The Morning Rant: Minimalist Edition

Well this is interesting! The usual trope about how armies always seem to fight the last war seems to be on the minds of our military planners. Whether this makes strategic and tactical sense is a question that can be answered only after the next war, but the supposition that it will be against China is not one that appeared out of thin air. And the timing seems quite interesting too.

Semper Modify: Marine Corps to undergo 'radical' overhaul in pivot to take on China

The Marine Corps plans to give up its tanks, dramatically remake its artillery batteries, cut its helicopter fleet and take a host of other "radical" steps in arguably the most sweeping American military overhaul in a century -- all with the goal of preparing for a potential 21st-century conflict with China.

Tradition is a grand and glorious thing, and the United States MArine Corps has plenty of it. Holding on to their traditional roles is a fine thing, unless it gets one marine killed. So I am all for any shift that makes them a better fighting force.

But the pessimist in me sees many years of infighting and cost overruns and political manipulations that will damage the marines without improving anything.

I hope I am wrong.

Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:01 AM (Zz0t1)

2 Boom goes the dynamite.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:01 AM (Zz0t1)

3 SPONGE!!!!

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (NWiLs)

4 Congratulations Sponge, on your HISTORIC achievement !!!!

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (zr5Kq)

5 Nuke China. It's the only way to be sure.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (Zz0t1)

6 Sponge!

Posted by: It's me donna at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (5bxa0)

7 30 yrs. ago China still had horse drawn artillery...don't know if that's still the case.

Posted by: BignJames at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (X/Pw5)

8 China needs to be made a pariah state.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (NWiLs)

9 >>> FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge

WTH?
*looks to the sky for airborne swine*

Posted by: 6-4-3 Turn Two at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (NMkO+)

10 INSOM!!!!! of the gainfully employed Insomniacs.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (Zz0t1)

11 Congratulations Sponge, on your HISTORIC achievement !!!!
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (zr5Kq)

Thank ya. Thank ya very muuch.....

*insert poor Elvis impression here

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (Zz0t1)

12 30 yrs. ago China still had horse drawn artillery...don't know if that's still the case.

Until they ate them.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (CE5C/)

13 Tradition is a grand and glorious thing, and the United States MArine Corps has plenty of it. Holding on to their traditional roles is a fine thing, unless it gets one marine killed. So I am all for any shift that makes them a better fighting force.
But the pessimist in me sees many years of infighting and cost overruns and political manipulations that will damage the marines without improving anything.

I hope I am wrong.
+++++++++++
I hope you're wrong, too. I guess we'll see. One of the good things about this kind of shift is that the equipment is relatively easy to maintain with non-use. It can be mothballed very successfully. If it turns out that we needed it after all, the arsenal can be reactivated and used up while we get production going for replacements. If we had a tiny force, this would be much higher risk but thankfully we have a pretty big force and while it is still a big risk, we are probably reasonably well equipped to manage it.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (Q8c/L)

14 Does this makeover of the Marines include polyamorous transgender tolerance? Because, that's how you win wars.

Posted by: mindful webworker
radically inclined
at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (AoLFQ)

15 now, back to the content...

Posted by: IP - Still a 'ron at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (CTv2h)

16 10 INSOM!!!!! of the gainfully employed Insomniacs.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (Zz0t1)

#twoweeks! (Roughly)

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (NWiLs)

17 And yet more Chinese journalists are missing. Our presstitutes seemed not real concerned by this.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (6OMwV)

18 Fauci is a putz

Posted by: Pissed off Patriot at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (JNTt1)

19 China needs to be made a pariah state.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (NWiLs)

I don't think that will happen, but I do think that there will be a significant reset, with many countries taking a much more jaundiced view of China and its machinations.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (dLLD6)

20 18 Fauci is a putz
Posted by: Pissed off Patriot at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (JNTt1)

I would've gone with "fucking idiot," but maybe that's just me.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (NWiLs)

21 I do believe we've all seen the last large scale ground war that will happen in any of our lifetimes. Defensive, smart weapons have gotten too good, too easy to take out an attacking ground force. Wars will still happen, but they will happen differently.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (V2Yro)

22 Ya'know, if it helped the Marines out I'd be in for a surplus helo..

Posted by: IP - Still a 'ron at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (CTv2h)

23 And yet more Chinese journalists are missing. Our presstitutes seemed not real concerned by this.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (6OMwV)

China kicked our journalists out and yet they're STILL toting that Chinese own company line.

Our media is shit.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (Zz0t1)

24 *owned

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (Zz0t1)

25 Tis another sign of the alpacalypse.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (A5zUN)

26 what did Fauci say this time ??

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq)

27 ...Chinese journalists are missing. Our presstitutes seemed not real concerned...

Were they the Chinese equivalent of OANN?

Posted by: mindful webworker
radically inclined
at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (AoLFQ)

28 19 China needs to be made a pariah state.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:03 AM (NWiLs)

I don't think that will happen, but I do think that there will be a significant reset, with many countries taking a much more jaundiced view of China and its machinations.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (dLLD6)

I don't expect it either, but it's what ought to happen. My concern is that the usual cast of fuckwits will make some noises and go right back to business as usual.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (NWiLs)

29 Punk monkey, that funky monkey

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (ZCEU2)

30 I don't think that will happen, but I do think that there will be a significant reset, with many countries taking a much more jaundiced view of China and its machinations.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (dLLD6)

They SHOULD be taking a more weaponized view.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

31 I don't think that will happen, but I do think that there will be a significant reset, with many countries taking a much more jaundiced view of China and its machinations.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (dLLD6)

I hope this is correct, but I fear that manufacturing will go crawling back for cheap slave labor and that it will include medications and essentials.

Posted by: CN at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (ONvIw)

32 So are the masks being made by the MyPillow guy made from Giza Cotton?*

*this guy is a mensch, just making a joke because of the commercials.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (A5zUN)

33
No tanks for the Marines???

They're going to rely on the *ARMY* for armored support???

Most casualties will come from the jarheads dying of embarrassment.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (nw6Hr)

34 Willowed:

If I wasn't playing a miniature game I'd bored to death. Wasn't going to play another but if all month what Prussian/ Russian battle was after Gross Jagersdorf in 1757 in the 7 years war?
Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 10:43 AM (ZCEU2)
-----
Zorndorf?

My knowledge of the 7YW is rusty, and I'm too lazy to get my copy of The Encyclopedia of Military History.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:00 AM (g8Yc+)

Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (g8Yc+)

35 >>> Fauci is a putz
Posted by: Pissed off Patriot at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (JNTt1)

I would've gone with "fucking idiot," but maybe that's just me.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo

I will throw in an "And, but not limited to"

Posted by: 6-4-3 Turn Two at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (NMkO+)

36 what did Fauci say this time ??
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq)

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

37 The grey zone war is here already ... 4th generation warfare.

from the army war college ...

https://tinyurl.com/wzy8wdm

and Flynn clips from before Trump was elected ... he calls the election an insurgency, "this was irregular warfare at its finest"

https://tinyurl.com/vhvuzkb

Posted by: illiniwek at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Cus5s)

38 I can see the lessened need for tanks. The most important armor in fighting the Chinese is going to be vaccinations.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (CE5C/)

39 And yet more Chinese journalists are missing. Our presstitutes seemed not real concerned by this.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (6OMwV)
++++++++++++
They're sniveling cowards who yap like dogs - and *behave* like dogs. They're misbehaving puppies who lash out that the master that tolerates them, nipping at his heels and shitting on his rug. They have nothing to say when the master that doesn't starts killing off their brothers.

To say anything about that would require acknowledging that their master is pretty good and that there are actual risks and their favored position is a jewel of a great value, an object to be cherished. They will not do so. This is because, in addition to be sniveling and yapping cowards, they're also stupid and venal.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (Q8c/L)

40 26 what did Fauci say this time ??
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq

That we can go back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19.

Fucking idiot.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (NWiLs)

41
a much more jaundiced view of China

-----

jaundice is yellow.

*blink*

CBD is antisemitic AND racist....

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (nw6Hr)

42 One of the good things about this kind of shift is
that the equipment is relatively easy to maintain with non-use.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (Q8c/L)

Agreed, but the men to operate that equipment will have lost the skills necessary to do battle at a high level.

My father's 1st cousin was in the army in Europe in the early 1950s. Artillery...and he spent more than half his time in the field. Why? because his commanders thought that having highly skilled artillery might be a good idea if the Russians invaded.

It makes sense.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (dLLD6)

43 My brother said his beer company in Canada got a tanker truck of ethanol to make hand sanitizer

Posted by: Lord Percy etc at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (PE2bZ)

44 My brother's an infantryman and he was talking about this a couple of months ago. I'm a little torn. Marines have had tanks since World War Two and have used them well. On the other hand, the more big equipment you have, the more the temptation is to use you like the Army-- as a force of occupation, like Iraq and Afghanistan, which the Marines aren't *for*. The Corps' original mission, and still the one that I think they're best for, is to come in hard and fast, kick your teeth in and leave.

The ten-year occupation stuff is for the Army. Let them do it, or fail to do it, and bring Marines in when you need someone's nads stomped on. The British Royal Marines are basically all infantry-- the Army and Royal Navy handle all of their big-ticket items (although I grant you that the Royal Marines are more of a dedicated special force, which the USMC isn't, but hopefully that will change).

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (BAsqb)

45 This I suspect is designed to turn the Marines into basically a Commando outfit. With the lethality of an individual Marine growing the numbers required at any one point is getting smaller. We were looking at getting rid of the notion of 'steel across the beach' twenty years ago. Basically, drop the Marine infantry squads in at strategic points and have them direct artillery, naval gunfire, and air. On grunt with a radio can deliver a shit ton of hurt.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (xAWn5)

46 Dr Campbell was a bit optimistic on today's You Tube. I'd stopped watching it because he was such doom and gloom (and because he seemed to think New York is the entire US.)

Posted by: notsothoreau at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (JKNZq)

47 "Fauci is a putz"

self aggrandizing puppet of the globalists?

Posted by: illiniwek at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (Cus5s)

48 Color me skeptical regarding the logic of Marines giving up their heavy armor, artillery, rotary (and I heard some of their fixed wing air power). I was taught that the Marines wanted those assets manned by Marines because when infantry Marines needed support, they wanted Marines manning it. Once in a while they would allow us Navy guys to help...

Posted by: Archer at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (gmo/4)

49 Canada got a tanker truck of ethanol

Happened all the time in the Prohibition Era...

Posted by: IP - Still a 'ron at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (CTv2h)

50 The Marine Corps plans to give up its tanks, dramatically remake its artillery batteries, cut its helicopter fleet and take a host of other "radical" steps in arguably the most sweeping American military overhaul in a century -- all with the goal of preparing for a potential 21st-century conflict with China.

Press a buncha red buttons from deep in a mountain.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (W2taJ)

51 The thing with reorgs of this sort that have not been tested in the field is that hey are relying on assumptions that may not be true. An example is the Army's "Pentomic" divisional organization of the Fifties. It was crap.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (g8Yc+)

52 One of the good things about this kind of shift is
that the equipment is relatively easy to maintain with non-use.

You know, I wouldn't mind a tank for patrolling my fence lines...

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (CE5C/)

53 I don't think that will happen, but I do think that there will be a significant reset, with many countries taking a much more jaundiced view of China and its machinations.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:05 AM (dLLD6)

...except the French, who don't give a shit and would sell weapons to Satan.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (BAsqb)

54 Public Service Announcement:

https://youtu.be/L3tnH4FGbd0

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (Zz0t1)

55 Agreed, but the men to operate that equipment will have lost the skills necessary to do battle at a high level.

My father's 1st cousin was in the army in Europe in the early 1950s. Artillery...and he spent more than half his time in the field. Why? because his commanders thought that having highly skilled artillery might be a good idea if the Russians invaded.

It makes sense.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (dLLD6)
++++++++++++
Yes indeed, skill atrophy is a whole 'nother problem indeed.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (Q8c/L)

56 CBD is antisemitic AND racist....

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (nw6Hr)

As long as one person appreciates my humor....

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (dLLD6)

57 :cut its helicopter fleet:

So what would they use for deployment? In the article they talk about moving to more of a littoral deployment instead of any mainland deployment, giving that all to the army. But how do they get to the islands? All ship based landings or are they not counting osprey like craft as helicopters? And who takes the beach of the main land? Army or Navy? Just curious I'm sure those are just details.

Posted by: banana Dream at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (l6b3d)

58 48 Color me skeptical regarding the logic of Marines giving up their heavy armor, artillery, rotary (and I heard some of their fixed wing air power). I was taught that the Marines wanted those assets manned by Marines because when infantry Marines needed support, they wanted Marines manning it. Once in a while they would allow us Navy guys to help...
------------------
The problem is heavy armor can't be deployed with battalions. The M-1 won't fit on our ships. We have been using LAV's instead.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (xAWn5)

59

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

....

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (zr5Kq)

60 33
No tanks for the Marines???
They're going to rely on the *ARMY* for armored support???
Most casualties will come from the jarheads dying of embarrassment.
Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (nw6Hr)

LOL. But if we look at the political situation, and especially the new isolationist sentiment that will be setting in thanks to the virus, and also disgust at the way we've done things internationally for the last 50 years - I don't see America launching an invasion of anywhere for a generation or two, no matter the circumstances. Look at how many people are opposed to invading Venezuela -and rightly so - even though that would be a very easy thing to do.

We're not going to invade anyone, and as we enforce our borders, no one is going to invade us. (yeah yeah yeah illegals, we're working on that) It adds up to the fact that we only need a fraction of tanks that we have now.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (V2Yro)

61 We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

What could possibly go wrong?

Posted by: Thunderdome at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (EgshT)

62 47
"Fauci is a putz"

self aggrandizing puppet of the globalists?

Posted by: illiniwek at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (Cus5s)
he's enjoying his celebrity.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (0O7c5)

63 59

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

....
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (zr5Kq)

Like I said...fucking idiot.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (NWiLs)

64 Isn't it racist to plan for war with China?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (aKsyK)

65 #43 I don't know if all the brewers here are doing that but Labatt's has said its making hand-sanitizer now (I assume at just one brewery but I don't know if there are more).

Posted by: andycanuck at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (TQ/zJ)

66 ...except the French, who don't give a shit and would sell weapons to Satan.
Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM (BAsqb)
++++++++++
I am always fascinated by that when people talk about the Evil American Arms Dealers(tm). We sell a shit ton of weapons, almost entirely to our allies. The French sell a shit ton of weapons to any and all comers. They're mercenaries. Yet *we* take the heat from the assholes over it.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (Q8c/L)

67 CBD is antisemitic AND racist....

*****

You mean "Lacisit"?

China is Asshoe

Posted by: Sum Ting Wong at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (flINI)

68 I wonder if getting rid of the tank companies means getting rid of all the tanks, or if it means that they will use a limited number of tanks directly attached to the infantry for infantry support instead of organized for large-scale armored engagements.

Because getting rid of all the tanks would be silly. Breaking up the big formations and using small numbers directly attached to infantry who will meed them makes more sense for the kind of island-fighting they seem to envisioning.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (nBq51)

69 And yet more Chinese journalists are missing. Our presstitutes seemed not real concerned by this.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM

---

And yet they had a collective freak out that last for over a month when a foreign"journalist" was killed by his own Government and they somehow managed to blame Trump for it.

Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (JUOKG)

70 Can someone give me advice on buying face masks from Walmart or Amazon?

I have a feeling Brian Kemp is going to go crazy and require us all to wear masks to leave our homes.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (ptqGC)

71 But the pessimist in me sees many years of infighting and cost overruns and political manipulations that will damage the marines without improving anything.

I hope I am wrong.

Posted by: CBD

---

The US Navy Zumwalt Class Project Team says "hold my beer".

Posted by: Tonypete at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (Y4EXg)

72 There will be island hopping in a war with China. They are building those man made areas for a reason.

Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (JRaU+)

73 @ChadPergram 1 minute ago

Schumer to Trump: As the Coronavirus spreads rapidly into every corner of our nation and its terrible, grim toll grows more severe with each passing day, the tardiness and inadequacy of this Administration's response to the crisis becomes more painfully evident.

Schumer to Trump: America cannot rely on a patchwork of uncoordinated voluntary efforts to combat the awful magnitude of this pandemic. It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

(Insert hand gesture here)

Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)

74 Greetings:

This scares me a bit. I've been a fan of the Marine Expeditionary Units since I first came across their kind of self-contained infantry, artillery, armor, and air power capabilities. But then I'm a big fan of Punitive Expeditions as opposed to, say, Nation Building, if you get my drift.

Posted by: 11B40 at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (evgyj)

75 Starve China's supply of rare earth metals. They will have to come at us with pointed sticks.

Posted by: klaftern at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (RuIsu)

76 Willowed thought but think it deserves light
But my thoughts on experts making the decision
Ask a fire chief how to build a flame proof house and you will get a flame proof house that costs double what you need, but it will be flame proof.
Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (ZCEU2)

77 We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)
....
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (zr5Kq)

I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (V2Yro)

78 Racist like a Fox!

...

Wait, does that work here?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (A5zUN)

79 Agreed, but the men to operate that equipment will have lost the skills necessary to do battle at a high level.

I know there are fiefdoms, but could you not just transfer all involved to the Army?

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (CE5C/)

80 We sell a shit ton of weapons, almost entirely to our allies.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (Q8c/L)

We also sold M1s to Saudi. But besides that, yeah, agreed.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (BAsqb)

81 It adds up to the fact that we only need a fraction of tanks that we have now.

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

He who holds the most nukes wins the game.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (sX1BW)

82 The M-1 won't fit on our ships. We have been using LAV's instead.

How do you suppose M1's were deployed to Saudi?

Posted by: Archer at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (gmo/4)

83 I refuse to be willowed......

510 "Maybe that's the plan. We never return to normal."

That's it. I said it weeks ago. The deep state has us by the balls.
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at April 02, 2020 10:48 AM (H8QX

THAT'S IT!!! TRUMP WAS NEVER IN THE LEVEL! HE'S JUST A STALKING HORSE! HE'S GONNA PRETEND TO BE CONSERVATIVE AND THEN BAM!!!! HE'S GONNA GO FULL LEFTIST AND HAND THE COUNTRY OVER TO THE GLOBALISTS!!!!!!!! WHY DIDN'T WE LISTEN SOONER?? WE ARE DOOMED!!! GAME OVER!!! COUNTRY IS FINISHED!!! NEVER COMING BACK FROM THIS!!! GOOD BYE AMERICA!!!!!

Now that we've got that horse shit out of the way.... Could people just stop with the DOOOOOM!!! This is a bump in the road and it is actually causing some good things to happen. When it's over this country will be stronger. More people are praying. More people are seeing China as an adversary. More people are realizing how dishonest the media is and how corrupt the democrats are. People are noticing that their kids aren't getting a good education even when they are in school. Families are going for walks, engaging with neighbors again. People are finally seeing what is important again. The country will be stronger for all that.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (myjNJ)

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (myjNJ)

84 78 Racist like a Fox!

What is, song title scrapped by Duran Duran?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (NWiLs)

85 I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.

Tom, sadly, this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.

Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (j9HX3)

86 If anything, the Marines need to revisit the whole tradition -- which has been abandoned -- of knowing their enemy.

Especially with regard to Islam.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (ZQEWK)

87 We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)
....
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (zr5Kq)

I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.
Posted by: Tom Servo

Hell, Jim Brady died of a gunshot 33 years after he was shot.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (W2taJ)

88 I would not read to much into that article. I am sure the real deal is a lot more nuanced. Look, we are not going to be landing any any contested Beaches in China like we did at Oki and Iwo...Just not going to happen. And I am sure also, the Marines are not giving up their armor and especially their helos. But remember Adapt or Die

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (nRk/c)

89 Agreed, but the men to operate that equipment will have lost the skills necessary to do battle at a high level.

My father's 1st cousin was in the army in Europe in the early 1950s.
Artillery...and he spent more than half his time in the field. Why?
because his commanders thought that having highly skilled artillery
might be a good idea if the Russians invaded.

It makes sense.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (dLLD6)

++++++++++++

Yes indeed, skill atrophy is a whole 'nother problem indeed.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:10 AM

---

And that's why I had to bring back 60-70 year old retired Gunner's Mates when they reactivated the Battleships back in the 80s.

No one knew how to use those 16 inch guns even though they had hundreds of thousands of rounds in storage for them.

Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (JUOKG)

90 Ask a fire chief how to build a flame proof house and you will get a flame proof house that costs double what you need, but it will be flame proof.
Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (ZCEU2)

Concrete bunker with stainless steel furniture.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (V2Yro)

91 Isn't it racist to plan for war with China?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (aKsyK)

As long as we don't take out all of Asia, we're good.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (Zz0t1)

92 I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.
Posted by: Tom Servo

That would be committing journalism in a time of war, Mr. Servo.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (CE5C/)

93 We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)
....
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:11 AM (zr5Kq)

I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.

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

I don't think he meant it literally. But he did mean it figuratively.

And it is a recipe for staying locked down for a long time.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (sX1BW)

94 Long after the restructuring, the walls of USMC headquarters will be covered with photos of tanks...

...for the memories.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (m45I2)

95 21 I do believe we've all seen the last large scale ground war that will happen in any of our lifetimes. Defensive, smart weapons have gotten too good, too easy to take out an attacking ground force. Wars will still happen, but they will happen differently.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (V2Yro)

Trump started Space Force. Now, we probably need to create a Cyber Force.

My big worry about that one is that I'm not confident about our country's ability to keep those cybertools secure. I recall the NSA hack, which released a lot of our government cyber into the Dark Web.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (iuFgi)

96 84 78 Racist like a Fox!

What is, song title scrapped by Duran Duran?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (NWiLs)

More 'Horny like the Wolf!'

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (A5zUN)

97 Does this makeover of the Marines include polyamorous transgender tolerance? Because, that's how you win wars.

Posted by: mindful webworker
radically inclined
at April 02, 2020 11:04 AM (AoLFQ)

Don't worry, the current guy in charge of the Marines is already on that.

Posted by: WOPR at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (oSAHh)

98 Schumer to Trump: America cannot rely on a patchwork of uncoordinated voluntary efforts to combat the awful magnitude of this pandemic. It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

(Insert hand gesture here)
Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)
++++++++++++
So, to be clear, Schumer is now calling for the president to suspend posse comitatus and take over as a centralized dictator under martial law, to whom all other government agencies- federal, state and local - are subordinated? Do I have that right?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (Q8c/L)

99 Tom, sadly, this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.
Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE!

Want in one hand, shit in the other. See which fills up first.

You will see people flat out ignore the government at a certain point. Probably when the food stops.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (W2taJ)

100 68 I wonder if getting rid of the tank companies means getting rid of all the tanks, or if it means that they will use a limited number of tanks directly attached to the infantry for infantry support instead of organized for large-scale armored engagements.

Because getting rid of all the tanks would be silly. Breaking up the big formations and using small numbers directly attached to infantry who will meed them makes more sense for the kind of island-fighting they seem to envisioning.
--------------------
Other than Russia and China, who has meaningful armor forces that we are likely to face? Marines are a littoral asset. Our tanks are the Navy Guns and Aircraft. By losing the tanks the amount space freed up on Propositioned Shipping is massive. I think the development of Drones has had a big impact on this decision.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (xAWn5)

101 but it should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years after it first showed up.

That's "N1H1", buddy. Get it right or don't... do the thing.

Posted by: Joey "where the hell am I?" Biden at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (41peC)

102 China would need to win their war before they run out of fuel.

Posted by: torabora at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (Y274z)

103 (Insert hand gesture here)
Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)

"Very well; if you say so. Allow me to introduce the head of the military coronavirus effort. I've asked him to come out of retirement for this effort, and I swore him back in personally, this morning. Ladies and gentlemen-- General Michael Flynn."

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (BAsqb)

104 No tanks for the Marines???

They're going to rely on the *ARMY* for armored support???

Most casualties will come from the jarheads dying of embarrassment.
Posted by: fixerupper

They are supposed to be an elite, amphibious assault force.

A modern Main Battle Tank is pretty heavy, and really gets in the way of being an amphibious assault force.
It also needs a lot of logistics to keep it running.
Fuel, ammo, etc.
They are probably still hanging on to their LAVs and maybe forming Stryker platoons.

There are a lot of team carried weapons that can kill modern battle tanks, if they don't encounter too many at once. The Marines will probably look at those mounted on some light vehicle.
They are afraid of getting too "heavy" and losing their Amphibious agility.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (vcOmj)

105 Too bad we don't have kinetic orbital weapons. A couple of rods from God on Beijing would send a message.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (NWiLs)

106 Fauci has short man disease hence the overcompensating. I thought height envy diminished with age and wisdom. Guess not.

Posted by: Girl from the South at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (kXbny)

107 I do believe we've all seen the last large scale ground war that will happen in any of our lifetimes. Defensive, smart weapons have gotten too good, too easy to take out an attacking ground force. Wars will still happen, but they will happen differently.

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

Perhaps. Calvary and Infantry has been around a long time. Just in slightly different forms.

I have my doubts that they will go away entirely.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (sX1BW)

108 Tom, sadly, this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.
Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (j9HX3)

and that backs into something we've been talking about in recent days - listen to the Advice of Experts, but never allow them to make the actual decisions. They're not capable.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (V2Yro)

109 Schumer to Trump: America cannot rely on a patchwork of uncoordinated voluntary efforts to combat the awful magnitude of this pandemic. It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

(Insert hand gesture here)
Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)
++++++++++++
So, to be clear, Schumer is now calling for the president to suspend posse comitatus and take over as a centralized dictator under martial law, to whom all other government agencies- federal, state and local - are subordinated? Do I have that right?
Posted by: Joe Mannix

Fucking A right! Arrest and start executing Dems as Enemies of America.

Pinochet! Pinochet! Pinochet! Pinochet!

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (W2taJ)

110
More 'Horny like the Wolf!'
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:16 AM (A5zUN)

I really didn't need to know that Wolf Blitzer is horny.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (Zz0t1)

111 Over 100?

Did MisHum ever make an appearance since the ONT?

Posted by: Taqiyyologist at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (ZQEWK)

112 I suspect that was sarcasm (who knows?) but it
should be pointed out that victims are still dying of H1N1, 10 years
after it first showed up.

Tom, sadly, this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be
when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.

Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM

---

Then the lock down will never end because people will still be dying of this virus 10 years from now.

While I didn't see the interview I suspect that is not what he said or intended to say.

Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (JUOKG)

113 I do believe we've all seen the last large scale
ground war that will happen in any of our lifetimes. Defensive, smart
weapons have gotten too good, too easy to take out an attacking ground
force. Wars will still happen, but they will happen differently.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (V2Yro)

Electronic jamming and EMP weapons are going to return us to a pre-50's mode of warfare.

Posted by: WOPR at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (oSAHh)

114 and that backs into something we've been talking about in recent days - listen to the Advice of Experts, but never allow them to make the actual decisions. They're not capable.

especially not Fauci

guy is a political animal

Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (j9HX3)

115 26 what did Fauci say this time ??
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq

That we can go back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19.

Fucking idiot.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (NWiLs)

He's not wrong. Do you guys honestly think that this entire situation isn't going to change individuals and especially business's ways of operating from here on out?
Trump isn't going to wave a magic wand a the end of the month and suddenly every business, every storefront and every manufacturer is going to be open.
We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years. Health care, density of businesses, etc. are going to change their modes of operation, they will be forced to if not by the government than at least by insurers and state licensing agencies. "Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become "normal".

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (hhYtz)

116 H1N1? You crafty sonofagun, you sunk my battleship!

Posted by: Joe Biden at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (NWiLs)

117 The country will be stronger for all that.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at April 02, 2020 11:09 AM (myjNJ)
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at April 02, 2020 11:14 AM (myjNJ)

Sooooooo are you single?

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (BAsqb)

118 The Marines are going to capture the enemy tanks and use them against the enemy.

Adapt, Improvise, and overcome.

Does Trump know about this schiff?

Posted by: torabora at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (Y274z)

119 Why would the Corps get rid of its tanks? How does that help with a pivot to China? Help me out here.

Posted by: joncelli, providing the traditional responses at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (1FhAQ)

120 Families are going for walks, engaging with neighbors again.

Please to INFORM us of zee LOCATIONS of zee Violators?

Posted by: The People's Neighborhood Compliance Force at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (W4zWD)

121 Jesus H... fucking Daily Mail looks more and more like Drudge.

Posted by: Jewells45 at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (dUJdY)

122 You know what would be less expensive than reformulating an entire branch of the armed forces?

Socially, economically and culturally distancing ourselves from our main global enemy.

Pass laws that forbid critical infrastructure and industry from manufacturing or dealing with China.

But why do things the easy and cheap way when we can spend money we don't have.

To fight and enemy we can easily defeat without firing a shot.

Posted by: Digging Deeper at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (FVrDO)

123 Electronic jamming and EMP weapons are going to return us to a pre-50's mode of warfare.
Posted by: WOPR at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (oSAHh)

If that's the case, then we should probably all start to learn to prep.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (iuFgi)

124

I thought the next war was supposed to be fought on the internet with iPhones?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (aKsyK)

125 Did the purpose of the Marines change? Amphibious Assault. Are tanks and helicopters obsolete?

Posted by: JAS at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (2BZBZ)

126 Schumer to Trump: America cannot rely on a patchwork of uncoordinated voluntary efforts to combat the awful magnitude of this pandemic. It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

For once I agree with Schumer, but he should be careful of what he asks for. I am pretty sure my idea of what the military should do is quite a bit different than his. Mine involves arrest of traitors, and the liberal application of guns, bullets and walls.

Posted by: moon_over_vermont at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (1dJNh)

127 what did Fauci say this time ??
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq)

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.
Posted by: Sponge - China

___________________

That will basically be the end of American capitalism.

We really can't be letting doctors make these public policy decisions.

Trump is going to need to decide if it's worth a 30% plus unemployment and a vastly reshaped America so a few more elderly people can get a few more months of life in their nursing home.

Posted by: Blago at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (sjTfF)

128 It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

(Insert hand gesture here)
Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)

He's calling for martial law?

For God's sake, WHY?!!?

Fuck you, Schumer. You should go walking around NYC for a while, licking everything you can.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (Zz0t1)

129 As some of you know-having heard this before-my local denominational leaders wanted me to rank myself as a "non anxious presence/leader" on a scale from 1 to 5 (five being the highest number). I refrained from making snarky replies.

Mayor De Blasio gets my vote as a one on the non anxious presence scale. Worst Mayor ever-or as long I can recall them.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (WI7YS)

130 Willowed: Can we get a full blog entry on war with China? I love reading about that. I think that this chinese virus is absolutely an act of war directly inflicted by china because they know that another 4 years of Trump will tear their country apart. Humanity could do nothing more to ensure a peaceful and free future than to destroy CHina yesterday.

Ask and ye shall receive!!

Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (67sg6)

131 Trump started Space Force. Now, we probably need to create a Cyber Force.

My big worry about that one is that I'm not confident about our country's ability to keep those cybertools secure. I recall the NSA hack, which released a lot of our government cyber into the Dark Web.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at April 02, 2020 11:15 AM (iuFgi)
++++++++++++++
United States Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) isn't its own service, but it is a full-fledged command (as of 2018, I think) comprised of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (Q8c/L)

132 I read this book a few years ago and it seemed pertinent at the time, now even more so.

https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Dragon-Jack-Ryan-Novel/dp/0425180964

Posted by: Pissed off Patriot at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (JNTt1)

133 >>> I have a feeling Brian Kemp is going to go crazy and require us all to wear masks to leave our homes.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM

I've been out walking with my family at noon every day. I can't figure if this will be verboten after his orders come down Friday. I felt like crap, cooped up at home before we started walking. Exercise is damn well necessary and should be excluded.

Posted by: banana Dream at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (l6b3d)

134 Our Marines are the only fighting force in the world that learned their tactics fighting American Natives. This gave them skills unseen by the Germans and others. Europe in the modern era never had to fight a guy standing on the back of a galloping horse shooting arrows at your ass.

Posted by: Mog Smash at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (CgFRV)

135
We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

Excellent. "I am going to stop people from dying"

The Anakin Skywalker Plan.

Should turn out great.

Posted by: The People's Neighborhood Compliance Force at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM (W4zWD)

136 so a few more elderly people can get a few more months of life in their nursing home.

and during those months, they will be all alone

with no visitors

terrified

Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM (j9HX3)

137 Jed Eckert:
Well, who *is* on our side?

Col. Andy Tanner:
Six hundred million screamin' Chinamen.

Darryl Bates:
Well, last I heard, there were a billion screamin' Chinamen.

Col. Andy Tanner:
There were.

Posted by: Mr Wolf at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM (YkEgi)

138 "Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become "normal".
Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (hhYtz)
************
Normal is me not paying any income taxes. Damn that OrangeManBad. I'm not done with him.

Posted by: Pelosi at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM (Y274z)

139 The impact Depends on the battlefield. I think the only person who would applaud the use of tanks in AFG would be a tanker.

The slightly disconcerting part is the downsizing of tube artillery. That's crucial to many movements and I've seen way too much to buy in that someone else will do that job for the dogs.

Posted by: Hesco Gypsy, staring from 457 meters at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM (wElh/)

140 Perhaps. Calvary and Infantry has been around a long time. Just in slightly different forms.
I have my doubts that they will go away entirely.
Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (sX1BW)

Historically it's fascinating how styles of warfare ebb and flow. The Romans, while building their empire, regularly put armies of over 100,000 men in the field, all trained and well armed. After Rome fell, it took about 1200 years for any European armies to get close to equaling that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (V2Yro)

141 @GMunoz1996 17 minutes ago

Pelosi announced that she's formed a bipartisan oversight committee to ensure the funds allocated by Congress are used properly: House Select Committee on the Coronavirus

Here we go.....BUT could produce another 10 point bump up for Trump. So you do you, Nancy....

Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (cF8AT)

142 Fauci, you arrogant bastard you've killed us.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (pw+jk)

143 He's not wrong. Do you guys honestly think that this entire situation isn't going to change individuals and especially business's ways of operating from here on out?
Trump isn't going to wave a magic wand a the end of the month and suddenly every business, every storefront and every manufacturer is going to be open.
We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years. Health care, density of businesses, etc. are going to change their modes of operation, they will be forced to if not by the government than at least by insurers and state licensing agencies. "Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become "normal".

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

He is wrong. And he has been wrong.

Of course the new normal will be different from the old normal. It will take years to sort out.

Normalcy to me is when American is able to make these decisions on its own as best to handle this.

Let us get back to work. That does not mean every store, business & restaurant will open back up like it was Feb 1.

And no one with a brain believes that.

It just means we are free to conduct our lives.

Like American citizens.

Life liberty and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (sX1BW)

144 Schumer is devious; He wants Trump to name a military leader so then he can turn around and call Trump a totalitarian tyrant. I think Trump having known Schumer a long time-since he's from NYC Trump knows what Schumer's motives are.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (WI7YS)

145
Electronic jamming and EMP weapons are going to return us to a pre-50's mode of warfare.
Posted by: WOPR at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (oSAHh)

So, you're saying we're all going to be Stan Marsh dying for internet porn?

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (Zz0t1)

146 There are a lot of team carried weapons that can kill modern battle tanks, if they don't encounter too many at once. The Marines will probably look at those mounted on some light vehicle.
They are afraid of getting too "heavy" and losing their Amphibious agility.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (vcOmj)

Javelins. Lots cheaper and smaller and lighter than any of the vehicles it can kill.

The Egyptians used man portable missiles in (IIRC) 1973. They bought thousands of suitcase AT-2 Saggers from the Russians. They'd give one to each man, and when they encountered Israeli armor they'd all line up, set up their little missiles and let fly. They were terrible and inaccurate but when you've got 100 of them on line you're going to hit stuff by the law of averages if nothing else. Javelin is much much better.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (BAsqb)

147
Because getting rid of all the tanks would be silly.

------

Yeah. Im old enough to remember when the Air Force said they dont need guns on fighter air frames any more....

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (nw6Hr)

148 Other than Russia and China, who has meaningful armor forces that we are likely to face? Marines are a littoral asset. Our tanks are the Navy Guns and Aircraft. By losing the tanks the amount space freed up on Propositioned Shipping is massive. I think the development of Drones has had a big impact on this decision.

Not sure if you are agreeing with me or not. I was thinking that the tanks would be a lot likely to be needed for attacking enemy bunkers and other fortified positions than destroying other tanks. Hence, no need for large formations, but a continuing need for small numbers working to support the infantry.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (nBq51)

149 and that backs into something we've been talking
about in recent days - listen to the Advice of Experts, but never allow
them to make the actual decisions. They're not capable.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:17 AM (V2Yro)
As some French politician said after the disastrous first couple years of WWI, "War is too important to be left to the generals." Experts focus in one area and don't care about all of the factors that need to be balanced.

Posted by: WOPR at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (oSAHh)

150 If you eat Chinese virus two minute later you hungry again.

Posted by: torabora at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (Y274z)

151 82 The M-1 won't fit on our ships. We have been using LAV's instead.

How do you suppose M1's were deployed to Saudi?
-----------------------
Prepositioned Shipping - Warehouses that float. Its very expensive. Then the rest comes via commercial follow on. M-1s can't be carried by our Amphibs. Their too heavy for the decks. At best you can load them on a LCU and carry them in the well deck but we are talking 1 tank per LCU and they are always in wave one.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (xAWn5)

152 You forgot the coffee being tossed into the fire.

Nyah

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 02, 2020 11:23 AM (Ayfzc)

153 I think Trump having known Schumer a long time-since he's from NYC Trump knows what Schumer's motives are.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (WI7YS)

Schumer is stupid. Trump is not.

Schumer is devious, cunning and evil, sure. But, with all that, he's no match for Trump.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:23 AM (Zz0t1)

154 121 Jesus H... fucking Daily Mail looks more and more like Drudge.
Posted by: Jewells45 at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (dUJdY)

More boobs than Drudge, at least.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:23 AM (A5zUN)

155 this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.

Is he the President, is he allowed to consider all factors? No, it would be irresponsible of him to weigh everything. He's not qualified.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:23 AM (nIvDu)

156 I thought the next war was supposed to be fought on the internet with iPhones?

---

Or with a computer simulation so that government projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general population without the messiness of actual shooting.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (kOpft)

157
It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

Colin Powell to the rescue!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (aKsyK)

158 Starve China's supply of rare earth metals. They will have to come at us with pointed sticks.
Posted by: klaftern
.......

Too bad China is the biggest producer and EXPORTER of rare earth elements. We depend on THEM.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (CjFDo)

159 Normalcy to me is when American is able to make these decisions on its own as best to handle this.

that's normalcy to me too SH
and I am a germaphobe with OCD tendencies

I will be masking up and my fam will too

we will be cleaning and decontaming all on our own

and getting lots of SUNSHINE and FRESH AIR

b/c not everywhere is cool with people and families even TAKING WALKS during our lockdown in PA

it's pretty awful

Posted by: THE_BlackOrchid_STATE! at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (j9HX3)

160 It would be nice if we were on Russia's side when they launched a strike on China. Perhaps we can get with the regional powers on a colonization program after we take out the CCP.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (DY3v8)

161 That we can go back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19.

Fucking idiot.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo

This remark is designed to set up a controversy regarding Trump declaring "all clear, get back to your normal lives".

We'll never be free of carrying Corona type viruses. The original SARS was a corona virus.
Most of the so-called tests being administered look for fragments of RNA from "a" Corona virus. A lot of people are walking around with that.
Fauci knows he is talking BS, and is setting up a confrontation with Trump. They have probably had a lot of private conversations about this, and Trump wants things to open up and get back to normal.
This is all pretty stupid, and a growing number of people think the "lockdown" is all a head fake.

People are being denied basic civil liberties regarding this stupid virus shenanigans.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (vcOmj)

162
We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years.

------

pssssst

..... we go through worse ones EVERY year.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (nw6Hr)

163 That's what Drudge needs- Page 3 girls.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (nIvDu)

164 128 It is long past the time for your Administration to designate a senior military officer to fix this urgent problem.

(Insert hand gesture here)
Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:13 AM (cF8AT)

He's calling for martial law?

For God's sake, WHY?!!?

Fuck you, Schumer. You should go walking around NYC for a while, licking everything you can.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:20 AM (Zz0t1)

Schumer is in election mode. His permanent state of mind.
Trump has the head of FEMA, Pence, and some additional guy whose name I don't remember all as "point people". Schumer is one of the biggest assholes to ever come out of New York . He is unethical, dishonest, and should be ignored as much as possible.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (hhYtz)

165 Seem to remember an old expression "china marine".
Didnt lon chaney sr star in a silent film of that title?

Posted by: getting the banned back together gomer at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (xiubo)

166 Keep the tanks and training. Tankers can become grunts if the need arises.

This where we always get into trouble when a new conflict happens. The shitweasels in the puzzle palace think they always know what the next war will be like. It never what they predict.

Keep all the skills trained. Give the troops equipment that is simple to use and maintain and easy to repair. Cross train all to be infantry.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (Fs5vw)

167 Or with a computer simulation so that government projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general population without the messiness of actual shooting.
Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (kOpft)

Report to the casualty booth, citizen!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (A5zUN)

168 LCACs are how the Devil Dogs go ashore and they can haul Abrams

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Ayfzc)

169 Our Marines are the only fighting force in the world that learned their tactics fighting American Natives. This gave them skills unseen by the Germans and others. Europe in the modern era never had to fight a guy standing on the back of a galloping horse shooting arrows at your ass.
Posted by: Mog Smash

Pro tip: SHOOT THE BIG FUCKING HORSE

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (W2taJ)

170 All you people mongering for a China war understand that the battlefield plans for Russia invading Europe back in the day always had a tactical nuclear response right? Every scenario. Facing armies of millions, even true drones like the yellow peril will require the same. This is full on "do you want to play a game" territory.

Posted by: rammajamma at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (SwWMX)

171 He's not wrong. Do you guys honestly think that this
entire situation isn't going to change individuals and especially
business's ways of operating from here on out?

Trump isn't going to wave a magic wand a the end of the month and
suddenly every business, every storefront and every manufacturer is
going to be open.

We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen
years. Health care, density of businesses, etc. are going to change
their modes of operation, they will be forced to if not by the
government than at least by insurers and state licensing agencies.
"Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become
"normal".

Posted by: Jen the original

Agree, but another things that's changing, and in a good way, is the speed with which we can respond to a virus and mitigate / eliminate it with new vaccines, antibodies, etc. Viruses are eventually going to be slower than we are. IOW:

We be fast
And they be slow

Posted by: pep at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (T6t7i)

172 For once I agree with Schumer, but he should be careful of what he asks for. I am pretty sure my idea of what the military should do is quite a bit different than his. Mine involves arrest of traitors, and the liberal application of guns, bullets and walls.
Posted by: moon_over_vermont at April 02, 2020 11:19 AM (1dJNh)

Sounds like Schumer is calling for Trump to place the entire country under Martial Law. (Military officers???) Once again, endlessly amazing how they accuse Trump of wanting to be a Dictator, and then they get mad at him for not being a Dictator.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (V2Yro)

173 Let me tell you how mind bendingly stupid this current crop of "leadership" is in the Corps.

Right now, a major problem the US military is wargaming and trying to get a handle on is the plethora of fortified underground tunnel and bunker complexes that China uses as defense installations and that exist under every Chinese city of any size.

The US Army is trying to figure out how to get the assault demolitions expertise down to the rifle company level without ruining the engineers.

These idiots in the Corps? Ending the 0351 MOS which is demolitions assaultmen, a section worth, per rifle company. Get rid of the assaultmen because they weren't all that useful against a scruffy bunch of inbred jihadiscum. And reinvent some kind of MOS that can use demolitions to force entry into bunker complexes and fortified tunnel networks, like... you know... those useless assaultmen did.

And, the USMC was *never* just an amphibious assault force. Ever. The USMC was given that job *after* WW2 because it was the USMC that did the work to ensure we *could* during WW2. The USMC morphed from a colonial infantry outfit to a shock assault outfit. That's why our squads are bigger. The 1/3 more manpower per rifle squad allows the absorption of casualties while maintaining capability.

Posted by: Hereogar at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (eQ0LF)

174 Once the Marines secure the beachhead, it's the fucking Army's job to go inland.

Posted by: JAS at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (2BZBZ)

175 have you read p w singer's ghost fleet, that reasonably represents what will happen, written in 2014.

Posted by: gaius martius at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (hMlTh)

176
Too bad China is the biggest producer and EXPORTER of rare earth elements. We depend on THEM.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (CjFDo)

I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

I mean, the same was true about OIL and the middle east a decade or 2 ago.....

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Zz0t1)

177 Did MisHum ever make an appearance since the ONT?

Posted by: Taqiyyologist at April 02, 2020 11:18 AM (ZQEWK)

Nope.

But his new nic is going to be "Miss Hum." Something about gender reassignment surgery....

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (dLLD6)

178 Or with a computer simulation so that government projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general population without the messiness of actual shooting.
Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (kOpft)

----

That was a Star Trek TOS episode.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (nw6Hr)

179 what did Fauci say this time ??

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq)

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

Posted by: Sponge - China

There is great danger in letting a SME set policy. That singular goal will be met at the expense of ending life as we know it.

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (q1Pj5)

180 My Uncle would tell stories of Ill trained, under equipped chinamen doing useless charges in Korea. He said it was awful... A Turkey shoot is how he described it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (flINI)

181 The slightly disconcerting part is the
downsizing of tube artillery. That's crucial to many movements and I've
seen way too much to buy in that someone else will do that job for the
dogs.

Posted by: Hesco Gypsy, staring from 457 meters at April 02, 2020 11:21 AM

---

They are switching to MLRS. Way more effective than tube artillery and cheaper and more flexible.

Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (JUOKG)

182 We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years.

------

pssssst

..... we go through worse ones EVERY year.
Posted by: fixerupper

Psssst. Those 80,000 dead don't count.
Only the 2500 from bat flu do.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:27 AM (W2taJ)

183 All you people mongering for a China war understand that the battlefield plans for Russia invading Europe back in the day always had a tactical nuclear response right? Every scenario. Facing armies of millions, even true drones like the yellow peril will require the same. This is full on "do you want to play a game" territory.

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

I'm not mongering for war with China.

China declared war on us.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:27 AM (sX1BW)

184 That's what Drudge needs- Page 3 girls.
Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (nIvDu)

Drudge needs a Chinese virus.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:27 AM (Zz0t1)

185 We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years. Health care, density of businesses, etc. are going to change their modes of operation, they will be forced to if not by the government than at least by insurers and state licensing agencies. "Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become "normal".
Posted by: Jen the original

I actually agree with you completely; best I can figure, from reading business execs who are quietly discussing this (too explosive for anyone to discuss publicly yet) is that it's going to take the US economy 5 - 8 years to get close to a full recovery. What happens in the rest of the world, who knows. And yes, a lot of businesses, and even whole industries, will disapear completely.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (V2Yro)

186 Or with a computer simulation so that government projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general population without the messiness of actual shooting.
=====

Sounds like a good plan.

Posted by: Anan 7 at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (NoQz+)

187 he footnoted all of the technical details, strategies in the back of the book,

Posted by: gaius martius at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (hMlTh)

188 I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

I mean, the same was true about OIL and the middle east a decade or 2 ago.....
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Zz0t1)

IIRC, wasn't there something with the Clintons...no that was low sulfur coal, wasn't it? Designating where it was found a national park.

I also seem to recall that our rare earth mining was shut down.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (A5zUN)

189 space force will have to deal with China satellite killers ... and the drones might be made almost "self aware" ... at least able to choose a target even if they are jammed (terrain maps, or tiny drones with facial recognition, etc.)

But the infiltration war we know the Soviets have done for 70+ years is also done by China, perhaps also for 70+ years, but in different ways. We win or lose the future in the current PC and globalism fronts. Those are half DeepState, by China/Russia also in the game. imo

Posted by: illiniwek at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (Cus5s)

190 Our Marines are the only fighting force in the world that learned their tactics fighting American Natives. This gave them skills unseen by the Germans and others. Europe in the modern era never had to fight a guy standing on the back of a galloping horse shooting arrows at your ass.

I don't believe that the marines ever faced Amerindians, and if they did ever, by some happenstance, fight Indians, it was not the Plains Indians of whom you are thinking but rather something like canoe-borne armored NW Coastal Indians.

Also, the Cossacks and the Turks used mounted archers up through the 17th century.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (nBq51)

191 My Uncle would tell stories of Ill trained, under equipped chinamen doing useless charges in Korea. He said it was awful... A Turkey shoot is how he described it.
Posted by: Truck Monkey

Failing to see the issue.

At some point, someone will figure out that turning on your leaders MIGHT give you a chance to live, but the way forward is certain death.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (W2taJ)

192 Most rare earth metals are demanded by fucking Greenie battery freaks. If you aren't trying run a fucking battery driven car the demand for rare earth metals falls surreptitiously. Green Energy is what caused the run up on these elements.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (xAWn5)

193 Do you guys honestly think that this entire situation isn't going to
change individuals and especially business's ways of operating from here
on out?

Trump isn't going to wave a magic wand a the end of the month and
suddenly every business, every storefront and every manufacturer is
going to be open.

---

There are currently *no* businesses in America shut due to disease concerns.

They are closed because the thugs in government ordered them closed.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (kOpft)

194 In case anyone is interested, @ComfortablySmug is tearing the media-Dem complex a new one on their claims that Trump's early handling of the crisis was unconscionable. Worth a read.

I guess they don't realize the internet is a thing and that it's easy enough to see what they said in the past.

He also retweeted another guy who focused on their fear mongering about hydroxychloroquine.

I thought I couldn't be more disgusted with the media during Kavanaugh, and then Russiagate/Ukrainegate/shampeachment, but they have really outdone themselves.

And they will probably get people killed - fellow TDS sufferers who refuse treatment with hydroxychloroquine because OrangeManICan'tEven.

Posted by: chique d'Epstein didn't off hisself at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (9hauA)

195 I think Chile produces some rare earths.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (BAsqb)

196 Or with a computer simulation so that government projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general population without the messiness of actual shooting.
Posted by: Methos
...

reminds me of a Star Trek episode where the designated casualties have to report for execution.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (CjFDo)

197 All right, I'm outta here. Have fun storming the plague-infested castle.

Cease endeavoring to persevere!

(Just seeing if anyone's paying attention)

Posted by: Muldoon at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (m45I2)

198 180
My Uncle would tell stories of Ill trained, under equipped chinamen
doing useless charges in Korea. He said it was awful... A Turkey shoot
is how he described it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey

That was a deliberate strategy on Mao's part. He figured we'd run out of bullets before they ran out of men.

Posted by: pep at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (T6t7i)

199 I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

I mean, the same was true about OIL and the middle east a decade or 2 ago.....
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Zz0t1)

There's plenty here in the states if we would relax the EPA rules banning those areas from development.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (V2Yro)

200 surreptitiously = precipitously

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (xAWn5)

201 IIRC, wasn't there something with the Clintons...no that was low sulfur coal, wasn't it? Designating where it was found a national park.

I also seem to recall that our rare earth mining was shut down.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (A5zUN)

That's what I thought. If Trump gets pissed off enough, he'll take that away from China and make America the largest EXPORTER of those goods as he did with Oil.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (Zz0t1)

202 I also seem to recall that our rare earth mining was shut down.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (A5zUN)

----

.... AND our smelting.

There are no lead melters anymore anywhere in the united states. We buy all of our pb from....... drumroll....... CHINAH!!

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (nw6Hr)

203 Any war with China will be Nuclear. After the bombs have all fallen, the traditional Marine invasion tactics would seem necessary. The radical changes I would make is a 'shelter in place until the bombs stop' plan and how to fight in a radioactive protection suit.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (2DOZq)

204 The Marines were fighting Plains Indians?

That's news to me.

I thought the reason they were called "Marines" is because the Navy took them places to fight for the country.

Maybe in Mexico?

From the Halls of Montezuma (?)

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (vcOmj)

205 https://tinyurl.com/ybcg5awh

1. China
Mine production: 120,000 MT

As mentioned, China has dominated rare earths production for a number of years. In 2018, its domestic output of 120,000 MT was up from 105,000 MT the previous year.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (CjFDo)

206 Most rare earth metals are demanded by fucking Greenie battery freaks. If you aren't trying run a fucking battery driven car the demand for rare earth metals falls surreptitiously. Green Energy is what caused the run up on these elements.
Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (xAWn5)

Completely true. Now, let's give Elon "I Cosplay As Nikola Tesla" Musk a shitload of subsidies.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (BAsqb)

207 >>this is what Fauci said in an interview. That will be when we're set free - no new cases no deaths. that's his benchmark.

When did he say this? He's been saying for quite some time that we could start going back to normal when cases start coming down not no new cases.

When and where did he make that change?

Posted by: JackStraw at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (ZLI7S)

208 Drudge pg 3 girls, after Donkey Choppers what cha got?

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (ZCEU2)

209 I think Chile produces some rare earths.
Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (BAsqb)

------

....carrots arent that rare . . .

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (nw6Hr)

210 How about prayers up for all the suicides that have occurred and that will occur due to the massive and sustained economic disruption that is underway. Prayers for their families and friends as they try to understand what was going through their loved ones' minds. Prayers for their souls, and prayers for the shattered families.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (DY3v8)

211 California has huge rare earth mine that of course they shut down

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (8JqLB)

212 ... AND our smelting.

There are no lead melters anymore anywhere in the united states. We buy all of our pb from....... drumroll....... CHINAH!!
Posted by: fixerupper

Thank the fucking dog eater for that.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (W2taJ)

213 As mentioned, China has dominated rare earths production for a number of years. In 2018, its domestic output of 120,000 MT was up from 105,000 MT the previous year.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (CjFDo)

Heh. Kind of reminds me of Soviets trumpeting how many tons of iron mined and steel made.

Sure, a lot of it was shit...

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (A5zUN)

214 China has a huge weakness - it's food supply. They don't produce enough food to feed 1 billion people. They also have to import most of their oil. Makes China rather easy to shut down in any real world war situation.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (V2Yro)

215 Any war with China will be Nuclear.

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

Perhaps. I don't necessarily believe that. The CCP could not survive that. They could potentially survive a conventional war.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (sX1BW)

216 Uh, why would it be the MARINES who are taking on China?

Not the Army?

China is a huge Nation. Like the US its large enough that it has various types of terrain.

Giving up your Armor? And a lot of Helicopters?

The things that give you a mobile strike force?

Seems, odd.

Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (NgKpN)

217 198 180
My Uncle would tell stories of Ill trained, under equipped chinamen
doing useless charges in Korea. He said it was awful... A Turkey shoot
is how he described it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey

That was a deliberate strategy on Mao's part. He figured we'd run out of bullets before they ran out of men.
Posted by: pep at April 02, 2020 11:29 AM (T6t7i)

...

I had a friend in airborne who said at one point when the Norks were looking like they were going to actually charge the border they were prepped and all but loaded on the planes to drop.

They were told to anticipate waves of unarmed peasants to chew through all their ammo, and then the actual army would come behind.

Posted by: TexasDan at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (yL25O)

218 You know which country has a lot of rare earth minerals?

Greenland.

Trump's interest in Greenland was not random.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (ZLI7S)

219 How about prayers up for all the suicides that have occurred and that will occur due to the massive and sustained economic disruption that is underway. Prayers for their families and friends as they try to understand what was going through their loved ones' minds. Prayers for their souls, and prayers for the shattered families.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (DY3v

I don't understand the suicide route in this case. Sure, there's going to be pain and hardship. We're ALL going to feel it.

Most insurance policies don't cover death by suicide, so there will be no economic payoff for your family to live on.

It's just piss poor planing.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (Zz0t1)

220 CBD

Well, I hope xe's okay.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (ZQEWK)

221 Or with a computer simulation so that government
projections for casualties could be directly applied to the general
population without the messiness of actual shooting.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (kOpft)

----

That was a Star Trek TOS episode.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:26 AM (nw6Hr)

Yes, it was.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (kOpft)

222 204 The Marines were fighting Plains Indians?

That's news to me.

I thought the reason they were called "Marines" is because the Navy took them places to fight for the country."

Dintcha hear about the Prairie Schooners?

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (V2Yro)

223 198 180
My Uncle would tell stories of Ill trained, under equipped chinamen
doing useless charges in Korea. He said it was awful... A Turkey shoot
is how he described it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey
---------------------
First wave had a rifle with some ammo
Second wave had extra ammo
Third wave had a stick with a bayonnet
Following waves picked up what they could find.

This was how they did it.

I asked a Korean Marine vet how they had so many frozen toes given their sleeping bags were the same that we had. His answer was no one was brave enough to zip their boots up in the bag. They would lie on it with their rifle across their chest and pull the bag around their torso. Feet were always out of the bag.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (xAWn5)

224 Pretty sure the first Marine land combat was in the war against Tripoli.

Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (dfRN6)

225 There's plenty here in the states if we would relax the EPA rules banning those areas from development.
Posted by: Tom Servo

.....

No. There isn't. from the same article I referenced above:

3. United States
Mine production: 15,000 MT

The US produced 15,000 MT of rare earths in 2018, up from no production the previous year.

Rare earths supply in the US currently comes only from the Mountain Pass mine in California, which went back into production in Q1 2018 after being put on care and maintenance in Q4 2015. It was run by Molycorp before it went bankrupt and then was bought by MP Mine Operation.

The US is a major importer of rare earth materials, with demand for compounds and metals worth US$160 million in 2018

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (CjFDo)

226 213 As mentioned, China has dominated rare earths production for a number of years. In 2018, its domestic output of 120,000 MT was up from 105,000 MT the previous year.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (CjFDo)

Heh. Kind of reminds me of Soviets trumpeting how many tons of iron mined and steel made.

Sure, a lot of it was shit...
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (A5zUN)

Yeah, if only there were some other place that had rare earths!

Like, California... oh, wait.

Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (NgKpN)

227 214 China has a huge weakness - it's food supply. They don't produce enough food to feed 1 billion people. They also have to import most of their oil. Makes China rather easy to shut down in any real world war situation.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (V2Yro)

Yeah, but the same could have been said of Germany or Japan at the beginning of the second world war.

There's easy and then there's easy.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (A5zUN)

228 Watched a video yesterday where they talked about the military practicing for operations underground. Tunnels?

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (Do5/p)

229
Agree, but another things that's changing, and in a good way, is the speed with which we can respond to a virus and mitigate / eliminate it with new vaccines, antibodies, etc. Viruses are eventually going to be slower than we are. IOW:

We be fast
And they be slow

Posted by: pep at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (T6t7i)

With the government involved, that will never happen.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (Fs5vw)

230 There are no lead melters anymore anywhere in the united states. We buy all of our pb from....... drumroll....... CHINAH!!
Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:30 AM (nw6Hr)

Don't all the batteries for the greeenie weenie cars come from China also?

Posted by: moon_over_vermont at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (1dJNh)

231 China declared war on us.

I believe the China has already attacked the West. I don't know if this virus is natural or not; I suspect not, since there have been rumors of HIV inserts into it and the fact that it's a bat virus that supposedly originated not far from a lab studying bat viruses. Then add in the fact that Chinese nationals have been smuggling viruses into the US for a few years now, and that in other nations (looking at you Canada) viruses have come up missing.

China can take the loss of a lot of people. The west may or may not be able to. The Communists also have allies in the Democratic party, the Media and Silicon Valley.

China has lied from the beginning and I don't trust a single thing they have said. As for their "resurgence" of the virus, that might just be ploy for the rest of the world to keep their people under quarantine, while our economies go to hell and the Chinese can purchase our manufacturing and our natural resources for nothing because we're desperate.

We've been attacked by a bioweapon that is not very effective, but our media and certain politicians are destroying our economy over the flu.

Posted by: shibumi in a tinfoil hat at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (ZCiJZ)

232 Heh. Kind of reminds me of Soviets trumpeting how many tons of iron mined and steel made.

Sure, a lot of it was shit...
Posted by: Aetius451AD

China largely makes shitty steel. Their coal is weird, and doesn't make good coke. Plus, they don't heat and harden very well.
Coming from people I know that work in the Steel industry.
AK Steel in Middletown and Republic Steel in Canton.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (vcOmj)

233 220 CBD

Well, I hope xe's okay.
Posted by: Taqiyyologist at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (ZQEWK)

April Fools.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (A5zUN)

234 Schumer is stupid. Trump is not.

Schumer is devious, cunning and evil, sure. But, with all that, he's no match for Trump.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:23 AM (Zz0t1)

Can you imagine Schoomer running for a national office? I'd pay money to vote against that cocksucker and I'm as miserly as it gets. It's embarrassing enough for the state of New York that he represents them.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (y7DUB)

235 Giving up your Armor? And a lot of Helicopters?

The things that give you a mobile strike force?

Seems, odd.
Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (NgKpN)

...

The marines couldn't use much armor in the Pacific iirc. And what they had were sort of mini tanks.

I'm guessing there are more mobile/versatile versions of armored vehicles than tanks if you want to do what the Marines have to do?

Posted by: TexasDan at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (yL25O)

236 I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?
-----
Greenland.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (g8Yc+)

237
Uh, why would it be the MARINES who are taking on China?

Not the Army?

It'll be the Navy that will be front and center in a war with China.

Posted by: Zombie Cecil B. Demille at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (PtOP4)

238 Don't all the batteries for the greeenie weenie cars come from China also?
Posted by: moon_over_vermont at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (1dJNh)

Metals do. I believe the batteries themselves are made in Japan.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (Zz0t1)

239 It will be interesting to see if the warmer weather has any significant effect on the virus transmission numbers.

We are just now starting to come into the 80's here in the desert regions of AZ, and the virus is supposed to be vulnerable to temps over 86F. We typically see a drop off in regular flu deaths this time of year. Curious to see if the China bat flu behaves the same way. Sunny days forecast for the next couple of weeks too, so lots of UV light, which is also supposed to damage bat virus.

Hoping Ma Nature will rid of us this Chinese pestilence, or at least weaken it enough so that we can get back to work.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (k4dH2)

240 He is wrong. And he has been wrong.

Of course the new normal will be different from the old normal. It will take years to sort out.

Normalcy to me is when American is able to make these decisions on its own as best to handle this.

Let us get back to work. That does not mean every store, business & restaurant will open back up like it was Feb 1.

And no one with a brain believes that.

It just means we are free to conduct our lives.

Like American citizens.

Life liberty and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Posted by: SH

__________________

We've had all sorts of similar issues, we just took it as one of many risks in life and it became background noise.

Look at the Asian Flu in the 1950s, it killed over a million globally and almost nothing changed in America.

Used to be you stepped on a rusty nail and died.

If you're not elderly and/or have some sort of serious, medical condition, dying of this thing is about as likely as getting killed in a car wreck on your way to work.

Corona is not a hoax and not just another flu, but it's not worth radically reshaping American society and culture.

Posted by: Blago at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (sjTfF)

241 Since our focus over the last month - 6 weeks has been on Corona, has anyone been keeping an eye on big panda in places like the Middle East, Africa, South America?

We might have been stupid enough to stop everything but you better believe China is on the move. Especially now.

Posted by: Martini Farmer semper liberi montani at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (3H9h1)

242 Ultimately what GEN Berger is focusing on potential future Conflicts with stars like China and capabilities he will need in places like the SCS. Right now he doesn't believe the MEF can easily create a contested space and he's seeking to do that. It's a good argument to have and I don't believe he's completely given up on some of the elements being discussed. But when you have finite resources you try to concentrate them into the next battle. He doesn't believe that will largely be a COIN environment- and he may be right. IMHO

Posted by: Hesco Gypsy, staring from 457 meters at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (wElh/)

243 If we do launch a preemptive nuclear strike against China, we should be sure not to decapitate the national command authority. Obviously, we'll take out command and control first, followed by any second strike capability, and may decide to hit some key transportation nodes, all within the first 60 minutes of H-Hour. The NCA would then be confronted with a simple choice--complete stand down, or complete and total annihilation of cities, infrastructure, and conventional military forces.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (DY3v8)

244 Too bad China is the biggest producer and EXPORTER of rare earth elements. We depend on THEM.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:24 AM (CjFDo)

I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

I mean, the same was true about OIL and the middle east a decade or 2 ago.....
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Zz0t1)

MMmm, yes right here in the USA. But because of the EPA and environ Nazi's lawsuits, we have closed all of the mines.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (hhYtz)

245
We will be free to come out of our homes and move about freely when people stop dying, period. Can't be too careful.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (7rVsF)

246 Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at April 02, 2020 11:31 AM (DY3v

Yes, those are good prayers.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (WI7YS)

247 China largely makes shitty steel. Their coal is weird, and doesn't make good coke. Plus, they don't heat and harden very well.
Coming from people I know that work in the Steel industry.
AK Steel in Middletown and Republic Steel in Canton.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (vcOmj)

You know, I tried new, much more expensive blades in my safety razor? AMAZING the difference a good blade made. And still cheaper than the Mach 16 or whatever Gillette makes...

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (A5zUN)

248 Yeah, but the same could have been said of Germany or Japan at the beginning of the second world war.

There's easy and then there's easy.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (A5zUN)

Germany had the plains of central Europe and the Romanian oil fields until almost the end. Our submarine force had Japan at starvation levels, and almost all factories shut down, by 1945.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (V2Yro)

249 Always be a need for boots on the ground.

Posted by: USMC 8541 at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (NmR1a)

250 China largely makes shitty steel. Their coal is weird, and doesn't make good coke. Plus, they don't heat and harden very well.
Coming from people I know that work in the Steel industry.
AK Steel in Middletown and Republic Steel in Canton.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (vcOmj)

Chinese Iron is GARBAGE and most of the brake rotors in your cars are Chinese iron.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (Zz0t1)

251 You know which country has a lot of rare earth minerals?

Greenland.

Trump's interest in Greenland was not random.
Posted by: JackStraw

Neither was China's. They originally approached Denmark about buying it.
The US has approached Denmark before about buying Greenland.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (vcOmj)

252 Most insurance policies don't cover death by suicide, so there will be no economic payoff for your family to live on.

It's just piss poor planing.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:33 AM (Zz0t1)

That's untrue.

The won't cover suicide if the policy is new or fairly new, but they will if you have held the policy for some time.

Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (NgKpN)

253 We have to bring industry back.

Difficulty: EPA and Federal bureaucracy.

Odds of these outfits being disbanded their regulations being struck down: Near zero.

So the cost and time to bring industries back becomes prohibitive.

At some point, governments become weak and laws fall away. They aren't repealed; the people just sorta stop paying attention and the government realizes that trying to make them will be too difficult or dangerous. (This is just me spitballing here, you understand)

So: given that the bureaucracy will not go anywhere, and will attempt to exercise their jus prima noctis on efforts to restart industry, what is to be done?

Attempt to get a state to declare itself Industrial Sanctuary?
Get masses of like minded people to hire onto and thus infiltrate the bureaucracy?
Set up fake business fronts and just do stuff on the sly?

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (BAsqb)

254
He's not wrong. Do you guys honestly think that this entire situation isn't going to change individuals and especially business's ways of operating from here on out?
Trump isn't going to wave a magic wand a the end of the month and suddenly every business, every storefront and every manufacturer is going to be open.
We cannot go through these types of pandemics every ten or fifteen years. Health care, density of businesses, etc. are going to change their modes of operation, they will be forced to if not by the government than at least by insurers and state licensing agencies. "Normal" is going to be different and that will take time to become "normal".

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

He is wrong. And he has been wrong.

Of course the new normal will be different from the old normal. It will take years to sort out.

Normalcy to me is when American is able to make these decisions on its own as best to handle this.

Let us get back to work. That does not mean every store, business & restaurant will open back up like it was Feb 1.

And no one with a brain believes that.

It just means we are free to conduct our lives.

Like American citizens.

Life liberty and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:22 AM (sX1BW)

-------

Fortunes are going to be made.
Fortunes are going to be lost.

The working poor are going to get screwed.
So are the young people working service jobs.

No one on welfare, social security, or retirement pensions are even going to notice a difference, other than the lockdowns.

Posted by: rd at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (+0uDE)

255 >>I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

Once again, Greenland.

Land of Trump's desire. Because he had no idea at all that Greenland has an abundance of rare earth metals.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (ZLI7S)

256 what did Fauci say this time ??
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM (zr5Kq)

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

Well from a purely medical standpoint, he is right. And it is his job to give a purely medical analysis.
The economic experts are saying we need to open back up this instant.
Trump takes all of their advise and decides.
Thank God!

Posted by: db at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (91dSm)

257 I don't know, therefore I'm asking, is there anywhere ELSE on Earth these metals are found?

I mean, the same was true about OIL and the middle east a decade or 2 ago.....
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:25 AM (Zz0t1)
++++++++++++++
We have a lot of them, mostly in the West and (I think, though memory is a precarious thing) Alaska. Exploiting rare earths is a nasty business and it is hell on the environment. We do very little of it anymore because it has been far easier to offshore dirty stuff to China than try to rationalize environmental regulation and balance it against strategic requirements. So everyone feels great, the pollution is elsewhere, and strategic weakness be damned.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (Q8c/L)

258 That's untrue.

The won't cover suicide if the policy is new or fairly new, but they will if you have held the policy for some time.
Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (NgKpN)

I've been lead to believe there's a clause in most policies that void if self-terminated.

I could be wrong, then.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (Zz0t1)

259 Since our focus over the last month - 6 weeks has been on Corona, has anyone been keeping an eye on big panda in places like the Middle East, Africa, South America?

We might have been stupid enough to stop everything but you better believe China is on the move. Especially now.
Posted by: Martini Farmer semper liberi montani at April 02, 2020 11:35 AM (3H9h1)

You must have missed Pres. Trump's presser yesterday. The first half was military brass and DOD talking about the operations we are now conducting in the Carribbean against the Mexican and South America cartels which are trying to take advantage of the pandemic and ship drugs and gangs into the USA.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (hhYtz)

260 Semper Fi! from a Marine Corps Dad.

Posted by: Mr. Trashbag, Shoggoth and Eater Of Toes at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (T09ml)

261 You know which country has a lot of rare earth minerals?

Greenland.

We also have the National Strategic Reserve of Teslas. 600 lbs of toxins and rare earth per vehicle. We're good.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (NpvYf)

262 Neither was China's. They originally approached Denmark about buying it.
The US has approached Denmark before about buying Greenland.

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

Now is a good buying opportunity. No doubt Denmark's economy has taken a big hit. Oil & gas are low. So that isn't as much help to Denmark as in years past.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (sX1BW)

263 "Marines have had tanks since World War Two and have used them well. On
the other hand, the more big equipment you have, the more the temptation
is to use you like the Army-- as a force of occupation, like Iraq and
Afghanistan, which the Marines aren't *for*. The Corps' original
mission, and still the one that I think they're best for, is to come in
hard and fast, kick your teeth in and leave."
True. However, in the years between the world wars, the Marines were used as armies of occupation in Central America and the Caribbean - the years in which the Marines' "Small Wars Manual" was written. The argument has been made that the only time that Haiti has been governed reasonably well was during the 1920s, when the Marines occupied it.

However, from what I've read, the proposed retooling is more to prepare the Marines for an amphibious war in the Pacific, the obvious opponent being China. This, it seems to me, will mean less like Iraq, and more like WWII.

Posted by: Brown Line at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (S6ArX)

264 Uh, why would it be the MARINES who are taking on China?

Not the Army?

China is a huge Nation. Like the US its large enough that it has various types of terrain.

Giving up your Armor? And a lot of Helicopters?

The things that give you a mobile strike force?

Seems, odd.

Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:32 AM (NgKpN)

Mainland China is a nuke only target. If there are conventional fights to be had with China it's going to be outside their territory, as someone mentioned upthread, on those artificial islands they've been building.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (kOpft)

265 That we can go back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19.

Fucking idiot.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 02, 2020 11:08 AM (NWiLs)

He's not wrong. Do you guys honestly think that this entire situation isn't going to change individuals and especially business's ways of operating from here on out? ....

==

That is not the point, it it. How business will change. It is about Fauci. The stuff that comes out of his mouth...is crazy-pants. "200,000 deaths if we do what we are doing now.." really ??? based on ever changing models and data ? "Back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19." That has never been the case for any pandemic, has it ? I understand flattening the curve, taking it to a minimum. We will have COVID19 just like we've been having cases of SARS. It is not the goal. The goal is to find a vaccine. WHen we have vaccine and take cases to a minimum, that should be the goal.

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (zr5Kq)

266 "It'll be the Navy that will be front and center in a war with China."

Not even close. If you look at the potential battle space, right now the main initial element will involve Marines.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (VpIIl)

267 "why would it be the MARINES who are taking on China?

Not the Army?"

The scenario, if you read the link, is that we are going to be hemming China in by taking any Pacific islands, including all those nice new ones they recently built, NOT invading the Mainland. Small forces operating in small spaces, and potentially within range of missiles, etc, from the Mainland. Choke them and harrass them, but not getting bogged down in a huge, densely populated area far, far from home.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2020 11:39 AM (nBq51)

268 The thing is.. one of the largest deposits of rare earth elements - especially lithium - sits underground in Afghanistan - and estimated $1 Trillion dollars worth.

Those fucking towel heads would rather grow opium.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:39 AM (CjFDo)

269 Semper Fi! from a Marine Corps Dad.
Posted by: Mr. Trashbag, Shoggoth and Eater Of Toes at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (T09ml)

God bless you and your family, sir.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:39 AM (Zz0t1)

270 The won't cover suicide if the policy is new or fairly new, but they will if you have held the policy for some time.
Posted by: Romeo13 at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (NgKpN)

-----

This.

Contestability on life insurance is generally one year. After that.... suicide is covered.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:39 AM (nw6Hr)

271
How about arming the people in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and let them fight a civil war.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (pS94+)

272 @Phil_Mattingly

NEWS: @SpeakerPelosi announces the creation of a House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, chaired by @WhipClyburn

Pelosi cites the Truman Committee as a potential model, says the committee will oversee "all aspects of the federal response to the Coronavirus," including how the $2 trillion CARES Act is implemented

Pelosi says the select committee will have subpoena power, but makes clear there will be time to consider proposals for an "after action review," possibly 9/11 commission-like, re: Coronavirus.
The Select panel will be about overseeing what's happening now.

Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (cF8AT)

273 You know, I tried new, much more expensive blades in
my safety razor? AMAZING the difference a good blade made.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:36 AM (A5zUN)

Which ones? I bought a 100 pack, and they are junk. I use them for cutting dough when I bake, certainly not in my razor.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (dLLD6)

274
Newsradio 1020 KDKA
@KDKARadio
BREAKING NEWS: Potential Coronavirus vaccine developed at @UPMCnews. Researchers are awaiting word from the FDA to start human trials.

Posted by: WuHAN Solo at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (t5n6N)

275 Stopping lead production was a Fkstick's two prong attack between Greenies and anti-2A fanatics.
Tire weights are almost non lead anymore. You should see the size of truck weights I find that are not lead.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (ZCEU2)

276 With human wave attacks, the trick is use the breaks between waves to push over the piles of enemy corpses in order to maintain clear fields of fire for your machine guns crews. And scream a lot while firing.

Posted by: John Basilone MOH at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (q1Pj5)

277
Not even close. If you look at the potential battle space, right now the main initial element will involve Marines.

Marines are part of the Navy.

Posted by: Zombie Cecil B. Demille at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (PtOP4)

278 If America gave the Horde 2 years to run the government, we'd have this country fixed.

2 years may be too long.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (sX1BW)

279 266 "It'll be the Navy that will be front and center in a war with China."

Not even close. If you look at the potential battle space, right now the main initial element will involve Marines.
Posted by: Marcus T at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (VpIIl)

Okay. Where? On those artificial islands the Chinese are building?

Posted by: joncelli, providing the traditional responses at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (1FhAQ)

280
Isn't lithium a common element, like #3 on the periodic table?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (pS94+)

281 6 months might be too long.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (6OMwV)

282 Tanks are nice, I like helicopters better; but most of all

I WANT AN ICEBREAKER (or two).

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (MIKMs)

283 278 If America gave the Horde 2 years to run the government, we'd have this country fixed.

2 years may be too long.
Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (sX1BW)

Kurt/Average Joe and No would gum up the works...

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (pS94+)

284 If it don't fit on the boat it ain't going. Marines problem with big assed tanks. They are already looking for a replacement of the LAV (its been in service since the early 1980s). Wheeled vehicles are cheaper to make and maintain. Being able to drop smart dumb bombs that hit within 1 meter CER means you don't need takes.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (xAWn5)

285 271
How about arming the people in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and let them fight a civil war.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (pS94+)

My money is still on a lot of the Hong Kong dissidents to have mysteriously died of the Wuhan Flu.

*adjusts tinfoil fedora*

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (A5zUN)

286 Isn't lithium a common element, like #3 on the periodic table?
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (pS94+)

There was a survey once that said citizens in El Paso, Texas were the happiest on Earth because there is a significant level of lithium in the well water there.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (Zz0t1)

287 At some point, someone will figure out that turning
on your leaders MIGHT give you a chance to live, but the way forward is
certain death.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM

---

Tell that to the 20,000,000 Russians who Stalin managed to kill or get killed from 1941-45. They never came close to a mutiny in the Russian Army even when they were getting slaughtered by the tens of thousands in a single day.

It ain't gonna happen with China either. Those people are indoctrinated from birth to obey the Government.

Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (JUOKG)

288 Contestability on life insurance is generally one year. After that.... suicide is covered.

The failing ad agency I worked at, one of the three principals who started it did this the week after deadline.

Posted by: getting the banned stan freberg zombie going at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (cM2RG)

289 OT:

The sequel to "Train to Biusan" is coming out soon....to your TV?

Anyway, if you want to see how all this corona stuff ends up, check out:

"Train to Busan: Peninsula"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVucSRLLeIM

Also, for your Korean movie streaming pleasure...

Amazon now has "The Witch: Part One - Subversion",

which is a terrific and violent Korean action movie.

Later, this year Part Two is supposed to be coming out....to your TV?

Posted by: naturalfake at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (z0XD8)

290 274
Newsradio 1020 KDKA
@KDKARadio
BREAKING NEWS: Potential Coronavirus vaccine developed at @UPMCnews. Researchers are awaiting word from the FDA to start human trials.
Posted by: WuHAN Solo at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (t5n6N)

This plus the news from the Israeli team this morning means... HOPE????

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (pS94+)

291 Uh, why would it be the MARINES who are taking on China?

Not the Army?

It'll be the Navy that will be front and center in a war with China.
Posted by: Zombie Cecil B. Demille

.........

Naah.. The Space Force!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (CjFDo)

292 Kurt/Average Joe and No would gum up the works...
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (pS94+)

-----

But they'd have to show up in person.

We'd beat the tar out of them.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (nw6Hr)

293 Yeah, but the same could have been said of Germany or Japan at the beginning of the second world war.

There's easy and then there's easy.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:34 AM (A5zUN)
++++++++++++++++
Japan was uniquely vulnerable to blockade and once we made that a top priority in the latter part of 1944 and 1945 by ranking commercial shipping over the increasingly-useless Japanese naval armada, it took a serious toll and Japan began to starve - for food and fuel. Her armies abroad were better off as they could produce food locally and in places like the Philippines, also fuel.

Germany was less vulnerable (plenty of land routes), as is China. It wouldn't be impossible to fully quarantine and blockade China, but it would be one hell of a task. It's the size of the United States and has more land border. Blockading China into submission would likely take a generation and wouldn't go on that long - they'd nuke someone long before it got that far.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (Q8c/L)

294 Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (cF8AT)

=========
Political suicide. Again. All Trump need do is play his SOTU explicit warning while Nanzi shuffles and rips.

I really am starting to question her sanity.

Posted by: Huck Follywood, hunker in the barrel at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (NVYyb)

295
We'd beat the tar out of them.
Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (nw6Hr)

Only if they smoke.

Otherwise, we'll just kick the shit out of them.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (Zz0t1)

296

There are currently *no* businesses in America shut due to disease concerns.

They are closed because the thugs in government ordered them closed.
Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:28 AM (kOpft)

Don't forget this country's out-of-control civil laws.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (Fs5vw)

297 What, getting rid of tanks and choppahs and spending the savings on razor wire, claymores and foo gas?

Hmmm, may not be as dumb as at first appears.

Alternate plan: spend the savings on weaponized cold viruses.

Posted by: Sharkman at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (PAaiG)

298 285 Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (A5zUN)

It would be the perfect cover. And what of all the cell phones that went dark or something?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (pS94+)

299 >>How about arming the people in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and let them fight a civil war.

Yup.

Maybe they could also find a way to get military people on college campuses (not in uniform) since that is where a lot of China's indoctrination, recruiting and spying/theft of information happens?

Posted by: Lizzy at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (bDqIh)

300 Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (JUOKG)

The Reminders with machine guns behind the charging Russian troops played a part.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (2DOZq)

301 China has a huge weakness - it's food supply. They don't produce enough
food to feed 1 billion people. They also have to import most of their
oil. Makes China rather easy to shut down in any real world war
situation.

Do you really think that China cares if lots of their people starve?

As for oil, well, the prices have crashed. Who does that help? Why, China.

Posted by: shibumi in a tinfoil hat at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ZCiJZ)

302 I finally used up my Gillette inventory and switched to Barbasol. IDK where Barbasol gets their steel BUT its good quality, I got a month out of my first razor. I shave every-other day.

Posted by: Don LeMon at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (u6xw0)

303 "Okay. Where? On those artificial islands the Chinese are building?
Posted by: joncelli, providing the traditional responses at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (1FhAQ)"

No. We could wipe out those islands pretty quickly. They are just weigh stations for naval troop movements. China has broader designs for the East and South China seas. Think bigger, or a conflict that takes place on several fronts.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (VpIIl)

304 Which ones? I bought a 100 pack, and they are junk. I use them for cutting dough when I bake, certainly not in my razor.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (dLLD6)

*goes to bathroom to check package*

Van Der Hagen. It's a kraut blade. Ice Tempered Stainless steel or some shit.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (A5zUN)

305 The new war will be against an enemy that uses Drones and Infantry, a tank is nothing but a big target to a drone that while small can carry an really effective anti armor weapon.So, The Marines are going to go back to Infantry and use drones as well.ANGLICO will be reborn in a different form.

Posted by: obsidian at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (7+yqP)

306 I hope that made sense. Finding vaccine is the most important thing. That we can handle infection. Being able to diagnose it too. But that's been done already. Abbot came out with that 5 minute (?) test

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (zr5Kq)

307 Lol. Some guy just told off all the scolds on Nextdoor. It was beautiful.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ptqGC)

308 *then

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (zr5Kq)

309
Nuke China. It's the only way to be sure.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:02 AM (Zz0t1)

zombie Douglas MacArthur: Call me

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (kXYFI)

310 Potential Coronavirus vaccine developed at @UPMCnews.

No, thanks. If I get it bad, I'll take the HCQ+ZPac, if you don't mind. Not being a celebrity, I do not expect to get it.

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (Z1eux)

311
*goes to bathroom to check package*

Van Der Hagen. It's a kraut blade. Ice Tempered Stainless steel or some shit.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (A5zUN)

We have no issues with the blades we get from The Dollar Shave Club.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (Zz0t1)

312 Breaking -- Dealmaker Trump just called CNBC to announce a HUGE deal...

HMMMMM

Joe Kernan has the scoop on Squawk Box this morning

President Trump called Joe just a few minutes ago...

------

"Just spoke to my friend MBS (Crown Prince) of Saudi Arabia, who spoke with President Putin of Russia, and I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels, and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry," Trump tweeted.

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 2, 2020

he never stops

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (8fB/R)

313 There are currently *no* businesses in America shut due to disease concerns.

Currently, yes. However, in Ohio, there were a bunch of retailers that closed voluntarily before the governor ordered anything. IIRC.

Posted by: shibumi in a tinfoil hat at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (ZCiJZ)

314 You know, buying Greenland now would make a hell of a lot of sense.

Low rates.
May have a willing buyer.
Even when the country is down (economically) we are growing in size.

Would be awesome.

Posted by: SH at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (sX1BW)

315 Marines, a few good men.
Submarines, all good men.

Posted by: Abdul Abulbul Amir at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (Hjxv9)

316 They never came close to a mutiny in the Russian Army even when they were getting slaughtered by the tens of thousands in a single day.

It ain't gonna happen with China either. Those people are indoctrinated from birth to obey the Government.
Posted by: Mr. Scottt (Formerly GWS) at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (JUOKG)

According to Solzhenitsyn, who was there, morale was in the dumpster and at least one whole unit straight up deserted to the Germans.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (BAsqb)

317 This plus the news from the Israeli team this morning means... HOPE????

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (pS94+)

==========
For the 2021 wave, yes. Hope for 2020 is in the symptom mitigation efforts, and happily those are moving at similar high speed. The pandemic lockdown will end soon I hope, while we still have some small shred of an economy.

Posted by: Huck Follywood, hunker in the barrel at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (NVYyb)

318 Fauci is overcompensating all right, but not for being short. Back in January he said that the United States is "well-equipped to handle Corona and that it poses "no real danger to us or our way of life."

So he was wrong then...and he's wrong now.

When deaths decline and new cases are falling, the President won't have to make the decision to open everything up, the American people already will have....

Posted by: JoeF. at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (CqE5x)

319 Kurt/Average Joe and No would gum up the works...
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (pS94+)

-----

But they'd have to show up in person.

We'd beat the tar out of them.
Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (nw6Hr)
--------------

They'd have to show up in order for us to beat the tar out of them.

I'm quite sure they are jaw jaw and when it comes time to do more than flex their keyboard muscles, they would be lacking in motivation.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (WEBkv)

320 Pelosi is a fucking virus all by herself.

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (zr5Kq)

321 Lol. Some guy just told off all the scolds on Nextdoor. It was beautiful.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ptqGC)

My mom signed up for that. Sent me an email to join it, which I didn't.

Her inbox is now flooded with porn mail.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (Zz0t1)

322 Currently, yes. However, in Ohio, there were a bunch of retailers that closed voluntarily before the governor ordered anything. IIRC.

Same here.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (nBq51)

323 Malignant toad.

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (zr5Kq)

324 Think about China trying to shut down East and South China sea navigation routes and what that would take. When you start to understand what that battlespace would look like, you can start to envision what it would take to contest it.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (VpIIl)

325 36 what did Fauci say this time ??

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:06 AM

We should stay locked down until there are no more new cases and no more deaths.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:07 AM

H1N1 pandemic went from JUN '09 through AUG '10. But there were cases in the USA as early as APR '09. WHO did not declare it a pandemic until JUN '09.

Here is the timeline: https://bit.ly/34aRxRh

WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in JAN '20. So Fauci is stating we should expect to stay in lockdown until MARCH '21?

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Do5/p)

326 >>Pelosi says the select committee will have subpoena power, but makes clear there will be time to consider proposals for an "after action review," possibly 9/11 commission-like, re: Coronavirus.
The Select panel will be about overseeing what's happening now.

Why am I reminded of the old BASF tagline?

"In Congress. We don't make stuff. We make stuff ~~better~~worse."

Posted by: Lizzy at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (bDqIh)

327
So: given that the bureaucracy will not go anywhere, and will attempt to exercise their jus prima noctis on efforts to restart industry, what is to be done?

Attempt to get a state to declare itself Industrial Sanctuary?
Get masses of like minded people to hire onto and thus infiltrate the bureaucracy?
Set up fake business fronts and just do stuff on the sly?
Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:37 AM (BAsqb)

------

If you are going to go renegade and break th laws, why bother with any of the laws at all? Just be like China and dump the chemical waste in the rivers, or on some schlubs farmland. Just make sure you grease the right palms, just like they do in China.

We cannot do that. We also cannot live with endless drawn out court cases turning a six month project into a twelve year ordeal.

The problem is there are dozens of true believers, many of them are the spawn of rich people trying to assuage their guilt, that are happy to create problems for everyone else.

Posted by: rd at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (+0uDE)

328 KDKARadio
BREAKING NEWS: Potential Coronavirus vaccine developed at @UPMCnews. Researchers are awaiting word from the FDA to start human trials.
Posted by: WuHAN Solo at April 02, 2020 11:40 AM (t5n6N)

This plus the news from the Israeli team this morning means... HOPE????
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:43 AM (pS94+)

This seems to be at least the second or third vaccine that has begun human trials. I recall about two weeks ago that another had started trials.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (2DOZq)

329
he never stops
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (8fB/R)

------

Amazing what can happen when one is "results oriented" rather than "politically oriented".

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (nw6Hr)

330 Van Der Hagen. It's a kraut blade. Ice Tempered Stainless steel or some shit.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (A5zUN)

Thanks. I use a real razor now and then, but it is really obvious how shitty some of the blades are...

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (dLLD6)

331 I have gone back to my straight razor for the most part. The stuff out now disposable wise is garbage.

Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (JRaU+)

332 "Just spoke to my friend MBS (Crown Prince) of Saudi Arabia, who spoke with President Putin of Russia, and I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels, and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry," Trump tweeted.
-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 2, 2020

he never stops
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (8fB/R)
+++++++++++++++
per last thread:
:: adjusts tin foil hat ::
:: peers into teacup to examine the leaves ::
Why do I get a sneaking suspicion that Trump is trying to reform ARAMCO as an Anglo-Arab cartel with peripheral members (possibly Russia or N. Europe) that will replace OPEC?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Q8c/L)

333 Amazing what can happen when one is "results oriented" rather than "politically oriented".

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (nw6Hr)

and no lobby strings attached

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (8fB/R)

334 Isn't lithium a common element, like #3 on the periodic table?
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (pS94+)
-----
Atomic number speaks to how protons are in the nucleus, not rarity.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (g8Yc+)

335
The mission of the Marine Corp is to secure advanced bases for naval operations.

Posted by: Zombie Cecil B. Demille at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (PtOP4)

336 A lawyer for retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn said her client was prepared to "audit" the U.S. intelligence community as White House national security adviser. And that, according to former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell, is partly why federal agents "set up" Flynn. Flynn, 61, is fighting to dismiss the government's case against him.

Posted by: SMOD at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (3aI0K)

337 Also who was the company that recently said they were prepared to manufacture the vaccine in large quantities once it's developed?

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (2DOZq)

338 The idea here is to re-integrate the Marines with the Navy as a complementary force to project sea power. To do that, the plan is to go back to the Fleet Marine Force Model and draw down the Componency model that we've used since the mid 80s. The Marines Corps of the future will be seen as an asset to support fleet operations and Naval campaigns in the Pacific, as opposed to being a smaller, meaner, second land army. That's the idea, and it's a good one if properly executed.

Posted by: Pinochet's Sunglasses at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (13pLf)

339 that will replace OPEC?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Q8c/L)

would be nice

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (8fB/R)

340
Do you really think that China cares if lots of their people starve?

As for oil, well, the prices have crashed. Who does that help? Why, China.
Posted by: shibumi in a tinfoil hat at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ZCiJZ)

-----------

Nor do I think China cares if they lose a few million people to the virus they unleashed on the world.

Which is why I wonder if this virus wasn't an act of war.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (WEBkv)

341 Lol. Some guy just told off all the scolds on Nextdoor. It was beautiful.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ptqGC)

Repost his comment, please.

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (q1Pj5)

342 WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in JAN '20. So Fauci is stating we should expect to stay in lockdown until MARCH '21?
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Do5/p)
++++++++++++++
He can say it, but it can't happen. Two weeks has been brutal. A month is pushing it. Six will be an unfettered disaster.

70 weeks and there isn't a world left to worry about - at least not one we recognize.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (Q8c/L)

343
NEWS: @SpeakerPelosi announces the creation of a House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, chaired by @WhipClyburn

I say whip it. Whip it good.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (aKsyK)

344 Oil prices spiked on Thursday morning after U.S. President Donald Trump said that he spoke with the Saudi Crown Prince, and hoped and expected that Saudi Arabia and Russia would "cut back approximately 10 Million Barrels, and maybe substantially more," sending oil prices soaring by 20%.

Posted by: SMOD at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (3aI0K)

345 105 Too bad we don't have kinetic orbital weapons. A couple of rods from God on Beijing would send a message.

From your keyboard to God's ear!!

Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (67sg6)

346 You know, buying Greenland now would make a hell of a lot of sense.

Low rates.
May have a willing buyer.
Even when the country is down (economically) we are growing in size.

The place is huge. Ever see it on a map? And with a name like "Greenland", they're going to need a hell of a lot of Lawn Care Professionals...

Posted by: t-bird at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (nIvDu)

347 That is not the point, it it. How business will change. It is about Fauci. The stuff that comes out of his mouth...is crazy-pants. "200,000 deaths if we do what we are doing now.." really ??? based on ever changing models and data ? "Back to normal when there are no new cases and no more deaths in re COVID19." That has never been the case for any pandemic, has it ? I understand flattening the curve, taking it to a minimum. We will have COVID19 just like we've been having cases of SARS. It is not the goal. The goal is to find a vaccine. WHen we have vaccine and take cases to a minimum, that should be the goal.
Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:38 AM (zr5Kq)

One of the problems with Trump's marathon press conferences ( two days ago it went over three hours) is that the press simply asks the same questions over and over in slightly different manners to try to get one of the task force members to screw up an answer so they can run with it.

I watched that entire presser and that was the one where Fauci made the exasperated comment. He had by then been called back to the mic to answer the same repeated " Dr. Fauci , when do you think the country can get back to normal. When do you think we'll have a vaccine, when will we have treatments, when will we have plasma antibodies," etc. Over and over, like kids wanting to know when we will get there.

Personally, I think it's not acceptable for Trump to subject his task force to this kind of harrassment day after day. If he wants to stand at the mic and play dodgeball with these assholes, fine, but he ought to allow the task force to answer two or three questions each and then leave.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (hhYtz)

348 Nor do I think China cares if they lose a few million people to the virus they unleashed on the world.

Which is why I wonder if this virus wasn't an act of war.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (WEBkv)

yep

kind of like Trump calling it that

and he's careful with his wording about China now because he knows it could happen again in an instant

because we have had sh*tty leaders for so long

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (8fB/R)

349 WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in JAN '20. So Fauci is stating we should expect to stay in lockdown until MARCH '21?
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Do5/p)

I am tired of Fauci.

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (zr5Kq)

350 Tell that to the 20,000,000 Russians who Stalin managed to kill or get killed from 1941-45. They never came close to a mutiny in the Russian Army even when they were getting slaughtered by the tens of thousands in a single day.
---------------------
It was 28M. This doesn't count the 30M Kulaks that went missing in the early 30's. The nice thing about Kulak is anyone can be considered one. Same deal with deplorables.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (xAWn5)

351 Rayciss to have the words whip and Clyburn in the same sentence.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (6OMwV)

352 I used to read Hotair, Red State, and NRO but dropped because they are dens of never TRUMPERS. I love Instapundit, but Glenn is ALL COVID all the time. I think he's a germaphobe and his posts have become insufferable.

Posted by: Winston at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (RyWXu)

353 #334 there is a schiff ton of lithium....on the moon.

Posted by: torabora at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (Y274z)

354 '...never get involved in a land war in Asia..' - Vizzini

Posted by: JimH at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (NzURT)

355 342 WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in JAN '20. So Fauci is stating we should expect to stay in lockdown until MARCH '21?
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at April 02, 2020 11:47 AM (Do5/p)
++++++++++++++
He can say it, but it can't happen. Two weeks has been brutal. A month is pushing it. Six will be an unfettered disaster.

70 weeks and there isn't a world left to worry about - at least not one we recognize.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (Q8c/L)

==========

With every passing week, it's becoming less and less politically feasible to maintain shutdowns as more and more people struggle to simply live their lives.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (zZbCU)

356 Tanks are nice, I like helicopters better; but most of all

I WANT AN ICEBREAKER (or two).
Posted by: mustbequantum

You can always try, "Do you come here often?" or, "Nice weather we're having".

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (W2taJ)

357
Whatever vaccine is developed should be given to the Chinese... for $6 trillion. Small bills, cash, disinfected.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (pS94+)

358 >> Pelosi is a fucking virus all by herself.

Yes.

In the middle of a once in a lifetime (fingers crossed) worldwide pandemic, she didn't focus on helping our POTUS succeed in getting the country through this as best as possible.

No, she decided to distract him and his team by adding an inefficient, self-interested layer of management, and to delay their activity via subpoenas, threatening them with future prosecution if they don't dot all the "i's" and cross all the "t's".

She is EVIL. She is the scorpion who only knows how to sting.

Posted by: Lizzy at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (bDqIh)

359 I actually went to Xian, China about 5 years ago. My driver drove a CNG powered car. One time, pulling away from a toll booth, there was some 3 wheeled 1 cylinder tractor thing, and it had the lowest RPM that I've ever heard an engine run.

Posted by: Chris M at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (eAZVt)

360
Lol. Some guy just told off all the scolds on Nextdoor. It was beautiful.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ptqGC)
Repost his comment, please.

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (q1Pj5)

Let me go find it.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (ptqGC)

361 Maybe what Congress should be doing, instead of second guessing the President, is their actual job. They should make a budget. I just hope there are enough people pissed off at our "representatives" to boot some of these deadbeats out of office.

Posted by: notsothoreau at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (JKNZq)

362 Why do I get a sneaking suspicion that Trump is trying to reform ARAMCO as an Anglo-Arab cartel with peripheral members (possibly Russia or N. Europe) that will replace OPEC?

Hopefully Clause 1.2 will ban any sales to China. Let them rot in their own commy filth and beg for help.

Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (67sg6)

363 Fucking metro NY is ruining our numbers. And if one is to believe the CCP, New York alone has more cases of Wuhan than China.

Look at every country's curve of disease progression and compare it to China. What a freaking joke.
Meanwhile I'm in a state of prayerful contemplation of those poor abused children in the process of being rescued.

Posted by: Miley, the ~~Duchess~~ - Hydroxy Chloro Queen and Bat Soup Nazi at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (rCwaK)

364 Where the hell is all the data on CORONAVIRUS from the electronic medical records systems doctors and nurses slave over?

I ask for a friend.

Posted by: EPIClies at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (TnwAJ)

365 You can always try, "Do you come here often?" or, "Nice weather we're having".

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (W2taJ)

Nice elbows.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (A5zUN)

366 345 105 Too bad we don't have kinetic orbital weapons. A couple of rods from God on Beijing would send a message.

From your keyboard to God's ear!!
Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (67sg6)

I thought I saw a short film on that, maybe YouTube that they are impractical or something. Could be wrong.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (pS94+)

367 Marines aren't the force many people think they are. They're very limited in what they can do.

The forces that win wars is the Army and Air Force. They are the only ones that can wage and maintain high-intensity battles.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (Fs5vw)

368 43 My brother said his beer company in Canada got a tanker truck of ethanol to make hand sanitizer

---

This makes an interesting point. Why aren't all these ethanol companies providing their product to companies that can make hand sanitizer instead of poisoning our gasoline? I mean, it's not like we need to extend the gasoline supply for the time being.

Posted by: Pete Seria at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (7ZQe3)

369 Personally, I think it's not acceptable for Trump to subject his task force to this kind of harrassment day after day.
-------------------------
Trump is letting the press hang Fauci. They are the ones that made this thing a show stopper. Once they tire of it we will be back in business. I doubt, given their entertainment ownership, that the 'press' will ever do this again. News people are not a profit center for the Puppet Show vendors.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (xAWn5)

370 366 345 105 Too bad we don't have kinetic orbital weapons. A couple of rods from God on Beijing would send a message.

From your keyboard to God's ear!!
Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (67sg6)

I thought I saw a short film on that, maybe YouTube that they are impractical or something. Could be wrong.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (pS94+)

=========

I saw a documentary about a rich man who built a giant satellite out of diamonds meant to redirect the sun's rays.

It had an invisible car, too.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (zZbCU)

371
Where the hell is all the data on CORONAVIRUS from the electronic medical records systems doctors and nurses slave over?

------

HIPPA protected.

Posted by: fixerupper at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (nw6Hr)

372 When I watch the presstitutes I want to punch some of the faces.

Posted by: torabora at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (Y274z)

373 Or maybe the geniuses in charge are going to spend the savings on a yuge new fleet of V-22 Ospreys and the Joint Chiefs will decide to abandon the Navy's fleet of amphibs in favor of a bunch of Littoral Combat Ships* to bring the Jarheads into beach-heads.

*This comment now complies with the unwritten rule that applies to ALL comments about the US Navy: The word "Littoral" MUST be used at least once in every comment.

Posted by: Sharkman at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (PAaiG)

374 LOL! Cats...

https://tinyurl.com/uehxbbb

Posted by: Tami at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (cF8AT)

375 You know, buying Greenland now would make a hell of a lot of sense.

Low rates.

May have a willing buyer.

Even when the country is down (economically) we are growing in size.

The place is huge. Ever see it on a map? And with a name like
"Greenland", they're going to need a hell of a lot of Lawn Care
Professionals...
---

Plus, it gives us 5 bonus armies per turn.

Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (kOpft)

376 Lithium, along with theremin-class instruments, is a strategic resource, necessary for the production of good vibrations.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (DMUuz)

377 I saw a documentary about a rich man who built a giant satellite out of diamonds meant to redirect the sun's rays.

It had an invisible car, too.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (zZbCU)
------------

I thought the only documentary you cared about was the one about the creation of life on earth and the person who questioned why we were created?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (WEBkv)

378 all with the goal of preparing for a potential 21st-century conflict with China.
-----
sounds like we're island hopping once again in the South Pacific.

Posted by: BluesFish at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (KKxhj)

379 Isn't lithium a common element, like #3 on the periodic table?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:41 AM (pS94+)

-----

Atomic number speaks to how protons are in the nucleus, not rarity.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, USS Lone Fire at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (g8Yc+)

==========
But, speaking to his real point, yes, Lithium is quite common and found all over the earth. It naturally occurs in the oceans even. According to Brittanica, the largest commercial concentrations are in Australia, Chile, Portugal, and Bolivia.

Posted by: Huck Follywood, hunker in the barrel at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (NVYyb)

380 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (zZbCU)

Have you watched Uncut Gems yet? I think it's right up your alley as being very uncomfortable to watch as good as it is.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (2DOZq)

381 I saw a documentary about a rich man who built a giant satellite out of diamonds meant to redirect the sun's rays.

It had an invisible car, too.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (zZbCU)

that girl was somethin' else!

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (V2Yro)

382 359
I actually went to Xian, China about 5 years ago. My driver drove a CNG
powered car. One time, pulling away from a toll booth, there was some 3
wheeled 1 cylinder tractor thing, and it had the lowest RPM that I've
ever heard an engine run.

Posted by: Chris M at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (eAZVt)
I've seen those in Guangxi. They are homemade vehicles made out of old cans and stuff. Pretty amazing.

Posted by: Corn Fed at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (EA1BR)

383 The forces that win wars is the Army and Air Force. They are the only ones that can wage and maintain high-intensity battles.
Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (Fs5vw)

The Army and Navy are the ones with the logistics capability to fight wars. The phrase I used to hear was "thirty miles or thirty days" meaning beyond that you were relying on the Army and Navy to accomplish it.

Posted by: Colorado Alex In Exile at April 02, 2020 11:56 AM (SgjGX)

384 The Marines Corps of the future will be seen as an asset to support fleet operations and Naval campaigns in the Pacific, as opposed to being a smaller, meaner, second land army. That's the idea, and it's a good one if properly executed.
Posted by: Pinochet's Sunglasses

The Marine's were somewhat "embarrassed" because they had not adopted the M-1 tank prior to the '91 Gulf War, and had to have an Army M-1 battalion detailed to them as a spearhead, because they were afraid their M-60A3 tanks would not stand up to Iraqi T-72's (but the M-60's did just fine).
Yes, they have to get away from being a "mini-Army" and go back to being seeing themselves as a light, mobile infantry assault force.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:56 AM (vcOmj)

385 380 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:53 AM (zZbCU)

Have you watched Uncut Gems yet? I think it's right up your alley as being very uncomfortable to watch as good as it is.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 11:55 AM (2DOZq)

==========

Not yet. It's just not something Dolley would be interested in, though I am certainly interested.

Just haven't got around to it yet.

Didn't help that I wasn't the biggest fan of the Salfdie Brothers' first movie, Good Time.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, back to random thoughts at April 02, 2020 11:56 AM (zZbCU)

386
According to Solzhenitsyn, who was there, morale was in the dumpster and at least one whole unit straight up deserted to the Germans.
Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:46 AM (BAsqb)

--------------
If the Nazis hadn't been murdering Nazis intent on killing all the Slavic Untermenschen, they may have very well have had a chance to conquer Russia. Stalin and his famines, NKVD, and Gulags were not loved.

But the Nazis had to be Nazis. Lining up and killing all the Jews as soon as the panzers rolled into the village gave a lot of Russians, and Ukranians, and Byelorussians the idea that they were next. (Even if they were antisemitic bastards that hated the Jews too).

Posted by: rd at April 02, 2020 11:56 AM (+0uDE)

387 367 Marines aren't the force many people think they are. They're very limited in what they can do.

The forces that win wars is the Army and Air Force. They are the only ones that can wage and maintain high-intensity battles.
--------------------
Marines were never designed to be a Continental force. They take harbors and airfields to support a naval campaign. America works on the Norman/Viking model. We don't want all the real estate, we just want the valuable real estate supported by sea lanes. That covers 90% of the world's people.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 11:56 AM (xAWn5)

388 China will fall from within first. Their civil war will be horrific. The Western and Northern provinces will remain communist. The East and South will become independent federations and non-communist.

Russia will protect the West and North from annihilation and subsidize their army.

Western powers, a unified Korea, Vietnam and Japan will support the federation.

Posted by: Adirondack Patriot at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (gAXBD)

389 NOOD cure

Posted by: db at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (91dSm)

390 ....Personally, I think it's not acceptable for Trump to subject his task force to this kind of harrassment day after day. If he wants to stand at the mic and play dodgeball with these assholes, fine, but he ought to allow the task force to answer two or three questions each and then leave.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (hhYtz)

I don't know when he said it. I assumed it his most recent appearance. So maybe it was pressure and his inability to abstain from hyperbole. As far as task force, I too think they are a bit under fire. Unfortunately at this time it is important to have them and no one else answer questions. Especially Birx, Azar. Pence of course. But not limitless, repetitive questions. They'll figure it out.

Posted by: runner at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (zr5Kq)

391 Fauci had to go. Calling massive economic dislocation, millions of unemployed, business destroyed "inconvenient" this morning while suggesting a national lockdown is necessary should be the last straw for him. Get rid now Trump or you will regret it.

Posted by: Eduardo Moreno, hero of an 80s action movie at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (QGI53)

392 324 Think about China trying to shut down East and South China sea navigation routes and what that would take. When you start to understand what that battlespace would look like, you can start to envision what it would take to contest it.

Would a MOAB destroy those Chinese military islands made of sand? I'm illiterate when it comes to military things, but I am fascinated by them.

Posted by: Eli Cash at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (67sg6)

393 So, today's statistics for NC: 1857 tested positive, but only 184 hospitalized, 16 fatalities. 12 positives on Tuesday, 14 yesterday, but numbers were over 100 just last week. Of course, that number of hospitalizations could rise but that seems awfully low for what we are being put through. I wonder if that 10% rate of hospitalization is similar in other states.

Also, since I have nothing better to do, I just looked up NC rare earth metal/mineral stats. The state is the #1 producer of lithium and several other minerals.

Posted by: Moonbeam at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (qe5CM)

394 Lol. Some guy just told off all the scolds on Nextdoor. It was beautiful.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:44 AM (ptqGC)
Repost his comment, please.
Posted by: Count de Monet at April 02, 2020 11:49 AM (q1Pj5)
Let me go find it.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:52 AM (ptqGC)
----------------------------

Here it is:

"All of these nasty examples of rudeness are what gives the ______ such a bad reputation of an island filled with a bunch of old, rude, bad attitude people. Too bad since we have such a great place to be living. You would think people would make an attempt to be a little nicer than normal with all the difficulties we are facing in today's world. Then again, it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks."

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (ptqGC)

395 The place is huge. Ever see it on a map? And with a name like "Greenland", they're going to need a hell of a lot of Lawn Care Professionals...

Funny that. Greenland isn't green and Iceland isn't ice.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (W2taJ)

396 371

Easy to de-identify the data.
Lack of this data is ... strange

Posted by: EPIClies at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (TnwAJ)

397 338 The idea here is to re-integrate the Marines with the Navy as a complementary force to project sea power. To do that, the plan is to go back to the Fleet Marine Force Model and draw down the Componency model that we've used since the mid 80s. The Marines Corps of the future will be seen as an asset to support fleet operations and Naval campaigns in the Pacific, as opposed to being a smaller, meaner, second land army. That's the idea, and it's a good one if properly executed.
Posted by: Pinochet's Sunglasses at April 02, 2020 11:48 AM (13pLf)

But how will it work with US Space Force? They'll be more than Red Shirts I hope. I expect to see an American Flag on the security force when I get to Moon Base Alpha in twenty years.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Low Glycemic Souls at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (Wm5SB)

398 Whatever vaccine is developed should be given to the Chinese... for $6 trillion. Small bills, cash, disinfected.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 02, 2020 11:51 AM (pS94+)
++++++++++++
C'mon, JJ. It's *China.* They'll pay some academic $100k to bring it in to the country, then produce it themselves. They steal everything else, so why not that?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (Q8c/L)

399 *This comment now complies with the unwritten rule that applies to ALL comments about the US Navy: The word "Littoral" MUST be used at least once in every comment.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (PAaiG)

I littorally can't even.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (BAsqb)

400 And with a name like
"Greenland", they're going to need a hell of a lot of Lawn Care
Professionals...

No bueno, Senor. Muy frio.

Posted by: Jesus Garcia at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (q1Pj5)

401 We could film Viking movies in Greenland as well.

It'll be all authentic and shit.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 02, 2020 11:58 AM (u6xw0)

402 Now that Longmire is in my wife's rear view mirror she wants me to find another show for her. "Just like Longmire or Shetland" she says, and then walks away. What the hell am I supposed to do with that?

Anybody know any shows like Longmire or Shetland?

Posted by: Huck Follywood, hunker in the barrel at April 02, 2020 11:59 AM (NVYyb)

403 "Lithium, along with theremin-class instruments, is a strategic resource, necessary for the production of good vibrations."

Factoid: Brian Wilson did not use a real Theremin, but an easier-to-play version called the "Electro-Theremin", which was based on a Heathkit audio oscillator.

Posted by: Chris M at April 02, 2020 11:59 AM (eAZVt)

404 I actually went to Xian, China about 5 years ago. My driver drove a CNG powered car. One time, pulling away from a toll booth, there was some 3 wheeled 1 cylinder tractor thing, and it had the lowest RPM that I've ever heard an engine run.
Posted by: Chris M

I was in Beijing in 2001, and even then, all the taxis were CNG powered, because of the bad air pollution. There were (and maybe still are) four big coal burning power plants in Beijing. The air quality some days was really awful. Chinese walked around with masks all the time then.
They also used to run coal-fired steam engines to haul coal trains in Shangxi province. I haven't been there in years, but they still might be there.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....menace to society at April 02, 2020 11:59 AM (vcOmj)

405 Plus, it gives us 5 bonus armies per turn.
Posted by: Methos at April 02, 2020 11:54 AM (kOpft)
++++++++++++
hell, the *one* "Bonus Army" was a big enough problem - and you want five times that? Frequently?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (Q8c/L)

406 People who don't pay attention think it was only the Marines that participated in the War in the Pacific in WW2. Even though MacArthur was Army. Can't really blame them since that's what the movies and TV shows represent.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (2DOZq)

407 Personally, I think it's not acceptable for Trump to subject his task force to this kind of harrassment day after day. If he wants to stand at the mic and play dodgeball with these assholes, fine, but he ought to allow the task force to answer two or three questions each and then leave.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 02, 2020 11:50 AM (hhYtz)

Eh.

If Trump did that, he would be accused of suppressing the truth or lying, etc, etc, etc.

Yes, it's stupid having to answer the same thing day after day, letting the Low IQ idiots in the MSM try to play gotcha,

but that's where we are now.

Trump has nothing to hide. So, he's showing he has nothing to hide.

If I were guessing, I think he's planning to grind them down before they can wear him down.

That he's winning is shown by the fact that the networks are already grumbling and threatening to shutdown the President addresses to the American people.

Yes, please, go with that MSM.

The Great Revealing continues.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (z0XD8)

408 375 You know, buying Greenland now would make a hell of a lot of sense.

Low rates.

May have a willing buyer.

Even when the country is down (economically) we are growing in size.
------------------------
Wouldn't it be cheaper to make Denmark the 51st state? It would also annoy the shit out of Merkel, too.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (xAWn5)

409 367
Marines aren't the force many people think they are. They're very limited in what they can do.

The forces that win wars is the Army and Air Force. They are the only ones that can wage and maintain high-intensity battles.
.. it certainly didn't seem that way in Fallujah

Posted by: SMOD at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (3aI0K)

410 .. it certainly didn't seem that way in Fallujah
Posted by: SMOD at April 02, 2020 12:00 PM (3aI0K)

Well, that's one of the things they can do.

Posted by: Vanya at April 02, 2020 12:01 PM (BAsqb)

411
Currently, yes. However, in Ohio, there were a bunch of retailers that closed voluntarily before the governor ordered anything. IIRC.
Posted by: shibumi in a tinfoil hat at April 02, 2020 11:45 AM (ZCiJZ)

Voluntarily? Really? My guess is they felt the drool on the backs of their necks from the civil lawyers.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 12:02 PM (Fs5vw)

412 Here it is:

"All of these nasty examples of
rudeness are what gives the ______ such a bad reputation of an island
filled with a bunch of old, rude, bad attitude people. Too bad since we
have such a great place to be living. You would think people would make
an attempt to be a little nicer than normal with all the difficulties we
are facing in today's world. Then again, it is hard to teach old dogs
new tricks."

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 02, 2020 11:57 AM (ptqGC)

Awesome!

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 02, 2020 12:02 PM (q1Pj5)

413 "I am always fascinated by that when people talk about the Evil American Arms Dealers(tm). We sell a shit ton of weapons, almost entirely to our allies. The French sell a shit ton of weapons to any and all comers. They're mercenaries. Yet *we* take the heat from the assholes over it.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 02, 2020 11:12 AM (Q8c/L) "

It's anti-American, not anti-weapons-dealers ... like so much else in the world.
Hating America and its people is something the whole world can agree on, they just try all kinds of bs to disguise the fact.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, we are being gaslighted 24/365 at April 02, 2020 12:02 PM (cqteU)

414
There was a survey once that said citizens in El Paso, Texas were the happiest on Earth because there is a significant level of lithium in the well water there.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 02, 2020 11:42 AM (Zz0t1)

Magnolia, Arkansas is notable for having water with a high bromine content. Albemarle Chemicals has two plants there for extracting it for use in fire-resistant materials.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 02, 2020 12:02 PM (7rVsF)

415 A lawyer for retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn said her client was prepared to "audit" the U.S. intelligence community as White House national security adviser. And that, according to former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell, is partly why federal agents "set up" Flynn. Flynn, 61, is fighting to dismiss the government's case against him.

Posted by: SMOD

My dream is still that the court finally throws out his case, Trump wins reelection and then immediately appoints Flynn to the newly created position of Hercules Cleaning The CIA/NSA Aegean Stables*.

*Position comes with a car, daily stipend and a lion skin cape.

Posted by: Sharkman at April 02, 2020 12:03 PM (PAaiG)

416 As a former Marine grunt (hence the name) and currently serving US Army armor officer, I am appalled at this decision.The CMC is trading away the vast majority of firepower in return for anti-ship missile capability (hello, US Navy maybe?) and the ability to attack/seize Chines islands as advanced bases.Couple of thoughts: last time the USMC fought the Chinese, the Corps had a buttload of firepower (see Chosin for a recap). Second, why seize the Chinese islands? A few TLAMs (from a submarine maybe?) or a carrier strike and those islands are no longer a threat.The US Navy isn't going to what those bases for anything. Harbor/port/fleet anchorage is minimal to nonexistent and why would they want a fixed airbase when they have carriers?Other people a lot smarter than me have discussed the CMC's decision and the process he used to arrive at his decision and they too are baffled.
Last comment, during Desert Storm the US Army Tiger Brigade was attached to 1MEF, they had a problem identifying USMC vehicles and as a result, we took fire from them multiple times. Being shot at is not fun. Being shot at by your own people is less fun. Fortunately, they weren't great shots....

Posted by: Stacy0311 at April 02, 2020 12:03 PM (R9FE/)

417 The forces that win wars is the Army and Air Force. They are the only ones that can wage and maintain high-intensity battles.
.. it certainly didn't seem that way in Fallujah
--------------------------
True. But the Marines changed the ROIs. They brought in their M-1s and backed them up with a Paymaster to pay the owner of the house they just dropped. Worked much better than sending soldiers in to do close combat with the Hadjis.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 12:03 PM (xAWn5)

418 I like the story of how penicillin was covertly brought to the United States by the British scientists in 1941.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 02, 2020 12:04 PM (2DOZq)

419 The Marines are cutting back on the equipment that they will use, and on the capabilities they have.

How soon will the two? Marine divisions become two brigades and a couple of separate battalions? Imagine the savings on the defense budget!?!?

Don't worry, they will somehow end up with even more Colonels and Generals though.

Posted by: rd at April 02, 2020 12:05 PM (+0uDE)

420 Stacy - the Marines need to replace their 1960s Helos. They need to replace their 1980 LAVS, which are amphibious. Having a tank that can't deploy with the Navy is stupid and costly in a world where one Marine can target a tank with a 1,000 lb dumb bomb with a $100 smart nose dropped from a 1950s B-52. See where we're going?

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 12:07 PM (xAWn5)

421
.. it certainly didn't seem that way in Fallujah

I'm sure the Marines were thankful for the Warthogs. And if that battle had lasted longer, the Army would have been called in.

I say these things with deep respect to the Marines. But they are not designed for extended engagements.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 12:08 PM (Fs5vw)

422
I'm sure the Marines were thankful for the Warthogs. And if that battle had lasted longer, the Army would have been called in.

I say these things with deep respect to the Marines. But they are not designed for extended engagements.
----------------------
We were offered the Warthogs for free. Then we did the cost analysis to make them sea worthy and said no. For some reason the Air Force did not buy the jigs and data package for the warthog. It would have been cheaper to build them anew than rehab them for sea worthiness.

If you don't believe me take a look at the Apache helicopters used in Panama that were shipped above decks to Panama. They all had to be rebuilt because of Sea Salt corrosion throughout the bird.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 12:11 PM (xAWn5)

423 True. But the Marines changed the ROIs. They brought in their M-1s and backed them up with a Paymaster to pay the owner of the house they just dropped. Worked much better than sending soldiers in to do close combat with the Hadjis.
Posted by: Puddin Head at April 02, 2020 12:03 PM (xAWn5)

In this instance that worked. I'll give them credit for resourcefulness. But that's too expensive to use with every battle. Wars just don't work that way.

Posted by: Sooner at April 02, 2020 12:13 PM (Fs5vw)

424 Grey Fox: You are correct. I'm talking tactics. Shooting the horse was one of them.

Posted by: Mog Smash at April 02, 2020 12:14 PM (CgFRV)

425 Hanging out in trees was another. That work great on the Brits.

Posted by: Mog Smash at April 02, 2020 12:15 PM (CgFRV)

426 @230

Yes, virtually everything that you own or buy is manufactured in China or if it is "manufactured" in the US, it's more than likely made from components that were manufactured in China.

The US makes dick pills though.

Lots and lots of dick pills.

Posted by: Digging Deeper at April 02, 2020 12:17 PM (FVrDO)

427 Just checked the following items in my close vicinity, all made in China.

Dell Laptop.
LG Monitors.
Vornado Desk Fan.
Generic Lamp.
Apple Ipad.
Apple Iphone.
Clamp
Pencil Sharpener.
Keyboard
Mouse
Stool
Folding table
Deck of Cards
Fitbit Watch.
Dinner Plate.
Music Keyboard
Hand Sanitizer. (Funny)
PPE Mask

You get the drift.

Posted by: Digging Deeper at April 02, 2020 12:23 PM (FVrDO)

428 WHY NO FLAMING SKULL!!!!?????

Posted by: Fred Baumann at April 02, 2020 12:25 PM (1AgfG)

429 https://giphy.com/gifs/ blue-fire-hair- 9r3wiUsRRMFxK

Posted by: Miley, the ~~Duchess~~ - Hydroxy Chloro Queen and Bat Soup Nazi at April 02, 2020 12:47 PM (rCwaK)

430 Your fears are well founded.

In Nam for 5 months , many battles, never had a M14 jam or mis fire for any Jarhead! For 7 months with the AR15 about 30% would be out of action within a min of battle. the "Brass" had the temerity to say the "Grunts" did no know how to take care of their weapons! BULL SHIT; let me rephrase that HORSE SHIT!~

Again M14 never once was a problem. AR15 was a problem thousands of times.

Posted by: rodney stanton at April 02, 2020 01:50 PM (PIkb/)

431
"*looks to the sky for airborne swine*"

Regrettably, your swine overflew my airspace. I had no choice but to shoot them down. The bacon is very tasty, however.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie at April 02, 2020 05:51 PM (ZTZBG)

432 I dropped a C++ class for that exact reason.

Posted by: ghbucky--
When I took C, way back before it got the ++, there were two teachers - one good, one very bad. Everyone signed up for the good prof. The school set it up as 'team teaching' - alternating professors. Good teacher spent most of her class un-teaching what the bad teacher told us in the precious session.

Posted by: FrodoB,
looking for more eye bleach at April 02, 2020 05:59 PM (dQF3z)

433 Give a Fucks eared not given grunt

Posted by: Ray Mota at April 02, 2020 11:36 PM (AVxHd)

434 I don't see these modifications as enhancing their fighting abilities. I doubt any Marine does either.

Posted by: I am not corey Booker at April 03, 2020 01:27 AM (Ju2mK)

Processing 0.04, elapsed 0.0587 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0237 seconds, 443 records returned.
Page size 260 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.