It annoys the hell out of me when I hear people bitch and moan about foreign influence in our elections, and they bitch and moan the loudest when it's the Russians trying to influence voters. The Russians and everyone else combined don't hold a candle to the influence of the Israel lobby which, not only has much influence over the American voters, but has direct influence (if not control) over our government and our national purse. Yet no one seems to give a shit. Israel has the right to defend itself - at our expense.
I suppose no President even pretends any longer to have legal authority to dispatch and engage U.S. military forces around the world. At one time they used the unconstitutional 'war powers act'; then the 2001 AUMF and its continuing resolutions - now I guess it's because Netanyahu ordered it.
While Biden, or whoever is the puppet master, orders more troops in, or extends a carrier battle group on station - the reality of military deployments around the world is those forces are at extreme risk from the logistics chain meant to sustain them; a logistics chain that could be destroyed if those forces become engaged in combat operations.
To cite only one example - while US carriers are nuclear powered; the aircraft and all escort vessels require conventional fuels. The USNS Big Horn - a replenishment oiler - just ran aground last month (September) in Oman, with an assessment of needed repairs underway . There are only two of three other oilers anywhere in the Med or eastern Pacific that could be rushed in - then putting other carrier groups at risk. Take out the oilers and you have a a mass of floating aluminum and steel targets - and dead sailors.
When Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and all the rest of them put their children or grandchildren on those ships, then they can cheer for more war.
The 2001 AUMF continues, as I understand it. In 2026 we will celebrate its 25th anniversary, presumably with flyovers at football games. Hooray!! I wonder if they'll be real or AI. (sarc)
I think Congress has found it convenient to let presidential administrations wage war while they sit on the sidelines, thump their chests, and collect donor contributions. But in some cases, pass 'resolutions' that give Presidents the authority to wage unlimited wars as they see fit.
Korea: Presidential decision. Lebanon: Presidential decision. Vietnam - surprise, Gulf of Tonkin Congressional resolution. Grenada - Presidential decision. First Gulf War - Congressional resolution. Afghanistan/Iraq/GWOT - AUMF 2001. Since, whatever the administration wants - Netanyahu was tongue in cheek (almost).
Regardless of how Congress "approves" of a War without actually declaring one, without Congressional Appropriation, there would be no money to fight any War anyplace.
No it's not - but I suppose I'd just like to see the Constitution and other laws followed - at least once in a while. And I guess your argument could be extended even more - the Congress types couldn't get away with spending on wars if the electorate didn't go along with all the flag waving and jingoism.
We should be defending the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace and with equal rights on their lands. We should be championing a one state democracy not defending the immoral aparthied state of the death star Israel.
What US politician has received 56 standing ovations from both sides of the aisle? Bibi has truly united the United States of America. Our president has declared himself a Zionist (treason in my opinion). A federal.law has been passed making it an illegal hate crime to speak out against Israel. Now there is a campaign for planting Israeli flags on American soil in a show of solidarity (from right wing Christians). And more....
All this going on in what is unequivocally a genocidal slaughter of innocent civilians by Israel to whom the US is supplying weapons to facilitate.
Should the US continue to exist?
The US exists only as an illusion of lies and subterfuge with the hopes of the people believing the lies from government that things are getting better. The US constitution was abolished with the Patriot act. The "United States" officially ceased to exist when that act was passed by a president who was selected by the courts not the people.
My only question is "At what point will people admit that the US no longer exists?"
Internment camps popping up? (Homeless shelters)
Selective enforcement of law? (A convicted felon walking free & running for president)
Saving democracy? (Harris bypassing being selected by the people)
Safety? (A militarized police force killing people in their homes and traffic stops with immunity, 1.5 trillion for upgrades to make Armageddon more efficient,......)
Is it too difficult to admit the TRUTH?
The game is over. Hard to comprehend isn't it?
The discussion should be what to do now not how did it happen.
Personally, I don’t think Israel is running the show. Sorry to Mearsheimer and Walt. My thinking leads me to the conclusion that the real power actual resides in Washington, London and Brussels.
As i noted earlier: From its very conception and inception, Israel has been a Forward Operating Base for protecting and advancing American and British geo-political and economic interests in the region with all its Oil.
Years ago, I wrote a paper: If Israel is allowed to have nuclear bombs, so should Iran. There is little defense for Israel's neighboring Arab states. What we are going to see is a more thorough ethnic cleansing and genocide that suites American Imperialism just fine. They are disposable people already written off. When might is right rules the day, the meek shall be wiped out. We did it to our Indigenous people first and continued until...?
Of course, no nation should have the bomb. But leverage is everything in world ruled by might is right. America has the leverage to shut fascistic Israel down while Israel's neighboring states haven't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered. All they have are relatively small acts of "terrorism" when they can't bomb the hell out of Israel. T.E. Lawrence wrote the book on gruella warfare. I have read that his tactics are still taught in military schools. The Arabs don't need a white knight like Lawrence of Arabia but they sure as hell need an Arab leader like him able to unite them against imperialism-against Israeli American Domination-Annihilation. But Lawrence's tactics are impotent against Israel which has the fourth largest military in the world made and backed by the world's largest military industrial complex. For Leverage in this world, it would be fairer if a few of these Arab nations too had the bomb. M.A.D. Mutual Assured Destruction is the needed leverage when you live in a might is right world where nuclear bombs are aimed at you. Where serious diplomacy is out of the question, where talk of a two-state solution is just cover for decades of ethnic cleansing and Genocide. The Iranians figured this out long ago.
"While Israel's neighboring states haven't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered" - Hubris always is the last nails in one's coffin Glen.
not the meek at all. the asleep. america has 350 milliion people. I'd guess at least 340 million are good. at least not homicidal maniacs. but america the nation is to the world a homicidal maniac. why/how? because the public are asleep.
often by choice for they they shrug and say 'we can do nothing' and they can't because they have no voice.
because they were asleep and didn't demand/take/make one.
The need is for the to have a voice and to use it.
Leverage is everything. America has the leverage to shut fascistic Israel down while Israel's neighboring states hasn't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered. All they have is acts of "terrorism" when they can't bomb the hell out of Israel. T.E. Lawrence wrote the book on gruella warfare. I have read that his tactics are still taught in military schools. The Arabs don't need a white knight like Lawrence of Arabia but they sure as hell need an Arab leader like him to unite to unite them against Israeli American Domination-Annihilation. For Leverage it would be good if a few of these nations too had the bomb. M.A.D. Mutual Assured Destruction is the needed leverage when you live in a might is right world.
I just got in a DVD of "The Day After", that rollicking frolicking good-times movie from 1983, starring Jason Robards. The film has quite the pedigree. When first shown it garnered a 62% audience share. Ronald Reagan said he was depressed after seeing the film and it helped convince him that MAD doctrine was, well, mad. They even showed it in the Soviet Union. For some reason you don't see it much on streaming TV. The original Survivor movie.
Sigh....... Eff 'em, Colonial Zionists all. Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite! Viva Palestine!--Hamas and ALL of Palestine! (and Viva the Axis of Resistance!)
Tomorrow I begin leafleting in busy areas where lots of people are walking. Here is the leaflet I will be handing out. If Americans are about to die for Zionism, it's the least I can do to hit the sidewalk. The US has reached the point of insanity for Israel where we will be dying to protect ethnic cleansing. There isn't much space on a 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper but I did my best.
This is a forum which brings together very intelligent, informed political observers. So I put to all of you this question: What do you propose doing to reverse the direction of our foreign policy, i.e. the over-reliance on military solutions to solve every problem that confronts us internationally? I'm not asking for more elucidations on what is wrong. I'm asking for real, actionable proposals, detailed strategies for unraveling this mess.
I would have you, and the rest of humanity adhere to all the beliefs, proposals and elucidations of one who left us too soon-- Visionary Carl Sagan... "Saganist!!!"
I could write forever on that, but I won't, and after watching the VP Debate tonite I couldn't help wishing they should be running for President so cordial and respectful, mature even to each other. That's the start we need I think, Beyond that its going to be a lot of hard work, willingness to compromise, and the ability to think outside the box through wisdom & courage to learn that we're all in this together, or the alternative to continue on this same course and face madness...!
Yes, civil discourse is refreshing. Having said that, please indulge me.
Here's how I would reply to my request. 1 ) You Fireman1110 are a decent, kind, admirable person. 2) I think I am too. 3) I sincerely believe that there are tens of thousands of us, that regardless of political stripe, there are a lot of good well-meaning, compassionate people in America. However, 4) the people now in power don't share our values. The people in control love war, are drunk on their power, convinced of their own infallibility, believe in their hearts in military aggression and conquest. Hence, the constant war. 5) The people in now power do not and will not ever listen to what the good decent people in our country have to say, what our priorities are, what our solutions to war and conflict are. They only give lip service to democracy and the dismiss the "will of the people" with contempt.
[ If you don't agree with all of the above, you should probably stop here. ]
THEREFORE, here is my practical, actionable proposal for at least starting to seriously challenge and to ultimately reverse America's forever wars and military expansion . . . https://warismakinguspoor.com/a-nation-at-peace/.
There is only one strategy that is consistent with democratic principles.
Campaign and vote for an alternate candidate. If you say it can't be done, then don't bother looking for an answer to your question. So don't say it can't be done.
There are two viable anti-war parties, Green and Libertarian. You might consider looking into them.
Apparently, you didn't bother to read my page. On it I listed both the Green and the Libertarian parties as a practical course to take in replacing establishment traitors in Congress and the White House with truly representative candidates. To save yourself time in the future and add to your associations with people who agree with you and wish to fortify your message, you might try clicking on the provided link ... https://warismakinguspoor.com/a-nation-at-peace/
You might also try to not be so presumptuous. Being rude is not a path to solidarity ... "If you say it can't be done, then don't bother looking for an answer to your question. So don't say it can't be done."
I'm really getting tired of animosity from people who should be my allies.
Does anybody here think that the United States will survive to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, 641 days from today?
Given what this nation has perpetrated and perpetuated around the planet since Hiroshima and Nagasaki ~ Korea, Iran, Guatemala, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Kuwait and Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq again, Somalia, Libya, Syria, and most recently, Ukraine the Coup, then Ukraine the Proxy War, and now Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria again ~ given all that, the Real Question is:
Yes, the U.S. will survive. Should it? Well, why should any country or empire "survive"?
On what ground? Legal, moral? Countries survive because they can. Not because they deserve to. Does Russia, China, the UK, France, Spain, etc. deserve to survive, based on their past history?
Jeff, your comment suggests you don't think America should survive, so what should take its place in your mind? And on what grounds should that new entity justify its existence?
Thankee again for the response, Bill; a real thought-provoker.
Thinking on it further, i would say that a preparatory question to “SHOULD the U.S. survive?” is “CAN the U.S. survive?”; which is a totally different issue. Setting aside SHOULD for the moment... :
The Real Question, however, is: When “The Decline” of The American Empire ends, and “The Fall” begins and proceeds to its foregone and inevitable conclusion, will the Nation that is the seat of that Empire ~ the United States of America ~ be able to survive? Ie: CAN it?
Whether or not that challenge of The Fall of The American Empire happens before America’s 250th birthday is, at this stage of The Game, a matter of pure conjecture. Would You agree?
In any event, i believe that there is a difference between a Country and a Nation. i define a “Country” as a physical land mass with set boundaries and, more importantly, a People and their Culture as manifest in their and its general worldview as evidenced in its philosophy, religion, traditions, values, standards of personal ethics and living in community, and the like.
A Nation, on the other hand, is a Legal, Political, Economic, and Social entity physically located within that same land mass, of which those same People living in that Nation are Citizens, active participants in the Society and Economy, with the assigned duties and responsibilities of Citizenship as determined by that Nation’s system of Government and manner of Governance.
Most importantly, it is Nations ~ and not Countries ~ that deal with other Nations, in War and/or Peace, be they Allies or Enemies.
The point of all this is to respond to Your statement and question: “Countries survive because they can. Not because they deserve to. Does Russia, China, the UK, France, Spain, etc. deserve to survive, based on their past history?”
The COUNTRIES of UK, France, Spain, and all the other European Empires and Empire-Wannabes [like Germany] survived the end of their respective Empires. But the Nations did not survive. The legal, political, economic, and social structure and fabric was totally and completely changed with the loss of The Colonies in each of those fallen Empires. They became brand new Nations.
And the same applies to Russia and China: Those two Countries haven’t changed very much since the end of the USSR’s Empire or Mao’s Insane Asylum. But the Nations of Russia and China have changed considerably.
i hope that responds to the first part of Your response, Bill. Let me ponder the second part ~ “Jeff, your comment suggests you don't think America should survive, so what should take its place in your mind? And on what grounds should that new entity justify its existence?” ~ and get back with You.
Thank You, Bill, for Your response. i have a Doctor's appointment i need to tend to, and will respond in full later this afternoon [my time].
But one immediate thought is: Given that the only Empire that has survived throughout all of history is The American Empire [and that for just now approaching 80 years], apparently Empires apparently should Not survive. And my guess is that The American Empire is no exception.
i will argue that Empires don't survive because of Legal, Moral, Political, Economic, and Existential grounds.
And that there is a difference between Countries and Nations, on the one hand, and their Empires, on the other.
With advancing technologies over the course of history, the life expectancy of empires has continuously declined. The Egyptian empire lasted over 3,000 years. The Roman empire lasted about 1,200 years. The Ottoman empire lasted about 600 years. The British empire lasted about 400 years. The American empire is now about 200 years old.
Empires die from 2 major diseases: internal corruption and imperial overreach - both of which America is infected.
First and foremost, empires are created as a result of a drive to accumulate power and control. But in order to do so, one must have a sufficient amount of power/wealth to begin with to overcome all opposition (think of critical mass). So if you want to prevent empires from being created, you will have to change human nature and/or prevent the accumulation of that critical mass of power/wealth.
"God wrote a number of books. The number is zero!" - Christopher Hitchens
And Ray, was its Gods Bidding that Hurricane Helene should claim the lives of at least 130 people. And the Department of Homeland Security says that the death toll could rise to 600 with thousands remain unaccounted for.
I thought God was all loving, powerful and omnipotent, and planned EVERYTHING?
But when it all goes to shit its "natures" fault.
And of course. God gave man Free Will. Therefore, its man's fault.
The old trick of constantly moving the goal posts. LOL
I see! It's obvious eh! God can do no wrong ~ by definition! How convenient!
If God is willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
If he is able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
If he is both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
If he is neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
BTW your old nemesis again, Ray
"Yes I have free will; I have no choice but to have it." Christopher Hitchens"
Hitchens is saying that he has freewill and then directly contradicts the premise of free will by saying that he has no choice but to have freewill...therefore no free will.
It's a joke and a brilliant simplification of the logical fallacy that is Free Will.
The United Nations created the mess in the middle east and it should take control until order can be restored with the original boundaries re-established.
The former British Empire and the United States ~ with the help of the UN ~ created the mess in the Middle East. See Ray's comment as a start point.
From its very conception and inception, Israel has been a Forward Operating Base for protecting and advancing American and British geo-political and economic interests in the region with all its Oil.
Note: The whole mess in the Middle East actually started back when it took Moses 40 years to find, invade, conquer, and occupy the one place in the whole area that did not have Oil.
i first heard it back in 1982 ~ when i was in Israel when it invaded Lebanon to neutralize the PLO ~ from an Israeli buddy who was a Tank Commander called to active duty for the invasion.
It annoys the hell out of me when I hear people bitch and moan about foreign influence in our elections, and they bitch and moan the loudest when it's the Russians trying to influence voters. The Russians and everyone else combined don't hold a candle to the influence of the Israel lobby which, not only has much influence over the American voters, but has direct influence (if not control) over our government and our national purse. Yet no one seems to give a shit. Israel has the right to defend itself - at our expense.
I suppose no President even pretends any longer to have legal authority to dispatch and engage U.S. military forces around the world. At one time they used the unconstitutional 'war powers act'; then the 2001 AUMF and its continuing resolutions - now I guess it's because Netanyahu ordered it.
While Biden, or whoever is the puppet master, orders more troops in, or extends a carrier battle group on station - the reality of military deployments around the world is those forces are at extreme risk from the logistics chain meant to sustain them; a logistics chain that could be destroyed if those forces become engaged in combat operations.
To cite only one example - while US carriers are nuclear powered; the aircraft and all escort vessels require conventional fuels. The USNS Big Horn - a replenishment oiler - just ran aground last month (September) in Oman, with an assessment of needed repairs underway . There are only two of three other oilers anywhere in the Med or eastern Pacific that could be rushed in - then putting other carrier groups at risk. Take out the oilers and you have a a mass of floating aluminum and steel targets - and dead sailors.
When Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and all the rest of them put their children or grandchildren on those ships, then they can cheer for more war.
The 2001 AUMF continues, as I understand it. In 2026 we will celebrate its 25th anniversary, presumably with flyovers at football games. Hooray!! I wonder if they'll be real or AI. (sarc)
That's not surprising; as is they don't even need to mention it either.
Almost correct Tom!
1. Congress had to approve US military in War. But Congress shirked its Duty.
2. Then the unconstitutional 'war powers act'
3. Then the '2001 AUMF' and its continuing resolutions
4. Now because 'Netanyahu ordered it'. And the US does not have a functioning POTUS.
Do I have it right?
I think Congress has found it convenient to let presidential administrations wage war while they sit on the sidelines, thump their chests, and collect donor contributions. But in some cases, pass 'resolutions' that give Presidents the authority to wage unlimited wars as they see fit.
Korea: Presidential decision. Lebanon: Presidential decision. Vietnam - surprise, Gulf of Tonkin Congressional resolution. Grenada - Presidential decision. First Gulf War - Congressional resolution. Afghanistan/Iraq/GWOT - AUMF 2001. Since, whatever the administration wants - Netanyahu was tongue in cheek (almost).
Regardless of how Congress "approves" of a War without actually declaring one, without Congressional Appropriation, there would be no money to fight any War anyplace.
Is it really any more complicated than that?
No it's not - but I suppose I'd just like to see the Constitution and other laws followed - at least once in a while. And I guess your argument could be extended even more - the Congress types couldn't get away with spending on wars if the electorate didn't go along with all the flag waving and jingoism.
We should be defending the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace and with equal rights on their lands. We should be championing a one state democracy not defending the immoral aparthied state of the death star Israel.
Biden should be placed on the Foreign Agents Registry list as an Israeli agent.
Bibi Netanyahu is America's Commander-in-Chief
What US politician has received 56 standing ovations from both sides of the aisle? Bibi has truly united the United States of America. Our president has declared himself a Zionist (treason in my opinion). A federal.law has been passed making it an illegal hate crime to speak out against Israel. Now there is a campaign for planting Israeli flags on American soil in a show of solidarity (from right wing Christians). And more....
All this going on in what is unequivocally a genocidal slaughter of innocent civilians by Israel to whom the US is supplying weapons to facilitate.
Should the US continue to exist?
The US exists only as an illusion of lies and subterfuge with the hopes of the people believing the lies from government that things are getting better. The US constitution was abolished with the Patriot act. The "United States" officially ceased to exist when that act was passed by a president who was selected by the courts not the people.
My only question is "At what point will people admit that the US no longer exists?"
Internment camps popping up? (Homeless shelters)
Selective enforcement of law? (A convicted felon walking free & running for president)
Saving democracy? (Harris bypassing being selected by the people)
Safety? (A militarized police force killing people in their homes and traffic stops with immunity, 1.5 trillion for upgrades to make Armageddon more efficient,......)
Is it too difficult to admit the TRUTH?
The game is over. Hard to comprehend isn't it?
The discussion should be what to do now not how did it happen.
In a sense, America exists as long as its people believe that it does.
When people stop believing, watch out.
Well put and a true fact. That's my point.
Personally, I don’t think Israel is running the show. Sorry to Mearsheimer and Walt. My thinking leads me to the conclusion that the real power actual resides in Washington, London and Brussels.
i agree completely, Karl.
As i noted earlier: From its very conception and inception, Israel has been a Forward Operating Base for protecting and advancing American and British geo-political and economic interests in the region with all its Oil.
Yeah the Middle East is certainly stable all right. And if anyone believes that I have a bridge to sell them. (sarc)
Years ago, I wrote a paper: If Israel is allowed to have nuclear bombs, so should Iran. There is little defense for Israel's neighboring Arab states. What we are going to see is a more thorough ethnic cleansing and genocide that suites American Imperialism just fine. They are disposable people already written off. When might is right rules the day, the meek shall be wiped out. We did it to our Indigenous people first and continued until...?
Of course, no nation should have the bomb. But leverage is everything in world ruled by might is right. America has the leverage to shut fascistic Israel down while Israel's neighboring states haven't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered. All they have are relatively small acts of "terrorism" when they can't bomb the hell out of Israel. T.E. Lawrence wrote the book on gruella warfare. I have read that his tactics are still taught in military schools. The Arabs don't need a white knight like Lawrence of Arabia but they sure as hell need an Arab leader like him able to unite them against imperialism-against Israeli American Domination-Annihilation. But Lawrence's tactics are impotent against Israel which has the fourth largest military in the world made and backed by the world's largest military industrial complex. For Leverage in this world, it would be fairer if a few of these Arab nations too had the bomb. M.A.D. Mutual Assured Destruction is the needed leverage when you live in a might is right world where nuclear bombs are aimed at you. Where serious diplomacy is out of the question, where talk of a two-state solution is just cover for decades of ethnic cleansing and Genocide. The Iranians figured this out long ago.
"While Israel's neighboring states haven't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered" - Hubris always is the last nails in one's coffin Glen.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yTT_cQVMOs
Life of Brian ~ "Blessed are the meek"
What Jesus failed to appreciate is that it’s the meek that are the problem. LOL
not the meek at all. the asleep. america has 350 milliion people. I'd guess at least 340 million are good. at least not homicidal maniacs. but america the nation is to the world a homicidal maniac. why/how? because the public are asleep.
often by choice for they they shrug and say 'we can do nothing' and they can't because they have no voice.
because they were asleep and didn't demand/take/make one.
The need is for the to have a voice and to use it.
Maybe like this:
https://abrogard.com/blog/2023/12/25/dont-write-to-congress/
This is still not the way because it still belongs to govt. not the people and is still used only every few years -
but shows it could be done right NOW
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_voting_system
Leverage is everything. America has the leverage to shut fascistic Israel down while Israel's neighboring states hasn't the might- the leverage to prevent being slaughtered. All they have is acts of "terrorism" when they can't bomb the hell out of Israel. T.E. Lawrence wrote the book on gruella warfare. I have read that his tactics are still taught in military schools. The Arabs don't need a white knight like Lawrence of Arabia but they sure as hell need an Arab leader like him to unite to unite them against Israeli American Domination-Annihilation. For Leverage it would be good if a few of these nations too had the bomb. M.A.D. Mutual Assured Destruction is the needed leverage when you live in a might is right world.
I just got in a DVD of "The Day After", that rollicking frolicking good-times movie from 1983, starring Jason Robards. The film has quite the pedigree. When first shown it garnered a 62% audience share. Ronald Reagan said he was depressed after seeing the film and it helped convince him that MAD doctrine was, well, mad. They even showed it in the Soviet Union. For some reason you don't see it much on streaming TV. The original Survivor movie.
Sigh....... Eff 'em, Colonial Zionists all. Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite! Viva Palestine!--Hamas and ALL of Palestine! (and Viva the Axis of Resistance!)
Helpful perspective in Nima's post today of Mohammad Marandi on Dialogue Works. I always tune in when Prof. Marandi in on....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4WYQpF80nY
As he is safely tucked away in New York, I recently discovered. What a disgrace.
I've had it.
Tomorrow I begin leafleting in busy areas where lots of people are walking. Here is the leaflet I will be handing out. If Americans are about to die for Zionism, it's the least I can do to hit the sidewalk. The US has reached the point of insanity for Israel where we will be dying to protect ethnic cleansing. There isn't much space on a 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper but I did my best.
Look here: https://imgur.com/Yx4A1Sl
This is a forum which brings together very intelligent, informed political observers. So I put to all of you this question: What do you propose doing to reverse the direction of our foreign policy, i.e. the over-reliance on military solutions to solve every problem that confronts us internationally? I'm not asking for more elucidations on what is wrong. I'm asking for real, actionable proposals, detailed strategies for unraveling this mess.
I would have you, and the rest of humanity adhere to all the beliefs, proposals and elucidations of one who left us too soon-- Visionary Carl Sagan... "Saganist!!!"
This is, of course, a noble and positive suggestion. How would you get people to adhere? How would it be enforced?
I could write forever on that, but I won't, and after watching the VP Debate tonite I couldn't help wishing they should be running for President so cordial and respectful, mature even to each other. That's the start we need I think, Beyond that its going to be a lot of hard work, willingness to compromise, and the ability to think outside the box through wisdom & courage to learn that we're all in this together, or the alternative to continue on this same course and face madness...!
Yes, civil discourse is refreshing. Having said that, please indulge me.
Here's how I would reply to my request. 1 ) You Fireman1110 are a decent, kind, admirable person. 2) I think I am too. 3) I sincerely believe that there are tens of thousands of us, that regardless of political stripe, there are a lot of good well-meaning, compassionate people in America. However, 4) the people now in power don't share our values. The people in control love war, are drunk on their power, convinced of their own infallibility, believe in their hearts in military aggression and conquest. Hence, the constant war. 5) The people in now power do not and will not ever listen to what the good decent people in our country have to say, what our priorities are, what our solutions to war and conflict are. They only give lip service to democracy and the dismiss the "will of the people" with contempt.
[ If you don't agree with all of the above, you should probably stop here. ]
THEREFORE, here is my practical, actionable proposal for at least starting to seriously challenge and to ultimately reverse America's forever wars and military expansion . . . https://warismakinguspoor.com/a-nation-at-peace/.
I AM GENUINELY LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR COMMENTS.
There is only one strategy that is consistent with democratic principles.
Campaign and vote for an alternate candidate. If you say it can't be done, then don't bother looking for an answer to your question. So don't say it can't be done.
There are two viable anti-war parties, Green and Libertarian. You might consider looking into them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarian_Party_(United_States)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Party_of_the_United_States
Apparently, you didn't bother to read my page. On it I listed both the Green and the Libertarian parties as a practical course to take in replacing establishment traitors in Congress and the White House with truly representative candidates. To save yourself time in the future and add to your associations with people who agree with you and wish to fortify your message, you might try clicking on the provided link ... https://warismakinguspoor.com/a-nation-at-peace/
You might also try to not be so presumptuous. Being rude is not a path to solidarity ... "If you say it can't be done, then don't bother looking for an answer to your question. So don't say it can't be done."
I'm really getting tired of animosity from people who should be my allies.
Does anybody here think that the United States will survive to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, 641 days from today?
Given what this nation has perpetrated and perpetuated around the planet since Hiroshima and Nagasaki ~ Korea, Iran, Guatemala, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Kuwait and Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq again, Somalia, Libya, Syria, and most recently, Ukraine the Coup, then Ukraine the Proxy War, and now Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria again ~ given all that, the Real Question is:
SHOULD IT?
And if so, on what grounds?
Yes, the U.S. will survive. Should it? Well, why should any country or empire "survive"?
On what ground? Legal, moral? Countries survive because they can. Not because they deserve to. Does Russia, China, the UK, France, Spain, etc. deserve to survive, based on their past history?
Jeff, your comment suggests you don't think America should survive, so what should take its place in your mind? And on what grounds should that new entity justify its existence?
Thankee again for the response, Bill; a real thought-provoker.
Thinking on it further, i would say that a preparatory question to “SHOULD the U.S. survive?” is “CAN the U.S. survive?”; which is a totally different issue. Setting aside SHOULD for the moment... :
The Real Question, however, is: When “The Decline” of The American Empire ends, and “The Fall” begins and proceeds to its foregone and inevitable conclusion, will the Nation that is the seat of that Empire ~ the United States of America ~ be able to survive? Ie: CAN it?
Whether or not that challenge of The Fall of The American Empire happens before America’s 250th birthday is, at this stage of The Game, a matter of pure conjecture. Would You agree?
In any event, i believe that there is a difference between a Country and a Nation. i define a “Country” as a physical land mass with set boundaries and, more importantly, a People and their Culture as manifest in their and its general worldview as evidenced in its philosophy, religion, traditions, values, standards of personal ethics and living in community, and the like.
A Nation, on the other hand, is a Legal, Political, Economic, and Social entity physically located within that same land mass, of which those same People living in that Nation are Citizens, active participants in the Society and Economy, with the assigned duties and responsibilities of Citizenship as determined by that Nation’s system of Government and manner of Governance.
Most importantly, it is Nations ~ and not Countries ~ that deal with other Nations, in War and/or Peace, be they Allies or Enemies.
The point of all this is to respond to Your statement and question: “Countries survive because they can. Not because they deserve to. Does Russia, China, the UK, France, Spain, etc. deserve to survive, based on their past history?”
The COUNTRIES of UK, France, Spain, and all the other European Empires and Empire-Wannabes [like Germany] survived the end of their respective Empires. But the Nations did not survive. The legal, political, economic, and social structure and fabric was totally and completely changed with the loss of The Colonies in each of those fallen Empires. They became brand new Nations.
And the same applies to Russia and China: Those two Countries haven’t changed very much since the end of the USSR’s Empire or Mao’s Insane Asylum. But the Nations of Russia and China have changed considerably.
i hope that responds to the first part of Your response, Bill. Let me ponder the second part ~ “Jeff, your comment suggests you don't think America should survive, so what should take its place in your mind? And on what grounds should that new entity justify its existence?” ~ and get back with You.
Thank You, Bill, for Your response. i have a Doctor's appointment i need to tend to, and will respond in full later this afternoon [my time].
But one immediate thought is: Given that the only Empire that has survived throughout all of history is The American Empire [and that for just now approaching 80 years], apparently Empires apparently should Not survive. And my guess is that The American Empire is no exception.
i will argue that Empires don't survive because of Legal, Moral, Political, Economic, and Existential grounds.
And that there is a difference between Countries and Nations, on the one hand, and their Empires, on the other.
Gotta run.... will continue later.
All empires die - sooner or later.
With advancing technologies over the course of history, the life expectancy of empires has continuously declined. The Egyptian empire lasted over 3,000 years. The Roman empire lasted about 1,200 years. The Ottoman empire lasted about 600 years. The British empire lasted about 400 years. The American empire is now about 200 years old.
Empires die from 2 major diseases: internal corruption and imperial overreach - both of which America is infected.
An empire is like a cancer that devours everything in its path until it finally destroys the organism that gave it birth.
Before pondering How and Why Empires die, i'd like to explore How and Why Empires happen in the first place.
It would be a hell of a lot easier to prevent Empires from happening in the first place than it is to get rid of them once they have happened.
First and foremost, empires are created as a result of a drive to accumulate power and control. But in order to do so, one must have a sufficient amount of power/wealth to begin with to overcome all opposition (think of critical mass). So if you want to prevent empires from being created, you will have to change human nature and/or prevent the accumulation of that critical mass of power/wealth.
Good luck.
hahahahahahaha " I have a Doctor's appointment I need to tend to."
Yeah right Mr. Moebus
How convenient. LMFAO
The Lt. Col. is absolutely correct.
The Romans also believed they could conquer the word. And failed.
Been to Italy lately?
Italy has survived. Morally, Politically, and Existentially
Maybe not economically, but compared to the US it is a paradise on earth.
Italy was just a part of the Roman empire. Rome has survived, but not as an empire.
Nice to hear from You, Dennis.
Permit me to recommend that You read my response to Bill just posted. And see if You can figure out the difference between a Country and a Nation.
I can't figure it out - happy now?
i didn't think You would. Just another Gotcha Question, eh?
Or else just another personal attack on You, Your character, intelligence, and probably Your Daughters.
TO DO GOD'S BIDDING.
"God wrote a number of books. The number is zero!" - Christopher Hitchens
And Ray, was its Gods Bidding that Hurricane Helene should claim the lives of at least 130 people. And the Department of Homeland Security says that the death toll could rise to 600 with thousands remain unaccounted for.
I thought God was all loving, powerful and omnipotent, and planned EVERYTHING?
But when it all goes to shit its "natures" fault.
And of course. God gave man Free Will. Therefore, its man's fault.
The old trick of constantly moving the goal posts. LOL
I see! It's obvious eh! God can do no wrong ~ by definition! How convenient!
If God is willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
If he is able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
If he is both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
If he is neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
BTW your old nemesis again, Ray
"Yes I have free will; I have no choice but to have it." Christopher Hitchens"
Hitchens is saying that he has freewill and then directly contradicts the premise of free will by saying that he has no choice but to have freewill...therefore no free will.
It's a joke and a brilliant simplification of the logical fallacy that is Free Will.
The United Nations created the mess in the middle east and it should take control until order can be restored with the original boundaries re-established.
The former British Empire and the United States ~ with the help of the UN ~ created the mess in the Middle East. See Ray's comment as a start point.
From its very conception and inception, Israel has been a Forward Operating Base for protecting and advancing American and British geo-political and economic interests in the region with all its Oil.
Note: The whole mess in the Middle East actually started back when it took Moses 40 years to find, invade, conquer, and occupy the one place in the whole area that did not have Oil.
God told Moses to turn the wrong way. No oil for the Chosen People.
Roger that.
A comedian once made that joke - forget who. Still funny.
File it under "God works in mysterious ways."
"God works in mysterious ways" is not an argument.
It's a claim.
I'd file it under Biblical humor. :-)
That depends entirely on which filing cabinet it is being filed in.
i first heard it back in 1982 ~ when i was in Israel when it invaded Lebanon to neutralize the PLO ~ from an Israeli buddy who was a Tank Commander called to active duty for the invasion.
Moses actually never made it. It was Joshua‘s destiny to finish the journey. Instead of oil they discovered grapes - good for wine making and raisins.
That Moses never made it and it was Joshua who finished the journey is just myth.
One of many fictional stories in book written by religious cultists over 2,000-years ago.
Heh. Rog.
Yeah, right Ray!
British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell created in 1907, and ExxonMobil feared God!
You can't make this stuff up folks.
The resistance, not the fear of Gods, was the catalyst for the revolution in Iran.
As the resistance is bringing Gods chosen people, Israel, to its knees today.
Can You enlighten us as to exactly Where and How Israel is being brought to its knees? And by Whom?
Keep watching Al Jazeera TV Jeff.
Israel is being bought to its knees as we speak.
It is bankrupting itself with its Iron Dome costs. Do the math.
And if a US President stops sending them bombs, they are toast.
Let a US military Colonel explain it to you:
Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson on Nima Alkhorshid's Dialogue Works site today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXoHPtpG9F4
For Iran to take this action means they got assurances of support from it’s allies .
What specific "math" leads You to claim that Israel is "bankrupting itself" with its Iron Dome?
Oh never mind. Sorry; another "Gotcha Question."
Israel isn't paying a dime for this War. That's what it has the United States for.
And which US President is going to stop sending them bombs? Your boy, the Draft Dodger Corporal Bonespurs?
Not if he doesn't want the next bullet to just "nick his ear," and, instead, blow the front half of his head off.
FAITH is the deliberate refusal to think critically and the glorification of willful ignorance that follows.
I don't make my decisions based on FAITH.
Just as there are no doctors performing surgery based on their FAITH.
Or no Engineers designing bridges based on their FAITH.
The ego-centered meglomaniac serial LIAR Trump is going to be the 47th POTUS. Get used to it, Ray. Put aside your hatred.
Enjoy the remaining years you have here on earth my friend.
It's the ONLY life you get.