Drumbeats category archive
All That Was Old Is New Again 0
At the Des Moines Register, Richard Cherwitz reminds us of another purported “attack” in another gulf which was used to justify another war for a lie, this one in a country whose name did not start with “I.”.
Flirting with War 0
Thom fears another Great and Glorious War for a Lie in a Country whose Name Starts with “I.”
In Security 0
I tend to be skeptical when persons raise concerns about “national security.” Too often that phrase is used to either intrude illegitimately into areas that are nobody’s business or to hide official misconduct or, perhaps more often, official acts of stupid.
Nevertheless, “national security” is a real thing and ignoring or weakening it costs blood and treasure, as when President George the Worst ignored warnings that Osama Bin Laden was determined to attack the U. S.
In The Guardian, Jeffrey H. Smith argues that Donald Trump and his administration are inimical to legitimate national security. Here’s an excerpt:
Second, some of his actions and utterances are so far outside the bounds of responsible presidential conduct that many professionals who serve in the national security agencies lack confidence in him as commander-in-chief. Much damage has been done and whether it can be repaired, and if so how, is not clear.
Do please follow the link.
“We’ve Heard This Song Before” 0
Thom discusses evangelism and evangelical causes and the danger thereof when they become political.
He starts by somewhat awkwardly establishing a premise the Communism was an evangelical movement, that, one that wished to convince persons to follow it to the exclusion of others, and moves on to argue that evangelical movements can lead to crusades. It’s not as polished as his usual presentations, but I think it’s well worth a listen.
Teed Off 0
Will Bunch:
The good news is that the experts still believe, despite the insane rhetoric and threats from both sides, that a nuclear war involving the United States, North Korea, and assorted allies is highly unlikely. In that sense, it’s a little like comedian Steven Wright’s joke about his plan to live forever: so far, so good.
Follow the link.
Image via Job’s Anger.
From Wimp to Warrior 0
Thom discusses “little wars” as a political tactic.
Damage Control 0
Farron describes how members of the Trump administration are trying to clean up the mess after the Trumpler-in-Chief’s warmongering rhetoric about North Korea.
War and Mongers of War 0
Given Donald Trump’s disdain for diplomacy, Tracey Rubin sees more blood in the sand (and the forests, and the cities, and the seas).
President Donald Trump not only wants to slash the State Department’s budget by a third but clearly considers the department unnecessary. His vision of foreign policy revolves around military strikes and arranging mythical “big deals.”
Meantime, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson conducts diplomacy as if he were still the god-head of Exxon Mobil, consulting only a few aides while gutting the department. Most key posts and many crucial ambassadorships remain vacant.
Image via The Bob Cesca Show Blog.
Afterthought:
Big deals.
Right.
Trumpling the Bomb 0
I remember sitting on the side porch in the 1950s and feeling relief that, in the event of World War III, we were within the radius of the nuclear attack that would most certainly be delivered to Norfolk Naval Base, so I would not be around for the aftermath.
If Trump wins, I can comfort myself with that same thought.
Via TPM.
War and Mongers of War 0
Jim Wright hears the war drums. Here’s a bit; follow the link for the rest.
We’ve got to do something. We’ve got to kill some people, man!
War, it’s always the answer.
War, it’s what Jesus would do. That’s what The Decider would do! That’s what Reagan would do! War! War! War!
