Iran attacks bases housing US troops in Iraq in retaliation.

1. 60

   Randy Godwinposted 3 years ago

   US troops have been targeted in retaliation for the killing of  one of their most honored generals. There are two sets of launches of missiles targeting American troops.
   
   Iran says if Trump retaliates for these retributional attacks, they'll attack Israel next. What a fine mess Trump's got us into, Ollie! 

   replyreport
   1. 0

      PrettyPantherposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      What did Trump think would happen?

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Do you believe Trump actually thinks, Sandy? I just figured he flew by the seat of his pants as he's always done.

         replyreport
   2. 84

      Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Didn't see this coming

      replyreport
   3. 96

      Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      "one of their most honored generals"
      
      Of all the low IQ things I've read from those on the left on HP this one ranks near the top.
      
      Their "honored general" is responsible for killing hundreds of Americans. He and his forces committed terrorists acts around the world.  This is a man who needed to be killed.
      
      I suppose the loons on the left are shedding tears for the man who spent years murdering American troops.
      
      I find these responses absolutely idiotic and believe it is an illustration of blatant ignorance. 
      
      I say if you kill American troops, you need to be killed by American troops.  It's just that simple. 
      
      “Dear General Petraeus, you should know that I, Qassim Soleimani, control the policy for Iran with respect to Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza and Afghanistan. And indeed, the ambassador in Baghdad is a Quds Force member. The individual who’s going to replace him is a Quds Force member.”
      
      Staff Sergeant Robert Bartlett was one of several thousand US soldiers wounded by “explosively made penetrators,” a particularly deadly form of IED, in Iraq. They were designed to kill American troops, and were built and shipped to Iraqi terror groups by Soleimani. In just a two-year period, from 2005-2007, they claimed the lives of an estimated 600 US servicemen in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
      
      https://nypost.com/2020/01/04/inside-th … soleimani/

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Try reading more carefully, Mike. "Their " most honored generals doesn't mean he was honored by us. Take a reading comprehension lesson willya!

         replyreport
         1. 96

            Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            Again, who cares about their "most honored" general being honored by THEM.  If you were to label him as a terrorist thug who killed hundreds of Americans and murdered hundreds of his own people, it would be more accurate.  The word "honored" is just a ridiculous adjective to use to describe this former human.

            replyreport
            1. 60

               Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, and we have the honorable Trump as well. 

               replyreport
2. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 3 years ago

   A significant part of the Middle East seems to still be stuck in the literal Dark Ages, thanks to un-modernized Islam. We should just stick them in a force-field dome and check back in a couple hundred years.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Cool idea, Para. Now if we just had a force-field dome. Can you make one?

      replyreport
3. 81

   hard sunposted 3 years ago

   But I thought Trump was making the world so much safer?!? And I also see the market is falling. Wow...the percent increase over the first couple of years of the Obama administration was already greater than the first couple of years under Trump. The exalted one just can't seem to get much right. That's really not good for us Americans.

   replyreport
4. 0

   PrettyPantherposted 3 years ago

   I hope the American people will take the time to.pay close attention to what is happening.
   
   Has anyone in the forums even mentioned the letter that was "accidentally" sent to Iraq saying that U. S. troops are withdrawing from their country according to their wishes?
   
   Accidentally? Really? Who are these people running our country? Total f@ck!ng morons?

   replyreport
   1. 81

      hard sunposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I read a couple stories about this. Not encouraging. But, the theory of Iran missing on purpose is looking more plausible: From CNN-- Iran did not "seek escalation or war," Iran's foreign minister said, describing the strikes as "proportionate" and adding that Iran's action has "concluded."
      
      But, some plausibly deniable terrorist attacks seems like something Iran would do. Let's hope not, or hope that we are able to stop them before they happen.
      
      This could all be wishful thinking though...who knows.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         PrettyPantherposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         The president speaks today. Teleprompter Trump will probably sound coherent and sane, but what will Twitter Trump say afterwards?
         
         Yes, I'm cynical.

         replyreport
         1. 81

            hard sunposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            We have every right and reason to be cynical. I think Trump has gone through most of the qualified individuals to be his top aids, and many others are just unwilling to work with him.
            
            The "we are withdrawing" letter that Trump then tried to take back is a huge example of just how inept this administration seems to be. We cannot put unqualified people in charge and think we are going to come out on top in these matters. The anti-intellectual and "Deep State" fears will come back to haunt us.

            replyreport
5. 89

   GA Andersonposted 3 years ago

   It seems there is a very interesting question being posed in the news. Apparently these Iranian missiles haven't hit their targets - no American casualties.
   
   Some pundits are saying that the Iranians certainly have good missile-targeting capabilities, so maybe the misses were on purpose.  The firings were the message, as were the purposeful misses.
   
   Hmm. . . this is raw news that hasn't had time to percolate, but I wonder. . .
   
   What do you think?
   
   GA

   replyreport
   1. 84

      Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I hope those reports are correct, GA. A strong message with purposeful misses and no US casualties would be an intelligent play by Iran. Given this is the case, we might be able to deescalate this thing yet.

      replyreport
      1. 88

         MizBejabbersposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         I hate to have to admit that Iran is the intelligent one in this case, but that seems to be true. "Military intelligence" what an oxymoron!

         replyreport
         1. 84

            Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            Agreed! But in a battle of wits with our dear leader, the bar is set low.

            replyreport
            1. 84

               Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               Agreed! But in a battle of wits with our dear leader, the bar is set low.
               
               I also had to chuckle. My wife wasn't really familiar with Mike Pompeo until she saw him on television recently. Her English is good but not perfect (she'd be the first to say so). She wanted to know why he talks like an elementary school kid

               replyreport
         2. 89

            GA Andersonposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            If the implications that this is a calculated move by the Iranians is true, then I agree it is an intelligent response. I am not betting on that possibility, but I am hopeful.
            
            If we refrain from further escalation, then our next consideration is just one of time. Time to see if further Iranian-sponsored terrorist activities prove our optimism to be wrong.
            
            GA

            replyreport
            1. 84

               Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               If we leave it at this and halt our military action and they sponsor a terrorist attack, then there's little to no chance of avoiding war. That much I'd bet on (and I'm not prone to gambling).

               replyreport
               1. 60

                  Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                  But Trump is a moron, we cannot do anything about that,

                  replyreport
                  1. 88

                     MizBejabbersposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                     I know.
                     Trump is a moron,
                     Let me count the ways,
                     
                     Oh, I forgot, I can't write poetry like Elizabeth Barrett Browning, but I can count. This afternoon first it was Mike Pompeo's fault: WH: "Pompeo's been wanting to kill Soleimani for five years."
                     Then it was Obama's fault because "he had that trade agreement with Iran". But as I recall, it was Trump's order that killed Soleimani, which kicked off the retaliation.

                     replyreport
            2. 88

               MizBejabbersposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, GA, let's keep our fingers crossed. Those of us who have family members of prime military age don't want to see our loved ones in another Middle-East escalation.

               replyreport
      2. 89

         GA Andersonposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         I think it may be an Iranian message of just such a de-escalation opportunity Eastward.
         
         But . . . I wonder if it might also be a 'false flag'. As in pandering to the Iranian public while more devastating terrorist actions are being planned.
         
         I am hopeful that I am wrong on the latter and that you are right on the possibility this attack presents. I hope our government considers that possibility.
         
         GA

         replyreport
         1. 84

            Eastwardposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for the best, GA! If there are no US casualties, hopefully cooler heads can see this as a golden opportunity to walk back from the edge.

            replyreport
            1. 78

               Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

               If Trump had used a little more discernment over being rash, we would not need an "edge" to have to consider walking back from....
               
               We are vulnerable in this region of the world, no need for wishful thinking. We are not getting off that easily. It eye for an eye time....

               replyreport
               1. 96

                  Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                  It appears President Donald Trump is going to stand down as long as Iran does.  It's the right move.
                  
                  The world saw Iran lose a general.  They had to respond.  Their response led to some property damage and no US casualties.  So, Iran can say they attacked the United States because they lost a general.  The United States can laugh at their feeble attempt at retaliation.  Now, they know to take us serious, maybe they'll be more willing to talk.
                  
                  I don't think people who have never served in the military in the middle East have any idea of the amount of power and destruction the United States could unleash on them.  Thousands of missiles could be launched by the United States from air, sea and ground in minutes if necessary.
                  
                  It is a measured response and the right move.

                  replyreport
         2. 88

            MizBejabbersposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            That point was raised on CNN today, GA.

            replyreport
   2. 0

      PrettyPantherposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Very interesting. I hope it is true.

      replyreport
      1. 89

         GA Andersonposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Me too.
         
         GA

         replyreport
   3. 77

      Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      NOt sure about Iran's history with hitting their targets? It does seem they have certainly had good success when they shot down our Drone. I would think they have good capability in hitting their target.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         These were not cruise missiles, Shar. They're not intended for pinpoint accuracy nor were they heat seeking missiles as used to down the drone. It does make a difference..

         replyreport
         1. 96

            wildernessposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            Not sure what was shot down, but the Predator XP is a propeller driven plane; there isn't much for a heat seeking missile to see.

            replyreport
         2. 77

            Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

            As I said, and I would think you would realize I was not being argumentive... "I would think they have good capability in hitting their target. " I don't think anybody knows if Iran was intending to hit the targets.. I presume they knew they would not hit the target. You buy into anything you are told too. WE HAVE NO FACTS AND MOST LIKELY WON"T EVER KNOW IF IRAN INTENDED TO HIT THE TARGETS. So have at it believe whatever makes you happy.
            
            Sorry, I think Iran is nothing but a terrorist state, that promotes killing. That is a fact ... Some are complaining Trump took out one of their generals. That General just weeks before killed 1500 Iranians citizens. That is a fact. I would have no problem if Trump takes out their leader. The world would be a better place. I have no tolerance for anyone that is acting like these thugs deserve respect of any form.  Where the hell are you coming from?

            replyreport
            1. 60

               Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               I'm coming from the direction of not being able to trust anything Trump says, Shar. He berated our intelligent sources when they reported Russia meddled in our election. But now he's insisting the same intelligent sources were spot on.
               
               After the briefing to the Senators and representatives yesterday, there were many complaints from both the Left and Right among the Congresspersons. One Republican Senator described it as the worst he's ever witnessed in his nine years.
               
               Do you want to be sure our military is acting on real danger or not? Remember the WMDs in Iraq? Were you all for attacking them for that false reason? You seem like a Dubya fan as well.

               replyreport
6. 60

   Randy Godwinposted 3 years ago

   After the behind doors briefing to both House and Senate today, many of both sides were dismayed by the lack of proof of an imminent attack as claimed by the WH.
   
   Senator Lee(R) Utah was particularly irate at the lack of evidence and being told to play ball with the Administration.
   
   Trump has to go before he gets us into a serious conflict.

   replyreport
7. 96

   Glenis Rixposted 3 years ago

   Frankly, as a British citizen, I am very angry and worried about DTs move. Iran has said that they will retaliate against any US allies. The US has approx 24,000  personal stationed in major, some missile launching, military bases in the UK. As an ally we are exposed the consequences of Trumps actions. At the same time he is threatening to reduce of withdraw support of NATO.
   
   Respected political commentators in British press are saying that Iran's revenge is likely to take place over a long period of time, in targeted terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, an American friend currently living here has told me that Trump is likely to win the next election because the US economy is on the up.. For goodness sake, I would have thought that after 9/11 the message would have sunk in that North America cannot isolate itself from the global theatre and has to pay better attention to international relationships.

   replyreport
   1. 96

      Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      You act as if the UK would never experience a terrorist attack if President Donald Trump had not taken action in Iran.
      
      This just isn't true. There have been plenty of terrorist attacks in the UK before this and it is safe to anticipate many more will occur.  I don't think President Donald Trump's actions have changed anything.
      
      Here is a short list of UK terrorist attacks.
      
      Get in touch with reality.
      
      2010, 14 May: MP Stephen Timms was stabbed during his constituency surgery by Roshonara Choudhry, a British Islamic extremist, in an attempt to kill him. She was found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years. Choudhry was the first Al-Qaeda sympathiser to attempt an assassination in Britain.
      
      2013, 29 April to 12 July: Pavlo Lapshyn, a Ukrainian student and right-wing extremist, fatally stabbed Birmingham resident Mohammed Saleem on 29 April. Lapshyn later detonated a home-made bomb outside a mosque in Walsall on 21 June.[45] On 28 June, Lapshyn detonated a second home-made bomb near a mosque in Wolverhampton, and attacked a mosque in Tipton with an improvised explosive device containing nails on 12 July. He later admitted to police that he wished to start a "race war"and was sentenced to serve at least 40 years.[
      
      2013, 22 May: A British soldier, Lee Rigby, was murdered in an attack in Woolwich by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, two Islamist extremists armed with a handgun, knives and a cleaver. Both men were sentenced to life imprisonment, with Adebolajo given a whole life order and Adebowale ordered to serve at least 45 years.
      
      2014, 10–14 February: The New Irish Republican Army (NIRA) claims responsibility for a series of parcel bombs sent to army recruitment offices in Oxford, Brighton, Canterbury, Slough, Aldershot, Reading and Chatham.[
      
      2016, 16 June: Murder of Jo Cox – Thomas Mair, a 52-year-old white nationalist, shot and stabbed the MP Jo Cox outside a surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, and severely wounded a passerby who came to her aid. The attack was treated as an act of terrorism,[53] and in sentencing Mair to life imprisonment the judge said "There is no doubt that this murder was done for the purpose of advancing a political, racial and ideological cause namely that of violent white supremacism and exclusive nationalism most associated with Nazism and its modern forms.
      
      2017, 22 March: 2017 Westminster attack – Khalid Masood, a 52-year-old Islamist, drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four and injuring almost fifty. He ran into the grounds of the Palace of Westminster and fatally stabbed a police officer, before being shot dead by police. The attack was treated as an act of terrorism motivated by Islamic extremism.[55][56]
      
      2017, 22 May: Manchester Arena bombing – An Islamist suicide bomber, 22-year-old Salman Abedi, blew himself up at Manchester Arena as people were leaving a concert, killing 22 and injuring 139. It became the deadliest terrorist attack in Britain since the 7/7 London bombings in 2005. Many of the victims were children or teenagers, the youngest being an eight-year-old girl.
      
      2017, 3 June: 2017 London Bridge attack – Three Islamists drove a van into pedestrians on London bridge before stabbing people in and around pubs in nearby Borough Market. Eight people were killed and at least 48 wounded.[61][62][63] The attackers were shot dead by police eight minutes after the incident was reported. All three were wearing fake suicide bomb vests.
      2017, 19 June: Finsbury Park attack – Darren Osborne, a 47 year old British man, drove a van into Muslim worshippers near Finsbury Park Mosque, London. A man who had earlier collapsed and was receiving first aid died at the scene. The incident was investigated by counter-terrorism police as a terrorist attack.[64][65][66] On 23 June, Osborne was charged with terrorism-related murder and attempted murder.[67][68] In February 2018 at Woolwich Crown Court, he was found guilty on both counts[69] and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
      
      2018, 31 December: Mahdi Mohamud, a Dutch national from a Somali family, stabbed three in a knife attack at Manchester Victoria station. Mohamud shouted "Allahu Akbar!" and "Long live the Caliphate!" during the attack. Despite suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, Mahomud was convicted of a terror offence and attempted murder of three people due to his possession of significant amounts of extremist material and the attack's extensive planning.
      
      2019, 8 January: Samiulahaq Akbari, an Afghan asylum seeker, attempted to kill English people with a 10-inch kitchen knife in a supermarket in Thornton Heath, south London. He was jailed for nineteen years.
      
      2019, 29 November: 2019 London Bridge incident - On 29 November 2019, police were called to a stabbing near London Bridge, in Central London, England, at 1:58 pm. A statement said that one man was detained, and "a number of people" were injured. Two people were killed in the attack and three were left injured. The attacker, 28 year old Usman Khan, was shot dead by police and confirmed dead on the scene.

      replyreport
      1. 96

         Glenis Rixposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         You have entirely missed the point that I was making. And I need no ,ectures about terrorist attacks that have occurred here, Trump’s actions, (based on what appears to have been a decision made without political consultation)  have escalated tensions internationally. By having US bases here out country more at risk than we might otherwise be, because we are  closer target than you. Already we have had to send Royal Navy to the Straits of Hormuz to protect oil tankers from possible attack. At a cost to the taxpayer.

         replyreport
         1. 96

            Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            President Donald Trump's actions were based on killing a man who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and thousands of people around the world. The UK and every other country in the world will benefit from this action.
            
            It THAT increased tensions internationally, so be it.
            
            Yes, you have US bases in the UK just like Germany and other members of the EU. The UK benefits Militarily, economically and more from having US bases there.  It is something you should be glad to have in your country. You have an Army in your country willing to fight for you at their expense.
            
            You have to sent the Royal Navy to the Straits of Hormuz to protect oil tankers.  SO what? The US Navy, the Royal Navy, the French Navy and the Navies of OTHER countries are ALSO there at the cost to taxpayers. 
            
            It the reality of our world.

            replyreport
            1. 96

               Glenis Rixposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               I recommend meditation. It's very calming. Life is too short for this:)
               
               Didn't bother to read after I noticed the capitalisation - very aggressive.

               replyreport
   2. 88

      MizBejabbersposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Glenix, you have every right to be concerned, and so does every other ally of the U.S. Naturally all the Trump supporters are going to think like him and offer "evidence" that every other president has been worse in protecting the free world against the Middle East. At least, with the exception of 9-11, casualties were kept down. Today the American news media is all over Trump for killing the general, but a few years ago, the Washington Post was all over former President Clinton for his "inaction" against Al Quaeda. Then the media was critical of Obama's policy. If it were not for Big Oil, we probably wouldn't be in the Middle East at all. But since we are, it seems our actions are "damned if we do, and damned if we don't."
      Too many people take the opinions of Big Media seriously.
      I think our policies of allowing Muslims into our countries has been a big mistake, and the Western world will pay dearly no matter what. They want to do away with Western freedoms and establish their theocracies (theocrazies) which would enslave us to their religious and misogynist demands.
      Trump's action against Soleimani just escalated a festering problem, and you should be concerned. We all have the right to be concerned. The Middle East has been a volcano waiting to erupt, and Trump may have just assured the eruption.

      replyreport
      1. 96

         wildernessposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         "The Middle East has been a volcano waiting to erupt, and Trump may have just assured the eruption."
         
         Personally, I think the Middle East is a volcano waiting to erupt.  And that nothing Trump does or doesn't do will prevent that eruption.  When we have people actually believing that if they can just kill an "infidel" they are assured of a never ending life full of virgins just for their pleasure the outcome is not open to debate.  IMO.

         replyreport
8. 96

   Glenis Rixposted 3 years ago

   Thanks. A measured and sensible point of view

   replyreport
9. 96

   Readmikenowposted 3 years ago

   I am always amazed at the hypocrisy of he left.  Where were they when obama was launching hundreds of drone strikes around the world?  Where was the media?  It happened.
   
   "The 542 drone strikes that Obama authorized killed an estimated 3,797 people, including 324 civilians. As he reportedly told senior aides in 2011: “Turns out I’m really good at killing people. Didn’t know that was gonna be a strong suit of mine.”
   
   https://www.cfr.org/blog/obamas-final-drone-strike-data

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Was this during a war, Mike? Were we at war with Iran when we first attacked the general? The same people who were out in the streets in Iran protesting the govt. are now protesting America.
      
      The airliner shot down from the Ukraine was probably because of Trump's assassination of the general and will be considered collateral damage from his wagging the dog. Now, over 175 people, Iranians, Ukrainians, and Canadians are dead. Heil Trump!

      replyreport
      1. 96

         Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         This is how I see the responses of those on the left in regard to the killing of the Iranian terrorist general.
         
         
         
         

         replyreport
         1. 78

            Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

            The attitude of those on the Right rings in the same way for me. There are many people on both sides of this issue. From where is the source of arrogance to assume that a substantial percentage of this country is stupid?
            
            I believe the same about the Right and the Rightwinger, but at least try to couch that thought in terms of a difference of opinion.
            
            Just as you, Mike, rest assured that I was not born yesterday....

            replyreport
            1. 96

               Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

               How many of you have seen what an IED does to people ?When those on the left upset when a man responsible for hundreds of American soldiers being killed and thousands maimed for life gets killed, it can get a bit emotional.
               
               So, anybody want to take a trip to the VA some day?  I'll introduce you do friends who have lost limbs, etc from a roadside bomb.  There is a Sergeant from Georgia who has a traumatic brain damage, he can't talk to you, but he can point to his purple heart on a shelf in his house.
               
               So, getting the least bit upset by the death of this Iranian general responsible for such things makes those on the left look stupid and disgusting to me.
               
               Sorry, it's a bit personal.

               replyreport
               1. 81

                  hard sunposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                  Mike. My comment has nothing to do with the death of this Iranian general. This is not the first time you put up memes and such that insult everyone who doesn't think exactly like you do and it won't be the last. You proved my point very well though. No matter who you are responding to.
                  
                  I sympathize with the matters you brought up, but this isn't about that. I'm a  familiar with people getting killed/maimed in war also. Most of us have close relatives and friends..unfortunately.

                  replyreport
                  1. 96

                     Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                     Hared Sun,
                     
                     Thank you for your response.
                     
                     I suppose I don't think in terms of politics when it comes to this Iranian general that President Donald Trump took out, I think of a man responsible for many things I've seen being taken out.  This has only increased my support for President Donald Trump.
                     
                     I admit I do put up memes that insult everyone who doesn't think like me.  I've also seen quite a few memes from the other side to insult people who think like me.  I view it as part of the political game played here on HP.  Maybe we should call this meme counter meme.
                     
                     You've show such a level of maturity and sensitivity in your response.  Are you sure you're not a closet conservative? 

                     replyreport
                     1. 81

                        hard sunposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                        I'm pretty sure I'm more conservative than Trump supporters. Once again, the insults are okay by me if that's how people want to be here. I only take issue with people who insult and then turn around and get all self righteous when they get it in return. This is exactly how Trump behaves and is just one reason why is is a horrible leader.

                        replyreport
               2. 78

                  Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

                  Mike, we are all adults here and I am a Vietnam Era veteran. While i was just barely too young to have been involved in the draft, many of my contemporaries and friends were not.
                  
                  I knew people who having served honorably during a time of war get the shaft when they return.
                  
                  We all know the same kinds of people, that you describe here, Mike
                  
                  War is a thing to be avoided, not celebrated. Do you conservative types think that we have a right to so large a presence in the region and for what end? It's the oil, isn't it?
                  
                  Just as HS said, no one is celebrating his death, but his death is not worth the greater risk of death and maiming resulting from reprisals that can do nothing but raise the body count of our troops abroad and our civilians as well. You make it all seem so simple when it is anything but.
                  
                  I don't care what Trump says about Iran "standing down", of course he going to engage in a poor attempt at damage control before the public. I don't trust him.
                  
                  My experiences with conservatives and the Right in general leaves me  with a sense of profound distrust, and that too, may be considered personal....
                  
                  So, I apologize in advance.

                  replyreport
                  1. 96

                     Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                     Credence,
                     
                     I respect your response.
                     
                     We probably disagree.  I believe a general of any country responsible for the killing and maiming of US soldiers needs to be taken out.  No matter what the consequences.  I believe to do nothing would have been much worse. 
                     
                     I believe the Iranians now know if they kill or harm Americans, they will pay a price.  They know President Donald Trump is serious.  He made the right move.
                     
                     Yesterday, I was at the VA and saw a guy I served with who  is permanently disabled from an IED.  I'm luckier than him but not as lucky as others.  You may not be able to imagine the things he has done for his recovery over the years or what this does to your family. I spend time every month at the VA and not because it is something I enjoy. 
                     
                     I respect your distrust as a Viet Nam era vet, it is completely understandable.  I saw what it did to my brother.
                     
                     So, thank for your response. You and a few others make me think it's possible for liberals to be reasonable.

                     replyreport
                     1. 78

                        Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

                        Yeah, Mike, war is hell, as defined by William Tecumsah Sherman. I think about all the casualties to our troops, civilians and non-combatants, not just U.S personnel.The landscape is littered with tragedy. Long after Vietnam's  end, years were spent dearming land mines that were depriving hapless victims of lives and limbs long after hostilities had ended.
                        
                        For every US soldier laid up by injury, there is probably at least 1 example of collateral damage resulting from our operations.
                        
                        You are OK, Mike,  but we hail from differing worlds and from opposing sides of the same looking glass. It is not a matter of stupidity or ignorance, it is a different view, that is all.
                        
                        I try to appreciate alternate perspectives that are not part of my world. It can be difficult.
                        
                        While Trump may be serious, so as well are our adversaries. And, we do well not to become overly ebullient over this latest strike nor underestimate the resolve of our adversaries in any way.
                        
                        When I remind myself that  the majority of participants in 9-11 were Saudi nationals and yet nothing was done in regards to any implication of Saudi Arabian participation, I have to wonder how much of all this MidEast policy is driven by "politics" rather than by a real desire to remain in strong in defense. After all, did we not blame Iraq for 9-11, erroneously? Our alliances have and still do change with the weather, but the bellicose nature of military industrial complex require that must continue to extract its "pound of flesh". Are we all being made fools of to the benefit of an "industry" and by those wealthy enough to insist on the protection regardless of the cost?
                        
                        Those are the issues that I think about, Mike

                        replyreport
                        1. 96

                           Readmikenowposted 3 years agoin reply to this

                           You make a very valid point. I suppose when you step back an look at the bigger picture, things look different.
                           
                           Is MidEast policy driven by politics.  I agree this is the truth.
                           
                           Our alliances change with the weather.  Yes, this is also true.
                           
                           Are we all being made fools for the benefit of an industry?  I believe this is done on a global scale in many different countries.
                           
                           Thanks for sharing your opinion.

                           replyreport
         2. 60

            Randy Godwinposted 3 years agoin reply to this

            Are you sure anyone cares what you think at this point? 

            replyreport
10. 81

    hard sunposted 3 years ago

    Mike will post memes, and such, insulting anyone and everyone who isn't directly in line with him politically. He will then turn around and try to cry foul when you give him a bit of his own medicine...stating that others don't know how to have a civil conversation. It's humorous. But not so much funny when our president acts the same way.

    replyreport