Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:38 AM:
President Trump’s security strategy, which was presented this week, is built around four pillars: protecting the homeland, promoting prosperity, peace through strength, and advancing American influence.
Without question, those are goals and objectives that have made America great and that all Americans agree with. There is less agreement on where we stand in maintaining them and how we continue to enhance them.
President Trump justifies his plans for America, not by respecting achievements of past administrations, rather by aggressively but unsuccessfully attempting to tear down or denigrate what has been accomplished. He also habitually makes promises he can’t or won’t keep.
For example...
During the campaign, he described the military as “a disaster” while after election it was “… the finest military force in the world,” and yet he had nothing to change things.
Or at his inauguration, after decrying crime and drugs, he said “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” But yet it continues with nothing new being done.
Again, while campaigning, he promised to “…get those mines open,” and to “…bring back our jobs from China…” and this has been to not avail. The ones he could have recovered most readily would have been from his own factories in China but to my knowledge, he has not done this either.
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The complete National Security Strategy is long on promises but much shorter on factual approaches.
Here are a few quoted paragraphs from the President’s speech on national security
“Throughout our history, the American people have always been the true source of American greatness. Our people have promoted our culture and promoted our values. Americans have fought and sacrificed on the battlefields all over the world. We have liberated captive nations, transformed former enemies into the best of friends, and lifted entire regions of the planet from poverty to prosperity.
“Because of our people, America has been among the greatest forces for peace and justice in the history of the world. The American people are generous. You are determined, you are brave, you are strong, and you are wise.”
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This is a very clear and accurate description as to why America is a great country. But then there’s this…
“When the American people speak, all of us should listen. And just over one year ago, you spoke loud and you spoke clear. On November 8, 2016, you voted to make America great again.”
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Wait a minute, he just got done praising America’s greatness, so where did the “great again” come from?
Our nation is already great.
Then there’s this…
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“You embraced new leadership and very new strategies, and also a glorious new hope. That is why we are here today.”
Basically, that’s not really the case, but can be let go.
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“But to seize the opportunities of the future, we must first understand the failures of the past. For many years, our citizens watched as Washington politicians presided over one disappointment after another.”
And what were these exactly? He probably did not mean the steady recovery from the recession. He couldn’t have meant the reduction in unemployment from about 10% to under 5%. Certainly he did not mean the hunting down and killing of Osama bin Laden. He would not have included the tripling of the stock market from about 7000 to about 20,000. And he didn’t the destruction of ISIS as a viable fighting force. He would not have been referring to the $4 trillion growth in the GDP.
So what were these “disappointments?”
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“Too many of our leaders - so many who forgot whose voices they were to respect and whose interests they were supposed to defend - our leaders in Washington negotiated disastrous trade deals that brought massive profits to many foreign nations, but sent thousands of American factories, and millions of American jobs, to those other countries.”
Not quite true, in fact, NAFTA has been a net benefit to the US, creating between 5 to 6 million jobs.
The “thousands” of factories going to China for example, was the result of US producers voluntary moving production off shore for lower wages. And there is no “disastrous” trade deal with China at all.
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That's all there's time for now...
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:42 AM
President Trump’s security strategy, which was presented this week, is built around four pillars: protecting the homeland, promoting prosperity, peace through strength, and advancing American influence.
Common: Believe the above says it all....time you came around to the Right side of the Force - congrats.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:56 AM
Ulrich,
Nothing pleases you does it? You been witching about Trump since Nov 10, 2016.
Much of this current word salad is repetious and not worth the time it took to read.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:06 AM
Trump is Lettau's president along with being President of The United States of America. Obama is a has-been now and ain't coming back as president through a Clinton. Time he got over it.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:24 AM
This has nothing to do with President Obama.
It is simply pointing out missteps of the current administration.
I'm sure you would not want his mistakes to pass unnoticed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 11:13 AM
I'm sure you would not like to see any of his accomplishments noticed and that is the purpose of all your meaningless racket.
Meanwhile you are deflecting away from the what we are learning about your favorite most corrupt administration in recent years.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 2:19 PM
What accomplishments?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 2:28 PM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 4:42 PM
What accomplishments?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 2:28 PM
End the Obama/Clinton Agenda .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 4:43 PM
Here are some added examples of unsubstantiated rhetoric that is long on talk and short on action…
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“Our leaders engaged in nation-building abroad, while they failed to build up and replenish our nation at home.”
Except that “nation-building” (which can mean whatever you want it to mean) has not been a priority for well over 5 years.
A $300 billion infrastructure plan has been languishing before Congress for several years with no Congressional action.
President Trump, after campaign promises for a trillion dollar plan, has done nothing to improve infrastructure.
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“They undercut and shortchanged our men and women in uniform with inadequate resources, unstable funding, and unclear missions.”
Funding for the military is a function of Congress, and in spite of their inaction, we still have the “finest military in the world.” In this case President Trump is correct, however, it’s the same military that he had previously described as a “disaster.”
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“They failed to insist that our often very wealthy allies pay their fair share for defence, putting a massive and unfair burden on the US taxpayer and our great US military.”
This also comes down to what a “fair share” is. The South Koreans pay just under 1 billion dollars per year, Japan between 2.2 to 4 billion, and Germany pays in rent-free facilities, construction and services.
What’s often ignored is that our troops are deployed for our defense, and were they not forward based, we’d have to move them there, plus we would have the same expense of maintaining these forces in the CONUS. Even our presence is a clear deterrent and has an unascertainable value.
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“They neglected a nuclear menace in North Korea…”
This has not been neglected, but rather it is that actions have been stymied and prevented since the Korean War by the geographic fact of the border being just north of Seoul. The capital has been “held hostage” by North Korean long range artillery and rockets, and this is still the case.
This is also why the strategy of “strategic patience” will continue unless we are foolish enough to start an unprovoked nuclear conflict.
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“…made a disastrous, weak, and incomprehensibly bad deal with Iran…”
The “deal” was a six-party effort and had we withdrawn, it could have proceeded as a five-party deal.
The alternative to this “deal” was no deal which would have allowed unrestrained efforts by Iran toward nuclear capability, and left us with untenable and unrealistic options.
The rhetoric also ignores that Iran is still a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and its withdrawal would initiate new sanctions.
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“…and allowed terrorists such as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) to gain control of vast parts of territory all across the Middle East.
That ISIS was born from remnants of Iraq’s vanquished Baathist military is not realistically in dispute. Its growth was gradual and the US had no desire to return our ground forces to Iraq.
The alternative of supporting allies with US air power has been a strong factor in forcing ISIS to lose control of “vast parts of territory all across the Middle East.”
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When facts are routinely ignored, by any administration, truth suffers and the consequences are seldom good for our nation.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:03 AM
"If you like your insurance you can keep it . Period ."
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:12 AM
The Obama administration made a strategic decision to exclude ballistic missiles from negotiations because they thought including them would have been too hard. Iran has conducted several ballistic-missile tests since the nuclear deal went into effect. It now possesses medium-range ballistic missiles capable of ranging the Middle East (including Israel) and Southeastern Europe. And earlier this year, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency estimated that Iran could have the ability to deploy an operational ICBM by 2020.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:25 AM
Obama the Carpenter: The President’s National Security Legacy
By the standards he has set out for himself, President Barack Obama’s foreign policy has fallen considerably short of expectations and aspirations. By the standards of his critics, of course, the performance has been even worse—with the American commander-in-chief now accused of fecklessness and irresoluteness as global crises multiply on his watch. Even two of his former secretaries of defense have written fairly harsh verdicts on what they saw while serving in his administration .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:31 AM
Trump is the product of Obama .
Get used to it ....
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:32 AM
Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:03 AM
Common: Don't tell me that you actually believe all that silly stuff that Maddcow/Lemmon/Matthews/DNC/NYT come up with?
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:33 AM
Surprisingly you forgot to include the rest of the story…
“Gauged by more reasonable and normal standards, however, Mr. Obama has in fact done acceptably well. Both his critics and his defenders tend to use unrealistic benchmarks in grading his presidency. If we use the kinds of standards that are applied to most American leaders, things look quite different.
“I do not mean to overstate. Obama’s presidency will not go down as a hugely positive watershed period in American foreign policy. He ran for election in 2007 and 2008 promising to mend the West’s breach with the Islamic world, repair the nation’s image abroad, reset relations with Russia, move toward a world free of nuclear weapons, avoid “stupid wars” while winning the “right war,” combat climate change, and do all of this with a post-partisan style of leadership that brought Americans themselves together in the process.[1] He ran for reelection in 2012 with the additional pledges of ending the nation’s wars and completing the decimation of al Qaeda. Six years into his presidency, almost none of these lofty aspirations has been achieved.[2] There has not been, and likely will not be, any durable Obama doctrine of particular positive note. The recent progress toward a nuclear deal with Iran, while preferable to any alternative if it actually happens, is probably too limited in duration and overall effect to count as a historic breakthrough (even if Obama shares a second Nobel Prize as a result).
“But the harsh verdict of many of the president’s critics as well as his supporters goes too far. Most of today’s problems were not Obama’s creations. Others were mishandled, but generally in ways that could have been far worse. He also managed to avoid a second great recession.[3]
“Most of all, Obama has been judicious on most key crises of the day. His caution and care have been notable—and underrated. He has sometimes taken the notion of strategic restraint too far, as with a premature U.S. military departure from Iraq, excessive nervousness about any entanglement in Syria’s civil war, and ongoing plans for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan next year. But Obama’s discipline has often been quite wise and quite beneficial to the nation, especially in regard to Russia, China, and Iran. As his presidency begins to wind down, the country’s fundamentals of national power as measured by economic growth, high-technology, industrial entrepreneurship and productivity, fiscal and trade deficits, and military power are generally no worse and in some cases modestly better than when he entered the White House.”
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:40 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:40 AM
Common: To break down the above word salad into a shorter version: Obama's 8 years could be compared to a person watching paint to dry.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:50 AM
"All that said, Obama’s strategy of restraint has often been mistakenly applied. He left Iraq too soon, ignored the requirements of stabilizing post-Gadhafi Libya, and encouraged the overthrow of Assad in Syria but then unwisely placed his hopes almost exclusively in the Arab Spring and a Geneva-based peace process to achieve the task. He failed to come up with any big, bold diplomatic ideas that might have helped solve a major crisis—such as a new security architecture for Europe that might help point a path toward an ultimate resolution of the Ukraine crisis, or a vision for a confederal Syria that might be more realistic than the current U.S. approach of insisting that Assad go while doing little to achieve that objective. Obama’s promise to get all operational U.S. military units out of Afghanistan before he leaves the White House puts his own pursuit of a historical legacy ahead of the nation’s security needs."
Common: From your link....sad, sad The Crawdad-In-Chief's legacy.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:58 AM
Surprisingly you forgot to include the rest of the story…
I recognize your love , I don't understand or share it
.......................
EU tells Poland to reverse judicial reforms or face sanctions
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 9:59 AM
Over 9,000 people died in Mosul battle with IS militants
The price Mosul's residents paid in blood to see their city freed was between 9,000 and 11,000 dead „Ÿ a civilian casualty rate nearly 10 times higher than what has been previously reported.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 10:01 AM
After 9/11 the EU allowed the USA to put up Missile sites in Poland as Missile defenses against the Islamic State of Iran . Obviously the Islamic State of Iran didn't like this nor did Putin as these Missile sites in Poland could reach western Russia . So Obama , in all of his great wisdom to his Obamberal crowd , told Iran he'd get rid of Poland if they'd agree to his Iran nuke deal . Putin jumped all over it too .
Guess who's shooting Missiles at Saudi Arab the past 2 weeks ? Guess who took over Crimea and invaded the Ukraine . Guess who jumped in and supported the Assad Regime as Iran's ally ....and North Korea ? Suddenly with-in the past couple of years it has nuke rockets that can reach across the Pacific Ocean .
Guess who was having Gala Parties with Hollywood stars once or twice a year at the White House while this was all going down . Guess who was promising free and cheaper insurance , free food , free this , free that , everyone gets a free pass !
Guess who's left to try and sort all of this mess out -- the next President -- whoever they may be , is who .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 11:06 AM
"Trump is the product of Obama."
With all due respect, that is ludicrous, nonsensical and pathetic.
Trump is the product of the republican party being unable to settle on any sensible primary candidate.
With 16 people in the initial race, Trump was able to gain early primary victories, chiefly because he simply said whatever he thought voters wanted to hear, with the truth having no bearing on it whatsoever.
Had there been only 3 or even 4 primary contenders, Trump would have lost early races, given up and gone home.
And since that did not happen, and the democrats had the weakest of candidates, he was able to bluff his way through, and even then he could not even win the popular vote.
President Obama had nothing to do with it.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 12:00 PM
Back to the President’s “security” plan…
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“They put American energy under lock and key.”
Not sure who the “they” is, but the statement’s not true.
“The [National Petroleum Council (NPC)] report to the U.S. Secretary of Energy report comes at a time when the U.S. has cut imports, drastically transforming our nation into the biggest producer of oil and natural gas by tapping huge reserves in shale rock formations across the country. As such, America is more energy self-sufficient than it has ever been.”
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They imposed punishing regulations and crippling taxes.
What regulations? What taxes?
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“They surrendered our sovereignty to foreign bureaucrats in faraway and distant capitals.”
Really? What sovereignty? To what “foreign bureaucrats?”
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Again super long on spurious claims and totally short on facts or details.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 12:10 PM
Despite Obama's plan to make energy costs rise, U.S. energy companies found a way to extract more natural gas and crude while democrat Obama lovers objected.
Obama's legacy lives on with Chicago democrats calling for U.N. peace keeping forces to stop gun violence after Trump considered intervening with federal law enforcement.
If things were so great due to Obama, the Democrats would had no trouble running a candidate that promised to keep everything the same. Even crooked Hillary knew that was not what people wanted.
Now continue to bash Trump to deflect from his accomplishments and keep with your dream of seeing him go away vivid in your imagination.
MAGA
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 12:45 PM
"Now continue to bash Trump to deflect from his accomplishments..."
How is it "bashing" to quote what he says and then add facts.
As for accomplishments, you may count his tax cut, however...
"...it is going to cost me a fortune, this thing," Trump said. "Believe me, believe me, this is not good for me."
Now you tell me, do you believe this?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 1:19 PM
- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 1:19 PM
You previously indicated the reason for the tax bill was to make Trump wealthy and you ask what's wrong with repeating what he says and adding facts.
Your facts so often are opinions that you have repeated and then later claim as facts.
Did you believe Obama when he said things that have been proven untruthful?
You also claimed the republican party was imploding and was wrong. I don't think many put much stock in your view of things.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 2:57 PM
How is it "bashing" to quote what he says and then add facts.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 1:19 PM
When did you bash Barry for his "keep your doctor" or "keep your insurance" or "shovel ready wasn't shovel ready" or ...???
Never. Because you're nothing more than a democrat hack. Is it "bashing" to quote what you say?
===
IN QUALITY OR IN CLASS, I’d say it’s right up there with the guy that put a figure of Christ in a jar of urine and insanely called it art.
The “cartoon” is EQUALLY obscene, pornographic, detached from reality, and devoid of any decency. -- Posted by commonsensematters on Sat, Apr 23, 2016, at 11:43 AM
===
An insult to Obama is equal in quality or class to an insult to Christ. Absolutely the most shocking thing I have ever heard in 10 years here. And that's a lot.
You've "bashed" yourself.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 2:58 PM
President Obama had nothing to do with it.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 12:00 PM
The Peoples tired of his inept and unqualified Agenda .
They would take anybody to change direction -- anybody .
And that anybody turned out to be Trump .
With all due respect , your inability to see this simple fact is ludicrous, nonsensical and pathetic.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 4:30 PM
" and even then he could not even win the popular vote."
Speaking of which , why wouldn't Russia have been working with Clinton since she received the most votes , why would a Foreign State determine anyone who received the less amount of votes ? Where is that "investigation" .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 4:36 PM
“… indicated the reason for the tax bill was to make Trump wealthy…”
The reason was not to “…make Trump wealthy,” as he was or is already wealthy.
What I had said on several occasions is that the purpose of the tax bill was to reward donors and a side benefit was to deliver billions of dollars of tax cuts to the President, his family, his cabinet and the 1%.
The saddest aspect is that to do this, the republicans/conservatives are willing to add a few trillion dollars to their grandchildren’s debt.
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“Your facts so often are opinions that you have repeated and then later claim as facts.”
So perhaps you could come up with a few examples of “facts” that you believe to be “opinions.”
And if you can’t come up with any, I’ll understand.
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“Did you believe Obama when he said things that have been proven untruthful?”
The situation most often was that things he said were true when he first said them. For example, keeping your doctor and your policy if you like them, was part of the original concept that was not retained in the ACA.
I have often been critical of President Obama for not correcting himself, and amending his statements as conditions changed.
However, as a matter of interest, many Medicare recipients and those with employer provided policies probably did like and keep their policies and doctors.
When it comes to Presidential “untruthfulness” it may not be to your advantage to start comparing this President and the last.
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“You also claimed the republican party was imploding and was wrong. I don't think many put much stock in your view of things.”
Here on the conservative SO channel, you could just say “any” instead of “many.” However, recall that the recent governor and senate races did not go republican, and we’re at the outset of another year of campaigning and contests. We’ll just have to wait and see who or what party implodes.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 7:29 AM
We’ll just have to wait and see who or what party implodes.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 7:29 AM
Common: For once I agree with you. However; IMO the Force will be with the Republicans and our President Trump.
MAGA
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 7:44 AM
However, recall that the recent governor and senate races did not go republican, and we’re at the outset of another year of campaigning and contests. We’ll just have to wait and see who or what party implodes. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 7:29 AM
Liar.
4/12/2017: "G.O.P. Keeps Control of House Seat in Kansas Special Election" - NY Times
6/20/2017: "Republican Karen Handel wins Georgia's high-stakes special election"
6/21/2017: "Ralph Norman, a Republican, defeated Archie Parnell, a Democrat, in a South Carolina special election on Tuesday in a U.S. House race." - NY Times
12/20/2017: "John Curtis (republican), the mayor of Provo, Utah’s third-largest city, won the race to represent the state's Third Congressional District, a role left vacant when Jason Chaffetz resigned" - NY Times
===
Just keep making things up Lettau. It's what you do.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 8:57 AM
More spurious claims…
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“And over the profound objections of the American people, our politicians left our borders wide open.”
Right! There is no border patrol. There is no security fencing. Etc., etc.
The borders are not “wide open.” Why would anyone make such and absurd claim.
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“Millions of immigrants entered illegally.”
It is not as if they all just appeared in the last 8 years. They have been entering the US for work for 50 years or more. They have been hired both by businesses and by individuals, and as long as we’re paying them to work, they were incentivized to continue.
“The number of illegal immigrants peaked at about 12 million in 2007 and since that time has declined. According to the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, the estimated population of illegal immigrants in the U.S. rose rapidly in the 1990s, "from an estimated 3.5 million in 1990 to a peak of 12.2 million in 2007," then dropped sharply during the Great Recession before stabilizing in 2009. Pew estimated the total population to be 11.1 million in 2014, or approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population.
"This "is in the same ballpark" as figures from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which estimated that 11.4 million illegal immigrants lived in the United States in January 2012. The estimate and trends are also consistent with figures reported by the Center for Migration Studies, which reported that the U.S. illegal immigrant population fell to 10.9 million by January 2016, the lowest number since 2003.”
The Senate has had a comprehensive immigration bill since 2013 and has failed to act on it.
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“Millions more were admitted into our country without the proper vetting needed to protect our security and our economy.”
The State Department through our Embassies vet all individuals that are issued visas. It is already a detailed process, with not only paperwork but several in-person interviews, and the applicants cannot travel until all requirements are satisfied.
“The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.”
A judge has acquitted six people who faced as much as 50 years in prison over seven charges stemming from a Jan. 20 anti-Trump protest in Washington, D.C., Peter Sterne of the Freedom of the Press Foundation reports. The so-called "J20 defendants," including activists and an independent journalist, were found not guilty on all counts, including rioting and property destruction. Free speech groups are hailing the decision as a major win for "First Amendment rights in the age of [President] Trump," The Independent writes.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:46 PM
Free Speech is Free Speech...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:48 PM
Free Speech is Free Speech...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:48 PM
Rick: Cigar Bill doesn't believe in Free Speech whereby he charges $500 thousand from the Russians for one speech which is deposited in the Clinton Foundation to be used for Hillary's election - the Feds are closing in on the Clintons.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 8:21 PM
The quotes are all from a President Trump speech, the corrective comments are original.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 5:14 PM
You obnoxious, presumptive nobody from nowhere. You presume to correct a man superior to you in all ways I can think of? And in a week you will have repeated them in your mind so often you will consider them facts. Which you will try passing off to us as such.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 8:54 PM
What I spoke of a couple days back is staring to trickle out.
Money laundering through a complicated conspiracy that brought illegal drugs to America and money back to terrorists in order to get Hezbollah in a position to set up on Israel's border.
Obama was aware and looked the other way for help to get his Iran deal through.
I'm sure Lettau will call me stupid but I believe Obama is still working to against America.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 9:15 PM
It will take years for the USA to recover from the Obama Agenda . It took 8 years for Obama and the Obamberals to get the USA this way , there is no magic wand or super glue that's going to fix it back quick .
The deal with Trump , Jerusalem , and the UN is non-binding , just another spoon to stick in the pot and stir . Trump's dog~n~pony show at the White House lawn looked impressive , but....
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 10:29 PM
Cigar Bill can say what he wants too . If he hasn't learned or doesn't care by now , well..
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 10:31 PM
Although largely symbolic, the vote in emergency session of the world body had been the focus of days of furious diplomacy by both the Trump administration and Israel, including Trump’s threat to cut US funding to countries that did not back the US recognition.
While support for the resolution was somewhat less than Palestinian officials had hoped, the meagre tally of just nine votes in support of the US and Israeli position was a serious diplomatic blow for Trump.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 10:37 PM
I believe the USA pays 22% of the UN Bills and Japan would be next at 9% followed by everyone else . Something is all wrong with that picture .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 10:47 PM
Rick, I may have misread but don't think the so called Palestinians hoped for more support for the recognition of Jerusalem as the Jewish capital.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 11:23 PM
That's all the Old World , let them figure it out with their own blood and treasures . Hasn't the USA learned anything from the Bin Laden 9/11 fiasco , didn't Obama screw things up even worse , him and Clinton . What's the point of Trump trying to get all stuck in the crap too ?
It makes no sense . None .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:08 AM
"Something is all wrong with that picture."
What the picture does not show is the tremendous advantage we have in hosting the UN, from a world leadership standpoint. Millions are exposed annually to the benefits and advantages of a mature, Constitutional democracy based on independence, individual liberty, capitalism and free enterprise.
It is not difficult to picture the Chinese gladly spending hundreds of billions of dollars to replace the entire UN infrastructure outside of say Shanghai, and then being able to control the UN and place the stamp of their society and its rules on every participant.
Not that it's going to happen, but with so many things, you disregard and ignore something's true value, until you lose it.
An analogous case played out in the UN yesterday, where under instructions from President Trump, Ambassador Haley threatened to "take names" and cut foreign aide to any nation that failed to follow the President's strict demands. This is the kind of act you'd expect from a third world dictator, not the US President.
Were it to take place, it's also likely that the Chinese and Russian representatives would urge Nikki to turn over her "list" so they could replace the US in helping other countries, at the same time articulating and emphasizing what an unreliable, undependable, treacherous and untrustworthy ally America has become and now is. They would give foreign aide "without strings."
And all with the result of being now seen as a pawn of Netanyahu.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:24 AM
Well , China or Russia or anybody else can buck up or shut up . It's either "America First" or it's not , it can't be both ways . It's either worry about America or worry about the rest of the world , what's it going to be ??
Better yet , move the UN out of the USA , move it to Geneva where the Geneva Convention takes place , instead of the American tax payer .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:49 AM
Don't know about anyone else but I'm no pawn or anything .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:49 AM
“I'm sure Lettau will call me stupid but I believe Obama is still working to against America.”
There is no reason whatsoever, that I would think that or call you that, as your opinion remains your own. I would say, however, that your belief is not based on fact, or even anything close to it.
It’s much more evident that many of the SO conservative and independent opinions are more based on information avoidance and strategic ignorance of issues on which they prefer to not have preconceived views disturbed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:58 AM
Then there's this funny comment, over which I'm still smiling...
“You obnoxious, presumptive nobody from nowhere.”
Guess we're back to Mr VanGennip being without any rational response. It may be that my refusal to join in his "Trump worship" is getting to him.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:03 AM
"where under instructions from President Trump, Ambassador Haley threatened to "take names" and cut foreign aide to any nation that failed to follow the President's strict demands. This is the kind of act you'd expect from a third world dictator, not the US President."
Trump made no demands you imbecile, he merely stated we were moving our offices to Israel's Capitol. Something Congress overwhelmingly approved years ago and the past 3 Presidents, contrary to their promises to do so, never had the nads to do so.
If Trump is for it, you're against it. It is as simple as that. You started you whining the 2nd day after the election and it has been non stop ever since. It grows very stale Urich.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:10 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:03 AM
No Ulrich it's just that I have a low tolerance for stupidity.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:12 AM
Good news for Mr Lettau,RV. I hear there's a new box to check with this tax reform bill. Check "Not my President" and he won't have to take any of the reductions.
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:47 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:24 AM
Common: Let China or Russia house the UN building and pay for all the protection needed for it's members safety while there. Who needs it in NYC.
Common: President Trump, Ambassador Haley threatened to "take names" shows to the World that the Crawdad-In-Chief is gone and a true Leader is running the USA now.
Common: Why give aid to countries that don't back you when they are needed - Let China and Russia give up their money on these countries who will also turn on them.
Common: President Trump is a Man of his own making as well as Mr. Netanyahu of his own making.
Common: Sorry, but you are wrong once again on your 12/22/17 7:24am comments.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:06 AM
"...low tolerance..."
This only generated more laughter...
I won't even bother with the most obvious response concerning yourself.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:16 AM
It’s much more evident that many of the SO conservative and independent opinions are more based on information avoidance and strategic ignorance of issues on which they prefer to not have preconceived views disturbed. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:58 AM
"I guess shovel ready wasn't shovel ready"...
"If you like your doctor, you can keep them. Period."
"If you like your current insurance, you can keep it. Period."
"I didn't draw a red line in Syria"
===
You're "famously" known as a democrat party hack. Nothing more. You have an inflated view of your influence and intelligence. You're the biggest sucker on the forum.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:41 AM
"What the picture does not show is the tremendous advantage we have in hosting the UN, from a world leadership standpoint. Millions are exposed annually to the benefits and advantages of a mature, Constitutional democracy based on independence, individual liberty, capitalism and free enterprise."
I don't think millions come to the UN building yearly.
"It is not difficult to picture the Chinese gladly spending hundreds of billions of dollars to replace the entire UN infrastructure outside of say Shanghai, and then being able to control the UN and place the stamp of their society and its rules on every participant."
Are you so silly to think by having the UN infrastructure in New York the US is able to control the UN and place other member countries under our rules of society?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:44 AM
Are you so silly to think by having the UN infrastructure in New York the US is able to control the UN and place other member countries under our rules of society? -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:44 AM
Yes. He is "famously" silly and believes that.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 10:06 AM
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:47 AM
😊😎😊
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 10:27 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 9:16 AM
Ulrich, your President just signed the Tax Bill.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 10:29 AM
That's great for him, his family, his Cabinet, his 1%, and republican donors, who will share in billions of dollars of tax cuts.
The rest of us will have to find a way to pay back the trillion and a half dollars that he borrowed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:09 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:09 AM
You need to pay back the 9 Trillion give or take a few Billion that Obama borrowed first Ulrich.
Or is your memory that short.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:42 AM
That money was not given away to billionaires and donors.
It was the result of Congress passing unbalanced budgets tilted toward excess spending.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:56 AM
It was the result of Congress passing unbalanced budgets tilted toward excess spending.
Shall we remind common of Solendra?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:00 PM
That money was not given away to billionaires and donors
...............
And this is... you know that how? Let me guess the DNC told you so since you are incapable of thinking for yourself.
.............
It was the result of Congress passing unbalanced budgets tilted toward excess spending.
..............
Oh, and Obama had nothing to do with it? Who do you suppose passed this bill? Trump??
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:56 AM
Ulrich, you're a joke. Albeit.... not funny.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:06 PM
Shall we remind common of Solendra?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:00 PM
Obama was flawless Richard.... just ask Ulrich.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:08 PM
It’s much more evident that many of the SO conservative and independent opinions are more based on information avoidance and strategic ignorance of issues on which they prefer to not have preconceived views disturbed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:58 AM
Gotta hate it when an independent opinion doesn't jive with your biased opinion , aye? Not being a pawn has nothing to do with avoidance , I'm not sure what the rest of the sentence is suppose to mean . Straight up truth , this Nation is pretty much where it's at due to 8 years of totally inept and unqualified leadership in the White House backed by millions of "strategic ignorance of issues on which they prefer to not have preconceived views disturbed ." unless you cold be a lamb and break it down better .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:22 PM
So where did all the money borrowed on Obama's watch go Mr Sage? Maybe to bankrupt a lot of small companies to save big union donors?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:23 PM
Once again Mr. Common, if you don't want your tax cut savings just donate it to the Obama Presidential Library in murderville Chicago home of the thousands of deleted Hillary emails and the Uranium One kickback money.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:23 PM
I'm sure Mr Letftau will use his extra money to support Jay's BBQ to recover from the fire.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:34 PM
oops, fat fingered a t.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:36 PM
his 1%, and republican donors, who will share in billions of dollars of tax cuts. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 11:09 AM
Correcting your lies is a full time job Lettau.
1% democrats - "Seven of the ten richest members of Congress are Democrats while only three are Republicans, according to a recently published analysis done by the Center for Responsive Politics."
Rich democrat donors - "None of the Top 10 Biggest Political Donors are Republican. None of the heavy hitters in the top 10 were Republican. A Republican-leaning organization did not make an appearance on the list until number 17."
all of these democrats will share in billions of dollars of tax cuts.
You are "famously" wrong again.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 1:09 PM
I did see the news about Jays BBQ. Think maybe a Mr Lettau was there as his hair caught fire?
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 5:37 PM
Sorry to hear about Jay's, I enjoyed their food. If you didn't get enough food with their serving size you must have been fasting for a spell.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 6:51 PM
So where did all the money borrowed on Obama's watch go Mr Sage? Maybe to bankrupt a lot of small companies to save big union donors?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:23 PM
It appears, as is Ulrich's SOP, he won't answer what he cannot BS his way through.
MAGA
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:15 PM
So where did all the money borrowed on Obama's watch go Mr Sage? -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:23 PM
OJ: Let me take a stab on this - it went to support all the freeloaders and illegals that make up the majority of the Democratic voter base.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:29 PM
semo, I suspect some of it went to the sweetest sound he knows with NASA being assigned to improve relations with and point out the contributions of Muslim advances in science benefiting the world.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 10:34 PM
Just getting things answered and up to date for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday break…
----- ---- --- -- -
“…Solendra…”
The fact is that the overall green energy loan program ended up making money for the government. That individual projects might not have is irrelevant.
----- ---- --- -- -
“the DNC…”
…has never told me anything. I have no problem thinking for myself, which is probably what irritates the SO guys so much.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…unbalanced budgets…”
…are passed by Congress, all the President does is sign it, he can’t change it. (Wait till President Trump figures that out.)
----- ---- --- -- -
“…independent opinion doesn’t jive…”
As I’ve always said, you’re welcome to your own opinions. I only disagree when you try to pass them off as fact.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…the money borrowed on [President] Obama’s watch…”
…went exactly where Congress sent it. Why would Congress want to “bankrupt a lot of small companies?”
----- ---- --- -- -
“…don’t want your tax cut savings…”
Of course I could donate it to causes like veterans aide. What I had said was that I don’t need it nearly as much as many other with less income. There are also millions of others gaining billions of dollars that don’t need it either.
What I’ve said all along is that the tax code should be revised to eliminate loopholes, and adjust rates with the specific purpose of reducing the deficit. Once the deficit is erased or at least under control, valid tax cuts could be made.
Trump tax borrows one and a half trillion dollars at the same time that his 2018 budget sets aside about one third of a trillion dollars for interest payment. In ten years that will have grown to over 3 trillion dollars.
Trump tax could have been structured to reduce corporate tax and middle class taxes without the trillion and a half deficit growth. A revenue neutral plan is what democrats could have supported.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…Billions of dollars transferred to Iran…”
…was their money, not US taxpayers money.
----- ---- --- -- -
All in all, it’s still a good thing that so many of the SO conservative and/or independent contributions and conclusions are not taken seriously. It's not so astounding since so much is reflective of the Limbaugh/Fox/Hannity propaganda stream.
----- ---- --- -- -
In any case, Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for the New Year.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 9:49 AM
That individual projects might not have is irrelevant.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 9:49 AM
1/2 BILLION given to a democrat donor who declared bankruptcy WEEKS later and never repaid a dime.
You are "famously" a sucker for this kind of rampant political corruption.
Spin it away all you want with your novels. I didn't read but a few quick statements. You're like a cat covering up his smelly piles. It's entertaining watching you think up baseless talking points.
To you: Have a Happy "Holiday" season.
To all others: Have a Merry Christmas!
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 10:24 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 9:49 AM
The fact is that the overall green energy loan program ended up making money for the government. That individual projects might not have is irrelevant.
Common: What's a million here or there with $10 trillion increased during Obama's reign.
…has never told me anything. I have no problem thinking for myself, which is probably what irritates the SO guys so much.
Common: You have no problem thinking for yourself - maybe that's what's wrong.
…are passed by Congress, all the President does is sign it, he can’t change it. (Wait till President Trump figures that out.)
Common: The President Leads just like President Trump did with the tax cut law. The President can veto it and send it back to Congress where they can override his veto or change it so the President will sign it.
As I’ve always said, you’re welcome to your own opinions. I only disagree when you try to pass them off as fact.
Common: Who are you to say that an opinion is correct or false - isn't that your opinion.
“…the money borrowed on [President] Obama’s watch…”
Common: The President can up to a point allocate monies to programs such as his Fast and Furious (guns for the Mexican drug lords).
“…don’t want your tax cut savings…”. In ten years that will have grown to over 3 trillion dollars.
Common: Per speculation on your part....wait a minute 3 trillion in 10 years, what about 10 trillion in 8 years.
“…Billions of dollars transferred to Iran…”
…was their money, not US taxpayers money.
Common: That money was froze/taken for a reason and not to be given back as a bribe for a failed Iran deal. Just like Obama is accused of the below in order also to secure the deal.
Common: With your misguided views of the Trump Presidency it's no wonder that your comments are laughed at and tossed in the garbage like an empty week old sardine can.
Common: MAGA and have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018 provided by the recent tax cuts.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 10:36 AM
Officials: US agrees to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has approved a plan to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Friday, in a long-awaited move that deepens America's involvement in the military conflict and may further strain relations with Russia.
The new arms include American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles that Ukraine has long sought to boost its defenses against Russian-backed separatists armed with tanks that have rolled through eastern Ukraine during violence that has killed more than 10,000 since 2014. Previously, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with support equipment and training, and has let private companies sell some small arms like rifles.
Trump had been considering the plan for some time after the State Department and the Pentagon signed off earlier this year. President Barack Obama also considered sending lethal weapons to Ukraine, but left office without doing so.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 12:04 PM
“…independent opinion doesn’t jive…”
As I’ve always said, you’re welcome to your own opinions. I only disagree when you try to pass them off as fact.
...........................................
Life is not truth only as you know it , this is a fact .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 12:11 PM
Lethal arms -- those tax cuts work !!
There's big money to be made in death and destruction..
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 12:14 PM
Putin is mad at Trump, guess that Russia/Trump collusion is over with by the USA selling lethal arms to the Ukrainians.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 1:02 PM
"There are also millions of others gaining billions of dollars that don’t need it either."
Must be that new Ulrick math.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 2:01 PM
There are also millions of others gaining billions of dollars that don’t need it either.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 9:49 AM
Common: You can only speak for yourself, there are probably millions of folks that want some of their tax dollars back.
-- Posted by Dennis Smith on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 2:57 PM
There are also millions of others gaining billions of dollars that don’t need it either. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 9:49 AM
More of the Marxist thinking that your hard-earned money isn't yours - it's the government's first. When the government takes less out of our pockets Commie Lettau acts as if they don't deserve it. MAMA.
You've lost more political power and seats in the federal and state governments than at any time in the history of America.
MAGA
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 6:41 PM
I am aware of the wrongheaded ideology. Still trying to understand the math. Assuming the lowest numbers that are plural, how much is millions times billions?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 7:00 PM
"(CNN) — Some of the most ferocious critics of President Trump's foreign policy are leading Republican thinkers and writers such as military historians Max Boot and Eliot Cohen, along with Michael Gerson, who was President George W. Bush's chief speechwriter.
"In venues such as Foreign Policy, The Atlantic and The Washington Post they have described Trump as "utterly incompetent" (Boot) and as running a foreign policy defined by "blunder, inattention, miscomprehension or willfulness" (Cohen). They've also pointed to his "fundamental unfitness for high office" (Gerson).
"And those are reviews of Trump's foreign policy record by some of his fellow Republicans.
"But what the critics don't acknowledge is that Trump and his national security team have actually scored some real foreign policy wins in the past year that have been sometimes obscured by Trump's penchant for bloviation, bluster and belligerence. (And I don't mean self-described Trump wins, such as the "travel ban" whose effects on containing terrorism in the States will likely be negligible, as lethal terrorist attacks on American soil since 9/11 have invariably been the work of self-radicalized US citizens and legal residents.)
"The first win is that Trump enforced a real "red line" against the use of nerve gas in Syria by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, something that Obama had failed to do. On April 4, 2017, the Syrian regime used sarin, a nerve gas, against civilian targets in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing more than 80 people.
"Trump called the attack an "affront to humanity" and said that it "crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies ... that crosses many, many lines -- beyond a red line."
"Two days after the sarin attack, American warships launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield, the first direct military action that the United States has taken against Assad's regime.
"Assad hasn't used chemical weapons against his own people since Trump ordered those cruise missile strikes in April. The enforcement of the important international prohibition against the use of nerve gas is certainly an achievement for the Trump administration.
"A flurry of cruise missile strikes, of course, doesn't make a Syria strategy, and the precise contours of Trump's game plan for Syria going forward are not clear — at least not publicly.
"What is clear is that ISIS is almost completely defeated in Syria and is largely eliminated from all of its havens in Iraq. The defeat of ISIS has been a long time coming, and most of the anti-ISIS campaign took place under the Obama administration. But the Trump national security team helped to hasten the defeat of ISIS in two ways.
"First, Trump decided to equip the anti-ISIS Syrian Democratic Forces -- a largely Kurdish militia -- with mortars, anti-tank weapons, armored cars and machine guns. Those forces captured ISIS's de facto Syrian capital, Raqqa, in October.
"Second, Trump allowed American ground commanders greater latitude to carry out operations in war zones such as Iraq and Syria without consulting higher up the chain of command. Pentagon brass had long chafed at what they considered to be the micromanagement of military operations by the Obama White House.
"Greater stability in Iraq and Afghanistan
"As a result of ISIS's defeat in Iraq, the country is more stable than it has been for more than three years. I traveled to Iraq earlier this month and the Iraqis I spoke with were cautiously optimistic that the recent gains against ISIS might help to produce some kind of lasting peace.
"In late August Trump announced a plan to bring some modicum of stability to Afghanistan, where the Taliban have asserted more control in the past year or so. In addition to sending a mini-surge of several thousand more troops to the country, Trump made it clear that the US commitment to Afghanistan is long term and "conditions-based." Trump did not impose any timetable for withdrawing US forces from the country, which was the counterproductive approach that the Obama administration had taken.
"The Afghan government has welcomed this long-term American commitment to Afghanistan.
"The big bet
"As important as they are, these successes don't amount to a vindication of Trump's overall foreign policy and there are still a great many open questions about his approach to the world.
"In the Middle East, Trump has placed a big bet on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the 32-year-old future king of Saudi Arabia, whom the Trump administration has eagerly embraced.
"MBS, as he is widely known, has launched "Vision 2030," a wildly ambitious plan to wean the Saudi economy from its total dependence on oil and end the quasi-socialist Saudi state in which most Saudis work for the government and pay no taxes while getting free health care and education as well as subsidies for electricity and gas.
"MBS is also liberalizing Saudi society. He has curbed the powers of the feared religious police, and has plans to allow women to drive and to open up once-banned movie theaters.
"At the same time MBS has abandoned Saudi Arabia's traditionally conservative foreign policy by launching a war in Yemen, which has turned into a fiasco, and blockading neighboring Qatar, which has devolved into a standoff with no end in sight.
"MBS also deposed the previous Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Nayef, and has arrested hundreds of businessmen and royal family members who represent alternative power centers to his increasingly dictatorial rule, charging them with corruption.
"It's not clear how Trump's big bet on MBS will ultimately play out, but the fact is that Trump embraced the young prince early in his administration. And over the past year MBS has amassed enormous amounts of power in a country that is a key American ally.
"Similarities with Obama
"Trump often underlines his many differences with Obama but in the realm of national security there are, in fact, some important continuities between the two administrations.
"The Trump administration has continued the Obama doctrine of avoiding big, conventional wars in the Middle East. Instead, the Trump team has kept in place much of the counter-terrorism architecture that Obama developed, including his overall approach to the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and his reliance on Special Operations Forces and drones rather than on large-scale conventional forces to achieve American military goals.
"In Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, Trump continues the drone campaigns that were a signature of Obama's administration.
"Despite Trump's sometimes-inflammatory rhetoric about NATO, Trump's team has remained strong supporters of the alliance, which continues to play an important role in Afghanistan.
"The Trump team has also called for NATO members to spend more on defense — the goal is 2% of each country's GDP -- which is exactly what the Obama administration also called for, albeit somewhat more diplomatically.
"Trump himself may make nice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his national security team takes many of the same positions on Russia that Obama did.
"Trump's National Security Strategy, published on December 18, states that Russia is "using information tools in an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of democracies" and criticizes Russian aggression against its neighbors by saying, "With its invasions of Georgia and Ukraine, Russia demonstrated its willingness to violate the sovereignty of states in the region."
"And this strategy document reflects real policies. On Friday the Trump administration announced its plans to arm the government of Ukraine with anti-tank weapons to help it fight Russian-backed separatists.
"North Korea, China and terrorism
"Despite Trump's bellicose rhetoric, the North Koreans are continuing their nuclear weapons program. The Trump administration, like the Obama administration, hopes that China will influence Kim Jong Un to behave responsibly while simultaneously ratcheting up sanctions on his regime.
"Also, as the Obama administration before it, Trump's National Security Strategy worries that China "is building the most capable and well-funded military in the world, after our own," and warns that Chinese "land reclamation projects and militarization of the South China Seas flouts international law, threatens the free flow of trade, and undermines stability. China has mounted a rapid military modernization campaign designed to limit U.S. access to the region."
"Obama's response to Chinese expansionism in Asia was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact between a dozen nations that excluded China. Despite his national security team's concerns about Chinese ambitions, Trump withdrew from the TPP, seeming to misunderstand it as simply a trade deal rather than also an effort to contain China.
"Trump, like Obama, has not sent any additional prisoners to Guantanamo, instead relying on federal courts to try terrorists. Like Obama, he also has not pushed for coercive interrogations to resume.
"The hyper-nationalists who once ran the show at the Trump White House -- including Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka -- are largely gone. As a result, the White House is no longer pushing the cartoonish view that Islam is the cause of terrorism.
"Wins and losses
"To be sure, the Trump administration has scored some self-inflicted foreign policy losses such as the withdrawal from the TPP and, most recently, the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel instead of Tel Aviv.
"The Trump administration didn't secure any kind of concession from the Israelis, such as obtaining a commitment to freeze the building of settlements in Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem, in exchange for this gift. The Jerusalem decision has also ensured that any efforts by the Trump administration to revive the moribund peace process will likely be ignored by the Palestinians going forward.
"But the fact remains that the Trump administration has helped to speed the demise of ISIS, bringing a measure of stability to Iraq and also reducing the scope of the terrorist threat that the group poses. At the same time, Trump has initiated a plan in Afghanistan that reduces the possibility that the country could slip back into an anarchic state conducive to groups such as ISIS securing a large presence in the country.
"And Trump's national security team largely continues many of the policies they inherited from Obama, whether on Russia, the "war on terror" or North Korea.
____________
I disagree that we ought to have gotten concessions from Israel in exchange for recognizing Jerusalem as her Capital. Doing the right thing does not require a "tit for tat".
Nor do I agree that withdrawing from the TPP was a bad thing. It was not going to get Senate approval, even if he had liked it. Withdrawing puts him and the Congress on the same page.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 3:23 PM
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 3:23 PM
Shapley: Wonders of wonders CNN had a few good words about President Trump. Recognizing Jerusalem and withdrawing from the TPP IMO shows what a Leader we have in President Trump. The countries that make up NATO and the UN will now start sharing more of the expenses which is a win for the American tax payer.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 5:51 PM
The quotation marks are confusing. I had to go to the link to figure out who was saying what.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 9:39 PM
Seems to me if Obama had the stones to spank Assad with cruise missiles the first time chemicals were used the next President in line wouldn't of had to mess with it , after all , actions are louder then words .
I believe it was Wednesday the Trump Administration swung a deal to sell missile systems to Japan . Needless to say Russia and China both are having a hissy fit . I'm not sure if it's detrimental to getting their assistance reeling in North Korea or not . In return , Russia sold Turkey some missiles yesterday , I don't believe Turkey and the Kurds , who are an ally of the USA , get along very good at all .
Bombs away .
Sometimes I happen to stop on CNN , they hate Trump with a purple passion .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 7:10 AM
May as well start a few days early with more “Trump-truth”…
----- ---- --- -- -
“…his national security team have actually scored some real foreign policy wins in the past year that have been sometimes obscured by Trump's penchant for bloviation, bluster and belligerence.”
There’s no question that the “praiseworthy” moments were overshadowed by far with “cringe worthy” ones.
----- ---- --- -- -
"The first win is that Trump enforced a real "red line" against the use of nerve gas in Syria by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, something that Obama had failed to do. On April 4, 2017, the Syrian regime used sarin, a nerve gas, against civilian targets in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing more than 80 people.”
The cruise missiles were apparently successful in moving piles of sand and clumps of dirt around, but did little else. There were no chemical munitions destroyed, no aircraft blown up, and within a days or so, missions were being flown from the airfield. Much of this is likely due to us warning the Russians of the attack, who apparently alerted the Syrians.
The President Obama response resulted in 1300 tons of chemical weapons being taken from Assad and destroyed.
----- ---- --- -- -
“The defeat of ISIS has been a long time coming, and most of the anti-ISIS campaign took place under the Obama administration. But the Trump national security team helped to hasten the defeat of ISIS in two ways.”
The defeat of ISIS was a 5 year effort, not a 1 year success. Arming the Kurds clearly helped but runs the risk of now continuing to alienate the Turks who thing those same weapons will be used against them.
Greater latitude in military operations is also a result of years of increasing success and confidence.
----- ---- --- -- -
"The Afghan government has welcomed this long-term American commitment to Afghanistan.”
While correct, it's also more of a “double-edged” sword, and could easily be equally counterproductive. The assurance that we will be there to “bail-out” the Afghan government, diminishes the urgency for that same government to institute anti-corruption reforms and essentially “clean-up” their governing agencies.
----- ---- --- -- -
"Trump himself may make nice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his national security team takes many of the same positions on Russia that Obama did.”
Wonder why that is the case?
----- ---- --- -- -
"Despite Trump's bellicose rhetoric, the North Koreans are continuing their nuclear weapons program. The Trump administration, like the Obama administration, hopes that China will influence Kim Jong Un to behave responsibly while simultaneously ratcheting up sanctions on his regime.”
I believe it’s called “strategic patience.”
----- ---- --- -- -
“Trump withdrew from the TPP, seeming to misunderstand it as simply a trade deal rather than also an effort to contain China.”
Had he understood it and supported it, with the cooperation of US industries and the US Chambers of Commerce, he should have been able to gain approval in a pro-business republican Senate. It more likely the right decision was over-ruled by the childish “if Obama’s for it, I’m against it” mentality.
----- ---- --- -- -
“The Jerusalem decision has also ensured that any efforts by the Trump administration to revive the moribund peace process will likely be ignored by the Palestinians going forward.”
I have yet to see or read one word to support this being the “right thing” to do, and there seems to be no justification for it. And my understanding is that at the same time of making this “blunder,” the President signed the waiver deferring action for another 6 months. A corrective step he could take is to announce that the US Embassy to Palestine would be constructed in East Jerusalem.
There is no doubt that this throws Jarred and his “two state peace plan” under the bus, and the Palestinians accordingly see the US as a “dishonest broker” and will decline participation in future talks. And now Netanyahu’s successful manipulation of our President, permits him to claim that Israel wants peace talks, but the Palestinians refuse to take part, so it’s their “fault.”
----- ---- --- -- -
"And Trump's national security team largely continues many of the policies they inherited from Obama, whether on Russia, the "war on terror" or North Korea.”
But there’s no need for anyone to hold their breath waiting for him to admit that.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 7:43 AM
Rick Lettau
"The President Obama response resulted in 1300 tons of chemical weapons being taken from Assad and destroyed."
How were they used again?
.................
"Wonder why that is the case?"
Clinton got the most votes , why would a Foreign State be in collusion with somebody who got the less votes ? Who is in collusion with who ...she lost -- get over it .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 7:59 AM
“The countries that make up NATO and the UN will now start sharing more of the expenses which is a win for the American tax payer.”
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 5:51 PM
With respect to NATO, the 2% of GDP target has nothing to do with what the US taxpayer pays for defense, nor with how much the US pays into NATO.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:02 AM
"How were they used again?"
They weren't. I'd suggest that the Russians allowed Assad to buy more gas from somewhere.
"...why would a Foreign State be in collusion with somebody who got the less votes?"
The collusion had nothing to Clinton, it was intended to help Trump get votes.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:06 AM
“The countries that make up NATO and the UN will now start sharing more of the expenses which is a win for the American tax payer.”
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 28, 2017, at 5:51 PM
With respect to NATO, the 2% of GDP target has nothing to do with what the US taxpayer pays for defense, nor with how much the US pays into NATO.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:02 AM
Common: If the NATO budget falls short due to the countries not giving their fair share, guess who takes up that slack -you're right the USA tax payers.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:17 AM
Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 7:43 AM
Here is an idea! Since you seem to have all the answers, why not run for President? You act like everything is so simple!
Why not offer your high intelligence to Trump?
Give me a break! 😲
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:23 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 7:43 AM
There’s no question that the “praiseworthy” moments were overshadowed by far with “cringe worthy” ones.
Common: Your opinion only....I'll stick with the facts.
The President Obama response resulted in 1300 tons of chemical weapons being taken from Assad and destroyed.
Common: Do you actually know this to be true - can you trust the news as stated from Putin and Assad.
While correct, it's also more of a “double-edged” sword, and could easily be equally counterproductive. The assurance that we will be there to “bail-out” the Afghan government, diminishes the urgency for that same government to institute anti-corruption reforms and essentially “clean-up” their governing agencies.
Common: Maybe but that's your opinion - I'll go with Trump's plans and opinions.
Trump himself may make nice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his national security team takes many of the same positions on Russia that Obama did. Wonder why that is the case?
Common: Did not Obama in an open mic moment said that he would have better leverage after the election with the Russians. Does that then mean that Obama was in collusion with the Russians.
It more likely the right decision was over-ruled by the childish “if Obama’s for it, I’m against it” mentality.
Common: The TPP is another bad trade deal supported by the incompetent Obama.
The defeat of ISIS was a 5 year effort, not a 1 year success. Arming the Kurds clearly helped but runs the risk of now continuing to alienate the Turks who thing those same weapons will be used against them.
Common: 4 years of doing the minimum of military actions was offset by one year of giving ISIS the Trump treatment. BTW, the Kurds are the true USA ally and not the Russian/Syrian leaning Turkey government.
I believe it’s called “strategic patience.”
Common: It's call scared to do anything from the Crawdad-In-Chief.
A corrective step he could take is to announce that the US Embassy to Palestine would be constructed in East Jerusalem.
Common: There is no East Jerusalem, it's Jerusalem the capital of Israel.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:47 AM
Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:47 AM
Well said. Afraid he is too far gone with his Obama worship. Might as well try to reason with a doorframe.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:56 AM
Embassies are of countries. Where is the country of Palestine?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:25 AM
"Why not offer your high intelligence to Trump?"
It's not a matter of "high intelligence" as the facts that I pointed out are completely available to the members of President Trump's staff. All that needs to be done is convince him.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:48 AM
I'll stick with the facts.
Right…
“Do you actually know this to be true - can you trust the news as stated from Putin and Assad.”
Somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, military and civilian experts aboard a U.S. cargo ship, the MV Cape Ray, are disposing of Syria's arsenal of deadly chemical weapons. Some of these chemicals — including those needed to produce the nerve agent sarin — were reportedly used by the Syrian government in attacks last year that killed nearly 1,500 Syrian civilians.
Much of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile has already made its way to Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States, where government contractors have been working for months to destroy roughly 1,300 tons of chemicals. The arsenal is being destroyed in accordance with regulations set forth by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
“Did not Obama in an open mic moment said that he would have better leverage after the election with the Russians.”
He was referring to the fact that “Russia has been strongly critical of plans for U.S.-led Nato missile defense in Europe. Russian officials believe the planned missile shield would target Russia’s nuclear deterrent and undermine global stability, while the U.S. insists the planned missile shield is intended to counter threats from Iran.”
President Obama seems to have implied that the “flexibility” was to further ensure the Russians that NATO actually considered Iran a valid threat.
----- ---- --- -- -
“The TPP is another bad trade deal…”
The TPP is going forward and now with China gladly assuming the leadership role.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…doing the minimum of military actions was offset by one year of giving ISIS the Trump treatment.”
The military actions have been steady for about 5 years and there are no accurate statistics, but the estimates are that at their peak they had over 100,000 “fighters” and in the summer of 2016 there were 15 to 20,000, and that was 6 months before the President’s inauguration. You’re welcome to find your own numbers, but it sure seems like there were not that many left to suffer the “Trump treatment.”
----- ---- --- -- -
“I believe it’s called “strategic patience.”
“It's call scared to do anything…” So what has President Trump done differently?
----- ---- --- -- -
A corrective step he could take is to announce that the US Embassy to Palestine would be constructed in East Jerusalem.
There is no East Jerusalem, it's Jerusalem the capital of Israel.
“East Jerusalem or Eastern Jerusalem is the sector of Jerusalem that was occupied by Jordan in 1948 and had remained out of the Israeli-held West Jerusalem at the end of the 1948–49 Arab–Israeli War. wikipedia.org”
Of course there’s an East Jerusalem, and there’s an Arab Quarter in Old Jerusalem.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:53 AM
"Might as well try to reason with a doorframe."
Ms. Jones,
What does the presentation of factual information about President Trump's first year have to do with President Obama, or a door frame?
All I've done is provide context to SO commentary.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:56 AM
I'd suggest that the Russians allowed Assad to buy more gas from somewhere. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:06 AM
I'd suggest that your posts are a waste of keystrokes if based on your opinion. You've been wrong so long and so often you've become a joke.
I don't read them any more because they are diatribes from a man who worships Barack Obama as a god, who has been wrong on every election prediction he's ever made and is only concerned about his state-sponsored welfare.
The liberal mind is a sick one. And evidence of that is presented in every post this guy makes. Commie Lettau...
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 10:29 AM
All I've done is provide context to SO commentary.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:56 AM
Common: All that you have done with your comments of today is to reinforce Karen Jones' comment on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:56 AM.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 10:31 AM
Lettau,
I am female and have more ba##s than Obama! He was an embarrassment as a Commander and Chief! A shrinking violet if there ever was one!
Not sure who has his in their purse but he doesn't have them!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 10:50 AM
Ms Jones,
You have convinced me..... I'm not messing with you, I think you would win. ;-) :-)
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:21 AM
Wheels,
😎
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:28 AM
"I don't read them any more because..."
Thank you for that, Mr. Williams.
I have noted your various flawed and thoughtless observations, and have been happily ignoring their foolish idiocy all year long, and after today, will continue to do the same in 2018.
I have never seen or read such an unbroken string of absurd comments and conclusions, as you have "contributed." Just another opportunity to consider the source.
There is no reason for me to stop correcting wild misstatements and obvious misconceptions, with no concern if this upsets the SO conservative mindset; I'm just glad to help.
And sadly, since you won't be reading this, Mr. Williams, I won't have a silly response as entertainment to chuckle over.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:41 AM
There is no reason for me to stop correcting wild misstatements and obvious misconceptions -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:41 AM
I don't read your novels. They are a waste of leftist / socialist drivel.
If you spent time correcting your own misstatements about health care, Obama's red line, election predictions, etc. it would be a full time job for you.
Whether you read my postings or not is irrelevant to me. You can't change the mind of a socialist / marxist like yourself. The ends always justifies the means with your type. It's all about the "D" with you.
Others do read my posts and that is my purpose - to refute your daily lying and misleading. Sorry little man, you're exposed and countered at every lie.
Again, my posts aren't for you. They exist to expose you. And they won't stop.
You simply hate getting your words quoted back to you. Still stinging on that Obama = god posting? You've never been able to crawdad out of that one. And it says all anyone would need to know about your intent. LOL!
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:48 AM
Ms. Jones,
"...embarrassment as a Commander and Chief!"
Interesting, exactly what kinds of things did he do, that were an "embarrassment" to you?
Was it...
...the killing tens of thousands of ISIS fanatics?
...ordering the successful capture OSB's compound and insuring his body was not left for martyrdom?
...getting 1300 tons of chemicals removed from Syria?
...his extensive use of drones and special forces teams for precision strikes?
...acting in a rational and honorable manner with our allies and building strong alliances?
...providing more anti-missile defense systems and military aide money to Israel than ever before?
How would any of these things "embarrass" you or other SO conservatives?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:59 AM
"Others do read my posts and that is my purpose..."
Damm, thought you weren't reading...
Sorry but the "others" are laughing at your made-up, purposeless fantasies also.
I'll get back to you maybe in a year.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:03 PM
""Trump himself may make nice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his national security team takes many of the same positions on Russia that Obama did.”
"Wonder why that is the case?"
Probably the same reason Ms. Clinton's "Reset" button didn't really reset anything except pipeline for cash to flow to the Clinton Foundation.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:31 PM
"It more likely the right decision was over-ruled by the childish “if Obama’s for it, I’m against it” mentality."
Which leads me to wonder how many of Mr. Trump's decisions the Democrats have supported? Or is their judgment over-ruled by the childish "never Trump" mentality.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:33 PM
Lettau,
You really have an imagination! Obama wouldn't back up his words. He talked tough but when Putin and Assad called him on it he just wouldn't back it up.
How did you miss that? Putin and Assad gave it to him from behind with sand and he wouldn't dare retaliate!
Not someone who has any nads to me but maybe someone has yours in their purse also!
You are not convincing anyone especially me!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:39 PM
"I have yet to see or read one word to support this being the “right thing” to do, and there seems to be no justification for it."
No justification for it?
"Spurred by the desire to act before Rabin’s visit, the House and Senate passed a bill called the “Jerusalem Embassy Act,” which formally recognized the city as the country’s capital and called for the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be moved there from Tel Aviv by 1999. Support for the bill was overwhelming. It passed the Senate by a 93 to 5 vote, with four Republicans and one Democrat voting no. It passed the House 374 to 37, with 153 Democrats joining most of the new Republican majority that had swept into power in 1994."
"The bill became law after Clinton declined to sign it for a 10-day period while Congress was in session. He, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all postponed the embassy move every six months for each of the 22 years since the law was enacted."
No justification? It's the law - a law whose enforcement has been postponed for too long.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:44 PM
Don't have time to go in to it now, but I'm sure you recall 2009 when the Senate admitted that "if Obama's for it, we must be against it."
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:44 PM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 11:59 AM
Common: Repeating half truths doesn't make them true - good try.
-- Posted by Dennis Smith on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:46 PM
Sorry but the "others" are laughing at your made-up, purposeless fantasies also. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:03 PM
Actually they are using information to counter you. I read a line or two but refuse to read your communist manifestos.
Convincing you of anything is a waste of time. You're a hard-left socialist and will post any lie or misleading statement for the party.
And the "others" know that. Just read this thread.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:51 PM
"if Obama's for it, we must be against it."
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:44 PM
Common: In today's world just substitute Trump for Obama in your statement.
-- Posted by Dennis Smith on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:55 PM
Wasn't right then and it's not right now.
Perhaps the President should direct the Congress to start operating on a bi-partison basis.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM
Peace is the best way. When you say something though you should be ready to back it up or just keep your lip buttoned. I was born without a filter, I do not talk behind anyone's back and I say what I think so at least you know how I feel.
I would rather be that way than some kind of mush mouth politically correct idiot saying what I think people want to hear!
I have always believed if you warn and say your going to do something then be prepared to back it up when it happens or keep your mouth shut!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM
Perhaps the President should direct the Congress to start operating on a bi-partison basis. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM
"Republicans can come along for the ride, but they have to sit in the back" - Barack Hussein Obama pimped and supported by Commie Lettau.
See how foolish you look? You've never cared about bipartisanship. It's your pattern of constant lies and misleading that you do. Unfortunately for you your comments are history on here. It's so easy.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:15 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM
Well said!
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:16 PM
Karen & Dug: Both well said. Common is probably in his safe place afraid to come out.
-- Posted by Dennis Smith on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 2:45 PM
May be a bit late in the year but this has to be at least a Top Ten Nominee for dumb quote of the year:
Perhaps the President should direct the Congress to start operating on a bi-partison basis. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM
I'd be hard pressed to find another zinger to surpass it.
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 5:37 PM
I'd be hard pressed to find another zinger to surpass it.
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 5:37 PM
Ulrich's idea of bipartisanship is to compromise and do it the Democrats way. The Republicans have been doing that for waya too long. If they want to keep their jobs they need to stand up on their hind legs and vote the will of their constituents.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 6:07 PM
The winner of the Fake News Award 2017 goes to CNN hands down.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 6:21 PM
I'd be hard pressed to find another zinger to surpass it.
-- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 5:37 PM
Sounds like common needs a refresher course on the foundation of our republic concerning separation of powers. After Obama's administrative rule he thinks the president controls congress.
Trump has simply threw the responsibility back to congress clean up Obama's mess.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:41 PM
Mr. Bess, What is this imaginary mess you made up? Trump is an idiot, he took two scoops of ice cream and is only in office to make himself wealthy.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 8:45 PM
The winner of the Fake News Award 2017 goes to CNN hands down. -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 6:21 PM
The winner of the "2017 Sucker for Fake News" award should go to Commie Lettau. He bites hard on the fake news every time.
I hope and pray he makes more big predictions of democrat wins. Just the other day he posted that Democrats were winning elections now LOL! Then I posted that of all the house special elections this year republicans are 5 for 5.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 9:00 PM
Hmmm... No remarks from Common.
Not much he can say now. 😜
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Dec 30, 2017, at 11:47 AM
Commie's waiting for the DNC web page to get updated for more talking points. It's all he has.
The dems must be celebrating the new year early this year. Nobody in the office.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 30, 2017, at 7:43 PM
Doug, I hope common didn't change out his heat lamp with a LED to help save the planet. :) Might be a three dog night.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 30, 2017, at 9:13 PM
Richard - I'm betting he wouldn't have a clue what your post was about. :-)
The LED lights on stop lights and cars have been big problems in winter states.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 30, 2017, at 9:16 PM
I started changing to the CFL or whatever they are called when Obama promised to cause electric rates to go up. Now I am gradually changing to LED and find some of the government and utility subsidized bulbs don't last much longer than the old ones. Best keep original package and sales receipt for 10 years to come out on the deal. Just like the solar panels all made in China. May cost us more for stuff like that but I'm willing to pay more to MAGA
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 30, 2017, at 10:11 PM
I bought up all the old style bulbs I could find when Obama started his war on light bulbs. Still got some left.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Dec 31, 2017, at 8:24 AM
Don't see any Social Justice protestors out blocking the streets for the cause .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 31, 2017, at 9:10 AM
Lights are funny -- let your dim light shine .
Dumb *** Obama , his cornbread never was done in the middle.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 31, 2017, at 9:33 AM
Someone said Trump got more done in three Tweets than Obama did in Eight years. :) MAGA
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Dec 31, 2017, at 4:19 PM
“Which leads me to wonder how many of Mr. Trump's decisions the Democrats have supported? Or is their judgment over-ruled by the childish "never Trump" mentality.”
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:33 PM
At various points in time President Trump “offered” to make decisions which could have had b-partisan support, but for his withdrawal of the “offers.”
In October of last year, “Trump said he wanted “to see if the Dems want to do a great HealthCare Bill.”
To which the democrats agreed and asked him to make an “offer.” No serious offer was made.
----- ---- --- -- -
The democrats have been overwhelmingly in favor of an infrastructure program. President Trump has said he wants a trillion dollar program, and it seems that he just needs to put it on the table, to obtain democratic support.
----- ---- --- -- -
President Trump says he has “great love” for the DACA kids, yet he signs an action to deport them, which he could have avoided by accepting democratic support for a clean DACA bill which would have received Congressional approval.
----- ---- --- -- -
The democrats, in my opinion, would have joined him in supporting a tax plan which actually was for jobs and the middle class. The republican emphasis in tax cuts for their 1% is what prevented democrats from supporting his plan.
----- ---- --- -- -
Seems like every time there is room for compromise and agreement, President Trump backs away to an extremist conservative position.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:26 AM
Seems like it's status quo in DC , the (D) vs. the (R) , or vice versa , straight down the line no matter the issue . It's talk the talk but no walk the walk , same ol' , same ol'...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:31 AM
BP takes $1.5 billion charge over U.S tax changes, joining Shell
LONDON (Reuters) - BP (BP.L) will take a one-off $1.5 billion charge in its 2017 fourth quarter earnings as a result of new U.S. corporate income tax rules, joining rival Royal Dutch Shell.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:39 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:26 AM
Common: Glad you were able to get the updated DNC talking points....BTW, wrong on all matters as usually. The Democratic party doesn't want to work with the President since they are only looking at the Nov. elections. Just listen to the leaders of the D party just the opposite of anything that the R party proposes.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:47 AM
“No justification? It's the law - a law whose enforcement has been postponed for too long.”
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Fri, Dec 29, 2017, at 12:44 PM
Correct, it’s the law with an included clause, also the law, allowing Presidents to defer action 6 months at a time “to protect the national security interests of the United States.”
And the law’s waiver authority has been exercised for the past 19 years specifically because it was necessary to implement “…the waiver provision under section 7 of the Act, based on national security grounds, to defer the relocation of the embassy from Tel Aviv. The last waiver was signed by President Trump on December 6, 2017.”
The reason for the waiver is to incentivize to two parties to come to agreement on the long term status of Jerusalem. Because of the President’s announcement, and notwithstanding his extension of the waiver, the US is now seen as an unreliable and prejudiced partner in any peace negotiations.
How that puts “America first” is more than a little questionable. This is particularly critical since for almost 70 years the pivotal encumbrance impeding better relationships across the entire middle east has been the lack of an Israeli-Palestinian resolution of issues.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:53 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:26 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:53 AM
Going to be the SSDY with the Bollinger County Sage(brush).... Trump bad Dimocrats good.
PS: That wasn't a misspelling Sage(brush).
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:07 AM
This is particularly critical since for almost 70 years the pivotal encumbrance impeding better relationships across the entire middle east has been the lack of an Israeli-Palestinian resolution of issues. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 8:53 AM
Common: There can be no resolution for the Israel/Palestine situation when one side wants to kill off the other side....BTW, Common it's the Palestinians that want to do the killing.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:16 AM
As a representative republic, why would the US not want to be biased in favor of a democratic nation over those that wish to destroy them?. All this two state solution BS is a farce. The so called Palestinians are free to worship in Jerusalem, work in Israel etc, but their stated goal has always been the demise of the Jewish nation.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:23 AM
Perhaps, what is needed is for the Jews to hold another 6 Day war and settle a few things.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:30 AM
The basic right of Israel to exist has been accepted by the Palestine Authority. The resolution of differences needs to be addressed by both parties, and the US is no longer seen as an "honest broker."
There has never been any question that the US is 100% in favor of Israel. We have rightfully provided them with unprecedented amounts of military aid and financial support. The Palestinians recognize this but until now, have felt the US would consider their positions fairly and from an unbiased standpoint.
And it appears that Netanyahu is satisfied with being an occupying power. Perhaps the next election will improve the outlook for the future, since his approval numbers are as low as those of President Trump.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:36 AM
Sage,
The free world at the end of WW II seemed to think the Jewish people deserved their traditional homeland. It has been a fight for them ever since with the Arab world wanting them annilated.
Who appointed the US to stick their nose into the disagreement with the Palestinians anyway?
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 9:58 AM
"There has never been any question that the US is 100% in favor of Israel."
I beg to differ. The policies of Obama toward Israel raised a lot of questions. Allowing Iran to continue supporting the terrorism of the Arabs by allowing them access to untold amounts of cash made the US a 'look the other way' participant in any peace brokering. What has been accomplished by being afraid to offend the people that claim to be an authority group representing the fanatics?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 10:43 AM
I guess Lettau supports Hezbollah money laundering and drug trafficking as well. He is so enamored with Obama's failed anti-Israel efforts. And giving $150 BILLION in US taxpayer money to Iran which has a horrible civil rights record and is now shooting it's citizens.
Thank you President Trump for taking on Hezbollah and Iran and not cow-towing to Obama's favorite religion.
The fact that Lettau supported Obama in looking the other way for Muslim money laundering and drug trafficking in the US is simple amazing. But not surprising.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 11:12 AM
I am still trying to figure out how Netanyahu is an occupying power. common must have been trying to think for himself and got off the talking points.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 1:12 PM
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 1:12 PM
I caught that too. He's clueless on Israel and it's sovereign rights. Absolutely clueless.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Tue, Jan 2, 2018, at 1:14 PM
“…to figure out how Netanyahu is an occupying power.”
All it takes is modicum of thinking on your part. Israel occupies the West Bank area of Palestine, and in that capacity has full military control of all civilians and the Palestinian Authority.
As the armed, occupying power, Israel has supremacy in restricting freedom of movement, arbitrary arrest and detention, use of force, impunity from investigations, and constraint of freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
If that’s not an occupation, what would you call it?
To what degree the Israelis exercise their "occupation powers" varies greatly from time to time. They are not "occupiers" in the sense of the Japanese "occupying" China, or the Russians "occupying" Poland, or Germans "occupying" France, but they are nevertheless occupiers.
And if they really want a long term peace, which is in the best interests of both sides, they'll have to give up that self-imposed mandate.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 7:18 AM
“The policies of Obama toward Israel raised a lot of questions.”
…and here are answers.
“The Obama administration has signed a $38 billion military aid pact with Israel in what the State Department boasts is the “single largest pledge of bilateral military assistance in US history.”
“The record agreement will provide Israel with $3.8 billion annually over 10 years beginning in 2019, up from $3.1 billion under the current deal.
President Obama has also provided Israel with unprecedented levels of missile defense funding:
• In addition to FMF funding, under President Obama’s leadership, the United States has provided over $3 billion in missile defense funding for programs and systems for Israel.
• Since 2011, the United States has provided Israel with over $1.3 billion for the Iron Dome system alone. Iron Dome batteries and interceptors have saved an untold number of Israeli lives, particularly during the conflict with Hamas in 2014.
• During that conflict, when Israeli civilians were subjected to rocket fire, the President worked with Congress to successfully provide $225 million in short-fuse funding for the Iron Dome system above the $504 million that had already been provided to Israel in FY2014 for missile defense support.
• In addition to Iron Dome, the United States has invested significantly in the co-development of longer range defense systems such as David’s Sling and Arrow-3.
• In FY2016 Israel received $487 million in missile defense support, including for David’s Sling. Arrow-3, and Iron Dome.
• After successful joint tests of David’s Sling and Arrow-3 last year, FY16 is the first year in which missile defense funding for Israel also included funding for coproduction of these systems– further deepening our missile defense cooperation with Israel.
With over $26 billion in total assistance during President Obama’s tenure in office, Israel has been able to acquire new advanced capabilities to bolster its security."
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 7:31 AM
As the armed, occupying power, Israel has supremacy in restricting freedom of movement, arbitrary arrest and detention, use of force, impunity from investigations, and constraint of freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
If that’s not an occupation, what would you call it?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 7:18 AM
The federal government of the United States. Are you afraid of being "governed"? You're the biggest government pusher on here.
Impunity from investigation? You exaggerate so much to make a point - a false point:
Need 100 other examples of your misleading claims?
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 8:41 AM
"“The Obama administration has signed a $38 billion military aid pact with Israel in what the State Department boasts is the “single largest pledge of bilateral military assistance in US history.”"
Oh yes Ulrich, Obama, Obama, Obama, Congress never had anything to do with this and what was agreed to doesn't take effect until 2019.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 8:54 AM
With over $26 billion in total assistance during President Obama’s tenure in office, Israel has been able to acquire new advanced capabilities to bolster its security."
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 7:31 AM
Common: That's fine giving Israel money to protect themselves; however, Obama threw Israel under the bus by having the USA to abstain in the following UN vote. A True friend is one that supports you when the going gets tough.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:02 AM
I, just like Ulrich with his cut and past word salads, am no expert on the situation between Israel and it's Arab neighbors.
But Jordan captured the West Bank from Israel in 1949 and claimed it. Israel took it back in the six day war and now claims it. What about the spoils of war thing. Then there is the Golan Heights. Been there and seen that and if I were in Israel's boots, I would only give that back as my last breath. Whoever controls that area has a position of power like shooting fish in a barrel on those below.
And the United Nations, pretty much useless.
It is a very complicated area.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:09 AM
And the 26 billion Ulrich gives Obama credit for giving Israel for his term in office, I think he better check on who agreed to that as well as who agrees to specials calls for aid.
Also give the poor slobs who pay the bill a little credit instead of some drug store cowboy type like Obama who sat in a plush office with his feet on the people's desk and bragged about his accomplishment. Hell most recently he took credit for the raise in the stock market and the GDP accomplished under Trump's administration.
Obama is just another POS Politician who should get everything he truly deserves
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:16 AM
"And the law’s waiver authority has been exercised for the past 19 years specifically because it was necessary to implement “…the waiver provision under section 7 of the Act, based on national security grounds, to defer the relocation of the embassy from Tel Aviv. The last waiver was signed by President Trump on December 6, 2017.”
The claim of "national security grounds" has been false for most of those 19 years. They waive it because they find it politically expedient to do so - paying lip service to the Israelis when pandering for Jewish votes but siding with the U.N. under the guise of "preserving the peace process" while actually forestalling it. The peace process will not move forward until the parties involved accept the reality that Jerusalem is, in fact, the Capital of Israel.
"Any negotiated agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, he said, “must preserve Israel’s identity as a Jewish state with secure, recognized, defensible borders. And Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel and it must remain undivided”." - Barack Obama, 2008 -
Note that Mr. Obama did not say "Jerusalem will be" but rather "Jerusalem will remain".
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:48 AM
Obama is just another POS Politician who should get everything he truly deserves
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:16 AM
Wheels: IMO, 2018 will find Cigar Bill, Crooked Hillary, and ex-President Obama in bad trouble with the Feds and the American people for all the corruption done in their names.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:50 AM
" This is particularly critical since for almost 70 years the pivotal encumbrance impeding better relationships across the entire middle east has been the lack of an Israeli-Palestinian resolution of issues."
70 years of the "peace process" with no resolution, and you want to fault Mr. Trump for acknowledging a reality the Congress and past Presidents have all admitted. The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper names, and the proper name for the Capital of Israel is "Jerusalem".
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:51 AM
Believe "Left Wing" has finally joined us....look at speak out 1/2/18 comments and see what you think.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:52 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 7:31 AM --
So - providing was levels of materiel of war to Israel promotes the peace process, while recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital sets it back?
Methinks some don't want peace at all, they just want a prolonging of the process to produce it, all the while continuing to promote warfare.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 9:55 AM
If one study's the Bible, there will be no peace in the Middle East till the 2nd coming of Christ....till then there will be regional wars with Israel being the victors.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:07 AM
"The democrats, in my opinion, would have joined him in supporting a tax plan which actually was for jobs and the middle class. The republican emphasis in tax cuts for their 1% is what prevented democrats from supporting his plan."
Not a single Democrat voted to lower United States' citizens taxes. Not one.
They have mischaracterized the bill as "raising taxes" because, in ten years, the personal tax cuts will expire and restore them to the levels they are now. That would seem to be an admission the current rates are too high, but that is not an admission they are willing to make.
Ms. Pelosi has called the bill "Armageddon" and the "End of the World". This presumably because it is expected to add a trillion dollars to the deficit over ten years. Ms. Pelosi's budgeting started the ball rolling to add nine trillion in eight years, but they seemed unconcerned about that.
____________
"American and Southwest said Tuesday that they will pay employees bonuses of $1,000 each, a gesture that American said would cost $130 million. Southwest also said that it exercised options to buy more new jets from Boeing while delaying orders for some others."
____________
Tuesday, U.S. Bank became the latest bank to take similar action in the wake of the tax bill’s passage."
"U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, announced Tuesday that it is handing out a $1,000 bonus to nearly 60,000 employees. The bank also plans to increase its minimum wage for all hourly employees to $15 per hour.
"Additionally, the bank will be making “enhancements” to its employees’ health care options, effective for the 2019 enrollment period.
“We believe that tax reform is positive for the U.S. economy because it provides an immediate opportunity to benefit our employees, our communities and our customers,” Andy Cecere, president and chief executive officer, U.S. Bancorp, said."
_______________
"Columbus-based supplemental insurer Aflac that it will increase investment in its U.S. operations and employees by $250 million over the next three to five years due to the tax reform law.
"Specifically, Aflac workers will see the the company’s 401(k) match rise from 50 percent to 100 percent on the first 4 percent of employee contributions, with a $500 one-time contribution going to each staffer’s 401(k) plan. The firm, well known for its comical Aflac duck advertisements, also plans to offer certain hospital and accident insurance products to employees at no charge."
________________
"Aaon Inc., which manufactures air conditioning units at a plant in Longview, said Tuesday that it will give $1,000 bonuses to all employees, excluding officers, in recognition of the federal tax overhaul."
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:08 AM
Mr. Obama's Payroll Tax cuts, which were part of his stimulus package, were supposed to add an average of about $20 per week to the average worker's paychecque. (I believe the final, after tax, amount was about $13). That was said to be good for the economy. $20 per week times 50 weeks is $1,000.
But Mr. Obama's "generosity" came from other peoples' monies, and did so to the detriment of the Social Security Trust Fund. Democrats love being generous with other peoples' monies.
The tax cut just passed has spurred companies to match the theoretical financial impact of Mr. Obama's tax cuts, but using their own monies. Imagine that! And the Social Security Trust Fund is not deprived of its capital.
Now it seems to me that if $1,000 extra in a year was good for the economy under Mr. Obama, $1,000 extra in a year will be good for the economy under Mr. Trump. But, I suppose, some will find reason to fault those "greedy" corporations for offering it.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:16 AM
It's only Armageddon to democrats. Could they lose more seats than the record pace they are on?
Only if Nancy, Chuck and posters like Lettau keep it up. PLEASE DON'T STOP.
===
Has anyone noticed that the democrat "Antifa" and campus protestors have been quiet of late? They are scared to death of the upcoming election season and how their radical leftist agenda exposes what democrats really support.
Where are the protests now? Where are the women and men marching in female genitalia costumes? Where are the chains, knives and blood in campus demonstrations?
Hiding. Must be an election year?
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:20 AM
"Where are the women and men marching in female genitalia costumes?"
They were rather upset when the '(hastag) me too!' campaign turned sour for them (Goodbye, John Conyers and Al Franken!). Now they are looking for a new angle that doesn't reveal them to be the hypocrites they are on the issue (remember the defense of Bill Clinton?).
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:43 AM
"So - providing was levels of materiel of war ..."
That was supposed to say "vast levels of materiel of war". Sorry.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 10:44 AM
"Now they are looking for a new angle that doesn't reveal them to be the hypocrites they are on the issue (remember the defense of Bill Clinton?)."
True. They threw Al Franken under the bus to say "Look over here! We don't support these people (today)".
The funny part of this so-called "movement" is that democrats like Rick Lettau believe Roy Moore's loss in Alabama was some earth-shaking rejection of republicans in a red state.
If anyone believes that had the other republican been running instead of Moore he would have lost the election as well they need to go to California and get their hits legally.
A republican would have easily beaten the democrat in Alabama if it wasn't for Roy Moore.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 11:20 AM
“The claim of "national security grounds" has been false for most of those 19 years.”
That may well be your opinion, but mine is that every administration since 1948 has had to recognize that the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was key to peace in the Middle East, and virtually every conflict since 1949 has had some basis in the same issue.
Jerusalem can remain “undivided” and the capital of Palestine Jerusalem can be established adjacent to Greater Jerusalem, but everyone must be guaranteed access to their respective religious sites.
----- ---- --- -- -
“70 years of the "peace process" with no resolution, and you want to fault Mr. Trump for acknowledging a reality the Congress and past Presidents have all admitted. The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper names, and the proper name for the Capital of Israel is "Jerusalem".
No, I fault President Trump for ignoring the clause that Congress inserted into the law, recognizing the reality of the basic issue.
You are then referring to the actual Jerusalem with its Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Arab quarters.
----- ---- --- -- -
“So - providing was levels of materiel of war to Israel promotes the peace process, while recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital sets it back?”
No, providing levels of war material ensures Israel’s capability of self-defense, to prevent our military from having to deploy for their defense in the unlikely event of massive, unified Arab aggressive attacks.
Recognizing Jerusalem as its capital has been the case all along, moving our embassy is detrimental to peace.
----- ---- --- -- -
"American and Southwest said Tuesday that they will pay employees bonuses of $1,000 each, a gesture that American said would cost $130 million. Southwest also said that it exercised options to buy more new jets from Boeing while delaying orders for some others."
American Airlines profit in 2016 was $2.7 billion. At 35% their profit would have been about $1.8 billion, and it’s now scheduled to be about $2.1 billion, saving them $300 million, so giving their employees less than half of the savings is great, but they would likely have been giving bonuses anyhow.
Southwest buying jets from Boeing is also great, but recall that their entire fleet is comprised of Boeing 737 variants.
----- ---- --- -- -
All I have time for right now…
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 12:08 PM
"but everyone must be guaranteed access to their respective religious sites."
Straw man. Who is being denied access? No one. More fake-points.
====
"but they would likely have been giving bonuses anyhow."
Says who? You? You're so full of yourself. You haven't any clue what they would have "likely" done. Are you on the AA board?
Only in your mind. More examples of baseless opinions.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 12:12 PM
Wondering if a fire at the Clinton mansion gets rid of some more records.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM
"No, I fault President Trump for ignoring the clause that Congress inserted into the law, recognizing the reality of the basic issue."
He didn't ignore it. But, there seems to be little, if any, evidence to support the idea that our National Security is threatened by the action. In the absence of such a threat, continuing to delay implementation of the law on that premise is simply wrong.
You tie the clause to the "peace process", but the process is not the allowable justification for invoking the clause.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 3:10 PM
"No, providing levels of war material ensures Israel’s capability of self-defense, to prevent our military from having to deploy for their defense in the unlikely event of massive, unified Arab aggressive attacks."
They are "unlikely" only because the Israelis are prepared for them, and repelled such "unlikely" attacks in the past, which is how they found themselves occupying so much formerly-Arab real estate.
But the "peace process" does not really address that. The "peace process", as you define it, involves the Israelis giving back to the Arabs lands that can be used to strategically ensure a better base from which to launch those "unlikely" attacks.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 3:15 PM
"Wondering if a fire at the Clinton mansion gets rid of some more records."
The fire was apparently contained to only the room, known as the "Russian Room". ;)
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 3:19 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Wed, Jan 3, 2018, at 5:01 PM
“But, there seems to be little, if any, evidence to support the idea that our National Security is threatened by the action.”
The evidence is fairly straightforward. Having stable, friendly governments in Muslim dominated nations throughout the Middle East, Northern Africa and Southwest Asia is clearly in our national interest, and conversely, having hostile, unfriendly, terror-sponsoring states is detrimental to our national security.
The Arab-Israeli conflict remains as the fundamental wedge issue begging for resolution. Were that solved many other problems would be infinitely more “solvable.” Israel could begin to establish normal, mutually beneficial relations with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and so on.
Steps to improve Israeli-Palestinian contacts, cooperation and conciliation are all positive. President Trump’s move can only be described as negative and counterproductive, with no constructive ramifications for either us or the Israelis.
----- ---- --- -- -
“… and repelled such "unlikely" attacks in the past, which is how they found themselves occupying so much formerly-Arab real estate.”
That the Israelis were able to repel attacks is certainly true and is testimony to their resoluteness and spirit, but for 70 years they have been bolstered and supported by the full force of US financial and military aid and assistance. And they may well be able to continue to occupy Palestine into the foreseeable future, but not necessarily indefinitely.
Most Israelis understand this and support a two-state solution, and with Netanyahu’s unpopularity, he may not be able to hold on to his one-state occupation for long.
----- ---- --- -- -
“… the Israelis giving back to the Arabs lands that can be used to strategically ensure a better base from which to launch those "unlikely" attacks.”
The “lands” that are in question are already “islands” within Palestine. Giving them back in return for mutually agreeable land swaps does not compromise Israel’s strategic position in any way. They are already surrounded on three sides, and strategically, their future can only be improved by coming to terms with the reality of the existence of Palestine.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:08 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:08 AM
Common: Good grief, You are a true racist Jew hater like your Muslim loving ex-President Obama. BTW, Israel gave back the area that was captured in Sinai and what they got back was an area that is used to shoot rockets into Israel and killing it's citizens. Sad for you.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:29 AM
"You are a true racist Jew hater..."
And you believe that because my opinion is that the mutually agreeable and beneficial resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine would be good for both sides.
You may want to put your brain in gear before allowing your fingers to post such an absurd conclusion.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:40 AM
You may want to put your brain in gear before allowing your fingers to post such an absurd conclusion.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:40 AM
Common: All one has to do is to read your comments about Israel to determine that you are racist towards the Jewish faith. Sad for you.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:56 AM
“lands” that are in question are already “islands” within Palestine
First, where is Palestine? and Second, Where are these islands?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:59 AM
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:59 AM
OJ: To the victors of wars goes the spoils. All European countries have done this plus look at all the land that the USA got from it's wars. We ole Conservatives just have to overlook the racist comments from the Left concerning Israel.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:07 AM
"All one has to do is to read..."
That's purely your opinion.
Most normal people would agree that a mutually agreed upon, collaborative resolution of differences is the right approach, and it has nothing to do with being "...racist towards the Jewish faith." Likewise it has nothing to do with being "...racist towards the Muslim faith."
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:12 AM
"First, where is Palestine? and Second, Where are these islands?"
Palestine is in the Middle East, on the internet, just type in the word and press enter, and you'll see maps showing it.
The "islands" are Jewish settlements within the west bank.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:16 AM
Ulrich needs to reconcile his man love for Obama with the facts.
Obama had 8 years to accomplish some progress in the Mideast and when he was through we were at a new low point for the last 50 years.
Now, when Trump takes a new approach from that which has gained little to nothing in all these years all Ulrich wants to do is Carp about it and regurgitate DNC talking points.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:17 AM
"The two-state solution is over. At least according to an Israeli politician seen as Netanyahu's heir
"An Israeli politician considered a leading candidate to succeed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said world powers should stop trying to create a Palestinian state.
"Twenty-five years of failed diplomacy show a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn’t realistic and a fresh approach is needed, Likud Party politician Gideon Sa’ar said Tuesday in an interview near Tel Aviv. The former education and interior minister has said he’ll run for prime minister after Netanyahu, who is facing a police investigation into alleged corruption, leaves office.
“The fact that people still say ‘two-state solution’ doesn’t make it a solution — it’s a two-state slogan,” Sa’ar said. “It’s no longer rational to support a two-state solution. We must think about reality.”
"No one could guarantee that a Palestinian state wouldn’t become an Islamist haven threatening Israel’s main population centers, Sa’ar said. Instead, he supports a regional approach that would involve Egypt and Jordan and leave the Palestinians with less than full sovereignty.
"With U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to cut off U.S. aid unless Palestinians come to the negotiating table, Israel’s right-wing parties are promoting policies that could make talks harder. The Knesset this week passed a law raising the bar for partitioning Jerusalem in any future peace deal, and Likud’s central committee is pushing de facto annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank."
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:18 AM
"Palestine is in the Middle East, on the internet, just type in the word and press enter, and you'll see maps showing it."
It does not appear on U.S. Maps, as the U.S. does not recognize the existence of the Palestinian State. Before they were occupied by Israel, they were occupied by Jordan and Egypt. Hardly the stuff of sovereignty.
I can find maps of Middle Earth and Pellucidar on the Internet, too, but that does not mean they exist.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:29 AM
I am not opposed to a two-state solution, but it seems unlikely. for one thing, many who advocate for a two-state solution favour it only as a stepping stone to a one-state solution in which the State of Israel is not the one state.
That you advocate for a two-state solution as the only possible solution suggests a limitation to your thinking - because you cannot see another solution you assume no other solution exists. That does not make it true.
-- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:34 AM
“Instead, he supports a regional approach that would involve Egypt and Jordan and leave the Palestinians with less than full sovereignty.”
Not very clear as to what that means, but a “one-state” solution would by definition imply that the new “Palestinian citizens” of Israel could from a strong voting block that would control Israeli political futures. Of course, prior to incorporating “occupied Palestine” as part of Israel, the Likud party could amend their Constitution to disenfranchise all non-Jewish “citizens.”
Then Israel could become a “apartheid” nation where Arabs have no rights under strict Israeli military control.
Do they really want to try to make that work?
----- ---- --- -- -
"With U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to cut off U.S. aid unless Palestinians come to the negotiating table, Israel’s right-wing parties are promoting policies that could make talks harder.”
That gets right to the crux of the matter, as it seems that some minority parties in Israel thrive on the constant tension and seem to have no desire for any manner of peaceful solution.
----- ---- --- -- -
It does not appear on U.S. Maps...
Perhaps that's because it's not within the United States. But seriously, even if the US does not yet recognize Palestine as a separate nation, it's just a matter of time, as most of the rest of the world does.
Right now only some of Europe, the US, Canada and Mexico do not, but the intransigence of Israel could stimulate change in European positions.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:58 AM
"....because you cannot see another solution you assume no other solution exists."
I'd see one-state, two-state and the status quo as being the options. What do you suggest?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 10:01 AM
"...many who advocate for a two-state solution favour it only as a stepping stone to a one-state solution in which the State of Israel is not the one state."
Who are the "many?" There is no question in my mind that the US and the rest of the non-Muslim world will never allow Israel to be overrun or destroyed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 10:04 AM
"......the US and the rest of the non-Muslim world will never allow Israel to be overrun or destroyed."
Scripture tells us the decision to allow or not will never be an option for the US and the rest of the non-Muslim world.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:00 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 9:12 AM
Common: I'll stick with my opinion since yours and the other "Normal" racist anti-Jewish Democrats opinions are worthless.
*******
I'd see one-state, two-state and the status quo as being the options. What do you suggest?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 10:01 AM
Common: Let Jordan who are of the same faith and heritage carve out some land and give it to the Palestinians. Problem solved....thank you.
*******
To those racists who condemns Israel for "occupying" land not of their own here is a list of land that the USA must also be "occupying"....thank you.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:07 AM
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:00 AM
OJ: That's what I'm been saying - the Bible says that there will be no peace in the Middle East till the second coming of Christ. Also, there will be regional wars among Israel's neighbors whereby Israel will be the victor.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:12 AM
Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:12 AM
You know what a certain person will claim that Trump is don't you? The Anti of that.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:23 AM
You know what a certain person will claim that Trump is don't you? The Anti of that.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:23 AM
And then there are those who will claim that individual just left office Jan20, 2017. :-)
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:30 AM
You know what a certain person will claim that Trump is don't you? The Anti of that.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:23 AM
Iamhere: That person on here might try but most Bible scholars say that the Anti will come out of the Old Holy Roman Empire which is not any part of America.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:53 AM
On a side note , Russia/Iran began airstrikes on Damascus again yesterday . Needless to say , Iran and Israel go together like gas and fire . One would think Trump has taken all of this into consideration but who knows , he's like bird shat , all over and leaves stains . Obviously Obama was clueless ...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 1:12 PM
Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 11:53 AM
Yes I know but won't stop some idiots from saying that though!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 1:39 PM
Ulrich must be busy tonight; torn between researching anti Trump materiel and business opportunities recently created during Trump's first year in office.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 4, 2018, at 8:29 PM
Anyone notice the Iranians are pulling resources back to Iran to deal with a domestic uprising against the religious dictatorship part of their government?
It is still as simple as Frederick Douglass said years ago.
"Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of whom those they oppress"
Methinks Trump understand this.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 12:11 AM
Methinks Trump understand this.-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 12:11 AM
OJ: Believe you are correct. The USA has a Leader now and not a Crawdad-In-Chief.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 7:26 AM
Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 7:26 AM
Now Semo you know how wonderful Obama was. Why he only had to tell Assad to get rid of all of his chemical weapons and Assad did. Ask Lettau because somehow he has the inside info on that. There were no more chemical weapons in Syria. Don't know how that sarin gas got there. Must have magically appeared from nowhere.
Rick S. asked him how he knew Assad had turned all of his chemical weapons over but apparently it must be a secret because he never answered.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 10:05 AM
Rick S. asked him how he knew Assad had turned all of his chemical weapons over but apparently it must be a secret because he never answered.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 10:05 AM
Iamhere: I wouldn't believe anything that the Russians, Syrians, or Mr. Common would said about the chemical weapons being destroyed - whose to know for sure.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 10:31 AM
"...whose to know..."
It must be comforting to live in Mr. Schaefer's world, where facts don't matter and one can dismiss the truth with a simple "who's to know."
Instead of researching issues, it's so much more reassuring to disregard every square peg that doesn't fit into their round holes. Finding the right answer is just too much work.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:22 AM
Maybe common will share links to his superb facts.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:35 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:22 AM
Common: Did you see them destroying the chemical weapons - no you didn't. Did you see a video of the destruction - no you didn't - so how do you know it was done. All we have to go on is the Russians and Syrians telling it was done - good grief Common take that aluminum foil hat off of your head and think for once.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:48 AM
Maybe common will share links to his superb facts.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:35 AM
Must be as I thought...He has none
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 3:47 PM
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 3:58 PM
It must be comforting to live in Mr. Schaefer's world... -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:22 AM
It must be, because every single person on here is in agreement with him on 99% of the issues of the day except for you.
Because you're a radical, alt-left socialist who supported a marxist for president. You're all alone here. Even your leftist friends of the past are all gone. Why?
I'll tell you why. Because your ideas and novel postings are based on lies and misleading for your party. You can prognosticate all you want but you know this for fact - you are alone on here. All alone. And the state you live in is redder than ever.
No one listens to you except maybe your wife (doubtful). Yes - it is comforting living in Mr. Schaefers world. Can't say the same for your world.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 4:02 PM
Schaefer's World has a good ring to it. lol
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 4:19 PM
Lettau,
Where are the facts that PROVE Assad turned over ALL chemical weapons? Exactly who made sure there were no more?
Waiting for your reply.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 5:08 PM
Must be having problems with his facts.
Lettau you made the claims and so it is your job to back them up. Saying that you aren't doing the work for us doesn't cut it. The proof is on you.
Now if you can't back it up then just say so.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 5:34 PM
Schaefer's World has a good ring to it. lol
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 4:19 PM
SEMO 471
You don't mind if I don't physically participate in Schaefer's World until you do something about the weather in your world do you?
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 6:43 PM
Wheels, We saw 40 here today!Common must still be searching for an LED heat lamp to thaw his pump house. :) I'm sure he will be along to share his facts later.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 6:58 PM
Old John, it's about 54 here yet this evening. And yesterday was decent. I was out in shirt sleeves. Supposed to get some rain.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 7:46 PM
RV, What's for dinner? I hear there is no waiting for MAGA down there.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 8:12 PM
Had a big brunch and just snacking for dinner. Nope, my Grandson sent me one of those Red Hats just like this one last year and I wore it to a Mardi Graus Parade. People on the floats were commenting when they went by..... Nice Hat!
Some of the rest of you could suit up with one, I don't hold any exclusive on it and can send the picture. Would make Ulrich proud.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 9:24 PM
“Must be having problems with his facts.”
Ms. Jones,
Here are the first 25 of 119 references to support the destruction of 1300 tons of chemical weapons taken from Syria. No one has claimed that this was necessarily “all” but it is 1300 tons more than the Tomahawk attack of 2017 destroyed.
There was no practical way of preventing dictators like Assad from secretly procuring more, but 1300 tons were not used against his own people.
References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Last of Syria's chemical weapons shipped out". BBC News. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
2. Jump up^ "Cape Ray Completes Destruction of Syrian Chemical Agents" (PDF). Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association. M.E.B.A. Telex Times. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August2014.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b "Insight: After chemical horror, besieged Syrian suburb defiant". Reuters. 4 October 2013.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b "China Welcomes Russia–U.S. Framework Agreement on Syria: Wang". Bloomberg. 22 September 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2013. China welcomes a framework agreement signed by Russia and the U.S.
5. ^ Jump up to:a b Spokesperson (14 September 2013).Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons. state.gov. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
6. ^ Jump up to:a b c d Gordon, Michael R. (14 September 2013).U.S. and Russia Reach Deal to Destroy Syria’s Chemical Arms. The New York Times. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
7. Jump up^ "Resolution 2118 (2013)" (doc). United Nations. 27 September 2013. p. 1. Retrieved 28 April 2017. Noting that on 14 September 2013, the Syrian Arab Republic deposited with the Secretary-General its instrument of accession to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (Convention) and declared that it shall comply with its stipulations and observe them faithfully and sincerely, applying the Convention provisionally pending its entry into force for the Syrian Arab Republic
8. Jump up^ "U.S. sanctions Syrian officials for chemical weapons attacks". Reuters. 12 January 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
9. ^ Jump up to:a b c Edith M. Lederer, Matthew Lee (27 September 2013). "UN Security Council votes unanimously to secure and destroy Syria's chemical weapons stockpile". The Independent. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
10. ^ Jump up to:a b c Mariam Karouny (6 October 2013). "Destruction of Syrian chemical weapons begins: mission". Reuters. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
11. Jump up^ Mariam Karouny (14 October 2013). "U.N. names envoy to lead Syria chemical weapons mission". Agence France-Presse. Retrieved 14 October2013.
12. ^ Jump up to:a b c Loveday Morris and Michael Birnbaum (31 October 2013). "Syria has destroyed chemical weapons facilities, international inspectors say". The Washington Post. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
13. Jump up^ Gladstone, Rick (22 February 2014). "Syrians Seek New Delay in Export of Chemical Arms". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
14. Jump up^ "Syria, Western powers disagree on progress of chemical-weapons mission". The Globe and Mail. Reuters. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
15. Jump up^ Deutsch, Anthony (2014-09-10). "UK blames Assad regime after watchdog documents chlorine attacks". Reuters. Retrieved 2017-02-26.
16. ^ Jump up to:a b Mike Corder (17 September 2011). "Syria had ricin program: OPCW document". The Daily Star. Associated Press. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
17. ^ Jump up to:a b "Chemical weapons watchdog says Syria declared program to produce ricin". Fox News. 19 September 2014.
19. Jump up^ Elizabeth A. Kennedy; Frank Jordans (1 December 2011). "Syria now in a civil war with 4,000 dead: United Nations". The Christian Science Monitor. Associated Press. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
20. ^ Jump up to:a b Richter, Paul (28 August 2013). "Russian resistance torpedoes United Nations resolution on Syria". Los Angeles Times.
21. Jump up^ Mark Hosenball (1 August 2012). "Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret U.S. support for Syrian rebels". Reuters. Reuters. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
22. Jump up^ "Russian offers troops to help remove Syria chemical arms". BBC News. 22 September 2013.
23. ^ Jump up to:a b Steve Gutterman; Alexei Anishchuk; Timothy Heritage (10 September 2013). "Putin, Obama discussed Syria arms control idea last week: Kremlin". Reuters. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
24. Jump up^ "Press Conference by Kerry, British Foreign Secretary Hague". United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London: U.S. Department of State. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
25. Jump up^ Kim Hjelmgaard (9 September 2013). "Kerry to Assad: Turn over chemical weapons to prevent strikes". USA Today. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
External links[edit]
• Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons, full text
• Q+A: plan to dismantle Syria's chemical weapons (Reuters)
• UN, Security Council requires Scheduled Destruction of Syria’s Chemical Weapons, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2118 (2013) (includes full resolution text)
• Chemical Weapons Convention: Full Text
• The Chemical Weapons Convention at a Glance, Arms Control Association
• Chemical Weapons Convention: Ratifying Countries
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 7:09 AM
"Schaefer's World has a good ring to it. lol"
So do...
Never-never land.
Waterworld.
The land of Oz.
Axel Island.
The Elysian Fields.
Middle Earth.
The island country of Lilliput.
Shangri-la.
The planet of Pandora.
The lost world.
Earth 2.
Atlantis.
----- ---- --- -- -
All are as realistic, rational and ratiocinative as is "Scheafer's World."
LOL.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 7:36 AM
If you need more help, let me know...-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 7:09 AM
Common: Your word salad shows no proof just writings saying what was being done, no video so we have to just take others word....good grief Common take that aluminum foil hat off and think for yourself. BTW, your link states that Syria still had chemical weapons to use against their population. Why didn't Obama/Russia/other countries demand Syria to give up ALL of the chemical weapons - that's about like saying to a would be killer with a gun to only use 5 out of the 10 bullets to kill the victim.
*******
All are as realistic, rational and ratiocinative as is "Schaefer's World."
LOL.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 7:36 AM
Common: You are just envious of my Schaefer's World, but that's what low info Dependent Democrats do - envy of others money or propriety.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 8:33 AM
"...just writings saying what was being done, no video so we have to just take others word....good grief..."
Documentation of what was done, it's what's called evidence.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 9:40 AM
Documentation of what was done, it's what's called evidence.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 9:40 AM
Common: No witnesses, No audio, No video....is that what is no a days called evidence....Good grief Common.
Common: You're invited to take a 4 day seminar at Schaefer's World to get your head on straight....don't be afraid of the truth.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:10 AM
You're a regular Jumping Jack there Ulrich, with all the Jump Ups.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:11 AM
Lettau,
Apparently you are very naive. If you think Putin would be a good source of info. or believed that Obama should be hailed for the removal of what was removed you are worse off than I thought.
You do realize that Assad was lobbing Chlorine Gas for quite awhile before Obama ever opened his mouth?
While channel surfing I came across a video from CBN with people begging for help. They were asking the U.S. to please send someone to verify the attacks because Obama seemed to not believe the Americans and Dr's who were dealing with it.
He was just too busy with golf and hanging with celebrities to give a rats behind until it came to the attention of the public.
Then there was just one sarin gas attack and Trump responded with a harsher warning than Obama would have done and so far it hasn't happened again.
Putin and Assad tried him hoping he would be just as weak as Obama but seriously underestimated him.
That is why Obama was a weak Commander and Chief and an embarrassment.
Case closed!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 12:24 PM
"Case closed!"
Only in your mind. It does not alter the fact that President Obama's action deprived a dictator of 1300 tons of chemical weapons.
Neither does it alter the fact that President Trump's action, after warning the Russians and Syrians thereof, moved some sand and dirt around.
Possibly you weren't able to go through the 119 references.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 12:54 PM
Possibly you weren't able to go through the 119 references. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 12:54 PM
You mean the cut and paste from a Wikipedia page? Some reference you provided.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 1:13 PM
Only in your mind. It does not alter the fact that President Obama's action deprived a dictator of 1300 tons of chemical weapons.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 12:54 PM
Common: That didn't stop the Syrians from using chemical weapons until Trump shot some cruise missiles up their you know what.
-- Posted by Dennis Smith on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 2:20 PM
"What we have here is a failure to communicate".
Not sure of what part of who gives a #$%& about how many Chlorine bombs Assad just turned over when the Almighty Obama said so that you don't understand.
The point is that for one Obama chose to not acknowledge that is was happening until he was backed in a corner and then let Putin and Assad say that was all without having the proof. The second was that Assad had something HORRIFIC still there and Obama was taking credit for something that was shown later to be bs.
What Trump did was send a warning. He did warn Russia but not Assad. Putin took care of that. Most countries would have bailed as soon as Assad used that sarin gas. If you noticed Putin stayed but so far there have been no more use of it. Unlike Obama,Trump didn't just let it go and see how many times he could ignore it. He stepped up at the first one.
Now you can admit you were wrong saying Trump warned Assad ahead of time. We are waiting.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 5:42 AM
“They undercut and shortchanged our men and women in uniform with inadequate resources, unstable funding, and unclear missions.”
Funding for the military is a function of Congress, and in spite of their inaction, we still have the “finest military in the world.” In this case President Trump is correct, however, it’s the same military that he had previously described as a “disaster.”
Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 20, 2017, at 8:03 AM
Not sure how I missed this but I had a family member in Iraq. Like most others we helped by sending many packages to Iraq to help him.
Did you know when a mission was set there was a scramble to BUY their food to take with them? Apparently all rations were outdated and couldn't be used.
We The People also sent cleaning supplies and things such as Tang so they could try to kill the taste of the polluted water they had to drink. Many families did this out of their own pockets. Where was all the money from Congress? Where was the support from Congress that should have lessened the burden on families? Nowhere!
You must live in a cave to not know how bad the situation has been with the Military. You would think as a veteran you would have known this.
Just amazing!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 6:16 AM
Ms. Jones,
Looks like you do still need some help…
Back then Mr. Trump tweeted this to President Obama warning him to not attack Syria in the wake of the 2013 chemical attack.
Interesting…
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
“President Obama, do not attack Syria. There is no upside and tremendous downside. Save your "powder" for another (and more important) day!
7:21 AM - Sep 7, 2013
And this …
“….how many Chlorine bombs Assad just turned over when the Almighty Obama…”
As you can see, it was sarin gas not “chlorine bombs” and “almighty” means what?
"Syria: inspectors find 1,300 tons of chemical weapons
President Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime possesses 1,300 tons of chemical weapons agents, according to the first report by the inspectors sent to remove them
"The OPCW said it had verified 21 sites up to October 27, the deadline agreed as part of Syria's destruction programme Photo: AFP
By Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent
11:36AM GMT 29 Oct 2013
“The inspectors, from the UN-linked Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, submitted the inventory of its first findings within the deadline set under the deal agreed last month by the United States, Russia and Damascus.
“It showed Mr Assad had 1,000 metric tons of Category 1 chemical weapons stocks - the most important varieties such as sarin, which the organisation previously said was used in the major attack on the rebel-held Damascus districts of East and West Ghouta in August which killed hundreds of people.
“That figure is in line with international expectations and western intelligence reports. The inventory also included reference to 290 tons of Category 2 chemical agents which pose “significant risk", as well as 1,230 unfilled chemical weapons delivery systems such as rockets.
"Although Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal was for decades thought to be the largest in the Middle East, Mr Assad never admitted publicly to having them until the United States declared the attack on East and West Ghouta had crossed the “red line” set by President Barack Obama and threatened a military response.
“Allowing chemical weapons inspectors to report on and, by next year, dismantle the arsenal warded off that threat.”
Furthermore there were Russian aircraft at Al Shayrat airfield, and it's unlikely that the Russians would have kept the attack forewarning from the Syrians. I never said that the President warned Assad, but perhaps the Syrians became suspicious when the Russians moved men and equipment out of harms way.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:04 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:04 AM
Common: More B.S., it won't be the truth even when you repeat it over and over....the Syrians only gave up enough chemical weapons to appease Obama and Putin. They saved enough to use against the population later on....that's when Trump sent them a little warning not to do it again.
Common: Once again take that aluminum foil hat off of your head and think for yourself. The offer is still for you to come to the next Schaefer's World State of the World meeting to be held in February at a site to be named later.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:17 AM
Ms. Jones,
“Apparently all rations were outdated and couldn't be used.”
You may want to check your sources on this and perhaps provide a link. GI’s overseas have rarely praised the "chow," they've always been receiving “Care” packages from family and friends back home, and always took stuff with them that they knew would be hard to get. That’s nothing new or different.
As for “…how bad the situation has been with the Military…” I’d suggest that the military members have different criteria for assessing what’s bad or good. Not having bullets is “bad.” Not having Tang is not “bad.”
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:21 AM
"...in February at a site to be named later."
I'm guessing Never-Never Land, but if I'm wrong, let me know where.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:23 AM
"Not sure of what part of who gives a #$%& about how many Chlorine bombs Assad just turned over when the Almighty Obama said so that you don't understand."
As for as the word salad Ulrich gave as proof that 1300 tons of chemical weapons were destroyed... it could have been 1300 tons of camel dung.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 9:04 AM
"You may want to check your sources on this and perhaps provide a link. GI’s overseas have rarely praised the "chow," they've always been receiving “Care” packages from family and friends back home, and always took stuff with them that they knew would be hard to get. That’s nothing new or different."
Shortages of supplies on the front lines didn't seem to affect the supply of Kobe Beef to the White House during Obaba's reign.
"Within the United States, the ban on imported Japanese beef has only recently been lifted, and Kobe beef is only available at very select restaurants in the country, including the Wynn Las Vegas and Empire Steak House in New York City. At Empire, a choice of a 10-ounce tenderloin or 12-ounce ribeye is priced at $385 and $375, respectively."
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 9:15 AM
I'm guessing Never-Never Land, but if I'm wrong, let me know where.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:23 AM
Common: Never-Never Land, didn't know you were a Michael Jackson fan. However; you do seem to be as looney as he was.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 9:56 AM
Lettau,
I had a close family member there on back to back tours! We sent a lot of food over there that the men shared.
We stepped up to help because unless you're up there in rank money even in combat zones isn't a lot.
Yes the rations were not fit to use and were not being issued. Those soldiers lived on what they could afford to buy and take with them. If you didn't rush to get supplies out of your OWN pay the shelves were empty!
Don't you dare try to say that wasn't true because we pulled together as a family and sent box after box to try to offset the financial burden on American Soldiers who had families at home also who that unless they were on base had to use their pay to support their missions.
You sure can tell you polished a desk chair with your backside for your contribution to the service because to speak so much bs about those who have actually fought in an actual war tells me you never had to fight to stay alive in that situation.
Your a real winner.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:31 PM
Another thing Lettau before you try to call someone else a liar maybe you should get the facts before talking out of your backside about things you know nothing about!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:41 PM
Things went well for common in his later days of service as I explained before.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:46 PM
“…before you try to call someone else a liar…”
Ms. Jones,
I’d submit that a recommendation to recheck sources is by no means calling anyone a “liar.” This is especially crucial as your subsequent statement of, “…rations were not fit to use and were not being issued…” is a direct accusation of dereliction of duty on the part of the unit’s NCOIC, OIC and commanding officer.
In 25 years of service in over 15 countries, I have not experienced a similar situation where soldiers have been deprived of rations or not being paid the separate subsistence allowance. Since an E-3 with about 2 years of service should get about $2000 in basic pay, $350 in subsistence, and about $225 in combat pay, their rights are definitely being abused and exploited. From what’s been described, the superior officers could be court-martialed.
I’d suggest that you send the facts (names, units, dates and locations) to the Army Times, 1919 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182 to allow them to investigate. One of their missions is examine and publicize the details of offenses against US soldiers.
I apologize if I inadvertently offended you, but I’m also a bit curious as to “…how you sure can tell…” what I did in the military.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:00 AM
Common: Believe it's time for you to go to your safe room and watch reruns of Obama's and Hillary's speeches....you met your Waterloo.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:49 AM
“…how you sure can tell…” what I did in the military. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:00 AM
Because you told us dipstick.
You said you were a payroll clerk in the Air Force during Vietnam. Add your disdain for those that actually served in combat by supporting a president whose "rules of engagement" cost lives and a picture emerges of someone who "polished a desk chair with your backside for your contribution to the service".
I posted 2 years ago about Obama's "amber" condition for INFANTRY (real fighters) when the rule forbid infantry patrols in Afghanistan from dismounting with loaded weapons when combined with Afghan military side-by-side. The "blue" (Afghan) on "green" (US military) killings went up. I personally, first hand know of army infantry that relayed this directive to me because they were so upset when Obama changed this rule. Dismounting your vehicle to patrol with Afghans - and NO AMMO in the chamber? You're a sitting duck.
Then you defended Obama on that with a lying article from Snopes. Gotta defend your Messiah at all costs, even when it involved US military casualties.
Says all I need to know about your "service".
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:35 AM
As usual Mr. Williams is 100% wrong. SAD.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:37 AM
Lettau,
It is apparent that you would argue with JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF! You feel no matter what you are always right.
Hate to be the one to tell you but you're not. Do yourself a favor and speak with some Iraqi veterans who were there for the first few years. You will hear some not so impressive things but I am sure somehow you will twist it into something totally different considering your knack for that.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:56 AM
As usual Mr. Williams is 100% wrong. SAD. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:37 AM
As usual, Mr. Lettau believes his opinion from Marble Hill (derived from so many leftist articles, Obama speeches and DNC talking points) is so much more credible than men who actually served on the ground in infantry patrol and relayed first hand.
Just another example of your failed opinion. And your disdain for those that served.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:03 AM
"...there for the first few years."
Just so I don't go wrong again, which "first few years" are you referring to, 1990 to 1991, or 2003 to 2004?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:05 AM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:56 AM
Iamhere: IMO, Common and Mic2 are one of the same.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 4:46 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 16, 2018, at 5:18 PM
Here ya go Obamberals...
................
U.S. warily eyeing new Russian air defenses in Crimea
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States is assessing the security implications of Russia’s latest deployment of S-400 air defenses to Crimea, a U.S. military official said on Tuesday, adding it could give existing Russian defenses more resilience.
“It’s not good. It doesn’t bode well,” a senior U.S. official at the U.S. military’s European Command said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“We certainly are paying attention to it and what that means, as far as the security of the Black Sea.”
Moscow’s deployment on Saturday added a second division of S-400 surface-to-air missiles in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, triggering economic sanctions by the European Union and United States.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 7:53 AM
...and then there's this from Russia's commander Viktor Sevostyanov
........
Russia Sends Division of Surface-to-air Missiles to Crimea
MOSCOW —
Russia deployed a new division of S-400 surface-to-air missiles in Crimea on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported, in an escalation of military tensions on the Crimean peninsula.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 8:31 AM
Yup! Thank You Obama.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 10:30 AM
"Thank You Obama."
You do realize that he's not the President now.
And you realize the Russians have been there for a while (courtesy of Wikipedia)...
The fleet is considered to have been founded by Prince Potemkin on May 13, 1783. In 1918, the fleet was inherited by the Russian SFSR then the Soviet Union in 1922, where it became part of the Soviet Navy. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Black Sea Fleet and most of its vessels were inherited by the Russian Federation.
The Black Sea Fleet's official primary headquarters and facilities are located in the city of Sevastopol, which is de jure part of Ukraine but de facto part of Russia (see Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation). The remainder of the fleet's facilities are based in various locations on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, including Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast and Crimea.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 10:38 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 10:38 AM
Common: Who was President when Putin grabbed Crimea from the sovereign country of Ukraine....answer the Crawdad-In-Chief Obama.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 11:10 AM
Putin did not "grab Crimea." The Crimean peninsula has been Russian for since 1783. It was transferred from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (note the similarity) in 1954.
The USSR did not give up any of their military facilities in Crimea, and continued to operate freely since then. In 2014 when the Russian leaning Ukrainian President was ousted, Putin moved to ensure they had full access to all of their military bases in Crimea.
Now before going further, please tell me how many US military members, ships and aircraft you would have been willing to sacrifice to keep the Russian Military out of their bases in Crimea.
Just come up with a number...
My answer is none.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 11:32 AM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 8:33 PM
Crimea was like a dog tick and needed to be taken care of before the problem dug in , Putin dug in while Obama was on one of his west Coast late night TV Talk Show Tours , burning jet fuel and Secret Service armored car gas to get there , so much for Global Warming . Put the problem off 'til later , well now it's later .
Just like Putin dug into Syria and the Middle East while Obama made sure People got that special wedding cake made from the bakery they wanted . You have to have your priorities...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 9:46 PM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Jan 17, 2018, at 11:32 AM
Common: Sounds like you are pro-Russian and anti-American. BTW, how do you know there would have been a fight between Russia and the USA. Also, when the USSR was broken up Ukraine was then made an independent country with the USA, UK, and Russia to guaranteed it's security in lieu of Ukraine giving up it's supply of nuclear weapons. Sounds to me that our Crawdad-In-Chief reneged on a commitment but what can you except from a wimp.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 9:56 PM
Common: Won't be able till tomorrow night to see your response on this and other matters.
*******
Girlfriend and I will be on the road again - peace and good night.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 10:01 PM
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 10:01 PM
Bon Voyage and don't get sun burned!
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 10:57 PM
The failed policies of collective farming set up the scenario of taking over the breadbasket and stripping away defense was planned. Obama went against the obvious and allowed it for the purpose of making America weak as a world power. Sorry common but that is my opinion.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at 11:02 PM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 12:15 AM
"...there would have been a fight between Russia and the USA."
Mr. Schaefer,
Of course there would have been. The agreement with Ukraine did not give up Russian bases.
Try looking up the Russian Black Sea Fleet on Wikipedia or Jane’s to see what forces the Russians have in the Crimea. It is essentially one military base and is the favorite retirement location for their armed forces.
Then tell me how many American troops, ships and aircraft you would be willing to sacrifice to try to remove the Russians from the Crimea.
Just give me a number.
My answer is zero.
How many Americans would you sacrifice?
----- ---- --- -- -
Mr. Bess,
"....went against the obvious and allowed it..."
Allowed what? What was "obvious?"
How many Americans do you think should have been sacrificed to push Putin out of the Crimea?
Just need your number.
Mine is still zero.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 6:47 AM
Mr Lettau [if that's your real last name] So you think that military base is a retirement center? Putin is using a lot of companies he owns as contractors to sacrifice, keeping his military casualties mostly the result of training accidents. Meanwhile your beloved party refuses to allow proper funding of our military. Now start another stupid question game and praise the man that made America weak.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 9:41 AM
Just give me a number.
My answer is zero.
How many Americans would you sacrifice?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 6:47 AM
Common: I ask again how do you know that there would be a fight....are you a prophet that you know what will happen before hand. Since Ukraine is an UN member, President Obama should have at the least call for an emergency meeting of the UN to counter the Russian aggression. If Franklin Roosevelt had your and Obama's grit the USA would speaking Japanese or German now. If Harry Truman had your and Obama's grit the USA would had to invade the Japanese homeland during WWII which would have caused countless American lives. If John Kennedy had your and Obama's grit the USA would have been blackmailed by the Cubans and Russians over the Missile Crisis in Cuba. Freedom is not cheap just ask all the Syrian civilians kill by Assad after Obama didn't stand the Red Line or the Ukrainians that were killed in defending their homeland thinking that the USA and the UK had their back....thought the Democrats were a compassionate party but they are the party that believes in letting Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran run over the USA....good grief, glad there were no Democrats during the American Revolution or we would still be subjects under the King/Queen of England.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 6:57 PM
Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 6:57 PM
Well done and a big h*** yeah Semo!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 7:09 PM
Where do you think the sanctions on Russia came from?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 9:37 PM
You know, those sanctions that Gen. Flynn and his boss were trying to get removed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 9:48 PM
- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 9:37 PM
Common: Obama to Putin - Wink Wink
*******
- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 9:48 PM
Common: Pure speculation - no evidence on any President Trump's involvement....more likely a Hillary involvement.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 10:01 PM
What sanctions were enforced?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Jan 19, 2018, at 10:52 PM
All of them, that's one of the main culusion issues.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 12:37 AM
And still no one has offered a "number" of American soldiers they'd be willing to sacrifice to push Putin out of his military bases.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 7:29 AM
And still no one has offered a "number" of American soldiers they'd be willing to sacrifice to push Putin out of his military bases.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 7:29 AM
Common: I already answered your baited question yesterday at 6:57pm....however; if you need a numeric answer - one and that would be you.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 9:55 AM
...and what an adult response.
But it seems that you're agreeing that sanctions were the right action, and other moves would have been counterproductive.
Good for you.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 10:02 AM
Note that in pretty much each report that it is noted the source asks for anonymity because they have no authority to speak publicly. If you don't have the permission to say it then there is a song title that fits it called simply "STFU".
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 10:23 AM
I don't think anyone is challenging Russia's ownership of the naval base that Ulrich thinks is a retirement place for old soldiers. Putin used a false flag operation to justify aggression to annex the Russian speaking areas as part of Russia. Obama's weak responses were encouraging to the Russian dictator.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 12:16 PM
Anything that is reported about the Ukraine or Crimea now is "fake news" .
So , more money is needed for Defense Spending to build up the USA Military so it can defend against things that aren't happening in the Ukraine and Crimea ?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 12:24 PM
But it seems that you're agreeing that sanctions were the right action, and other moves would have been counterproductive.
Good for you.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 10:02 AM
Common: Believe you just told a big fat lie, I didn't say anything like that. Sanctions never work. Obama to Putin - Wink Wink just donate some more to the Clinton Foundation and I'll overlook Crimea.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 5:17 PM
"Sanctions never work."
That's strange. If they aren't working, why did Trump have his National Security Advisor collude with the Russians to get the sanctions removed?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:50 AM
"Collude" seems to be the buzz word for the year with the Democrats. Everybody but them colludes and they are innocent of all transgressions.
In a pigs eye!
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 9:14 AM
But it seems that you're agreeing that sanctions were the right action, and other moves would have been counterproductive. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 20, 2018, at 10:02 AM
"Sanctions never work." That's strange. If they aren't working, why did Trump have his National Security Advisor collude with the Russians to get the sanctions removed? -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:50 AM
===
Just another excellent example of Commie Lettau's hypocrisy.
If you believe sanctions work, then why did you openly support Obama's removal of sanctions on Iran and payment of $150 BILLION CASH in US taxpayer money to get Iran to stop building nukes?
Someone else ask him that - he hates tough questions. See him squirm out of that.
I know the answer - the sweetest sound he's ever heard was a Muslim morning prayer. Sanctions worked but Obama wanted to weaken the US in the region whose foreign policy he hated. So he helped make Iran powerful by removing sanctions and paying them money.
And Mr. "how many lives would you be willing to sacrifice" has supported the sacrifice of many American lives at the hands of a (D).
Pathetic and anti-American.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 9:40 AM
Rick Letteau
Collusions between Trump and Russia have not been proven so your sanction accusation is fruitless .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 10:15 AM
Presumably you're not considering why Gen. Flynn has been charged. He's the one that was "negotiating/colluding" with the Russian ambassador to find ways to make sanctions go away.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 10:39 AM
The other incident that the President seems to not want to discuss is his private (no other Americans) meeting in the Oval Office with the Russian Ambassador, the Russian Foreign Minister and a Russian interpreter.
If they weren't "colluding" what were they supposed to have been negotiating?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 10:45 AM
If they weren't "colluding" what were they supposed to have been negotiating? -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 10:45 AM
If Obama and Hillary weren't colluding, then why did they have the Russian Ambassador in the White House? Why did Hillary do the Russian "reset button"? Why did the Russian's donate the clinton foundation? You have ZERO credibility here on "Russian collusion" and defended Obama and Hillary every day during their collusion. From the NY Times:
"Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal"
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 10:50 AM
Just what was Flynn charged with Mr. Obama lover?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 11:16 AM
Look it up.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 11:21 AM
It's just surprising that you didn't know already.
Even Limbaugh/Hannity should have told you that.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 11:23 AM
It is not surprising for you to throw out that Flynn was charged and follow it with." He's the one that was "negotiating/colluding" with the Russian ambassador to find ways to make sanctions go away.".
Can you back up what you twisted into a Lettau fact with something more than an opinion or left wing op-ed?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 12:23 PM
Are you really that helpless, that you are unable to think for yourself?
What do you think he lied to the Vice-president about? Why do you think he was fired?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 1:10 PM
But you posted Trump . Flynn and Trump are 2 different issues
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 2:01 PM
Clinton's dirty e-mails . Does this automatically include Obama ? Are is it 2 different People and issues
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 2:03 PM
Again with the double standards .
Regarding the Russian hacking involving Democracy elections , some are claiming this has been going on for some time and it's not new . Would this mean Obama also won with Russia's help by manipulating votes too ? Can you see how frivolous this is becoming ?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 2:08 PM
Are you really that helpless, that you are unable to think for yourself?
What do you think he lied to the Vice-president about? Why do you think he was fired?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 1:10 PM ....
So you tell us what you think, keep doubling back until it's your fact without anything to back it up and want me to look it up for you while you still claim he was charged with colluding with the Russians on Trump's behalf. I didn't think you could give an answer, Just what you think you know from the CNN or PMSNBC or whatever ran the fake documentary.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 2:39 PM
What I think has nothing to do with anything.
He was arrested and charged with perjury for lying to the FBI about his contacts/collusion with Russians.
Even the Fox opinion channel and Limbaugh/Hannity were aware of it and reported it, so you would needless to say you'd know all there is to know from them.
He has now made a plea deal with the prosecution so he can now tell all about the "deals" he made with the Russians.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 3:34 PM
So now, any conversations with foreign diplomats in the course of government business is collusion if carried out by a Republican.
I would call that NUTS!!
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 4:59 PM
Right every conversation with an enemy of our country regarding evasion of sanctions set by our Congress is perfectly normal.
If that's what you believe, I really feel sorry for you.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:08 PM
"Right every conversation with an enemy of our country regarding evasion of sanctions set by our Congress is perfectly normal."
You have proof that is what was happening of is this just more of your Alternative Facts.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:20 PM
Geez....
What do you think Flynn pled guilty to?
What lies do you think got him fired?
What was the subject of the lies he told to the FBI?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:42 PM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:42 PM
I wasn't there Ulrich, were you? If not then your "Alternative Facts" are supposition.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 5:48 PM
The only reason you'd not be aware of this is if you live in a cocoon.
It's amazing that you are so ignorant of what's going on in the nation.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:02 PM
I think the guy misspoke about the ages of his grandchildren thus he lied to the FBI.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:42 PM
The only reason you'd not be aware of this is if you live in a cocoon.
It's amazing that you are so ignorant of what's going on in the nation.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:02 PM
No Ulrich, I am not aware of this because it has been charged, imagined, leaked or otherwise supposed, but yet not proven.
You're good at declaring anything that supports your purpose facts and defending your boy, Obama at any cost to your integrity. You're a joke, albeit a bad one.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:44 PM
Old John,
Ulrich is just trying to take the focus off the 'Schumer Shutdown'.
Wonder if Ulrich will take time off to watch the Clinton Documentary on Fox coming on in about 10 minutes.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:50 PM
Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:02 PM
I have a post for you on the gov. shutdown forum. I am interested mainly in your response to what Obama says concerning Presidential Powers and why Trump is bad for trying to enforce illegal immigration with his!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 6:54 PM
If you still don't get it, how will another explanation of facts help?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 7:17 PM
"...am not aware of this..."
You're saying that you are not aware of the fact that Gen Flynn pled guilty of lying to the FBI over his dealings with the Russians and made a plea bargain and is now a witness for the prosecution.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 7:21 PM
If you still don't get it, how will another explanation of facts help? -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 7:17 PM
You've never explained the Russian payments to the Clinton foundation for Uranium One, you've never explained Hillary's smiling "Russian Reset" button with the Russian Ambassador, you've never explained Obama's "Tell Vlad I'll have more flexibility after the election"...
Keep cowering little man. An Obama worshipper posting more lies won't cut it here. Another poster pretty much summarized your role here:
Leftist democrat troll. They're a dime a dozen on the internet.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Jan 21, 2018, at 7:22 PM
Yes cut a deal with the FBI and he's not the only one , Bannon has jumped in now too . On the surface the deal is said to be about collusion only but it's yet to be seen what the over all issue is to be about .
What are the odds the issue covers more then just collusion ? I mean , the inquiry has been going on for months , there's a good chance it's over other actors of other issues too .
This thing could be tied up in the courts until long after Trump is not President .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 8:01 AM
In fact… Not one Democratic President ever proposed open borders - Commie Lettau
===
In fact... Not one Democratic President ever proposed doubling the US debt by $10 TRILLION. Yet Obama did it.
In fact... Not one Democratic President ever proposed open borders. Yet Obama did it.
In fact... Not one Democratic President ever proposed throwing granny over the cliff. Yet Obama did by raising massive taxes on seniors (see: Obamacare) and giving almost no increase in Social Security in 8 years.
In Fact... Not one Democratic President ever proposed raising the average cost of health care on families $2,500 a year. Yet Obama did that. After promising to cut it $2,500 a year.
In fact... Not one Democratic President ever proposed forcing Americans to quit seeing their current doctor or losing their current insurance. But Obama did - Period.
===
More lies and misleading from leftist/marxist Lettau. Have you packed for Venezuela of Illinois?
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 8:34 AM
“…response to what [President] Obama says concerning Presidential Powers and why Trump is bad for trying to enforce illegal immigration with his!”
Ms. Jones,
What President Obama said was that he did not have the authority to change immigration laws, Congress had to do so, and at about that time the Senate had already acted on comprehensive immigration reform and was waiting for the House to act.
The executive power that he did have was to prioritize the order of deportation enforcement, which he did to give the deporting of gang members, criminals and unemployed first priority, while awaiting Congress to do their job.
Faced with about 11 million illegals, the bad guys were pursued first and the good guys last.
----- ---- --- -- -
Strangely enough, that’s what Candidate Trump said he was going to do if elected…
“We’re gonna get rid of all the bad players that are here,” he told Fox News’ Greg Bolling. “After that takes place, which will be a process, and it won’t go that quickly, but it’s gonna go as quickly as any human being can do it. After that takes place, we’re gonna sit back, we’re gonna assess the situation, we’re going to see where we are.”
“We’re gonna make a decision at that time,” he continued. “I want to see, before we do anything further, I want to see how it shapes up when we have strong — I use the word impenetrable — border, but how it shapes up.”
This echoes comments Trump made on CNN last week. Trump told Anderson Cooper that he would first focus on deporting the “bad” guys.
There’s nothing wrong with President Trump deporting bad guys first. There was, however, no reason to put DACA kids in the same category as gang members and criminals.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 8:56 AM
There’s nothing wrong with President Trump deporting bad guys first. There was, however, no reason to put DACA kids in the same category as gang members and criminals.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 8:56 AM
That talking point doesn't hold water Ulrich. Obama merely undid Obama's illegal order and told Congress to fix what has been festering for years.
Thank God we have somebody in office who wants to quit kicking the can down the road and do something.
Then along comes Schumer and wants to muddy up an Appropriations Bill to get his way on the DACA problem. Therefore we have the Schumer Shutdown.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:21 AM
"Thank God we have somebody in office who wants to quit kicking the can down the road and do something."
If he wanted to "quit kicking the can" and wanted to solve the problem, he should have told Congress to give him a DACA bill to sign. Instead he wanted an issue that was supposed to give him leverage for the unneeded wall, which is what caused the Trump shutdown.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:35 AM
In any case, prioritizing deportations is not an illegal order. The republicans like to call it that but only for political purposes.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:37 AM
Instead he wanted an issue that was supposed to give him leverage for the unneeded wall, which is what caused the Trump shutdown.
- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:35 AM
Couple of things Ulrich....
Funding our government is a much higher priority than dealing with DACA first. Those 700,000 illegal aliens are not doing without as our military will be if they don't get the Schumer Shutdown corrected.
Trump wants the wall and many Americans think we need it. If we do not, then past Administrations have failed in their duty to protect our borders. Otherwise how do you justify 11,000,000 or whatever the correct number of illegals in this country?
Schumer and the Democrats do not want to compromise on the issue. The wall and protecting our borders go right in lock step with the DACA problem. If Schumer and the Democrats concede the wall to Trump, he will surely give them the 700,000 votes they so covet.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:07 AM
In any case, prioritizing deportations is not an illegal order. The republicans like to call it that but only for political purposes.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:37 AM
Can you tell me with a straight face that is all Obama's illegal order did?
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:11 AM
What do you think it did?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:16 AM
Couple of things Mr. VanGennip...
Approving DACA is independent of funding the government. They are only connected because the President wants leverage.
"...many Americans think we need it."
That's not the case 65% say we don't need it and that goes to 75% along the border.
'... how do you justify 11,000,000..."
No one "justifies" them. They arrived over a long period of time. About 60% have been here for 10 years or more, and about 15% over 5 years. They came and stayed because Americans gave them jobs on farms or as laborers, and obviously because they worked for less pay.
The wall and DACA are unrelated except for republican political purposes. Why would republicans be unable or unwilling to compete for votes?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:30 AM
The wall and DACA are unrelated except for republican political purposes. Why would republicans be unable or unwilling to compete for votes?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:30 AM
The wall and DACA are both immigration issues and therefore are germaine to one another.
Appropriation bills and immigration are two seperate issues. Give Trump a clean appropriations bill as you so fondly demanded in the past and the government can be funded and life goes on.
It is a Schumer Shutdown plain and simple because the Democrats want the leverage of tying DACA to Appropriations..... Mr Lettau.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 10:43 AM
Illegal immigration is the problem, those DACA 'kids', many grown and with free college degrees and some getting government benefits working citizens don't qualify for is the effect of the problem. Fix the problem first then address the effect.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 11:31 AM
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 11:31 AM
Old John, if those illegals that we have educated and fed for the past 20 years had a sense of decency they would go back to where they came from and take their tag along relatives with them and spend their lives using what they learned bettering their own country.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 11:42 AM
Lettau,
Most are willing to work with Trump's wall and want to only have input on an alternate type on some sections along the border.
As far as price? How much will we save not having to support and provide free services for millions who have come here illegally?
Where do you draw a line and let people break the law without arresting them? If you or I get caught doing something illegal we are arrested or ticketed. The law is for all not just citizens!
I have been waiting for someone to try to use the fact that illegal immigrants don't get arrested for entering the country unless the commit other crimes.
It hasn't been that long since the incident concerning a woman's illegal immigrant boyfriend was arrested and deported for severely beating her and within 2 weeks he had come straight back and killed her!
What is your solution Mr. All knowing?
I guess if you are worried about the price of the wall we could use something cheaper like bullets.
We could have snipers at certain intervals along the border and just let them pick them off when they try to enter. That wouldn't cost anywhere near what some type of barrier would.
Just wondering how you think it should be done.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 12:22 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 12:22 PM
Iam,
Don't make the questions too hard or you won't get an answer.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 1:21 PM
“As far as price?”
It's not really the issue. Most of the illegals, it’s estimated at about 8 million are working and paying taxes, so they are not all receiving free services. A summary from Wikipedia says:
“There were approximately 11.3 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2016, roughly unchanged from the prior year but well below the 12.2 million peak in 2007. There were an estimated 8 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. civilian workforce in 2016, roughly 5%. The Congressional Budget Office reported in 2007 that "the tax revenues that unauthorized immigrants generate for state and local governments do not offset the total cost of services provided to them" but "in aggregate and over the long term, tax revenues of all types generated by immigrants—both legal and unauthorized—exceed the cost of the services they use." Unauthorized immigrants demand goods and services while an estimated 50 to 75 percent pay taxes. Due to cheaper labor, they contribute to lower prices in the industries where they work, such as agriculture, restaurants, and construction.”
So it looks like if the President were to be able to magically make all 11 million disappear, the country would save some money in “services” but Americans would have to pay more for food, entertainment and construction.
The solution is still comprehensive immigration reform to document them all so they work legally and pay the same taxes as everyone else.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…break the law without arresting them?”
I don’t, but the nation has been living with illegals for so long and “looking the other way” by employing them, taking “advantage” of their lower wage scale, that to arrest and deport every single one would be damaging to all of us. Even President Trump gave up on his “deportation army.”
----- ---- --- -- -
“…fact that illegal immigrants don't get arrested for entering the country unless the commit other crimes.”
But they do and most are arrested as they are trying to get into the country. But as mentioned above the “failure to arrest” has existed for so long that Americans seem to be unable to demand that.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…arrested and deported for severely beating her and within 2 weeks he had come straight back and killed her!”
He should have been jailed by the country he was deported to. The fact that he was able to come back and kill her is a tragedy, but then so is it when native-born Americans kill people.
----- ---- --- -- -
“…are worried about the price of the wall…”
I’m not “worried about the price,” it’s just an unnecessary expenditure of US tax payer’s money. (Mexico will pay has always been a lie.) It would also be ineffective. You can go over, under or around walls.
About 85% of the drugs coming into the country are smuggled in otherwise legal means such as trucks and containers. Very few illegals are coming across the border, with most having visas that they overstay.
Tax payer money would be better spent by strengthening parts of the existing walls, extending some, and adding technical surveillance such as drones and sensors.
----- ---- --- -- -
“We could have snipers at certain intervals along the border…”
We could probably pay some Americans to murder unarmed intruders, but ordering the US Military to kill them would very likely constitute an unlawful order.
----- ---- --- -- -
Any more questions? I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the SO conservatives, they’re big on whining and complaining but not much on facts and truth.
You’re welcome.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 2:18 PM
"...and with free college degrees..."
What evidence do you have that this is true?
"...and some getting government benefits working citizens don't qualify for..."
Such as what?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 3:12 PM
About 85% of the drugs coming into the country are smuggled in otherwise legal means such as trucks and containers. Very few illegals are coming across the border, with most having visas that they overstay.
Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 2:18 PM
There are a lot of Americans who live on that border that contradict your very few coming across and drug smuggling guesstimates including an Indian Reservation in Arizona.
Quite a few of those who actually pay taxes live in Mexico but work in the U.S.. No different than those here who drive long distances back and forth to work everyday. Some stay here during their work week and go back when they have their days off.
When it comes to saying that most are arrested for crossing illegally that is just not so. When they crack down on certain crossings they just come through another area until it becomes well known and just start using a different way when they crack down on that one.
So there needs to be something along that border to at least make it harder than just strolling across or climbing or ducking through a barbwire fence like farmers use for Cattle and Horses.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 5:31 PM
What evidence do you have that this is true?
"...and some getting government benefits working citizens don't qualify for.
One your favorite senators stood up a photo of one of the fine contributing Dreamers in cap and gown with a medical degree to make the point how valuable these folks are to our society.
Who do you think paid for that?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 5:41 PM
One more thing. Something that Rick S. says about how things come full circle (I call it Karma) may be coming to bite us in the backside.
Look at what our forefathers did to Native Americans to get this Country and then look at all the ones we call illegals just doing a lot of the same things. Could be that we are coming full circle.
Gives you something to think about.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 5:59 PM
Don't make the questions too hard or you won't get an answer.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 1:21 PM
Wheels, I think he is ignoring us again.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 7:42 PM
- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 7:42 PM
It would appear so. :-)
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 9:01 PM
Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 22, 2018, at 2:18 PM
It's not really the issue. Most of the illegals, it’s estimated at about 8 million are working and paying taxes, so they are not all receiving free services. A summary from Wikipedia says:
“There were approximately 11.3 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2016, roughly unchanged from the prior year but well below the 12.2 million peak in 2007. There were an estimated 8 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. civilian workforce in 2016, roughly 5%.
/////////////////////////
Although the Census attempts to enumerate both citizens and non-citizens, the undocumented immigrant population of the United States has proven hard to quantify; the census uses a 12 million base estimate nationally. However, current estimates based on national surveys, administrative data and other sources of information indicate that the current population may range as high as 20 to 30 million.[42]
So you see that 8 million doesn't look as good when you look at 20-30 million illegal immigrants.
That link makes for some interesting reading. Since we know that you don't want to bother with looking at info. others post if it contradicts your opinion know that I won't explain it to you. Look for yourself or just don't bother to reply.
Not being rude just telling you how it is.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:11 AM
Not being rude just telling you how it is.-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:11 AM
===
Commie Lettau thinks it is rude to tell him "how it is". He's thin skinned like his messiah Obama. With liberals you must accept their ideology - they are the most non-inclusive and un-diverse people hateful bunch you'll ever run into.
Commie displays that every day.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:34 AM
"...that the current population may range as high as 20 to 30 million.[42]"
The reference [42] is from 12 years ago. And it is qualified with a "may range" statement.
Since 2006, there do not appear to be any estimates that are even close to that, and one would think that if the real number were anywhere over about 11 million, the republicans might have noticed and publicized that figure to incorporate it into their own scare tactics.
And thanks anyhow, but you didn't need to explain anything. I have no problem at all with "looking for myself," as that's how I noticed that the estimate was from 2006.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:39 AM
Commie Lettau thinks it is rude to tell him "how it is".
Posted by Doug Williams on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:34 AM
That is just how I am. Some people don't like being told how it is but that's just how it is.😎
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:41 AM
"That is just how I am."
Funny, Ms. Jones, that's how I am too.
I have no objections to being told "how it is," but most often, it's a case of being told by someone that it's "how they think it is."
And as always, your opinions are welcome.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 7:58 AM
And you think the numbers have dropped to the same number that you use that matches the 2006 estimate that you used? That there are are still only 11-12 million illegally?
When you get back to reality let me know.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 8:12 AM
I am out of here for awhile to take care of some business.
Guys he is all yours! Your welcome!😁😁
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 8:20 AM
"That there are are still only 11-12 million illegally?"
It’s not a matter of what I think. Here are the numbers from the latest reports from the Department of Homeland Security. Their numbers from 2006 and 2012 do not agree with Mr. Knickerbocker. It’s not a case of numbers dropping, but an overestimate for whatever reason.
You can believe whomever you like, but I’ll go with the DHS numbers, instead of Mr. Knickerbocker's "reality."
----- ---- --- -- -
Estimates of the Unauthorized Immigrant Population Residing in the United States
From the 2012 report…
“In summary, an estimated 11.4 million unauthorized immigrants were living in the United States in January 2012 compared to 11.5 million in January 2011. These results suggest little to no change in the unauthorized immigrant population from 2011 to 2012. Of all unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in 2012, 42 percent entered in 2000 or later. Entrants since 2005 accounted for 14 percent of the total. Fifty-nine percent of unauthorized immigrants in 2012 were from Mexico.”
From the 2006 report…
“In summary, there were an estimated 11.6 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States as of January 2006. Nearly 4.2 million had entered in 2000 or later. An estimated 6.6 million of the 11.6 million unauthorized residents were from Mexico.”
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 8:43 AM
"Guys he is all yours!"
More funnyness, but that's what SO conservatives do when the facts overwhelm them (consider "smiley face" inserted.)
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 8:45 AM
(Sigh) Just focus Lettau
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Jan 23, 2018, at 4:54 PM
Looks like the coming back to bite may include Obama's backside
May be why common is too busy to comment. Or could it be Trump's tax bill opened up some money making opportunity to pursue. Then again he may be out shopping for a new washing machine or something.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jan 24, 2018, at 8:56 PM
Syria war: Turkey denounces US 'terror army' plan for border
...............
Key powers involved in Syria's civil war have criticised US plans to help an allied Kurdish-led militia set up a 30,000-strong "border security force".
What do other countries say?
The Syrian government called the creation of the SDF border force "a blatant attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity and unity of Syria, and a flagrant violation of international law".
"What the American administration has done comes in the context of its destructive policy in the region to fragment countries... and impedes any solutions to the crises," an official at the foreign ministry was cited as saying by the Sana news agency.
The source warned that Damascus considered any Syrian fighting for militias sponsored by the US to be "a traitor to their people and nation".
Russia, which backs the Syrian government, said the US move might lead to the "break-up of a large territory along the border with Turkey and Iraq". "This is a very serious issue that raises concerns that a path towards the partition of Syria has been taken," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 8:39 AM
"That there are are still only 11-12 million illegally?"
................
I have yet to hear one good reason why illegal People are allowed to stay in this Nation .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 8:42 AM
It doesn't matter who the President is , I have yet to hear one good reason why illegal People are allowed to stay in this Nation .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 8:45 AM
"What the American administration has done comes in the context of its destructive policy in the region to fragment countries... and impedes any solutions to the crises,"
...............
So , what happened to "America first!" ??
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 8:54 AM
"...hear one good reason why illegal People are allowed to stay..."
Probably a similar reason as to why the "illegals" were "allowed" to stay in the 16th through 19th centuries. No one was able to or wanted to do anything about it.
But more seriously, this was the likely beginning…
“Beginning in World War II, the Bracero Program brought Mexican laborers to the United States to remedy wartime production shortages. The program (which derived its name from the Spanish word for a manual laborer, “bracero”) continued until 1964, with braceros working mainly in agricultural areas in the Southwest and on the West Coast. Braceros worked long hours for low wages in difficult jobs that separated them from their families. In the United States, they also faced discrimination and became the subject of national labor debates.”
Seems that after this, individual Americans, farms and businesses were attracted to cheap labor and the legality of their presence was largely ignored.
The result was a de facto population of laborers that grew gradually over time. The most sensible solution today would appear to deport all of the criminals and gang members, and document those working or able to, and make 100% certain that undocumented individual are not employed.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 9:34 AM
Probably a similar reason as to why the "illegals" were "allowed" to stay in the 16th through 19th centuries. No one was able to or wanted to do anything about it.
.................
This is not a good reason .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 9:36 AM
Actually , nothing in your post are good reasons ...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 9:37 AM
Migrant farm workers were coming way before WWII. They went back after the season. When government got involved demanding employer housing standards the employer investment made the work force a commodity to be contracted to smaller farms. Crop diversity development and more regulations made it good business to have workers stay. Previously the migrant workers took their U.S dollars earned back with them and enjoyed a huge purchasing power in Mexico, a natural incentive to go back.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 9:54 AM
"Crop diversity development and more regulations..."
Who asked for crop diversity and why? What regulations are you referring to?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 10:07 AM
Who asked for crop diversity and why? What regulations are you referring to?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 10:07 AM
No one asked the almighty government to give them crop diversity. It is one of the benefits of free enterprise. The 1938 Fair Labor Standard Act is a place to start if you want to continue posting as if you are the expert in all things "Bigger Means Better Government.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 10:46 AM
Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 10:46 AM
😎
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 4:45 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 25, 2018, at 4:56 PM
Schumer and Pelosi are predictable, they want the illegals given promise of full citizenship in shorter time frame and ability to bring in anyone they know. They want this promise before before midterm elections. They have no regard for what is best for America. I think this strategy will fail them as many democrats don't want to tied to such silliness as Pelosi claiming Trump wants to make America white again. Only diehard Love Obama-hate Trumpers would defend that.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 12:15 PM
"...citizenship in shorter time frame..."
I still find it fascinating that republicans/conservatives concede that they have nothing to offer immigrants becoming American citizens.
They keep whining about how all these new Americans will automatically vote for democratic candidates. One would think that they would consider initiatives to improve education, medical care or job training, but seem to allow democrats to be the only party working for their benefit and the good of the country.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 1:03 PM
Only diehard Love Obama-hate Trumpers would defend that.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 12:15 PM
And guess who follows with something that doesn't make sense trying to defend more giveaways to entice more illegal immigration.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 2:25 PM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 1:03 PM
Ulrich, You may think it is fine for opposing politicians of both parties to get into a contest to see how much they can give away to these illegals to make then citizen and in an effort to buy their votes. As an American and a taxpayer, I don't see that as being such a hot idea. If the Democrats keep insisting on compromising and doing it their way, then let the deadline be reached and start the process of rounding up and shipping out.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 2:37 PM
Presidents do have ramifications for their actions even after they are no longer Presidents . How many pounds , or tons , of chemical weapons did Obama make Putin take care of in Syria ?
I'm sure there's a way to blame this on the current Administration too even after it sent missiles to punish Syria .
............
Tillerson insists Russia to blame for Syria chemical attacks
Warsaw (AFP) - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Saturday said he stands by his claim that Russia bears responsibility for recent chemical attacks in Syria, despite strong denials from Moscow.
"These are just unacceptable deployments of chemicals in ways that violate all conventions which Russia itself has signed up for. It violates agreements that Russia undertook to be responsible for identifying and eliminating the chemical weapons inside of Syria," Tillerson said during a visit to Warsaw.
Damascus has been repeatedly accused of using chemical weapons, with the United Nations among those blaming government forces for an April 2017 sarin gas attack on the opposition-held village of Khan Sheikhun that left scores dead.
There have been at least 130 separate chemical weapons attacks in Syria since 2012, according to French estimates, with the Islamic State group also accused of using mustard gas in Syria and Iraq.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Jan 27, 2018, at 5:30 PM
US says Russia 'developing' undersea nuclear-armed torpedo
Just as the White House is caught in a political minefield over the Russia investigation, the Pentagon is taking its toughest line yet against Russia's resurgent nuclear forces.
In its newly released Nuclear Posture Review, the Defense Department has focused much of its multibillion nuclear effort on an updated nuclear deterrence focused on Russia.
"Russia considers the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to be the principal threats to its contemporary geopolitical ambitions," the report says.
"The Defense Intelligence Agency currently estimates Russia has a stockpile of 2,000 "non-strategic" nuclear weapons including short-range ballistic missiles, gravity bombs and depth charges that can go on medium range bomber aircraft," according to the report.
"DIA also estimates Russia has nuclear armed anti-ship, anti-submarine missiles and torpedoes. What do they need nuclear depth charges for?" one US official asked.
President Donald Trump highlighted the importance of the review's conclusions Friday in a written statement.
"Over the past decade, despite United States efforts to reduce the roles and numbers of nuclear weapons, other nuclear nations grew their stockpiles, increased the prominence of nuclear weapons in their security strategies, and — in some cases — pursued the development of new nuclear capabilities to threaten other nations," Trump said.
"The strategy develops capabilities aimed at making use of nuclear weapons less likely. It enhances deterrence of strategic attacks against our nation, and our allies and partners, that may not come in the form of nuclear weapons. And, importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to arms control and nuclear non-proliferation, maintains the moratorium on nuclear testing, and commits to improving efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear terrorism," he added.
The Pentagon is adamant the Nuclear Posture Review walks the line between maintaining a nuclear deterrence and encouraging controls on nuclear weapons.
"It reaffirms that the fundamental role of US nuclear policy is deterrence and continues our clear commitment to nonproliferation and arms control," said Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.
First mention of Russian nuclear torpedo system
The report also publicly acknowledges, for the first time, that Russia is "developing" a "new intercontinental, nuclear armed, nuclear-powered, undersea autonomous torpedo."
Known in English as the "Status-6" system, the program is described by US officials as essentially a drone-type device fired underwater that can potentially travel thousands of miles and strike US coastal targets such as military bases or cities.
Upon detonation, the device is designed to cause large zones of radioactive contamination.
Some analysts have called it a "doomsday weapon," and US Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, has labeled the concept "destabilizing."
"The concept is a horror of the Cold War," according to Adam Mount, a senior fellow and the director of the Defense Posture Project at the Federation of American Scientists. "It is clearly inspired by overblown Russian worries that US missile defenses will make their missile forces obsolete."
"There is no indication from public information that Russia is actively developing the system, but it is alarming to see it in a Pentagon document," Mount said, adding that while the program is referenced in the Nuclear Posture Review, it is not mentioned in other government reports.
Low yield nuclear weapons
The review calls for more focus on US "low yield" nuclear weapons to try to convince Russia that the US has a credible deterrent against the potential Russian threat. The plan calls for modifying existing US warheads on submarine-launched ballistic missiles in a $50 million five-year program.
Each submarine would only carry a few of these new missiles, armed primarily with strategic longer-range missiles.
"Neither recommendation requires developing new nuclear warheads," Shanahan said. "Neither will increase the size of our nuclear stockpile. They break no treaty."
"The idea is to have one or two or just a few to address this potential Russian limited use," according to one Pentagon official.
But according to some experts, the plan translates Trump's urge to "greatly expand and strengthen" the arsenal into policy.
"The Trump administration's call for new nuclear weapons is a major shift in US policy," Mount said when asked the proposal for low-yield nuclear weapons.
"Programs for new nuclear weapons would follow our adversaries into a world where nuclear competition is commonplace. The programs would crowd out other military priorities, alarm allies, and have huge diplomatic cost -- for minimal deterrence benefit," he said.
Mount said that the review's outline for low-yield nuclear weapons "relies on the assumption that Russia would invade NATO allies, and glosses over important arguments about where and why these weapons would ever be necessary."
Low-yield ballistic missiles could be fielded within just a few years.
Longer-range missiles could come over the next decade, and the US would plan to develop and field sea-launched cruise missiles also with lower-yield warheads.
The review is calling for all of this along with an overall modernization of the nuclear force because the Pentagon requires an "investment in a credible nuclear deterrent with diverse capabilities," chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana White told reporters.
Defense Secretary James Mattis said: "What we have is a nuclear deterrent, so keep those two words always together and then look at the efforts to push forward on nonproliferation and arms control, and you have to do that when you're in a position of persuasion not of hope."
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 8:58 AM
Semo471
2nd time we have to kick them out, bring in a Tattoo artist and have them Tattoo 'Illegal' right across their forehead, just above their eyebrows.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:03 AM
Wheels: ICE needs to send all repeat illegals a free one way ticket to some sh**hole country overseas....hard to swim back or walk back.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:45 AM
Semo471
You're not being politically correct. Those are Turd World Countries.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:50 AM
You're not being politically correct. Those are Turd World Countries.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:50 AM
Wheels: I wipe my previous comment.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:57 AM
Wheels: I wipe my previous comment.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 9:57 AM
😂😂😂😂😂
No further comment necessary.😎
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 10:27 AM
Statue of Liberty , a gift and symbol of history when America was Great .
On Her plaque it reads :
Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
On the tablet in her left hand, it says "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776), the day the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence."
...........
That illegal immigrant drunk driver -- who was deported twice but was still here to kill -- should die too . Immediately , just as the Americans they killed . Period . But , this does not mean each and every immigrant can be cherry picked to stay or go , the colonist who fought for Freedom weren't . This is a Nation of Law , set a Law , Obey the Law . No Executive Order , no setting rules during the middle of Congress Legislative Process of Laws -- that be you and DACA , Obamberal Freaks .
***************
***************
The Peoples , including we Lakota , Apache , Blackfoot , Cherokee , have determined ICE is correct , immigrants do not reach all requirements to stay in the Great Lands . All immigrants , no matter their length of stay or their ancestry's length , do not qualify to stay . They should all be deported back to their original Home Lands -- Europe , Asia , Russia , Africa , Australia , Middle East , Central Asia , New Zealand , Balklans . All ingredients of the great melting pot needs to be poured back into the seas .
Get out . A simple Law .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 2:30 PM
And once again......
It was the second day of an intensified assault on the region. On Monday, at least 28 people were killed, while on Sunday, a suspected chlorine attack left a dozen people suffering from breathing difficulties.
Must be a typo since King Obama handled that already.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Tue, Feb 6, 2018, at 8:22 PM
File this under "President Obama's National Security Strategy"
A good, short read on Obama's DACA and the damage done to this country. MS-13 loved it and invited other youth to come to American untouched under DACA:
"Detailing how the gang rebuilt itself under Obama’s open-border immigration policies, she said, “this resurgence represents a very serious threat to public safety in communities where MS-13 has rebuilt itself. The resurgence is directly connected to the illegal arrival and resettlement of more than 300,000 Central American youths and families that has continued unabated for six years, and to a de-prioritization of immigration enforcement in the interior of the country that occurred at the same time.”
"One MS-13 clique leader in Frederick, Md., who had received a DACA work permit and was employed as a custodian at a middle school in Frederick, Md., and who was recently incarcerated for various gang-related crimes, reportedly was told by gang leaders in El Salvador to take advantage of the lenient policies on UACs to bring in new recruits, knowing that they would be allowed to resettle in the area with few questions asked. Several of these unaccompanied minors now have been arrested and incarcerated for various crimes, including a vicious random attack on a sheriff's deputy in 2015."
Another example of the god of the democrats destructive, anti-American policies. His "security strategy"? - support Iran, distance Israel, open borders, doubling the US debt and more.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Feb 21, 2018, at 9:10 AM
Pelosi has no clue what the border is? Apparently she doesn't realize the Sonora Dessert is also there! Mowing the grass? She must be smoking grass!
"Let’s talk about where a more serious structure might be necessary, where fencing will do or mowing the grass so people can’t be smuggled through the grass," she proposed, also mentioning adding levees, technology and personnel to enhance border security.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 7:25 PM
Iam, I didn't get much out of that link but remember seeing her live trying to make some kind of point about cane or bamboo that was planted there as a deterrent to people walking across a shallow marsh by a river. Must have been a democrat idea.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 7:40 PM
She is about stupid! What an Idiot!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 8:12 PM
cane or bamboo that was planted there as a deterrent to people walking across a shallow marsh by a river. -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 7:40 PM
OJ: How could cane or bamboo deter folks from crossing a shallow marsh....what a loser, she needs to retire.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 8:17 PM
semo, Actually a thick stand of cane will give cause to find an easier place but without enforcement of our laws, it's a moot point.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 8:41 PM
- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 8:41 PM
OJ: Maybe we need to move some of the Florida gators to those shallow marshes....then the Liberals would cry of the harsh means to deter the Illegals.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 9:08 PM
semo471, You should get a MAGA cap for that idea! :)
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 9:22 PM
OJ: Would wear it proudly.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 10:34 PM
U.S. imposes more North Korea sanctions, Trump warns of 'phase two'
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Feb 23, 2018, at 7:03 PM
Maybe we need to move some of the Florida gators to those shallow marshes....then the Liberals would cry of the harsh means to deter the Illegals. -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Feb 22, 2018, at 9:08 PM
Unfortunately it's not that simple...
The liberals would cry of the harsh treatment of illegals, the eco-threat to endangered Florida gators, global warming flooding the marshes, Trump cutting funding to university research studies linked to immigration through shallow marshes, white-privilege and "the rich".
Did I leave anything out? I'm sure Lettau will come along shortly to fill in the rest of the liberal crying points.
:-)
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 8:49 AM
Dug: Guess there are roadblocks even with the simplest of solutions.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 10:38 AM
Lettau must have taken what he thinks is his ball and went home. Too bad he thinks his is the only ball on the playground.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 3:12 PM
Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 3:12 PM
When Common gets corrected he usually just disappears. I think he is probably googling his rear off trying to find anything he can use to try to make it look like he isn't as duped as he is.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 4:01 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 4:38 PM
"...gets corrected..."
I'd be glad to help you if you can explain what it is you're referring to.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 5:39 PM
Trump sent missiles to spank Syria's *** before , what's the hold-up dude , too busy worrying about your sorry *** name now ?
Just stay out of it , let those folks fight each other , they've been doing it for centuries anyway with no end in sight . Let Putin take the fall for a change .
But still , Trump , damm . You can't be doing one thing and then just nothing next , it sure doesn't make America look "great again" ...wait -- still time to write one of those nasty tweets from out Twitter-in-Chief !
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 6:36 PM
Rick,
Since we are already involved I feel Trump should speak up! It is total bullshat to ignore the pleas from those who expect the USA to step up and help them instead of ignoring it and allowing basically mass murder.
He hasn't said one freaking word! It is really starting to pee me off!!
He is starting to act just like Obama! Another embarrassment for the people of the US!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 6:48 PM
Too bad he thinks his is the only ball on the playground. -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 3:12 PM
Lettau thinks he has a whole imaginary team to play with his ball.
He's pure entertainment.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 8:21 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Feb 24, 2018, at 6:48 PM
Iamhere: IMO, President Trump is not going to tell our enemies what he plans to do ahead of time like our Crawdad-In-Chief Obama did. Let's see what the 30 day Cease-Fire brings to the region. With Russia, Turkey, Iran, and the USA all supporting different factions of the population there - it's a power keg waiting to explode. Remember today's situation probably would not be happening had the Crawdad followed up on his Red Line comments which would not had allowed Russia and Iran to gain a foot hold in Syria.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 9:34 AM
What happened on Sunday?
Government air strikes took place in the rebel enclave soon after the resolution was agreed in New York, although at far lower level than in previous days.
At least three people are reported to have died in the latest attacks, while one rebel group in the Eastern Ghouta said it had killed a number of government soldiers.
The Syrian American Medical Society, a relief organisation, told the BBC that one of its hospitals in the area has received patients suffering from symptoms that indicate a chemical attack. It said one child has died.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, said it has received similar information, but has not yet been able to confirm if there was a gas attack.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 2:44 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 2:44 PM
Iamhere: It takes awhile for all parties to get the word out but if there is any large scale chemical attack it should be met with extreme force to those who did it.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 3:38 PM
It shouldn't matter if it is large or small. There should be Zero Tolerance for chemical weapons. This is the second time lately it has been mentioned. Someone needs to say or do something.
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 4:13 PM
North Korea ‘willing’ to talk with US, South Korea says
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 5:51 PM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 5:51 PM
Rick: Hopefully the North Koreans are serious and not just jockeying for position in the world opinion.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 6:36 PM
What are the odds it will be another Vietnam , one Nation , Korea , no more North/South and the USA are thrown the hell out . The exception would be this one Nation , Korea , would have nukes .
North Korea could play Trump against his own big doubt *** mouth to lure in South Korea ....and still have their nukes ...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 8:54 PM
Rick: Hopefully the North Koreans are serious and not just jockeying for position in the world opinion.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Feb 25, 2018, at 6:36 PM
semo, I think the dictator is intent on keeping the people under his tyranny convinced he is the only thing saving his people from total annihilation from the west and nuclear weapons are a way to enforce that idea. Anyone that sees through that or questions it goes to work camps along with their entire family.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Feb 26, 2018, at 12:18 AM
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Feb 26, 2018, at 12:18 AM
OJ: The North Korean dictators have been playing past USA Presidents for years, hopefully President Trump doesn't fall for their Bull Srap.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Feb 26, 2018, at 7:42 AM
The U.N. reports North Korea has been caught sending Syria supplies , a violation of it's sanctions . Of course , Syria denies such things . This would be the same Syria Trump sent missiles for using chemical weapons and the same North Korea he tweets as Little Rocket Man . Trump writes a weekly comic book and he thinks he is the star hero cartoon .
U.N. Links North Korea to Syria’s Chemical Weapon Program
UNITED NATIONS — North Korea has been shipping supplies to the Syrian government that could be used in the production of chemical weapons, United Nations experts contend .
Chief of Staff Kelly took Kushner's High Level Security last Friday so Kushner can no longer sit in on any USA High Level Security meetings because he hasn't been fully vetted yet by the NSA . Kushner has made trips to Foreign States on behalf of the USA for various reasons including trade deal and also for his own personal business deals . My first question would be , who gave Kushner the High Level Security from the get go that Chief of Staff Kelly just took away ? And second , what's the guarantee Kushner didn't use or wasn't compromised by any Foreign State to get USA High Level Security info on any of these deals , Government or personal ? Had Hillary been elected and Chelsea's husband did this after Hillary's e-mail fiasco , 5 kinds of hell would have went down .
*********************
Every top level USA Government Security member has warned Foreign States are hacking the USA and are still waiting for a directive from the Commander-in-Chief on which way to go and how to punish those Foreign States . Trump refused to continue the sanctions the USA set on Russia in January , he was still too busy cleaning his dumb *** name . ...and he still hasn't came up with a cybersecurity plan or a clear punishment to any Foreign State for hacking the USA . De'ja vu Obama all over again .
********************
All of this great Stock Market and Economy Trump and the Trumpites seem so giddy about , the Federal Reserve , or Central Bank , controls the USA economy . Investors raise or lower the Stock Market , a President does neither one . A president can set or change certain rules (the next President can change them back) -- not Laws -- but they don't run the Economy or Stocks . He has convinced Congress it's a good idea to cut revenue and increase spending at the same time so our kids and their kids will be as or even more broke then we are now . Somebody made off with a $1 trillion dollars for everyone else to pay for ....
I post not about the stupid (D) or (R) , not about Conservative or Liberal , I post about questions of what I see and think for myself . In no way is Kushner a swamp drain , the boy is a bayou .
So , call me a Snowflake if it makes you feel all better , call me whatever you want . Trump does not wear a cape with a big "S" on his chest and is not that hero . He is the cartoon .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Feb 27, 2018, at 10:06 PM
Kushner loses access to top-secret intelligence
A memo sent Friday downgraded the presidential son-in-law and adviser and other White House aides who had been working on interim clearances.
By ELIANA JOHNSON and ANDREW RESTUCCIA 02/27/2018 03:39 PM EST
Presidential son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner has had his security clearance downgraded — a move that will prevent him from viewing many of the sensitive documents to which he once had unfettered access.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Feb 27, 2018, at 10:15 PM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Feb 27, 2018, at 10:06 PM
Rick: Looks like your chemical link shows that Obama was asleep at the wheel while President Trump has only one year to undo the harm that Obama did in the region....time will tell - something is up and IMO Trump won't let it happen much longer.
*******
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Feb 27, 2018, at 10:15 PM
Rick: Not sure what the hold up in clearing Kushner from "secret" to "top secret"....what ever the cause it needs to be rectified quickly.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 11:00 AM
semo
True , Obama screwed the Middle East up from the floor up . But , Trump sent missiles right from the get go to spank Syria plus he's been all over North Korea too . It's letting this slide right on by now , I have to wonder why .
Kushner is a main player of the USA negotiating peace in the Middle East , I think especially Israel and Palestine . He's also had meetings with some Chinese Foreign Affair Officials and Trade . He has his fingers in dealings with Mexico too . Trump has the option of over riding Kelly , Trump has the power to decide who sits in on top secret meetings , he is the Commander in Chief . Hell , he sent his daughter to the Olympics along with Pence ...it's a leaking canoe , IMO ...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 3:01 PM
After meeting with Congress , White House communications director Hope Hicks to resign .
Beware the Ides of March .
**********************
Hope Hicks, the president’s longest serving aide and current communications director will resign her post in the coming weeks, sources with direct knowledge confirm to ABC News.
"Hope is outstanding and has done great work for the last three years. She is as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person," the president said in a statement provided to the media by White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. "I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood. I am sure we will work together again in the future."
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 4:26 PM
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 4:26 PM
Wheels: Probably more of the DACAs are like her than the professionals that the Left Snowflakes think. How much Welfare money went to her and not for other social issues for law abiding Americans....get her out now!
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 5:07 PM
Well now, Dick's can refuse a gun sell to someone under 21 and a baker can't refuse to bake a cake for a queer....I see lawsuits coming against Dick's sporting goods.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 5:14 PM
Perfect example of Schaefer's warped wacky world.
The baker issue was one of his carrying wedding cakes and refusing to make one for two gays.
Dick's sporting is not refusing to sell AR-15's to 18 year olds, they are not carrying them any more at all for anyone. As a private enterprise they can stock whatever legal products they care to or care not to.
There's no discrimination since they chose to get out of the AR-15 selling business entirely.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 6:56 AM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 7:12 AM
Rick Lettau
So what about business refusing to do business with the NRA .
How is this different then the cake baker ?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 7:50 AM
There's no discrimination since they chose to get out of the AR-15 selling business entirely.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 6:56 AM
Common: If you read my comment and not wanting to jump up and down and get in that Liberal jerking spell, you would had seen my comment "Dick's can refuse a gun sell to someone under 21"....where did I say AR-15. It's age discrimination....if the current Law is only 18 and older for gun sells and a store such as Dick's decides not to sell to anyone less than 21 that's age discrimination....just like the baker not wanting to bake a cake for a queer - you have problem with that?
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 7:51 AM
11 teenagers die per day texting and driving .
Should we ban cell phones and raise the age limit of driver license to 21 ?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 7:59 AM
18 year old can join the Armed Forces to protect the Country , they can buy any weapon a 21 year old can buy . Mental illness goes beyond 21 years anyway...
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:02 AM
Rick: The Liberal's jerking spells are caused by a knee jerk decision on the bias news media reports of the day.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:12 AM
Semo
I really don't mind leftist or media , I guess they have Right to Free Speech too . I can't just go along with any one source of info , I feel boxed in and mind controlled -- that ain't me .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:17 AM
"...if the current Law is only 18 and older for gun sells..."
The current law is already 21 for handguns, so Dick's ethical right to apply that to rifles is being exercised. If you don't like it, go somewhere else, or sue.
Same thing I said with the cake issue. If the the gay guys have another store to go to, they should go there, if there's only one store in town, the baker should make them a "generic" wedding cake.
Funny how all of a sudden Schaefer's fantasy world is on an anti-discrimination kick.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:27 AM
Same thing I said with the cake issue. If the the gay guys have another store to go to, they should go there, if there's only one store in town, the baker should make them a "generic" wedding cake.
*************
The baker has the Right to say "No" to anyone , gay , straight , white , black , whatever . Just the same as Dick's .
It's out and out discrimination and hypocracy .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:31 AM
Trump Stuns Lawmakers With Seeming Embrace of Gun Control Measures
WASHINGTON — President Trump stunned Republicans on live television Wednesday by embracing gun control and urging a group of lawmakers at the White House to resurrect gun safety legislation that has been opposed for years by the powerful National Rifle Association and the vast majority of his party.
In a remarkable meeting, the president veered wildly from the N.R.A. playbook in front of giddy Democrats and stone-faced Republicans. He called for comprehensive gun control legislation that would expand background checks to weapons purchased at gun shows and on the internet, keep guns from mentally ill people, secure schools and restrict gun sales from some young adults. He even suggested a conversation on an assault weapons ban.
At one point, Mr. Trump suggested that law enforcement authorities should have the power to seize guns from mentally ill people or others who could present a danger without first going to court. “I like taking the guns early,” he said, adding, “Take the guns first, go through due process second.”
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:37 AM
"...if the current Law is only 18 and older for gun sells..." The current law is already 21 for handguns, so Dick's ethical right to apply that to rifles is being exercised. If you don't like it, go somewhere else, or sue.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:27 AM
Common: Here again did I say handguns....no, I didn't - what about shotguns and rifles which can be legally purchased at 18 or above.
Funny how all of a sudden Schaefer's fantasy world is on an anti-discrimination kick.
Common: If you knee jerk Liberals are going to cry discrimination is some case that's not being fair and I know you want to be fair - right?
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 8:40 AM
Schaefer's World on break for awhile.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 9:24 AM
Schaefer's fantasy world has been "broken" all along.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 10:20 AM
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 10:20 AM
The only think "broken" on this SO site is your inability to back up your talking points. You hate being questioned. And it hurts your agenda when all you can do is talk and not listen.
But please keep it up. You and many like you are personally responsible for losing elections for your party - in record fashion by the way. You progressives never learn.
-- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 10:25 AM
I see another term ["generic" wedding cake] introduced. Just what the hell is a generic wedding cake?
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 10:50 AM
Really, happy to add another gratuitous explanation...
In the case of the baker, he was willing to sell the gay guys a regular white wedding cake, that was not "personalized." That was not good enough for them, they wanted a custom baked (i.e. "non-generic") cake.
Get it now?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:14 AM
Get it now?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:14 AM
Well...Who peed in your Post Toasties this morning?
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:57 AM
A regular white wedding cake would not be a wedding cake without the symbol of a man and women on top, Thus no such thing as a generic wedding cake.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:12 PM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:36 PM
In the case of the baker, he was willing to sell the gay guys a regular white wedding cake, that was not "personalized." That was not good enough for them, they wanted a custom baked (i.e. "non-generic") cake.
Get it now?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:14 AM
The baker was willing to bake them a cake but not the one they demanded . The Government told the baker no , you must make the one they demanded or else . The baker had to do business with them or shut down .
Today , business don't have to do business with the NRA or else , they won't be shut down .
Get it now?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:40 PM
Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 7:12 AM
Don't see how we can do anything anymore. The government does whatever it dam well pleases. I keep hearing remarks about another Civil War. I just wonder if the government realizes how far they are pushing some people. If it keeps going this Country is going to have an explosion from people who have finally had enough and then look out!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:40 PM
The weapons he boasted of included a cruise missile that he said could "reach anywhere in the world".
He said of the West: "They need to take account of a new reality and understand ... [this]... is not a bluff."
Giving his annual state of the nation speech, Mr Putin used video presentations to showcase the development of two new nuclear delivery systems that he said could evade detection. One video graphic appeared to show missiles raining down on the US state of Florida.
One system Mr Putin described included a "low-flying, difficult-to-spot cruise missile... with a practically unlimited range and an unpredictable flight path, which can bypass lines of interception and is invincible in the face of all existing and future systems of both missile defence and air defence".
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:53 PM
Karen
Yes , the "BOOM!!" , a physical and financial "BOOM!!" .
It comes with "fundamental change" . The pro-Government People will disagree which is fine , but IMO , the spring is getting wound tighter and tighter .
Too much oppression and too much controls on the People . Suffication ....
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:58 PM
Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:53 PM
Well now ain't that a pi**er? Been waiting for something to hit the fan and it just has! Thank You Obama and Trump!
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 1:58 PM
The largest employer in the USA is Government .
This speaks volumes , it's Socialism 101 .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 2:00 PM
Schaefer's fantasy world has been "broken" all along.
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 10:20 AM
Common: Is that silly comment all you got for your earlier spanking by Schaefer's World.
*******
Get it now?
-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:14 AM
Well...Who peed in your Post Toasties this morning?
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 11:57 AM
Iamhere: Now you know.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 3:27 PM
Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 3:27 PM
😂😂
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Mar 1, 2018, at 4:09 PM
-- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Mar 4, 2018, at 9:25 AM
Well now, Dick's can refuse a gun sell to someone under 21 and a baker can't refuse to bake a cake for a queer....I see lawsuits coming against Dick's sporting goods.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 5:14 PM
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Mar 7, 2018, at 7:55 AM
Well now, Dick's can refuse a gun sell to someone under 21 and a baker can't refuse to bake a cake for a queer....I see lawsuits coming against Dick's sporting goods.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Feb 28, 2018, at 5:14 PM
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Mar 6, 2018, at 8:19 AM
*******************
*******************
On the flip side , this Law is wrong .
If I want a gun there shouldn't be any reason why I can't have a gun , it's my Right . On the flip side , if a person doesn't like guns or want a gun , there shouldn't be a reason why they should be made to own a gun either....
..........
In this American town, guns are required by law
As the debate over guns continues in Washington and in communities across the country, there's at least one place where owning a gun is technically required by law.
In Kennesaw, Georgia, local law says that "every head of household residing in the city limits is required to maintain a firearm."
"If you're going to commit a crime in Kennesaw and you're the criminal -- are you going to take a chance that that homeowner is a law-abiding citizen?" asked Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Mar 11, 2018, at 11:15 AM
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Mar 11, 2018, at 11:15 AM
Rick: Since the missile's range is 500 miles guess our ships have to stay at least that distance away. Also, keep the Russian ships/subs that safe distance from our shores....at no matter what the costs are to do so.
This might be a defense since the speed of light of a laser is greater than the 4,600mph of the missile....hopefully our weapons scientists are better than the Russian's.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Mar 11, 2018, at 12:23 PM
"The US spends almost $600 billion (£469 billion) a year on its defence budget and boasts the most powerful military in the world.
However, its 19 aircraft carriers would be powerless to stop Zircon cruise missile missiles, according to the report.
Current Navy anti-missile defences are only equipped to shoot down projectiles travelling 2,300mph, meaning they would be useless against the Zicron.
This would force aircraft carriers to anchor outside of their estimated 500 mile range"
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Mar 11, 2018, at 6:42 PM
Illinois coping California and New York for the illegals to have IDs that could be used for voter registration. Only citizens are eligible to vote and not ILLEGALS this has got to stop.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 9:35 AM
I don't watch SNL - it's not funny. However; if I want to watch something funny I'll watch reruns of the Democrats meltdown on November 9, 2016.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 9:41 AM
It's all so crazy a person has to laugh , it's spoof on the news itself .
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 9:44 AM
In the past 20 news I have probably not watched one full episode of SNL. Nor will I watch any other shows when I feel they are simply promoting an agenda such as race, homosexual issues and more issues along the political correctness line.
I prefer thinking them out for myself instead of attempts to prod me into the it's mainstream, it's ok BS.
Their stock in trade is weak minds to influence.
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 10:32 AM
Dang, where did that come from?
"20 news?" should be '20 years'
-- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 10:35 AM
Pocahontas had this to say about the Trump/Kim meeting - “I am very worried that they’re going to take advantage of him (Trump),” Warren said. Don't believe you have to worry about Trump....it's Little Rocket Man that might be shot out of the air.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 11:13 AM
Trump White House blocks Broadcom takeover of Qualcomm
SAN FRANCISCO — President Trump has blocked Singapore-based Broadcom's proposed $117 billion takeover of U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm for national security reasons.
In the order released Monday night, Trump cited "credible evidence" that the takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United States."
Coming just hours after Broadcom CEO Hock Tan met with security officials at the Pentagon in an effort to save the deal, the order follows an investigation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which reviews purchases of American companies by foreign investors. The investigation recommended blocking the deal, citing national security risks.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 7:57 AM
....another one bites the dust...
...................
Trump ousts Tillerson, will replace him as secretary of state with CIA chief Pompeo
President Trump has ousted Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replaced him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, orchestrating a major change to his national security team amid delicate negotiations with North Korea, White House officials said Tuesday.
Trump last Friday asked Tillerson to step aside, and the embattled top diplomat cut short his trip to Africa on Monday to return to Washington.
Pompeo will replace him at the State Department, and Gina Hapsel — the deputy director at the CIA — will succeed him at the CIA, becoming the first woman to run the spy agency, if confirmed.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 10:09 AM
Rick: No surprise about Tillerson, he and Trump have been at odds about various items for quite awhile.
*******
John McEntee (Trump's personal assistant) was fired due to the lack of a security clearance but will be an adviser to the President it was announced within minutes of his firing. Seems like MSN wanted to make it more of an issue than what it really is.
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 10:34 AM
He was escorted from the White House because of an "unspecified security issue," the Journal reported, citing a third White House official.
I would say that's something to think about . What kind of security issue was he to the point where he had to be escorted away without his belongings ?
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 10:47 AM
"will be an adviser to the President"..I got a bridge in Brooklyn for sale too
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 10:49 AM
Get out your checkbook
*****************
President Trump announces that U.S. military will soon have a ‘space force’ to wage war beyond planet Earth
"Space is a war-fighting domain, just like the land, air and sea," Trump told a crowd of Marines at the Miramar military base in California. "We have the air force. We will have a space force…We will call it the 'space force.'"
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 6:50 PM
Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 6:50 PM
Watched it live.
-- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 7:23 PM
Build a rocket and name it Space Force One. Tell Trump it's to fly the POTUS around the world in orbit and that he'll have the honor of being the first 'President' in space. Once he's aboard , launch it directly toward the heart of the Sun.
-- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 7:47 PM
Rick: The USA, Russia, and China all have secret satellites circling the earth with who knows what military weapons are on board those satellites. China shot down an old satellite from one of their satellites while in orbit a couple of years ago. The USA has a small size space shuttle in orbit now that is classified and has went up into space and has landed after many months in orbit doing who knows what. So in effect the world to some degree has the potential of doing war in space.
Schaefer's World
-- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Mar 13, 2018, at 9:12 PM
Menu
President Trump’s security strategy, which was presented this week, is built around four pillars: protecting the homeland, promoting prosperity, peace through strength, and advancing American influence.
Without question, those are goals and objectives that have made America great and that all Americans agree with. There is less agreement on where we stand in maintaining them and how we continue to enhance them.
President Trump justifies his plans for America, not by respecting achievements of past administrations, rather by aggressively but unsuccessfully attempting to tear down or denigrate what has been accomplished. He also habitually makes promises he can’t or won’t keep.
For example...
During the campaign, he described the military as “a disaster” while after election it was “… the finest military force in the world,” and yet he had nothing to change things.
Or at his inauguration, after decrying crime and drugs, he said “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” But yet it continues with nothing new being done.
Again, while campaigning, he promised to “…get those mines open,” and to “…bring back our jobs from China…” and this has been to not avail. The ones he could have recovered most readily would have been from his own factories in China but to my knowledge, he has not done this either.
----- ---- --- -- -
The complete National Security Strategy is long on promises but much shorter on factual approaches.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905....
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