Again, as Chairman, CEO and only member of the neutralistassociationofthe.us we note that Bracing Views has produced a neutralist memo:
"A more effective Pentagon is one that would focus strictly on defending America proper while upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law." Excellent.
Jealous of our status as only member, we can't grant you that status, but if we haven't already, we award you the title of Neutralist Fellow Traveler; Diamond Class. Congratulations.
"while upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law."
Wouldn't that mean actually DECLARING war.
We've forgotten Part of Section 8, Article 1 of the constitution.
The words, "To declare War" are clearly in the Constitution of The United States as part of the enumerated powers granted the two houses of our national legislature.
Forget all the resolutions that we've used to get into the wars since 1950, none of which we've won.
No war in Iran without a declaration. While we are at it, unless we declare it, stop bugging Yemen.
As has been noted several times here on BV since the election in November...:
With its promise to “save $2 Trillion,” it will be interesting to see if Elon Musk’s brainchild DOGE ~ the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” ~ includes The Pentagon and the rest of the MICIMATT wing of The Deep State
Does anybody here at BRACING VIEWS actually, honestly, really, and sincerely think and believe that Deep State will let DOGE anywhere close to The Pentagon ~ which just failed its seventh consecutive Audit ~ or any of the rest of the MICIMATT?
And isn’t it noteworthy that the “E” in DOGE stands for “Efficiency,” and not “Effectiveness’?
As Management Guru Peter Drucker once put it: “Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”
For The Pentagon and the rest of the MICIMATT to be “doing the right things,” what would be required is the end of The American Empire.
Note 1: What is needed at The Pentagon is not another conventional Financial and Fiscal Audit, but a Criminal Audit that specifically targets illegal/immoral activity by DoD personnel and defense contractors; and the individuals perpetrating them.]
Note 2: The United States does not get into Wars to win them ~ whatever “win” means ~ but simply to have them. And to lay the groundwork for another War to get into against somebody else someplace else after this one is lost.
The Dulles brothers did more than any other human beings to get us to the endless war system the US presides over. Until that mentality is removed, let's say in the name of efficiency, nothing is going to change. There actually is a purpose beyond the revenue streams that weapons generate, it is the destabilization of all countries that are not vassals. That is why it doesn't matter if we "win" the war, if we caused death, destruction and destabilization, that is chalked up as a win nonetheless. So no matter what happens in Syria now, we destabilized the country and set it back decades at least. Mission accomplished. The same is true in Iraq, Libya, etc. They are trying to do the same in Iran, Russia and China with limited success. The US can't compete honestly with potential competitors, so we have to cheat and do everything we can think of to destabilize. The revenue streams are just an added bonus.
What you wrote, Bill, as always, is pertinent and true. The powerful liars are not listening and never will.
Persevere, and strive to persuade the powerless to wake up — to survive. We who are listening must speak out to as many as we can.
We see that those in power are not leaders but misleaders, not chiefs but thieves, not powerful as much as power-mad.
Is there a cure for insanity? No. All we have on our side is truth and reality. Trump has demonstrated the immense power of lies. Our grim reality and only source of hope are in the swamp of disbelief that now engulfs the world.
Trump has insulted everyone. America's military-industrial-congressional complex is engineering a world war that either before or after it erupts can only be stopped by a worldwide awakening. Persevere, Bill and comrades! That's all we can do to increase the chances of survival.
Richard D. Wolff, maybe the most credible economist in America today, pointed out that the number of government employees is the same now as it was in the 1960s, though the population has more than doubled. This means the services provided are being delivered with much greater efficiency, not less. DOGE is not about efficiency. It is about restructuring the government to serve the interests of the wealthy elite. Do we need more evidence of this than Mr. Efficiency, Elon Musk, is promoting this institutional carnage and he's the richest man in the world? The picture of him with a chainsaw is the perfect image for what is being done. How about a new horror flick? ... The Washington DC Chainsaw Massacre!
To make America great we must invest in America not in the destruction of other nations. We must invest in the health education and well being of all our citizens. Only then can we be great
The Pentagon collectively is not charged with "defending the Constitution of the United States of America." Individual members of the military, as well as Federal public officials also, take a "sacred oath" to that effect. With Emperor Donald the Ignorant daily shredding that historic document, "somebody" (a "somebody" in the millions!) is failing in that duty to an unprecedented degree. It is clear--as I predicted--that Trump will ignore any court in the land that issues a ruling he doesn't care for. So much for balanced branches of government. Retrieve a US resident wrongly deported to a hell-hole prison in El Salvador? "Not my problem" is the official reply from the Oval Office. Never has there been a POTUS so in need of being impeached and removed from office. I don't hear any noise to that effect from the ever-so Loyal Opposition. But then again, they know it will be utterly futile with GOP having a firm grip on Congress. And so, we have a genuine constitutional crisis. Mr. Bolsonaro, former dictator-like President of Brasil, is currently being prosecuted for crimes while in office. Way to go, USA! Render yourself legally/constitutionally inferior to a nation that has suffered more than its share of rule by juntas and tin-horn dictators. Quite a "shining city on the hill," aren't we??
Yes, good point!! I shoulda cited Occupied ("South") Korea. I believe the ex-Pres. has been granted house arrest, so we can't count on him genuinely being brought to justice for employing the military to try to retain the office. He's not exactly suffering in prison like the chap Trump accuses of being a Salvadoran terrorist and thus will never be readmitted to our wonderful freedom-loving USA. Hard evidence? Not needed, The Donald's word is good enuf! :-(
I think it's encouraging that the Wall Street Journal used the "i" (impeachment) word on Friday. We know it wouldn't have been printed without Murdoch's approval, so that's pretty interesting. Could this be the first straw in the wind???
Even the Murdoch clan (Klan!) cannot dislodge this guy from the White House. Old Rupert has been a Trump supporter for decades. Rather than wait and hope I could get the feature film "The Apprentice" from a public library, or for streaming some day, I purchased the DVD, which is now available. Watched it tonight. It is VERY well written and acted IMO. Jeremy Strong is a chillingly effective Roy Cohn. The story ends around time of Cohn's death from AIDS, but depicts Trump's first encounter with Rupert Murdoch. They got much closer, of course, once Rupert decided to make himself a "king maker" in the USA. (Murdoch basically "gave us" G. Dubya Bush in January 2001. Thanks, Rupert, thanks a heap!) And hey, the End Credits declare this is "an Official Canada-Ireland co-production"!! I guess Hollywood wasn't willing to undertake such a project. Trump has planted operatives in the Hollywood community.
You have a much stronger stomach and more willingness to wade into the mud than I do, Greg. ; )
As for Rupert, IMO, he may have supported the Dumpster when he was on the rise, and even into power, but remember that right after January 6th, Murdoch properties chilled on mango man for some time. It's all about the benjamins. When they smell blood (and Friday's editorial may be an indication of such), they'll abandon the Occupant, and maybe eventually go on the attack, if there's money in it (i.e., advertisers want it).
You're right about Hollywood, from my reading. Wasn't Mel Gibson ---a RWNJ if ever there was one---made an ambassador to Hollywood?
Well, only time will tell. Public support for DJT has only slightly eroded thus far, but when consumer prices really lift off thanks to this tariffs madness, disenchantment will surely grow. But again, that does not remove a POTUS from office until an agonizing four more years have passed (assuming the incumbent doesn't cancel the elections--you know, State of National Emergency). The WSJ represents an important segment of the Ruling Class, but does not speak for it all. Yes, as I recall, the "Special Ambassadors" to Hollywood are Jew-hating Mel Gibson and overall complete idiots Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris.
I don't think the Dumpster will even be around in four years, one way or another. My feeling is that, once he reduces the country to a suitable state of wreckage, he'll be gotten rid of.
When the prices really start to skyrocket, there will be much unrest among the peasants. IF the 2026 elections take place, and IF they're not merely staged, then possibly the peasants will assert their power. In the meantime, it would be satisfying to see WSJ take a stronger opposing tack. The news from Harvard is most gratifying (a pebble to start the avalanche? I can dream...), but then, they can afford it.
But wait! Trump will live forever! His physician--no shortage of quacks in that field, or at least those who'll say anything for money!--says his victories at golf prove he's in great shape!! [Picture hysterically laughing emoji here!] Victories!! Easy to achieve when you cheat on your score and no one dares challenge you on it. Political survival? I can't picture the Dems doing SO well in 2026 that impeachment and removal will be possible. Harvard's resistance (but how long will it last?) IS heartening, and yes, they do have a dandy endowment from private donors to fall back on. The cave-ins, the surrenders, elsewhere in academe have been simply nauseating thus far!! :-(
Some of the ignorant might say the carnage in history is just Darwinian "Survival of the Fittest" the strongest etc., but this is twisted. The most important traits for us to survive as a human species could be the higher attributes of compassion, intelligence-- not always brute power & ambition..!
Again, as Chairman, CEO and only member of the neutralistassociationofthe.us we note that Bracing Views has produced a neutralist memo:
"A more effective Pentagon is one that would focus strictly on defending America proper while upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law." Excellent.
Jealous of our status as only member, we can't grant you that status, but if we haven't already, we award you the title of Neutralist Fellow Traveler; Diamond Class. Congratulations.
Double Black Diamond Class? :-)
You drive a hard bargain. Okay.
"while upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law."
Wouldn't that mean actually DECLARING war.
We've forgotten Part of Section 8, Article 1 of the constitution.
The words, "To declare War" are clearly in the Constitution of The United States as part of the enumerated powers granted the two houses of our national legislature.
Forget all the resolutions that we've used to get into the wars since 1950, none of which we've won.
No war in Iran without a declaration. While we are at it, unless we declare it, stop bugging Yemen.
Sadly, the Constitution only gives Congress the right to declare war. The Congress then gave the president the right to wage undeclared wars
Wars no longer need to be declared.
Congress is, to say the least, a joke.
It is a bought and paid for money laundering scheme.
As has been noted several times here on BV since the election in November...:
With its promise to “save $2 Trillion,” it will be interesting to see if Elon Musk’s brainchild DOGE ~ the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” ~ includes The Pentagon and the rest of the MICIMATT wing of The Deep State
Does anybody here at BRACING VIEWS actually, honestly, really, and sincerely think and believe that Deep State will let DOGE anywhere close to The Pentagon ~ which just failed its seventh consecutive Audit ~ or any of the rest of the MICIMATT?
And isn’t it noteworthy that the “E” in DOGE stands for “Efficiency,” and not “Effectiveness’?
As Management Guru Peter Drucker once put it: “Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”
For The Pentagon and the rest of the MICIMATT to be “doing the right things,” what would be required is the end of The American Empire.
Note 1: What is needed at The Pentagon is not another conventional Financial and Fiscal Audit, but a Criminal Audit that specifically targets illegal/immoral activity by DoD personnel and defense contractors; and the individuals perpetrating them.]
Note 2: The United States does not get into Wars to win them ~ whatever “win” means ~ but simply to have them. And to lay the groundwork for another War to get into against somebody else someplace else after this one is lost.
Yes. All true, Jeff.
The Dulles brothers did more than any other human beings to get us to the endless war system the US presides over. Until that mentality is removed, let's say in the name of efficiency, nothing is going to change. There actually is a purpose beyond the revenue streams that weapons generate, it is the destabilization of all countries that are not vassals. That is why it doesn't matter if we "win" the war, if we caused death, destruction and destabilization, that is chalked up as a win nonetheless. So no matter what happens in Syria now, we destabilized the country and set it back decades at least. Mission accomplished. The same is true in Iraq, Libya, etc. They are trying to do the same in Iran, Russia and China with limited success. The US can't compete honestly with potential competitors, so we have to cheat and do everything we can think of to destabilize. The revenue streams are just an added bonus.
What you wrote, Bill, as always, is pertinent and true. The powerful liars are not listening and never will.
Persevere, and strive to persuade the powerless to wake up — to survive. We who are listening must speak out to as many as we can.
We see that those in power are not leaders but misleaders, not chiefs but thieves, not powerful as much as power-mad.
Is there a cure for insanity? No. All we have on our side is truth and reality. Trump has demonstrated the immense power of lies. Our grim reality and only source of hope are in the swamp of disbelief that now engulfs the world.
Trump has insulted everyone. America's military-industrial-congressional complex is engineering a world war that either before or after it erupts can only be stopped by a worldwide awakening. Persevere, Bill and comrades! That's all we can do to increase the chances of survival.
Thanks, Chris. Appreciate it.
Richard D. Wolff, maybe the most credible economist in America today, pointed out that the number of government employees is the same now as it was in the 1960s, though the population has more than doubled. This means the services provided are being delivered with much greater efficiency, not less. DOGE is not about efficiency. It is about restructuring the government to serve the interests of the wealthy elite. Do we need more evidence of this than Mr. Efficiency, Elon Musk, is promoting this institutional carnage and he's the richest man in the world? The picture of him with a chainsaw is the perfect image for what is being done. How about a new horror flick? ... The Washington DC Chainsaw Massacre!
To make America great we must invest in America not in the destruction of other nations. We must invest in the health education and well being of all our citizens. Only then can we be great
The Pentagon collectively is not charged with "defending the Constitution of the United States of America." Individual members of the military, as well as Federal public officials also, take a "sacred oath" to that effect. With Emperor Donald the Ignorant daily shredding that historic document, "somebody" (a "somebody" in the millions!) is failing in that duty to an unprecedented degree. It is clear--as I predicted--that Trump will ignore any court in the land that issues a ruling he doesn't care for. So much for balanced branches of government. Retrieve a US resident wrongly deported to a hell-hole prison in El Salvador? "Not my problem" is the official reply from the Oval Office. Never has there been a POTUS so in need of being impeached and removed from office. I don't hear any noise to that effect from the ever-so Loyal Opposition. But then again, they know it will be utterly futile with GOP having a firm grip on Congress. And so, we have a genuine constitutional crisis. Mr. Bolsonaro, former dictator-like President of Brasil, is currently being prosecuted for crimes while in office. Way to go, USA! Render yourself legally/constitutionally inferior to a nation that has suffered more than its share of rule by juntas and tin-horn dictators. Quite a "shining city on the hill," aren't we??
South Korea shows the world that its people know how to react to presidential overreach. They learned the hard way, but they learned.
Yes, good point!! I shoulda cited Occupied ("South") Korea. I believe the ex-Pres. has been granted house arrest, so we can't count on him genuinely being brought to justice for employing the military to try to retain the office. He's not exactly suffering in prison like the chap Trump accuses of being a Salvadoran terrorist and thus will never be readmitted to our wonderful freedom-loving USA. Hard evidence? Not needed, The Donald's word is good enuf! :-(
I think it's encouraging that the Wall Street Journal used the "i" (impeachment) word on Friday. We know it wouldn't have been printed without Murdoch's approval, so that's pretty interesting. Could this be the first straw in the wind???
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/politics/government/it-s-already-in-the-cards-trump-impeachment-urged-by-wsj-editorial-board-member/ar-AA1CNss5
Kakistocracy, Denise?
Yep.
Even the Murdoch clan (Klan!) cannot dislodge this guy from the White House. Old Rupert has been a Trump supporter for decades. Rather than wait and hope I could get the feature film "The Apprentice" from a public library, or for streaming some day, I purchased the DVD, which is now available. Watched it tonight. It is VERY well written and acted IMO. Jeremy Strong is a chillingly effective Roy Cohn. The story ends around time of Cohn's death from AIDS, but depicts Trump's first encounter with Rupert Murdoch. They got much closer, of course, once Rupert decided to make himself a "king maker" in the USA. (Murdoch basically "gave us" G. Dubya Bush in January 2001. Thanks, Rupert, thanks a heap!) And hey, the End Credits declare this is "an Official Canada-Ireland co-production"!! I guess Hollywood wasn't willing to undertake such a project. Trump has planted operatives in the Hollywood community.
You have a much stronger stomach and more willingness to wade into the mud than I do, Greg. ; )
As for Rupert, IMO, he may have supported the Dumpster when he was on the rise, and even into power, but remember that right after January 6th, Murdoch properties chilled on mango man for some time. It's all about the benjamins. When they smell blood (and Friday's editorial may be an indication of such), they'll abandon the Occupant, and maybe eventually go on the attack, if there's money in it (i.e., advertisers want it).
You're right about Hollywood, from my reading. Wasn't Mel Gibson ---a RWNJ if ever there was one---made an ambassador to Hollywood?
Well, only time will tell. Public support for DJT has only slightly eroded thus far, but when consumer prices really lift off thanks to this tariffs madness, disenchantment will surely grow. But again, that does not remove a POTUS from office until an agonizing four more years have passed (assuming the incumbent doesn't cancel the elections--you know, State of National Emergency). The WSJ represents an important segment of the Ruling Class, but does not speak for it all. Yes, as I recall, the "Special Ambassadors" to Hollywood are Jew-hating Mel Gibson and overall complete idiots Sylvester Stallone and Chuck Norris.
I don't think the Dumpster will even be around in four years, one way or another. My feeling is that, once he reduces the country to a suitable state of wreckage, he'll be gotten rid of.
When the prices really start to skyrocket, there will be much unrest among the peasants. IF the 2026 elections take place, and IF they're not merely staged, then possibly the peasants will assert their power. In the meantime, it would be satisfying to see WSJ take a stronger opposing tack. The news from Harvard is most gratifying (a pebble to start the avalanche? I can dream...), but then, they can afford it.
But wait! Trump will live forever! His physician--no shortage of quacks in that field, or at least those who'll say anything for money!--says his victories at golf prove he's in great shape!! [Picture hysterically laughing emoji here!] Victories!! Easy to achieve when you cheat on your score and no one dares challenge you on it. Political survival? I can't picture the Dems doing SO well in 2026 that impeachment and removal will be possible. Harvard's resistance (but how long will it last?) IS heartening, and yes, they do have a dandy endowment from private donors to fall back on. The cave-ins, the surrenders, elsewhere in academe have been simply nauseating thus far!! :-(
Amen, brother Bill, amen!!!
Some of the ignorant might say the carnage in history is just Darwinian "Survival of the Fittest" the strongest etc., but this is twisted. The most important traits for us to survive as a human species could be the higher attributes of compassion, intelligence-- not always brute power & ambition..!
So much for the speculation that this administration might rein in military spending....