Well, it's on TV with Petey pretending to know anything about the military and how they should behave. POS is also on TV pretending he has a clue what the military should be. And it's as bad and pathetic and stupid and pick-your-adjective a (forgive my language and word I never use) fuckfest as it could be. Waiting to see if he wants a new oath from them.
Esprit de Corps did such wonders for the 1914 French Army in Alsace-Lorraine! A military needs some fighting spirit to maintain itself in combat, but they also need sufficient numbers, logistics, intelligence, a reasonable appreciation for the enemy’s capabilities, and good, flexible, planning. A competent opponent will ensure that their forces have their own fighting spirit. This administration has been destroying our intelligence capabilities. I can’t see Hegseth and Trump properly appreciating others’ capabilities. I can’t see either being competent at planning.
Politico: "China has not purchased any U.S. soybeans since May, according to the American Soybean Association. Beijing has pivoted to suppliers in Brazil and Argentina — logging huge orders for Latin American beans and leaving U.S. farmers in the cold and panicking."
So, sell the US soybeans to the markets abandoned by South America when they sold their crops to China ?
I think it is very possible that the Generals are being assembled for the purpose of having them swear out a new oath that includes allegiance to Trump.
Second outrage of Monday- I can't say of the week, because the number for the week will surely be TNTC- is the fact that soybean farmers will be receiving compensation subsidies, quite possibly in part from the extra-legal tariffs working people have paid. Something here seems out of balance. TSTL. I seem to recall we rejected taxations without representation, and the king who tried to impose them, 250 years ago. And we fought a war of separation/protest to be sure it would be understood: we reject supra-legal taxation. Which is what Trump tariffs actually are. Taxes that the supine Congress did not authorize, except through their silent acquiescence on the matter.
Trump's appearance in front of the flag officers contains a message: I am your supreme leader, as commander in chief. And I value loyalty above all else.
Of course he has to show up to the Generals meeting so he has some credibility when he tells his made up "everyone-was-saying-Sir-with-tears-in their-eyes" stories that he has most certainly already concocted.
Also, I sure hope the Generals conduct their talk amongst themselves as if the room has been bugged! cuz you know...
Great article gents. I am very concerned about tomorrow. Here is my latest from last night that describes it, which includes links to the two articles that preceded it. The article talks about the strategic risks of the gathering, the dangers on the ground, and the possible motives for it. Honestly, I see no rational reason for it. I served in the military nearly 40 years and have more academic and military education and experience than Hegseth has. I see nothing good that can come out of it as a historian.
If only ALL persons of active service could/would read this message ... and w/ respect to the youngest of the service-members: Learn American history and know WHO & WHY there are revered commanders! For heaven's sake: Hegseth is a weekend tv host and djt is a draft dodger. Please do not let these men persuade your honor and oath.
Since every Navy aircraft carrier has an admiral on board as task force commander since no carrier sails alone (those nasty submarines!), does tomorrow's meeting mean all such task forces are in suspended animation until those admirals are back aboard? Or is the senior ship commander temporary brevet admiral?
It was reassuring to read Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.)'s article just posted elsewhere here, "What to Expect at the Meeting of the Generals." He believes they will hold to their Oath and training in how they comport themselves in what I see as an insulting summoning beneath their dignity, by two insecure men staging a dog-and-pony-show display of power to aggrandize themselves.
Lt. Gen. Hertling explains it all well. Everytime I listen to him he's a refreshing, steady voice of reason. I appreciate him weighing today, as well as the fine authors of this article. It's good to hear from you all. I learn and gain a lot from the commenters, too. I feel less alone, more assured we will find a way through this terrible time. Thank you all.
I’m betting it will the start of a full court press to demanding personal loyalty to Trump. A trial balloon about expanding the military’s mission to include pacifying US cities. Somewhere in there will be a threat of layoffs.
Well, it's on TV with Petey pretending to know anything about the military and how they should behave. POS is also on TV pretending he has a clue what the military should be. And it's as bad and pathetic and stupid and pick-your-adjective a (forgive my language and word I never use) fuckfest as it could be. Waiting to see if he wants a new oath from them.
Esprit de Corps did such wonders for the 1914 French Army in Alsace-Lorraine! A military needs some fighting spirit to maintain itself in combat, but they also need sufficient numbers, logistics, intelligence, a reasonable appreciation for the enemy’s capabilities, and good, flexible, planning. A competent opponent will ensure that their forces have their own fighting spirit. This administration has been destroying our intelligence capabilities. I can’t see Hegseth and Trump properly appreciating others’ capabilities. I can’t see either being competent at planning.
I have no doubt that world leaders freak out when they see the horror that is the oval office. Trump finally said a true thing. Wow.
.
Politico: "China has not purchased any U.S. soybeans since May, according to the American Soybean Association. Beijing has pivoted to suppliers in Brazil and Argentina — logging huge orders for Latin American beans and leaving U.S. farmers in the cold and panicking."
So, sell the US soybeans to the markets abandoned by South America when they sold their crops to China ?
.
I think it is very possible that the Generals are being assembled for the purpose of having them swear out a new oath that includes allegiance to Trump.
Hegseth engages in SecDef cosplay. Kind of like with his partial push ups. He just demonstrates how out of his depth he is.
These brow beatings will continue until morale improves - do I make myself clear????
I can’t hear you!!!
Second outrage of Monday- I can't say of the week, because the number for the week will surely be TNTC- is the fact that soybean farmers will be receiving compensation subsidies, quite possibly in part from the extra-legal tariffs working people have paid. Something here seems out of balance. TSTL. I seem to recall we rejected taxations without representation, and the king who tried to impose them, 250 years ago. And we fought a war of separation/protest to be sure it would be understood: we reject supra-legal taxation. Which is what Trump tariffs actually are. Taxes that the supine Congress did not authorize, except through their silent acquiescence on the matter.
Trump's appearance in front of the flag officers contains a message: I am your supreme leader, as commander in chief. And I value loyalty above all else.
Of course he has to show up to the Generals meeting so he has some credibility when he tells his made up "everyone-was-saying-Sir-with-tears-in their-eyes" stories that he has most certainly already concocted.
Also, I sure hope the Generals conduct their talk amongst themselves as if the room has been bugged! cuz you know...
Great article gents. I am very concerned about tomorrow. Here is my latest from last night that describes it, which includes links to the two articles that preceded it. The article talks about the strategic risks of the gathering, the dangers on the ground, and the possible motives for it. Honestly, I see no rational reason for it. I served in the military nearly 40 years and have more academic and military education and experience than Hegseth has. I see nothing good that can come out of it as a historian.
Here is the link: https://dundas.substack.com/p/almost-all-the-eggs-in-one-basket
All the best and watch you collective sixes.
Steve Dundas
If only ALL persons of active service could/would read this message ... and w/ respect to the youngest of the service-members: Learn American history and know WHO & WHY there are revered commanders! For heaven's sake: Hegseth is a weekend tv host and djt is a draft dodger. Please do not let these men persuade your honor and oath.
Since every Navy aircraft carrier has an admiral on board as task force commander since no carrier sails alone (those nasty submarines!), does tomorrow's meeting mean all such task forces are in suspended animation until those admirals are back aboard? Or is the senior ship commander temporary brevet admiral?
In fact, they outrank Trump and Pete (who must remain seated on the floor for the group picture).
It was reassuring to read Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.)'s article just posted elsewhere here, "What to Expect at the Meeting of the Generals." He believes they will hold to their Oath and training in how they comport themselves in what I see as an insulting summoning beneath their dignity, by two insecure men staging a dog-and-pony-show display of power to aggrandize themselves.
Lt. Gen. Hertling explains it all well. Everytime I listen to him he's a refreshing, steady voice of reason. I appreciate him weighing today, as well as the fine authors of this article. It's good to hear from you all. I learn and gain a lot from the commenters, too. I feel less alone, more assured we will find a way through this terrible time. Thank you all.
I’m betting it will the start of a full court press to demanding personal loyalty to Trump. A trial balloon about expanding the military’s mission to include pacifying US cities. Somewhere in there will be a threat of layoffs.