5 hours ago, Tug said:

Take off your trump goggles 

 

Damnit! Sending CVN-85 completely the wrong way. It was in the Med and would have been better served sailing up through the Bosporus, into the Black Sea and unsettling Vlad's peaceful existence.

 

But hey, let's go and kick over another Caribbean fruit stand like we did in Grenada.

 

Who's in charge here?

I think it's in the best interest of the people of Venezuela to see the Maduro regime fall from power just as I think it would be in the best interest of the people of the USA to see the Trump regime fall from power. I certainly don't trust the Trump regime's actions to mess with Venezuela. More than likely, they are going to make things worse. Also blowing up fishing boats without seizing the boats and charging the crew criminally based on evidence is something a tin pot fascist dictator would do, not the so called leader of the free democratic rules based world. 

 

Perhaps a case in point of why Trump admires and approves of Putin's ideology of a world of spheres of influence. Trump in the Americas, Putin in Eastern Europe and the Stans, Xi in most of east and SE Asia.  

48 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Damnit! Sending CVN-85 completely the wrong way. It was in the Med and would have been better served sailing up through the Bosporus, into the Black Sea and unsettling Vlad's peaceful existence.

 

But hey, let's go and kick over another Caribbean fruit stand like we did in Grenada.

 

Who's in charge here?

 

Don't need a carrier in the Black Sea.  US has plenty of airports to fly from in Europe.  Plus there is very little chance of a hot war with Russia.  Come on.  Putin screwed up and the Russian people are watching their nation crumble and their standard of living crash.  Plus the loss of young men in his war.  No idea if Ukraine winds up existing after this but either way Russia has paid a dear price for Putins excursion and I suspect we will see a coup before much longer.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Damnit! Sending CVN-85 completely the wrong way. It was in the Med and would have been better served sailing up through the Bosporus, into the Black Sea and unsettling Vlad's peaceful existence.

 

But hey, let's go and kick over another Caribbean fruit stand like we did in Grenada.

 

Who's in charge here?

Probably not that Admiral that resigned recently from his Caribbean theatre of command...........Admiral Donald 

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Damnit! Sending CVN-85 completely the wrong way. It was in the Med and would have been better served sailing up through the Bosporus, into the Black Sea and unsettling Vlad's peaceful existence.

 

But hey, let's go and kick over another Caribbean fruit stand like we did in Grenada.

 

Who's in charge here?

It can all end if the Narco Terrorists stop deploying their drug boats.  
 

It’s that simple.  
 

Running low on blow?

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I think it's in the best interest of the people of Venezuela to see the Maduro regime fall from power just as I think it would be in the best interest of the people of the USA to see the Trump regime fall from power. I certainly don't trust the Trump regime's actions to mess with Venezuela. More than likely, they are going to make things worse. Also blowing up fishing boats without seizing the boats and charging the crew criminally based on evidence is something a tin pot fascist dictator would do, not the so called leader of the free democratic rules based world. 

 

Perhaps a case in point of why Trump admires and approves of Putin's ideology of a world of spheres of influence. Trump in the Americas, Putin in Eastern Europe and the Stans, Xi in most of east and SE Asia.  

Your comparison with Venezuela's drug lord and Trump proves beyond reasonable doubt the effects of Big Pharmaceutical has on their patients.

 

It’s not pretty.

9 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

Seek professional help 

Oh, that dissent. Such a horrific thing to contend with. Imagine an opposition. Imagine a questioning mind. Imagine the democratic process at work. Imagine a lack of fealty. It boggles the mind. 

On 10/25/2025 at 8:42 AM, dinsdale said:

Thank you for showing you don't know what a dictator is. Please explain how a republic can happen under a dictator. Please don't say The Democratic People's Rebublic of Korea is a republic. North Korea is neither democratic nor a republic and is ruled by an actual dictator.

Got this from google AI. there are sooo many examples of dictatorial actions

"

Since his inauguration in January 2025, President Donald Trump's actions have faced accusations of authoritarianism and illegality from critics and legal experts

. These actions are viewed by many as an attempt to dismantle democratic norms and expand presidential power, often aligning with the agenda of the Project 2025 blueprint. 

 

Key actions that have drawn legal challenges and accusations include:

 

• Targeting the federal workforce: Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to reinstate Schedule F, an initiative he pursued at the end of his first term.
  • This order allows for the reclassification of tens of thousands of federal employees into political appointee positions, making them easier to fire and replace with individuals considered loyal to the president.
  • Critics argue this is an attack on the nonpartisan civil service and an effort to undermine government enforcement capabilities by prioritizing loyalty over expertise.
• Freezing federal funds: In January 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget ordered a freeze on federal grants and loans. Constitution 101: Congress has 'the power of the purse'
  • Congresswoman Betty McCollum stated that this action is unconstitutional, as it undermines Congress's constitutional authority over spending and directly threatens the economic security of many Americans.
• Weaponizing the Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ's Public Integrity Section, responsible for prosecuting political corruption, has reportedly been sidelined, its staff cut, and its review process for cases against public officials suspended.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi also drew fire in July 2025 for allegedly firing a court-appointed U.S. Attorney, a move critics called an attack on judicial independence. Fire anyone in FBI who had anything to do with investigations of repubs and Trump. They don't pick their assignments... intimidation tool
• Using military force domestically: In June 2025, Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests, a move California's Governor Gavin Newsom likened to a dictator's actions.
  • Critics say this defies federal law that limits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement and militarizes American cities.
• Expanding immigration crackdowns: Trump has moved to expand deportations and surveillance measures against noncitizens, actions critics say violate constitutional rights.
  • In October 2025, border authorities were granted expanded use of biometric tracking technology, including for children.
  • Trump's rhetoric has also suggested he would use the U.S. military to go after migrants, dismissing concerns over the Posse Comitatus Act.
  • also arrested US citizens with 'secret police': No ID for name, law enforcement branch, masked faces, unmarked cars. Essentially same as Stalin (my addition)
• Controlling information: Legally mandated national climate assessment reports were removed from government websites in July 2025.
  • Critics characterize such actions as an effort to hide or distort scientific information that contradicts the administration's policy goals.
• Construction on the White House grounds: The demolition of the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom has been criticized for circumventing established historic preservation rules.
• Targeting perceived political opponents: Reports have documented instances of aggressive tactics used against political opponents, including the brief detention and removal of a sitting Senator from a DHS press conference 

Legal and ethical concerns
Legal experts have consistently raised concerns over these actions, particularly the unilateral expansion of presidential power. 

 

• A survey of legal experts in October 2025 found near-unanimous agreement that Trump's second term poses a greater threat to the rule of law than his first. Flat out refusing to implement judicial orders, lying to the courts about flying immigrants out of country against judges decision. 
• The use of executive orders to implement Project 2025's agenda has been described as undermining the separation of powers and civil liberties.
• Experts argue that while a president's power is significant, it is not absolute and is constrained by the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and judicial review.
• However, these checks and balances depend on robust enforcement and the willingness of other institutions to challenge presidential overreach. "
• Not even discussing emoluments clause: untold millions being washed thru his crypto businesses in exchange for favors, pardons, etc. Example of Zhao getting pardon over cryto money laudering for human traffickers,  drug dealer, etc. he PLEAD GUILTY! but out the door after 84 days...

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Oh, that dissent. Such a horrific thing to contend with. Imagine an opposition. Imagine a questioning mind. Imagine the democratic process at work. Imagine a lack of fealty. It boggles the mind. 

My assessment is you’re beyond rehabilitation.

On 10/25/2025 at 8:00 AM, dinsdale said:

It's a fair point. Getting rid of the dictator (a real dictator not a rhetorical one) will bring in a government that will be friendly to Trump. Of course getting rid of the dictatorship will be good for the people of Venezuela and the region as a whole.

You seem to have missed the history of US ventures into ‘regime change’.

 

It seldom works out as expected.

11 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

It can all end if the Narco Terrorists stop deploying their drug boats.  
 

It’s that simple.  
 

Running low on blow?

Alternatively they simply change their delivery route/method.

 

The’s a market demand, the market will meet the demand.

On 10/25/2025 at 6:34 AM, jimmybcool said:

Ahhh the old "we are chasing the oil".  They said that about Bush and Iraq.  Is it just possible he is doing it because 100,000 Americans die every year from drug overdose?  And just maybe it could be impacted closer to the source?  I dunno.  Maybe he really does care about those 100,000 families losing a loved one.

 

Or do people with drug addictions not matter?

Even if interdiction did work,Venezuela is a bit player in the narcotics industry. Ecuador, Columbia, and Peru are far more important players. These military threats have little to do with the drugs trade.

On 10/25/2025 at 1:34 AM, jimmybcool said:

Ahhh the old "we are chasing the oil".  They said that about Bush and Iraq.  Is it just possible he is doing it because 100,000 Americans die every year from drug overdose?  And just maybe it could be impacted closer to the source?  I dunno.  Maybe he really does care about those 100,000 families losing a loved one.

 

Or do people with drug addictions not matter?

Venezuela doesn't produce Fentanyl, it produces cocaine (and oil).

 

The main cause of overdose deaths is Fentanyl

https://www.graphicnews.com/en/pages/47027/drugs-us-drug-overdose-deaths-plummet

 

It's not even one of the largest producers of cocaine.

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2025-annex.html

On 10/25/2025 at 6:34 AM, jimmybcool said:

Ahhh the old "we are chasing the oil".  They said that about Bush and Iraq.  Is it just possible he is doing it because 100,000 Americans die every year from drug overdose?  And just maybe it could be impacted closer to the source?  I dunno.  Maybe he really does care about those 100,000 families losing a loved one.

 

Or do people with drug addictions not matter?

 

• Experts on drugs and Venezuela said the country plays a minor role in trafficking drugs that reach the U.S. Most fentanyl in the U.S. comes from Mexico, and most cocaine comes from Colombia.

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Alternatively they simply change their delivery route/method.

 

The’s a market demand, the market will meet the demand.

No problem.  Trump will blow them out of international waters wherever the route is.

 

You really think the cocaine cowboys can outrun / outsmart the FORD battle group?

 

The days of the “green light “ under the Biden administration are long gone.  
 

 Cut off all of the supply.  Time for users to get clean.  They can’t get high if it ain’t there.

On 10/25/2025 at 7:01 PM, flexomike said:

The US doesn't need to steal anyones oil, we have plenty. You do too much guessing.

 

No, America doesn't have plenty oil.

On 10/25/2025 at 9:09 AM, dinsdale said:

All I'm saying is Venezuela will be better off without the dictator. Do you disagree?

 

Like Iraq was better off without Saddam?

On 10/24/2025 at 9:59 PM, CANSIAM said:

Delta and Seal teams are probably watching Maduro's daily movements..........😉 

 

Lesson of the day.

SEAL, not Seal.

 

An acronym for the environment they operate in.

SEa

Air

Land

 

You’re welcome.

8 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

No problem.  Trump will blow them out of international waters wherever the route is.

 

You really think the cocaine cowboys can outrun / outsmart the FORD battle group?

 

The days of the “green light “ under the Biden administration are long gone.  
 

 Cut off all of the supply.  Time for users to get clean.  They can’t get high if it ain’t there.

Fact is most dope of the (hard variety) comes in via shipping containers via the border and the airports I’d bet serious money that customs/ drug police would love to see the money it cost spent on more technology to indirect drug smuggling…..than sending aircraft carriers and their support ships chasing outboard motor powered skiffs ehh??it’s theater for the trump base and or taking a shot at stealing Venezuelas resources.its the theater of the absurd + it’s getting people killed.

20 minutes ago, Tug said:

Fact is most dope of the (hard variety) comes in via shipping containers via the border and the airports I’d bet serious money that customs/ drug police would love to see the money it cost spent on more technology to indirect drug smuggling…..than sending aircraft carriers and their support ships chasing outboard motor powered skiffs ehh??it’s theater for the trump base and or taking a shot at stealing Venezuelas resources.its the theater of the absurd + it’s getting people killed.

Where are you getting “stealing Venezuelas resources from “???  The View.  You’re easily bamboozled.

 

The proper people are being killed .  True.  They chose their profession. No sympathy here. 

Taking out boats on high seas eliminates collateral damages and innocent casualties of civilians nearby from shrapnel.  Smart move and it sends a message.  Theatrics or not.

 

True .  Much of the drugs coming into the USA is happening at the POE (Ports of Entry).  CBP is under tremendous pressure to “move traffic “ because of the extremely long wait times at the POE.   Both at the passenger lanes and Cargo (trucks and trailer). The dogs help tremendously.    San Diego Sector 

 

If they were to inspect the way they should the lines would be back up to District Federal (Mexico City).

 

Remember, Biden did absolutely nothing except open the floodgates.

 

 

 

12 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

No problem.  Trump will blow them out of international waters wherever the route is.

 

You really think the cocaine cowboys can outrun / outsmart the FORD battle group?

 

The days of the “green light “ under the Biden administration are long gone.  
 

 Cut off all of the supply.  Time for users to get clean.  They can’t get high if it ain’t there.

 

...but fentanyl.

2 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

Where are you getting “stealing Venezuelas resources from “???  The View.  You’re easily bamboozled.

 

The proper people are being killed .  True.  They chose their profession. No sympathy here. 

Taking out boats on high seas eliminates collateral damages and innocent casualties of civilians nearby from shrapnel.  Smart move and it sends a message.  Theatrics or not.

 

True .  Much of the drugs coming into the USA is happening at the POE (Ports of Entry).  CBP is under tremendous pressure to “move traffic “ because of the extremely long wait times at the POE.   Both at the passenger lanes and Cargo (trucks and trailer). The dogs help tremendously.    San Diego Sector 

 

If they were to inspect the way they should the lines would be back up to District Federal (Mexico City).

 

Remember, Biden did absolutely nothing except open the floodgates.

 

 

 

 

...but Biden.

9 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

No, America doesn't have plenty oil.

Only the world's  largest recoverable oil reserve base, and Texas itself produces over 2 billion barrels yearly.

For the uninformed arguing against @Tug @JAG @NoDisplayName @Eric Loh et al...you should inform yourselves, rather than just swallowing the propaganda.

It's a little more nuanced than represented here, but they aren't far off. The drugs thing is just a sideshow.

@jimmybcool Were they wrong about Bush and Iraq? You write it as if you have some evidence to the contrary. Please present it.

On 10/26/2025 at 5:54 AM, jimmybcool said:

 

Don't need a carrier in the Black Sea.  US has plenty of airports to fly from in Europe.  Plus there is very little chance of a hot war with Russia.  Come on.  Putin screwed up and the Russian people are watching their nation crumble and their standard of living crash.  Plus the loss of young men in his war.  No idea if Ukraine winds up existing after this but either way Russia has paid a dear price for Putins excursion and I suspect we will see a coup before much longer.

 

 

 

Damn. Where did you come from. Looks like the norms are taking over at last.

 

14 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Only the world's  largest recoverable oil reserve base, and Texas itself produces over 2 billion barrels yearly.

Not even counting what the insane greenies keep locking up in Alaska.

This is more significant than narcs smuggling a few bails of cocaine on a speed boat.

 

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has mastered the use of tankers to smuggle fuel to Mexico. U.S. oil players are helping them. Reuters traces one ship's brazen journey.

 

https://www.reuters.com/investigations/how-dark-fleet-tankers-helped-mexican-cartel-build-fuel-smuggling-empire-2025-10-22/

 

 

Land strikes are inevitable as soon as Trump return from Asia. He is likely to soften his hard tariff position with South Korea, Japan and especially China. He will need a distraction for back tracking on his hard stance and will authorise strikes at narco sites in Venezuela and Colombia. There will be body bags going home and he will face a backlash. Meanwhile the cartels will simply re-organise and continue the lucrative business. This will be Trump’s biggest mistake and will fracture MAGA. 

 

10 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

 

Lesson of the day.

SEAL, not Seal.

 

An acronym for the environment they operate in.

SEa

Air

Land

 

You’re welcome.

Well done, but not quite a lesson, Seal without the cap locks.........I'm aware of the Operators various environment's....