Patterico's Pontifications

2/7/2018

President Trump And That Yuge Military Parade

Filed under: General — Dana @ 5:00 pm



[guest post by Dana]

President Trump is clamoring for a spectacular military parade in Washington D.C. After he was the guest of French President Emmanuel Macron at France’s Bastille Day celebration last July, Trump was blown away by the display of military might, pomp and pageantry:

Trump was awestruck by the tableau of uniformed French troops marching down Avenue des Champs-Elysees with military tanks, armored vehicles, gun trucks and carriers — complete with fighter jets flying over the Arc de Triomphe and painting the sky with streaks of blue, white and red smoke for the colors of the French flag.

Aboard Air Force One en route home from Paris in July, aides said Trump told them that he was dazzled by the French display and that he wanted one at home.

At a later meeting with President Macron, Trump talked to the French leader and reporters about planning something similar in the U.S.

This isn’t surprising, and sounds just about right for Trump, who simultaneously voices tremendous support and admiration for our military, as well as being enthralled by shows of strength, might and grandeur. Given that, it makes perfect sense for him to package that altogether by putting the U.S. military superpower on display.

And indeed, an actual plan is in the works:

President Trump’s vision of soldiers marching and tanks rolling down the boulevards of Washington is moving closer to reality in the Pentagon and White House, where officials say they have begun to plan a grand military parade later this year showcasing the might of America’s armed forces.

Trump has long mused publicly and privately about wanting such a parade, but a Jan. 18 meeting between Trump and top generals in the Pentagon’s tank — a room reserved for top-secret discussions — marked a tipping point, according to two officials briefed on the planning.

Surrounded by the military’s highest-ranking officials, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Trump’s seemingly abstract desire for a parade was suddenly heard as a presidential directive, the officials said.

“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” said a military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the planning discussions are supposed to remain confidential. “This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.”

Reactions to said plans range from the embarrassingly hysterical (and ill-informed):

Untitled

…to the moderately positive, from a veteran:

Untitled

…to the more specific, given this specific president:

Untitled

I don’t have a problem with honoring our military with a big parade in Washington D.C. if the actual military and then men and women who serve are the focal point. And that’s a big “If”. I would as the critics who automatically equate such a parade here in the U.S. with tinpot dictators puffing out their chests in mighty displays of intimidating military might, is that what you thought about France and its Bastille Day celebration where both French and American troops marched down the streets of Paris, while flyovers buzzed above and tanks rolled through below in a parade that included 310 vehicles, 240 horses, 29 helicopters? This after President Macron arrived in a military jeep surrounded by cavalry as he acknowledged the crowds like some modern-day Caesar in his chariot. The point is, it is very possible to have a military parade celebrating the members of our Armed Forces without it being the same as North Korea’s insane leader trotting out his vast military for some perverse and dangerous display of ego-stroking intimidation.

But.

I think there are potential problems with Trump’s evolving plan. To avoid politics entirely, let’s hold it on Veteran’s Day. Let’s use the already designated, non-political national holiday to showcase the military and those who have served, and currently serve.

Also, given Trump’s basic thinking that bigger is better, and that more gold and glitz is equally more impressive, a Trump-planned event not tempered by more reasonable and constrained individuals could easily end up costing a staggering amount of money, and thus be seen as cost prohibitive. Well, that’s if overspending actually really mattered to any politicians in Washington D.C.

Democrats have voiced their concerns about such an expenditure:

“Take the money that the president would like to spend on this parade [and] instead, let’s make sure our troops are ready for battle and survive it and come home to their families,” Durbin, the Democratic minority whip, said on MSNBC Wednesday morning.

Side note: This is the same Dick Durbin who compared treatment of suspected al Quaeda terrorists at Guantanamo with the brutal actions of a notoriously evil trio of men: Stalin, Pol Pot and Adolf Hitler.

Republicans have also expressed concern about the price tag, among other things:

Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., also expressed concerns about the parade, telling CNN on Tuesday night, “I don’t believe we should have tanks or nuclear weapons going down Pennsylvania Avenue.”

“We need to fund the entire military for the rest of the year. The continuing resolutions are absolutely not the way to go, especially as it relates to funding the Department of Defense,” Zeldin, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said.

“Cost would be a factor,” he said of the parade.

[Ed. – This is pretty funny considering that there is no daylight between the spending whores on the left and the spending whores on the right. No one is covered in any glory of fiscal restraint. All of which really makes concerns for costs moot, as far as the politicians go.]

But here’s the real problem in all of this is: Trump. As we all know, the current Commander in Chief is a self-centered, self-consumed man, who adores being the center of attention, thrives on the adulation of the masses, has displayed authoritarian tendencies and one for whom one-upmanship is a way of life – especially when it involves giant spectacles of pomp and might. All of this combined threatens to produce an unrivaled, grand display which could easily end up focusing on Trump instead of the military and the honorable men and women who serve. If there was some sort of guarantee that absolutely no politician, including President Trump, would be allowed to grandstand, then it might be a wonderful event that would actually celebrate the military and its members. But if any politician of any political stripe were given a moment in the spotlight, they would undoubtedly exploit the military and the troops to pettily boast how their side supports the military more than the other side. This would be a travesty. We all know that politicians, being the unique breed of animal they are, would be absolutely unable to resist being so cravenly opportunistic. So without that provision set in stone, then such an event would no doubt be a distasteful political display of rank pandering at the expense of some extraordinary individuals and the military itself.

To some degree, I agree with this:

I’ll worry about military parades if they start occurring more frequently. For now, I not only fail to see that the parade presents a serious problem, done properly, I think it could actually do some good. Now, if Trump wants another parade next year, or if somehow the theme is polluted by Trumpism, then I’ll change my mind. But for now, I’m not willing to rain on Trump’s parade.

At the link is an interesting video which shows how CBS News reported the 1991 celebration of the U.S. victory in the first Gulf War. What a different time it was.

–Dana

220 Responses to “President Trump And That Yuge Military Parade”

  1. So, here we are.

    Dana (023079)

  2. Why do you pretend this will be about anything but Trump? You are getting tedulious with these posts that pretend to objectivity.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  3. it’s a pretty gay idea but it’s not like the military has anything better to do

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  4. Tedious..

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  5. A few thoughts here, Dana:

    1. Most of Europe and the remnants of the British Empire mark Memorial Day/Remembrance Day on or around November 11, when we have our Veterans Day. This year is the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War on November 11 (it falls on a Sunday this year), so it will be particularly poignant. I don’t know if a huge show of our military force on that day is entirely appropriate.

    2. There is already an Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May. I know that’s only about 100 days away, but could we perhaps put something together for then? It may not be as grand as what the President envisions, but satiating his massive ego shouldn’t be the point of this.

    3. We’re never ever going to balance a budget again, are we?

    JVW (42615e)

  6. It’s about the soldiers.

    mg (96f3b3)

  7. “We already have 13 people who signed up to lay down in front of the tanks ….”

    It already promises to improve the gene pool, not to mention lessen the waste of Earth’s dwindling resources. Go for it, Mr. President!

    nk (dbc370)

  8. No pretending here, Ben burn. I’d love a big parade celebrating our military. I just don’t trust this specific president to not turn it into some sort of self-centered spectacle, or one where politicians grab the spotlight to push their side of the aisle’s faux righteousness regarding the military, as if it were a noble cause.

    Dana (023079)

  9. This: It may not be as grand as what the President envisions, but satiating his massive ego shouldn’t be the point of this.

    Dana (023079)

  10. Torrance, CA still observes Armed Forces Day with a huge parade that includes military personnel and vehicles. Does anyone else know of a city that still recognizes the day?

    JVW (42615e)

  11. Dana. Donnie Two-Scoops managed not to use the vertical pronoun in SOTU. I’m sure you were disappointed. But with the parade, maybe your hopes will come true. Hang in there.

    Richard Aubrey (d7bc30)

  12. OK, Dana. I accept your stated objective but let me rephrase…How will it honor our military when Trump is CIC and Commands the bully pulpit

    No matter how you slice the bread, Trump is both sides buttered.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  13. Trump dishonors his military with every bonespurred step. He’s a disgrace .

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  14. Oh, yeah, one more thing. That is a confession of a conspiracy to create a public disturbance and even a DC prosecutor should be able to sustain a prima facie case.

    nk (dbc370)

  15. Maybe Joe Biden can invite Tammy Duckworth to march in it.

    nk (dbc370)

  16. Maybe Trumpublicans can invite Max Cleland

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Cleland

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  17. Armed Forces Day sounds better than Veterans Day, IMHO. Many active-duty get a holiday for Veterans Day and having a parade would end up canceling that for them. I agree with Dana that a one-time parade would be a good thing. I’m not really concerned about President Trump politicizing it too much. As anti-Trump as many here have become, he really seems sincere about his support for the troops. Maybe taking a little well-deserved credit for getting a parade done isn’t the worst thing in the world he could do. It’s not like it would have even been considered in the eight years prior.

    I was a never-Trumper before the election. I have really been impressed with his performance of duties and how he has played the media and liberals (sorry to repeat myself) for the fools they are. If he had been given the fair chance that President Obama got, this year would have been even better. He’s fought for more conservative goals than most of the so-called conservatives in the Republican Party (spit).

    Is he perfect? Not at all. But giving him less support than was given President Obama seems bad form. Personally, I give him a solid B, on the edge of a B+. If he can get National Reciprocity for concealed carry done, along with a few other things, I’ll give him an A. YMMV.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  18. Yeah because the 1st phase was devastating

    http://www.hughhewitt.com/house-intel-committee-chair-devin-nunes/

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  19. Yuge Nitwit continues useful idiocy.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  20. Trump dishonors his military with every bonespurred step. He’s a disgrace.
    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:18 pm

    I completely disagree.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  21. My initial thought was that Trump wants to clearly show Rocketman he does in fact have a bigger button.

    Kishnevi (eb30e0)

  22. Like I said before this last expeditionary exercise has lasted for nearly 17 years, yes the brits were in the region longer, but there were respites.

    narciso (d1f714)

  23. Stashiu! Good to see you!

    Kishnevi (eb30e0)

  24. Hi Kishnevi! Good to see you too.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  25. Re: Trump contamination…theres no such thing as a little black mold.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  26. Sure there is, by definition. Unless you’re a fanatic that is. Are you? Is there anything that would be okay if done by President Trump? I’m thinking not. Which is good information going forward.

    Kind of like happyfeet’s comment above. Nice to know some things never change.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  27. Yes, indeed! beenburned is frantic, expecting more Dem-damaging info to come to light, which is like the Sun rising in the east in its regularity, but, hold the phone… Stashiu has been unleashed!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  28. Is there anything that would be okay if done by President Trump?

    He could resign..

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  29. I love a parade.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  30. Pikachu reacts badly to soft Cheetos, how are you doing stashiu?

    narciso (d1f714)

  31. Yes, your solution to any elected conservative is for them to quit, their successors to quit, and continue until a progressive is back in power. Unfortunately for you, reality works a bit differently. Perhaps you should become acquainted with it?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  32. He could bake some cookies: tar and feather Huckabeast: eat some veggies:
    Eat some razorblades..etc

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  33. I’ve marched in more than a few, myself. Which is why I recommend Memorial Day when the weather is the nicest.

    nk (dbc370)

  34. And hopefully, his appearance finds him in excellent health.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  35. They should quit when incompetent. They shouldn’t run in the first place if public service is a low bar

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  36. The brown acid does terrible things the visions of Sen knowland and mayor yorty must terrify him.

    narciso (d1f714)

  37. Stash:

    Is Trump a chickenhawk?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  38. Stash: are you a veteran?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  39. BTW, a bit off topic but this might be of interest
    http://www.online-literature.com/dickens/all-the-year-round/5/

    In 1862, concerning American newspapers and politicians.
    Plus la change plus la meme.

    Kishnevi (eb30e0)

  40. *Disclaimer*
    The following opinion, experience or observation is that of an ignorant bigot. Reader discretion is advised.

    When I was a kid in Philly we had three military parades a year: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Armistice Day (now Veterans Day). They had a couple tanks, not too many as they tend to tear up the asphalt streets, some armored half tracks pulling 105’s from WWII and Korea and troops. Lots of troops from all branches. With military bands playing great patriotic tunes while we waved at the men and waved our flags.

    I know it’s taken 70 years for the commies on the left to wipe the “American Exceptionalism” smile off our dulled faces but perhaps it is time to have a renaissance for patriotism. I realize the comrade Bens! of America think our country sucks and since Trump is president America deserves even less loyalty than the tiny bit they usually give it but we need some people to say “God Bless America land that I love” once in a while.

    The left has made America synonymous with oppression yet we created the freest country in history. They spend so much time pointing out our faults nobody remembers the greatness any more.

    Instead of being pissed or suspicious of Trump’s motivation you should be asking why it took Trump to do this. Why didn’t that great American Bush or Hussein Obama do it? Frankly, regardless of any of your suspicions and regardless of Trump’s many short falls I really do believe he is a patriotic man and a proud American. I couldn’t say that about Hussein.

    I don’t think it’s too much to pay for a patriotic outpouring and parade of American Unity once a year. I’d rather pay for that than welfare for an illegal.

    BTW, they are CLOSING DOWN Philly tomorrow all day for an “Eagles Parade” and they expect anywhere up to a half million people or more. But you are concerned about honoring our military because Trump is president?

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  41. How is Trump not a draft dodger?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  42. Hi narciso,

    Doing mostly okay, not online often and rarely comment anywhere anymore. It usually takes more energy than it is worth. Take this individual for example. Nothing I say will sway him one iota and he will never realize how foolish he sounds. Oh well, pointing it out to him for a while longer will stretch a few atrophied mental muscles I guess.

    😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  43. And comment #17 is a thing of beauty. It echoes – more elegantly – what many of us have been trying to say. The Prez is far from perfect, can be said to be his own worst enemy, has some impulse-control issues he needs to work on, but damned if he hasn’t done the right thing most of the time.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  44. Ben burn,

    Why is my being, or not being, a veteran relevant?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  45. “Cadet Bone Spur.” – Senator Tammy Duckorth (D. Illinois)

    “…right now, short of a Confederate miracle, you’re going to be walking in a parade with both your legs cut off.” – Sen. Ray Clark [Edmond O’Brien] ‘Seven Days In May’ 1964

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  46. Stash:

    You may be rusty but it doesn’t explain how Trump oxidized your thinking.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  47. So great to see you here, Stashiu3. Hope you stick around.

    Dana (023079)

  48. 44

    Because you seem disposed to honoring troops in spite of Trumptaint, which you would see if you served.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  49. The irony is Durbin defended Mohammed quahtani had he been successful would have turned capitol hill to a cinder block, also he was also a link to the courier

    narciso (d1f714)

  50. Hello prettier Dana,

    I will try to comment more. I do still lurk quite a bit.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  51. I’m not really concerned about President Trump politicizing it too much.

    I don’t think that Trump would politicize it, he would however be tempted to cover himself and glory for producing such an event. But that would pale in comparison to the politicians who would inevitably push him to make it political and take advantage of the opportunity it would present to push some sort of policy/narrative/agenda . I just don’t know how much resolve he would have to resist.

    Dana (023079)

  52. . As we all know, the current Commander in Chief is a self-centered, self-consumed man, who adores being the center of attention, thrives on the adulation of the masses, has displayed authoritarian tendencies and one for whom one-upmanship is a way of life – especially when it involves giant spectacles of pomp and might.

    TDS

    BuDuh (8016b9)

  53. Ben burn,

    My name to you is as written in my handle… Stashiu3. We’re not friends yet. What if I told you I hadn’t served a day and didn’t personally know anyone who did? Does that make a difference in how my comments are valid or not?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  54. It might if you were war- mongering by remote like many Rumpublucans. We’ll play it by ear.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  55. Prettier Dana,

    There is that risk. But I honestly think he’s shown that their pressure (media/progressives/GOPe/etc…) doesn’t really affect him much. He’s there for the country because of how screwed up it’s been. The beauty is, nobody takes him at face value and assumes he is the television personality they’ve been shown. He’s kind of like President Reagan that way. Damn what others think and do, he’s going to do things his way as best he can.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  56. Ben burn,

    Say I was a war-mongering by remote GOP slug chickenhawk. I still don’t see how that would change what I said.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  57. Ben burn,

    But I can tell you, I am not a Republican (spit).

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  58. Stash, I am so glad to see your comment. I hope you are well, and thank you again for your kind words when I needed them most.

    Simon Jester (c8876d)

  59. Like Trump you seem to misunderstand nuances like hypocrisy so rhetoric will not persuade. Electro-shock therapy?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  60. Maybe we are getting to Lun federation by 2076, the flag officer remains me of the wretched soul in Luke 8

    narciso (d1f714)

  61. Simon Jester! *waves*

    Dana (023079)

  62. Simon Jester,

    Thank you Sir. I know it seems I haven’t been around, but as I said earlier, I do lurk. I will always treasure the friendships here, with yours and several others right at the top. Any help I was able to provide was returned in far greater measure.

    My health is still an issue and I am no longer able to work as a nurse. I have nerve damage from a viral source that keeps spreading. I can assure you it is not fun, but I am grateful that it’s not worse.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  63. synchronized FBI agent drill team [YouTube](not the whole 35k of them but enough of the scoundrels that they feature prominently despite the inevitable media coverup).

    papertiger (c8116c)

  64. Dana, you’ve brought out the old crew with this post! Well done.

    You’ve also apparently got ben burn riled up to where he thinks his comments add anything useful to the discussion, but hey, no post is perfect.

    (This might be a good time to remind everyone how to block certain commenters. I should have bookmarked that post of Patterico’s with the necessary code. I’ll try to dig it up.)

    JVW (42615e)

  65. Ben burn,

    I would suspect I’m a little more familiar with ECT than you. Notwithstanding, I understand nuance and hypocrisy quite well I think. I highly doubt ECT would improve my understanding at all. Maybe you could try reasoned argument rather than vitriol and hyperbole? Simple ad-hominem attacks rarely persuade anyone.

    I’m still waiting to hear how my lack of veteran status or not would change the meaning of my words. Or are you not answering that intentionally?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  66. *Disclaimer*
    The following opinion, experience or observation is that of an ignorant bigot. Reader discretion is advised.

    54.It might if you were war- mongering by remote like many Rumpublucans. We’ll play it by ear.


    Being pro military does not make one a war monger. That said being anti American military makes you a traitor if you’re an American. People who support the military, comrade Ben!, usually do so because they protect our country not because they monger war.

    You asked: “41.How is Trump not a draft dodger?”. Because he registered for the draft and was deferred. Many people had deferments including myself, a student deferment. However, I volunteered in deference to my patriotism, hate for communism and family history. Draft dodgers ran to Canada and then were given pardons by that leftist pig Carter.

    Did you fight in Vietnam comrade and if so on which side?

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  67. It’s on the sidebar. The blocking script. And here’s Beldar’s Astonishingly Superior Tutorial.

    And #MeToo, Stashiu.

    nk (dbc370)

  68. It’s kind of interesting commenting with someone who doesn’t know me. Just sayin’

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  69. I’ve seen your name before, Stashiu3 and glad to see you back. I am sorry to hear your illness has interfered with your profession, that’s a b!tch. But your brain obviously is working well and your fingers are still typing so I hope to read more from you. Be well and God bless.

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  70. He should know you, Stashiu. He used to be Semanticleo back when.

    nk (dbc370)

  71. Hi stash, good to know you’re still vertical. Best regards.

    ropelight (6db485)

  72. And he’s asking if I’m a veteran? Interesting.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  73. You dont want to know him stashiu, other folks we can have rapport over food, sports music, hes like cpl ogilvy, the incsic new man

    narciso (d1f714)

  74. Thank you Rev.Hoagie and ropelight. Sorry nk, should have greeted you earlier. Hope everything is well.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  75. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Stashiu

    narciso (d1f714)

  76. No worries narciso,

    They are long-standing and manageable. Others have worse issues, so I am thankful for what I am able to have and do.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  77. I’m glad to see you here again. Sorry to hear about your health. I’m ok, thank God.

    nk (dbc370)

  78. GM workers $11,750 profit-sharing checks.

    Or, as Nancy Pelosi calls it, “crumbs”…

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/gm-hourly-workers-to-get-dollar11750-profit-sharing-checks/ar-BBIM8df

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  79. Yes a co worker of my parents, had her parents pass away in short succession, there was another whose wife perished from a rather sudden doubt of cancer.

    narciso (d1f714)

  80. Wonder where Ben burn went. Maybe he’s off prescribing other treatments or even medications that he doesn’t truly understand.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  81. He works a shift, he’s clocked out.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  82. I’d contextualize this more as a counterpoint to the dirty kaepertwat NFL than having anything really to do with honoring our military

    the military is puhlenty honored (except if you’re a veteran what wants the decent health cares)

    it’s not about honor it’s about spectacle

    counter-spectacle to be more precise

    I can’t think of an analog just now cause of I’m not used to thinking of things this way

    it’s *similar* to counter-programming, like how traditionally other nets would show movies (theatricals) during the super bowl

    but it’s much more freighted with nuance and message than mere counter-programming

    it’s meant to make the kaepertwats seem fantastically puny

    that’s the best way I can say it tonight i think

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  83. To avoid politics entirely, let’s hold it on Veteran’s Day.

    Let’s not.

    Peggy: “You never say thank you!”
    Don: “That’s what the money is for!!” – ‘MadMen’, AMC TV

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  84. He works a shift, he’s clocked out.
    Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 2/7/2018 @ 6:42 pm

    I could tell he’s clocked out. Maybe he finished work… oh wait… I see what you meant now. 😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  85. Stashiu3! It’s wonderful to see you.

    aphrael (3f0569)

  86. > I have nerve damage from a viral source that keeps spreading

    That’s awful news. I am sorry to hear it, *and* at the same time I am glad that your words suggest your spirit is still strong. 🙂

    aphrael (3f0569)

  87. ASPCA… there’s a big world outside your hovel. Climb out of that dog-eared BarcaLounger, turn the Philco off and go out your door.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  88. I think a parade of troops from all military branches, including Coast Guard (which is DOT), is appropriate; it honors the people who make up the military. Let’s leave out the armored divisions, etc., that could be interpreted as a show of military might.

    SicSemperTyrannus (74a6ba)

  89. Col., you seem to have missed an important paragraph

    Pretax profits dropped in North America from $12.4 billion to just less than $12 billion, and the profit-sharing checks for United Auto Workers-represented hourly workers will represent a slight dip from the $12,000 a year earlier. But the company said it returned to profitability in South America.

    Kishnevi (eb30e0)

  90. If there is a parade, will Democrats attend…..will they stand?

    What do they stand for?

    https://youtu.be/wSNMXBTx0IA

    harkin (75fedf)

  91. coast guard is dot?

    i though it was homeland now

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  92. Bow laufman is another doj official pursuing more rewarding work (ceenovich flagged him, but didn’t explain why)

    narciso (d1f714)

  93. Actually happyfeet, I understand and agree completely. Except the part about healthcare, but I will address that in a moment. Counter-spectacle to the NFL nonsense. I’m okay with that (I know you are probably not, but that’s okay too.) Also, the military is plenty-honored, for now, but that pendulum has been known to swing.

    Now, I’m going to have to “out” myself as far as Ben burn goes… as retired military I often feel “over-honored” for my service. I joined out of love of country, not to reap accolades that I really don’t deserve. I did the best I could and have no complaints, but others did far more and I am humbled to have served with more than a few of them.

    Now don’t get me wrong. I appreciate when someone thanks me for my service. Also, I make out like a real bandit on Veterans Day with all the free food and stuff. A real bandit… I almost feel guilty, but my love of free stuff prevents that, lol.

    The point you made about healthcare happyfeet has some truth to it. But that is largely the VA, not the military healthcare system as a whole. I use a Military Treatment Facility nearby (which is the main reason we live where we do) and the care is fantastic. The VA system however, is rife with politics and corruption of several kinds. I worked in that system for a time after retirement from active duty. It is a cesspool with lots of diamonds. It’s very hard for those diamonds to shine when surrounded by muck. This seems to be a pattern with many VA facilities, but there are some known to provide excellent service. They’re talked about so much though that they get swarmed and overwhelmed at times by veterans fleeing the bad VA facilities.

    So, veterans can have great healthcare. If they’re lucky and smart enough to avoid the VA system entirely. Which is sad.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  94. ASPCA… there’s a big world outside your hovel. Climb out of that dog-eared BarcaLounger, turn the Philco off and go out your door.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 2/7/2018 @ 6:52 pm

    Have you seen his copy of TV Guide? Carroll O’Conner is on the cover.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  95. Hello aphrael! What’s the saying? The flesh is weak… but honestly, each day is something to be grateful for, if you choose to be. I made a choice.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  96. Yuge Nitwit continues useful idiocy.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:33 pm

    But enough about you.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  97. If there is equipment in the parade, I would use that which is about to be decommissioned; no new weapons revealed and left to be sitting ducks.

    urbanleftbehind (d9a4fb)

  98. I completely disagree.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:34 pm

    Bookmark him as “Disagrees while being Disagreeable”.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  99. @98 Ben Burn, not you Stashiu3, if that wasn’t clear by my hasty copy/paste.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  100. Lol, it was clear to me, but thanks.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  101. President Trump’s the first president in america to ever pick a non-veteran to head the VA

    i love how he thinks out of the box like that

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  102. theres no such thing as a little black mold.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:39 pm

    Don’t give yourself so much credit.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  103. I want to see an endless stream of tanks, mobile missile launchers, and phalanx after phalanx of elite troops passing in review. I suggest down Constitution Avenue from Arlington, down around the Capitol (nudge nudge) then back up Independence. Reviewing stand near the Ellipse. A nice tall one, with all of the GOP hierarchy standing up there with Trump. Except for Paul Ryan who’s nowhere to be seen. Not even in pictures.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  104. narciso,

    That is an amazing link. Just amazing. Very nice catch. Someone should maybe do a post? (hint, hint)

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  105. theres no such thing as a little black mold.

    Nor is there such a thing as a minor remediation in the kitchen.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  106. How is Trump not a draft dodger?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:54 pm

    When his ship came in he was at the airport.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  107. President Trump’s the first president in america to ever pick a non-veteran to head the VA
    i love how he thinks out of the box like that
    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:11 pm

    I’m not sure if you’re being sincere or sarcastic, but I find myself agreeing with you again. How the hell does that happen?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  108. Kevin M (752a26) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:13 pm

    Thread winner?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  109. Its a crossing the stream moment,

    I’m so tired of the ouvno carp, which has no basis, no first hand testimony for the better part of the last year and a half.

    narciso (d1f714)

  110. Is there anything that would be okay if done by President Trump?

    He could resign..

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:45 pm

    I don’t think you know how constituent service works. Why don’t you go visit China and steal some sunglasses?

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  111. He does know how any of OT works.

    narciso (d1f714)

  112. You may be rusty but it doesn’t explain how Trump oxidized your thinking.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 5:56 pm

    Your blood brain barrier got painted shut in ’65. You need more help than an EPA Superfund Site.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  113. Dont we get tired of this parkay news

    There is a lot of smoke there, but I don’t see much of connection to President and Mrs Grifter.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  114. Why don’t you go visit China and steal some sunglasses?

    Or stand in front of a tank.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  115. Or, as Nancy Pelosi calls it, “crumbs”…

    Well, it IS less than last year.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  116. We’ll play it by ear.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab) — 2/7/2018 @ 6:05 pm

    You may be tuned to 440 but your intonation is out of whack. The higher you fret the worse it gets. You aren’t in tune with yourself is what I’m saying.

    Like when you sing your own praises you always get the key too high.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  117. Stashiu3!!!! Great to see you!!!!

    Even if your words might be worthless on account of how maybe you’re not a veteran and all

    LOL

    Patterico (115b1f)

  118. You know if Trump could bomb some aspirin factories maybe drug companies would lower their prices.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  119. “Mr. Campbell testified for over four hours until he answered every question from three Congressional committees; the Senate Judiciary, House Oversight and House Intelligence committees.
    He recounted numerous times that the Russians bragged that the Clintons’ influence in the Obama administration would ensure CIFIUS approval for Uranium One. And he was right.”

    This is what caught my eye. Let’s see if this is picked up elsewhere. If accurate, it seems pretty damning.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  120. Patterico (115b1f) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:28 pm

    First in the chickenhawk line, that’s me. 😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  121. Stash: are you a veteran?

    LOLOLOLOL

    Lovin’ this

    Patterico (115b1f)

  122. Good Guy Ben closes the blast doors right about now so there’s no point in going on about General Solo.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  123. I was very careful not to say whether I was a veteran or not, just asked if it would make a difference and posed a hypothetical

    Okay, I might have encouraged an assumption on his part. Lol!

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  124. I did like the “war-mongering by remote” slur against pro-military civilians. Told me everything I needed to know about him.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  125. I happened to be in Paris on Bastille Day, and as I sipped a glass of Bordeaux watching Macron on TV, leading Spanky around like a jealous little kid, I said to myself: “Trump is going to try to out-do this.”

    And sure enough…

    (I had another, wicked thought that it would be cool if Trump secretly ordered the US military to crash Macron’s party, buzz the French jets out of the sky, seize all routes out of the city with a thunder-clap airborne operation, surrounding the entire French army inside Paris, and then turn to Macron, sitting next to him, and personally demand his surrender. Even *I* would have had to give Cadet Bone-spurs credit. But sadly, no guts, and no glory.)

    Dave (445e97)

  126. No Dave, remember he was all about the wife swap at that time.

    urbanleftbehind (d9a4fb)

  127. He works a shift, he’s clocked out.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 2/7/2018 @ 6:42 pm

    I can’t blame him for that one. I refuse to work off the clock too.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  128. Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:35 pm

    You should probably discuss your medication regimen with your doctor(s). Something is off.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  129. It really is great to see you, Stashiu3.

    I tend to agree with you that Trump has worked out better policy-wise so far than I expected.

    Nevertheless, I am about to catch a ration of poop from the commentariat starting at about 8 pm Pacific due to a totally frivolous and non-substantive post about his giant bald head. Should be entertaining. Try not to be too disappointed in me. I don’t have to respect the guy to think he’s working out OK.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  130. Trump planning a parade sounds better than Trump trying to influence policy. Let him waste time with stuff that makes good TV and gets people outraged while the people around him do the real work. Works for me.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  131. You should probably discuss your medication regimen with your doctor(s). Something is off.

    No you

    Dave (445e97)

  132. William D Campbell needs to get rid of his free weights, space heaters, toaster, bathtub, guns, tub and tile cleaner…

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  133. Now that silly, why would anyone want to harm him, it’s all been perfectli above board. The fact that apco the lobby for uranium one also has dossier jon winer, on their payrOll is concidence.

    narciso (d1f714)

  134. Or stand in front of a tank.

    Kevin M (752a26) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:25 pm

    He doesn’t even have to leave the good old, how you say, US of KKKA?

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  135. I think he should lose the rug entirely (I assume it’s a rug, not certain) and go bald for the rest of his Presidency. The progressives and media (I again repeat myself) would be so focused on that, trying to insult him for it, he could get tons of stuff done while they’re distracted.

    If you remember, I was never-Trump before the election. Apparently, that term means something entirely different now, but looking at what he’s done objectively, it’s pretty darn conservative. I ignore what he says, especially on Twitter. I now think that is for effect. Gets his enemies focused and outraged on one thing, while he gets something else slipped by them. He keeps making them looks like idiots and liars… consistently. It has happened so often that I can’t believe it’s accidental. And he is largely pushing for all the things I would want a President to push for. Some of what he says just sits there because he’s not really pushing for it, and I wouldn’t want him to. Like DACA. It looks to me like he’s getting all the immigration stuff he wants and I don’t know if he’ll follow through on DACA or if he put it in there as a distraction and will pull it out saying “We’ll look at that later.”

    Just like the progressives have done to conservatives for years. If he does, I will laugh and laugh.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  136. No you
    Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:45 pm

    Your rhetorical skills are amazing. Teach me.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  137. No Dave, remember he was all about the wife swap at that time.

    What is best in life: to crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.

    Mme. Macron presumably would have been included in the terms of surrender. Remember, Donald Trump is the greatest negotiator who ever lived.

    Dave (445e97)

  138. Your rhetorical skills are amazing. Teach me.

    No you

    Dave (445e97)

  139. , surrounding the entire French army inside Paris, and then turn to Macron, sitting next to him, and personally demand his surrender. Even *I* would have had to give Cadet Bone-spurs credit. But sadly, no guts, and no glory.)

    Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:35 pm

    North Africa is probably going to beat Trump to it.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  140. No you
    Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:52 pm

    Thank you.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  141. No you
    Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:52 pm

    Thank you. I am ready.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  142. I think he should lose the rug entirely (I assume it’s a rug, not certain)

    The Wolff book had an explanation which I quote in the upcoming post. Scalp reduction surgery and combover city.

    I agree that he should just own the baldness. It happens to people. So what?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  143. I hate touchpads… sorry for the near-duplicate comment.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  144. Mme. Macron presumably would have been included in the terms of surrender. Remember, Donald Trump is the greatest negotiator who ever lived.

    Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:52 pm

    Ewwww. She’s like 20 years older than Ivanka.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  145. I agree that he should just own the baldness. It happens to people. So what?

    That’s totally gonna happen.

    LOL.

    Dave (445e97)

  146. If you remember, I was never-Trump before the election. Apparently, that term means something entirely different now, but looking at what he’s done objectively, it’s pretty darn conservative. I ignore what he says, especially on Twitter. I now think that is for effect. Gets his enemies focused and outraged on one thing, while he gets something else slipped by them. He keeps making them looks like idiots and liars… consistently. It has happened so often that I can’t believe it’s accidental.

    Well, I love you but we don’t see quite eye to eye there. I agree on the policy, for the most part, but personally I tend to see him as similar to a child — but a child who at least listens to people around him and realizes that they are smarter than he is. The attribution of cleverness to him…I don’t see it personally. But I’m not going to get wound up over it. I’m too happy to have one of my sensible commenters back.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  147. You don’t go full Lex Luthor.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  148. That’s totally gonna happen.

    LOL.

    Nobody’s saying it is going to happen. He is who and what he is: a vain, petulant, narcissistic, dishonest man-child. But one whose administration is doing OK policywise, if you ignore the debt that nobody is ever going to do anything about ever ever ever.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  149. I think Jason Bateman referenced a drunk baby in Office Christmas Party, if that helps.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  150. You don’t go full Lex Luthor.

    Whassat mean P&P?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  151. 80… Yes, it’s a bit less, kishnevi, but here’s one you may have missed”

    “GM’s profit-sharing checks are higher than its cross-town Detroit rivals. Ford planned to provide profit-sharing checks of $7,500, and Fiat Chrysler said it would pay its UAW-represented workers an average of $5,500. Fiat Chrysler also said it would give U.S. workers, aside from senior leadership, $2,000 bonuses”.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  152. “Mr. Campbell testified for over four hours until he answered every question from three Congressional committees; the Senate Judiciary, House Oversight and House Intelligence committees.

    He recounted numerous times that the Russians bragged that the Clintons’ influence in the Obama administration would ensure CIFIUS approval for Uranium One. And he was right.”

    Interesting. I’m wary of the Joe DiGenovas and Victoria Toensings of the world these days though. I used to enjoy watching them and Mark Levin on Hannity, and now I can’t stand the sight of Hannity. I’ve thought Clinton dirty on this from the word Go but I’d like to see something more solid.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  153. I’m too happy to have one of my sensible commenters back.
    Patterico (115b1f) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:56 pm

    Sensible? Take that back!!

    heh

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  154. Darn it… I *know* I put a close-italic in there. Stupid laptop. Yeah, that’s what it was, lol. Now I’ve got to find my wireless mouse so I can blame that for things I stupidly do.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  155. but a child who at least listens to people around him and realizes that they are smarter than he is.

    As usual, you are far too charitable to President Snowflake.

    Trump is LAZY; to the extent he defers to advisors who know what they’re doing, I think it’s because he’s completely uninterested in policy outcomes, and just wants to get back to the TV or golf course.

    On important matters like Obamacare, the tax-cut and immigration, he can’t even be bothered to remember what “his” policy is, and has to be corrected by aides when he blurts out something that completely contradicts it.

    Dave (445e97)

  156. Patterico (115b1f) — 2/7/2018 @ 8:04 pm

    Agree completely. I assumed President Obama got a partial kickback from the Clinton Foundation too. It would be nice to have proof.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  157. Okay, I know enough about Dave. Bored now.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  158. I used to have hair like Elvis. When I first saw that my hair was thinning, I asked my doctor if he could give me anything to help me keep it. He gave me a box.

    nk (dbc370)

  159. Lex Luther bald stable genius

    enemy of Superman

    papertiger (c8116c)

  160. Stashiu3, it is so good to read your comments again. I see you have met out trolls. They are, indeed, boring.

    felipe (023cc9)

  161. Patterico, P&P was riffin’ on “You never go full retard.” From Tropic Thunder.

    felipe (023cc9)

  162. It is always nice to see felipe as well. But it’s a really special thrill to see Stashiu3 the likely chickenhawk.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  163. Thanks felipe,

    Bend over… I mean Ben burn, sorry, was funny. Dave is just boring.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  164. Oopss, got filtered.Let me rephrase:

    “Patterico, P&P was riffin’ on ‘You never go full re(t)ard.’ From Tropic Thunder.”

    felipe (023cc9)

  165. The funny thing about semantic is in a decade he has learned nothing about us.

    narciso (d1f714)

  166. He recounted numerous times that the Russians bragged that the Clintons’ influence in the Obama administration would ensure CIFIUS approval for Uranium One. And he was right.

    16 government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence and the National Security Advisor are represented on CIFIUS. Any one of them could have blocked approval if there was a legitimate concern. Clinton (or more accurately her representative) had no special authority or influence.

    Since CIFIUS was created, 2380 cases have come before it, and only 15 (0.6%) have been bumped up to the President for a final decision. It is a routine, bureaucratic (and likely useless) CYA process.

    Dave (445e97)

  167. That’s supposed to be joel silver cruise is micking

    narciso (d1f714)

  168. May I note that Russian bragging and the facts are not necessarily the same thing? And have not been since Ivan IV Grozny Vasilivich declared himself Tsar of all the Russias?

    Kishnevi (eb30e0)

  169. Dave is just boring.

    I’m crushed.

    I live for the approval of internet tough-guys like you who gratuitously (and unoriginally) insult total strangers.

    Dave (445e97)

  170. Really but this is from a contemporaneous witness with a quarter century of government service, as opposed to a burned spy recycling bad outtakes from man from havana.

    narciso (d1f714)

  171. It is great to see Stash the evil cowardly chickenhawk in this thread. Ben and Dave and the International Man of Parody are too blinded to even have the decency of speaking to you respectfully. I’d spit on them, but that’d waste saliva.

    Hope you are well, brother.

    JD (ec3581)

  172. I’d spit on them, but that’d waste saliva.

    I like that turn of phrase. Never saw it before.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  173. Dave (445e97) — 2/7/2018 @ 8:32 pm

    Tough-guys? Me? Hmmm… looking back I’m uncertain where that came from. Now, the unoriginal part was hurtful. Nicely done. Maybe I could be persuaded to have some interest in what you say after all. You’d have to work hard, but it would be worth it in the end. Good luck!

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  174. JD!

    Grateful to be doing as well as I am brother. Every day, grateful. Hope you and the family are well. Remember, you have a place to park whenever you need it.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  175. Are you still doing triathlons,

    narciso (d1f714)

  176. Watch him Folks cause he’s a fairly dangerous man!”

    “You may not know it but Carter Page’s a spy.
    He’s an undercover agent for the FBI
    And he’s been sent down here to infiltrate the Trump Campaign!”

    “He’s a friend of them long haired, hippy-type, pinko fags!
    I betchya he’s even got a commie flag
    tacked up on the wall inside of his garage.”

    “He’s a snake in the grass, I tell ya guys.
    He may look dumb but that’s just a disguise,
    He’s a mastermind in the ways of espionage”

    “Would you believe this man has gone as far
    As tearing Trump stickers off the bumpers of cars.
    And he voted for Hillary Clinton for President.”

    papertiger (c8116c)

  177. I’d spit on them, but that’d waste saliva.
    JD (ec3581) — 2/7/2018 @ 8:39 pm

    If it’s in a good cause, it’s not waste. Just sayin’

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  178. papertiger,

    Lol! That song is on my yard-work playlist!

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  179. Sorry to hear you’re feeling well enough to do yard work Stash. 😉

    papertiger (c8116c)

  180. Patterico – it was a result of a stream of consciousness. You are welcome to borrow it. Was just trying to avoid the filters.

    Stashiu – I’m doing my annual Harley trip in your part of the country this summer.

    JD (7b02db)

  181. JD! So nice to see you here too. I hope you are doing well and life is good.

    Dana (023079)

  182. What good is being sick if you can’t get out of chores? Right/

    papertiger (c8116c)

  183. papertiger,

    Yes, it’s rather disconcerting to have something well-controlled enough to do something I hate. Your condolences are appropriate. Thank you. 😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  184. JD,

    Just send the word my friend. We’re in empty-nest phase now, so plenty of room.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  185. You don’t go full Lex Luthor.

    Whassat mean P&P?

    Patterico (115b1f) — 2/7/2018 @ 7:59 pm

    Dominate the World

    Shave your head

    Pick one

    Just being silly

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  186. I used to have hair like Elvis. When I first saw that my hair was thinning, I asked my doctor if he could give me anything to help me keep it. He gave me a box.

    nk (dbc370) — 2/7/2018 @ 8:13 pm

    That’s pretty good. Elvis had to steal The Physicians Desk Reference when nobody was looking so he could look up what drugs didn’t go together. You Missed Out

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  187. “Would you believe this man has gone as far
    As tearing Trump stickers off the bumpers of cars.
    And he voted for Hillary Clinton for President.”

    papertiger (c8116c) — 2/7/2018 @ 8:49 pm

    He’s 81 and scheduled to play at The Volunteer Jam March 7. It’s a tribute to him anyway.

    Did you know Paul Simon is retiring from the road? He wants to spend more time at home getting allegedly beaten by his wife.

    Pinandpuller (74c922)

  188. It’s Trump’s real hair. During the campaign he was on one of the late night shows (memory fails) and the host asked permission to mess up Trump’s hairdo.

    After a few seconds Trump agreed and sat still for a therough mussing then and there.

    ropelight (0215e5)

  189. That chickenhawks medal sure burns the skin eh, y’all?

    It’s like lemon juice in your Patriots paper cuts.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  190. Patterico: you can’t understand how chickenhawks who havent served are like the hypocrite Jihadis sending kids with vests but you understand Pinpull?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  191. They have closed Philly, and pre-empted the local stations to bring us live coverage of the, now get this: REDEMPTION: PARADE OF CHAMPIONS! But comrade Ben! complains about a parade to honor our soldiers and comments about phony lemon juice and paper cuts. All as Trumps popularity goes up, up, up! Winning!

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  192. Exactly what is a “chickenhawk”?

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  193. Ben burn,

    Again, how does whether I served or not change the meaning of my words?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  194. Rev.Hoagie,

    The earliest meaning I know is an older man preying on young boys. During GWB’s administration I believe, it evolved into someone who was rabidly pro-war. Not pro-military, just someone who wanted to show how tough they were by attacking any country or group that they thought had even slighted the United States. Couch cowards. It’s supposed to be an insult to any civilian who dares to voice an opinion on anything military or foreign policy related.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  195. Ben wants to cancel the parade. Mistakes himself for the party in power.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  196. Let me see if I can make it simple enough.

    Credibility:reputation impacting one’s ability to be believed.

    I did like the “war-mongering by remote” slur against pro-military civilians. Told me everything I needed to know about him. -stash-

    You seem to think I said support was the issue. It isn’t.

    Non-mils breathlessly vaunting military force when their chickenhawk asses sit on the couch . Send someone else to war as I promote death and destruction from my couch.

    Now why don’t you LIARS pretend you don’t understand.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  197. Argument by authority fallacy. Assumes facts and expertise not in evidence.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  198. What if I am a veteran? With 30 days service after training before being injured in a non-combat accident. Is my opinion worthy? Or am I a chickenhawk?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  199. I understand completely. You want to silence other opinions by casting the chickenhawk slur. It has nothing to do with credibility.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  200. Clearly, I suppose :), a veteran who has served is not a chickenhawk. Are you on lithium?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  201. It’s interesting to see the effect of some of the folks who haven’t posted in a long time on the comments section. The trolls continue to try and urinate in Patterico’s party punchbowl.

    But at least the company in Patterico’s house got better.

    Thanks to Stash and JD for reminding me of how the comments section used to be.

    I’ve said hello and thank you to Stash. I say the same to you, JD. You stuck your neck out for me a long time ago when it wouldn’t have benefited you in the slightest. I remain grateful.

    Best wishes.

    Simon Jester (c8876d)

  202. Now why don’t you LIARS pretend you don’t understand.


    We LIARS as you so respectfully called us were simply trying to find out YOUR definition of chickenhawk. So you believe they are “non-mils breathlessly vaunting military force when their chickenhawk asses sit on the couch”. So from what you say you don’t believe anyone who is not personally experiencingg something has any right to an opinion on it. How about ex-mils? How about people who were turned down by the military but tried? How about the wives, children and families of military folks who themselves never served but who were forever changed by the service of a loved one? If they were for a particular war would they too be chickenhawks?

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  203. Why should the real power of the state be left on the sidelines? Bring out the bureaucrats

    crazy (d99a88)

  204. Well said, Rev.Hoagie!

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  205. Pretending not to know the term chickenhawks is a hoot.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  206. A chickenhawk was what Stashiu said in his comment 195. An old pederast. Then the Democrat pederasts and catamites, that’s young and old Democrats, projected it unto people who favored war but had not fought in one. The next word the pederasts, catamites, and picklebiters turned around was “teabagger”, using one of their unsanitary, hepatitis-transmitting, sexual practices to deride Tea Party members; one picklebiter of note who used it on national television being Anderson Cooper.

    nk (dbc370)

  207. Who did that? I’m pretty sure Rev.Hoagie was asking for your definition, hence the “scare quotes.” I gave him my understanding so we could be sure we were talking about the same thing. Again, if you have a different definition, explain. We should understand each others terms, even if we don’t agree.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  208. Thanks nk. I was going by memory.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  209. Are most commenters of legal age currently.?

    Obviously recently mature sexually. Toddlers in early 2000? Figgers.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  210. You “figger” a lot that just ain’t so. Interesting.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  211. Yes. 195 is exactly correct, even somewhat revealing.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  212. I’m glad we can agree on a definition. Lol, revealing. Funny. Do you have expertise in psych? If not, your insinuation has no merit, by your own reasoning.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  213. Although Trump at first wanted July 4, it will more probably be held on November 11, 2018, which is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and also after the November election.

    Sammy Finkelman (02a146)

  214. …has displayed authoritarian tendencies…

    How exactly has he displayed these authoritarian tendencies? Has he had government attorneys lie to judges like President Barack “I don’t need Congress, I’ve got pen and a phone” Obama when he doesn’t feel like complying with court orders?

    https://jonathanturley.org/2016/05/20/federal-judge-finds-justice-department-lawyers-knowingly-lied-and-orders-team-to-take-ethics-classes/

    Do his EPA regional directors brag about crucifying people like a conquering Roman army?

    http://blog.heartland.org/2012/04/epa-crucifixions-nothing-new/

    …In the video, disclosed by U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), Regional Director Al Armendariz said:

    “It was kind of like how the Romans used to conquer little villages in the Mediterranean. They’d go into a little Turkish town somewhere, they’d find the first five guys they saw and they’d crucify them. And then you know that town was really easy to manage for the next few years. And so you make examples out of people who are in this case not compliant with the law. Find people who are not compliant with the law, and you hit them as hard as you can and you make examples out of them, and there is a deterrent effect there.”

    Sen. Inhofe calls this a “’rare glimpse’ into the Obama administration’s mindset” and is launching an investigation.

    Trump shoots his mouth off, but when it comes to action he’s actually quite restrained. Yet I keep hearing about his authoritarian tendencies. Real world examples, please.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  215. http://wizbangblog.com/content/2010/05/02/obama-administration-to-keep-our-boot-on-the-neck-of-bp.php

    …Given the propensities of this regime, using phrases like “boot on the neck” to describe policy will make some more than just a little uncomfortable.

    Count me amongst them.

    Me too.

    I’m just not seeing this same ‘tude with Trump.

    Please, enlighten me.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  216. Apparently we are now all of a sudden just one military parade from becoming North Korea.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  217. You nailed it, Steve57. We’ve had military parades since 1776 and I’ve seen a hundred f them but suddenly in post-Obama America a parade supporting our military and our patriotism is akin to a commie Mayday parade behind the Iron Curtain. Hussein really took a wrecking ball to the American psyche and morale.

    Rev.Hoagie (6bbda7)

  218. For Obama drone flyovers maybe.

    Pinandpuller (8fcd5f)


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