“Yes, the IRGC has a brutal record and has killed tens of thousands of its own people—but are we in a competition over who can kill the most Iranian civilians?”
Yes, and this was tested in the past It was Nazi Germany. Liberating Soldiers either captured/ tried the SS, let the remaining Jews handle them, or ,simply just shot the SOB's on the spot in the concentration camps. That Generation of Americans had no problem with any of the method, didn't shy away from it. Simply did what they felt was just and needed and move on.
The local populace was paraded through the camps, made to observe, bury the dead. Forced to keep the concentration camp intact (to this day) as much as possible to a reminder of what was done. Even a fine was imposed on recovering West Germany to the "Jews: many actual German and other nations citizens. Russia our ally simply used the captured Germans as forced labor most died before being released decades latter.
Why bring this up? it is honestly to demonstrate the resolve of our proceeding generation. One must remember that fateful day in June when every town in the US was notified of the loss of soldier sailors, and marine. It would probably explain without many words "why" the events unfolded as they did.
Sadly, I find myself trusting what Smith is saying more than what Trump is saying
There isn't a issue with that. And I don't have a issue with your opinion. merely showing a differing view point from historical perspective. In order to let one see my view point.
If one applies just a little bit of thought into what I've mentioned one would realize "we" are not applying a resolve based on common ground instead "let's create chaos" within a cycle. Sadly it honestly takes a "Pearl Harbor", or a "9/11" to forge that resolve, instead we love to bicker amongst ourselves overlooking what binds us.
‘Geez, everything’s getting expensive, and now the government says I can’t do this or that...
every year since I turned 18 it's been exactly that way .... every year a "new" law that hinder individual freedoms, every year the buying power of my dollar is less and less.
The "only" solace I can say is it's still cheaper than when Biden was in (fuel wise) . Does it help? no, is it a actual truth? depending on where in the nation you are yes.
I wish I had the luxury of saying politics are boring,
A pit full of vipers is never boring. I've always kept a eye on the politicians. As they always had the ability to take a bad situations and make it worse touting it being progressive or in the nations interest.
ETA
Honestly all just slow down read this thread, and the Iranian uprising one.
It seems to me the common theme is the IRGC simply must go. Now the question is do we have the resolve that is required. In order to defeat the foe we simply have to adopt the same tactics or better.
The rest of the world will do nothing unless we bull nose them into it. This is not new, simply a fact. They will bicker over stupid stuff, over simply looking at the common goal. Their policies lead us into two world wars and in order to actually get the UN, NATO and other alliances into play required US the U.S. to become involved. This is not one sided thoughts or history but a truth.
Does the U.S. have a great track record for this (regime change)?? NO!!!
BUT it IS WAYYYYY Better than Europe / Asia / Orient, or Russian's track record which yes is way longer time period than we have been a nation.
I honestly don't care what you use as a matrix for comparison we simply are still the "shining city on the hill" The last bastion of hope and liberty. Sometimes we simply forget this. Think fuel prices or groceries is high here. Pfft go elsewhere, gas is sold by the liter not gallon and usually is higher. Food is almost a luxury, land and dreams we hold dear some semblance of fairness not even a fleeting thought.
In the end is is quite ok to be upset with a President, a Legislative body, a Judicial system that may or may not be what some consider fair. If you really want better put in the work at the grass roots level get involved. Attempt to fix what you and your fellow citizens consider broke. If they come after you with smears and accusations then your tactics are working.
My personal favorite President was Ronald Reagan, I only agreed with him about 55 to 60 % of the time.
