On a lighter note, priceless satire from Andy Borowitz:
. "Iran Drops Unredacted Epstein Files Over U.S."
TEHRAN (The Borowitz Report) — In a surprise attack that has rattled the White House, on Saturday morning the Iranian Air Force dropped unreacted copies of the Epstein files on the U.S.
Iran’s Supreme Leader said that its aircraft dropped the files over most major media outlets in the U.S. but skipped CBS and CNN.
“Like Bari Weiss is going to run with this story?” he scoffed. “Good one.”
The Ayatollah added that Iran had not bothered to drop the files over the U.S. Capitol, stating, “We have seen no evidence that Congress still exists.”
I have not had time to read anything beyond the headlines. Thank you for the links. Does Trump think this will finally get him the Nobel Peace Prize? What does this make it? Has he ended 9 wars now? 10? Never mind that he is currently bombing Iran. He will just declare this a victory. Destruction and casualties be damned.
I keep on thinking of "Howard Beale" in "Network," yelling to his viewers, "I want you to get up now! I want all of you to get up out of your chairs...!"
I've been wondering how much of what is happening and what he is bawling is now being directed by the Vat of Miscreants that he selected for his Cabinet. I'm keeping an eye on what Congress says - as Article 1 Section 8 gives war powers to them - though the legal history is not well settled. 1) is there enough will now to address it? 2) is there an opportunity to ID political consequences to those who simply just follow the Creep in Chief's orders?
Trump and Bibi believe that by throwing the world into further chaos, they can retain power when most of their electorates (and the world at large) want them out.
Bibi is looking to cancel elections and Trump has wet dreams about the same.
You can also check out the Israeli TV news channel i24 at https://video.i24news.tv/live/brightcove/en. It is owned by French-Israeli billionaire Patrick Drahi, who is owner of the multinational telecommunications company Altice NV. The network is operated under the Altice USA division.
I wonder how the comments of the Christian nationalist US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, about Israel's Biblical right to more territory influences Arab countries' (especially Gulf States') attitudes towards the US
Sick, sick, sick. Sick at heart, sick to stomach. Waves of nausea. Another Mideast war. Lives lost. Money wasted. These guys didn't even take the Bush route of trying to cherry-pick intelligence and present it to. . .well, anyone. . .US citizens, the UN, Congress, our allies (other than, apparently, Israel, which is a Trump/anti-democracy ally). Maybe Trump called Putin before launching these strikes? Or maybe Jared did?
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, and the United Arab Emirates just helped David Ellison, nepo-baby of Trump's billionaire oligarch pal Larry Ellison, buy CNN. Think about that. Three foreign countries in the Mideast, one of which killed and dismembered a Washington Post journalist a few years ago, now own CNN (or soon will when Bondi does nothing to stop the deal). Hoping the CA AG can at least throw sand in the gears.
When voters rightfully ask, "what are Democrats for?" the list is so long as to require a Ken Burns' documentary to say it all. But we can start with, "we're for an end to corruption in the federal government and for a Constitutional amendment to rein in dark money in politics, which is at the root of so much of that corruption." If that's what the Supreme Court (wrongly) said is required, then we must do it.
My blood pressure feels so high that, despite having taken my meds, I resorted to a series of wall squats, nearly pulling a thigh muscle, and abandoned them in favor of a 3-mile walk in the park.
Yeah, I was happy that I was already slated to do a core class this morning. It definitely helped (and wall squats were part of it). Deep breaths, and maybe some more calls to the local offices of my two GOP senators. Tillis's DC mailbox is full, so I called his Raleigh office, but perhaps a call to the Charlotte office will help me feel a bit better.
They've been bribing him for years. The first country he visited in his first term was Saudi Arabia. Remember when that fucker was dancing around with a sword?
I suspect this is also happening because of massive bribery. By my count, at a minimum, the Qataris have given him about $1 billion. I think the Saudis and UAE have been working him too.
I wonder what this is going to do to his "cheap gas" narrative? I know the Chinese, and I think Indians, buy Iranian oil. I haven't heard any analysis on this and I'm not sure. The Iranians might try to destroy some infrastructure.
I guess the Middle Eastern "allies" are trying to talk him down from this. Assuming that is real. Hard to know what to think. This is more dangerous than I think many realize. Other than Israel, do we really have any allies?
They've been bribing him, but did they lose control anyhow?
I started doing searches on these questions looking at UK and EU media, since their international media coverage tends to be more extensive than ours (there are some exceptions). These are useful questions.
Yeah. It is, we've learned, myself included, problematic to try to assign any kind of rationale to Trump's actions. His actions might have an explanation, but it might be stupidity on his part.
But I think we need to understand Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and what their interests are. And of course, Israel. Those are rational actors, for the most part. The actors in the Middle East have been bribing Trump for years. Did they lose control of him? Or did they want this? I honestly don't have any idea.
Simon, thank you for more good information. Hope you're feeling better and can get out and enjoy today's lovely DMV weather.
Shout-out to the Clintons and the Congressional Dems for flipping the tables and making it harder for Trump (and, I'd argue, Melania!) to refuse to testify on Epstein. I don't think that Comer boy is much of a chess player.
I called my congressman and senators and said they must vote against war with Iran and against ICE. I also stressed the need to keep mentioning Trump's declining mental state. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters for the upcoming vote on redistricting.
NATIONAL SECURITY, NATIONAL SECURITY, NATIONAL SECURITY!
Folks (including Democratic officials and fellow travelers):
WE LOST OUR STATUS AS THE LONGEST RUNNING DEMOCRACY IN 2020. Here is a thoughtful interview at a business leadership conference with the amazing Barbara F. Walter, a professor of political science at UC San Diego (timestamps - 6:07, 9:13, 11:35, 14:00, and 19:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W-1KnqjKpk. At only 21 minutes, it is worth a listen.
One key takeaway is that ANOCRACIES, as “state” formations, are actually the most unstable and the most violent internally (e.g. Good, Porter, and Pretti) and externally (today, it is Iran). Sadly, the enemy gets a vote. So, remember Pan Am 103.
For years, she worked on a specialized task force for the CIA that focused on failing states. Shall we call ourselves the UNITED STATES OF ANOCRACY? Professor Walter pushes the central role of business to push for democracy. Our role models are now Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea. Let’s look at Anthropic as a cautionary tale: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/27/nx-s1-5729118/trump-anthropic-pentagon-openai-ai-weapons-ban .
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
A bit of good news out of NC: UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts made the decision to defy the board of trustees and reverse a policy that would have allowed the university to record classes without notifying either the students or the instructor. This came about after pushback from faculty. Taking on bullies works!
Say good-bye to gas less than $2.00 p/gallon. LOL. I just filled up my gas tank Thursday and gas here in Maricopa County AZ is $3.49 p/gallon for regular unleaded. The Straits of Hormuz are closed to shipping. I have another idea, how about we send ICE to the Middle East since they're so gung ho on beating and killing people. Impeach and remove!
I am thinking the taking over Cuba might not be a bad idea: I'm at a point where I'd do just about anything to see Little Marco get a new job and have him relocate.
We've got plenty of action without analysis from T, without the benefit of the soft power and genuine diplomacy that he's abandoned. Don't dis analysis, just "do something" can get even more people killed, and not just "there".
How many American servicepeople must die before Congress manages to get itself organized, if, and somebody figures out how to restrain the crooks, maybe with some jail time(?) from circumventing the law again? The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the (mighty) wind.
The war is on. For those of us interested in following minute-by-minute reporting, here are two live blogs from very opposite sides of the spectrum.
https://www.ynetnews.com/category/3089
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/2/28/live-israel-launches-attacks-on-iran-multiple-explosions-heard-in-tehran
And here is Simon’s BlueSky reposting of an excellent summary by James Fallows:
- Zero Congressional consultation or approval.
- Zero preparation of public for need/consequences of war.
- Zero evidence of thought about "OK, what might the other side do?" Next month. Next year.
- Zero mention of anti-nuke agreement Trump voided, or Trump claim last year that nukes "obliterated."
https://bsky.app/profile/simonwdc.bsky.social/post/3mfwdsg3yfs24
thanks, Arctic
On a lighter note, priceless satire from Andy Borowitz:
. "Iran Drops Unredacted Epstein Files Over U.S."
TEHRAN (The Borowitz Report) — In a surprise attack that has rattled the White House, on Saturday morning the Iranian Air Force dropped unreacted copies of the Epstein files on the U.S.
Iran’s Supreme Leader said that its aircraft dropped the files over most major media outlets in the U.S. but skipped CBS and CNN.
“Like Bari Weiss is going to run with this story?” he scoffed. “Good one.”
The Ayatollah added that Iran had not bothered to drop the files over the U.S. Capitol, stating, “We have seen no evidence that Congress still exists.”
https://www.borowitzreport.com/p/iran-drops-unredacted-epstein-files
If only Iran (or anyone really) could drop the unredacted Epstein Files - all of them.
Russia Russia Russia?
I received that this morning too and laughed so hard I spit out my coffee.
I have not had time to read anything beyond the headlines. Thank you for the links. Does Trump think this will finally get him the Nobel Peace Prize? What does this make it? Has he ended 9 wars now? 10? Never mind that he is currently bombing Iran. He will just declare this a victory. Destruction and casualties be damned.
I keep on thinking of "Howard Beale" in "Network," yelling to his viewers, "I want you to get up now! I want all of you to get up out of your chairs...!"
problem with your question is the verb "think" - does T think-? thinking is beyond him now
I've been wondering how much of what is happening and what he is bawling is now being directed by the Vat of Miscreants that he selected for his Cabinet. I'm keeping an eye on what Congress says - as Article 1 Section 8 gives war powers to them - though the legal history is not well settled. 1) is there enough will now to address it? 2) is there an opportunity to ID political consequences to those who simply just follow the Creep in Chief's orders?
Trump and Bibi believe that by throwing the world into further chaos, they can retain power when most of their electorates (and the world at large) want them out.
Bibi is looking to cancel elections and Trump has wet dreams about the same.
Thank you. Sure appreciate this.
let's be sure to mention: THE DRAFT
You just got Pete Hegseth’s attention. He thinks you’re inviting him over for free draft beer!
Touche!
I say let Barron enlist first!
Hear, hear! It’s high time Private Bone Spurs did military service.
Whatever is in the so-far-unreleased
Epstein files must be really bad for him to attack Iran.
That's what I said, Nancy. When will the transcript of Bill Clinton's testimony be released?
I saw a protest sign this morning: “war in Iran is Operation Epstein Fury”
You can also check out the Israeli TV news channel i24 at https://video.i24news.tv/live/brightcove/en. It is owned by French-Israeli billionaire Patrick Drahi, who is owner of the multinational telecommunications company Altice NV. The network is operated under the Altice USA division.
I wonder how the comments of the Christian nationalist US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, about Israel's Biblical right to more territory influences Arab countries' (especially Gulf States') attitudes towards the US
Sick, sick, sick. Sick at heart, sick to stomach. Waves of nausea. Another Mideast war. Lives lost. Money wasted. These guys didn't even take the Bush route of trying to cherry-pick intelligence and present it to. . .well, anyone. . .US citizens, the UN, Congress, our allies (other than, apparently, Israel, which is a Trump/anti-democracy ally). Maybe Trump called Putin before launching these strikes? Or maybe Jared did?
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, and the United Arab Emirates just helped David Ellison, nepo-baby of Trump's billionaire oligarch pal Larry Ellison, buy CNN. Think about that. Three foreign countries in the Mideast, one of which killed and dismembered a Washington Post journalist a few years ago, now own CNN (or soon will when Bondi does nothing to stop the deal). Hoping the CA AG can at least throw sand in the gears.
When voters rightfully ask, "what are Democrats for?" the list is so long as to require a Ken Burns' documentary to say it all. But we can start with, "we're for an end to corruption in the federal government and for a Constitutional amendment to rein in dark money in politics, which is at the root of so much of that corruption." If that's what the Supreme Court (wrongly) said is required, then we must do it.
My blood pressure feels so high that, despite having taken my meds, I resorted to a series of wall squats, nearly pulling a thigh muscle, and abandoned them in favor of a 3-mile walk in the park.
Listening to an SOS Bulwark podcast.
I just can't stand this.
Ditto here. Trying lots of deep breathing.
Yeah, I was happy that I was already slated to do a core class this morning. It definitely helped (and wall squats were part of it). Deep breaths, and maybe some more calls to the local offices of my two GOP senators. Tillis's DC mailbox is full, so I called his Raleigh office, but perhaps a call to the Charlotte office will help me feel a bit better.
Good effort to pursue and use alternatives. Thanks for doing that and for the reminder to do so.
They've been bribing him for years. The first country he visited in his first term was Saudi Arabia. Remember when that fucker was dancing around with a sword?
I suspect this is also happening because of massive bribery. By my count, at a minimum, the Qataris have given him about $1 billion. I think the Saudis and UAE have been working him too.
I wonder what this is going to do to his "cheap gas" narrative? I know the Chinese, and I think Indians, buy Iranian oil. I haven't heard any analysis on this and I'm not sure. The Iranians might try to destroy some infrastructure.
I guess the Middle Eastern "allies" are trying to talk him down from this. Assuming that is real. Hard to know what to think. This is more dangerous than I think many realize. Other than Israel, do we really have any allies?
They've been bribing him, but did they lose control anyhow?
I started doing searches on these questions looking at UK and EU media, since their international media coverage tends to be more extensive than ours (there are some exceptions). These are useful questions.
Yeah. It is, we've learned, myself included, problematic to try to assign any kind of rationale to Trump's actions. His actions might have an explanation, but it might be stupidity on his part.
But I think we need to understand Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and what their interests are. And of course, Israel. Those are rational actors, for the most part. The actors in the Middle East have been bribing Trump for years. Did they lose control of him? Or did they want this? I honestly don't have any idea.
I also wonder if this is an ideal time for China to attack Taiwan.
If oil goes up, this is also going to help Russia in their war against Ukraine.
There are many fucking angles.
Simon, thank you for more good information. Hope you're feeling better and can get out and enjoy today's lovely DMV weather.
Shout-out to the Clintons and the Congressional Dems for flipping the tables and making it harder for Trump (and, I'd argue, Melania!) to refuse to testify on Epstein. I don't think that Comer boy is much of a chess player.
I called my congressman and senators and said they must vote against war with Iran and against ICE. I also stressed the need to keep mentioning Trump's declining mental state. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters for the upcoming vote on redistricting.
THE ATTACK ON IRAN IS “OPERATION EPSTEIN” (Retired Naval Commander and Annapolis grad who served in Bahrain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eSnaK6wyAA !
“Again, it all goes back to I think the person running the country right now is a DEAD PEDOPHILE [emphasis mine].”
- Professor Scott Galloway (NYU), Founder of Prof G Media
Here is “RESIST AND UNSUBSCRIBE” from Professor Scott Galloway of NYU and Prof G Media: https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com.
EPSTEIN CAN BLACKMAIL DOLOS FROM THE GRAVE!!
NATIONAL SECURITY, NATIONAL SECURITY, NATIONAL SECURITY!
Folks (including Democratic officials and fellow travelers):
WE LOST OUR STATUS AS THE LONGEST RUNNING DEMOCRACY IN 2020. Here is a thoughtful interview at a business leadership conference with the amazing Barbara F. Walter, a professor of political science at UC San Diego (timestamps - 6:07, 9:13, 11:35, 14:00, and 19:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W-1KnqjKpk. At only 21 minutes, it is worth a listen.
One key takeaway is that ANOCRACIES, as “state” formations, are actually the most unstable and the most violent internally (e.g. Good, Porter, and Pretti) and externally (today, it is Iran). Sadly, the enemy gets a vote. So, remember Pan Am 103.
For years, she worked on a specialized task force for the CIA that focused on failing states. Shall we call ourselves the UNITED STATES OF ANOCRACY? Professor Walter pushes the central role of business to push for democracy. Our role models are now Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea. Let’s look at Anthropic as a cautionary tale: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/27/nx-s1-5729118/trump-anthropic-pentagon-openai-ai-weapons-ban .
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
A bit of good news out of NC: UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts made the decision to defy the board of trustees and reverse a policy that would have allowed the university to record classes without notifying either the students or the instructor. This came about after pushback from faculty. Taking on bullies works!
https://www.theassemblync.com/news/education/higher-education/unc-ch-will-scrap-new-recording-policy-chancellor-says/
Say good-bye to gas less than $2.00 p/gallon. LOL. I just filled up my gas tank Thursday and gas here in Maricopa County AZ is $3.49 p/gallon for regular unleaded. The Straits of Hormuz are closed to shipping. I have another idea, how about we send ICE to the Middle East since they're so gung ho on beating and killing people. Impeach and remove!
$3.78 in our area, and after Mem Day it always jumps up 40 cents or more to soak the tourists -and the rest of us.
Now that we know Trump can fly a fighter jet, I suggest we strap his fat ass into a plane and send him over there.
I am thinking the taking over Cuba might not be a bad idea: I'm at a point where I'd do just about anything to see Little Marco get a new job and have him relocate.
the inflation data was not "oh by the way." add it to the "reasons" the felon attacked Iran.
Will the Generals who obeyed Trumps illegal orders to attack Iran face consequences?
We need action. Less analysis.
We've got plenty of action without analysis from T, without the benefit of the soft power and genuine diplomacy that he's abandoned. Don't dis analysis, just "do something" can get even more people killed, and not just "there".
How many American servicepeople must die before Congress manages to get itself organized, if, and somebody figures out how to restrain the crooks, maybe with some jail time(?) from circumventing the law again? The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the (mighty) wind.
Congress can't put anyone in jail. We need to crush the midterms.
Of course not. Congress has its job. Law enforcement has theirs. What’s left of the free press has its job. We have ours.