Interesting reading as always although our opinions don't overlap that much. I like your taste in music usually but "God Bless the USA" seems maudlin to me. I was in the Navy during the Viet Nam thing and worked for DoD 25 years mostly overseas and I prefer to get away from the flagpole when I can. The only way I could sit through two hours of Tucker Carlson is with one of those Clockwork Orange setups. My family were POWs and I grew up around a lot of PTSD, so I applaud your visceral dislike of wars, but we might disagree on how to prevent them. IMO, the good folks that can accept Trump's schtick are what one might call the salt of the earth, and are better people than me, but totally misguided. Driving from Reno to the coast that day, I saw lots of No Kings protests but no reason to put troops on the street. I do know it takes nine to eleven inches of concrete to properly support tanks without messing up roads, and believe that tanks aren't really necessary to stage a good Triumph. Tanks do rhyme well in a Rolling Stone song, however, and likely gave old DJT a woody for his birthday. Hang in there and I hope you had a happy Father's Day. Thank you.
It was an unusual parade. Everyone in the same green uniforms, not exactly full dress for show. A few troops were marching out of step, almost wandering up the avenue. def not the north Korean automotronic goose stepping...
The best way to end a war is stop funding it, imo, which Trump is doing in Ukraine. Israel might be harder to go that route but he seems pretty clear about a limited role for us.
Not funding Ukraine may be a little too simple, but I wouldn't know for sure. I'm a believer in alliances, restraint and international cooperation. My work was along those lines, and there were lots of checks and balances. America First has been around long before Trump, and sometimes I think has made things unnecessarily difficult internationally. There's an article on Cato.org that makes some (probably correct) assertions about the Israel/Iran situation and America First now. I apologize for disagreeing, it's your Substack and a good one; liking Trump is nothing to be ashamed of; he's personable up close if he wants to be and espouses many worthy sentiments-- still, whenever I see Trump I'm reminded of Harold Hill of the Music Man. Harold Hill turned out to be kind of a tragic figure, despite being crooked as a dog's hind leg. Like Harold Hill, Trump is always looking for a librarian. I just hope he doesn't go all Abraham Lincoln with the Alien and Sedition act and suspend the fifth amendment. Like a good Soldier, which I am not, I don't have to like it I just have to put up with it. My personal routine includes attempting something each day that I don't want to do, and DJT makes that easier than usual for me. Besides your Substack, I subscribe to the Economist, WSJ, IBD, Anchorage Daily News, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, SF Chronicle, Nikkei Times, FT, NYT, Washington Post and Barron's; the only TV news I watch every day is NHK news (the Japanese version). I am a news junky and I am making an effort not to stovepipe my news. I don't watch much Fox for the same reason I only read "All Quiet on the Western Front" twice -- it's too grim.
Holy cow JJ..you are really speaking alot of truth to power!
Not being a big time "trader" like almost all of your subscribers I am more into macro having lived and worked in 9 different countries, including Iran in 64' ,Lebanon 66-67, France 69-70
Chad 1971, France again for 72, Dubai 73, Costa Rica,73-74, Vietnam 1974-75, Saudi Arabia 76-79and Japan 1989-1999......but I am always blown away by your insights into the big and smaller pictures!
All my liberal arts college educated friends are diehard democrats as I used to be until I voted for Trump in 2016 and again in 2020 and again in 2024. They are as steadfast sure of their opinions as I have become in mine. We don't talk about politics anymore even though most of us "earned" a degree in PolySci @ CC. Sad that the divide in America has progressed as long as it has & seems to be intractable...until what a real civil war? or a nuclear holocaust ?
I'm almost 76 & I take great pride that even though I'm not so smart or wealthy I am satisfied that I educated my 3 children to be "successful" largely due to private international schools in Tokyo @ a "normal" rate of $20,000/yr per kid for 10 yrs. I had a 90% discount because my wife worked one of the 2 schools. Oldest daughter earned a PhD from Harvard in Genetics (7 yrs)
Son rebelled and earned a degree in electrical engineering from UC state in SF and my youngest daughter graduated in 3 yrs from Brown in PreMed & followed up at NYU & on to be chief resident @ UCLA for 2 yrs before moving on to work part time @ the VA in SF (presidio) & teaching at UCSF. So I can't complain.
But I do fear for the future of my 4 grandsons.
Confusing times clarified by your superior mind & writing.
I just want to thank you JJ & wish that you have a large & growing audience!
Thank you sir. I have 3 daughters, just one married but I got them through school as well. No grand kids yet but all in good time. Right now I’m just trying to pass on what know to the future. They don’t write this stuff in books… lol. If they did I’d buy one! Have a good evening!
Thanks JJ - reading this reminded me to get my Lexapro refilled. On another note - you live in a great town. Graduated from MHS in ‘73. Nothing but great memories from that time in my life. Love your work!
I like to look at the historical trends rather than be guided by assumptions of who might be the next Gengis. If we go by history, it will not be China. China does not have expansionary tendencies and I view this in the context of its history. For your interest, I refer you to Arnault Bertrand's article that i have quoted parts of below. The article is quite long but the parts i quoted are relevant to the discussion about the, IMO, false perception that has been embedded in westerners about China. He is replying to readers questions about Chinese interventionism. Clearly there is not enough historical context to place China in the category of interventionism. If you think Bertrand is missing some bits of history, feel free to respond, to me or to him.
Your summary of the nuclear arsenals is daunting but I don't for one minute think their use is a probability unless in the hands of Gengis type figure. To my knowledge, there are only two characters today to have deliberately attempted to ignite a nuclear incident. One is Mr Zelenskyy by his multiple attempts to pierce the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as well as the one in Kursk, and the other is Mr Netanhayhu, by his orders to attack Iranian nuclear sites last weekend. Other than Harry Truman in altogether different circumstances, no one else has attempted a nuclear conflagration of any sort. Everything about who COULD cause a nuclear conflagration is therefore just speculation and press bias. I discount it totally.
As to the other issues about how our world works, I distil it into two categories. On the one hand countries that harbour visions of a society and values that imitate their own, and countries that live by non intervention rules. Take your pick which one you think is the right one, but taking history as an example, it is fair to say that one leads to friction while the other doesn't. FWIW there is only one empire today, and it's the western banking empire that governs everything and everyone on this planet. It has its fair share of water carriers of course, but the interventionist model comes right from the top of that structure and I'll leave it to you to decide where its roots lie.
source Arnault Bertrand from the article
The Audacity of Restraint: Why China Won't Intervene
The Korean war (fighting the Americans alongside the North Koreans) in 1950-53
The Vietnam war in 1954–75, where 300,000 Chinese PLA soldiers were fighting alongside North Vietnam against the Americans (which was finally officially acknowledged by Vietnam this year)
The Sino-Indian War of 1962, which escalated after India's 'Forward Policy' placed outposts in disputed border areas, including parts of Aksai Chin which China controls since the establishment of the PRC but which India claims as their territory
Some military clashes with the Soviets after the Sino-Soviet split at the end of the 1960s (like the 1969 Ussuri River Conflict)
The Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979 where China intervened after Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia
I'm obviously omitting the various Taiwan Strait crises as well as other confrontations within China, such as that in Tibet in 1950-51, given that those are internal conflicts according to international law (neither Taiwan nor Tibet were then, or are today, recognized as independent countries).
You could also maybe add to this list the recent border clashes with India, like the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, or some of the recent tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea, but it's pretty much impossible to make the case that these even remotely constitute military interventions. They are clashes at best.
Anyhow, you can see a pretty clear pattern emerging from my list above: China only ever intervenes militarily when its own territory and security is directly at stake and threatened.
Ty for the detailed perspective... This weekend was a poignant intersection of ultra violence in the middle east, organized theatrical violence in LA (and western blue state cities), and the display of the US Mlitary power on Parade all at once driving highly emotional and conflicting narratives... What is real? I felt compelled to write about it. Fwiw, I covered ICBC for several years working for an African bank and I made many Chinese professional friends. Tough people.
Working on another Flor de Cana and Tonic … Happy Father’s Day … why is Dylan’s Tangled up in Blue resonating? Must be that nothing new under the sun thing…
Yea Flat is a position just understand if you are on you stomach or on your back,
I was an AF pilot for most of teh 80's. We had Lee Greenwood come sing his new at the time in one of the hangers on the base.
I was also qualified to deliver nukes. Bizarre and scary stuff. Someone would have to be out of their mind to initiate widespread uses of nuclear weapons. On the flip side, I am somewhat surprised that we have gone 80 years without some crackpot with a few weapons using one.
What worries me is that the division runs so deep. No matter what side you’re on, it’s either black or white, you are either with us or against us. No one even considers the opposing opinion for a moment anymore, to maybe wonder if they have a point.
I find this very frightening.
What about cooperation, willingness to compromise, working together on a common goal? You’ll get ridiculed for even suggesting it.
Unfortunately, I’m also reading this in your political comments, JJ, and it makes me roll my eyes and hover over that unsubscribe button.
The administration is winning, wants peace, the parade (sponsored by Coinbase) was great, etc. The filthy protestors are traitors, controlled by Iran/Soros/wealthy Democrats, etc.
This is exactly what „the other side“ would tell you, only multiplied by -1.
In trading too, it’s important to think about “the other side” and what their arguments are. Strong opinions and blinders can be costly.
I really enjoy your market commentary and personal stories, but I’m not enjoying this one-sidedness.
I see no benefit from this growing polarization, but it seems this is the direction the world is heading.
Gm sir, Ty for your thoughts. First allow me to say, this paragraph was wtitten for you because it is my experience not my opinion:
"Nationally, marches and protests were mostly peaceful. Here, where I live in Morristown, NJ, protesters waved American flags and brought their dogs and children to the downtown park. Speeches focused on migrant rights and anti-Trump invectives, which is fine. A passionate political opposition is essential to liberty. Norman Rockwell would have been proud, I think, not so much of their ideology per se, but of the libertarian forum. My sense is, and always will be, that these theaters of urban chaos and violence are funded by America’s foreign enemies and domestic plutocrats like Soros for cable news propaganda. The salt of America shares the same values overall, depending on their jobs and struggles."
True there is too much black and white so I decided, particulary this weekend with it in my face and yours, to write about it as honestly as I could. But I accept I'm guilty of being anti many things and pro many others. I am indifferent about the people per se. They come and go. But I hate war, I despise this greed infested plutocracy and long for the old days when kids were safe walking to school in 3rd grade. I admit I can be too too. but I can't afford an editor and if I clould I'd write what wanted anyway! "We have met the enemy and he is us. "
I will say I enjoy having the benefit of your comments. I would hate to lose that.
Something to think about not only China's reliance on Iranian Oil but also Japan who imports (GROK) 95-97% of their oil (prior to US sanctions re Iranian crude) through the straits of Hormuz. Considering that even though Trump did finally push through the US STEEL merger,
he has not yet secured the agreed upon tariffs with Japan. Sticking point auto imports and falling Japanese confidence that America will intervene in a PRC take over of Taiwan. They are thinking,"What about Japan?" Will the USA military indeed protect Japan against the PRC?
I think yes we will protect Japan and Europe if needs must. However we don’t have enough money to play games. I agree with Tump usually because I can’t see map but I do see the direction and if we are allies, we all need to pull on the same oar.
REMEMBER the "neutron bomb?" zi think IDF's focus id not to totally destroy Iran's oil production (sales are up during threlast 5 days) Why? because regime change is now the name of the game...as Trump says....
Yes, like 40 yrs. Did you see the interview with Reza Palavhi, son of the Shah, this morning on Bloomberg Survellance? Very interesting, very composed, rational, totally focused speel about “let the people decide what kind if gov’t they want”…just get rid of the MULLAHS! I almost thought the son is a reincarnation of his Father!
Weird! Also didn’t realize it but
but Kharg island has alot of archealogy stone cut tombs & remenants of s monastery!
I missed it but thought of the following half-baked analogy. Reza has waited 40 years and Trump waited four. Sometimes having what defines you, stolen from you, makes you honor it that much more. I believe, and hope this is true. And having (probably) the election stolen from him, Trump and Palavhi share what I've tried to describe above. Trump in particular was treated sadistically and hardened by steel. Time will tell whether living through this hell wears off, and whether he reverts to some of his previous destructive ways.
And one other less relevant thought. Islam has been defined by destroying infidels archeaology. It's one of the ways Islam defines victory and dominance. They built the Dome of the Rock on top of the ruins of Israel's 1st and 2nd temple. They converted the Hagia Sophia (in what was once Constantinople) into a mosque. This was once Christianites second most important seat. And more recently they blew up the Baniyam Buddhas. It would be unfortunate and ironic if the Kharg remnants suffered the same fate, but if they did, it would not be intentional.
Gm sir. I use them all with the same sense of fondness I feel when I say ich bin ein New Yorker instead of the proper declaration I am an American. The blitz was on the English not Scotland or Wales. It was actually on London. I wrote The British Navy “ the other day and was rightfully schooled by a reader to better write “The Royal Navy”
🤪. Lol. But I do get your point and appreciate a reader with a fine sense of humor! Cheers!!
No worries David. I'm sure that's right. I do recall from reading Churchill bios London got the brunt but other places were bombed as well. I just ran querry through AI and the reply was London 71 raids, next were Liverpool and Merseyside with 8 rands. Cardiff and Glasgow were list at "several" raids. Still I should be more careful about the use of England and Britian in writing. I usually write fom memeory and do my utmost to avoid AI unless I am uncertain of my point. Otherwise I'd rather make a few mistakes than fake it with a robot. And I always do, especially with typos!
Outstanding perspective as always. Happy Father’s Day and may God Bless America 🇺🇸 🙏
Same from me to you. GBA!
Interesting reading as always although our opinions don't overlap that much. I like your taste in music usually but "God Bless the USA" seems maudlin to me. I was in the Navy during the Viet Nam thing and worked for DoD 25 years mostly overseas and I prefer to get away from the flagpole when I can. The only way I could sit through two hours of Tucker Carlson is with one of those Clockwork Orange setups. My family were POWs and I grew up around a lot of PTSD, so I applaud your visceral dislike of wars, but we might disagree on how to prevent them. IMO, the good folks that can accept Trump's schtick are what one might call the salt of the earth, and are better people than me, but totally misguided. Driving from Reno to the coast that day, I saw lots of No Kings protests but no reason to put troops on the street. I do know it takes nine to eleven inches of concrete to properly support tanks without messing up roads, and believe that tanks aren't really necessary to stage a good Triumph. Tanks do rhyme well in a Rolling Stone song, however, and likely gave old DJT a woody for his birthday. Hang in there and I hope you had a happy Father's Day. Thank you.
It was an unusual parade. Everyone in the same green uniforms, not exactly full dress for show. A few troops were marching out of step, almost wandering up the avenue. def not the north Korean automotronic goose stepping...
The best way to end a war is stop funding it, imo, which Trump is doing in Ukraine. Israel might be harder to go that route but he seems pretty clear about a limited role for us.
Not funding Ukraine may be a little too simple, but I wouldn't know for sure. I'm a believer in alliances, restraint and international cooperation. My work was along those lines, and there were lots of checks and balances. America First has been around long before Trump, and sometimes I think has made things unnecessarily difficult internationally. There's an article on Cato.org that makes some (probably correct) assertions about the Israel/Iran situation and America First now. I apologize for disagreeing, it's your Substack and a good one; liking Trump is nothing to be ashamed of; he's personable up close if he wants to be and espouses many worthy sentiments-- still, whenever I see Trump I'm reminded of Harold Hill of the Music Man. Harold Hill turned out to be kind of a tragic figure, despite being crooked as a dog's hind leg. Like Harold Hill, Trump is always looking for a librarian. I just hope he doesn't go all Abraham Lincoln with the Alien and Sedition act and suspend the fifth amendment. Like a good Soldier, which I am not, I don't have to like it I just have to put up with it. My personal routine includes attempting something each day that I don't want to do, and DJT makes that easier than usual for me. Besides your Substack, I subscribe to the Economist, WSJ, IBD, Anchorage Daily News, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, SF Chronicle, Nikkei Times, FT, NYT, Washington Post and Barron's; the only TV news I watch every day is NHK news (the Japanese version). I am a news junky and I am making an effort not to stovepipe my news. I don't watch much Fox for the same reason I only read "All Quiet on the Western Front" twice -- it's too grim.
Holy cow JJ..you are really speaking alot of truth to power!
Not being a big time "trader" like almost all of your subscribers I am more into macro having lived and worked in 9 different countries, including Iran in 64' ,Lebanon 66-67, France 69-70
Chad 1971, France again for 72, Dubai 73, Costa Rica,73-74, Vietnam 1974-75, Saudi Arabia 76-79and Japan 1989-1999......but I am always blown away by your insights into the big and smaller pictures!
All my liberal arts college educated friends are diehard democrats as I used to be until I voted for Trump in 2016 and again in 2020 and again in 2024. They are as steadfast sure of their opinions as I have become in mine. We don't talk about politics anymore even though most of us "earned" a degree in PolySci @ CC. Sad that the divide in America has progressed as long as it has & seems to be intractable...until what a real civil war? or a nuclear holocaust ?
I'm almost 76 & I take great pride that even though I'm not so smart or wealthy I am satisfied that I educated my 3 children to be "successful" largely due to private international schools in Tokyo @ a "normal" rate of $20,000/yr per kid for 10 yrs. I had a 90% discount because my wife worked one of the 2 schools. Oldest daughter earned a PhD from Harvard in Genetics (7 yrs)
Son rebelled and earned a degree in electrical engineering from UC state in SF and my youngest daughter graduated in 3 yrs from Brown in PreMed & followed up at NYU & on to be chief resident @ UCLA for 2 yrs before moving on to work part time @ the VA in SF (presidio) & teaching at UCSF. So I can't complain.
But I do fear for the future of my 4 grandsons.
Confusing times clarified by your superior mind & writing.
I just want to thank you JJ & wish that you have a large & growing audience!
Thank you sir. I have 3 daughters, just one married but I got them through school as well. No grand kids yet but all in good time. Right now I’m just trying to pass on what know to the future. They don’t write this stuff in books… lol. If they did I’d buy one! Have a good evening!
Thanks JJ - reading this reminded me to get my Lexapro refilled. On another note - you live in a great town. Graduated from MHS in ‘73. Nothing but great memories from that time in my life. Love your work!
I enjoy your thoughts. Keep them coming
Hi JJ, thanks for this every engaging piece.
I like to look at the historical trends rather than be guided by assumptions of who might be the next Gengis. If we go by history, it will not be China. China does not have expansionary tendencies and I view this in the context of its history. For your interest, I refer you to Arnault Bertrand's article that i have quoted parts of below. The article is quite long but the parts i quoted are relevant to the discussion about the, IMO, false perception that has been embedded in westerners about China. He is replying to readers questions about Chinese interventionism. Clearly there is not enough historical context to place China in the category of interventionism. If you think Bertrand is missing some bits of history, feel free to respond, to me or to him.
Your summary of the nuclear arsenals is daunting but I don't for one minute think their use is a probability unless in the hands of Gengis type figure. To my knowledge, there are only two characters today to have deliberately attempted to ignite a nuclear incident. One is Mr Zelenskyy by his multiple attempts to pierce the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as well as the one in Kursk, and the other is Mr Netanhayhu, by his orders to attack Iranian nuclear sites last weekend. Other than Harry Truman in altogether different circumstances, no one else has attempted a nuclear conflagration of any sort. Everything about who COULD cause a nuclear conflagration is therefore just speculation and press bias. I discount it totally.
As to the other issues about how our world works, I distil it into two categories. On the one hand countries that harbour visions of a society and values that imitate their own, and countries that live by non intervention rules. Take your pick which one you think is the right one, but taking history as an example, it is fair to say that one leads to friction while the other doesn't. FWIW there is only one empire today, and it's the western banking empire that governs everything and everyone on this planet. It has its fair share of water carriers of course, but the interventionist model comes right from the top of that structure and I'll leave it to you to decide where its roots lie.
source Arnault Bertrand from the article
The Audacity of Restraint: Why China Won't Intervene
The Korean war (fighting the Americans alongside the North Koreans) in 1950-53
The Vietnam war in 1954–75, where 300,000 Chinese PLA soldiers were fighting alongside North Vietnam against the Americans (which was finally officially acknowledged by Vietnam this year)
The Sino-Indian War of 1962, which escalated after India's 'Forward Policy' placed outposts in disputed border areas, including parts of Aksai Chin which China controls since the establishment of the PRC but which India claims as their territory
Some military clashes with the Soviets after the Sino-Soviet split at the end of the 1960s (like the 1969 Ussuri River Conflict)
The Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979 where China intervened after Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia
I'm obviously omitting the various Taiwan Strait crises as well as other confrontations within China, such as that in Tibet in 1950-51, given that those are internal conflicts according to international law (neither Taiwan nor Tibet were then, or are today, recognized as independent countries).
You could also maybe add to this list the recent border clashes with India, like the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, or some of the recent tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea, but it's pretty much impossible to make the case that these even remotely constitute military interventions. They are clashes at best.
Anyhow, you can see a pretty clear pattern emerging from my list above: China only ever intervenes militarily when its own territory and security is directly at stake and threatened.
Ty for the detailed perspective... This weekend was a poignant intersection of ultra violence in the middle east, organized theatrical violence in LA (and western blue state cities), and the display of the US Mlitary power on Parade all at once driving highly emotional and conflicting narratives... What is real? I felt compelled to write about it. Fwiw, I covered ICBC for several years working for an African bank and I made many Chinese professional friends. Tough people.
they are indeed! thanks for covering so many subjects in such short scripts. they are all good reads.
Well thought, well said and well done!
ty sir
Whew!
200,000? Sad to see used horse food.
200,000 spectators in DC vs how many on Jan 6th?
Asking for a friend.
Well I’ll ask a friend in the morning sir. Having a father’s day 3rd glass of wine at the moment! Cheers!
Working on another Flor de Cana and Tonic … Happy Father’s Day … why is Dylan’s Tangled up in Blue resonating? Must be that nothing new under the sun thing…
Yea Flat is a position just understand if you are on you stomach or on your back,
Cheers
S.
Terrific commentary and writing. Much enjoyed.
I was an AF pilot for most of teh 80's. We had Lee Greenwood come sing his new at the time in one of the hangers on the base.
I was also qualified to deliver nukes. Bizarre and scary stuff. Someone would have to be out of their mind to initiate widespread uses of nuclear weapons. On the flip side, I am somewhat surprised that we have gone 80 years without some crackpot with a few weapons using one.
Quite life! Maybe people are not that stupid after all. Greedy, vain , evil. But not as stupid as we think.
What worries me is that the division runs so deep. No matter what side you’re on, it’s either black or white, you are either with us or against us. No one even considers the opposing opinion for a moment anymore, to maybe wonder if they have a point.
I find this very frightening.
What about cooperation, willingness to compromise, working together on a common goal? You’ll get ridiculed for even suggesting it.
Unfortunately, I’m also reading this in your political comments, JJ, and it makes me roll my eyes and hover over that unsubscribe button.
The administration is winning, wants peace, the parade (sponsored by Coinbase) was great, etc. The filthy protestors are traitors, controlled by Iran/Soros/wealthy Democrats, etc.
This is exactly what „the other side“ would tell you, only multiplied by -1.
In trading too, it’s important to think about “the other side” and what their arguments are. Strong opinions and blinders can be costly.
I really enjoy your market commentary and personal stories, but I’m not enjoying this one-sidedness.
I see no benefit from this growing polarization, but it seems this is the direction the world is heading.
Gm sir, Ty for your thoughts. First allow me to say, this paragraph was wtitten for you because it is my experience not my opinion:
"Nationally, marches and protests were mostly peaceful. Here, where I live in Morristown, NJ, protesters waved American flags and brought their dogs and children to the downtown park. Speeches focused on migrant rights and anti-Trump invectives, which is fine. A passionate political opposition is essential to liberty. Norman Rockwell would have been proud, I think, not so much of their ideology per se, but of the libertarian forum. My sense is, and always will be, that these theaters of urban chaos and violence are funded by America’s foreign enemies and domestic plutocrats like Soros for cable news propaganda. The salt of America shares the same values overall, depending on their jobs and struggles."
True there is too much black and white so I decided, particulary this weekend with it in my face and yours, to write about it as honestly as I could. But I accept I'm guilty of being anti many things and pro many others. I am indifferent about the people per se. They come and go. But I hate war, I despise this greed infested plutocracy and long for the old days when kids were safe walking to school in 3rd grade. I admit I can be too too. but I can't afford an editor and if I clould I'd write what wanted anyway! "We have met the enemy and he is us. "
I will say I enjoy having the benefit of your comments. I would hate to lose that.
Good morning to you as well, and thanks for your reply!
I was mostly just ranting a bit about what I’ve been picking up between the lines — things that have been bothering me for a while, I guess.
No hard feelings at all — just sharing what’s been on my mind.
Something to think about not only China's reliance on Iranian Oil but also Japan who imports (GROK) 95-97% of their oil (prior to US sanctions re Iranian crude) through the straits of Hormuz. Considering that even though Trump did finally push through the US STEEL merger,
he has not yet secured the agreed upon tariffs with Japan. Sticking point auto imports and falling Japanese confidence that America will intervene in a PRC take over of Taiwan. They are thinking,"What about Japan?" Will the USA military indeed protect Japan against the PRC?
I think yes we will protect Japan and Europe if needs must. However we don’t have enough money to play games. I agree with Tump usually because I can’t see map but I do see the direction and if we are allies, we all need to pull on the same oar.
It is interesting Israel has left Kharg Island untouched. Obviously a strategic decision by Israel, no?
REMEMBER the "neutron bomb?" zi think IDF's focus id not to totally destroy Iran's oil production (sales are up during threlast 5 days) Why? because regime change is now the name of the game...as Trump says....
Yes. And regime change has been the goal for a very long time.
Yes, like 40 yrs. Did you see the interview with Reza Palavhi, son of the Shah, this morning on Bloomberg Survellance? Very interesting, very composed, rational, totally focused speel about “let the people decide what kind if gov’t they want”…just get rid of the MULLAHS! I almost thought the son is a reincarnation of his Father!
Weird! Also didn’t realize it but
but Kharg island has alot of archealogy stone cut tombs & remenants of s monastery!
I missed it but thought of the following half-baked analogy. Reza has waited 40 years and Trump waited four. Sometimes having what defines you, stolen from you, makes you honor it that much more. I believe, and hope this is true. And having (probably) the election stolen from him, Trump and Palavhi share what I've tried to describe above. Trump in particular was treated sadistically and hardened by steel. Time will tell whether living through this hell wears off, and whether he reverts to some of his previous destructive ways.
"Sometimes having what defines you, stolen from you, makes you honor it that much more." Nice line.
And one other less relevant thought. Islam has been defined by destroying infidels archeaology. It's one of the ways Islam defines victory and dominance. They built the Dome of the Rock on top of the ruins of Israel's 1st and 2nd temple. They converted the Hagia Sophia (in what was once Constantinople) into a mosque. This was once Christianites second most important seat. And more recently they blew up the Baniyam Buddhas. It would be unfortunate and ironic if the Kharg remnants suffered the same fate, but if they did, it would not be intentional.
Why do many Americans refer to Britain as England. The battle of Britain was fought for the whole of Britain not solely England.
You know I like your commentary and views. Thanks for all.
Gm sir. I use them all with the same sense of fondness I feel when I say ich bin ein New Yorker instead of the proper declaration I am an American. The blitz was on the English not Scotland or Wales. It was actually on London. I wrote The British Navy “ the other day and was rightfully schooled by a reader to better write “The Royal Navy”
🤪. Lol. But I do get your point and appreciate a reader with a fine sense of humor! Cheers!!
Cardiff had a blitz, and Glasgow . For sure. Have a look.
But more broadly England is not Great Britain/UK. Just part of it. Sorry on this one JJ.
No worries David. I'm sure that's right. I do recall from reading Churchill bios London got the brunt but other places were bombed as well. I just ran querry through AI and the reply was London 71 raids, next were Liverpool and Merseyside with 8 rands. Cardiff and Glasgow were list at "several" raids. Still I should be more careful about the use of England and Britian in writing. I usually write fom memeory and do my utmost to avoid AI unless I am uncertain of my point. Otherwise I'd rather make a few mistakes than fake it with a robot. And I always do, especially with typos!