Friends, lefties are decidedly nervous as we commence the Second Age of Trump, and adding to their anxieties is his new official portrait, which looks a lot like his defiant mug shot of a few months ago. There's no easy grin this time around. Trump favors the scowl for 2025-2029, which, given the fact that this portrait will hang in virtually every federal government office, may be a signal to the bureaucrats that they had better learn to play ball, or they may find themselves looking for work. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and, to me, this particular picture says: "I mean business, so don't mess with me." A quick sidebar: I can't wait to see Elon Musk's official portrait! I expect Mars will feature prominently...
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly443wxl78o
We may be in the last stages of the Israel-Hamas conflict, although we don't seem to be any closer to resolving the long-term future of Gaza itself. Technically, Hamas is still "standing", so, if the fighting really does wind down and Israeli forces vacate the Gaza Strip, one would assume that Hamas would resume its tyranny there. Or does Israel have more up its sleeve? We shall see.
Among DJT's first acts as president -- even before he became president -- was the extension of a 90-day grace period to TikTok, meaning it is resuming its services in the U.S. Will Trump ultimately give the social media platform a pass, or will he compel its sale to a more responsible owner (I have one in mind!)? This drama isn't over.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjde3p0rnjgo
Finally, here's an intriguing assessment of the tactical and strategic vulnerabilities of the aircraft carrier, of which we Americans have a bunch. It's sobering, and I'm inclined to agree with its logic.
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/why-aircraft-carriers-are-becoming-obsolete-214442
Dr. Waddy from Jack: As luck would have it I was watching a documentary last night on "ekranoplans". They look like a Howard Hughes contraption.
ReplyDeleteI expect we will develop defense both against these things and the hypersonic missile. BUT as soon as a naval conflict goes nuclear, the carrier is doomed. It cannot survive a direct or maybe even nearby nuclear explosion.
I was amazed to see the Brits recently launch two new 'super carriers" with capabilities close to what our's have. They have always been smart about developing creditable naval technology and tactics ( eg. ironclads, the all big gun "dreadnought" battleship, the destroyer, the convoy system, radar). If they think the carrier still has value it probably does have it. It excells in power projection in a prospective or actual conventional situation. But it can't survive nuclear attack.
BTW, my job as a lookout on a super carrier was to make a visual report of the nuclear blast in the nanoseconds I had left to live. Go figure.
There's a major mis-read of liberals. Most are tired thinking that we are going to have to endure another four years of this clown. But the silver lining is that the height of his power and popularity is tomorrow. Trump's ill-advised policies will tank our presently strong economy and weaken us with our allies.
ReplyDeleteHistory may not repeat itself but it certainly does rhyme. During the second term of Grover Cleveland, Democrats lost over 100 seats in the House because of his poor handling of the economy with his misguided policies. While polarization -- and red state gerrymandering -- means we wouldn't see a 100-vote swing, the 2026 midterms are likely to be costly for MAGA. That will set up things nicely for President Whitmer and Vice-President Ossoff to assume office 4 years from tomorrow.
Rod
Hey Rod
DeleteTime for you to f**k off, and start campaigning for Whitmer and Ossoff, isn't it, numb nuts? Hope the man you refer to as a "clown" makes your lefty life miserable for the next four years, and beyond.
Hey Rod
DeletePlease insert "shit-eating" in front of "lefty life miserable......". Thank you, asshole.
Hey Rod
DeleteIf you quit posting stupid comments, maybe I will show more respect for you, and refrain from thinking of you as a fool. Your comparing Trump to Cleveland is real dumb. Get with reality, and use that so called mass communications talent to write something that makes sense. Why don't you elaborate on Whitmer and why he is going to be so damn great as a president in 2029. In other words, as the old saying goes, "Shit or get off the pot".
Rod from Jack: What you predict is not all implausible. But: on the economy ; its about to get an enormous fillip from the restoration of common sense to our energy policy. There will be myriad restored and new jobs in the redeemed oil, natural gas and yes, coal industries and America will swiftly restore its energy independence.
ReplyDeleteThose who assert that apparent global warming is proven to be chiefly due to human misconduct have not proved their case and have not justified the draconian remedial and vindictive measures they force whenever they have the power (EG People's Republic of NY).
Cleveland's economy may have suffered growing pains beyond the control of any President. The modernization, industrialization, expansion and urbanization of a theretofore dominantly rural nation had to be a very hard and unprecedented row to hoe.
But DJT has only to unleash an already established transcendently powerful economic engine from its radically (AOC's "Green New Deal")imposed far left bonds and barriers. He emphasizes this with his embrace of very forward looking entrepreneurs and technological geniuses. We may be in for a big economic restoration and America will not forget the party which gave it leave.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Its a real pleasure to comment on the Inauguration; it was a very redeeming experience.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen one since Pres. Carter's; its impressive , especially in that Capitol Rotunda setting. The performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, to which I have marched in Civil War reenactment, was most stirring ,especially with the close visible proximity of the statues of Grant and Lincoln.
I loved DJT's assertiveness and his completely unapologetic mien in his speech. No cringing "Now, I don't wish to appear judgemental but we do have some dysfunction at the border" or " I'm no racist or sexist but I do have some disagreements with DEI. " NO! He stated the problems he faces frankly and objectively and he said what he would do about them, some that very day!
What a wonderful event it was for him and for the America which has stood with him and his family through his execrable ordeal at the lawless hands of those who intended his final personal ruin and the
terrible prevention of any further neo Trumpian insolent heresy against their eternal justice and wisdom. And, yes, it did provide a measure of vindication to behold the (to them) painful presence of some of his worst detractors on the stage. Their discomfiture can only be imagined behind the patronizing masks of their visages. How richly they deserve such discomfort.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: DJT's thus determined visage, will of course be very widely displayed. An ancillary benefit is that his unapologetic visage will provoke the far left into frantically hyperbolic and disempowering overreach. Judging by the decisive nonsuccess of their no holds barred onslaught on DJT they will in this but prolong their hapless thrashing against the America they so detest.
ReplyDelete