I received a bumper sticker for Biden and Harris because I'm a monthly contributor. Putting it on my car would be inviting visceral hate and possibly physical violence. My Obama sticker was ripped off back in 2008. Things have escalated since then.
Support #LeadersWeDeserve, founded by activist (and Parkland survivor), David Hogg. https://leaderswedeserve.com/ My second post about them here today, I have no affiliation other than donating what I can.
The monsters from under our childhood beds and imaginations have actually materialized. I do not feel vindicated I feel as terrified now as I did when I was a child
I have been preparing for a household move to Scotland in the spring. Fortunately for me, my job will come with me due to my dual citizenship. My mother was British and I have a lot of family over there. Hiding away in the Highlands on a remote loch seems the safest place to be… for now. We are currently working on getting dual citizenship for my son and grandchildren. I plan to return periodically and will definitely vote next year for Biden or whomever the Dem candidates are. If Trump wins, America will no longer be safe for Democrats - I would be horrified but not surprised to hear Trump will institute a purge as one of his many demonic decisions, should he ever gain power again.
The world is in total chaos! We need to get back to our roots. We, as a people no matter any label has veered way off course. It doesn’t need to be sugar coated by anyone. Not only is the planet itself going through a change, the population living on it is also changing for the worse. Unless we confess our misdeeds, this population will implode on itself. But there is always a spark of positivity, we need to see it soon!
Americans should celebrate and happily re-confirm their superb, compassionate and brilliant leader, Joe Biden, who has fearlessly walked into the eye of the storm once again to show where America stands, even while idiots swirl around Washington, no doubt surprising themselves with the depths of their depravity and complete disregard for their constituents. As Biden holds their hands and listens to the shock and grief of front line workers in Israel, he demonstrates that the good in the world comes down to individuals with stories - sometimes tragic, sometimes hopeful, often courageous.
Agreed. Suspect by whom though? Do you think the Israeli’s faked it? Israel claims to have video showing the missile came from the West Bank by Islamic Jihad. I’ve yet to see it aired.
In the fog of war, who knows who’s responsible, but both sides should show some pause, because in the end, innocents are dying regardless of who ultimately is responsible.
Thank you May. Until now, I was not sure, but suspected it was an IDF missile. Now I am sure it was not. The audio tape you also posted was very helpful. Nice going.
Steve, I read you for information and insight. Thank you for provoking both with this post of concerning images (US government) and alarming images from the rest of the world. I'm glad to have the Biden administration at the helm and you scouting for us all.
In my very humble opinion, there was no possibility for Jordan to win the speakership. I may be proved wrong today, but I'm laying it out anyway. This guy from Ohio is and has been a traitor to his country. There are enough Republicans left in office to keep him away from his goal. Thank God. Who is going to be next in the hot seat?
As I commented the other day — we are staring into the abyss of a third world war. It may not feel like World War I or World War II but hindsight is 20/20. In reality most people did not see the build-ups to World War I and World War II unless they were paying very close attention — and even those paying close attention either saw and were to afraid to see the truth as it unfolded, or just didn't see the obvious.
If I recall my history correctly, the lead-up to WWI, and well-known treaties that had been established allowed the world to descend into madness and death very quickly and easily. The build-up was perhaps a bit more understated, but it was as if the world was cocooned in a very small room, filled with TNT and all that was needed was for someone to strike a match. The assassination of the the Arch Duke Ferdinand and his wife was that spark.
I see WWII as something a little bit separate from WWI because it was largely facilitated by a madman and his boot lickers, but if we really give it thought, it is easy for me to see WWII as chapter 2 of WWI. They are intertwined and connected.
What is troubling about WWII is that the buildup was so completely obvious. Weak leadership in Europe failed to act out of fear of a repeat of the horrors of trench warfare of the first world war. The war to end all wars seared in their souls — I fully comprehend why they were "gun shy." Nonetheless, just because one doesn't want something to happen, does not mean it is not happening. The added dimension of World War II was the systemic murder of 6,000,000 Jewish People and the rape of the European continent as a whole. It was patently obvious in the 1930s what was about to happen and the world refused to see it.
Here — it is again — painfully obvious what is happening. War has already broken out between Israel and Gaza. It can easily expand and engulf the entire Middle East from the Israeli coast to Afganistan and into Egypt and Lebanon. As Steve pointed out, the Azeris are poised to strike Armenia. (Full disclosure — As an Armenian, The People in Armenia or Azerbejian don't deserve what is happening to them, and it should be noted that Armenians have their own complicity / stupidity to answer for — which after what happened to the Armenian People in WWI, they should know better). Putin has stoked both sides of the Azeri and Armenian fight. China is upping their aggression against Taiwan, Iran is always a problem as is North Korea. and of course Russian has invaded Ukraine.
Add to this the refusal to accept election results in Poland, The United States and Brazil — as far right groups stoke hate, resentment and fear. It suddenly becomes easy to see how 50 years from now, our children and grandchildren will ask the question many of us ask about why was Hitler not stopped as soon as he annexed Austria?
From an American position — we should be clear-eyed. Any "republican" in power would put the United States of America on the side of the Axis powers. Ill put it another way — if any Republican becomes President — ANY republican, or if Congress is controlled by republicans — they will put the USA on the side of Russia and China. It would be akin to the United States joining forced in WWII with Nazi Germany.
Think about that, before you decide that Biden is too old and you plan to stay home on election day… or that voting for POTUS is all that matters and you walk out of the booth before voting for House or Senate. Think about that before you consider throwing away your vote on a third-party hack like Manchin if he runs on No-Labels, or a cook like RFK Jr.
I understand it sucks — but democracy is on the line. That means there is one choice. One. With all of his warts, Joe Biden is our best bet. Democrats controlling the House and Senate is our best bet. Republicans are already showing their hand. They have announced plans to end the Constitution. They have already poised the nation to abandon the UN, NATO, Ukraine, Israel and likely Taiwan.
And those who say republicans would reign in Trump or any other GOP nut…
That was what was said about Hitler. German leaders said they could control and manage him. How did that work out? The track record is crystal clear — the republican party is fully complicit in the termination of democracy. Think hard and carefully with your vote. It is the only bullet you have in your proverbial gun. Don't miss.
Indeed, pictures express a thousand words. The picture of the former slave with scars on his back as a result of being whipped, says it all. Please relay this picture to DeSatan and all the people at Prager U who believe that slavery wasn’t so bad, and slaves learned many skills. And explain how slaves were bought and sold as chattel; families being separated and children removed from parents.
As for the other pictures around the world? Pictures elicit an emotional response. These pictures in Gaza, Iran and Turkey show anger and hate. The same anger and hate we Americans expressed after 9/11. My only thought is, how did that work out for the US.
I think we all need to take a step back. The violence and response to the terrorist attack will only escalate to more death and destruction. We all need to take a deep breath and think through the consequences of our actions and responses before more escalation occurs and even more countries are drawn into this travesty.
More of the same isn’t the answer. We’ve seen this movie before, and each time the violence and death only gets worse, and the treatment of Palestinians, more draconian.
Einstein once said, the true definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.
Perhaps the world should listen this time around.
It may be too late , but no one wants to hear that and many of our aging institutionalist leaders continue to believe that the honor system in our elected government still works and the center will hold, and neither one of those statements is true any more. It takes a well educated citizenry to make democracy work and our entire education system in America is broke. And it was broken by design over the past fifty plus years, little by little, and step by step by a committed core of well funded, anti democratic authoritarians on a mission to destroy representative democracy and an evolving pluralistic and more socially conscious society.
That’s spot on Dana, our education system has totally failed us, maybe totally isn’t the right word because half of the country does understand our peril. Half of the country appears to be totally clueless, and anytime a human being is clueless about something, the fault lies with their education. My point isn’t to denigrate teachers, who teach within a system, but to point out that the system over all is what has failed us. When someone like the insipid clown who was elected president, never opened his yap without a lie coming out, and half of the nation are just fine with that, you know that something is wrong.
It is our current educational system. Not knowing the ages of any of those of us in this community, my guess from comments is that we are of another time when we did learn history. Or it may not have been robust and still we had libraries - in schools and communities - to which many of us had access. Not all always which was part of this nation's shame. Now, I wonder what will be known. It may not be the best and yet it is a good option: The Week has The Week Junior. It's been my 'go-to' gift for young people in my life. Sure, it's not going to have photos of some of the world's horrors. What it does is provide an interest in news and publications and learning. The children - family and others - to whom it's been given 'eat it up', looking forward to every issue. We must supplement the meager offerings with what we can. (I'm a fan of graphic novels - and for young people, I've learned, a good way to learn. Darrin Bell's "The Talk" is one current one - also now in French - that has been a gift to others too.) Let's do more to add to the education of children in our lives and strangers.
I agree and there may be an unconventional way that a larger umbrella nonprofit could organize a non profit “history masters” tutoring group... where those of us with post grad degrees in history and retired history teachers and professors can volunteer, if so inclined, to teach history in our communities across the country. I’ll bet there are a lot of people like me that would jump at the chance to volunteer for something like that with strict academic requirements and a code of ethics, after we retire. Funding would be like non profit funding everywhere...voluntary, where everyone contributes what they can afford, and no child would be left behind. Lessons could be scheduled as little as one a week to once a month. Crazy....”heh”?
Not crazy - brilliant! How could this work? Within this community there must be a way to move this. Thank you!
Let’s see what happens here. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness, right? A lot of intellectuals are following Steve thanks to Substack. Most of us are becoming very cynical about the future and the posts are becoming more fearful. That’s not good. There must be a positive and long term impactful way people can contribute to these difficult times whether it’s through volunteering as a teacher or an organizer or contributor. It must be voluntary and a non profit 501(c3).
Been saying this for years! So many of our current problems would not exist if our population could think critically.
Welcome to their Brave New World. How do you like it?
Dana, that is absolutely true in the US, the grinding intention is historically and pellucidly clear.
But the arch danger of the moment is that so many countries have instituted the same practice and are boiling over simultaneously with nationalized hate, which always leads to the same end.
What we are seeing and have seen is nation capture, similar to the court capture specific to the US. Evil blossoms in ignorance, and can be directed at any institution or people, until resistance is overcome. And ignorance is a very inexpensive tool to institutionalize and maintain, the best way to deconstruct a State and guarantee a following.
My hope at this point is based on a comment by Lee Marvin’s character, a gun runner, in an movie from the 60’s. “There are few problems on this Earth that can’t be solved by the proper application of explosives.”
I’m convinced it has come to that. The only way that I see to avoid the worse case scenario right now is for the next generation of leaders to take power and for all us to support them and get the hell out of their way. “...from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans...born in this century...tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world,”
From JFK Inaugural Address 1961.
Let's then support #LeadersWeDeserve, founded by young activist, David Hogg. https://leaderswedeserve.com/
Brilliant. Totally agreed and perfect reference!
So very, very true. And I have taught school and put my own kids through with much angst then fortunately could cobble enough money to send them to a private school. After that expenditure as we face retirement we will cobble enough together to get by okay.
🎯🎯🎯
With some serious assistance
We also live in a world where know-it-alls and instigators rule the social media platforms with uninformed and righteous opinions and the rest are busy voting for Dancing with the Stars and watching football of which they are know-it-alls too. On line games and gambling ads on tv. Freedom of speech for haters and liars and troublemakers who via the internet have the ability and access to interfere with world problems. It’s a game. We might gain fame and money Let’s play. And if you don’t like someone? Shoot them!
And our mainstream, corporate media is leading the way. (I cannot erase from my mind an interview John Harwood did very recently with President Biden where Harwood nodded his head at everything Biden said. A nod is a sign of approval. John Harwood should be forced to sit in a room and watch himself sit with the President of the US acting like a corporate bobble head! Does he even have an education in journalism? Would he do the same with Goetz or MTG? I think he would.) ABC owned by Disney with Goofy and Cinderella telling us who to vote for if we vote at all. Gotta watch Kardashians or Housewives of (pick your city)first.
This is our dominant culture. I’ve already heard much of this from my toddler grandsons. What the hell do we expect?
Spot on Mr. Jaffee! Worse is all we ever seem to get, Insanity for sure.
Very true..:)
From HCR, (Oct 17) re: Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA.)
Aguilar noted that Jordan was “the architect of a nationwide abortion ban, a vocal election denier, and an insurrection inciter.” He has “spent his entire career trying to hold our country back, putting our national security in danger, attempting government shutdown after government shutdown, wasting taxpayer dollars on baseless investigations with dead ends, authoring the very bill that would ban abortion nationwide without exceptions, and inciting violence on this chamber. Even leaders of his own party have called him ‘a legislative terrorist.’”
Regarding the 200 members "voting for" Jordan, IMO, some may have voted for him reluctantly, perhaps not fearing for their jobs, but for their lives, or for those of their families. They may not have wanted to appear on some "hit list" on Truth Social by Gag Man.
Too true. It's sad; but this is where the US is now. It didn't start with Trump and it won't end with Trump. There is a deep rot there that is spreading. :-(
If the cowards are so fearful that they can’t do the job, which as a minimum includes supporting the Constitution and protecting Americans, they should resign.
You’ve explained Jordan well, and unfortunately, those are his best qualities...:)
David Sear, that is possible, but they should say so then in public. Or they could be brave like Cassidy Hutchinson, Fanni Willis, Judge Chutkin, Leticia James to name just a few.
What do all those names have in common? They all belong to WOMEN!!!!!!!
Safe to say we women are fed the fuck up.
Steve I went to Normandy last month. Have wanted to take the D-Day tour for years and finally got the chance. No American should ever forget what happened there. As I stood on Omaha Beach I thought to myself, “How much time do we have?” Because I see what is happening in the world. I have been saying this to my friends and family for some time now. You said it better than I ever could. The world has changed. It is the 1930’s all over again. I watched that vote for speaker yesterday and realized then that we are out of time. We are at zero hour.
Violence around the world is not new. What is new is the GOP and it’s corporate sponsors are on the side of the storm.
Is it time to leave Salzburg, join the Von Trapp family and settle in a new land? Why do I get a pit in my stomach when I see an American flag flying on a Jeep with too many bumper stickers on it? I used to love good country music. Now I feel I shouldn’t play it. Might send a mixed message to others. What can I do TODAY to push back?
I received a bumper sticker for Biden and Harris because I'm a monthly contributor. Putting it on my car would be inviting visceral hate and possibly physical violence. My Obama sticker was ripped off back in 2008. Things have escalated since then.
Support #LeadersWeDeserve, founded by activist (and Parkland survivor), David Hogg. https://leaderswedeserve.com/ My second post about them here today, I have no affiliation other than donating what I can.
Thanks Joan, I'll check them out
Thank you.
Lost for Words, which don't seem to matter these days.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
The monsters from under our childhood beds and imaginations have actually materialized. I do not feel vindicated I feel as terrified now as I did when I was a child
So many Americans live in such a foolish and protective bubble. Thank you for continually trying to wake us up.
Having my passport ready is no solution any longer. To where?
I have been preparing for a household move to Scotland in the spring. Fortunately for me, my job will come with me due to my dual citizenship. My mother was British and I have a lot of family over there. Hiding away in the Highlands on a remote loch seems the safest place to be… for now. We are currently working on getting dual citizenship for my son and grandchildren. I plan to return periodically and will definitely vote next year for Biden or whomever the Dem candidates are. If Trump wins, America will no longer be safe for Democrats - I would be horrified but not surprised to hear Trump will institute a purge as one of his many demonic decisions, should he ever gain power again.
The world is in total chaos! We need to get back to our roots. We, as a people no matter any label has veered way off course. It doesn’t need to be sugar coated by anyone. Not only is the planet itself going through a change, the population living on it is also changing for the worse. Unless we confess our misdeeds, this population will implode on itself. But there is always a spark of positivity, we need to see it soon!
Americans should celebrate and happily re-confirm their superb, compassionate and brilliant leader, Joe Biden, who has fearlessly walked into the eye of the storm once again to show where America stands, even while idiots swirl around Washington, no doubt surprising themselves with the depths of their depravity and complete disregard for their constituents. As Biden holds their hands and listens to the shock and grief of front line workers in Israel, he demonstrates that the good in the world comes down to individuals with stories - sometimes tragic, sometimes hopeful, often courageous.
Biden believes that Israel did not bomb the hospital. Here is the intercepted conversation of Hamas posted by Israel. https://youtube.com/shorts/_NIsUVTb74c?si=RN8lRXgWD1-uKT6W
Thank you, I heard both spokespeople for Israel and Hamas blame each other for the bombing. Finally, some proof it was Islamic Jihad.
Proof these days is fleeting.
You call that proof?
Hope they can come up with voice signature later to pinpoint the people behind the voices. But the timing of this is a huge suspect.
Agreed. Suspect by whom though? Do you think the Israeli’s faked it? Israel claims to have video showing the missile came from the West Bank by Islamic Jihad. I’ve yet to see it aired.
In the fog of war, who knows who’s responsible, but both sides should show some pause, because in the end, innocents are dying regardless of who ultimately is responsible.
Latest https://youtu.be/mYqlG3dKIFo?si=9c4aK1MgGu-3NgyY. Worth looking
Thank you May. Until now, I was not sure, but suspected it was an IDF missile. Now I am sure it was not. The audio tape you also posted was very helpful. Nice going.
Steve, I read you for information and insight. Thank you for provoking both with this post of concerning images (US government) and alarming images from the rest of the world. I'm glad to have the Biden administration at the helm and you scouting for us all.
In my very humble opinion, there was no possibility for Jordan to win the speakership. I may be proved wrong today, but I'm laying it out anyway. This guy from Ohio is and has been a traitor to his country. There are enough Republicans left in office to keep him away from his goal. Thank God. Who is going to be next in the hot seat?
Our collective moral compass is spinning.
Broken seems more like it, unfortunately.
As I commented the other day — we are staring into the abyss of a third world war. It may not feel like World War I or World War II but hindsight is 20/20. In reality most people did not see the build-ups to World War I and World War II unless they were paying very close attention — and even those paying close attention either saw and were to afraid to see the truth as it unfolded, or just didn't see the obvious.
If I recall my history correctly, the lead-up to WWI, and well-known treaties that had been established allowed the world to descend into madness and death very quickly and easily. The build-up was perhaps a bit more understated, but it was as if the world was cocooned in a very small room, filled with TNT and all that was needed was for someone to strike a match. The assassination of the the Arch Duke Ferdinand and his wife was that spark.
I see WWII as something a little bit separate from WWI because it was largely facilitated by a madman and his boot lickers, but if we really give it thought, it is easy for me to see WWII as chapter 2 of WWI. They are intertwined and connected.
What is troubling about WWII is that the buildup was so completely obvious. Weak leadership in Europe failed to act out of fear of a repeat of the horrors of trench warfare of the first world war. The war to end all wars seared in their souls — I fully comprehend why they were "gun shy." Nonetheless, just because one doesn't want something to happen, does not mean it is not happening. The added dimension of World War II was the systemic murder of 6,000,000 Jewish People and the rape of the European continent as a whole. It was patently obvious in the 1930s what was about to happen and the world refused to see it.
Here — it is again — painfully obvious what is happening. War has already broken out between Israel and Gaza. It can easily expand and engulf the entire Middle East from the Israeli coast to Afganistan and into Egypt and Lebanon. As Steve pointed out, the Azeris are poised to strike Armenia. (Full disclosure — As an Armenian, The People in Armenia or Azerbejian don't deserve what is happening to them, and it should be noted that Armenians have their own complicity / stupidity to answer for — which after what happened to the Armenian People in WWI, they should know better). Putin has stoked both sides of the Azeri and Armenian fight. China is upping their aggression against Taiwan, Iran is always a problem as is North Korea. and of course Russian has invaded Ukraine.
Add to this the refusal to accept election results in Poland, The United States and Brazil — as far right groups stoke hate, resentment and fear. It suddenly becomes easy to see how 50 years from now, our children and grandchildren will ask the question many of us ask about why was Hitler not stopped as soon as he annexed Austria?
From an American position — we should be clear-eyed. Any "republican" in power would put the United States of America on the side of the Axis powers. Ill put it another way — if any Republican becomes President — ANY republican, or if Congress is controlled by republicans — they will put the USA on the side of Russia and China. It would be akin to the United States joining forced in WWII with Nazi Germany.
Think about that, before you decide that Biden is too old and you plan to stay home on election day… or that voting for POTUS is all that matters and you walk out of the booth before voting for House or Senate. Think about that before you consider throwing away your vote on a third-party hack like Manchin if he runs on No-Labels, or a cook like RFK Jr.
I understand it sucks — but democracy is on the line. That means there is one choice. One. With all of his warts, Joe Biden is our best bet. Democrats controlling the House and Senate is our best bet. Republicans are already showing their hand. They have announced plans to end the Constitution. They have already poised the nation to abandon the UN, NATO, Ukraine, Israel and likely Taiwan.
And those who say republicans would reign in Trump or any other GOP nut…
That was what was said about Hitler. German leaders said they could control and manage him. How did that work out? The track record is crystal clear — the republican party is fully complicit in the termination of democracy. Think hard and carefully with your vote. It is the only bullet you have in your proverbial gun. Don't miss.