The Morning Rant: Minimalist Edition

The Obama purge of our military has exacerbated the institutional flaws that are inherent in most military organizations. Pork Barrel procurement is probably as old as the first army, as is ridiculous weapons system design, the typical strategy of planning on fighting the last war, and a host of other issues that will probably never change.

But political reliability in the highest ranks, deference to the most insane progressive and post-modern lunacy (DEI, transgenderism, etc), coupled with a foreign policy seemingly designed to embolden our enemies have all conspired to put America squarely behind. We can't build ships, we can't build planes, we can't attract men to enlist, and our biggest Pacific ally is a generation behind in their planning for a war with China that is becoming more and more likely.

Preserving Peace Through Naval Power

Today, the U.S. Navy has a peer naval competitor in the Chinese PLAN and does not have enough resources to counter it and perform its other assigned global duties. Catching up to current requirements, let alone those which might come from China in the future, will be expensive, difficult, and time consuming. Maintaining the current U.S. naval spending as a percentage of GDP will increase the risk of war.
Increasing the pace of building major naval combatants such as supercarriers and their F35 aircraft, nuclear submarines, and guided missile destroyers is crucial to the goal of deterrence. U.S. shipyards will need to increase their skilled workforces. Component suppliers will need to invest in new production lines. Congress and the Department of Defense need to radically change procurement processes relating to building and maintaining state-of-the-art naval vessels. These major blue water combatants are essential for deterrence and for victory if actual hostilities occur.

US Navy's warship production is in its worst state in 25 years. What's behind it?

The U.S. Navy is struggling to build affordable warships needed to face expanding threats around the world. Among the numerous challenges obstructing its efforts are a serious shortage of skilled workers, poor shipyard employee retention, last-minute design changes and the Pentagon's shifting priorities. Eric Labs is a longtime naval analyst at the Congressional Budget Office. He says the shipbuilding industry is in its worst state in 25 years.

Good news, bad news in Japan's military reawakening

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has done what no American president ever could. He got Japan to get serious about defense after decades of pathological overdependence on US forces.
But here’s the problem: Being serious about defense and actually being able to defend oneself are different things. Japan already has a large and powerful defense force – on paper at least. Its military power has been rated #7 in the world.
And in recent years Japan has undertaken to double defense spending, buy and develop long-range missiles, signed defense agreements with several foreign countries, is poised to establish a Joint Operations Command and is pushing the Americans to operationalize their US Forces Japan headquarters.
And the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) is doing more and increasingly complex exercises with the Americans, the Australians and others.
That’s the good news. But here’s the not-so-good news: the JSDF still isn’t a real fighting force. It’s not prepared to fight a war in terms of organization, logistics, command and control, hardware and weaponry, combat-casualty replacement, reserve forces, or even psychologically.

America has had the huge buffer of two oceans to protect us. They have given us the time to recover from our traditional military stupidity. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor stretched their logistical capacity, yet there is another 2,500 miles to the American mainland.

But current weaponry has shrunk that advantage. Space-based weapons, ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, internet-based attacks, EMPs, and more have decreased our perimeter, while the complexity of our modern weapons systems has increased exponentially our resupply and repair challenges.

We simply cannot afford to muddle through the first weeks or months of a war, ferreting out the substandard officers, figuring out which weapons work and which don't, bringing our logistics up to a war footing, and on and on and on.

Our next war is going to happen far to quickly and far too fast for us to have that luxury.

[Crossposted at CutJibNewsletter]

Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 st!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at August 13, 2024 11:00 AM (kgE5c)

2 Meow

Posted by: Lurking Cheshirecat at August 13, 2024 11:00 AM (w3u3d)

3 Almost

Posted by: Lurking Cheshirecat at August 13, 2024 11:01 AM (w3u3d)

4 Morning.

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:01 AM (PBtLT)

5 Yay monkey time!

Posted by: Zeera the ungoverened at August 13, 2024 11:01 AM (vaskf)

6 The Others have been summoned.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at August 13, 2024 11:01 AM (kgE5c)

7 I looked up Navy death stats during WW2.

Shockingly high but not surprising when you realise there's no real retreat if things turn to crap.

Posted by: Stateless at August 13, 2024 11:02 AM (jvJvP)

8 Don't we have UFOs? I was assured by several people on the internet that we had UFOs.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at August 13, 2024 11:03 AM (pIfcn)

9 But political reliability in the highest ranks, deference to the most insane progressive and post-modern lunacy (DEI, transgenderism, etc), coupled with a foreign policy seemingly designed to embolden our enemies have all conspired to put America squarely behind. We can't build ships, we can't build planes, we can't attract men to enlist, and our biggest Pacific ally is a generation behind in their planning for a war with China that is becoming more and more likely.
++++
If there is another major war in the old style of a major clash between nation states (as opposed to continuous low-grade warfare continuously waged in various hot spots), it will be brief and we will lose.

The bet - if there is one - is likely that the old-school approach of massive clashes between states is over, and peripheral conflict is the norm. The Russia/Ukraine war *might* have thrown some ice water on that assessment, but I am not sure.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:03 AM (HnUIn)

10 Commenting present
Lunch on the road soon

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2024 11:03 AM (qllUN)

11 I recall CDR Salamander recently saying something along the lines that at this point the next war we fight is going to be fought with what we have at the present.

In other words, we're boned.

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (b5iKo)

12 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?

Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)

13 Lab grown viruses I would add to the list of what has shrunk our perimeter.

Posted by: Rex B at August 13, 2024 11:05 AM (YAsVi)

14 All roads to our most recent hell lead to the DogEater (whom we have to thank for F. Joe and now Kommie-la) and, to a lesser extent, Bubba and Killary before him.

Five Devil Discount ...

Posted by: ShainS -- Cat Ladies for Trump & Vance! at August 13, 2024 11:06 AM (OVrCp)

15 If memory serves (and when has it ever) we had a BAN* under Reagan

*Big Ass Navy

Posted by: Don Black at August 13, 2024 11:06 AM (/7KEl)

16 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?
Posted by: BignJames

About 1/2 a day.

Posted by: Consititutionalist at August 13, 2024 11:06 AM (eQv+N)

17 and why did we mothball the Iowa-class ships

unless I'm wrong about that

Posted by: Don Black at August 13, 2024 11:07 AM (/7KEl)

18 NY Post: Belgium bans Jews from sporting events like it was World War II

https://tinyurl.com/33ec86hr

Via Insty.

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:07 AM (b5iKo)

19
A screaming comes across the sky. It has happened before, but there is nothing to compare it to now.

It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it’s all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above that would let the light of day through. But it’s night. He’s afraid of the way the glass would fall—soon—it will be a spectacle: the fall of a crystal palace. But coming down in total blackout, without one glint of light, only great invisible crashing...

That's right, bitchez! I'm relevant again!

Posted by: Thomas Pynchon at August 13, 2024 11:07 AM (eDfFs)

20 Women:

"Oh god, men are pigs! Always staring at boobs. [Makes "gag me" sign]"

Also women:

"Mon dieu, look at that pole on the French pole vaulter! [Makes "call me" sign]"

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at August 13, 2024 11:07 AM (iFTx/)

21 Increasing the pace of building major naval combatants such as supercarriers and their F35 aircraft, nuclear submarines, and guided missile destroyers is crucial to the goal of deterrence.
++++
But so is leadership.

Deterrence requires a big stick, but it also requires that the stick is *not* wielded by vacuous and reckless retards.

Sadly, the well is poisoned. We are increasingly losing deterrence. Trump hauled us off the last nadir (Obama) and was able to begin re-establishing deterrence through his specific and narrow - but brutally effective - interventions in Syria and Iraq, the planned orderliness of the Afghanistan draw-down and major moves toward re-establishing some of the industrial chain on American soil.

Since 2020, it's been a nightmare. We're far worse off than we were in 2016 from a deterrence standpoint, and only some of it has to do with warships and materiel. Most of it has been political and competence-related.

Restoring deterrence is extremely dangerous because it is necessarily violent and every engagement is high stakes. It's much better not to lose it in the first place, and it can't be bought back simply through investing in shipyards.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (HnUIn)

22 12 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?
Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)

Given the rather parlous state of naval munitions, less than a week. Maybe a few days?

Posted by: Octochicken at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (oCS0o)

23 " Catching up to current requirements, let alone those which might come from China in the future, will be expensive, difficult, and time consuming"

Anyone can build ships, if they have the industrial base (we don't, but set that aside)

The problem is - who do you have to crew them? Third worlders, freaks, karens, and democrats can't operate a warship worth a damn.

Things don't get maintained, people don't get trained, nobody knows how to do their job. Before you know it you'll start running aground and crashing into shit. Oh, wait...

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (Augkz)

24 Several decades ago I hade some brief involvement with our shipbuilding industries. In those days, much of our shipbuilding and repair capacity was on the east coast. I wonder if that is still true, and, if so, how we intend to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese missile attack.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (pYhJ1)

25 "12 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?
Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)"

This depends entirely on real world accuracy of certain weapon systems and how many of others they're willing to stockpile and then lob all at the same time.

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:09 AM (Augkz)

26 We are no longer building forces for long term conflicts. We are looking to move mobile forces quickly at a certain level of size to make immediate impact. I accept that our current leadership malaise is a problem, and a big one.

But I'm laughing at the fear of China. They don't begin to know where our subs are, and most of their capital fleet - which isn't all that big - would be sunk rather quickly if it came to that.

This strikes me as the typical armed forces budget time fear mongering.

Our liability has to do with will, not weapon platforms. Trump could fix that in a week.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:09 AM (GZYu7)

27 But current weaponry has shrunk that advantage. Space-based weapons, ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, internet-based attacks, EMPs, and more have decreased our perimeter, while the complexity of our modern weapons systems has increased exponentially our resupply and repair challenges.

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

Not to worry, comrade -- Silicon Valley's #Woke AI will save us!

Posted by: ShainS -- Cat Ladies for Trump & Vance! at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (OVrCp)

28 Mine is probably a minority opinion… I don’t think we have to worry about war with China. I think the Chinese are getting everything they want out of us (the current Junta anyway) without firing a shot…. I can see them attacking Taiwan in the next five years and maybe Japan out further (in 10-15 years)…. Maybe we’d be next on the menu if they’re successful with those others….

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (WnEm5)

29 For the price of one aircraft carrier, Xi can buy all the Democrat politicians and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (aD39U)

30 But current weaponry has shrunk that advantage. Space-based weapons, ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, internet-based attacks, EMPs, and more have decreased our perimeter, while the complexity of our modern weapons systems has increased exponentially our resupply and repair challenges.
++++
"Fortress America" is still a thing, and geography is still our ally. Projecting force across the globe is still hard. Mounting an attack is much, much easier than it used to be but waging a war across the world is still pretty hard. It's hard to win with airstrikes and asymmetrical warfare on foreign soil. Eventually, you have to occupy it.

But if your goal is not conquest but reorientation, it is much easier than it used to be to knock a player out. China or any other rival doesn't need the US to fall, it just needs the US to leave. And that may be fairly easy to achieve.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (HnUIn)

31 I've stopped caring about this.

Any military spending will be on current military priorities (which are woke and dangerous), not winning a near-peer war. You can't fix this problem without a complete sea change in policy, which neither party has any intention of implementing.

Calamitous necessity is the only thing that can make that kind of change at this point.

Kinda like everything else government-related.

Posted by: They've Chosen...Poorly at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (TtsS5)

32 It's appropriate not to rely on optimism as a strategy, but I'll point out that China, our most serious threat, has an enormous problem on their hands, and that is that their own population doesn't like their government. I've seen recent reports that they spend as much on internal control as they do on external power projection. If I were a Chinese leader, I'd be very wary of starting something where the bulk of my forces were used extraterritorially.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (xCA6C)

33 I recall CDR Salamander recently saying something along the lines that at this point the next war we fight is going to be fought with what we have at the present.

In other words, we're boned.
Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (b5iKo)

That's how we started WWII. Our military was in much worse shape than it is now equipment wise.

The military brass is the biggest problem. Obamites as far as the eyes can see.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (g8Ew8)

34 Doesn't Japan still have a constitutional provision limiting their ability to arm themselves?

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (eYoxG)

35 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?
Posted by: BignJames

Well, Kamala knows full blown.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:12 AM (L/fGl)

36 But current weaponry has shrunk that advantage. Space-based weapons, ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, internet-based attacks, EMPs, and more have decreased our perimeter, while the complexity of our modern weapons systems has increased exponentially our resupply and repair challenges.

Arguably, these things call into question the value of a traditional "lots of big grey ships" Navy.

SSGNs and, maybe, drone swarm ships might be of greater value.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:12 AM (U7wke)

37 Several decades ago I had some brief involvement with our shipbuilding industries. In those days, much of our shipbuilding and repair capacity was on the east coast. I wonder if that is still true, and, if so, how we intend to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese missile attack.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (pYhJ1)

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

I've just assumed we'd outsourced our shipbuilding to China.

/only half-joking

Posted by: ShainS -- Cat Ladies for Trump & Vance! at August 13, 2024 11:12 AM (OVrCp)

38 34 Doesn't Japan still have a constitutional provision limiting their ability to arm themselves?
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (eYoxG)

======

I think it's a constitutional obligation to peace, forced upon it by the US government right after WWII.

They've had domestic protective forces ever since, a kind of small-scale military, but they've been bulking it up for a while now.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (GBKbO)

39 For the price of one aircraft carrier, Xi can buy all the Democrat politicians and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (aD39U)

Judging by Bolton's rate, they could do that for the cost of a Bugatti Chiron.

Posted by: spindrift at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (OguvZ)

40 But here’s the not-so-good news: the JSDF still isn’t a real fighting force. It’s not prepared to fight a war in terms of organization, logistics, command and control, hardware and weaponry, combat-casualty replacement, reserve forces, or even psychologically.

Mister, they could use a man like Yukio Mishima again. . .

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (Q0kLU)

41 Mine is probably a minority opinion… I don’t think we have to worry about war with China. I think the Chinese are getting everything they want out of us (the current Junta anyway) without firing a shot…. I can see them attacking Taiwan in the next five years and maybe Japan out further (in 10-15 years)…. Maybe we’d be next on the menu if they’re successful with those others….

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (WnEm5)
==
Taiwan I can see. Japan would be a suicide mission. We would most certainly be at their side, and Japan has the probably the second most powerful Navy after us. China would never see the Japanese coast.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (GZYu7)

42 What a cheery topic CBD, but it reveals yet another actual critical deficiency in the Federal Government's critical responsibilities.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ This year in Corsicana - again! ~ at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (hOUT3)

43 37 Several decades ago I had some brief involvement with our shipbuilding industries. In those days, much of our shipbuilding and repair capacity was on the east coast. I wonder if that is still true, and, if so, how we intend to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese missile attack.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (pYhJ1)

=======

My grandfather built subs during WWII. I think he was an engineer. I assume he was working out of Norfolk.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:13 AM (GBKbO)

44 "The bet - if there is one - is likely that the old-school approach of massive clashes between states is over, and peripheral conflict is the norm. The Russia/Ukraine war *might* have thrown some ice water on that assessment, but I am not sure.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:03 AM (HnUIn)"

Nukes are the only different ingredient we have going on, and I'm not sure I'd wager that vs. innate human stupidity.

Everyone always thinks either that the war won't happen, or that the war they're starting will be a slam dunk.

We are in the will they/won't they early phase that later historians will probably gloss over before "and then the US entered the war". I doubt the western left thinks they can get from here to.. wherever the fuck they think they're going without kicking off a big one.

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:14 AM (Augkz)

45 "Oh god, men are pigs! Always staring at boobs

Actually toots it's your ass.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at August 13, 2024 11:14 AM (SU6FL)

46 With $35T and growing national debt, it's time to think differently.

Scrap the entire military except a very robust cutting edge drone fleet.

Enact a Nuclear Strike First policy.

Any nation attacks or attempts to invade our homeland gets nuked off the planet.

Or we could continue spending 1T annually and see how that ends.

Posted by: Not trying to be mean but... at August 13, 2024 11:14 AM (AsaWd)

47 If memory serves (and when has it ever) we had a BAN* under Reagan

*Big Ass Navy
Posted by: Don Black

Would also have accepted "Lizzo Navy."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:15 AM (L/fGl)

48 I’m not sure whether we can fix the military’s problems with the left as it is now having the power it does. I think our time and energy are best spent rolling them back and purging them from our military and economic institutions.
That’s not a good answer but it’s what I think.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:15 AM (jbnUc)

49 how we intend to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese missile attack.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (pYhJ1)

Don't the Chinese own/operate the canal?

Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2024 11:15 AM (AwYPR)

50 Guess we are not going to get any icebreakers any time soon.

Posted by: mustbequantum at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (WCgT6)

51 I don’t think we have to worry about war with China. I think the Chinese are getting everything they want out of us (the current Junta anyway) without firing a shot…

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (WnEm5)

I agree. But as you point out, it is Taiwan that is their immediate goal, for nationalistic and economic reasons.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (d9fT1)

52 Arguably, these things call into question the value of a traditional "lots of big grey ships" Navy.

SSGNs and, maybe, drone swarm ships might be of greater value.

Agree. Ukraine's demolition of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, often by cheap speedboat drones, is causing lots of rethinking.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (xCA6C)

53 Press: "Mopsie, what does the President believe in Kamala Harris' biggest achievement?"

Latrine Jean Pierre: " ..... "

https://shorturl.at/YpniA

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (ZGR2C)

54 For the price of one aircraft carrier, Xi can buy all the Democrat politicians and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at August 13, 2024 11:10 AM (aD39U)

^^^^This!

China has learned that "War is for Suckaz!".

They can get everything everything they want for the low discount price of buying politicians anywhere in the world. Including esp. the USA. If they're simply patient enough.

How many Pentagon generals are receiving "lunch-money" Chinese yuan?

Don't know but I bet the number is non-zero.

Posted by: naturalfake at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (eDfFs)

55 Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (xCA6C)

I don't like our government either. It would be impossible for me to support sending Americans to help Zelensky or start a fight with the country that supplies much of our manufactured goods, especially knowing that the people who transferred our manufacturing there did so knowing full well that it would harm individuals in the short run and the nation in the long run. These same people make sure we have an increasing foreign population that would happily turn on us. That "seeking freedom" shit is shit. the people coming here wouldn't be if Xi, Maduro, the mullahs didn't approve them.

Posted by: enough Bullshit at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (2NXcZ)

56 NY Post: Belgium bans Jews from sporting events like it was World War II

Was it Wilhelm II or Schickelgruber who called Belgium a shitty little country?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (Q0kLU)

57 Isn't the plan to attract major muslim infestations to all western countries so no one will want to attack them?

Posted by: Oglebay at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (7fVdQ)

58 That's how we started WWII. Our military was in much worse shape than it is now equipment wise.

The military brass is the biggest problem. Obamites as far as the eyes can see.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (g8Ew

Life was slower in 1939, but today's incompetent DEI heavy Obamite senior staff might be an insurmountable problem!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ This year in Corsicana - again! ~ at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (hOUT3)

59 We simply cannot afford to muddle through the first weeks or months of a war, ferreting out the substandard officers, figuring out which weapons work and which don't, bringing our logistics up to a war footing, and on and on and on.

Our next war is going to happen far to quickly and far too fast for us to have that luxury.

Meh. As messed up as the US military has become, it is still the 800lb gorilla in the room. We've seen one of our closest competitors (Russia), struggle to defeat one of the poorest nations in Europe. Even with all the Western aid, it's pretty bad. China, while a larger and more capable threat, is still woefully militarily and economically to fight the US. Additionally, nations near China take the threat very seriously, so the US would have significant allied assistance from India, The Philippines, Korea, Japan, etc in any conflict.

And yes, while technology has allowed for some strikes to occur more quickly (missiles and such), it has also greatly improved observation platforms like satellites. There's no way a major attack (invasion of Taiwan, for example) would ever be a surprise.

Posted by: Military Moron at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (JCZqz)

60 That's how we started WWII. Our military was in much worse shape than it is now equipment wise. ...
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (g8Ew

++++
It is nothing like when we started WWII from the standpoint of future capability.

Prior to that war, the military was less well-equipped to be sure - but it didn't stay that way. We had a massive, well-distributed industrial base operating at all levels and specialties. Crucially - and it cannot be overstated how important this was - we had obsolescence. Every industrial town in the land had some closed factory that could be reopened or old machinery sitting under greased tarps out back. Disused equipment could be hauled back indoors and spun up to turn artillery. What was no longer good enough for mainline production was good enough for simpler stuff like guns and tank treads.

We had a stupendous industrial base with a ton of slack capacity thanks to obsolescence. Nobody *wants* to use obsolete machinery and production systems, but it was a strategic advantage. Now our industrial base is comparatively small and all the obsolete equipment is sold on to marginal players. All those old machines are in Asia.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (HnUIn)

61 Sidebar: T0rump's interview with Elon seems to be working, finally
_______
Not for me.

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (1bNHn)

62 7
‘ I looked up Navy death stats during WW2.

Shockingly high’
Kamikaze warfare. Today’s equivalent will be guided missiles

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (jbnUc)

63 Given the rather parlous state of naval munitions, less than a week. Maybe a few days?
Posted by: Octochicken at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (oCS0o)

Our munitions are irrelevant. The question is "how long would it take for an adversary to get a weapon which can sink her into position". Assuming hypersonic missiles, that depends on their range.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (U7wke)

64 We really just need to focus on pronouns and DEI in the military more to be a great warrior nation.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (ewjUl)

65 Here is my conundrum: If we are attacked, why would I want to fight for a government that hates me? Why would I send my Son or Grandsons to fight for a commie dictator wannabe? Fuck them. When they invade the homeland I will fight. Otherwise, no.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (pohLc)

66 With $35T and growing national debt, it's time to think differently.

Scrap the entire military except a very robust cutting edge drone fleet.

Enact a Nuclear Strike First policy.

Any nation attacks or attempts to invade our homeland gets nuked off the planet.

Or we could continue spending 1T annually and see how that ends.

Assuming that worked (it won't) what do you think would be done with the savings? I guarantee you it won't go to paying down the debt, it'll go to bailing out more useless DEI grad students and similar worthy projects.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (xCA6C)

67 Doesn't Japan still have a constitutional provision limiting their ability to arm themselves?
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (eYoxG)

Article 9.

"Article 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."

So as you can see they do actually maintain a military...excuse me, "Self-Defense Force." When do Constitutions ever truly mean anything?

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (NMpEb)

68 ferreting out the substandard officers

I'm available for call-up, right after the DNC convention completely obliterates my career.

Posted by: Tim Walz at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM (SVUxP)

69 "It’s not prepared to fight a war in terms of organization, logistics, command and control, hardware and weaponry, combat-casualty replacement, reserve forces, or even psychologically."

How do we know that? This seems more like deliberate pessimism and propaganda than actual intel. Is someone angling for more US spending on MIC, I wonder?

The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

70 A military which is a fustercluck, that has lost all tech advantage over its adversaries, and a political system that is hellbent on going to war with every one of the most sophisticated militaries in the world.

What could go wrong.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (dGCAG)

71 Does one have to have X to listen to the interview? I am not on any social media. So asking for myself.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (ewjUl)

72 Several decades ago I had some brief involvement with our shipbuilding industries. In those days, much of our shipbuilding and repair capacity was on the east coast. I wonder if that is still true, and, if so, how we intend to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese missile attack.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (pYhJ1)

AFAIK, they are still building subs at the Naval Yard in Portsmouth NH.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (Q0kLU)

73 Right before the koof broke out, I started taking welding classes at my local community college. I've never been in an academic environment where the instructor dropped so many F-bombs during a lecture.

Most of those F-bombs were directly related to Bath Iron Works and its ridiculous union-controlled shop.

So you go to school to become a welder? Spend a year learning the skills necessary. You aren't a master welder by any means but you can run an overhead bead with the stick as good as needed. Apply at BIW and get hired almost on the spot. Go through their welding program for a year and graduate. Congrats! You get to push a broom. For three years. At the end of three years, you get a grinder. You grind for three more years. FINALLY you can weld after six years on the floor. Except, you can't grind anymore... thats the grinder's job. I feel like dropping an F-bomb just describing it.

Posted by: Defenestratus at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (4o8/3)

74 "32 It's appropriate not to rely on optimism as a strategy, but I'll point out that China, our most serious threat, has an enormous problem on their hands, and that is that their own population doesn't like their government.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (xCA6C)"

I would wager that outside of the rural dirt-farmer population, the Chinese are happier with their government than we our with ours for now. They do a significantly better job with the trains-on-time shit and law and order (which is a big side effect of that internal control)

Primary gripes would be local corruption, environmental concerns, and various fallout from Chinese culture being a bit psychotic - which you can't really blame on the PRC.

This may change quickly depending on how the PRC navigates various financial hurdles. They have a weird combination of the central government playing the long game w/ commodities, currency, and capability, while failing to reign in local governors who were resorting to fraud.

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (Augkz)

75 Press: "Mopsie, what does the President believe in Kamala Harris' biggest achievement?"

Latrine Jean Pierre: " ..... "

https://shorturl.at/YpniA
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (ZGR2C)

Okay, looking at her tits...Kamala's Flopsie.

So, who's Cottontail?

Posted by: naturalfake at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (eDfFs)

76 Arguably, these things call into question the value of a traditional "lots of big grey ships" Navy.

SSGNs and, maybe, drone swarm ships might be of greater value.

Agree. Ukraine's demolition of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, often by cheap speedboat drones, is causing lots of rethinking.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (xCA6C)
==
Which is exactly why we have the make up we currently have. If we were in a conflict - our ships would not be seen and would require long distance targeting through serious defense screens after the air wing has already come in.

The minute bullets start flying anything can happen, and not even our big carriers would be immune to that. But at this point, the damage they could unleash quickly far surpasses anything thrown back at it. Of course, assuming we get the leadership corrected.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (GZYu7)

77 Who, exactly, is in charge of the Armed Forces at this moment?

Posted by: Sickly, Old, Fat Austin? at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (CV8a5)

78 Might I suggest it is perhaps a favorable time to purchase ammunition?

Posted by: Weasel at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (uGpeQ)

79 I'm available for call-up, right after the DNC convention completely obliterates my career.
Posted by: Tim Walz at August 13, 2024 11:18 AM

Don't forget to grab your combat fired and tested weapon of war Timmah.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (ewjUl)

80 We used to be able to build two nuclear powered attack submarines a year. Now, it is taking almost two years to build one SSN. And it's basically the same overall design since the first Los Angles class SSN was delivered decades ago.

The Constellation class guided missile frigates have been delayed for years as design changes pile up.

During WWII shipyards were turning out dozens of warships a month. Light carriers used in the Pacific Theater took about 3-4 months.

Ship building, like building aircraft or any other technologically complex device is quickly becoming a lost art. I fully expect our society to collapse because of it.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (Q4IgG)

81 I agree. But as you point out, it is Taiwan that is their immediate goal, for nationalistic and economic reasons.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (d9fT1)

The more thorny question for me: If/when China attacks Taiwan what should we do? I’d provide weapons and moral support (whatever that means… mainly condemnation) but I’m not sure I’d want our military involved. I could be wrong

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (5MZNC)

82 He's gone nuclear!

Election Wizard
@ElectionWiz
TRUMP CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO HARRIS PRESS RELEASE [complaining about the Trump /Musk interview]:

“Understandable that Kamala's campaign would find it confusing to listen to a presidential candidate speak off the teleprompter for more than 0 seconds.”

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:21 AM (L/fGl)

83 Obama's entire role was to bring the US down to a third-world level. We were too powerful, you see. Other nations like Iran and China should have a say in running the world! It's just fair!

Remember how pictures of the Japanese surrender in WWII made him "uncomfortable"?

I don't think there has ever been a more destructive force in America than Obama. And I include the Civil War.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at August 13, 2024 11:21 AM (WPL6O)

84 Or we could continue spending 1T annually and see how that ends.
Posted by: Not trying to be mean but... at August 13, 2024 11:14 AM (AsaWd)

And bigfoot around the world, pissing off every other country.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:21 AM (dGCAG)

85 But I'm laughing at the fear of China. They don't begin to know where our subs are...
Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:09 AM (GZYu7)

Teehee -- Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:22 AM (U7wke)

86 I believe the Navy brass is so complacent, they'll think nothing of having the bulk of our Atlantic carrier fleet in Norfolk and vulnerable to a first strike.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:22 AM (tT6L1)

87 "How do we know that? This seems more like deliberate pessimism and propaganda than actual intel. Is someone angling for more US spending on MIC, I wonder?

The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.
Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)"

It's a recurring complaint from those working with them in a military capacity, but yeah, I would expect them to get over it in a hurry.

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:22 AM (Augkz)

88 Why depend on oceans for defense when the real enemy is at the local school board meeting or Latin Mass?

Posted by: Bang-a-gong at August 13, 2024 11:22 AM (qX+wO)

89 We simply cannot afford to muddle through the first weeks or months of a war, ferreting out the substandard officers, figuring out which weapons work and which don't, bringing our logistics up to a war footing, and on and on and on.
________
On the bright side, China will have those same problems.

If Andrew Lambert is right (in his book Seapower States), the Chinese jump will be short lived. While I don't buy what he said 100% - he had many biases - it is undoubtably true that may such countries have had brief flareups in power, to reside. Germany, France, Russia are a few. China probably fits in there.

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:23 AM (1bNHn)

90 Press: "Mopsie, what does the President believe in Kamala Harris' biggest achievement?"

Latrine Jean Pierre: " ..... "

https://shorturl.at/YpniA
Posted by: Huck Follywood

Border Czar! She was Border Czar!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:23 AM (L/fGl)

91 We had a stupendous industrial base with a ton of slack capacity thanks to obsolescence. Nobody *wants* to use obsolete machinery and production systems, but it was a strategic advantage. Now our industrial base is comparatively small and all the obsolete equipment is sold on to marginal players. All those old machines are in Asia.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:17 AM (HnUIn)
==
But as you know - that capacity is being reshored in a hurry. It's probably the major reason we haven't officially fallen into recession yet.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:23 AM (GZYu7)

92 Press: "Mopsie, what does the President believe in Kamala Harris' biggest achievement?"

She can suck a golf ball through a garden hose.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:23 AM (ewjUl)

93 but I’m not sure I’d want our military involved. I could be wrong
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (5MZNC)

There are only two options: fight. or don't.

Somehow, they will likely manage to do neither.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at August 13, 2024 11:24 AM (r97jm)

94 Who, exactly, is in charge of the Armed Forces at this moment?
Posted by: Sickly, Old, Fat Austin? at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (CV8a5)

Some guy in a pink wig, purple miniskirt and enough makeup to embarrass a poledancer.

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:24 AM (NMpEb)

95 China and Russia will wait until the election is settled before they determine what national path to pursue. They have already gamed the outcomes and are patiently waiting.

Posted by: Braenyard at August 13, 2024 11:24 AM (QDStS)

96 Biden and co are going to plunge us into WWIII in order to (try and) win the election aren't they?

Posted by: Shenanigans at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (pZ0Mr)

97 Why depend on oceans for defense when the real enemy is at the local school board meeting or Latin Mass?
Posted by: Bang-a-gong

He's a dangerous radical!

Kamala HQ
@KamalaHQ
Trump: I want to close the Department of Education.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (L/fGl)

98 Why depend on oceans for defense when the real enemy is at the local school board meeting or Latin Mass?
Posted by: Bang-a-gong at August 13, 2024 11:22 AM (qX+wO)

We could solve all our national security problems by taking out Tulsi Gabbard.

I can't see how that should cost us more than a billion dollars annually.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (dGCAG)

99 That's how we started WWII. Our military was in much worse shape than it is now equipment wise.

The military brass is the biggest problem. Obamites as far as the eyes can see.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at August 13, 2024 11:11 AM (g8Ew

The lack of industry is the biggest problem. In WW2 we could retool factories and churn out weapons. Now we need chips (that we don't make), other components (that we don't make), to have them assembled in factories (that we probably don't have). Fixing the brass would be the quickest thing to do.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (U7wke)

100 81 I agree. But as you point out, it is Taiwan that is their immediate goal, for nationalistic and economic reasons.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (d9fT1)

The more thorny question for me: If/when China attacks Taiwan what should we do? I’d provide weapons and moral support (whatever that means… mainly condemnation) but I’m not sure I’d want our military involved. I could be wrong
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (5MZNC)

Taiwan has nearly half the world's semi-conductor production for the time being.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (eYoxG)

101 97
He's a dangerous radical!

Kamala HQ
@KamalaHQ
Trump: I want to close the Department of Education.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (L/fGl)

========

I find it hard to believe that rhetoric one way or the other regarding the Department of Education's funding or future existence moves anyone outside of teacher union administrators.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (GBKbO)

102 Kamala HQ
@KamalaHQ
Trump: I want to close the Department of Education.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (L/fGl)

Kamala, I'm already voting for Trump, you don't have to keep selling him.

Posted by: Robert at August 13, 2024 11:26 AM (NMpEb)

103 Biden and co are going to plunge us into WWIII in order to (try and) win the election aren't they?
Posted by: Shenanigans at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (pZ0Mr)

Perhaps more accurately, the oligarchs are going to plunge us into WWIII so there aren't any more elections.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:26 AM (dGCAG)

104 what do you think would be done with the savings? I guarantee you it won't go to paying down the debt, it'll go to bailing out more useless DEI grad students and similar worthy projects.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024

This could be applied to cutting spending or budgets anywhere in the federal government.

Posted by: Not trying to be mean but... at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (nuTZC)

105 The US created Japanese military. It is therefor everything America desired it to be. An expensive toy that is a show piece but incapable of functioning as a military. It is poorly paid, not respected, not cohesive, cannot recruit. In a nation renowned for its warrior spirit, its amazing that it cannot field an effective military. Its military is treated as civil servants.

I will not praise our military. For over thirty years I have watched it degenerate. Marxism taught in our military academies. Idiots recruited. Racial divisions promoted. Moronic design concepts. Non existent shipyards and merchant marine due to unions and government regulations. Our fleet is smaller than at Pearl Harbor and our military is smaller than it was at that time too. We hear how powerful it is. Only because we have nuclear weapons. We haven't won a war in 70 years because as a culture we lack the will and backbone. The Germans, Japanese, Russians in the same situation would have won hands down. Today we engage in military adventures without goal or purpose to satisfy the egos of disfunctional egomaniacs. Our military is reduced to recruiting overweight, uneducated, rejects.

Posted by: Jane at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (bXvrr)

106 How do we know that? This seems more like deliberate pessimism and propaganda than actual intel. Is someone angling for more US spending on MIC, I wonder?

The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.
Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade
=======
Japan's aim is specifically to defend the home islands, not to invade China or Korea again.

So a lot of the bilge put in that report is becuz Japan is not planning to use its forces for other than its own self interest. That is as it should be along with the US doing the same.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (7nYLv)

107 The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.

We hear lots of predictions that the age of the big carrier is over, and for all I know, they're correct. However, there is a parallel capability in the Japanese fleet. They're stocking their "helicopter carriers" *snort* with F-35s. Those are much smaller than our carriers, but will still have a respectable air complement. That greatly complicates any Chinese war plans, and if it came to a shooting war, would at least prove the pro- or anti-big carrier proponents correct.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (xCA6C)

108 "Ship building, like building aircraft or any other technologically complex device is quickly becoming a lost art. I fully expect our society to collapse because of it.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (Q4IgG)"

This is a cultural shift and some weird kinds of technological shift. There are types of machines needed to build this shit, for which we have lost the know-how and equipment to build the machines that build the machines that build those machines. Our fighter production for example relies on a handful of massive forging machines built after WW2. The company that made them, and made the machines to make them, are LONG gone.

Culturally - DC and US education has fostered a bunch of pansy ass failures as managers that can't make real decisions and actually get shit done. IIRC the P-51 was what, 8 months from pencil on paper to flight? Good luck with that today.

Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (Augkz)

109 Just saw this on X.
Trump talks to Elon for 2 hours while Kamala is at dinner, ordering off a teleprompter because they won't let her take questions from the waitress.

Posted by: cicero skip at August 13, 2024 11:28 AM (4ezYQ)

110 slightly off topic: I've been reading Nixon's memoirs (I'm only about 150 pages in; just about to the start of the 1960 campaign) and it is a fantastic book.

Nixon really loved campaigning. He was of the era where you could drive up to a town square in a car with a wooden sign hanging from the side, get on a megaphone and start talking policy...and people would stop and listen!

What an era to belong in.

Nixon wasn't always right on the doctrines he espoused, but man do we need Republicans with the same kind of fire and zeal for pushing their ideals and proposals.

Posted by: Shenanigans at August 13, 2024 11:28 AM (pZ0Mr)

111 78 Might I suggest it is perhaps a favorable time to purchase ammunition?
Posted by: Weasel at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (uGpeQ)

"A man can never have too many books, too much red wine, or too much ammunition!"
R Kipling

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ This year in Corsicana - again! ~ at August 13, 2024 11:28 AM (hOUT3)

112 >>> 13 Lab grown viruses I would add to the list of what has shrunk our perimeter.
Posted by: Rex B at August 13, 2024 11:05 AM (YAsVi)

Especially when you consider that Wuhan may not be our only gain-of-function biolab. Are some of them 'in the house'?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (FnneF)

113 I like the no taxes on tips thing, now that Dems have also endorsed it.

If I had the whole political establishment's tacit approval on that, I'd immediately pass it, and then AstroTurf a massive protest against it.

"They Call It A Tip, But We Get The Shaft!"

"We Won't Serve Them!"

"Just Tips Defrayed Is Justice Denied!"

"We Won't Wait For Tax Justice!"

And so on . Then I'd have my rent-a-mobs put a bunch of restaurants to the torch, and use it as a pretext to repeal the 16th.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (0FoWg)

114 We coulda been a (con)tender

Posted by: littoral combat ships at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (Y1sOo)

115 The lack of industry is the biggest problem. In WW2 we could retool factories and churn out weapons. Now we need chips (that we don't make), other components (that we don't make), to have them assembled in factories (that we probably don't have). Fixing the brass would be the quickest thing to do.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:25 AM (U7wke)
==
Some of them we do make, and many more are coming back. But Taiwan is a big hub for chips we use, which makes me wonder, besides our commitment to defend them, if we wouldn't defend them for our own sake.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (GZYu7)

116 what do you think would be done with the savings? I guarantee you it won't go to paying down the debt, it'll go to bailing out more useless DEI grad students and similar worthy projects.
Posted by: Archimedes

This could be applied to cutting spending or budgets anywhere in the federal government.
Posted by: Not trying to be mean but

That's why "what can't go on, won't " needs to happen and the country burns to the water line.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (6GRih)

117 Oohhh!!!
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinkertoy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (4XwPj)

118 At a guess, Taiwan probably has a pretty formidable underwater drone capability. They might well be able to hold off a marine invasion force for quite a while. If that is true, then missile defense and military resupply is where they would be hard pressed, I'd expect.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (WUZDa)

119 But as you know - that capacity is being reshored in a hurry. It's probably the major reason we haven't officially fallen into recession yet.
Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:23 AM (GZYu7)
++++
It is growing and we have Trump to thank for quite a bit of that, but it is growing narrowly in the heavily-automated and specialty stuff. That's good and I am not disparaging it by any means, but our industrial chain is highly globalized. Being able to repurpose a factory to turn out artillery pieces or composite laminates or whatever does you no good if the assembly line equipment depends on parts that are effectively single-sourced through a now-enemy nation. That's hard to fix.

Example: I bought new HVAC last year. The installer had to program it with buttons and response codes. Why? Because the new system was manufactured without the bluetooth module that allowed remote (nearby, but hands-off) programming. They couldn't get the bluetooth chips because of the supply chain disaster during COVID, so they just bodged around them and shipped the units.

That problem exists everywhere. Sometimes it can be bodged around, but if it can't, you're dead in the water.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (HnUIn)

120 As long as the Chinamen respect our pronouns...

Posted by: Truck Monkey Report at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (1FWWQ)

121 China and Russia will wait until the election is settled before they determine what national path to pursue. They have already gamed the outcomes and are patiently waiting.

Why would they wait, given that the US is effectively without a leader at the moment?

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:30 AM (xCA6C)

122 If/when China attacks Taiwan what should we do? I’d provide weapons and moral support (whatever that means… mainly condemnation) but I’m not sure I’d want our military involved.

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (5MZNC)

I think that Taiwan is a tripwire. We have to stand firm against China if we want to preserve any sort of deterrence anywhere else...including our mainland.

If we don't fight alongside Taiwan then we will be ceding the world to China.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2024 11:30 AM (d9fT1)

123 21 ...
Deterrence requires a big stick, but it also requires that the stick is *not* wielded by vacuous and reckless retards.
...
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:08 AM (HnUIn)
_______
Do not overlook Keefer's Law (from The Caine Mutiny):
The navy was designed by geniuses to be run by idiots.

If you ignore that, you buy Queeg's notion that everyone has to be outstanding. And if you do that, you will lose.

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:30 AM (1bNHn)

124 what do you think would be done with the savings? I guarantee you it won't go to paying down the debt, it'll go to bailing out more useless DEI grad students and similar worthy projects.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024

This could be applied to cutting spending or budgets anywhere in the federal government.

The point was that until the "spend it all and then some" mentality in DC changes, no cuts of any kind, other than to the military, will be made.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:30 AM (xCA6C)

125 The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.
=====

Reminder -- Prime Minister Abe was assassinated. He was competent.

Posted by: mustbequantum at August 13, 2024 11:31 AM (WCgT6)

126 When Trump was in office Milley called his Chinese counterpart to assure him the US military would not obey any orders from the president that might harm China. Because of course crazy Trump might do something stupid and start WWIII (eyeroll). And he got away with it.

Posted by: JuJuBee, fact checker hammered by events at August 13, 2024 11:31 AM (tBmO2)

127 "We simply cannot afford to muddle through the first weeks or months of a war, ferreting out the substandard officers, figuring out which weapons work and which don't, bringing our logistics up to a war footing, and on and on and on."

We always do this and have since we declared independence from King George. It is not going to change.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (QNSds)

128 Might I suggest it is perhaps a favorable time to purchase ammunition?
Posted by: Weasel

Pro tip?
Purchase bulk lead, shot, powder & primers and learn to roll your own. Especially shotgun shells.
(The easiest and not requiring expensive equipment.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (6GRih)

129 This is why the Hill is the arbiter of truth.

The Hill
@thehill
"Tim Walz was never Rambo. JD Vance wasn’t either. And that is OK."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (L/fGl)

130 Especially when you consider that Wuhan may not be our only gain-of-function biolab. Are some of them 'in the house'?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 13, 2024 11:29 AM (FnneF)

Word was early on in the plandemic, people were talking about American researchers traveling on commercial flights to Chi Nah, carrying vials of creepy concoctions.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (dGCAG)

131 "12 How long would a carrier last in a full blown conflict?
Posted by: BignJames at August 13, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)"
________
Carriers have always been about the most vulnerable warships there are. The trick has always been to keep them from being hit hard.

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (1bNHn)

132 71
‘ Does one have to have X to listen to the interview? ’
One could go on YouTube and search for Viva Frei.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (jbnUc)

133 That's why "what can't go on, won't " needs to happen and the country burns to the water line.
Posted by: rickb223
===========
We are already there fiscally and Kamala will accelerate the collapse. Trump might be able to stave it off for a bit but it is coming regardless of the GOP or the Dems.

After the deluge, revenue will have to equal expenses because lending to gubmint will demand sky high interest rates after the default (soft via inflation or formal via repudiation of some sort).

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (7nYLv)

134 ... This is a cultural shift and some weird kinds of technological shift. There are types of machines needed to build this shit, for which we have lost the know-how and equipment to build the machines that build the machines that build those machines. Our fighter production for example relies on a handful of massive forging machines built after WW2. The company that made them, and made the machines to make them, are LONG gone. ...
Posted by: somedood at August 13, 2024 11:27 AM (Augkz)
++++
The technical capability shift is the inevitable consequence of offshoring.

"Engineered here, built there" becomes "engineered and built there." R&D - especially the "D" part - is there to support production. They won't be divorced for long. Research comes up with the idea, Development figures out how to implement it, then Production implements it and starts churning out stuff.

If you move Production away, Development *is* going to follow, and then it just makes too much sense to send Research with it because it's much lower friction that way.

And then, a generation later, your expertise is gone.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (HnUIn)

135 We always do this and have since we declared independence from King George. It is not going to change.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (QNSds)

I think it is worse now, and the advancements in weaponry have shrunk the buffer.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (d9fT1)

136 Spooling up the military's capabilities all at once is disruptive. Slow and steady increase is the way forward. I should know. I've been voted America's slowest-rising young comedian since 1962. I'm now 92!

Posted by: Ronnie Schell at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (CV8a5)

137 Somedays it is hard to not mainline the black pill.

Posted by: NR Pax at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (BpO1e)

138 ...the people who transferred our manufacturing there did so knowing full well that it would harm individuals in the short run and the nation in the long run.

I don't believe this is the case. Our manufacturing base was shifted overseas by short-term thinking corporate executives who wanted bigger bonuses. They counted on the "we're the only superpower" thing to save them.

They may have realized that it'd hurt workers but they didn't give a shit. I doubt they thought about the impact to the nation as a whole because most of them probably consider themselves globalists.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (U7wke)

139 Last night's interview is available on You Tube. I posted a link to it at the end of the Morning Report

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (dDSBl)

140 The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.

That's called a clue.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (6GRih)

141 This could be applied to cutting spending or budgets anywhere in the federal government.

The point was that until the "spend it all and then some" mentality in DC changes, no cuts of any kind, other than to the military, will be made.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:30 AM

I just want to point out the fact that there can't be any cuts to federal spending and even if Trump or someone manages to slow down the rate of increases the entire mess comes crumbling down. Like it or not almost the entire world is dependent on deficit spending from washington. We have been propping up the worlds economy since the end of WWII.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (QNSds)

142 The Post Millennial
@TPostMillennial
BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

-
That's un-American!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)

143 Pro tip?
Purchase bulk lead, shot, powder & primers and learn to roll your own. Especially shotgun shells.
(The easiest and not requiring expensive equipment.
Posted by: rickb223

If one has adequate stock of self defense ammo, learning to reload range ammo is the way because right now, due to depressed ammo prices, reloading components are cheap and available.

Most people jump into reloading when powder, primers, brass, etc are not available because of high ammo prices.

That is not the way.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (7nYLv)

144 At a guess, Taiwan probably has a pretty formidable underwater drone capability. They might well be able to hold off a marine invasion force for quite a while. If that is true, then missile defense and military resupply is where they would be hard pressed, I'd expect.

As noted earlier, we also have the advantage that any serious invasion force would be detected long before it left Chinese waters. That would not only give the Taiwanese time to prepare and stock up on missiles and drones, it would give her allies (us and Japan) time to move assets to assist.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (xCA6C)

145 The Post Millennial
@TPostMillennial
BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

==

He has time for this???

Posted by: runner at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (V13WU)

146 Last night's interview is available on You Tube. I posted a link to it at the end of the Morning Report
Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM

Thanks!

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)

147 The Hill
@thehill
"Tim Walz was never Rambo. JD Vance wasn’t either. And that is OK."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (L/fGl)
===================
the Propaganda Press gaslighting is non-stop.

No one ever said Vance carried a weapon in combat. This isn't about Vance.

It is about specific, repeated lies Walz tells to this day without regret, to exaggerate his military service.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (WUZDa)

148 The most hysterical retooling of industry came to us by the Plandemic, there was a demand for hand sanitizer for something that was not a hand virus, so lot of distilleries started to use their old cask to make and store hand sanitizer.

I remember my company getting a batch from this Canadian brewery and it smelling like bourbon.

Hillarious.

At least we still make dick pills.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (XV/Pl)

149 I just want to point out the fact that there can't be any cuts to federal spending and even if Trump or someone manages to slow down the rate of increases the entire mess comes crumbling down. Like it or not almost the entire world is dependent on deficit spending from washington. We have been propping up the worlds economy since the end of WWII.
Posted by: Mister Scott
======
It's baked into the cake at this time, the only question is when. An expensive external war would do it quickly, interest rate on gubmint debt and inflation will do it a bit slower.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (7nYLv)

150 142 The Post Millennial
@TPostMillennial
BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

-
That's un-American!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)

Uppity African-American!

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (KbCG3)

151 At least we still make dick pills.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (XV/Pl)
++++
I bet we don't, at least not without precursors from somewhere else.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (HnUIn)

152 =======
Japan's aim is specifically to defend the home islands, not to invade China or Korea again.

So a lot of the bilge put in that report is becuz Japan is not planning to use its forces for other than its own self interest. That is as it should be along with the US doing the same.
Posted by: whig at August
------------------------------

Sort of like that Orange Bombshell, punch Japan and they will punch back harder. They are who they are and the few years between WWII and now is but a tweak of time in their martial existence.

Posted by: Braenyard at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (QDStS)

153 140 The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.

That's called a clue.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:34 AM (6GRih)

It's almost like diversity isn't our strength!

Still, like a lot of places, Japan is below the replacement rate.

Posted by: Can't Be A Japan Without Japanese at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (TtsS5)

154 People Are Obsessed With This Video Of Kamala Harris Greeting Reporters On A Tarmac, And It's The Meme We All Needed Right Now. It's giving Olivia Benson, SVU, vibes.

@MentallyDivine This was the most BADASS 1 minute and 50 seconds I have ever seen in my life.
https://tinyurl.com/2tpcv3uh

Watcha got? She sounds like a mom confronting her kids who were caught hanging around in a bad neighborhood with the bullies and are going to give her all kinds of excuses.

Unlike Putin's pet, she'll not coddle dictators. Cue trembling lips on dictators around the world.

She is not afraid of the GOP kowtowing corporate media. She doesn't come off sneering or hating on them like Pedo Trump and Vance do. She's just very comfortable in her role as soon to be president elect.

VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years. I believe she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation.

All the press seemed to care about was what Trump was saying about her. She was busy doing different things, important things, didn't bother listening to the asshole. Our version of the Iron Lady.

Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

155 147 It is about specific, repeated lies Walz tells to this day without regret, to exaggerate his military service.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (WUZDa)

=======

That the story has continued to hold purchase for more than a week is a testament to how it's having an effect.

The media can't just ignore it away.

Because the media, while still powerful, is much diminished from where it was just 20 years ago.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (GBKbO)

156 The Japanese remain one of the most functional, homogeneous, and resourceful cultures and countries on the planet. Yes, they have their issues as every country does. I would put more money on them to properly mobilize and effectively fight a war than most other countries.
=====

Reminder -- Prime Minister Abe was assassinated. He was competent.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 13, 2024 11:31 AM (WCgT6)

A lot of people believe Abe was assassinated because , he'd been working hard to get Art ( changed or removed from the Japanese constitution. He'd met with Trump and IIRC has his support on that initiative.

Soon, after that he was assassinated during which the police around Abe did nothing to prevent it. Sound familiar?

Anywho, the next PM wants to be big buddies with China and leave Art 9 just as it is.

Perhaps Abe's assassination was a N Korean or Chinese Op?

Posted by: naturalfake at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (eDfFs)

157
The Hill
@thehill
"Tim Walz was never Rambo. JD Vance wasn’t either. And that is OK."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM

We didn't ask nor expect them to be. Except Timmy lied about it.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:38 AM (ewjUl)

158 The Post Millennial
@TPostMillennial
BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

==

He has time for this???

I think it's sort of like a Tardis. His time expands to accommodate all of his interests.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:38 AM (xCA6C)

159 We always do this and have since we declared independence from King George. It is not going to change.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (QNSds)

Until it does.

History is ripe with nations that thought they were invulnerable, only to find out otherwise, due to sloth, hubris, and moral degeneration.

This being 2024, that's where the "You Are Here" arrow is pointing.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:38 AM (dGCAG)

160 Our manufacturing base moved out of the US because our government created disincentives for manufacturers to remain in this country.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:38 AM (tT6L1)

161 Art = Art 9

*sigh*

Posted by: naturalfake at August 13, 2024 11:38 AM (eDfFs)

162 Carriers have always been about the most vulnerable warships there are. The trick has always been to keep them from being hit hard.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (1bNHn)

If a carrier is hit, and has a 5 degree list, you are not able to launch or recover aircraft. You don't have to sink it, just disable it and it's out of action.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (K861k)

163 154 VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years. I believe she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation.

All the press seemed to care about was what Trump was saying about her. She was busy doing different things, important things, didn't bother listening to the asshole. Our version of the Iron Lady.
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

=======

1. Trump was president for 4 years. If the background is defining and affirmative for Kamala, it's moreso for Trump.

2. They...know that they hate the Iron Lady, right?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (GBKbO)

164 ... Watcha got? She sounds like a mom confronting her kids who were caught hanging around in a bad neighborhood with the bullies and are going to give her all kinds of excuses. ...
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (JCZqz)
++++
LOL. Even assuming this is a rational interpretation, why is that desirable. I don't want "mom" in the White House. I want competence, intelligence and decisiveness.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (HnUIn)

165
Because the media, while still powerful, is much diminished from where it was just 20 years ago.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM

For all the bad that's come from the internet, that is one positive side effect. There's not 3 major networks to run everything completely. They've exposed themselves as the hacks they are.

Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (ewjUl)

166 If de-industrialization wasn't the overt/covert goal I'll eat my hat.

See Also: "The Environment". Do try to keep up. You'll end up beating out your laundry with a stick down by the river, but surely, it wasn't *intentional*. No sir.

Posted by: Remember at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (Tkpz6)

167 @145

>>He has time for this???

Musk is a legit genius, he could run a car company, boring company, space company, the largest social media company and with a couple of synapses in his spare free time units, bring efficiency and order to the federal government.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (XV/Pl)

168 VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years. I believe she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation.

==

LOL!! run with that one !

Posted by: runner at August 13, 2024 11:40 AM (V13WU)

169 If one has adequate stock of self defense ammo, learning to reload range ammo is the way because right now, due to depressed ammo prices, reloading components are cheap and available.

Most people jump into reloading when powder, primers, brass, etc are not available because of high ammo prices.

That is not the way.
Posted by: whig

I have been reloading smokeless and black powder shotgun shells ab BP rifle and pistol so as to keep my smokeless ammo stocks up.

Only major difference is BP HAS to be cleaned immediately after shooting vs leaving a smokeless gun dirty for a day of two if something comes up.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:40 AM (6GRih)

170 Americans, individual Americans, are willing to defend America from our enemies. Problem is, our enemies are just about equally divided between other nations and actual Americans who hate America. And this problem is compounded be importing millions of people who, while they may not hate America, they damn sure don’t love it. They’re just here to rob and rape it, maybe.

Posted by: Eromero at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (LHPAg)

171 Somedays it is hard to not mainline the black pill.

Eh, you get used to it. It ages like fine wine.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (Q0kLU)

172 Does one have to have X to listen to the interview? I am not on any social media. So asking for myself.
Posted by: Minnfidel at August 13, 2024 11:19 AM (ewjUl)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSYtdFig0eQ

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (U7wke)

173 That's called a clue.
Posted by: rickb223

Coulda, woulda, shoulda, are not particularly useful now. Simply put, our Constitutional republic form of government is not particularly suited for the current times unless strict federalism applies to almost everything not related to the original core interests of the Republic. Hamilton's approach is done and now counterproductive to the public good; Jefferson's views of a very limited federal government role might give the US a chance to avoid total dissolution.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (7nYLv)

174 it's like campaign videos write themselves!

Posted by: runner at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (V13WU)

175 If a carrier is hit, and has a 5 degree list, you are not able to launch or recover aircraft. You don't have to sink it, just disable it and it's out of action.
Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (K861k)

Aircraft carriers are hard to sink. Super carriers moreso. Takes multiple big hits, and they have to hit the right places.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (pohLc)

176 76 Arguably, these things call into question the value of a traditional "lots of big grey ships" Navy.

SSGNs and, maybe, drone swarm ships might be of greater value.

Agree. Ukraine's demolition of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, often by cheap speedboat drones, is causing lots of rethinking.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:16 AM (xCA6C)
==
Which is exactly why we have the make up we currently have. If we were in a conflict - our ships would not be seen and would require long distance targeting through serious defense screens after the air wing has already come in.

The minute bullets start flying anything can happen, and not even our big carriers would be immune to that. But at this point, the damage they could unleash quickly far surpasses anything thrown back at it. Of course, assuming we get the leadership corrected.
Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:20 AM (GZYu7)
________
Correct. Remember, the Ukraine war is basically a coastal war. Not a model for a blue ocean campaign. The trouble with building small ships is (a) they become obsolete quickly, and (b) they cannot function on the high seas. Remember, size isn't what drives cost; metal is cheap.

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (1bNHn)

177 I wanna party with you!

Joy
@joyxvalentine
During a D&D session my party found out a town was run by an awful monarch so we killed him and much to my DMs dismay we didn’t just leave it at that, we spent the ENTIRE session establishing a democracy, opening public schools, and creating a healthcare system

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (L/fGl)

178 She is not afraid of the GOP kowtowing corporate media. She doesn't come off sneering or hating

**************

Being this fucking retarded should be illegal

I actually think it could be contagious too, which is why I keep my distance from my retarded coworkers too

Posted by: The Unvaxed and Unmasked Ranger - Esteemed Trump-Ho and Searcher of Wagshambas at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (DBZuM)

179 BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

Well, ok, let's micro-manage every transaction to "control costs". On the other hand...

WaPo last year: Elon Musk fired 75 percent of Twitter's staff and nothing happened

Now THAT's efficiency!

Posted by: t-bird at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (LbnIB)

180 175 Aircraft carriers are hard to sink. Super carriers moreso. Takes multiple big hits, and they have to hit the right places.
Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (pohLc)

======

Are they called the Danger Zone?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

181 Jefferson's views of a very limited federal government role might give the US a chance to avoid total dissolution.

We can all become yeoman farmers?

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (xCA6C)

182 If a carrier is hit, and has a 5 degree list, you are not able to launch or recover aircraft. You don't have to sink it, just disable it and it's out of action.
Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (K861k)

That's what they say, one hit on the flight deck, and it's a sitting duck on the water.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (dGCAG)

183 177 I wanna party with you!

Joy
@joyxvalentine
During a D&D session my party found out a town was run by an awful monarch so we killed him and much to my DMs dismay we didn’t just leave it at that, we spent the ENTIRE session establishing a democracy, opening public schools, and creating a healthcare system
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (L/fGl)

=====

And then orcs overran it and killed everyone.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

184 Babylon fell in one night. The Empire, not the little fiefdom on Lawn Guyland.

Posted by: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (CV8a5)

185 If we were in a conflict - our ships would not be seen and would require long distance targeting through serious defense screens after the air wing has already come in.

Satellites see things.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (U7wke)

186 *Litany of Biden failures ...then the voice over

"VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years...she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation..."

Posted by: runner at August 13, 2024 11:43 AM (V13WU)

187 @183

>>And then orcs overran it and killed everyone.

How much you want to bet their DM is a tranny?

Posted by: Thomas Bender at August 13, 2024 11:43 AM (XV/Pl)

188 VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years. I believe she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation.

-
Chocolate, vanilla, or rocky road?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (L/fGl)

189 @MentallyDivine This was the most BADASS 1 minute and 50 seconds

"Badass" jumped the shark as an adjective at least eight years ago, when pudgewad loser dipshit Patton Oswalt used it to describe Hillary Clinton.

Posted by: spindrift at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (OguvZ)

190 110
‘ I've been reading Nixon's memoirs’
I also enjoy books about and by Nixon. He took policy (especially foreign policy) very seriously.
But he always had an independent track going on in his mind of how to present policy for maximum political effect.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (jbnUc)

191 This blonde in shorts has no idea what "deterrence" is, but does like a man in uniform:
http://tiny.cc/zadgzz

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (HnUIn)

192 "Engineered here, built there" becomes "engineered and built there." R&D - especially the "D" part - is there to support production. They won't be divorced for long. Research comes up with the idea, Development figures out how to implement it, then Production implements it and starts churning out stuff.

If you move Production away, Development *is* going to follow, and then it just makes too much sense to send Research with it because it's much lower friction that way.

And then, a generation later, your expertise is gone.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:33 AM (HnUIn)
==
And yet most of the design is here - and initial attempts to move design to China and India have been abject disasters. China is no longer even assumed to have the capacity or ability to do it, for India, can it move up the value chain to ever get there, and can it move up the value chain without deciding to move into the US camp or not?

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (GZYu7)

193 161 Art = Art 9

district 9 > art 9

Posted by: wikus van de merwe at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (oY6Yp)

194 I have been reloading smokeless and black powder shotgun shells ab BP rifle and pistol so as to keep my smokeless ammo stocks up.

Only major difference is BP HAS to be cleaned immediately after shooting vs leaving a smokeless gun dirty for a day of two if something comes up.
Posted by: rickb223
======
I don't have much if any blackpowder because it is a bitch to safely store much of it. There is a reason that cities and towns back in the day had separate community black powder storage facilities in town.

Last time I shot any of my smokepoles over a decade ago, I used Pyrodex or Triple Seven.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (7nYLv)

195 I saw a video of Kamala talking about the cloud. She seemed to be either wasted or retarded.

Posted by: Northernlurker , wondering where his phone is at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (FfSAJ)

196 With her 4 years with the master, Kamala is proficient at pants shitting, drooling, falling down stairs, and mumbling gibberish.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (pohLc)

197 f a carrier is hit, and has a 5 degree list, you are not able to launch or recover aircraft. You don't have to sink it, just disable it and it's out of action.

This is my concern about Guam, too.

Posted by: Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (LbnIB)

198 During a D&D session my party found out a town was run by an awful monarch so we killed him and much to my DMs dismay we didn’t just leave it at that, we spent the ENTIRE session establishing a democracy, opening public schools, and creating a healthcare system
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (L/fGl)
------------

Yep, they replaced a despot with a bunch of people who will never sleep in their efforts to force everyone to have a good time.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (tT6L1)

199 And yet most of the design is here - and initial attempts to move design to China and India have been abject disasters. China is no longer even assumed to have the capacity or ability to do it, for India, can it move up the value chain to ever get there, and can it move up the value chain without deciding to move into the US camp or not?
Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (GZYu7)
++++
Yes, we have held on to the research/design part of things for now, especially with higher-complexity products. But we have low capability of executing those designs.

All is not lost and all is not a disaster and things have started improving somewhat over the past few years, but we are solidly behind the 8 ball.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:46 AM (HnUIn)

200 Aircraft carriers are hard to sink. Super carriers moreso. Takes multiple big hits, and they have to hit the right places.
Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:41 AM (pohLc)

All true. But, the Chinese rely on the quantity is a quality strategy. They can win the salvo war, easily, with their industrial base. Sure their missiles may suck, but one or two D21's get through the carrier screen, yeah. Look at what happened in the Red Sea with Houthi and the Blowfish? That was the use of drone warfare and missiles by Houthi and the Blowfish. The DDGs winchestered as did the Ike. Salvo competition, we lose.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 11:46 AM (K861k)

201 If Obama purged rightists from the military, why can’t Trump purge leftists? Like start on day one. And close one of Ivy wanna be academies as a warning to everyone.

Posted by: mr tmz at August 13, 2024 11:47 AM (rJ48h)

202 @joyxvalentine
During a D&D session my party found out a town was run by an awful monarch so we killed him and much to my DMs dismay we didn’t just leave it at that, we spent the ENTIRE session establishing a democracy, opening public schools, and creating a healthcare system

-

So you overthrew the government and saddled the populace with massive costs and no way or plan to pay for them.

Sounds about right.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Women pursuing older men must desire incestous father fantasies at August 13, 2024 11:47 AM (mIykB)

203 Yes, we have held on to the research/design part of things for now, especially with higher-complexity products. But we have low capability of executing those designs.

All is not lost and all is not a disaster and things have started improving somewhat over the past few years, but we are solidly behind the 8 ball.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:46 AM (HnUIn)

I'm counting on alien tech to save us.

Otherwise, we're as sunk as Guam with Lizzo on the beach.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:47 AM (dGCAG)

204
OT

Sadly, Phoenix seems to be losing his fight. He's trying, we're trying, the vet is trying, but he's getting worse.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 13, 2024 11:47 AM (1Nxff)

205 "This blonde in shorts has no idea what "deterrence" is, "

Giving new meaning to "dumb blonde."

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 13, 2024 11:48 AM (dTTBf)

206 The criminal media is doing their best to lie Kamala into the presidency.

Posted by: Northernlurker , wondering where his phone is at August 13, 2024 11:48 AM (FfSAJ)

207 A family friend was the head of Navy recruiting for our region during the Obama admin.
They were recruiting based on racial and gender quotas. They were rejecting qualified white males to focus on getting in more PoC.

We will be feeling the damage from the Obama presidency for decades.

Posted by: 29Victor at August 13, 2024 11:48 AM (TL7UX)

208 "Tim Walz was never Rambo. JD Vance wasn’t either. And that is OK."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:32 AM (L/fGl)
===================
the Propaganda Press gaslighting is non-stop.

No one ever said Vance carried a weapon in combat. This isn't about Vance."
************
Vance, like my son, joined the Marines as a kid and performed the job they trained him to do, where the Marines sent him to do it. Both got out after one hitch. I think that's pretty standard military service. Walz had 24 years invested by the Guard in him and quit when they needed him.

Posted by: Cosda at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM (2f9II)

209 If Obama purged rightists from the military, why can’t Trump purge leftists? Like start on day one. And close one of Ivy wanna be academies as a warning to everyone.
Posted by: mr tmz at August 13, 2024 11:47 AM (rJ48h)

When your DoD and Nat Sec team is overrun by Deep State operatives, undermining your every move, it's kinda hard to do.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM (dGCAG)

210 147 It is about specific, repeated lies Walz tells to this day without regret, to exaggerate his military service.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:36 AM (WUZDa)

=======

That the story has continued to hold purchase for more than a week is a testament to how it's having an effect.

The media can't just ignore it away.

Because the media, while still powerful, is much diminished from where it was just 20 years ago.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at August 13, 2024 11:37 AM (GBKbO)
==
They have to be deciding if they need to cut him loose. He is saying nothing, and the press keeps trying to find excuses to bury it. None of his soldiers will defend him. It appears they feel he is a coward and without honor.

It has stuck. Pretty amazing.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM (GZYu7)

211 If Obama purged rightists from the military, why can’t Trump purge leftists? Like start on day one. And close one of Ivy wanna be academies as a warning to everyone.

Because leftist judges ignore the constitution and do whatever helps the left. If the right tries the same thing, it's unconstitutional. Rightist judges actually follow the constitution.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM (xCA6C)

212 187 @183

>>And then orcs overran it and killed everyone.

How much you want to bet their DM is a tranny?
Posted by: Thomas Bender

Why do you hate Black people!?!?!

Posted by: Woke, non-self-aware racist DM at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM (JCZqz)

213 We can all become yeoman farmers?
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
In a way, it involves learning a trade of some sort to make one independent. Tradesmen and yeomen farmers were the backbone of the revolution. The propertied class split--those dependent on grifting from the colonial government went one way, the nascent class of strivers like Washington went the other way.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:50 AM (7nYLv)

214 I don't have much if any blackpowder because it is a bitch to safely store much of it. There is a reason that cities and towns back in the day had separate community black powder storage facilities in town.

Last time I shot any of my smokepoles over a decade ago, I used Pyrodex or Triple Seven.
Posted by: whig

I keep two 1 lb cans in a .50 cal ammo can x2.
Keep pyrodex the same way.
Running pyrodex for the shotgun because 209 primers are hotter than #10 & #11 percussion caps. And easier to find.

Learning how to make BP from scratch so i don't have to buy and store so much.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:50 AM (6GRih)

215 Those right-wing Brits are at it again!

David Atherton
@DaveAtherton20
Breaking News
An 11 year old girl and a 34 year old woman have been stabbed in Leicester Square.
A man has been arrested.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:50 AM (L/fGl)

216 We will be feeling the damage from the Obama presidency for decades.

--

Fundamental transformation. He was never shy about it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Women pursuing older men must desire incestous father fantasies at August 13, 2024 11:50 AM (mIykB)

217 It is about specific, repeated lies Walz tells to this day without regret, to exaggerate his military service.
Posted by: Huck Follywood

This right here!!!
My dad was drafted in 1965. He served with the big red one. He spent most of his service time in Kansas but eventually got deployed to Vietnam. He was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay for only a few months before he was rotated back to the States at the end of his tour. He never saw combat.
He never in his whole life said he "fought" in Vietnam. He said he served in Vietnam and if people concluded that he was a combat veteran he corrected them.
Wala is A disgusting pile of cockroach infested rat shit.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (4XwPj)

218 191 This blonde in shorts has no idea what "deterrence" is, but does like a man in uniform:
http://tiny.cc/zadgzz
Posted by: Joe Mannix

That's unfortunate. I'd like to show her a man out of uniform.

Posted by: Military Moron at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (JCZqz)

219 If Obama purged rightists from the military, why can’t Trump purge leftists? Like start on day one. And close one of Ivy wanna be academies as a warning to everyone.

Because leftist judges ignore the constitution and do whatever helps the left. If the right tries the same thing, it's unconstitutional. Rightist judges actually follow the constitution.
Posted by: Archimedes

And leftists judges overturn anything Trump does.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (6GRih)

220 They have to be deciding if they need to cut him loose. He is saying nothing, and the press keeps trying to find excuses to bury it. None of his soldiers will defend him. It appears they feel he is a coward and without honor.

It has stuck. Pretty amazing.

I'm sure they regret putting him on the ticket, but I can't see them cutting him loose. This was Kamala's first big executive decision, and saying "boy, I really f***ed that up" would be lethal.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (xCA6C)

221 David Atherton
@DaveAtherton20
Breaking News
An 11 year old girl and a 34 year old woman have been stabbed in Leicester Square.
A man has been arrested.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:50 AM (L/fGl)

I assume we need to find whatever those two tweeted to understand how this happened.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (dGCAG)

222 VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years.

Whisper, drool a bit, shout something unintelligible, shart, laugh, be shown the exit.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:52 AM (U7wke)

223 Rightist judges actually follow the constitution.
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
Not really, instead most of the Federalist society is concentrated on precedents (judicial restraint) rather than reinstating what Randy Barnett calls the Lost Constitution.

Even Scalia was prone to supporting (in his majority opinions) prior precedent even though he recognized it was bad law.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:52 AM (7nYLv)

224 If we were in a conflict - our ships would not be seen and would require long distance targeting through serious defense screens after the air wing has already come in.

Satellites see things.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (U7wke)
==
Yes they do - who has real time satellite positioning capacity? It's an exceedingly short list.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:52 AM (GZYu7)

225 "Among the numerous challenges obstructing its efforts are a serious shortage of skilled workers, poor shipyard employee retention, last-minute design changes and the Pentagon's shifting priorities.

Naval Shipyards ran excellent 4 year apprentice programs, hired through Veterans' Recruitment Reappointments & also hired skilled mechanics from private shipyards when possible. However, private shipyards such as Newport News built/build new naval ships that were/are towed across to the (Norfolk) Naval Shipyard for tear out and installation of uniquely military equipment, i.e., War Rooms, etc.

The Navy's MILCON project budget "optimizes Navy installations to enable global logistics and Force development, generation, and employment from the shore." It is to ensure there is critical facilities infrastructure that contribute to readiness, i.e, support current & planned classes of warships, optimize workflow, replaces obsolete capital equipment with modern technology.

Congress holds the key to actual shipyarding and/or selling U. S. Naval Ships to other nations. Congressional Research Services (CRS) has prepared recent (August) Background & Issues reports for Congress.

Posted by: L - If they'll do it with you, they'll do it to you, too at August 13, 2024 11:53 AM (NFX2v)

226 f a carrier is hit, and has a 5 degree list, you are not able to launch or recover aircraft. You don't have to sink it, just disable it and it's out of action.

This is my concern about Guam, too.

Posted by: Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) at August 13, 2024 11:45 AM (LbnIB)
==
Well played sir! Well played indeed!

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:53 AM (GZYu7)

227 And leftists judges overturn anything Trump does.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:51 AM (6GRih)

And this is precisely why a shooting civil war will be needed to purge the communists. And we will need some rope factories.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:53 AM (pohLc)

228 We're going to lose the next major war we get tricked into and we'll deserve to lose.

Get your friends and family out of the military while they can.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (xcxpd)

229 The only positive to a Kumswallower presidency?

The country will burn to the waterline and it should kill democrats forever.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (6GRih)

230 Rightist judges actually follow the constitution.
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
Not really, instead most of the Federalist society is concentrated on precedents (judicial restraint) rather than reinstating what Randy Barnett calls the Lost Constitution.

Even Scalia was prone to supporting (in his majority opinions) prior precedent even though he recognized it was bad law.

It's a mix to be sure, but I assume there's no argument that leftist judges are nothing if not inconsistent, depending on whether or not the decision involves something they favor.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (xCA6C)

231 A 32-year-old man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after an 11-year-old girl was stabbed in London’s Leicester Square on Monday.

Ioan Pintaru, a Romanian national with no fixed address, is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

The prosecutor told the court that Mr Pintaru allegedly placed the girl into a headlock and stabbed her eight times. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Libs of TikTok @libsoftiktok 20h
HORRIFYING

Two illegals were just arrested in Coney Island for r*ping a woman at knifepoint after they struck her boyfriend in the head.

One of them was staying at a local hotel which was converted into a migrant shelter.

How long are we going to tolerate this?

Posted by: andycanuck (i0CiB) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (i0CiB)

232 Musk is a legit genius, he could run a car company, boring company, space company, the largest social media company and with a couple of synapses in his spare free time units, bring efficiency and order to the federal government.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at August 13, 2024 11:39 AM (XV/Pl)

All those companies... he doesn't run them day to day. He hires able lieutenants and, since it isn't government, they do what he wants generally so he can move onto the next thing.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (U7wke)

233 I also enjoy books about and by Nixon. He took policy (especially foreign policy) very seriously.
But he always had an independent track going on in his mind of how to present policy for maximum political effect.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:44 AM (jbnUc)

I have a number of Nixon bios. One of the best, IMO, is Richard Nixon by John A Farrell.

Also, the book Ike and Dick by Jeffrey Frank is a good overview of the tortured, suspicious relationship between the two men.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (Q0kLU)

234 Thx CBD. Watching Varney and he is talking about how David French's most recent column says that he will be voting for Harris because Trump lies. Apparently he's paid zero attention to the Kamala/Walz ticket . What a putz

Posted by: Smell the Glove at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (daNLI)

235 I'm sure the DNC draws comfort knowing they'll get MN, no matter if they keep Walz or not.

I'd also like to know who would be stupid enough to step in if Walz steps down?

We'd be looking at the DNC not only pushing out Joe, but also getting rid of a VP pick.

Of course, the DUmmies would think this is wonderful while waving away just how undemocratic the whole process was.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (tT6L1)

236 Yes, we have held on to the research/design part of things for now, especially with higher-complexity products. But we have low capability of executing those designs.

All is not lost and all is not a disaster and things have started improving somewhat over the past few years, but we are solidly behind the 8 ball.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 11:46 AM (HnUIn)
==
True - I would note, that in the world, our major competitors are behind an even larger one. Our biggest threat right now is domestic, as the intrepid DU spy posts the comments of the dummies in our midst.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (GZYu7)

237 Did Iran ever strike Israel in retaliation for killing the HamAss guy? That whole subject just seems to have up and disappeared.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (v6JzV)

238 "VP Harris, has got her master's degree on being President by watching President Biden for 4 years...she was the last one in the room when he was deciding any situation..."

Sounds like she was the slowest student in the room.

Posted by: t-bird at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (LbnIB)

239 177
‘ establishing a democracy, opening public schools, and creating a healthcare system’

It’s a trap! They’re all democrats.
Bring back the dead king!

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (jbnUc)

240 We're going to lose the next major war we get tricked into and we'll deserve to lose.

Get your friends and family out of the military while they can.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (xcxpd)

If by "tricked" you mean our government starting one, then yes.

I have a relative who just got his butter bar, and combat training. All those smiling pics of him and his gal... She'll be pretty, dressed in black, getting her flag.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (dGCAG)

241 Assured Mutual Destruction is not as big a deterrent to psychos with 1.4 billion people they don't care about to play with.

Posted by: polynikes at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (B1dzx)

242 Gone but not forgotten.

https://is.gd/vt4xRY

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I got 99 problems but Vance ain't one at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (L/fGl)

243 Musk is competent at choosing able managers. Trump could learn some things from him.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (pohLc)

244 235 I'm sure the DNC draws comfort knowing they'll get MN, no matter if they keep Walz or not.

I'd also like to know who would be stupid enough to step in if Walz steps down?

We'd be looking at the DNC not only pushing out Joe, but also getting rid of a VP pick.

Of course, the DUmmies would think this is wonderful while waving away just how undemocratic the whole process was.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (tT6L1)

"I didn't think it could get any better than supporting the woman who ushered the man I voted for and vocally supported for the past four years off the ticket, but now that Walz has done his duty and stepped aside to let Pete take over, why I'm downright orgasmic. Well, at least what I think one should feel like." - DU

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (KbCG3)

245 Did Iran ever strike Israel in retaliation for killing the HamAss guy? That whole subject just seems to have up and disappeared.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (v6JzV)

It's coming.

It's not going to end well.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (dGCAG)

246 Learning how to make BP from scratch so i don't have to buy and store so much.
Posted by: rickb223

You might enjoy Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen (available free online at Project Gutenberg or via cheap Amazon print/Kindle versions). In it, a Pennsylvania state trooper is moved into an alternative Earth and where whoever knows the secret to producing gunpowder will be in power. Lots of particulars about the specifics of mass production of black powder contained in it including the formula.

H. Beam Piper, who wrote it, was an avid antique weapon collector (wrote a murder mystery story called Murder in teh Gunroom (also available free)) and a historical novel (lost) called Only the Arquebus set in Italy during the mercenary city state era of warfare.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (7nYLv)

247 184 Babylon fell in one night. The Empire, not the little fiefdom on Lawn Guyland.
Posted by: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin at August 13, 2024 11:42 AM (CV8a5)
_______
The latter is where I grew up. Most famous people from there were Butterfly McQueen and Bob Keeshan (Capt Kangaroo.)

Posted by: Eeyore at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (1bNHn)

248 145 The Post Millennial
@TPostMillennial
BREAKING: Elon Musk volunteers to serve on Government Efficiency Committee to rein in wasteful spending if Trump’s elected

==

He has time for this???

perhaps landing rockets on a postage stamp has gotten boring.

Posted by: anachronda at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (oY6Yp)

249 Appoint Musk head of DoD procurement.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (PM3zh)

250 We're going to lose the next major war we get tricked into and we'll deserve to lose.

Get your friends and family out of the military while they can.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (xcxpd)

That sounds to be a self fulfilling prophecy. How about let's try to regain control of the military like we did with Reagan.

Posted by: polynikes at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (B1dzx)

251 How much you want to bet their DM is a tranny?

Nah. They said the DM was dismayed at them wasting time on stupid shit.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (U7wke)

252 "I didn't think it could get any better than supporting the woman who ushered the man I voted for and vocally supported for the past four years off the ticket, but now that Walz has done his duty and stepped aside to let Pete take over, why I'm downright orgasmic. Well, at least what I think one should feel like." - DU
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (KbCG3)
---------------

Aha! So you're the one who runs the DUmmie op! I know it was an op!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (tT6L1)

253
She'll be pretty, dressed in black, getting her flag.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (dGCAG)

___________

"What pretty widows you'll make!" - George Patton to a group of officers' wives.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (1Nxff)

254 We need AI lasers that can take out 100 (1000?) incoming hypersonic missiles at once? Then there are the smart torpedoes ... idk, seems our carriers are at great risk in a real war .... or maybe even in some unidentifiable attack.

We should win the cold war, instead of pushing for hot war, even if the MIC loves the infinite money tree. So far we won't even stop the fentanyl from killing our people by the 1000's ... don't want to offend the CCP.

Posted by: illiniwek at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (Cus5s)

255 Appoint Musk head of DoD procurement.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (PM3zh)

We could just make him a benevolent monarch, and the world would be a substantially better place.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (dGCAG)

256 Our procurement department has been crap since we've had a military. Lot of missteps.

I compare it to NFL scouts and coaches.

Posted by: polynikes at August 13, 2024 12:00 PM (B1dzx)

257 Regarding Taiwan/China...

I think China has infiltrated Taiwan's civil and government structure to the point it really only has to activate those people to take down whatever's needed. Might not even have to use the PLA or its Naval/Air Force components.

The Chinese have done likewise here without firing a shot. Albeit not to the degree they'd probably need to reclaim Taiwan.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 13, 2024 12:01 PM (Q4IgG)

258 She'll be pretty, dressed in black, getting her flag.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 11:56 AM (dGCAG)

"What pretty widows you'll make!" - George Patton to a group of officers' wives.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (1Nxff)

Pictures of their wedding, all the happy photos of them, when he's completing training, family gatherings, etc... All I see is her, getting handed the flag, with a soldier dressed in his blues saying "On behalf of a grateful nation....."

Posted by: BurtTC at August 13, 2024 12:01 PM (dGCAG)

259 a historical novel (lost) called Only the Arquebus set in Italy during the mercenary city state era of warfare.
Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 11:57 AM (7nYLv)
-----------
I believe that it was to have focused on the campaigns of Gonsalvo de Cordoba.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight, Concertina Czar at August 13, 2024 12:01 PM (VdhcA)

260 We can all become yeoman farmers?
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
In a way, it involves learning a trade of some sort to make one independent. Tradesmen and yeomen farmers were the backbone of the revolution.

We had to get rid of the Articles of Confederation because the lack of a strong central government made it almost impossible to fight a war. Decisions had to be made, and weren't, taxes had to be raised, and weren't, and men had to be paid, and weren't. We very nearly lost that war as a result.

There is a reason why "provide for the common defense" is written into the Constitution as a responsibility of the federal government.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 12:01 PM (xCA6C)

261 That sounds to be a self fulfilling prophecy. How about let's try to regain control of the military like we did with Reagan.
Posted by: polynikes at August 13, 2024 11:58 AM (B1dzx)

Well, if there is a very through purge of anyone above O-5....maybe. I don't see much chance of that. But optimism is a radical life choice, I won't discourage you.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (xcxpd)

262 It's a mix to be sure, but I assume there's no argument that leftist judges are nothing if not inconsistent, depending on whether or not the decision involves something they favor.
Posted by: Archimedes

Leftists deal with exercising power. The Federalist Society exists mainly to serve the status quo and corporations. That is why a bunch of smaller specific purpose lawfare groups on the right such as firearms sometimes get rolled in court if they conflict with corporate interests. Voter integrity is one of those areas as well. Judges on the right refused to apply teh actual laws in those situations even in supposedly red states.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (7nYLv)

263 If one F15EX is $100 million and an F35 is 3x that much, the obvious way to save money is to..... buy cheap drones by the thousands.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (whJr1)

264 Remember how the end of the world was happening last week when stocks fell 3%? That 3% has not only been made up, but now stocks are up another 3% on top of that.

Media loves to hype up days like that but long term they’re blips. Don’t freak out over those blips.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (sxBW4)

265 NOOD INTERVIEW

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (HnUIn)

266 Musk is competent at choosing able managers. Trump could learn some things from him.
Posted by: Xipe Totec

-

I suspect not having people recommended to you who desire to actively destroy your company helps, as does being able to fire them.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Women pursuing older men must desire incestous father fantasies at August 13, 2024 12:03 PM (mIykB)

267 Did Iran ever strike Israel in retaliation for killing the HamAss guy? That whole subject just seems to have up and disappeared.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (v6JzV)

Time is on the Iranian side. Iranians are aiding Houthi and the Blowfish in Yemen. They are also aiding Hezzybolah and the Paliwali Hamas. Interesting strategy of strangulation by the Iranians.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 12:03 PM (K861k)

268 229
‘ The country will burn to the waterline and it should kill democrats forever.’

That’s a kind of Pyrrhic victory.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 12:03 PM (jbnUc)

269 That 3% was a purposeful algorithmic fleecing of little guys by the big boys. The big boys bought after the panic they caused and are now making money. Nothing more, nothing less.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Women pursuing older men must desire incestous father fantasies at August 13, 2024 12:04 PM (mIykB)

270 You might enjoy Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen (available free online at Project Gutenberg or via cheap Amazon print/Kindle versions). In it, a Pennsylvania state trooper is moved into an alternative Earth and where whoever knows the secret to producing gunpowder will be in power. Lots of particulars about the specifics of mass production of black powder contained in it including the formula.

H. Beam Piper, who wrote it, was an avid antique weapon collector (wrote a murder mystery story called Murder in teh Gunroom (also available free)) and a historical novel (lost) called Only the Arquebus set in Italy during the mercenary city state era of warfare.
Posted by: whig

Will definitely look that up! Thank you!

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at August 13, 2024 12:04 PM (6GRih)

271 We can all become yeoman farmers?
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
In a way, it involves learning a trade of some sort to make one independent. Tradesmen and yeomen farmers were the backbone of the revolution.

We had to get rid of the Articles of Confederation because the lack of a strong central government made it almost impossible to fight a war. Decisions had to be made, and weren't, taxes had to be raised, and weren't, and men had to be paid, and weren't. We very nearly lost that war as a result.

There is a reason why "provide for the common defense" is written into the Constitution as a responsibility of the federal government.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 12:01 PM (xCA6C)
==
Jefferson's vision never saw what the US became. He couldn't even begin to comprehend that we could not only populate our continent, but dominate the world. His vision saw small farms, citizen farmers, warriors and politicians. Then the progressives showed up and screwed everything.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 12:05 PM (GZYu7)

272 Two illegals were just arrested in Coney Island for r*ping a woman at knifepoint after they struck her boyfriend in the head.

One of them was staying at a local hotel which was converted into a migrant shelter.

How long are we going to tolerate this?
Posted by: andycanuck (i0CiB) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (i0CiB)
_________

Forever. Sadly, that is the truth. At most, the local political powers might be able to keep specific migrant shelters our of their neighborhoods, but it'll just be a game of hot potato.

That's where things are in NYC right now. Each neighborhood is going all NIMBY, but nobody is really talking about getting ride of these mutants.

The politically powerful areas -- upper west side, upper east, wealthy areas downtown, etc -- have been able to get rid of shelters and force them on other neighborhoods.

That means the less-powerful areas -- the less affluent ones -- are overrun. Poor Chinatown has most of the shelters and jails in the city. It's a huge problem and is turning Chinatown into a shithole. The Chinese living there are finally starting to wake up.

Posted by: Doctor Elric Blade, Esq. at August 13, 2024 12:05 PM (iFTx/)

273 They have to be deciding if they need to cut him loose. He is saying nothing, and the press keeps trying to find excuses to bury it. None of his soldiers will defend him. It appears they feel he is a coward and without honor.

It has stuck. Pretty amazing.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 11:49 AM

They can't dump him. Keeping him on is a disaster but getting rid of him or trying to get rid of him would be even a bigger disaster. I can imagine the attack ads if kamala did try and get rid of him.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 13, 2024 12:05 PM (QNSds)

274
The Chinee navy has lots of ships, it's true. But the build quality sucks ass.

Even worse is that their crews don't really know military systemology, they learn it by copying the Russians and the Brazilians for carrier ops.

The worst part is the bifurcated command system, with every order given by the combat leadership having to be approved by the political officers. Back in 2015 or so, they seriously ramped up the power of naval political officers, to the point that the US Navy issued warnings that it would cause Chinese tactical decision-making to slow down significantly. Even something as simple as a course change to avoid collision would require political approval.

Posted by: Willie Brown at August 13, 2024 12:05 PM (y9nCu)

275 We're going to lose the next major war we get tricked into and we'll deserve to lose.

Get your friends and family out of the military while they can.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at August 13, 2024 11:54 AM (xcxpd)

It's not optimism. It's about not giving up especially when we've been in the same situation before.

Posted by: polynikes at August 13, 2024 12:05 PM (B1dzx)

276 Media loves to hype up days like that but long term they’re blips. Don’t freak out over those blips.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:02 PM (sxBW4)
==
Buy on them.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 12:06 PM (GZYu7)

277 That 3% was a purposeful algorithmic fleecing of little guys by the big boys. The big boys bought after the panic they caused and are now making money. Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - Women pursuing older men must desire incestous father fantasies at August 13, 2024 12:04 PM (mIykB)

Yep. Never panic sell.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:07 PM (sxBW4)

278 The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States
Posted by: Archimedes

Notice that none of that is currently what we are discussing. A Jeffersonian take would be that the necessary and proper clause indicates that the federal government's action must be both necessary and proper in a narrow sense.

So, the power for Common Defence would contemplate a navy but not a massive land army, the taxes imposed were to be indirect and thus limited--tariffs, excise, etc. Not the monstrous income tax because the Framers did not want the new federal government to have funding to do unnecessary things. And so on.

For most people, the past is a foreign land filled with interlocking concepts that are alien to the casual observer.

Hamiltonian politics revolved around giving the elite monied interests in the US a stake by enriching them via interest payments, etc. Hamilton believed that this would ensure that the elites of the US were faithful to the country that was literally paying them to do so.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:08 PM (7nYLv)

279 How long are we going to tolerate this?
Posted by: andycanuck (i0CiB) at August 13, 2024 11:55 AM (i0CiB)

This has been happening for years. Decades even, and nobody in power who has the ability to end it gives a fuck. So the answer is forever.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:09 PM (sxBW4)

280 The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States
Posted by: Archimedes

Notice that none of that is currently what we are discussing. A Jeffersonian take would be that the necessary and proper clause indicates that the federal government's action must be both necessary and proper in a narrow sense.

And yet, under his architecture, the ability to do what is necessary and proper would be impossible.

Posted by: Archimedes at August 13, 2024 12:09 PM (xCA6C)

281 233
‘ Richard Nixon by John A Farrell’
I’ll have to look for that. I have the 3 volume Stephen Ambrose set and the Conrad Black biography.
Ambrose is sympathetic to Nixon personally (somewhat) but not politically (because he’s a lib).
Black is good because he views Nixon as a foreigner (ie a lot more favorably) than most American authors would.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at August 13, 2024 12:09 PM (jbnUc)

282 Hamiltonian politics revolved around giving the elite monied interests in the US a stake by enriching them via interest payments, etc. Hamilton believed that this would ensure that the elites of the US were faithful to the country that was literally paying them to do so.
Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:08 PM (7nYLv)

Whiskey Tax. Hamilton's way of paying back his father-in-law for helping to finance the little dustup between 1775-83. The Whiskey tax hurt the small guys, not the big guys. SOP in the USA

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at August 13, 2024 12:11 PM (K861k)

283 Replace Walz is at 5% on betting sites right now. Can it happen? Sure anything can happen. Will it happen? Unlikely.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:12 PM (sxBW4)

284 Jefferson's vision never saw what the US became. He couldn't even begin to comprehend that we could not only populate our continent, but dominate the world. His vision saw small farms, citizen farmers, warriors and politicians. Then the progressives showed up and screwed everything.
Posted by: Black JEM
=======
Minarchism is at the heart of Jeffersonian Democracy where most governing decisions are best left to states and local government. Our system over time has become Hamiltonian and then a caricature of that in the name of the great god of commerce held by too many people.

Jefferson's view was also in part because he saw the widespread misery of commoners, the aloof erudite salon aristocrats, and massive political corruption in Louis XVI's realm. He did not want a population of servile Americans worshipping DC for their portion of gruel.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:13 PM (7nYLv)

285
Oops. Off me, sloppy sock.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at August 13, 2024 12:13 PM (y9nCu)

286 i suppose i should jump in here somewhere

Posted by: yoeman at August 13, 2024 12:14 PM (j1QfB)

287 Replace Walz is at 5% on betting sites right now. Can it happen? Sure anything can happen. Will it happen? Unlikely.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:12 PM (sxBW4)
==
I don't disagree. But how do they stop the bleeding? Because its not stopping.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 12:14 PM (GZYu7)

288 Jefferson's vision never saw what the US became. He couldn't even begin to comprehend that we could not only populate our continent, but dominate the world. His vision saw small farms, citizen farmers, warriors and politicians. Then the progressives showed up and screwed everything.
Posted by: Black JEM
=======
Minarchism is at the heart of Jeffersonian Democracy where most governing decisions are best left to states and local government. Our system over time has become Hamiltonian and then a caricature of that in the name of the great god of commerce held by too many people.

Jefferson's view was also in part because he saw the widespread misery of commoners, the aloof erudite salon aristocrats, and massive political corruption in Louis XVI's realm. He did not want a population of servile Americans worshipping DC for their portion of gruel.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:13 PM (7nYLv)
==
My current hope is that SCOTUS' new found appreciation for the 10th Amendment, with a Trump victory can give us back some of those ideas.

Posted by: Black JEM at August 13, 2024 12:16 PM (GZYu7)

289 Whiskey Tax. Hamilton's way of paying back his father-in-law for helping to finance the little dustup between 1775-83. The Whiskey tax hurt the small guys, not the big guys. SOP in the USA
Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators

To be fair, that same tax law also taxed carriages (see Hylton v. US) where it was ruled as an excise tax aka luxury tax. The US was broke and had to have the cash to operate. One needs to be careful (and yeah, I read Charles Beard among others) where the early republic is all about the monied interests screwing the plebes.

In Rhode Island, the opposite occurred where the plebes basically acted like Democrats and taxed the monied interest to the point where they fled the state. They taxed the rest of society by floating worthless paper currency enough to destroy Rhode Island's economy.

Because of that misbegotten state thwarting needed amendments to the Articles, we got the much stronger federal government of the US Constitution.

In essence, I am discussing the deeper consequences of financialization which is to rely on public debt and interest payments from it to run the federal government.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:19 PM (7nYLv)

290 Haha.

Yahoo News has a story of a shopper in Colorado confused by an extra charge on her receipt. Outrage!!! Greedy corporations!!!

Oh wait that’s a municipal tax that voters approved.

These people are unbelievable.

Posted by: RIP UK at August 13, 2024 12:19 PM (sxBW4)

291 My current hope is that SCOTUS' new found appreciation for the 10th Amendment, with a Trump victory can give us back some of those ideas.
Posted by: Black JEM
======
Possibly. It will require basically a century of pro big federal gubmint programming to be reversed. That can happen in some places but usually after a quite bad crisis happens. See Austria after the end of the Hapsburg Empire as an example. There is a reason that the Austrian School exemplified experience and history over mathematics when discussing public expenditures.

Posted by: whig at August 13, 2024 12:22 PM (7nYLv)

292 Our next war? You mean our next attempt to force foreign people to accept American governance and cultural whims?

I've turned down a dozen head hunters offering technical positions at Boeing and other government contractors. Why would I expose myself to future mandates? That would be foolish. I don't think most people consider things like that.

I don't care about a Prog's desire to build up our military. I care about protecting myself from federal tyranny. I bet other smart, techie guys think like me.

Posted by: insurgens ad opus at August 13, 2024 12:23 PM (YYhi/)

293 When Trump takes charge it's a foregone conclusion that there will be a huge improvement in the Armed Forces to accompany the economy.

We Americans-as opposed to the left-must then protect him. We'll have won this skirmish but cannot relax. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, you know this to be true.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at August 13, 2024 01:08 PM (hKoQL)

294 "Pork Barrel procurement is probably as old as the first army, as is ridiculous weapons system design, the typical strategy of planning on fighting the last war, and a host of other issues that will probably never change.

But political reliability in the highest ranks, deference to the most insane progressive and post-modern lunacy (DEI, transgenderism, etc), coupled with a foreign policy seemingly designed to embolden our enemies have all conspired to put America squarely behind. We can't build ships, we can't build planes, we can't attract men to enlist, and our biggest Pacific ally is a generation behind in their planning for a war with China that is becoming more and more likely."

Or: The old fastioned grift and graft in military procurement is still there. It has been supplemented by the new social justice grift and graft, which is the outgrowth of an ideology hostile to the sovereignty of the United States and which seeks to turn the US military into an instrument of domestic repression.

Posted by: Peter B at August 13, 2024 04:21 PM (sCwkm)

295 Obama Democrat+ Globalists=Traitor

Posted by: Tamaa the Drongo Bird at August 13, 2024 04:42 PM (wGqjj)

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