The Morning Rant: Our Goal In Venezuela Should Not Be The Creation Of a Jeffersonian Democracy

The Trump administration and the United States military has begun the process of freeing Venezuela from the self-imposed grip of communist dictators. But the goal for us should not be to release Venezuelans from their bondage, but to stop the flow of drugs into America, end Venezuela's interference in our domestic affairs, and stop the illegal movement of petroleum.

That our activity is finally allowing some semblance of a resistance in Venezuela to coalesce around American military power is very nice, but it is a bonus. And our activities should be focused on what is best for America, not necessarily what is best for Venezuela.

It is the people of Venezuela who must continue the fight against their totalitarian masters, and if that means taking to the streets in mass protest, with the very real risk of a violent response from the ruling junta, then so be it. American blood and treasure has been spent too profligately in the last 20+ years for us to do more than support Venezuelan freedom fighters as a consequence of our efforts to further American interests.

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Maria Corina Machado Vows Return to Venezuela, Warns of Escalating Crackdown

She also issued sharp criticism of Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday. Rodríguez has served as vice president under Maduro since 2018.
"Delcy Rodriguez, as you know, is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narco trafficking," Machado said.
"She's the main ally and liaison with Russia, China, Iran, certainly not an individual that could be trusted by international investors. And she's really rejected, repudiated by the Venezuelan people."

Machado's presence in Venezuela will be a perfect focus for the people's efforts to overthrow the communist structures of government and the military. She is far too public and well known a figure for the current dictator to arrest and kill her, and she can be a continual reminder of their manipulation of the 2024 presidential election.

The Trump administration's assumption that Delcy Rodríguez is the correct choice to maintain some semblance of continuity in government is an odd one, since she is simply a reflection of Maduro's fanatical anti-Americanism, and a willing participant in the evil perpetrated by the communist government. Hopefully she will be kept on a very short leash as the Venezuelan people do the work to dismantle communism. But even if Rodríguez remains in power, as long as our national security interests proceed, that is up to the people of Venezuela to remedy.

The real question is whether a communist dictatorship is structurally capable of functioning as an honest player on the world stage. The historical record suggests that the answer is a resounding "NO!" So communism in Venezuela will probably end if our goals are to be achieved. But that is a delightful bonus...not the end game.

[Crossposted at CutJibNewsletter and X/Twitter]. If you folks who are on X/Twitter would follow us it would be much appreciated!

Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Sponge!

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:00 AM (6mogZ)

2 a delightful bonus

A beejer?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at January 08, 2026 11:02 AM (Kt19C)

3
ESPONJA!!1!1!11!!

Posted by: AltonJackson at January 08, 2026 11:02 AM (tljrc)

4 Corgis called

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:02 AM (6mogZ)

5 Bad news for Maduro as blackface photos surface:

https://x.com/Dannyjokes/status/2008633485771059564?s=20

Posted by: scottst at January 08, 2026 11:03 AM (EIDnU)

6
MUNKEY

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 08, 2026 11:03 AM (y9nCu)

7 Maybe should have gone with actual regime change since the accusations of it were going to be the default from the left anyway.

Posted by: rechill at January 08, 2026 11:04 AM (K1zyu)

8 Send them our Constitution and Bill of Rights, since we’re not using it

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:04 AM (5Td2u)

9 MONKEY!

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:05 AM (zjgNU)

10 You can't vote your way out of Communism.

It remains to be seen if you can yoink your way out.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:05 AM (06Hmj)

11 7 Maybe should have gone with actual regime change since the accusations of it were going to be the default from the left anyway.

Posted by: rechill at January 08, 2026 11:04 AM (K1zyu)

=====

Or...not doing that.

Leaving a relatively stable but amenable tyranny > erupting chaos across the entire nation.

Just toppling a regime is what led to open air slave markets in Libya.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

12 10 You can't vote your way out of Communism.

It remains to be seen if you can yoink your way out.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:05 AM (06Hmj)

======

Argentina seems to have done it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

13 4 Corgis called
Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:02 AM (6mogZ)
---
Were-corgis?

Posted by: Zombie Queen Elizabeth at January 08, 2026 11:07 AM (36PRH)

14 Argentina seems to have done it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:06 AM (GBKbO)

"Afuera" is Spanish for "yoink", isn't it?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:07 AM (06Hmj)

15
It's your country, you figure it out, but don't make us come back unless you like being curb-stomped, bitch.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 08, 2026 11:07 AM (y9nCu)

16 I think there's "wheels within wheels" in regard to Venezuela. What we see 30 days from now isn't necessarily what we're going to see 180 days from now.

Posted by: Crusader at January 08, 2026 11:07 AM (TN0g+)

17 I listened to Machado's praising of Trump when taking about her Nobel prize win on legacy media. The woke reporter interviewing her looked like she'd just eaten a lemon. It was brilliant.

Lots of days left to see how this goes.

Praying Iran is next!

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:08 AM (gWBY1)

18 Exactly. Thank you.

Posted by: MCPR at January 08, 2026 11:08 AM (vgS+E)

19 >>> Argentina seems to have done it

With the power of "Afuera!"

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (gWBY1)

20 Our goal EVERWHERE ought not to be a democracy or a republic, but stability, rule of law, and justice.

There is absolutely nothing laudable about Democracy. It is a form of government that can work, but the ought never to be the goal, as democracy can be a terrible form of government. (Two wolves and a sheep voting on what's for dinner.)

Good government is the goal, no matter the form.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (zjgNU)

21 There corgis!

Posted by: Bulg at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (77rzZ)

22 Just toppling a regime is what led to open air slave markets in Libya.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen

How much for the leetle girl?

Posted by: Sheik Yerbouti at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (oftw2)

23 It should be remembered that the Venezuelan people voted overwhelmingly for the communists with the hope that the communists would rob the rich and give them the spoils.

Posted by: Speller at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (pSotA)

24 What kind of a name is Delcy anyway? If she has two brain cells to rub together she’ll probably do generally what we want (having witnessed what happened to Maduro)… don’t care what she says; her actions matter

Stop the drugs; take the oil

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at January 08, 2026 11:10 AM (xT8gx)

25 Were-corgis?

Posted by: Zombie Queen Elizabeth at January 08, 2026 11:07 AM (36PRH)
No.

There corgis.

There castle!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at January 08, 2026 11:10 AM (/F96d)

26 It would seem Venezuela has a good crop of hawt chicks. Let's hold on to this for a while.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 08, 2026 11:10 AM (pLaQB)

27 Willard, but reposting because .45 ACP is important:

Posted by: RI Red at January 08, 2026 10:52 AM (7PD8l)

.45ACP FMJ!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 08, 2026 10:59 AM (n9ltV)

Remarkably, that is what I have on my hip right now breaking in a new holster.
And I’m headed to the range momentarily to see how the new tritium sights work.

All because “someone” caliber-shamed me recently!

Posted by: RI Red at January 08, 2026 11:11 AM (tez/p)

28 with the hope that the communists would rob the rich and give them the spoils.
Posted by: Speller

They didn't realize that they were the rich until it was too late.

Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 11:11 AM (jjoN6)

29 I have to say that leaving the next-in-line in charge is a good move.

It makes it clear that THIS ISN'T OUR PROBLEM. You want a better government, Venezuelans? You need to deal with it. We took out the guy giving us problems, with a warning for who comes next.

You need to work out your own problems.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:11 AM (zjgNU)

30 The decision is because we do not want to send a bunch of troops to Caracas to maintain order in a total regime change.

The stupidity of trying to run a country inevitably turns the locals against the occupying power. Better to simply require what we need, no terrorist support, no narco trafficking, no bothering neighbors by threats of invasion and the critical oil money is used to benefit Venezuelans directly rather than stashed in Swiss bank accounts of fat generals, or to benefit China, Cuba, Iran, or Russia.

Machado has to win the support of Venezuelans, you can't just give it to her in order to govern without American troops on the ground.

Like Iraq would have been far better off and a lot of US troops alive and unmaimed if we simply knocked of Saddam (popular among the Iraquis) rather than try to fashion Iraq into a democracy. That fantasy directly costs blood, lives, and treasure of the US to no avail.

The only difference is Meet the New Boss, Just the Same as the Old Boss running Iraq.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:11 AM (WDjG6)

31 The Trump administration's assumption that Delcy Rodríguez is the correct choice to maintain some semblance of continuity in government is an odd one, since she is simply a reflection of Maduro's fanatical anti-Americanism, and a willing participant in the evil perpetrated by the communist government. Hopefully she will be kept on a very short leash as the Venezuelan people do the work to dismantle communism. But even if Rodríguez remains in power, as long as our national security interests proceed, that is up to the people of Venezuela to remedy.

The real question is whether a communist dictatorship is structurally capable of functioning as an honest player on the world stage.

The key is to take away the power of other countries (Iran, Cuba, China, Russia) to prop up the Venezuelan thugs. Trump is working on all of these, as opposed to his predecessor's attempts to conduct regime change in a vacuum.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:12 AM (Riz8t)

32 I'm not sure it matters, now, who's in charge in VZ. We've achieved the goals stated by the administration. We're going to leverage the oil fields to our advantage.

Not China's, not Russia's and not Iran's.

And will continue to interdict drugs.

And sent a "sternly worded message" to Mexico.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:12 AM (NwnyJ)

33 Agree with the post. Keep blowing up the drug boats and intercepting the oil tankers. Leave the Venezuelans to their own affairs. Encourage democratic elections but let them choose (and fight for) their own destiny.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at January 08, 2026 11:12 AM (g8Ew8)

34 I wondered about them putting Delcy Rodriguez in charge also...I haven't liked what she has been saying.. I imagine we have "watchers" on her and she knows she will suffer the same fate as Maduro if she doesn't play ball...

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:13 AM (VE6XX)

35
You can't vote your way out of Communism.

It remains to be seen if you can yoink your way out.
Posted by: Warai-otoko

Yoinky Go Home

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at January 08, 2026 11:13 AM (pkeXY)

36 The official US government definition of Democracy 100 years ago was “Rule by the masses. Results in license, agitation, discontent. Mobocracy. Attitude towards property communistic”

After World War II it was all benign, Aunt Bee euphemistic bullshit. An official change of the Narrative. The AFRTS equivalent of Ad Council would have these glowing pronouncements “In a Democracy, a Dictator can’t take over. The people won’t allow it.” Sure, Jan

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (SSuxC)

37 And sent a "sternly worded message" to Mexico.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:12 AM (NwnyJ)

Who must have been listening since I see they have refused to send more oil to Cuba...

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (VE6XX)

38 I imagine we have "watchers" on her and she knows she will suffer the same fate as Maduro if she doesn't play ball...
-----------------
Don't make Marco Rubio put on his zipper boots. Just don't do that.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (pLaQB)

39 Machado's presence in Venezuela will be a perfect focus for the people's efforts to overthrow the communist structures of government and the military. She is far too public and well known a figure for the current dictator to arrest and kill her, and she can be a continual reminder of their manipulation of the 2024 presidential election."

If she goes back, she needs to be extremely cautious. She may too big to be arrested, but she's not too big to be assassinated by a government sniper - remember Benigno Aquino, Philippines, 1983? And there are many other examples. We need her to stay alive until a transition can be accomplished.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (uWKK8)

40 People won’t give a shit whether we try to implement a Jeffersonian democracy.

They’ll care how much time, lives and money we spend jacking with Venezuela and whether Venezuela ends up more screwed up.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (jbnUc)

41 All because “someone” caliber-shamed me recently!
Posted by: RI Red

So when are you going to do something about it?

Posted by: 500 S&W at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (36bTp)

42 >>>yum yum shit
yummy shit pebbles
in my mouth

I think Venezuela is more cocaine.

Allowing? Yes, Hegseth blowing up drug boats and getting calls for his arrest over it tells me that he and Trump are so, so pro fentanyl. My take on it there's so much flowing in, and it takes a long time to find and shut down all the pipelines. Especially when the previous admin did nothing.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:14 AM (gWBY1)

43 I think unfortunately Trump is going to back whoever promises the best oil deal.

Which means we’ll probably be back at square one as soon as Trump leaves office.

Maduro was Chavez guy and the current bitch in charge is Maduro hand picked VP. She should not even be considered.

Real problem is Venezuela loves communism

Posted by: Maroon at January 08, 2026 11:15 AM (JPwyH)

44 I'm shocked!

NYC's Mamdani Says Something Completely Reckless About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
@NYCMayor
his morning, an ICE agent murdered a woman in Minneapolis—only the latest horror in a year full of cruelty.
As ICE attacks our neighbors across America, it is an attack on us all. New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (L/fGl)

45 25 What kind of a name is Delcy anyway? If she has two brain cells to rub together she’ll probably do generally what we want (having witnessed what happened to Maduro)… don’t care what she says; her actions matter

Stop the drugs; take the oil
Posted by: LinusVanPelt

Realism is accepting that the VP and her brother (head of the legislature) has some power in Venezuela. Her swearing in was based on the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Neither Gonzalez, oppo leader on the ticket cheated out of victory nor Machado, who did not even appear on the ballot, have any levers of power unless US troops are on the ground to protect them.

That starts the same mess that the US have done time and again. What the US is best at is preventing outsiders like Russia, China, etc. from exerting much influence to keep rotten leaders in power and a narrow focus on controlling oil revenues means that it relies on the US Navy for enforcement, not the men in camo. That oil money is how the rotten POS leaders in Venezuela kept power and if that money is no longer controlled by them, automatically less power to pay their thuggish underlings.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (WDjG6)

46 Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
@NYCMayor
his morning, an ICE agent murdered a woman in Minneapolis—only the latest horror in a year full of cruelty.
As ICE attacks our neighbors across America, it is an attack on us all. New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (L/fGl)

Sue his ass off for libel.

He hasn't been convicted of murder.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (06Hmj)

47 Like Iraq would have been far better off and a lot of US troops alive and unmaimed if we simply knocked of Saddam
——-

It’s not a matter of electing the right people. Just make damn sure even the wrong people do the right thing.

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:17 AM (SSuxC)

48 You can't vote your way out of Communism.

It remains to be seen if you can yoink your way out.
Posted by: Warai-otoko

Yoinky Go Home
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at January 08, 2026 11:13 AM (pkeXY)

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

Didn't JJ used to live in Yoinkers?

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:17 AM (IpnJw)

49 You can't vote your way out of Communism.

-
NYC?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:17 AM (L/fGl)

50 That oil money is how the rotten POS leaders in Venezuela kept power and if that money is no longer controlled by them, automatically less power to pay their thuggish underlings.
Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (WDjG6)

If they're going to have a rotten, crooked hegemon who's a thorn in the world's backside, it had damn well better be us.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:18 AM (06Hmj)

51 47 Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
@NYCMayor
his morning, an ICE agent murdered a woman in Minneapolis—only the latest horror in a year full of cruelty.
As ICE attacks our neighbors across America, it is an attack on us all. New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (L/fGl)

=======

You know...interfering with federal law enforcement while doing their lawful duty to execute the laws of the nation that were passed by Congress and signed into law by the president and affirmed by the judiciary seems like some kind of lawlessness that shouldn't be encouraged.

But that's just me.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:18 AM (GBKbO)

52 yum yum shit
yummy shit pebbles
in my mouth

Posted by: Aliassmithsmith at January 08, 2026 11:09 AM (yMxXU)
-

First of all, you're either a liar or a sucker - or both.

Second, tell us how you don't understand the basic economic laws of supply and demand without telling us.

https://tinyurl.com/559mpdkc

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at January 08, 2026 11:18 AM (/F96d)

53 Sue his ass off for libel.

He hasn't been convicted of murder.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (06Hmj)

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

Beat me to it.

And throw in Tampon Tim and Faggot Frey.

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:18 AM (IpnJw)

54 >>> Don't make Marco Rubio put on his zipper boots. Just don't do that.

I can't wait to see what cute new outfit the memers put on Rubio today. It's like playing with a paper doll.

Also can't wait to see what fresh hell we get from mamdami's brilliant new staffers. The rental czar lady running away crying from a camera yesterday, being called out on the hypocrisy of wanting collective houses when her fam owns a million dollar house, was chef's kiss.

Mamdami knows how to pick them!

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (gWBY1)

55 Don't quote A.S.S. in your comments!

Posted by: IrishEi at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (3ImbR)

56 >>I imagine we have "watchers" on her and she knows she will suffer the same fate as Maduro if she doesn't play ball...

I agree with you. Trump's comment in his first presser following the extraction of Maduro saying there was a second wave that wasn't required and "probably won't be required."

That "probably" was a message to Delcy.

Posted by: one hour sober at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (Y1sOo)

57 Thx CBD, good post.
The Columbian president is now talking about coming to the White House to discuss issues. Speak hugely and carry a big stick

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (ScJGb)

58 It’s not a matter of electing the right people. Just make damn sure even the wrong people do the right thing.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:17 AM (SSuxC)

Precisely.

Which is why the Libya thing still makes me angry.

Kadaffi was a bad guy, no argument.

But he was a bad guy who listened to our warnings and gave up his nuclear ambitions.

And then we killed him for it.

Brilliant move, Killary and Obama. That really taught him a lesson never to trust the US! (And every other dictator.)

(This is, of course, leaving out the fact that Libya is MUCH worse off now and a center for global terror and oppression. Just an absolute foreign policy win, there.)

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:20 AM (zjgNU)

59 Goldie Ghamari is live on YouTube with the Iranian Revolution.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:20 AM (6mogZ)

60 You know...interfering with federal law enforcement while doing their lawful duty to execute the laws of the nation that were passed by Congress and signed into law by the president and affirmed by the judiciary seems like some kind of lawlessness that shouldn't be encouraged.

But that's just me.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:18 AM (GBKbO)

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

"We don't recognize The White Supremacy Clause, h8r! And we likely have five femmes on the SCOTUS who agree with us ..."

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:20 AM (IpnJw)

61 Trump hasn't been free of Maduro two weeks. There are many loose ends will either unravel or be tied up. Both of these things must happen before stability can begin.

Let them work it out. Trump is instituting order in a more organic fashion. Work. Eleven ships carrying VZ tar are on their way to the US. Venezuelans were busy working (making money) doing all the things necessary to load those ships and put them out to sea.
Foundational respect is where it begins.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (gIcAo)

62 Sue his ass off for libel.

He hasn't been convicted of murder.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:16 AM (06Hmj)

Oh they're gonna try.. Minneapolis has closed the schools for the rest of the week.. They are trying to make this St. George Floyd 2...

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (VE6XX)

63 57 I agree with you. Trump's comment in his first presser following the extraction of Maduro saying there was a second wave that wasn't required and "probably won't be required."

That "probably" was a message to Delcy.

Posted by: one hour sober at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (Y1sOo)

======

She's also been grovelling in negotiations, agreeing with everything our negotiators have demanded.

Latest I heard was an agreement to only buy US goods with oil money.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

64 Spot on, CBD. They can kill Machado though.

Posted by: Ben Had at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (sDNVV)

65 Didn't JJ used to live in Yoinkers?
Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:17 AM
~~~~~

Manhattan. But raised in Flushing I think.

Posted by: IrishEi at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (3ImbR)

66 Real problem is Venezuela loves communism
Posted by: Maroon
=====
We cannot fix other countries. Wilson was a stupid idiot for even suggesting it with his War to End All Wars.

So like back in teh Cold War, we reward countries that toe the line (don't bother the neighbors or US citizens, don't support terrorists, don't screw with int'l trade, etc. and we won't decapitate teh regime.

Nation building was off teh table in places like Chile, Grenada, Lebanon, or Argentina.

Pointy heads think they can fix the world but only if they have the blood and treasure from teh US. We don't have the money, nor should be willing to spend the blood of troops to provide what will be ungrateful Venezuelans a government.

We can, however, with credible authority, tell Venezuelan leaders that if they make a nuisance of themselves, we won't invade but will instead personalize the accountability for those leaders and they will end up like Maduro.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (WDjG6)

67 Don't quote A.S.S. in your comments!

Posted by: IrishEi at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (3ImbR)
-

I'll put a hole on further response to him.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (/F96d)

68 61 "We don't recognize The White Supremacy Clause, h8r! And we likely have five femmes on the SCOTUS who agree with us ..."

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:20 AM (IpnJw)

========

More accurate:

"Did you read Jackson's fire dissent? You guys are so wrong!"

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:22 AM (GBKbO)

69 >>> 56 Don't quote A.S.S. in your comments!
Posted by: IrishEi at January 08, 2026 11:19 AM (3ImbR)

Worth repeating.

Stop quoting the timwalzes, you bunch of Morons!!!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:22 AM (ULPxl)

70 She is far too public and well known a figure for the current dictator to arrest and kill her
_______
That's optimistic.

Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:22 AM (s0JqF)

71 Warner Bros. Discovery Has Rejected Paramount Skydance’s Latest Takeover Bid

-
I saw a YT yesterday that said WB cancelled a hyped Hogwart's Legacy DLC because they don't want works in progress to complicate their buyout negotiations. It's always the innocent who suffer.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:22 AM (L/fGl)

72 68 I'll put a hole on further response to him.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (/F96d)

======

Just wait until his real comments materialize.

Go back and see now what he really meant to say.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (GBKbO)

73 12 10 You can't vote your way out of Communism.

It remains to be seen if you can yoink your way out.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:05 AM (06Hmj)

======

Argentina seems to have done it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:06 AM (GBKbO)
________
Peronism isn't Communism. Not every bad government is.

Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (s0JqF)

74 The problem Trump and Rubio face in Venezuela is that it there are 3 centers of power that run the country in a loose triumvirate. They all supported Maduro (for their own reasons) but none of them support each other so much.
Delcy Rodriguez runs the Executive and Legislative branches, and most of the official economy.

Vladimir Padrino Lopez runs the Army, and the Generals who make up the Cartel de los Soles. He tolerates Rodriguez, but does not take orders from her, and since he controls most of the guns she doesn't dare challenge him. (but he took a big fall in status when his military got their butts kicked)

Most dangerous man in Venezuela is the Interior Minister Diosdado Caballo. He runs the secret police and all the paramilitary police who control the people on a street by street level. He is seldom seen in public, since the US has already placed a $25 million bounty on his head. But he could bring the entire country into absolute chaos if he chose. Delcy has probably been chosen in the belief that she is the only one that can keep him in check.

Machado is a wonderful person, but she does not have a hope of controlling any of these three.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (uWKK8)

75 >>> New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows.

Mamdami stands with the foreign immigrants that were the bulk of his votes. Apparently native born New Yorkers don't vote for him.

Michael rappaport announced he'll run for NYC mayor in the next cycle, he's a born and bred New Yorker and he's fed up with all this. He's Hollywood nuts, but a better nuts than Mamdami. And is willing to be vocally, unapologetically pro Israel at a time when that gets you canceled in Hollywood. So maybe he's the type of nut NYC needs?

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (gWBY1)

76 How do we maintain control of oil distribution and finances without getting pulled in?

Posted by: Kratwurst at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (tmARj)

77 72 Warner Bros. Discovery Has Rejected Paramount Skydance’s Latest Takeover Bid

-
I saw a YT yesterday that said WB cancelled a hyped Hogwart's Legacy DLC because they don't want works in progress to complicate their buyout negotiations. It's always the innocent who suffer.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:22 AM (L/fGl)

=====

Netflix's pricing of WB didn't include WB Gaming at all, for some reason.

The whole situation is stupid and probably all about favoritism, which isn't supposed to be allowed in these kinds of things.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:24 AM (GBKbO)

78 Wow.

Translating from the original Timwalzese into Human, even where quoted?

That's dedication.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:24 AM (06Hmj)

79 Mamdani's going to have an opinion on every little thing that goes down. Inside and out of NYC.

Everything. He'll let you know how he feels. And what he'd do if he had any gumption whatsoever.

Then do nothing. Because he's impotent.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:24 AM (NwnyJ)

80 ‘ NYC's Mamdani Says Something’

Let me take this moment to thank everyone for their tireless efforts in making sure I always know what this little brown cock gobbler is saying.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (jbnUc)

81 Oh they're gonna try.. Minneapolis has closed the schools for the rest of the week.. They are trying to make this St. George Floyd 2...
Posted by: It's me donna

But a rich, white lesbo isnt going to generate nearly as much fake outrage as a male black druggie thug.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (W2Pud)

82 80 Mamdani's going to have an opinion on every little thing that goes down. Inside and out of NYC.

Everything. He'll let you know how he feels. And what he'd do if he had any gumption whatsoever.

Then do nothing. Because he's impotent.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:24 AM (NwnyJ)

=======

I'm still waiting for him to make World Cup tickets equitable.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (GBKbO)

83 82 Oh they're gonna try.. Minneapolis has closed the schools for the rest of the week.. They are trying to make this St. George Floyd 2...
Posted by: It's me donna

But a rich, white lesbo isnt going to generate nearly as much fake outrage as a male black druggie thug.

Posted by: nurse ratched at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (W2Pud)

======

Especially once people read her poetry.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (GBKbO)

84 Reposting some happy news from earlier, in case people didn't see it...

Via WSJ

U.S. Trade Deficit Unexpectedly Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009

Posted by: Huck Follywood at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (gDbHk)

85 >>> 83 80 Mamdani's going to have an opinion on every little thing that goes down. Inside and out of NYC.

Everything. He'll let you know how he feels. And what he'd do if he had any gumption whatsoever.

Then do nothing. Because he's impotent.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:24 AM (NwnyJ)

=======

I'm still waiting for him to make World Cup tickets equitable.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (GBKbO)

Whatever for? So you can go throw green dildos at the soccer players???

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (ULPxl)

86 I'm still waiting for him to make World Cup tickets equitable.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Any word on tax payer subsidized Super Bowl tickets?

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (/HZvU)

87 Peronism isn't Communism. Not every bad government is.
Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (s0JqF)

True. Many are nothing but tinpot dictatorships. I.E. - Africa.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (g8Ew8)

88 Do as we suggest or we come back again.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (xvV+O)

89 Especially once people read her poetry.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (GBKbO)
---
*** Vogons have entered the chat... ***

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (ESVrU)

90 86
I'm still waiting for him to make World Cup tickets equitable.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:25 AM (GBKbO)

Whatever for? So you can go throw green dildos at the soccer players???

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (ULPxl)

=======

I just want the homeless of NYC to have the same opportunity to spend $30 on a beer as anyone else.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (GBKbO)

91 >>>But he was a bad guy who listened to our warnings and gave up his nuclear ambitions.

And then we killed him for it.
---

Murdered along with how many Americans?
Americans fighting and waiting for help from seamen, airmen, and soldiers that were ordered to stand down.
The head of AfricaCorp was transferred never to be heard again.
The Admiral in the Indian Ocean? who was readying planes was moved and either retired or demoted.
The General in Germany who was readying rescue was moved or demoted.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (gIcAo)

92 88 Peronism isn't Communism. Not every bad government is.
Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (s0JqF)

True. Many are nothing but tinpot dictatorships. I.E. - Africa.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at January 08, 2026 11:26 AM (g8Ew

They got a pill for that now.

Posted by: Bill from chappaqua at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (i0Hi3)

93 Sue his ass off for libel.

He hasn't been convicted of murder.
Posted by: Warai-otoko

"But he's sooooo dreamy!" -The left's response.

Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (jjoN6)

94 Kamala, 2028: "We must return Maduro to power so that the Venezuelans who self-deported after his fall come back and we can pay for their trans-surgeries."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (GBKbO)

95 "The Trump administration's assumption that Delcy Rodríguez is the correct choice to maintain some semblance of continuity in government is an odd one, since she is simply a reflection of Maduro's fanatical anti-Americanism, and a willing participant in the evil perpetrated by the communist government."
========

Not odd to me at all. It was a good move. Machado has to earn her way to a leadership position - assembling leaders ready to lead an entire country. The last thing the US wants is a full-scale civil war in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Rodriguez owns the misery index - none of the sanctions imposed on the Maduro government have been lifted. Venezuela is even now cutting back on oil exports. Constant, even increasing pressure on Rodriguez will make political change even more attractive in the country.

From what I've read, none of the sanctions imposed on Maduro have been lifted. The Venezuela misery index is all on Rodriguez. Marchado

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (rj6Yv)

96 It’s a step in the right direction. Let’s keep moving in that direction for the next 7 years and see what we can do.

Posted by: High tech at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (37cEZ)

97 The lesbian domestic terrorist drove an evil gas guzzling SUV. Which I find hilarious.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (/HZvU)

98 >>> 91

=======

I just want the homeless of NYC to have the same opportunity to spend $30 on a beer as anyone else.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:27 AM (GBKbO)

Silly TJM, Ace has his own marinade for hobo meat.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM (ULPxl)

99 Don't make Marco Rubio put on his zipper boots. Just don't do that.
Posted by: Pudinhead

We don't even make size 5 men's boots.

Posted by: Thom McCan.. at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (oftw2)

100 But a rich, white lesbo isnt going to generate nearly as much fake outrage as a male black druggie thug.

Walz and Frey are total badasses, so we'll have to be super cautious about a possible counterattack from all their troops. They make the SS look like pussies.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

101 Oh, the World Cup thing reminds me. I kept hearing good things about Ted Lasso so I gave it a whirl.

First episode is great, and the characters were sharply hilarious. First season was ok.

Second season they've sharpened all the edges off the characters and everyone is precious and talks like Ted now. It's so twee and woke. Don't think I'm going to bother finishing the series.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (gWBY1)

102 Argentina seems to have done it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:06 AM (GBKbO)
________
Peronism isn't Communism. Not every bad government is.
Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:23 AM (s0JqF)

Not to mention that the previous government had put yearly inflation up to 180%, and was promising that with work they thought they could get it down to 120% per year.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (uWKK8)

103 Wakes up
Scratches
Looks around
Dang. I picked a hell of a day to sleep in and miss the art thread.
Goes looking for coffee.

Posted by: Diogenes at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (2WIwB)

104 I wondered about them putting Delcy Rodriguez in charge also...I haven't liked what she has been saying.. I imagine we have "watchers" on her and she knows she will suffer the same fate as Maduro if she doesn't play ball...
Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:13 AM (VE6XX)

Delcy needs to be convinced that her only way forward is to ally with the regular military, exterminate the remainder of the Chavista thugs, hold a free and fair election, and then beat feet with her ill-gotten millions.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (8zz6B)

105 Tom Selleck Plots TV Comeback at 80 After “Blue Bloods” Cancellation

-
Old Man and the Sea?
Methuselah?
Bubba Hotep?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (L/fGl)

106 Brilliant move, Killary and Obama. That really taught him a lesson never to trust the US! (And every other dictator.)
——-

What if they accomplished something … completely different than what you’re supposing? Check your premise. You are belaboring under the notion they were trying to do something good.

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (SSuxC)

107 Posted by: Martini Farmer
---

J.J. missed some credits this morning.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (gIcAo)

108 I agree with the post, but everyone should chilla outta. We dragged Maduro and his wife outta their bed like 15 minutes ago. The piss stains are still on his legs.

Of course there are gonna be big open questions as to what happens next, and almost certainly some chaos in the weeks and months that follow. I suspect that one of the Big Three currently running the country will get stabbed in the back by the other two.

I don't think Trump will made the same nation-building mistake as every other president has made in the last 100 years.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (iFTx/)

109 OrangeManBad kills off another 100 million:

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Withdraws the United States from International Organizations that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States
https://shorturl.at/gem6m
White House dot gov

"The Memorandum orders all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty."

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (ULPxl)

110 The lesbian domestic terrorist drove an evil gas guzzling SUV. Which I find hilarious.
Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:28 AM

It wasn't even a Subaru. Talk about letting the side down.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (kgE5c)

111 The real problem with "nation building" is the same as the problem with rehabilitating perverts and criminals. We don't know how. So until someone can clearly demonstrate that, it's pointless.

Unfortunately, the post WWII history of Japan and Germany made people more optimistic than it should have.

Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (s0JqF)

112 Goldie Ghamari is live on YouTube with the Iranian Revolution.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:20 AM (6mogZ)

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

Am I the only one who heard that in the high-pitched voice of Ruby Rhod (comedic actor Chris Tucker) from The Fifth Element?

/Yeah, my mind works in mysterious ways ... it's all right, it's all right, right now.

[BTW, and I've mentioned this before here: my freshman year of college ('79-'80) at a small private liberal arts college in SoCal, my best friend was an Armenian Christian classmate and fellow athlete whose parents had escaped Iran and loved America. Following the Revolution there and the taking of American Embassy hostages, I was flabbergasted that throughout that year he was taunted and threatened by other students -- most of whom were trust fund whitebread babies simply talking tough.

It all ended when a mostly drunken literal mob confronted us on campus one evening (I took it upon myself to be his protector and bodyguard) and they were sceaming "USA! USA! USA!"

And we both joined in ...]

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (IpnJw)

113 More good news from the Venezuela Operation

Cuba’s Long-Suffering Economy Is Now in ‘Free Fall’
With widespread power outages, medicine shortages and rising food prices, experts say Cuba’s economy has never been worse, with the crisis coming just as the supply of Venezuelan oil is threatened.

https://archive.is/ranNf

Posted by: Oglebay at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (2ap+5)

114 102 Oh, the World Cup thing reminds me. I kept hearing good things about Ted Lasso so I gave it a whirl.

First episode is great, and the characters were sharply hilarious. First season was ok.

Second season they've sharpened all the edges off the characters and everyone is precious and talks like Ted now. It's so twee and woke. Don't think I'm going to bother finishing the series.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (gWBY1)

=======

Third season gets worse. The first season is the only good one.

I'm not that looking forward to the fourth, but I'll probably end up watching it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (GBKbO)

115 I have to say that leaving the next-in-line in charge is a good move.

It makes it clear that THIS ISN'T OUR PROBLEM. You want a better government, Venezuelans? You need to deal with it. We took out the guy giving us problems, with a warning for who comes next.

You need to work out your own problems.

100%. Delcy isn't who we want long term but she understands now that if she does anything stupid she'll get yoinked too.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (2ocoG)

116 I read somewhere this morning that without the graft, taxpayer-paid social programs, election cheating, and illegal immigration, the Dems would be a 20% party. I concur.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (rj6Yv)

117 Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (Rmqfl)

118 If they're going to have a rotten, crooked hegemon who's a thorn in the world's backside, it had damn well better be us.
Posted by: Warai-otoko

Making Venezuela safe for Democracy is how you get a nasty guerilla war from the losing side and the US gets blame for doing what has to be done for their installed leaders to win. Iraq and Afghanistan told us that. Most people in any society across the world and history will always sit on their ass and cheer the winners--that is simply the way that it is.

And in a genetic sense, that is the usual smart play. Better a live coward than a dead hero.

But the US does not have to play that game here and now. Only provide clear red lines for any regime that threatens or harms us and what will happen specifically to the leaders of such government.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (WDjG6)

119 Venezuelans have a history of choosing poorly so I don't expect it will be the shining city on the hill anytime soon.

Posted by: mr tmz at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (rJ48h)

120 75
‘ Machado is a wonderful person, but she does not have a hope of controlling any of these three.’

I sure hope nothing bad happens to them.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (jbnUc)

121 I went to a minor hockey league game a couple of years ago. Tickets were practically free, this is nice. Then I saw the beer prices. $12 for a tall boy Miler Light. Lol. And I was like OK I understand the business model now.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (/HZvU)

122 We're upset over the lousy press we've gotten over the last 100 years. Who do we need to bribe?

Posted by: Tinpot Manufacturing Co. at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (oftw2)

123 109 I don't think Trump will made the same nation-building mistake as every other president has made in the last 100 years.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (iFTx/)

=======

Ignore all of the other foreign policy things Trump has done.

Concentrate only on what W did.

It's the only way to interpret what Trump is doing now.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (GBKbO)

124 Yah, good analysis CBD

Not only all that, but Americans don't have the attention span for anything outside of 4 years.
We wouldn't get the chance to do it right even if we
wanted to.

And I kinda want to take down Canada instead, getting sick of their bs.

Posted by: Fen at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (ciYHQ)

125 Argentina was the 3rd wealthiest country on the planet at one time.

If the Peron regime wasn’t communist, that must be a distinction without a difference; it was “close enough for government work”.

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (SSuxC)

126 "I thought she was a healthcare executive. I swear!"

-That ICE Agent

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (06Hmj)

127 117 I read somewhere this morning that without the graft, taxpayer-paid social programs, election cheating, and illegal immigration, the Dems would be a 20% party. I concur.
Posted by: mrp
=====
They have 22-25 percent of the population as true believers. The other half of the Democrat crime syndicate are the pay me transactional types. No money to pay them, they sit on their asses.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (WDjG6)

128 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Maria Corina Machado...

At least Obama had won an election and given a speech. Why are they pushing her upon us so hard, he asks rhetorically.

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (uTrw+)

129 118 Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (Rmqfl)

Their husbands who work 70 hour weeks.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (/HZvU)

130 BTW, does anyone know who is the hot brunette sitting next to Nick Shirley in a pic I see a lot of. Sure beats Cea.

Posted by: Eeyore at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (s0JqF)

131 129 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Maria Corina Machado...

At least Obama had won an election and given a speech. Why are they pushing her upon us so hard, he asks rhetorically.

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (uTrw+)

=====

Because she did win the last Venezuela election. Maduro ignored the results and kept power.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (GBKbO)

132 If the Peron regime wasn’t communist, that must be a distinction without a difference; it was “close enough for government work”.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (SSuxC)

The Peron regime was classic Fascism. Modelled on Mussolini's government, even.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (uWKK8)

133 The extrication of Maduro just happened, Delcy Rodriguez was next in line. Everything is up in the air right now. Let things shake out for a while.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 11:34 AM (gIcAo)

134 129 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Maria Corina Machado...

At least Obama had won an election and given a speech. Why are they pushing her upon us so hard, he asks rhetorically.
Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (uTrw+)

So they didn't have to give it to Trump ?

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:34 AM (VE6XX)

135 Rubio has just been named as the manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 11:34 AM (viF8m)

136 122 I went to a minor hockey league game a couple of years ago. Tickets were practically free, this is nice. Then I saw the beer prices. $12 for a tall boy Miler Light. Lol. And I was like OK I understand the business model now.
Posted by: Really??

We're fully on board.

Posted by: Nine Dollar Pretzel Co. at January 08, 2026 11:34 AM (oftw2)

137 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

------

"But you have to stop because one of our dummies got themselves killed!"

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (GBKbO)

138 Cheap Venezuelan oil should be used to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Biden's handlers depleted to try to save their worthless asses. Although since Venezuelans petroleum is low quality so maybe it can't be used?

Posted by: Ripley at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (GUOwU)

139 The extrication of Maduro just happened, Delcy Rodriguez was next in line. Everything is up in the air right now. Let things shake out for a while.

Nope. Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent. Imma move directly to hysterical despair.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (Riz8t)

140 the CIA pushed for Delcy.

I do not trust the CIA.

it was a mistake; it's still early enough to rectify. I think smart people on our side have noticed she SUCKS

she's also an evil bitch

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (emBoF)

141 OrangeManBad kills off another 100 million:

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Withdraws the United States from International Organizations that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States
https://shorturl.at/gem6m
White House dot gov

"The Memorandum orders all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty."

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:30 AM (ULPxl)

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

Saw that last night [h/t Wifey] and when you read the list of grifter "organizations" listed in that EO to which we were tied and undoubtedly funded -- I mean it's like at least a hundred random-generated leftist-drivel names out of a Monty Python script -- it's jaw-dropping and disgusting ... but mostly disgusting.

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (IpnJw)

142 Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (Rmqfl)

Their husbands who work 70 hour weeks.
Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (/HZvU)
______

They probably make a lot of $$ on their own. Even mid-level HR jobs in big cities are making 150-200k a year, probably more with bonus and options. Plus, everyone is a VP of something or other now, and that usually adds more salary.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (iFTx/)

143 138 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

I was afraid they would back off for a while.. Glad to hear this..

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:36 AM (VE6XX)

144 Unfortunately, the post WWII history of Japan and Germany made people more optimistic than it should have.
Posted by: Eeyore

Germany and Japan were both countries with a highly intelligent, highly educated, and highly disciplined populace, which made them easy to rebuild. Every advocate of nation-building in other countries forgets that.

Posted by: Bulg at January 08, 2026 11:36 AM (77rzZ)

145 Then I saw the beer prices. $12 for a tall boy Miller
——-

They used to sell binoculars that weren’t really binoculars, but a Bond style flask, for storing a 5th of booze.

Is it allowed to bring a big ass bag of your own Popcorn to a movie Theater? Probably not. F ‘em.

“Private Property” died a long, long time ago. Public Place of Accommodation, bitches

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:36 AM (SSuxC)

146 ‘ Machado is a wonderful person, but she does not have a hope of controlling any of these three.’

I sure hope nothing bad happens to them.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (jbnUc)

We've had a $25 million bounty on Caballo for years and haven't been able to touch him. Maduro was stupidly overconfident and didn't try to hide his location much.
Caballo doesn't make those mistakes, and may be the most dangerous man in South America these days.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (uWKK8)

147 What would be the difference between a Bolivarian government and a Peronist government?

It's all just swapping the vel-cro name tags out on the uniforms.

"Set up something that looks like a liberal republic and then oppress the shit out of everyone for their own good" goes by so many names across every continent on earth, that it really doesn't matter what the various geographical and biographical distinctions are, does it?

There is Liberalism, and there is Not-Liberalism.

If we use Communist as a euphemism for Not-Liberalism, then who cares.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (06Hmj)

148 It wasn't even a Subaru. Talk about letting the side down.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

As a Subaru owner, I am glad that the stereotype was not met this time around.

Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (jjoN6)

149 >>> I'm not that looking forward to the fourth, but I'll probably end up watching it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (GBKbO

Whoops I meant to say sanded the edges off.

Yeah, that happens with shows. I liked the first season of sandman, and am slogging through the final one. Lots of sad gods whining about their problems in boring liminal rooms. I never read the comics so I can't compare. But my word, it's so dreary now. I'm hate watching the last two episodes. I just want everyone on the show to die.

Except I do like the Joanna Constantine character. Jenna Coleman adds some needed sparkle to an otherwise dreary show.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (gWBY1)

150 I just got here, but I have to compliment CBD on today's art.

Bravo sir.

Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (bIWgk)

151 inquizeX on YouTube - live feeds from Iran. Helps if you speak & understand Kurdish.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (6mogZ)

152 Oh, the World Cup thing reminds me. I kept hearing good things about Ted Lasso so I gave it a whirl.

First episode is great, and the characters were sharply hilarious. First season was ok.

Second season they've sharpened all the edges off the characters and everyone is precious and talks like Ted now. It's so twee and woke. Don't think I'm going to bother finishing the series.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (gWBY1)

Third season gets worse. The first season is the only good one.

I'm not that looking forward to the fourth, but I'll probably end up watching it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (GBKbO)

Ugh.

We just finished the first season. It was great. Very enjoyable.

Sorry to hear it proceeds to suck, but we'll probably keep watching anyway.

Watched all of "Pluribus". I liked it. Didn't love it.

I like the low key reveals and "cute" horror.

I hope that they end it next season or the one after. I think I know where they're going now and the story, assuming I'm correct doesn't justify ten seasons or whatever they think they can squeak out of it.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (iJfKG)

153 149 It wasn't even a Subaru. Talk about letting the side down.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

As a Subaru owner, I am glad that the stereotype was not met this time around.
Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (jjoN6)

Agreed.. My Son and Grandson both own them and we've had one or 2 Ourselves over the years... Great cars

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (VE6XX)

154 I liked the first season of sandman, and am slogging through the final one.

I couldn't get through a single episode. All I remember is it pushed Big Ghey.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (Riz8t)

155 Because he's impotent.

-
Former NFL offensive lineman Matt Kalil is hauling his glamorous ex-wife, model Haley Kalil, into court for what he’s calling an “invasive” breach of his most private secrets.
The 36-year-old retired Pro Bowler, known for his stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers, claims Haley’s loose-lipped livestream comments about the size of his manhood have turned his life into a nightmare.
. . . .
With a flair for the dramatic, she described Matt’s manhood as measuring up to “two Coke cans, maybe even a third,” slamming it as “the biggest factor” in their marriage’s collapse.
To drive the point home, Haley flopped her arm on the table in a crude imitation, declaring, “Deada**… for our whole marriage, deada**,” and quipping that her life felt like a comedy because of it.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (L/fGl)

156 Plus, everyone is a VP of something or other now, and that usually adds more salary.
Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (iFTx/)

In banking that has always been the case and it was and is a joke. VP is basically a step above entry level.

American Psycho poked fun at it as well.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (/HZvU)

157 You know who murdered a woman in Minneapolis? That totally unqualified Somalian that shot the poor woman who called the police for assistance, and shot her in the most unprofessional and reckless way imaginable. But crickets from the usual suspects.

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (xAP/Y)

158 "The Memorandum orders all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty."
Posted by: Helena Handbasket

Good start, I guess. I really just want us to withdraw from the UN entirely and kick it off our soil.

Posted by: Bulg at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (77rzZ)

159 152 inquizeX on YouTube - live feeds from Iran. Helps if you speak & understand Kurdish.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (6mogZ)

=======

If you know Kurdish and watch the first Iron Man, the twist is revealed in the first few minutes of the film.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (GBKbO)

160 The bigger and underlying story is that Pres. Trump is ending the paralization of contraband imports from bad actors around the globe.
He has seen the fruits of this movie.
Great Britain ruined China with importation of opium and lost most of its protectorate outliers.

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (WQDw6)

161 Second season of Ted Lasso in my universe would have him chopping up lines with Rebecca and trying to get her in a threesome with Beard.

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (Rmqfl)

162 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

------

"But you have to stop because one of our dummies got themselves killed!"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (GBKbO)

This is the best news I've seen today.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (zjgNU)

163 Two coke cans is kinda small I guess.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (/HZvU)

164 141 the CIA pushed for Delcy.

I do not trust the CIA.

it was a mistake; it's still early enough to rectify. I think smart people on our side have noticed she SUCKS

she's also an evil bitch
Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (emBoF)

The idea is that Venezuela is still such a snakepit that only an evil bitch can hope to run things and stay alive. Remember, the real goal is to try and control Venezuela *without* having to put 100,000 troops on the streets of Caracas, like we did in Baghdad. To put Machado in right now is gonna take 100,000 troops and a lot of casualties with it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (uWKK8)

165 132 129 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Maria Corina Machado...

At least Obama had won an election and given a speech. Why are they pushing her upon us so hard, he asks rhetorically.

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:33 AM (uTrw+)
=====
Because she did win the last Venezuela election. Maduro ignored the results and kept power.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through
---

There are loyalist on the streets, there are many Chinese paid operators on the streets. Uncertainty is everywhere.

A Sandbox mistake was trying to micro manage the people. Give it time. Machado's not a dummy. The people that voted for her aren't dummies. Let the people shake it out.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (gIcAo)

166 We can't leave the UN until Trump addresses the membership and does that "I've seen what makes you cheer" line from Rick and Morty.

Posted by: Oglebay at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (2ap+5)

167 [For those of you -- and there were many -- who predicted this a few weeks ago, please collect your winnings:]

Eyal Yakoby
@EYakoby

BREAKING: Just two days after quitting Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene joins The View.

You literally cannot make this up

https://is.gd/ogA1rp

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (KLJj4)

168 40. If she goes back, she needs to be extremely cautious. She may too big to be arrested, but she's not too big to be assassinated by a government sniper - remember Benigno Aquino, Philippines, 1983? And there are many other examples. We need her to stay alive until a transition can be accomplished.
Posted by: Tom Servo

Its all a crap shoot.

No one is too big and, perhaps, women are still more vulnerable - unless, maybe, they're running a drug cartel. 🤷‍♀️

Indira Gandhi (India)
Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan)

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (NFX2v)

169 Everyone who has access to the internet has known who Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez are for a very long time. They didn't just pop on the scene 15 minutes ago. They have been key leaders of the Cartel de los Soles for years. They are original Chavez gangsters.

Nobody got tricked into leaving the current structure in place at least temporarily. Nobody had a clue Trump was going to take Maduro down until he did it. There's a lot going on behind the scenes we don't know.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (viF8m)

170 153 Watched all of "Pluribus". I liked it. Didn't love it.

I like the low key reveals and "cute" horror.

I hope that they end it next season or the one after. I think I know where they're going now and the story, assuming I'm correct doesn't justify ten seasons or whatever they think they can squeak out of it.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:38 AM (iJfKG)

======

I loved Pluribus. Straight up character-based storytelling in a weird sci-fi concept.

Pluribus spending 35 minutes watching Carol be alone in Albuquerque is infinitely more compelling than Patricia Arquette staring at people in the icy north until she finds out something she already knows after 50 minutes.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (GBKbO)

171 We've had a $25 million bounty on Caballo for years and haven't been able to touch him. Maduro was stupidly overconfident and didn't try to hide his location much.
Caballo doesn't make those mistakes, and may be the most dangerous man in South America these days.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:37 AM (uWKK

I'm fairly certain that if we didn't try to take him alive, we would not have much problem "touching" him.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (zjgNU)

172 Via WSJ

U.S. Trade Deficit Unexpectedly Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009
Posted by: Huck Follywood

As US quits flooding the world with dollars, expect to see some liquidity problems in other nations as they have to have some form of external currency to trade between nations.

One of the reasons of the Deep State and Oligarchs to go the opposite way. No US trade deficit, no flows to skim going in and out of the country.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (WDjG6)

173 Sounds like Mossad is involved in Iran. Covertly of course.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (6mogZ)

174 she's also an evil bitch
Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (emBoF)
=========

An evil bitch in the Maduro hot seat. The Maduro-less junta survivors, I suspect, are cutting their exit deals with Washington, DC. The trade embargoes remain in place. They have no chips on the table. They don't even have excuses for violence - installing Machado without overwhelming military support would have given them that. The US pressure will continue to escalate until they depart.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (rj6Yv)

175 Venezuelans have a history of choosing poorly so I don't expect it will be the shining city on the hill anytime soon.

USAID was "helping" most of the world choose poorly (when they weren't trying to make them gay to improve Obama's dating options), up to and including having a Hawaiian judge released from jail to lead an insurrection against Jair Bolsonaro.

Just as I keep trying to remind people that elections in blue states are more corrupt than Tim Walz picking up hundred dollar bills at a learing center, don't assume any elections are legit elsewhere in the world.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (2ocoG)

176 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

------

"But you have to stop because one of our dummies got themselves killed!"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:35 AM (GBKbO)
____

As I said yesterday, the Dead Dyke Ditty will be gone by the end of the weekend. Nobody cares about dead white dykes who kicked a bear in the nuts.

Meanwhile, while the leftwing media screeches about shiny objects like that Maryland Man cucaracha and (for a few days at least) this dead clamdigger, ICE is rounding up these rats en masse and catapulting them out of the country.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (iFTx/)

177 162 Second season of Ted Lasso in my universe would have him chopping up lines with Rebecca and trying to get her in a threesome with Beard.

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:39 AM (Rmqfl)

=====

We decided to watch the British show William and Mary. Rebecca shows up in the third season, but it was made 15 years earlier.

She was very hard to recognize. It's weird how work to keep a woman looking young makes her end up looking like a different person.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (GBKbO)

178 What happens next is up to the people of Venezuela. I don't mind giving some material support to the better options, but I'm fine with 'Don't make me come back" as our policy. And certainly no troops there.

Posted by: Ryan Frank at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (fgmuN)

179 And they like her because she was a Yale Fellow in 2009.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (NFX2v)

180 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

*knock, knock* We saw your sign outside...

The ultimate spell-checkers!

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (uTrw+)

181 BREAKING: Just two days after quitting Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene joins The View.

You literally cannot make this up

https://is.gd/ogA1rp

She's obviously going to cash in before her shelf life expires in...oh, about 20 minutes.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (Riz8t)

182 >>> 138 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

It was anecdotal, but someone that works at a twin cities airport said all the flights from Minneapolis back to Somalia or to other places are completely full of Somalies. They had never seen anything like it. And apparently one Somali was caught with $700k in gold coins trying to smuggle them out of the US.

We will never get all our stolen money back. But if all the Somalis self deport, I'm fine with that.

Posted by: LizLem at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (gWBY1)

183 Rubio has just been named as the manager of the Miami Dolphins.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 11:34 AM (viF8m)

He has actually tried to settle that rumor

Marco Rubio
@marcorubio
27m
I do not normally respond to online rumors but feel the need to do so at this moment

I will not be a candidate for the currently vacant HC and GM positions with the Miami Dolphins.

While you never know what the future may bring right now my focus must remain on global events and also the precious archives of the United States of America.

Thank you
Jan 8, 2026 · 4:13 PM UTC

https://tinyurl.com/encb3waf

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (rbvCR)

184 BREAKING: Just two days after quitting Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene joins The View.

You literally cannot make this up

https://is.gd/ogA1rp
Posted by: ShainS
========
She took the ticket.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (WDjG6)

185 My Son and Grandson both own them and we've had one or 2 Ourselves over the years... Great cars
Posted by: It's me donna

I have a 17 Forester and it's almost at 230K. Mind you, my commute is 50 miles one way but things are still running well.

Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (jjoN6)

186 It isn’t widely known, but the old salt caverns that were used to store the petroleum reserve are not suitable for filling and emptying, filling, and emptying. filling, and emptying. Much of them are probably useless by now. That was the strategy our enemies in government utilized, for just this reason.

Everything they do is predicated on making America vulnerable, weak, ineffectual, dependent, unable to wage war if necessary, fighting amongst ourselves, and for other purposes

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (SSuxC)

187 There was a rash of Iranian nuclear scientists getting blown up in traffic in the 1990s(?). There was a conspiracy theory that Mossad might have had a hand in those projects.

Posted by: Oglebay at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (2ap+5)

188 I'll hold my breath.

Edward Ring: How the Left and Right Can Unite to Restore Opportunity in America

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (L/fGl)

189 Our goal in Shitinzuela is to kill commies, kill more commies and kill commies.

Then leave.

Let the little brown shitheads who live their fight over whats left.

Posted by: Divide And Leave at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (GlDYx)

190 Meanwhile, while the leftwing media screeches about shiny objects like that Maryland Man cucaracha and (for a few days at least) this dead clamdigger, ICE is rounding up these rats en masse and catapulting them out of the country.
Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (iFTx/)

Yes while they are screeching about their latest martyr we are kicking ass elsewhere...

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (VE6XX)

191 Seems like there's only three or four options:

-Leave Rodriguez in power
-Remove the entire leadership caste, and see who seizes the vacuum organically.
-Remove leadership and install someone of our own choice, and try to prop them up as best we can
-Conquer the entire place, declare it US soil, and install a military governor

The second and third almost amount to the same thing, and are basically the "Regime Change" model that has been demonstrated to not work.

The last one is only possible if America is willing to go Full Empire and not stop at just Venezuela. And you never go Full Empire because the moment the fire of expansion stalls out, the whole thing collapses.

So basically, we're left with leaving what's her nuts in power and holding a big, sharp sword over her head.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (06Hmj)

192 When I first was promoted to project engineer I tried to hire good people of course but hit the mark few times. My real mistake was to try to change those people into good workers. Soon I figured out that it was easier and faster to take a hire and fire strategy. This worked quite well as I would get the self motivated people that were worthy of training. With far less stress.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (xvV+O)

193 I'm familiar with the theory that our intelligence peaked during the Renaissance, and that this is dangerous territory but... we really can't improve upon the Founding Fathers and come up with a better form of government? A Republic is pretty much it?

Posted by: Fen at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (ciYHQ)

194 Not quite apropos of anything...

Watched the new 4K of "Re-Animator" from Ignite on our new snazzy OLED brought by Santa.

Wow! It's beautiful! (for certain values of beautiful). Ignite did a fantastic job on it.

I can't believe they can make such a fantastic looking disc on "Re-Animator" whereas some of the classic Hollywood movies...uh...aren't great.

Anyway, it's a demo disc to show just how good your TV can look and sound Definitely, check it out.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (iJfKG)

195 >30 Absolutely. Let the Venezuelans deal with either keeping Rodriguez or having another election.

Posted by: sidney at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (Uy/WF)

196 It was anecdotal, but someone that works at a twin cities airport said all the flights from Minneapolis back to Somalia or to other places are completely full of Somalies. They had never seen anything like it. And apparently one Somali was caught with $700k in gold coins trying to smuggle them out of the US.

We will never get all our stolen money back. But if all the Somalis self deport, I'm fine with that.
Posted by: LizLem
========
Should and has to be linked to denaturalization for crimes of these assholes fleeing. Otherwise a Dem administration will simply allow them back in, all sins forgiven.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (WDjG6)

197 177 As I said yesterday, the Dead Dyke Ditty will be gone by the end of the weekend. Nobody cares about dead white dykes who kicked a bear in the nuts.

Meanwhile, while the leftwing media screeches about shiny objects like that Maryland Man cucaracha and (for a few days at least) this dead clamdigger, ICE is rounding up these rats en masse and catapulting them out of the country.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:41 AM (iFTx/)

======

"We got Maryland Man free!"

"What about us?"
-600,000 forcible deportations

"Who gives a shit?"

This is how the left loses on policy, chasing narratives above all else. They have the worst governing instincts because Obama took over the party and expunged anyone who wanted to actually govern.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (GBKbO)

198 G'morn, morning Morons.

Had tornado warnings this morning. Survived the threat. And the flurry of texts from our offspring about ir. And the dog barking.

Had my cell on silent, but MiladyJo's was not so I couldn't ignore it all.

Daisy Dog 🐕 needs a silent setting. 🤪

'Naders already? Early Spring. Well, some of the fruit trees are already budding.

Showered. Need coffee. What?

Posted by: mindful webworker's cell at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (dESj/)

199 We can't leave the UN until Trump addresses the membership and does that "I've seen what makes you cheer" line from Rick and Morty.

Posted by: Oglebay at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (2ap+5)

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

""Gentlemen! I despise each and every one of you!"

[h/t Koichi Toyama (2007 candidate in the Tokyo gubernatorial election)]

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (KLJj4)

200 I went to a minor hockey league game a couple of years ago. Tickets were practically free, this is nice. Then I saw the beer prices. $12 for a tall boy Miler Light. Lol. And I was like OK I understand the business model now.
Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (/HZvU)

That's pretty standard "venue pricing". Same at fairs, car shows, you name it. Food and drink at the barret jackson car auction are way high.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (8zz6B)

201 I couldn't get through a single episode. All I remember is it pushed Big Ghey.

Sandman the comic was also very very gay. The show was pretty true to the comic but the whole thing was cut short by Gaiman's Me-Too situation, which made it kind of a hot mess.

Ted Lasso just ... don't watch any season but the first. what a shame.

watching Fallout now and it's .. it's fun bc I play the games and the references/simliarities are fun. I like the main character too bc I always played "straight/good" (my husband always ends up a nasty cannibal when he plays lol so he's like her ghoul partner)

it's a good show but I dunno. kinda silly

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (emBoF)

202 181 @InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

*knock, knock* We saw your sign outside...

The ultimate spell-checkers!

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:42 AM (uTrw+)

======

But the feds aren't doing anything. It's only a lone YouTuber doing anything.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (GBKbO)

203 She's also been grovelling in negotiations, agreeing with everything our negotiators have demanded.

Latest I heard was an agreement to only buy US goods with oil money.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

She knows that all she has to do is stay in power and wait for Democrats to regain the WH and she's in clover.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (ExV1e)

204 Goldie Ghamari Live Stream

https://www.youtube.com/live/KFWc37fNG1k

IRGC disconnected internet 2 hours ago but Goldie has managed to get feeds from a Tehran neighbourhood via starlink.

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (kvcnI)

205 Latest from Goldie: Pahlavi says Trump is watching situation closely.

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 11:46 AM (kvcnI)

206 179 What happens next is up to the people of Venezuela. I don't mind giving some material support to the better options, but I'm fine with 'Don't make me come back" as our policy. And certainly no troops there.
Posted by: Ryan Frank

Trump's doing it wrong. Where are all the contracts?

Posted by: Dubya at January 08, 2026 11:46 AM (Dv3i1)

207 195 Not quite apropos of anything...

Watched the new 4K of "Re-Animator" from Ignite on our new snazzy OLED brought by Santa.

Wow! It's beautiful! (for certain values of beautiful). Ignite did a fantastic job on it.

I can't believe they can make such a fantastic looking disc on "Re-Animator" whereas some of the classic Hollywood movies...uh...aren't great.

Anyway, it's a demo disc to show just how good your TV can look and sound Definitely, check it out.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (iJfKG)

=====

They sent me that disc for free. Yes, it's a shockingly gorgeous disc.

I should be getting the 4K of Bride of Re-Animator, too.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:46 AM (GBKbO)

208 So basically, we're left with leaving what's her nuts in power and holding a big, sharp sword over her head.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:43 AM (06Hmj)

and the benefit is that while risky, that is a very low cost option for us, while the other three are all potentially very high cost options. (see Iraq, where we chose the High Cost option)

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (uWKK8)

209 There's short-term fixes and long-term solutions. For the long term, yeah, all the Chavistas have gotta go, but for the time being some level of stability is useful as part of how you engineer that outcome. Far from ideal, no arguments, but if you're walking from Nome to Rome, that first footstep ain't taking you to France.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (OUMaO)

210 >>She knows that all she has to do is stay in power and wait for Democrats to regain the WH and she's in clover.

That strategy doesn't seem to be working for the mullahs.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (viF8m)

211 206 Latest from Goldie: Pahlavi says Trump is watching situation closely.
____

Hey, so am I!

Posted by: The Zohan Mamadami at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (Dv3i1)

212 145
‘ Germany and Japan were both countries with a highly intelligent, highly educated, and highly disciplined populace, which made them easy to rebuild.’

They were uniquely well suited for recovery. It makes me feel less bad about us bombing the shit out of them.
That and all the war crimes.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (jbnUc)

213 197 Should and has to be linked to denaturalization for crimes of these assholes fleeing. Otherwise a Dem administration will simply allow them back in, all sins forgiven.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (WDjG6)

=====

Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:47 AM (GBKbO)

214 Agreed.

No more 20 year wars-turned-nation building.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (NuV6c)

215 and the benefit is that while risky, that is a very low cost option for us, while the other three are all potentially very high cost options. (see Iraq, where we chose the High Cost option)

yes it's the least-worst option

also the people rushing in and investing in future tourism in VZ will have some amount of power/influence so. let's see how it goes.

keep things stable, hold a free/fair election, yada yada. be nice uncle USA

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (emBoF)

216 Latest from Goldie: Pahlavi says Trump is watching situation closely.

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know

In other news, sun expected to rise in East.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (OUMaO)

217 @183 absolutely, self deport. We may not get the $ back but if they return to Somalia they'll be targets of other clans

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (ScJGb)

218 Uhm, we just snatched the prez from a military base and people are worried. Why?

This aint your grandpa's GOP with Trump calling the shots. It's different.

Posted by: connected and litigious at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (cS1cw)

219 IRGC disconnected internet 2 hours ago but Goldie has managed to get feeds from a Tehran neighbourhood via starlink.
Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 11:45 AM (kvcnI)

Iran's government is now arresting journalists and disconnecting the internet - but those are both very weak moves. They're focused on trying to pretend nothing is happening, but it is far too late for that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (uWKK8)

220 The idea is that Venezuela is still such a snakepit that only an evil bitch can hope to run things and stay alive. Remember, the real goal is to try and control Venezuela *without* having to put 100,000 troops on the streets of Caracas, like we did in Baghdad. To put Machado in right now is gonna take 100,000 troops and a lot of casualties with it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:40 AM (uWKK

the last 25 years have pretty much proved that regime change lasts as long as the US pumps huge amounts of money into that new regime.

Also, Maria Corina Machado appears to be pushed by the EU and UK as the newest best hope. At least we know Delcy Rodriguez is a snake, but at least she is a politically savvy snake

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 11:49 AM (rbvCR)

221 194 I'm familiar with the theory that our intelligence peaked during the Renaissance, and that this is dangerous territory but... we really can't improve upon the Founding Fathers and come up with a better form of government? A Republic is pretty much it?
Posted by: Fen
======
Winston Churchill comes to mind, Democracy is the worst form of government except when compared with all the others.

The major flaw in the Constitution is that political parties arose to 'fix' the separation of powers problems despite most of the Founders deploring parties (John Adams was the exception to the rule). With parties, you get the organized log rolling to overcome the difficulties in getting a law passed or some other action done. But that also introduces a temptation for the power mad, the corrupt, and the division into team Red and team Blue on process rather than results. That also leaves a large pool of people that view both parties as assholes and demotivates them to participate.

Parties enable things to get done but at the same time can and do undermine our republic.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:49 AM (WDjG6)

222 Marco Rubio
@marcorubio
35m
I do not normally respond to online rumors but feel the need to do so at this moment

I will not be a candidate for the currently vacant HC and GM positions with the Miami Dolphins.

While you never know what the future may bring right now my focus must remain on global events and also the precious archives of the United States of America.

Thank you

Posted by: Tonypete at January 08, 2026 11:49 AM (cYBz/)

223 Iran's government is now arresting journalists and disconnecting the internet
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (uWKK

=====

I'm listening...

Posted by: Oglebay at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (2ap+5)

224 Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.

Good. That should ensure they have a nice, long stay in the wilderness.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

225 watching Fallout now and it's .. it's fun bc I play the games and the references/simliarities are fun.

I just saw something about how the games are going to be patched to have more gay in them so they match the show.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (2ocoG)

226 Iran's government is now arresting journalists and disconnecting the internet - but those are both very weak moves.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (uWKK

Last time they did this 5000 people were killed ...

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (kvcnI)

227 the CIA pushed for Delcy.

I do not trust the CIA.

With billions at stake, they'd be fools to only control one party.

Posted by: t-bird at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (uTrw+)

228 Julia Ioffe
@juliaioffe
Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops. But they convinced half the country that they didn’t see what they saw—or that it wasn’t that bad.
Remember all of it.

-
They were stacking the bodies like cord wood.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (L/fGl)

229 >>@InsiderWire
#BREAKING: DHS, FBI, and IRS agents now going door-to-door ‘raiding Somali businesses in Minneapolis.’

Good.
They got the message that We The People are fed up with inaction, and outraged at the large-scale theft of taxpayer money.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (NuV6c)

230 So has Boasberg ruled yet that Maduro must be returned to VZ ? Oh and ICE must be disbanded ? I'm waiting.....

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (VE6XX)

231 The name Subaru sounds like some kind of sex toy.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (pLaQB)

232 Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen
—-

Yes that is why Pinochet’s helicopter rides were such a good idea.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (xvV+O)

233 225 Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.

Good. That should ensure they have a nice, long stay in the wilderness.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

======

"No political party would so anything like this!"

The Italian Democrat Party pretty much has. As they have lost power over the last 15 years, they've never wavered from their open borders stances. They will not move. They are ideologically committed to open borders even though everyone knows it keeps them from power.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (GBKbO)

234 231 So has Boasberg ruled yet that Maduro must be returned to VZ ? Oh and ICE must be disbanded ? I'm waiting.....
-------------
He has been awfully quiet of late.

Posted by: Pudinhead at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (pLaQB)

235 Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=====
IF those assholes are not here to illegally vote and take our money, the popularity of such is not going to be advantageous politically.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (WDjG6)

236 There's a bit of a "Good luck, but I don't really give a shit what you do" vibe about it all.

Which, honestly, seems to be the general mood of the non-insane remnant of the country at large.

We didn't take out Maduro to solve Venezuela's problems. We took out Maduro to solve America's problems.

He's gone now. Don't be a problem, Delcy, and you can Cartel your Soles all the way to Miami and back. Nobody actually gives a fuck about drugs. Shoving his grimy drug dealer nose into the Grand Game is what got Your Guy schwacked.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (06Hmj)

237 Crypto Rich has a more nuanced view of Venezuela than I'm hearing here.

https://youtu.be/QWt1AeU7ZYQ

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (kvcnI)

238 >>@juliaioffe
Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops. But they convinced half the country that they didn’t see what they saw—or that it wasn’t that bad.
Remember all of it.

Funny, the J6 Committee didn't want to release much f it. Ask yourself why, Julia?

*I know, she's Lefty jouro, so she's reinforcing the narrative.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (NuV6c)

239 Parties enable things to get done but at the same time can and do undermine our republic.
Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:49 AM (WDjG6)
===

So it has ever been since the first bite of the apple.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (rj6Yv)

240 So has Boasberg ruled yet that Maduro must be returned to VZ ?

No, he has instead demanded the installation of Simon Bolivar as El Jefe.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (Riz8t)

241 What kind of a name is Delcy anyway? If she has two brain cells to rub together she’ll probably do generally what we want (having witnessed what happened to Maduro)… don’t care what she says; her actions matter

Stop the drugs; take the oil
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at January 08, 2026 11:10 AM (xT8gx)

I knew a chick named Anubis from Venezuela. She was a sweetheart.
I think in MX and VZ there was a fad for new and exciting names - You know, change from the paradigms of the past. Colombia tended to have pretty standard Christian names when I was there, but that may have changed in the last umpty-um years

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (rbvCR)

242 Sun unexpectedly rises in the East!

Posted by: Ken Burns, now bereft of CPB funding at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (YjTyD)

243 I just saw something about how the games are going to be patched to have more gay in them so they match the show.

well that would be a really stupid thing to do

the show isn't gay tho. there is one girl who is supposed to be a tranny (F2M) but she's so femme looking it's just silly.

yeah the show isn't gay. it's just very sort of pinko-ish politically in the flashbacks. but that's fine, the game was like that too. and it's a confusing mess so not terribly pro-commie even still.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:52 AM (emBoF)

244 236 Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=====
IF those assholes are not here to illegally vote and take our money, the popularity of such is not going to be advantageous politically.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:51 AM (WDjG6)

=====

The only people who will give the Democrat Party money will be those completely committed to open borders.

The radicalization is just going to get worse. There's nothing that will save them except an outsider coming in and taking over, and that's not happening anytime soon.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (GBKbO)

245 I desperately wanted to like Pluribus. Binge Gilligan right!!

I just couldn’t. I’m not opposed to slow burn series. But this wasn’t slow burn. This was glacial pace burn.

Plus it’s like just ask the hive questions all day every day and you’ll solve the mystery. There’s no need for detective work when they will give you all the info by asking.

I liked the black French guy. He was funny.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (/HZvU)

246
Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

Posted by: pawn at January 08, 2026 11:31 AM (Rmqfl)

First Wife Alimony. Before their exes figure out that they really need a prenup for wife numbers 2-4. Which is why they also have lots of free time to organize and protest.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (y9nCu)

247 So has Boasberg ruled yet that Maduro must be returned to VZ ?
___

Boasberg is working on a ruling that Maduro is legitimate president in exile, of the USA.

Posted by: The Critocracy at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (Dv3i1)

248 "No political party would so anything like this!"

The Italian Democrat Party pretty much has. As they have lost power over the last 15 years, they've never wavered from their open borders stances. They will not move. They are ideologically committed to open borders even though everyone knows it keeps them from power.

Well, that and Georgia Meloni is smokin'.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t)

249 I went to a minor hockey league game a couple of years ago. Tickets were practically free, this is nice. Then I saw the beer prices. $12 for a tall boy Miler Light. Lol. And I was like OK I understand the business model now.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:32 AM (/HZvU)

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

Attended a college football game about 5 years ago and went to buy a bottle of water (yeah, it was like $5). They no longer take cash for any purposes now at any stadiums -- credit or debit cards only.

Also a decade ago was shopping around for a local dermatologist to perform a skin cancer screening. I always explain that I don't have health insurance (wifey and I, who are fortunately very healthy, refuse to participate in DeathCare ) and ask for the cash prices.

The first place I called said don't take cash -- only insurance (which is "legalized" overbilling & fraud) I LOL'd and replied "So I guess you don't want my money? Good luck with that ..." and hung-up.

Wrote a very popular Yelp review of the incident. I wonder how much other money they didn't want or get as a result ...

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (KLJj4)

250 "The Trump administration's assumption that Delcy Rodríguez is the correct choice to maintain some semblance of continuity in government is an odd one, since she is simply a reflection of Maduro's fanatical anti-Americanism".- CBD

Haven't read the comments but ... Trump admin didn't choose her. The Venezuelan constitution did. It says the VP gets the job. Period.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (2J/Lj)

251 Walz and Frey are total badasses, so we'll have to be super cautious about a possible counterattack from all their troops. They make the SS look like pussies.
Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

They won't fight a conventional war. They're assassins are legendary. They blend in anywhere. Any time you see a gawky, 6'5" woman with an Adam's apple you have to wonder... could that be a Walz Woman?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (ExV1e)

252 yesterday just one lonely post on the blockade thing among my pals. got very little traction. today nothing.

I don't think this is a huge deal maybe just in MN

I think everyone is sick of MN honestly

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (emBoF)

253 249 Well, that and Georgia Meloni is smokin'.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t)

=====

Dear lord, bruh.

She's an office 6. At best.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (GBKbO)

254 I noted the other day, it's kind of a fascinating "Mexican Standoff" as all the criminal communist factions are waiting for some other faction to make the first move.

Which seems to be the best thing, because the people, the good guys, have been kept down so long, it's going to take them some time to organize.

It's going to be ugly, it's going to be painful, but if it's going to be lasting, the good guys in VZ need to violently set their future, with a complete destruction of the criminal communist factions.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (HXT0k)

255 They sent me that disc for free. Yes, it's a shockingly gorgeous disc.

I should be getting the 4K of Bride of Re-Animator, too.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:46 AM (GBKbO)

Neat! Well, there you go. Your side gig as Mr Movie is already paying dividends.

Hey, do you just wing your videos after thinking a bit or do you more or less write out what you want to say and learn it?

Just curious. If you wing it, I'm very impressed.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (iJfKG)

256 "when you read the list of grifter "organizations" listed in that EO to which we were tied and undoubtedly funded -- I mean it's like at least a hundred random-generated leftist-drivel names out of a Monty Python script -- it's jaw-dropping and disgusting ... but mostly disgusting."

And not a single Republican leader noticed?

Posted by: Fen at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (ciYHQ)

257 If the CIA is behind, or supports Delcy, it's likely because they've got an "interest" in what the cartel's doing down there. And she's got connections.

It's "business."

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (NwnyJ)

258 Look at how much trouble Trump has had trying to govern with a bureaucracy that tries to hamstring at every turn. And the US is still a much more free country than Venezuela with at least a hint of constitutional order.

What good would it have done to put Machado in the presidency if the entire corrupt government hates her and would try to sabotage anything she tried to do?

On the other hand running the Iraq playbook and kicking every Chavista out of government would have given us an Iraq in our backyard. Sometimes you have to chose the least bad option in the short term and have a plan to slowly move toward an optimal outcome.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (viF8m)

259 The voice of reason.

Chuck Todd
@chucktodd
The problem with the credibility of this current admin is that they seem to go out of their way to provoke confrontation on just about every front. Whether internationally, with Congress with DHS, with ICE, every action seems to be intended to see how far they can go before push back. And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (L/fGl)

260 256 Neat! Well, there you go. Your side gig as Mr Movie is already paying dividends.

Hey, do you just wing your videos after thinking a bit or do you more or less write out what you want to say and learn it?

Just curious. If you wing it, I'm very impressed.

Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (iJfKG)

======

Most of what I've done so far is just regurgitating what I've already written. So, the structure is something I've already settled on.

But, otherwise, it's just me winging it. I tend to practice when I'm driving myself, alone, in a car.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (GBKbO)

261 I'm pretty sure I just saw Marco Rubio in a bucket truck taking down the city Christmas decorations on the main streets of Shamokin, PA.

Posted by: Busy Fella at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (oftw2)

262 I knew a chick named Anubis from Venezuela.

She's a favela 4.

Posted by: Anck-su-namun at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

263 All because “someone” caliber-shamed me recently!

Posted by: RI Red at January 08, 2026 11:11 AM (tez/p)

The power of John Moses Browning compels you!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (n9ltV)

264 Watched the new 4K of "Re-Animator" from Ignite on our new snazzy OLED brought by Santa.

Wow! It's beautiful! (for certain values of beautiful). Ignite did a fantastic job on it.

I can't believe they can make such a fantastic looking disc on "Re-Animator" whereas some of the classic Hollywood movies...uh...aren't great.

Last fall's new UHD disc of the original TRON is fantastic on OLED as well. They cleaned up the original effects glitches (the glow on the actors and backgrounds was hand painted frame by frame and mistakes were made) but didn't go too far and ruin it.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (2ocoG)

265 147
‘ We've had a $25 million bounty on Caballo for years and haven't been able to touch him.’

Well not with that kind of attitude.
I’m fine with leaving him alone unless he becomes a problem for the US. Then he he needs to go.
Our guiding principles for Venezuela should be:
1) they can’t be an enemy of the US
2) they can’t sell their oil to anyone we don’t want

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (jbnUc)

266 260 The voice of reason.

Chuck Todd
@chucktodd
The problem with the credibility of this current admin is that they seem to go out of their way to provoke confrontation on just about every front. Whether internationally, with Congress with DHS, with ICE, every action seems to be intended to see how far they can go before push back. And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (L/fGl)

=====

So...don't resist ICE deporting illegal immigrants?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (GBKbO)

267 Not quite apropos of anything...

Watched the new 4K of "Re-Animator" from Ignite on our new snazzy OLED brought by Santa.

Wow! It's beautiful! (for certain values of beautiful). Ignite did a fantastic job on it.

I can't believe they can make such a fantastic looking disc on "Re-Animator" whereas some of the classic Hollywood movies...uh...aren't great.

Anyway, it's a demo disc to show just how good your TV can look and sound Definitely, check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at January 08, 2026 11:44 AM (iJfKG)
_______

If you really want to take picture quality to the next level, get the OLED professionally calibrated to D65 and BT2020. Setting the screen mode to "Cinema," "Movie," or "Filmmaker" will get you 80-85% there. (Avoid "Vivid," "Sports," "Game," or anything like them.) A pro calibration will take you to 100%. Worth the money, IMO.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (iFTx/)

268 >>> 229 Julia Ioffe
@juliaioffe
Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops. But they convinced half the country that they didn’t see what they saw—or that it wasn’t that bad.
Remember all of it.

-
They were stacking the bodies like cord wood.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (L/fGl)

If she really believes that, she should be very, very afraid of pissing us off.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (ULPxl)

269
And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (L/fGl)

__________

Maybe he learned it from the Democratic playbook.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (tgvbd)

270 we really can't improve upon the Founding Fathers and come up with a better form of government?
——-

Start with the premise that while technology improves, human nature does not.

This is one of the key errors in world view. Leftists believe in the perfectability of Mankind. Everyone else knows that’s bullshit.

We are invaded by barbarians with every generation of children. They have to be raised right, brought up in civilized ways.

Posted by: Common Tater at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (SSuxC)

271 "Democrats are going to make repatriating every deported illegal a central part of every campaign for the next 20 years.

Good. That should ensure they have a nice, long stay in the wilderness.
Posted by: Archimedes"

They won't campaign on it, might even blather about a secure border and that will fool the LIV's. Once back in power it will be open borders and not only will they allow the deportees back in, they will order ICE/Border Patrol patrol to track them down and pay their expenses to return if they wish.

Posted by: Ripley at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (GUOwU)

272 She knows that all she has to do is stay in power and wait for Democrats to regain the WH and she's in clover.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic
=======
And is that any different than Dubya's Iraq adventure? Dems come in with Obama and allow Iran and the Shia militias to run the place to the detriment of the other minorities.

Trump is trying to walk the US back from what Jerry Pournelle called, an incompetent Empire.

If we want to be an Empire, then we have to do things like the Brits did, use the internal splits in a country--pick one minority to oppress the others, and do mass killings every now and again by superior technology if the locals revolt. Democracy never came into the picture unless, like Canada and Australia/New Zealand, they demonstrated the ability to do so while expanding the Empire. They were a competent Empire until WWI happened.

We never were because we are not ruthless enough.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (WDjG6)

273 I'm pretty sure I just saw Marco Rubio in a bucket truck taking down the city Christmas decorations on the main streets of Shamokin, PA.
Posted by: Busy Fella

When visiting Shamokin, don't forget to visit the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area!

Posted by: Tonypete at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (cYBz/)

274 Trump admin didn't choose her. The Venezuelan constitution did. It says the VP gets the job. Period.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (2J/Lj)

We could have taken her as well. We decided to allow her to remain in power.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (n9ltV)

275 Domestic terrorist tried to kill ice officer but Trump is pushing too far.

Upchuck Todd is brilliant.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (/HZvU)

276 And not a single Republican leader noticed?
____

They'll notice when the direct deposits into their Cayman accounts stop coming in.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (Dv3i1)

277 272 They won't campaign on it, might even blather about a secure border and that will fool the LIV's. Once back in power it will be open borders and not only will they allow the deportees back in, they will order ICE/Border Patrol patrol to track them down and pay their expenses to return if they wish.

Posted by: Ripley at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (GUOwU)

=====

No...they're going to campaign on it.

It's going to be front and center.

This ain't your father's Democrat Party. They don't have to hide their extremism anymore. They won the NYC mayorship with extremism.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (GBKbO)

278 >>@chucktodd
The problem with the credibility of this current admin is that they seem to go out of their way to provoke confrontation on just about every front. Whether internationally, with Congress with DHS, with ICE, every action seems to be intended to see how far they can go before push back. And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional

Projection is a Helluva drug, F-Chuck!!

The Left see disagreeing with them as provocation and taking action on that disagreement as an act of war.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (NuV6c)

279 FYI - Didn't see this yesterday, but Rs lost 2 Rs in the House - 1 long term (death) and 1 serious car accident with spinal implications (but recovery, over months? expected).

So, it's 216-213...and really 215-214 with Massie. For the next weeks/months...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (tOcjL)

280 Man, I miss a single art thread and it was Day of the Angry Juggs.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (9FEtL)

281
I noted the other day, it's kind of a fascinating "Mexican Standoff" as all the criminal communist factions are waiting for some other faction to make the first move.

________

Mañana.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (tgvbd)

282 Chuck Todd
@chucktodd
The problem with the credibility of this current admin is that they seem to go out of their way to provoke confrontation on just about every front. Whether internationally, with Congress with DHS, with ICE, every action seems to be intended to see how far they can go before push back. And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional

I agree completely. That's why they've been so successful. They weren't afraid of their shadows like previous GOPe eunuchs.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (Riz8t)

283 No more 20 year wars-turned-nation building.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (NuV6c)

Trump ain't doing that, no way.

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (0Sg1Q)

284 speaking OF EMPIRE

there was an interesting X post yesterday - the dude was like, why don't we (the West) start "doing empire/colonialism" again?

fix up the 3rd world and repatriate their people. but it's nice now. basically how England did in India before

it's a great idea honestly!

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (emBoF)

285 284 No more 20 year wars-turned-nation building.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (NuV6c)

Trump ain't doing that, no way.

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (0Sg1Q)

======

Ignore everything Trump has said and done in terms of foreign policy, and trust that W actually runs this White House.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (GBKbO)

286 If Trump had captured Maduro, the insisted that the "Unelected" Machado be installed in the Capitol Palace....he would have played right into the Democrats refrain of him trying to overthrow and replace the duly elected Govt...that they claim he tried to do here, with "Violence" as well. Even nearly all the Dems agreed that Maduro was not "Lawfully elected" thus VP/Prez Rodriguez isn't either...BUT...her Brother who is head of the Assembly, is next in line. He(or at least his advisors) calculated...correctly....that armed quasi govt militias would take to the streets and start rounding up beating/shooting, taking/intimidating any pro-america/anti-regime voices....EXACTLY what the Dems claimed "Tyrant Trump" would do. He has set the scene where the people/party that the Dems support THERE are doing the very thing they falsely claim Trump wants to do HERE. In the meantime while "control" get sorted out...no income will be flowing to the current regime, Chinese/russian/Iran trade drops to near nothing, support for Cuba does as well. Both systems will in a short period of time collapse now on their own, and local "Leaders" will arise...

Posted by: birddog at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (s5LY2)

287 275 Trump admin didn't choose her. The Venezuelan constitution did. It says the VP gets the job. Period.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (2J/Lj)

We could have taken her as well. We decided to allow her to remain in power.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (n9ltV)

Trump prefers to charm women opponents...at least as an initial diplomatic try...

Posted by: Nova Local at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (tOcjL)

288 every action seems to be intended to see how far they can go before push back. And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more
-------

Wait, I thought Trump Always Chickens Out...?

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (0Sg1Q)

289 I desperately wanted to like Pluribus. Binge Gilligan right!!

I just couldn’t. I’m not opposed to slow burn series. But this wasn’t slow burn. This was glacial pace burn.

The criticism I've heard is mostly that the main character is intensely unlikable, unless I'm thinking of another recent ATV series.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (2ocoG)

290 And then they use the push back as rationalization to do more. It’s an ugly loop they’ve created. It’s all intentional
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:55 AM (L/fGl)

It's a beautiful loop. One of the greatest loops that's.... ever. Does Chuck have a beautiful loop? Does Chuck even have a loop at all? Let me tell you, everyone says how great my loop is, you better believe it.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (06Hmj)

291 The taking point of leftists is “ICE is kidnapping our friends and neighbors”.

Uhm so you live next to drug dealers and Somali fraudsters? I kinda doubt that Karen.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (/HZvU)

292 "Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops. But they convinced half the country that they didn’t see what they saw—or that it wasn’t that bad.
Remember all of it. "

Weird that nobody was charged with murder. You would think with dead cops all over the place and hours of video evidence at least one person would have been charged.

Posted by: Ripley at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (GUOwU)

293 Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
=======
Chuck Todd is a longtime shill for the Dems and used to be a political operative for them. What he is bitching about is that the Democrats are being shown as feckless, corrupt, weak, and all around assholes. So he is trying his best to push back on that. His problem is his platform got a lot smaller to do that which he also resents undoubtedly.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (WDjG6)

294 280 FYI - Didn't see this yesterday, but Rs lost 2 Rs in the House - 1 long term (death) and 1 serious car accident with spinal implications (but recovery, over months? expected).

yeah it sucks and is suss

their guys are all 100 years old and fine? we lost two youngish guys?

hmmmm

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (emBoF)

295 I was afraid they would back off for a while.. Glad to hear this..
Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 11:36 AM (VE6XX)

The Rebellion of the Judges, coupled with the Uselessness of the Congress, means that they can never back off. They have to go balls to the wall at all times in order to accomplish anything before his time is done.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (ExV1e)

296 "The Trump administration's assumption that Delcy Rodríguez is the correct choice to maintain some semblance of continuity in government is an odd one, since she is simply a reflection of Maduro's fanatical anti-Americanism, and a willing participant in the evil perpetrated by the communist government."

As I stated in the other thread, this is justification, a way for the remaining regime to launder liberalization. Delcy is already cooperating with Trump. If she goes through with the liberalization then Trump is 100% correct.

Posted by: Leninism at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (C7PXe)

297 ...at which point we can support and protect them, at "Arms length, and not be accused of "Installing them"

Posted by: birddog at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (s5LY2)

298 So...don't resist ICE deporting illegal immigrants?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (GBKbO)
========

No. C. Todd is politely informing the world that Team Trump is winning. So much winning, we might get tired of winning. Are we tired of winning? C. Todd wants to know!

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:00 PM (rj6Yv)

299 Julia Ioffe
@juliaioffe
Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops.
----------------
Ioffe may be the single most crazed AWFL's in America. Maybe she should return to Russia and see how her crazy plays there.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (xbLzn)

300 Well, that and Georgia Meloni is smokin'.

Posted by: Archimedes at January 08, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t)

=====

Dear lord, bruh.

She's an office 6. At best.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:54 AM (GBKbO)
_____

Meloni gets graded on the curve because she's an attractive lady in a political world full of hideous slugs and farm animals. Plus, she's to the right of most Eurofags. Which ain't saying much, but still.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (iFTx/)

301 The criticism I've heard is mostly that the main character is intensely unlikable, unless I'm thinking of another recent ATV series.
Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 11:59 AM (2ocoG)

There is a lot of hate towards the character. That’s not my beef though. She’s kind of a cvnt but given the circumstances I can’t really blame her.

My beef is almost nothing happened in the entire first season.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (/HZvU)

302 NEW: Stephen A. Smith says the ICE agent who fired on Renee Good was legally justified, but should have shot her tires instead.
"From a lawful perspective, as it pertains to a law enforcement official, don't expect him to be prosecuted. He was completely justified."
"From a humanitarian perspective, however, why did you have to do that? If you could move out of the way, that means you could have shot the tires."

-
They should've shot the gear shift into neutral.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (L/fGl)

303 Germany and Japan were both countries with a highly intelligent, highly educated, and highly disciplined populace, which made them easy to rebuild. Every advocate of nation-building in other countries forgets that.
Posted by: Bulg at January 08, 2026 11:36 AM (77rzZ)

Germany and Japan were both utterly crushed during WW2 and both surrendered unconditionally. Civilian deaths were widespread. Every advocate of limited warfare in other countries forgets that.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (ExV1e)

304 OMG.... Here comes Saint Renee... The media is doing a retrospect of her life.. Mother of the year evidently.... Yuck....

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (VE6XX)

305 She's also been grovelling in negotiations, agreeing with everything our negotiators have demanded.

Latest I heard was an agreement to only buy US goods with oil money.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

The economy is shot because of socialism, the external market for petroleum is shot because of the USN, same for a fair percentage of the coke being shipped out.
Maduro had been doing the "don't worry be happy" tour to try to hold things together, Rodriguez pretty much has the secret police since that was shown to be completely false -- and Trump offers her a lifeline.
She is a power player, and wants to go out on her feet if she has to go. She is also claims to be a patriot.
Food, infrastructure, jobs, and the return of a lot of motivated expats is a good thing if she will accept it.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (rbvCR)

306 Anyone here disagree with the premise that we are surrounded and infiltrated by enemies? Internally and externally? Anyone here have a great idea on how to respond to that?

Posted by: tubal at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (pDt9x)

307 "that also leaves a large pool of people that view both parties as assholes and demotivates them to participate."
Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 11:49 AM (WDjG6)

That's probably a limiting factor too - what kind of people you have?

Posted by: Fen at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (ciYHQ)

308 >>> 280 FYI - Didn't see this yesterday, but Rs lost 2 Rs in the House - 1 long term (death) and 1 serious car accident with spinal implications (but recovery, over months? expected).

So, it's 216-213...and really 215-214 with Massie. For the next weeks/months...
Posted by: Nova Local at January 08, 2026 11:58 AM (tOcjL)

Yikes, I heard about the death, but not the car accident.

Seems a bit Coincidental...

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (ULPxl)

309 303 NEW: Stephen A. Smith says the ICE agent who fired on Renee Good was legally justified, but should have shot her tires instead.
"From a lawful perspective, as it pertains to a law enforcement official, don't expect him to be prosecuted. He was completely justified."
"From a humanitarian perspective, however, why did you have to do that? If you could move out of the way, that means you could have shot the tires."

-
They should've shot the gear shift into neutral.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (L/fGl)

=======

Remember, no matter how "reasonable" Smith sounds in isolated bites:

Dude is still a moron. Shooting out tires...while a car is moving forward...on icy roads?

He might be outright retarded.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (GBKbO)

310 281 Man, I miss a single art thread and it was Day of the Angry Juggs.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls

They were pretty symmetrical, though.

Posted by: Arbiter of Beauty And Taste! at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (oftw2)

311 Trump prefers to charm women opponents...at least as an initial diplomatic try...
Posted by: Nova Local

I think it was the brutal reality, like Iran, Maduro was the figurehead over a nest of very nasty scorpions. Their version of separation of power unified those looting the country wholesale and the ideologues getting to impose their view of heaven on the poor peasants.

Think Lebanon which is another snakepit that Saint Ronnie stupidly put US troops there to try to protect worthless Palestinians who destroyed the country in the first place.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (WDjG6)

312 What Chuck Todd is bemoaning is literally Leadership.

Push the boundaries. Maximize the potential gains for your side. Accept nothing. Always demand more.

And no one has seen an R do that since Teddy Roosevelt, not even Reagan really, so it looks strange to modern eyes conditioned to modern Cuck Chair Republicanism.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (06Hmj)

313 "From a humanitarian perspective, however, why did you have to do that? If you could move out of the way, that means you could have shot the tires."

LOL... In a split second as she is potentially aiming her SUV at him he would have time to shoot her tires which would have magically stopped her car ?

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (VE6XX)

314 248 So has Boasberg ruled yet that Maduro must be returned to VZ ?

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

He's also ordered that all the bombs dropped be turned around.

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (KLJj4)

315 The real trick that Britain pulled off in India was in controlling a couple hundred million people while never having more than about 50,000 of their own people in country. Best trick was getting the Hindu's support by claiming to protect them from the muslims, and getting the muslims support by claiming to protect them from the Hindi. And promising to protect the Sikh's from everybody else.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (uWKK8)

316 Uhm, we just snatched the prez from a military base and people are worried. Why?

This aint your grandpa's GOP with Trump calling the shots. It's different.
Posted by: connected and litigious at January 08, 2026 11:48 AM (cS1cw)

Trump only has three more years, and the opposition figured in 2016 that they could survive 4 years of Trump but not 8. That calculation has not changed

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (rbvCR)

317 [BTW, and I've mentioned this before here: my freshman year of college ('79-'80) at a small private liberal arts college in SoCal, — Shain

Did you go to Biola?

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (ZtAny)

318 Yes Chuck Todd we are trying to stock it up your nose. By the way I had forgotten you continue to exist

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (ScJGb)

319 >>As I stated in the other thread, this is justification, a way for the remaining regime to launder liberalization. Delcy is already cooperating with Trump. If she goes through with the liberalization then Trump is 100% correct.

A week ago all the foreign money flowing into Venezuela was coming from China, Russia and Iran. Now it's coming through the US. Trump to be specific.

Money has a way of altering behavior.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (viF8m)

320 With a flair for the dramatic, she described Matt’s manhood as measuring up to “two Coke cans, maybe even a third,” slamming it as “the biggest factor” in their marriage’s collapse.

And she was a virgin on her wedding night. I see.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (ExV1e)

321 We could have taken her as well. We decided to allow her to remain in power.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 08, 2026 11:57 AM (n9ltV)

I hadn't heard of any warrant for her arrest.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (2J/Lj)

322 He might be outright retarded.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (GBKbO)
=====

Or his contract renewal is in negotiation.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (rj6Yv)

323 There's no #3
If opposition leaders try to grab the ring of power the military will take over.
That's probably what's going to happen anyway.

Posted by: Quality Lerning Center at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (MkFn4)

324 >>Ignore everything Trump has said and done in terms of foreign policy, and trust that W actually runs this White House.

I wasn't expressing doubt in Trump, just overall exhaustion with the foreign policy of recent decades.

I've given up predicting what Trump will do, and jumping to conclusions/overreacting when he appears to be wavering. No Panican here!

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (NuV6c)

325 Our friends in the insurrectionist Democrat party have stage-managed a death-by--police event to justify their breathtaking corruption. A time honored technique! Horst Wessel approved.

Posted by: ErikInTexas at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (4b7CV)

326 Julia Ioffe
@juliaioffe
Remember, there was video of January 6, too. Lots and lots of video. Way more than of this. They actually *did* assault and kill cops. But they convinced half the country that they didn’t see what they saw—or that it wasn’t that bad.
Remember all of it.

-
They were stacking the bodies like cord wood.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 11:50 AM (L/fGl)

If she really believes that, she should be very, very afraid of pissing us off.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 08, 2026 11:56 AM (ULPxl)
_____

Who? Literally: who? I have no idea who 90% of these desperate randos are. It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunulus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (iFTx/)

327 "From a humanitarian perspective, however, why did you have to do that? If you could move out of the way, that means you could have shot the tires."

LOL... In a split second as she is potentially aiming her SUV at him he would have time to shoot her tires which would have magically stopped her car ?

Posted by: It's me donna at January 08, 2026 12:03 PM (VE6XX)

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

"He could have just shot her earlobe off like Trump's patsy assassin! I see it in the movies and TV all the time ... REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (KLJj4)

328 "Ioffe may be the single most crazed AWFL's in America. Maybe she should return to Russia and see how her crazy plays there.
Posted by: Huck Follywood"

She has resting bitch face (or active bitch face as it has been called here)

Posted by: Ripley at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (GUOwU)

329 305.... St Rene, patron saint of assault SUVs.

Posted by: Rex B at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (C9oTe)

330 317 Trump only has three more years, and the opposition figured in 2016 that they could survive 4 years of Trump but not 8. That calculation has not changed

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:04 PM (rbvCR)

======

They don't have anything like a reasonable path to power in the next decade within the GOP, especially at the presidential level.

The mercenaries are on board because that's where the money is. The true believers in the old ways have gone into hiding or outright become Democrats.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (GBKbO)

331 So Mayor Mamdani has weighed in on the woman being shot by the ICE officer, saying that NYC will stand by "immigrants". Have all the other Democrat Mayors besides Frey given their hearty F Offs to ICE ( so manly/sarc) yet?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (8Xy/A)

332 They should've shot the gear shift into neutral.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (L/fGl)
LMAO

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 12:06 PM (0Sg1Q)

333 Car with flat tires can still do a lot of damage. It’s not like the car magically stops if it has a flat tire.

Stephen A., stick to talking about sportsball.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 12:06 PM (/HZvU)

334 I'm getting a bit sick of this whole "shoot the tires" thing...

Oh, hey, this quarter ton of steel is careening towards me! Well that's boring, how about we disable its only source of stability! Now it's not just coming at me, it's wibble-wobbling around unpredictably as it careens towards me!

Any idiot can jump out the way of a car. This guy should have tried to S-tier it for the bonus points if he really wants anyone to think he's cool.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:06 PM (06Hmj)

335 He might be outright retarded.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
Out of his lane. You see that idiocy expressed in PIT stops as well when the perp ends up dying because of their own inherent stupidity.

Those assholes telling people that they will get shot if they stop are also complicit in the deaths of those idiots. Not the cops.

Cars and trucks are lethal weapons operating on the public roads. And yet the Democrats believe that we should allow, in the name of fairness, thugs and idiots to do what they do on the roads without consequences. While nailing John Q Public for any slight offense so that those tickets make the locality and state richer by ways of fines and fees.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:06 PM (WDjG6)

336 Not familiar with Tousi but they're reporting Delta Force deploying toward Iran

Posted by: PA Dutchman at January 08, 2026 12:06 PM (h/O4U)

337 118 Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

Posted by: pawn

>Who they've slept with. (Not necessarily that person but through the name.)

>Foundations, nom-profits, etc.

Kathleen Anne Buhle, formerly known as Kathleen Biden, is an American writer and non-profit executive. She is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization The House at 1229.

Cecile Richards. Mort but similar.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at January 08, 2026 12:07 PM (NFX2v)

338 >>Who? Literally: who? I have no idea who 90% of these desperate randos are. It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunulus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.

Heh, she's a journalist, so most of your description applies.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 12:07 PM (NuV6c)

339 "Rioters have smashed the door of a Minneapolis courthouse after a woman was shot dead by an ICE agent in the city.

Dozens of protesters were seen banging on the doors of the federal Diana E Murphy courthouse while chanting 'ICE out now!' just hours after the shooting in shocking footage shared to social media by Mercado Media.

One walked out of the courthouse while appearing to wear a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf worn by those showing support for Palestine."
****

Oh, the keffiyeh, of course.

Posted by: one hour sober at January 08, 2026 12:08 PM (Y1sOo)

340 The real reason nobody does Empire anymore is the same reason the system fell apart; it just isn't worth it. Maintaining those shithole countries costs more than is ever returned from them.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 12:08 PM (uWKK8)

341 Our Goal In Venezuela Should Not Be The Creation Of a Jeffersonian Democracy

They've already had a couple. Just dig the old books out.

Posted by: DaveA at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (FhXTo)

342
It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunulus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (iFTx/)

___________

I come here instead.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (tgvbd)

343 342 The real reason nobody does Empire anymore is the same reason the system fell apart; it just isn't worth it. Maintaining those shithole countries costs more than is ever returned from them.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 12:08 PM (uWKK

#50IsTooMany

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (06Hmj)

344 Where did all these rich white liberal women get their money from?

The old-fashioned way. Divorce. Courts are so one-sided in that regard that young girls are now told as a strategy to convince a guy who makes good money that they're in love and then divorce him, take all his money, and buy a yearly pass from their local The Paolo franchise.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:10 PM (2ocoG)

345 She was very hard to recognize. It's weird how work to keep a woman looking young makes her end up looking like a different person.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through
----------------

Plastic surgeons, aesthetic reconstructor are perverts. They have the same concept of women as those Mannix girls do of themselves.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:10 PM (gIcAo)

346 343 Our Goal In Venezuela Should Not Be The Creation Of a Jeffersonian Democracy

They've already had a couple. Just dig the old books out.

Posted by: DaveA at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (FhXTo)

=====

Nation building in Venezuela would probably be a lot easier than it was in Iraq.

Venezuela has the traditions and the established processes. They've just been corrupted.

It still wouldn't be cheap. It's also an open question of whether it would be in our interest to do it. I don't think it is if there's an alternate option of amenable tyranny that doesn't try to fuck with us.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:10 PM (GBKbO)

347 There's a fine line between a keffiyeh and a tablecloth

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 08, 2026 12:10 PM (ScJGb)

348 The admin state is populated with AWFLs making $150k. But that’s in big cities where $$150k ain’t much. The ones with real money are almost all either wives or ex wives of rich men.

Look at any top X richest people list and virtually every woman in it is either a widow, ex or child/grandchild of a rich guy.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (/HZvU)

349 So communism in Venezuela will probably end if our goals are to be achieved. But that is a delightful bonus...not the end game.

communism on Earth will have to end for humans to be free. It's only one of the end games.

Posted by: DaveA at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (FhXTo)

350 I come here instead.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (tgvbd)

*mutters under breath*

(bimbo... dork... dweeb... .....)

Three out of eleven? I must be slacking.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (06Hmj)

351 I don't know if they still have it, but back before Chavez, VZ passed a law on names because they were tired of people naming their kids shit like Adolfhitler Gonzales and Batman Ramirez.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (BI5O2)

352 That sort of strategy is doomed to fail as it has repeatedly in places like Haiti and Minnesota.

Indeed, trying to create a Jeffersonian democracy, which is not in itself a particularly good system given how poorly Jefferson led, is doomed to fail, but it does not mean the attempt to evade action will be any more successful.

If you want to eliminate drug smuggling and the like from Venezuela, you need to eliminate the drug smugglers in Venezuela. That means troops or whoever committed there. If that means local rule is delayed, then local rule is delayed.

Trying to do that long distance will just ensure the worst local will win. Maduro was bad. When the head of Cartel de los Soles takes over and eliminates Machado it will be worse.

Posted by: Sam at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (7jMef)

353 I do like the fact that Laura Bush's Dr. didn't get her eyes the same. Sort of cockeyed, like her.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:12 PM (gIcAo)

354 Oh, the keffiyeh, of course.
____

I assume anyone wearing a keffiyeh supports choking 1 year old babies to death as a form of 'resistance'. (Kfir Bibas, RIP)

Posted by: Chuck Martel at January 08, 2026 12:12 PM (Dv3i1)

355 Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:09 PM (tgvbd)

Could you please surprise me by posting something you like about yourself?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:12 PM (8Xy/A)

356 Push the boundaries. Maximize the potential gains for your side. Accept nothing. Always demand more.

And no one has seen an R do that since Teddy Roosevelt, not even Reagan really, so it looks strange to modern eyes conditioned to modern Cuck Chair Republicanism.
Posted by: Warai-otoko
======
Good points. Somehow, perhaps with Coolidge, the GOP developed flacidity as its main goal for fear of doing something wrong. Coolidge, for example, saw the coming financial panic coming due to Wall Street speculation but declined to do anything about it. Ike felt winning the Cold War by sleight of hand was better than challenging and cutting back Democrat excess via the New Deal. Nixon declined to challenge JFK's fraud and failed to consolidate his winnings in Vietnam in 72 becuz Watergate. He also surrendered on the home front (EPA, affirmative action, War on Poverty, price controls, were all done under his watch). I can go on.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:12 PM (WDjG6)

357 Headline (ABC 7 Chicago):

"Woman killed by ICE agent in Minneapolis was a mother of 3, poet and new to the city"

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:12 PM (rj6Yv)

358 I assume anyone wearing a keffiyeh supports choking 1 year old babies to death as a form of 'resistance'. (Kfir Bibas, RIP)

They almost certainly support abortion, so the choking is kind of mild by comparison.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (2ocoG)

359 Stephen A. Smith says the ICE agent who fired on Renee Good was legally justified, but should have shot her tires instead.
"From a lawful perspective, as it pertains to a law enforcement official, don't expect him to be prosecuted. He was completely justified."
"From a humanitarian perspective, however, why did you have to do that? If you could move out of the way, that means you could have shot the tires."

-
They should've shot the gear shift into neutral.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:01 PM (L/fGl)

=======

Dude is still a moron. Shooting out tires...while a car is moving forward...on icy roads?

He might be outright retarded.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:02 PM (GBKbO)
____

Au contrauire, his statement was deftly done. He voted for Kamala, and has a primarily center-left audience. He's giving his seal of approval to the legality of the shooting (which is the big thing), while offering a lame pat on the head to his the more leftist members of his audience. The key is the word is out that the shooting is legally justified.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (iFTx/)

360 OPINION: A culture that celebrates death is what we get when we choose ourselves over God

-
The husband of one of Mrs. Wrecks' friends died a couple of days ago. They had a "celebration of life" then assisted him to commit suicide.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (L/fGl)

361 353 I don't know if they still have it, but back before Chavez, VZ passed a law on names because they were tired of people naming their kids shit like Adolfhitler Gonzales and Batman Ramirez.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice

No kidding.

Posted by: Asdr�bal Cabrera at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (Dv3i1)

362 IRGC Families begin seeking asylum in Fwance.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (6mogZ)

363 It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunulus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.
Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade

I come here instead.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

That's right - We have the collection of sportos, motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, waistoids, dweebies, and d*ckheads covered here!

Posted by: Tonypete at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (cYBz/)

364 =====

Nation building in Venezuela would probably be a lot easier than it was in Iraq.
-----------

Aw, geeeeeeeeeeeee's, let them do it. They aren't stupit.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (gIcAo)

365 353 I don't know if they still have it, but back before Chavez, VZ passed a law on names because they were tired of people naming their kids shit like Adolfhitler Gonzales and Batman Ramirez.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice

No kidding.
-Asdrúbal Cabrera

Posted by: Chuck Martel at January 08, 2026 12:14 PM (Dv3i1)

366 and new to the city

That's one heck of a welcome to town.

Posted by: NR Pax at January 08, 2026 12:14 PM (jjoN6)

367 The male horde members may be interested to know that today's word search was on Sydney Sweeney. I have never seen her in anything, but one of the words to search for was 'horde".

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:15 PM (8Xy/A)

368
Look at any top X richest people list and virtually every woman in it is either a widow, ex or child/grandchild of a rich guy.

Posted by: Really?? at January 08, 2026 12:11 PM (/HZvU)

__________

Lower-class: wife doesn't work.

Middle-class: wife works.

Upper-class: wife runs a business that loses $10,000 a month.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:15 PM (tgvbd)

369 >>When the head of Cartel de los Soles takes over and eliminates Machado it will be worse.

The head of the Cartel de los Soles has taken over. More likely, never left.

Delcy Rodriguez is now officially president. Her brother Jorge is the president of the national assembly. That is the Cartel de los Soles.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 12:15 PM (viF8m)

370 >>Venezuela has the traditions and the established processes. They've just been corrupted.

Disagree, TJM, because Venezuela's traditions descend primarily from Spain. It would take generations to instill a liberty mindset there.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (NcvvS)

371 Posted by: Asdr�bal Cabrera at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (Dv3i1)

I doubt that was banned I've noticed Hispanics from a number of different countries have an affinity fir Spanish-ified Carthaginian names. Always wondered about that.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (BI5O2)

372 317
‘ Anyone here disagree with the premise that we are surrounded and infiltrated by enemies? Internally and externally? Anyone here have a great idea on how to respond to that?’

Kill the leaders. Intimidate the rest.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (jbnUc)

373 I saw Every Bimbo, THOT, Whore, Basement-Dwelling Incel, Dork, Dyke, Dweeb, Homo, Faggot, Ass-Pirate, and Gay Homunulus open for Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. at Burning Man in '08.

Posted by: ShainS -- Struggling With A Learing Disability at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (KLJj4)

374 Yeah, you can make the bullets curve and miss you.

Posted by: thug dolphin at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (EyfuW)

375 Upper-class: wife runs a business that loses $10,000 a month.

Or an NGO that runs a chain of learing centers.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (2ocoG)

376 >>I'm getting a bit sick of this whole "shoot the tires" thing...

Me, too. These people want us to pretend this all happened in a bubble. This wasn't some random person being approach by ICE.

Reports are that she and her team had been stalking and harassing ICE all day. Were they trapped and potentially vulnerable to attack, or was this them reaching their boiling point after playing these games all day? She was intentionally blocking their way. In that context, as well as the overall context of cartel putting bounties out for ICE agents, Democrats trying to force de-masking (essentially doxxing them), and so on, she was a threat that needed to be neutralized by arrest. She chose to flee.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (NuV6c)

377 It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunculus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.
Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade

I come here instead.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

That's right - We have the collection of sportos, motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, waistoids, dweebies, and d*ckheads covered here!
Posted by: Tonypete at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (cYBz/)
____

And Literary Creations!

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (iFTx/)

378 Ace must have a lengthy Disney post in the works.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at January 08, 2026 12:17 PM (jbnUc)

379 Headline (CBS News):

"Trump speaks with Colombian president Petro amid rising tensions; Colombian official calls it "very positive"

I bet.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:17 PM (rj6Yv)

380 Disagree, TJM, because Venezuela's traditions descend primarily from Spain. It would take generations to instill a liberty mindset there.

El Salvador was worse and it's now safer than any American blue city.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:17 PM (2ocoG)

381 "Woman killed by ICE agent in Minneapolis was a mother of 3, poet and new to the city"
Posted by: mrp

Among her best poems are Die, Motherf*cker, Die! and Up Yours, Fascist!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:17 PM (L/fGl)

382
Ever watch police chase videos? Cars can go a remarkable distance while spewing sparks from the rims.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:18 PM (tgvbd)

383 342 The real reason nobody does Empire anymore is the same reason the system fell apart; it just isn't worth it. Maintaining those shithole countries costs more than is ever returned from them.
Posted by: Tom Servo
======
After WWI and WWII, the main colonizers were broke. Plus the manpower they used to keep the peace in colonies was by and large dead, wounded, or severely disinterested in fighting in combat again.

The US and USSR, for their own reasons, were also demanding the tired colonial powers to give up their colonies so that the Great Game would be competing for those newly independent colonies for trade, bases, and bennies.

US became a trading empire like Athens relying on its Navy and Air Force with enclaves around the world. The USSR became an actual empire itself with its Brezhnev doctrine that once a nation goes commie, it cannot revert. See Afghanistan and other places as examples.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:18 PM (WDjG6)

384 > "Woman killed by ICE agent in Minneapolis was a mother of 3, poet and new to the city"
---------
If I were curious, I'd want to know why a mother of 3, poet and new to the area was at a staged ICE protest with her "partner" filming a confrontational encounter with said ICE.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at January 08, 2026 12:18 PM (NwnyJ)

385 Delcy Rodriguez is now officially president. Her brother Jorge is the president of the national assembly. That is the Cartel de los Soles.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 08, 2026 12:15 PM (viF8m)

And now they don't have plausible deniability.

"That wasn't the cartels, that was Maduro and his kooky Chavismo nonsense. Trust us. We're for the people."

No mas with that excuse.

And cartels in general limit their violence to those who directly fuck over the cartel or try to make it look bad. Communists only limit their violence to the number of hours in the day.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:18 PM (06Hmj)

386 Upper-class: wife runs a business that loses $10,000 a month.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

My Kitty Kafe only loses 5K a month now and is well on the road to solvency.

Posted by: Karen McMansion at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (oftw2)

387 372 >>Venezuela has the traditions and the established processes. They've just been corrupted.

Disagree, TJM, because Venezuela's traditions descend primarily from Spain. It would take generations to instill a liberty mindset there.
Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (NcvvS)

I and others have long noted that most of Central and South America's governments are troubled because they are descended from Spanish Colonial Government, which gives them a 400 year tradition of rampant corruption and misrule.
Which is probably why they have a far better chance of an efficient government with a benevolent dictator than with pure democracy, which seems to always turn into a contest of everybody grab what they can get while they can get it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (uWKK8)

388 I have never seen her in anything,

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:15 PM (8Xy/A)

I would also like to see her in nothing.

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (kvcnI)

389 Casey Anthony says Trump administration must be held accountable. We're opposed by her, Ken Jennings etc. We're doomed

Posted by: Smell the Glove at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (ScJGb)

390 in the vein of George Floyd adoration...Houston will participate in the protests in Minneapolis over the ventilation of the sweet mom that got in the way of an ICE bullet

Posted by: DanMan at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (8uzBS)

391 They don't have anything like a reasonable path to power in the next decade within the GOP, especially at the presidential level.

The mercenaries are on board because that's where the money is. The true believers in the old ways have gone into hiding or outright become Democrats.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:05 PM (GBKbO)

Trump impeached, JD Vance sidelined because he doesn't embrace limited globalism, and deSantis doing his wonderful imitation of a lump of warm dough on the campaign trail. The true believers and RINOs will get behind Mike Pence since he promises to keep the status ante quo.

My nightmare. You don't have to participate by the way

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (rbvCR)

392 I doubt that was banned I've noticed Hispanics from a number of different countries have an affinity fir Spanish-ified Carthaginian names. Always wondered about that.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (BI5O2)

Just a little harmless Vandalism?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (06Hmj)

393 The first thing I do in a new city is harrass the government there. So far so good.

Posted by: connected and litigious at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (cS1cw)

394 Casey Anthony says Trump administration must be held accountable.

--

And she didn't spontaneously combust while saying that?

Posted by: Lady in Black at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (qBdHI)

395 Ever watch police chase videos? Cars can go a remarkable distance while spewing sparks from the rims.

I've seen them keep going for miles after the rim completely disintegrates. And on snow and ice like in Minneapolis not having an inflated tire would be barely an inconvenience.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (2ocoG)

396 I love how Western shitlib media is STILL trying to tell everyone this is about the economy, even as literally ALL video from Iran shows massive crowds screaming for an end to political Islam and a return of the Shah.

They're so g-ddamn worthless.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (BI5O2)

397 Headline (CBS News):

"Trump speaks with Colombian president Petro amid rising tensions; Colombian official calls it "very positive"

I bet.
Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:17 PM (rj6Yv)
____

Trump: "Que pasa, you junkie commie faggot. See what happened to your pal Maduro? We grabbed that motherfucker out of his bed while his wife was pegging him with a neon green dildo. He cried like a little bitch. Have a nice day."

Petro: "It was a positive conversation!"

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (iFTx/)

398 393
Trump impeached, JD Vance sidelined because he doesn't embrace limited globalism, and deSantis doing his wonderful imitation of a lump of warm dough on the campaign trail. The true believers and RINOs will get behind Mike Pence since he promises to keep the status ante quo.

My nightmare. You don't have to participate by the way

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (rbvCR)

=====

Right after 1/6, when Trump was at his lowest point and Congress could have kicked Trump out of politics forever...

The Senate came 10 votes short of convicting him.

Impeachment will happen again if Dems take the House. Conviction will not.

People need to stop being afraid of impeachment. It's a joke of a process. Has been since the 1860s.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (GBKbO)

399 Tom Selleck Plots TV Comeback at 80 After “Blue Bloods” Cancellation

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

I like Selleck and his acting, but have found his public comments about the Blue Bloods cancellation to be rather whiny and off-putting.

Posted by: Bigsmith at January 08, 2026 12:21 PM (1Au9i)

400
To maintain an empire, you have to project force to maintain it. After WWII, the Europeans were no longer able or could not afford to do so.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:21 PM (tgvbd)

401 When you've lost Casey Anthony.....

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 12:21 PM (0Sg1Q)

402 Casey Anthony says Trump administration must be held accountable.

-
Well, if a paragon of virtue like her thinks we're wrong, maybe we should rethink this.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (L/fGl)

403 Woman killed by ICE agent in Minneapolis was a mother of 3, poet and new to the city"

And her poetry was angry and awful. Someone posted the title on the tech thread or after that-something about "on first dissecting" something (forget what it was )

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (8Xy/A)

404 Disagree, TJM, because Venezuela's traditions descend primarily from Spain. It would take generations to instill a liberty mindset there.
Posted by: Nazdar

Libre Hemisferio Occidental
_Deltafors Donaltrom

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (gIcAo)

405 There's a fine line between a keffiyeh and a tablecloth
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Houndstooth?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (mlg/3)

406 If I were curious, I'd want to know why a mother of 3, poet and new to the area was at a staged ICE protest with her "partner" filming a confrontational encounter with said ICE.

Didn't the partner already admit they were there to fuck around with ICE? FA, meet FO.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (2ocoG)

407 Most tell their kids, Do everything the cop says. If you don't , i'' punish you and so will the cops.

Posted by: thug dolphin at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (EyfuW)

408 To maintain an empire, you have to project force to maintain it. After WWII, the Europeans were no longer able or could not afford to do so.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at January 08, 2026 12:21 PM (tgvbd)
===

Rule #1 for projecting power - Build power plants.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (rj6Yv)

409 71 She is far too public and well known a figure for the current dictator to arrest and kill her
------
Like Trump, er, wait a minute.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (WDjG6)

410 408 If I were curious, I'd want to know why a mother of 3, poet and new to the area was at a staged ICE protest with her "partner" filming a confrontational encounter with said ICE.

Didn't the partner already admit they were there to fuck around with ICE? FA, meet FO.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (2ocoG)

======

If you're doing this without preparation for escalation and without expectation of consequences, you are LARPing.

And LARPing with real police has consequences because it's fucking stupid.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (GBKbO)

411 I like Selleck and his acting, but have found his public comments about the Blue Bloods cancellation to be rather whiny and off-putting.
Posted by: Bigsmith

Magnum PI on mobility scooters might sound strange, but we stand ready to help.

Posted by: Hoveround Corp. at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (oftw2)

412 Trump should have had DF seize Maduro's empanadas on the way out, and eaten one of them in a recreation of his famous "taco bowl" photo.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (BI5O2)

413 >>El Salvador was worse and it's now safer than any American blue city.

Can this get beyond Bukele? Instilling the habits of ordered liberty must overcome the temptation of 'order over all' versus the temptation of 'do as thou wilt'. We've walked an awfully fine line for a long time and it's worrisome as to whether we'll tumble to one side, much less a polity that doesn't yet have the habit. Still praying on this.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:23 PM (NcvvS)

414 Posted by: FenelonSpoke
---

Did she give birth to the children or did she and her pervert lover adopt them?

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (gIcAo)

415 They're so g-ddamn worthless.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (BI5O2)

They're clearly shouting "Meth to Khamenei".

Who wouldn't want to party with that guy?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (06Hmj)

416 Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (kvcnI)

LOL. Well, it was a word search not a Sydney Sweeney search

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (8Xy/A)

417 417 They're so g-ddamn worthless.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (BI5O2)

They're clearly shouting "Meth to Khamenei".

Who wouldn't want to party with that guy?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (06Hmj)

====

It sounded like Boo-urns to me.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (GBKbO)

418 Disagree, TJM, because Venezuela's traditions descend primarily from Spain. It would take generations to instill a liberty mindset there.
Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (NcvvS)

Simon Bolivar certainly had trouble with that task, too.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (rbvCR)

419 I like Selleck and his acting, but have found his public comments about the Blue Bloods cancellation to be rather whiny and off-putting.

The new sequel, Boston Blue, is better than late-period Blue Bloods. Also it demonstrates that Sonequa Martin-Green actually *can* act when she's not trapped in an Alex Kurtzmann show.

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (2ocoG)

420 Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:24 PM (gIcAo)

Don't know

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (8Xy/A)

421 I'm getting a bit sick of this whole "shoot the tires" thing...

Me, too. These people want us to pretend this all happened in a bubble. This wasn't some random person being approach by ICE.

Reports are that she and her team had been stalking and harassing ICE all day. Were they trapped and potentially vulnerable to attack, or was this them reaching their boiling point after playing these games all day? She was intentionally blocking their way. In that context, as well as the overall context of cartel putting bounties out for ICE agents, Democrats trying to force de-masking (essentially doxxing them), and so on, she was a threat that needed to be neutralized by arrest. She chose to flee.
Posted by: Lizzy at January 08, 2026 12:16 PM (NuV6c)
______

I said yesterday that the cops are already enraged and screaming at her when the vid started. This was clearly not their first encounter with this rabid scunt. There was lotsa bad blood already. I theorized yesterday that she's already tried to run the cops over, and they were already on edge. I haven't seen any earlier vid that supports this, so my theory might be wrong. But something went down beforehand.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (iFTx/)

422 A japanese nude buffet with Maduro's likeness as the nude.

Posted by: thug dolphin at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (EyfuW)

423 423
I said yesterday that the cops are already enraged and screaming at her when the vid started. This was clearly not their first encounter with this rabid scunt. There was lotsa bad blood already. I theorized yesterday that she's already tried to run the cops over, and they were already on edge. I haven't seen any earlier vid that supports this, so my theory might be wrong. But something went down beforehand.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (iFTx/)

=======

"She was just trying to put daisies in the barrels of their guns!"

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (GBKbO)

424 Scott Adams not doing well

Posted by: BlackOrchid at January 08, 2026 12:26 PM (emBoF)

425 Posted by: Tom Servo at January 08, 2026 12:19 PM (uWKK

+1, sir.

Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:26 PM (NcvvS)

426 Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (8Xy/A)

You can't kill someone for bad poetry or they would all be dead.

Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (0Sg1Q)

427 There's a fine line between a keffiyeh and a tablecloth
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Houndstooth?
Posted by: weft cut-loop

It ain't nothin' but a houndstooth wrapped around your head
It ain't nothin' but a houndstooth wrapped around your head
Well, it never covered a table and it ain't no friend of mine.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (L/fGl)

428 a neon green dildo

Should we be troubled or amused by your oddly specific choice of color?

Posted by: DaveA at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (FhXTo)

429 People need to stop being afraid of impeachment. It's a joke of a process. Has been since the 1860s.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, barreling through the action thrills with Wolfgang Petersen at January 08, 2026 12:20 PM (GBKbO)
========

Afraid? The Dems are afraid right now of shutting down the government. And if they do take control of the House, the stupidest thing they could do would be to impeach DJT before the midterms.

But, being Dems, doing the stupidest thing possible is certainly on the table.

Posted by: mrp at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (rj6Yv)

430 You can't kill someone for bad poetry or they would all be dead.
Posted by: ... at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (0Sg1Q)

Has anyone really ever tried?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (06Hmj)

431 Is ilhan omar a muz?

That would mean she is allowed to lie to us non-muz.

She might just be a liar by default.

Posted by: connected and litigious at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (cS1cw)

432 Anyone here have a great idea on how to respond to that?"

Yeah but it's not pretty, you have to go what the wife calls Full Fen. About a third of the Left is mentally ill and should be institutionalized. I'm not one to talk, as I am slowly being driven insane but we need more mental wards, and we need to tighten the definition of mentally fit. And I don't know if a human being can be trusted with that kind of power.

Posted by: Fen at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (ciYHQ)

433 Should we be troubled or amused by your oddly specific choice of color?

WNBA callback, I think?

Posted by: Ian S. at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (2ocoG)

434
Delcy needs to be convinced that her only way forward is to ally with the regular military, exterminate the remainder of the Chavista thugs, hold a free and fair election, and then beat feet with her ill-gotten millions.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

==============

100%

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (Uo+RY)

435 Should we be troubled or amused by your oddly specific choice of color?
Posted by: DaveA at January 08, 2026 12:27 PM (FhXTo)

Google "WNBA neon green dildo".

On second thought, don't.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (06Hmj)

436 And, NOOD!

Posted by: Nazdar at January 08, 2026 12:28 PM (NcvvS)

437 Pahlavi thanks Trump for support of Iranian protesters (JPost)

https://tinyurl.com/2seb63sj

Posted by: You Really Don't Want to Know at January 08, 2026 12:29 PM (kvcnI)

438 People need to stop being afraid of impeachment. It's a joke of a process. Has been since the 1860s.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
------
Brits came to that conclusion as well. The last impeachment in the United Kingdom was that of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, in 1806, who was accused of misusing public funds but ultimately acquitted by the House of Lords.

Founders were divided at the Convention. At the time, the famous and failed impeachment of Warren Hastings over his actions in India was occurring (1786 to 1795). He was overwhelmingly acquitted.

For bonus points, the leader of Parliament trying to impeach Hastings was Edmund Burke.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:29 PM (WDjG6)

439 A japanese nude buffet with Maduro's likeness as the nude.
Posted by: thug dolphin at January 08, 2026 12:25 PM (EyfuW)
_________________

Good old very wholesome family-friendly nantaimori!

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade at January 08, 2026 12:29 PM (iFTx/)

440 Killing for bad poetry?

Hairy Reed would have been dead decades ago.

Vogons are a special case.

Posted by: Anna Puma at January 08, 2026 12:30 PM (45BvE)

441
Scott Adams not doing well
Posted by: BlackOrchid

============

He's an amazing fighter.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at January 08, 2026 12:31 PM (Uo+RY)

442 ======

If you're doing this without preparation for escalation and without expectation of consequences, you are LARPing.
---------

We used to call it 'acting out'.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at January 08, 2026 12:31 PM (gIcAo)

443 But, being Dems, doing the stupidest thing possible is certainly on the table.
Posted by: mrp
=====
The ideologues are running the Dem side. The True Believers aka Democrat SOCIALIST Alliance. They are purposefully doubling down like the Commies they are and now publicly expressing their desires for blood, tyranny, and evil.

Posted by: whig at January 08, 2026 12:31 PM (WDjG6)

444 There's a fine line between a keffiyeh and a tablecloth
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Houndstooth?
Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 08, 2026 12:22 PM (mlg/3)

Dish towel>>>tablecloth.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 08, 2026 12:31 PM (8zz6B)

445 Who? Literally: who? I have no idea who 90% of these desperate randos are. It's like every bimbo, THOT, whore, basement-dwelling incel, dork, dyke, dweeb, homo, faggot, ass-pirate, and gay homunulus has some twatter feed that makes them think anyone gives a rat's ass about their opinions.

Posted by: Judge Elric The Blade

Which tells you it's all fake and gay, if they really believed that's how it was they'd be too scared to pass their mental gas publicly.

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at January 08, 2026 12:38 PM (OUMaO)

446 You have t remember - the people in charge of Venezuela are trying to avoid the hang man's noose. Hence any loss of power could result in their death.

On the other hand, I don't think Trump or Rubio have any delusions about this. But as long as the Navy controls all shipping in and out, Venezuela needs to cooperate with us.

Posted by: El Mariachi - Attorney at Law at January 08, 2026 12:44 PM (s/0Zp)

447 The husband of one of Mrs. Wrecks' friends died a couple of days ago. They had a "celebration of life" then assisted him to commit suicide.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Like Shakespeare Except More Betterer at January 08, 2026 12:13 PM (L/fGl)

Awful.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 08, 2026 12:46 PM (Dpscb)

448 Absolutely nailed it, CBD.

Posted by: Caiwyn at January 08, 2026 12:52 PM (OJfxv)

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