not! good post b!!! no sarc// code necessary!!! thanks.. all of this craziness defies any sort of logic... sarcasm is a good response!

Posted by: james | Jan 15 2019 19:16 utc | 1

Another situation that demonstrates how controlled the US corporate press is. It really doesn't matter what Trump does, they will smear him as an agent of Putin. I'd like to know how many Americans believe it.

Posted by: NoOneYouKnow | Jan 15 2019 19:20 utc | 2

b you need to tweet this Robert Reich maybe he'll come to his senses.

Posted by: George Lane | Jan 15 2019 19:24 utc | 3

The Russian MoD's supercomputer playing Risk suggested that Trump accommodate his supporters.

Posted by: Fec | Jan 15 2019 19:49 utc | 4

As shown in this article, a recent Senate bill shows clearly how Washington has a two-faced approach when it comes to dealing with Russia and Syria:

https://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-united-states-senate-saving-syria.html

Congress, with or without Donald Trump's influence, has proven that it simply doesn't care about the geopolitical repercussions of its actions.

Posted by: Sally Snyder | Jan 15 2019 19:59 utc | 5

A few more just for kicks.

WAR READY: Trump deploys TANKS to Estonia as NATO builds up HUGE army on Russian border
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/764014/Trump-US-military-Estonia-Nato-defence-Stoltenberg-Russia-border-Putin-threat

Tillerson. Oil. Russian dupe?
U.S. Rejects Exxon Mobil Bid for Waiver on Russia Sanctions
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/21/business/energy-environment/treasury-exxon-mobil-sanctions-waiver.html

U.S. reshaping budget to account for Russian military threat
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-russia/u-s-reshaping-budget-to-account-for-russian-military-threat-idUSKBN13U0CX

RT and Sputnik forced to register as foreign agents.
Russia's RT America registers with DOJ as a foreign agent
http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/13/media/russia-rt-fara/index.html

What is happening at the UN with Trump’s delegation?
Watch Nikki Haley's brutal takedown of Russia at the U.N.
http://theweek.com/speedreads/690467/watch-nikki-haleys-brutal-takedown-russia-un

Additional sanctions not under the old sanctions.

U.S. Punishes Chechen Leader in New Sanctions Against Russians
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/20/us/politics/trump-sanctions-russia-chechnya.html

No more Russian flights over the US based on previous treaty
US 'to restrict Russian military flights over America'
Both Russia and the US are among the 34 signatories of the Treaty on Open Skies, which allows ratified member states to conduct unarmed aerial surveillance flights over each other's territory.

The flights are intended to foster transparency about military activity.

US officials are reportedly preparing to announce restrictions on Russian military flights over America.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/us-russia-military-flights-america-planes-relations-washington-dc-moscow-trump-putin-nato-a7967496.html

Kaspersky Labs banned.
Trump signs into law U.S. government ban on Kaspersky Lab software
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cyber-kaspersky/trump-signs-into-law-u-s-government-ban-on-kaspersky-lab-software-idUSKBN1E62V4

And this after Kapersky helped the NSA find one major data breach.

Russian firm that was barred from U.S. networks as a spy threat helped NSA nab suspect in massive breach
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-firm-barred-from-us-networks-as-a-spy-threat-helped-the-nsa-nab-suspect-in-massive-breach/2019/01/09/4cbae45e-141b-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html?utm_term=.a1c6bb2659ab

A Russian American was put on sanctions list based on Forbes list of Russian billionaires. This guy founded a high tech industrial laser company employing over a thousand American workers. Forbes realized they f'ed this guy over and took him off their Russian billionaire list. But too late--he remains sanctioned.

2 Trump Moves Cost This Russian-American CEO $2.3B
https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2019/01/14/2-trump-moves-cost-this-russian-american-ceo-2-3b/#7dabae3f18af

Posted by: Erelis | Jan 15 2019 20:42 utc | 6

@ NoOneYouKnow | Jan 15, 2019 2:20:33 PM | 2

In my experience, just about everyone here, including hordes of supposedly educated people who really should know better, believe it. They really do. However, most of them don't care--it's merely something to snark about or score points in a political conversation with, not anything they perceive as an actual threat to their way of life.

Posted by: AshenLight | Jan 15 2019 20:52 utc | 7

It's nothing more than the undying legacy of anti-communism and racism thrown in for good measure. It echoes the German Nazis and their treatment of Slavs (slaves, unter menchen). We need only look at how the US viewed the Japanese (and the Germans) during WWII, with Roosevelt calling for their extermination (I'll find the source).

And of course, there's US slavery and extermination of the original inhabitants that also feeds into the psychosis.

Posted by: William Bowles | Jan 15 2019 21:01 utc | 8

But, Rachel Maddow told me that Trump is Putin's puppet. It was on TV, so it must be true.

Posted by: Peter VE | Jan 15 2019 21:12 utc | 9

William Bowles 8
London was said to be very subdued the day news came through that Sweden's Charles the twelth had been crushed at Poltava in 1709 . North Western European economic interests have clashed with Russian across many centuries .

Had Charles been successful in the Ukraine a new level of English and Swedish alliance was in the offing .

Posted by: ashley albanese | Jan 15 2019 21:19 utc | 10

I just read about Trump's AG candidate, commenting on the 'Russian interference' in US elections ....and i'm struck that these are not stupid people....they are either totally IGNORANT of the facts and analysis .....or they are good ol boys, ready to tow the deep state lie, so they too can feed at the trough. It saddens me in either case ....what hope can one entertain when such cretins and low lifes are the supposed LEADERS of the democratic west. I hold no hopes.

Posted by: James sullivan | Jan 15 2019 21:22 utc | 11

Thanks b

But, but, but, how are the trolls around here going to spin this or are they just going to ignore it?

Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 15 2019 21:25 utc | 12

Proof by absurdity

Trump and Deep State work together. MAGA is a policy choice as much as it is a campaign slogan.

Everyone wants to rail against the anti-Trump forces. Oh it feels so good. That Trump has proven to be a faux populist like Obama is ignored. WTF?

Welcome to the rabbit hole.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 15 2019 21:48 utc | 13

I didn't live through the entire Anti-Communist Crusade, but was certainly cognitively aware of it from JFK's inauguration in 1961 until the USSR's dissolution. I very closely studied the events that led to an emergent Russian Federation and the device meant to corral the "Near-Abroad"--The Commonwealth of Independent States. Admittedly, I was somewhat horrified by Yeltsin's attack on Russia's Duma's White House in 1993 and eagerly read Kargalitsky's account as it was the only one written by a Parliamentarian in English and published in 1994. It was possible to discern the outright looting of Russia and former Soviet nations, but the depth of evil involved wasn't made clear until some publications in the late 1990s documenting the Rape of Russia; all of which made clear what the underlying intent of the Anti-Communist Crusade entailed, and that that Crusade wouldn't end until Russia was absolutely broken and enslaved by NATO/Outlaw US Empire. As many have opined, the Cold War/Anti-Communist Crusade never ended; rather, it just entered a new phase/chapter, and that's what we're living through today. But as b portrays, the level of hysterics paraded via BigLie Media go far beyond anything from the previous chapter and probably outweigh those employed during Red Scares I and II combined.

It seems fairly plain to see that delusional madness and anger have combined as the motivating factors, but why/what sparked them and when? IMO, when was during Carter's presidency with the why/what being several seemingly disparate but connected happenings: Church Committee Hearings; Stagflation; Iranian Islamic Revolution; OPEC actions; losing grip on Latin America; informal end to War on Poverty, and institution of Neoliberalism and Zerosumism; changing of Coldwarrior Guard to Israel First Coldwarrior Guard. The culmination was CIA gaining control of Executive with DCI GHW Bush becoming Veep to senile, dementia addled POTUS Reagan.

Interconnected with the above is the prepping of the World Trade Center buildings for demolition during Clinton's 2nd term, the operative question being: Would the False Flag be perpetrated by Gore/Liberman, or was Bush/Cheney deemed to do the deed by Deep State actors; or does this aspect even matter--Liberman was as much of a Neocon as Cheney, all 4 are Israel Firsters, and Gore was already a War Criminal due to his participation in Clinton's numerous illegalities. Sure, the Bush/Cheney cabal was more radical; but given what we observed during Clinton/Gore, Deep State support was quite abundant. The dismemberment of Yugoslavia was finished and Kosovo created, Afghanistan was already targeted and Joint Vision 2010--the blueprint for the Outlaw US Empire's Full Spectrum Dominance Policy--was published in 1996. Interestingly, at no time known to me has the Policy articulated by the authors of Joint Vision 2010 or its update Joint Vision 2020 been announced by any POTUS or senior member of the Duopoly as THE #1 policy goal of the Outlaw US Empire despite both papers being available to the public. (If he were still alive, IF Stone would have written about both umpteen numbers of times; while true to form, BigLie media remains 100% mute.) Despite all the preparations and Trillions of dollars spent and looted, The failure to implement the Yinon Plan seems to be directed at Russia, although it was indigenous Iraqis who are responsible for the plan's defeat.

So, is the lying vitriol we're subjected to the result of Russian actions or the inability to attain the #1 policy goal due to mistakes made at all levels--Deep State and Federal Government? Recall that Russia/Putin didn't start to actively parry Outlaw Empire moves until 2008, well after the Yinon Plan's defeat by Iraqis.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 15 2019 21:54 utc | 14

This inane narrative has gone too far. It's actually threatening chances for human survival with its nationalism, poor focus, and banality:

--

"The key focus of the so-called "left" in the world's most polluting country, run by an ecocidal vandal who deserves to be in the running for most destructive rulers of all time, is whether or not that vandal is taking orders from the Russian Federation.

Let me repeat that: in the most wasteful society in human history, the forces designated to oppose the rape of the planet and corporate slavery are concerned with treason and betrayal of the "nation."

MSNBC: "The worst case scenario that we`ve all been talking about, which is the possibility that the president had somehow been co-opted and was in the pocket of the Russians."

THIS is the "worst case scenario" according to the "social justice" network of the American "left?"

If we were to step back and look at this terrible situation honestly, we could only conclude that American liberals, and the Democratic Party, are right-wing nationalist forces concerned with geopolitical gambits and preservation of military alliances.

This isn't the politics of 2019, or 1999. It's the politics of 1819 - but even then, it's the right wing politics of 1819, as there was already a left dedicated to popular solidarity and social ownership existing, clandestinely, in the shadows of European cities.

It's worth analyzing how a "Seattle" would play out if it were to occur in the context of today's US political discourse: the protestors would be seen as nationalist anti-Semites doing the bidding of Putin, and perhaps Xi Jinping. The leaking of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment would be condemned instantly as "information warfare." A focus on environmental issues would be viewed in the context of "energy geopolitics." Indymedia would be shut down by the authorities as a vehicle for "sowing discord" in Europe against NATO and liberalism."

Posted by: Blooming Barricade | Jan 15 2019 22:02 utc | 15

The current round of bullshit is not about justifying the investigation, it is about concealing Mi6 taking a leading role in the attempted coup.

Posted by: Anon | Jan 15 2019 22:08 utc | 16

@14 karlof1... good post.. i don't know the answer to your questions, but it seems like a bit of both but mostly the later... i am unaware of this joint vision 2010 paper..

Posted by: james | Jan 15 2019 22:09 utc | 17

As b points out, and Erelis @6, among others confirms, Kaplan's article in Slate is worthless. Discredited by everything that has happened over the past two years.
The question is whether it matters. Who reads Slate? Are those who follow Kaplan anything more than partisans, far beyond the reach of logical argument, committed to the Zionist project and US hegemony, who read him for comfort and laughs rather than critically.
Kaplan, after twenty odd years of consistently being wrong and consistently impelling the United States into foreign disasters, costly in lives and treasure, is a busted flush politically. The only people his ravings effect are the true believers who are simply looking for someone to articulate their idiotic prejudices.
This, after all is a man whose wife, an Obama/ Clinton favourite, parodying Marie Antionette, midwifed the Bandera Reich in Kiev.
There is little point in arguing with him, just feed him ever more rope and he will hang himself, his spouse, his country(s) and the Ukraine and its allies too.

Posted by: bevin | Jan 15 2019 22:15 utc | 18

It is posts like yours Jackrabbit that give 13 a bad name.

Posted by: bevin | Jan 15 2019 22:16 utc | 19

We are being played

Pat Buchanan gets it (ht Zerohedge): Is">https://buchanan.org/blog/is-bolton-steering-trump-into-war-with-iran-135696">Is Bolton Steering Trump into War with Iran?

There are other signs a confrontation is coming soon. The U.S. has objected to Iran’s pending launch of two space satellites, saying these look like tests of missiles designed to deliver nuclear warheads....

In short, forces are moving in this country and in Israel to bring about a U.S. confrontation with Iran — before our troops leave Syria [NYT says troop withdrawal is estimated to take 4-6 months].

But the real questions here are not about Bolton or Pompeo.

They are about Trump.

Trump brought on Nikki Haley, Bolton, and Pompeo. Trump nominated Gina Haspel, acolyte of his supposed nemesis Brennan, for CIA director. Trump approved termination of JCPOA.

And Trump's administration claims to have defeated ISIS. They say that USA actions were responsible for 99% of the anti-ISIS effort. Why make such a claim after Trump said in his campaign: "Let Russia take care of ISIS"? My best guess: They want to portray themselves as the 'good guy' to Western audiences and when they act against Syria in the future, they will attempt to convince the Syrian people that the 'Assad must go' Coalition was responsible for eliminating ISIS.

And Trump's duplicity extends beyond Russia and Syria. He pretended to make a peace deal with North Korea but refuses to complete it. He railed against TPP but included TPP provisions in the new North America free-trade agreement. He said he would prosecute Hillary but backed within days of being elected saying: "the Clintons have been through enough" (what have they been through?!?), he said he would "drain the swamp" but has added to it, he put Jared Kushner - a supporter of illegal settlement building - in charge of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, etc.

Welcome to the rabbit hole.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 15 2019 22:24 utc | 20

Missing link, Buchanan: Is Bolton Steering Trump into War with Iran?

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 15 2019 22:28 utc | 21

Jackrabbit | Jan 15, 2019 5:24:49 PM | 20

We saw the exact same dynamic when Obama was the populist hero. As Obama betrayed his base and acted against what people had expected from him, Obamabots insisted that Obama was playing 11-dimensional chess and that their hero's intentions were pure. It was all bullshit.

It was obvious from jumpstreet what Obama was all about! I never for once believed anything he said but I looked at what he did. A gangster from Chicago. In some respects he was a black Carter, designed to act as an interregnum. It was Carter who kickstarted the occupation of Afghanistan. It was Carter who bumped up the nuclear weapons programme.

Trump is just a naked version of every prior US prez.

Posted by: William Bowles | Jan 15 2019 22:46 utc | 22

Ted Koppel:

“I don’t need you guys anymore,” Trump told me.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dont-expect-trump-to-go-quietly/2019/01/14/d8104e3a-1458-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html

"Untethered from any political responsibility whatsoever, he can be expected to capitalize fully on his new status as political martyr and leader of a new “resistance” that will make today’s look supine."

Posted by: Fec | Jan 15 2019 22:54 utc | 23

William Bowles @22:

Trump is just a naked version of every prior US prez.

The faux populist leader model is actually well suited for an inverted totalitarian government like USA. And I've previously described a number of elements that make up this model such as the need for partisans (Obamabots/Trumptards) that vehemently defend the popular hero as he betrays his base while bogus accusations from political opponents spark a knee-jerk reaction in the hero's base and prepare the ground for the next faux populist leader.

I've made a substantial case for Trump's having been chosen to follow Obama. I look forward to any comments you may have regarding that the argument that I've set forth.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 15 2019 23:20 utc | 24

@ 24

Kudos for alluding to Wolin, shunned by his Princeton colleagues after publishing Democracy, Inc.

Trump is a black swan summoned by Hillary Clinton.

Unfortunately, the Left has not handled the loss well.

See Ted Koppel above.

Posted by: Fec | Jan 15 2019 23:33 utc | 25

@ Jackrabbit | Jan 15, 2019 6:20:14 PM | 24

Trump campaigned as a populist, the principal time the term applies, and also as president. Witness the current impasse over a border wall which is an appeal to the ordinary people who elected Trump, and he often wears that silly MAGA cap which appeals to his electorate.

populist: a person, especially a politician, who strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Trump on the campaign trail was a populist as you admit at your link: "Trump was the ONLY populist on the Republican side (out of 19 contenders!)." That's how he got nominated and then elected in a huge upset, appealing to ordinary people which the other candidates couldn't do. Trump wasn't chosen by anybody, but he was (and is) ridiculed by many.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 0:27 utc | 26

Come now, Trump closed down the government to please Putin.

What could be a better gift to Putin than the closing of the US gov?...yet the "resistance" says nothing - why?

Posted by: Babyl-on | Jan 16 2019 0:51 utc | 27

Given the part we know about how self serving, corrupt and incompetent our IC is I fear it is the tip of the iceberg. So many decades they have learned they can do as they will with impunity. If I am not mistaken they are partly self financing through likely illegal and unethical activities. They have gone rogue. Currently the dems think it's fitting however they will also feel the bite. How will we ever gain control of our country.

Posted by: Jared | Jan 16 2019 1:06 utc | 28

Don Bacon @26:

How Trump and Obama got elected is clear. But just because they ran as populists doesn't mean that they have a populist agenda. I think I've been pretty clear that they have each made decisions and taken actions that furthered the establishment over the people.

And running as a populist doesn't mean an automatic 'win'. For example, voters are going to be skeptical about the motives of a billionaire running for office, question the ability of a novice politician, and be distrustful of a man who has had 3 wives and 4 bankruptcies.

In 2008, the Deep State needed to "turn the page" from Bushes militarism and Obama embodied that "change". In 2016, the Deep State needed a nationalist that could revive patriotism in order to meet the challenge from Russia and China. I don't think this was accidental.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 1:22 utc | 29

Which are more salient--domestically: The attacks on Russia or those against Trump? Lots of Trumpian, GOP and Corporate Democrat policy ploys go against the majority of the polity and the National Interest. Unfortunately, the bloc known as the Resistance includes a 5th Column consisting of most Corporate Democrats, who are essentially Republicans wearing donkey heads. BigLie Media wants to promote the GOP & Corporate Democrat policy ploys, so the anti-Russian news assault serves to cover-up popular domestic issues, like this one regarding taxation and related income disparity. (Amazing that 60 Minutes provided Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez airtime to outline her proposals--airtime that was meant to cut her down to size but backfired.)

As I outlined earlier, what I see as the struggle is for control of the Federal Government--CIA/Deep State vs the American People--with the Anti-Communist Crusade used as cover to diminish rights while enriching actors controlling government, which is exactly what we see now. Yes, Trump's a player, but with few friends and little coaching. Arguably, his only asset is the position he occupies.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 16 2019 1:29 utc | 30

@ karlof1 | Jan 15, 2019 8:29:05 PM | 30
Which are more salient--domestically: The attacks on Russia or those against Trump?
Of course the attacks against Trump by the establishment are more important, designed to bring him down. The American people have been conditioned by the press in American Exceptionalism, so they expect that those people in the world who were not wise enough to be born Americans ought to suffer for it especially if they are -- yuk -- Russian. So anything the US government does against Russia is accepted as a given, no big deal, run-of-the-mill.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 1:53 utc | 31

karlof1

According to Wolin, domestic and foreign affairs goals are each important and on parallel tracks, as summarized at Wikipedia, the United States has two main totalizing dynamics:

The first, directed outward, finds its expression in the global War on Terror and in the Bush Doctrine that the United States has the right to launch preemptive wars. This amounts to the United States seeing as illegitimate the attempt by any state to resist its domination.

The second dynamic, directed inward, involves the subjection of the mass of the populace to economic "rationalization", with continual "downsizing" and "outsourcing" of jobs abroad and dismantling of what remains of the welfare state created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society. Neoliberalism is an integral component of inverted totalitarianism. The state of insecurity in which this places the public serves the useful function of making people feel helpless, therefore making it less likely they will become politically active and thus helping maintain the first dynamic.

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>

Wolin's Inverted Totalitarianism provides the ground work for my suspicions regarding faux populists Obama and Trump:

By using managerial methods and developing management of elections, the democracy of the United States has become sanitized of political participation, therefore managed democracy is "a political form in which governments are legitimated by elections that they have learned to control".

Under managed democracy, the electorate is prevented from having a significant impact on policies adopted by the state because of the opinion construction and manipulation carried out by means of technology, social science, contracts and corporate subsidies.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 2:31 utc | 32

@30 karlof1.. it is kind of a 2 pronged thing... like a left right punch aimed to get rid of him, or keep him in line..

i agree with don @31...exceptionalism is a sickness that has a distinct usa ring to it.. not everyone is suseptible to it, but way too many are and the msm feeds it by never shining any light on anything outside of the usa... usa is indoctrinated into it's own 24/7 and has no concept of what is happening outside itself and - even worse - doesn't have any interest.. they have been told they are the greatest... why would anyone need to know about what is happening outside the usa when you have been told yours is the greatest nation and all great things happen inside your bubble? and this is the rationale why so many want to come to this great land too... it is a great indoctrination thing built into the collective psyche..

that the usa is on a downhill slope and going down is very clear... whether trump hangs in for the term or does another one, is of little consequence.. the usa is on a downhill slope moving towards a uni-polar world whether it can fit that in with it's exceptionalism or not..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 2:32 utc | 33

totalitarianism sounds about right... they will still call it democracy in the msm though..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 2:37 utc | 34

caitlin johnstones latest Mainstream Media Is Now Killing People Directly with a pronounced hat tip to b of moa!~

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 2:41 utc | 35

@ james | Jan 15, 2019 9:32:26 PM | 33
that the usa is on a downhill slope and going down is very clear
But that's totally okay with me if it means less war. Fewer men women and children killed by aerial bombing, less displacement, fewer crippling injuries, physical and mental.
moving towards a uni-polar world
I think you meant multi-polar, which is also a good thing. That's the best way our communities function, and likewise for the world community.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 2:52 utc | 36

When is Trump's "delivering" for Israel (i.e. not Russia) going to be examined?

Ah, sorry, that's not allowed - right?

At least, so the ADL racketeers always tell us.......

Posted by: hihi | Jan 16 2019 2:56 utc | 37

@ hihi | Jan 15, 2019 9:56:56 PM | 37
When is Trump's "delivering" for Israel (i.e. not Russia) going to be examined?
Let's examine it -- Trump is delivering a crushing defeat to Israel by backing out of Syria, and thereby conceding the "Shia Crescent" to Iran, backed by Russia and Turkey.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 3:04 utc | 38

Thanks b that sets out the nature of the great distraction and the transparent BS that it represents. So now that USAians can see the nonsense could they please get on with the substance of making change and making USA great again by taking to the streets. Its about time for a large wage increase and dropping taxes that impact on low to medium wage people.

Given the special role played by France in the USA struggle for independence, its about time the the Gillet Jaune manifested in the USA. The low and middle income people already Occupy the nation so now they should demand reform. Those few old and new progressive leftish congresscritters should don the yellow vest and meet their allies on the street corners for discussions and talk of equity and wage and tax justice. Its Rules for Radicals time or its going nowhere time. Will they choose? May I suggest the first Rule for Radicals could be the wearing of a yellow vest by the Congressional and Senate supporters of wage and tax justice at the next and all subsequent pressers and attendances.

If not I gather they have all guzzled the cool aid and are content with the noise emitted from the great distractor.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Jan 16 2019 3:36 utc | 39

...
I've made a substantial case for Trump's having been chosen to follow Obama. I look forward to any comments you may have regarding that the argument that I've set forth.
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 15, 2019 6:20:14 PM | 24

That was a joke, right?
Anyone so hampered by dotage that he forgets, several times a day, that he's already repeated the substance of his 'newest' meme several times in the same thread, and a majority of others, should probably consider getting a good night's sleep as an anti-dote.

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Jan 16 2019 3:48 utc | 40

Trump, unlike his detractors, is an Old Dog with an unlimited supply of New Tricks.

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Jan 16 2019 3:58 utc | 41

Hoarsewhisperer @40

As people discuss different versions of the dog and pony show, I tailor my point(s) accordingly.

:)

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 4:00 utc | 42

Don Bacon | Jan 15, 2019 10:04:06 PM | 38

"crushing defeat"? what utter provocative BS Don! Trump withdrawal leaves all the local belligerents and malign Syria haters to do the job any way they wish. This fantasy that Trump has abandoned Israel's regional domination is totally unsupported by fact and sounds to me like a typical AIPAC alarmist trope.

Trump has being saying for some years now that others need to shoulder the burden.

Lets look at what the burden in Syria is shall we. Not only does USA give billions to Israel to guarantee the colony but it also fights its wars for it in Syria. Then there are all those charities raising money in the USA for the IDF. Then there is all the armaments transfers by numerous clandestine channels to head choppers trying to destroy the Syrian people's government and society. Many of those armaments transfers are paid with by USA black dollars possibly to be accounted for in that $21 trillion fund that the USA Defense Department has been wallowing in.

It is bleedingly obvious to me that Israel in not being crushingly defeated by anyone. Syria nearly was!!!!!

When a self professed progressive country such as Israel is incapable of getting on with the most religiously diverse border nation as Syria or Lebanon then there is a hoax somewhere in the dialogue. The manifestation of a Shia crescent (a BS straw man)is because the belligerent nations self defeated their allies: the Sunni murderers.

Mind you Don, I don't see any Shia crescent, I see a few nations bombed and shot to hell desperately trying to establish normalcy of some sort BECAUSE of the manipulations of Saudi and Israel governments and their pawns.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Jan 16 2019 4:00 utc | 43

Peter Ve @9

Heres another cartoon meme that was doing the rounds in 2016:

https://pics.onsizzle.com/donald-trump-is-putins-puppet-the-puppeteer-red-panels-com-5254201.png

Posted by: slit | Jan 16 2019 4:16 utc | 44

@ uncle tungsten | Jan 15, 2019 11:00:14 PM | 43

Don't just take it from me. . .

Elijah Magnier
Indeed the Levant is returning to the centre of Middle East and world attention in a stronger position than in 2011. Syria has advanced precision missiles that can hit any building in Israel. Assad also has an air defence system he would have never dreamed of before 2011 – thanks to Israel’s continuous violation of its airspace, and its defiance of Russian authority. Hezbollah has constructed bases for its long and medium range precision missiles in the mountains and has created a bond with Syria that it could never have established – if not for the war. Iran has established a strategic brotherhood with Syria, thanks to its role in defeating the regime change plan. . .here

Alastair Crooke
NATO’s support for the growth of ISIS has created a bond between Syria and Iraq that no Muslim or Baathist link could ever have created: Iraq has a “carte blanche” to bomb ISIS locations in Syria without the consent of the Syrian leadership, and the Iraqi security forces can walk into Syria anytime they see fit to fight ISIS. The anti-Israel axis has never been stronger than it is today. That is the result of 2011-2018 war imposed on Syria”. . .here

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 4:19 utc | 45

@ uncle tungsten | Jan 15, 2019 11:00:14 PM | 43

And then add to that the current hectic itinerary of pompous Pompeo to explain the defeat to eight Middle East countries in eight days, highlighted by his feeble pleas to Qatar to join with Saudi Arabia against Iran. Solidity is crucial! Pompeo says, to which Qatar which shares a huge gas field with Iran gave pompous the middle finger. Another factor is the Turkey-Qatar alliance promoting the Muslim Brotherhood, anathema to the Saudi despots. This will all shake out, not to the favor of the US-Israel-Saudi axis. That will be the new "normalcy of some sort."

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 4:28 utc | 46

First of all, if Trump is so bad with and Russia, why are you and others here always loving on him, singing his praises and defending him like he's still a naive schoolboy in short pants that the big boys are picking on?

@21 Jackrabbit
Bolton's not steering Trump into war with Iran, Trump hired Bolton so he'd have someone to blame and take the heat when he greenlights war with Iran and things go bad; which they will. Trump was an Iran hawk from start. He's been railing against Iran since he got off the Trump Tower escalator and stepped behind the AIPAC podium.

@43 uncle tungsten
Wow, I mean wow. That's a bull's eye zinger. DB was really off the mark.

Posted by: Circe | Jan 16 2019 4:46 utc | 47

Aye...it's with and for Russia

Posted by: Circe | Jan 16 2019 4:48 utc | 48

@36 don b... yes - multi polar, lol... and yes - less war would be a very good thing.. we are on the same page..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 4:58 utc | 49

@ Circe | Jan 15, 2019 11:46:02 PM | 47
DB was really off the mark.
How so?

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 5:03 utc | 50

@45 DB

Yeah, and Israel still has one of the most powerful arsenals in the world funded to the tune of $38 billion, the largest aid package to Israel in U.S. history delivered by Trump. and Israel has hundreds of nukes, still occupies Palestine and the Golan Heights, and still has the Empire's bases where it wants them, and now has the GCC in its corner all in, and Trump has delivered on so many promises already: tearing up the Iran deal, defunding aid to Palestinians, closing the Palestinians D.C. mission office, moving the U.S. Embassy and declaring Jerusalem capital of Israel, and sabotaging a Resolution at the U.N condemning settlements when he wasn't even President yet. Poor Israel, so abandoned by Trump...NOT.

Posted by: Circe | Jan 16 2019 5:10 utc | 51

Jared @28--

You ask the question: "How will we ever gain control of our country."

As psychohistorian intones, private financial casinos and their ilk need to become public utilities to fund public activities and protect the resources on which they're based, while the political/philosophical change to create that paradigm metes our justice and cleans The Swamp. To discover the veracity of our prescription, one need only read Michael Hudson's works, although there're others we might also cite. Essentially, the Creditor Class and their allies--which have existed for several thousand years--constitute a real life Hydra that must be slain, as was recognized by the Greeks who first told the whole story.

Of course, the end is far easier than the road to get there. But as the polling link I provided upthread and others show, the public is roused and of greater solidarity for the first time this century. Why do ya think the Deep State's trying so hard to limit and falsify information I an overt manner!

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 16 2019 5:11 utc | 52

@ Circe | Jan 16, 2019 12:10:26 AM | 51
Poor Israel, so abandoned by Trump...NOT.
I never said Israel was abandoned by Trump, so I was never "really off the mark," was I. If Trump is doing any abandoning anywhere, it's in Syria, Israel's enemy, now stronger due to Obama's mistake, one of many. Trump is a late arrival.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 5:24 utc | 53

Don Bacon

Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself. US troops are still there. NY Times says the 'pull out' is expected to take 4-6 months.

How many times has US been rumored to be leaving Afghanistan?

US still has troops in Iraq! Years after Obama was forced (yes, forced) to remove the bulk of the forces in that country.

And what good is the 'pull out' if US keeps mercenaries/special forces in the country to fight with SDF? The plan seems to be retain control of Syrian territory via proxies. There is NO TALK of a hand over to SAA.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 5:25 utc | 54

karlof1 | Jan 16, 2019 12:11:28 AM | 52

Thanks karlof1 I will explore that Michael Hudson link it looks good from first scan.

Generally: I don't do graphics but I think a statue of liberty with a yellow vest would be a good theme for a behind the scenes 'competition' submitted via email to b (if willing) then published here for a discussion and 'vote' would be a great aid to mirth. I won't be in your revolution if I can't dance - sort of thing. Maybe its been done by now ?

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Jan 16 2019 5:39 utc | 55

james @33--

I rarely harangue at US Exceptionalism like I did when I first began commenting here as it gets in the way of highlighting other points, and with me it's a priori along with its kin Manifest Destiny. It should also be observed that all Imperialist Nations share both to differing degrees and becomes part of Elite "Magic Mirror" persona--Mirror, mirror on the wall; who's the fairest of them all..."--generating the deadliest of snobbishness. When I taught, I took pains to properly explain the Outlaw US Empire's Mythos and show where it's present in everyday life--The Few; The Proud; The Marines. He's shooting the ball. (You throw the damn thing; do baseball pitchers shoot their pitch!?)

The Canadian domestic situation differs from the USA's in numerous ways, but it faces the same forces trying to keep citizens from gaining control over their destiny and that of their nation. And Canadians share much of the same negative American baggage. Both nation's citizens would benefit by knowing the true nature of their past which would aid them greatly in their current struggle.

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 16 2019 5:46 utc | 56

don

@43 uncle tungsten is bang on... for some reason - maybe you need to read a tao te ching verse before i say this to you! - you can't seriously believe trump has changed his fealty to israel? that is just not the reality as i see it.. the whole of the usa establishment are completely subservient to israel.. take a look at trumps daughter and son in law.. what the fuck is that?

trump is also totally down with war on iran.. why is that? was a little zionist birdie talking in his ear, or not? sure looks like 24/7 fealty to israel is spite of whatever bullshit trump is tweeting about..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 5:53 utc | 57

@56 karlof1... thanks.. i agree with you and see what you are saying... it seems though on one small level canucks are not always thinking we are the fucking greatest.. that is the one difference i would point to.. so if that isn't exceptionalism rearing it's ugly head, i don't know what to call it.. other then that - i agree with you and i suppose your point is that the concept of exceptionalism is just another distraction..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 5:56 utc | 58

@ karlof1 with the hat tip about gaining control of "our" country....thanks.

I am with uncle tungsten with wanting to put a yellow vest on the statue of liberty and especially the dance part because I already do that twice a week. I also want to see it on the tower of london, somewhere in rome, fluttering in the Swiss alps, in china near the sacred city, in Russia, in India........you get the picture.

We are entering that cleft of time where psychohistorian is suppose to wave its magic wand and greatly reduce the time before "real change". Ok, so I did that. But that still means that others will need to play their roles as well for the change to occur. We all need to continue the zombie awakening so that when the time comes for "we the people" to make a collective "sound", it comes out as beautiful music that we can all dance to.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 16 2019 6:01 utc | 59

uncle tungsten @55--

This is a good place to begin at Hudson's site as it explains a great many things about the recent past and present. I would suggest this page next. His opus, Super Imperialism: The Economic Strategy of American Empire ought to be in every respectable library, for which the videos here provide a bit of context. If I add another link, this might be construed as spam, so I'll also highly suggest Life & Thought: An Autobiography from last August. Enjoy!

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 16 2019 6:06 utc | 60

Saw that Blackwater founder did an interview explaining that they can also replace the role of US troops in Syria.

Fine by me, as long as the US offers no protection or no-fly-zone for them.

Remember the episode where 100+ Russian contractors were strafed fighting alongside SAA by USAF? Open season on all guns for hire. In Afghanistan, too.

Posted by: NemesisCalling | Jan 16 2019 6:11 utc | 61

psychohistorian | Jan 16, 2019 1:01:51 AM | 59

YES!and some really good (short)5second? video to stream via whatever those social media platforms are. One on each of the religious icons of whatever would be inviting.

Je suis Gillet Jaune!! is irresistable.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Jan 16 2019 6:24 utc | 62

quote from orlov..

"The fact that what amounts to palace intrigue—the fracas between the White House, the two houses of Congress and a ghoulish grand inquisitor named Mueller—has taken center stage is uncannily reminiscent of various earlier political collapses, such as the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire or of the fall and the consequent beheading of Louis XVI. The fact that Trump, like the Ottoman worthies, stocks his harem with East European women, lends an eerie touch. That said, most people in the US seem blind to the nature of their overlords in a way that the French, with their Gilets Jaunes movement (just as an example) are definitely not."

https://cluborlov.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-five-stages-of-collapse-2019-update.html

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 6:44 utc | 63

By now everybody knows that Netanyahu asks and Trump delivers. The servility of US politicians and media to Israel is so obvious that they world laughs at the "superpower USA, that is being rough shod" by a toy shit entity called Israel. THE GREATEST TREASON OF ALL "Israel first"

Posted by: Hem Lock | Jan 16 2019 7:00 utc | 64

@ james who quoted Orlov:
"
That said, most people in the US seem blind to the nature of their overlords in a way that the French, with their Gilets Jaunes movement (just as an example) are definitely not."
"

This is part of the elite massaging of nationalism narratives. There is still too much "frontier" in America that blind many to not feeling part of a government controlled community. I talked to a young guy today with 3 kids and living in a mobile home on property in the sticks so he doesn't have problems with neighbors and government. I think I got my message across when I pointed out that the roads he drives on to his house, the power and water he gets are forms of socialism and I just want the tools of finance to be public-minded like that.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 16 2019 7:09 utc | 65

Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 16, 2019 12:11:28 AM | 52

"Essentially, the Creditor Class and their allies--which have existed for several thousand years--constitute a real life Hydra that must be slain, as was recognized by the Greeks who first told the whole story."

In doing research for a dinosaur novel I'm planning to write, I was pleased to learn that the feature of the hydra sprouting multiple heads to replace each one severed wasn't part of the original myth, but was added later during the decadent stage of Greek culture. That ancient perception tallies well with the cultural-economic decadence of this collapsing civilization.

BTW I got my copy of Spirit in the Gene and look forward to reading it.

Posted by: Russ | Jan 16 2019 7:13 utc | 66

@65 pyschohistorian.. that is a good personal story of yours from today.. it is an easy analogy and many people will understand it.. one person at a time maybe...

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 7:14 utc | 67

james | Jan 16, 2019 2:14:40 AM | 67

More than one person at a time came out to hear Bernie Sanders deliver that message. There is no doubt they heard it vaguely via the US media but that was enough, they came in their tens of thousands. Such was the response that the Sanders campaign had to sometimes book bigger venues and truck in extra PA and video gear to broadcast to crowds outside.

The yankee establishment is just desperate to smash any chance of this growing a second time. Come on Bernie and Tulsi Gabbard and all those newly elected put on the yellow vest. I dare you. Millions of Americans are willing. Ditto throughout the world millions of people are waiting to mock the BS colour revolutions and have a real one.

Socialism and thoughts of socialist economic management spread like pheromones on the wind.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Jan 16 2019 9:01 utc | 68

Its all like living on the film set of Alice In Wonderland while reading 1984 and Brave New World at the same time while overdosing on chocolate. Just batshit surreal, and the presstitutes keep pushing the World to the edge of the abyss in their continuous Russia and Putin bashing. And the vast majority in the West are completely oblivious to what is going on in the World, and completely oblivious to what is coming. And it will not be pleasant.

Posted by: Gezzah Potts | Jan 16 2019 9:39 utc | 69

@57 James
Did anyone notice an article copied from the Guardian by Information Clearing House entitled "Brought to Jesus - the evangelic grip on the Trump administration"? "Pense and Pompeo both call evangelical theology a powerful motivating force". "Evangelics now see the US locked into a holy war against the forces of evil who they see embodied by Iran". It is a never-ending struggle until.... the rapture." It is a chilling read, especially when it comes to their belief in the role of Zion. Extremely dangerous because entirely irrational.

Posted by: Montreal | Jan 16 2019 10:15 utc | 70

Right on Uncle Tungsten!

Posted by: William Bowles | Jan 16 2019 10:31 utc | 71

Ditto the Bush posse!

Posted by: William Bowles | Jan 16 2019 10:32 utc | 72

Jackrabbit says:

As people discuss different versions of the dog and pony show, I tailor my point(s) accordingly

your point(s) is tailored like a condom...one size fits all.

Posted by: john | Jan 16 2019 10:33 utc | 73

psychohistorian says:

I also want to see it[yellow vest] on the tower of london, somewhere in rome, fluttering in the Swiss alps, in china near the sacred city, in Russia, in India........

apparently you missed the fact that an anti-establishment, anti-euro(thus threatening global bond markets) government was elected here in Italy last summer, precluding the necessity for protests in the streets. for the moment you might say we're riding the avant-garde.

Posted by: john | Jan 16 2019 10:49 utc | 74

@61 NemesisCalling "Saw that Blackwater founder did an interview explaining that they can also replace the role of US troops in Syria."

They would fit the definition of a Mercenary in Article 47 of the Geneva Conventions.
As such they would not be afforded the protections of Geneva Convention III.

"Fine by me, as long as the US offers no protection or no-fly-zone for them."

I believe that Prince is advocating his own private mercenary airforce to provide support for his own mercenary army. Might work as far as ground support goes, but not against SU-35 fighter jets.

So, yes, if Trump agrees to this proposal then it is inevitable that he will end up either providing a no-fly-zone for them or be accused of leaving these brave, brave boys to be slaughtered.

I would assume that the Pentagon has told him that, but I make no assumption that he is paying that advice any attention.

"Open season on all guns for hire. In Afghanistan, too."

Well, yes, that's what International Humanitarian Law says.

Posted by: Yeah, Right | Jan 16 2019 11:11 utc | 75

Yeah, Right | Jan 16, 2019 6:11:11 AM | 74

Trump and Prince are old pals

Posted by: William Bowles | Jan 16 2019 12:11 utc | 76

So today we have US service men killed in Manbij and ISIS claim responsibility. It is reasonable to suspect that this is a false flag (with actual deaths) in order to create political justification for US to stay in Syria. Many commentators here view ISIS as being effectively a US proxy force.

In my view the only real evidence that the US would be leaving Syria would involve direct negotiations with the Syrian government. In this case the US could leave saving face and securing some concessions that reflect their interests. The alternative is that the US would leave with their tails between their legs being bombed out, very ignoble and looking like the withdrawal from Vietnam; it is just not plausible that the US would leave in this way.

Posted by: ADKC | Jan 16 2019 15:15 utc | 77

ADKC

Yes. What better way to demonstrate that ISIS is not defeated and the US "job" in Syria is not done.

I suspect that Trump's rhetoric will not change. He will continue to insist that he is/will 'pull out' of Syria .... it's just gonna take longer. Just how long will remain a mystery.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 15:32 utc | 78

The Vice President’s Men

Seymour M. Hersh

https://www.lrb.co.uk/v41/n02/seymour-m-hersh/the-vice-presidents-men

Posted by: mauisurfer | Jan 16 2019 15:48 utc | 79

Jackrabbit @78

I see you have been accused of having a one sized fits all condom!😁

Your theory, unfairly, gets short shrift whereas ideas like "Trump is doing all the right things, but is frustrated at every turn by the deep state" is just accepted unquestioningly.

However, the Syrian withdrawal could happen and this would not necessarily be incompatible with your theory; there may be tactical reasons. Whatever, the idea that the US is just going to retreat and leave the Middle East alone is so far fetched that I am staggered that people see this as a real possibility.

Personally, I think the US have a strategy for the world based on the model they created in Congo, South America, Libya and Afganistan. All of these areas are hugely profitable for the Empire because "controlled" chaos allows cheap extraction of resources and control of the world drug trade. This is what I believe the Empire has in mind for the Middle East, everywhere along OBOR and, also, Europe (and, perhaps, the US itself?).

Posted by: ADKC | Jan 16 2019 16:01 utc | 80

from Asia Times, quote:
On a mission from God: Pompeo messages evangelicals from the Middle East
The US secretary of state was communicating to an audience back home on his Middle East tour, the key Trump constituency of evangelical Christians.
In Cairo: “This trip is especially meaningful for me as an evangelical Christian, coming so soon after the Coptic Church’s Christmas celebrations. This is an important time. We’re all children of Abraham: Christians, Muslims, Jews. In my office, I keep a Bible open on my desk to remind me of God and His Word, and The Truth.” . .here

Posted by: Don Bacon | Jan 16 2019 16:05 utc | 81

Trump is being prosecuted by Robert Swan Mueller III, who entire career has been him covering up and fixing cases which involved CIA criminality. Now William Barr is Trump's own choice for Attorney General. Barr spent the mid-1970s in the CIA. While there he got his degree in law, suggesting his career path was being drawn by his employer. Unsurprisingly, GHW Bush moved him along until he became Bush's AG.

Trump is either more demented than many have thought, he's in on the whole charade of his Presidency or he's in deep trouble with the Deep State. The strings all lead back to Langley.

Posted by: Bob In Portland | Jan 16 2019 16:28 utc | 82

john @73

Discussions here and elsewhere are often centered on the theme that Trump is a populist maverick that is in conflict with the Deep State.

This MSM-infused belief is so pervasive that many regard it as a "truth" and look askance at anyone questioning this obvious reality.

But logic and reality tell a very different story:

>mauisurfer @79 links to a Seymour Hersh report that shows how the Deep State actively works to circumvent Democratic constraints.

> Obama's fake populism and Obama-era MSM narratives that supported his bullshit are instructive. Only now is the truth about Obama being discussed in MSM, and then only gingerly.

> Starting with Reagan, every President and/or VP has had, or rumored to have had, links to CIA: Bush Sr. had led the CIA; Clinton allowed CIA flights into Arkansas; Obama's grandfather/mother. Questions have also been raised about Trump - the first casino he purchase was rumored to have been involved in CIA money laundering (prior to Trump's purchase).

> Wolin, a respected Princeton University academic, described how the ruling establishment engages in "managed democracy" to retain control. A key part of that management is the money-based electoral system which ensures that no real populist is elected President.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 16:43 utc | 83

Bob In Portland @82

Yes! Why nominate Barr for AG? Why nominate Gina Haspel for CIA? Why bring on Bolton? These choices make no sense for a President that is supposedly at war with the Deep State.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 16:46 utc | 84

Jackrabbit @84

Also, why rollover so quickly on Michael Flynn's removal? It's not as if Trump had anyone else of much value on his team! Perhaps because Flynn was a

Posted by: ADKC | Jan 16 2019 17:12 utc | 85

@84 cont...

Perhaps because Flynn was actually going to take on those deep state vested interests?

Posted by: ADKC | Jan 16 2019 17:14 utc | 86

Great list, b. Another. From the top of google (enter co name or part of post in goog for details.)

Afaik (please correct if), Trump tried to do biz in Russia but more or less failed or gave up or didn’t get anywhere much, nothing major transpired.

"There are 517 McDonald's restaurants in Russia, 73 of which were opened in 2014. The company's total revenue for 2014 in Russia was 65.8 billion rubles.. the chain has been operating in Russia independently for 22 years.”

“PepsiCo reported that in 2017, its Russian operations generated net revenue of $3.23 billion, which made up 5.1 percent of the company’s total net revenue.”

Apple revenues in Russia, + 23% in 2017.

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/apple-revenue-climbs-23-in-russia-in-2017--1254617

Philip Morris has good sales in Russia. Cisco Systems (idk about this, look it up.) Abbot Labs (US) sells generic drugs in Russia. Ford is still selling cars there.

The leading Chocolate co. in Russia is Mondelez (should be another topic .. )

https://www.mondelezinternational.com/about-us

Starbucks celebrated its 100 stores in Russia in 2015.

The CEOs of these cos. + their shareholders, employees, are in bed w. Russia and undermining US Democracy, interfering in people’s choices, the true shining light on the hill, or what? It is collusion! They meet and deal with Russians, all the time.

Posted by: Noirette | Jan 16 2019 17:56 utc | 87

ADKC

I don't think so. Flynn was about settling scores. Flynn's candid revelation that Obama made a "wilful decision" to allow ISIS to grow was anathema.

Flynn had to be made an example of.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 18:03 utc | 88

Note: Flynn revelation was likely just a tip of the iceberg. It was from his agency (DIA) that Judicial Watch got the memo (via FOIA) that talked of how US allies wanted to establish a Caliphate.

These were important to understanding ISIS as a proxy force, not the grass-roots group of Jihadi hoodlums that the Obama Administration wanted us to believe. Obama infamously called ISIS al Queda's "JV team" to explain why he was essentially ignoring it's rise.

Later, the story changed to "ISIS was created by Assad." LOL.

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 18:11 utc | 89

@68 uncle tungsten.. i wish you all the best trying to take back control of the gov't, or following thru on the yellow jacket demonstrations... i am with you in spirit..

@70 montreal.. something is driving these folks... some whacky evangelical fantasy sounds about right... i can't believe how easily duped people are with fundamental religion of all stripes...

@74 john.. you probably would have voted for frank zappa if he was running in the italian elections!

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 18:12 utc | 90

Jackrabbit

i've never embraced the argument that Trump is a president who is at war with the deep state. i've only said that this sort of yammering is all conjecture and as such will never be sufficient grounds for proof...that it doesn't really matter anyway.

for all i know every incoming president is given a private screening of the zapruder film and the rest is left to his imagination.

i don't drink Kool-Aid, and if i passed over your comments i wouldn't know that they pretty much all say the same thing.

Posted by: john | Jan 16 2019 18:13 utc | 91

john

Fair enough! But what should be done about the many people that HAVE drunk the Kool-Aid and believe the Trump vs. Deep State narrative?

I think some amount of repetition is unavoidable. Especially since the Trump vs. Deep State narrative is repeated ad nauseum by MSM and even independent bloggers (that haven't thought it through).

Posted by: Jackrabbit | Jan 16 2019 18:46 utc | 92

@90 James.
As someone said, history doesn’t always repeat itself but sometimes rhymes....... in India, in the early nineteenth century, the British presence consisted largely of lowland Scots - evangelical Presbyterians. People like Dalhousie and Grant. They managed to combine an iron conviction in their own Godly righteousness - and duty to improve the benighted heathen - with a sincere belief that there was nothing wrong in robbing the natives blind whilst improving them. Their arrogance and greed led directly to the disaster of the First Afghan War and subsequently the First Indian War of Independence (or Indian Mutiny depending on your point of view). Maybe Presbyterian Evangelical certainty will be the American downfall as well. I do often hope so.

Posted by: Montreal | Jan 16 2019 18:51 utc | 93

james

lol. yeah, Franco Zappa, the man from utopia

…

do you know the story of when once president of Czechoslovakia, Vaclav Havel, appointed Frank as Special Ambassador to the West on Trade, Culture and Tourism, much to the chagrin of then U.S. Secretary of State, James Baker?

apparently Baker declared, 'You can do business with the United States or you can do business with Frank Zappa.'

Posted by: john | Jan 16 2019 18:53 utc | 94

@93 montreal.. i was unaware of the specifics on the history in india as you note.. thanks for sharing that.. i just assumed it was the british empire mindset, without looking more closely at the details of it..

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 18:57 utc | 95

@94 john.. lol! cool pic - man from utopia... i do recall frank getting that appointment from vaclav havel, but this is the first time i heard of james bakers response! james baker is long forgotten, but frank zappa is a cultural icon that will be remembered for a long time!

Posted by: james | Jan 16 2019 18:59 utc | 96

Superbowl democracy : pick the red team or pick the blue, really doesn't matter which you do, none of the wrestling is really true, just a snare of a circus we're forced to view, where puppets pose and pretend to duel, and the House will always win...

Posted by: chimero | Jan 16 2019 19:05 utc | 97

james says:

james baker is long forgotten, but frank zappa is a cultural icon that will be remembered for a long time

nicely put.

Posted by: john | Jan 16 2019 19:15 utc | 98

84 - Why nominate Barr, etc.? Just remember that trump does not have "binders full" of applicants.

Posted by: Bart Hansen | Jan 16 2019 20:39 utc | 99

@55

Looks like someone already took a crack at Gilet Jaune Statue de la Liberté

Posted by: xLemming | Jan 16 2019 20:46 utc | 100