It is ten seconds to midnight

71
8

.

.

The unthinkable has happened.

US, French, and British military forces attacked various targets in Syria.

- Sponsor Promotion -

The attack took place at around mid-day-1.00PM local time;

.

.

Trump described the attack with flowery words that served only to compound the horror of his actions;

“So today, the nations of Britain, France, and the United States of America have marshaled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality.”

As the planet faced the apocalyptic  nightmare of atomic war, Trump invoked supernatural assistance from  his deity;

“We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria. We pray that God will guide the whole region toward a future of dignity and of peace.

And we pray that God will continue to watch over and bless the United States of America.”

If his god exists, now would be a good time for it to intervene.

As predicted by many, Trump has not waited for an investigative team from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to carry out it’s work. This despite an OPCW team having already landed in Damascus to conduct it’s investigation.

This is a repeat of the U.S. launching it’s invasion of Iraq in 2003 despite the U.N.  tasked with locating alleged  weapons of mass destruction in that country.

The Russians have replied, predictably threatening consequences to the American, French, and British attack;

.

.

It seems that Fox News commentator, Tucker Carlson’s overt message to Donald Trump not to attack Syria has fallen on deaf ears;

.

.

It is now ten seconds to midnight.  Our civilisation; our species; our entire planet stands on the brink of annihilation.

What will happen next will depend on the wisdom of men and women in Moscow. All notions of common sense and self-preservation apparently having deserted the fools who currently reside in the White House.

If you believe in your own deity – pray. Pray very hard.

If not, well, try it  anyway. We have bugger all to lose.

But whether or not you subscribe to supernatural intervention, now would be a good time to gather your family close and share one of our species’ greatest virtues.  It’s called hope.

 

.

References

Radio NZ:  Trump orders strikes in Syria over chemical attack (Live Feed)

Military Times:  President Trump’s statement on the U.S. military action in Syria

RT News:  ‘They can go anywhere they want in Douma’: OPCW team arrives in Syria to investigate alleged attack

CNBC News:  Russia warns of ‘consequences’ for US-led strike on Syria

Youtube: Fox News – Tucker Carlson – Would war against Assad make US safer?

Previous related blogpost

One minute to midnight?

.

.

.

=fs=

 

71 COMMENTS

  1. I read your other post on the doomsday clock yesterday, but chose not to comment. Today we can truly say, we are closer to the full cycle, nearly 12 o’clock, at least a minute before it, if not the ten seconds you suggest.

    The orange human monkey in the White House asked himself last night, shit, governing is really not that much fun, with Comey, that jerk, writing such nasty things about me, the former porn star now disclosing too much, with Mueller digging ever so deeper, with my own Governors from farming states asking me to join TPP, and with the opinion polls heading lower, also the stock exchanges going up and down.

    Shit, I better do something, hey we have that ‘horrible man’, that ‘animal’ or ‘monster’ in Damascus who I don’t like that much, and these Iranians support him, with Hezbollah also in the mix. I am friends with Netanyahu and my Zionist brothers and systers, my loyal son in law, and they asked me before, bomb the shit out of Syria.

    So, I decided, and I do not do so lightly, ya know, I don’t drink or drug, I decided, hey, Secretary of Defense, generals, how is our arsenal looking, what toys have you got for me? Are your ships on their way already, so instead of just sending a ‘message’, why not shoot a few REAL China Crackers at the Syrian regime, its research facility and so, as they though we can hit.

    Good, I will finally get some quiet sleep, I am sure Vladimir will eventually forgive me, so I hope, I need to sort stuff out, get the polls back up, and keep my voters happy.

    There you go, folks, the job is done now, pray for your wonderful ‘warriors’, dear compatriots, pray for them and me, their boss who gives final orders.

    Screw international law, that useless UN club and the rest, we are taking action, AMERICA FIRST!

    Comment:
    I expected something of this would come, with Trump being elected President, I almost knew that WW3 may be on the horizon, we are moving fast something worryingly close to it now. All major wars started with some ‘limited’ actions, except perhaps Hitler’s invasion of Poland and the later attack on the USSR.

    We can all pray now, perhaps those that actually care a shit, go and group together outside the US Embassy and Consulate, and protest this flagrant disregard to international law, and all reason, we do not even have any real evidence yet, what happened and who was responsible for the incident in Douma, yet the media is parroting stuff along, as if fiction is now established fact. Shit, what a mess.

  2. It seems Jacinda has fully swung behind the US, UK and France and their military actions a few hours ago:

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/04/jacinda-ardern-urges-un-involvement-following-strikes-on-syria.html

    “”New Zealand therefore accepts why the US, UK and France have today responded to the grave violation of international law, and the abhorrent use of chemical weapons against civilians.”

    “The action was intended to prevent further such atrocities being committed against Syrian civilians. We stand firm in our condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta. This is clearly in breach of international law.”

    We get stories from both sides, the Syrians and Russians denying responsibility, the US and its ‘allies’ blaming the Syrian government for the alleged gas attack, and also Russia for doing nothing about it.

    An international organisation had sent experts to investigate, who were supposed to go to Dhouma in a few hours. But the Orange Narcissist who rules via Twitter from the White House, he thought he take action already, no matter what may be found, or not.

    And Jacinda now thinks that is all quite OK?!

    This is not the government I voted for.

        • Kudos to Corbyn, especially as he may well be proven to be right. Its a shame our leadership didnt have the same intestinal fortitude.

      • Yes frank ‘standards’ have now disappeared today as global corporates and all their media have dismissed any concerns about independent foreign policies, and international rule of law, as they think their ‘born to rule is final and our independence is no longer required.

        The founders of our ‘democracy’ are turning in their graves as we are being crushed as the corporate world walks over our once free fair lives and independence is taken from us all.

        US/UK/France stands as the bastion of democracy but carries on as another cruel dictator with ‘the born to rule’ agenda which only advantages their agenda and not the common people who are swept aside with care or consideration.

        So very sad I feel now as my own departed parents long gone, that mind recalls the hopes they had during the 1950’s when the new labour Government was embarking on bringing freedom and new policies to make life easier for those less fortunate after years of wars and financial ruin from the 1930’s and 40’s.

        Now we see some aircraft just invade the air space of a sovereign country at will and bomb the hell out of the common people.

        What did all those years of suffering they endured achieve when I now see we have in one day all those ‘standards built up’ have been extinguished at the will of three countries who conspired to undermine those rules that governed us following the second world war.

        They prostituted themselves for what?

        So we all are now less safe than ever before.

        The munitions corporations are the only beneficiary of this ugly example of naked aggression against a sovereign

        Thanks frank for your exceptional care for the freedom of the common people..

  3. I had to read this twice, before I could believe it:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103109334/new-zealand-accepts-reasoning-behind-usled-strike-on-syria

    “”New Zealand therefore accepts why the US, UK and France have today responded to the grave violation of international law, and the abhorrent use of chemical weapons against civilians. “

    So present us the evidence now, thanks, why hold back if they now claim they had enough evidence for the Syrian government being responsible, without any doubt?

  4. And our govt has dutifully done what it was told and supported the bombing.

    “Won’t Get Fooled Again” (The Who)

    We’ll be fighting in the streets
    With our children at our feet
    And the morals that they worship will be gone
    And the men who spurred us on
    Sit in judgement of all wrong
    They decide and the shotgun sings the song

    I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
    Take a bow for the new revolution
    Smile and grin at the change all around
    Pick up my guitar and play
    Just like yesterday
    Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
    We don’t get fooled again

    The change, it had to come
    We knew it all along
    We were liberated from the fold, that’s all
    And the world looks just the same
    And history ain’t changed
    ‘Cause the banners, they are flown in the last war

    I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
    Take a bow for the new revolution
    Smile and grin at the change all around
    Pick up my guitar and play
    Just like yesterday
    Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
    We don’t get fooled again
    No, no!

    I’ll move myself and my family aside
    If we happen to be left half alive
    I’ll get all my papers and smile at the sky
    Oh I know that the hypnotized never lie
    Do ya?

    There’s nothing in the streets
    Looks any different to me
    And the slogans are replaced, by the bye
    And a parting on the left
    Is now a parting on the right
    And the beards have all grown longer overnight

    I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
    Take a bow for the new revolution
    Smile and grin at the change all around
    Pick up my guitar and play
    Just like yesterday
    Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
    We don’t get fooled again
    Don’t get fooled again
    No, no!

    Meet the new boss
    Same as the old boss

  5. There seems not to have been much damage. Most missiles have been intercepted.

    The US strike is being hailed as a victory by Damascus since the Syrian military’s losses were almost negligible. If anything Assad just got a boost to his support base
    https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/985021014072610816

    Gathering by the masses in the Umayaad square in support of the Syrian Army and to send a message of defiance to the triple aggression – Syrians Are Celebrating a “Victory” this morning in the Capital of Damascus.
    https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/985018480931016705

  6. Will someone please explain to Jacinda that it is still unproven that any chemical attack occurred far less that it was carried out by the Syrian army.
    And that it is the US the UK and France that have broken international laws committing an act of warfare against a country that does not threaten them, and without UN approval, Not Syria or Russia.
    Also it is an insidious deception to say that Russia blocked an independent inspection of the site. They and Syria have done everything in their power to facilitate it with utmost speed. Who is advising her? We all know what’s going on. Why doesn’t she?
    D J S

    • Want to know how the Americans chose their targets?
      Information given by the Syrians to the OPCW in compliance with the CWC!!
      Regular inspections and monitoring were being carried out at these declared sites
      Barzah and Jaramayah
      This document suggests the most recent was in late 2017

      “In accordance with paragraph 11 of Council decision EC-83/DEC.5, the Secretariat
      has continued planning for the second round of inspections at the Barzah and
      Jamrayah facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) in the Syrian
      Arab Republic, to be conducted in the second half of 2017. “

      https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/EC/86/en/ec86dg23_e_.pdf

      The strikes were
      a f##king transparently bullshit operation and the OPCW must know it

  7. Sorry to read ““New Zealand therefore accepts why the US, UK and France have today responded to the grave violation of international law, and the abhorrent use of chemical weapons against civilians. ”

    Law, are we talking about law?

    Trump has broken American law.
    From
    http://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/13/clear-violation-domestic-and-international-law-trump-bombs-syria?
    Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif) decried Trump’s decision, saying the “strikes against the Syrian regime – without congressional input or authorization – shows a contempt for the U.S Constitution and is without legal justification.”
    Lee added, “This is not a dictatorship. Congress, not the president, is responsible for debating and authorizing military action.

    Trump has broken international law.
    From
    http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/49199.htm

    Strike Against Syria Would Be Illegal
    By International Lawyers
    In this statement released Wednesday, a group of international law experts, including Ramsey Clark, 66th US Attorney General, warn that a U.S. military strike on Syria would be illegal if not in self-defense or with U.N. Security Council authorization. 
    ” – We are practitioners and professors of international law. Under international law, military strikes by the United States of America and its allies against the Syrian Arab Republic, unless conducted in self-defense or with United Nations Security Council approval, are illegal and constitute acts of aggression.
    The unlawful killing of any human being without legal justification, under every legal system, is murder. And an act of violence committed by one government against another government, without lawful justification, amounts to the crime of aggression: the supreme international crime which carries with it the evil of every other international crime, as noted by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1946.
    The use of military force by a state can be used in self-defense after an armed attack by another state, or, with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. At present, neither instance would apply to a U.S. strike against Syria.

  8. Your doomsday scenario sure shows a complete lack of understanding about human nature & geo-politics. A lot of selective research & expended energy for nothing but a little adulation. The super duper powers & their side kicks (e.g. NZ) work together behind the scenes to keep the great unwashed on tender hooks & down. Fear ~ bread ~ circuses ~ distraction are some of the dumbing down things that enables them to retain their power & control.

  9. A year ago I finally lost patience with Donald Trump and giving him the benefit of the doubt about the direction of his Presidency.It was after he had fired Tomahawk missiles into Syria.
    I declared: Congratulations Herr Trump on your leadership of the U.S. Empire Fourth Reich!
    Ein Volk ein Reich ein Fuhrer !
    Things have further deteriorated since. The plain fact is the U.S has all the hallmarks of a fascist state :
    The Paraphanalia, the ethnic cleansing through its Nazi Zionist client state Israel, and the U.S. slave prison complex. The militaristic structure of its economy with 50% of of its GDP focused on the Military -Industrial complex and continuous war. Its collapsing Democracy with practically all members of congress on the Take and at the behest of the Oligarch controlled lobbiests.Its oligarch/state control of the media, its ever encroaching surveillance, its racism against its African American population. An out of control Deep State.The obsession on controlling the World in its continuing bid for U.S. hegemony , and its propaganda that would leave Joseph Goebblels , the third Reich Information minister, agog in admiration.
    The U.S. is now a fully fledged evil Nazi Empire.Like the Third Reich however the U.S.Exceptional Nazi Empire will not last a thousand years, but will collapse into ignominy, like all the tyrannies before it, hopefully not taking us with it!!!

    • Good analogy Historian Pete,

      I was elated when Donald trump said he was going to “drain the washington Swamp then too, but now looking at how it has gone has left me cold as i see that the washington swamp has captured trump and made him carry out their own agenda to destroy the third of the global population first before setting about the agenda 21.

      This was the plan that George bush (senior) openly said in the late 90’s that was the long term plan.

      Trump has now begun the plan in Bush’s place.

  10. Thank you Frank for your excellent research and analyses on what’s being done to Syria.

    Whatever else he may be, Putin is certainly not as big a fool as Donald Trump and Theresa May, and for that we can be grateful.

    If May thinks this is her Thatcher/Falklands moment she errs; the world knew that Trump is flawed and inadequate, but that the UK and France could nestle so comfortably in his dirty hands defies reason.

    • THANKS FRANK

      WE APPRECIATE YOUR DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF “COMMON SENSE”

      “Yes Trump did a good job, as he has blown up the evidence now hasn’t he”.

      https://ffilms.org/on-deadly-ground-1994/

      Anyway it was like the movie “On deadly Ground” when the firefighter actor (Steven Seagal was called to the oil head fire at the Aegis oil field in Alaska that was on fire and actor Steven Seagal came up and extinguished the well head that was on fire,

      His boss said “good job as usual” and he turned to his boss actor (Michael Caine) sitting in the helicopter and said, “It doesn’t really matter anymore now does it, I have blown up the evidence now haven’t I”.

      Was this simply what Donald Trump has done now also using the same Aegis oil policy?

      • Thanks, Christine and Cleangreen.

        The survival of our species now appears to depend on the calm coolness from President Putin and his colleagues.

        The more I read on events, and listening to the non-critical wording from the MSM, the more I am convinced that this is another ploy of “Look! He has Weapons of Mass Destruction” 2.0.

  11. What on earth does this achieve? They daren’t attack Russians, They have done nothing decisive, they aren’t changing the course of the conflict unless they are going to go in boots and all. Are they getting ready to do that? Without that in mind all they have done is make idiots of themselves, and thoroughly nasty idiots at that.
    D J S

  12. Having followed much media reporting now, from jihadi apologist AJE, to US media, BBC, RT and what else there is, lean back, turn the clock back a minute or two, we have been taken for a RIDE again by Trump and his TV apprentice show approach.

    He is the greatest threat to world peace, for sure, but he is also the greatest BLUFFER of sorts. The strikes were limited, there will be no more coming after this, unless some other bizarre ‘chemical attack’ film surfaces, and unless Assad goes and has his troops kill US forces within Syria.

    All sides know their limits now, they will all ‘behave’, pull themselves together, and get on with their agendas. Trump got his moment of media attention, also diverting attention from home made issues, and Russia has not lost face, has not suffered much, nor has Syria, the government and Assad.

    A warning shot was fired, nothing else, we are all part of great theatre, they like to play theatre with us, and think we are all idiots, and in many cases they are NOT wrong.

    There will be no doomsday escalation, Putin will not allow it, Trump and especially his advisors will NOT have it, this was more or less a message sent, for the rest political theatre, for May, Trump and wannabe statesman Macron, nothing else.

    Damage was limited, they got the message in Damascus, but can hide embarrassment by pretending they ‘resisted’ successfully, and the jihadists won nothing as they were not really supported.

    So the cleaning up of Syria will continue, under Assad and Putin as ally, the Iranians will not want to ask for war at this time, as Saudi is ready, and economic realities tie them all together anyway.

    Close this chapter, it was entertaining, close to the real thing, we will have to wait for another episode, perhaps Trump will have gone real MAD by then, that is when we will have to worry. But perhaps there are enough safe guards in the US system for him to act as leader of the military once he is really fully mad.

    • Todays 6PM News on TV1 and TV3 both led with the US attack on Syria.

      Neither channel mentioned the OPCW investigation team in Syria.

      Neither mentioned there was zero evidence who carried out the so-called “gas attack”.

      Neither referred to “alleged” perpetrator(s).

      The Syrian regime has been tried and convicted in a lawless manner with nations supposedly upholding “international rules of law”. Western media – with few exceptions – has been complicit in perpetrating State propaganda.

      If World War 3 is averted, it will not be because of efforts by Western powers and a compliant media.

      I am disgusted beyond word, Marc.

      • I think this is what maddens me the most. I sit gobsmacked, with my credulity stretched to the max, as I watch our news readers with suitably grave and compassionate looks on their faces, read out the most unbelievable selective tosh and piffle.
        Do they have a secret plan to drive us all nuts?
        A good few of my friends have bought in to it, they’re too damn lazy to research and they nod and affect tolerance when I tell them my view of events, but they think I’m a little ..you know..conspiracy theorist?..

      • Frank so are we astonished and very worried too, as if this brittle mindset is still in play we could very well see a war develop from this event now, as it only takes one hot head to start this war.

  13. Apparently Syria shot down 71 of the 103 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched by the US (so much for those “smart” missiles). CNN says they fired 110, so I’m not sure where the other 7 are (still on the launch pad maybe?). Have yet to see any footage of any significant damage in Damascus.

    • Was a Trump Stunt, Apprentice Style, TV style, the MSM fell all over themselves, repeating the BS, especially AJE, BBC et al, endlessly showing the photos of allegedly poisoned kids and others rushing around. We live in very dangerous times, manipulation from ALL sides, I do not trust the Russians, Syrians and Iranians either, not one bit:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKNHfECZEaU

  14. They are NOT giving up, are they?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxWo9UO4B3A

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X39m9LNLv0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2eAkkzf2lc

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO4glxzUASk

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLe_u6_pM84

    So we can go onto the past and the prophet and his heritage, so what do we achieve, we have records and count one against the other and let us get square, so peace persists.

    Suggest conversation and so to resolve this.

    Rgds

    A peaceful jihadist

  15. One possible explanation for this could be about this https://sputniknews.com/military/201804121063460158-british-forces-syria-ghouta/
    If it’s true that Damascus has 10 or 11 British army trainers and co-ordinators held , having caught them helping the jihadists in Ghouta , it could be that the otherwise pointless attack is a warning to release them quietly or we will blast your city to rubble. The embarrassment of proof of western orchestration training , co-ordinating and working with al Quada and ISIS against Syrian government would be far more important than their lives.

      • Good link David
        But I think we all know by now logic, reason, facts and the most elemental morality are trumped by insane militarism
        All our post WW2 institutions have been subverted
        The reason the US ambassador to the UN is usually young and fit , is they have to be , to get around all the offices issuing threats and deals before a UN vote.
        Ever noticed Samantha Power during a UN vote?.
        She’s got her hand up and she’s glaring around the room like a Mafia hitman

    • Well the rebels are still defeated. What’s left of ISIS is scattered across the north of Syria. Trumps little Twitter rants that lead to missile strikes is a side show. All the targets hit were well away from Russian controlled areas of Syria. It’s pussy shit and I have no respect for people talking shit of the Twitter then launching missiles at targets that will have no baring on the outcome.

    • David
      re” your link about UK SAS officers

      I hope the Syrians are videoing plenty of interviews of their own

      • hope they don’t use too much ‘enhanced” interrogation techniques if they are planning to show them.And demonstrate that they aren’t any better than the Yanks.
        David

        • Yes, I agree.I suppose one has to remember that Bush outsourced torture to Syria, so as not to be breaking the law on American soil.
          I think rather extreme methods have always been the norm in the ME.Assad’s father came down hard on the Muslim Brotherhood when they were threatening Syria’s stability.
          Al Queda at one stage was a shared enemy of the US and Syria.
          Pretty bizarre that the US ends up supporting and funding them

  16. If local reports are to be believed, most of the attacking missiles were shot down, and the ones that reached their targets caused minimal damage.

    One has top wonder whether the real purpose of all this was to test the capabilities of the Syrian/Russian air defence systems. What have the defenders got? How many have they got? Do they work?

    Needless to say, the Russians certainly wouldn’t put their best air defence gear into Syria, and what is there is undoubtedly semi-obsolete and expendable.

    ‘Mission accomplished’ says Trump.

    Where have we heard that before? (George Bush, with respect to Iraq.)

    • Yes it is so true there we have been here before I recall AFEWKNOWTHETRUTH.

      We obviously didn’t learn from that time did we?

      Maybe the war ammunitions business & factories need business?

      Quote from AFEWKNOWTHETRUTH

      ‘Mission accomplished’ says Trump.

      Where have we heard that before? (George Bush, with respect to Iraq.)”

  17. Is Trump, the person who claims that global warming is a Chinese hoax, establishing himself as leader of the western world ?

    Do May and Macron need shoring up domestically ?

  18. “surgical strike” Vice President on CNN calls the bombing of syria eh?

    What a laugh this term is as it is so cleverly constructed to pervey a clean war in fact doesn’t it, “surgical strike”

    When will we see this headline some day;

    ” last night a one megaton nuclear bomb was dropped on moscow in a ‘surgical strike”

    • Well well folks it may have all been a hoax that russia was behind this Salsbury poisoning attack now?

      http://yournewswire.com/swiss-nerve-agent-salisbury/

      Truth comes out here?

      “The substance used on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury was a nerve agent called BZ, according to the results of an independent study by a Swiss lab that throws the “official narrative” pushed by the United Kingdom government into serious doubt.
      BZ was never produced in Russia, but was in service in the US and UK.”

      Swiss Lab: Nerve Agent Used In Salisbury Was Not Russian
      April 14, 2018 Baxter Dmitry News, UK

    • Hi Cleangreen … ‘surgical strike’ … these “clean sterile” phrases are BS to cover the horrific consequences of bloody warfare!

      I’m inclined to think this strike action by the US/UK/France, just might be a way of attempting to get Russia riled up, enticing it to retaliate. Seems the US was very keen to get something going, before the official chemical inspections took place in Syria, declaring evidence of chemical poisonings or not.

      Also perhaps this could somehow be linked to the so called Russian chemical poisoning case in the UK? No evidence there either. Anything I think to get Russia agitated. However I doubt Putin is that stupid to become involved in mad Trump’s dangerous games!

  19. What a lot of naive alarmist drivel. The big power smoke & mirror theatrix have got you all running around in ever decreasing circles. What a pathetic, insular, little elongated village we live in. With commentators like you lot there’s really no hope for us. If you’d only focus on taking radical, boots on the ground action to turn things around in our own neck of the woods, your energies would better spent. I know, it’s more convenient to snipe away from your precious little comfort zones, but is it actually doing any good?

    • WTF are you dribbling about?? This is a discussion, an assessment of what is going on, to make some sense of it. Your contribution reeks of cynicism and surrender, and nothing else constructive. If our world is about to go ‘pop’ in a thermonuclear burst, i want to know what’s going on.

      I happen to like Frank’s assessments. They make far more sense than the slavish, superficial narrative we’re being fed by the msm.

    • Have you read any of the links people have provided here Johnny ? Or do you just know things?
      D J S

        • Your “bullshit” antenna is tuned to the wrong frequency. The shopping channel wont help you much.

          • This isn’t news it’s pussy shit. Tax cuts are a complete failure. Polls say 80% of Americans didn’t even want tax cuts. The real news America is in structural decline.

      • I love playing devils advocate, it really gets your one track minded, OPCTP (Orwellian politically correct thought police) ego’s over heated. What more do you expect from a flawed, self taught pleb who left school at 15 & thinks outside the box. Don’t get your knickers in a twist guys/gals; how about channeling your energies into nutting out ways to save your own sorry backsides before the prophesied mayhem reaches our delusional la la land shores. Wouldn’t it be frightening if you came up with some positive solutions & a real (non cyber space) world action plan for our nation. See this comment as a challenge. Where are the mad prophets, the raving visionaries, the crippled shaman, the outrageous innovators & obsessive artists among you, as today, more than ever we need such people to step up to the plate & lead us into a new anomalous era.

  20. This morning I woke up with this thought. Then there it was on G R …https://www.globalresearch.ca/air-and-naval-task-force-assembling-to-attack-syria/5636071
    But I don’t agree with it all. I think Trump is almost irrelevant . He is a bit of a nuisance to the actual US leadership because they can’t control what he says all the time , but it doesn’t matter really . Nor does he effect the policies of the united states of America.
    The behaviour of the US in Syria over the last 7 years has seemed chaotic inconsistent and pointless like the missile strike last week. It’s not.
    The proxy war using ISIS and al Qaeda and arming and financing them has failed. Now they have to take over overtly. The strike last week and the staged gas attack to provide an excuse for it was a delaying tactic to divert attention and stall the final cleanup of the proxy army while preparations as per the link are assembled.
    The gas pipeline from Qatar to Europe sited as the reason for US involvement in the beginning, and what I have always thought likely more important, snuffing out a government operating a sovereign banking system, I now think are secondary considerations.
    Syria has to be turned into an ungoverned wasteland like Libya and Iraq, and Iran is next so that Russia is completely surrounded and isolated. because regime change in Russia isn’t going to be a walk in the park.
    It’s all on Folks.
    Enjoy the next few days.
    D J S

  21. Think before you rush to judgement – there are precedents.

    The UK Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has asked Britain’s Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, to explain where was the legal basis for Britain joining in the attack on Syria. “The legal basis . . .” Corbyn said in BBC TV interview “. . . would have to be self defence or the authority of the UN Security Council.” There was, of course, no Security Council Council endorsement for such an act of aggression.

    Syria had reaffirmed its support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and offered to fully co-operate with, and deliver on, its obligations since joining the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). But instead of waiting for the OPCW to carry out its investigation, the US, Britain and France carried out missile attacks on Syria that may render it more difficult to maintain the integrity of any evidence at the sites of the alleged atrocities. Syria’s invitation to the OPCW is clearly in its own interest in arriving at the truth. It is not unknown for the West to lie about chemical weapons when seeking regime change. Lies about Iraq’s possession of WMDs were concocted by the West to facilitate an invasion for regime change that cost around 500,000 Iraqi lives.

    The Latin term qui bono is used in criminal investigations regarding who, among a number of suspects, might benefit most from a given criminal act. The Syrian Government is emerging as victor in the international war that has been raging in its land and it is difficult to see what possible benefit there could be for it in the execution of a desperate and inhumane act of chemical warfare; especially when such an act would be impossible to keep secret. On the other hand, it would be reasonable to regard as highly suspect, those who had previously been guilty of using lies and deception regarding chemical warfare in order to achieve regime change.

    It would surely be more reasonable for New Zealand to wait for the OPCW to present its findings, along with the required evidence, before assigning guilt and approving military strikes that had no Security Council approval.

    • I concur 100%, Leslie.

      I am surprised Ms Ardern did not wait for the OPCW team to publish it’s findings. If the team finds no evidence of any chemical residues, then our government has become complicit in a dishonest operation by Western (and Middle East?) operatives.

    • “But instead of waiting for the OPCW to carry out its investigation, the US, Britain and France carried out missile attacks on Syria that may render it more difficult to maintain the integrity of any evidence at the sites of the alleged atrocities”

      And that, in my mind, points to a rush to judgement from the West without any rational reason. The only reason that remains is that this was a politically-inspired attack in an ongoing Cold War with Russia and its allies.

      If the chemical attack had taken place, carried out by the Assad regime, the West would have waited for incontrovertible evidence. QED.

Comments are closed.