We are being played again. This war will reshape power, the economy, and safety in ways this administration cannot control and will not admit.
I lived through the Cold War and the nuclear drills, the quiet dread that never fully leaves you. That psychological weight is permanent. What I know from that era is this: when great powers play performance politics with existential stakes, ordinary people absorb the cost for generations.
Who is prepared to tell the American people the truth?
Trump wants this to sound like diplomacy. It looks more like a retreat. Iran denied there were talks at all, and only after Tehran threatened broader regional damage did Trump pause his own ultimatum. That is not a strength. That is a bluff being covered with Trump bullshit.
The visible record suggests something else: a coercive pause after threats against Gulf-linked power and desalination systems raised the risk of a much wider civilian emergency.
My new Flash Threat breaks down the infrastructure side of this story.
He TACO'd on the 48 hours. One you knock over the hornets nest you cannot fix the nest. He is doing everything possible to ruin this country and all our lives. We had a deal not once but twice now, one under Obama and the other the day before he started the Epstein Israeli war
It's being reported that negotiations to end the war are underway. I'm just choosing to be hopeful in this moment. No more destruction. No more loss of life. Please. 🥺
Despite everything he has posted and said publicly, you are correct. Anna Paulina Luna claims boots on the ground was never a serious option. Witkoff and Kushner are receiving accolades for their negotiation. It was never meant to be a forever war, that was democratic spin. He needs a hard pivot with 92% of Americans against this war.
He is truly the most vile man on earth. His performance has never impressed me. And congress allowing him free reign is disgusting. His threats and stupidity of what he will do to them are unhinged lunacy and war crimes. I'm afraid for our troops but I'm also afraid for us. Iran does not play games. This jerk does.
Trump is causing the end of America. A narcissistic, stupid toddler has set us on an irreversible path to hell. As many children do, he bit off more than he could chew. I hope he chokes. I reread this, and I see what that f*ing Felon has turned me into. From a flower child to a vindictive bitch. Sigh.
Me too! I'm also very worried about the future, wondering if I'm going to die in war, worried about the future of our Democracy, starting to experience not being able to afford groceries, struggling to make ends meet, feeling depressed day-in day-out, no longer visiting my friends or neighbors, can't sleep so stay up all night and I continue to hate the Republicans, including friends and family who voted this evil, ugly, MONSTER AGAIN! This is not what anybody wanted!
Mary Jo, you need to take care of yourself. It's very, very hard to do. I am fortunate that I had many years of therapy (unrelated to our POS Felon) and learned the tools needed to stay engaged and not be consumed. I have noticed a new obstacle that I was waiting for. I keep getting asked to understand people who either voted for the asshole or didn't vote at all. To be sympathetic because of what is transpiring. Once again, I used to be a very forgiving person. Not anymore. They are the reason the asshole got elected twice, and I have no problem telling them that. BUT, when I feel the onslaught starting, I back off from the news for a bit.
Thank you Joanne. I felt a kinship to you with your last sentence "from a flower child to a vindictive bitch"! All I could think was boy can I relate. We must be about the same age. But, I think I need to revise it or send another to add I know I'm not alone... because I know many of the ways people are suffering so much worse than me.
BTW, It's a long story but I'm currently in therapy and am grateful.
Things are real tough out there. I hope we see change soon.
Of course, it is timed for television. He was successful with The Apprentice. His televised rallies were successful in his eyes. (I suppose they were successful because he got elected twice) However, as important as that is, the lack of transparency is far worse. He found a way (The War Powers Act of 1973) to start this war without Congressional approval. Our Felon president is not known for truth and transparency. I don't believe he ever thinks long-term. Frankly, I personally don't think he is intelligent enough to think about anything. He has no exit strategy. Bullies operate on their own schedule. Bullies think they are invincible. Bullies also get held responsible for their actions. A blue tsunami at the midterms would take care of that. In the short term, I am terrified about where we go from here. I hope that his narcissism will stop him from reinstating the draft. Barron would have to register, and I don't think Trump wants that. Although I suppose he has a plan for Barron's rejection. The beginning of my political education was Vietnam and Watergate. It was a great way to become a cynic and a pessimist. Sorry, this is so long.
Another performance, just like the staged "assassination" attempt. Instead of 2 week Donnie, now it's 5 day Donnie. Reading other substack articles, there are no negotiations. Al Jazeera reporting there are negotiations. Another day of "trust nobody." trump's 'Merica!
Al Jazeera talking points:
Live updates
Published 1 minutes ago1m ago
Israel seems to be aiming to split Bekaa Valley from southern Lebanon
list 2 of 10
Published 5 minutes ago5m ago
Iran media say Tehran rejects talks, calls on US to address regional concerns it initiated
list 3 of 10
Published 16 minutes ago16m ago
Iran unlikely to reject Trump offer if conditions met
list 4 of 10
Published 21 minutes ago21m ago
Oman says it is working to secure safe passage in Strait of Hormuz
Transparency, facts, leadership? Out of those clowns? Please! And you failed to mention they have committed war crimes and the targeting of energy infrastructure would be yet another war crime... No matter how this ends, they should all go to the Hague.
Who can honestly sift through Trump’s lies and find the truths? Truth is he poked and killed one bear who was replaced by a much more savage, vicious bear. This new bear does pose a greater threat that Trump didn’t see and took for granted (IMO).
No exit (and recovery) strategy has been revealed to the American citizens.
I am genuinely concerned about the damage to our economy that this loose cannon regime is causing. Gabbard professes that it’s not her responsibility to determine an imminent threat. That’s the determination of our unqualified, narcissistic, power hungry Commander. Then why does Gabbard have her job?
This war is not going to end with a handshake or in 30 days. It is going to last for months if not years. Lives will be lost. Our economy is and will continue to be severely damaged other countries’ economy will be damaged as well. The American citizens are beets that the government are trying to get blood from. This Administration is the worst that I have seen for fiscal management and responsibility. We’re seeing a repeat of the government’s overspending scandal of the mid-1980’s (i.e., $600 toilet seat) on steroids. [Packard Commission] So much for DOGE!
The clock ran out when the two monsters declared jihad on Iran. We know that they are now doubling down because this is what one of them wants. The other is not strong enough to get out. We no longer have allies. Bankrupted. By. DJT.
I did notice that he says that there is 5 day hold on strikes. He is in talks with Iran. I'm not sure how much is true, but I will have to take it at face value right now.
No. You're right. He does lie. But I hadn't heard anything else this morning. So that's just what I want with. Turns out, I ran said that they have not sat down and said anything to him. So that's that.
Trump is just manipulating the stock market so his buddies can get rich. Before he made that announcement, someone purchased 1.5 trillion dollars of stocks.
@Lisbeth: you CAN edit posts! click on the tiny 3 dots all the way to the right at the bottom of your comment, then select "edit". I use voice to text pretty exclusively, so my first draft is always full of errors and just too many unnecessary words (because we use language very differently when we talk than when we write) ...I usually end up editing at least 3 times 🤓‼️
make sure you are clicking the 3 dots below your comment and not the 3 dots just above it. I get it wrong all the time! cuz both sets of dots are about equally close to the comment. There's a lot of annoying slop like that in the substack user interface 🧐
This Orange Menace is playing a game of chicken.. but innocent people are in the middle.. this isn’t strength this is a power grab for his malignant narcissism.
Michael -
We are being played again. This war will reshape power, the economy, and safety in ways this administration cannot control and will not admit.
I lived through the Cold War and the nuclear drills, the quiet dread that never fully leaves you. That psychological weight is permanent. What I know from that era is this: when great powers play performance politics with existential stakes, ordinary people absorb the cost for generations.
Who is prepared to tell the American people the truth?
- Mika
Trump announced peace talks. Here's the bluff.
Trump wants this to sound like diplomacy. It looks more like a retreat. Iran denied there were talks at all, and only after Tehran threatened broader regional damage did Trump pause his own ultimatum. That is not a strength. That is a bluff being covered with Trump bullshit.
Don’t forget the market manipulation!!
And who is prepared to remove a clearly deranged and dangerous president from office?
Duck and cover.
Here is the real story.
Trump called it “productive talks.”
The visible record suggests something else: a coercive pause after threats against Gulf-linked power and desalination systems raised the risk of a much wider civilian emergency.
My new Flash Threat breaks down the infrastructure side of this story.
https://thefiringline.substack.com/p/trump-called-it-talks-the-public?
He TACO'd on the 48 hours. One you knock over the hornets nest you cannot fix the nest. He is doing everything possible to ruin this country and all our lives. We had a deal not once but twice now, one under Obama and the other the day before he started the Epstein Israeli war
and Trump times his theatrics on the weekend to avoid the stock market impact and while many are resting and not watching the news.
Totally - market manipulation is just one of his many grifting activities
The Iran war is going so bad for Trump right now he might need to release the Epstein Files as a distraction. : )
He was wondering why gas prices were not higher. I guess his buddies didn’t make enough money yet!
How much fucking money does one need?! It’s a disease they all have. Pathetic 🤢
It's being reported that negotiations to end the war are underway. I'm just choosing to be hopeful in this moment. No more destruction. No more loss of life. Please. 🥺
Despite everything he has posted and said publicly, you are correct. Anna Paulina Luna claims boots on the ground was never a serious option. Witkoff and Kushner are receiving accolades for their negotiation. It was never meant to be a forever war, that was democratic spin. He needs a hard pivot with 92% of Americans against this war.
Tenran says they’re not negotiating. Who is lying?
Hmmmmmm
Iran says they are not talking
He is truly the most vile man on earth. His performance has never impressed me. And congress allowing him free reign is disgusting. His threats and stupidity of what he will do to them are unhinged lunacy and war crimes. I'm afraid for our troops but I'm also afraid for us. Iran does not play games. This jerk does.
Trump is causing the end of America. A narcissistic, stupid toddler has set us on an irreversible path to hell. As many children do, he bit off more than he could chew. I hope he chokes. I reread this, and I see what that f*ing Felon has turned me into. From a flower child to a vindictive bitch. Sigh.
Me too! I'm also very worried about the future, wondering if I'm going to die in war, worried about the future of our Democracy, starting to experience not being able to afford groceries, struggling to make ends meet, feeling depressed day-in day-out, no longer visiting my friends or neighbors, can't sleep so stay up all night and I continue to hate the Republicans, including friends and family who voted this evil, ugly, MONSTER AGAIN! This is not what anybody wanted!
Mary Jo, you need to take care of yourself. It's very, very hard to do. I am fortunate that I had many years of therapy (unrelated to our POS Felon) and learned the tools needed to stay engaged and not be consumed. I have noticed a new obstacle that I was waiting for. I keep getting asked to understand people who either voted for the asshole or didn't vote at all. To be sympathetic because of what is transpiring. Once again, I used to be a very forgiving person. Not anymore. They are the reason the asshole got elected twice, and I have no problem telling them that. BUT, when I feel the onslaught starting, I back off from the news for a bit.
Thank you Joanne. I felt a kinship to you with your last sentence "from a flower child to a vindictive bitch"! All I could think was boy can I relate. We must be about the same age. But, I think I need to revise it or send another to add I know I'm not alone... because I know many of the ways people are suffering so much worse than me.
BTW, It's a long story but I'm currently in therapy and am grateful.
Things are real tough out there. I hope we see change soon.
Of course, it is timed for television. He was successful with The Apprentice. His televised rallies were successful in his eyes. (I suppose they were successful because he got elected twice) However, as important as that is, the lack of transparency is far worse. He found a way (The War Powers Act of 1973) to start this war without Congressional approval. Our Felon president is not known for truth and transparency. I don't believe he ever thinks long-term. Frankly, I personally don't think he is intelligent enough to think about anything. He has no exit strategy. Bullies operate on their own schedule. Bullies think they are invincible. Bullies also get held responsible for their actions. A blue tsunami at the midterms would take care of that. In the short term, I am terrified about where we go from here. I hope that his narcissism will stop him from reinstating the draft. Barron would have to register, and I don't think Trump wants that. Although I suppose he has a plan for Barron's rejection. The beginning of my political education was Vietnam and Watergate. It was a great way to become a cynic and a pessimist. Sorry, this is so long.
Great post Joanne🤙🏽🫶🏽🤙🏽
At this point, felonhead can say whatever he wants. We know who really has the cards. If only the military would just say no.
Another performance, just like the staged "assassination" attempt. Instead of 2 week Donnie, now it's 5 day Donnie. Reading other substack articles, there are no negotiations. Al Jazeera reporting there are negotiations. Another day of "trust nobody." trump's 'Merica!
Al Jazeera talking points:
Live updates
Published 1 minutes ago1m ago
Israel seems to be aiming to split Bekaa Valley from southern Lebanon
list 2 of 10
Published 5 minutes ago5m ago
Iran media say Tehran rejects talks, calls on US to address regional concerns it initiated
list 3 of 10
Published 16 minutes ago16m ago
Iran unlikely to reject Trump offer if conditions met
list 4 of 10
Published 21 minutes ago21m ago
Oman says it is working to secure safe passage in Strait of Hormuz
Transparency, facts, leadership? Out of those clowns? Please! And you failed to mention they have committed war crimes and the targeting of energy infrastructure would be yet another war crime... No matter how this ends, they should all go to the Hague.
Who can honestly sift through Trump’s lies and find the truths? Truth is he poked and killed one bear who was replaced by a much more savage, vicious bear. This new bear does pose a greater threat that Trump didn’t see and took for granted (IMO).
No exit (and recovery) strategy has been revealed to the American citizens.
I am genuinely concerned about the damage to our economy that this loose cannon regime is causing. Gabbard professes that it’s not her responsibility to determine an imminent threat. That’s the determination of our unqualified, narcissistic, power hungry Commander. Then why does Gabbard have her job?
This war is not going to end with a handshake or in 30 days. It is going to last for months if not years. Lives will be lost. Our economy is and will continue to be severely damaged other countries’ economy will be damaged as well. The American citizens are beets that the government are trying to get blood from. This Administration is the worst that I have seen for fiscal management and responsibility. We’re seeing a repeat of the government’s overspending scandal of the mid-1980’s (i.e., $600 toilet seat) on steroids. [Packard Commission] So much for DOGE!
He is truly demented and the rest of the government is going to allow him to destroy us and possibly the world
Just two words here. I’m scared!
The clock ran out when the two monsters declared jihad on Iran. We know that they are now doubling down because this is what one of them wants. The other is not strong enough to get out. We no longer have allies. Bankrupted. By. DJT.
I did notice that he says that there is 5 day hold on strikes. He is in talks with Iran. I'm not sure how much is true, but I will have to take it at face value right now.
Not true. Everything Trump says is a lie.
No. You're right. He does lie. But I hadn't heard anything else this morning. So that's just what I want with. Turns out, I ran said that they have not sat down and said anything to him. So that's that.
Trump is just manipulating the stock market so his buddies can get rich. Before he made that announcement, someone purchased 1.5 trillion dollars of stocks.
Yep. He's so blatenly obvious.
I wish I could edit. That was speach to text.
@Lisbeth: you CAN edit posts! click on the tiny 3 dots all the way to the right at the bottom of your comment, then select "edit". I use voice to text pretty exclusively, so my first draft is always full of errors and just too many unnecessary words (because we use language very differently when we talk than when we write) ...I usually end up editing at least 3 times 🤓‼️
Now it's letting me edit. I think I might contact support. This is too weird.
I tried. It wouldn't let me edit it. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.
make sure you are clicking the 3 dots below your comment and not the 3 dots just above it. I get it wrong all the time! cuz both sets of dots are about equally close to the comment. There's a lot of annoying slop like that in the substack user interface 🧐
Yeah, I don't believe anything he says. I quit listening too! Turn him off every time he speaks. He is just telling more lies.
This Orange Menace is playing a game of chicken.. but innocent people are in the middle.. this isn’t strength this is a power grab for his malignant narcissism.
Michael
You have given a clear picture of the situation we're in. I'm no more able to put my thoughts down now than I was at 5 am.
All because Trump is jealous Obama earned a nobel price.