Stage Four
It's not easy coming back from the recent trauma of losing a son.
I've successfully navigated the first three stages of grief and have reached four. The need to return to doing the things I used to do. Hosting this Open Thread is one of them.
To everyone here who had very kind words to offer in my support, thank you so much. It helped greatly.
What a time to come back, eh?
The middle east is about to explode, while the Ukraine has been put on the back burner by the MSM. The loss of Ukraine is making the western regime numb and dumb, confused and disorganized, and a growing anxiety permeates all the western capitals.
I love the smell of panic in the morning (H/T to Apocalypse Now, or maybe tomorrow morning).
The good news is the tag team of Putin-Xi appears unstoppable now with their North/South Transportation Corridor, BRICS+, Belt & Road Initiative, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the New Silk Road project.
The rest of the world, over a 140 nations, are beating a path to sign up.
And most of those same nations are lining up behind the Palestinians.
Not to worry though, we sent two (2 count em) Carrier Battle Groups to take care of those sandal wearing, AK47 toting escaped prisoners. Hell, why not send a couple more? How many do we have, eleven? Lets send them all, the Mediterranean is big enough to hold them all, right?
We'll show'em what for.
The rest of the world will surely notice we mean business.
Clowns to the right of me, joker to the left.
It feels good to be back.
The thread is open.
Comments
Good morning, e1!
I am glad you have found the path to absorb what has happened to your family. Getting back to normal to discuss the US' fall from grace and likelihood of WWIII is certainly the path to brain focus on the here and now.
I can't resist: I am on an office streak of trying to interview men with brain damage. Four in a row. Sigh...I must have some reputation I never realized I had.
Keep the OTs coming, e1. They are always great.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The buildup to another warfront
is in high gear now. We just sent a flock of A10 Warthogs to an airbase in Cyprus in anticipation of something.
It is becoming clear to the rest of the world that wherever the US goes, trouble follows.
Everything we touch turns to shit.
Gives new meaning to Reagan's quip "I'm from the government and I'm here to help".
Nations around the globe shudder when one of our ghouls fly in to "consult".
It's evidenced by Blinken, etc al getting the cold shoulder everywhere they go now.
America is done, stick a fork in us.
IMHO.
Fortunately for you, there is no shortage of men with brain damage in America today. Start with the halls of Congress, a ready supply for years.
Thanks for stopping by.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Good morning earthling1. Very, very sorry for your loss,
and very relieved that you are well along the road to recovery. You are not only back (Welcome Back!) but able to see good things and good news in the current situation while barely acknowledging that we're going to hell in a handbasket. As a designated curmudgeon, I tend to focus overmuch on that latter bit of angst. Specifically, I blame Ella because it is her damn basket:
Thanks for the OT
be well and have a good one
edit = changed "food things" to "good things"
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Thanks for the kind words, EL
I'm going to try to focus on the good things I stumble upon in the near future. Such as;
The 10 year old Anasazi beans I planted are thriving and providing a bumper crop.
Whodda thunk?
Haven't cooked any yet but looking forward to and adding a ham bone. And cornbread, of course.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I've heard that anasazi beans work wonders in that regard,
and I know we have decent luck with some fairly old ones once. Our 2 batches of green beans are pretty much ready to be pulled and I have newly delivered garlic and shallots to plant, so I have to get to it.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Welcome back compadre
Agree with the beneficial influence of the RUS-CHI forward plans. Nations are
smart to get on that train. US and their poodles in the EU are looking pretty
desperate at this point. The world wants peace and stability. Not moar war for
oil, money and food/water. Wake up Murica.
May your son's soul rest in peace.
question everything
Just read a comment
H/T humphrey,
regarding a memo from a national guard unit general lamenting a growing concern of soldiers not willing to fight and die for Israel.
A new definition of "woke" is happening before our very eyes.
I see this as good.
Thanks for the kind words.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Welcome back!
Earthling1 Sorry for your tragic loss. Glad you are back, I missed your OTs.
Thanks for the info on the A10s. I wondered where they would station. They're probably potentially directed against Hezbollah and Southern Lebanon from that position. They could strike inside Syria as well, with tanker support. I guess someone will have to deliver the munitions to wherever they stage, if they go into action. Hopefully they and the carrier air wings won't see any action. Somebody needs to get a cease fire before things get out of control. A10s are primarily a close air support weapon system, they are an old design, heavily armored, and reputed to be more survivable and practical over the battlefield then more modern fighter bomber aircraft. That's why they are still around. Old low and slow, I think the saying goes.
語必忠信 行必正直
I think
the A10s are the only weapon we have munitions for. We've given Ukraine all our lod stuff and much of our newer ones. Our military is beginning to hoard what's left as evidenced by that national guard memo humphrey posted stating such.
Therein lies the problem.
When the western world runs out of conventional munitions and all we have left is nuclear......
Looking to buy a schooldesk to hide under.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
A ceasefire has been shot down
Russia brought one forward and 5 countries voted for it, 5 others voted against it and 6 countries stayed silent.
The 3 named US mouthpiece shot it down because Russia didn’t condemn Hamas harsh enough. Seriously you bat woman. You give permission for Israel to keep slaughtering innocent civilians just because Russia didn’t do what you wanted them to? I’m pinning the 500 civilians that were murdered by Israel when they bombed the hospital. Wear that on your soul you ghoul! I hope it haunts you to your grave.
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.
~Hannah Arendt
Heh, modern P 47 thunderbolt, n/t
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
I took some survey yesterday.
Question: What do you most look forward to upon retirement?
My replay: Not working.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The last
couple of years before retirement are the hardest. The natural conflict of should I? Or should I work a little longer? What will I do after? What if I die before I draw my first pension check?
Just try to relax and spend your time planning your golden years. Before you know it the waiting is over and you're looking forward to fun times.
Labor of love will replace "work".
Good luck.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I have a half-assed plan on when I
close up shop. Some days, it is just so awful to hear stories of abuse of family members, and to be haunted by pictures of injured kids. I have been sort of depressed by it for a week. But, just a while ago, my client, who won custody of his 2 sons, but had to go through hell to find them and get them from their Mom who was hiding them in Michigan, just brought his sons to the office to meet me. Gorgeous boys! It took months, but man oh man, it makes for a happy office, and keeps me energized to keep going a little longer.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
retirement is a difficult process for those of us
who have been life-long members of the self employed club
there are no cut and dry divisions, like retirement parties where
you get a gold watch and speeches, accolades and what nots
In my experience, it is a slow unwinding of previous engagements
turning down prospects for 'health' reasons and informing your clients
they need to find someone else. It does not mean we will stop working
altogether, more of a gradual transition away from the chase for the
almighty buck into a more comfortable space.
good luck!
question everything
Great to see your voice this morning on world events
None of the Asian or Island countries took the bait to start another conflict for US extraction from Ukraine. So the old standby to keep the world off balance stepped up to the task. Let's head towards Jerusalem. It has worked for a few hundred years to distract local populations of their leader's exploitation of their communities and lives.
So a couple aircraft carriers, a few marines, planes and a president sent to a possible line of conflict to calm events down. This makes Bush's declaration of Mission Accomplished on USS Abraham Lincoln air craft carrier look like amateur hour. Biden will get a great photo-op for for his campaign. He only need not to fall, read his speech, not answer questions and have all the participants in public events play there part he is fully functioning in his role with no close by puppetmasters.
A hollow chocolate Easter bunny as a comparison keeps coming to mind. US hard outer shell of protection looks impressive. If pressed in the right spot the whole thing falls apart.
A few days of beautiful fall weather to calm the soul the rest of the week followed by clouds and rain this weekend. Natures patterns keep revolving. - Glad you are back to writing.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
I can't help thinking
Poor old Biden being sent there as bait! He probably hasn't a clue.
What a masterful false flag event.
That would definitely put the taste of blood in the proles mouths.
Thanks for the post.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Yeah, but if he falls down the stairs
and cracks his head, that is going to be a tough sell to blame it on
Syria, Iran, Russia, China, or all of the other US bogeymen. Take
your damn war toys home, or better yet, give them to Iceland.
question everything
I heard
they installed a Stairmaster on AF1.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I like the chocolate easter bunny...
analogy but, chocolate Easter bunnies are sweet and good! Not sure the USA has even been that, foreign policy-wise. Maybe to the Brits?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I am sure that the ICC will be charging Israel with
war crimes! /S
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafa...
somebody please tell Bibi to stop slaughtering Palestines
Doubt Biden is up to the task. At some point greater powers will make a
statement about his behavior in the form of a fire storm.
question everything
Biden's problem
is he tries to out-kayfabe Trump (talk big badass), but Trump is a master at it, largely because of his life-long experiences with professional wrestling.
Biden comes off as a puppet on a string trying to frighten children.
It's really pathetic.
He will kiss Bibi's ring and quickly return home.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
yes, and leaving two warships behind in his retreat
I seriously do not understand how the Israelis conquered the US congress
although bribery is most likely the modus operand
this is, as you say, mostly theatrical presentation to cover crimes
the Arab states have realized the cost of western power plays
and are now doing the calculus to either stand or be mowed over
at great cost
question everything
The ICC
is a joke, as is the Nobel Committee.
But their world is shrinking. Eventually the lowlifes will begin to desert and take the money with them.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
That is exactly why I used the snark tag.
The next thing that we might see is that Bibi has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Odds favor you
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
ICC is junk justice.
I can call out the Israeli government as a murderous institution. At least for now.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Now it’s my head exploding
Just saw shitlibs trying to give Israel a pass for bombing the hospital. Some are horrified. A few say that it was a legitimate target if Hamas had weapons in the basement and others say that it was a Hamas rocket that went off target and that Israel’s hands are clean. Others say that Hamas knew how Israel would respond so they own the blame for every civilian death. Back when they didn’t like where Russian bombs were landing the shoe was on the other foot. Hell it was on someone else’s foot.
One thing that none of them have noticed is that Russia took care not to do what Israel is doing. They haven’t razed Kiev to the ground nor have they blockaded Kiev from life’s essentials.
I want everyone who is in favor of Israel’s retaliation to imagine that happening to their town and see if that would garner any sympathy for the Palestinians. Has Americans always been this bloodthirsty and devoid of empathy?
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.
~Hannah Arendt
short answer: Yes! n/t
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
I agree with EL...
Short answer is yes!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Welcome back earthling
.
I’m glad you made it through the initial grief of your son’s death. Getting back to doing things you took a break from is a good first step. Just remember to be gentle with yourself for awhile. Grief comes in stages.
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.
~Hannah Arendt
Thanks Snoop
The community here has already made me feel much better.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Israel propagandists try to put a favorable spin on the
bombing of the hospital.
However the internet is not buying it!
Fair and balanced coverage!
Brought to you be the same reporter who was previously seen hiding in a ditch.
https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/cnn-reporter-takes-cover-in-ditch-du...
Thanks, humphrey
For the truly fair and balanced report.
Johnstone nails it, again.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Good question?
Bidump has united the country, all right - against him!
More effectively than The Rump ever did - and without even trying, because he's incapable of doing anything right.
There is no justice. There can be no peace.
I'm glad to see you back,
and very sorry about your son's death. Grief is in stages, as you have said. I'm glad you are on the fourth stage. Welcome back! You were missed!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so