Be kinde to folk. This changeth the whole habitat.
- Manlobbi
Halls of Shrewd'm / US Policy
No. of Recommendations: 14
No. of Recommendations: 6
MAGA: "This is what we voted for! We love stupid! Stupid really pwns those smarty pants libtards!"
No. of Recommendations: 9
Hey MAGA,
Did Trump's make believe hospital ship arrive in Greenland yet? LOL
Looks like the poor Greenlanders are condemned to suffer under their efficient,
world-class, socialist healthcare system.
Oh well, at least we Made Argentina Great Again!
PS
What kind of moron likes being lied to every single day of their lives?
No. of Recommendations: 4
What kind of moron likes being lied to every single day of their lives?
MAGAs Are Gullible Morons!
No. of Recommendations: 3
What kind of moron likes being lied to every single day of their lives?
The power of "confirmation bias". He tells the mob what they want to hear.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 15
REMINDER:
Every day Trump drags his feet on refunding those illegal tariffs, taxpayers rack up over $20 million in legally required interest payments...
Remember the old days when conservatism meant not setting tax payers money on fire?
"I’d be foaming at the mouth over this incompetent, wasteful, circus-act of a gov't every waking second of my life...
if Trump had a (D) next to his name!
But since he’s wearing my team’s colors, I’ll just squint real hard and pretend the clown car on fire is a parade float! MAGA!" ~marco000
No. of Recommendations: 9
Today Trump says, "there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender."
US oil prices immediately surge to a 2-year high.
Who remembers this classic bedtime fable:
"I’m not going to start wars, I’m going to stop wars!" ~Pedo Don
No. of Recommendations: 3
Today Trump says, "there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender."
US oil prices immediately surge to a 2-year high.
Understandably. Unconditional surrender is a very different objective than just "blow up their nuclear program." Much harder to accomplish, and will take more time.
Of course, I don't think we should put much stock in what Trump says, at this point. He's perfectly fine saying that unconditional surrender is the goal, but then just settling for something far less and declaring victory and going home. There's no way to tell what he actually wants, of course - but I think a good guess right now is that he'd settle a Venezuela-type solution where the existing regime can stay in place but with someone who promises to play nice with the U.S. Not sure that's on offer, though...
No. of Recommendations: 3
...he'd settle a Venezuela-type solution where the existing regime can stay in place but with someone who promises to play nice with the U.S.
A regime of crooks can be bought, because crooks are in it for money. Ideologues aren't necessarily that easily bought. He would need to find a General, or Colonel, that can be bought, and push him into launching a coup.
But if Israel wants a failed state of warring factions, thinking it will never get it's poo in a group enough to threaten Israel, then trying to form any cohesive government is a no-go, because cohesion is the enemy. Imposing a Quisling, at Trump the God said yesterday, would almost certainly guarantee another revolution, in a decade or two.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 3
But if Israel wants a failed state of warring factions, thinking it will never get it's poo in a group enough to threaten Israel, then trying to form any cohesive government is a no-go, because cohesion is the enemy.
Not sure they do. A failed state of warring factions is going to be problematic for Israel, for the same reason that a quisling would be an issue - in the long-term, it can be unstable. Failed states can create massive uncertainty, and you never know if a group manages to actually take control of that failed state and win the civil war.
I'm sure their vast preference would be for a somewhat more secular-oriented military strongman, who might be willing to use religion as a tool of state control but is more personally motivated by power and control rather than actual ideology. They'd much rather have that than a failed state.
No. of Recommendations: 19
There's no way to tell what he actually wants, of course
I have a different view. I don’t think there’s an “actual want” because I believe he has no idea what he’s doing, how it might go, how it might end, or what the outcome should be or even could be. He has thought this through as well as my cat has, or perhaps less.
This latest: “unconditional surrender” is proof of that. He is just mouthing things he’s heard on TV, maybe from “Victory At Sea” 40 years ago, and thinks “that’ll show them”. The chance of Iran acceding to “unconditional surrender” is as likely as me winning a movie role over Brad Pitt.
It does, I admit, demonstrate how shallow his reasoning is, and what a clusterfuck we are in. There is the saving grace that at some point he will have to accept less than that, and will, and that his core supporters and Fox News will tell themselves that somehow it’s a win.
No. of Recommendations: 4
It does, I admit, demonstrate how shallow his reasoning is, and what a clusterfuck we are in. There is the saving grace that at some point he will have to accept less than that, and will, and that his core supporters and Fox News will tell themselves that somehow it’s a win.
I agree - demanding "unconditional surrender" is absurd, unless he's planning a ground force invasion that everyone else in the Administration is trying to signal is not on the cards. You never know with DJT, though, whether he might actually pull the trigger on something like that.
But yes, whatever happens will be characterized as a win. Even if we end up with Iran replacing Khameini with someone just as bad (or worse), it will be claimed as a win. Even though it will take us several years to replace all the missile interceptors and tens of billions of other hardware we're using up, and even though Iran will end up replacing a fair amount of its material over those same several years. Even though the Administration will probably end up lifting many (most) of the sanctions against Iran even if it's still a terrible regime, as with Venezuela - because after all, we all have to act as though we've accomplished a monumental change in the government regardless if we haven't changed the government very much.
It's still very early days, though - so we can remain hopeful (though not confident) that of the various outcomes that we're very much leaving up to chance, we might get a successor in there that is better (for some definition of better) than we had before. But we're eventually going to declare victory and leave regardless of whether that hope comes true.
No. of Recommendations: 4
It does, I admit, demonstrate how shallow his reasoning is, and what a clusterfuck we are in. There is the saving grace that at some point he will have to accept less than that, and will, and that his core supporters and Fox News will tell themselves that somehow it’s a win.Today Leavitt said:
"When he (Trump) as commander in chief determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized,
then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender whether they say it themselves or not."
https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mgfx6ep...
No. of Recommendations: 17
"When he (Trump) as commander in chief determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender whether they say it themselves or not."
“When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.”
No. of Recommendations: 2
“When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.”
LOL, perfect.
No. of Recommendations: 5
"It does, I admit, demonstrate how shallow his reasoning is, and what a clusterfuck we are in."
--------------------------
And I do not see a way for Emperor Trump to TACO out of this one.
Trump has done some incredibly stupid things while "guiding" the USA, but he might have backed himself into a corner on this. Why would the Iranians accept any truce, or treaty with Trump ? Trump, and America, has shown the World that America is not to be trusted, in any way, shape, or form.
Regime change is needed, in the good ole USA.
But We will be dealing with the colossal F'up that Trump is
and has been for the rest of our lives.
But hey, MAGA is a catchy slogan, so we have that going for us.
No. of Recommendations: 15
And I do not see a way for Emperor Trump to TACO out of this one.
I'm not sure I understand why you feel that way. It would be super-easy, barely an inconvenience for him to TACO out.
All he will do is simply declare victory. We've achieved our objectives. He could do it this afternoon, if he wanted to.
"Epic Fury was intended to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, destroy most of their ballistic missiles, damage their ability to otherwise project military force in the region, and give the Iranian people a chance to choose a different path. We did that. We achieved all our goals, so we're leaving."
The Administration will simply proclaim that a momentous achievement deserving of all the accolades and prizes. People who disagree will be labelled as loving Khameini or blinded by Trump derangement or unable to see how significant these gains are. Whatever we do from now until the day we declare victory will be exactly the right thing; whenever we declare victory will be a major victory, regardless of the actual outcome, because of what's already been accomplished.
We've already triumphed, you see. If you say otherwise, it means the terrorists will have won.
No. of Recommendations: 1
not just that.
if whatever taco results in israel becoming incapable of its desired defense\offense, the taco may be sent back to the kitchen.
but your point is that no amount of reversals is contrary to MAGA grand strategy victory(s) declared before\during\after.
and 30% of americans will agree.
No. of Recommendations: 1
"When he (Trump) as commander in chief determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized,
then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender whether they say it themselves or not."
Leavitt is always good for some comic relief. So worthless as Press Secretary.
No. of Recommendations: 1
And I do not see a way for Emperor Trump to TACO out of this one.
Time for Donny to start spewing about the glories of his bric-a-brac encrusted ballroom.
No. of Recommendations: 2
I have a different view. I don’t think there’s an “actual want” because I believe he has no idea what he’s doing, how it might go, how it might end, or what the outcome should be or even could be. He has thought this through as well as my cat has, or perhaps less.
This operation is different than his tariff wars and military adventures in Latin America, because he isn't in charge, on this one.
In spite of USian media silence on the subject, there is significant evidence that Epstein was running a honey pot for Mossad. It has been suggested by others that Trump has been his most bellicose about Iran, right after a visit by "Bibi", and "Bibi" has visited 6 times since Trump became POTUS. If Trump is not entirely running afraid of what Mossad has on him, he is certainly influenced by the hundreds of millions of dollars thrown at him by the Israel lobby.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 1
A failed state of warring factions is going to be problematic for Israel, for the same reason that a quisling would be an issue - in the long-term, it can be unstable.
A Quisling serves as the focus for opposition groups to unite against. How could the Shah be overthrown, with the army and SAVAK at his command?
A failed state can certainly be fertile ground for another AQ or ISIS to form. Israel is probably betting that Mossad and the CIA can keep stirring the pot, knocking down any organized group that starts to form, by inciting another group against them. The people of Iran will live in desolation, unless they decide to move to Europe, and forces are uniting to slam that door in their face too. Think of Haiti as the US/Israeli ideal for the future of Iran.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 5
"I'm not sure I understand why you feel that way. It would be super-easy, barely an inconvenience for him to TACO out."
lol, nooooo doubt about that, he is afterall the greatest Prez in American History, just ask him, he'll tell ya.
We are sooooo screwed.
No. of Recommendations: 1
did anyone catch that russia aiding iran with live military surveillance, presumably for kinetic targeting, did not bother leavitt in the least?
i wonder where that came from.
No. of Recommendations: 1
i wonder where that came from.
The empty space between her ears.
No. of Recommendations: 6
did anyone catch that russia aiding iran with live military surveillance, presumably for kinetic targeting, did not bother leavitt in the least?
i wonder where that came from. The irony is the Russians are said to be helping the Iranians with their targeting, but God on Earth Trump just lifted sanctions so India can import more Russian oil, so Putin can line his pockets.
US lifts some restrictions on Russian oil, considers more actions to ‘unsanction’ it as prices spike
“Yesterday, Treasury agreed to let our allies in India start buying Russian oil that was already on the water,” Bessent said.
“The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They were going to substitute it with U.S. oil, but to ease the temporary gap of oil around the world, we have given them permission to accept the Russian oil,” he continued.
“We may unsanction other Russian oil,” he added to host Larry Kudlow.https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5772...Steve
No. of Recommendations: 3
This ignores two things about who is in control of the war: (1) Israel is the decider, and has been from the start, and (2) Iran has a say in when the war stops.
No. of Recommendations: 7
This ignores two things about who is in control of the war: (1) Israel is the decider, and has been from the start, and (2) Iran has a say in when the war stops.
Certainly important factors. But do not underestimate the strength of Trump's narcissism. He's not going to care what Israel thinks or wants if it conflicts with what he wants. And he doesn't actually care about what happens in the Middle East except to the extent that it affects his interests.
So even if it's not in Israel's interests for us to stand down the war, or it's going to leave a gaping festering conflict if we stand down the war, as soon as Trump thinks it's in his personal best interests to declare victory and go home, he's perfectly capable and willing to do that.
Now - it could easily reach the point where declaring victory and going home isn't going to be in Trump's personal interests for a while. If Iran were to inflict a major casualty event on U.S. troops, for example, he might continue to think that he is personally best served by staying and fighting on. But we don't actually have to "win" the war by any conventional metric for Trump to decide that we've actually "won" and leave, if that's what he thinks is in his personal interests.
No. of Recommendations: 4
So even if it's not in Israel's interests for us to stand down the war, or it's going to leave a gaping festering conflict if we stand down the war, as soon as Trump thinks it's in his personal best interests to declare victory and go home, he's perfectly capable and willing to do that.
Trump thinks?
What Trump thinks and reality are two distinct things.
Of course he will declare victory and go home, but unfortunately the reality is that Iran has a say in this and they are an anchor that is firmly attached to us for some time.
We’re dealing with ultra radicals who believe in martyrdom.
Or, as the saying goes, when you talk to God, it’s a good thing. When you hear God talk back to you, it’s a bad thing.
Ignorance almost never results in success. This administration is overflowing with ignorance, stupidity, and hubris. A deadly combination for American.
Sadly, even if we take our bombs and go home, Iran has tools to harm us.
No. of Recommendations: 1
We’re dealing with ultra radicals who believe in martyrdom.
We are dealing with people who are outraged, because the US launched an unprovoked attack, while negotiating peace.
Remember what happened to Bush 43'a approval rating after 9/11? He was the same blithering idiot as before the attack, but people rallied around him, because our nation had been attacked.
from the net sifter:
Just before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush’s approval rating was around 50%–55%. Gallup polling in early September 2001 showed his approval at 51%, with some polls showing it as low as 50% in late August 2001, which was the lowest point of his presidency at that time.
Pre-9/11 Approval Context:
Late August/Early Sept 2001: 50%–55% approval (Gallup/Zogby).
Trend: Bush's approval had been experiencing a slow decline during his first eight months in office.
Post-9/11 Shift: Following the attacks, his approval rating surged to a record 90% in late September 2001, the highest in Gallup history
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 2
“ But we don't actually have to "win" the war by any conventional metric for Trump to decide that we've actually "won" and leave, if that's what he thinks is in his personal interests.”
If he declares the war over and Iran continues to send Shahed drones at US military bases, the war ain’t over. If I were Iran I’d press my advantage if Trump Tacos.
No. of Recommendations: 2
No. of Recommendations: 1
Somebody get a shepherd's crook and yank that goddamned fool off the world stage.
No. of Recommendations: 6
More of that "prosperity" our MAGA friends promised:
U.S. CRUDE FUTURES EXTEND GAINS, SURGING MORE THAN 18% TO $107.29 PER BARREL....
Great news if your retirement plan is "owning an oil well" and terrible news if you enjoy driving, eating, or existing!
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/u-s-crude-futu..."Trump will bring prosperity!" ~Dope1
Sad.
No. of Recommendations: 6
U.S. CRUDE FUTURES EXTEND GAINS, SURGING MORE THAN 18% TO $107.29 PER BARREL....
Was trump's nefarious plan to make Venezuela's oil profitable?! Let's ask Dope.
No. of Recommendations: 3
Was trump's nefarious plan to make Venezuela's oil profitable?!
Hmm, isn't Trump in charge of selling all the Venezuelan oil he confiscated? Is he personally pocketing the proceeds?
No. of Recommendations: 18
After watching all of Trumps' press conferences and reading all his tweets about the war in Iran I think I can sum it all up...
"The war is practically over, total victory is imminent; we’re just waiting for the enemy to realize it and surrender completely, which will happen soon.
We've already achieved every one of our goals, which is precisely why we have no choice but to triple the airstrikes.
It’s just a short excursion. Mission accomplished! But if it's somehow not accomplished, Iran better prepare to be liberated twice as hard!
And that school that vanished? Fake news. They probably bombed themselves. I don’t really know, but everyone’s got Tomahawk missiles now—beautiful missiles, very popular...
everybody tells me I know more than the generals! I think we won." ~Trump
No. of Recommendations: 11
Reminder:
Once upon a time, MAGA was all about "America First."...
"We’ve spent $8 trillion in the middle east and we’re not fixing our roads in this country!?
How stupid. How stupid is it? And we’re not fixing our tunnels, our bridges, our hospitals, our schools? It’s crazy!" ~"ChickenHawk" Don, 2020.
Fast forward to 2026:"America First" now means "Spend Billions Iran, fix America never."
No. of Recommendations: 9
Fast forward to 2026:"America First" now means "Spend Billions Iran, fix America never."
Anyone that is a parent knows that to a 2-year old, knocking down a tower of blocks is a LOT more fun than building it.
Sadly, America elected Trump, who has the mentality of a 2-year old.
No. of Recommendations: 3
Sadly, America elected Trump, who has the mentality of a 2-year old.
And in the GOP there are now no responsible adults to spank his bottom and tell him "NO!"
Mikey Johnson and the rest of the supine ass kissers in the erstwhile Republican Party are nothing but a bunch of Quislings.
No. of Recommendations: 8
This is absolutely insane:
At 7:04 AM ET today, President Trump said "the US and Iran have had productive discussions" to end the Iran War.
By 7:10 AM ET, the S&P 500 surged +240 points adding +$2 TRILLION in market cap.
27 minutes later, Iran completely denied all of President Trump's claims and said there has been "absolutely no contact" with the US.
By 8:00 AM ET. the S&P 500 had fallen -120 points erasing -$1 trillion in market cap.
How much Taco can the world stand?
No. of Recommendations: 5
How much Taco can the world stand?
If you are on the 'inside' it's easy money!
No. of Recommendations: 5
Trump Says U.S. and Iran Held ‘Very Good’ Talks on Ending Conflict
President Trump said the two countries had “productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” Iran did not immediately comment.
He's having 'productive conversations' with the imaginary voices in his big dumb pumpkin head.
He had to make up a reason for this TACO.
No. of Recommendations: 4
He's having 'productive conversations' with the imaginary voices in his big dumb pumpkin head.Regardless what he thinks, "Bibi" has made it clear that the total extermination of the Iranian regime is the only acceptable outcome to him.
iirc, this is not the first time. Some says ago, Trump claimed the Iranians were begging him for a deal, and the Iranians publicly denied it.
Mon, March 23, 2026 at 7:54 AM CDT: Iran live updates: Trump says 'very good' Iran talks, hints at 'total resolution'
Mar 23, 7:24 AM: Trump says no Iran energy attacks for 5 days, cites 'productive' talks
Mar 23, 8:31 AM: Trump says Iran has 'representatives' when pressed about talks
Mar 23, 8:53 AM: Iranian foreign ministry denies talks with US, Mehr reportshttps://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/cm/iran-live-u...Steve...still can't tell which side is "Baghdad Bob"
No. of Recommendations: 6
Looks like he is using the "talks" as pretext to taco the infrastructure strikes.
Alan
No. of Recommendations: 12
I wouldn’t trust Iran as far as I could throw them.
But they’re still more credible than Trump.
No. of Recommendations: 8
But they’re still more credible than Trump.
Yes, on the TMF boards, Goofyhoofy (I'm a fan fav) wrote:
"Isn’t it sad when you really can’t decide whether to believe the leadership of your own country or that of a tyrannical and murderous regime known for suppressing human rights and formenting terrorism across the region.
"Who could have predicted this day?"
Pete
No. of Recommendations: 1
How much Taco can the world stand?
I get the Taco Bell soft shell beef tacos at $2+ each. Get 10 and eat two at a time.
No. of Recommendations: 5
I’m split between seeing this announcement, followed by Iran’s denial (which provided a great trading opportunity for those in the know)… as a cynical scheme for making money……
Or
…as psychiatrist Bandy Lee opines, quoting Leon Panetta:
“If he says it and keeps saying it, there’s always a hope that what he says will come true. But that’s what kids do. It’s not what presidents do.”
Perhaps it’s a little of both.
Hail to the crooked Toddler In Chief!
No. of Recommendations: 7
"Isn’t it sad when you really can’t decide whether to believe the leadership of your own country or that of a tyrannical and murderous regime known for suppressing human rights and formenting terrorism across the region.
Now that we know how Iranians feel, what about Americans?
—Peter
No. of Recommendations: 0
Now that we know how Iranians feel, what about Americans?
—Peter
***
Americans believe what their own tribe tells them.
Americans of ALL Tribes --- have less and less trust in American Institutions.
Boom.
And it's hopefully going to get more entrenched :)
No. of Recommendations: 8
What happens when you elect a narcissistic sociopath who is in steep cognitive decline?...
US oil prices surge above $108/barrel, now up +25% over the last week! That’s nearly +$10/barrel since Trump’s low energy, incoherent, nonsensical, rambling speech last night.
Ground Beef hits new all-time high!
Trump added $2.25 trillion to the national debt in his first year back in charge! Where are my "fiscal conservatives" at?
Trump's approval for handling the economy has fallen to a new career low of 31%.
S&P futures erased half a trillion $ in market cap during Trump’s incoherent ramble. Mr. Market is catching on to what most of the world has figured out...
America elected a complete moron.
Keep polishing that turd Dope1...keep polishing.
https://fortune.com/2026/01/20/how-much-national-d...
No. of Recommendations: 4
US oil prices surge above $108/barrel, now up +25% over the last week! That’s nearly +$10/barrel since Trump’s low energy, incoherent, nonsensical, rambling speech last night.
USian big oil must be very pleased with their return on that $1B bribe they paid him in 2024.
Steve
No. of Recommendations: 13
BREAKING MORE STUPIDITY:
U.S. MEASLES CASES
2020: 13
2026: 1,912 (So far!)
Increase: 14,608%
Because MAGA looked at a deadly but preventable disease and said, What if we just didn’t?
We went from measles eliminated to multiple outbreaks across dozens of states in the time it takes Donald Trump to sell you a made in China, God Bless The USA Trump Bible. (Only $59.99! Buy 2 & Get A Free Gift Bag!)
Health agencies are now spending their time and money fighting outbreaks that were solved decades ago, instead of, say, anything from this century.
So much winning. Truly. The virus is having one of the best years of its life!
Make
Americans
Gullible
Again
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.ht...https://godblesstheusa.com/collections/books/produ...
