The Next Phase: Army Prepares to Send Ground Troops to the Middle East

              Six American soldiers killed in Iran.

              It was inevitable.

The next phase of Trump's illegal war is just around the corner. While no deployment orders have been issued as of Friday, officials said, speaking like some others on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation.

They noted that the Army is expected to announce soon a previously scheduled Middle East deployment for a helicopter unit with the 82nd Airborne, but that won't happen until the spring they suggested.

The unit had an unexpected change of plans for headquarters staff and was told to stay put in Noth Carolina instead of joining a training event at Fort Polk in Louisiana.

The 82nd's high profile role on past conflicts has heightened expectations that the division's Immediate Response Force could be called on any day now.

That's interesting because Trump claimed that U.S. ground troops "probably" would not be needed. Playing cagey as usual Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday that sending American ground troops into Iran was "not part of the current plan, but I'm not going to remove an option for the president that is on the table." 

The reason why the Pentagon won't come right out and say we need troops on the ground there is because the whole operation is a cluster fuck that's rapidly getting out of hand.

Last week General Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint Chiefs of Staff, warned the White House that munitions shortfalls and a lack of broad support from the U.S. allies is adding a considerable risk to the operation in Iran and to the personnel put in hams way. 

While everyone in the Trump regime is acting like there's no problems there's plenty of shit going down against the U.S.

New satellite images from several key military bases in the Arabian Peninsula suggest that Iran is seeking to degrade air defenses by destroying US-made radars that detect incoming missiles and drones. Thus far Iran has managed to destroy an American THAAD missile battery in Jordan. Nearby buildings were also damaged.

Thus far more than 50,000 troops are involved in the operation, and six US soldiers have been killed. The worst part is there's no timeline to ending this stupid war. Trump has claimed it would only last for 4-5 weeks but "...we have the capacity to go far longer than that," he bragged.

Isn't that nice? No one knows how long this illegal war will last because it wasn't a thoroughly planned out operation. Trump said he had a "good feeling" about the invasion of Iran.

It's not very comforting that the Pentagon is freezing out the mainstream press and just has a gaggle of far-right operatives echoing every lie laid out to them.

A recent poll taken last Sunday found that 12 percent of respondents favor sending ground troops to Iran, while 60 percent oppose it and 28 percent are unsure.

As it Stands, as a combat Vietnam veteran my heart goes out to those soldiers who have already died in this illegal war and the one's that surely will when we send more ground troops to Iran.

When is a War, not a War?

As the families of the six dead service members who were killed by Iranian drones and bombs are mourning their loss Republicans are claiming we're not at war.

By extension that means they died fighting in a combat operation, like the illegal wars in Iraq and Vietnam. MAGA Sen. Markwayne Mullin told reporters today that, "We're not at war. We haven't declared war. They declared war on us." 

Known for making asinine comments and outright lying," Mullin made a fool of himself trying to convince reporters that we're not at war, despite the obvious situation.

Why you may be wondering are Republicans trying to tell everyone "There's nothing here to see here, just move on." 

The sneaky party of Trump is gearing up to defeat the war powers resolutions being backed by Democrats this week that would limit Trump's ability to conduct military operations in Iran.

For the record, only Congress has the power to greenlight a war. Trump has unconstitutionally and illegally launched a war and is claiming it's a limited combat operation. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

A twisted excuse for not calling the invasion of Iran a war was forwarded by MAGA Rep. Anna Paulina Luna who told reporters, "Targeted, strategic military strikes and invasions are two totally different things," she asserted, adding "We did not invade. Are you seeing boots on the ground there? Because I have not."

I guess that doesn't count all the service members who are stationed at bases throughout the Middle East. Their boots are on the ground, and they are being attacked by Iranian forces. And they are being killed.

When is a war not a war?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump are speaking openly of a war with Iran. "We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it," Hegseth boasted to confused reporters. Trump said "the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have causalities. That often happens in war."

Which is it? 

A messaging memo from the White House sent to Capitol Hill Republicans on Monday appeared to discourage framing the actions as a war.

They were told to avoid the war word. Which of course just adds to the confusion. Senator Ron Johnson probably echoed what other MAGA members thought about the controversy when he said, "Who cares what you call it? I don't."

It's all about following the dear leader regardless of the truth.

Behind closed doors with MAGA officials Speaker Mike Johnson said he doesn't think Congress should declare war on Iran. He's counting on the invasion to only last for a few weeks and then sweeping it under the table like left over scraps from a dinner in hell.

No one knows how long the fighting is going to last. Hundreds of Americans are stranded in the Middle East because the Trump regime didn't consider the ramifications of suddenly (and for no apparent reason) bombing the hell out of Iran.

We are witnessing the results of Trump's latest diversion from the Epstein files. Countless lives will be taken. The entire Middle East is now a war zone, and the Trump regime has injected more chaos into our lives. 

As it Stands, Americans are being asked to risk their lives in an illegal war while Trump shares his plans for his Ballroom on the nightly news.

Proud Puppy Killer Noem Defiantly Faces Senators

As expected, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lied numerous times under oath during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today over her handling of the Trump regimes immigration agenda.

To my surprise she faced harsh criticisms from a couple of GOP senators, along with all of the Democratic senators. 

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis tore into Noem like a hawk hunting a slow field mouse. He said, among other things, her leadership was a "disaster." He also vowed to block the administration's nominees and bring Senate business to a halt until Noem answers his questions and addresses.

Here's the part that really startled me when to make a point about bad decision making, Tillis brought up a now infamous passage from Noem's 2024 book in which she describes killing a young dog and goat back home in South Dakota.

In the book Noem said she had to kill the young dog, Cricket, because he misbehaved. After shooting Cricket in a gravel pit, she also bragged about killing a "nasty and mean" goat. She defended her actions by claiming the episode showed she was willing to do "difficult, messy, and ugly" things.

Finally, a fired-up Tillis called for Noem to resign. He's the first Republican on record to ask for her resignation.

GOP Sen. John Kennedy didn't go as far as telling her to resign, but he did hold her ass to the fire. "How do you square my concern for waste; with the fact you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that featured you prominently," he asked.

Noem basically replied that Trump was all for her ads and that she thought they were "extremely effective." A cagy Kennedy also questioned who Noem got to produce the ads.

"And the people that you ended up picking were people who had formerly done your political work back in South Dakota, is that right?" he asked. Noem quickly retorted "No! That's not correct sir."

"They were effective in your name recognition," Kennedy taunted her.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse showed Noem an image of a bedroom inside a plane that the DHS is reportedly seeking to purchase. NBC News recently reported that the department has been leasing the Boeing 737 MAX8, which has been described as a "luxury jet."

"Those photos are not accurate," Noem blurted out despite the evidence. Then she claimed the jet was going to be refurbished and used for ...wait for it...deportations of illegal immigrants. She grudgingly admitted the same plane would also carry executive air travel.

In my wildest imagination I can't see that jet carrying two such diverse parties. Call me a skeptic if you like. Trying to claim that the $70 million dollar luxury jet would save money for the taxpayer is the most ridiculous thing she said today.

In summary senators brought up her mishandling of numerous cases, including her attempted coverup of the ICE agents who murdered Alex Pretti and Renee Good, calling them "domestic terrorists" immediately after they were illegally shot to death.  

As it Stands, I don't have the space to cover all the crimes she's been accused of in this hearing. If you're wondering what else was brought up, I recommend going to YouTube where you can view the entire hearing.

'We Didn't Start this War' Hegseth Openly Lies About the Epstein/Trump War

One thing is for certain... Iran didn't start the war.

But Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Americans today that "We didn't start the war." Really? Who did then?

The fact of the matter is a five-time draft dodger and convicted felon started the war. Trump has set the Middle East on fire to distract from the Epstein files which follow him around like Honey Badgers.

The Pentagon press corps (now all far-right influencers) who agreed to Hegseth's restrictions asked pre-determined questions and Hegseth used a list on who to call on. 

The few legitimate reporters were ignored with one exception; an NBC reporter interrupted between questions and asked if the war was going to be over in four weeks like Trump said?

Hegseth rudely called the reporter out and called NBC fake news. 

Boozehound Hegseth who gets off on talking tough, claimed Iran started the war and now the U.S. is going to finish it. "We are going to hurt you with no apology and without hesitation and we will kill you," he said during a press conference today.

If anyone was listening to Trump during his re-election campaign, they clearly believed Trump would end all foreign wars and be a Peace President. Yet here we are with his lapdog Hegseth claiming this war is different than the others because the operation had a "clear devastating, decisive mission."

It sure did. Distract the public from the ever-encroaching Epstein files.

Let's take a quick look at Hegseth. Trump nominated him to be the Secretary of Defense despite the fact that he secretly paid a financial settlement to a woman who had accused him of raping her in 2017.

The man heading the world's largest and most lethal military force on the planet was a host for FOX News prior to his current position. 

A trail of documents, corroborated by the accounts of former colleagues, indicates that Hegseth was forced to stand down by both of the two non-profit groups that he ran - Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America - in the face of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct.

To make things even worse Hegseth is an alcoholic and admitted to it during his confirmation, adding that he's cured now.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described the report of Hegseth's drinking as alarming and disqualifying. Everyone knew the fix was in when Hegseth got the job.

Oh! By the way... once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. Staying clean is a lifelong battle for those addicted to booze.

So that leaves us with an alcoholic in charge of destroying Iran. Hegseth, a known womanizer, likes to project power by calling his position, Secretary of War. He manages to tie the word war into every other sentence regardless of the topic.

As it Stands, an inexperienced secretary of defense sends a signal of weakness to our enemies and makes us feel less safe at home and abroad.

Trump's Gay War Hawk: Lindsey Graham Tries to Act Tough

Of all of Trump's enablers none have reached the heights of sycophancy that Sen. Lindsey Graham has.

His take on the illegal war Trump started is enough to make a maggot gag. Despite Trump's election campaign claims of no more foreign wars, he's been bullying other countries since he slithered into office.

Graham's mealy-mouthed defense while being interviewed on NBC's Meet the Press about the war on Iran was straight out of George Orwell's 1984 that talked about "Doublespeak" and "Newspeak." 

Newspeak was a propagandistic language that was designed to limit free thought and promote the Party's doctrines.

Doublespeak was a belief in contradictory ideas simultaneously, which is reflected in the Party slogans: "War is Peace" "Freedom is slavery" and "Ignorance is strength."

Graham's defense of the Epstein Trump war on Iran was patterned after Big Brother's use of doublespeak. He dismissed concerns about it being a war of choice, or a diversion of any kind. He argued that the war aims to eliminate threats that Iran poses to the USA.

To be clear, Iran never posed a direct threat to the American heartland because they didn't have the technology to send a nuke across the globe. The war is about regime change (think Venezuela) and a way to bury the Epstein scandal that is scalding his ass in the United States and the rest of the world.

After declaring the "end" of the largest state sponsor of terrorism" being "upon us" and calling war with Iran "Necessary and long justified," Graham said that Operation Epic Fury (I bet Trump came up with that name) made America "more safe and eventually more prosperous."  

Let's see... plunging the Middle East into a war has nothing to do with "freeing the people of Iran" or making us safer at home. That's America First propaganda bullshit worthy of Well's book.

It made me sick hearing Graham asking for God's protection for all under President Trump, as well as our allies. He believes "with all his heart" that any American servicemember killed or wounded in the coming days will be in an effort to "make your country and the world a better and safer place." 

Straight up... this war is not making America a safer place. I don't care what Graham says. He's a Trump troll that isn't embarrassed by his own lies or his dear leaders ranting.

I had to step away from the TV when Graham claimed Trump is a man of peace. Anyone who believes that probably believes Bigfoot voted for Trump in the last election. A man of peace doesn't go around overthrowing governments and turning his private army - ICE - against the American people.

I wish there was a way we could send Graham to one of those American bases that are being bombed by Iran. Put a rifle in his chubby paws and see what kind of warrior he is. He talks tough but he's really a pasty white pussy in love with his favorite dictator.

As it Stands, you can't shame Graham because he doesn't care if you know he's having an affair with Trump.

We Knew it was Coming: Trump Declares War Against Iran

The heat from the Epstein files was frying Trump's shriveled brain so he's resorted to the biggest "squirrel" distraction yet during his second term.

He declared war on Iran, along with Israel's corrupt Prime Minister Benjamine Netanyahu.

This last week has brought increased pressure on Trump as the majority of Americans want ALL of the Epstein files revealed. Members of his own regime have been outed and he's acting like a cornered rat.

Because Trump is a hypocrite he's claiming he's attacking Iran to free the people there. That excuse falls flat on its face when you look at how he's taking away freedoms from Americans daily.

Sen. Lindsey Graham said on a post on X "the end of state-imposed terrorism is upon us" and celebrated "freedom" for the Iranian people. How ironic is that?

I'm not even surprised that Trump didn't consult Congress about going to war. Right now, he is in the full dictator mode. He's busy rigging the midterms and destroying our relationships with longtime allies who are aghast at his international lawlessness.

Also, not surprisingly Republicans are supporting his actions...thus far. Some Republicans see the writing on the wall and realize war will be devasting for everyone. Despite that they sit like cowards and accept their fate.

There's little the Democrats can do to stop Trump. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the press, "We have to quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act."

Good luck with that Chuck. That ship sailed when Trump was reelected and he installed an authoritarian government. It's unclear if the War Powers Act would get bipartisan support. I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening.

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Hines said this morning that he's praying for U.S. service members but emphasized, "everything I have heard from the Administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame."

Trump's strategy to destroy Democracy has been progressing like a runaway train throughout the country since January 20th, which will go down as a dark day in American history.

Sen. Ruben Gallego summed up the situation succinctly, "I lost friends in Iraq to an illegal war. Young working-class kids should not pay the ultimate price for regime change and a war that hasn't been explained or justified to the American people," he wrote on X. 

As it Stands, despite this massive distraction I think the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein is going to continue to haunt Trump throughout his term. 

Daffy Duck Interrogated by House Oversight Committee on Epstein Files

"Daffy Duck looked guilty" when shown a photo of Jeffrey Epstein said House Oversight Committee chair James Comer while addressing reporters the other day.

During an eight-hour hearing MAGA members of Congress cross-examined the feisty cartoon legend trying to tie him into the Epstein scandal. 

MAGA luminaries like Rep. Lauren Boebert grilled Daffy on his relationship with the international pedophile despite having no evidence that he ever met the infamous child trafficker.

Prior to hauling Daffy in GOP members had been collecting suspects to interrogate from the Looney Tunes cast of characters, proving they were serious about the investigation.

When Rep. Nancy Mace accused Foghorn Leghorn of providing young chicks to Epstein, he diverted her attention by showing her photos of Trump in drag.

When Marvin the Martian shared photos of a UFO he nearly upset the proceedings as MAGA members debated if he kidnapped victims and took them to Epstein's Island.

The Tasmanian Devil was defiant when pressed about his relationship with Epstein. Every time he was asked a question he twirled around the room scaring chairman Comer who hid behind the podium and called out for "Order!"

Yosemite Sam quickly grew tired of being questioned and pulled out his pistols and threatened to "shoot the whole dagummed place up" if they didn't haul Trump in for questioning.

Pepe Le Pew cleared out the chamber every time he was asked a question. Everybody in the room would dash out to escape the stench except Comer who just sat there wondering what the stink was all about.

Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig drove their interrogators nuts with stuttering replies to their stupid questions.

Beaky Buzzard was the only character that was cooperative because he felt at home with the MAGA members perched in their seats.

Michigan J. Frog ignored the inane questions and bragged about joining protests against Trump nationwide.

Speedy Gonzales was arrested by ICE before he could answer any questions.

Penelope Pussycat accused both Trump and Epstein of grabbing her genitals when she was still a kitten and held hostage in Mar a Lago.

Bugs Bunny passed out THC infused carrots to MAGA members hoping to confuse them more than they already were.

By the time Daffy Duck's hearing was over MAGA members were drooling (more than usual) and staggering out of the room like a gaggle of disabled zombies.

As it Stands, this satire has been brought to you from the Looney Tunes cast who are encouraging Americans to vote Blue this November.

Why Are There Still Missing Epstein Files Being Discovered?

I don't get it. 

Didn't the Justice Department tell us they released ALL of the Epstein files? 

Attorney General Pam Bondi assured Americans there was nothing more to see about the infamous international pedophile who was Trump's best friend. Didn't Dear Leader say it was time to move on? Nothing more to see here?

I don't think so.

Rep. Robert Garcia, who sits on the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein has accused the Justice Department of withholding files today (Thursday) containing allegations of sexual abuse of a minor made against Trump.

If the DOJ had any credibility left (which I doubt) they lost it with this recent revelation. The DOJ has not released summaries and notes from three separate interviews the FBI conducted with a South Carolina woman who said she was sexually assaulted by Trump.

Those missing files were not included in the unredacted collection available for members of Congress to view. 

A Justice Department spokesperson replying to a query on the missing documents said, "As we have always said, all documents responsive were produced, those do not fall within one of the following categories: duplicates, privileged, part of an ongoing investigation."

Something key to keep in mind is when the DOJ supposedly released all of the records a spokesperson said, "This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos."

There's that favorite MAGA word, FAKE. You watch, the DOJ will say it didn't share those documents because they were fake.

The problem for Trump and his cronies is emerging evidence keeps popping up despite Trump's claim of being exonerated. Rep. Garcia asked, "Why are there still documents missing?"

"These documents I personally saw, I know who the survivor is, the name is redacted in the doc, in the manifest document, and there are documents missing from that same survivor that appeared to be interviews or conversations, again, appear to be with the FBI. The FBI clearly investigated, and now those documents are gone."

The DOJ's initial response was "We'll review whether any files had been improperly withheld." Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said on Thursday that the lawmakers are still looking into the accusation that the DOJ withheld the files pertaining to Trump.

Anyone who believes that has to be a MAGA moron. As the lies pile up Trump and his lapdogs are having trouble keeping up with the slow drip of evidence that continues to rattle the regime.

As it Stands, the rest of the world is reacting to revelations about Epstein buddies and individuals are suddenly retiring or being held to account by their governments. The same can't be said in America where we have a convicted felon for president.

GOP Repugnance of Reality Isn't Going to Play Well During the Midterms

By the time the midterms roll around the Republican party will have to face reality... supporting Trump's lies comes with a stiff price.

I know the Republicans will do everything they can to rig the election. At this time Trump cronies in Congress are trying to pass an act that will disenfranchise millions of voters.

It's a major legislative proposal aimed at changing voter registration requirements for federal elections. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) passed on a partisan basis in the House and is now resting in the Senate. Unless the GOP goes with the nuclear option of overriding a filibuster, Democrats won't vote for the toxic bill. It's either going to be a long stalemate or the legislation won't pass.

If it doesn't pass you can be sure the lethal legislation will be kicked back to the House where another attempt will be made to sweeten the package enough to get Democratic senators aboard. This attempt to steal the election is only part and parcel of the concentrated effort Republicans are making to retain power in Congress.

Trump and his conservative billionaires are determined to dominate the 2026 and 2028 elections, using federal power to steal elections when necessary. The basic plan is to create sufficient doubt about the election process.

So far, the GOP's tactics have featured Presidential Executive Orders, Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuits sowing doubt about voter roll and balloting integrity, and gaslighting voters about the Democratic Party election criminality.

Trump tried to decertify voting machines and limit mail-in ballots with an executive order, but the courts have slapped down those efforts thus far.

In addition, the DOJ is suing to obtain confidential voter rolls from at least 44 states. In one case federal authorities illegally seized all of Georgia's voting records from the 2020 election. They took the records to an undisclosed location while Fulton County officials called out the illegal seizure and went to court for relief. That drama is still playing out.

In an interview with Reuters last week Trump said Republicans have been so successful that "when you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election."

In another interview last week on "The Dan Bongino Show," Trump said, "The Republicans should say, 'We want to take over the voting in at least 15 places.' The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting," he told Bongino.

For the record nationalizing elections is unconstitutional.

Despite all of these challenges (and any new ones) to a fair election I believe Americans will turn out to vote in record numbers against this corrupt regime's candidates.

As it Stands, I'm not ready to give up on our Democratic republic... yet. November will be a turning point in America's history. I'm betting on truth and the American spirit of freedom for all. 

Big Day: 'State of the Swamp' Speech and More Epstein Revelations

Welcome! I'm glad you stopped by today.

As you know this is a big day for Trump as he is giving his State of the Union speech at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. His rant is proceeded by The State of the Swamp address on the National Mall at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. 

The State of the Swamp is a rebuttal to Trump's speech and is being held at the National Press Club. The event features Robert De Niro and a host of Democrats from Sen. Ron Wyden to Rep. Jason Crow.  

Tickets are sold out but you can Livestream the event for free. The program will air on DEFIANCE.ORG, YouTube, Substack, and more.

Meanwhile another rebuttal to Trump's speech will be held at The National Mall - The People's State of the Union.

Opposition figures, current and former elected officials, celebrities, and other leaders are gathering to tell the TRUTH and to counter Trump's lies. They will be laying out how Trump's historic abuses of power have put democracy on the brink - and how to fight back, together.

What to expect:

* Hundreds of attendees in green outfits and/or frog attire.

* Live counter-addresses & truth telling.

* Music, visuals, and satire.

* National press presence.

* Actions you can take the next morning

Meanwhile...also today

NPR released the following story: Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump

NPR's Stephen Fowler broke the story this morning. It involves more damning evidence showing how the Department of Justice and other government agencies are actively covering up for our corrupt president.

It should be interesting watching the Epstein victims sitting in the front row at Trump's speech. Will he mention them? I don't think so because he's a coward and will just pass over any reference to the Epstein files. In his tiny brain the whole scandal is over and he's been exonerated. The rest of the world disagrees.

As it Stands, I'm proud of the unified millions of Americans that are standing up to Trump's attempts to take away our constitutional rights. Let the freedom bell ring!

Comparing 'Diaper Don' to my 3-year-old Grandson

Photo: Heeeres Johnny!

It's common knowledge that Trump throws temper tantrums daily unlike my 3-year-old grandson Johnny who smiles and laughs daily. 

There's not a mean bone in little Johnny's body. The same can't be said for the man-child in the Oval Office.

Johnny's a bright lad who is curious and inquisitive and his favorite word is "Why?" He follows his Nana around the house constantly asking questions. 

Nana: "It's not safe to stick your hand down the garbage disposal," she'd caution.

Johnny: "Why?"

Nana: "You have food all over you. It's time for a bath."

Johnny: "Why?"

In comparison Trump is about as curious as a rock. He blunders forward on things without any curiosity about the dire effects his corrupt regime has on Americans and the world-at-large.

Johhny says, "Thank you" and "Please" all the time.

Those words are not in Trump's limited vocabulary.

I bet Johnny could outrun "Cankles" even if he gave him a head start.

Johnny is potty trained.

Trump wears diapers.

Johnny takes a nap once a day.

Trump naps throughout the day.

Johnny is already learning to read.

Trump never mastered that skill.

Johnny likes to draw things.

Trump likes to draw things too - see his birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein.

If there wasn't an age limit, I'd rather see Johnny as president. At least he has the ability to learn on the job.

As it Stands, Johnny has bigger hands than Trump!