Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…
I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.
It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.
Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.
If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.
I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.
I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.
Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).
Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.
If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.
More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
For those interested, the preliminary report on DCA is out, and if you are unfamiliar with the process, it is mostly focused on what happened. Not, repeat, not, the how and why of what happened. That comes with later reports. I’m looking for a written copy as it should have basic pilot info (hours, medical, etc.). The barometric pressure issue is being emphasized, and they are looking at how it may have effected the altimeter(s) and other systems. Most importantly, the report makes urgent recommendations about Route 4 and closing same when certain runways are in use. The full conference is here:
On the Philadelphia crash, the report is written and is worth a read. Again, it is a preliminary and is more focused on what happened, not the how or why. Of note for me, it seems the Cockpit Voice Recorder wasn’t working and appears not to have been recording for several years. Pilots were in contact at the time of the accident and no distress call was received. Given the state of the plane (and occupants) I expect reconstruction and any medical exams to take a while and possibly be limited.
Again, it will take time. That’s something few seem willing to grant, but this should be a painstaking process that leaves no stone unturned. So far, it is on par with other investigations. We will see what happens.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Right now, there is a lot of chatter about this or that group being domestic terrorists. There is chatter about a terrorist supporter here on a green card being deported. Lots and lots of chatter (got to drive that engagement!), but to my mind some important points are being missed.
Yesterday, I shared a post on X about how what is going on now is how the Red Brigades and Baader-Meinhof got started. I shared it because to my mind it made a point while missing the point. The poster in the thread that followed held forth that this is just starting. It’s been building for years.
Mr. Andy Ngo has been writing about Antifa and others for several years now. Here’s one example outside of his book(s). I seem to recall writing about some things going on a couple of years ago myself with interesting groups getting interesting training and how it was even more interesting that top leadership had encrypted coms and more. I also believe I wrote a bit about how the shooting of transformers was not limited to the Northwest and was a much bigger issue than the FBI and others cared to admit.
The fact is, the modern equivalents of the Weather Underground, Red Brigades (a group with which my 12-year-old self had direct experience), and others are already here. They are organized and funded. Does anyone really think all those massive pro-Hamass riots were spontaneous? Heck, certain leaders have admitted they funded those demonstrations. Personally, I think a lot of the groups we are seeing active now are second- or third-order groups enabled by the long-term efforts of the first-order groups mentioned above.
It’s a classic move. Get one or more hardcore groups into place quietly. Build up cells, stockpiles, and more. Test the system a bit (transformers are but one area tested) Identify and recruit true believers who get checked out, and if they pass go overseas for clandestine training. Meantime, use other members to help recruit and establish new groups who do the things that get attention. Make sure there is insulation between the originals and the second- and third-order groups.
As the second- and third-order groups do the flashy public things, the first-order group or groups can do things far more important and have a lot of it buried in the noise. And, if the flashy public things bear fruit, it advances the cause.
Right now, I suspect we are seeing a deliberate use of those groups even if it puts them at risk. The fact is, the attacks on Tesla dealerships and owners is terrorism, whether you quibble by calling it domestic or not. On one level it is domestic; however, I strongly suspect the ultimate driver and funding source(s) are not domestic. Nor does it stop with Tesla.
Frankly, I’m surprised it’s taken this long for the “peaceful” attacks to return. They truly are not protests, nor are they demonstrations — unless one considers them a demonstration of violence and the willingness to use same. Progressive/Socialist ideology has always embraced the use of violence, and the analogy that they see it as a rheostat is not wrong. Nor is it wrong to note that others see it as a binary switch. There is a reason a number of us have warned about the danger of letting that switch be thrown, because we have seen it in the world now and because we actually study and understand history. The Reign of Terror in the French Revolution was actually relatively mild if you know history.
Right now, you have the progressive left/rule by the elites crowd in disarray as their world is being destroyed by the Trump administration. Major sources of funding (graft) are being cut off, people are being laid off, and efforts to reform the government and government spending are proceeding rather rapidly. The methods that worked on Trump 1 (lawsuits, resistance, etc.) are not working this time. People are being exposed and since legacy media has shot itself in a sensitive area adjacent to the leg, it can’t be hidden.
Now, add to that the fact that there are a LOT of governments and politicians who do not want to see the U.S. reformed. I will even start with the EU (and UK Labor) who have interfered in U.S. elections for a while now. On top of that, the UK, France, Germany (and probably others) also don’t want to see the reforms happen. Moving beyond our “friends” (allies, though that may be stretching it a bit these days), you have Russia, Ukraine, Iran, China…
Interesting information is that the servers in the attack this week on X were located in the Ukraine. This may be false flag, but I do find it interesting. Especially since Zelensky’s media operation has been accused of doxxing American journalists, and calling for their arrest or assassination. Still evaluating some info, but not getting warm fuzzies.
Interesting information came out this morning on another front. Anyone who has been truly paying attention is aware that Vladimir has really been pushing the sabotage efforts, especially the “accidental” damages to undersea cables and pipelines from dragging anchors on ships linked to Russia. There are also a number of reports of GRU units active in Germany and elsewhere. This morning, it emerges that the captain of the cargo ship that rammed the tanker supplying U.S. Navy ships is a Russian national. Now, the thread I linked believes for now it was truly an accident, but we are getting to the point where I don’t believe in coincidences Mr. Bond.
If Kash and others can get DOJ and the FBI back on track (a topic on which I retain strong doubts, think they need to nuke and start over), I think we might discover some very interesting things. Personally, I think there are at least two first-order groups working within the U.S. Possibly three, but the patterns in the data indicate at least two. There is an argument to be made if Antifa is first- or second-order as it has been public far more than the norm for a first-order group.
The third-order groups are going to get all the media attention for now. Expect to see not only more violence, but sob stories in legacy media on the order of ‘she was a good girl who meant well she shouldn’t be prosecuted for doing X’ and even more of the ‘it’s wrong and a violation of the First Amendment to deport those supporting or engaging in terrorism’ stories. On the latter, it is legal since if you are here on a Visa or green card you are not allowed to support terrorism or designated terrorist groups. Meantime, there is a huge difference between peacefully espousing your views and leading riots that block access, illegally trespass, and physically assault others. The first is protected, and the second should not be tolerated at all.
Quick aside: if you don’t follow or read Gad Saad, you should. I really need to add his books, particularly his new book on Suicidal Empathy to the Amazon Wish List. The West has a lot of problems. If we can save the Republic, which is not guaranteed, we still have even larger fights to come to save what remains of Western Civilization. And, yes, that is something we really do need to do.
However, the first- and second-order groups are the ones who worry me right now. The third-order are the shock troops, the cannon fodder even though they (mostly) don’t even suspect such. The others are the ones who can and will do real damage if ordered. By my estimates, some three battalions worth of military-aged males entered the country under the Biden Regency. How many of them joined the ranks of those first- and second-order groups that were waiting. What is their task?
If we had an intelligence community and law enforcement focused on their job and doing right by America, we might know. Instead, they are focused on politics and trying to maintain an order that is done. Which makes it a scary time for America and American’s who are paying attention.
There is a lot to celebrate in the efforts to drain the swamp and restore the Republic. Thing is, there is a lot that can go wrong too, and I will repeat again that the so-called elites have no idea how much anger there is in that almost eighty percent of the population that supports what is being done. I do not want to see that switch flip — to to have things get where those first- or second-order groups can work to flip it.
So, keep your guard and preparations up. If things get truly tense, don’t respond to provocations. Until then, celebrate your victories and work for more. As always, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
First, I want to thank everyone for the very kind and (very) much appreciated gifts and prayers that have gotten me through the last couple of years. While things are now more stable, they still remain “interesting” financially and otherwise.
Which leads to this request that if you like my writings, please do hit the tip jar. There are a couple of things coming up where I could use it.
First, I am starting to look at getting a place of my own. Currently, I rent a room in a house and while not a bad situation there are some issues. I know what I want to do, now praying that I am shown what I am supposed to do. I’m actually going to have to buy a couple of pieces of furniture, some household equipment (thanks for the excellent vacuum cleaner suggestions in an earlier post), and other delights.
Second, I have decided that if at all possible, I want to accept the invitation to attend the Lightning Strike and Electrical Shock Survivors annual meeting. A number of the events/panels sound interesting and it would be good to meet with other survivors. That part will be free. The hotel and transport are up to me. I think I may have found a way to cut out a day of convention hotel (even at a discount it is expensive by my standards these days). While I have the chance, I will also use the trip to visit some friends and relatives. It may well be the last chance to see some them in this lifetime.
I’m already looking to see what deals I can find on a rental car for a week, and other issues. Will probably take food and such with me, save a bit that way.
So, again my thanks for all that has already been done. I hate asking, but my margins are a bit thin right now.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Whew. Last week was intense. It was tiring. It was also flat out amazing. Wonderful, educational, enlightening, and inspirational are also words that apply. I almost lost my voice as I did participate in every service. By the time yesterday rolled around, I was more croaking than chanting (at least at home), but got through it all.
This time last year was what I describe as an “argggghhhhh blur.” I am not sure it matters how long you have attended a given Church, but when you become a formal Catechumen there is so much going on and at such an intensity that you are doing good to see the big blocks start to fit together.
Last week, it was intense but different, and it is hard to describe it. Instead of a blur, everything seemed to flow together, almost like a panorama. I will say that yet more blocks fit together: it was a chance to see how historical events, scripture, and more fit together such that more of the picture of faith is revealed. I thought I had learned a bit about the liturgy but have discovered at least a part of how much more there is to learn. Then again, that applies on all fronts.
I’ve got the chance to attend the Lightning Strike & Electric Shock Survivors annual conference this year. It will be held in Tennessee, and afterwards I would have the chance to go visit some friends and relatives in Tennessee and Georgia. Really do need/want to do the latter, as if I don’t go now, some of them…
Would this be something anyone would care to help me with? I will need to rent a car (full insurance as I have none right now), pay for hotels, fuel, etc. Bit out of my reach, but it is doable.
Let me know in comments what you think.
Looking ahead, there are only a few other trips I see as possibilities. I do want to do a religious pilgrimage to Eastern Europe and then to Mount Athos. I would love to do a pilgrimage to Israel, though if I got the chance for a quick visit to Jordan and Egypt I would hit them first then Israel. Outside of that, I want to do another trip out West in case things get to the point that I can move out there. Other than that, not seeing a lot of travel in my future for the next few years.
Otherwise, the only “big” plan I have for this year is moving into a place of my own. Been so busy this week I haven’t even had a chance to look around.
More soon.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
The original post for those who missed it and/or need to read it. Do not use them. Have heard from a number of others who have had similar experiences.
I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.
Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.
However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.
I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.
However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.
We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.
We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.
So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.
The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Wow. Not quite the first word that popped into my head as things unfolded/I caught up with things. Good enough though. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I can’t think of a time the representative of a country seeking aid behaved so outrageously and unprofessionally not just in my lifetime, but in the entire history of the United States of America. However, to set the groundwork, here is the entire event which you really do need to watch in full:
If you go by carefully edited snippets in corporate/legacy media, one might think that this was the fault of Trump and/or Vance. If you watch the whole thing, you know nothing could be further from the truth. This was all on Zelensky who arrived like a spoiled toddler cosplaying a role.
What Zelensky displayed is far too common in Western Europe, where it is fashionable and acceptable (and far too common for my taste) to display such arrogant entitlement towards America and Americans. I will note that when you get out into the countryside, or more into Eastern Europe, this fades. Or, at least it did when I last traveled around a bit.
I personally think arrogant is polite and understated for his attitude. To still be dressing as the beset military (he’s not) leader three plus years on is a bit much, but it’s his act at this point. The fact that it was dated more than two years ago doesn’t seem to have penetrated to him or any of his team. That many people (even the people of the EU as opposed to their parasitic leadership) consider it dated and even insulting at this point is not going to register to this narcissist. In fact, I’ve wondered if it isn’t a calculated insult at this point rather than simply him being an actor unwilling to relinquish a beloved costume that was threadbare long ago.
To then, on top of this overwrought stage act, attack the President and Vice President of the United States IN THE OVAL OFFICE like a spoiled entitled brat being denied a treat, well wow seems pretty mild. Oh, and this behavior comes on top of the fact that Zelensky actually campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania before this… For an actor and alleged comedian he sure doesn’t know how to read a room, much less the mood of the country that has kept his corrupt ass in power to their own detriment.
Also, I think calling Vice President Vance a bitch (in Ukrainian) was deliberately done to make the attack as personal as possible. I think it was a deliberate effort to poison the well, not just a bit of temper tantrum. One also needs to keep in mind that Rubio’s death stare was in part because everything had been set to sign, and Zelensky (again) blew up such plans and in so doing attempted to put a knife in Rubio’s back.
As best I can tell, this was a feat of self-immolation unprecedented in the annals of diplomacy. There was, however, one person who realized how badly Zelensky was screwing the pooch: his ambassador.
I could almost feel sorry for her. If you’ve never had to sit and watch a boss screw up in an important meeting, you are lucky. In this case, she had to sit and watch as Zelensky torched further aid, support, and peace. Almost, but given her own role in what I strongly suspect will turn out to be a worse boondoggle than many have assumed my sympathy is limited.
One thing that has surprised me a bit is the silence of the Russians. Remaining silent for now really is the smart thing to do, but when do politicians do the smart thing? That said, they are being silent in public but there does appear to be background chatter so to speak that may go something on the order “Holy Sheet! How flipping stupid can he be???” Paraphrasing a bit, but at least for now the Russians seem content to sit back and see just how deep a hole Zelensky can dig for himself and Ukraine. Probably won’t last as long as some could hope, as Zelensky seems to be intent on continuing the nuclear-level implosion, but one can’t blame them for keeping quiet and doing the Russian equivalent of popping popcorn to eat as they watch in fascination.
I have to admit, I would have paid real money to have been able to watch Vladimir’s face (and Lavarov’s and Shoigu’s) in real time as he watched this unfold. Fact is, Zelensky just handed them a massive break, and they know it. Anyone think they won’t run with it?
Right now, I don’t feel sorry for the American public. Depending on various factors and polls, it’s almost 80 percent that put Trump in office and are on record as being tired of continuing to send billions of dollars to Ukraine for no return and little thanks while Americans go without (WNC, etc.). Zelensky ripped the mask off himself and metaphorically went to the restroom on the living room carpet. They really did need to see that, and know the complete and utter contempt in which they are held by Zelensky and his government.
Right now, I do feel sorry for the Ukrainian people. I know and visit with Russian and Ukrainian immigrants, refugees, and such. None of them wanted this war, much less the forever war set in motion by Zelensky and the Biden Regency (along with EU leadership and others). They deserve far better than this anti-democratic clown.
When the initial invasion was repulsed (running Spring ’68 again down to the same units in some cases was not a good idea), I admit I celebrated. I had hoped that things could be calmed down, though I also noted that it was better to deal with things now rather than later. Took some flack for not being a supporter of total war, but I was (am, I hope) realistic and know how easy it is to have things go hot in ways not good for Ukraine, Russia, or the world. With the “leadership” of the Biden Regency involved on the military side of things, I was not optimistic for good, much less reasoned, policy. Think I was very right on that. I think far more could have been done to restore taken territory and put Ukraine in a better position, but that was never the goal of the Biden Regency.
I don’t think Zelensky truly wants peace for several reasons. Right now billions of dollars and supplies continue to flood into a country known for its corruption. There is reason to believe that some of those supplies, not just weapons, are going places other than to the troops. It’s lucrative for those in power to keep that up while claiming the war makes it impossible to truly audit and control things. If the war ends, there will be elections that he is quite likely to lose. Given the tactics used on his opponents (not to mention non-opponents like the Orthodox Church) it might not be healthy for him to be out of power. Rumors of homes and estates bought elsewhere might not be rumors one could think.
While I am sure the diplo-macs can create a way, but I really don’t see a way back for Zelensky. He showed his true self to the American public, and they are not going to forget this or be swayed into it being the fault of anyone but him. Yes, the 20 percent may go that route, but I don’t see that happening in the 80. In fact, I think a lot of people are missing the mood of the 80 percent, dangerously so even.
I think the best thing we can do right now is do as asked: Let Europe take this on without our backup. I think it is time to stop all aid to such things as pensions, government operations, rebuilding, etc. within Ukraine. Frankly, I think we should pause all military support until such time as a full forensic audit can be completed on the funds and goods sent to Ukraine. Follow any corruption wherever it leads, be that there, the EU, or here and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. If weapons and other items have gone places they shouldn’t, that needs to be dealt with too.
Personally, I want a good peace for this conflict. That means something that respects and validates Ukrainian territorial sovereignty, puts a cropper on Russkiy Mir, and avoids kicking cans down the road as much as possible. Not going to be easy or fun, but I think it is doable.
But, I don’t think it is doable with Zelensky or his clique in power.
What happens now? Who knows. Frankly, if anyone can work out a deal on this it is President Donald Trump. I hope he does. I also hope that he gives the EU leadership and others what they want: freedom to protect themselves and those they desire to protect, but without our funds or military in support. It is past time to pull the plug on NATO. There are some other areas where we need to fundamentally re-evaluate our participation and support. We also, as discussed here previously, need to look at new opportunities.
UPDATE I: Over on X, Mollie Hemingway has an excellent and growing thread (look on her timeline at need for info on Chris Murphy and others) that this may have been a set-up on more than Zelensky’s part. Interesting how certain people here seemed to be involved and so many global elites had immediate and similar responses to the event. Like almost cut-and-paste. Very interesting and it is some good food for thought to add to the above. Also, if even partly true, more reason to let Europe fend for itself.
UPDATE II: Go read this interesting and good food for thought at “L’ Ombre de l’Olivier. He makes some interesting points. Also, corrected one typo above.
UPDATE III: L’Ombre de l’Olivier has a follow-up post that is well worth reading. I do have some quibbles with parts. I probably should do a full post but for now, some quick thoughts on things I’m not sure are missing or were raised by implication. First, I would argue for four groups, and will simply note that there are those of us who do realize that there are things we need from (and in) Europe. We just want to be more selective about it and yes, we are fed up with funding freeloaders. And that’s exactly what most (repeat most) of NATO are. Second, if you go back and read my archives, I pointed out early on that we had a moral obligation to Ukraine though not a legal one as the Memorandums were never ratified. That said we are NOT obligated to take steps that will result in either a conventional or nuclear world war. Quick aside, I’m in full agreement with Francis that only 10-20 percent of our nuclear systems will work, though I’m far more worried that those of newer rogue states will work. Third, you can again find in the archives that I don’t think Vladimir can be trusted to honor any treaty. He’s all in on Russkiy Mir and is not going to give up. Fourth, almost everyone seems to be missing that the United States is in a fight for it’s own life, and on two fronts. Front A: financially we are broke and without major reforms (DOGE is but a start) we will default and soon. Front B: right now is probably our one and only chance to deal with the massive unelected bureaucracy and save the Great Experiment that is our Republic. We do it now, or the Republic is done. Fifth, whatever Zelensky was when he started, I think he has been compromised. Sixth, one reason the EU is all in on endless war in Ukraine is that it’s so-called elites make bank off the corruption, human trafficking, and more that is going on; see this as a way to bleed Russia and are willing to fight to the last Ukrainian to do so; see it as a way to make money as right now a number of European (and American) companies are making money off military sales to Russia (which also is a means of control they think); and, to try to leverage Uncle Sugar to keep being Uncle Sugar on their terms. Some of this is being discussed in the comments, but again some of this could take several posts to fully cover.
UPDATE IV: Francis has updated his post and makes some good points. This being the first week of Lent, not sure when I will get to do another post but hopefully soon. Also, don’t miss Sarah A. Hoyt’s post and the body language analysis I think is spot on. To follow-up quickly on the EU leadership issues, I would add to what I wrote in UPDATE III that the EU leadership hopes to also bleed Russia dry and to encourage it to break up. As discussed before (see the archives), the fracture lines are there but I think they may be misreading things rather badly. First, they are doing this while dependent on Russian energy to keep their people alive and industry running. Calling that stupid is mild I think. Second, the collapse of the Soviet Union was ahistorical, as in a rarity. It was an amazingly soft landing for the world, and that is the exception not the rule. There are no guarantees a breakup of Russia will be as smooth, and there are a lot of reasons to think it will not be. Not the least of which (also previously discussed) is China. Then again, the progressives/WEF types seem to have inherited in full measure the Gotterdammerung sensibilities of the Nazi elite: if they lose power it is the end of their world, therefore it is the end of the world, and better to see it all burn. Yeah, really do need to do some more posts on some of the second, third, and even fourth order effects here.
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A quick follow-up on The Suicide Of NATO and Post NATO posts. There are people asking who provides the nuclear tripwire and deterrent for a NATO without the U.S. or any new agreement we enter into.
Radical Idea: It should not be us. For a truly European NATO, I will simply note that both England and France are nuclear powers. Let them provide tripwire and deterrence. That does also work to keep things regional, including costs. As far as any new post-NATO grouping with the U.S., note that I specifically call for it to be economic based, not military based.
Now, if you really want to make heads explode, I would further invite you to consider that the nuclear club is expanding already, mostly along the axis of Evil. Maybe we should consider a controlled expansion on our side the line, and to that end I would nominate Poland.
They have the scientific talent, the military skill, and long memories. Memories that should make certain countries on both sides of them behave cautiously and carefully. The fact that it would cause great consternation both West and East just makes it all the better.
Also, Poland would be a good place to gather as many current European nukes when England, Germany, and other EU countries fall to the Caliphate. I would like to think that responsible parties in England, France, or anywhere else that has nuclear weapons or materials would try to keep them from falling to Islamic control when the fall comes. Then again, I look at the current crop of English politicians and know it’s not going to be them and the best we can hope for in that case is some professionalism being left in the military. Not much hope there either, but…
In case I wasn’t blunt enough the other day, I do think most of the EU has a good chance of falling to the Caliphate within a single generation, and I include the UK in that. The only real hope for England is an uprising, and I swear I think that’s been bred out of the English people. For France, it is again with the public, and I wish Tom Kratman was right on something he said a few years back about the population stepping up, getting very pragmatic, and dealing with things as the French Government is not going to do it. Especially with Macaroon tanking elections, closing down television networks, and other efforts to keep power.
The only real bright spot I see right now is Italy, and I hope the current parties in power can remain there and will also continue to be willing to buck the EU. Brexit was a warning to the EU, but with Starmer licking, er, boots and defacto rejoining the EU, don’t think the message stuck. Push comes to shove, I think Italy has a good shot at survival.
Eastern Europe has good reason to consider going off on it’s own as previously discussed. All the more reason for the U.S. to build a relationship with them on the lines I proposed. When the fall comes, they may well be what helps contain things, though it is more than ironic that they may become the first line of defense for Russia and others. It may also be key to saving Europe from the Caliphate, as the Winged Hussars may yet have to ride again.
Final thought on our nuclear deterrent capabilities: they suck. We need to do serious work on the triad, as our missiles needed replacing decades ago; the air and related component has not been really kept up all that well (not to mention that the BUFF is likely to still be flying in a hundred years, really would not be surprised to see one given space engines so it can fly with the USS Enterprise to defend the Federation); and, right now we have naval leadership that I don’t think can get a rowboat across the lake in Central Park. We need serious upgrades, and until we get them we have no business trying to be a tripwire or a deterrent.
Just some quick thoughts to share.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
