Good post, Oober. I agree with a lot of what you posted. I think some of it is a little overboard, I mean, I'm not sure we could target a mosquito in the region without it affecting the world oil market so it's silly to think we didn't see that coming.
I was speaking specifically to his statement "That whole thing in Iran has been bungled from the start." Meaning, mission has started, for whatever reason you have decided, everything from that point forward. I was hoping he would respond but knew that probably wouldn't happen before everyone else did. I don't not agree with Daman, but I'm not sure I ever have. If he saw a headline that says Trump eats babies, he would 100% believe that and repeat it without reading another word.
I just think, whether war or football, it's always easy to armchair it after the fact. I see the necessity of dealing with this bully a lot differently than most here, I'm basically sitting shotgun with 'Peen in that respect.
I won't bother arguing about it though. It's mostly futile. It baffles me that we can talk about the possibility of Iran having a nuke and many people think (me included) that would be the direst situation, read: threat to humanity by humans, that this planet has ever faced... others think it's a nothingburger. There's not really much reason for those people to try to talk it out.
I was definitely writing with a bit of snark, so yes some was a bit overboard.
Personally, I don't mind a bit of short-term discomfort (price of oil and it's effect on other prices) if the reasoning and long-term benefit is there. So, to me, the issue is 100% why this whole thing was kicked off, and no amount of tactical execution can make up for an unclear or nonexistent objective. I agree with you on armchairing conflicts... except for the 'why'. And in this case critics don't even have to use the benefit of hindsight to question why we're attacking... it's been mixed messages since the aftermath of the first strikes on the nuclear sites.
Exactly. It's impossible to tell what is a lie and what is the truth. Now the consequences of that when he lies about every day things isn't so bad yet still undermines whether we can trust anything he says. But when the topic is war those lies can result in some terrible consequences. We're already at the point that the entire globe doesn't trust anything that comes out of his mouth. And the long term impact of that is even more severe.
What they have learned is no long term deal or agreement with the U.S. can be trusted. Here is at least a partial list of agreements the U.S. had made that trump has broken...............
[Paris Climate Agreement]: Trump withdrew the U.S. from the global climate accord for a second time in 2025.
[United Nations Entities]: A directive was signed in early 2026 to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including 31 UN entities and 35 other organizations, in a move to cease funding and involvement in entities seen as counter to U.S. interests.
[World Health Organization (WHO)]: The U.S. withdrew from the WHO.
[UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO]: The U.S. formally exited these bodies.
[UNRWA (Palestinian Refugee Aid)]: Funding was halted for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Trade and Regional Deals Modified or Terminated
[Tariffs and Trade Deals]: Trump initiated a 90-day pause on trade negotiations in mid-2025, substituting them with new tariff rates for major partners including the E.U., Canada, Japan, and South Korea, after the Supreme Court struck down earlier IEEPA tariffs.
[UK Technology and Prosperity Deal]: This deal was suspended in December 2025.
[USAID Activities]: The administration has moved to dissolve or severely curtail the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The entire globe has learned that the word of the U.S. can never be trusted again because with a single election it can all be broken.
That's a lot more than a little "short term discomfort."
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
No matter if you agree or disagree this is a good and interesting discussion.
I think Piers is an absolute butthole - and I don't like the dude who talks over the interview giving his opinion... but the Greek dude is worth listening to even if you don't agree with all his viewpoints.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
You know, with all of the bluster from the right, none of you have been willing to address this question or address this set of facts. But I'm not going to stop trying to get you to.
On the campaign trail trump said he wouldn't start any new wars. Now you may say "This isn't a war" but trump has referred to it as a war several times. yes he has called it other things as well but he keeps slipping up and calling it a war. He plainly said there were no wars in his first term and there wouldn't be any in his second term either.
Six months after he was inaugurated, in June of 2025, He attacked Iran's nuclear program and stockpile. Immediately after he claimed he had set their nuclear program back many years if not decades by "obliterating it".
Then, just eight months later he said Iran was less than a month away from having a nuclear weapon.
So we know he lied about not starting a war. Something people voted for at the time.
Now all you have to do is decide if he was lying to you in June of 2025 or in March of 2026.
Since he told you two opposite things what makes you think we really needed to attack Iran when we did? And remember, it's been Netanyahu who has been telling the lie that Iran was on the verge of having a nuclear weapon since the 1990's.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Unverified claims circulating online allege that President Donald Trump attempted to "use nuclear codes" during a meeting on the war with Iran, but there is no evidence to support the allegation and no confirmation from U.S. officials.
The claim originates from comments made by former CIA officer Larry Johnson during an appearance on Judging Freedom, a podcast and YouTube talk show hosted by former Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano. Johnson did not provide evidence, did not identify any sources for his account and did not clarify what he meant by “nuclear codes.” Newsweek has found no independent corroboration for the claim.
What Larry Johnson Said During the April 20 episode of Judging Freedom, Johnson claimed that an emergency White House meeting took place on Saturday night amid escalating tensions with Iran.
“One report coming out of that meeting at the White House is that Trump wanted to use the nuclear, so‑called, use the nuclear codes, and General Dan Caine stood up and said 'no," Johnson said. He described the exchange as “apparently quite a blowup.”
Johnson did not name his source, explain how the information was obtained, or provide any details about what actions Trump was alleged to have taken. He did not clarify whether he was referring to a nuclear strike, a briefing, or any formal command process.
Johnson also cited images he said showed Caine, who is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaving the meeting “with his head down." Later in the episode Napolitano shows footage of the general walking outside on the White House grounds with his head down. Newsweek has not been able to independently verify when the footage was taken or whether it is connected to the alleged incident.
What We Know and Don’t Know There is no public evidence that Trump attempted to initiate a nuclear strike or access nuclear launch authority. Newsweek has reached out to the White House and the Pentagon for comment outside normal working hours.
Johnson used the phrase “nuclear codes” colloquially and did not describe how U.S. nuclear command-and-control procedures function. Under established protocol, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff does not have unilateral authority to block a presidential nuclear order.
No credible news organization has independently reported that Trump sought to access nuclear launch authority or that such an exchange occurred.
Well, besides the fact that even MSN aggregated reports and expressed broad skepticism, many outlets have since reported that there wasn't even an emergency meeting scheduled or conducted on that date.
In other news, Biden and Kamala were having an affair. One dude said it so.....
JUST IN: JD Vance’s Trip to Pakistan for Iran Peace Talks Delayed
Vice President JD Vance’s flight to Pakistan for fresh peace talks on the Iran war has reportedly not taken off as scheduled on Tuesday, raising new speculation over a peace deal with the regime.
CNN’s Alayna Treene reported that Vance will attend policy meetings at the White House on Tuesday, and will not travel to Islamabad as scheduled.
It’s currently unclear whether Vance’s trip will happen at all, sources told Treene.
“We don’t know if this trip is definitely off,” she told The Situation Room anchors Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown. “All we do know is that it is definitely delayed and that we should expect to see now the vice president at the White House for meetings today, not leaving this morning on that plane as we had previously reported.”
Vance flew to Pakistan earlier this month to lead talks in Islamabad along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The VP said the Iranians refused to agree to the main point the Americans were seeking — an “affirmative commitment” the country will not pursue nuclear weapons.
The meeting failed to result in a deal being made.
“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” Vance said at the time. “And I think that’s bad news for Iran, much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”
Well, besides the fact that even MSN aggregated reports and expressed broad skepticism, many outlets have since reported that there wasn't even an emergency meeting scheduled or conducted on that date.
fate...understand that the entire story about Trump trying to access the nuclear codes might not be factual...the entire story could be a CIA "false flag event", meant to influence future negotiations between Iran and the USA.
Simply planting the seed gives Iran negotiators something else to think about while negotiating.
The story might be true...or it might not be true that Trump attempted to access the nuclear codes...regardless it could end up being used as a positive negotiating ploy by the USA/CIA.
That whole thing in Iran has been bungled from the start. But then what can you expect from a Bible thumping Movie buff like Hegseth.
Tell us what you would have done different...
First of all I wouldn't have lied to the American people. I wouldn't have told anyone that Iran was 2 weeks away from a Nuke... That was clearly a lie..., Or, if you believe the moron when he said about 8 or so months ago that we had Obliterated their Nuclear Capabilities.. Which by the way tells me he lied either about 8 months ago, or he lied to start a war. I'll let you decide what he lied about.
This kinda "Kid Stuff" crap he's running makes him look more childlike than I'd like a President to be.
Then I'd have actually read the deal that came into play during the Obama Admin. If he had, he'd have found out that it contains all the assurances that Trumps been asking for. But you know Trumps ego.. He needed to make a splash.. He needed the deal to have his name on it, Not Obamas..
Clearly, he was Guided into this war by Netanyahu..... I support Israel but not their Leader. He's as big a disaster as Trump...
Lastly, I would never have gotten into a war without Clear Objectives and a Plan to attain that Objective.. And to be ready for that, I would NEVER have put a Cartoon character in charge of the Department of Defense... ( yeah, that's the official name) A man that doesn't know the difference between a bible verse and a Movie line.
And I wouldn't ever get rid of the Brain Power that Hegseth cut from the Military. Did you ever wonder what it costs to train a Military leader? This Moron tossed them out like dirty laundry... I wouldn't have allowed that to happen
What I would have done is exactly what Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden did. Especially Obama.. I would Trust But Verify. I would Trust my Military leaders to have a plan ready to activate in a moments notice,., And I'd have made Damn Sure we have our Allies on board before any action was taken....
I wouldn't have allowed my CIA or FBI or DoD to fire all the intel people on the Iran/Middle East Desk.;.. That was IDIOTIC.....(i suppose you weren't wondering why we didn't know about all the capabilities Iran had,, We'll that might be your answer.)
While your at it, why don't you take a look at the WPA.. War Powers Act.. look closely what it says a President can and can't do.. Match that with Trumps actions..
Trump bastardized that to mean what he wants it mean.. Not what it says.,,
Let me know if I answered your question.
Thank you for your attention to this matter! D
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
I think you go way, way overboard -- or you maybe fire from the hip not caring -- way too often. But - this post is dead nuts on the money.
- Iran was not 2 weeks away from a nuke. - Either we didn't obliterate their capacity 9 months ago - or we lied to go to war. Take your pick. It's actually most probably both. - Netanyahu definitely played Trump and led us into this war which he has tried to scaremonger us into for 20 years. - There was no real plan and definitely no exit strategy when Iran didn't instantly capitulate - hence the empty threats and constant ratcheting up of rhetoric which is Trump's only play and he hasn't realized Iran does not care. - Yes Hegseth is incompetent and has small man syndrome - Firing the military and intelligence personnel was foolish and short sighted. - 1000% get your allies on board before you launch an attack they all determine as illegal - and don't insult and demean them constantly when they stick to principals and adhere to international law.
Last edited by mgh888; 04/22/2603:11 AM.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
When things aren't quite going the way you thought they would...................
Navy Secretary John Phelan fired from administration amid Iran war
The chief Pentagon spokesperson said Phelan would depart "effective immediately," without adding more details about why he was leaving.
Navy Secretary John Phelan will leave the Trump administration “effective immediately,” the Pentagon announced Wednesday, marking the latest departure of a top defense official this year.
“On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement posted on X.
Parnell did not provide a reason for Phelan's exit, but said that the new acting Navy secretary will be Undersecretary Hung Cao.
The abrupt firing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth came after mounting tensions between Phelan and Hegseth and the Pentagon’s No. 2, Stephen Feinberg, according to multiple officials and others familiar with the relationship.
There were a number of issues between the men, but the speed and approach Phelan was taking when it came to shipbuilding, a challenge in which President Trump has taken a personal interest, appears to have been the main reason for the firing, multiple people said.
They clashed not only on shipbuilding, but also the Golden Fleet, Trump’s signature naval initiative, as well as the deployment of ships around the world. Feinberg had wrested some decision making on shipbuilding away from Phelan, according to two officials familiar with the matter.
NBC News could not immediately reach Phelan for comment. The Pentagon responded to a request for comment by referring back to Parnell's statement.
Phelan’s ouster comes amid the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The American military has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has called a violation of the precarious ceasefire between the two countries. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News Wednesday that the seizure was not a violation because they were “international vessels,” and insisted the blockade has been “massively effective.”
Firing the head of the Navy when the U.S. is enforcing a naval blockade caught members of Congress and Pentagon officials by surprise, according to multiple officials. By Wednesday evening, there were differing accounts from administration officials about Phelan’s firing. Three people familiar with the matter said Phelan did not know he was being fired until he saw the post on X from the Pentagon’s top spokesman announcing his departure. But a senior administration official said Phelan was notified ahead of time.
“President Trump and Secretary Hegseth agreed new leadership at the Navy is needed,” according to the official. “Secretary Hegseth informed John Phelan of this news prior to it being made public.”
Despite the dismissal, Phelan's tenure included moves favorable to the Trump administration.
Last December, Phelan announced a new class of U.S. battleships, dubbing them “Trump-class battleships” while speaking at an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Earlier in the year, Phelan reversed the demotion of Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, who had been stripped of his rank in 2022 after an investigation found he behaved inappropriately during his time as White House physician. Jackson, who served under Trump and former President Barack Obama, called the investigation’s findings politically motivated at the time.
The Senate confirmed Phelan as Navy Secretary in a 62-30 vote in March 2025.
Lawmakers were surprised by the dismissal. Phelan had spent the greater part of the day on Capitol Hill discussing the nuts and bolts of shipbuilding, according to one official and one person familiar with the matter, and had no apparent idea he was about to be sacked.
There was no immediate response from Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who represents Mississippi, a major shipbuilding state.
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member of the committee, expressed concern about the firing.
“Secretary Phelan’s abrupt dismissal is troubling,” Reed said in a statement. “I am concerned it is yet another example of the instability and dysfunction that have come to define the Department of Defense under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth."
Phelan’s departure comes after Hegseth forced out the Army’s top officer and two other Army generals earlier this month.
Hegseth ousted Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff. Parnell later confirmed George’s departure, saying the top officer would be “retiring from his position … effective immediately.”
Hegseth has removed multiple senior officials he believes are associated with previous administrations. George was senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who served in President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. George’s firing was in part a result of a brewing turf war between Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Hegseth has fired numerous officials since starting his tenure in 2025.
Last year, he fired Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, who headed the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, after an initial assessment by the agency found that U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were not as extensive as Trump had indicated.
Hegseth also fired Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield; Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown Jr.; Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh; Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti; and head of the Coast Guard, Adm. Linda Fagan.
We're not the ones who ended up with someone who changed everything he used to believe after he had a stroke. It's not such an uncommon symptom.
Unless of course you think Fetterman Made Strokes Great Again.
Name a few things then. I mean, if he "changed everything", it should be easy...
The debate over John Fetterman's consistency often centers on whether his post-election actions are a fundamental shift or just the first time he's had a national platform for his long-held views. While he maintains his core values are unchanged, several high-profile issues have fueled the "changed stance" narrative:
Key Areas of Debate
"Not a Progressive" Label: Since 2023, Fetterman has explicitly rejected the "progressive" label, stating he is just a "regular Democrat". Critics point out he was endorsed by Bernie Sanders in 2016, though he has always diverged from the "Squad" on several issues.
Israel and Foreign Policy: Fetterman has become one of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices in the Senate. While he pledged to "lean in" on Israeli security during his campaign, the intensity of his current stance—often breaking with Democratic leadership—has surprised many constituents.
Fracking: This is one of his most documented shifts. In 2016, he called fracking a "stain" on Pennsylvania and signed a pledge for a moratorium. By 2022, he stated he "supports fracking," citing improved state environmental regulations as the reason for his change.
Immigration: He has criticized Democratic approaches to border security and supported certain enforcement measures that align more with centrist or even Republican-leaning positions.
Bipartisan Cooperation: Recently, Fetterman has drawn both praise and fire for voting with Republicans to end government shutdowns and expressing willingness to confirm some of Donald Trump's cabinet appointees, such as Marco Rubio.
You just listed several high profile issues and then ask me to show you?
His shift has led to a significant decline in his approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats, with some former supporters feeling a sense of betrayal. Conversely, his new, more moderate-to-conservative positions have earned him praise from some conservatives and political commentators.
He had his stroke before his 2022 campaign and just days before the primary.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Well - this isn't really about politics to me. It's about counting.
What have we gained. What has it cost. Was it worth it. I guess the politics might be about commenting on the absolute sh*t show on display regarding the "negotiations" and the tantrums and attacks on western allies.
Trying to spin this onto the Democrats as being the bad actors .... really just plain flat out dumb.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
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