OlDawg

Regardless of our assistance, and the IDF's tech, they still only field manpower of around 660,000. Iran fields manpower of almost 1.2 Million. Israel can't commit the entire strength of the IDF manpower to Iran. That would leave them open to their north. They can't do it alone. Interesting numbers for those interested. I can guarantee our folks are aware of this information. Problem is, I think Iran's resolve was severely underestimated. You can't negotiate with crazy. (You can select from various different categories and countries.) Global Firepower - 2026 World Military Strength Rankings EDIT: A side-by-side comparison between Israel and Iran from the above link. [Hidden Content]

Try almost $3500. Yes, we get some back. But, the bill for the privilege of having a card is still over $2000/mo. That's for a spouse who has a condition where there is no treatment or cure. But, I want coverage in case she falls ill due to the common side effects of pneumonia, falls/broken bones (which she just had Monday), choking, etc. Her Botox shots to try and help with her palsy run $5000 a pop.

This is all theater. There's no way there will be enough votes to override a POTUS veto.

Agree also. Used to see people promised food, and then bussed in. Not sure if that still happens or not.

Any person who is concerned about election integrity, is for voter ID and/or the SAVE Act, should also be against allowing any organization that primarily lobbies for a foreign power to contribute to political campaigns. This should be as common sense as voter ID.

Another Wednesday morning Trump tantrum. I’m at the point I just don’t think he can help himself. [Hidden Content]

My honor, and thank you.

They should love most POTUS’s (or is it POTI)? lol They generally receive over $6 Billion/year in military aid, and have for as long as I can recall. We basically built their vaunted Iron Dome. They have acted as a frontline buffer for us.

Maybe so. But, you can bet POTUS is watching them. He even knew his rating in Israel. So, they do affect policy.

Trump is a populist with some conservative leanings in social areas. Not in fiscal or government overreach areas. Nothing wrong with that. But, that’s what he is. I vehemently disagree with his taking stakes in multiple private companies. That’s socialism. But, that’s me. He has other policies that I do agree with. Typical of any POTUS I can remember as far as my views. Too much government ownership to me though. Very slippery slope.

I don’t remember if a Fox poll ever predicted a Hilary landslide or not. I would say probably not. But, I’d be lying if I said I remembered off-hand.

I’m only reporting the poll. People can make of it what they wish. You should know I don’t take a partisan side by now.

I don’t think anyone on here has been anything less than understanding and appreciative. Trump’s comments and phrasing in the video posted were somewhat flippant. Deaths are not to be used in a political argument in the manner he did. Trump should have thought about all these things before he started. War is always a failure of men to find a better way. Even though—sometimes—it can’t be avoided. If it can’t be avoided, it must be engaged in quickly and decisively. It can’t be prolonged. The only result of delay is more damage to all.

Porter is not alone according to the latest Fox poll posted. Apparently, a majority of Republicans—non MAGA—and Independents are losing patience with this Administration. Based on just completed elections, I’d have to guess that MAGA voters turned out more than others which allowed all of Trump’s endorsed candidates to win. That’s great for a primary. Not sure how it will play out in November. A lot can happen between now and then. Gas prices coming down a large amount won’t be one of them. The futures don’t show a drop back into the high $70’s until next March.

Incidentally, I fall in the 55% of veterans who believe the war has to be seen through at this point in this latest Fox poll. But, it needs to be a full force effort. None of this half arse crap. Get it done with overwhelming force. Quickly. Justify it better to the American people. Even though I may not be happy about it.

He’s correct. [Hidden Content]

I’ve been involved in overt & covert for my country, and all of its people—regardless of how/if they voted. To the 13 families, and even those injured, 1 is the number they care most about. No one—especially a POTUS—should in any way make light of someone’s death in service of their country. That being said, there will be many more before this shoddy episode is said and done. But, what was started HAS to be completed.

If you’re going by margins, Massie received 99.6% of the vote in 2024, and was so solid he ran unopposed except for a write in. So, I’d say the people he represented liked him better—or as well as Trump—at the last election. This race was shaped by outside influence. All you have to do is look at the funding. Even Massie got less than 20% campaign funding from the district. Gallrein was less than 10%. Gallrein received more funding from AIPAC aligned sources than from ‘normal’ American PACs & donors. Whether you like Massie, or not—and I don’t know all of his votes at this point—you have to admit this seat was bought and paid for by Israel. Even you have to admit that. They have no intention of losing their over $6 Billion/year of aid. Read their X post. They even admit it, and appear proud of it. They happily list every candidate they took out that wasn’t supportive of Israel as much as they liked. I’m not an anti Israel person. But, when a group specifically exists to lobby for a foreign government, they should have to follow FARA, and register as a foreign agent. No different than the crackdowns that have been happening against China, or anyone else. Now, the Admin is cracking down on Mexican Consulates for activities similar to AIPAC. [Hidden Content] Would you be okay with LULAC putting in so much funding, false info & lies that Talarico was elected? I’ll answer for you. Of course not. I’m like baddog, Massie, Marjorie T Green & others in that I don’t think a group that exists primarily to lobby for a foreign power should be able to contribute to our elections. I don’t see how anyone could think that would be a good thing.

AIPAC’s X post about Massie and others they helped defeat in current elections is very interesting and informative. Massie had also just introduced legislation that would have required groups like AIPAC to register as foreign agents. No wonder they were upset.

Always enjoyed listening to Brit Hume. I think he has an interesting take. "We have a Republican Party, which is by and large afraid to buck Trump, and a Democrat Party that's afraid not to. That describes our politics." Brit Hume

I believe I saw where 100,000 out of 800,000 voted. Trump won’t be on the ballot, and who the heck knows what the Dems will trot out. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that a viable 3rd Party candidate could be competitive. My gut says people are getting sick of both major Party offerings. I read somewhere the number of people not associating with either major Party was skyrocketing. I don’t remember where I read it. But, it was a reliable source.

I know. I just wanted your thoughts. To me, if the government is going to play investor, give me my SSA and Medicare money, let me invest it as I choose, and provide for myself. I retired early. They’re beyond broke.

The current Administration is practicing outright socialism buying equity stakes in multiple companies which basically distorts the markets, and makes them psuedo government companies. Isn't that also self-destruction of capitalism, and the free market system America was founded on? Where's the outrage? Are we 'hell bent on self destruction'? You're well aware of my thoughts on government overreach and socialism. Regardless of Administration. Why does it seem this Administration is on a fast track to government ownership stakes in so many firms?

Same. Also voted for Johnson. I haven't voted since.

On a roll!