Poor Ukrainians continue to be victims of U.S. policy.

 NEVER ANY CONCERN IN WASHINGTON FOR THE DAMAGE TO UKRAINE

ITS ALL ABOUT GEOPOLITICS, NOT OTHERS LIVES

Henry Kissinger 's famous quote that "It may be dangerous to be America's enemy,  but to be America's friend is fatal."  This quote has never been more relevant than when it is applied to Ukraine. Ukraine's decision, not made by its citizens, but by its leaders, to consent to the machinations of the United States is proving to be one of the worst decisions of the 21st and maybe the 20th century. 

George Bush 2 gave a speech in 2008 declaring that Ukraine and Georgia would be invited to become part of NATO. Russia made it clear that is was vehemently opposed and cited UN policy that one nations security should not be diminished by another's alliances. This set in motion the fight over Ukraine.

The election of Viktor Yanukovych in 2010 in a fair and free election, was overturned in 2014. Yanukovych was labeled a Russian puppet because he tried to balance the hope of developing trade with the EU and remaining non aligned militarily. The country was divided with near 1/3 of the eastern part wanting to continue trade and relations with Russia and the western part desiring to be part of the EU. The EU conditions were that if part of the EU, they would need to suspend trade with Russia and most of the east depended on trade with Russia.

At the same time after 2008 Joe Biden was Vice President of the United States and Hillary Clinton Secretary of State. It is no secret that Biden was involved in much of the corruption that was endemic in Ukraine. After the coup in 2014 the eastern oblasts declared independence and a referendum in Crimea elected to be part of Russia. This coup was financed with $5 billion in U.S. funds directed by Victoria Nuland an appointee of Hillary Clinton. 

The Ukraine war actually began in 2014 as the government under Petro Poroshenko attempted to suppress the independence in the east. Over 14,000 civilians died in the shelling during the border dispute. Poroshenko was supported by the United States and the EU.

In 2019 the popular TV personality, Volodymyr Zelensky ran in opposition on the platform of concluding peace with Russia. He was not supported by the west, at least no openly. He won with a large majority, but soon gave a speech were he articulated that he was going to retake Crimea and subdue the eastern oblasts by any means possible including military force. He then proceeded to move troops to the disputed area, Russia answered by moving troops to the border.

The rest is now history up until now, when we see that Ukraine has suffered devastation and as many as 1 million dead and wounded. We have never heard one word about the dead Ukrainians from U.S. politicians, only the hope by some like John Bolton and Lindsey Graham that it was good that Russians were dying. We have never seen Biden tour the expanding cemeteries in Ukraine. This week Jake Sullivan demanded that Ukraine forcibly draft more soldiers. It is all about their geopolitical ambitions and it is clear the Ukrainians are just so much fodder to attain their goals, which are actually pretty vague to say the least.

Now, with Ukraine on the verge of collapse losing 5 kilometers everyday as Russia accelerates their march west, they decide to escalate with long range missiles and personnel landmines. We can now expect that Russia will likely take out the government of Ukraine, completely take out the electrical grid and cause more intense suffering for the Ukrainian people. The end of the conflict is sealed some time ago, the only difference is going to be how many more young Ukrainians will die. 

Is it time congress puts a leash on Biden?

 CONGRESS NEEDS TO REASSERT THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE

BIDEN'S POLITICAL MACHINATIONS ARE PUTTING THE WORLD AT RISK

If it was inappropriate to allow Ukraine to use U.S. long range missiles for 2 1/2 years, why is it appropriate now? Can the Biden administration be trusted to make decisions in the best interest of the country? If Biden was incompetent to run for reelection is he now competent to set foreign policy, especially when war is the outcome? These are questions that congress should be publicly debating right now. 

We see that Biden is not willing to just go peacefully into the sunset, he is attempting to set the stage for foreign policy for the next 4 years. He does not have the constitutional right to make these decisions and it is time to reintroduce the War powers act of 1973. Someone should be sounding the alarm, before it is too late. 

The power to make unlimited war has been causing serious problems for at least the last 20 years. Congress is delinquent in their responsibility, that is clearly set out in the constitution. I suspect many would rather someone else make those decisions, that way they can point the finger at someone else. 

It is time leaders in congress, especially Democrat leaders, if there are any that are willing to put the fate of the country before party politics, to confront Biden now and let him know his legacy will be the 25th amendment or some other action, if he continue to take this country on a path to WW3.

Secondly, it is time to remove the blanket policy of giving the power to make war over to the president. It is the responsibility of congress and steps should be made now to reinstate that responsibility. 

Biden, irrelevant at G20 meeting.

 RED CARPET FOR CHINA LEADER

BIDEN NOT PRESENT FOR GROUP PICTURE

The status of the United States under Joe Biden was on full display in Brazil for the annual G20 meeting. It is reported he may have well stayed home as the meeting was centered on the arrival and pageantry reserved for Xi Jinping of China, who received the red carpet treatment and a lavish dinner. Brazil and China are both founding members of the BRICS group which is becoming the alternative economic system. 

China has now become the number 1 trading partner in all of South America selling everything from electronics and Electric cars and buying beef, grain and other commodities. It is a symptom of the decline of the U.S. that is occuring around the world.  Amazingly most of our leaders are focused elsewhere as was evident when Biden choose this setting to Ok long range missile attacks on Russia by Ukraine. Was this a feeble attempt by Biden to gain some relevance?

The U.S. is in trouble, with a $36 trillion debt, a withering manufacturing base, deficits that make up over 25% of the budget, and being on the verge of war in several places. At home, it is more of the same politics of division and refusal to reevaluate objectively the policies that have placed the United States in this position. It seems many just want the party to go on until it is all over, and that may be very soon.  

The U.S. can no longer keep the dollar as the reserve currency or demand submission from others by force, neither militarily or by economic warfare. The reality is much of the world is moving on, viewing the U.S. as a  sloppy drunk at a formal party, hoping that they just go home. 

The U.S. needs to do just that, go home and get your house in order, before you want to tell the rest of the world how to live.

Is Biden trying to pull the trigger on WW3 ?

IS THIS A DOMESTIC POLITICAL MOVE?

OBVIOUSLY NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF UKRAINE OR THE U.S.

If you remember in the weeks before the November election, Zelensky was pushing for the use of U.S. long range missiles to strike inside Russia, most likely Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russia was quick to respond by revealing their policy that any attacks facilitated by western powers will be considered a joint attack on Russia. These missiles will be operated by U.S. soldiers and facilitated by U.S. tracking and targeting ability. Russia stated that this would indicate to them that it would be time to use nuclear weapons in response to these attacks. At the time Biden refused to give that permission.

Yesterday, 12 days after the election, Biden gave Ukraine the go ahead to use U.S. missiles and U.S. personnel to strike deep into Russia, 60 days before Trump is to take office.

While Trump is forbidden to communicate directly with Moscow, I assume someone is calling Putin to use restraint and not respond to such attacks with nuclear weapons. Many assume that such a nuclear attack would be small tactical weapons used on Ukraine, Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons to defeat Ukraine. That is happening at a quickening rate without their use.

It seems no one believes that Russia would dare to just skip all the bullshit and hit Washington and London. Is it a gamble worth taking as Ukraine is not going to win this conflict no matter what the west does?

I suspect that Moscow will not take the bait, and will at least see what the the next administration's position will be.

While this conflict has been depicted as all out war, it has not been the case. Russia has followed a policy of increasing attrition and is in the final stages of rendering the Ukrainian military impotent. It has avoided destroying the government buildings in Kiev, maybe because of historical reasons, it has not destroyed all the railroad and vehicle bridges across the Dnieper river. it has not attempted to take out the leadership Ukraine. One may now expect that Zelensky and his administration better be very deep underground and not come out until after January.

We also need to be concerned that we may now see a joint attack on Iran by Israel and the U.S. 

Is this a real serious foreign policy or an attempt to lay WW3 in the lap of the next president, in an effort to hoble his ability to conduct domestic reform of the government.

Maybe Trump should put out the word, that if they start WW3 the U.S. will let them all fend for themselves. Without engaging in Ukraine and the middle east Trump would have plenty of time to deal with problems at home.

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Trump disrupts Pentagon, DOJ and Intel.

 LET THE GAMES BEGIN

ALL NEED MASSIVE REFORM

The Pentagon now finds that Pete Hegseth, a captain in the Minnesota National guard, is their new boss. It is an interesting nomination for the Secretary of Defense and much will depend on the staff that can be put together to function in this new role. Some believe the pentagon is top heavy with high ranking officers. It is noted that in WW2 with over 11 million members of the armed forces, fighting on several continents, had 7 Four star officers. Today with only 2 million the U.S. has 44 four star officers, most go on to work in the defense industry after retirement.

We will see how this nomination goes over, we can expect Trump has a backup if this one doesn't make it. The defense department does need a thorough audit and examination as to where does all the money go.

Trump's nomination of Matt Gaetz for attorney general will without doubt make a lot of sparks fly. Gaetz is very bright and articulate, but can be a little abrasive at times. Maybe that is just what is needed for a department that seems to believe it needs to pick winners and losers and has seemed to be motivated by partisan politics.  The idea may be that many will resign rather than work for Gaetz. It will be very interesting.

Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, as director of National Intelligence, puts her in charge of all those infamous three letter agencies.  A firm believer in constitutional rights and transparency, it will be a hard nut to crack with these guys, who believe they know what's best for the world. After their insistence on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and their 51 former brass that signed a letter swearing that all the dirt on Hunter Biden was Russian disinformation was the ultimate piece of real disinformation.  Tulsi is contemplative and has good judgment, does not seem prone to hasty actions, maybe a good place for her. Lets see how these guys behave. 

The top position in these jobs needs to set the tone and objectives, they do not need to know every detail of its workings, but they need to find the right people who understand these agencies and implement the objectives of the director and the president.

So far these may be the most controversial, but of course, there is more to come.

Trump's can dos and probably nots.

 BORDER SECURITY SHOULD BE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY

ENERGY PRODUCTION WILL LOWER PRICES

As the Trump administration takes shape at a quick pace we can expect that this will allow Trump to get going very quickly. While some of his picks are questionable, and if they are willing to administer administration policies, we will have to wait and see. I suspect that Trump will have little patience with foot dragging.

While everyone has great expectations, what are the realistic expectations of this administration.

It does seem that Trump has a mandate to secure the border, so it should be his number 1 priority as it will be difficult for congress to oppose this agenda. This is a real possibility for success.

Increased energy production and lowering of energy prices will begin to lower the prices of most everything we buy, he should be able to implement policies to do just that.

As for tax reform that will be another issue, he will be able to get some of his ideas through, like tax on tips, which is basically unenforceable and very unequally enforced depending on where people work.  No tax on social security is a possibility.

Reform of the Justice department, Pentagon and Intelligence agencies will be another issue, hopefully some progress can be made, but there will be very hard resistance from the entrenched bureaucracy.

In foreign affairs, while many still believe in prolonging the Ukraine conflict, it is going to resolve itself in due time, as Russia is advancing everywhere and no amount of aid is going to change this outcome. The natural course of the conflict will provide the end of this, the question is can they all work out a lasting peace.

The middle east is the toughest problem, it is now near total war, a war that Israel can't win without U.S. intervention that will bring in many other players. It is the worst situation at the moment. It is on the verge of becoming WW3. An end to the Ukraine conflict would free up Russia and China to be positive players in a solution, they now have strong influence on Iran. This coupled with strong restraint from the U.S. on Israel could be, yes could be, a possible end to this situation. I suspect it will require a unified partnership from allies on both sides to bring that about. So far we have seen little diplomacy from the west, just threats and sanctions. I am not sure that I see any diplomats on the horizon yet, we can only hope. None of the major countries want war, it seems the leadership of Israel believes if they can destroy Iran they will have no enemies in the future, a very dangerous and unrealistic idea.

Much of the Trump presidency will be out of his control due to the complicated foreign situation, something that is out of his control. Hopefully he will focus on reform and making the country united and strong and put it in a better position for the future.

Trump's picks will be crucial for success.

 JOB OF CABINET MEMBERS IS TO FACILITATE POLICIES OF PRESIDENT

NOT PROTECT THE BUREAUCRACY

The daily media spin and attempts to create division in the Trump team is underway. Rumors and speculation of who will be nominated for cabinet positions is all over the place. Some to push certain people, some to create anxiety in Trump supporters.

The report that Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley are not being considered is some relief. Reports of Marco Rubio for Secretary of state is concerning, I suspect he will not have the president's agenda as his foremost concern.

Trump needs every House and Senate vote he can get, so Republican Representatives and Senators from states with Democratic governors should all be out of the question. Nominees from states with Republican governors need to have their replacements vetted before being nominated.

I do expect that Trump will be in a position to hit the ground running on Jan. 20, 2025, unlike in 2017 where he was vulnerable to the machinations of the entrenched bureaucracy that is all about self preservation and manipulation. We can expect they are planning now on how to hinder Trump's agenda rather than implement it. His best strategy is to begin by setting an example by firing the head of the FBI and CIA and hopefully replacing them with less biased heads of these important positions.

Another very important pick will be Attorney General, we can expect he will be getting advice from all over for the place, so far, no one has been mentioned.

The Secretary of State is a very powerful position, it must be filled with a thoroughly loyal and competent person, that can be trusted and be truthful and transparent to the president, a rare person for Trump to find in the bureaucracy. A person also must have the trust and competence to be trusted by allies and competitors, a very hard position to fill. I see no Kissinger or Jim Baker at present, hopefully one exists. I suspect it needs to be someone who is not in the government now, maybe John Mearsheimer, Jeffrey Sacks or someone who can be a realist, not an ideologue or a delusional advocate for the impossible.

Sometimes the cabinet position is more of an agenda setter and the real work is done by the appointments just under the head.

I suspect some of these mentioned are being floated to get the reaction, both from the opposition and Trump supporters, none of these positions are final until they are sent to Senate in January, don't be surprised if there are changes. 

The next 60 days will be crucial for Trump's success or failure, we can bet there are those who seek to sow the seeds of failure on both side of the isle. Washington is indeed a minefield that requires very careful navigation.

Attempts to manipulate Trump underway.

 TRYING TO AGAIN MAKE INCREASED MILITARY SPENDING THE PRIORITY

IS IRAN REALLY ATTEMPTING TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP?

Last time Trump was elected President he relied on the word of former military generals, that his number 1 priority should be a dramatic increase in military spending. He feel for it, and squandered his hope of building a wall and quickly controlling the border. I suspect he will not fall for this again.

I suspect these same manipulators believe that putting forth the intelligence story that Iran is attempting to assassinate him will convince him to go to war with Iran. I again suspect he is likely to not believe much that they will be telling him. A very sad state of affairs.

While we all want a strong military, before 1 more cent is increased in the pentagon budget they need to submit to a independent audit of the Military budget. Hopefully if the situation is that dire, they will cooperate and make such an audit to be completed in record time. It is very suspicious that with a budget of over $880 billion, compared to maybe $70 billion by the Russians and $220 billion by the Chinese, we are found not be able to produce artillery shells. An audit is more warrented than ever before as I understand that such an audit has never happened, amazing.

I am no expert on military equipment other than small arms, It is often reported that the pentagon loves to spend enormous sums on over engineered and very expensive equipment that often flounders when exposed to the rigors of war. They are very impressive when displayed in controlled environments, with very well trained soldiers, but often in war this equipment needs to be able to function with a minimum of training. We also here of sophisticated maintenance crews to keep this equipment running often every day care.

Can our planes fly if they lose their computers, can our crews hit targets without GPS input? These things need to be considered, by people who actually must use and maintain this equipement, not senators and salesmen.

Then there is the issue of how much of this equipment is dependent on parts produced by third parties, especially China. I suspect much more than anyone understands.

In WW2 we were the "Arsenal of Democracy", because of our vast manufacturing capacity, I suspect this is no longer the case. Fancy and expensive weapons that cannot be quickly replaced puts this country in a dangerous position. Now is the time and the opportunity to examine the real state of our defenses.

What are the realistic options for Ukraine?

 TIME IS NOT YET RIPE FOR PEACE

MAY BE RIPE BY TRUMP'S INAUGURATION

We see reports that Donald Trump has opened a dialogue with Ukraine's Zelensky. So far no one in the Biden administration has claimed foul, but I suppose the dialogue let Zelensky know where the incoming president stands on the future of this conflict. It gives him and his staff a few months to consider their options.

So, what are the realistic options for the end of this conflict? 

If the west insists on defeat of Russia and Ukraine as a member of NATO, that is one option. If that is the option, then the U.S. should expect raising combat forces of at least 400,000 and at least 200,000 from each of the major countries in Europe, Germany, France, Uk, Poland and other NATO members like Canada and Spain.  That will require a move to conscription in all those countries as they do not have enough forces to conduct a serious offensive to push Russia out of Ukraine. It will require massive logistics and once initiated will open all those logistic centers in Europe to attack.

Much of Europe is already suffering energy shortages and a loss of manufacturing capacity due to this war, Germany's government is on the ropes, France not much better and approval of the new UK leader, abysmal. Instituting a draft will cause unparalleled chaos in Europe and I expect in the U.S.. I expect NATO is not going to enter this war.

Another option is just keep supplying weapons and materials to Ukraine, more of the same, Ukraine is getting smaller every day as Russia is incrementally moving west and will not pause until they reach the Dnieper river, which is 1/3 of Ukraine. If some sort of accord is not reached they will move to take Odessa, which would be a death blow to any future for Ukraine. Ukraine cannot defeat Russia, it is clear.

The reality is that Russia will not return the 4 oblasts it has occupied, this war was never about real-estate, no matter  the intelligence community and state department narrative. Russia's motive is security and civil rights for Russians in eastern Ukraine. Russia will go to nuclear war before it consents to Ukraine being a member of NATO with foreign bases and missiles on its border. Russia wants Ukraine to be a militarily neutral country in the fashion of Switzerland. 

The west believes that is not Russia's option, but if Russia put missiles in Mexico or Canada would it be acceptable to the U.S.? Or missiles in Ireland?

Ultimately, peace will only be accomplished when Ukraine is neutral and not a member of NATO.  When the EU agrees to have commerce with Ukraine while Ukraine has commerce with Russia, not demand that all commerce with Russia is discontinued as part of their plan.

At present, none of those conditions are in sight, but at the pace that Russia is moving west and the dire position of the Ukraine military, possibly early in 2025 the time will be ripe for all involved to accept the reality of the situation.

The dems and the neocons will then blame Trump for capitulating to Russia and being the Neville Chamberlain of the time. Maybe Trump needs to go on national television and explain the options available in this conflict.

 

The count goes on, and on, and on.

 WESTERN STATES NOTORIOUS ELECTIONS

NOT SURPRISING, CALIFORNIA WORST IN COUNTRY 

While it seems things have gotten better in most of the country,  the west coast is still looking for more votes after 3 days. California is reporting 59% of the votes counted. Arizona, not a very big state 76%,  Oregon 81% and Washington 86%,

California is notorious for dragging the counting on for weeks, all in an attempt to gain U.S. House seats. They condone all kinds of outlandish practices, like ballot harvesting and counting mail in ballots for weeks. While the states need to deal with running these elections, it may be time for some standards for federal elections. Something like requiring residency and citizenship to register. And penalties imposed if the counting is not done in a timely way, maybe like 4 or 5 days. 

A good penalty would be that for every day that counting is not concluded they lose 1 house seat from the majority party. I bet they can do it. There is nothing to stop federal rules for federal elections. 

These practices have an effect on everyone in the nation and these states need to be made accountable for their dishonest or irresponsible actions.

The maturing of the American electorate?

 IS THIS THE END OF OUTRAGEOUS POLITICAL WAR?

POLICY FINALLY WINS OUT OVER EMOTIONS

As a long time observer of politics, near 50 years, I can say much of this outrageous political war started with the Watergate scandal. While there was wrongdoing, it was way overblown and ended with the resignation of Richard Nixon, the second most hated president in modern history. Much of the hate was fostered by a complicit media, who never gave Nixon the credit as a qualified president.

The Republicans got their revenge with the impeachment of Bill Clinton, but were unable to defeat him in his re-election bid. I hope after the last 8 years of outrageous political war and over the top nonsense these tactics will be in the past. Only time will tell, we may find out within days whether these tactics will end or will we see the doubling down of failed policies.

I suspect that many Americans believe that this country is in real trouble and it is far more serious than outrageous claims of the end of democracy and outrageous lies about Trump's positions on abortion, in vitro and social security. The reality is that whether people like or dislike Trump, they do know what policies he advocates, he has been consistent for 8 years. He has also demonstrated that he has a solutions based mentality and a tenacious ability to keep on trying.

While America has many problems facing it around the world, many caused by the flawed policies of past administrations, America needs to be rebuilt at home and reunified in that effort, all Americans must realize the dangerous divisions that exist and reject those who continue to sow division for political power. We need to focus on the best interest of this country before all else. Yes, American first, is what it needed right now. 

A strong and unified America can then address the problems in the rest of the world. Many of the problems have been caused or exacerbated by U.S. policy for the last 35 years. A realization that the U.S. no longer has the wealth or ability to rule the world. We no longer are the shining example to the world, the real way that America had influence around the world, by our example, not be sanctions, threats and regime change policies. A serious discussion needs to take place on the objectives of the country and our position in the world, before the world goes up in smoke.

Anyway, that is my observation, I am sure many are ready to continue in the destructive political wars at home and abroad, I can only hope that much of the country is ready to move on to a better place.

No Virginia, The D's and the media cannot elect a ham sandwich.

 TRUMP HAS LONG COATTAILS

AS CLOSE TO A MANDATE AS POSSIBLE

It looks Pennsylvania has gone big to the Republicans, winning the Senate, Attorney general, Treasurer and Auditor. Locally, it looks like Ryan Mckenzie has defeated Susan Wild in the house. The Republicans are now expected to have clear majorities in the House, Senate and the Presidency.  I expect that Donald Trump will now have a much better list of candidates for cabinet positions. In his first term he had no idea who most of the people were who he selected, many deep state operatives who believed their mission was to undermine and move him in their direction. 

No one can deny that Trump is the hardest working political candidate, no matter his age. We now have at least hope, were there was no hope. No one can remedy all the ills facing America in four years, but hopefully we can start the process of restoring this country as a place of hope and opportunity for its citizens and cool off the violence around the world.

The one dismal statistic is that Kamala Harris was able to be selected by 65 Million Americans. She was without a doubt the most unqualified candidate for president in the history of the country. The audacity of the Democrat leadership and the complicit media in believing that they could continue in the program that brought us Joe Biden, who campaigned from his basement, and even poor John Fetterman. Hopefully those days are behind us. The media's credibility has been further eroded by their blatant bias.

We hope that Trump's priority is to heal America both at hope and abroad. Move to restore America's manufacturing ability, control the borders,  encourage small business and limit government overreach. Move to restore faith in the election system, the bedrock of a democratic system. Awaken the citizens to the dangers of the woke ideology, that is an ideology of death, chaos and disaster. 

The first foreign policy objective should be to end the Ukraine war and end the policy of you are for us or you are our enemy. The end of the Ukraine war will soften many of the dangers that are brewing around the world. America needs to be that light upon the hill, not a dark perpetuator of division and violence.

A very tall order, we can only hope to make a beginning and hope the dark powers will not embark on another mission of destruction of this president or seek to lay WW3 in his lap on Jan. 20, 2025.

The evolution of political advertising.

 TEXT MESSAGES AND STREAMING ADS 

A LOT OF WASTED MONEY

I assume we have all been overwhelmed by the number of text messages during this political campaign. I finally started to reply stop to all of them, I just could not take it anymore. While momentarily they would stop, they would soon resume. I can only assume that campaign consultants are getting paid for the number of text messages they send out. While communication is always good, it has become very annoying. 

I no longer get any cable news, but do watch plenty of streaming debates, interviews and Youtube has more political ads than I have ever seen. At least you can click them off after a short time. You need to keep the controller in your hand. 

Old standby, U.S. mail was another heavy lift, with multiple mailings every day. I suspect these mailers are probably around $2.00 a piece. The consultants most assuredly will be in Florida on the beach sooner and longer after this election season. It is estimated that 2024 will be a record amount with near $15 billion spent on federal elections.

I don't get newspapers, but I suspect they are not profiting much from campaign advertising. I suspect their failure to endorse is a result of their dying revenue from being so biased.

Campaigns could have saved plenty, but when you give consultants a free reign they will show you how to spend money quickly.

A few ideas for campaigns in the future, if we will have campaigns in the future. One would be to identify super voters who are committed to your campaign early on, I suspect many were committed months before the election. Eliminate text message and mailers to these people and save the money. As for fundraising 1 regular appeal would be best, on a timed basis or a commitment for a monthly donation, then stop begging for money every day.

A weekly text message with updates would most likely be read, rather than overwhelming the recipient with dozens everyday. Maybe slightly less money would be raised, but much less would be wasted.

Well, maybe it is at least over after tomorrow, unless, we will be seeing appeals for money to contest irregularities and other possible election problems. Then of course it is time to ready for the 2026 elections.

Will new president be a wartime president?

WILL WE BE IN GLOBAL WAR BEFORE JAN. 20, 2025?

CAN THE NEW PRESIDENT AVOID THIS CATASTROPHE?

We know that in 4 days a new president will be elected. The question is can this new president avoid being drawn into the escalating conflicts in several part of the world. We see escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the middle east. We see simmering tensions in the south China sea and Taiwan. Only serious diplomacy and an acknowledgment of the realities of the situations can bring about acceptable settlements. We have a very dangerous 2 1/2 months were the new president will not have the power to engage in any change of direction.

The neocons Ukraine project is lost. In reality, Ukraine is now a smaller country than in 2014 when this project started. It is economically devastated and will be poverty stricken for decades. At present there does not seem any acceptance by the west that Ukraine will not be a NATO member. Either an acceptable future can be negotiated or this will only end with nuclear confrontation.

The middle east is far more complicated, the division and hatred is now far more deep and widespread. The reality is that Israel cannot prevail by military force alone. It is bogged down in Gaza and South Lebanon and it's latest attempt to attack Iran was an eye opening understatement. The reports circulating, claim that Israel launched 100 planes. None of them entered Iranian air space and the missles launched were mostly shot down by Iranian air defense. The majority of the planes encountered electronic defenses that rendered much of their electronics inoperative and turned back. The second and third wave of attacks were aborted.

Now it is also reported that Iran is expecting to counterattack at any time. Hopefully that can be stopped or this crisis may render Israel resorting to nuclear weapons and then who know what happens.

The world situation is much like 1914, none of the major powers wanted war, but like then, alliances, hubris and the overwhelming lust for revenge launched all out war, that in reality didn't end until after WW2.  

80 years later and many have forgotten the suffering of war, Most of those who engaged in real war are long gone. The United States have not seen real war since the 1860's. Immune from attack by vast oceans that are no longer a guarantee from serious attack. The media and political forces have engaged in the demonisation of others to encourage public support for war. Many of these conflicts have been orchestrated and encouraged by people who desire endless war, whether for financial gain or a lust for power.

The new president, will have their hands full, and may be counselled to continue on the present course. A course that is destined to end in a catastrophe, possibly the end of civilization as we know it. It seems many no longer believe that such things are possible, that life will go on indefinitely,  no matter what decisions are made. I expect we are all going to be watching history being made.