Nicolas Maduro: I'm a Prisoner of War or Something

He also says he's President of Venezuela, which is insane, because I know from Tucker Carlson that the real president of Venezuela is now Binyamin Netanyahu or some other GloboHomo Jew.

Nicolas Maduro described himself as a "prisoner of war" during his first court appearance since being captured by the United States.
The deposed Venezuelan president formally pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism and weapons charges in a New York court on Monday afternoon.
Wearing a blue shirt over an orange undershirt, Mr Maduro was asked by the judge to confirm his identity. Speaking in Spanish, he replied: "I am the president of Venezuela. I consider myself a prisoner of war. I was captured at my home in Caracas."
The judge cut him short, saying there would be "a time and a place" to address those claims. Mr Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court, dressed in the same prison clothing.
Asked to enter his plea, Mr Maduro said: "I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything mentioned here."
...
The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago.

Are you kidding me?

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to convince an elderly leftist to give up government power.

WATCH: @USAmbUN delivers remarks to the UN on the arrest and extradition of Nicolás Maduro:

"There is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country. This was a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades." pic.twitter.com/fcoTqawPNH
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 5, 2026

USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "I don't care what the U.N says"

Absolutely right

The U.N is a corrupted disaster that puts 3rd world dictators on human rights councils and promotes the replacement of white people pic.twitter.com/7zkLD7aB9h
— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) January 5, 2026

Instead of asking spoiled white liberals what they think, here’s how Venezuelan Americans actually feel about the U.S. capturing Maduro👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/5qDmOLSgFZ
— Arynne Wexler (@ArynneWexler) January 5, 2026

This is Socialism.

This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

This is what the Democrat Party is defending.

This is what they want to do to you.

Do not let them win.
pic.twitter.com/CYgwgKmN3k
— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) January 4, 2026

Posted by: Ace at 04:04 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Open channel D

Posted by: Open Channel D at January 05, 2026 04:04 PM (gYnrv)

2 top 10?

Posted by: goddessoftheclassroom at January 05, 2026 04:04 PM (USyCi)

3 Whatevs.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 05, 2026 04:04 PM (ExV1e)

4 HAHAHAHAHAHA

Still not tired of winning.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 05, 2026 04:05 PM (zjgNU)

5 Doof, if you're here: rebuke accepted.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:05 PM (NcvvS)

6 gettin' in early

Posted by: DanMan at January 05, 2026 04:06 PM (8uzBS)

7 Have another empanada Senor Maduro. Oh wait... we don't serve those.
How about some toast, no butter?

Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:06 PM (v0R5T)

8 That video is actually rather tame compared to what other communists have done.

Still horrific.

And, sadly, Maduro is not likely to get the proper punishment for that on this earth.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 05, 2026 04:06 PM (zjgNU)

9 This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

Look, I'm not saying Trump could learn a thing or two from the guy, I'm just saying that maybe he has some ideas.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 05, 2026 04:07 PM (ExV1e)

10 7 Have another empanada Senor Maduro. Oh wait... we don't serve those.
How about some toast, no butter?
Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:06 PM (v0R5T)

Something, something, Deez Nutz...

Posted by: XTC at January 05, 2026 04:07 PM (UnA8+)

11 Ooh, that Wexler chick. Me likey.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:07 PM (77rzZ)

12 >>>The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago.

well at least it's not Hawaii Judge

Posted by: brak at January 05, 2026 04:07 PM (jGJov)

13 Probably should have used some of his billions to bribe American lawmakers to repeal the 2001 AUMF.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (GBKbO)

14 Question for all: if Maduro is a prisoner of war, then he says a state of war exists between Venezuela & the USA; does the USA then open the whole can of whoop-ass against the Venezuelan regime?

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (NcvvS)

15 92 year old judge? For fucks sake why isn't there mandatory retirement age

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (YwEeS)

16 I love that Rubio said publicly he doesn't care what the UN says. None of us do.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (xJGPn)

17 But ... did he or did he not ... enter a plea for Senor Pepe, his hand puppet ???

Posted by: Adriane the Carefully Concerned Critic . . . at January 05, 2026 04:09 PM (3ZUWJ)

18 14 Question for all: if Maduro is a prisoner of war, then he says a state of war exists between Venezuela & the USA; does the USA then open the whole can of whoop-ass against the Venezuelan regime?

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (NcvvS)

======

The US is still in the War on Terror. The 2001 AUMF is still in effect.

That AUMF granted the president the power to label foreign, stateless entities as terrorist organizations and to make war on them. Cartel of the Sun is one of those. Trump is simply using his legal warmaking power on the head of a foreign terrorist organization.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:09 PM (GBKbO)

19 Zohran Mamdani's Head of Tenant/Rental Policy: We're Going to Start Seizing Property From Its Owners, Especially "White Families"

GOOD...... START WITH SCHUMER ......

Posted by: Jackson at January 05, 2026 04:09 PM (J9q9v)

20 How many divisions does the UN gave? Any ICBMs? They can go fuck themselves.

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:09 PM (YwEeS)

21 From president of a third world shithole to president of Cell #9 shitter.

Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (v0R5T)

22 This apprehension was absolutely amazing, but as I'm not an expert at the law, what would have been wrong with just striking his home with bombs and killing him?

The idea of some liberal NYC judge being in charge of all of this, do we really not think someone like this judge would kill the case and demand he be brought back to Venezuela?

They keep doing this with "Maryland Man", we've probably spent tens of millions in legal fees on an absolute nobody.

as soon as a liberal judge is involved in anything remotely political, we're basically no different than a 3rd world country.

Posted by: Leupold at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (eIzlH)

23 Nicolas Maduro: I'm a Prisoner of War or Something

I guess this is where he is going to go in regards to his defense. Not sure it will work, but hey it is new york.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (0N4FZ)

24 USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "I don't care what the U.N says"

=======

I forgive him 1% of his 2013 amnesty push.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (GBKbO)

25 Israeli spokesman Shosh Bedrosian has stated that Maduro was laundering funds for Hamas and Iran.

Unfortunately this was released so far only in Spanish. I have yet to find an English version.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (rbvCR)

26 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (Zz0t1)

27 The Judge is 92?

Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (ddphe)

28 Too bad Noriega died. I could see Maduro and Noriega having a dialogue like in Silverado between Kevin Costner and Kevin Kline.

Maduro, I claimed I was a POW
Noriega, I did that too.

Maduro, I told them I was a sovereign president!!
Noriega, I told them that too.

Maduro, I was elected.
Noriega, Right.

Maduro, I was totally justified in f@cking with the US by drug dealing and crap.
Noriega, Right with ya buddy.

Noriega, now, how are we going to get outta here.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (WDjG6)

29 How many divisions does the UN gave? Any ICBMs? They can go fuck themselves.

--------------

They "rent" a building in communist New York. That's what they have.

Posted by: SH (no more socks) at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (sX1BW)

30 I wouldnt doubt it

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (bXbFr)

31 Dayum, are all Venezuelan women that hot?
Something about sneakers with a skirt that really turns me on.

Posted by: Pervy Grin at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (+qzr/)

32 You know one thing among many that great democracies don't need? 92-year-old Federal Judges. Because that just screams out that he's unfit for office due to physical and/or mental conditions, or on the take and unwilling to give up the graft.

He's 92. Jeez, retire already. Your country doesn't "need you" like you seem to think they do.

Posted by: Crusader at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (TN0g+)

33 "The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago."

This is bad news. Hellerstein is an old lefty Bronx Jew -- so old that he's from a time when the Bronx was mostly Italians and Jews. He's already got a history of TDS and playing politics from the bench.

Hellerstein fucked around with Trump's criminal case in NYC. He ruled against Trump using the AEA to deport Venezualans. I expect he's looking for a last chance at glory and media adoration.

He's a senior status judge and never should have gotten this case.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (iFTx/)

34 Musa al-Gharbi (Arabic name, but not woke):
Those who engage in climate activism are mostly female (61%) and almost entirely white (93%). More than 9 out of 10 climate activists have at least a BA...environmentalism is regularly used as a means to feel morally and intellectually superior
x.com/robkhenderson/status/2008238776892653831

The Democrat base is likewise against shifting the illegitimate dictator Maduro off his stolen throne.
I think white women under 40 should consider that they are now in competition with non-crazy Venezuelan women, some of whom are hot and don't carry nose rings.

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (gKWVE)

35 I guess this is where he is going to go in regards to his defense. Not sure it will work, but hey it is new york.
Posted by: Mister Scott
======
Nope. Doesn't work. Scotus already went through all these in the Noriega case. Settled law.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (WDjG6)

36 Noriega can be the bruce willis character from sixth sense

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (bXbFr)

37 "Nicolas Maduro described himself as a 'prisoner of war'"

Well, technically and at a minimum, Prisoner of War on Drugs.

So, what's your point? You have been captured and you are the general/president of the army/cartel. Would you have preferred to die on the battlefield, cause that can still be arranged.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (gLikB)

38 92 year old judge? For fucks sake why isn't there mandatory retirement age
Posted by: steevy

Maybe he was born on Feb. 29 and therefore considers himself to be only 23.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (77rzZ)

39 Been seeing a number of X posts about the former Venezuela Intelligence chief we have in custody singing. He provided a list of 60 senators that were on the take. Mostly Pedocrats but 14 Repubs. Surprisingly including both Grassley and Ernst from Iowa.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (cxFcK)

40 WHO is promoting world wide medicaid...see CFP

Posted by: DanMan at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (8uzBS)

41 Nicolas Maduro: I'm a Prisoner of War

So, War criminal it is then.

You will be better off in SuperMax, brah.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (jc0TO)

42 Damn, Rubio finally got hydrated and gives no fucks.

Posted by: NCKate at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (uQzkA)

43 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to convince an elderly leftist to give up government power.
-
Or a communist criminal to get "randomly" assigned to a non-commie judge.

Posted by: Methos at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (vSvIl)

44 92 year old judge? For fucks sake why isn't there mandatory retirement age
Posted by: steevy

*gavel*
15 minute recess for diaper change.

Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (v0R5T)

45 The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago
_____________________

Typical "Deep State" move. This is the Robert Mueller approach. Put someone in a decisive position unable to operate as an individual due to age incapacity, and back him up with hand picked, partisan, agenda driven moles to dictate decisions and rulings.

Incidentally, Hellerstein has been assigned quite a few Trump related cases including the one where he allowed a fishing expedition on Trump's finances at Deutsch Bank. You'll recall that Hillary initiated that little sidetrack.

Posted by: Orson at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (dIske)

46 There are a lot like them

I worked with some in the time share and real estate industry

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (bXbFr)

47 The idea of some liberal NYC judge being in charge of all of this, do we really not think someone like this judge would kill the case and demand he be brought back to Venezuela?

They keep doing this with "Maryland Man", we've probably spent tens of millions in legal fees on an absolute nobody.

as soon as a liberal judge is involved in anything remotely political, we're basically no different than a 3rd world country.
Posted by: Leupold at January 05, 2026 04:10 PM (eIzlH)

On the other hand, it does make it very clear where the judiciary is the problem.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (zjgNU)

48 Something about sneakers with a skirt that really turns me on.

Same here.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (77rzZ)

49 >>Been seeing a number of X posts about the former Venezuela Intelligence chief we have in custody singing. He provided a list of 60 senators that were on the take. Mostly Pedocrats but 14 Repubs. Surprisingly including both Grassley and Ernst from Iowa.

That would be amazing, if it turns out to be true.

Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (ddphe)

50 I think I need to watch more Arynne Wexler videos to get the real flavor for her thinking

Posted by: Huck Follywood at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (GikQa)

51 Couple days ago I was eating steak and lobster in my palace. Now I get whatever the fuck this is. WHAT THE FUCK IS MYSTERY MEAT MONDAY?!?

Posted by: Nick Maduro at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (u73oe)

52 Question for all: if Maduro is a prisoner of war, then he says a state of war exists between Venezuela & the USA; does the USA then open the whole can of whoop-ass against the Venezuelan regime?
Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (NcvvS)

Then, if Maduro as executive of Venezuela claims that a condition of war existed between US and them, Trump has every right to send Rubio's henchmen down with a piece of paper setting out generous conditions for ends of hostilities to Pres Delcy Rodriguez: Boom, peace #8

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (rbvCR)

53 38 92 year old judge? For fucks sake why isn't there mandatory retirement age
Posted by: steevy

Maybe he was born on Feb. 29 and therefore considers himself to be only 23.
Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (77rzZ)

It's 30.666 in demon years.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (xJGPn)

54 Are you calling bibi gay, ace?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (zZu0s)

55 Venezuela won the World Cup of liberation. Of course they gonna celebrate.

I am taking as a hopeful sign the judge cutting Maduro off. This would be prime time to let Maduro run his mouth while all the cameras are on him.

Posted by: Anna Puma at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (bEz7t)

56 Wow Arynne Wexler can be my Weather Girl anytime!

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (uWKK8)

57 Ernst rode the Tea Party pony into the Senate and has been useless since.

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (gKWVE)

58 Yesterday, Mamdani claimed he had been "briefed" on the action in Venezuela. What he really meant was that he turned on Fox and Friends. He has no security clearance.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (cxFcK)

59 Arynne Wexler is talented.

Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (ddphe)

60 Dayum, are all Venezuelan women that hot?

they dominated the Miss Universe contests for years

Posted by: DanMan at January 05, 2026 04:15 PM (8uzBS)

61 When did fat, alcoholic Nazi Tucker Carlson become all about social conservatism?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at January 05, 2026 04:15 PM (8CIFn)

62 USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "I don't care what the U.N says"

GD right. You know who is the President of the UN Security Council at this very moment? Somalia.

That's right, a Somalian. That's some great timing.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel at January 05, 2026 04:15 PM (gLikB)

63 That would be amazing, if it turns out to be true.
Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (ddphe)

This.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:15 PM (zZu0s)

64 >>Dayum, are all Venezuelan women that hot?

After 20+ years of Communism...you know they are gonna be skinny.

Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (ddphe)

65 This is bad news. Hellerstein is an old lefty Bronx Jew -- so old that he's from a time when the Bronx was mostly Italians and Jews. He's already got a history of TDS and playing politics from the bench.

Hellerstein fucked around with Trump's criminal case in NYC. He ruled against Trump using the AEA to deport Venezualans. I expect he's looking for a last chance at glory and media adoration.

He's a senior status judge and never should have gotten this case.

Even if Hellerstein does a Boasberg, there is a real upside. Maduro is gone from power in Venezuela, and he won't get it back. If he tried, he'd be Benito'd. Meanwhile, enough people would be infuriated by such judicial lawlessness that it would be a huge hit on the left's electoral prospects. People have had enough of dictators in black robes.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (Riz8t)

66 Well.

Maduro was waging war against the USA and he was captured and detained. So I suppose that's how he might consider himself a prisoner of war.

But he himself was the hostile agent, so he may not qualify as a POW.

I'm sure there are many on this Smart Military Blog that can parse the designation.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (FMtrg)

67 Are we still in the GWOT?

Posted by: NCKate at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (uQzkA)

68 If white people decamped en masse for Mars, the rest of these useless mfers would make living on Mars illegal unless POC got free section 8 housing etc. there too.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (wMAvO)

69 all Venezuelan women that hot?"
No. But there are plenty...

Posted by: man at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (XuXeR)

70 I confess to being a little conflicted.

I wouldn't mind seeing some of our local antifa thugs run over by an armed vehicle.

Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (1Nv0l)

71 60 Dayum, are all Venezuelan women that hot?

they dominated the Miss Universe contests for years
Posted by: DanMan at January 05, 2026 04:15 PM (8uzBS)
______________________________

AND, after a few decades of near starvation, they are back down to "fighting weight."

Posted by: Orson at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (dIske)

72 Thanks, TMJ. Then Maduro admits being a member of the cartels.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (NcvvS)

73 65 Even if Hellerstein does a Boasberg, there is a real upside. Maduro is gone from power in Venezuela, and he won't get it back. If he tried, he'd be Benito'd. Meanwhile, enough people would be infuriated by such judicial lawlessness that it would be a huge hit on the left's electoral prospects. People have had enough of dictators in black robes.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (Riz8t)

======

Plus, you know, appeals courts exist.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (GBKbO)

74 >>>Ernst rode the Tea Party pony into the Senate and has been useless since.

I'm sure her bank account doesn't think it was useless

Posted by: brak at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (jGJov)

75 Hugo carvajal is the official involved

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (bXbFr)

76 I wonder how long Cuber can hang on?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (cxFcK)

77 Maduro thinks he's Goering.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (wMAvO)

78 I went from initially being glad Tucker was presenting alternative views to wondering if he faces Mecca five times a day

Posted by: The Unvaxed and Unmasked Ranger - Where Are My Keto Cheetos at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (REq0p)

79 Why do these cases automatically go to NY?

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (YwEeS)

80 Or just a prisoner of Azkaban

Posted by: Skip at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (Ia/+0)

81 Colombian women are hot, too. See Sofia Vergara.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (77rzZ)

82 She has she has Julia Roberts mouth, while being hotter.

Hmmm.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (zZu0s)

83 That list of Senators has got to be backed by some proof. What worries me is that a couple of ringers have been thrown into that list to discredit the source.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (uWKK8)

84 Didn't the Euro-niks arrest Pinochet? How is that different from this, ignoring Pinochet did nothing wrong.

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (sKqQm)

85 79 Why do these cases automatically go to NY?

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (YwEeS)

======

The charges were filed in the SDNY in 2020.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (GBKbO)

86 But he himself was the hostile agent, so he may not qualify as a POW.

I'm sure there are many on this Smart Military Blog that can parse the designation.
Posted by: Emmie -

Out of Uniform.
Choot 'em

Posted by: MkY at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (q6tQZ)

87 Goering killed himself in jail.

Posted by: Anna Puma at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (bEz7t)

88 Hugo carvajal is the official involved
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (bXbFr)
****
That's the Official deer of Venezuela isn't it?

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (wMAvO)

89 >>I wouldn't mind seeing some of our local antifa thugs run over by an armed vehicle.

Well, it wouldn't be quite as entertaining as throwing them out of Helicopters...

Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (ddphe)

90 48 Something about sneakers with a skirt that really turns me on.

Same here.
Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (77rzZ)

If they're also wearing striped thigh-highs, 99% chance they either have a penis, or used to have a penis.

Posted by: XTC at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (UnA8+)

91 Something about sneakers with a skirt that really turns me on.

Same here.
Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (77rzZ)
====

In my neighborhood that meant she was religious and if you look at her again, your father will hear about it.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (RIvkX)

92 when Venezuela hit oil 100 years ago that brought in everybody and that revealed a very nice blending of 'cultures'

Posted by: DanMan at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (8uzBS)

93 "USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 'I don't care what the U.N says'

Absolutely right

The U.N is a corrupted disaster that puts 3rd world dictators on human rights councils and promotes the replacement of white people"
==============

Amen.
https://tinyurl.com/58abt9ce

Posted by: Gref at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (5rh/l)

94 I'm here.

Sorry, I had to watch that third X post at least three times...

Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (3BwY8)

95 The charges were filed in the SDNY in 2020.

I see

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (YwEeS)

96 65 This is bad news. Hellerstein is an old lefty Bronx Jew -- so old that he's from a time when the Bronx was mostly Italians and Jews. He's already got a history of TDS and playing politics from the bench.

Hellerstein fucked around with Trump's criminal case in NYC. He ruled against Trump using the AEA to deport Venezualans. I expect he's looking for a last chance at glory and media adoration.

He's a senior status judge and never should have gotten this case.

Even if Hellerstein does a Boasberg, there is a real upside. Maduro is gone from power in Venezuela, and he won't get it back. If he tried, he'd be Benito'd. Meanwhile, enough people would be infuriated by such judicial lawlessness that it would be a huge hit on the left's electoral prospects. People have had enough of dictators in black robes.
Posted by: Archimedes
========
Settled law in the case of Noriega that Scotus ruled against almost every possible defense.

I'd worry more about the jury.

But something needs to be done about clerks in federal courts controlling judicial assignments. They are corrupt as hell.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (WDjG6)

97 If he is a prisoner of war, is that an admission that his country, under his leadership, was at war with the USA?

That would be useful information.

Posted by: Mrs. Santa's unclean sister at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (hVG+8)

98 The US had 330M or so people.

Why do we need 92 year old judges?

He could have been a great judge but sorry at 92 you should be napping and spending your remaining time with your grand/great grand kids

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (sKqQm)

99 Appeals courts won't help if he's acquitted. Double jeopardy and all that.

Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (1Nv0l)

100 start of a great year.

Maduro busted
Kelly tossed
Waltz humiliated

Posted by: get out of my fucking shot at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (jZ3ZM)

101 48 Something about sneakers with a skirt that really turns me on.

Same here.
Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (77rzZ)

She had sneakers on? My eyes were fixated a bit higher...

-SLV

Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (e/Osv)

102 78 I went from initially being glad Tucker was presenting alternative views to wondering if he faces Mecca five times a day
Posted by: The Unvaxed and Unmasked Ranger - Where Are My Keto Cheetos at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (REq0p)

And today Tucker is saying that Trump didn't go after Maduro because of drugs, he didn't go after him because he was a usurping dictator, he went after him - because Trump wants to bring Gay Marriage to Venezuela???
And that's why we should have supported Maduro, because he was against Gay Marriage?

I think Tucker has finally and completely jumped the shark with this one.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (uWKK8)

103 Goering killed himself in jail.
Posted by: Anna Puma

Yep, the night before his scheduled hanging. With a cyanide tablet supposedly smuggled in to him by an American GI.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (77rzZ)

104 Yeah, she's got some tas and some gams.

Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (v0R5T)

105 Are we still in the GWOT?
Posted by: NCKate at January 05, 2026 04:16 PM (uQzkA)

Until the end of time. Our economy and the way of life for our elites demand it.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (rbvCR)

106 Didn't the Euro-niks arrest Pinochet? How is that different from this, ignoring Pinochet did nothing wrong.
Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:17 PM (sKqQm)
====

Allende blew his own head off in La Moneda when the air force started bombing it.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (RIvkX)

107 Hugo is an unlikeable person. Just double cell him with any of a number of proven homicidal maniacs that NYC has warehouse awaiting trial.

Sometimes the trash takes itself out.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (wMAvO)

108 Out of Uniform.
Choot 'em
Posted by: MkY at January 05, 2026 04:18 PM (q6tQZ)

What, he's supposed to wear a uniform to bed?

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (FMtrg)

109 Trump is old and senile.

Biden was the best Biden ever.

This judge is older than both of them.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (Zz0t1)

110 16 I love that Rubio said publicly he doesn't care what the UN says. None of us do.
Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM

I'm convinced that Rubio sees himself as the first US ambassador to Cuba since the Kennedy administration. Speculation about him vs JD Vance in 2028 are missing Rubio's incendiary hatred of what the commies did to his ancestral home...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (nbLIj)

111 I don't believe Maduro was in uniform when captured.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (jc0TO)

112 >>Been seeing a number of X posts about the former Venezuela Intelligence chief we have in custody singing. He provided a list of 60 senators that were on the take. Mostly Pedocrats but 14 Repubs. Surprisingly including both Grassley and Ernst from Iowa.

----------
That would be amazing, if it turns out to be true.
Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:13 PM (ddphe)
======================
I'm guessing its total BS, but here is the original claim:

https://tinyurl.com/tbwcckmn

Posted by: Huck Follywood at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (cmYp8)

113 I’m just a gigolo
And everywhere I go
People know the game I’m playin

Posted by: Nick Maduro at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (u73oe)

114 Question for all: if Maduro is a prisoner of war, then he says a state of war exists between Venezuela & the USA; does the USA then open the whole can of whoop-ass against the Venezuelan regime?
Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:08 PM (NcvvS)

Then, if Maduro as executive of Venezuela claims that a condition of war existed between US and them, Trump has every right to send Rubio's henchmen down with a piece of paper setting out generous conditions for ends of hostilities to Pres Delcy Rodriguez: Boom, peace #8
Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name

POW status must have been anticipated.

Opens up a real can of worms. None good for the never Trump.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (/lPRQ)

115 95 The charges were filed in the SDNY in 2020.

I see
Posted by: steevy
=====
But Hellerstein and Maduro also face the problem that other jurisdictions can also claim crimes by Maduro--as cartel leader, anywhere in teh country affected by Tren and other Venezuelan gangs is fair game. Same procedure that Dems used for Trump.

The pressure is going to be on Maduro to flip or spend the rest of his life in Supermaxx. Plus they have his wife to flip as well and they may not be tried together.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (WDjG6)

116 The Biden administration didn’t require verification that kids were attending child care centers before sending them as much as $19 billion in federal funding, a stunning oversight the Trump administration is trying to reverse.

Trump Health and Human Services officials announced Monday it would restore “attendance-based billing” and reverse a Biden-era practice of states paying the child care centers without proper checks, the Post can exclusively reveal.

The President Biden Rule took effect on April 30, 2024, meaning more than $19.3 billion in taxpayer dollars over 20 months may have been spent before President Trump could correct provisions that could have prolonged massive day care fraud in Minnesota.

Posted by: SMOD at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (RHGPo)

117 >>Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (rbvCR)

That is a beautiful response. Thanks, Kindltot.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (NcvvS)

118 had to watch that third X post at least three times"

Only 3? Slacker

Posted by: man at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (XuXeR)

119 There's a funny meme going around of sad Marco with the caption, "Just found out he's President of Venezuela, coach of the Miami Dolphins and babysitter to Little X. Plus, Shah of Iran". I thought it was funny.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (cxFcK)

120 Skirt + sneakers works if you have nice legs to begin with.

I remember enjoying these types of views back in college every spring...

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (sKqQm)

121 102 And today Tucker is saying that Trump didn't go after Maduro because of drugs, he didn't go after him because he was a usurping dictator, he went after him - because Trump wants to bring Gay Marriage to Venezuela???
And that's why we should have supported Maduro, because he was against Gay Marriage?

I think Tucker has finally and completely jumped the shark with this one.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (uWKK

The part of his lips that aren't E5000's to Qatari ass is E5000's to Nick Fuentes' ass.

Posted by: XTC at January 05, 2026 04:21 PM (UnA8+)

122 Venezuela has China's most advanced air defense radar, and it completely screwed the pooch. We don't know if that's because it's built of Chinesium, or the operators just didn't turn the damn thing on. Either way, Venezuela could pay us back, at least partially, by sending the thing to us or letting us take it apart there.

Venezuela’s Pricy Chinese JY-27 Radar Fails in U.S. Maduro Capture, Turns to Scrap Metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Cvjcpmjj8

Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (Riz8t)

123 here’s how Venezuelan Americans actually feel about the U.S. capturing Maduro

I'm going to have to watch this a few more times because international relations are important to me.

Posted by: t-bird at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (IJqrQ)

124 "USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 'I don't care what the U.N says'

Absolutely right

The U.N is a corrupted disaster that puts 3rd world dictators on human rights councils and promotes the replacement of white people"
==============

Amen.

---------------

Perhaps, in my lifetime, we will rid ourselves of this pesky UN. I think it closer to becoming a reality now than at any time prior.

But before we do, I sort of want to see the UK kicked of the Security Council first.

Posted by: SH (no more socks) at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (sX1BW)

125 So, War criminal it is then.

You will be better off in SuperMax, brah.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:12 PM (jc0TO)
-----
GTMO, so he can have a front-row seat when the Cuban Commies get shitmixed by the same operators that black-bagged his ass.

Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (3BwY8)

126 Ok thats ridiculous

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (bXbFr)

127 DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!

Posted by: Nicholas Maduro at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (jc0TO)

128 I'm fine with him being arrested. I do think the weapons charges sound a bit bullshit though aren't they? From what I saw he's being charged with having machine guns in violation of the 1934 firearms act? Is that right? I mean if that's the case its a bit of dumb bullshit charge. Get him on being a corrupt narcoterrorist an all that. And then I don't, send him back to Venezuela once they have an actual legitimate functioning goverment and let them prosecute him as the murderous despot as well.

Posted by: buzzion at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (3tZV2)

129 111 I don't believe Maduro was in uniform when captured.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (jc0TO

If Hegseth is in his pajamas when he gets a late night phone call, and he makes a decision and barks out some orders, are those orders legal?
If you're the dictator of a country, likewise, you are in uniform even if you happen to be wearing pink boxers and bunny slippers at the time. That's what sucks about being a tyrant. Ask Damocles

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (gKWVE)

130 Appeals courts won't help if he's acquitted. Double jeopardy and all that.
Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (1Nv0l)

The Swiss have frozen his accounts, and may seize them.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (rbvCR)

131 What if his wife throws Maduro under the bus and gets a nice house in south Florida?

Pass the popcorn.

Posted by: Anna Puma at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (bEz7t)

132 122 Venezuela has China's most advanced air defense radar, and it completely screwed the pooch. We don't know if that's because it's built of Chinesium, or the operators just didn't turn the damn thing on. Either way, Venezuela could pay us back, at least partially, by sending the thing to us or letting us take it apart there.

Venezuela’s Pricy Chinese JY-27 Radar Fails in U.S. Maduro Capture, Turns to Scrap Metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Cvjcpmjj8

Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (Riz8t)

=======

"Hey...can we get our money back?"
-Venezuelan general, holding a bug out bag for some reason, but it's got some room for some greenbacks

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (GBKbO)

133 Tucker Venezuela and gay marriage?
Next he's going to be ranting about Jewish Space Lasers....which actually exist but don't tell MTG.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (wMAvO)

134 I'm going to have to watch this a few more times because international relations are important to me.

Posted by: t-bird at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (IJqrQ)
---
And sweater puppies.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (krQz2)

135 Brian Allen
@allenanalysis
HOLY CRAP.

House Republicans are quietly slipping Section 453 into the spending bill — a provision that would give pesticide companies immunity from lawsuits for the harm they cause.

Brett Cooper is calling it out: this could shield tens of thousands of chemicals, many linked to cancer, Parkinson’s, and infertility.

Posted by: Crusader at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (TN0g+)

136 POW status must have been anticipated.

Opens up a real can of worms. None good for the never Trump.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher
=====
See above, it does not because of the Noriega precedents. Noriega got his POW script but still had to serve his stint in prison. He was only released because he was fatally ill with cancer.

While the hacks in black don't make it apparent, the DoJ has been exemplary in its legal work lately which is also why they have won most of the cases at Scotus and US Courts of Appeal. District judges going YOLO are simply a necessary risk at this stage.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (WDjG6)

137 130 Appeals courts won't help if he's acquitted. Double jeopardy and all that.
Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:19 PM (1Nv0l)

The Swiss have frozen his accounts, and may seize them.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (rbvCR)

=======

His counsel is the guy who defended Julian Assange. I think he's working pro-bono.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (GBKbO)

138 Speculation about him vs JD Vance in 2028 are missing Rubio's incendiary hatred of what the commies did to his ancestral home...

---------------

The freeing of Cuba becomes more and more likely with each passing day. But the window may be a short one. He's a motivated politician right now.

Posted by: SH (no more socks) at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sX1BW)

139 I guess that Aryanne Wexler is not Venezuelan, but an American Jew.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (77rzZ)

140 111 I don't believe Maduro was in uniform when captured.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (jc0TO)

Maduro will forever be a disgrace to all Latin American Dictators anywhere because he was caught in bed with his wife, rather than 3 blonde hookers and a few lines of blow.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (uWKK8)

141 the real president of Venezuela is now Binyamin Netanyahu

Tucker: Binyamin Netanyahu
Nick Fuentes: no, it's Benjamin Netanyahu
Candace: no, Benyamin Netanyahu is the President

Posted by: t-bird at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (IJqrQ)

142 They couldn't find a Centurion to try this case?
Some judge appointed by President Eisenhower?
A Clintonesta is the only one who can handle this special case?

Posted by: Skip at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (Ia/+0)

143 Ok I ran across the oddest thing on a leftist forum.

Its a 4 panel comic where aliens come to earth and demand we all wear "cool sunglasses" or else they'll kill 5% of us.

The final panel has a MAGA guy demanding that as an American he doesn't have to do what some alien says and he is presented as an idiot.

And this is clearly designed to be an analogy to masks.

But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)

144 I liked how a white guy in a dress in Portland was leading their "Free Maduro!" protest.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (lev2j)

145 Goering killed himself in jail.
Posted by: Anna Puma

Yep, the night before his scheduled hanging. With a cyanide tablet supposedly smuggled in to him by an American GI.

I wanted to watch Nuremberg, which is available on Amazon Prime, but it's $20. GFY.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (Riz8t)

146 I've been laughing since yesterday morning.
Should I see a doctor?
Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:25 PM (wMAvO)

147 The AG (or whatever) of Argentina sent a letter to the US gov saying they want a crack at trying Maduro for crimes against humanity. Millei is so great.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:25 PM (cxFcK)

148 143 But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)

======

This feels like a bad meme.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:25 PM (GBKbO)

149 That Venezuela reporter looks nice

Posted by: Skip at January 05, 2026 04:25 PM (Ia/+0)

150 This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

And yet at the same time they'll arrest an American or European that tries to drive out of a flash mob.

Interesting is it not?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (sKqQm)

151 They should assign the case to Judge Dredd.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (RIvkX)

152 You want the SAVE Act

You'll settle for some form of voter roll cleanup

You'll get "House Republicans are quietly slipping Section 453 into the spending bill — a provision that would give pesticide companies immunity from lawsuits for the harm they cause."

Posted by: GOPe at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (jGJov)

153 Yesterday, Mamdani claimed he had been "briefed" on the action in Venezuela. What he really meant was that he turned on Fox and Friends. He has no security clearance.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM

He was briefed by his handlers on what to say in regards to the arrest of one of his mentors. No one from the federal government contacted him in anyway in regrads to the arrest of maduro.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (0N4FZ)

154 Fed judges have a mandatory retirement age of 70. After that they can apply for senior judge status. One lady I think as of a couple of years ago was like 96.
The scandal is that a senior judge got this case . The fact that he's an anti Trump leftist is a part of the BS.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (ScJGb)

155 As soon as I seen an Alien im mag dumping the POS.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (wMAvO)

156 141 the real president of Venezuela is now Binyamin Netanyahu

Tucker: Binyamin Netanyahu
Nick Fuentes: no, it's Benjamin Netanyahu
Candace: no, Benyamin Netanyahu is the President
Posted by: t-bird at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (IJqrQ)

Fools. Marco Rubio is the Viceroy of Venezuela.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (uWKK8)

157 But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)
---
An object lesson from something that would never happen.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (krQz2)

158 143 But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?
Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)

WE would.

The Left wouldn't.

Posted by: XTC at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (UnA8+)

159 Aliens and sunglasses?

Jane Badler has entered Chat.

Posted by: Anna Puma at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (bEz7t)

160 Also, Hilton Hotels has Bud Lighted themselves. Cancelled reservation for ICE agents in Minneapolis. It's blowing up.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (cxFcK)

161 going to have to watch this a few more times because international relations are important to me."

*looks up how to copy video to android phone*

Posted by: man at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (XuXeR)

162 130 Appeals courts won't help if he's acquitted. Double jeopardy and all that.
Posted by: Don't blame the alligators

What you forget it that Miami gets a whack at him, Texas, etc. etc. That is the problem with being an overarching crime lord. He is associated with crimes by his buds across the US in various jurisdictions. Already, rumor has it that he is also being investigated in the SD of FL (where Noriega was convicted.). The NY indictment can even by dropped and superceded by one in an other district if they have different facts and charges.

Maduro is still fcked. Plus the feds have his wife up on charges as well and often spousal loyalty gets a bit strained under such conditions.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (WDjG6)

163 Everyomr knows the glasses reveal the aliens

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (bXbFr)

164
This feels like a bad meme.

I try to read through left leaning stuff to make sure I'm informed on how the other side thinks so I can understand both sides.

But there is a lot of this sort of "did you even really think about how your meme would be taken by someone who isn't a hard core leftist?" when I run across lefty memes.

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (sKqQm)

165 A 92-year old US Federal District Court judge cut Maduro's screed short.

I've seen Federal District Court judges in action. (From jury boxes!) They take NO shit from anyone in their courtroom. In their courtroom, they are the most large and in-charge people imaginable. Maduro is not going to like his time in Federal courtrooms. Yay!

Posted by: Gref at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (5rh/l)

166 I wanted to watch Nuremberg, which is available on Amazon Prime, but it's $20. GFY.
Posted by: Archimedes

I've read that it's not very historically accurate. And that it's got an anti-Trump undertone. Because Trump is literally Hitler, you know.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (77rzZ)

167 160 Also, Hilton Hotels has Bud Lighted themselves. Cancelled reservation for ICE agents in Minneapolis. It's blowing up.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (cxFcK)

I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this

Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (V6W16)

168 As soon as I seen an Alien im mag dumping the POS.
Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM

Put.on.the.sun.glasses.

Posted by: Rowdy Roddy Piper at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (jc0TO)

169 Hey Kids! Remember to update your social media flags from Ukraine ( Slava yadda yadda ) or Palestine ( Genocide yo ) to Venezuela! Do it now!

Posted by: NPC Today, Your Trusted Soure for what to believe and do...Today at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (4YLUI)

170 The scandal is that a senior judge got this case . The fact that he's an anti Trump leftist is a part of the BS.
Posted by: Smell the Glove
=======
Clerk of the SD of NY's random assignment. Supposedly random. Just like ole Hairy Bastard sex pest that heard Leticia's claims against Trump.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (WDjG6)

171 Hmmm. Jewish?Looks to be smaller than Ben's sister, but... we really need to see them both naked to check.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (zZu0s)

172 So, if a head of state is indicted on charges in another country, then they can be abducted and taken to that country to stand trial?

That's an...interesting precedent.

Come on, this is just a naked exercise in power. Trump dragging his balls all over Maduro's drumset. We are flexing our Superpower status.

If you're ok with that, fine. It's been absent in the US for a long time. But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd)

173 I loved the New Yorkers protesting "Stop The War Before It Starts"

Bitchez, it was over before you got out of bed.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (c115l)

174 171 Hmmm. Jewish?Looks to be smaller than Ben's sister, but... we really need to see them both naked to check.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (zZu0s)

*perks up*

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd)

175 I've read that it's not very historically accurate. And that it's got an anti-Trump undertone. Because Trump is literally Hitler, you know.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (77rzZ)
---
Right. We are inches away from needing another Nuremberg.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (krQz2)

176 I liked how a white guy in a dress in Portland was leading their "Free Maduro!" protest.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice
......

I say we take his house.

Posted by: wth at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (v0R5T)

177 I'm hoping there are a new array of charges for Madura that could later be filed in Florida if the NYC jury finds him not guilty by reason of ... TDS.

Surely they didn't file every possible charge ... back in 2020? So no double jeopardy if he is set free in NY, and immediately escorted to Florida?

Posted by: illiniwek at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (vbXSk)

178 I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this
Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything

The names I saw all looked Indian, like a lot of Patels.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (cxFcK)

179 I wouldn't want to still be on the bench at 92. I'd like to retire, mostly, by 50. I don't really see that happening.

Posted by: NCKate at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (uQzkA)

180 They could file in south florida

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (bXbFr)

181 I've seen Federal District Court judges in action. (From jury boxes!) They take NO shit from anyone in their courtroom. In their courtroom, they are the most large and in-charge people imaginable. Maduro is not going to like his time in Federal courtrooms. Yay!
Posted by: Gref

Yep. You are correct. Seen someone chastised for wearing a ring that flashed too much by a fed district court judge.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (WDjG6)

182 Maduro is still fcked. Plus the feds have his wife up on charges as well and often spousal loyalty gets a bit strained under such conditions.
Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (WDjG6)

Oh poopie.

Posted by: Jeffrey Epstein's favorite person from Hope at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (4YLUI)

183 157 But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)
---
An object lesson from something that would never happen.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (krQz2)

========

"I would do whatever an alien would tell me to do, happily, even under threat of violence."
-independent thinkers

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (GBKbO)

184 And yet at the same time they'll arrest an American or European that tries to drive out of a flash mob.

Interesting is it not?
Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (sKqQm)

well, that is the downside of the Westphalian Order.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (rbvCR)

185 Where are the mentions that Maduro set aside the results of the last presidential election in Venezuela?

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (krQz2)

186 I wish someone would show Maduro the vid of him saying come get him, coward.

Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (KDPiq)

187 Right. We are inches away from needing another Nuremberg.
Posted by: Axeman

For Fauci, Birx, Pfizer, and the rest? Yes, indeed. Long overdue, in fact.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (77rzZ)

188 183 "I would do whatever an alien would tell me to do, happily, even under threat of violence."
-independent thinkers
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (GBKbO)

"And you're a Xenophobic Racist if you wouldn't, Bigot!"
-same independent thinkers

Posted by: XTC at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (UnA8+)

189 But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM

It's a holding charge. Maybe he allegedly provided illegal weapons to TdA.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (jc0TO)

190 164 I try to read through left leaning stuff to make sure I'm informed on how the other side thinks so I can understand both sides.

But there is a lot of this sort of "did you even really think about how your meme would be taken by someone who isn't a hard core leftist?" when I run across lefty memes.

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (sKqQm)

======

Of course they know. They're so smart. They understand conservatives better than we understand ourselves.

We listen to cults of personality, do anything demanded of us provided it comes from Fox News, hate all minorities simply for making us feel inferior, and secretly yearn for the rise of National Socialism, our advocacy for small government the most obvious sign that we want an overarching, fascist government.

Duh.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:32 PM (GBKbO)

191 Josh Blackburn writes how one of the biggest losers are our clown judges (if they had any shame or morals, that is).

Recall how all of these illegal orders that he can't use the Alien Enemies Act puffed up so proud with pure bullshit that "the US isn't in a conflict with Venezuela." Ha, ha dum-dums, they said, the news we read is more informed than the President.

All this while our military was practicing the raid in a 1:1 model of his fortress.

John Roberts' retarded illegal Midnight Order remains an embarrassment.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (lev2j)

192 I did not do all those evil things...... The Dog did it !!!!

Posted by: Nicky Maduro at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (J9q9v)

193 If you're ok with that, fine. It's been absent in the US for a long time. But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd)

Is it owning, or is it conspiring to import or sell? That would come under the same statute I think.
Maduro built a factory to make AK-103's IIRC

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (rbvCR)

194 Surely they didn't file every possible charge ... back in 2020? So no double jeopardy if he is set free in NY, and immediately escorted to Florida?
Posted by: illiniwek
=====
5 more years of additional charges due to subsequent actions. And most of it can be done across the US-drug and human trafficking, etc.

And you have state courts.

They probably did not change Bagpipe Billy's decision in 2020 as far as jurisdiction because they did not want to tip off Maduro what was coming. But the feds can and do withdraw indictments in one jurisdiction but if possible, raise a new indictment elsewhere.

Jack Smith had that issue with his Jan 6 cases being scuppered by Scotus on the immunity issue.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (WDjG6)

195 Yeah wait until the Judge and Defense attorney are questioning the prosecutor

Posted by: Skip at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (Ia/+0)

196
Hey Kids! Remember to update your social media flags from Ukraine ( Slava yadda yadda ) or Palestine ( Genocide yo ) to Venezuela! Do it now!
Posted by: NPC Today, Your Trusted Soure for what to believe and do...Today

Or get ahead of things and jump straight to Cuba!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM} at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (XeTAE)

197 Who are the aliens to demand we do shit?

Who are they to threaten to kill 5% of us?

Sounds like the aliens need killin'.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (zZu0s)

198 166 I wanted to watch Nuremberg, which is available on Amazon Prime, but it's $20. GFY.
Posted by: Archimedes

I've read that it's not very historically accurate. And that it's got an anti-Trump undertone. Because Trump is literally Hitler, you know.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:28 PM (77rzZ)

=======

Christian Toto wrote a thing saying it reveals the idiocy of calling Trump Hitler.

Perhaps the beginning draws Trump comparisons, but then the newsreel footage of camps start. Can you continue the Trump comparison after that?

Toto feels like you can't.

I haven't seen it, but it feels like people just reading what they want into it, to be honest.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (GBKbO)

199 But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards
-------
Blame Bagpipe Billy for that. He or SDNY attorneys probably thought it would play well in NY juries for those charges.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (WDjG6)

200 You go in the courtroom ... judge in the courtroom ...

Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu to you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so never more shall we see you again.

Posted by: Quint the Eskimo at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (jc0TO)

201 Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 05, 2026 04:20 PM (/lPRQ)

If the US anticipated it, then the Clintonista judge is screwed, should he accept it: Trump can send Maduro to Gitmo as a POW and the judge is gone from the process - betting his ego cannot stand that.

If the judge refuses, then Maduro sits in the clink while the POW claim is adjudicated at a far higher level than his. *snerk*

Posted by: Nazdar at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (NcvvS)

202 The case is being overseen by ~~Alvin Hellerstein~~ Chamberlain Haller, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago.

Judge Haller is a graduate of Yale Law School and spent many years on the bench as Judge in Beachum County, Alabama before being nominated to the federal level.

Posted by: Count de Monet at January 05, 2026 04:35 PM (wVcYX)

203 Ok, so imagine my surprise when the intertubes informed me that we currently have an acting ambassador manning a US embassy in Cuba. I guess those contraband Havana's aren't going to smuggle themselves.

My prediction still stands. When the commies de-ass Cuba, Marco sets himself up...now that I think of it, yes, as interim governor. Maybe it even becomes a protectorate, if not outright US territory. And yes, I have been drinking....

Posted by: Joe Kidd at January 05, 2026 04:35 PM (nbLIj)

204 I notice that ads for events at the Trump-Kennedy Center on the conservative radio station in DC, WMAL, still refer to it as simply as the "Kennedy Center."

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:35 PM (77rzZ)

205 Hey Kids! Remember to update your social media flags from Ukraine ( Slava yadda yadda ) or Palestine ( Genocide yo ) to Venezuela! Do it now!
Posted by: NPC Today, Your Trusted Soure for what to believe and do...Today

[supporters of Colombia and Ecuador throw rotten cabbages at you]

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:36 PM (rbvCR)

206 197 Who are the aliens to demand we do shit?

Who are they to threaten to kill 5% of us?

Sounds like the aliens need killin'.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 05, 2026 04:34 PM (zZu0s)

=======

The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the most anti-human movies Hollywood ever made.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:36 PM (GBKbO)

207 I see the Democrats are having Menstrual Cramps again. Ask Timmy w. for some Tampons Chucky...

So much for Epstein ???? That disappeared quickly when only Democrats were in the middle of the scandal...

Posted by: Jackson at January 05, 2026 04:36 PM (5dWeS)

208 I notice that ads for events at the Trump-Kennedy Center on the conservative radio station in DC, WMAL, still refer to it as simply as the "Kennedy Center."
Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:35 PM (77rzZ)

What is it known as, generally, on Twitter?

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (rbvCR)

209 Sources reporting Israel security cabinet authorizing action against the Islamic Republic.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (RIvkX)

210 193 If you're ok with that, fine. It's been absent in the US for a long time. But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd)

Is it owning, or is it conspiring to import or sell? That would come under the same statute I think.
Maduro built a factory to make AK-103's IIRC
Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:33 PM (rbvCR)

Did he build the factory in the US while living in the US?
So is Putin liable to be convicted for owning machine guns too?
Is the President of France?

It seems so stupid. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what the charges are.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (xcxpd)

211 209 Sources reporting Israel security cabinet authorizing action against the Islamic Republic.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (RIvkX)

======

I've been assured that means that America will attack Iran, not Israel.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (GBKbO)

212 still refer to it as simply as the "Kennedy Center."
Posted by: Bulg

I wonder how RFKj thinks about that?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (cxFcK)

213 Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd

I think it was about importing them with the drugs into the US.

Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (KDPiq)

214 The condemned is found guilty of the crimes of murder, armed robbery of citizens, state banks and post offices, the theft of sacred objects, arson in a state prison, perjury, bigamy, deserting his wife and children, inciting prostitution, kidnapping, extortion, receiving stolen goods, selling stolen goods, passing counterfeit money, and, contrary to the laws of this state, the condemned is guilty of using marked cards...

Posted by: Judge Hellerstein at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (GlDYx)

215 I've read that it's not very historically accurate. And that it's got an anti-Trump undertone. Because Trump is literally Hitler, you know.
Posted by: Bulg

----

Every movie has an anti-right/Trump undertone these days. Just watched the latest Knives Out. Not a bad movie actually. Some reviews I saw claimed it poked at the Catholic church but I though on balance it portrayed the church in a good light.

But boy-oh-boy did I almost turn it off after the "failed GOP candidate" gave his soliloquy about how he had tried every form of 'ism and phobia and still couldn't get elected.

Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (1Nv0l)

216 The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the most anti-human movies Hollywood ever made.

The remake is retarded

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (YwEeS)

217 "I would do whatever an alien would tell me to do, happily, even under threat of violence."
-independent thinkers
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:30 PM (GBKbO)
---
What they don't get is that in the "analogy" there is an intelligent entity, perhaps capable of directly linking refusal to wear a mask/sunglasses to killing, so by definition the wearing of the mask/sunglasses has a defined direct connection to killing.

That doesn't make not wearing paper masks against a virus a factor to who lives and dies with the virus. Thus they are simply restating their belief that wearing or not wearing a mask.

We could also have it that a group of aliens would kill 1% of the population if you didn't wash your hands after every time you touched some surface. That doesn't make Covid-19 live on surfaces.

Before they established for sure that it couldn't live on surface, you could make the argument that the alien situation is just like Covid-19. But that doesn't make the cases analogous, it would simply rely on the current state of ignorance to prove otherwise.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (krQz2)

218 By the time the trial for Maduro happens, the Left will have already anointed him to sainthood like Albrego Garcia and Luigi Mangione.

Posted by: redridinghood at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (NpAcC)

219 It seems so stupid. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what the charges are.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:37 PM (xcxpd)

Maybe it can be used to get rid of that law, then.

Posted by: Kindltot - Ea-Nasir, Say His Name at January 05, 2026 04:39 PM (rbvCR)

220 >>> 122 Venezuela has China's most advanced air defense radar, and it completely screwed the pooch. We don't know if that's because it's built of Chinesium, or the operators just didn't turn the damn thing on. Either way, Venezuela could pay us back, at least partially, by sending the thing to us or letting us take it apart there.

Venezuela’s Pricy Chinese JY-27 Radar Fails in U.S. Maduro Capture, Turns to Scrap Metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Cvjcpmjj8
Posted by: Archimedes at January 05, 2026 04:22 PM (Riz8t)

Behold, the power of me!

Posted by: AND at January 05, 2026 04:39 PM (ULPxl)

221 What is it known as, generally, on Twitter?
Posted by: Kindltot

No idea? I'm not on X, formerly known as "Twitter,"

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:39 PM (77rzZ)

222 Klobuchar weighing run for Minnesota governor ...

From Beavis to Butthead.......

Posted by: Jackson at January 05, 2026 04:39 PM (J9q9v)

223 It definitely was
Even with jennifer connelly in it

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at January 05, 2026 04:40 PM (bXbFr)

224 167 160 Also, Hilton Hotels has Bud Lighted themselves. Cancelled reservation for ICE agents in Minneapolis. It's blowing up.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (cxFcK)

I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this

hilton has disowned them, claiming it's independently owned and operated.

Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:40 PM (oY6Yp)

225 215 Every movie has an anti-right/Trump undertone these days. Just watched the latest Knives Out. Not a bad movie actually. Some reviews I saw claimed it poked at the Catholic church but I though on balance it portrayed the church in a good light.

But boy-oh-boy did I almost turn it off after the "failed GOP candidate" gave his soliloquy about how he had tried every form of 'ism and phobia and still couldn't get elected.

Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (1Nv0l)

======

The anti-right stuff in the movie is far less prominent than in the previous movie. The black guy wannabe politician is a bit of a caricature, but it's far from the point of the film like trying to punch at Elon Musk in Glass Onion.

After the first thirty minutes, it becomes surprisingly somber and touching as a look at faith.

One could say that Benoit Blanc is a supporting character to Jack Johnson's central priest character who actually goes through an emotional arc. It's my favorite of the three.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:40 PM (GBKbO)

226 What they don't get is that in the "analogy" there is an intelligent entity, perhaps capable of directly linking refusal to wear a mask/sunglasses to killing, so by definition the wearing of the mask/sunglasses has a defined direct connection to killing.

That doesn't make not wearing paper masks against a virus a factor to who lives and dies with the virus. Thus they are simply restating their belief that wearing or not wearing a mask.

We could also have it that a group of aliens would kill 1% of the population if you didn't wash your hands after every time you touched some surface. That doesn't make Covid-19 live on surfaces.

Before they established for sure that it couldn't live on surface, you could make the argument that the alien situation is just like Covid-19. But that doesn't make the cases analogous, it would simply rely on the current state of ignorance to prove otherwise.
Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM

Shorter: The Left Can't Meme

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (jc0TO)

227 I hear tampons are very good for soaking up the butthurt, from which male Walz voters must be suffering

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (gKWVE)

228 Poor Tucker Carlson. Now that he’s got Ace on his tail, he must feel like Cary Grant running through the corn field, trying to evade the crop duster.

Posted by: Paco at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (2L+MU)

229 216 The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the most anti-human movies Hollywood ever made.

The remake is retarded

mars attacks > the day the earth stood still

*international sign of the doughnut*

Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (oY6Yp)

230 217 Before they established for sure that it couldn't live on surface, you could make the argument that the alien situation is just like Covid-19. But that doesn't make the cases analogous, it would simply rely on the current state of ignorance to prove otherwise.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (krQz2)

======

Also, the assumption that COVID killed 5% of it touched.

I went through PA's numbers a few months ago.

COVID killed something like .2% of the population in the state.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:42 PM (GBKbO)

231 He provided a list of 60 senators that were on the take. Mostly Pedocrats but 14 Repubs. Surprisingly including both Grassley and Ernst from Iowa.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly

That'll at least give a direction for the investigations into their wrong doing.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at January 05, 2026 04:42 PM (a+4eV)

232 172 So, if a head of state is indicted on charges in another country, then they can be abducted and taken to that country to stand trial?

That's an...interesting precedent.

Come on, this is just a naked exercise in power. Trump dragging his balls all over Maduro's drumset. We are flexing our Superpower status.

If you're ok with that, fine. It's been absent in the US for a long time. But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards

MAE, as a matter of US law, all of that was settled under Noriega. Also the WWII war trials, the ICC, etc. have all nullified the idea that leadership is automatically immune from crimes committed in other nations by their actions.

Long arm statutes are a little studied area of law but essentially, in some US criminal charges, you have worldwide application of US criminal charges if you violate them. The nexus is US citizens being affected, not the nationality, location, and citizenship of the person doing the crime.

The trick is that you have to be able to enforce your actions if you do it. We can. EU did with Milosevic and others in Yugo land. Etc.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:42 PM (WDjG6)

233
My prediction still stands. When the commies de-ass Cuba, Marco sets himself up...now that I think of it, yes, as interim governor. Maybe it even becomes a protectorate, if not outright US territory. And yes, I have been drinking....
Posted by: Joe Kidd at January 05, 2026 04:35 PM (nbLIj)

You're probably on to something, Rubio has plans for Cuba. Who knows what will happen.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:42 PM (xJGPn)

234 Nicolas Maduro: I'm a Prisoner of War or Something

Cool. He can go work on a farm in Kansas until the war is over.

Posted by: Oddbob at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (3nLb4)

235 160 Also, Hilton Hotels has Bud Lighted themselves. Cancelled reservation for ICE agents in Minneapolis. It's blowing up. - Blutarski

It would be hilarious if the City of Minneapolis started putting up all new Somalian immigrants in Hilton's hotels.

Posted by: Paco at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (2L+MU)

236 hilton has disowned them, claiming it's independently owned and operated.
Posted by: anachronda

While using the corporate name. Riiiiiiiight.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (c115l)

237 228 Poor Tucker Carlson. Now that he’s got Ace on his tail, he must feel like Cary Grant running through the corn field, trying to evade the crop duster.
Posted by: Paco
========
I laughed like hell over that image.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (WDjG6)

238 I say we take his house.
Posted by: wth

Congratulations on your new house in Portland. I'm sure you'll love it there

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (gKWVE)

239 236 hilton has disowned them, claiming it's independently owned and operated.
Posted by: anachronda

While using the corporate name. Riiiiiiiight.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (c115l)

======

Franchises exist.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (GBKbO)

240 It should be fun watching NYC worry about Maduro's rights and privileges. Orang Man Bad.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (pLaQB)

241 >>> 178 I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this
Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything

The names I saw all looked Indian, like a lot of Patels.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (cxFcK)

What is this "Streisand Effect" you are talking about???

Posted by: a lot of Patels at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM (ULPxl)

242 187 Right. We are inches away from needing another Nuremberg.
Posted by: Axeman

For Fauci, Birx, Pfizer, and the rest? Yes, indeed. Long overdue, in fact.

Posted by: Bulg at January 05, 2026 04:31 PM (77rzZ)

That's the funny part about this scene in Nuremberg. Malik's char is screaming about "The next fascist won't be wearing a uniform! He'll be wearing a suit!" The writer/director might as well have had a 60 foot neon sign flashing 'TRUMP! I"M TALKING ABOUT TRUMP"

Funnily, all I thought was "Yes, in a suit like Obama, Biden, Fauci....."

Posted by: Croaker at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM (+BcZI)

243 I think it was about importing them with the drugs into the US.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 04:38 PM (KDPiq)

That would make a bit more sense, we do have laws against importing/smuggling.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM (xcxpd)

244 My prediction still stands. When the commies de-ass Cuba, Marco sets himself up...now that I think of it, yes, as interim governor. Maybe it even becomes a protectorate, if not outright US territory. And yes, I have been drinking....
Posted by: Joe Kidd

I've been saying that since Saturday. He plays his cards right, when Cuba falls, he could be the new Presidente of a Free Cuba.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM (c115l)

245 224 167 160 Also, Hilton Hotels has Bud Lighted themselves. Cancelled reservation for ICE agents in Minneapolis. It's blowing up.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:27 PM (cxFcK)

I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this

hilton has disowned them, claiming it's independently owned and operated.
Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:40 PM (oY6Yp)

I wonder if Hilton can remove their franchise or punish them in some way?

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:45 PM (xJGPn)

246 Franchises exist.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Franchisees are still beholden to the parent Corporation.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (c115l)

247 mars attacks > the day the earth stood still

*international sign of the doughnut*
Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (oY6Yp)

_________________________

Damn right. I got residuals coming out my Yoholayheeehoooooooo.

Posted by: Slim Whitman at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (dIske)

248 Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)

I don't even think they know what they think.

Posted by: ... at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (E0p3T)

249 198 Christian Toto wrote a thing saying it reveals the idiocy of calling Trump Hitler.

Perhaps the beginning draws Trump comparisons, but then the newsreel footage of camps start. Can you continue the Trump comparison after that?

Toto feels like you can't.

it just underscores the importance of stopping orangemanbad while it's still possible.

Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (oY6Yp)

250 246 Franchises exist.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Franchisees are still beholden to the parent Corporation.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (c115l)

======

Yes, and it seems like the parent corporation isn't happy with the franchisee's marketing decision.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:46 PM (GBKbO)

251 I've been saying that since Saturday. He plays his cards right, when Cuba falls, he could be the new Presidente of a Free Cuba.
Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM

Governor General of the US Territory of Cuba and the Gulf of America

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:47 PM (jc0TO)

252 Hilton has about a dozen different hotel brands.

Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 04:47 PM (KDPiq)

253 So, if a head of state is indicted on charges in another country, then they can be abducted and taken to that country to stand trial?

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards
---
Nobody recognized Maduro as the rightful leader of V.

He lost an election and ignored the results. Which is where people get the term de-facto leader of V.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:47 PM (krQz2)

254 143 But...if aliens did show up and demand we wear sunglasses or they'd kill us we all would believe the aliens were up to someone malovelent right?

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:24 PM (sKqQm)

One of the most iconic movie fights ever was because one of the guys didn't want to wear sunglasses. I think the other guy was all out of bubblegum.

Posted by: tankdemon at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (/TlUl)

255 Once again, the communication process has broken down. It appears to me that you want to skip the arraignment process, go directly to trial, skip that, and get a dismissal. Well, I'm not about to revamp the entire judicial process just because you find yourself in the unique position of defending clients who say they didn't do it.

Posted by: Judge Chamberlain Haller at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (wVcYX)

256 253 Nobody recognized Maduro as the rightful leader of V.

He lost an election and ignored the results. Which is where people get the term de-facto leader of V.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:47 PM (krQz2)

======

The only thing he's actually head of is the Cartel of the Sun.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (GBKbO)

257 the fag who attacked Vance's house is a tranny
link to PostMillennial
tinyurl.com/mry44w8p

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (gKWVE)

258 Here is the meme I was discussing https://tinyurl.com/4z6jcwtm

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (sKqQm)

259 234 Nicolas Maduro: I'm a Prisoner of War or Something

Cool. He can go work on a farm in Kansas until the war is over.

are there no dignity canals needing digging?

Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (oY6Yp)

260 239 236 hilton has disowned them, claiming it's independently owned and operated.
Posted by: anachronda

While using the corporate name. Riiiiiiiight.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (c115l)

======

Franchises exist.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 05, 2026 04:43 PM (GBKbO)

Your mom is a franchise!

Posted by: Charla Tan at January 05, 2026 04:48 PM (wgcRL)

261 If aliens showed up and said "Vote for Trump or we'll kill 5% of you", what would they do?

Posted by: ... at January 05, 2026 04:49 PM (E0p3T)

262 Huh. I looked to see if Hilton was a part of that faggy Euro corp IHG, and it's not, but Holiday Inn is.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:49 PM (jc0TO)

263 That's the funny part about this scene in Nuremberg. Malik's char is screaming about "The next fascist won't be wearing a uniform! He'll be wearing a suit!"

Posted by: Croaker at January 05, 2026 04:44 PM (+BcZI)
---
"He will have a massive comb-over!! And he'll own an exclusive club down in Florida!!!"

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (krQz2)

264 MAE, as a matter of US law, all of that was settled under Noriega. Also the WWII war trials, the ICC, etc. have all nullified the idea that leadership is automatically immune from crimes committed in other nations by their actions.

Long arm statutes are a little studied area of law but essentially, in some US criminal charges, you have worldwide application of US criminal charges if you violate them. The nexus is US citizens being affected, not the nationality, location, and citizenship of the person doing the crime.

The trick is that you have to be able to enforce your actions if you do it. We can. EU did with Milosevic and others in Yugo land. Etc.
Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:42 PM (WDjG6)

I think that all just boils down to 'the victors make the rules'. We can enforce our actions, clearly. But the legality of it doesn't impress me.

It feels like a head of state should be treated differently from some cartel thug in Tijuana.

Ah well.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (xcxpd)

265 This trial is mostly for show, even though the charges are real. Maduro will be extradited to Caracas, to be put on trial by the legitimate government. He will be hanged for treason and for crimes against humanity, which could not be done in the United States.

Posted by: Suburbanbanshee at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (p2GXS)

266 Does Holiday Inn still exist?

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (pLaQB)

267 Most hotels are independent franchises. And mostly owned by Indians. Something like 85% of hotels in Texas IIRC

Posted by: brak at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (jGJov)

268 Fire Blondi

Posted by: night lifted at January 05, 2026 04:51 PM (kJmLc)

269 Maybe I'm misunderstanding what the charges are.
==
You might be underthinking it. Would it be illegal to smuggle machine guns into the country with the drugs, to put in hands of your street gangs? I am supposing thats a no no.

Posted by: Not a 92 year old federal judge but at January 05, 2026 04:51 PM (FgmQv)

270 Maduro is having a time out.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 05, 2026 04:51 PM (pLaQB)

271 If aliens showed up and said "Vote for Trump or we'll kill 5% of you", what would they do?
Posted by: ... at January 05, 2026 04:49 PM (E0p3T)
---
Figure how to make sure that as close to 5% as possible are traditionals.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:51 PM (krQz2)

272 Nobody recognized Maduro as the rightful leader of V.

He lost an election and ignored the results. Which is where people get the term de-facto leader of V.
Posted by: Axeman

Exactly. If he had been a legitimate president, I doubt we would have done what we did. And we weren't the only country that didn't recognize him as the legitimate president.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (c115l)

273 It feels like a head of state should be treated differently from some cartel thug in Tijuana.

We did this with Noriega and the Euro-niks did it with Pinochet and some of the Serbian leaders.

And this is the thing about "international law" it only holds when individual countries want it to

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (sKqQm)

274 265 This trial is mostly for show, even though the charges are real. Maduro will be extradited to Caracas, to be put on trial by the legitimate government. He will be hanged for treason and for crimes against humanity, which could not be done in the United States.
Posted by: Suburbanbanshee at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (p2GXS)

And when will they have a legitimate government?

Posted by: night lifted at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (kJmLc)

275 261 If aliens showed up and said "Vote for Trump or we'll kill 5% of you", what would they do?
Posted by: ... at January 05, 2026 04:49 PM (E0p3T)
___________________

That's an easy one. "Which 5%?" Collectivism goes out the window and individualism rules when it addresses their lives or their money.

Posted by: Slim Whitman at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (dIske)

276 207 I see the Democrats are having Menstrual Cramps again. Ask Timmy w. for some Tampons Chucky...

Nope. You need Midol for that. Which makes me wonder, did Timmeh also have Midol dispensers put into boys' bathrooms in those schools.

Posted by: nerdygirl at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (0Htd1)

277 MAE,

The machine gun indictment charges were over supplying and using automatic firearms and make them available to drug traffickers under their employ/co conspirators. Probably the weakest of the charges but NY juries are sticklers for being anti gun and even more so for machine guns.

Roughly 200-250 tons of cocaine imported by the gang before 2020. Plus a lot of other overt acts alleged like bribery of public officials, etc.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM (WDjG6)

278 It feels like a head of state should be treated differently from some cartel thug in Tijuana.

Ah well.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (xcxpd)
-----
He's not recognized as the head of state by most countries, because he's an illegitimate dictator. It would be no different if your hypothetical cartel thug declared himself President de Mexico and took up residence in whatever executive mansion they have there. That's actually, in fact, what Maduro did.

Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (3BwY8)

279 And when will they have a legitimate government?
Posted by: night lifted at January 05, 2026 04:52 PM

I assume there will be new elections, but maybe not.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (jc0TO)

280 Hello, Horde! 😊💕

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, AoSHQ's Plucky Wee One - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (SRRAx)

281 One could say that Benoit Blanc is a supporting character to Jack Johnson's central priest character who actually goes through an emotional arc.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,

Definitely.

Posted by: Don't blame the alligators at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (1Nv0l)

282 You do realize that last video is exactly what many here advocate for rioters trying to overthrow our government?

Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (vz1JI)

283 From a previous thread:
whig

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Good comments.

I hope and pray you get reduced pain and have a miracle occur and get healthy. We need people of your experience, eloquence, and erudition.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at January 05, 2026 02:44 PM (u82oZ)

I heartily endorse these sentiments. One of the pleasures of reading the comments in Ace of Spades (TM) is knowing that whig's comments are always spot on.

Posted by: Retired, thank God at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (va0Yo)

284 Hell even somnolent Joe said he wasn't legit and put a $25 million bounty on him.

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (YwEeS)

285 I assume some middle management person will be the fall guy for this
Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything

The names I saw all looked Indian, like a lot of Patels.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly

The "Patel Cartel" is a thing. There's been some...inventive approaches to financing in that community that's enabled their near-lock on the hospitality industry in many areas.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (OUMaO)

286 It feels like a head of state should be treated differently from some cartel thug in Tijuana.

Ah well.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards

Show me a head of state.
Not some gang thug.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (c115l)

287 This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

I saw liberals claiming it was OK because they were out in traffic.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (2ocoG)

288
The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the most anti-human movies Hollywood ever made.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

I like the movie but Klaatu is definitely a busybody buttinski.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (pkeXY)

289 "The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago."

WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?

Posted by: El Mariachi - Attorney at Law at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (gDhA9)

290 I think that all just boils down to 'the victors make the rules'. We can enforce our actions, clearly. But the legality of it doesn't impress me.

It feels like a head of state should be treated differently from some cartel thug in Tijuana.

Ah well.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards
======
Applies to US citizens acting abroad as well. Look up the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act sometime.

So don't piss us off and don't violate our citizens and laws regarding bringing lethal shit to kill or stupefy our citizens. Pretty low bar for most dictators to meet.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:55 PM (WDjG6)

291 Hello, Horde! 😊💕
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth

TFW, how are you doing?

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:55 PM (c115l)

292 >>> 267 Most hotels are independent franchises. And mostly owned by Indians. Something like 85% of hotels in Texas IIRC
Posted by: brak at January 05, 2026 04:50 PM (jGJov)

Yes, because the Brandon admin was handing out quarter-million dollar loans to a lot of Patels like USAID grants to Tank Abrams.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 05, 2026 04:55 PM (ULPxl)

293 You do realize that last video is exactly what many here advocate for rioters trying to overthrow our government?

Yeah, but Antifa deserves it.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 04:55 PM (2ocoG)

294 Hell even somnolent Joe said he wasn't legit and put a $25 million bounty on him.

Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (YwEeS)
---
That's right. Joe called for him to be killed.

Killed >> Captured

depending on how much torture is involved.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (krQz2)

295
He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

I saw liberals claiming it was OK because they were out in traffic.
Posted by: Ian S.

They should have looked both ways before crossing the street.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (pkeXY)

296 287 This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

I saw liberals claiming it was OK because they were out in traffic.
Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (2ocoG)

It's ExACTLY what TRUMPhiTLEr's ICE agents are doing to black and brown people! EXACTLY!!!111!1!

Posted by: If they haven't said it already they will at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (TbWk/)

297 WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?
Posted by: El Mariachi

Senior status relic hacked up by the clerk at the SD of NY. He also heard cases regarding Trump in the past and ignored so far a Scotus order to consider Trump's immunity claims in one case. That is winding its way back to Scotus.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (WDjG6)

298 Does Holiday Inn still exist?

Posted by: Pudinhead

Yep. Stayed in one during my recent post-Christmas trip to hang with family in the ATL area.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (OUMaO)

299 According to my Indian friend, the Patels are from South Africa and other colonial outposts rather than India directly. I can not vouch for this.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (jc0TO)

300 This is what Maduro did to his people in 2019.

He had opposition protesters RUN OVER by armored military vehicles.

I saw liberals claiming it was OK because they were out in traffic.
Posted by: Ian S.

So we get to do that to protesters here? Since they like playing in traffic.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (c115l)

301 Hi Teresa! ❤️

Posted by: ... at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (E0p3T)

302 >>> 284 Hell even somnolent Joe said he wasn't legit and put a $25 million bounty on him.
Posted by: steevy at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (YwEeS)

Remember when Brandon's puppeteers arrested the then-President of Ecuador?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (ULPxl)

303 Did Israel recognize Somaliland? Really? Say hello to Nueva Gaza!

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (YlWIZ)

304 But he’s anti abortion guyyyyyzzzzz.

Posted by: Tucker at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (cCSm+)

305 Bring me the head of Nicolas Maduro.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (pLaQB)

306 Yes, because the Brandon admin was handing out quarter-million dollar loans to a lot of Patels like USAID grants to Tank Abrams.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket

Also because they created their own lending institutions that lend to their own interest free, thus giving them and theirs a serious advantage getting in and keeping going in that market.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (OUMaO)

307 I saw liberals claiming it was OK because they were out in traffic.
Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (2ocoG)
---
But they still want the right to block the highways for a hissy fit.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (krQz2)

308
WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?
Posted by: El Mariachi

He's sitting. And he can't get up.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at January 05, 2026 04:58 PM (pkeXY)

309 Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 04:56 PM (jc0TO)

Razib Khan agrees with this. India (and Iran) had a diaspora because their governments were shit for so long, so those with any entrepreneurial drive and weren't inbred went abroad to places like Zanzibar and the Caribbean.

Posted by: gKWVE at January 05, 2026 04:58 PM (gKWVE)

310 Trudeau ordered his mounted police to ride down protestors as well.

As with many things on the left there opposition to "people driving over protestors" depends on whether those are left or right wing protestors.

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 04:58 PM (sKqQm)

311 282 You do realize that last video is exactly what many here advocate for rioters trying to overthrow our government?
Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (vz1JI
----
I've never seen anyone advocate for the government to use APCs to run them over. I've seen a lot of people (myself included) advocate for private citizens to run them over if necessary to escape the threat of death or great bodily harm from the lefty protesters in the road.

Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:59 PM (3BwY8)

312 You do realize that last video is exactly what many here advocate for rioters trying to overthrow our government?
Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 04:53 PM (v

Never ever heard anyone here advocate for the government to run over and kill protesters with armored vehicles.

What has been suggested is it's not wrong for individuals driving regular vehicles run over any group of protesters surrounding their car. I guess that includes out numbered law enforcement

Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 04:59 PM (KDPiq)

313 >>> 306
==
Also because they created their own lending institutions that lend to their own interest free, thus giving them and theirs a serious advantage getting in and keeping going in that market.
Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 05, 2026 04:57 PM (OUMaO)

I hadn't heard of that bit, but I'm not terribly shocked that Brandon and crew hadn't either. Wouldn't be surprised if both US and Indian taxpayers were funding at least part of it.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 05, 2026 04:59 PM (ULPxl)

314 Patels are willing to run small hotels in less than desirable locations. We used to stay at one in Bumfuck South Georgia all the time.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (jc0TO)

315 I crap bigger than Wapner.

Posted by: Judge Hellerstein, wielding the gavel like a Boss at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (4YLUI)

316 Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:59 PM (3BwY

Holy shit. Almost word for word.

Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (KDPiq)

317 Obama deposed and killed Khadafi.
No Congressional heads-up.

We're wasting time on this.

This is not what I voted for. But I can deal with it.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (krQz2)

318 Yesterday, Mamdani claimed he had been "briefed" on the action in Venezuela. What he really meant was that he turned on Fox and Friends. He has no security clearance.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM

He was briefed by his handlers on what to say in regards to the arrest of one of his mentors. No one from the federal government contacted him in anyway in regrads to the arrest of maduro.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at January 05, 2026 04:26 PM (0N4FZ)

Trump should visit him in a Darth Vader costume and tell him he better pray he don't alter deal.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (snZF9)

319 Also extra judicial extradition is a thing. Usually it does involve delta force. (Unless they are retired guys). Court doesnt really look at how the criminal got into the country. Once in country they get due process. Ask somebody who embezzeled a lot of money domesticall and tried to hid in a foreign country how they got snatched one night and wound up on a charted plane back home. Steal enough money or kill the wrong person, there are finders who snatch and return for a fee.

Posted by: Not a 92 year old federal judge but at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (FgmQv)

320 Another example - there were a group of right leaning protestors outside the MA governor's house during the summer of burning.

While the governor endorsed BLM protestors she had the ones outside her mansion arrested

Posted by: 18-1 at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (sKqQm)

321 I think that all just boils down to 'the victors make the rules'. We can enforce our actions, clearly. But the legality of it doesn't impress me.

There is no such thing as international law absent an enforcement mechanism. Since the end of WW2, the world's entire enforcement mechanism has been the US military. So in a bedrock realpolitik sense, the President of the United States *is* the law.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (2ocoG)

322 One of the pleasures of reading the comments in Ace of Spades (TM) is knowing that whig's comments are always spot on.
Posted by: Retired
=======
Shucks. Face is red now.

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (WDjG6)

323 Almost word for word.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM

I've never seen the two of you in the same room.

Posted by: toby928(c) at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (jc0TO)

324 Holy shit. Almost word for word.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (KDPiq)
----
lol nice

Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (3BwY8)

325 Why would the mayor of any city ever be briefed about military operations.

Posted by: Tucker at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (cCSm+)

326 >>> 316 Posted by: ballistic at January 05, 2026 04:59 PM (3BwY

Holy shit. Almost word for word.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 05, 2026 05:00 PM (KDPiq)

Horde Mind!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 05, 2026 05:01 PM (ULPxl)

327 He's 92. Jeez, retire already. Your country doesn't "need you" like you seem to think they do.
Posted by: Crusader at January 05, 2026 04:11 PM (TN0g+)

If you 92 and still working, you are either a) self-employed b) broke, or c) a massive narcissist who thinks the world cannot live without you.

he seems like a c category to me.

Posted by: El Mariachi - Attorney at Law at January 05, 2026 05:02 PM (gDhA9)

328 Probably the weakest of the charges but NY juries are sticklers for being anti gun and even more so for machine guns.
--
Thought:
He's convinced of all charges.
Appeals to SCOTUS.
They uphold charges all but rule the 1933 NFA is unconstitutional.

Lol

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at January 05, 2026 05:02 PM (JowbH)

329
I wonder if Hilton can remove their franchise or punish them in some way?
Posted by: CaliGirl at January 05, 2026 04:45 PM (xJGPn)

I am sure their franchise agreement has a clause to strip them of using the name under certain circumstances, how that occurs in their agreement, who knows. I have a ton of latitude with my franchise, but if I violate my franchise agreement, I would lose the branding. It would start with a bunch lawyers and letters first. They would not come down with a crane and remove my sign immediately.

Posted by: Piper at January 05, 2026 05:02 PM (/sySz)

330 Yesterday, Mamdani claimed he had been "briefed" on the action in Venezuela. What he really meant was that he turned on Fox and Friends. He has no security clearance.

He's a theatre kid, play-acting as shadow president.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (2ocoG)

331 "The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago."

WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?

Posted by: El Mariachi - Attorney at Law at January 05, 2026 04:54 PM (gDhA9)

Very likely decomposing.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (snZF9)

332 Yesterday, Mamdani claimed he had been "briefed" on the action in Venezuela.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM
---
He called Trump on Zoom, and Trump threw a pair of briefs at him.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (krQz2)

333 NOOD

a lot of Patels running a hotel are going to be famous

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (ULPxl)

334 The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced its board voted to dissolve itself after 58 years as an organization after Congress voted last year to pull federal funding allocated to NPR and PBS.

https://tinyurl.com/5ey6rphf

Posted by: redridinghood at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (NpAcC)

335 "The case is being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein, 92, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton nearly three decades ago."

WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?
---
Pining for the fjords.

Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (krQz2)

336 Eh how you say in the English the girl interviewing the Venezuelan has the nice a titties yes?

Posted by: Italian Guy at January 05, 2026 05:03 PM (cCSm+)

337 WTF is a 92-year-old guy still sitting on the bench?

They were shorting him on the tapioca at the retirement home. He'll show them.

Posted by: Oddbob at January 05, 2026 05:04 PM (3nLb4)

338 That Arynne Wexler video sorta has the look and feel of fake AI shit. But I no doubt that real Venezuelan ex-pats feel exactly as depicted.

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 05, 2026 05:05 PM (XMwZJ)

339 Nood Hiltons

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 05, 2026 05:06 PM (cxFcK)

340 Maduro, I claimed I was a POW
Noriega, I did that too.

Maduro, I told them I was a sovereign president!!
Noriega, I told them that too.

Maduro, I was elected.
Noriega, Right.

Maduro, I was totally justified in f@cking with the US by drug dealing and crap.
Noriega, Right with ya buddy.

Noriega, now, how are we going to get outta here.
Posted by: whig
----
Same thing happened to me in Parador

Posted by: Alphonse Simms at January 05, 2026 05:08 PM (XeU6L)

341 172 So, if a head of state is indicted on charges in another country, then they can be abducted and taken to that country to stand trial?

That's an...interesting precedent.

Come on, this is just a naked exercise in power. Trump dragging his balls all over Maduro's drumset. We are flexing our Superpower status.

If you're ok with that, fine. It's been absent in the US for a long time. But indicting him on machinegun ownership charges when he doesn't live in this country is looney tunes.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at January 05, 2026 04:29 PM (xcxpd)

They threw everything at him but the kitchen sink!

Posted by: Gref, using idioms we don't hear enough these days! at January 05, 2026 05:08 PM (5rh/l)

342 Prisoner of narco war, eh?

As ususal, terrorists from other countries attempt to use our democractic laws against us. Same with esslamists. They have said this out loud in the past, with no fear.

The 92yr old judge is a worry for another day. Unsure how quickly this will come to trial and if he's still around.

If found "innocent" he'll be sent back to Venezuela where maybe the free people will see justice? Big Eared wife may have more problemos than a bruised rib.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at January 05, 2026 05:10 PM (WONhk)

343 Arynne Wexler is talented.
Posted by: garrett at January 05, 2026 04:14 PM (ddphe)

Is that what you call those?

Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 05:11 PM (3h62U)

344 What if his wife throws Maduro under the bus and gets a nice house in south Florida?

Pass the popcorn.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (bEz7t)

With lots of young, Cuban cabana boys?

Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 05:21 PM (3h62U)

345 And sweater puppies.
Posted by: Axeman at January 05, 2026 04:23 PM (krQz2)

Hey, Ace! We need a "sweater puppies" cafe!

Posted by: GWB at January 05, 2026 05:22 PM (3h62U)

346 Foxnews,

"Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement, and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone."

Posted by: whig at January 05, 2026 05:29 PM (WDjG6)

347 Sweater puppies:

https://tinyurl.com/4ks57ax2

Posted by: Luv those puppies at January 05, 2026 05:30 PM (8Xy/A)

348 mars attacks > the day the earth stood still

*international sign of the doughnut*
Posted by: anachronda at January 05, 2026 04:41 PM (oY6Yp)

Mars Attacks was moch more accurate.

Posted by: Acck, ack, ack-ack-ack, aaaaacck! at January 05, 2026 05:39 PM (B84M8)

349 The machine gun charges were thrown in to bewilder and confound the anti-2ndA Democrats. Trump is the Grandmaster of Trolling.

Posted by: davidt at January 05, 2026 06:06 PM (Q+gd/)

350 Jurassic Judge kicking the bucket seems like a good way to get a mistrial.

Not a lawyer, but I have been an asshole all my life so I feel qualified to opine.

Posted by: sifty boones at January 05, 2026 06:47 PM (6k9bk)

351 Nic update

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 05, 2026 09:43 PM (VxzUB)

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