Bret Stephens argues we are overspending on a military preparing to fight the last war. He's probably right and we can only hope the future does not prove it.
Left unmentioned - the next Democratic Presidential nominee will have no trouble finding places to cut the defense budget. Sensible investments in our defense? There is a bipartisan blind spot when it comes to reform and re-direction:
So what stops it? The answer is what Brose’s old boss, the late John McCain, called the military-industrial-congressional complex.
“Military pilots and ship drivers are no more eager to lose their jobs to intelligent machines than factory workers are,” Brose writes. “Defense companies that make billions selling traditional systems are as welcoming of disruptions to their business model as the taxi cab industry has been of Uber and Lyft. And as all this resistance inevitably translates into disgruntled constituents, members of Congress will have enormous incentives to stymie change.”
When the top brass rose through the ranks aspiring to lead a carrier fleet it is harder to find someone pounding the table for unmanned drones. OK, that is an example of a weapon that has literally and figuratively taken off, but still - unmanned boats and subs ought to be off the drawing boards by now.
Levin played his phone interview with DJT last night; Donnie Two Scoops never fails to get in a small dig about Ol' Yeller not always having been in his corner, which he quickly follows up with praise for Ted Cruz.
Posted by: Captain Hate | April 27, 2019 at 07:24 AM
I thought Trump was on Hannity on Thursday? Didn't Sara Carter then speak about the interview?
I think Salisbury Mistake is trying to be a first to market tweeter.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 07:29 AM
I think that's correct, TK; even though Levin likes Hannity, he made a point when leading up to playing his interview, which had been taped yesterday afternoon, that he likes to let the interviewee to respond uninterruptedly.
Posted by: Captain Hate | April 27, 2019 at 07:34 AM
Hmmmm, the interviewee respond uninterruptedly.
Posted by: Captain Hate | April 27, 2019 at 07:35 AM
jim-
Even if the marines have not changed their requirements, if the geometry and trig preskills are no longer part of the k-12 curricula exposure of marine recruits because of the shift to integrated, conceptual math curricula and 'productive struggle' that isn't, that's the problem in part.
Posted by: rse | April 27, 2019 at 07:39 AM
https://dailycaller.com/2019/04/26/rod-rosenstein-mueller-report/
This is a story reporting on Rosenstein's speech Thursday night.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 07:41 AM
Threadkiller,
I see I wasn't sarcastic enough in my introduction to Salisbury's tweet.
You are correct about Thursday being when the interview with President Trump aired.
I don't really see any significance in the scheduling, myself. I suppose I could be wrong.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 07:44 AM
Paul Sperry
@paulsperry_
10h10 hours ago
DEVELOPING: Obama CIA under scrutiny for possible illegal DOMESTIC SPYING during the 2016 campaign, as former top intelligence official said to be cooperating with Barr review
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 07:45 AM
https://thefederalist.com/2018/05/29/obama-says-didnt-scandals/#.XMI3DUCEJII.twitter
Headline: Obama Says ‘I Didn’t Have Scandals.’ So What Are All These?
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 07:49 AM
Sorry, MM. I wasn't sure what I was reading.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 07:50 AM
WHY WOULD TUCKER, HANNITY AND LAURA be off air for that reason? Can they not keep their mouths shut?
Posted by: Jane | April 27, 2019 at 07:52 AM
MM, If Obama had scandals and the media didn't report them, are they still a scandals? Asking for a friend.
Posted by: hoyden | April 27, 2019 at 07:53 AM
Headline: Obama Says ‘I Didn’t Have Scandals.’ So What Are All These?
He must throw that crap out there to keep Martha Raddatz to stop crying on the air.
Posted by: Captain Hate | April 27, 2019 at 07:55 AM
hoyden,
Good question. Obama seems to use the absence of reporting on bad things he did as proof that he was blameless.
I, however, think his administration did plenty of bad stuff. Sins hidden are still sins.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 07:58 AM
RSE,
I hadn't thought about that, you do need rapid math skills to be a sniper. lots of calculations involved.
Nytol.
Posted by: jim nj | April 27, 2019 at 07:59 AM
Obama is like the guy caught cheating by his wife.
Even if she catches you in bed with her, deny, deny, deny.
Posted by: Buckeye | April 27, 2019 at 08:01 AM
It's gonna take me an hour to catch up on this thread, but first...
JohnH: congrats on your lunch with henry, Melinda and GUS. I'm sooper jealous. Three of my favorite guys, even if Mel is a girl. ;)
Momto2: The W.C. Handy Festival is very laid back and features some wonderful local and regional talent. The quad cities area is lovely - hope you make it over!!
Posted by: Beasts of England | April 27, 2019 at 08:03 AM
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/former-state-department-official-spied-for-china-since-2007/
This story has more details on the case, including that this is the first Chinese spying case prosecuted in TEN YEARS.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:04 AM
Like most men, I've learned the hard way about the perils associated with guessing the weight of women, but do any of you have any idea of what the gross tonnage of Mega McCain is? Because I saw a side view of her in a clip from The View and even a detractor such as I was shocked by how huge she was.
Posted by: Captain Hate | April 27, 2019 at 08:06 AM
MM, "Sins hidden are still sins."
Absolutely true. Obama believes he can cheat life and get away with it. Millions of people have chosen that path. Some seem to get away with cheating but the vast majority get caught. Just like with criminals who believe they can beat the law.
Maybe Obama doesn't really believe in an all-knowing God who knows our every action, thought, and feeling.
Posted by: hoyden | April 27, 2019 at 08:08 AM
She looks like she swallowed John Candy's coffin.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 08:10 AM
hoyden's 6:58 from TWIP reminds me of my camping trips with the boyz in West by God.
We always have a Bourbon shoot out.
Marker's Mark is the reference standard, and every trip someone has to step up and bring a worthy challenger, at least a couple "fifths".
Invariably, some joker will also bring a couple of "jars".
Moonshine is affectionately referred to as "weasel piss".
A good "jar" becomes "daddy weasel", not so good, "baby weasel"
Just so ya'll know how to speak hillbilly:)
Posted by: Buckeye | April 27, 2019 at 08:11 AM
https://twitter.com/LVNancy/status/1121946012304588800
Detailed breakdown of Biden's strongarming Ukraine. Includes links to articles and videos.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:12 AM
Well, when you are an illegal alien and both political parties conspire to coverup the fact that you are ineligible to be Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces, you probably feel as though you can get away with almost anything.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 08:14 AM
TK
I hope you are TOTALLY vindicated:)
Posted by: Buckeye | April 27, 2019 at 08:18 AM
I'll probably have better luck figuring out the stupid duck pond, Buckeye.
;-)
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 08:20 AM
A little-noticed story from 2 weeks ago, demonstrating Biden's poor judgement in hiring Symone Sanders:
https://atlantablackstar.com/2018/04/13/political-commentator-symone-sanders-detained-police-laguardia-airport/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:21 AM
https://twitchy.com/gregp-3534/2019/04/27/tommy-vietor-blames-president-trump-for-measles-outbreak-in-california/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:25 AM
Donald J. Trump
Verified account @realDonaldTrump
19m19 minutes ago
Congratulations to Nick Bosa on being picked number two in the NFL Draft. You will be a great player for years to come, maybe one of the best. Big Talent! San Francisco will embrace you but most importantly, always stay true to yourself. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
============================
Background: Bosa is a big Trump-supporter, which has aggravated a bunch of lefty San Francisco football fans.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:27 AM
https://www.conservativereview.com/news/president-trump-tells-mark-levin-im-closing-border-got-mexico-help-immigration/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:30 AM
We miss Nick Bosa already.
Posted by: Buckeye | April 27, 2019 at 08:33 AM
CH, I happened by a View clip a couple weeks back and was taken aback as well.
Three bills.
Posted by: Another Bob | April 27, 2019 at 08:36 AM
I read here someone referred to the San Francisco Forty Whiners. I hope they have a good whine.
Posted by: hoyden | April 27, 2019 at 08:37 AM
MM-
"That's like 2 years ago, dude."
I next time I expect to hear Vietor's name used in an accurate manner will be when he gets arrested for driving the school bus on meth.
Posted by: Melinda | April 27, 2019 at 08:37 AM
Because the Murdoch boys are practically flashing hydra gang signs re the coup, they are like obadiah state from the first iron man you dig?
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 08:39 AM
CH, in my professional opinion , if she's 5'5" or so, she is definitely north of 180# if that's how she looks in Spanx.
Buckeye--we've got two Mason jars of Moonshine (that is the brand name) on the kitchen counter right now. My SO is aging the oak barrel he bought to see if he can replicate the aged Negronis we drank when we were on vacation last fall.
One hydrates the barrel with water, then "ages" it with corn whiskey. He just drew some moonshine off after a week--it's turning brown! We are making bourbon! If it's any good, I'll drop some by on my way north.
Posted by: anonamom | April 27, 2019 at 08:41 AM
https://thehill.com/policy/international/440934-15-killed-in-police-raid-on-home-of-suspected-terrorists-linked-to-sri
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:42 AM
Melinda,
The name Tommy Vietor brings back memories of the low caliber of people who worked in the Obama White House.
I would say your vision of Vietor's future is spot on.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:45 AM
Amom, the barrel is charred I presume?
Posted by: Another Bob | April 27, 2019 at 08:46 AM
Sounds like the cleanup raid after Bataclan in st denis, where the one who thr protagonist in the black widow novel was identified
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 08:46 AM
We are making bourbon! If it's any good, I'll drop some by on my way north.
If I take that to "the hill", rest assured it'll get a thorough eval by the boyz.
Might be the first "weasel" with a known pedigree:)
Posted by: Buckeye | April 27, 2019 at 08:47 AM
Video at link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:48 AM
I'm going over to my favorite corn proprietor's at lunch, anonamom. He's branched into Rye and has a few jars ready for me. 😋
Posted by: Beasts of England | April 27, 2019 at 08:50 AM
Never mind. Dumb question.
Posted by: Another Bob | April 27, 2019 at 08:51 AM
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/andy-puzder-us-economy-robust-thriving-liberals-wrong
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 08:52 AM
My favorite:
(Click to open.)
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 08:52 AM
yes, charred, AB.
Posted by: anonamom | April 27, 2019 at 08:58 AM
In the erstwhile agent Carter noir edition to the marvel universe there was this outfit called the council of 9, they are supposed to be the big bad facilitating hydra, one might call it the uniparty.
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 08:59 AM
Now I are why they did the seemingly unnecessary flash forward in agents of shields last season.
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 09:04 AM
Well they could have spent only half a season with the kree, ymmv
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 09:05 AM
Can rian Johnson try to be as faithful to star wars canon, magic rightball says no.
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 09:17 AM
Coffee, fire, 5-8” fresh global warming en route, beer supply good.
What time does Trump get to Green Bay?
Posted by: henry | April 27, 2019 at 09:18 AM
Admitted in the last days of Reagan, naturalized in the waning days of w
https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/04/palestinian-terrorist-vallmoe-shqaire-who-lied-to-gain-u-s-citizenship-gets-9-months-in-prison-will-be-deported/
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 09:21 AM
Evers seems to be going at light speed to fundamentally transform Wisconsin or am I wrong?
Posted by: Narciso79 | April 27, 2019 at 09:27 AM
Porchlight and anonamom,
Thanks for the great travel advice!
Posted by: Tom Bowler | April 27, 2019 at 09:36 AM
The frequency of which I'm starting to see stories like this implies to me that we're being readied for something:
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-04-26/essence-evil-sex-children-has-become-big-business-america
Posted by: Melinda | April 27, 2019 at 09:39 AM
Narciso, Evers is sure trying to screw up the state. His problem is the legislature will have none of it, and the SC is not on his side either. He does have an interesting veto — he can veto individual letters in a bill. Doyle used that with bizarre results. So we will see.
Posted by: henry | April 27, 2019 at 09:41 AM
Catching up I see there's no more discourse on white and black hats. If I had a duck it would drown!
Posted by: Rocco | April 27, 2019 at 09:41 AM
Hey, Rocco. What did you think of Rosenstein's speech? :-)
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 09:44 AM
For those of you wondering, Gus does not speak in CAPS. I know, shocka right? ;>)
Very enlightening conversation. It would be easy to just sit and watch. The span of knowledge and experience is wonderful. Henry knows a bit about moonshining from his Yale days.
I am sure the experience is similar whenever JOMrades get together.
Posted by: JohnH | April 27, 2019 at 10:02 AM
"Overspending" by the military is so far down the list of important problems for this country that it is laughable.
Posted by: mockmook | April 27, 2019 at 10:16 AM
OMG, an on topic post on page 6. Disorienting.
Posted by: peter | April 27, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Won't win the nom.
If he does, can't win the general.
There's just too much material.
Via Insty:
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1121780636077793285.html
Outline of the role that Joseph Biden has had in the mass incarceration of black Americans.
In short, he built that.
5. "Perhaps the most egregious of Biden’s transgressions is the role he played in the creation of the 100-to-1 sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine."
6. "As the country panicked over the “crack” epidemic, legislators set out to dole out harsher punishments to those found guilty of selling the substance."
7. "The Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which was written at least partially by Biden, changed the law so that those caught with a mere five grams of crack cocaine were subject to the same mandatory minimum as those caught with 500 grams of powdered cocaine."
8. "The application of this law disproportionately harmed African-American communities and contributed to mass incarceration."
9. As I "joked" earlier, Biden probably plagiarized the part he "wrote," since he has a history of that as well. But I digress.
(Etc)
Posted by: JimNorCal | April 27, 2019 at 10:28 AM
JohnH: "I am sure the experience is similar whenever JOMrades get together."
Nice neologism!
Has it been in use before or newly invented?
Posted by: JimNorCal | April 27, 2019 at 10:29 AM
James D has a photo with Danielle Panabaker posted on his FB page. I'm spending a lot of this thread being jealous... :)
Posted by: Beasts of England | April 27, 2019 at 10:33 AM
Well done James D!
Posted by: henry | April 27, 2019 at 10:35 AM
Ext @ 9:44
I was going to ask Rocco the same question.
Posted by: Tom R | April 27, 2019 at 10:45 AM
Here is some news you can use:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6965747/Aliens-interbreeding-humans-create-hybrid-species-save-planet-lecturer-claims.html
Posted by: Jim Eagle | April 27, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Melinda @ 9:39
Agreed. I call it “prepping the battlefield”. Trump’s long term strategic plan to drain the Swamp is moving into the next phase.
Posted by: Tom R | April 27, 2019 at 10:48 AM
Ivanka explained Trump's strategy at the 2016 Repulican Convention:
It is no surprise that Trump is able to work with those who were tasked by The Cabal to do harm to his administration.
Showing Rosenstein the light required zero Kabuki.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 10:53 AM
I was just kidding, Tom.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 10:54 AM
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 10:56 AM
ZH:
Ukraine Tapped By Obama Admin To Hurt Trump, Help Clinton And Protect Bidens
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 10:57 AM
Ext, what was the name of the cookbook you linked the other day?
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Captain Kirk got all the good aliens.
Posted by: henry | April 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM
More food science than a cookbook.
On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 11:04 AM
The Maher/Schiff interview tells me the smart leftwingers know threatening impeachment at this point is a colossally stupid idea on the Democrats part so influential pundits like Maher will be used to try and placate the low IQ Progressive/SJW nutjobs.
Posted by: Tom R | April 27, 2019 at 11:06 AM
Thanks, Ext. Although my family usually enjoys most of the impromptu meals I'll throw together they seem to refer to it as experimenting rather than cooking.
Your book seemed appropriate.
Posted by: Threadkiller | April 27, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Follow up to the topic Extraneus and I were discussing yesterday. Remember Obama and the Democrats were furious with Comey for reopening the Hillary case. Note the timeline in the last tweet.
https://twitter.com/avery1776/status/1121970698245816321?s=21
The reason Comey never got interviewed on May 31, 2017 was because Trump fired him earlier that month which meant since he was longer a government employee he could not be compelled to give the interview.
Posted by: Tom R | April 27, 2019 at 11:21 AM
New York Times Opinion
Verified account @nytopinion
An Editors' Note to appear in Monday’s international edition.
"A political cartoon in the international print edition of the New York Times on Thursday included anti-Semitic tropes, depicting the prime minister of Israel as a guide dog with a Star of David collar leading the president of the United States, shown wearing a skullcap. The image was offensive, and it was an error in judgement to publish it. It was provided by the New York Times News Service and Syndicate, which has since deleted it."
===============================
Here is the image, which I will not post here:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5KyuIHUYAIB12F.jpg
I see no words like sorry or apology in their statement. They posted the statement as a screen cap, and I took the time to type it in myself.
After having seen the cartoon, how could anyone have allowed it to be printed? It's as bad as stuff that started surfacing in 1930's Germany! And worse, this went out in the International edition so it showed up in newstands all over the world. A Twitter user in Israel found it on sale WITH the cartoon in Tel Aviv!
Editorial misjudgement? I think it's a sign of how anti-Semitic the left has become.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 11:25 AM
I read it cover to cover, but it's a long book and that's not necessary. It good to have as a reference just to understand things when they come up. Milk proteins, for example, or how egg yolks emulsify oil and vinegar, or how meats cook by different methods, etc.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 11:27 AM
Tom R,
I wonder if some of the Hollywood types look at interviewees like Adam Schiff and remember what a fun interview Donald Trump was.
Maher is probably regretting having to talk to a guy like Schiff who is both repugnant and stupid.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | April 27, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Ext, that "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen" book looks great. I can recommend a book I just finished in the "a scientist explains things in plain language for us dumb laymen" genre which I enjoyed: "Liquid Rules" by Mark Miodownik. A bit of obeisance to the climate change Gaia nazis, but other than that enjoyable and light. I recommend it as a airplane book.
Posted by: peter | April 27, 2019 at 11:35 AM
The Maher/Schiff interview tells me the smart leftwingers know threatening impeachment at this point is a colossally stupid idea
Wait, so Maher is smart? I guess is in the land of the blind...
Posted by: jimmyk | April 27, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Looks interesting, peter.
https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Rules-Delightful-Dangerous-Substances/dp/054485019X
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 11:42 AM
The introduction at the Amazon site was good, too.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 27, 2019 at 11:53 AM
re the inevitability of the Assquatch nomination for president:
"One sure way to kneecap that dream. As Tom Lifson at AT writes on Wednesday (4/24), The Walls Are Closing In On Obama.
Tom is referring to Judicial Watch’s discovery that FBI Admits Hillary Clinton Emails Found in Obama White House. The admission is in writing and under oath.
The Obamas’ ultimate dream is to be back in the White House. Our ultimate dream is to have Obama himself in the Big House. You really don’t want POTUS to pull the indictment trigger, Mr. Zero. Better cancel that helicopter charter to Milwaukee." -Dr. Jack Wheeler
Posted by: KevlarKid | April 27, 2019 at 12:02 PM
there's a Marin County and Silicon Valley contingent of white whine drinkers who "attend" Niners games now which emerged out of those glory years with Montana, Lott et al.
When the Niners played at Kezar they had a working class fan-base of longshoremen and construction trades workers. Paw and i used to come into tix to go see the Niners play the greats like Butkus/Sayers' Bears, Starr's Niners, Jim Brown, the Old Ram's Fearsome Foursome.
There's still a hardcore faithful base but it's the vocal snowflakes who are chiding Bosa. i reckon they'll be mining his tweets all the way back to high school. yawn. shut up and watch.
Posted by: KevlarKid | April 27, 2019 at 12:09 PM
Ext, TomR, It looked to me like Rosenstein was ratting out Obama, the FBI and the media. From the NYT's...
He had to know Obama wasn't trying to help Trump by keeping the meddling quiet, yet the crack investigator that he is, didn't find that suspicious? Instead he signs a FISA renewal granting Mueller authority to go after Trump via Carter Page.
I think he knows there's a reckoning coming and he's trying to cover his ass.
Posted by: Rocco | April 27, 2019 at 12:09 PM
And now that the rain has stopped and the lawn dried out, it's time to mow while I can. It's supposed to rain all week, nice weather for a duck!
Posted by: Rocco | April 27, 2019 at 12:17 PM
New thread
Posted by: Tom R | April 27, 2019 at 12:19 PM
Did anyone else get Imprimus today. It's right on topic.
Posted by: Jane | April 27, 2019 at 12:27 PM
Horrible - in Tennessee:
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/04/25/five-time-deported-illegal-alien-charged-with-kicking-baby-to-death/
Posted by: Momto2 | April 27, 2019 at 02:22 PM
At the time, I thought it was the most creative SciFi film I had ever seen. Now it is celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
https://www.space.com/alien-movie-40th-anniversary.html?utm_source=sdc-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190427-sdc
The Alien, of course.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | April 27, 2019 at 03:39 PM