Trump’s Day One: A Bold Agenda to Reclaim America
Let's take a moment to summarize what Trump is doing to America.
1. Tariffs: He is solving a non-existent problem by driving up inflation and causing a major recession in the not too distant future.
2. Deportations: He is ignoring the real crime in America while deporting 10% of our workforce which will cause inflation and a recession in the near future.
3. He has turned America into an untrustworthy nation who can't be relied upon.
4. Hmmmm, not sure what else he has done. Oh, yeah. Made a total mess out of Ukraine and the Middle East.More evidence that Trump is trying to kill your kids and their kids and most everybody else in the world.
"The Trump EPA is telling some staff to stop policing the oil and gas industry"
DISGUSTING
https://www.cnn.com/politics/epa-stop-p … as-midwestThere is a little justice in America still. Lindell, the My Pillow guy, is ordered to pay $2.3 million to a guy from Dominion Voting Systems for calling him a traitor and a thief.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/media/my … t-electionWe will have to suffer through 1.5 years of misery, recession, and inflation until 2027 when what I hope is a Democratic Congress will impeach his ass again. Maybe they will even convict him this time; they came SO close last time. (Of course they will need to impeach Vance quickly as well.)
Inflation and recession are closer than ever.
"Retail sales fell by 0.9% in May from the prior month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, down sharply from April’s downwardly revised 0.1% decline. That was the steepest monthly decline since January. The figures are adjusted for seasonal swings but not inflation."
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/economy/ … -sales-mayApparently, incompetent Noem at DHS actually believed Trump when he said to leave immigrants at farms and in leisure alone. She should know by now that Trump Always Lies
Anyway, the American Gestapo, formerly know as ICE, is jack booting their way through the fields and into hotels.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics … ids-resume“Anyone who is cheerleading the United States into a war with Iran has very quickly forgotten the disasters of the Iraq war and the Afghanistan war,” Sen. Chris Murphy told CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Tuesday."
This from an analysis on Trump's potential for getting America into another regime change operation - this time in Iran.
One glaring thing stands out - both Iraq and Afghanistan were Republican wars; one unnecessary and the other required but very poorly executed. Trump may very well add to that list.
(It is interesting to note that Vietnam, the first Iraq War, and Ukraine were about preventing a regime change.)
My perspective on these is:
Vietnam - Necessary, but poorly executed. The spread of communism in Asia was very real and a huge threat to our national interests.
Libya - I am undecided and don't count it anyway because we didn't get really involved and only provided support. There was, however, a nuclear angle with this one as well.
First Iraq War - Necessary and executed more or less properly
[/b]Iraq - Totally unnecessary. Also, in the end, poorly executed once Bush started it.
Afghanistan - The initial response was required to defeat al Qaeda. In the process the Taliban fell. I feel we had a moral obligation to help fix the damage but Bush didn't. He abandoned them and we all see what resulted, including Trump's surrender and Biden's screwed up exit.
Iran - Personally, I am undecided. I could support taking out the nuclear facility, but only if we have the will to stop there. If Trump wants to get involved in Netanyahu's desire for regime change, then I oppose it. In either case, we need an end game plan, which Trump's bold agenda doesn't appear to include.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics … -conflictsIn Trump's bold agenda war against minorities there are two headlines this morning, one good, one bad and both dealing with his discriminatory anti-DEI agenda.
Good - Judge won't allow Trump to limit sex identification on passports to just outwardly observable sex identifications. A third option must be included.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics … der-people
Bad - Cities and states are being bullied by Trump to cut back on recognition of the day they were officially released from slavery. As a result, many are cutting back on or eliminating any reference to that day.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/us/junet … -rollbacksHere is a Trump Bold Agenda item for you - Help Trans people kill themselves because of the inhumane things he is already doing.
"Trump administration to end 988 suicide prevention specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth in July
And there are at least five of you on this forum who think that is a great idea. And even if you don't, you will keep quiet.
Disheartening to say the least.
I think it is absolutely fair to say that Trump is disgrace to the human race.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/health/t … e-wellnessDisgusting but cruelty is always the point, isn't it?
And today?
"Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Mr. Trump was asked if “recent dust-ups” with Mr. Newsom, a Democrat, would affect California’s request for $40 billion in wildfire aid.
“Yeah, maybe,” Mr. Trump said, adding later, “It could impact. You know, hatred is never a good thing in politics. When you don’t like somebody, you don’t respect somebody, it’s harder for that person to get money if you’re on top.”
Cruelty and retribution. The man is a miscreant.
The CBO just released its latest estimates for the OBBBA. Using Dynamic Scoring this time the results are. over 10 yrs:
COST: $3.4 Trillion (the Republicans went eh, shrug.)
Key Breakdown:
+ $124 billion in additional revenue (due to economic growth)
+ $39 billion higher non‑interest spending
+ $517 billion in additional interest costs from higher rates, offsetting the gains
NOTE: Importantly, while the bill boosts output by around 5% over the decade*, it also raises average 10‑year Treasury yields by 14 basis points, leading to significantly higher interest costs
* this means GDP might increase for 1 to 3 years before falling back to where it started.
The normal (conventional) way of scoring leads to a $3.0 Trillion increase in the debt. What is not counted in that method of scoring is any assumption of increasing the GDP or interest rates.
As a Cost Analysis, I prefer Dynamic Scoring, because it more closely reflects reality.
A politician, on the other hand, will favor the method that better defends their position.Isn't it absolutely amazing that Trump may take America into a hot war and Speaker Johnson (R-LA) hasn't even asked for a briefing on what is going on in Iran.
The good news is that Iran said adamantly that it was not going to surrender. Whatever conflict is coming is going to take more than 60 days to resolve and Trump’s unilateral options regarding Iran will expire. Hopefully, Congress will step in and restrain Trump from entry into what could easily be a major war. Isn’t that what is required under the “War Powers Act”?
If you read the War Powers Act, the President of the United States has 60 days to withdraw after informing Congress 48 hours after the action.
So, far, no US military has been involved.
I believe the goal is to take out Iran's nuclear facilities and prevent them from producing a nuclear weapon. Israel may be able to do this on their own.
Should Israel develop one Israel will be hit first and the US is number two on their list.All seem to agree that Israel is incapable of taking out the main nuclear processing facility. It will take a B-2, with American crew and a few bunker-busting bombs to do that. That will set off the 48-hour timer. I guess the 60-days is mute since the aircraft will leave after its mission.
Ah, no it won't actually, the War Power act specifically addresses the commitment of troops.
Obama, Clinton, etc. dropped bomb on people all over the world without notifying congress.Deleted
Dropping bunker-buster bombs on Iran's nuclear facility. The "emergency" is their "imminent" enrichment of weapons grade uranium.
Initially, I tended to believe the hype and, like Trump, think Tulsi Gabbard was lying. Then, as I heard more reporting, I was sliding back to thinking the Iranians were close enough to warrant Netanyahu's attack.
Now, however, I have reversed course again having reviewed ChatGPT's answer (and verified). When Bibi attacked the IAEA said Iran was 7 - 10 days from having at least 25 kg of 90% enriched uranium, enough to build a bomb,
Where the confusion may come in is that it is months to a year before they could adapt it to a missile.
Having the fissile material crosses my redline and can support Bibi's actions AND, if Bibi can't sufficiently slow down production, then having Trump blast the processing facility to smithereens. (what the hell is a smithereen, anyway?)Does Iran really have a nuclear weapon? Here is a timeline as to how long Netanyahu has been talking about Iran and their nuclear capability.
- **1992**: As a member of the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu claimed Iran was “3 to 5 years” away from a nuclear weapon and urged international action.
- **1996**: During his first term as Prime Minister, he addressed the U.S. Congress, warning of Iran’s nuclear threat and calling for preemptive measures.
- **2002–2012**: His rhetoric intensified. In 2012, he famously held up a cartoon bomb at the UN, drawing a red line to dramatize Iran’s uranium enrichment progress.
- **2015**: Netanyahu strongly opposed the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), arguing it gave Iran a “pathway to the bomb” and strained relations with the Obama administration.
- **2018**: After the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA, Netanyahu praised the move and continued pushing for a hardline stance.
- **2020–2024**: Despite international assessments showing no active weapons program, Netanyahu insisted Iran was nearing nuclear capability and warned Israel might act alone.
- **June 2025**: Netanyahu launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including Natanz, calling it a response to an “imminent nuclear threat”.
It’s a remarkable arc—from warnings and props to actual military action.
As they say, If you repeat the same thing over and over, it can become reality. Look at Trump and his "Rigged election, fake news, and stop the steal.".I think this is what set him off:
As of mid-2025 (per IAEA and expert analysis):
Iran could produce enough WGU in as little as 7–12 days if it decided to.
Netanyahu didn't want to wait until they had it before striking
I wonder how successful Iran is in getting its enriched uranium out of the bunker Trump wants to bust. (and how many Iranians are dying from radiation poisoning while doing it.)Israel claims they can do it on their own without our BB. I wonder if Netanyahu is that driven that he would not consider the day after with the fall out.
I have to give Trump credit for pausing two weeks before he makes a decision. That might be enough time for some type of ending without us getting involved with the BB's.I go with "that driven".
Personally, I think it was the last person Trump talked to was Steve Bannon. In any case, I agree, the pause is useful as I think Israel extended that 7 - 12 days out a bit.
From ChatGPT
Yes — sending an aircrew into foreign airspace to drop bombs would almost certainly trigger the War Powers Resolution of 1973, also known as the War Powers Act.
What the War Powers Resolution Says
The War Powers Resolution requires the President to:
Consult with Congress “in every possible instance” before introducing U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities or situations where hostilities are imminent.
Notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing U.S. forces into:
Hostilities,
Imminent hostilities, or
A foreign nation while armed and equipped for combat (even if not engaged in fighting).
Withdraw forces within 60 days (plus a 30-day withdrawal period) unless Congress:
Declares war,
Authorizes the use of force, or
Grants an extension.
Bombing = Hostilities
If a U.S. aircrew is ordered to drop bombs in another country, it clearly falls under:
"Hostilities" (actual use of force),
Or "situations where hostilities are imminent."
This triggers:
The 48-hour reporting requirement, and
Starts the 60-day clock for Congressional authorization.
Even unauthorized or covert bombings (e.g., like in Cambodia or Libya) have been judged by Congress and legal scholars to fall under the Resolution.
Additional Considerations
The President can order strikes without prior Congressional approval in emergencies—but must still notify Congress.
In practice, some administrations have challenged the constitutionality of the War Powers Act, but have still followed the reporting requirements.
It is widely reported that Israel has "the bomb".
BB stands for bunker buster. Israel may have smaller bunker busters, but the one that would be used to penetrate Iran's nuclear site is much larger. It weighs 2,000 pounds and has to be launched from a B-2 bomber.
https://youtu.be/bDh1x3hd6xQ?si=h4uTPmvIEhpS4KZNYes, Israel is thought to have gained nuclear capability decades ago.
Unfortunately, a Republican Congress will do no such thing. I wouldn't mind a War Power Act that included verbiage that said, it a President violates the terms of this act, then he or she is automatically impeached and convicted.
I wonder if a Fox, Newsmax, Brietbart, or OAN has reporters that dedicated to reporting the news?
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/19/world/vi … o-intldesk"“Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution. We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so,” Trump said in a late afternoon post to social media."
I bet in Trump-speak that means he caved again or went TACO as the saying goes.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/20/politics … ntial-deal
Speaking of DEALS from the so-called Deal-Maker Trump, do you know how many he has Finalized and made Operational?
A week ago the answer would have been ZERO. But as of the G-7 meeting, it is now ONE!!., The one with England.
What a con artist he is.Laughable that this is our leadership the 2 week two step? 2 week TACO?
Question... Does Trump have a consistent, unwavering stance on anything?
Trump flip-flops his positions so quickly, it’s impossible to even know what he believes... ever
If you flip-flop every time Trump says something, you aren’t MAGA, are you??
https://x.com/DemocraticWins/status/1936054727164248497Yes, one thing - "broad tariffs work". Of course he is dead wrong about that.
I would think you are MAGA if you are in lockstep with Trump's ever changing positions. That is MAGA's cult strength isn't it?
“Most peaceful President!”. Lol
Trump warns Iran: Make a deal before there’s ‘nothing left’
Reminder: There was a deal, before Trump tore it up and replaced it with....NOTHINGExcellent reply. He did it to even with Obama. Trump was always trying to claim Obama was born in Kenya, even after it was proven that he was born in Hawaii.
When Obama was hosting a Foreign Press event in 2011, Trump was in the audience and he said this about Trump :
“No one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald. And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter—like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”
When Trump was elected President, one of the first things he did was to remove the restrictions that Obama had place on Iran's nuclear program to seek revenge on Obama.
This is what he is about. He has to win about everything without ever facing the consequences of his actions. He sees himself as a deal maker.
I see him as a master con-artist suffering from acute narcissism. Now he is even like a used car salesman He is selling all his Trump crap on the side, while being president.
Donald Trump is earning over $600 million annually from his side ventures during his second term as president. His income streams are remarkably diverse and include:
- Cryptocurrency: Trump reportedly earned $320 million from the release of the $TRUMP coin and an additional $57.35 million from token sales through World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance company in which he holds 15.75 billion governance tokens.
- Merchandise and Licensing: Millions more have come from branded products like sneakers, fragrances, watches, and even a commemorative guitar.
- Books and Media: His coffee table-style books and media ventures continue to generate substantial revenue.
- Real Estate and Golf Clubs: These remain core assets, contributing significantly to his overall wealth.
- Passive Investments: Trump also reported $12 million in income from interest and dividends tied to investments worth at least $211 million, including holdings in Blue Owl Capital, Charles Schwab, and Invesco funds.
"Trump’s Day One: A Bold Agenda to Reclaim America." To return to the subject of my thread.
Make America Safe Again. Iran is no longer a nuclear threat.
I was fully in favor of Trump’s decision to take decisive military action against Iran. I respect power through strength; showing resolve is crucial. Thanks to this swift and strong response, neither we nor any other nation needs to fear Iran anymore. Trump handled a decades-long, horrific problem with a clear and speedy solution. Now, hopefully, peace can finally come to the Middle East.Lol , the day one agenda??
"We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end - and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into."
"I'm not going to start a war, I'm going to stop wars"
Didn't maga support all this? Just listen to him..
https://x.com/patriottakes/status/1936577042675384454
Oh yes and remind us again how Biden could have completely avoided the war in Ukraine with negotiation...LOL. Does maga have any beliefs that don't change daily? It's interesting to look back and see the anti war views posted by maga here...Certainly would be nice if you are right, but thousands of years of history says you are not.
Trump doesn't even understand recent history... He thinks Andrew Jackson was angry about the civil war. These people need to go back and look at the posts they've made in terms of war / military actions and how they have done a 180...
Thank you, Captain America. The idiots that don't see any good thing in this move President Trump took should go nuts ever. Besides, Iran, is not an Islamic State. She is one of the Beasts the Holy Bible prophecy that will troubled the world at large.
Hello, my friend. It's common sense to recognize that sometimes strong, decisive action is necessary to prevent far worse outcomes down the line. Iran’s leadership has consistently shown aggression and instability, not just in the region but globally. President Trump’s move wasn’t about picking a fight; it was about drawing a line in the sand and making it clear that threats, especially nuclear ones, won’t be tolerated.
It’s odd to me that anyone could question the extreme need to keep a nation, one that has openly declared its intent to destroy both Israel and America, from getting nuclear weapons. What kind of logic defends allowing such a regime access to that kind of power? I find it reassuring that the majority of the world agrees Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. Yet somehow, even here, you see people trying to draw moral equivalence between Iran and Israel, as if a rogue, terrorist-sponsoring dictatorship is on the same level as a long-standing democratic ally. That kind of thinking defies both reason and reality.
In my view, a small majority of Americans have lost all common sense. They've been so blinded by politics, media narratives, or misguided ideologies that they can’t even recognize the clear and present danger posed by regimes like Iran. Instead of standing up for our allies and defending peace through strength, they nitpick and twist the truth to oppose anything tied to Trump, regardless of the real-world consequences. That kind of thinking doesn’t just weaken our stance globally, it endangers us all.
I fully expect to see Iranian flags being waved at protests in blue cities before long.
That "small majority" would be MAGA, right?
Trump TACOs and Strikes Iran. One side says "total obliteration" the other says "barely a scratch". I guess it depends on how the bombs did operationally (they have never been used before.)
I am undecided so far as to the need to drag America into another war because their are conflicting reports as to how close Iran was to making enough material to make a bomb.
For sure, American troops will now probably die. I hope we have our missile shield up and are in a defensive mode for the inevitable proxy attacks.The Inaugural Address
https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025 … hatgpt.com
“I’m pleased to say that, as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families,” Trump adds, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
He also says: “Like in 2017, we will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen. We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.” “Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent, and totally unpredictable.”
Promise keptLol by what stretch of the imagination?
"We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.”
The man has marched us right into a war...Exactly, Trump was a huge mistake. He is leading America into World War 3. America is going to suffer because of the actions of a petulant childish president.
Just my view ---
President Trump has once again shown the world that peace comes through strength, not weakness. From day one, he made it clear Iran would never be allowed to get a nuclear weapon, and he followed through. His recent action targeting Iran’s nuclear capability wasn’t about starting a war, it was about preventing one. It removed a growing threat not only to Israel, but to the entire region and the world. And even after striking, Trump once again extended an open hand, urging Iran to choose peace instead of retaliation. That’s real leadership.
Many in the Middle East, especially nations threatened by Iran’s aggression, are likely breathing a sigh of relief. This moment could very well push more nations toward the Abraham Accords, seeing the value of standing with the U.S. and Israel in a united front for stability, prosperity, and security. These agreements aren’t just symbolic, they’re about cooperation in defense, trade, technology, and a shared desire to curb radical threats.
Trump’s no-nonsense, results-driven leadership continues to deliver. He doesn’t just talk about peace, he works for it, and he protects it. I voted for this man because he solves problems, not creates them. He took on the presidency in a time of chaos and has restored American strength and respect on the world stage. What we’re witnessing now is what happens when a true leader keeps his word.
This man will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents. He is truly a man who loves America and will work against all odds to make it better.If he didn't want them to advance to the point of assembling a nuclear weapon, why would he abandon the Iran nuclear deal which by all accounts was working?
Just a heads up, I'm no longer replying to comments I completely disagree with. We are of totally different mindsets, and it’s clear my views clash with a few here. There’s just no room in my life for that kind of negativity. I feel very pleased with Trump’s job performance, I feel safer, and I feel at peace after four years of living in fear and uncertainty. Not spending any more time or energy debating. Appreciate the understanding
Sharlee, that is what debate is all about, opposing sides are part of the formula. Yes, your views will most of the time clash with mine. You were negative about Biden and his Administration through out Biden's term, how is it different now that many of us are negative about Trump and the direction he is moving us all in?
There are many of us that are not pleased with Trump, and your comfort is not the comfort of others. I listen and read your comments even though I would take issue with most of it, So, I am living in fear and uncertainty today, is it any less to be considered than your own fear?I appreciate your perspective, but my choice not to engage in debates with those whose views are fundamentally different from mine isn’t about avoiding opposition; it's about protecting my peace. We all experience fear and uncertainty in different ways, and I respect that. However, I’ve decided to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being, which means not spending energy arguing with those who don’t share my mindset. I’m happy with where I stand, and I’m done debating endlessly with people who see the world through a very different lens. I have come to see that I was feeding into something very sad and negative. Call it an awakening.
What is ironic, except for one or two issues, there was no factual support behind that avalanche of negativity against Biden.
On the other hand, there is mountains of evidence supporting a negative view of Trump - starting with his two impeachments, multiple indictments that ONLY went away because America was foolish enough to elect him again, then graduating to actual felony convictions and sexual predator jury findings.
If you are white, male, and straight, then you have nothing to fear in Trump's America. Everybody else needs to be very careful or somebody in black masks and no warrants will be sent to get you.
So, putting FACTS, which are neutral and always true, in front of you is viewed as a "negative" thing?
For me, I feel decidedly less safe, but domestically and internationally because of Trump's chaotic, disconnected policies.
Yes, that is a great question. The FACT is, although some here close their eyes to it, that Iran had stopped work on their weapons program. It is a FACT that what Trump did was encourage them to start it up again, which they did with SUCH SUCCESS they are within 7 - 12 days (according to the only people that would know, the IAEA) of having enriched enough fissile material to 90% that they could build a bomb!
There are those who say that is nonsense and that because FACTS clash with their unsubstantiated views, they will drop out of the debate. To me, that means they lost because they cannot back up their factless "views".
Sharlee, Trump has lead us into World War 3. Iran is no slouch. Iran won't take this attack lying down. Iran is going to retaliate-it is going to get more intense & dangerous. Trump is cooked. He will be viewed as a bullying warmonger.
I hear you, and I really respect your perspective on this. From what I see, Trump is still encouraging Iran to come to the negotiating table and is pushing for peace. I think it’s wise for us to take a breather and see how things unfold before jumping to conclusions.
In my view, this won’t lead us into a full-scale war but could actually help build a stronger peace in the Middle East over time. I know this is a complicated situation, and you’re definitely not alone in your concerns — I just happen to feel differently on this one. Always appreciate hearing your thoughts...
Why is he currently and for the last 7 years, been ranked in the bottom three then?
A note for maga.. you don't have an "ideology" when your positions change daily due to dear leaders whims...you have a cult.
Since when is it America's responsibility to build a stronger peace (through war and aggression) in the Middle East... We have school systems in this country that operate on a 4-day week because they can't afford Friday.... But tell me more about the global view of how we should help out Israel.
The Bush Administration lied to America about Iraq’s nuclear program to rush us into war in 2003. Sadly we learned nothing from that disastrous episode... And who egged it on?
Yep, it was Bibi... Here he is lying
https://x.com/DeanObeidallah/status/1936752018103709912All American politlcians are addic liars too.
Not just all American politicians, but ALL politicians and non-politicians around the world are addicted to lying. So, your point?
Did Trump lie that he "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear capability; sort of like Bush's "Mission Accomplished"? Well, independent analysists think "not so fast!"
"“This is an incomplete strike,” Lewis said. “If this is all there is, here’s what left: the entire stockpile of 60% uranium, which was stored at Isfahan in tunnels that are untouched.”
A satellite image taken by Airbus shows significant damage to the Isfahan site and signs that the underground portion of the facility was hit, according to the Institute for Science and International Security, which analyzed the image. But there are layers of tunnels at the facility, so it’s unclear how far the damage goes."
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/22/poli … -questionsMAGA, you still yelling Make America Great Again? That's so passé. It's now Make Iran Great Again. Same cult, new country, new hat...made in China of course.
I'm sure that making Iran great again includes a Trump Tower Tehran LOL
"Let's make Iran great again.. it's okay with me"
He's doubling down on maga's globalist vision.
https://x.com/LionsOfZion_ORG/status/19 … 6514472103
"America First” means whatever Trump says it means and that the MAGA faithful will just roll with that no matter what....We now have a another GOP regime change war in Middle East based on lies. Reminder: Iraq war lasted 9 years, killed thousands of US troops and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians. Plus it cost US more than $3 trillion dollars! How much will Trump's Iran war cost us in lives and dollars?
"America First” means whatever Trump says it means and that the MAGA faithful will just roll with that no matter what..
Here is my take on all of this with the help of asking AI questions that I felt are relevant about all of what is going on. The first part is from me, The 2nd 3rd parts are what I found from asking AI questions that I felt what bothering me about Trump and company.
I have been watching Putin, Trump, and Netanyahu. I have come to the conclusion that all wars are fought for two things: survival of the fittest and land grab. Survival is not just about them; it is survival of their people as well
While Trump bombed Iran's nuclear sites, the ID was/is controling the entire Gaza Strip, leaving the Palestinian in rubble to starve to death There are plans for Israel to start new settlements in the strip.
Hamas and Hezbollah are a pain for Bibi, so he is still working on eliminating them and trying to affect a regime change in Iran.
I don't think Iran would ever use a nuclear bomb on Israel. That is just an excuse to get rid of Hamas and Hezbollah. In my view, if Bibi would have accepted the Palestinian's living on their own land, there would have been no October 7.
I have come to the conclusion that Trump is a very powerful person. He is a multibillionaire. Money buys one freedom; lots of money buys one lots of freedom. Again, it is all about the survival of the fittest.
Trump is a survivalist. A survivor is one who tries to survive under the bleakest of conditions. A survivalist plans and manipulates things and people to survive.
Donald Trump’s political career is a fascinating case study in survivalist leadership, echoing many of the tactics used by authoritarian leaders—though within the framework of a democratic system. While only following the constitution where it benefits him and his agenda.
Here’s how Trump’s approach mirrors classic political survivalism often seen in dictatorships:
• Loyalty Over Institutions: Like many autocrats, Trump has prioritized personal loyalty over institutional norms. From reshaping the Justice Department to pressuring state officials during elections, he’s shown a willingness to bend institutions to serve his political survival.
• Narrative of Persecution: Trump has cultivated a “survivalist frame” by portraying himself as a victim of a corrupt system—whether through claims of election fraud, “witch hunts,” or media bias. This mirrors how authoritarian leaders often use external threats to justify extraordinary measures.
• Control of Information: While not state-run, Trump’s use of social media platforms like Truth Social allows him to bypass traditional media and control his messaging—similar to how autocrats use propaganda to shape public perception.
• Rewarding the Inner Circle: Selectorate Theory suggests leaders survive by keeping a small group of elites happy. Trump has rewarded loyalists with pardons, endorsements, and political appointments, reinforcing a tight-knit coalition.
• Crisis as Opportunity: From immigration surges to civil unrest, Trump has used crises to justify hardline policies and rally his base—often casting himself as the only one who can “save” the country.
Joe Rogan even called Trump the “final boss of political survival,” highlighting how he’s endured scandals, impeachments, and legal battles while maintaining influence.
While Trump operates in a democracy, his tactics often blur the line between populism and authoritarianism.
The country and its parties have metaphorically become like different species. Think of it like this:
• MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters often operate with a populist, nationalist mindset. Their political identity is deeply tied to Donald Trump, emphasizing traditional values, skepticism of globalism, and a distrust of mainstream institutions.
Some analysts argue that MAGA has evolved into a post-ideological movement—less about conservatism and more about loyalty, grievance, and cultural defiance.
• Mainstream GOP (Republican Party) includes a broader spectrum—from traditional conservatives to libertarians to Trump-aligned factions. While MAGA is a powerful force within the GOP, not all Republicans identify with it. Some are “Never Trumpers,” others are pragmatic moderates, and some are caught in between.
• Liberals, typically aligned with the Democratic Party, prioritize progressive values like social justice, environmental protection, and government intervention in healthcare and education. They tend to support multiculturalism, diplomacy, and systemic reform.
So while they’re not different species in the biological sense, they often speak different political “languages,” prioritize different values, and even consume entirely different media ecosystems. It’s no wonder they sometimes seem like they’re living in parallel realities.There are so many truths in what you just wrote that will most likely go unchallenged, including this one:
"In my view, if Bibi would have accepted the Palestinian's living on their own land, there would have been no October 7."
One of Trump's Day One Bold Initiatives was to mostly dismantle America's counter-intel operations across the board. (for one of MANY example - https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-sho … rcna214529). O
Conservatives on the Supreme Court declare they no longer believe in the Constitutional protection of Due Process for anyone in America. We have clearly lost our free nation now.
Conservatives will allow Trump to transport anyone in America to a war-torn third-party, third-world nation on a whim.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/23/poli … -countriesI don’t know what you know who is crowing about. The court has become a right wing tribunal and Trumps right hand in his pursuit of despotism and tyranny. It would have been more considerate to send migrants to the North Pole or a deserted Island rather than to some of the most heinous regimes on earth. And what does Trump pay the rogue nations for the privilege of taking in our undesirables?
Damn Trumpers do not realize that each step moves toward trump removing people who just disagree with his inane policies and methods. He has taken this pattern and has said as much as to how he would want to send incarcerated Americans away in the same fashion.
This ruling is certainly no cause to celebrate….
We all need to dispense with the Trump as soon as possible.Cred, The claim that the Supreme Court has become a “right-wing tribunal” acting as Trump’s personal tool of despotism doesn't hold up under scrutiny. While it's true that Trump appointed three justices, those same justices have not reliably ruled in his favor. In 2020, the Court, including Trump’s appointees, rejected his legal challenges to the election. Justice Gorsuch, one of Trump’s picks, even authored the majority opinion expanding civil rights protections to LGBTQ workers. More recently, the Court ruled against a Republican-backed theory in Moore v. Harper, reinforcing that it acts independently, not as an extension of Trump’s political will.
The accusation that Trump is sending migrants to “heinous regimes” is not only misleading but inflammatory. The migrants being deported are individuals who are in the country illegally, and their removal is being carried out in accordance with U.S. immigration law. Trump’s administration, like those before it, is following established legal protocols, including those set by the Supreme Court. Deportations are not arbitrary, nor are they aimed at punishing political opponents. The individuals being removed have either violated immigration law or have had due process and final removal orders issued. In fact, Trump is abiding by the very rulings that the Supreme Court has said he must follow, demonstrating that this process is grounded in the rule of law, not despotism.
Equally unfounded is the assertion that Trump plans to remove or deport Americans who simply disagree with him. While he has publicly criticized opponents and fired political appointees, there is no legal mechanism and no credible plan to exile U.S. citizens, incarcerated or otherwise, for political reasons. Such an action would be flagrantly unconstitutional and would be struck down immediately, even by the same Court some accuse of partisanship.
The idea that there is “no cause to celebrate” any court ruling simply because it might benefit Trump reflects a broader issue: politicizing every legal decision without regard to constitutional principles. Whether someone supports Trump or not, a Supreme Court decision, especially one rooted in law and precedent, deserves to be assessed based on its merits, not dismissed out of partisan hostility. Disagreeing with Trump is one thing; making exaggerated claims about tyranny, rogue deportations, and political purges is not grounded in fact. Do you have any facts to back your accusations?Here are the facts
Yes, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to allow the Trump administration to resume deportations to third-party countries, effectively lifting a lower court order that had required the government to provide migrants with notice and an opportunity to object before deportation. Yes, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to allow the Trump administration to resume deportations to third-party countries, effectively lifting a lower court order that had required the government to provide migrants with notice and an opportunity to object before deportation.
The majority opinion was unsigned and offered no reasoning. (WHY)
The three liberal justices dissented, calling the decision a "gross abuse" of the court's power and accusing the majority of "rewarding lawlessness".
The three liberal justices dissented, calling the decision a "gross abuse" of the court's power and accusing the majority of "rewarding lawlessness".
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/2 … 3_l5gm.pdf
In Sotomayor’s dissent, the basis in law found in the 2nd paragraph. The law is clearly stated, why did the right wingers on the court chose no comment in regards to it?
Federal law generally permits the Government to deport noncitizens found to be unlawfully in the United States only to countries with which they have a meaningful connection. 8 U. S. C. §1231(b). To that end, Congress specified two de- fault options: noncitizens arrested while entering the coun- try must be returned to the country from which they ar- rived, and nearly everyone else may designate a country of choice. §§1231(b)(1)(A), (b)(2)(A). If these options prove in- feasible, Congress specified which possibilities the Execu- tive should attempt next. These alternatives include the noncitizen’s country of citizenship or her former country of residence. §§1231(b)(1)(C), (2)(E).
This case concerns the Government’s ability to conduct what is known as a “third country removal,” meaning a re- moval to any “country with a government that will accept the alien.” §1231(b)(1)(C)(iv); see §1231(b)(2)(E)(vii). Third-country removals are burdensome for the affected noncitizen, so Congress has sharply limited their use. They are permissible only after the Government tries each and every alternative noted in the statute, and determines they are all “impracticable, inadvisable, or impossible.” §§1231(b)(1)(C)(iv), (2)(E)(vii).
Noncitizens facing removal of any sort are entitled under international and domestic law to raise a claim under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Dec. 10, 1984, S. Treaty Doc. No. 100–20, 1465 U. N. T. S. 113. Article 3 of the Convention prohibits returning any person “to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.” The United States is a party to the Convention, and in 1998 Congress passed the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restruc- turing Act to implement its commands. The Act provides that “[i]t shall be the policy of the United States not to ex- pel, extradite, or otherwise effect the involuntary return of any person to a country in which there are substantial grounds for believing the person would be in danger of be- ing subjected to torture, regardless of whether the person is physically present in the United States.” §2242(a), 112 Stat. 2681–822, codified as note to 8 U. S. C. §1231. It also directs the Executive to “prescribe regulations to imple- ment” the Convention. §2242(b), 112 Stat. 2681–822. Those regulations provide, among other things, that “[a] re- moval order . . . shall not be executed in circumstances that would violate Article 3.” 28 CFR §200.1 (2024).
So, Sharlee, what happened to this?
Trump racks up another win in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court just ruled that the Trump administration can keep deporting migrants to third countries, even ones that aren’t their home nations, without giving them the chance to argue they'd face persecution or torture. This came after a lower court had tried to stop those removals, saying migrants should at least be given notice and a hearing. But now, with this ruling, that pause is temporarily lifted, and the administration can keep sending people out while the legal fight continues.
The policy has already been used to deport some migrants, including individuals with criminal records, to places like South Sudan and Djibouti. And it’s not just deporting people to their home countries, it allows removals to any country that agrees to take them. Three of the liberal justices dissented and said this could put vulnerable people in serious danger, calling the majority's decision an abuse of power. It’s not a final decision yet, but for now, the administration can move forward with these deportations while the case plays out in court.
Regarding due process, some migrants temporarily lose certain protections under this ruling. Normally, migrants have a right to a hearing where they can argue they’d face torture or persecution if deported, especially under international laws like the Convention Against Torture. But the Supreme Court’s order allows the government to skip that process in some cases, so migrants can be removed to third countries without a full chance to make their case. That doesn’t mean all due process is gone, but it’s significantly limited for many affected migrants during this pause. Some groups, like detainees held in certain overseas bases, might still be protected under separate orders.
Bottom line: This ruling is temporary. Whether this stays permanent depends on how ongoing court cases unfold.It was a win for Trump, but a clear loss for humanity and morality.
In the meantime, how many men, women, and children did the Conservative Justices on the Supreme Court knowingly assign torture to or a death sentence?Not much of a win, only another pause while litigation in the lower courts continues.
Update for the inflation part of Trump's Bold Agenda:
* Asus laptops: +4% to +10%
* Bogg Bag Totes:+5%
* Automobiles: +4%
* Automobile parts: +15%
* Power banks and phone cases: +18%
* Foreo skin care devices: +25%
* Labuq boots: +21%
* Toys: +40%
Those, and others like them, will probably start being reflected in the July inflation update.Great Day for Trump--- seems he has killed two birds with one stone. Trump is keeping promises and taking no prisoners. What did Trump say, "you will get sick of winning".
“Mr. President, dear Donald,” Rutte's message began, as seen by a screenshot Trump posted on his social media network. “Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, that was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer.”
The fawning tone may have been an attempt to butter up Trump ahead of a key meeting — the kind of effusive praise that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has adopted lately in negotiating and then announcing a recent trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the U.S. that is meant to ease Trump's promised steep tariffs on imported British goods.
Rutte continued, “You are flying into another BIG SUCCESS in The Hague this evening. It was not easy but we’ve got them all signed onto 5 percent!” — a reference to other NATO member countries mostly having signed onto the new pledge to spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense, a demand the Republican president has pushed for months.
“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done,” Rutte wrote. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win. Safe travels and see you at His Majesty’s dinner!”
NATO confirmed that the message came from Rutte and was sent Tuesday.
AP
https://www.aol.com/dear-donald-trump-p … 40227.htmlTariffs on, Tariffs off...
Deport all illegals on… Deport all illegals, off.
Regime change on! …….Regime change OFF
Isolationists one day...GLOBALISTS the next
- POOR MAGAs turned into pretzels daily.Trump needs a very big mop and bucket to clean up after Biden. However, he remains diligent on all fronts. Today --- on to NATO
ICE arrested 11 Iranian nationals, including individuals with alleged IRGC, Hezbollah, or sniper backgrounds.
June 24, Lots of news today--- hard to keep up. Trump is working to keep Americans safe, just as he promised.
It’s incredibly alarming that ICE has now arrested 11 Iranian nationals across eight states, some of whom have direct ties to terrorist organizations, including one former IRGC member and another listed on the terror watchlist. Even more troubling is the revelation from a leaked CBP memo that during the Biden administration, nearly 1,500 Iranian nationals were apprehended at the southern border, and astonishingly, about 729 of them were simply released into the U.S. without further detention. Now, with ICE forced to scramble and clean up this mess, it’s clear that this administration’s lax border policies may have created a dangerous situation, one that national security experts are now warning could include potential sleeper cells. While DHS claims this is a “targeted enforcement operation,” the fact remains: these individuals were allowed in under Biden-era decisions, and now ICE has no choice but to go after those with terrorism or criminal ties. This isn’t just poor judgment, it’s a serious breach of national safety that never should have happened.
https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/us-news/i … hatgpt.comThen I guess TRUMP IS TO BLAME for at least TWO of those you claim came in under Biden. Yet you blame Biden? WHY? I guess it is BDS. Why didn't you say TRUMP has "poor judgment, it’s a serious breach of national safety that never should have happened."
One was from Obama's term, Two were from Biden's and the rest have unknown entry dates.
As to your apprehended Iranian numbers, I can't jump to the conclusions you did without comparable Trump numbers. But, if I were to jump to conclusions, I would say Biden did a better job than Trump regarding the Iranians.
It is also very troubling that Trump allowed the CBP memo to be "leaked". Seems like he has no control over sensitive data. But wait, we already knew that.
June 24, His spoken remarks to the press this AM— as he was leaving the White House this morning, Trump made an unscripted statement to reporters.
Full context---
Reporter: “Mr. President, what do you make of the reports that Israel has already launched airstrikes despite the ceasefire?”
Trump: “Look, I’ve got to get Israel to calm down now. As soon as we made the deal, they came out and dropped a load of bombs — the biggest load I’ve ever seen. It’s unacceptable. We brokered a ceasefire, and it has to be respected. Both sides — Israel and Iran — have been fighting for so long, they don’t know what the F--k they’re doing. Honestly, it’s a mess. I’m not happy with Israel, not happy with Iran either. They both broke the deal.”
Reporter: “Will you take any action to enforce the ceasefire?”
Trump: “Absolutely. Once I get on the plane, I’m going to handle it all. I’m going to talk to the leaders. They have to stop this now. I already told the Israelis to turn their planes around — no more bombings. They have to bring their pilots home. I’m serious about this. If they don’t follow the ceasefire, there will be consequences. I want peace. We don’t need more bombs flying.”
Reporter: “Are you concerned this ceasefire could fall apart?”
Trump: “I’m always concerned. But I’m in charge now, and I will make sure it holds. I’ve never seen anything like what’s happened today — it’s the biggest bombing load I’ve seen from Israel. It’s reckless. We want peace, but both sides have to want it. They have to stop acting like children. It’s time to grow up.”
Reporter: “Will you be speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu directly?”
Trump: “Yes, I just spoke with him. I told him to bring the jets home immediately. If they don’t, it’s a major violation of the ceasefire. We’re watching closely.”
Reporter: “Any message to Iran?”
Trump: “Iran also has to stop. Both sides. But right now, Israel’s actions are loud and clear. I want them to respect the deal — for the good of the region and the world.”
Reporter: “Thank you, Mr. President.”
Trump: “Thank you. Remember, all planes are turning around. It’s going to be peaceful. We will see what happens.” President Trump
I think he will be on it--- as he heads to the Hague, Netherlands, to attend a NATO summit.
Guess it's a wait and see.Yes, that's Trump, Captain America. He talk sense.
PeoplePower,
I see where you’re coming from, but I think this whole analysis oversimplifies a lot and leans too heavily on a negative, almost conspiratorial view of Trump and the Middle East situation. First off, “America First” isn’t just whatever Trump says it is; it’s a policy approach that puts American interests, jobs, and security front and center. Sure, Trump’s messaging can be flexible, but that’s political reality. Every president adapts their rhetoric and priorities based on circumstances. It’s not unique to him.
Now, about the whole “survival of the fittest” and “land grab” angle in wars: while power struggles and territory play a role, it’s reductive to boil down complex conflicts to just those two factors. The Middle East conflict, especially between Israel and the Palestinians, involves deep historical, religious, and cultural issues. Suggesting that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept a Palestinian state directly caused October 7 completely ignores the fact that Hamas has repeatedly rejected peace deals and openly calls for Israel’s destruction. It’s not just about land, there’s ideology and terrorism in play, too.
Regarding Trump being compared to authoritarian leaders, that’s a stretch. Yes, he’s loyal to his supporters and pushes his agenda hard, but the U.S. is still a functioning democracy with checks and balances. Trump hasn’t dismantled institutions; he’s operated within them, sometimes contentiously, but that’s politics. Comparing him to dictators risks exaggerating his actions and ignoring the democratic process.
And about MAGA being a “post-ideological movement” driven by grievance and loyalty, that sounds like a dismissive way to explain a large group of voters. People support Trump because they feel he speaks to real issues like jobs, immigration, and national security. It’s not just blind loyalty; it’s about policy and identity, sure, but also about dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Finally, saying that “if Bibi accepted Palestinians living on their own land, there would have been no October 7” is an oversimplification. It overlooks Hamas’ role, the complexity of Palestinian politics, and the fact that peace requires willingness from both sides. It’s unfair to pin the entire blame on one party when the reality is far more complicated.
So, while the comment has some interesting points, in my view, it paints a too-negative picture of Trump, and it simplifies the Middle East conflict in ways that miss key facts and nuances.I bet PeoplePower's point was since Trump's definition of "America First" changes from day-to-day, it is only logical for him to conclude "it is what Trump says it is" that day.
As to a "negative" picture. What was untrue about it? Is it that he is not supposed to report the truth just because it is negative?It's good to see you again. Thanks for the critique of my comments. I thought you were through defending Trump, but yet here you are again. My replies to your comments are in Italics.
I see where you’re coming from, but I think this whole analysis oversimplifies a lot and leans too heavily on a negative, almost conspiratorial view of Trump and the Middle East situation. First off, “America First” isn’t just whatever Trump says it is; it’s a policy approach that puts American interests, jobs, and security front and center. Sure, Trump’s messaging can be flexible, but that’s political reality. Every president adapts their rhetoric and priorities based on circumstances. It’s not unique to him.
“Just Politics and Political Reality” is just a way of rationalizing what Trump does and says. You say I’m oversimplifying my narrative about complex situations. That’s exactly what you are doing with Trump’s actions.
Now, about the whole “survival of the fittest” and “land grab” angle in wars: while power struggles and territory play a role, it’s reductive to boil down complex conflicts to just those two factors. The Middle East conflict, especially between Israel and the Palestinians, involves deep historical, religious, and cultural issues. Suggesting that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept a Palestinian state directly caused October 7 completely ignores the fact that Hamas has repeatedly rejected peace deals and openly calls for Israel’s destruction. It’s not just about land, there’s ideology and terrorism in play, too.
In wars, there are winners and losers. A war is won when one side has given up their will to fight anymore. It is survival of the fittest. Japan lost because we used the bomb, and they had no more will to fight. Germany lost because the allies destroyed their military and made rubble out of their towns and cities.
Netanyahu wants the Palestinian land so that he can create more settlements for Israel. When he says they don’t want to give Israel the right to exists, what he means is he doesn't want Palestine to exist. Many countries except the US are saying he is committing genocide of the Palestinians.
Putin is all about land grab of Ukraine. Trump renames the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Trump wants Canada to become part of the US and he wants to buy Greenland. They do this to protect themselves and their people. Hamas didn’t like the deal that was given to them because it was not in their favor, but it was in Israel's favor.
Regarding Trump being compared to authoritarian leaders, that’s a stretch. Yes, he’s loyal to his supporters and pushes his agenda hard, but the U.S. is still a functioning democracy with checks and balances. Trump hasn’t dismantled institutions; he’s operated within them, sometimes contentiously, but that’s politics. Comparing him to dictators risks exaggerating his actions and ignoring the democratic process.
There are several instances where critics and legal experts argue that Donald Trump has challenged or bypassed democratic norms and processes—especially during and after his presidency.
One major example is his effort to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump repeatedly claimed the election was stolen despite a lack of evidence, pressured state officials to “find” votes, and encouraged Vice President Pence to reject certified electoral votes. These actions culminated in the January 6th Capitol riot, which many saw as a direct attack on the peaceful transfer of power.
More recently, reports suggest that Trump’s administration has ignored court orders related to immigration policy. For instance, the government attempted to deport individuals to dangerous third countries without providing the due process required by law. A Supreme Court decision allowed this to proceed, despite lower court rulings against it. Justice Sotomayor warned that this undermines respect for the rule of law.
Additionally, Trump has supported legislation that could weaken judicial oversight, such as provisions in a recent budget bill that would limit courts’ ability to hold government officials accountable for violating court orders. Critics argue this erodes the separation of powers and shields the executive branch from legal consequences.
And about MAGA being a “post-ideological movement” driven by grievance and loyalty, that sounds like a dismissive way to explain a large group of voters. People support Trump because they feel he speaks to real issues like jobs, immigration, and national security. It’s not just blind loyalty; it’s about policy and identity, sure, but also about dissatisfaction with the status quo.
This is what I said.
• MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters often operate with a populist, nationalist mindset. Their political identity is deeply tied to Donald Trump, emphasizing traditional values, skepticism of globalism, and a distrust of mainstream institutions. Some analysts argue that MAGA has evolved into a post-ideological movement—less about conservatism and more about loyalty, grievance, and cultural defiance.
Finally, saying that “if Bibi accepted Palestinians living on their own land, there would have been no October 7” is an oversimplification. It overlooks Hamas’ role, the complexity of Palestinian politics, and the fact that peace requires willingness from both sides. It’s unfair to pin the entire blame on one party when the reality is far more complicated.
When you are in a war, peace does not require willingness from both sides. It requires one side to win and one side to lose. What have the Palestinian people done to provoke Israel? What has Israel done to provoke the Palestinian people?
So, while the comment has some interesting points, in my view, it paints a too-negative picture of Trump, and it simplifies the Middle East conflict in ways that miss key facts and nuances.
I know the history of both countries and their people. All one has to do is go back to 1948 and look at newsreels of how the Israeli’s made refugees out of people in their own land by pushing down their house with bulldozers so that Israel could build settlements on Palestinian land. And now they have turned Gaza into rubble with the excuse of looking for Hamas.
As of late June 2025, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. The ministry states that women and children make up more than half of those killed. These figures are widely cited by international media and humanitarian organizations,
Reports from humanitarian organizations and news outlets indicate that conditions in Gaza remain dire, with widespread hunger and mounting civilian casualties as Palestinians attempt to access food aid.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry and multiple eyewitness accounts, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed or injured while trying to reach aid distribution sites. These sites, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and backed by Israel and the U.S., have been described by some as chaotic and dangerous. In several incidents, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on crowds of civilians seeking food, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.
The United Nations and humanitarian groups have raised serious concerns, accusing Israel of impeding aid and using starvation as a method of warfare—an allegation that, if proven, would constitute a war crime under international law. Human Rights Watch has documented statements from Israeli officials suggesting an intent to deprive civilians of essential resources like food, water, and fuel.
Israel has denied targeting civilians and claims that any use of force near aid sites was in response to perceived threats or deviations from designated routes. However, the scale of hunger and the number of casualties have led to growing international condemnation and calls for accountability.
How many Israelis were killed on Oct. 7?
When It Rains, It Pours. Gosh, Trump must have gotten out of bed on the right side this AM-- Winning! And the day is not anywhere near over. Can't wait to hear what he gets done in his meetings with NATO.
128 Democrats join House GOP to block progressives' bid to impeach Trump
Dozens of Democrats joined Republicans to kill the measure by Rep. Al Green.Making America Safe Again
Former President Trump is getting some unexpected praise for how he’s handled the recent Iran-Israel crisis, even from people who usually don’t have much good to say about him. Brett McGurk, who served as the Biden administration’s coordinator for Middle East and North Africa, said the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend were about as successful as anyone could have hoped. Speaking on CNN, he gave Trump and his national security team “extremely high marks” for how they managed the situation and said, “This is about the best place we can be.”
McGurk, who’s worked under Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden, also pointed out there might be a real chance for diplomacy now—not just with Iran, but also with Hamas in Gaza. He mentioned that talks are quietly happening in Cairo, and a ceasefire could be in reach. According to him, the situation now is far better than anyone would’ve expected just ten days ago.
Other longtime Democratic officials are echoing that sentiment. Jamie Metzl, who worked on President Clinton’s National Security Council, admitted that while he voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 and supports many of her domestic policies, he doesn’t think she would’ve had the guts to greenlight the type of bold military action Trump just pulled off. Metzl emphasized that Iran has been hostile toward the U.S. for decades and was speeding toward a nuclear weapon, saying Trump’s decision was necessary and courageous.
Even with the chaos, it’s clear that Trump’s handling of the strikes is getting some rare bipartisan credit, especially for how he’s managed to walk a line between force and diplomacy in an incredibly tense moment.Wonderful progress made at NATO summit. Make NATO Great Again!
Donald Trump repeatedly raised the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO, particularly during his 2016 campaign and early presidency, due to concerns over unequal burden-sharing and the high financial cost to the U.S. In 2018, he even threatened to pull out of the alliance if member nations didn’t meet their defense spending obligations. The fact is, during his first term, Trump succeeded in pressuring many NATO countries to boost their military spending to the 2% of GDP target he emphasized. Now, in his second term, he has pushed for a new benchmark of 5%, and the majority of member nations are reportedly on board with this increase. Trump approaches these issues as a problem solver—always looking for ways to make systems more effective, fair, and sustainable.
At the NATO summit held on June 25, 2025, in The Hague, alliance leaders agreed to a significant shift in defense policy by formally adopting a new spending target of 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035 for all 32 member states, replacing the previous 2% benchmark. This new target is structured to allocate 3.5% toward core military capabilities, such as personnel, equipment, and operational readiness, and 1.5% toward broader security-related needs like infrastructure, cyber defense, logistics, and support for defense industries. Annual national spending plans will be required, with a midterm review scheduled for 2029 to assess progress.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who chaired the summit, played a leading role in shaping the agreement and emphasized the growing necessity for NATO to adapt to an increasingly volatile global security environment. Rutte specifically credited former U.S. President Donald Trump for elevating the urgency of defense investment, describing Trump’s past pressure on NATO allies as “influential” in driving the alliance toward greater financial responsibility. Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was also recognized for laying much of the groundwork during his tenure.
Although President Joe Biden supported the initiative and sent a U.S. delegation to endorse the plan, he urged a more cautious timeline for implementation. Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support while calling for flexibility and emphasizing the importance of bolstering European defense industries. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also backed the agreement but highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility and referenced Germany’s ongoing military investment efforts. The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak or his successor, firmly supported the increase, aligning it with the U.K.’s broader defense strategy. In contrast, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concerns about the strain on national budgets and called for adaptable implementation.
The summit also reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to Article 5, the foundational clause stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. While Trump has never advocated for removing or altering Article 5, he has consistently argued that U.S. support should not be unconditional if allies are not meeting their financial commitments. Throughout his presidency and in recent public statements, Trump has contended that it is unfair for the United States to continue shouldering a disproportionate share of NATO’s defense burden while some member nations underperform.
His influence was evident in the summit’s outcome, as the 5% spending goal reflected a broader shift toward accountability and shared responsibility, reinforcing the expectation that collective defense must be matched by individual commitment from all member states.
I'm incredibly proud of President Trump for the role he played in pushing NATO toward real accountability. His consistent message about fair burden-sharing clearly resonated, and it’s encouraging to see that his pressure led to real policy changes. The new 5% defense spending agreement shows that his influence helped make the alliance stronger and more balanced for the future. A better, stronger NATO.I thought the Maga ideology was to get out of nato? Is that another thing that has changed? It's tough to keep up with the shifting principles. I do remember many of the forum members here posting support to leave NATO. Many, many posts disparaging NATO. Today it's a good thing though?
I don't have a problem keeping up once I realized they have no principles or moral compass.
Shar,
I can never understand the left's leadership and the left.
We had pilots in our military fly 36 hours into hostile territory, deliver a payload of huge precision munitions and return safely. They were supported by elements of the US Navy.
Not ONE of those on the left can let go of their Trump Derangement Syndrome for five minutes and be a proud American. I have not seen any member of the left or the left's leadership make a statement about how impressive our military is to be able to pull of such difficult mission. Nobody took the time to be proud of the members of our military or honor their willingness to put themselves in harms way for the country.
Why can't the left try once for at least five minutes and act like they're Americans?
I don' t know if it's possible since they seem to all be in the advanced stages of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
I'm beginning to believe there is no hope for them.Mike, I completely agree with you. It’s beyond frustrating to watch how deeply the left’s leadership, and so many of their followers, seem to reject everything that’s truly American. Like you, I’m stunned that such an incredible military operation could be carried out with such skill and bravery, and yet it gets ignored or overshadowed because it doesn’t fit their narrative.
Honestly, I’ve come to the same conclusion as you: there may be no hope for those consumed by this unearned, obsessive hatred for President Trump. It’s not rational, and it's clearly more important to them than showing even a moment of gratitude or respect for our service members.
At this point, I’ve decided not to engage with them anymore. I took something from Michelle Obama’s words: “When they go low, we go high.” I may not agree with her on much, but she was right on that one. I’m not going to feed into the back-and-forth that they seem to get a thrill out of. It’s not worth the energy, and it’s not how I choose to honor this country or those who serve it.Shar,
You're right. They hate to see American success if it makes President Donald Trump look like good.
What a shame. So sad.I am very proud of our military and what they accomplished. I'm also proud to be an American. I saved your asses from being bombed by Soviet bombers during the cold war.
I'm not proud of Trump stating without any proof that those sites were obliterated and he is calling it the 12 day war.
He expects Iran to come to the table and talk peace when both sides are still fighting. Trump is a deal maker and puts a positive spin on everything, even if it is negative.
He is doing the same thing Bush did with "Mission Accomplished" with Iraq. How long were we in Iraq after he said that?.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the primary body responsible for inspecting damage at Iran’s nuclear sites. As the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA has a long-standing mandate to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and related agreements.
Following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities—including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that IAEA inspectors remain in Iran and are ready to resume inspections once safety conditions allow.
The agency has already assessed surface-level damage at some sites and is awaiting access to underground areas, particularly at Fordow, where “very significant damage” is suspected.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has also conducted its own assessments, concluding that while the strikes caused visible surface damage, they may not have fully destroyed Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure.
I take offense for Trumpers and MAGA calling those of us who do not Idolize Trump, not true Americans. What makes you so self-aggrandizing?Mike, It odd that this leaker would put his neck on the line. If apprehended, he most likely will be charged. At any rate, the media is fed up with his story, which is now being fully disputed. Interagency Intelligence Consensus The DIA document has not yet been coordinated with the larger intelligence community (CIA, NSA, DOE, DNI). A multi‑agency review is still in progress. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has not released any public statement on the strikes; any final assessment remains pending.
Today -- New DNI Statement on U.S. Strikes
Gabbard announced that “new intelligence” supports President Trump’s statement that the airstrikes “destroyed” Iran's nuclear facilities—Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan—claiming the damage was so extensive that any reconstruction would take “years.”
She didn't provide supporting details or raw data, but strongly emphasized that her intelligence contradicts the earlier DIA's preliminary assessment, which reported only a temporary, month-scale setback with low confidence.
I think I will be more apt to believe Gabbard over a faceless, nameless source. I mean, who knows if this is not just another Democrat ploy?
PeoplePower - the kind of answers we get from MAGA and their blind, unthinking obsession with all things Trump is proof he is the leader of a Cult. Those that supported Hitler in the same fashion were also large in numbers and look where that ended up.
Also, I bet those that published that assessment about the strike won't have a job much longer; authoritarians tend to react that way.
Mike, You're absolutely right. It’s disheartening to see that some people would rather downplay American success simply because it reflects positively on President Donald Trump. Instead of celebrating progress or good outcomes for the country, they focus on who gets the credit. That kind of mindset is deeply divisive. It’s not supposed to be about politics; it should be about what actually benefits the American people. It really is a shame. However, I have faith in Americans and feel this type is in a small minority.
Then why does Trump make EVERYTHING about politics and himself?
George W. Bush employed the same strategy that Trump is using here...try to turn any criticism of an unpopular war into an attack on our military.
Trump has fully embraced the neocon Bush Iraq War playbook!Again, cue the theme from the Twilight Zone.
There are no similarities here.
PeoplePower, don't you call that deflecting when they try to turn the narrative away from the real problem, Trump, and go after vets like you and me by calling us UnAmerican?
It has nothing to do with our military and everything to do with Trump lying about total obliteration of Iran's nuclear facilities...
Remember, they are trying to deflect from the real issue, Trump, by playing the patriotism card. Well, I will to: Real Patriots do not support a person who tried to overthrow legitimate elections like Trump did.
Here is the problem.
You are basing this on a leaked preliminary assessment that was leaked to the press.
If you actually read the preliminary assessment it said it could be obliterated or it could have significant damage.
President Donald Trump has lied about NOTHING.
CNN has misreported the initial assessment report to feed those suffering with Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) and prolong their mental illness.
Subsequent reports have proven that these sites were obliterated.
Israel Atomic Energy Commission: “The devastating US strike on Fordo destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. We assess that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran’s military nuclear program, has set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir: “I can say here that the assessment is that we significantly damaged the nuclear program, and I can also say that we set it back by years, I repeat, years.”
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei: “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”
Vice President JD Vance: “I can say to the American people with great confidence that they are much further away from a nuclear program today than they were 24 hours ago. That was the objective of the mission, to destroy that Fordow nuclear site, and of course, do some damage to the other sites as well, but we feel very confident that the Fordow nuclear site was substantially set back, and that was our goal.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons. Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly. The impact of those bombs is buried under a mountain of rubble in Iran; so anyone who says the bombs were not devastating is just trying to undermine the President and the successful mission.”
Secretary Hegseth: “Given the 30,000 pounds of explosions and the capability of those munitions, it was DEVASTATION underneath Fordow … Any assessment that tells you otherwise is speculating with other motives.”
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan “Razin” Caine: “Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction. More than 125 US aircraft participated in this mission, including B2 stealth bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refueling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and a full array of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The Iranian program — the nuclear program — today looks nothing like it did just a week ago … That story is a false story and it’s one that really shouldn’t be re-reported because it doesn’t accurately reflect what’s happening.”
Secretary Rubio: “Everything underneath that mountain is in bad shape … There’s no way Iran comes to the table if somehow nothing had happened. This was complete and total obliteration. They are in bad shape. They are way behind today compared to where they were just seven days ago because of what President Trump did.”
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff: “We put 12 bunker buster bombs on Fordow. There’s no doubt that it breached the canopy, there’s no doubt that it was well within reach of the depth that these bunker buster bombs go to, and there’s no doubt that it was obliterated — so the reporting out there that in some way suggests that we did not achieve the objective is just completely preposterous.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “The operation was a resounding success. Our missiles were delivered precisely and accurately, obliterating key Iranian capabilities needed to quickly assemble a nuclear weapon.”
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi: “Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred. At the Esfahan nuclear site, additional buildings were hit, with the US confirming their use of cruise missiles. Affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Also at this site, entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit. At the Natanz enrichment site, the Fuel Enrichment Plant was hit, with the US confirming that it used ground-penetrating munitions.”
Institute for Science and International Security President David Albright: “Overall, Israel’s and U.S. attacks have effectively destroyed Iran’s centrifuge enrichment program. It will be a long time before Iran comes anywhere near the capability it had before the attack.”
Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director Andrea Stricker: “I think that because of the massive damage and the shock wave that would have been sent by 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators at the Fordow site, that it likely would render its centrifuges damaged or inoperable.”
American Enterprise Institute Middle East Portfolio Manager Brian Carter: “There is no question that the bombing campaign ‘badly, badly damaged’ the three sites.”
Institute for Science and International Security Senior Research Fellow Spencer Faragasso: “Overall, it may possibly take years for Iran to reconstitute the capabilities it lost at these facilities.”and I add--- Today, June 25, 2025, CIA Director John Ratcliffe reported that recent U.S. military strikes have severely damaged Iran's nuclear program. According to Ratcliffe, credible intelligence indicates that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed, and rebuilding them is expected to take several years. This assessment is based on information from a historically reliable source and suggests a significant setback for Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). In this role, she oversees the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and coordinates the activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community, which includes 18 federal agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and DIA. The DNI serves as the principal intelligence advisor to the President and is responsible for ensuring that intelligence is collected and analyzed to support national security and policy decisions.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced today that “new intelligence” supports President Trump’s statement that the airstrikes “destroyed” Iran's nuclear facilities—Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan—claiming the damage was so extensive that any reconstruction would take “years.”
She didn't provide supporting details or raw data, but strongly emphasized that her intelligence contradicts the earlier DIA's preliminary assessment, which reported only a temporary, month-scale setback with low confidence.
I'm sure there's more to come. I prefer getting information from someone with a name and a face. Just funny that way.
Not ONE of those on the left can let go of their Trump Derangement Syndrome for five minutes and be a proud American.
———
Yeah, dropping bombs is easy, a permanent solution amenable to both Israel and Iran is the real challenge. I wonder if trump and his motley crew of misfits can accomplish that?
We have different points of view on what constitutes a proud American rather than a pompous one.
If you guys actually listen for a change, you would understand that I have every reason to distrust Trump, his attitudes and his methods.
No, true blue can never become crimson red.Since my ass is white, I don't have too much to worry about from Trump, but, because of the color of yours, you clearly do.
Yeah, tell me how much Trump and his followers care about the military...
"Trump's VA cut a program that's saving vets' homes. Republicans have questions"
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/19/nx-s1-54 … epublicans
Trump doesn’t care about veterans. He’s slashed VA funding, ending HUD-VASH housing and is gutting mental-health services...Let me pile on:
1. Speaking of Generals who aren't in his pocket: "Trump has publicly disparaged senior military leaders, calling them: “some of the dumbest people I’ve ever met… a bunch of dopes and babies”
2. From a 2020 Atlantic report that was later corroborated: He called American war dead “losers” and “suckers”
He also reportedly disparaged the idea of wounded veterans participating in parades.
3. Speaking about war hero Sen John McCain: “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
4. Trump’s handling of a Medal of Honor award ceremony drew criticism:
He suggested that recipients were not deserving and continued a pattern of “insults” toward decorated military members - https://www.usnews.com/news/national-ne … hatgpt.com
5. Trump has repeatedly dismissed advice from military leaders, praising himself as a better strategist than his generals—e.g., “I would have been a good general” - https://time.com/5492188/trump-good-gen … hatgpt.com
6. During a ceremony featuring a wounded Army captain, Trump allegedly complained: “Why do you bring people like that here? No one wants to see that, the wounded.”
7. He also infamously said: “Why can’t you be more like Hitler’s generals?”
I, as a retired Army officer, Vietnam Vet, think that Trump is the sorriest excuse for a commander-in-chief that has ever been president.I, as a retired Army officer, Vietnam Vet, think that Trump is the sorriest excuse for a commander-in-chief that has ever been president.
About as strong as an anti-endorsement that I have ever heard….That's what he thinks of the honorable men and women who sacrifice their bodies, family time, and even their lives for an American cause greater than themselves.
Trump doesn't, and never will, understand how a person can be true to an ideal for which he does not receive a financial reward in return.
He has never felt or shown respect for the U.S. military or its veterans. He has thought only of how he could use them for his own purposes.
While MAGA would willing follow Hitler down the path to WW II, the "Left" (not communists who are no different from fascists) tried to fight him from doing so. He just murdered them for their troubles.
We know where Trump is going, the same place Hitler tried to go. and unlike MAGA, we don't want to follow him. And since we don't, MAGA made up the TDS nonsense (in 1935, it was known has HDS).You know, PeoplePower, I feel very insulted with this elevation to hero, almost God-like status of the pilots who flew this mission. Of course I don't want to take away from the fact that they did their job, apparently very well, but to promote Trump on their backs is extremely disrespectful to people like me who flew very dangerous missions night after night in Vietnam.
Apparently it is very important to some to point out that these guts flew for 36-hours. Granted, it was over friendly territory or over territory that had been stripped of its air defense capability.
My missions were only a paltry 2 to 3 hours over land where the VC regularly shot at us. We would circle over the same area looking for bad guys for sustained periods and not a simple one and done event.
Those B-2 pilots did exactly what they are trained to do - get in their planes, deliver ordinance, and return. That is the bottom line - they did their job.
Of course Rutte and others gave Trump gratuitous platitudes. You do what you have to in order keep the monster at bay.
In reality, the new 5% spending reflects Trump and Putin joining forces and putting European liberty at risk after Trump turns over Ukraine. They know that since Americans are willing to elect somebody like Trump to be president, they can no longer trust America to live up to its obligations.
Anyone else find it impossible to listen to Trump's presser at NATO? Every other minute he's sucking in air. I believe I heard him say the king and queen were out of Central casting? Beginning to think he really believes he's in a reality TV show. He's out there calling Jerome Powell stupid... Calling a reporter scum. Trump is such an embarrassment to our country... Whiskey Pete is actually a bigger embarrassment though. What an actor.
When CNN starts broadcasting his speeches, I need to go find ads to listen to (actually, I just turn down the sound) until I figure he has stopped lying and patting himself on the back.
Seems like he is continuing to lie about Iran's nuclear capability being "obliterated" on the world stage...the DIA'S report says that initial assessments suggest that the program is delayed 3 to 6 months, certainly not obliterated.
Hopefully somebody gave him some oxygen when he left the stage....The ceasefire between Israel and Iran is currently holding. Thank you to President Trump for brokering the deal. Hopefully, it will continue to hold, and we’ll see meaningful negotiations begin between the two nations toward lasting peace.
Wednesday Zelenskyy thank Trump and the U.S. in a post on X following their meeting in The Hague.
"We covered all the truly important issues. I thank Mr. President, I thank the United States. We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace," Zelensky said in a post on X on Wednesday. "We spoke about how to protect our people. We appreciate the attention and the readiness to help bring peace closer. Details will follow." President Zelensky
Meanwhile, Trump said Wednesday that his administration has not been able to finalize a peace deal with Ukraine and Russia, claiming that both leaders have been more challenging to work with than expected. "Vladimir Putin has been more difficult," Trump told reporters Wednesday. "Frankly, I had some problems with Zelenskyy. You may have read about him, and it's been more difficult than other wars."
Still, Trump said that his meeting with Zelenskyy went smoothly, and that he would be speaking to Putin as well.Are you telling me Trump failed to understand what he was dealing with? Any middle schooler could have told Trump that Putin would make a fool out of him and that Zalinskii does what is best for Ukraine, not Trump.
PeoplePower,
Just my view
Your comment feels emotionally charged, full of accusations, selective interpretations, and a few historical half-truths. Let’s be honest: calling everything Trump does a deviation from democracy or rule of law is a simplistic framing that ignores the larger political context and applies double standards. You accuse others of "rationalizing" Trump, yet you rationalize authoritarian actions by other leaders, like Hamas or even Putin, based on what seems to be selective outrage.
You say Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election. Yes, fair criticism, but where is that same scrutiny when Democrats spent four years claiming 2016 was stolen by Russia, undermining Trump’s legitimacy from day one? Hillary Clinton called Trump an “illegitimate president.” Was that not a direct attack on the peaceful transfer of power? In my view, double standards erode credibility.
And you reference Trump's supposed land grabs, like buying Greenland. That was a floated idea, not a policy. Comparing that to Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is an absurd exaggeration. At worst, Trump’s comments were brash or nationalistic. At best, they reflect a leader prioritizing strategic assets. But trying to compare it to a dictator's war of aggression does not hold water, in my view.
On the Israel-Palestine issue, your version of history conveniently starts in 1948, as if Jews had no historical claim to the land and simply showed up with bulldozers. You leave out decades of Arab aggression, five wars launched against Israel, and Hamas’s open charter calling for the destruction of the Jewish state. Let’s take a step back and apply common sense, especially when trying to analyze a brutal and deeply complex conflict like the Israel-Hamas war. Yes, the humanitarian toll in Gaza is horrific; there’s no denying that civilians are suffering, and it’s painful to see. But to present only the numbers from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is operated under Hamas control, without skepticism or broader context, is misleading. These figures are often unverified by independent sources and have historically included militants among the dead. More importantly, they completely omit the role Hamas plays in prolonging the suffering of its own people.
Ask yourself: Why are civilians getting killed when food aid is being distributed? Is it truly because Israel just randomly targets people trying to eat, or could it be because Hamas fighters frequently embed themselves in civilian areas, exploit chaos to stage attacks, or deliberately interfere with humanitarian efforts to manufacture outrage and weaponize global sympathy? Hamas has a documented history of hiding weapons in schools, hospitals, and aid convoys. That is not Israel’s doing.
And yes, the initial question here is also essential: How many Israelis were killed on October 7? The answer is over 1,200 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, in a premeditated, barbaric terrorist assault by Hamas, people dragged from their homes, burned alive, raped, and butchered. That was not a military operation; it was an atrocity. No nation on Earth would absorb that kind of violence without responding forcefully.
Let’s also talk about proportionality and intent. Israel does not target civilians intentionally; Hamas does. The IDF drops leaflets, sends text messages, and uses precision strikes to avoid civilian deaths when possible. Hamas, on the other hand, fires thousands of rockets indiscriminately into Israeli cities. They don’t even aim, they hope to kill anyone, as long as they’re Jewish or Israeli.
Yes, war is tragic. Yes, civilian lives matter on both sides. But this is not a one-sided genocide. This is a war sparked by terrorism, made worse by a group that uses its own people as shields, and prolonged by the international community’s refusal to hold Hamas accountable. If peace is the goal, start by condemning those who fire first and hide behind children, not the nation trying to stop them.
Finally, MAGA is not some blind cult of personality; it’s a response to what millions of Americans perceive as a corrupt, out-of-touch system that no longer represents their interests or values. It’s not driven by blind grievance but by a desire to regain control over a political class that they feel has ignored them for decades. Yes, it’s populist, but populism, by definition, gives voice to ordinary people. That’s not a threat to democracy; it’s a function of it. Ironically, while MAGA is constantly labeled as dangerous, it's often the political left that pushes to suppress dissenting views, censor speech, and use institutions to punish political opponents. That’s the real danger to democracy.
MAGA is not some blind cult of personality; it’s a response to what millions of Americans perceive as a corrupt, out-of-touch system that no longer represents their interests or values. It’s not driven by blind grievance but by a desire to regain control over a political class that they feel has ignored them for decades. Yes, it’s populist, but populism, by definition, gives voice to ordinary people. That’s not a threat to democracy; it’s a function of it. Actually, this may sound strange, but I truly feel that the new Republican, especially those shaped by the MAGA movement, resembles the bold, anti-establishment Democrat of the 1960s and '70s. It appears to be the Democrats who now reject much of what America has long stood for. They’ve turned patriotism into something suspect, even adverse, and have cast many cherished American values, like individual liberty, national pride, and free expression, as outdated or offensive. Ironically, while MAGA is constantly labeled as dangerous, it's often the political left that now pushes to suppress dissenting views, censor speech, and weaponize institutions to punish opponents. That’s the real danger to democracy.I'm glad these are all your opinions. True to form, your narrative is loaded with "What aboutisms" I didn't want to go back to the beginning of time to describe the conflicts between Israel and Palestine. That is why I started at 1948. Why does Israel have to expand their settlement into Palestinian territory? Oh I know it is their God given right.
When the Palestinians have no military and they are treated as inhuman in their own land, They throw rocks at Israel tanks. They need some force like Hamas to defend them. If Bibi had his way, he said he would move them to another country.
There is a price we pay for all our actions. When Hamas took those people, that is the price they paid for the treatment of Palestinians. It's easy to call it terrorism, but that come without any empathy..
Where is the proof that Hamas was hiding in hospitals and schools when everything was turned to rubble by Netanyahu? Dead men don't talk.
Benjamin Netanyahu has been warning that Iran is on the verge of building a nuclear bomb for over 30 years, dating back to 1992 when he was a member of Israel’s parliament. In a speech to the Knesset that year, he claimed Iran was just “three to five years” away from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Since then, he’s repeated similar warnings across decades:
- In 1995, he reiterated the timeline in his book Fighting Terrorism.
- In 1996, as Prime Minister, he addressed the U.S. Congress urging action against Iran.
- In 2012, he famously used a cartoon bomb at the UN to illustrate how close Iran supposedly was to nuclear capability.
- As recently as June 2025, he claimed Iran could build a bomb in “months or even weeks” if not stopped.
Netanyahu’s decades-long warnings about Iran’s nuclear ambitions have profoundly shaped both **Israeli and U.S. foreign policy**—even when intelligence assessments didn’t always align with his claims.
Here’s how his messaging has influenced policy:
- **U.S. Military and Diplomatic Posture**: Netanyahu’s persistent framing of Iran as an imminent nuclear threat helped push the U.S. toward tougher sanctions, cyber operations like Stuxnet, and even military planning. His 2012 UN speech, with the cartoon bomb, became a global symbol of urgency.
- **Opposition to the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)**: Netanyahu lobbied hard against the 2015 agreement, arguing it gave Iran a “pathway to the bomb.” His opposition influenced U.S. domestic politics and helped pave the way for Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the deal.
- **Israeli Military Strategy**: Netanyahu’s rhetoric laid the groundwork for covert operations—like sabotage at Iran’s Natanz facility—and culminated in **direct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025**, marking a dramatic escalation.
- **Shaping Public Opinion**: By repeating the message that Iran is always “months away” from a bomb, Netanyahu created a sense of perpetual urgency. This has made it politically risky for any Israeli leader to pursue diplomacy with Tehran.
- **Straining U.S.–Iran Relations**: His influence extended to Washington, where his alignment with certain administrations (especially Trump’s) helped shift U.S. policy from engagement to confrontation.
Despite shifting intelligence reports—including U.S. assessments that Iran is not actively building a bomb—Netanyahu’s message has remained unchanged. It’s a case study in how **consistent political messaging can outlast facts, administrations, and even wars**.
Why is Netanyahu afraid he is going to be attacked by Iran and their Nuclear Weapons?
As I said before, if Israel would have left the Palestinians alone on their own land, there would have been no Oct. 7. But Israel has been constantly been expanding their settlements into Palestinian territory and treating those people as less than humans..
It is believed that Israel has nukes. Why can't Iran have nukes like other countries? Oh I know because they are terrorists. We better prepare for terrorism, because that could be the consequences of Trump's attacks on Iran.Yes, Netanyahu has long warned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and while his rhetoric may seem repetitive or even alarmist at times, the reality is that Iran’s nuclear progress has been very real. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has consistently reported concerns about Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, especially following the U.S. exit from the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2018.
Let's look at the facts --- Under Obama (2009–2017): The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) placed strict limits on Iran. Uranium enrichment was capped at 3.67% purity, centrifuge numbers were cut by two-thirds, and IAEA inspectors were granted round-the-clock access. This kept Iran’s “breakout time” — the time needed to produce one bomb’s worth of weapons-grade uranium — at roughly 12 months.
Under Trump (2017–2021): In May 2018, Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, arguing it was flawed due to sunset clauses and its failure to address Iran’s regional aggression and ballistic missiles. Despite withdrawal, Iran largely remained within JCPOA limits for about a year. But after the U.S. reimposed “maximum pressure sanctions, during COVID, Iran began ramping up enrichment in 2019. By early 2020, Iran had surpassed the 3.67% cap and was enriching uranium to about 4.5% U-235 purity. By late 2020, the IAEA confirmed Iran had accumulated over 12 times the amount of low-enriched uranium allowed under the JCPOA, though it did not exceed 4.5% enrichment during Trump’s presidency — still far below what % was needed for weapons-grade fuel.
Under Biden (2021–present): After indirect talks to revive the JCPOA stalled, Iran escalated enrichment dramatically. By early 2022, Iran resumed 20% enrichment, and by mid-2022, began enriching uranium to 60% — a level technically just short of weapons-grade. The IAEA has reported that Iran now has enough 60% enriched uranium that — if further refined — could fuel multiple nuclear weapons. As of 2025, Iran’s estimated breakout time is only a few weeks.
So while Netanyahu has repeated warnings for decades, Iran’s nuclear advances, especially over the past 3–4 years, have made the threat far more concrete. The strike on Iran’s nuclear site 4 days ago wasn’t political theater. It was an effort to prevent what intelligence indicated was a near-term weaponization capability.
As for the argument that “Israel has nukes, so why not Iran?” it misses the point. Iran signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 and is legally prohibited from developing nuclear weapons. Israel never signed the NPT and has never threatened to annihilate another country. Iran’s regime regularly calls for the destruction of both Israel and the U.S., and arms terror groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The fear isn’t just Iran having a bomb, it’s Iran giving it or its protection to proxies.
Are you suggesting Iran is a responsible enough actor to possess nuclear weapons?"
Claiming Hamas is a “necessary defense force” overlooks their own brutal record. They aren’t freedom fighters, they’re a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. They’ve launched thousands of rockets indiscriminately into Israeli cities, built terror tunnels under schools, and used Palestinian civilians as shields, tactics confirmed not only by Israel but by UN and EU observers.
And finally, regarding October 7: That wasn’t a protest or a resistance operation. It was a mass torture-rape-kidnap-murder campaign, civilians burned alive, babies decapitated, entire families slaughtered. That wasn’t retaliation. That was hatred unleashed.
If peace is the goal, then we have to call out extremism, from all sides, but especially when it threatens to go nuclear. Netanyahu may be a hawk, but Iran’s nuclear ambitions are no myth, and history is finally catching up to the warnings.
Looks like we've both laid out our views pretty thoroughly, and it's clear we're coming at this from opposite sides. It might be time to call it a wrap
In Trump's "spoken remarks" at the NATO news conference he LIED his ass off AGAIN:
1. He told a reporter that "of course it was sarcastic" when he said he would end the Ukraine war in 24-hours. The TRUTH - It was not sarcastic.
When Trump claimed in April that he had made the promise “in jest,” CNN looked into this assertion – and found 53 examples in which Trump pledged on the campaign trail, in an entirely serious tone, manner and context, that he would end the war either within 24 hours of his return to the White House or even sooner than that, as president-elect. - Read the link for the examples.
2. Trump again criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not immediately lowering interest rates. Trump said, as he has before, that “we have no inflation.” - CLEARLY he LIED since headline inflation is currently at 2.1% and the less volatile Core Inflation is 2.5%. In the July report, inflation is expected to INCREASE to 2.3% for Headline and 2.6% for Core. CLEARLY we have more than "no inflation" and it is expected to get worse.
3. Trump Said - “We beat ISIS in a matter of weeks.” He added, “I was told it would take four to five years, we did it in a few weeks.” - ANOTHER LIE. The TRUTH, it took Trump over two years and a lot of dead Kurds before he declared victory and withdrew.
4. Trump also repeated his unproven assertion that the US’ weekend military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites had left them “obliterated.” - TRUTH: His OWN INTEL people said they assess that Iran's nuclear program was set back only a few months.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/25/poli … conferenceThe preliminary report from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency stated that the strikes on three sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan only set back Tehran’s nuclear ambitions by a few months... I'll take their assessment over Tulsi any day.
More information is coming in about the Iran airstrike. I prefer to get my FACTS from official government sources, like the White House, FBI, DOJ, CIA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. I also have a great deal of respect for the Supreme Court and appreciate the thoroughness with which they review and rule on each case that comes before them. Imagine getting factual reports from our heads of the CIA and the DNI... Reports are starting to be offered after careful evaluations of the airstrikes. This is what I call transparency.
Today, June 25, 2025, CIA Director John Ratcliffe reported that recent U.S. military strikes have severely damaged Iran's nuclear program. According to Ratcliffe, credible intelligence indicates that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed, and rebuilding them is expected to take several years. This assessment is based on information from a historically reliable source and suggests a significant setback for Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). In this role, she oversees the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and coordinates the activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community, which includes 18 federal agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and DIA. The DNI serves as the principal intelligence advisor to the President and is responsible for ensuring that intelligence is collected and analyzed to support national security and policy decisions.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced today that “new intelligence” supports President Trump’s statement that the airstrikes “destroyed” Iran's nuclear facilities—Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan—claiming the damage was so extensive that any reconstruction would take “years.”
She didn't provide supporting details or raw data, but strongly emphasized that her intelligence contradicts the earlier DIA's preliminary assessment, which reported only a temporary, month-scale setback with low confidence.
I'm sure there's more to come. I prefer getting information from someone with a name and a face. Just funny that way.The fact that the ceasefire is holding is a hopeful sign amid longstanding tensions. Sadly, it’s unfortunate that such progress wasn’t made during Biden’s two wars, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation.
This fragile calm offers a vital chance to pursue genuine diplomacy and avoid further suffering. President Trump recently met with President Zelensky at the NATO summit and announced he has had several phone calls with President Putin. He also announced that talks between U.S. and Iranian officials will begin next week. I pray for peace and hope he can bring these leaders together to work toward lasting stability for nations that have endured far too much hardshipShar,
I believe President Donald Trump was able to succeed in this situation because he is a leader and not a politician.
There is a big difference.Mike, Absolutely agree — and you nailed it. President Trump approached critical decisions like this from a leadership mindset, not with the typical political hesitation or concern for optics. That’s exactly why he was able to act decisively and put American interests first. Politicians tend to talk in circles and kick the can down the road. Leaders take responsibility, make the hard calls, and stand firm under pressure, and that’s what Trump did. That kind of bold, no-nonsense approach is exactly what was needed in a world where hesitation can cost lives, as it did throughout the Biden administration. The Ukrain/Russia war is an example of having a leader who should never have been given the reins.
These kinds of decisive actions make the world safer, not more dangerous. Trump has made it clear that the buck stops with him, and hopefully, other politicians will take note that the time for the old, do-nothing style of leadership is over. The world demands strength, not speeches.
What two wars? Is that a sign of a severe case of BDS?
And conveniently leaves out the fact that Trump is the one who left the nuclear deal, claiming he was going to replace it with something so much better.... And not surprisingly he had nothing, as usual. But Trump's failures are Biden's fault.. okay
There is way too much copy and paste of information that posters on this forum clearly don't understand....also a lot of use of AI with a similar lack of understanding.
One Big Beautiful Bill ---
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a sweeping legislative package designed to strengthen America’s economy, security, and overall well-being. At its core, the bill aims to make permanent key tax cuts from 2017, including exemptions on tip income and overtime pay, while temporarily increasing the child tax credit and standard deduction. These measures put more money directly into the pockets of hardworking Americans and small business owners, encouraging spending, investment, and job creation, fueling economic growth, and helping families thrive.
Border security is another major focus, with billions allocated to complete the border wall and enhance immigration enforcement. By securing our borders and streamlining immigration processes, the bill aims to reduce illegal immigration and drug trafficking, protecting American communities and resources. This promotes public safety and preserves opportunities for legal immigrants who follow the rules.
The bill also addresses healthcare and social programs by implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid and SNAP benefits. These reforms encourage self-sufficiency and reduce government dependency, helping recipients move toward financial independence and easing the burden on taxpayers.
On the national security front, the bill increases defense spending substantially, investing in missile defense and military readiness. This ensures the U.S. maintains its strategic advantage, deters threats, and protects American interests at home and abroad, reinforcing peace through strength.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to centralize artificial intelligence regulation at the federal level, pausing state-level restrictions. This unified approach encourages innovation and positions the U.S. as a global leader in emerging technologies, creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
While some have raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on the federal deficit, supporters argue that the economic growth stimulated by tax cuts, deregulation, and increased domestic production will ultimately broaden the tax base and help reduce long-term debt.
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” offers a comprehensive plan to boost prosperity, secure the nation, and encourage responsible governance, strengthening America’s foundation and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
It is currently being tweaked.Didn't you mean - "Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” offers a comprehensive plan to boost prosperity only for the wealthy, weaken the nation, encourage states to take away healthcare, weaken America’s foundation, and reduce the quality of life for its citizens all the while bankrupting the economy"?
Trump gets double-header win in the Supreme Court
Yes—Riley v. Bondi strengthens the hand of strict immigration enforcement: tighter deadlines, less judicial flexibility, and faster deportations. That’s very much in line with Trump-era objectives.
Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (Medicaid case)
Outcome: In a 6–3 conservative decision, the Court held that neither Medicaid providers nor patients have a private right to sue under § 1983 to raise a “free‑choice‑of‑provider” claim when a state removes a qualified provider (Planned Parenthood) from Medicaid. While states violating the “any qualified provider” rule may risk losing federal funding, private suits are not authorized.
Upcoming tomorrow, some sticky cases.
The final batch of opinions for this term is expected on Friday, June 27, including major cases such as one on birthright citizenship, Obamacare, pornography age-verification online, and LGBTQ+ storybooks in schools.Oh yes hooray for women in small rural red towns that will no longer be able to receive routine health screenings and contraception from nearby planned Parenthood clinics. Yep a real win... For cruelty
" That’s very much in line with Trump-era objectives." - OF DENYING DUE PROCESS, a policy MAGA can really get behind.
Since you approve of the ACTIVIST decision and precedence-breaking Medina v PP ruling, you also, by extension, approve of the foreseeable HARM that will come to many, many women. I thought you were their friend.
In case anyone missed it, Trump's CFPB has quietly dropped 18 lawsuits against banks, mortgage firms, and subprime lenders accused of offering predatory loans to millions of vulnerable consumers.
Trump is making his corporate backers even richer by letting them swindle you...
CFPB drops cases against ‘predatory’ financial firms - The Washington Post https://share.google/lNcRDetg3onEk9lY6I wonder how his supporters will defend him on that one? Maybe by saying that if regular Americans were SO STUPID as to get swindled, then they deserve what they get.
Trump..."We're ruling with common sense. That's the way I've ruled"
Someone needs to tell gramps he's not a king. He's not "ruling". This is as grotesque as his slurring and excessive air-sucking but please tell me more about how he doesn't have authoritarian tendencies LOL
https://x.com/Acyn/status/1938342379070886137
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