The War

[Fryowa]

#1 I agree with you 100%. Our administration has changed their stance on why they started the war a few times. The only thing that actually tracks... Israel.

#2 Also agree.

The one comment I have about regime change: Do folks think that an arial campaign will cause regime change in Iran? I am highly doubtful that it will, which means sending ground troops if that is the actual goal. This means spilling of blood and treasure (ours).

Iran cannot hold the world economy hostage with Hormuz. Look at what's happening in Australia with fuel and that's just the tip of the iceberg. It isn't just prices. Certain countries are going to hoard, and that is going to lead to really bad things soon that will also probably include deaths. Economies failing also causes deaths to the people least able to do anything about it. If a ground invasion will open it back up, it will have to be a ground invasion. Again, regime change is needed, and the SOH needs to be opened. This is dirty because of the way it's being done, but it needs to happen.

 

[Hawkboys]

A more activated populace may result in more voter participation. While you (may) believe that all politicians are the same, there is something especially odious about the Drumpf administration. These are not usual times, with dems and republicans sparring. While corruption always existed, this is a new level. You may disagree, but the current bunch of dumbassess in our federal government may be working to end democracy as we know it. I think that's worth fighting for, and it isn't impossible to bend that curve. Millions of Americans are really pissed about this, and if it means going back to somewhat corrupt but stable (in terms of our democracy, checks and balances, and the like), I'm all for it. I don't think it's at all hopeless, and it's people who shrug their shoulders who are the problem. I'm aok if you feel hopeless about it, but don't project that apathy and hopelessness onto others.

We live in a Republic

 

[Westernhawk]

We live in a Republic

Specifically, America is (or at least was) a democratic republic. It's democratic in that authority comes from the people (citizens vote, and political power requires public consent) It's a Republic in that power is exercised through representatives and constrained by law. The constitution LIMITS government power, and individual rights cannot be overridden by a simple majority vote.

Lots of people getting involved and active in our political process is a healthy thing. Protests activate and unite people, and support our system of checks and balances. Sometimes new leaders emerge out of these times.

It concerns me that the (now weakened) MAGA fools have no comprehension of how our government is supposed to run. Congress has the purse strings, for example. The Justice Department doesn't just work for the president. Same with the Supreme Court.

I'm cautiously optimistic that our Democratic Republic will withstand all of this bullshit. I'm not sure what your point was, but hopefully we can all agree that people should be aware of issues, and do their best to ensure that their voices are somehow represented, and that not only mega billionaire oligarchs have a voice. Fryiowa may be right, in that it's hopeless and the oligarchs have already won. I hope not. I hope our Democratic Republic survives the current authoritarian era.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

When you said "MAGA" it moved a little bit!!

 

[Fryowa]

Specifically, America is (or at least was) a democratic republic. It's democratic in that authority comes from the people (citizens vote, and political power requires public consent) It's a Republic in that power is exercised through representatives and constrained by law. The constitution LIMITS government power, and individual rights cannot be overridden by a simple majority vote.

That is our government in theory and on paper. Not in reality.

And I'm sorry, the democrats do just as much shady shit as the republicans. It's just that you choose not to acknowledge it because what they do you agree with.

Both sides are equally corrupt.

 

[HuckFinn]

#1 - So we are trying to install a new regime? Was that the point of the war? If it was, what's the plan for installing a new regime? We have a poor track record of success in that area, it is extremely hard to accomplish that, it typically involves years or even decades of US involvement, and I do not want to use US blood and treasure for that goal, especially without a very detailed plan that is also outlined to congress and ultimately approved.

#2 - We were told that the US strikes in June completely obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities. Was this not true? If we fell short, how so?

#2: Blatant lie documented multiple sources.

 

[Westernhawk]

When you said "MAGA" it moved a little bit!!

Wow that's really weird.