Over 250 long years of history there is a supernatural quality wrapped around the grim reality that we share this moment of history with the single greatest buffoon to ever be associated with the American military: Pete Hegseth.
This is an excellent piece this morning. I wish it would be published on the front page of the NYT Washington Post and LA Times.. My heart is broken . lost in america
I'm with you. I just *cannot* believe that this is what is being done in the name of we the American people. Again. An offensive war (no "defense" involved)-again-that will burn us down to the ground, and a whole lot of hapless bystanders. Pure Evil. Corrupt, and utterly stupid.
Eisenhower warned in 1961 that a permanent war economy would distort American foreign policy from defense into something else entirely. He was right. Congress has formally declared war exactly five times in American history. Every conflict since Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan has proceeded under authorizations or executive action alone.
Each time, the accountability gap between those who order the fighting and those who do the dying has widened.
Madison warned that the Constitution gave Congress the war power precisely because the executive branch has a structural incentive toward conflict.
Who in Washington today is prepared to reclaim it?
Some never learn their lessons. Some can never read the room. Some are slow on the uptake. Some just don’t get it. Some can’t smell the putrefying dung heap when they are standing directly in it.
And, that not getting a clue is :
The rich and well off WAGE war(s) and PROFIT from them. The working classes PAY for war(s) and SUFFER because of them.
This is exactly why, as you posted, the power to wage war rests in the legislative branch ( Congress ) of our govt.
It is beyond astounding to me that a former political party ( GOP, now MAGANAZI ) pontificates on an hourly basis the rule of law and following it. They blow-vate about how we are nation of laws and how the law is sacrosanct and it must be followed to the letter. And, yet they don’t walk the walk they talk and talk. At least in 2003 there was an authorization to use force against Iraq. It was a bad plan and a bad vote but, it was still a vote by Congress. In 2026 any resemblance that we have a democracy is a quaint notion.
I don’t even blame trump and his pantheon of losers, the decisions they are making could be easily predicted based on who and what they are. The Elected representatives that are enabling are the people’s line of defence, the Nation’s line of defence. They could stop this, but are too afraid. Too afraid to do their jobs, their duty to the country. It is amazingly shameful, generationally shameful. How their children and grandchildren will abide that shame will be a sad story.
For certain culpability lies with the GOP Senators who approved totally unqualified sycophants to every cabinet position, and together with a neutered House and the corrupt Supreme Court that empowered and emboldened the imbecilic narcissist in chief. Had these people had fulfilled their oaths during the 2021 Impeachment, America and the world would have been spared the expanding tragedy that is the Trump administration.
Simple facts: We were the aggressor when we attacked Iran with bunker busting bombs last June. We were the aggressor last week when we bombed Iran.
The Gulf states are controlled by Sunni Muslims while Iran is controlled by Shia Muslims. They are rivals over oil production and sales and control of the Arabian peninsula. The Pakistan population is Shia; the killing of Khamenei has angered them deeply and they are protesting the American attack on Iran. Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons.
We live in a much more dangerous world because Trump wants to divert attention from his involvement in Epstein's sexual exploitation of children and reward the Gulf states, notably Qatar and Saudi-Arabia, for enriching Trump and his family.
“Fascists love war” tells it like it is. What will it take for this madness to end? How many more unnecessary deaths? Billions of dollars wasted? The blind allegiance to a madman is beyond comprehension.
Steve, hoping to hear your voice with other experts soon this morning. Heard you with Malcolm and Ken Harbaugh first thing on Saturday, and shared with lots of people. Our friend Jim Acosta has Scaramucci on now -- WHY? Don't ask me. I have no interest in listening to him or anyone just trying to get some clicks. We need the experts!
"What we are witnessing is a national obscenity . . . . It is a war we will not win because there is no plan to win because there is no reason to fight it. . . . . It is pitiful, ... tragic." Truer words, Steve.
Steve, keep sounding the alarms because eventually others will come around. The nation is in a sad state but MAGA must lose faith in their supreme leader before real change occurs.
You’re partially right…but a large majority of Germans in WW2 willingly went down with Hitler all the way, and some beyond by never admitting defeat or any wrong-doing!
The jury’s still out on the US, but maybe enough of US will do what you say!
I am filled with sorrow that our country is now no better than Russia, China, and all the other global thugs. No better than Russia, which invaded Ukraine to kill, steal, and plunder the country for its land and resources. No better than China salivating and scheming to take over Taiwan. We are now the bullies in the world’s classroom, and it makes me sick to my stomach. As Steve has said, Americans are dying for nothing. Tell that to grieving families when their loved ones are brought back home.
One obscenity after another. Two motherfucking dogwaggers, Bibi and MBS. The Democratic Party should only be concerned with Right and Wrong from here. All day, every day for the next 3 years. Fuck affordability. Maybe someday in 2029 it'll be worth a plan. And maybe not then. Maybe I’m mistaken, maybe there's 3 concerns — Right, Wrong, Elections. At this moment, we are just WRONG. War for shape-shifting what again? Would the keepers of Article 1 please reveal yourselves while Trump does anything he can think of to stop the slow Epstein drip.
When in God’s name will the ‘news’ media and the DEMS put it all together rather than jumping like outraged children from one of the dictator’s ‘everythings’ to the next at his whim?
This is another attempt to distract the public from the Epstein files and the recent reports that documents detailing Trump rape of a minor are missing from the files. As well as trumps low approval ratings. What happens next- watch for Trump to use the threat of attacks by Iran within the U.S. to declare a national emergency and suspend elections. That’s the end point. I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump’s Gestapo orchestrated the shooting in Austin. Pretty convenient that the guy was black, wearing an Iranian sweatshirt announcing who he was, and then of course, they found Iranian flags and ayatollah pictures inside his apartment. I used to laugh at conspiracy theorists, but after everything weve seen in the Epstein files, I can’t automatically laugh anymore.
This is an excellent piece this morning. I wish it would be published on the front page of the NYT Washington Post and LA Times.. My heart is broken . lost in america
I agree with you Mary💔🇺🇸
I agree. This piece should be widely published.
My heart is broken too. Every day I wake up grief-stricken.
But I shall not be afraid, and I shall fight this fascist regime.
Max me too !
I'm with you. I just *cannot* believe that this is what is being done in the name of we the American people. Again. An offensive war (no "defense" involved)-again-that will burn us down to the ground, and a whole lot of hapless bystanders. Pure Evil. Corrupt, and utterly stupid.
Yes Thank You Charlie !
Thank you, Steve,
Eisenhower warned in 1961 that a permanent war economy would distort American foreign policy from defense into something else entirely. He was right. Congress has formally declared war exactly five times in American history. Every conflict since Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan has proceeded under authorizations or executive action alone.
Each time, the accountability gap between those who order the fighting and those who do the dying has widened.
Madison warned that the Constitution gave Congress the war power precisely because the executive branch has a structural incentive toward conflict.
Who in Washington today is prepared to reclaim it?
-Mika | The Firing Line
Some never learn their lessons. Some can never read the room. Some are slow on the uptake. Some just don’t get it. Some can’t smell the putrefying dung heap when they are standing directly in it.
And, that not getting a clue is :
The rich and well off WAGE war(s) and PROFIT from them. The working classes PAY for war(s) and SUFFER because of them.
This is exactly why, as you posted, the power to wage war rests in the legislative branch ( Congress ) of our govt.
It is beyond astounding to me that a former political party ( GOP, now MAGANAZI ) pontificates on an hourly basis the rule of law and following it. They blow-vate about how we are nation of laws and how the law is sacrosanct and it must be followed to the letter. And, yet they don’t walk the walk they talk and talk. At least in 2003 there was an authorization to use force against Iraq. It was a bad plan and a bad vote but, it was still a vote by Congress. In 2026 any resemblance that we have a democracy is a quaint notion.
"Some can’t smell the putrefying dung heap when they are standing directly in it."
They smell it but they are still convinced they are going to find a pony in there.
Or that it will turn into a lilac scented bubble bath.
Alas, poor MAGANAZIs…..when you stand in shit, it stinks.
I don’t even blame trump and his pantheon of losers, the decisions they are making could be easily predicted based on who and what they are. The Elected representatives that are enabling are the people’s line of defence, the Nation’s line of defence. They could stop this, but are too afraid. Too afraid to do their jobs, their duty to the country. It is amazingly shameful, generationally shameful. How their children and grandchildren will abide that shame will be a sad story.
For certain culpability lies with the GOP Senators who approved totally unqualified sycophants to every cabinet position, and together with a neutered House and the corrupt Supreme Court that empowered and emboldened the imbecilic narcissist in chief. Had these people had fulfilled their oaths during the 2021 Impeachment, America and the world would have been spared the expanding tragedy that is the Trump administration.
Afraid maybe, inside trading on the killing, definitely!
Steve, you said it all and perfectly.
My feelings swing between rage and fear. Rage because this is unnecessary loss of life on so many levels; and fear that it will only get worse.
Captain Bonespurs doesn't have a clue, Drunk Defense Dept. doesn't have a clue and Rubio is just hoping Cuba isn't next.
If it wasn't so difficult, I would move out of this country tomorrow. I can't even say the Pledge of Allegiance anymore. It's a lie.
Simple facts: We were the aggressor when we attacked Iran with bunker busting bombs last June. We were the aggressor last week when we bombed Iran.
The Gulf states are controlled by Sunni Muslims while Iran is controlled by Shia Muslims. They are rivals over oil production and sales and control of the Arabian peninsula. The Pakistan population is Shia; the killing of Khamenei has angered them deeply and they are protesting the American attack on Iran. Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons.
We live in a much more dangerous world because Trump wants to divert attention from his involvement in Epstein's sexual exploitation of children and reward the Gulf states, notably Qatar and Saudi-Arabia, for enriching Trump and his family.
Sadly, 2026 Game of Thrones. IRL
“Fascists love war” tells it like it is. What will it take for this madness to end? How many more unnecessary deaths? Billions of dollars wasted? The blind allegiance to a madman is beyond comprehension.
Steve, hoping to hear your voice with other experts soon this morning. Heard you with Malcolm and Ken Harbaugh first thing on Saturday, and shared with lots of people. Our friend Jim Acosta has Scaramucci on now -- WHY? Don't ask me. I have no interest in listening to him or anyone just trying to get some clicks. We need the experts!
"What we are witnessing is a national obscenity . . . . It is a war we will not win because there is no plan to win because there is no reason to fight it. . . . . It is pitiful, ... tragic." Truer words, Steve.
This is what happens when the dumbest among us have the numbers to elect the dumbest among us. Strength in numbers. It is, tragically, epic.
Steve, keep sounding the alarms because eventually others will come around. The nation is in a sad state but MAGA must lose faith in their supreme leader before real change occurs.
You’re partially right…but a large majority of Germans in WW2 willingly went down with Hitler all the way, and some beyond by never admitting defeat or any wrong-doing!
The jury’s still out on the US, but maybe enough of US will do what you say!
I am filled with sorrow that our country is now no better than Russia, China, and all the other global thugs. No better than Russia, which invaded Ukraine to kill, steal, and plunder the country for its land and resources. No better than China salivating and scheming to take over Taiwan. We are now the bullies in the world’s classroom, and it makes me sick to my stomach. As Steve has said, Americans are dying for nothing. Tell that to grieving families when their loved ones are brought back home.
So well said, Katie.
One obscenity after another. Two motherfucking dogwaggers, Bibi and MBS. The Democratic Party should only be concerned with Right and Wrong from here. All day, every day for the next 3 years. Fuck affordability. Maybe someday in 2029 it'll be worth a plan. And maybe not then. Maybe I’m mistaken, maybe there's 3 concerns — Right, Wrong, Elections. At this moment, we are just WRONG. War for shape-shifting what again? Would the keepers of Article 1 please reveal yourselves while Trump does anything he can think of to stop the slow Epstein drip.
This would require Schumer to change his attitude. He loves to take photos with war criminals. And that indicts him...
It's time for some rough-and-tumble, push-him-out politics on the Democratic side.
When in God’s name will the ‘news’ media and the DEMS put it all together rather than jumping like outraged children from one of the dictator’s ‘everythings’ to the next at his whim?
If the unprovoked attack on Iran begins World War III, we would have played role of the diabolical Japanese in starting World War II.
hegseth says the military will hunt down and kill anyone who messes with Americans. I ask them, does that same promise apply to ICE?
This is another attempt to distract the public from the Epstein files and the recent reports that documents detailing Trump rape of a minor are missing from the files. As well as trumps low approval ratings. What happens next- watch for Trump to use the threat of attacks by Iran within the U.S. to declare a national emergency and suspend elections. That’s the end point. I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump’s Gestapo orchestrated the shooting in Austin. Pretty convenient that the guy was black, wearing an Iranian sweatshirt announcing who he was, and then of course, they found Iranian flags and ayatollah pictures inside his apartment. I used to laugh at conspiracy theorists, but after everything weve seen in the Epstein files, I can’t automatically laugh anymore.