This analysis, based on a lifetime of experience in national security, is spot on. And much appreciated. If only the Republicans who are in control of the Senate and House would speak so honestly...something for American voters to keep in mind, come our Nov. 3 congressional elections.
Great piece. Perhaps Hegseth’s sole legacy will be to make Rumsfeld the 2nd worst defense secretary in history, just as Trump will make Carter the second worst president in dealing with Iran post Shah.
Thank you Harry. I am of course familiar with both. In my estimation, Hegseth is far worse. However, each is/was arrogant and driven by bias and ideology.
But China had contingency plans for energy and has derived benefit for its dominance in renewable energy generation and usage. In Trumps dystopian world he may have fed his ego for using power and his dominance obsession (but attempting to place any meaning on his actions requires assumptions on a coherent reasoning that he does not appear to exhibit). For the country and the rest of the world harm is the predominant outcome. For our progeny it makes the future of tribal warfare and climate catastrophe more likely and adds another nail in the coffin of an abundant and peaceful future. I hope your analysis can be made clear to the voting public, and an alternative future offered by those who oppose the Regime before the election, as this may be the last hope.
And I hope the Steady State, with its expertise and experience, is using whatever lever it has to find the fulcrum to return us to the path to the enlightenment idea of government of the people, by the people for the people put into perspective by Lincoln and given such a large push forward by the Roosevelts.
It would be great Robert if someone of intelligence could convince the voters that what you have written is the truth as you have the experience and intelligence to explain the outcome to expect from this mess. But sadly because many on the republican side do not seem to be interested. I think there are some that are beginning to have an "aha" moment but it may be too late. This war is going to create an international collapse with no oil available. The only ones smart enough was China that began storing and not selling their oil. Thank you for this clear and intelligent explanation of the stupidity of all this.
Just ask Hitler how much good gut feelings will do you if you don’t have troops prepared for the freezing conditions of Russia in winter, or you keep guarding the Pas de Calais even as Normandy is being invaded.
Many thanks to Mr Adolph for his timely and apt description of the self-aggrandizing Dear Leader's dangerous approach to foreign policy and its implications for world political and economic instability. The Trump 2.0 approach to traditional national security tools can be summarized as follows:
Intelligence: Disrespected, discounted, ignored by Dear Leader [unless it supports or justifies a pre-determined course of action].
Strategy: Typically Dear Leader's personal judgment and absent any consistent national security end state objectives. Never looking past square one. Based on Dear Leader's "gut," a pal's request, a Trump family business advantage or an under-the-table "gratuity."
Diplomacy: More performance than substance [usually conducted by rank amateurs and flim-flammers], and frequently engaged in as a last resort after bullying or "kinetic coercion" fail to achieve Dear Leader's objective.
Result: Unprecedented loss of U.S. prestige, respect, credibility and soft power influence with allies and adversaries alike. Horrendous and tragic waste of lives and national treasure. Massive and pointless depletion of military strategic stockpiles, increasing the threat risk of emboldening adversaries in other theaters. Billions in potential humanitarian and national security good works lost as opportunity costs of the expended munitions Iran War. Quite a damning record in a mere year and a half!
Waking a Trump acolyte is difficult. They hate admitting to be wrong. They hate admitting to their ignorance. They are ashamed of themselves and their now proven absurd beliefs. Shame is powerful. Yet, hope is powerful as well.
This analysis, based on a lifetime of experience in national security, is spot on. And much appreciated. If only the Republicans who are in control of the Senate and House would speak so honestly...something for American voters to keep in mind, come our Nov. 3 congressional elections.
Thank you Greg. The Republicans are wholly corrupted and stand for nothing now but their own self-interest.
Great piece. Perhaps Hegseth’s sole legacy will be to make Rumsfeld the 2nd worst defense secretary in history, just as Trump will make Carter the second worst president in dealing with Iran post Shah.
Thank you Harry. I am of course familiar with both. In my estimation, Hegseth is far worse. However, each is/was arrogant and driven by bias and ideology.
Excellent.
China needs Iranian oil to survive.
Trump needs a war to survive
I could easily agree
But China had contingency plans for energy and has derived benefit for its dominance in renewable energy generation and usage. In Trumps dystopian world he may have fed his ego for using power and his dominance obsession (but attempting to place any meaning on his actions requires assumptions on a coherent reasoning that he does not appear to exhibit). For the country and the rest of the world harm is the predominant outcome. For our progeny it makes the future of tribal warfare and climate catastrophe more likely and adds another nail in the coffin of an abundant and peaceful future. I hope your analysis can be made clear to the voting public, and an alternative future offered by those who oppose the Regime before the election, as this may be the last hope.
We share the same hope Stuart
And I hope the Steady State, with its expertise and experience, is using whatever lever it has to find the fulcrum to return us to the path to the enlightenment idea of government of the people, by the people for the people put into perspective by Lincoln and given such a large push forward by the Roosevelts.
It would be great Robert if someone of intelligence could convince the voters that what you have written is the truth as you have the experience and intelligence to explain the outcome to expect from this mess. But sadly because many on the republican side do not seem to be interested. I think there are some that are beginning to have an "aha" moment but it may be too late. This war is going to create an international collapse with no oil available. The only ones smart enough was China that began storing and not selling their oil. Thank you for this clear and intelligent explanation of the stupidity of all this.
It would be great indeed
Just ask Hitler how much good gut feelings will do you if you don’t have troops prepared for the freezing conditions of Russia in winter, or you keep guarding the Pas de Calais even as Normandy is being invaded.
All true Alexandra
Yes. All of that.
Thank you Cherae
Most welcome and thank you for wring so clearly, credibly and wisely. I enjoy reading your remarks.
Your kind remarks are very much appreciated.
Many thanks to Mr Adolph for his timely and apt description of the self-aggrandizing Dear Leader's dangerous approach to foreign policy and its implications for world political and economic instability. The Trump 2.0 approach to traditional national security tools can be summarized as follows:
Intelligence: Disrespected, discounted, ignored by Dear Leader [unless it supports or justifies a pre-determined course of action].
Strategy: Typically Dear Leader's personal judgment and absent any consistent national security end state objectives. Never looking past square one. Based on Dear Leader's "gut," a pal's request, a Trump family business advantage or an under-the-table "gratuity."
Diplomacy: More performance than substance [usually conducted by rank amateurs and flim-flammers], and frequently engaged in as a last resort after bullying or "kinetic coercion" fail to achieve Dear Leader's objective.
Result: Unprecedented loss of U.S. prestige, respect, credibility and soft power influence with allies and adversaries alike. Horrendous and tragic waste of lives and national treasure. Massive and pointless depletion of military strategic stockpiles, increasing the threat risk of emboldening adversaries in other theaters. Billions in potential humanitarian and national security good works lost as opportunity costs of the expended munitions Iran War. Quite a damning record in a mere year and a half!
Thank you Doug. You and I are in complete agreement.
I’ve shared this with a Trump voter in the hope he will wake up.
Waking a Trump acolyte is difficult. They hate admitting to be wrong. They hate admitting to their ignorance. They are ashamed of themselves and their now proven absurd beliefs. Shame is powerful. Yet, hope is powerful as well.
You are correct. It is very difficult. I try anyway.
Hope is….
Excellent work. Thank you
Hi John. Thank you.
All he proved was that he could make life miserable, raise prices, & get Americans killed to boost his ego.