Open Thread - 18 June 2026 - 82 Years!
82 Years!
It's been 82 years since the USA and its allies stormed the shores of Normandy and started pushing the Nazis out of France. Reed Galen, writing on his substack (Home Front) produced a pretty good article, 2 years ago, about the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He republished it a few weeks ago, on the 82 anniversary of D-Day. Now, Reed Galen is a moderate conservative, and helped start the Lincoln Project. He opposes Trump and those who support Trump. I can't say I always agree with his takes on things but the article about D-Day was really good. Here's what he says at the beginning:
I originally posted this two years ago when the world was in a different place and it looked as if the forces of good might prevail. They did not, and now we owe it to ourselves, those of the Greatest Generation, to look back, learn their lessons, absorb their wisdom, and plot our own path through the darkness.
A bit later he writes:
As we face a battle of our own time, we must remember we’re not being asked to step off a landing craft or jump from a rickety airplane into the unknown. Our tasks are safer to be sure, and even mundane, but important nonetheless. As the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings wash over us, take hold of the spirit of those that came before us, that gave their last full measure of devotion, understood their tasks and faced their fears to do their duty.
We freedom-loving, democracy-defending Americans, we the lucky and the free, owe them nothing less.
Reed goes on to write a bit about General Eisenhower, and how he handled D-Day and the possibility of failure. He quotes Eisenhower's message to the men doing the amazing work, suffering, sacrifice and more during D-Day. And then, Eisenhower also prepared for the worst, and recognized the reality of possible failure with a handwritten note that an aide found. The General wrote the note, it seems, in case the landing on D-Day failed. And he accepted all responsibility for that failure.
But failure didn't happen then. And it won't happen now, either. We, the people, aren't going to let it happen!
Robert Reich writes about this, as he recounts his story of trying to learn about D-Day from his parents. They were part of the Greatest Generation.
He writes:
Eventually they and their generation were called America’s “greatest generation” for their valor and sacrifice. They had fought fascism and won.
Now, 82 years later, we have homegrown fascism. An entire political party seems to have given up on democracy. They’re supporting an egomaniacal “strong man” who cares only about enlarging his own (and his family’s) wealth and power.
He goes on to explain why he thinks neofacism has grown -
I think it has to do with the anger so many Americans have felt that they and their children haven’t been able to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. Trump and other neofascists have channeled that anger toward immigrants, gay people, transgender people, Muslims, and Black people.
And of course, there is the passage of time. 82 years ago - that's a long time to remember the sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made. And yet, we need to remember what they did, and why (and the causes of Fascism to begin with); our younger generations need to learn about them.
Reich finishes with:
The best way to remember and honor the men and women who risked everything for us is to fight neofascism — fight for a stronger democracy, fight for the rule of law and social justice, fight against bigotry.
And I can't disagree with any of that. As Galen and Reich show, we don't have to let neofascism win, but it's going to be quite a fight to beat it, I think, sadly. Where's our FDR? *sigh*
Wow! Completely different subject, but...
I just saw this on the BBC website. I am gobsmacked, to put it in British terms. This is so cool, so cool. An older version of something like Stonehenge has been found, about 3 miles from Stonehenge itself. It had two wooden posts/blocks which aligned with the sun's summer and winter solstice. The site is about 500 years older than Stonehenge. This is so wonderful!
Ok, Here's the open thread! What's up, whatcha doing? Reading? Thinking? Listening to? Remember, everything is interesting if you dive deep enough, so tell us about where you're diving!
Comments
Happy Thursday!
Hopefully, everyone is having a great day. It's nice here, so outside work is happening. Also lots of family stress stuff. But the sunshine helps relieve that!
What's up? Whatcha doing/learning/thinking about?
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
Good morning...
Also just a few miles from Stonehenge is woodhenge...
My hypothesis is it was practice for the stone version. Notice there is a river trip and processional from one site to the other.
Here is what it looks like today with concrete markers at the tree locations.
This is what it may have looked like...
This site differs from what the article you posted describes.
As to D-Day, it helps perpetuate the myth the US and Brits won WWII, when the Russians bore the brunt. We spread chaos and coups, not democracy.
Thanks for the OT. Hope all is well on the homestead!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Woodhenge, wow!
I forgot about that site
As for WWII yes, Russia bore the brunt. Still, walking past the holes German bombs made in northern Britain (I used to live there), reading about and visiting the neighborhoods destroyed, and looking at the weird guards on the beaches to stop beach invasions... the British people bore the brunt too, and French, and so on. We USians never, ever suffered like the people of Europe and parts of Asia did.
It was sunny but not super hot here today. Hope all is well there!
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
In Russia a lid was flipped
The top of an oil storage tank was blown up into the air like a saucer and the video is so outlandish it is making the rounds.
Last night the refinery in Moscow was hit again. It's only the seventh or so largest refinery, but of the top 20, every refinery within 2,000 km has been hit. These latest strikes have probably put the refinery out of commission, it is half the petrol supply to the capital, especially Jet A.
One hit isn't necessarily enough to end production at a refinery, but if it is to a critical piece of machinery it is enough to delay repairs until the war is over and they can once again purchase machines from the west.
Every one of the four airports in Moscow was shut down. Parts of the ring road were closed. There were multiple fires across the sprawling complex and of course tons of black smoke billowing out for all the citizens to see.
It's estimated that 30% to 40% of Russia's refining capacity is now shut down. There is rationing in 25 sectors of Russia and the entirety of occupied Ukraine. A quarter of the gas stations in the capital are closed.
Putin, unaware was giving a talk in a distant republic on endangered species this morning. Smiling and congenial no one had told him.
The changed circumstances was apparent at the G7 meeting. Expect Trump to now be besties with Zelensky and claim any successes are entirely due to his efforts. Trump always with a finger in the wind gravitates to whoever is winning.
https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2067502764159062213?s=20
A photo at midmorning showing the breadth of the fires
https://x.com/BohuslavskaKate/status/2067449379816902726?s=20
I think this one will be harder to put out. Hard to get at a fire burning so hot and so widespread.
Good morning Sima. There was always an undercurrent of
support for open fascism and NAZIs in the US, it has simply grown larger at the top and more public. Thee is a major resurgence in Europe too, at lest among government elites, the Eu and all that and the continuing movement to use the NAZI/Banderite Ukie dictatorship to try to destroy and balkanize the Rus, something the US continues to our funds it doesn't have into.
Meanwhile the monster propaganda machine pushes normalizatin and acceptance of all this while the Geheime staats Polizei works overtime to suppress any criticism or exposure thereof. That is what makes the current process so difficult. The population is inside of the enemy, there will be no D-Day because we are already a fascist state and fairly openly so.
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 --
I agree with what you've said
Especially this: 'The population is inside of the enemy, there will be no D-Day because we are already a fascist state and fairly openly so.' I think Reed Galen and Robert Reich would too, maybe. That's why it's a different fight. I expect we are going to have to go through the hardships the 'little' people suffered in the 1920s and 30s and hopefully have leaders who will fight the fascists. Or, there we'll be (even more so than now).
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
Good morning, Sima!
My secretary may not get to the office today due to car trouble. So, the video I am posting here won't be seen until she can get here and man the phone. It is clear that making any effort to save a Palestinian life is punishable by the Zionists. Bringing baby formula to a starving baby demands a harsh life lesson. That we are about to merge our defense and military with Israel not why my Dad fought in the D-Day invasion.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Good evening!
Yep, merging with Israel is not why my grandfathers fought either.
The Israeli government, fascist? Yea. Cruel. Yea. Have not been a fan for most of my life, I have to admit. I really admire the brave people trying to feed and care for the people Israel is murdering. Thanks for the video!
Have a good weekend, my friend.
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
Heh, Mussolini, the ideological driver, took a second seat to
Hitler, the megalomaniacal dimwit. Hitler was an Austrian who moved to Germany and joined the Bavarian army. After WW I, he dreamed of a resurgent Germany taking the war to Britain. Having become culturally Bavarian, he didn't understand that it had already been done long ago. Around 448/449 CE the Saxons began to conquer England, that was kind of their thing (the Teutonic Knights were very largely Saxon too). A bunch of Bavarians were not going to conquer transplanted Saxons, just as they never did on their home turf. He also dreamed of conquering the Rus, but even the Saxons had been unable to do that and were stopped when Nevsky handed them their ass.
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 --
Interesting way to frame things...
Saxons, Bavarians... As for the Rus, I always think of Napoleon's invasion and how hard, and eventually successfully, the Russians fought to kick him out. Hitler's invasion, to me, is much the same... The lesson is never invade Russia. It's stupid.
Have a great weekend!
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
It is a myth the Greatest
Generation defeated Nazi's and fascism. The Western leadership in government, military, medical, intelligence services and a core corporate business community migrated key individuals and scientific information around the world including into the US. Until we comprehend it was deliberate actions not to completely destroy the system and its participants the scope of problem will not be completely understood.
It is not a spontaneous homegrown problem. It was transplanted, nurtured and parts of it are interwoven religious communities, industries and nonprofits. Fortunately the problem is now visible to a wider portion of the general community. Unfortunately due to traditional loyalties there has been a reflexive response by enough individuals to thwart efforts to diminish the spread of fascist practices.
Yeah team - with no thought only loyalty keeps destroying communication bridges.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
We and probably mosy of the english speaking world are
tuaght very selective bits and pieces of history, including as to WW II. "Who was in it?", for example.
Remnant of British Empire - Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Gurkas, Burma, etc.
US
Rus and Rus adjacent
China
France, French partisans, Free French. Algeria
Viet Nam (not as a nation state, but more than partisans, after the French left)
Assorted other partisane
vs
Germany, Italy, Japan, Croatia. Austria,
Ukraine (not formally as a nation state but ordinary Ukranians + Banderites in Einsatzgruppen, Waffen SS, Auxilliary Police, Hilfspolitzei, Freiwilligen Regiments, etc), other Waffen SS units,
Vichy France.
Free-for-all Post 1942, the Ukranian Nationalist Army fought Poland, the Polish resistance, Russia and Germany
Turkey, Spain & Switzerland were neutral
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 --
Heh, taught...
Me and my classmates weren't taught about WWII. At least, not in school, officially, the excuse was 'too recent'. Had a teacher who was willing to teach those of us who wanted to learn that history (and history of WWI) outside of the official class. A bunch of us went to those teachings.
I wonder if they even teach WWII history in school now? I have no children, so I don't know...
So all learning is done via propaganda, movies, tv shows, books (although some of us read books from a British, Russian, and even German perspective). And noone is taught about all the 'evil' Nazis who became top rated US scientists and so on. Or those who fled and lived in South America (Chile and so on), and more.
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
Birthday wishes to Paul McCartney
.
Born today 1942 in Liverpool. One of the few remaining
original Beatles. Went on to form Wings and get knighted by
British royalty.
Thanks for the OT Sima!
Zionism is a social disease
Woo!
Happy Birthday, Paul!
Thanks for the video, haven't heard that song in a while. Have a great weekend.
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
Russia is attacking hard
and Ukraine has lost over 1400 soldiers in the last 24 hrs.
This is a new source I saw in MoA.
https://southfront.press/military-situation-in-ukraine-on-june-18-2026-m...
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thanks for the link
.
seems pretty concise and up to date.
Short version - Ukraine is losing big time.
Zionism is a social disease
The commenters
at MoA typically have outstanding sources. This one is good. The maps are uncomplicated. The info is concise and to the point. I am gonna book mark it.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Western media continues
to report the opposite.
Newsweek From last August, American support for Ukraine. Democrats were all in at 80%/ Republicans were okay with calling it a day at 69%. Sadly looks as if Congressonal Democrats are in line with their constituent and the Trumpsters are with him. Not that I think voters have any real understanding and knowledge of Ukraine, Russa, and the SMO. The Democratic Party (Clinton etal) have successfully sold the Russiagate hoax because they were too arrogant to accept that HRC lost to Trump. As Trump was a target of the hoax, his supporters back him on this but also his nutso other stuff. Both parties are going to destroy this country.
MSM is
a CIA asset. Rarely do they report the truth. That said, the NYT has a bombshell report on how Trump instructed his staff to cover up the Epstein Files. The timing is curious. This comes the day after him signing the MOU. Israel must really want to get even with him.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The unspoken truth about
the Epstein class is that Zionists were the source of the funds. And the class/clique were supposed to advance the notion of Jewish superiority. Not the smartest move for Israel to highlight the Epstein files to get back at Trump. But they wouldn't mind if Theil's flunkey could take Trump's place.
It's always
good for the Zionists, never the rest of us.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
This made me laugh...
sardonically. 'Israel must really want to get even with him' (Trump). Probably very true!
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
Good source...
Thank you. And yea, Russia is going to win.
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
Removed for rewrite and corrections
,
,
,
,
.
.
.
.
The confidence to remain patient.
Neolibs, Zionists, and colonizers can't afford to be patient.
The KMT changed its tune
The party currently in power in Taiwan, although they have lost control of the legislature, is the DPP. It's a long complicated story, but to oversimply it, the Democratic Progressive Party is now the "independence" party dancing to the US tune. One might say as such, they are the war party in Taiwan now.
The KMT is now led by a Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun who met with Xi and has a much more "Chinese" view of Taiwan as a part of Chinese civilization and looks for closer ties, better economic, social and cultural relations. She promotes increasing ties by collaboration in distinct areas, science, commerce, culture and ultimately peaceful integration with the mainland while maintaining their own autonomy and institutions, in whatever time it takes. The DPP play the role now of serving foreign interests like Japan and the US. She explains it better than I do.
己所不欲，勿施于人。
Now for something different...
I have commented about the evil kill switches to be installed in all new cars built from 2026 and forward. There's even more dangerous and crazy stuff in them!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I like my 2009 Ford Ranger
.
High mileage, but user friendly. Hand crank windows, no
power seats or mirrors. Just basic transportation. Will try to
keep it alive as long as possible. Even the aircon still works!
Latest is not always the greatest.
Zionism is a social disease
Sounds perfect!
I had very bad luck with my last Ford truck, and my last Chevy truck. The joke about Dodge Rams was you bought it for the motor. Everything else was junk. I didn't get one, but a secretary did, and it was constantly in the repair shop.
My 2018 Toyota Tundra doesn't have automatic seats or seat heating. I could care less.
We turned off the feature in my Hyundai SUV that automatically keeps you between the lines because around here, you need to be able to dodge potholes and dead deer in the roads. We forget about lines and dodge getting bent bumpers.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
No new car for me!
But mine uses gasoline... It gets better gas mileage than a lot of modern cars, and it's only like... errmmm 25 years old. (2001 Honda). But when gasoline disappears? I wanted to get an EV soon, but not with this crap going on!
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
The nearest charging station
from my home town is 35 miles away.
My little sports car gets 35 miles to the gal.,
the truck gets 23 miles, and the SUV gets 33 miles to the gallon.
A friend bought a hybrid. After 3 years, the battery needed to be replaced. He said it was cheaper to just get a new car, believing the value of his car was the merely the battery.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
@on the cusp I'm getting about
I'm getting about 108 miles for what I'd pay for a gallon of gas in a car that goes 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds and runs a 13 second quarter mile. Mileage is much worse driving fast but I don't anyway, saves on brakes and tires. It stops by itself when something is in front of it, and does all kinds of other things I haven't even been able to figure out. No oil changes, no lube, no plugs, no points,.
We still have an 09 civic on the road but when the youngest one graduates we'll get rid of it. I'm so over wrenching on everyone's car.
Sounds like
your vehicle is very fuel efficient.
I will not accept anything less than "I am the driver and will not be driven by sensors." I paid for the car, not some AI gadget. I haven't noticed auto insurance rates get cheaper with all these safety features built in. I wonder why?
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I so agree!
Wow, us old ladies are spot on right now, heh! This really speaks to me, 'I will not accept anything less than "I am the driver and will not be driven by sensors." I paid for the car, not some AI gadget.' I still drive a stick shift. I don't think they even make those anymore
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
35 mpg?
That's really good. My Honda Civic, 2 door, gets between 36 to 40 mph. I tracked that forever, and even as it's aged, the gas mileage is still pretty good. Our truck, a Toyota Tacoma, gets about 19-20 mph. My parents' hybrid Toyotas need lots of care. My Mom wants two cars, but refuses to drive one. And a hybrid needs to be driven or the battery dies. Hers has died about 4 times!
Our nearest charging station is only a couple of miles away. Or it was, the Safeway might have removed it. I haven't checked lately. So, yea, keep on going with what you've got! Me too!
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
The mention above
about a friend finding out the cost of battery replacement equals the cost of the vehicle didn't end there. He replaced the used hybrid with a new one. Driving home in a storm, he got caught in some water on a bridge. When a large truck passed him from the other direction, it caused the water to slosh onto his hybrid. It was totaled. A year old car that got wet was totaled.
We are a geographical area with low bridges, creeks, rivers, streams, and bayous. Hell, the creek that forms the rear boundary of my acreage floods all the time, trapping in an entire subdivision across the bridge for days at the time.
At any rate, I took driver's ed, did the driver's test, have maintained a driver's license for 60 yrs. Sensors can't show any credentials!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Hi Sima!
Great discussion here today. My father and uncle were WWII veterans but they both deployed to the Pacific theater.
Unrelated but I wanted to post links to two historical analyses. In the first, I've cued the historical discussion concerning the concept of democracy in the CPC and the debate concerning the liberal ideal and the Chinese communist view that ultimately prevailed. I recommend this entire series put together by Kishore, but this explanation of the democratic principle in the CPC which won out despite what I consider unrealistic expectations in the west is outstanding.
In conversation: Kishore Mahbubani and Wang Gungwu Part 2
The second link is a two decades old Bruce Cummings book review which summarizes some of his key observations concerning North Korea and reactions to stereotypical characterizations of North Korea in the nature of Orientalism, and propaganda.
We look at it and see ourselves Bruce Cumings
己所不欲，勿施于人。
Thanks for stopping by...
As usual, I learned a lot from your comment. I'm watching the video, very interesting. As for North and South Korea, I've always been very interested... my great Uncle died fighting in the Korean War. That sparked an interest, which eventually went beyond being taught by propaganda, from the time I was young. Thank you for furthering my knowledge!
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
Chang mo-nim
My late mother in law, fled from Seoul before the North Korean army in 1950. She was fluent in Japanese, as well as native Korean; the former basically had been forced upon Korean school children during the colonial period. She had no occasion to use it after WWII, but still read Japanese books.
Below a Kdrama OST hit, Fate's Seasons Aki Azuma and Rie Utagokoro. Fate has seasons. What happened to the people I knew? Don't try to hang on to the past. Don't block your future fate and the people you will meet.
우타고코로리에(歌心りえ)X아즈마아키(東亜樹) - 시절인연(時節因縁)｜한일톱텐쇼 25회
I love to hear these two Japanese singers performing Korean songs.
Your great uncle made the ultimate sacrifice. The fate of Koreans and Americans are intertwined. Thanks so much for you comment Sima!
己所不欲，勿施于人。
Scary stuff
with all the online applications you fill out, rather than in person or by mail.
We don't have hunting or fishing licenses, although JtC was going to get one to do some fishing. Fishing w/o a license is a fine of $1,000.00.
https://slaynews.com/personal-data-3-million-texans-leaked-massive-state...
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981