1 hour ago, riclag said:

Perhaps they will expose waste,fraud & abuse.

That will have to wait until after the midterms.

14 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

That will have to wait until after the midterms.

From your many anti Trump posts, you obviously object to the capture and arrest of Maduro and his wife.

If it works and doesn't create more problems than it solves, that's good news for Venezuelians.

So Trump just launched a military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been indicted on drug trafficking charges … five weeks after he pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who had been convicted of drug trafficking charges.

But sure, this is not about oil at all!😆

55 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Whatever happened to the objections from Trump’s supporters, foreign and domestic, to the U.S. being the world’s policeman?

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20200614/trump-says-us-is-not-policeman-of-the-world

Good point but you of all people shouldn't be making it :)

3 hours ago, kickstart said:

Say what you like they are attacking a sovereign territory ,and yes I have been following the news over the past 2 months,the BBC is say it is all about oil and minerals, the oil is not normal oil you put in your cars, it is heavy oil for ships etc. , before, after it was drilled it was sent to USA refineries that use to prosses the oil, as for minerals yes Venezuela has some minerals , what are the Americans going to do with them? mine them then send them to China for processing?

We all know Trump does not like Maduro and wants him out, who will replace him? the Same, they can not be many Venaezuelans who like Trump, agine ,pity Hugo Chávez is still not in power he most certainly ruffle Trumps feathers

Actually, the US does need heavy oil. Here is summary from AI about why that's the case:

While it may seem counterintuitive for the world’s largest oil producer to import millions of barrels a day, the reason is essentially a "chemistry and engineering mismatch."

The United States produces record amounts of oil, but it isn't the type of oil many American refineries were built to handle. Here are the three main reasons why the U.S. continues to import heavy oil:

1. Refineries are "Hard-Wired" for Heavy Oil

Most major U.S. refineries, particularly along the Gulf Coast, were built in the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, global supplies of "light sweet" oil were expected to run out, so American companies spent billions of dollars on complex machinery (called cokers) specifically designed to process "heavy sour" crude from countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Canada.

• The Problem: You cannot easily run light oil through a heavy oil refinery. It’s like trying to run a high-performance sports car on diesel—it’s inefficient and can actually damage the equipment or leave expensive machinery sitting idle.

• The Investment: Re-tooling these refineries to process the light oil produced by the U.S. shale boom would cost billions and take years to complete.

2. The Product Yield (Gasoline vs. Diesel & Asphalt)

Different types of oil produce different "slices" of the barrel:

• Light Crude (U.S. Shale): Excellent for making gasoline and jet fuel.

• Heavy Crude (Imported): Better for producing diesel, heating oil, and asphalt. By importing heavy oil and blending it with domestic light oil, U.S. refineries can maximize their output of a full range of products, ensuring the country doesn't run out of the specific fuels needed for trucking and construction.

3. Economic "Arbitrage"

Because heavy oil is harder to refine, it is usually much cheaper than light oil.

• U.S. companies make a larger profit by exporting their high-quality light sweet crude to countries that can’t refine heavy oil (selling it at a premium price).

• They then import cheaper heavy crude to feed their own specialized refineries. This "buy low, sell high" strategy helps keep U.S. refining margins some of the highest in the world.

4. Infrastructure and Logistics

The U.S. is a massive country, and its pipelines don't always go where the oil is needed. For example, it is often cheaper and easier for a refinery in California or the Northeast to import oil by tanker from overseas than it is to build a new pipeline to transport oil from the Permian Basin in Texas.

2 hours ago, norsurin said:

True.Its in the news now.Finally get this dictator and his wife.Should get the same as Gaddafi got.

Right. If it wasn't for the killing of Gaddafi, Libya would be the paradise on earth that it is today.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Noriega

Because we are number 1. Pax Americana. Fall into line.

In October of 2004, when the Iraq War was still reasonably popular, Ron Susskind interviewed an high up member of the Bush Administration commonly believed to be Karl Rove. Susskind pointed out a few objections based on what civilized behavior should be. Here is the answer he got:

"That's not the way the world really works anymore,'' he continued. ''We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality -- judiciously, as you will -- we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors ... and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.''

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/evidence-based-world-flna1b8216559

How did that work out?

2 hours ago, riclag said:

The only people I expect to see in opposition is the far left , the international left, a few Trump haters and a couple of Libertarians , otherwize the guy had numerous opportunities to change his ways, instead he neglected to appease the USA.

Sanctions on Maduro's family and allies.

Designation of Maduro and his government as part of a foreign terrorist organization.Strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and facilities linked to Venezuelan gangs.

An oil blockade and other measures accusing the regime of narco trafficking.

Google ai overview.

The status of the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela is a matter of significant international dispute; many countries and international bodies consider his regime illegitimate due to a history of fraudulent elections and human rights abuses, while others still recognize him as the legitimate leader .

Omigosh!

Maduro's gone?

Who are we going to compare Trump with now?

3 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

In October of 2004, when the Iraq War was still reasonably popular, Ron Susskind interviewed an high up member of the Bush Administration commonly believed to be Karl Rove. Susskind pointed out a few objections based on what civilized behavior should be. Here is the answer he got:

"That's not the way the world really works anymore,'' he continued. ''We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality -- judiciously, as you will -- we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors ... and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.''

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/evidence-based-world-flna1b8216559

How did that work out?

This operation was not an act of war. But I can see why you don't understand this since you are anti-Trump on everything

1 hour ago, novacova said:

Wonderful for Venezuelans, though why would any rational person have a problem with this?

I remember when in America it was only some irrational lefties who opposed the Iraq War? And of course, most of the rest of the world too, So, how did that rational venture pan out?

Loving these leftists melting down over one of their beloved communist dictators getting hobbled. Not a good month for the left with 2 of their favorite regimes overthrown in a month🤣

Little Kim and big Xi will be bricking it today. Love it!!!

1 minute ago, howlee101 said:

This operation was not an act of war. But I can see why you don't understand this since you are anti-Trump on everything

Really? A military assault on a foreign country isn't an act of War? Is that because you say so?

Or is it that you believe that this is as much as the US will do. That. American troops won't be occupying Venezuela? And the narcotraficante problem will be eliminated by the newly non-corrupt Venezuelan military and police.

1 hour ago, howlee101 said:

Just heard on the news they are in custody in New York

I hope they're not in the same hoosegow where Epstein carked it.

6 minutes ago, howlee101 said:

This operation was not an act of war.

So it is just a "special military operation". Have we heard that somewhere before.

4 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Is that because you say so?

Is it because you say so?

5 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Loving these leftists melting down over one of their beloved communist dictators getting hobbled. Not a good month for the left with 2 of their favorite regimes overthrown in a month🤣

Little Kim and big Xi will be bricking it today. Love it!!!

Having just endured the largest Chinese military, air and sea exercises on their borders, I reckon the Taiwanese are the ones "bricking it."

1 minute ago, GreasyFingers said:

So it is just a "special military operation". Have we heard that somewhere before.

Russia?

Great!

Attorney General Pamela Bondi

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.

Who knows Venezuela's immediate future. The opposition leader (who actually won the last election) is living in Spain, maybe he returns again at some point after the expected turmoil settles. The Nobel peace prize recipient supports him. Maybe the VP takes over for a bit, maybe civil war, or miltary dictatorship attempt in the short-term. Otherwise a rather bold and successful operation, plucking the head of state and his wife away in the middle of the night, what an embarrassment to Venezuelan military and security forces. Maduro deserves his day in court, and jail.

5 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Maduro will be gone in a few days.

Another scumbag gone. Next.

3 hours ago, Yagoda said:

He isnt a Special Counsel. Trump wont be impeached, you have him for 3 more years hahahahahahah

39 minutes ago, howlee101 said:

This operation was not an act of war. But I can see why you don't understand this since you are anti-Trump on everything

No, not an act of war, but rather an act of love. A special military act of love!🤣

42 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Omigosh!

Maduro's gone?

Who are we going to compare Trump with now?

His boss?

The Liberal Democrat leader said: "Keir Starmer should condemn Trump's illegal action in Venezuela. Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.

"Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity."

A view from the other side of the world, the UK and what they say about the seizure of Maduro.

1 hour ago, howlee101 said:

From your many anti Trump posts, you obviously object to the capture and arrest of Maduro and his wife.

Let's just say it's a good thing your life doesn't depend on your deductive powers.

Anyone remember these signs?

2 hours ago, howlee101 said:

Fox News is reporting Maduro and his wife are in US custody and will stand trail.

Secretary of State Rubio stated further military operations are not anticipated.

Nonsense now starts the hard part overwhelming a piss ant military like Venezuela isn’t much of a problem for us hopefully it works out but we have been here before……..and yes it’s about the oil and minerals.+ a big distraction.

5 hours ago, stupidfarang said:

That is all the world needs now, another war.

What's next?

Greenland?

Canada?

Iran?

I think the US should just go back to being a weapons dealer and keep them out of all foreign wars directly.

4 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

I remember watching an interview with an ex-CIA officer, and he said that if you want to have an idea about what the future US foreign policy is likely going to be, then you need to watch and understand US naval deployments.

As far as I'm concerned, Maduro the ex-bus driver is a massively corrupt criminal dictator that Venezuela would be better off without.

Hate to tell you all countries south of the US are corrupt. You should go live there and see it first hand.