OlDawg

Just a question. There were the automakers, banks, Fannie & Freddie, Intel, miners, and now Spirit Airlines? I have no desire to own an airline. When did it become okay for our tax dollars to be used for the government to take stakes in private companies? GM still owes us a ton. Not only does this create unfair competition and market manipulation worse than typical, but it's a form of socialism that's getting out of control.

If the naval blockade of Iran continues, and no end is finalized in the current conflict in short order, familiarize yourself with Khunjerab Pass. This crossing is part of the Silk Road Initiative, and is less than 1000 miles from China to Iran if passing through Pakistan. Would Pakistan allow China to resupply Iran you may ask? Simple answer: Yes. Although, they would deny it publicly. Iran, Pakistan, and China have an alliance, and both Iran and Pakistan are heavily reliant on Chinese support. Pakistan and Iran aren't allies. But, they're also not enemies. They--historically--have backed each other up in regional conflicts against others. This ceasefire is not helpful in the long term. China will do all they can to not allow their Iranian oil spigot to be turned off. They receive 95% of their oil from Iran, and will do what's necessary for them to maintain leverage with the Iranian regime. Weaponry and technology can be easily transported via this route, and the U.S. would have few to no options to stop it. It would be China's version of the U.S. supporting Ukraine.

Pentagon infighting led to Navy Secretary dismissal. The Pentagon is very political, and all of the Secretaries are political appointees. They're basically budget managers. Not planners, or anything dealing with actual military actions.

Schedule & Location Change: All games at Baytown Lee HS Fri. 6:30 pm Sat. 11:00 am If necessary, Game 3 will follow at 1:00 pm Sat.

Given enough time, the blockade of Iranian ports will work to starve the country economically. But, China will find a way to resupply their military via Pakistan, and other ground or air routes. The U.S. either can't--or won't--block that access. Trump is actually tying the hands of our military, and has from the beginning when he stipulated no ground troops. I'm aware--more than most on this site--of what our military can do when allowed to do it's job without restraints. What benefit are you seeking? If your answer is "No nukes", how will you assure that given the regime's history, and no ground troops? Did you really believe this would end positively without regime change? As long as people of similar ideology are in power in Iran, you're just spitting in the wind, and making our servicemen and women fight with one hand tied behind their back because of political concerns. Personal opinion: The ceasefire was--and is--a mistake.

If you weren’t committed enough to send ground troops, you weren’t committed enough to the purpose to start the conflict. Issue is, POTUS knew he wouldn't get public, or Congressional support for ground troops. So, he tried an end-around. Without public support, success will be hard to achieve. Success in this endeavor required eliminating the IRGC, and affecting regime/cultural change. I keep repeating myself there's a reason why conflicts are supposed to be difficult to start.

The sad part is, this will go down by many as another failure of our servicemen & women when—as usual—nothing could be further from the truth. Our politicians who are so quick to jump in, and too weak to finish are the problem. Again.

GIGO

Iran as the Black Knight, Language warning. But, this one never gets old.

La Porte vs. Baytown Sterling @ Sterling Thurs. 4/23, 6:30 pm @ La Porte Fri. 4/24, 6;30 pm If Necessary: @ GCM Sat. 4/25, 12:00 pm

Panama Canal, Hormuz, and now Malacca? Interesting... I would recommend all reading this article. Control over these 3 major waterways controls shipping for the world. China is heavily dependent on Malacca. [Hidden Content]

Opinion: Trump Brilliantly Calls Iran’s Bluff [Hidden Content]

For an ex JAG, he’s definitely a war monger. He and McCain went together like hand in glove.

My thoughts on this whole issue and in general...