If You Lack For Worries

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.

 

Comments

[MissMarple2]

http://theohiostar.com/2019/04/26/pastor-darrell-scott-commentary-the-sri-lankan-victims-of-isis-terror-attacks-were-christians/

Pastor Scott is one of the black pastors who were early supporters of President Trump.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.justtherealnews.com/2019/04/26/remarks-by-president-trump-at-the-nra-ila-leadership-forum-indianapolis-in/

Transcript of the President's speech for those who have hearing trouble.

[lurkersusie]

Oops

Aaron Rupar
✔
@atrupar
Not a good look from Joe Biden at all. Heather Heyer's mom, Susan Bro, is on CNN talking about how Biden didn't even contact her before making Heather -- who was murdered in Charlottesville in 2017 -- the centerpiece of his campaign-opening video.

[JohnH]

Very nice lunch today with Melinda, Henry and Gus. Good food, great conversation. Could have talked for hours but apparently they have jobs. ;)

[Jane]

"As to Moochelle getting the nomination, be careful what you wish for--she is a formidable public speaker and the media has built her into quite the false idol. "

I'm with you Peter. Millions of people will think it's important to vote for a black woman.

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

Tom R: "Michele is less qualified to be POTUS than Barack was but if she gets into the race she wins the nomination easily IMO."

Plausible. The bar is not high.

[Captain Hate]

Miss Marple,

For a few days my I/Os were screwed up but I was 100% myself inside; at first I panicked a bit but then rationalized that my eggs had really been scrambled and would take a while to heal. The woman whose creep husband pulled the plug on I could imagine being in a much worse situation but still being the same person she'd always been deep inside.

That case really bothered me.

[MissMarple2]

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will have dinner tonight with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe in honor of the First Lady's birthday! pic.twitter.com/UAqyxLGbD8

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2019

Video (12 seconds) at the link.

[Jane]

Wayne La Pierre is saing he is being extorted by Oliver North. Wow!

[MissMarple2]

Schuyler Schmitt
‏ @hopeitsapar2
23m23 minutes ago

@hammerandnigel we volunteered at the convention and had many people ask where to eat for lunch we told them @ShapirosDeli. All said that is where they would go.

============
See, daddy and I knew where the best lunch place is!

[MissMarple2]

http://www.marklevinshow.com/2019/04/26/mark-levin-exclusive-interview-with-president-trump/

It's on his radio show. The President sure has been busy today!

[MissMarple2]

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2019/04/26/trump-un-arms-trade-treaty-n2545451

[clarice]

Glad Gus was up for the field trip.

[MissMarple2]

OK. The Daily Mail posted an article that said the boy thrown from the 3rd story at the mall in Houston is awake and conscious. It doesn't show up, so I don't know if they retracted it or what.

[Extraneus]

Wayne La Pierre is saing he is being extorted by Oliver North. Wow!

Wut?

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

Best wishes, Buckeye!
You've certainly kept a positive attitude lately, keep it up :) :)

[Extraneus]

I haven't seen anything beyond Jane's comment, but La Pierre's been there too long. No matter who the figurehead "President" is, La Pierre runs the show. I can imaging North trying to take him out.

[Extraneus]

TED CRUZ QUESTIONS IF THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IS JUST A ‘SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’ SKIT

“If there is one principle that has been true from the dawn of our nation, it is that when our liberty is under assault, Americans rise to defend it. Right now today we see liberty under assault,” Cruz said during National Rifle Association’s (NRA) annual meeting. “We see our fundamental rights — we see our First Amendment, we see our Second Amendment, all of our fundamental rights — as Americans under assault and it’s a concerted assault.”

“We see the 2020 Democratic primary field — you do have to wonder if it’s a ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit,” he continued. “It’s a clown car and they keep getting crazier clowns one after the other.”

[MissMarple2]

https://thedcpatriot.com/jeff-sessions-breaks-silence-accept-the-results/

Speaking in front of the Amherst College Republicans.

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

kk: "The California tax on gasoline is causing big problems"

It's hard to over-emphasize how much the CA Dem party has invested in abolishing cars. Consider:
1) high speed rail to nowhere ($Billions wasted)
2) enormous taxes and fees on cars, gas
3) money supposedly meant for roads spent on other programs
4) a law to ban gas-powered cars after the year 20xx (did this one pass? I forget)
5) huge subsidies and tax breaks for electric cars ... the money going to Tesla et al is big bucks but even the multi-thousand dollar rebates to people with 6-figure incomes is eye-popping from a social-justice perspective.

RE: electric cars, My wife has a Tesla and she likes it OK. It takes a minimum of 40min to charge it. The car needs to maintain the temperature of the battery in a range so it runs heat or AC for the battery compartment depending on the weather. You have, say, 240 miles of charge and you're losing 8 to 10 miles on an 80 degree day. Not the end of the world but I'm thinking it could be more problematic in the deep South (summer) or Canada (winter). Electric cars might be sensible ONLY in temperate areas like CA.
A lot of people charge while at work, and take a break to move their car away from the charging slot after an hour or two to give others a chance. To say the least, poor behaviors are commonplace and as the cars become more widespread the companies can be slow in deploying more chargers.

[MissMarple2]

Candace Owens is in the restaurant where my son is working!

[MissMarple2]

https://www.conservativereview.com/news/romney-the-pious/

I love that "Romney the Pious" tag. He deserves it!

[GUS]

Clarice! I love you my dear. I'm feeling well, and I am getting better by the day. It was fantastic to see my friends Melinda and John. Of course, Henry is as good as it gets. All 3 were more than kind to me, and none are strangers. It was an excellent lunch meet up. John is a joy, and he is somewhat UNEMPLOYED!!! Melinda and Henry always amaze me with their intellect. It's like they can finish each other's sentences. LOTS OF LAUGHS, great food. Great friends.

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

The CA law to ban gas-powered cars would take effect in 2040 but it appears it did not pass.

[GUS]

I spoke to our Conservative morning show radio host Jay Weber today. I pointed out that the FASCIST Mayor of New York and the city council, thought banning HOT DOGS and PROCESSED MEAT, would end all the COW FARTING and GREEN HOUSE GAS.
I pointed out that T-REX and the Teradactyls FARTED TOO.

[Jim Eagle]

Brilliant weather here on the First Coast. Nay, a zephyr of a breeze. Warm and sunny at just about 7 pm. Had a nice prime rib tonight at the club. Saw lots of friends who are playing in our annual Challenge tournament which I have sat out this year.

So static, not even the cumulus clouds are moving. Just staying stationary.

Now my little girl, Lady, wants to go inside. Time for some hockey.

Still on The Ledge until I see some indictments, frogmarches, 0600 SWAT raids, etc. Tell me they are coming.

[Jane]

Ex,

It was breaking news on Fox Biz at 6;00 PM. I got no details.

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

"Candace Owens is in the restaurant where my son is working!"

No way! I hope he gets a selfie with her!
So jealous ....

[Jane]

" Melinda and Henry always amaze me with their intellect. It's like they can finish each other's sentences. "

Gus, when Henry and RG were at my house, I just sat back and listened.

Amazing!

[President-Elect Jim,SunnyvaleCA]

The driver who plowed into a group of pedestrians in a crosswalk a mile from my house was described by his Mom as a church-going vet with PTSD problems.

This statement by the Sunnyvale mayor raises more questions than it answers ...

An Updated Statement from Mayor Larry Klein

Today we learned from new evidence that the injury incident on April 23 involving innocent pedestrians was not only intentional, but targeted toward specific race and religious groups. Our community stands unified against these senseless acts of violence motivated by hate, and we strongly condemn them.

Sunnyvale takes pride in the incredible diversity of people who form the rich fabric of our city. We embrace our community of many backgrounds and beliefs, and we will continue to define ourselves by openness and acceptance for all.

We are actively supporting the public safety investigation and will provide updates as more details become available. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families and in the coming days we will share ways to support them.

Discussion closed 1h ago.

It is now being reported that the driver was trying to kill Muslims.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-l3vy7IOuU

[MissMarple2]

Jim, Sunnyvale -

He is going to try, but his management may not allow it. He said he would at least try to speak to her and tell her how much his mother admires her!

Very cool. I told him there might be some celebs showing up at his steak house!

[Captain Hate]

Rule of Holes

ABC/WaPo Poll: Impeachment Support Sinks to New Low

[Jim Eagle]

CH,

Impeachment talk or moves make his election a landslide.

[Captain Hate]

I think you're going to get your wish, Jack. Ever since the Mueller Report came out, things have been moving much more rapidly. Plus Donny Two Scoops isn't the type of RINO that would let, say, Sandy Berger get off unpunished.

[GUS]

Jane, I completely understand what you're saying.
I love Henry, and today we were chatting, and I realized how long I've know him. And how many times Henry came to family get togethers for GUS and GUS jr's birffffday. He's been to ball games and other get togethers. I've been to his home several times. He is unassuming and just an overall great guy. I was really glad when I found that you and he were such good friends too.
But, Henry is VERY VERY VERY bright. I mean, he doesn't come across as an arrogant egg head, but he is clearly a SMART MAN. I've had lunches with MELINDA and HENRY, where (as difficult as it was), I was silent and humble. John is no slouch either. As I've gotten to know John, he is delightful and kind.

[MissMarple2]

GUS,

My grandson thinks Melinda is the smartest person he has ever met.

[peter]

What I am sipping right now:
https://pinchandswirl.com/last-word-cocktail-recipe/

[Jim Eagle]

So, the Hoos don't want to visit the WH with Trump in charge. Sorry, OL, but they are just as much a bunch of chickenshit, intellectually challenged athletes, as are the last two national champs. Why we watch that POS madness every year is questioning.

[GUS]

Lovely Miss M!!!!!! Don't say that. Melinda, may be "lurking"!!!! But seriously, Henry and Mel seem to have way of thinking that is errrrrr, ummmmmmm, 4-D.

[Extraneus]

While discussing who should attend the briefing, Strzok texted Page on November 17, 2016: “If Katie’s husband is there, he can see if there are people we can develop for potential relationships.”

Anyone know how these new texts came to light?

[Narciso79]

Yes ext like Henry tydor or a Medici prince, Salman has to make his mark:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/two-islamic-state-men-linked-to-sri-lanka-easter-blasts/article26936390.ece?utm_source=udmprecommendation_international&utm_medium=sticky_footer&transactionId=f3bf1ceec54542f281b1cea1a4188ae0

[Jim Eagle]

Ext,

I thought Horowitz discovered them.

[MissMarple2]

POTUS_Schedule
‏ @45_Schedule
7h7 hours ago

President Trump displays his decision to withdraw from the UN Arms Trade Treaty and ask the Senate to end its ratification process. Says his Administration will never surrender American sovereignty "and trample on your Second Amendment rights."

[MissMarple2]

GUS,

My grandson had never met anyone like Melinda or daddy. He was very impressed at how they thought.

I was glad to see he came to that conclusion, because he didn't run into people like that in college.

[Jim Eagle]

How come Melinda is allowed to post here again? Who removed the shackles?

[lyle]

Huh. Just like that, Zippy’s former deputy national advisor, Ben “Creative Writing Major” Rhodes sez there’s nothing more to investigate re the rooskies and/or any political involvement of Teh One’s admin. Barr should just drop the whole thing.

I’m sure the cat’s legit...

[Captain Hate]

The Hoos are unfamiliar with winning anything in basketball so you have to bless their hearts that they don't know how to act.

This is a pretty good farmhouse ale:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/23031/59543/

[lyle]

Our one local rabbi is a Hoo. I’m sure he’s elated at this news. He’s a super nice guy but a screaming lib.

[MissMarple2]

THANK YOU @NRA! #NRAAM pic.twitter.com/SWkpe1eFhT

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2019

Video at link.

[Jim Eagle]

Lyle,

Every lib I have ever met on a professional level was always a "super nice guy" because that is their secret method to disarm their opponents. I just yell in their face and challenge them to a knife fight. You'd be surprised how they back off and start to faint:)

[D]

Buckeye:
God bless you and good luck with your surgery.
You have our full support.
Wonderful and interesting posts today!
Just finished spring cleaning! Woot!

[D]

Most of the liberals I know are harmless.
Some are close friends but We don’t really talk about politics.

[Jim Eagle]

So many sick people on Twitter. It is an insane asylum. Just go to any pro-Trump tweet and follow the comments. Really, those people are nuts.

[Narciso79]

The stupidest future monarch, Edward v11 hold my ale:

https://www.newsweek.com/prince-charles-middle-east-conflict-blames-jews-709365?fbclid=IwAR0xp4gTh2jZ9NqhZjR7CfsNF9UYjLxRzhaeGqJIwwwcO2HiaI0obKjCufI

[bubarooni]

"Best wishes, Buckeye. Disc related sciatica was the most debilitating pain I've endured."

Yeah, what he said!

Been there and done it.

[Jim Eagle]

Incredible goalkeeping in he Islanders v. Hurricanes game tonight. Just over the top terrific. Go, Isles!

[bubarooni]

What a minute.

Who's the 'Hoos'?

Hoosiers? Like in Indiana University?

We been close. We lost the '68 Rose Bowl 14-3.

That's a win in Bloomington.

[Captain Hate]

Virginia Wahoos, bubarooni. I guarantee Bobby Knight would have the Hoosiers respecting the President.

[Narciso79]

Isnt that university of Virginia. The times a nd the post both glommed on to the mastermind behind the Easter massacre but they have a twist to the story. Guess what it was.

[Narciso79]

They went back to 1990, when there was anti Muslim incident where the Tamil tigers were involved

[bubarooni]

Heck yeah, he would CH!

I gotta go look up 'Wahoos' how.

[peter]

I hadn't heard that about the Wahoos. Well, the whole University has turned into a cesspool of political correctness. Every room on the lawn had some slavery bullshit poster on it. I just hope my kid survives the next three years surrounded by this shiite.

[clarice]

Great to hear that, Gus!!

[Narciso79]

So the travismocham (ht marko) half continued with with butina, she got for 9 months after cooperating with the government.

[peter]

Jack, I know your S'hampton place will be on the market, but will you be in New York at all this year? Would like to meet up with you if so.

[Narciso79]

They soft pedaled the particular basis of the network, Tekri Taliban and Indian mujahadeen

https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/04/opinion/asia-the-new-ground-zero-for-islamist-terror/

Reminds me a little of the Daniel merchant series by John stock

[Captain Hate]

peter, I know there's a Virginia cheer that goes Wahoo Wah; the reason I know that is a long time ago I saw Perky Katie make an even bigger fool of herself by chanting it to a Virginia Tech student that she hadn't completely listened to as he was thinking WTF.

[bubarooni]

Gotta tell you Narc, I kinda remember it was boiling down to a Bhuddists/Hindu conflict in Ceylon.

The moment I heard of the attacks I thought 'Muzzies.'

[Narciso79]

Well targeting a church on Easter, was the thing that set up a flare, that it happened on a moslem holy day.

[peter]

Yes, Cap'n, there is a Virginia Cheer. It actually was "borrowed" Dartmouth in the 1800s, which as you know, used to call their teams the Indians before that became politically incorrect. Perky Katie is an unfortunate part of our portfolio, and we just have to suck it up and own it. She did give a huge chunk of change to the UVA medical center so there is that.

[lurkersusie]

Biggest client the Chinese

The college admissions scandal ripping through America’s higher-education system allegedly found its biggest clients in China, The Wall Street Journal reports. Families from China allegedly paid far more than almost all of their domestic counterparts. One Chinese family allegedly paid $6.5 million to William “Rick” Singer, the California-based college counselor who masterminded the scheme, in order for their child to be admitted to a top-tier university. Many of the U.S.-based parents paid a mere $250,000 to $400,000 for Singer’s illegal admissions services. More and more Chinese families are bringing their children to the U.S. to attend high school with the goal of seamlessly applying to American universities. Colleges sometimes scrutinize foreign agents hired to coordinate international applications, but apply less scrutiny to U.S.-based college counselors, such as Singer.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/college-admissions-scandals-biggest-clients-were-from-china-reportThe

[Narciso79]

Lesean McCoy is in a spot of trouble,

[Jim Eagle]

Peter,

Coming back mid-May for going up to Canterbury for Fredericks boat race. Since I will take the Port Jeff Ferry we can me half way Port Washington and there.

[Jim Eagle]

peter,

Better yet if it is weekend I can drive to New Milford and drop by your area on the way. Let’s stay in touch on that.

[Narciso79]

Facepalm with an old one:

https://twitchy.com/samj-3930/2019/04/26/nice-try-gavin-newsom-tweets-crybaby-thread-about-trump-and-the-nra-trips-spectacularly-over-his-own-state/

[Narciso79]

Ok I understand alt realities and multiverse but there is still a problem.

[Narciso79]

The horde spotted this pungent offering:

https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2019/04/26/oh-screw-you-buzzfeed-shows-up-late-to-the-notre-dame-hot-take-party-with-this-steaming-pile-of-b-s/

[Buckeye]

Peter

I found my kids were able to shrug off the nut case mentality while in school.

I bet yours will too.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.hannity.com/media-room/not-on-my-watch-mitch-mcconnell-vows-to-be-the-grim-reaper-for-any-socialist-legislation/

[Buckeye]

GUS

Great to hear you are on the mend and able to get out and hookup with the JOMers.

[bubarooni]

Hey lurkersusie, I'd wager they do that to get their kids in school here for the credentials and a way to get here eventually to protect assets.

Little Bloomington, IN has an Audi shop that carries all the highest end cars. Not just Audi either.

A Guy who works for my Mom now used to work at the Audi shop.

He says the Chinese used to walk and order new cars all the time. Would walk in 10 days later and pay in cash.

[MissMarple2]

Reuters Top News
‏Verified account @Reuters
4m4 minutes ago

U.S. opens criminal probe into Ford emissions certification, company discloses https://reut.rs/2ZEh5Dy via @ReutersTV

[Momto2]

Buckeye - Glad to hear you found a doctor you trust and have a plan! We will be praying for all to go well.

BOE - Have you heard of the music festival in Florence called W.C. Handy? A friend has invited us to visit her and attend this summer.

We made Keto waffles tonight and they were pretty good. 5 net carbs -
https://www.resolutioneats.com/blog/worlds-best-waffle/#respond

[Narciso79]

Back to the drawing board:

https://mobile.twitter.com/MZHemingway/status/1121629075452223492

[Buckeye]

Bubarooni,

We see that around campus here too Bubarooni.

Chinese kids driving new German lux cars.

Nicer than any I ever owned.

[Captain Hate]

Don't get me started on embarrassing Terps, peter; starting with one named Steny...

[lyle]

I’m not gonna get in the rabbi’s face, Jack. I just tactfully steer conversation away. He’s an insane BSU football fan so that’s the topic I stick with. He begged me to vote for Hilligula. As an obiter dictum, I responded that I was happy to vote her queen of the cell block.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.westernjournal.com/trump-sends-warning-mexico-soldiers-draw-guns-us-troops-us-better-not-happen/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=PostTopSharingButtons&utm_campaign=websitesharingbuttons

Trump wasn't kidding when he warned Mexico.

[Jim Eagle]

The Isles have a guy named Clutterbuck who has been sent to the sin bin for 4 minutes for high sticking. Dickens is wondering why he never used him a novel.

[Buckeye]

Puts a real smile on my face tha Nick Bosa is giving the 49'ers fans a heart attack.

They will STFU once he is on the field.

[bubarooni]

"Peter

I found my kids were able to shrug off the nut case mentality while in school.

I bet yours will too.'

I gotta be honest Buckeye.

I sent my girl to I.U. as a Good Catholic Girl.

I worked hard for 19 years to imbue her with what I considered to be commonsense and the teachings of The Church.

She came out last year thinking the Vatican is one of the Roots of Evil and that we have an inherently unfair economic system.

I will say that after being on her own for the last 11 months and seeing what happens to her paycheck, she's starting to voice the complaints that I think is bringing her back around.

[Jim Eagle]

Buckeye,

At one time I had season tickets to Niners games. Long story. But back in the early 90s the city was nuts but not the fans. Not many progs at NFL games even in SFO.

[Momto2]

I really enjoyed the last speech by Herbert Meyer that someone posted this morning - I think it was on Powerline. He is very optimistic so ledge dwellers might feel faint.

In case someone missed it here is a direct link to the speech on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2669&v=Mk-QrCnf1Mk

[MissMarple2]

Kerfuffle at Lucas Oil Stadium today.

https://cbs4indy.com/2019/04/26/protesters-supporters-clash-outside-nra-convention/

[Catsmeat]

Jack, Clutterbuck IS a character in Waugh's 1927 Decline and Fall, a completely amoral schoolboy who keeps going on long walks with the equally amoral master, Captain Grimes. By and by, the reader figures out what's going on (not pretty). But very funny, as is the whole savage book.

[henry]

Yes, wonderful lunch. I envy John’s employment status, and Gus is smart in dimensions that baffle me, and melinda’s rules got changed as technology and administrations changed. JOM meetups are always a joy.

[lyle]

I envy other JOM meetups. All of mine have been fab.

[lyle]

I guess I should say the few of mine...