As bombs fall on Iran, President Trump’s own words--scattered across interviews with reporters--expose a war launched without clear aims, a defined outcome, or an endgame.
I believed GW Bush about weapons of mass destruction...so I deployed to Iraq, for America, for democracy...years and years later, Iraq is much worse off and we have so many dead and disabled Americans...me being one of the disabled...And here we go again, a lie from trumps lips and now so far, 3 dead Americans, more to come. Neither bush nor trump saw past the bombing..like rummy with his shock and awe campaign...I can tell you, it doesn't work. AND, it isn't our place in the world to regime change a government. IT IS NOT our place to do this! 9-11 was caused by Saudis...so we go after iraq?? trump said he obliterated Irans nuclear capabilities...so we are bombing them because they have nuclear weapons? LIARS...and our military and citizens pay the price ....not to mention the 145 innocent little girls murdered during one of these strikes.
You understand fully the consequences of needless war. Thank you for your perspective and for your service. It is disheartening that our government continues to meddle in the Middle East to the detriment of all.
It is like we see the reality of it all, but ego and vanity get first dibs...and we all lose...thank you for your historical perspective and your service. My heart hurts for the sons and daughters being used for that POS's vanity and ego,
I worked in the Pentagon for the Sec Dev of Logistics and all I can say if that there was NOT a lot of support for Iraq 2. As an advisor --on logistics only-- but listening and interacting with generals I was terrified at their 'concern'.
There were a lot of 'hallway' conversations out of earshot hoping party A could influence party B for better plans. Bush/Cheney/Rummy had no plan for the aftermath of getting Hussien. Thus, the mess that followed.
So clear what you say. And DoD and CIA know where bin Laden was. They could have just taken him out--his whole camp there. As well they knew a lot of the cells in Libya, etc.
But CIA and DoD fought amongst themselves on who got the chance to go after bid Laden. DoD won. And we know what kind to 'tools' they use vs. the surgical CIA tools.
I have a lawn mower; I don't use in in my flower beds to go after weeds. I use a towel.
Catherine, I meant no disrespect. I empathize with Ms. Labate's disability and I truly am grateful for her service. I have no doubt her intentions were pure when she thought she were protecting democracy abroad. My only defense (not an excuse, just an explanation) is that I have grown weary and reflexively impatient with those who trust and believe politicians at face value with no compulsion to "trust but verify", especially when there is suspicion of ulterior motives (e.g., oil, vendetta, etc.). Powell's presentation of that so-called WMD mobile lab which was actually a British weather balloon trailer (according to the "Marconi" logo seen in the photo!), blew the cover off that entire scam, but the vast majority of Americans refused to recognize the scam. The British recognized it as soon as they saw the photo which is why Bush likely didn't consult with them before using that as "proof" of WMD. Powell openly admitted he DELIBERATELY misled the public during that presentation! And now look at the mess we are in today, again, because of gullible, incurious people. But I do truly thank her again for her service!
There was a meeting with Castro were many retired US politicians such as Robert MacNamara, as well as Richard Goodwin (advisor/speech writer to Kennedy and LBJ.) Doris Kearns Goodwin writes about this is her book Unfinished Love Story. It appears they all enjoyed the sharing of a perspective reflecting on past mistakes and accomplishments and hoping to improve relationships. Someone suggested that they meet again and Castro said, at my age I will meet you in heaven. McNamara said, 'no, I am going to hell' or something of that nature. He had apologized for the blunder of Vietnam and his role in lying, before and this just shows at some point he didn't just think it was a political error, unlike Kissinger who went to his death defending so many of the things he did. Democracy, I understand where you are coming from. After the fact, is too late for all the suffering as well as the ongoing taint to America for our egotistic meddling in the affairs of other countries.
A relevant dive into history. what we are living now in Iran is an outcome of way way back, the Dulles brother, another egotistic pair, who were masterminds of the assassination of Mosaddegh, who had been elected President of Iran. Then the US installed the Shah who was a despot and tortured so many Iranian, Naturally, they hated the United Stated.
And what is so absurd is that the overall culture of Persians is much more liberal than the Saudi, et al. Yet we wind up taking sides and further destabilizing the region. Tribes, Sunni vs. Shia etc. The US has no real understanding the culture which goes way back for centuries, intent or politics of the Middle East. We could have been a neutral players and trading with them all. Instead, we are a force of destruction
Sorry, went on too long. I guess we are all beyond upset about what is happening.
He IS winging it. He’ll move on to something else by Wednesday, leaving staff to figure out what to do. Unless he’s thinking that Iran will be another vassal state acquired by Trump Inc
Joe Scarborough says it’s about China and cutting off oil. It’s not.
Haven’t heard Joe’s name in ages. Not sure why anyone still quotes him or Mika after their disgraceful, performative bowing / scraping in front of Cheeto Jesus at his crappy golf motel🤡
Lindsey Graham announced yesterday that Cuba is next on the regime’s list. The tangerine toddler gets bored quickly, so we can expect a major pivot soon.
I'm not sure I understand the premise here. From my chair, Trump's objectives and endgame are cystal clear:
1. Create diversion after diversion away from Epstein.
2. Create national chaos so that he can declare "As per the unitary executive powers vested in me as President of the United States of America, I hereby 'suspend' the mid-term election and all future national elections until further notice due to the nationwide threat to our national security". He'll cite Crazy Democrats, voter fraud, war, international infiltration into our election system, etc.
And, in anticipation that not all states will agree to "suspend" their election, Trump very likely has already made sure that Thune and Johnson will not swear in any Democrat to Congress and risk neutralizing the GOP's current power grab.
In case you hadn't noticed yet, Trump has zero intention of ever leaving the White House in this lifetime. The White House is his Get Rich Quick and Get Out Of Jail Free card.
If the US and some of its allies are at war, would that mean that there are less weapons to provide to Ukraine because of their needs? Could this be part of the equation, to assist Russia?
Yes, this is absolutely a middle finger to Ukraine and Zalinski, and a green light signal to Putun that he can proceed without any further pushback from the US. It seems like a tacit signal to Putun that he is free to use the same playbook by example to decapitate Ukraine. There will be no confusion in Moscow because Putun knows exactly the end state that he wants. I hope Zalinski has a bunch of deep, deep bunkers!!
He’s been doing everything he can to stop them. Legally he can not because elections belong to the states. But how many internal (state) insurrections are going to happen? Will he bar the swearing in of the new Congress when it happens?
He needs an off-ramp because one of the generals had informed him before this shit show started US stockpile is inadequate for a war. Bibi pushed him and knowing Israel has a lot of intelligence on Trumpstein Pedophile Ring he had to oblige.
Apparently the Saudi crown prince (Jared’s BFF) pushed hard too. From the Jerusalem Post: “Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly made several private phone calls to Trump over the past month, pushing for an attack despite publicly endorsing a diplomatic solution, the Washington Post reported.”
and 'we' call these allies. What do they care about all the innocent lives who are fighting this war or in Isreal getting missile attacks-Afterall the Christian and Jews are infidels,
“Winging it” might be a little generous. I think he’s lost his flipping mind. But he’s easily led and I imagine someone suggested he do this. (Netanyahu?) He might think he will get more glory, more money, more power or another shiny gold bauble. But now we are in this mess and I pray there is someone, ANYONE, who can help us get out of it with as few of casualties as possible. (And yeah, I am feeling a little cynical today - Hegseth is on the news right now thumping his chest).
He is winging it--as usual. But this time, he's in way over his head. Where are the "grownups"--elected Rs, military leadership reining him in?
That this war is the work of Trump and Netanyahu is very troubling--two reckless, corrupt, and totally immoral men.
My late husband--a veteran himself--believed that any president needed a background of military service. Trump, as we know , has no military service and in fact dodged serving during the Vietnam War.
I was feeling exactly the same-it does seem like he/they are winging it. Do you think if we all just threw our hands in the air and said-“there really is nothing to see in the Trumpstein Files” that this attack would have happened? This man needs to be impeached NOW
Deadly incompetence. "We may have killed the next in line", "oopsie another girls' school", "whoops, there goes three multi-million dollar planes". Enraging.
What is really sad when I listen to Hegeseth on the pentagon briefing on ABC you don’t know if any of it is true. So glad you and many others like Meidas touch keep us informed thank you. I had heard Trump had ask for cease fire and was told no already. Iran will decide.
I believed GW Bush about weapons of mass destruction...so I deployed to Iraq, for America, for democracy...years and years later, Iraq is much worse off and we have so many dead and disabled Americans...me being one of the disabled...And here we go again, a lie from trumps lips and now so far, 3 dead Americans, more to come. Neither bush nor trump saw past the bombing..like rummy with his shock and awe campaign...I can tell you, it doesn't work. AND, it isn't our place in the world to regime change a government. IT IS NOT our place to do this! 9-11 was caused by Saudis...so we go after iraq?? trump said he obliterated Irans nuclear capabilities...so we are bombing them because they have nuclear weapons? LIARS...and our military and citizens pay the price ....not to mention the 145 innocent little girls murdered during one of these strikes.
Thank you for your service.
You understand fully the consequences of needless war. Thank you for your perspective and for your service. It is disheartening that our government continues to meddle in the Middle East to the detriment of all.
It is like we see the reality of it all, but ego and vanity get first dibs...and we all lose...thank you for your historical perspective and your service. My heart hurts for the sons and daughters being used for that POS's vanity and ego,
I worked in the Pentagon for the Sec Dev of Logistics and all I can say if that there was NOT a lot of support for Iraq 2. As an advisor --on logistics only-- but listening and interacting with generals I was terrified at their 'concern'.
There were a lot of 'hallway' conversations out of earshot hoping party A could influence party B for better plans. Bush/Cheney/Rummy had no plan for the aftermath of getting Hussien. Thus, the mess that followed.
So clear what you say. And DoD and CIA know where bin Laden was. They could have just taken him out--his whole camp there. As well they knew a lot of the cells in Libya, etc.
But CIA and DoD fought amongst themselves on who got the chance to go after bid Laden. DoD won. And we know what kind to 'tools' they use vs. the surgical CIA tools.
I have a lawn mower; I don't use in in my flower beds to go after weeds. I use a towel.
Thank you for your service. History repeating itself to benefit the war machine, costing American lives.
What the hell took you so long to wake up?
And thank you for your service!!
Took so long to wake up? WTF…where do you come up with that? Just a gratuitous slap in the face. And yes… I also thank the poster for their service.
Are you crazy ? What a stupid comment . ☹️
Catherine, I meant no disrespect. I empathize with Ms. Labate's disability and I truly am grateful for her service. I have no doubt her intentions were pure when she thought she were protecting democracy abroad. My only defense (not an excuse, just an explanation) is that I have grown weary and reflexively impatient with those who trust and believe politicians at face value with no compulsion to "trust but verify", especially when there is suspicion of ulterior motives (e.g., oil, vendetta, etc.). Powell's presentation of that so-called WMD mobile lab which was actually a British weather balloon trailer (according to the "Marconi" logo seen in the photo!), blew the cover off that entire scam, but the vast majority of Americans refused to recognize the scam. The British recognized it as soon as they saw the photo which is why Bush likely didn't consult with them before using that as "proof" of WMD. Powell openly admitted he DELIBERATELY misled the public during that presentation! And now look at the mess we are in today, again, because of gullible, incurious people. But I do truly thank her again for her service!
There was a meeting with Castro were many retired US politicians such as Robert MacNamara, as well as Richard Goodwin (advisor/speech writer to Kennedy and LBJ.) Doris Kearns Goodwin writes about this is her book Unfinished Love Story. It appears they all enjoyed the sharing of a perspective reflecting on past mistakes and accomplishments and hoping to improve relationships. Someone suggested that they meet again and Castro said, at my age I will meet you in heaven. McNamara said, 'no, I am going to hell' or something of that nature. He had apologized for the blunder of Vietnam and his role in lying, before and this just shows at some point he didn't just think it was a political error, unlike Kissinger who went to his death defending so many of the things he did. Democracy, I understand where you are coming from. After the fact, is too late for all the suffering as well as the ongoing taint to America for our egotistic meddling in the affairs of other countries.
A relevant dive into history. what we are living now in Iran is an outcome of way way back, the Dulles brother, another egotistic pair, who were masterminds of the assassination of Mosaddegh, who had been elected President of Iran. Then the US installed the Shah who was a despot and tortured so many Iranian, Naturally, they hated the United Stated.
And what is so absurd is that the overall culture of Persians is much more liberal than the Saudi, et al. Yet we wind up taking sides and further destabilizing the region. Tribes, Sunni vs. Shia etc. The US has no real understanding the culture which goes way back for centuries, intent or politics of the Middle East. We could have been a neutral players and trading with them all. Instead, we are a force of destruction
Sorry, went on too long. I guess we are all beyond upset about what is happening.
I’m sorry you fought(but thank you!!) and ended with disabilities!! 🥲
He IS winging it. He’ll move on to something else by Wednesday, leaving staff to figure out what to do. Unless he’s thinking that Iran will be another vassal state acquired by Trump Inc
Joe Scarborough says it’s about China and cutting off oil. It’s not.
It’s ego and Epstein.
I agree. Lets hope Secretary of War, wannabe tough guy, Pete Hesgeth isn’t the one left to lead the war. We’d lose in a week.
That thought is not what I need before coffee.
horrible thought incompetent, confused, mean hedgclipper is no Sec Def.
Haven’t heard Joe’s name in ages. Not sure why anyone still quotes him or Mika after their disgraceful, performative bowing / scraping in front of Cheeto Jesus at his crappy golf motel🤡
Lindsey Graham announced yesterday that Cuba is next on the regime’s list. The tangerine toddler gets bored quickly, so we can expect a major pivot soon.
I'm not sure I understand the premise here. From my chair, Trump's objectives and endgame are cystal clear:
1. Create diversion after diversion away from Epstein.
2. Create national chaos so that he can declare "As per the unitary executive powers vested in me as President of the United States of America, I hereby 'suspend' the mid-term election and all future national elections until further notice due to the nationwide threat to our national security". He'll cite Crazy Democrats, voter fraud, war, international infiltration into our election system, etc.
And, in anticipation that not all states will agree to "suspend" their election, Trump very likely has already made sure that Thune and Johnson will not swear in any Democrat to Congress and risk neutralizing the GOP's current power grab.
In case you hadn't noticed yet, Trump has zero intention of ever leaving the White House in this lifetime. The White House is his Get Rich Quick and Get Out Of Jail Free card.
Exactly
you stated all our fears.
Sob -- I have been terrified since last Nov that you have it completely right.
If the US and some of its allies are at war, would that mean that there are less weapons to provide to Ukraine because of their needs? Could this be part of the equation, to assist Russia?
Yes, this is absolutely a middle finger to Ukraine and Zalinski, and a green light signal to Putun that he can proceed without any further pushback from the US. It seems like a tacit signal to Putun that he is free to use the same playbook by example to decapitate Ukraine. There will be no confusion in Moscow because Putun knows exactly the end state that he wants. I hope Zalinski has a bunch of deep, deep bunkers!!
As usual, clearly stated and insightful. Thank you, Terry
While not factual (because you know why would the POTUS be literate?) he has stated multiple times “you can’t hold elections during war”.
Which translates to, “I won’t hold elections during a war.”
He’s been doing everything he can to stop them. Legally he can not because elections belong to the states. But how many internal (state) insurrections are going to happen? Will he bar the swearing in of the new Congress when it happens?
He needs an off-ramp because one of the generals had informed him before this shit show started US stockpile is inadequate for a war. Bibi pushed him and knowing Israel has a lot of intelligence on Trumpstein Pedophile Ring he had to oblige.
Apparently the Saudi crown prince (Jared’s BFF) pushed hard too. From the Jerusalem Post: “Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly made several private phone calls to Trump over the past month, pushing for an attack despite publicly endorsing a diplomatic solution, the Washington Post reported.”
and 'we' call these allies. What do they care about all the innocent lives who are fighting this war or in Isreal getting missile attacks-Afterall the Christian and Jews are infidels,
“Winging it” might be a little generous. I think he’s lost his flipping mind. But he’s easily led and I imagine someone suggested he do this. (Netanyahu?) He might think he will get more glory, more money, more power or another shiny gold bauble. But now we are in this mess and I pray there is someone, ANYONE, who can help us get out of it with as few of casualties as possible. (And yeah, I am feeling a little cynical today - Hegseth is on the news right now thumping his chest).
Raving about golden curtains
He is winging it--as usual. But this time, he's in way over his head. Where are the "grownups"--elected Rs, military leadership reining him in?
That this war is the work of Trump and Netanyahu is very troubling--two reckless, corrupt, and totally immoral men.
My late husband--a veteran himself--believed that any president needed a background of military service. Trump, as we know , has no military service and in fact dodged serving during the Vietnam War.
Terry, I was unable to join you & Johanna on Friday, and do not find the video?? Why is that?
Hi, May—So sorry. We didn’t post right away because of the war. Here you go! https://terrymoran.substack.com/p/table-talk-the-eve-of-war?r=fgol
Mary, here’s the link:
Table Talk: The Eve of War
https://terrymoran.substack.com/p/table-talk-the-eve-of-war?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
That Trump partied while people - children- died sickens me. WTF!
He is stupid
I was feeling exactly the same-it does seem like he/they are winging it. Do you think if we all just threw our hands in the air and said-“there really is nothing to see in the Trumpstein Files” that this attack would have happened? This man needs to be impeached NOW
Deadly incompetence. "We may have killed the next in line", "oopsie another girls' school", "whoops, there goes three multi-million dollar planes". Enraging.
Tom Nichols said in his recent interview with Charlie Sykes that Trump makes GW Bush look like Churchill.
What is really sad when I listen to Hegeseth on the pentagon briefing on ABC you don’t know if any of it is true. So glad you and many others like Meidas touch keep us informed thank you. I had heard Trump had ask for cease fire and was told no already. Iran will decide.
They intent to do a lot of retaliation before they step down. they have the means to do it.