Category: Current Events

Institutional Capture And Discourse

Over on X, there has been quite a tempest over the doxxing of a writer who goes by the nom-de-plume of Cynical Publius. He writes under that name at American Greatness and also holds forth on X. He uses a pseudonym because his (now former) job and general safety required it. Short version is he is a former military officer who has seen the elephant and makes suggestions based on reality as opposed to what is being passed around DC.

Recently, he joined Pete in suggesting that the War Colleges need some review and revamping (gasp! The Cad!). This led to some interesting exchanges with Radio Free Tom, who until recently was a part of that system (and in my opinion proof positive that said system needs major and serious reform starting with the removal of all the over-credentialed idiots like Tom who are a serious part of why we haven’t won a war in decades). However, in this case, it led to a rather nasty bit of politics in which Brad Duplessis, Ryan Evans, and War on The Rocks (no, no links to them, a single white feather to every individual associated with WOTR would be far more appropriate) doxxed Cynical Publius. I find it fascinating that they seem genuinely surprised there was blowback.

And there has been some substantial blowback, including a rather detailed examination of how WOTR has been captured by the swamp, with (one assumes) the willing help of Ryan Evans. For those interested, start here with Data Republican’s detailed exam with receipts; then read this by John Konrad on X (and then read some of his other articles on the situation); and, then, while it is not directly related (then again…) this article on pointing out mistakes and why the system can’t handle honest mistake fixing. Yes, I do think it applies to the doxxing and the surprise at the blowback. While I’m thinking about it, I commend to one and all Matthew Pierce’s work on persuasibility. I doubt Brad and Ryan will appreciate it, as I strongly suspect that their thoughts on CP and why he deserved harm (doxxing is ALWAYS intended to inflict harm) is a religious issue for them per the Doctrine of Persuasibility. It is a matter of faith that they are right and proper and everyone else is wrong, and no mere facts will alter that belief.

WOTR started as something good and needed; but, it has sunk into the mire and bears no resemblance to its former glory. It went rather rapidly from an outside and fresh perspective admired and respected by the troops, to being an arm of the establishment in amazingly rapid time. It is no longer worth time and I’ve even started unfollowing people on X who follow it for any reason. It, and all those behind it, need to shunned, shamed, and deprived of engagement (and the funds that come from such). The swamp will look after its own, so I suspect the founders and even any employees will find employment elsewhere at need.

Long-time readers may know, but back under Reagan I was a small part of a very large “Kitchen Cabinet” that advised him on any number of subjects. My area involved the Soviet Union and in particular their space and related military efforts — an area where he rightly had concerns about the intel and analysis coming from official sources. I do think Reagan had the largest Kitchen Cabinet of any modern President, though I do wonder if Trump might have something similar. I will simply warn them that low profile, and pseudonyms and such, are wise, as official DC does take note.

It was amazing how fast doors slammed shut after Reagan left office, and even where lines of communications stayed open they were also dark. Probably didn’t help that someone I worked with told a sitting President to “Go Bleep Yourself” Thing is, I’ve met a number of DC power players and a lot of wanna-be power players. Most of them were not worth a bucket of warm spit and have morals to make an alley cat seem virtuous and gentle. I’ve actually been thankful more than once that I did not get swept up in that game, as I’ve kept at least a small bit of virtue, honor, and integrity as a result. Maybe not much, but at least some.

It is easy to lose yourself in DC. The Swamp, The Blob, whatever you want to call it is ravenous and dedicated entirely to protecting itself and not the Republic. It can happen amazingly quickly. Looking at what’s happened here makes me glad that very few know who I am or what I’ve done. It also further reinforces that the new path I’m on is the right one for me. I’d far rather write about history and faith than politics, and have no need to secure my computer against intrusion (and interesting additions) quite as much.

As for Mr. Cynical Publius, I don’t really know him save through his work. The doxxing was a malicious and vicious act without honor or integrity in my book. I will say that if he gets this way, I’m glad to share coffee (or something stronger) with him (or Infantry Dort for that matter) and chat a bit. I will say that if Brad or Ryan were to show up, I would be most happy to discuss the concept of repentance and such with them.

Now, it is time to get back to “work” and the seminary class. Trying to get ahead a bit before going on the pilgrimage. So, more soon. Hopefully something fun that regular readers will enjoy. We will see, as sadly this year of 2026 seems determined to be interesting.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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.

Overton, Windows, Lists

X is a fun thing to watch some days. Not read, watch. There are patterns in the data flow, and it is an odd combination of annoying and amusing to watch when the word — and payments for same — goes out. And, yes, it is clear that quite a few of the influencer-types are bought and paid for.

Now, I’m not one of them. Not enough followers and such to get the status that gets the sweet, sweet engagement bucks, much less the under-the-table payments that go to those of easily negotiable virtue. While one is tempted to call them a five-letter name (six if you go plural) for participants in the second-oldest profession (politics truly is the oldest), such would be a serious slander of those (by comparison) relatively honest and reliable providers of various services involving passions of the flesh. Such people are by comparison honorable and possessed of an integrity far beyond the grifter/groyper/influencer class. Me, I’d rather be poor and dependent upon your kindness and generosity than to sell myself in such a way. Besides, even though it would be in service to the oldest profession, I look horrible in a miniskirt and crop top.

But, there are apparently plenty willing to do so. It is indeed fun some days to see how many left and allegedly-far-right are posting almost identical posts. Sometimes it is literally the same post, though one could not be faulted for suspecting most of those accounts are bots. What’s fun though is to see something strikingly similar in wording in the ‘big-name’ accounts left and allegedly far-right.

It’s happened twice recently in terms of the war with Iran. The sinking of the Iranian frigate was the first such incident, with the progressive left and the allegedly-right-wing decrying in very similar terms (and even wording) claiming that it was a violation of the rules of war. That is, of course, complete and utter hooey. But, the truth rarely matters (and is even a hindrance) when a particular narrative is being pushed by interesting people. Go see the work by Data Republican and others for detailed information on the people and funding behind it. It is a large amount of money, and what is scary is how much of it appears to be coming from defrauding the U.S. taxpayer.

The most recent version is “Lobstergate” wherein Pete Hegseth was once again targeted by the progressive left and the allegedly-right-wing group of grifters, groypers, and ‘influencers.’ Funny thing is, the attacks on Pete have convinced me of two things: he is indeed the right man for the job, and he scares the everliving out of some interesting and powerful people.

In the latest attempt to get him removed, the campaign went after the fact that the DoW (though it was phrased as if Pete himself had done the purchasing) bought lobster, crab, and steak in large and expensive amounts. Extravagant amounts with careful implication that it was for him and other senior officials. Note the implied, and how it was (and is) utilized in the campaign of lies.

Fact is, it is a long-standing tradition (here’s a hint, it happened under Clinton and Obama and was fine then) to give deployed troops and others a good ‘surf-and-turf’ meal once a week. It is also a tradition to give such a meal to those about to go into harms way. I’ve very much appreciated those putting up photos showing what civilians think is being served versus what the military actually provides (not even close to the same).

Have to admit, the first time I hit a military steak that had to be served well-done (food safety don’t you know) it was a bit of a shock. Under the circumstances, however, it was delicious even with fat and gristle. Since I can’t be charged, when I was with Cooking with the Troops I refused to cook the steaks we did well-done, and was grateful an Army cook backed me up in my lie about residual cooking one time. Story for another day.

What is most interesting about ‘Lobstergate” is the number of people who know very good and well about the tradition and are lying anyway, including some who served. Then again, I was not surprised one of them was a former Congresscritter who got his one term via running as a veteran (and is a huge Blue Falcon). The narrative is getting pushback online, but not nearly enough on broadcast outlets with CNN once again pushing a lie.

Nor is that CNNs only bit of propaganda this week. Look at their framing of the terrorist attack in NYC. Two jihadis throw explosive devices at people who are ‘far right’ according to CNN and the Associated Propaganda (AP)(love that name, stealing it) news, and almost all media frames it as an attack by the people that the terrorists attempted to murder on NYCs new mayor. CNN was roasted for one of the worst, ham-handed, attempts at such, and is still getting justifiably dragged over it.

Interesting thing is, all these efforts are being done for multiple reasons including shifting the Overton Windows in regards public perception. In the case of the sinking, the attempted shift is to change the laws and perceptions of war such that we can’t sink our enemies. In the case of ‘Lobstergate’ is yet another effort to shift the window to limit the scope and power of the SecWar in the future, even as it attempts to smear Pete as incompetent. In the third case, it is to shift the window towards attacks in the U.S. being both legitimate and the result of right-wing-extremism. While thinking about this, note that every politician or group outside of the far-left progressives is now identified as ‘right-wing’ or more likely ‘extreme-right-wing’ by corporate media such as AP, Reuters, CNN, etc.

Over on X, John Konrad has a very good post up on what is going on and the need to shift the window(s) back to the right. There is some very good food for thought in there, and worth the read to get to.

While it is clear that Journ-O-List ver. XX? is in play, it is also clear that a lot of money is being spent to push not just these narratives to the public, but the Overton Windows associated with them as far to the left as possible. All the more reason I don’t trust corporate media on any reporting, and a reminder of why I want to see the Save Act passed even if it means gutting Congressional alleged-leadership. I also want to see a speaking filibuster back and the end of the illegal, un-Constitutional, and cowardly blue slip practice. Probably a pipe dream, but one can hope.

Oh, and for the record, I think overall the Air Force has the best chow; Navy can come in a close second (depends on the mess); and, the Army is third. I will also say that when I was doing embeds in Iraq, I loved when the people working the chow halls (DFAC, whatever) were allowed to do their native dishes as a special event/treat. Given how many were Malay, Indonesian, etc. you got some amazingly good food though some could take the top of your head off with the heat. Beat the heck out of some of the regular, okay-at-best, chow.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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.

Musings On Yellowstone

The other day, the talented Leslie Eastman posted about the return of an acid geyser at Yellowstone and some of the subsurface activity going on. It’s a good article over there at Legal Insurrection, and touches on the fact that Yellowstone was and still is a supervolcano site. Go read the article, it is time well spent.

I will just add this, given that the activity seems to have some of the doomsayer guild members hyperventilating.

First up, from what has been determined of past activity, IF Yellowstone does anything it will likely to be volcanic rather than supervolcanic (if I am understanding things correctly). Volcanic will not be fun (especially if you are in the region) but survivable for most. It could be like Mount St. Helens, or it could be more towards a Krakatoa with worldwide weather and other effects. Key is, not pleasant, not fun. but survivable for most species including humanity.

Second up, if it does build and go off as a supervolcano, your best bet is to be south of the equator. Given that we should have some warning, I plan to suck up to Milei on X, flee to Argentina, and then bunker up. A supervolcanic eruption can be a true Extinction Level Event (ELE) for the world, and in particular for the northern hemisphere. Not much you can do in terms of individual preparation other than prayer (highly recommended) and maybe having travel options to get as far into the southern hemisphere as possible.

Fact is, odds of anything happening right now, or even anytime soon, seem to be pretty low. That said, this is 2026 and given how things are going, who knows. Me, I’m going to ignore the doomsayers guild members and enjoy the many blessings that are present in 2026. There are a lot of them, may even go over some of them in the days ahead. That’s a far better use of time than worrying about something over which you really can’t prepare for and is not likely to happen.

Just some thoughts. Before I go, some more thoughts on Iran and other things from The Scuttlebutt. Well worth the read.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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.

Sinking, Surpises

If it weren’t for the fact most of it is coming from people (and bots) who hate the U.S. and/or are active supporters of the mad mullah’s terrorist regime, I would be surprised at all the accounts on X holding forth that it is wrong to engage in surprise attacks on your enemies, and that sinking the Iranian warship was a violation of international law. The fact that most of the latter couldn’t tell you the difference between the Hague and Geneva Conventions, or which Geneva convention is applicable, pretty much sums it up. Let me expand a bit on what I posted in response to a odious bit of drivel.

First, we are in a de facto war as Congress has not formally declared a state of war. Then again, Congress has not formally declared a state of war since WWII. It has approved actions under the War Powers Act, and under UN obligations (Korea) but the old forms of formal declarations hasn’t be used or honored in decades and is not likely to be any time soon. That’s a topic for another day, but most modern conflicts are likely to start with a surprise and end only when one party (if just two parties) isn’t standing.

Second, one can argue that Iran has been in a state of de jure war with us since 1979. They’ve been quite open about it, sacked our embassy, killed a thousand or so troops and civilians (some of whom were kidnapped), etc., etc., etc., as Yul used to say. They have funded quite a few terrorist organizations around the world as well, including some in our own hemisphere. Good odds they have sleeper cells in the U.S. right now as previously discussed here. There de jure state of war also applies to Israel.

Now, the U.S. and Israel looked at the board, saw Iran was not going to stop working to get nuclear weapons, was ramping up funding and supplies to various terrorist groups, and building up huge stockpiles of conventional drones and ballistic missiles, and were a major threat and not just a PITA. They constituted an existential threat to both countries, to Western Civilization and its concepts, and thus to the world. Game on as in a year or less they would be in a position to start the version of Armageddon that would bring out the hidden imam and delight their savage little hearts even if it didn’t bring him back. So, game on.

Iran chose to receive in this game of FAFO, and they have not enjoyed the FO. Their military, IRGC, and basij (sorry, not sorry, not capitalizing those jerks) and general leadership are in the process of being hunted and eliminated. While regime change may not be the formal goal, it will be an end result provided no one chicken’s out. Lot of people who’s rice bowls are being upset, and/or who just hate the U.S. including far too many American politicians, are pushing openly and covertly for the latter. Check out Data Republican on X for a LOT of good intel.

Somehow, both in the attack on Iran and the sinking of the cruiser, a number of useful idiots are out there screaming about how surprise isn’t fair. Personal take: if you are in a fair fight, your tactics sucketh more than a 10 to the -16th tor vacuum and so do you. Hate to break it to the defeatist chorus (who I suspect know very good and well and are just lying to foment problems) but from individual to squad, squad to senior leadership, achieving surprise is taught as a good thing to do, because the people doing the teaching are not idiots. Want a good primer on surprise at the strategic level? Read David Weber’s Honor Harrington series as it is discussed in detail (it is David after all) in a number of the books. Seriously, good reads anyway but a lot there for leadership.

Now, I can’t truly wrap my head around some of the arguments about the sinking of the Iranian military vessel. So, let’s have some fun.

It was a surprise attack! No Excrement! (My Godmother reads and has not been happy when I cuss). That’s classic submarine warfare be it against military vessels (a very good idea as they can and often do shoot back) or civilian merchant vessels of those with whom you are at war. Both are valid and fair targets per the laws and customs of war. You don’t give warning so you can be sure to sink them and not have them get away.

They were in international waters! Ah, take a look at where the majority of military and civilian ships sunk were sunk in previous wars. Go ahead, I’ll wait. <eye roll> In case you are wondering, I’m aware of no treaty and am prepared to say there is no treaty which we have ratified forbidding such.

The sub didn’t render aid to/pick-up survivors! They pretty much never have in the history of submarine warfare. Subs have a very limited space, limited supplies, no spare space, and a relatively small crew. As such, while it may be that a single person or a couple of people have been picked up by a sub, no sub is going to try to pick up a group of survivors that can easily outnumber its crew and for which they have no room to put them. Rescue has always been on surface ships and during WWII there were even ships designated for such in some convoys. Surface ships have larger crews, some free (if not very comfortable) space for housing survivors, etc. Even when subs picked up downed pilots in the Pacific in WWII, they were transferred to surface ships or land bases ASAP. Again, also, no treaty of which I am aware or to which we are a signatory obligates submarines to do so.

They were sailing from India/an exercise! So flipping what? They were an enemy combatant from a Navy that we had said from the start we were going to destroy in toto. They were sailing for a combat zone, even if it was home, with no signal of intent of non-belligerence. The captain could have initiated communications with neutral parties or the U.S. to say if he was just trying to get his crew home and would not attempt to take part in combat. He could have sought neutral port (see Graf Spee for limited example) for a time or allowed his crew and ship to be interned for the duration. He had options, did not take them, and as such was fair game by the laws and customs of war both.

They didn’t pose a threat! By who’s standards? They were a warship, and equipped with both anti-submarine sensor and weapons. They had surface capabilities as well. Even if every weapon was unloaded and every magazine empty or locked up tight, they were a threat as they could become armed at any time, including after returning home. Again, by the laws and customs of war, a fair and valid target.

I could go on, but that hits the high points. The defeatist chorus is extremely opposed to: winning any war where any credit can go to Trump; winning any war against a terrorist regime they’ve protected since 1979; winning any war that helps the survival of Israel; and, winning any war that saves or advances the tenets of Western Civilization which they hate almost as much as they hate themselves. That a lot of them are the so-called ‘credentialed elites’ that have been screwing things up by the numbers for several decades now should be a surprise to no one.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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.

Congratulations Silent Service

While it may not be a declared war via Congress, we are in a war none-the-less. So, no one — most particularly the mad mullahs of Iran — should be surprised that we are engaging in unconditional warfare against their navy. After all, Pete and company have been adamant from the start that the Iranian Navy was going to be completely destroyed.

So, it seems one of our attack subs (most likely, not formally identified yet) became the first U.S. submarine officially to sink an enemy surface ship since WWII. The footage is rather spectacular BTW.

Given how long it has been since the Silent Service has done anything more than drills and practice shots, you know they are pumped. I also imagine all the other subs are wishing they were in position to do the same. This is also triggering some thoughts as we have not fought against anyone with a full-spectrum military (army, navy, etc.) in a while and we need to be thinking, re-thinking, and adapting to a rapidly changing environment.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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.

Dear Bill

Not sure if you will get this letter, but if it can get through to Lance Corporal Bill J. Stelpflug, USMC, I would appreciate it. I don’t have his forwarding address, the last address I have for him was at the Marine Barracks in Beirut, and I would like him to know a few things that have been going on.

First, an apology. I used to write you every year on the anniversary, but many of those notes were lost in various attacks on hosting providers by the very people who attacked the barracks. It’s my bad for not staying on top of things, and I do apologize for it.

I heard from your mother many years back, right when I first began writing to you. I wanted to keep your memory alive, in a time where so many seemed determined to forget and/or move on. She was so happy to see me write to you, and wrote to me and we talked a bit.

Your sister was happily married and had started a family. You’ll be glad to know we never did date, though I was smitten with her. I never did share those pictures I took of her in my improvised studio with her or anyone, as I screwed them up. I was still learning then, and it was a ‘learning experience’ of which I was ashamed. I might could rescue the shots these days in digital, and might try if I could give them to her. I was so happy to learn she was happy and thriving, though she and your brothers (and your parents) missed you terribly.

I enjoyed chatting with your mom, and catching up. It was a chance to remember simpler times, joyful and beautiful times. She was (is, I hope) a nice and dear lady.

My Dad was the Marine, and I was something else; but, what happened at the Barracks hit hard for us both. Not sure it was much, or did much good, but never missed a chance to try to poke the mad mullahs in the eye (or hit lower) if I got the chance. Nor did I miss a chance to recommend that others do so officially and unofficially.

Today, the tab the mullahs have been running got called. The original ayatollah has long since gone to whatever awaits him. His successor, who in many ways was even more evil, has paid the tab for all that was done. In fact, quite a few of the leadership seems to have departed with him. Pity, no? We can but hope that the demonic despots fall, and that Iranians regain their freedom. It is up to them now.

Not going to bore you with a bunch of drivel. Know I’m glad you and your brothers didn’t ‘have a word with me’ when I was interested in your sister, who deserved and found someone much, much better. Wish you hadn’t transferred to post eternal, and were still here with your family and friends. I pray the Lord has enfolded you in his light and comfort, that you rest with the saints where the light of his countenance visits you, and that you be judged to join those at his right hand.

LW

Iran Underway

Not a surprise. The embassy evacuations yesterday, that had to be done by the evening local time, were a sign. It may be hours or even a day or two before a lot of reports can be confirmed, but there are some things that are clear even now.

First, clearly a decapitation/regime change strike. The U.S. seems to be focused on infrastructure and some logistics, while Israel is taking out the rest. No surprise, and a good use of resources as (and I’ve noted this before) Israel has an almost frightening degree of penetration within Iran. When you can plant bombs in light fixtures months or longer in advance, set up robotic machine gun arrays, and more, you do indeed own your target.

That seems to be getting put to very good use in this attack. One of the firmer rumors out there is that the attack commenced once the senior leadership of the mad mullah regime were gathered together for a meeting. Much like the start of the 12-day war. Except, this time, it wasn’t military and nuclear leadership, it was the full top leadership including the ayatollah his own self. Seems that once that was confirmed, boomity.

Despite that, I’m taking reports of various eliminations with a grain of salt simply because one should. An operational rule for such things is never accept the initial reports, and even with some confirmation plan and continue as if the strike failed. If nothing else, you take out the secondaries and even tertiaries along with leadership that could fill any vacuum. Fact is, pretty much the entire membership of the IRGC will have to be taken out for any regime change to succeed. For those on X and wanting to keep up with the latest, here is a link to my Intel list.

I am wondering if, once again, Israel has blown open the doors to Evin prison. I certainly hope so. Both the U.S. and Israel have sent the message to the Iranian people that it is up to them. The Pahlavi team has as well. Video coming out of Iran has shown people literally dancing in the street in celebration. All good signs, but I also hope to see some concrete actions starting soon once the initial strikes are over. That will tell the tale.

It should also be noted that Iran has probably sealed its fate no matter what. By attacking all its neighbors with a strike, it turned neutrals and potential neutrals into enemies. Worst miscalculation: Saudi Arabia. The attack on them broke cultural and other norms, and has brought the Saudis into a full state of war against Iran. If things don’t move fast enough inside Iran, don’t be surprised if the neighbors don’t act. Side thought, this is also going to do more to strengthen the Abraham Accords than almost anything else could have done.

There is also a lot of truth to the discussions that October 7th was the worst military blunder in history. Most are putting the blame on Hamass, but the operation was approved and encouraged by Iran. It was a gamble, and if Hezballess had joined in as apparently planned, it could have put Israel on ropes. Or worse even. Instead, for a day of horrific rape and murder, Hamass, Hezballess, and other Iranian proxies are a shadow of their former selves militarily (sadly, politically still viable thanks to enablers and supporters among the progressives in the West). Now, the head of the serpent may well have been cut off. If Iran does get freedom, expect to see a number of open and covert proxies develop problems.

Along that line, if you have not read Kurt Schlichter’s book The Attack do so quickly. Today is not a day for sandstone, but a time to go red and put your head on a swivel. Of the millions who came over the border under Biden (and even before), a number of IRGC members or operatives are believed to have been among them. They might not be happy at regime change, and they may have received orders (or had standing orders) in that regard. Be prepared.

Not going to say much, but while I suspect some of that threat has been neutralized, I wouldn’t bet on it. I’ve seen it apparently happen once before, many years ago, but one should never count on a repeat. Be prepared.

More soon. I truly hope the people of Iran take this opportunity to reclaim their country. I hope they make good choices and decisions, and embrace freedom. The world will be much better off if they do so. That said, it is up to them. This is their moment, pray they rise up to it.

Meantime, keep your eye on Pakistan-Afghanistan. This in many ways has the potential to be more serious and have even larger consequences on the world than Iran. Right now, about every jihadist group in the world is siding with the Taliban. This includes certain families and groups such as the Haqqani. On the positive side, Pakistan has the chance to do the world a huge favor if it eliminates those groups/networks/etc. They have already taken out a Taliban general it seems.

The downside to this conflict is the tribal nature of the region. If enough tribes/families turn, there is a potential for Pakistan to either fall, or fall into internal turmoil that is not good in a nuclear nation. The last thing anyone should want is nuclear weapons or materials falling into the hands of the jihadis.

It is not a simple situation with simplistic solutions or ideals. Approaching it as simplistic is a potential invitation to disaster. If anyone tells you it is simplistic and X must be done, especially a politician, shun them and their proposal. It is easy to say ‘we should support Pakistan’ but you also need to recognize that tribal loyalties matter more — even within the Pakistani government — than most in the West can grasp. Personally, I hope Pakistan ends up eliminating a number of threats to the West and the world. However, my support is selective as I don’t want to see certain factions (tribes) gain sway on the ground or in the government. For all that Iran can still hurt us, having nukes in the wrong hands could be much, much worse.

Right now, all we can do is wait and watch. I expect the mad mullahs and their ilk to try their best to take everyone down with them. Keep in mind, they want such as a means to get the hidden imam to return. Also, they are just that type of people and they will do everything they can to get as many civilians and others killed. They are also going to double down on lies and more, and are likely to try to get as many proxies or remote teams to take action as possible.

Which means the next few weeks are going to be a time to be on watch and be prepared. It is always good to use and exercise your rights, but the next few weeks will be a crystal clear time to do so. Be prepared to walk fast at need, and to maintain situational awareness. Be Prepared.

One more thing: you are going to hear a lot of politicians and other supporters of the Iranian government screaming about the attack being illegal. It’s not. The courts have ruled on this even. Generally, the President can act unilaterally though he should brief Congress within 48 hours, and Congress has to approve if action goes for more than 60 days. Please don’t fall for the lies.

More later perhaps. Still recovering from yesterday morning, so likely taking as much of the day off as possible.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Iran And Pakistan

Things appear to be ramping up further in regards Iran. It is being reported that the U.S. Embassy to Israel has told non-essential staff they are free to go, a move one rung below mandatory evacuation. Lots of assets moving into the region or to nearby ready positions. Think it won’t take much to set things off, but I think eyes are also needed elsewhere.

The war between Afghanistan and Pakistan is one to really keep a close eye on. I didn’t mention it this morning as there was a lot of smoke and not a lot of flame. Think that is changing and will likely share more soon as it looks to be getting serious with other parties in the area taking sides. It also looks like the taliban has already lost a general and unconfirmed reports of other losses for Afghanistan. This could get really interesting, really fast.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Whee! That Was Fun

Woke up this morning to a rapidly spinning room. Still not sure what was going on, but got it stopped, rested a bit, and got on up. Know I’ve been pushing it, but that was interesting.

Okay, TMI, I’m sure but it has indeed been a very busy week. Between the class and sometimes multiple services in a day, I’ve stayed busy. Today and tomorrow are going to be more of the same, on steroids even.

Continuing to use and experiment with the water distiller and related. Love it! Trying to figure out optimization techniques for when and how much I need to distill. Such a joy to have, and thank you to the kind reader who brought the distiller into my life. My thanks to all who provided neat things and information in regards filtration as well.

They are talking a possible 4-6 inches of snow Sunday night. However, our temps are going to be well above freezing so not seeing too much trouble except on Monday. Even then, shouldn’t be bad as long as the road crews are on top of things. *looks at city admin, leadership* May just plan to stay home Monday…

Lots going on in the world. I’d say we are building towards something in regards Iran based on military traffic, evacuations, travel and other warnings, and pizza orders. Yes, there is a part of me that is highly amused that Pentagon leadership is having to consider ways to deal with a pizza tracker for reasons of OPSEC. Noticing upticks in certain things has always been a tool for intelligence types, but it is truly a sign of the times that pizza orders can foretell military operations (and has been doing so for a few years now).

There is a lot going on in the Pacific, and I’m noting with interest some things going on in Japan. In regards the still-relatively-new PM, like the cut of her jib. Also liking that Japan is providing warships and more to it’s neighbors, who are eagerly beefing up capabilities in the face of Chinese aggression. That this includes Vietnam is amusing but not surprising given the historical beefs between the two countries. Would that the U.S. had the brains to start buying Japanese seaplanes, which are very much needed, now. Forget the hardware, we need to rescue pilots and others and have little to no capability to do that to any realistic scale in the Pacific.

Also worth noting that countries and the public are finally waking up to the danger to the planet from the huge illegal Chinese fishing fleet. Wish it had happened a couple of years ago, as there has been a lot of damage done. When nations start sinking those aggressive ships (happened recently with at least one ship), global patience has worn thin. Needs to be dealt with, one way or another.

There are some other things simmering, will see what happens with them. Glad to see the recent joint exercises with the Philippines too.

I will probably be launching a formal Bleg next week for the blog, the Pilgrimage, and school. Fair warning.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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 Special Relationship Should

Be considered dead. In some of my previous posts regarding England and Europe (start with the latest and follow the links) I’ve suggested caution and the need to rethink things. Yesterday’s news that Starmer has refused use of bases in the UK and Diego Garcia for any attack on Iran really brings the need for a formal re-evaluation.

After thinking on it overnight I’m not convinced it is dead and beyond resuscitation; but, prudence demands that we treat it as such and start developing plans, policies, and procedures for operations without the special relationship. From intelligence sharing to basing, rethink everything.

Sure, Labor can lose but are any of the other classic parties any better? I’m also of the opinion that Nigel and Reform are not serious, and possibly even a Trojan horse given some recent revelations. Lowe and Restore, if they survive literally and figuratively, might be the change that could save the U.K. That said, every other party and a huge part of the bureaucracy (including intel and law enforcement) are going to be gunning for them, possibly even literally. If they are taken off the board, I would put my money on the U.K. becoming a caliphate within the next ten years. So, I’m rooting for Rupert for now.

Meantime, we need to consider the U.K. lost even as the politicians pay lip service and act as if all is okay. That means we need, now, to be cutting back on what we share and how; what we accept, how, and why (keep in mind Brit Intel was a huge part of the Russia scam that crippled Trump 1.0); and, as I said before, how to secure the nukes when the fall comes.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. It’s all we can do, and it is always good advice.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.