Political Posts

[John Hjorth]

41 minutes ago, Gregmal said:

In a way, it's similar to the narrative around a local issue. Here on 30A, theres this nagging hot topic of "customary use". It basically means beaches are private, minus the 5 ft space of wet sand. One of the big cases, involves a fairly famous dude, Backstreet Boy, Brian Littrell. It's presented as if hes a greedy psycho rich guy with private security that quickly confronts anyone walking on the part of the beach thats within his parcel. His adversary, is some supposedly retired lady from Freeport. Freeport meaning she has to drive over the bridge and pass a bunch of public beach access points, to get to the spot she likes to camp out at, on Littrells property. Well, Littrell has sued here in Walton County Court. The predominant "narrative" amongst locals and the media is that Littrell bad, nuisance lady good. They went to court, and eventually the case was dismissed in favor of the lady on a technicality. Littrells lawyers refiled the suite...on and on. Every time, the narrative is "lady destroys greedy backstreet boy in court"...what really occurred? Retired lady who needs Gofundme to pay for her legal expenses, got a case dismissed, and rich backstreet boy who's spending money thats immaterial to him, just tells his lawyer, "rinse, repeat"...if nothing else, just cuz he CAN spend more than this lady. And because in reality, her "victories" and "destroys him in court"'s end up harming her dearly(just like "winning" by "surviving" despite known names being blown up and those anons hiding in bunkers...). While only merely being "annoying" to Littrell. The same narrative vs reality more or less exists with the US/Iran war. Folks need to be sensational and redefine victories based on narratives, not realities. And those that chose to do so and actually believe it, are stupider because of it. 

 

LoLz, it's just hilarious! 

 

I think you should advice Brian Littrell to give this specimen of a woman a huge smack every time she camps on his parcel, and all his problems with this lady will evaporate instantly! - Works great! 

Edited April 14 by John Hjorth

[73 Reds]

2 minutes ago, Parsad said:

 

Wait a sec...this is your exact quote to me saying that the Obama deal wasn't as bad as critics made out, and a tiny fraction of the current cost far exceeds what was spent!

 

 

So who changed the subject?  You brought Canada into a discussion that was about the Obama deal by the U.S. 

 

You do this all the time...so does Cubs!  Flip-floppers!  "Oh yeah, but Canada did this...NATO cowards did this...who bailed France's ass last time...maybe get some balls and do it yourself!"  

 

Getting tiresome...actually, exhausting...that's why I flip-flop between this site and everything else I have to do all day!  Cheers!

What??? The original Obama deal was the worst deal ever made.  I have no idea what you are looking at or seeing.  Also have no idea why it is so hard to understand that since 1948 Israel has wanted one thing and one thing only:  To be left alone and not threatened and attacked.  Hasn't happened yet but there is always the chance with Iran neutered and better relations among its neighbors that will benefit the whole neighborhood.

[73 Reds]

11 minutes ago, Parsad said:

 

Wait a sec...this is your exact quote to me saying that the Obama deal wasn't as bad as critics made out, and a tiny fraction of the current cost far exceeds what was spent!

 

 

So who changed the subject?  You brought Canada into a discussion that was about the Obama deal by the U.S. 

 

You do this all the time...so does Cubs!  Flip-floppers!  "Oh yeah, but Canada did this...NATO cowards did this...who bailed France's ass last time...maybe get some balls and do it yourself!"  

 

Getting tiresome...actually, exhausting...that's why I flip-flop between this site and everything else I have to do all day!  Cheers!

Sanjeev, Canada has been -0- help in this regard. Your attitude speaks for itself. You guys mistakenly believed that Iran was only a problem for the US.  Can't help you if you still think that.

Edited April 14 by 73 Reds
word

[cubsfan]

32 minutes ago, SharperDingaan said:

We're just for crude to start flowing again; so far, WTI is down USD 6+ today, and still falling ....

 

Lower gas prices always welcome, along with the strong probability of being able to buy back stock, in quantity, for a lot less that we sold it at. Never waste a good opportunity 

 

The 'navy/force projection' thing? It's 2026 and a different world, these things are a time limited engagement. Every wartime both sides bring up their heavy ordinance, they pound each other, and typically sink because of some thing that hadn't been conceived of. Evolution.

 

The 'blockade' thing. Friends remind that its great for business  but the reality is that they seldom work unless enforced, and are in place for a great many months. A few weeks just makes some folks richer, but doesn't really change anything. 

 

The obvious nearer term solution is a permanent UN naval security force, using existing gulf bases; US out, UN in. No Iranian nukes for X years, reparation payments (via toll fee's) across the Gulf for the same X years. War stops for everyone, the US goes home, and resumed trade starts working all these additional costs down.

 

What happens after that ? ... keep the long straddles on Orange Boy 

 

SD

 

That would certainly be nice to see a UN blockade...and the US leave...

 

Until then, the US & Israel hold all the cards - whether it's the blockade, take out infrastructure, take out Kharg Island - all without the ability of the nutcase regime being able to touch the US military.

 

Trump's restrain is amazing, economic strangulation may just do the job.

 

Only crazy mullahs would start a war with 11 countries at once - and piss off their Arab neighbors- turning the whole ME against them.

[jm25]

There's no way @cubsfan isn't trolling all of you. I refuse to believe someone that is active on an investing forum can be so dumb. He has to be a troll based on how he talks about blindly following Trump. I refuse to believe that someone who is legitimately intelligent can think his dumb pedophile President can do no wrong. 

 

[Libs]

19 minutes ago, jm25 said:

There's no way @cubsfan isn't trolling all of you. I refuse to believe someone that is active on an investing forum can be so dumb. He has to be a troll based on how he talks about blindly following Trump. I refuse to believe that someone who is legitimately intelligent can think his dumb pedophile President can do no wrong. 

 

 

You need to re-think your assumptions. And maybe look in the mirror - this is the attitude that got Trump elected.

 

 

Edited April 14 by Libs

[cubsfan]

22 minutes ago, Libs said:

 

You need to re-think your assumptions. And maybe look in the mirror - this is the attitude that got Trump elected.

 

Don't be too hard on him. He gets his "facts" from the BBC!

[John Hjorth]

33 minutes ago, Libs said:

You need to re-think your assumptions. And maybe look in the mirror - this is the attitude that got Trump elected.

 

I'm personally of the opinion, that the exchanges here in this topic hasen't ever moved as much as just one US vote. Topic still interesting and educational though, it's somewhat cultural, too.

[cubsfan]

Trump getting his ass kicked, LOL

 

 

 

[changegonnacome]

1 hour ago, cubsfan said:

Only crazy mullahs would start a war with 11 countries at once - and piss off their Arab neighbors- turning the whole ME against them.

 

The mullahs aren't that crazy if you measure it by the seriousness by which the chief protagonists are trying to get a deal done here @cubsfan 

 

Pre-War: 

Iran was talking not face-to-face with the United States about a deal.....nope Iran was shuttling messages via intermediaries in Geneva to a NYC property developer who happens to play golf with the President and Ivanka's husband.

 

Post-War: 

The Iranian negotiating delegation met with the Vice President of the United States - JD Vance for 21 hours for face-to-face talks.

 

Tune out the noise and ask yourself just based on the personnel & format of negotiations pre and post hostitlites starting......which sides desire to get a deal done has increased here relative to the past?

 

The strategy Iran has taken - is not crazy at all, they took a bad hand and played it as well as it could be played IMO.  I'm not saying they have all the cards here for a second but its strategically inaccurate to call what they've done crazy, its been effective relative to their capabilities and the results are in what we just saw at the weekend.

 

Their crazy mullah escalatory strategy has resulted in them going from the shuttle diplomacy of passing notes back and forward with Tweedle Dum (Witcoff) and Tweedle Dee (Kushner) in Geneva to speaking directly face to face with the Vice President of the United States of America for 21 hours.

 

 

[Castanza]

2 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

 

I'm personally of the opinion, that the exchanges here in this topic hasen't ever moved as much as just one US vote. Topic still interesting and educational though, it's somewhat cultural, too.

 

People overcomplicate the last few elections. Have we not just flip flopped back and forth with increased outrage culture and increasingly circus like politicians? Trump 1 (asshole but the market performed...then covid...) Biden 1 (Something familiar, but a bit long in the microwave), Trump 3 (Ya know, I liked those market returns from Trump 1. Sprinkle in some "Murica Hell Yeah!" slogans and some more ass kissing.....oops).....

 

Who's next? My guess is a Dem that will have to spend a lot of time ass kissing global bureaucrats to repair relationships. They will probably spend the first few years of their term trying to rollback any Trump policies and executive orders by simultaneously utilizing executive orders which will then trigger the "Right" which will label them as a flavor of the month "ist" and lay the foundation for the next election. 

 

The two party system really is a vicious cycle...

 

 

[73 Reds]

17 minutes ago, John Hjorth said:

 

I'm personally of the opinion, that the exchanges here in this topic hasen't ever moved as much as just one US vote. Topic still interesting and educational though, it's somewhat cultural, too.

John, to your point, the few regular posters here on this thread are merely an echo chamber.  Others who read the thread but don't post may learn, laugh or just shake their heads.   Ideology does have a lot to do with the posts people make here.  Together with the extent and degree the issues personally affect each poster.  From my vantage point, there are a lot of posts made here by folks who have a beautifully ideological desire for peace in a World more realistically filled with hatred and conflict.  The former is not possible without resolving the latter.       

[cubsfan]

12 minutes ago, changegonnacome said:

 

The mullahs aren't that crazy if you measure it by the seriousness by which the chief protagonists are trying to get a deal done here @cubsfan 

 

Pre-War: 

Iran was talking not face-to-face with the United States about a deal.....nope Iran was shuttling messages via intermediaries in Geneva to a NYC property developer who happens to play golf with the President and Ivanka's husband.

 

Post-War: 

The Iranian negotiating delegation met with the Vice President of the United States - JD Vance for 21 hours for face-to-face talks.

 

Tune out the noise and ask yourself just based on the personnel & format of negotiations pre and post hostitlites starting......which sides desire to get a deal done has increased here relative to the past?

 

The strategy Iran has taken - is not crazy at all, they took a bad hand and played it as well as it could be played IMO.  I'm not saying they have all the cards here for a second but its strategically inaccurate to call what they've done crazy, its been effective relative to their capabilities and the results are in what we just saw at the weekend.

 

Their crazy mullah escalatory strategy has resulted in them going from the shuttle diplomacy of passing notes back and forward with Tweedle Dum (Witcoff) and Tweedle Dee (Kushner) in Geneva to speaking directly face to face with the Vice President of the United States of America for 21 hours.

 

 

 

You have some incredible logic here Change. 

 

You don't "willingly" allow your Army, Navy, Military assets, nuclear assets, manufacturing assets and hundreds of your leaders be killed - and then claim you have the leverage over the US. Meanwhile, while Israel has suffered, there is not a scratch on the USA, except the increased odds of a mid-term loss - which was always around 80% historically.

 

So now they drag it out a little bit more, risk another attack on remaining critical assets.  Trump is honoring the ceasefire - which is great - and Iran is getting all the rope they need to hang themselves.

 

Long term - Iran is cooked.  No one will ever trust them again - the Arab states will build more pipelines.  Their influence has been destroyed due to their own stupidity and arrogance.

[Libs]

From "some guy on the internet". Interesting take on Iran's biggest folly of them all.....

 

 

What the IRGC failed to account for was the weight of the political debt it had accumulated across the Arab world. For decades, Tehran positioned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the sacred center of Arab political life, consecrating every Iranian intervention and branding every Arab government that resisted as a traitor to Islam. The goal was to hijack Arab grievances and convert them into cover for the Islamic Republic’s conquest.

The Revolutionary Guard was the instrument of that conquest, deployed across the region to construct parallel states, capture financial systems, and install political figures whose survival depended entirely on Iranian patronage.

In Iraq, 67 armed factions tied to the Popular Mobilization Forces, collectively claiming some 230,000 personnel, consumed roughly $3.5 billion annually from the national treasury while Iraqi prime ministers governed with Tehran’s permission rather than a popular mandate.

In Syria, Iran poured billions into the Bashar al-Assad regime and transformed a once-sovereign Arab state into a forward operating base for revolutionary power projection. In 2013, Mehdi Taeb, the head of the Iranian regime’s Ammar Base think tank, called Syria “Iran’s 35th province.”

Farther south, Houthi commanders answering directly to the IRGC held the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which 10 percent of global seaborne trade passes, perpetually hostage.

Every theater followed the same logic: subordinate Arab sovereignty to the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary ambition, then present the occupation as resistance.

Arab populations ground down under this revolutionary machinery had long recognized the enterprise for what it was. As far back as 2017, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as “the new Hitler of the Middle East.” During Operation Epic Fury, Faiq al-Sheikh Ali, a former member of the Iraqi parliament, stated that “I am Arab. I see humiliation from the Iranians. I do not see any humiliation from any Israeli.” The Arab world had been keeping score for years, and the IRGC had given it no shortage of reasons to reach that judgment.

This is why the second objective, fracturing Gulf alignment, failed. To make matters worse for Tehran, the regime had spent the weeks before the talks in Islamabad striking the very states on whose neutrality the strategy required, hitting desalination plants and oil facilities across the Gulf and curdling any residual sympathy in those countries into open hostility. Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) minister of industry and advanced technology, stated that the strait has never been under Iranian control in any manner that would permit Tehran to legally close or restrict international shipping. The Gulf States reinforced the American posture directly, and the political dividend Tehran had assumed would follow from economic disruption never materialized.

[LC]

Quote

In The Phantom Menace, the Trade Federation blockades Naboo with battleships to protest the taxation of trade routes, acting under orders from Darth Sidious to force Queen Amidala into signing a treaty. This staged crisis aimed to give the Federation control over the planet while accelerating Chancellor Valorum's downfall, setting the stage for Senator Palpatine's rise

 

Reminds me of something I just can't put my finger on it...

[ourkid8]

5 hours ago, 73 Reds said:

Also have no idea why it is so hard to understand that since 1948 Israel has wanted one thing and one thing only:  To be left alone and not threatened and attacked.  Hasn't happened yet but there is always the chance with Iran neutered and better relations among its neighbors that will benefit the whole neighborhood.

That's why some of their soldiers are proudly rocking "Greater Israel" patches that stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates like it's a real estate brochure from God. 

 

Totally peaceful vibes. Just a humble little startup nation minding its own business while casually sketching out plans to colonize Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, parts of Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. You know, the usual "please stop attacking us" expansion pack. 

Nothing says "we want peace and security" like unofficial IDF morale patches advertising biblical conquest DLC. 

 

But yeah,  it's Iran that's the real expansionist threat here. Those evil Iranians with their... checks notes... no nuclear weapons, no Greater Iran patches on soldiers, and a habit of existing in their own borders while fighting for their very own survival. 
 

The sheer audacity of wanting to be left alone while your troops wear maps of the Middle East as their personal manifest destiny starter kit is Olympic-level gaslighting. 

 

Keep telling yourself it's all defensive. The patches don't lie.- please see a picture of the land Israel is planning to steal as a point of reference. 
 

Edited April 14 by ourkid8

[ourkid8]

5 hours ago, cubsfan said:

 

That would certainly be nice to see a UN blockade...and the US leave...

 

Until then, the US & Israel hold all the cards - whether it's the blockade, take out infrastructure, take out Kharg Island - all without the ability of the nutcase regime being able to touch the US military.

 

Trump's restrain is amazing, economic strangulation may just do the job.

 

Only crazy mullahs would start a war with 11 countries at once - and piss off their Arab neighbors- turning the whole ME against them.

 

Cool story! 

 

Meanwhile, South Korea just dispatched a special envoy to Tehran to discuss trade and secure safe passage for its 26 stranded ships and 173 crew members stuck in the Hormuz mess. Japan is actively holding high-level talks (including PM-level discussions) with Iran for the exact same reason.

 

Why are America’s top Asian allies flying straight to Tehran right now? Because they import over 90% of their oil from the Middle East. The blockade and chaos in Hormuz are choking their economies, spiking energy prices, and leaving their tankers dead in the water.

Even while the US claims total control and turns back a few ships for the cameras, its own allies are quietly going around the "maximum pressure" script to cut deals directly with Iran. Chinese tankers are already slipping through. Now Seoul and Tokyo are in Tehran trying to protect their energy lifelines.

This is what "winning" looks like? Alienating your own partners so badly that they have to negotiate with the country you're blockading?

Iran still holds the real cards in the strait — and the world’s biggest oil importers know it. The royal flush isn't on the table yet, but the big players are already positioning themselves at the table with Tehran instead of waiting for Washington’s permission.

The official narrative is cracking faster than the blockade itself. 
 

[Gregmal]

Im shocked that none of the usual jerkoffs havent raged about the articles claiming "Trump said Diet Coke prevents cancer!" LMFAO. Maybe theyve started taking tranquilizers? Cuz they sure never learn....

[Parsad]

1 hour ago, LC said:

 

Reminds me of something I just can't put my finger on it...

 

So that would make Iran the rebels in this?  Yeah, I don't think so!  

 

Now, Trump as the Emperor...yeah, spot on!  Cheers!
 

[Parsad]

35 minutes ago, Gregmal said:

Im shocked that none of the usual jerkoffs havent raged about the articles claiming "Trump said Diet Coke prevents cancer!" LMFAO. Maybe theyve started taking tranquilizers? Cuz they sure never learn....

 

He did say tariffs would reduce the trade deficit...but we hit a record in 2025!  And now he is starting to pay them back...go figure.  Crazy jerkoffs that never learn!     Cheers!

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/us-set-launch-tariff-refund-182140281.html

[ourkid8]

Ignore the IAEA Director General, who stated on March 2, 2026, that Iran has no structured program to build nuclear weapons right now — despite its ambitious nuclear activities.

 

According to Trump and Netanyahu, Iran was just two weeks away from having a nuclear bomb.

 

Trump repeatedly claimed that before the U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran was only two weeks from developing and potentially using a nuclear weapon against Israel and the U.S. Netanyahu has echoed similar urgency, warning for years (and again recently) that Iran could produce a bomb in a matter of weeks or months if not stopped immediately.

So while the world’s top nuclear watchdog sees no active weapons program, the dynamic duo once again declared an imminent existential threat — just two weeks from disaster. 

 

Classic. Can we officially put any discussion on nuclear weapons to bed?  
 

Our focus should be discussing the only country in the Middle East who are erratic with nuclear weapons! 
 

@Parsad @cubsfan @73 Reds @changegonnacome @John Hjorth

 

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-israel-us-strikes-2026/card/iaea-chief-says-iran-has-no-structured-program-to-build-nuclear-weapons-currently-1IYdJPyg8uIZqlGS8Gni

Edited April 15 by ourkid8

[Hoodlum]

20 minutes ago, Parsad said:

 

He did say tariffs would reduce the trade deficit...but we hit a record in 2025!  And now he is starting to pay them back...go figure.  Crazy jerkoffs that never learn!     Cheers!

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/us-set-launch-tariff-refund-182140281.html

LOL.  Talk about wasting tax dollars.  I wonder what the costs were to administer the collection and then the refund of these tariffs.  What a boondoggle.   

 

Edited April 15 by Hoodlum

[Parsad]

41 minutes ago, ourkid8 said:

Ignore the IAEA Director General, who stated on March 2, 2026, that Iran has no structured program to build nuclear weapons right now — despite its ambitious nuclear activities.

 

According to Trump and Netanyahu, Iran was just two weeks away from having a nuclear bomb.

 

Trump repeatedly claimed that before the U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran was only two weeks from developing and potentially using a nuclear weapon against Israel and the U.S. Netanyahu has echoed similar urgency, warning for years (and again recently) that Iran could produce a bomb in a matter of weeks or months if not stopped immediately.

So while the world’s top nuclear watchdog sees no active weapons program, the dynamic duo once again declared an imminent existential threat — just two weeks from disaster. 

 

Classic. Can we officially put any discussion on nuclear weapons to bed?  
 

Our focus should be discussing the only country in the Middle East who are erratic with nuclear weapons! 
 

@Parsad @cubsfan @73 Reds @changegonnacome @John Hjorth

 

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-israel-us-strikes-2026/card/iaea-chief-says-iran-has-no-structured-program-to-build-nuclear-weapons-currently-1IYdJPyg8uIZqlGS8Gni

 

That was Trump's ruse/lie to justify his attack...everyone knows that Iran wasn't close to having a nuke.  But they certainly are doing a hell of a lot more than just developing energy by enriching at much higher levels than necessary.  

 

So, no we can't put nuclear weapons to bed with Iran or other countries aspiring to have nukes...or the other erratic countries in the Middle East and elsewhere that have nukes already!  Cheers!

[ourkid8]

1 hour ago, Parsad said:

the other erratic countries in the Middle East and elsewhere that have nukes already!  Cheers!

 

Israel’s Nuclear Status Should Concern Every One of Us

 

Israel is the only nuclear-armed country in the Middle East, with an estimated 80–90 warheads. It has never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and remains completely outside the global nuclear control system.

It has repeatedly defied IAEA calls and multiple UN resolutions demanding that it place its nuclear facilities under international safeguards and inspections. This defiance has continued for decades, including ignoring specific UN Security Council resolutions calling for transparency.

On top of that, Israel maintains the Samson Option — its alleged doctrine of massive nuclear retaliation if the state’s existence is ever threatened. Named after the biblical figure who pulled down the temple on himself and his enemies, it’s basically a “if we go down, we take everyone with us” doomsday policy.

This should concern everyone. 

 

An undeclared nuclear power that refuses all transparency, ignores international resolutions, operates with zero IAEA oversight, and holds a built-in “destroy the region” last resort option — all in one of the most volatile parts of the world. No accountability. No inspections. No guardrails.

This isn’t a minor policy detail. This is one of the most dangerous blind spots in global security. A nuclear-armed state with a Samson mindset and total opacity creates enormous escalation risks if any major war breaks out.

To me, this is legitimately one of the largest long-term threats to global stability. The world quietly accepts it because… well, it’s Israel. But that doesn’t make it safe.

 

What do you think? Should any country get a permanent free pass on nuclear weapons and zero transparency? @Parsad

[lnofeisone]

3 hours ago, ourkid8 said:

That's why some of their soldiers are proudly rocking "Greater Israel" patches that stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates like it's a real estate brochure from God. 

 

The image you are referencing came from a known source that produces false information. This very same image has been picked up by multiple bots and spread all over Twitter.

 

1) I can go as far as to tell you that this patch was AI-generated and can show you the original patch that was used to make it.

2) Can you back up your claim -  "some of their soldiers" - and show 5 or 6 examples of soldiers wearing this patch in the wild?

 

I suspect your outrage is as manufactured as this patch is, and your objectivity towards Israel and Israeli/Palestinian conflict is very much compromised.