This comes as a surprise to who, exactly? Biden has been in politics for over forty years and the butt of jokes for most of that time. Being a Southerner, I suspect he only survived this long because he came from Delaware – they all knew him and couldn’t find anyone better who’d run in such a tiny state. Okay, that’s probably not what happened. States get a really bad case of ‘familiaritis’ where they continue to elect the same … Continue reading “Joe Liedn”
It Ain’t About Putin
Before you ask, yes, this has to do with American politics and yes, it’s Wednesday. I’m not suggesting for an instant that Putin didn’t order the invasion – of course he did. Russia would have lost a LOT more generals and not in Ukraine had they invaded so much as a Mickey D’s without Putin’s say-so. What I am going to tell you is that events have gotten well away from Putin’s control. From the point of view of his … Continue reading “It Ain’t About Putin”
It Ain’t About Biden
I know, I know. Monday is foreign relations day. I’m getting there, you’ll see. There are a lot of conservatives that are not happy about the US’ support of Ukraine. This is not because they support Putin or that they wish ill towards the Ukrainian people. In my opinion, it’s largely related to the corruption links between Hunter Biden and Ukraine. Ukraine is not an innocent baby nor is it a little devil. Ukraine has a major problem with corruption, … Continue reading “It Ain’t About Biden”
Tax Returns and Presidents
The United States Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling. Happens all the time. This particular stay will keep Congress’ greedy mitts off of Trump’s tax returns for at least another ten days. Yay – why do we care? Well, first off, the premise for Congress’ subpoena keeps changing. At present, the idea is that Congress needs the returns to sort out how to handle presidential tax returns in the future. trouble is, they aren’t asking for any returns but … Continue reading “Tax Returns and Presidents”
Recovering Libertarians are Recovering
Ten years ago libertarianism was all the rage in conservative circles. The short version was they didn’t like ‘losing’ the culture war all the time and thought they could just skip all that culture stuff and worry about important things like freedom and not spending ourselves into oblivion. Didn’t actually work so well. Turns out, culture informs politics more than politics informs culture. This little tidbit is what is destroying the Democrats at the moment. While over time politics can … Continue reading “Recovering Libertarians are Recovering”
Did We Do It? Nord Stream Sabotage
Knowing only the public information I have access to right now, no. I’m extremely dubious that the US was involved. Let’s start with the elephant: Biden’s comments in February that the US could destroy the pipeline. The German Chancellor was right there. It was a joint press conference held February 7th. Reporters pestered Biden until they got a soundbite. It wasn’t even a very good one considering he said nothing about destroying the pipeline, just ‘ending it’. Germany did that … Continue reading “Did We Do It? Nord Stream Sabotage”
Red Wave
There is absolutely nothing nail biting about this year’s midterms. Now, that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. heck, they are likely to be historic. But this is one of the very rare times when the outcome was predictable nearly a year ago. if you haven’t guessed, the Republicans win. I’m aware of the polls because I keep up with guys who analyze them. The polls are doing exactly what was expected, showing some weakening leading into September and a resurgence … Continue reading “Red Wave”
Taking No Joy
This week I’ve talked a lot about nation-states and political parties in collapse. These are bad things even when they are likely to ultimately result in good. But as they happen, people get hurt. Lives are altered, destroyed and even lost. It hurts to see the organization you worked so hard for or really believed in crash and burn. At a bare minimum will be economic losses and disruptions. Anyone happy about any of that isn’t thinking too straight. Lately, … Continue reading “Taking No Joy”
Afghanistan, One Year Later
Is Afghanistan better off after the American withdrawal? Of course not. What were people expecting? Everyone complained how the war had dragged on so long – really? What war? Oh, don’t you look at me like that, what war exactly? We never declared war so technically we were never at war. That aside, the significant hostilities – the part you can legitimately call a war – ended over a decade ago. While hardly a bastion of peace and tranquility, Afghanistan … Continue reading “Afghanistan, One Year Later”
Why do They Hate Trump?
Short answer: he has no leash. I don’t just mean that he can’t control himself on Twitter – which isn’t really true. He controls himself just fine. He just trolls the heck out of his opponents. Let’s face it. Donald Trump is no one’s idea of the Washingtonian presidential ideal. But it’s also no longer the Eighteenth Century, sad to say. Still, Trump’s public persona is brash and biting. It’s easy to see why he has detractors on that score. … Continue reading “Why do They Hate Trump?”