Showing posts with label National Guard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Guard. Show all posts

Friday, October 17, 2025

Wars and Rumors of War, 2025. Part 7. The snatching victory edition.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Matthew, Chapter 24.

I don't speak Russian, and I have no idea what's being said, but I'm sure that the Russian soldiers being shown in the photos are dead.  Russian casualties are massive.

All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.

Voltaire

Here's something to consider about the war between Russia and Ukraine as the juvenile demented Putin fanboy King Donny, who declared himself a war hero yesterday, attempts to bring the war to an end.

Ukraine may very well be winning this war.

Russian casualties are massive.  According to one report, the Russians sustained 20,000 combat deaths last month, and have sustained 1,000,000 casualties so far in the war.  Russia is only still able to be in the war at this point as it's not a democracy.  A democratic regime could not sustain this rate of attrition.  The U.S. Army became combat ineffective in Vietnam after 50,000 deaths. . . for the entire war.

Which is not to say that the Russian Army has been terribly effective.  It hasn't.  Putin isn't holding back in the war, he can't ramp it up any more than this.  He's even brought in foreign mercenaries in the form of North Korean troops, who also proved to be ineffective.



The Czar was a decent man.  Vladimir Putin is not.  He was a member of the KGB.  He is also a student of Russian history and seeks to revive what the USSR lost, which itself sought to restore what had fallen apart in the Russian Revolution, a Russian Empire.  

He needs Ukraine for that.

The collapse of the Imperial Russian Army was somewhat sudden.  As late as 1917 it was able to launch a massive summer offensive that gained ground. Then it stopped. Then it collapsed.

At this rate, the end is coming for Putin.  The Russian Army continues to gain a little ground, but just a little.  If it stops, and is pushed back a bit, the end of Putin's rule may come pretty quickly.

Putin likely knows that, which is why he flew to Alaska, knowing that he could depend on his loyal little lap dog to piss all over the floor in joy when he saw him, and do his bidding.

What should occur now is this.

The secondary tariff bill directed on countries that receive Russian oil should pass Congress.

US arms supplies, and European ones (which have actually amounted to more than American ones) should resume.

Contacts should be made within the Russian military and government who can facilitate the change in regime, many of whom are likely afraid right now of being pushed out of five story window.

Personally, I'd go further than this, although I know its unlikely to happen right now.  I feel NATO forces should be deployed to those Ukrainian provinces which have not seen Russian incursions on a "do not enter" basis.  I'd also encourage the raising of Western units that would be equipped in a Western fashion, made up of men who are veterans of Western armies, along the lines of the American Volunteer Group and Spanish Blue Division (and yes, I know that this is an unfortunate example) of World War Two.  I'm pretty sure that substantial numbers of good Western troops could join the fight in that manner, but I also know that this won't occur.

At any rate, Trump ought to just go back to the golf course and leave the serious world alone.  The serious world ought to back Ukraine, which may very well be winning the war.

August 21, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War


Major Russian refinery  hit last night.

August 22, 2025

Israel v. Hamas

The UN had declared that a famine is occuring in Gaza.

Russo Ukrainian War

The Russians hit a US owned factory in Ukraine last night.

The Ukrainians hit a fuel train in Crimea.

US v. ISIL

U.S. forces killed an  ISIS ‘key financier’ in Syrian  raid on Aug. 19.

August 25, 2025

Middle East

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's capital yesterday.

August 29, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Ukraine took out 4.7% of Russia's refining capacity last night.

August 30, 2025

Israel v. Hamas

Israel declared an area within Gaza a "combat zone".

September 3, 2025

United States v. Drug Cartels

The US sank a drug transporting ship belonging to the Tren de Aragua through an illegal use of the U.S. military.

September 8, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Over the weekend the Russians launched largest drone attack of the war.

Guess Putin doesn't really care much about Donald "Col. Kilgore" Trump's two week deadlines.

Middle East War

A Houthi drone hit an Israeli airport.

Hmmm. . . . doesn't seem like that war ended either.

September 10, 2025

Middle East War

Israel hit Hamas' political headquarters in Qatar in an airstrike.

Qatar hosts a significant US military mission.

Russo Ukrainian War

Poland shot down Russian drones that entered Polish airspace en route to Ukraine.

September 14, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Trump called on all NATO countries to boycott Russian oil and to impose tariffs on Russia and China.

Trump's thought on this, as with so much else, are based on his business experience.  A country willing to sustain the loss rates that Russia is, isn't going to be cowed by the loss of oil sales.

Domestic Use of the Armed Forces

And then there's this ongoing stupidity:


September 16, 2025

Israel in Gaza

Israel had launched a new ground offensive apparently to take Gaza City.

Domestic Use of the Armed Forces

Trump has signed an order to deploy National Guardsmen to Memphis.

United States v. Drug Cartels

The US sank a second Venezuelan civilian boat yesterday.

September 23, 2025

Middle East War

A wave of countries has recognized a Palestinian state as the US influence over the globe has decreased under the Trump administration and as support for Israel has diminished due to the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Palestinian statehood was already recognized by the majority of the globe's nations, but now over half of Europe's nations do and only the US and Panama do not in the Americas.

September 24, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Hmmm. . . while I'm grateful that Trump is suddenly supporting Ukraine, sort of, why the change in view?

Chances are high that Trump thinks his yapping achieves something.  Now, he probably suspects, Vlad Putin will be shaking in his boots.

He won't be.

September 26, 2025

Israel v. Hamas

Donald Trump claims that he won't allow Israel to annex more of the West Bank.  

Said Mahmoud Abbas, whose party governs the West Bank, expressly rejected the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and stated that Hamas needs to turn its weapons over to the Palestinian Authority, which is very rapidly achieving recognition as the Palestinian sovereign.

United States goings ons

Secretary of Defense Hegseth ordered all flag rank officer to report to him next week, an extraordinary move.  No reason has been given for it.

October 2, 2025

Israel v. Hamas

Israel ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City  and that anyone who stayed would be considered a militant supporter and face the “full force” of Israel’s latest offensive.

This is a war crime.

October 3, 2025

United States v. drug cartels

Trump designated drug cartels as unlawful combatants in what is in fact an unlawful use of U.S. military power.

October 6, 2025

United States goings ons

Donald Trump has deployed units of the California National Guard into Oregon illegally.

update:

The judge which earlier ruled that the Oregon National  Guard could not be deployed for this purpose has extended the order to California and Texas National Guardsmen as well.

October 12, 2025

Israel v. Hamas

A Trump Administration brokered ceasefire which is designed to stop the fighting, secure the release of hostages, and lead to an eventual new Gazan (Palestinian Authority) government seems to be holdings.  Gazans are returning to their wrecked homes.

United States goings ons

While the rulings are interlocutory in nature, the Federal Court and Federal Appeals Court with jurisdiction in Illinois have blocked the illegal deployment of National Guardsmen in the state.

October 14, 2025

Gaza

Hamas is back in the streets in Gaza and killed at least 33 people for what it terms crime.

October 17, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Senile real estate developer Donald Trump will be meeting with Vlad Putin in Hungary.

The illegitimate Second Trump Administration pulled tomahawk missiles it had previously promised to Ukraine back.

Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet with senile real estate developer today.

Gaza

The senile real estate developer threated Hamas with death if violence continues inside of Gaza.

United States v. Drug Cartels

No reason was given, but it's likely that his conscience wouldn't allow for what is going on in that command.

Last edition:

Monday, August 25, 2025

Court Watch, Part II.

 


August 5, 2025

Texas Governor Abbot has ordered the arrest of absentee Democratic Texas legislators.

cont:

The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on matters Epstein.

Here's the thing, however.  Nobody really knows what they'll have to say, but one of the questions is going to be "who all did you see at . . . "

I suspect as many Republicans as Democrats are hoping he doesn't answer that.

August 11, 2025

It seems clear that the Trump administration is going to make some sort of a move on the homeless population of Washington, D.C.

There's also a move to take back Federal control of the enclave.

As anyone here can tell, I'm not a fan of the Trump administration, but I'll at least acknowledge that American cities have a huge homeless problem and it detracts from American society overall.  Something needs to be done about it. Something humane, but something.

Also, frankly, D.C. should have gave been given home rule.  It hasn't been a well run city in many instances.  It's a Federal enclave for a reason.

A case involving a county clerk may go to the S.Ct, and if it does, it would allow the court to review the Obergefell decision if it wishes to.

It doesn't have to take the case, and if it did, it wouldn't have to revisit Obergefell.  Obergefell was clearly wrongly decided, so it'll be interesting to see what the Court does.

Cont:

DECLARING A CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 740 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-198), as amended (section 740 of the Home Rule Act), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime is out of control in the District of Columbia.  Washington, District of Columbia, is our Nation’s capital and home to the central institutions of American governance.  Yet rising violence in the capital now urgently endangers public servants, citizens, and tourists, disrupts safe and secure transportation and the proper functioning of the Federal Government, and forces the diversion of critical public resources toward emergency response and security measures.  The city government’s failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the Nation’s broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.

The increase in violent crime in the heart of our Republic has consequences beyond the individual tragedies that have dominated media coverage.  Such lawlessness also poses intolerable risks to the vital Federal functions that take place in the District of Columbia.  Violence and crime hamper the recruitment and retention of essential Federal employees, undermine critical functions of Government and thus the well-being of the entire Nation, and erode confidence in the strength of the United States.  These conditions are disgraceful anywhere, but particularly in the capital of our Nation and the seat of the Federal Government.  Citizens, tourists, and Federal workers deserve peace and security, not fear and violence.  The smooth functioning of executive departments and agencies, courts, diplomatic missions, and the Federal Government demands an effective law-enforcement mechanism capable of halting the precipitous rise in violent crime, not one that permits Government workers to be violently attacked by mobs or fatally shot close to the Federal buildings where they work.

The magnitude of the violent crime crisis places the District of Columbia among the most violent jurisdictions in the United States.  In 2024, the District of Columbia averaged one of the highest robbery and murder rates of large cities nationwide.  Indeed, the District of Columbia now has a higher violent crime, murder, and robbery rate than all 50 States, recording a homicide rate in 2024 of 27.54 per 100,000 residents.  It also experienced the Nation’s highest vehicle theft rate with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents — over three times the national average of 250.2 thefts per 100,000 residents.  The District of Columbia is, by some measures, among the top 20 percent of the most dangerous cities in the world.

As President, I have a solemn duty to take care that our laws are faithfully executed, and a sacred responsibility to protect the safety and security of United States citizens who live in and visit our Nation’s capital, including Federal workers who live or commute into the District of Columbia.  These conditions cannot persist.  We will make the District of Columbia one of the safest cities in the world, not the most dangerous.

Sec2.  Services of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  I determine that special conditions of an emergency nature exist that require the use of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (Metropolitan Police force) for Federal purposes, including maintaining law and order in the Nation’s seat of Government; protecting Federal buildings, national monuments, and other Federal property; and ensuring conditions necessary for the orderly functioning of the Federal Government.  Effective immediately, the Mayor of the District of Columbia (Mayor) shall provide the services of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes for the maximum period permitted under section 740 of the Home Rule Act.

Sec3.  Operational Control of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  (a)  The authority of the President conferred by section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act to direct the Mayor with respect to the current special conditions of an emergency nature is delegated to the Attorney General. 

(b)  In accordance with section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act, the Mayor shall provide such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the Attorney General may deem necessary and appropriate.

Sec4.  Monitoring and Recommendations.  (a)  The Attorney General shall monitor and regularly consult with any senior official the Attorney General deems appropriate on the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(b)  The Attorney General shall regularly update me on the status of the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(c)  The Attorney General shall inform me of any circumstances that, in the Attorney General’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President or that the action in this order is no longer necessary.

Sec5.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    August 11, 2025.

There is no emergency.

Trump's use of executive orders is completely out of control.

Cont:

Attorney who backed Trump on Jan. 6 now urging Supreme Court to hear corner-crossing case: John Eastman says high court should hear matter “because it affects so much private property.”

August 13, 2025

Wyoming Senate panel rebuffs effort to give lawmakers more control over judicial nominations: The Wyoming Freedom Caucus began criticizing the court’s judiciary after rulings against its initiatives. A narrow vote Tuesday indicated debate is likely to continue.

August 20, 2025

California Republicans have filed suit to stop California Governor Newsome's retaliatory redistricting plan.   

Apparently the GOP never grasped the Democrats would punch back over the Texas gerrymandering grab.

August 21, 2025

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty: Eighteen months after Roberts’ actions incited global outrage, a grand jury decided the Daniel resident should face felony charges.

August 23, 2025

The FBI raided the house of former Trump official and current Trump critic John Bolton.

August 25, 2025

More fascist behavior:

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE
CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime Emergency.  Two weeks ago, I declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia to address the rampant violence and disorder that have undermined the proper and safe functioning of the Federal Government, and therefore, the Nation, and that have led to disgraceful conditions in our Nation’s capital.  In furtherance of Executive Order 14333 of August 11, 2025 (Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia), I am now ordering further actions to address the conditions described in that Executive Order. 

Sec2.  Operational Actions.  (a)  The Director of the National Park Service shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional members of the United States Park Police in the District of Columbia to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  The United States Park Police shall ensure enforcement of all applicable laws within their jurisdiction, including the Code of the District of Columbia, to help maintain public safety and proper order.

(b)  The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional prosecutors to focus on prosecuting violent and property crimes.

(c)  The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force established in Executive Order 14252 of March 27, 2025 (Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful), shall establish an online portal for Americans with law enforcement or other relevant backgrounds and experience to apply to join Federal law enforcement entities to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  Each law enforcement agency that is a member of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, as well as other relevant components of the Department of Justice as the Attorney General determines, shall further, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital that can be deployed whenever the circumstances necessitate, and that could be deployed, subject to applicable law, in other cities where public safety and order has been lost.

(d)(i)  The Secretary of Defense shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard, subject to activation under Title 32 of the United States Code, that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.  As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall each deputize the members of this unit to enforce Federal law.

(ii)  The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law.  In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.  In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment. 

(e)  The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall investigate any non-compliance with the crime-prevention and safety requirements of HUD agreements by the District of Columbia Housing Authority or any landlord in the District of Columbia.  These investigations shall include consideration of the provisions of such agreements that require housing providers to maintain safe, decent, and sanitary conditions or to restrict tenants who engage in criminal activity that threatens health, safety, and the right to peaceful enjoyment for other tenants, including engaging in drug distribution, violent criminal activity, and domestic violence.  The Secretary of HUD shall refer any findings of non-compliance to the Attorney General, Federal law enforcement authorities, the District of Columbia Housing Authority Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department, as appropriate.

(f)  The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct additional inspections, audits, and examinations to determine whether conditions exist in federally-funded transit services in the District of Columbia that endanger transit workers, and take appropriate remedial action that is within the Department of Transportation’s authority.

Sec3.  Potential Amendments to Metropolitan Police Department General Orders.  (a)  The Attorney General shall review the Metropolitan Police Department General Orders and shall request that the Mayor of the District of Columbia make such updates and modifications to such orders as the Attorney General determines are necessary to address the crime emergency and ensure public order and safety.

Sec4.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

PROSECUTING BURNING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose.  Our great American Flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom, identity, and strength.  Over nearly two-and-a-half centuries, many thousands of American patriots have fought, bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly.  The American Flag is a special symbol in our national life that should unite and represent all Americans of every background and walk of life.  Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative.  It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation — the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security.  Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot.  American Flag burning is also used by groups of foreign nationals as a calculated act to intimidate and threaten violence against Americans because of their nationality and place of birth.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s rulings on First Amendment protections, the Court has never held that American Flag desecration conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is an action amounting to “fighting words” is constitutionally protected.  See Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397, 408-10 (1989).

My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority.

Sec2.  Measures to Combat Desecration of the American Flag.  (a)  The Attorney General shall prioritize the enforcement to the fullest extent possible of our Nation’s criminal and civil laws against acts of American Flag desecration that violate applicable, content-neutral laws, while causing harm unrelated to expression, consistent with the First Amendment.  This may include, but is not limited to, violent crimes; hate crimes, illegal discrimination against American citizens, or other violations of Americans’ civil rights; and crimes against property and the peace, as well as conspiracies and attempts to violate, and aiding and abetting others to violate, such laws.

(b)  In cases where the Department of Justice or another executive department or agency (agency) determines that an instance of American Flag desecration may violate an applicable State or local law, such as open burning restrictions, disorderly conduct laws, or destruction of property laws, the agency shall refer the matter to the appropriate State or local authority for potential action.

(c)  To the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution, the Attorney General shall vigorously prosecute those who violate our laws in ways that involve desecrating the American Flag, and may pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area.

(d)  The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting within their respective authorities, shall deny, prohibit, terminate, or revoke visas, residence permits, naturalization proceedings, and other immigration benefits, or seek removal from the United States, pursuant to Federal law, including 8 U.S.C. 1182(a), 8 U.S.C. 1424, 8 U.S.C. 1427, 8 U.S.C. 1451(c), and 8 U.S.C. 1227(a), whenever there has been an appropriate determination that foreign nationals have engaged in American Flag-desecration activity under circumstances that permit the exercise of such remedies pursuant to Federal law.

Sec3.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

Last edition:

Court Watch

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Gordon to deploy Wyoming National Guard to support ICE in Trump’s mass deportation effort

Gordon to deploy Wyoming National Guard to support ICE in Trump’s mass deportation effort: Gov. Mark Gordon is among a reported 20 Republican governors who agreed to the president’s request to use guard members for immigration enforcement duties — maybe paperwork.

As a former Guardsman, I'd absolutely hate this if I was still one. 

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Wars and Rumors of War, 2025. Part 3. The peace didn't break out on day one edition.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Matthew, Chapter 24.


In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons. 

Herodotus.

May 12, 2025

Turkey v. The Kurds.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the PPK, announced that it will disband and disarm after forty years of conflict.

May 26, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Trump posted the following yesterday:

I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not “Trump’s,” I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.

More and more it's impossible not simply regard Trump as stupid.

June 1, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Ukraine pulled off a sort of scaled down Pearl Harbor, or Battle of Taranto, or perhaps attack on Port Arthur today/yesterday by mounting a major drone attack on Russia air assets inside of  Russia itself.

The drones were  smuggled into Russia and launched from cabin launchers in what will go down as one of the most successful clandestine internal actions of all time.  At least 40 Russian aircraft were destroyed on the ground.

June 3, 2025

Russo Ukrainian War

Ukraine's security service, the SBU, struck the Crimean Bridge with underwater explosives, damaging the structure.

June 8, 2025

US Civil Unrest

Donald Trump has federalized some units of the California National Guard and ordered them to Los Angeles in response to violent immigration protests there.

A President federalizing a Guard unit ab initio like this is very unusual.

June 9, 2025

US Civil Unrest

Absolutely nuts:

Press Release | June 9, 2025

USNORTHCOM statement on additional military personnel in the Los Angeles Area

U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Northern Command has activated the Marine infantry battalion that was placed in an alert status over the weekend. Approximately 700 Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division will seamlessly integrate with the Title 10 forces under Task Force 51 who are protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area. 

The activation of the Marines is intended to provide Task Force 51 with adequate numbers of forces to provide continuous coverage of the area in support of the lead federal agency. 

Task Force 51 is U.S. Army North’s Contingency Command Post, which provides a rapidly deployable capability to partner with civil authorities and DoD entities in response to a Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Operations. It is commanded by Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman.  

Task Force 51 is comprised of approximately 2,100 National Guard soldiers in a Title 10 status and 700 active-duty Marines. Task Force 51 forces have been trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and standing rules for the use of force. 

 June 10, 2025

US Civil Unrest

Trump is doubling the size of the California National Guard deployment to Los Angeles.

June 11, 2025

US Civil Unrest

Californian National Guardsmen found their role expanded to protecting immigration agents as they made arrests in Los Angeles.

My guess is that this is going to be a long deployment, or that the Courts will find the this use illegal rapidly.

The deployment of military forces to California is costing the US $134,000,000.

Wyoming's Congressman predictably came down on the side of Donald Trump:

Hageman Blasts Newsom For Putting ‘Rioters Over The Side Of Law And Order’

Texas, not the United States, has deployed the Texas Army National Guard to Austin in advance of anticipated ICE raids there.

June 13, 2025

Israel v. Iran

Israel launched what are being termed "massive" air attacks against Iran's nuclear program and military command structure.  Initial reports are that the raid were highly successful.

US Civil Unrest

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the Trump's direct Guard deployment was illegal, violating the Tenth Amendment and exceeding Trump’s statutory authority.  An appeals court stayed enforcement of the order upon review.

cont:

Israel v. Iran

The Israeli attack expanded today to nuclear installations.  Operation Rising Lion also took out a number of senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps figures.

Iran is presently attempting to retaliate with missles.

June 14, 2025

US Civil Unrest

The Governor of Missouri activated his state's National Guard in advance of today's protests.

June 17, 2025

Israel v. Iran


Cont:


"We"?

"Sky trackers"?

"Stuff"?

Cont:  



Apparently Trump has demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender".