Quick Hits

Chuck Grassley to the criminal Christopher Wray: We no longer have any confidence in the FBI, and you must resign for the good of the nation.

Sen. Chuck Grassley demanded Monday that FBI director Christopher Wray step aside in a brutal rebuke of his tenure at the bureau, as GOP senators cheered President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Kash Patel to replace him as director.
"For the good of the country, it's time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives," Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote in a blistering 11-page letter to Wray, referring to the director and deputy director Paul Abbate.
"[I] must express my vote of no confidence in your continued leadership of the FBI."

Even Deep-State-aligned Democrats-in-GOP-clothing are getting on board due to the pressure campaign against them:

"Kash Patel will create much-needed transparency at the FBI," Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) posted Monday on X in an expression of her full support. "He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies, downsizing the D.C. bureaucracy, and having public servants work on behalf of the American people!"
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also broadly contended: "I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump's nominees."
To install Patel at the top of the bureau, Trump, 78, will first either have to fire Wray or the FBI boss will have to resign.
"We still don't know what director Wray's plans are, but eventually, I assume that Mr. Patel will be confirmed as the next FBI director," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who made a bid in November to lead the Senate Republican conference but lost to Sen. John Thune (R-SD), told reporters after his meeting with Trump's nominee.

Ernst is even pretending she "supports" Hegseth, despite rampant rumors that she is a ringleader of the GOPe drive to Bork him and even has proposed herself as an alternative to Hegseth to run the DOD.

Jerry Dunleavy IV
@JerryDunleavy
Joni Ernst after her meeting today with Pete Hegseth about his nomination to become SecDef: "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's responsiveness & respect for the process... As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources."

Don't believe her. She's related to noted Soros ally Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

I've linked this before, but Mark Halperin lays into what he calls one of the greatest scandals in American history.

WATTERS: You, too. So [the Biden presidential] library, is he even going to get it?
HALPERIN: I mean, there will be some version, maybe more like a bookmobile than an actual library. This is not a surprise. He's never been a good fundraiser, and the donors are really annoyed.
But I will say that the donors and the Democratic officials who are now so outraged about the conduct, as you said, the press knew all this, so did they. They stood silent when Joe Biden's operatives crushed Bobby Kennedy and Dean Phillips and rigged the rules. They stood silent as he stayed in the race and decided he was going to run for another term. They stood silent when Kamala Harris was given the nomination without a shot being fired.
So I get why they're mad at Joe Biden, but I think a lot of them need to turn the clock back and imagine what they might have done differently and Joe Biden, then might be in a place to raise the money.
So I do think he'll raise some money, but as I said, he's never been a good fundraiser. It's the kind of work he doesn't like to do, and these donors blame him more than themselves.
WATTERS: Well, why didn't Chuck Todd say anything when he had a show, Mark? All of a sudden he doesn't have a show, and Joe lost, and now he's screaming from the rooftop about this and that. Why do they do that, these people?
HALPERIN: You know, I saw Joe Biden's mental acuity decline in 2017 and I talked about it on a regular basis. I can't explain it. It's some combination of Trump derangement syndrome and not wanting to be ostracized for doing anything that might help Donald Trump win.
And of course, the irony is, the reason Joe Biden is left in the position he's in, the reason Donald Trump was re-elected, there are plenty of reasons, but a big reason is the silence in the media. I've called this before. I think it's one of the biggest scandals of any sort in American history, and certainly one of the biggest media scandals, because people say, oh, they didn't see behind-the-scenes.
All you needed was a C-SPAN subscription to know that there was a level of mental decline and they stood silent.
WATTERS: There was -- right.
HALPERIN: And not just the president.
WATTERS: There is no hiding this guy.
HALPERIN: The donors -- the donors were spending times with him in living rooms. They saw, Clooney eventually came out and said it. But far too late, far too late.

Video at the link.

Trump attended the re-opening of Notre Dame while Biden remained in his basement of shame. He sent his appalling wifenurse instead.

The reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris also marked the de facto coming out of Donald Trump as leader of the free world.
His overbearing handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron sent a powerful message to the rest of the world. America is back, whether they like it or not.
As Trump is feted by world leaders and royalty in Paris, holds preliminary peace talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and sends his envoy to the Middle East, the inauguration next month seems like a mere formality.
Joe Biden is a pitiful afterthought in history. The ostentatiously Catholic president was somehow too busy to fit Notre-Dame into his sluggish schedule and sent his wife instead, who made googly eyes at Trump.

Trump took the opportunity of Biden's absence to cuck the aging husk. The internet exploded with commentary about the "googly eyes" Jill Biden made at Trump.

Trump even took a picture of her leering at him thirstily and used it to plug his cologne:

Sex Panther by Odeon. 60% of the time, it works every time.

Wearing a giant MAGA hat through the airport pic.twitter.com/O6d4TTEZjM
— Prime Time with Alex Stein (@alexstein69420) December 9, 2024

Today's Democrat Party:

Daniel Penny’s critics are trying to cause race riots after the jury found him not guilty:

“These wonderful white [jurors], I hope they celebrate their Christmas…God damn them and God Damn America!” pic.twitter.com/XoninrmoPk
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) December 9, 2024

Watch Daniel Penny celebrate his acquittal:

“How are you feeling?”

“Great!” pic.twitter.com/obJO7yzha0
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) December 9, 2024

Marvel Comics currently has all of their characters fighting the Predator. Every major comics property has also crossed-over with the Aliens multiple times.

Superman and Batman have both fought Aliens and Predators.

All cartoon characters will fight Aliens and/or Predators. All of them.

This is completely demented and sick and only an unbalanced person could have made it.

I love it!

pic.twitter.com/WfNUc99YFw
— Daddy Warpig (@DaddyWarpig) December 9, 2024

Posted by: Ace at 06:34 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first and nood

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:34 PM (hovnC)

2 WILLOWED !

259 I'm watching this thing on Amazon called "The Agency." It is a total copy of the very excellent French show called Le Bureau des Légendes. From about 10 years ago (2015 - had 6 seasons maybe), starring Mathieu Kassovitz.
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:34 PM (QTCRF)

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:35 PM (QTCRF)

3 I like to share such things.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:36 PM (QTCRF)

4 OSINTdefender @sentdefender 3h
Several MiG-29s of the Syrian Air Force were claimed to have been destroyed yesterday, as a result of Strikes by the Israeli Air Force on Khalkhalah Air Base in the Suwayda Governorate.

https://tinyurl.com/23bawk3u
43 seconds; now scrap metal

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:36 PM (hovnC)

5 OSINTdefender @sentdefender 2h
After earlier reports of extensive IDF strikes on the Syrian port city of Latakia, videos have now emerged showing heavy strikes against Syrian naval infrastructure and assets still in the port. These strikes are the latest in a rash of Israeli strikes to diminish and destroy the former regime’s military hardware.

https://tinyurl.com/3pm5uk77
19 seconds; LOUD kabooms in this one!

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:37 PM (hovnC)

6 I so want PDT to tell Wray " you're fired"

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:37 PM (gGMRM)

7 Grassley and Ernst. Do better Iowa. Much better.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 06:37 PM (/U5Yz)

8 The Biden Bookmobile. With lots of pages torn out and rolled into straws, I expect.

Posted by: gKWVE at December 09, 2024 06:38 PM (gKWVE)

9 Breaking911 @Breaking911 44m
JUST IN: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul is giving residents up to $500 checks for 'inflation relief'
====
Justin is trying the same ploy here with the federal GST sales tax.

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:39 PM (hovnC)

10 Repeat, let's not make Syria I-ran.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:39 PM (QTCRF)

11 6 I so want PDT to tell Wray " you're fired"
Posted by: Ben Had

Followed by, enjoy your life sentence in federal PMITA prison.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (/U5Yz)

12 al Qaeda comes to power and all are excited that they are not Bashar Assad. Fk that movie.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (QTCRF)

13 Grassley is ok, no?

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (QTCRF)

14 Breaking911 @Breaking911 1h
In just 48 hours, the Israeli Air Force has conducted over 250 airstrikes, destroying Syria’s Navy and Air Force as well as chemical weapons plants. This came shortly after U.S. bombers dropped 140 bombs on ISIS. This was done to ensure weapons don't fall into dangerous hands.

https://tinyurl.com/4c62zwfe
42 seconds; multiple vids of LOUD kabooms

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (hovnC)

15 5/13 comments. people. start typing !

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:41 PM (QTCRF)

16 I tend to think that leftists who want God to damn the Penny trial jurors and damn the U.S. don't believe in God anyway- certainly not the God of the Bible.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 06:41 PM (GH8rm)

17 Responding to a comment in last thread about Turkey now managing Syria, after having helped remove the regime.

"They managed toppling Syria well enough."

As a wise man once wrote: it's one thing to burn down the s**t-house, another to install plumbing.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:41 PM (1m82a)

18 Chuck Grassley -- Meh.

Now if Chuck Shummer said it -- would be a better statement.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:41 PM (u82oZ)

19 I see an as yet, untapped Pr0n niche with Jill and Trump look-alikes. If there isn't already one. Or two.

And, as an aside, I do think that she, and *biden (although someone voted for him) voted for Trump as a huge fuck-you to the establishment Democrats that pushed them out.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (Q4IgG)

20 Grassley is ok, no?
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (QTCRF)
******
He's old, but I think he does a good job.

Posted by: redridinghood at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (NpAcC)

21 runner, Erdogan is more of a problem that the rebel forces.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (gGMRM)

22 I hope Russian understands how important it is not to let certain things fall into certain hands...after all , they might end up in Ukraine. Give it up, Ivan!

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (QTCRF)

23 BEST CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EVER!

Posted by: huerfano at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (DKIGo)

24 Don't believe her. She's related to noted Soros ally Ernst Stavro Blofeld. - Ace

I never saw that one coming.
lol

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (6ydKt)

25 wray resigning is not a good idea. He can't be compelled to testify in congress unless he is subpoenaed and arrested, and that will take years to work itself out.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (Rcnd3)

26 rhomboid

Managing part of Libya, Cypress, and now Syria is an overstretch for the Turkish nation. I do not see this lasting.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:43 PM (u82oZ)

27 Erdogan is more of a problem that the rebel forces.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (gGMRM)

If need be...we can make him retire to Antalya...

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:43 PM (QTCRF)

28 Breaking911 @Breaking911 1h
CONFIRMED! Rosie O'Donnell has herpes and she wants everyone to know she does (as she made a TikTok video about it). She is blaming it on..... UFOs!

"I'd love to say I got it from making out with some really sexy people, but that's not the case"

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:43 PM (hovnC)

29 Rosie got herpes from a tractor !

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:44 PM (QTCRF)

30 I think a Family Guy - Alien mashup might work.....

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 09, 2024 06:44 PM (PiwSw)

31 Jill pining for an Alpha??

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (PCK5/)

32 I just saw that the gay paisano who shot the UHC guy lives in philly?!?!

but of course

also hi! and Slow Horses DOES get much, much better. glad I got past the pilot.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (Pv3Rg)

33 Rosie got herpes from kissing her own ass

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (gGMRM)

34 Trump nominates Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Fantastic pick.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (LkLld)

35 Huh, so just as I predicted, the GOP Senate "blockade" collapsed five weeks before it was supposed to begin.

Where do I go to collect my winnings?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (ZOv7s)

36 I guess Grassley is intent on leaving the Senate in the same manner that McCain, Byrd, and Teddy did.

Posted by: Curly Shuffle at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (Vyll1)

37 {{{Ben Had}}}

Give Erdogan more rope to put his head into. He is not exactly the most popular leader in Turkey today.

But now he can force the Syrians out of Turkey. So we gots that.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (u82oZ)

38 Erdogan is more of a problem that the rebel forces.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (gGMRM)

If need be...we can make him retire to Antalya...

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:43 PM

It's nobody's business but the Turks.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (Rcnd3)

39 Guys, Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau) is very good! y'all should watch

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (QTCRF)

40 I think a Family Guy - Alien mashup might work

Can we get an actual chest burster to blow out of Seth MacFarlane's body?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 06:46 PM (RsS92)

41 31 Jill pining for an Alpha??

she's just pining for any man who has control over his bladder and intestines

Posted by: BlackOrchid at December 09, 2024 06:46 PM (Pv3Rg)

42 34 Trump nominates Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Fantastic pick.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (LkLld)

But what will she do?

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 06:46 PM (PCK5/)

43 I hope a primary challenge is held over the head of Ernst like the Sword of Damocles.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at December 09, 2024 06:46 PM (tT6L1)

44 Turks have the same delusions of grandeur as the Brits.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:47 PM (QTCRF)

45 >>All cartoon characters will fight Aliens and/or Predators. All of them.

Great balls of fire!

I'm bodacious.

Posted by: Snuffy Smith at December 09, 2024 06:47 PM (1t/7l)

46 Can we get an actual chest burster to blow out of Seth MacFarlane's body?
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 06:46 PM (RsS92)
-------------

Do we get to use Seth for testing purposes?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at December 09, 2024 06:47 PM (tT6L1)

47 36 I guess Grassley is intent on leaving the Senate in the same manner that McCain, Byrd, and Teddy did.
Posted by: Curly Shuffle

Drool cup and all. I'll miss his geriatric farm humor.
Remember, ethanol is a precious fluid and is not to be disparaged.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 06:47 PM (/U5Yz)

48 #7 I kind of like The Cornfather.

Posted by: hurricane567 at December 09, 2024 06:47 PM (ENRl7)

49 The Merkel/ Erdogan deal is the second biggest reason for mass migration to Europe

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:48 PM (gGMRM)

50 certainly not the God of the Bible.

One with a grass skirt, shield and spear, a mask and rattle.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at December 09, 2024 06:48 PM (q+z+r)

51 I found it very interesting that the Macrons sat on either side of PDJT.

Posted by: eleven at December 09, 2024 06:48 PM (fV+MH)

52 Great casinos in Antalya.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 09, 2024 06:48 PM (dR6yv)

53 Turks have the same delusions of grandeur as the Brits.
Posted by: runner

-----------
Second look at CENTO/METO?

Posted by: Curly Shuffle at December 09, 2024 06:49 PM (Vyll1)

54 I remember reading comments on this here smart military blog about regime change in Syria back as Israel was killing Hezbola.

Posted by: davidt at December 09, 2024 06:49 PM (i0F8b)

55 >>But what will she do?

Stopping the political prosecutions of people like us would seem to be a good place to start.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (LkLld)

56 51 I found it very interesting that the Macrons sat on either side of PDJT.

he had a hold of one testicle of each of em

Posted by: BlackOrchid at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (Pv3Rg)

57 Bloom County vs Alien. I like it.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (PiwSw)

58 Tough days to be a Kurd.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (vGiQ3)

59 smurfs vs alien?

Posted by: BlackOrchid at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (Pv3Rg)

60 I would imagine that there will be plenty of crayons aboard the Biden Bookmobile.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (mH6SG)

61 Breaking911 @Breaking911 Dec 8
A small view of Assad’s car collection seen at the Presidential palace.

https://tinyurl.com/yucbpccs
51 seconds; makes Jay Leno look like an amateur; videographer is driving around in a car because the garage is so large.

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (hovnC)

62 Jill and Ashley showed up at some event after the Notre Dame ceremony. It was a formal evening event. Jill wore her usual disaster flower print. But Ashley wore the exact ICONIC dress Princess Catherine wore to the James Bond premiere a few years ago.

Posted by: Ktgreat at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (33LJY)

63 Ok, who has Iran regime on his/her bingo card...in the next 2-3 mos ?

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:50 PM (QTCRF)

64 Spy vs Spy vs Alien

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (vGiQ3)

65 I tend to think that leftists who want God to damn the Penny trial jurors and damn the U.S. don't believe in God anyway- certainly not the God of the Bible.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 06:41 PM (GH8rm)
---
No, but Yard Sign Calvinists (who very frequently look for divine favor in everything they do), have a kind of spirituality. When a hurricane hits Florida, they taunt people with "where is your sky god now!?" and of course they constantly mock "thoughts and prayers."

Some of it is motivated by Justification By Rage Alone, which is also a thing.

Is it heresy or demonic? Yes.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (ZOv7s)

66 *regime CHANGE

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (QTCRF)

67 My flight was fully boarded by 5:05 for scheduled departure at 5:25. Still sitting here because some knuckle dragger who fueled the plane can't do math. Gonna depart 30 minutes late because the captain is having to redo the paperwork. 🙄

Thankfully, it's not full and I have a whole row to myself...

Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (8Wfvr)

68 Director Wray had an important flight to catch. Was unavailable for comments.

Posted by: torabora at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (b6sYu)

69 runner it's a lot more than Assad gang is gone. So is Iran's proxy network, essentially. The crown jewel was Ba'athist Syria, close second (and chief guarantee against Israeli attack) was Lebanese Hezbollah. Hamas was a semi-useful nuisance asset. Now all three are gone or ravaged down to the nub, along with Iran's street cred (note: still no retaliation for October Israeli attack that surgically eviscerated their main air defense assets).

No perfect strategy or flow of events. Current situation is wildly beyond the most optimistic previous scenarios.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (1m82a)

70 33 Rosie got herpes from kissing her own ass
===
UFO = Unimaginable Farting Object

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (hovnC)

71 Breaking911 @Breaking911 44m
JUST IN: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul is giving residents up to $500 checks for 'inflation relief'

If she really wants to give relief, declare a sales tax holiday in the state for the rest of the month.

Never happen, but can you imaging the screaming if that happened?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (VNX3d)

72 Psst, Doctuh Jill, PDJT is way out of your league.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at December 09, 2024 06:52 PM (tT6L1)

73 was it confirmed that Ernst was the one pushing anti-Hegseth line ?

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:52 PM (QTCRF)

74 I know what Yard Sign Calvinists are!!

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 06:52 PM (PCK5/)

75 I think a Family Guy - Alien mashup might work.....
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper

Quagmire: You're their queen? Giggity.....

Alien Queen: * looks disgusted, spits acid *

Quagmire: * dissolves *

Cleveland: Oh, that's nasty.

Posted by: mikeski at December 09, 2024 06:52 PM (DgGvY)

76 Cathy vs Alien.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (PiwSw)

77
Someone clever should mash up that racist bitch's rant with some joyful Christmas songs!

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (xHsWA)

78 Im sorry but this is amazing from Jarvis on X:

https://x.com/jarvis_best/status/1866200234227011600

Posted by: BlackOrchid at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (Pv3Rg)

79 it's a lot more than Assad gang is gone. So is Iran's proxy network, essentially. The crown jewel was Ba'athist Syria, close second (and chief guarantee against Israeli attack) was Lebanese Hezbollah. Hamas was a semi-useful nuisance asset. Now all three are gone or ravaged down to the nub, along with Iran's street cred (note: still no retaliation for October Israeli attack that surgically eviscerated their main air defense assets).

No perfect strategy or flow of events. Current situation is wildly beyond the most optimistic previous scenarios.
Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (1m82a)

aha....and, do you have Iran regime change within 3 mos on your[/] bingo card ? Da ili net ?

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (QTCRF)

81 that was close !

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (QTCRF)

82 That Trump cologne ad is just too much. Funniest public figure in eons.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:53 PM (1m82a)

83 Rosie got herpes from a tractor !
Posted by: runner
......

Stacey Abrams?

Posted by: wth at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (v0R5T)

84 Coded warning to find a non expedite country?

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (fwDg9)

85 I tend to think that leftists who want God to damn the Penny trial jurors and damn the U.S. don't believe in God anyway- certainly not the God of the Bible.

But God knows them.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (RsS92)

86 no shit Iran. Persians, what up? Mahomet has had his run

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (QSrLX)

87 Remember that long-ago photoshop of Rosie as Khalid Sheikh Muhammad?

I nearly pissed myself laughing the first time I saw that.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (W5ArC)

88 Mary Worth vs Aliens. A very short comic. Like Bambi meets Godzilla.

But I want Beatle Bailey to be eaten by Aliens, never to return.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (u82oZ)

89 Director Wray had an important flight to catch. Was unavailable for comments.

We've reached out to him with our special BOGO deal!

Posted by: Pinochet Airlines at December 09, 2024 06:55 PM (mH6SG)

90 runner it's a lot more than Assad gang is gone. So is Iran's proxy network, essentially. The crown jewel was Ba'athist Syria, close second (and chief guarantee against Israeli attack) was Lebanese Hezbollah. Hamas was a semi-useful nuisance asset. Now all three are gone or ravaged down to the nub, along with Iran's street cred (note: still no retaliation for October Israeli attack that surgically eviscerated their main air defense assets).

No perfect strategy or flow of events. Current situation is wildly beyond the most optimistic previous scenarios.
Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (1m82a)
---
The take I am seeing (which is plausible) is that having saved Assad's bacon, Russia and Iran were expecting him to do...something. Either rebuild his army or try to split off factions to support him. He did neither, and so they moved on to more productive pursuits.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:55 PM (ZOv7s)

91 Sleepy Joe can just get the Chinese Communist Party to pay for his Presidential Library.
Complete with his Top Secret stacks. And his sexual harassment settlement papers.

Posted by: torabora at December 09, 2024 06:55 PM (b6sYu)

92 Director Wray had an important flight to catch. Was unavailable for comments.
Posted by: torabora at December 09, 2024 06:51 PM (b6sYu)

He had to catch the last of the DC UFO's.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 09, 2024 06:55 PM (VNX3d)

93 Fenelon!

I heard you were ill. I hope you are feeling better.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos (meh, it's a living) at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (IQhz0)

94 RNC Research @RNCResearch
Biden is completely incoherent as he tries to read his speech from his teleprompter.
Who is running the country?

https://tinyurl.com/yu4rxra6
19 seconds; on Syria

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (hovnC)

95 I hope Russian understands how important it is not to let certain things fall into certain hands...after all , they might end up in Ukraine. Give it up, Ivan!
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:42 PM (QTCRF)

Russia is reportedly pretty pissed at Assad for this unwarned collapse of his position. but likely they will reduce their positions in the area.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (n7h9X)

96 DJT is a Troll Master

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (fwDg9)

97 Frau Doktor Jill looks like she just passed a note to Trump saying "Please grab me by the pussy. I haven't been grabbed by the pussy for a very long time. Not since Hunter moved out."

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (W5ArC)

98 Finger pointing is starting in Tehran: “Many in the Revolutionary Guards point an accusing finger at Quds Force commander Ismail Ka'ani, "who did nothing to prevent Iran's interests from falling apart. The allies fell one after another, and he sat and watched from Tehran."

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (fIpti)

99 Who is running the Country? PDT, that's who.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (gGMRM)

100 RNC Research @RNCResearch
Biden is completely incoherent as he tries to read his speech from his teleprompter.
Who is running the country?

https://tinyurl.com/yu4rxra6
19 seconds; on Syria
Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (hovnC)

Should have been asking that question before 2020

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (n7h9X)

101 Peter: "Hey Brian, look. Large eggs. I bet they're edible! *puts head down, facehugger jumps out

Stewie: "Oh good one, Fat Man."

Lois, carrying flamethrower: "Leave my husband alone, you Xenomorph you!"

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (PiwSw)

102 Biden made millions for being employed by the government for the past 50 years. He can pay for his own damn library.

Posted by: ALH, Sister Golden Hair at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (+HzbQ)

103 But I want Beatle Bailey to be eaten by Aliens, never to return.
Posted by: NaCly Dog

Ziggy.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (dR6yv)

104 That Trump cologne ad is just too much. Funniest public figure in eons.

Yeah. If nothing else, Trump is worth the entertainment value.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (RsS92)

105 But God knows them.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (RsS92)
---
God wins. With God, anything is possible.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (ZOv7s)

106 runner, I take a Yogi Berra approach to forecasts of such things. Not important really. Prep for the worst/long haul, see what comes. Recent developments are as important as '67/'73 wars combined - those closed the "military option" for "front-line states" and led to Camp David etc. Neutralizing the Persian menace reinforces all the positive dynamics, and of course now much of the Arab world is, to use a phrase from the region, "in the same trench" with Israel.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (1m82a)

107 I'm confused, where was the loving family when the father they adored, Neely, was abusing drugs and strangers? Did they try to track him down? Get him help? Or, is this just a moment to grandstand for a paycheck?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (tT6L1)

108 13 Grassley is ok, no?
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 06:40 PM (QTCRF)

He's the for-profit-hospital industry's bitch but okish in other regards I think.

Posted by: Are any Congresscritters truly ok? at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (olf63)

109 Russia is reportedly pretty pissed at Assad for this unwarned collapse of his position. but likely they will reduce their positions in the area.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (n7h9X)

That’s a nice way to refer to bugging out of the region completely.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (fIpti)

110
You know that horrible song that goes "So, this is Christmas?"

1. It's not really a "Christmas" song, of course. It's a political song. And it sucks.

2. It used to annoy me. But now it makes me smile and laugh.

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (xHsWA)

111 Just realized the problem - I didn't bring my oversized MAGA hat. Rookie move....

Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (8Wfvr)

112 > Ziggy.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (dR6yv)

He needs to go back to playing guitar.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (W5ArC)

113 the guy that moves pianos (meh, it's a living)

So good to see your nic. One of the cleverest in the Horde.

Hope you and yours are doing OK.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (u82oZ)

114 Grassley: FBI, you must do this

Wray: Go fuck yourself

Grassley: oh well we tried. Send $100 to my campaign please.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (rwjQh)

115 Election laws.

>>@EricLDaugh
·
>>10m
>>🚨 #BREAKING: Trump names Harmeet Dhillon as his Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the DOJ.

>>"In her new role at the DOJ, Harmeet will be a tireless defender of our Constitutional Rights, and will enforce our Civil Rights and Election Laws FAIRLY and FIRMLY."

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (LkLld)

116 Why do I think if Kamaunist got to.pull off a fraud voting Daniel Penny wouldn't be free right now?

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (fwDg9)

117 Assad , through back channels asked PDT to save his ass. I am surprised Russia gave him sanctuary after that move.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (gGMRM)

118 Hey Chrissy!, let me tell you something you low-life-lying-four-flushing-sack-of-shit.

Your fired!

Posted by: President Donald J. Trump, Shot Caller With All The Keys at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (R/m4+)

119 >>That Trump cologne ad is just too much. Funniest public figure in eons.

You know right after they told him that the cars were ready for him to leave the event, he went to Jill and whispered in her ear, 'meet me in the rectory basement in 5 minutes.'.

Then, he got in his Limo and went out for a Royal with Cheese.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (vGiQ3)

120 Finger pointing is starting in Tehran: “Many in the Revolutionary Guards point an accusing finger at Quds Force commander Ismail Ka'ani, "who did nothing to prevent Iran's interests from falling apart. The allies fell one after another, and he sat and watched from Tehran."
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM (fIpti)
---
Yet again, I want to remind folks that before we start sucking each other's dicks, remember that these kind of leadership disputes often result in the most vicious, ruthless types rising to the top.

Remember Kissinger's definition of a "moderate Iranian": one who has temporarily run out of ammunition.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (ZOv7s)

121 > 34 Trump nominates Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (LkLld)

Nice!

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (W5ArC)

122 84 Coded warning to find a non expedite country?

67 My flight was fully boarded by 5:05 for scheduled departure at 5:25. Still sitting here because some knuckle dragger who fueled the plane can't do math. Gonna depart 30 minutes late because the captain is having to redo the paperwork.

that is a problem with a non-expedite country.

Posted by: anachronda at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (v3pYe)

123 I know what Yard Sign Calvinists are!!
Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 06:52 PM (PCK5/)

Wouldn't know. My family comes from a long line of Bumper Sticker Zoroastrians.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (+myjY)

124 Soros ally Ernst Stavro Blofeld

Ally? Pfft.

Who's minion is he?

* cackle *

Posted by: Big Penguin at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (a3Q+t)

125 Christopher R Taylor

That picture spawned a thousand memes. But the cologne ad was tops. I laughed.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (u82oZ)

126 Russia is reportedly pretty pissed at Assad for this unwarned collapse of his position. but likely they will reduce their positions in the area.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (n7h9X)

That’s a nice way to refer to bugging out of the region completely.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 06:58 PM (fIpti)

For some reason, I got a Mussolini/Hitler vibe seeing Assad next to Putin - after Skorzeny rescued Mussolini, and M was aware that he was now nothing on the world stage..

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (VNX3d)

127 Russia is reportedly pretty pissed at Assad for this unwarned collapse of his position. but likely they will reduce their positions in the area.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (n7h9X)

Russia will get to keep its port. They need it for their activities in Africa so won't give it up easily. Russia is known to stick by their buddies no matter what - it's their calling card. They made a bad play with Iran, though. Should have known better.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (QTCRF)

128 It would be something if Lebanon were liberated from the terrorists.

Posted by: davidt at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (i0F8b)

129 It used to annoy me. But now it makes me smile and laugh.

Emerson Lake and Palmer has a song about how Christmas is stupid and God is dead and all. That one doesn't annoy me but makes me feel sad for them.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (RsS92)

130 121 > 34 Trump nominates Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 06:45 PM (LkLld)

Nice!

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (W5ArC)

What would that job entail?

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (PCK5/)

131 Wouldn't know. My family comes from a long line of Bumper Sticker Zoroastrians.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (+myjY)
-------------

Would they perhaps be interested in our religion? We also have nifty bumper stickers.

Posted by: Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (tT6L1)

132 > Wouldn't know. My family comes from a long line of Bumper Sticker Zoroastrians.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (+myjY)

Ass Tattoo Satanists represent!

Posted by: Gretchen Witchmer at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (W5ArC)

133 Assad , through back channels asked PDT to save his ass. I am surprised Russia gave him sanctuary after that move.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (gGMRM)
---
Not gonna lie. At this point, I trust Russia to keep promises more than the US. Russians are stone cold, but they know the value of followthrough.

Our numbskulls think that betrayal is super-smart and that after it happens, the other side is required to forget it ever happened.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (ZOv7s)

134 The take I am seeing (which is plausible) is that having saved Assad's bacon, Russia and Iran were expecting him to do...something. Either rebuild his army or try to split off factions to support him. He did neither, and so they moved on to more productive pursuits.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:55 PM (ZOv7s)

I heard that Assad had been getting support from a lot of Arab states, but NOT speaking with Turkey, which pissed Erdrogan off since the obvious question was what were all these talks about that he wasn't in on. Assad skipped a recent meeting because the Turks would be there. So Erdrogan pulled the cord and the Syrian army was collaborating with the Turks or was so mismanaged that it crumbled. Russia was left in the dark about this and has egg on their face and may well just wash their hands of the area.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (n7h9X)

135 It was Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson who helped uncover a lot of the FISA abuse.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (LkLld)

136 Leading Report @LeadingReport 2h
BREAKING: Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Peter Welch have introduced legislation to establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

Jesse Morgan @Jesse_Morgan_ 3h
BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

Catturd ™ @catturd2 1h
I noticed he didn't introduce a bill to propose an 18 year term limit for the Senate.

Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC) at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (hovnC)

137 129 It used to annoy me. But now it makes me smile and laugh.

Emerson Lake and Palmer has a song about how Christmas is stupid and God is dead and all. That one doesn't annoy me but makes me feel sad for them.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (RsS92)

They won’t be a Lucky Man, with that attitude…

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (PCK5/)

138 >>BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

That would need a Constitutional Amendment, not a law.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:03 PM (vGiQ3)

139 >
What would that job entail?
Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (PCK5/)

Ideally, prosecuting the living fuck out of any entity that's been "canceling" conservatives.

I wouldn't want to be facing Dhillon as a prosecutor. Razor-sharp mind, she has.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:03 PM (W5ArC)

140 Wouldn't know. My family comes from a long line of Bumper Sticker Zoroastrians.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:00 PM (+myjY)
---
"We let it all hang out when we die!"

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (ZOv7s)

141 Assad , through back channels asked PDT to save his ass. I am surprised Russia gave him sanctuary after that move.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM (gGMRM)
---
Not gonna lie. At this point, I trust Russia to keep promises more than the US. Russians are stone cold, but they know the value of followthrough.

Our numbskulls think that betrayal is super-smart and that after it happens, the other side is required to forget it ever happened.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (ZOv7s)

That's the best place for him, in the prettiest prison cell so he can't give legitimacy to the new occupation.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (n7h9X)

142 Manchin, go away.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (QTCRF)

143 A.H.Lloyd, why would Assad make the ask of PDT?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (gGMRM)

144 Assley is 91 years old. Guy should have retired over 20 years ago. What is with that?

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (/U5Yz)

145
That one doesn't annoy me but makes me feel sad for them.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

Don't waster your tears on people like that.

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (xHsWA)

146 Iran was unable to do anything to help, Russia even less so, given the situation (foundation of state simply crumbled). Iran did some half-a**ed stuff (Iraqi militias were hit by us and turned back by US-backed Syrian group, flights to Syria from Iran were turned back by IAF).

IRGC (ravaged by Israeli hits for some time) was left with its schlong in its hand. Advent of an actual US government soon will be the perfect huge tropical hardwood log dropping on the already broken back of the Persian camel.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (1m82a)

147 Posted by: the guy that moves pianos (meh, it's a living) at December 09, 2024 06:56 PM (IQhz0)

I am coming along.Thanks for thinking of me. Good to see you back here.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (C8BMU)

148 Mylan Labs Manchin is an asshat.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (dR6yv)

149 BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

That would need a Constitutional Amendment, not a law.
Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:03 PM (vGiQ3)
---
Lame duck introduces lame bill.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (ZOv7s)

150 >>BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

That would need a Constitutional Amendment, not a law.
Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:03 PM (vGiQ3)

Start with Senators.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (n7h9X)

151 For some reason I thought that fuckstick Manchin was already gone.

Wishful thinking, I guess.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (W5ArC)

152 We need to get rid of the 17th Amendment.

... right after we get rid of the 19th.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (vGiQ3)

153 E, L, P… are all dead now, yes??

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (PCK5/)

154
Manchin is such a phony smartass cunt I'll bet he made it retroactive.

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (xHsWA)

155 >>BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

That would need a Constitutional Amendment, not a law.
Posted by: garrett

I notice that this washed up c*cksucker doesn't mention term limits for congress though.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (/U5Yz)

156 Gotta admit, Joni Ernst sounds like someone who got shown an envelope with pictures, and told they still have the negatives.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (lH8E4)

157 > Lame duck introduces lame bill.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (ZOv7s)

Ah, yes. That's where I got confused. He's not gone yet, but soon will be.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (W5ArC)

158 BREAKING: Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has introduced a bill proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

That would need a Constitutional Amendment, not a law.
Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:03 PM (vGiQ3)

If it's for the other federal judges, though, that could be handled through legislation.

I think, though, that if there's a limit on the Supreme Court, the same limit should apply to the maximum time to serve in Congress, as part of the same amendment. Anyone congresscritter who exceeds that limit when the amendment is approved gets an 18 year prison term....

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (VNX3d)

159 Assad already owns property in Russia, his children are attending Russian Universities. The only thing he needs is a new face and a new passport ! He has done a lot for Russia. If it was not for his cooperation, Russia would no have reliable access to the Med.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (QTCRF)

160 135 It was Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson who helped uncover a lot of the FISA abuse.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM

Always liked Ron Johnson in Miami Vice. Wasn't he married to Melanie Griffith at one time too?

Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (+oR7L)

161 Yet again, I want to remind folks that before we start sucking each other's dicks,
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 06:59 PM

Cut. Jib. Newsletter?

Posted by: Winston Wolfe at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (a3Q+t)

162 *have no

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (QTCRF)

163 *went all Yoda for a minute there

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (QTCRF)

164 A.H.Lloyd, why would Assad make the ask of PDT?
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (gGMRM)
---
Because Trump is respected. He is not part of the establishment. Look at the entire world courting him, even though he has not yet taken office. His word is his bond.

It's funny you the neutered never Trumpers drone on and on about his lies, while world leaders are willing to bet their lives on his promises.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (ZOv7s)

165 > 153 E, L, P… are all dead now, yes??
Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:05 PM (PCK5/)

Palmer is still alive.

Oh....what a lucky man...he was (and is).

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (W5ArC)

166 No one knows if Russia will keep its port; it depends on whether they can cut a deal with the new government or not.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (fIpti)

167 >>135 It was Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson who helped uncover a lot of the FISA abuse.

Posted by: JackStraw
Yet we still have FISA.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (/U5Yz)

168
Supreme Court justices already have term limits. It's Oxygen and body temperature related.

Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+oR7L)

169 I like the 18 year limit for scotus. Spans several presidencies so there’s no gaming the system.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (rwjQh)

170 Let's get this Red Wing party started!

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (ufFY8)

171 Yet we still have FISA.
Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 07:07 PM (/U5Yz)

Additional training has been instituted.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+myjY)

172 What would that job entail?
Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM

You got it exactly

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (fwDg9)

173 >>What would that job entail?

As the name would suggest the Asst AG for Civil Rights is the person who is supposed to make sure that the civil rights, all of them, of American citizens are not being infringed upon. The person currently holding that job, Kristen Clarke, is a far left, NAACP activist who has basically opened the door to conservatives, particularly white conservatives, to being persecuted and our rights constantly being violated.

She's a leftist piece of shit. Harmeet has been very active in the California Republican Party and her law firm was very active helping monitor election violations by Democrats in the recent presidential election.

You want election reform, Harmeet actually has been working on it for years.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (LkLld)

174 "Emerson Lake and Palmer has a song about how Christmas is stupid and God is dead and all. That one doesn't annoy me but makes me feel sad for them."

I can't recall where I read it (perhaps even here) but someone was asserting just last week that for a time Emerson Lake and Palmer were bigger acts in the progressive rock world than either Yes or the Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. I find that difficult to believe...

Posted by: Crusader at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (TN0g+)

175 A.H.Lloyd, clarification. Did you just put me in the Never Trump camp?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (gGMRM)

176 Ben HAd, There were ongoing negotiations and overtures prior to Trump's win to peel Assad away from Iran, removal of sanctions was dangled as a carrot. It is not necessarily all Trump. The upheaval made it urgent. too late, he missed an opportunity.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (QTCRF)

177 >>I like the 18 year limit for scotus.

And.
I like the Amendment Process for changing the structural mechanisms of our Republic.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (vGiQ3)

178 Russia will get to keep its port. They need it for their activities in Africa so won't give it up easily. Russia is known to stick by their buddies no matter what - it's their calling card. They made a bad play with Iran, though. Should have known better.
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:01 PM (QTCRF)

A friendly Iran is useful for establishing a land line to ports near India to bypass the choke points in Arabia and the Med. Russia seems serious about turning efforts away from Europe and toward the Far East, China, and India.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (n7h9X)

179 Chernobyl. Agrhanistan. Lenin. Stalin. KGB STARTS the PLO. masters of follow through. Russians. Errors of Russia. Mentioned by name by the Blessed Mother. stone cold

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (QSrLX)

180 > 168
Supreme Court justices already have term limits. It's Oxygen and body temperature related.
Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+oR7L)

Yes, they're term-limited by God, like Popes (Benedict was the first one to step down in a very, very long time, as I recall).

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (W5ArC)

181 Shitpants is -amazing- at fundraising. It's the only thing he has ever known how to do.

What he isn't good at is sharing the funds he raises with his ostensible allies... or campaigns... or... well, anyone not named "Joseph Robinette Biden's Offshore Bank Account".

Or that whole... you know... "raising funds legally" thing. He's not good at that, neither.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (y/ZMQ)

182 Fight inflation, caused by too much government spending, with more government spending.

What could possibly go wrong?

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (rwjQh)

183 Supreme Court justices already have term limits. It's Oxygen and body temperature related.
Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+oR7L)

And yet Darth Vader Ginsburg still managed to overstay her term.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (+myjY)

184 I so want PDT to tell Wray " you're fired"
Posted by: Ben Had

And then use real fire?

Posted by: Erebus- ex-killer whale at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (elaR+)

185 I heard that Assad had been getting support from a lot of Arab states, but NOT speaking with Turkey, which pissed Erdrogan off since the obvious question was what were all these talks about that he wasn't in on. Assad skipped a recent meeting because the Turks would be there. So Erdrogan pulled the cord and the Syrian army was collaborating with the Turks or was so mismanaged that it crumbled. Russia was left in the dark about this and has egg on their face and may well just wash their hands of the area.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:02 PM (n7h9X)

Trying to unravel who did who dirty in that dirty business is essentially impossible.

All I know is, the "rebels" who have taken over... whatever THAT means, are the same people who blew up buildings on 9/11/2001.

Same. People.

But sometimes we give them money, because that's who we are. Good ol' U.S. of A.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (lH8E4)

186 Iran was unable to do anything to help, Russia even less so, given the situation (foundation of state simply crumbled). Iran did some half-a**ed stuff (Iraqi militias were hit by us and turned back by US-backed Syrian

Posted by: rhomboid at December 09, 2024 07:04 PM (1m82a)
---
I will remind you that they are in defacto control of Iraq and also own Yemen.

Iran is arguably at the zenith of its power since the 17th Century.

Don't let the details blind you. No, they aren't all-powerful, but neither are we.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (ZOv7s)

187 Where did the term "flying spaghetti monster" come from anyway.? I always thought that was a particularly sophomoric term .It sounds like the god of Luigi Macaroni-or whatever the last name of the UHC killer is.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (2NCZG)

188 And so it begins.

Sabres 1, Red Wings 0

Lol

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (ufFY8)

189 I actually use to get Yes and ELP confused on a regular basis.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (W5ArC)

190 I think Carl Palmer - drummer - is still alive …

Posted by: Adriane the Music Critic . . . at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (qz+gL)

191 Term limits are an attempt to solve a problem created by bad culture. We elect lousy politicians over and over because we are an unserious people without strong virtue. We have supreme court justices who are incompetent or corrupt because the politicians are scum and the body of judges to pull from reflect the culture. Its a bandage on a sucking chest wound. You can't fix the problem with term limits.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (RsS92)

192 LOL, generally speaking ...

really, having a Candide moment: "everything is for the best, in this best of all possible worlds"; it's happened a few times lately ...

delayed reaction to the election, no doubt ...

innit?

eh, g'night everyone, another day of hiking tomorrow, yay!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - they have been lying to us for decades at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (cY18j)

193
Wait, is Emerson Lake & Palmer also Bachman Turner Overdrive?

Or, are they two different bands?

Also, are they also The Alan Parsons Project?

I axe because ALL the SHIT is the Same to me.

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (xHsWA)

194 I can't recall where I read it (perhaps even here) but someone was asserting just last week that for a time Emerson Lake and Palmer were bigger acts in the progressive rock world than either Yes or the Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. I find that difficult to believe...
Posted by: Crusader at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (TN0g+)

I find it impossible. Lucky Man is a decent song though. I don't recall any others.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (n7h9X)

195 The Senate Office of the State of Delaware fundraises for itself.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (vGiQ3)

196 Life in FL is good.

At least ELP ripped off Prokofiev and wrote a good tune even if the lyrics are sketchy. Lake tried to backpeddle later and just claim it was anti corporate commercial Christmas. And last I heard Palmer is still kicking. He was touring with an ELP tribute band.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos (meh, it's a living) at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (IQhz0)

197 The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to lift the gag order imposed on Trump in his NYC ‘hush money’ case.

SCROTUS, get one.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (/U5Yz)

198 Supreme Court justices already have term limits. It's Oxygen and body temperature related.
Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+oR7L)

Yes, they're term-limited by God, like Popes (Benedict was the first one to step down in a very, very long time, as I recall).
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (W5ArC)

Although yeah, Benedict didn't "step down." He was pushed down the steps.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (lH8E4)

199 friendly Iran is useful for establishing a land line to ports near India to bypass the choke points in Arabia and the Med. Russia seems serious about turning efforts away from Europe and toward the Far East, China, and India.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (n7h9X)

The best play Russia can make is to aid removal of the Ayatollah regime while playing nice with it. Then remaining on good terms with the new (hopefully Democratic) regime, post Aytollah. Learn from the French , Russia!

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (QTCRF)

200 A.H.Lloyd, clarification. Did you just put me in the Never Trump camp?
Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (gGMRM)
---
No, my typing outstripped my autocorrect.

What I meant was that - contra never trump eunuchs - Trump is not a careless liar but instead a careful negotiator and leaders all over the world trust him. This is why Assad would have approached him.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (ZOv7s)

201 The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to lift the gag order imposed on Trump in his NYC ‘hush money’ case.

==

Maybe it's for the best....

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:13 PM (QTCRF)

202 Wait, is Emerson Lake & Palmer also Bachman Turner Overdrive?

Or, are they two different bands?

Also, are they also The Alan Parsons Project?

I axe because ALL the SHIT is the Same to me.
Posted by: Soothsayer at December 09, 2024 07:11 PM (xHsWA)

None of those things are much like the others.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:13 PM (n7h9X)

203 "I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing." -- Milton Friedman

This is what just happened with the RINO senators.

Posted by: Half Dozen at December 09, 2024 07:13 PM (uVHlT)

204 BTO actually rocked.

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:13 PM (W5ArC)

205 They sold me a dream of Christmas
They sold me a silent night
And they told me a fairy story
'Til I believed in the Israelite
And I believed in father Christmas
I looked to the sky with excited eyes
That I woke with a yawn in the first light of dawn
And I saw him and through his disguise...

Hey it was the 70's. I'm dead now and it's hot down here so what ya gonna do.

Posted by: Zombie Greg Lake, Fat English Hippie at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (R/m4+)

206 RE: CHRISTOPHER WRAY RESIGNING

While the DOGE team is rethinking our government, maybe we can shorten the delay between election day and swearing in. It made sense when the nation was young. But now? Too much time for shenanigans, and it's not really necessary. All the last administration needs to do is empty our their personal items from the drawers and hand over the keys, and that would take what? 24 hours?

We wouldn't need to pressure Wray to resign if he was already out on his butt. Neither would we need to worry about Biden starting wars, or Biden tanking the economy, or Biden signing last-second pardons he promised he wouldn't make, or Biden making contracts he won't be around to keep, or Biden screwing with the Fed and the dollar, and so on . . .

Posted by: Smallish Bees at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (8YkR5)

207 187 Where did the term "flying spaghetti monster" come from anyway.? I always thought that was a particularly sophomoric term

that's because it *is* a particularly sophomoric term thought up by atheists who wanted to poke fun at people believing in an imaginary sky father.

Posted by: anachronda at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (v3pYe)

208 The best play Russia can make is to aid removal of the Ayatollah regime while playing nice with it. Then remaining on good terms with the new (hopefully Democratic) regime, post Aytollah. Learn from the French , Russia!
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (QTCRF)
---
I'm sorry, when you mentioned democratic regime I fell out of my chair weeping with laughter.

I assume that was a swipe at naive American neocons who think that everyone everywhere in the world longs to have a corrupt system of popular rule that the CIA will overturn the moment it gets in their way.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (ZOv7s)

209 >>The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to lift the gag order imposed on Trump in his NYC ‘hush money’ case.

That is the case brought by GoodLawgic on youtube, I believe.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (vGiQ3)

210 And imagine all the electricity we'd save, just in paper shredding costs alone!

Posted by: Smallish Bees at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (8YkR5)

211 Where did the term "flying spaghetti monster" come from anyway.?

They use "sky daddy" more these days.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (RsS92)

212 BTO was awesome

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (fwDg9)

213 How about terms for scotus but not limits. 10 year terms. After 10 years the current president can renominate the justice and senate has to reconfirm. Sort of like senators and congress critters getting re-elected.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (rwjQh)

214 Supreme Court justices already have term limits. It's Oxygen and body temperature related.
Posted by: Frank Barone at December 09, 2024 07:08 PM (+oR7L)

Yes, they're term-limited by God, like Popes (Benedict was the first one to step down in a very, very long time, as I recall).
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at December 09, 2024 07:09 PM (W5ArC)

Although yeah, Benedict didn't "step down." He was pushed down the steps.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (lH8E4)

Another "Color Revolution"

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (n7h9X)

215 There are some bands that only had one ok song that got played on the radio fifteen thousand times a day, and there are other bands that have tons of great stuff but no one knows any of it because they only play one mediocre bullshit song of theirs fifteen thousand times a day.

I would very much like to be in either of those bands.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (y/ZMQ)

216 I will remind you that they are in defacto control of Iraq and also own Yemen.

Iran is arguably at the zenith of its power since the 17th Century.

Don't let the details blind you. No, they aren't all-powerful, but neither are we.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:10 PM (ZOv7s)

Yeah, I think a more accurate interpretation of what happened here is, somebody (hmmm, I wonder who) decided to pull the trigger on Syria, hoping both Russia and Iran would react, so they could justify their desire for a wider war (and to cover up where their current wars aren't going so well), but it looks like both Iran AND Russia are going to do things on their own timelines. Not on anyone else's. Not on CIA's, not on Torrie Nuland's, not on Israel's, or Turkey or anyone else.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (lH8E4)

217 BTO was awesome
Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (fwDg9)

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (n7h9X)

218 A.H.Lloyd, thank you. I believe PDT has done more for a sound foreign policy than any one in the last hundred years.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (gGMRM)

219 They use "sky daddy" more these days

That's even stupider.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (S7R22)

220 Local Christmas parade had a piano on a trailer playing Garibaldi.

Posted by: DaveA at December 09, 2024 07:17 PM (FhXTo)

221 >>I would very much like to be in either of those bands.

Never really cared to be in a band...

but, man would I have liked having some of the right Song Writing Credits!

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:17 PM (vGiQ3)

222 I find it impossible. Lucky Man is a decent song though. I don't recall any others.
Posted by: Oldcat

I thought Karn Evil 9 was their popular one. At least the radio edit of the 30-minute full song.

Welcome back my friends
to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
come inside, come inside

Posted by: mikeski at December 09, 2024 07:17 PM (DgGvY)

223 Although yeah, Benedict didn't "step down." He was pushed down the steps.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:12 PM (lH8E4)

Another "Color Revolution"
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:15 PM (n7h9X)

Hmmm... I'm not yet ready to blame the CIA for that one.

But I'm open to seeing the evidence, if it exists.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (lH8E4)

224 Peanuts-Alien is awesome!

Posted by: CharlyeBrown'sDildo at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (d9fT1)

225 Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (W6hoT)

226 Yeah, I think a more accurate interpretation of what happened here is, somebody (hmmm, I wonder who) decided to pull the trigger on Syria, hoping both Russia and Iran would react, so they could justify their desire for a wider war (and to cover up where their current wars aren't going so well), but it looks like both Iran AND Russia are going to do things on their own timelines. Not on anyone else's. Not on CIA's, not on Torrie Nuland's, not on Israel's, or Turkey or anyone else.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:16 PM (lH8E4)

I think odds are that the Turks pulled the trigger. CIA and the like might have undermined Syrian forces under the table, but I don't think anyone is going to follow the US lead with 6 weeks before a new president. Turkey saw itself being cut out and acted is most likely.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (n7h9X)

227 ELP -

CarnEvil, in the Beginning, You Turn me On, Brain Salad Surgery, Fanfare for the Common Man - used as the theme for the Calvary Olympics (iirc),

Lots of good stuff.

Posted by: Adriane the Music Critic . . . at December 09, 2024 07:19 PM (qz+gL)

228 Oh, thats right. California has had term limits since Willie Brown. You know, Kamala Harris Willie Brown. Search engine John Garamendi for a front row seat to watch the carousel. Yeah, term limits, thats the ticket. Decades of the carousel.

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at December 09, 2024 07:19 PM (QSrLX)

229 Uh, oh.

Red Wings 2, Sabres 1

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at December 09, 2024 07:19 PM (ufFY8)

230 I assume that was a swipe at naive American neocons who think that everyone everywhere in the world longs to have a corrupt system of popular rule that the CIA will overturn the moment it gets in their way.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (ZOv7s)

Including of course, our own.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (lH8E4)

231 that's because it *is* a particularly sophomoric term thought up by atheists who wanted to poke fun at people believing in an imaginary sky father.
Posted by: anachronda at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (v3pYe)
---
They were trying to create a parody religion to undermine support for actual ones. So if government has to make allowances for Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc., it also has to make allowances for nerds with no lives other than being irritating.

It imploded because - surprise! - maintaining those religious carve-outs takes patience and tenacity. You cant sustain it on internet snark from the late 1990s.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (ZOv7s)

232 Hmmm... I'm not yet ready to blame the CIA for that one.

But I'm open to seeing the evidence, if it exists.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (lH8E4)

"We're gonna oust this guy and put in our own guy."

"Huh? OK, I mean, whatever, I guess."

"Did we mention our guy is pro molestation?"

"Tell us what you need."

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (y/ZMQ)

233 I find it impossible. Lucky Man is a decent song though. I don't recall any others.
Posted by: Oldcat

I thought Karn Evil 9 was their popular one. At least the radio edit of the 30-minute full song.

Welcome back my friends
to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
come inside, come inside
Posted by: mikeski at December 09, 2024 07:17 PM (DgGvY)

I have heard that one too. Probably some others if prodded. Yes was my band out of those three and I know a good chunk of BTO's hits. I have a few Parson's Albums

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (n7h9X)

234 The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to lift the gag order imposed on Trump in his NYC ‘hush money’ case.

See that's a mistake. This case actually has pretty wide-reaching significance: can a court shut down a candidate's campaign? Can they silence someone from criticizing or questioning their case? This has real free speech and cultural implications.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (RsS92)

235 >> that's because it *is* a particularly sophomoric term thought up by atheists who wanted to poke fun at people believing in an imaginary sky father.

I think its origin is from a debate on Atheism.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:21 PM (vGiQ3)

236 everyone fights Predator you say?

even the Blind Assassin, Zatoichi?

Yep

youtu.be/NsbVTPftcgs

Posted by: Kindltot at December 09, 2024 07:21 PM (D7oie)

237 "...the inauguration next month seems like a mere formality."

Well, yeah. That's what happens after an election. The "formal" portion of the show is somewhat essential and absolute.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel Remembers Babbitt and Perna at December 09, 2024 07:21 PM (aXxgO)

238 Still... You Turn Me On and From the Beginning are two of the best rock songs ever.

Posted by: eleven at December 09, 2024 07:22 PM (fV+MH)

239 >>See that's a mistake. This case actually has pretty wide-reaching significance: can a court shut down a candidate's campaign? Can they silence someone from criticizing or questioning their case? This has real free speech and cultural implications.

If you saw Joe flesh it out, ever...it was about the Right to Hear as well as the Right to Speak.

It was a pretty well crafted legal argument, tbh.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:22 PM (vGiQ3)

240 Well at least Israel seems to be destroying Syrian planes and advanced equipment now that Assad's regime fell instead of letting the rebel jihadis get their death cult hands on that stuff.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 09, 2024 07:22 PM (UKUm3)

241 Trump that old charmer.

Posted by: Tuna at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (oaGWv)

242 I think odds are that the Turks pulled the trigger. CIA and the like might have undermined Syrian forces under the table, but I don't think anyone is going to follow the US lead with 6 weeks before a new president. Turkey saw itself being cut out and acted is most likely.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (n7h9X)

Oh, I think there is ABSOLUTELY every reason for the American government to be the primary catalyst here. But there are so many factions in the mix, yes, Turkey had a role, but they don't even remotely control the main fighting force that went in.

There were apparently even Christians among the fighters who were part of it, and the main group are literally the descendants of Al Qaeda and Isis. And yes, the U.S. has been funneling cash (and more!) to them for some time.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (lH8E4)

243 I think odds are that the Turks pulled the trigger. CIA and the like might have undermined Syrian forces under the table, but I don't think anyone is going to follow the US lead with 6 weeks before a new president. Turkey saw itself being cut out and acted is most likely.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (n7h9X)
---
Eight years ago, I would have had chapter and verse on the situation. We wargaming Syria-Iraq heavily, and when Russia got into, modified Assad's strength accordingly.

Assad always held a weak position. We gamed it over and over again. He was the toughest to play. Russian aid helped, and a canny player could win, but there was always the risk of overplaying one's hand. Turkey, Iran, the Kurds - those guys had a better hand, and of course ISIS has the freedom to go nuts, with often spectacular results.

I think Turkey has been building up the "rebels" for a long time. They want to turn Syria into a protectorate and then wipe out the Kurds - all of them.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (ZOv7s)

244 "so has to make allowances for nerds with no lives other than being irritating."

LOL

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (S7R22)

245 >>Well at least Israel seems to be destroying Syrian planes and advanced equipment now that Assad's regime fell instead of letting the rebel jihadis get their death cult hands on that stuff.

I think this is one of the reasons Putin is pissed at Assad...the risk of having to leave Russian assets there did not sit well with the Russians.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (vGiQ3)

246 IIRC Russia sortied everything from their Naval Base at Tartus that could float. That doesn't indicate they'll be returning anytime soon.

Whether they can retain that facility is debatable.

Some intel gurus seem to think they've lost it. Time will tell, but for now, Russia does not have a Naval Base in the Med.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 09, 2024 07:24 PM (Q4IgG)

247 It imploded because - surprise! - maintaining those religious carve-outs takes patience and tenacity. You cant sustain it on internet snark from the late 1990s.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:20 PM (ZOv7s)

Keeping any organization a working concern for 2000 years should be appreciated by anyone. The US is showing big cracks after 200. This blind spot is why I don't give athiesm a lot of credit for keen thinking, it seems more spite than clarity of thought. And even 20 years of testing has shown considerable crumblng in 'big Athiesm'

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:25 PM (n7h9X)

248 Managing part of Libya, Cypress, and now Syria is an overstretch for the Turkish nation. I do not see this lasting.
______

Make Ottoman Empire Great Again!

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 09, 2024 07:25 PM (fs1hN)

249 [*to Alex Stein*] So, why didn't you get the big one?

Posted by: Jerry Seinfeld at December 09, 2024 07:25 PM (aXxgO)

250 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2zurZig4L8

ELP

Fanfare for the Common Man, 1977

Filmed at the stadium …

Posted by: Adriane the Music Critic . . . at December 09, 2024 07:25 PM (qz+gL)

251 I'm sorry, when you mentioned democratic regime I fell out of my chair weeping with laughter.

I assume that was a swipe at naive American neocons who think that everyone everywhere in the world longs to have a corrupt system of popular rule that the CIA will overturn the moment it gets in their way.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:14 PM (ZOv7s)

That is very minor point of what I was saying, and you can argue back and worth with someone else about the type of regime that will replace the sclerotic ayatollah, the larger point is Russia's strategy vis-a-vis Iran. Iran is sinking fast, and Russia need to decide it it want to go down with it.

Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (QTCRF)

252 “I think odds are that the Turks pulled the trigger. CIA and the like might have undermined Syrian forces under the table, but I don't think anyone is going to follow the US lead with 6 weeks before a new president. Turkey saw itself being cut out and acted is most likely.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:18 PM (n7h9X)”

The biggest factor by far is that the Syrian Army had been falling apart for years; I’ve seen claims that they had not been paid for several months. Assad had increasingly relied on Hezbollah for internal security. Suddenly, Israel kicked the snot out of Hezbollah and destroyed all their to levels of leadership. Rebels saw the opportunity and attacked as what remained of Hezbollah was paralyzed; and I think even they were surprised that the Syrian Army units just dropped their guns and fled at the very start of any action. What started off as a trickle quickly became a flood.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (W6hoT)

253 Biden made millions for being employed by the government for the past 50 years. He can pay for his own damn library.

Posted by: ALH, Sister Golden Hair at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM

There isn't gonna be a biden library nor an obama library. The grift is over for both of them and the funding has dried up.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (Rcnd3)

254 OK, BTO fans:

https://youtu.be/JLw-6A7Uwvo

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (PiwSw)

255 Mary Worth vs Aliens. A very short comic. Like Bambi meets Godzilla.

But I want Beatle Bailey to be eaten by Aliens, never to return.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 09, 2024 06:54 PM (u82oZ)

Early Steve Canyon would be lit. 1940-1950s I mean. IIRC at one point he was strafing a fishing boat from a sea-plane, which I thought was pretty impressive for a daily strip.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 09, 2024 07:27 PM (D7oie)

256 Jordan Neely has some truly remarkable relatives and friends.

Posted by: Eromero at December 09, 2024 07:27 PM (LHPAg)

257 yeah, the current resident's handlers are trying as hard as they can to start a world war to coincide with My President Trump's inauguration.

* spit*

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - they have been lying to us for decades at December 09, 2024 07:27 PM (cY18j)

258 there are other bands that have tons of great stuff but no one knows any of it because they only play one mediocre bullshit song of theirs fifteen thousand times a day.

I worked a summer as a DJ on a college radio station and I tried to play other songs from popular albums, stuff that wasn't getting air play.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:27 PM (RsS92)

259 CEO shooter has the most Mafia name ever!

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:28 PM (W6hoT)

260 Pit a Marvel character against Dark Brandon, operating from his Basement of Shame.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at December 09, 2024 07:28 PM (Dm8we)

261 There were apparently even Christians among the fighters who were part of it, and the main group are literally the descendants of Al Qaeda and Isis. And yes, the U.S. has been funneling cash (and more!) to them for some time.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM (lH8E4)
---
Christians in the Middle East have an extremely different view than we do. They understand the terrain and are very shrewd with their alliances.

They will ally with jihadis if it redirects them. They will also make common cause with Hezbullah because they know each other's limitations and capabilities.

The thing Americans miss is that their goal is to survive in their enclaves. They give a shit about anything else.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:28 PM (ZOv7s)

262 The war-whore and uniparty tool Ernst is singing a new tune for one reason: Musk's bucks.

Posted by: Ordinary American at December 09, 2024 07:29 PM (h/ffs)

263 Biden made millions for being employed by the government for the past 50 years. He can pay for his own damn library.

Posted by: ALH, Sister Golden Hair at December 09, 2024 06:57 PM

There isn't gonna be a biden library nor an obama library. The grift is over for both of them and the funding has dried up.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (Rcnd3)

You mean they won't be able to afford a shared broken-down, leaking bookmobile on cement blocks.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 09, 2024 07:29 PM (VNX3d)

264 IIRC Russia sortied everything from their Naval Base at Tartus that could float. That doesn't indicate they'll be returning anytime soon.

Whether they can retain that facility is debatable.

Some intel gurus seem to think they've lost it. Time will tell, but for now, Russia does not have a Naval Base in the Med.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 09, 2024 07:24 PM (Q4IgG)

That's probably premature, if there is a use for the base. The sortie is just to keep accidents from escalating faster than they would like. They still have troops there and in the area, they were fighting days before to push out the jihadis.

But they can hold the base as long as they like unless someone wants open war with Russia. Certainly it seems using the assets there to fight for Assad is over.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:30 PM (n7h9X)

265 Well at least Israel seems to be destroying Syrian planes and advanced equipment now that Assad's regime fell instead of letting the rebel jihadis get their death cult hands on that stuff.

I think this is one of the reasons Putin is pissed at Assad...the risk of having to leave Russian assets there did not sit well with the Russians.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:23 PM

And I am 95.74% certain that the "precision" airstrikes that we have conducted in Syria were for the specific purpose of destroying anything that we or the russians left behind that might be beneficial to isis.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 09, 2024 07:30 PM (Rcnd3)

266 Rebels saw the opportunity and attacked as what remained of Hezbollah was paralyzed; and I think even they were surprised that the Syrian Army units just dropped their guns and fled at the very start of any action. What started off as a trickle quickly became a flood.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (W6hoT)
---
Arab armies have a long tradition of disintegrating. All those years of training, lavish equipment, the Iraqis turned over intact tanks with fuel still in the tank.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:30 PM (ZOv7s)

267 There was one of the NFL shows back in the 70s/80s that used ELP's Fanfare for the Common Man for their highlight reel.

Posted by: The guy that moves pianos for a living at December 09, 2024 07:30 PM (kPz9t)

268 >>I worked a summer as a DJ on a college radio station and I tried to play other songs from popular albums, stuff that wasn't getting air play.

I worked at a local Public Radio Station and was forever getting dressed down by the Program Manager for playing B Sides over the Single that was called for.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:30 PM (vGiQ3)

269 Oh man.

*That's* ELP? I mean, I was always aware to some extent or another that a band named ELP existed and people would refer to them on occasion, but...

Wow. I absolutely hate all of those songs. Like, lunge at the radio from across the room and smack at it like a wounded feral animal until the awfulness stops.

So that's ELP. I really don't like ELP. I learned something today.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (y/ZMQ)

270 5 OSINTdefender @sentdefender 2h
After earlier reports of extensive IDF strikes on the Syrian port city of Latakia, videos have now emerged showing heavy strikes against Syrian naval infrastructure and assets still in the port.
...
Posted by: andycanuck (hovnC)
---

Why the Russians pulled out.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (ah1Jo)

271 Bezalel Smotrich is the smartest man in Israel right now. Biden's Dog would disagree but anyone following what's happening in Israel needs to read Smotrich. He is the man that controls the money.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (gGMRM)

272 Le CAFE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Posted by: Skip at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (fwDg9)

273 CarnEvil, in the Beginning, You Turn me On, Brain Salad Surgery, Fanfare for the Common Man - used as the theme for the Calvary Olympics (iirc),

Lots of good stuff.
Posted by: Adriane the Music Critic

Makes my eyes red just thinking about it. Me and the roomies wore out our first copy of the album.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 09, 2024 07:32 PM (WXNFJ)

274 yeah, the current resident's handlers are trying as hard as they can to start a world war to coincide with My President Trump's inauguration.

* spit*
Posted by: sock_rat_eez - they have been lying to us for decades at December 09, 2024 07:27 PM (cY18j)

I'm not sure they had much of a hand with this one. Mostly because it worked well and caught Russia off guard. Russia has done that about 4 times in detaching West African states from France already. This op was a lot cleverer.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:33 PM (n7h9X)

275 ELP made one album with the drummer from Jeff Beck and named Powell who took over when Palmer was busy doing an Asia album. Its got some great stuff on it.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 09, 2024 07:33 PM (RsS92)

276 @ 263 - nah, i think they can afford that ... with help from the local libraries ...

lol

*spit*

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - they have been lying to us for decades at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (cY18j)

277 >>ELP made one album with the drummer from Jeff Beck and named Powell who took over when Palmer was busy doing an Asia album. Its got some great stuff on it.

Cozy Powell.

Insanely good drummer.

Posted by: garrett at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (vGiQ3)

278 That is very minor point of what I was saying, and you can argue back and worth with someone else about the type of regime that will replace the sclerotic ayatollah, the larger point is Russia's strategy vis-a-vis Iran. Iran is sinking fast, and Russia need to decide it it want to go down with it.
Posted by: runner at December 09, 2024 07:26 PM (QTCRF)
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Pardon my cynicism, but from the moment of the revolution I have been hearing fairy tales about how the Iranian people are thisclose to overthrowing the ayatollahs.

Maybe one day they will be right, but no one can show me who that successor state will be? A bunch of crypto democrats waiting to leave into the sunlight? California exiles raising the flag of the Shah?

Sorry, I can't forget 20 damn years of hearing how Iran is on the ropes, and their people are rising up. Oh wait, this did rise up under Obama, and we hung them out to dry.

Maybe Trump will change the calculus.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (ZOv7s)

279 *That's* ELP? I mean, I was always aware to some extent or another that a band named ELP existed and people would refer to them on occasion, but...

Wow. I absolutely hate all of those songs. Like, lunge at the radio from across the room and smack at it like a wounded feral animal until the awfulness stops.

So that's ELP. I really don't like ELP. I learned something today.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (y/ZMQ)

How about ELO?

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (n7h9X)

280 Cafe Nood.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:35 PM (ZOv7s)

281 Wow. I absolutely hate all of those songs. Like, lunge at the radio from across the room and smack at it like a wounded feral animal until the awfulness stops.
So that's ELP. I really don't like ELP. I learned something today.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:31 PM (y/ZMQ)

Correct Sir! ELP was stone cold crap on the radio. People would rave on how they were great musicians but their music brought new meaning to Suckitude.

Posted by: Air Supply at December 09, 2024 07:36 PM (R/m4+)

282 Gotta admit, Joni Ernst sounds like someone who got shown an envelope with pictures, and told they still have the negatives.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 09, 2024 07:06 PM (lH8E4)

Tom Luongo refers to something like that as the "Manila Folder Quotient" as in "how thick is that manila folder they flop on your desk when you start getting smart, independent ideas"

He's something of a prick, but an entertaining prick.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 09, 2024 07:37 PM (D7oie)

283 How about ELO?
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (n7h9X)

I still can't figure out which one is ELO and which one is BTO.

They're both just filed away in the "doodly-doodly band" miscellaneous folder in the jankity ass filing cabinet of my brain.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:37 PM (y/ZMQ)

284
Early Steve Canyon would be lit. 1940-1950s I mean. IIRC at one point he was strafing a fishing boat from a sea-plane, which I thought was pretty impressive for a daily strip.
Posted by: Kindltot

I had a Steve Canyon lunch box back when he was on TV.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051317

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 09, 2024 07:38 PM (63Dwl)

285 "Trump nominates Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights."

Very smart cookie. She's awesome. I hope that's the best slot for her because she's a fantastic lawyer. She's even a decent person which, as far as lawyers go, is rare.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel Remembers Babbitt and Perna at December 09, 2024 07:38 PM (aXxgO)

286 Maybe one day they will be right, but no one can show me who that successor state will be? A bunch of crypto democrats waiting to leave into the sunlight? California exiles raising the flag of the Shah?

Sorry, I can't forget 20 damn years of hearing how Iran is on the ropes, and their people are rising up. Oh wait, this did rise up under Obama, and we hung them out to dry.

Maybe Trump will change the calculus.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (ZOv7s)

In 2022 our one sure thing the US deep state new for sure was that Russia was in that same position. OOPS.

I was even thinking that Iran was mainstreaming itself with BRICS and might be less volatile. Then Hamas popped off when Israel and Saudi Arabia stopped negotiating bribes for them and started this Mideast War. I think the Hamas Tail was wagging the Iranian dog on this situation.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:38 PM (n7h9X)

287 Eh, I’m a Dire Straits kinda guy… never really considered their genre much…

Posted by: tubal at December 09, 2024 07:38 PM (PCK5/)

288 How about ELO?
Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:34 PM (n7h9X)

I still can't figure out which one is ELO and which one is BTO.

They're both just filed away in the "doodly-doodly band" miscellaneous folder in the jankity ass filing cabinet of my brain.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:37 PM (y/ZMQ)

ELO is "Strange Magic" and Fire on High.

BTO is more rock n roll

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:40 PM (n7h9X)

289 3-2 Sabres

Posted by: browndog watching intently at December 09, 2024 07:40 PM (TTAGa)

290
Having theoretical control of Iraqi Shiites and Yemani tribesmen does not make Iran more powerful than they've been in centuries.

The Mullahs are not adored. Their Islamic thug army are hated by normal Iranians. Their infrastructure is a shambles. Cash flow is at the mercy of the Chinese. The Israeli air force is one raid away from taking them completely back to the stone age.

Your CIA 'grand strategy' is the only thing floating their boat.

Posted by: Auspex at December 09, 2024 07:41 PM (j4U/Z)

291 ELO is "Strange Magic" and Fire on High.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:40 PM (n7h9X)

Ohhhhh. Yeah, I ain't breaking a toe trying to get to the radio for those, but i would still leisurely turn them off at my earliest convenience.

I guess whatever genre that is is just not my genre.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:43 PM (y/ZMQ)

292 Having theoretical control of Iraqi Shiites and Yemani tribesmen does not make Iran more powerful than they've been in centuries.

The Mullahs are not adored. Their Islamic thug army are hated by normal Iranians. Their infrastructure is a shambles. Cash flow is at the mercy of the Chinese. The Israeli air force is one raid away from taking them completely back to the stone age.

Your CIA 'grand strategy' is the only thing floating their boat.
Posted by: Auspex at December 09, 2024 07:41 PM (j4U/Z)

The west is in no position to fight a land war anywhere. Iran knows that, and it doesn't need Hamas to hurt Israel.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:44 PM (n7h9X)

293 LO is "Strange Magic" and Fire on High.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:40 PM (n7h9X)

Ohhhhh. Yeah, I ain't breaking a toe trying to get to the radio for those, but i would still leisurely turn them off at my earliest convenience.

I guess whatever genre that is is just not my genre.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 09, 2024 07:43 PM (y/ZMQ)

Strange Magic isn't my taste but FoH is pretty good. But they weren't major players for me.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 09, 2024 07:46 PM (n7h9X)

294 The west is in no position to fight a land war anywhere. Iran knows that, and it doesn't need Hamas to hurt Israel.
Posted by: Oldcat

lol. Cuba is strong, too.

How does Iran touch Israel? Does a Imama jump out of a well?

Posted by: Auspex at December 09, 2024 07:50 PM (j4U/Z)

295 My favorite ELO album, Eldorado, favorite song, Hey Boy Blue is Back.

Plus - I can’t get it out of my head is great.

Midnight on the water
I saw the ocean's daughter
Walking on a wave, chicane
Staring as she called my name
And I can't get it out of my head
No, I can't get it out of my head
Now my old world is gone for dead
'Cause I can't get it out of my head.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 09, 2024 07:51 PM (W6hoT)

296 "hold on thight", ELO

Posted by: free tibet with purchase of equal or greater value tibet at December 09, 2024 08:44 PM (iNp3L)

297 BTO albums were recorded fairly well. The first Stereo recording I remember being impressed with, my brother got a glorified close and play from Sears or JC Penney or something. Might have been tunes like “Let it Ride” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”.

It was actually the Bachman brothers, and Fred Turner was the drummer maybe. Randy Bachman is a fine guitarist in his own right. The “Yes” stuff, all that techno-rock was way too convoluted and pretentious for me. “Takin’ Care of Business” may be THE 1970s quintessential tune. The first half at least. I learned “Air Guitar” on that one, and we had visits from the local constabulary about peace and quiet.

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