Venezuelan boats, stopping the illegal drug trade, etc…

12/17/2025 7:57am
LoudLove wrote:
Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US...

Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US combatants. 

While I’m on-board with the regional “flex”, I’m not convinced blasting these small boats does anything more than Sabre-rattle. A similar exercise conducted against known US drug runners would not be legal in any way, and Trump has conveniently placed the “terrorist” label of the perps. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and the global aftershocks are unknown. 

If we agree that regime change is the primary objective, we’re also wagering that Maduro will acquiesce. We must also recognize that our actions could embolden Maduro and his supporters, not to mention the anti-Maduro crowd who don’t support US intervention. Because once we’re invited to the party, it’s difficult to get us to leave. 

You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the ant hole? Of course there is a demand for drugs here and money to be made, but why not choke the supply?

TM

2
LoudLove
Posts
2936
Joined
7/16/2010
Location
USA
12/17/2025 8:28am
LoudLove wrote:
Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US...

Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US combatants. 

While I’m on-board with the regional “flex”, I’m not convinced blasting these small boats does anything more than Sabre-rattle. A similar exercise conducted against known US drug runners would not be legal in any way, and Trump has conveniently placed the “terrorist” label of the perps. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and the global aftershocks are unknown. 

If we agree that regime change is the primary objective, we’re also wagering that Maduro will acquiesce. We must also recognize that our actions could embolden Maduro and his supporters, not to mention the anti-Maduro crowd who don’t support US intervention. Because once we’re invited to the party, it’s difficult to get us to leave. 

ToolMaker wrote:
You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the...

You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the ant hole? Of course there is a demand for drugs here and money to be made, but why not choke the supply?

TM

I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s tactics are akin to attacking an ant hill with a sledgehammer. Sure, you’ll kill a few ants, but the vast majority escape. Not sure how the blockade or small watercraft destruction will accomplish the goal. Unless it’s a ruse to distract the attention of Maduro and the cartels while less visible forces do the real dirty work. 

2
12/17/2025 9:45am
LoudLove wrote:
Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US...

Trump has already positioned this exercise as a “win”, regardless of outcome. Only thing that would move it to the “L” column is loss of US combatants. 

While I’m on-board with the regional “flex”, I’m not convinced blasting these small boats does anything more than Sabre-rattle. A similar exercise conducted against known US drug runners would not be legal in any way, and Trump has conveniently placed the “terrorist” label of the perps. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and the global aftershocks are unknown. 

If we agree that regime change is the primary objective, we’re also wagering that Maduro will acquiesce. We must also recognize that our actions could embolden Maduro and his supporters, not to mention the anti-Maduro crowd who don’t support US intervention. Because once we’re invited to the party, it’s difficult to get us to leave. 

ToolMaker wrote:
You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the...

You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the ant hole? Of course there is a demand for drugs here and money to be made, but why not choke the supply?

TM

LoudLove wrote:
I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s...

I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s tactics are akin to attacking an ant hill with a sledgehammer. Sure, you’ll kill a few ants, but the vast majority escape. Not sure how the blockade or small watercraft destruction will accomplish the goal. Unless it’s a ruse to distract the attention of Maduro and the cartels while less visible forces do the real dirty work. 

Well, there's another philosophy, when you go into a bar that you'll be frequenting, you pick the biggest guy and pick a fight with him. Even if you don't win that night, you still win because nobody will fuck with you after that. Venezuela is the big boy in the oil club. We are supposed to be the keepers of the peace in South America. (granted we need to do better but) Because of the money flowing in from illegal drugs and oil, the corruption is enabled so much they thumb their nose at the US. You bring them down and you now have the respect of ALL of South America. And BTW, they are one of the original members of OPEC. I was in Venezuela in the 80s, (most beautiful women there, quality and quantity), they were developing the city like mad men. But, there was so much corruption the money ran out and you literally had freeway bridges half built and just standing there for years because the corrupt politicians stole so much money they could never finish projects, and yet one of the richest nations in South America with all their oil.

1
12/17/2025 9:55am
early wrote:
af60iy
image 2386
TeamGreen wrote:
Did you intentionally leave Sanctions Violations/Intentional Shadow Fleet Participation, Terrorist Funding Operations with Iran, Drug Cartels, TDA & other Human Smuggling Operations, etc., etc., etc. …Or...

Did you intentionally leave Sanctions Violations/Intentional Shadow Fleet Participation, Terrorist Funding Operations with Iran, Drug Cartels, TDA & other Human Smuggling Operations, etc., etc., etc. …

Or did you simply not enter any of that on Google…yet? 🤣

As we’ve repeatedly told you up in here…

You ought to focus on your own problems down-unda; because, you suck at worrying about ours. 🤨

Kinda sucks at recognizing problems in his own back yard also. Still can't admit what everyone knew and told him last week in the other thread. Still clinging to homicide rates compared to the USA. Can't even address what really happened. But if there's a thread of something the US government is doing, he's right there with stupid memes to promote his conspiracies.

TM

4
2

The Shop

LoudLove
Posts
2936
Joined
7/16/2010
Location
USA
12/17/2025 10:35am
ToolMaker wrote:
You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the...

You'll probable never get rid of all the ants. But, in addition to spraying poison around the house, why not pour some poison right in the ant hole? Of course there is a demand for drugs here and money to be made, but why not choke the supply?

TM

LoudLove wrote:
I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s...

I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s tactics are akin to attacking an ant hill with a sledgehammer. Sure, you’ll kill a few ants, but the vast majority escape. Not sure how the blockade or small watercraft destruction will accomplish the goal. Unless it’s a ruse to distract the attention of Maduro and the cartels while less visible forces do the real dirty work. 

ToolMaker wrote:
Well, there's another philosophy, when you go into a bar that you'll be frequenting, you pick the biggest guy and pick a fight with him. Even...

Well, there's another philosophy, when you go into a bar that you'll be frequenting, you pick the biggest guy and pick a fight with him. Even if you don't win that night, you still win because nobody will fuck with you after that. Venezuela is the big boy in the oil club. We are supposed to be the keepers of the peace in South America. (granted we need to do better but) Because of the money flowing in from illegal drugs and oil, the corruption is enabled so much they thumb their nose at the US. You bring them down and you now have the respect of ALL of South America. And BTW, they are one of the original members of OPEC. I was in Venezuela in the 80s, (most beautiful women there, quality and quantity), they were developing the city like mad men. But, there was so much corruption the money ran out and you literally had freeway bridges half built and just standing there for years because the corrupt politicians stole so much money they could never finish projects, and yet one of the richest nations in South America with all their oil.

Good points. Venezuela has been a problem since the nationalization of industry. Plus the recent elections were basically ignored by Maduro. TM, I’m coming around to your perspective!  And not shedding many tears for the guys on the boats but I am suspicious of how deep we’re willing to go. 

1
soggy
Posts
8812
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
12/17/2025 10:41am

So funny how everything going into 2025 was we need to get out of foreign affairs and wars and now the complete opposite 😂. 

8
4
early
Posts
10008
Joined
2/13/2013
Location
University Heights, OH, USA
12/17/2025 10:54am Edited Date/Time 12/17/2025 10:54am

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

7
2
LoudLove
Posts
2936
Joined
7/16/2010
Location
USA
12/17/2025 11:12am
early wrote:
Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to...

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

Can’t be a “war”, per se. Meaning US forces cannot launch an offensive against Venezuelan forces. We can certainly respond, but this adventure’s goal is to financially pressure Maduro. The US voters have almost zero appetite for direct military engagement. 

1
12/17/2025 11:14am
LoudLove wrote:
I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s...

I agree.  Every little bit helps.  And there is a second analogy:  ants are never successfully eradicated. And like ants, cartels are quite resourceful.  However, Trump’s tactics are akin to attacking an ant hill with a sledgehammer. Sure, you’ll kill a few ants, but the vast majority escape. Not sure how the blockade or small watercraft destruction will accomplish the goal. Unless it’s a ruse to distract the attention of Maduro and the cartels while less visible forces do the real dirty work. 

ToolMaker wrote:
Well, there's another philosophy, when you go into a bar that you'll be frequenting, you pick the biggest guy and pick a fight with him. Even...

Well, there's another philosophy, when you go into a bar that you'll be frequenting, you pick the biggest guy and pick a fight with him. Even if you don't win that night, you still win because nobody will fuck with you after that. Venezuela is the big boy in the oil club. We are supposed to be the keepers of the peace in South America. (granted we need to do better but) Because of the money flowing in from illegal drugs and oil, the corruption is enabled so much they thumb their nose at the US. You bring them down and you now have the respect of ALL of South America. And BTW, they are one of the original members of OPEC. I was in Venezuela in the 80s, (most beautiful women there, quality and quantity), they were developing the city like mad men. But, there was so much corruption the money ran out and you literally had freeway bridges half built and just standing there for years because the corrupt politicians stole so much money they could never finish projects, and yet one of the richest nations in South America with all their oil.

LoudLove wrote:
Good points. Venezuela has been a problem since the nationalization of industry. Plus the recent elections were basically ignored by Maduro. TM, I’m coming around to...

Good points. Venezuela has been a problem since the nationalization of industry. Plus the recent elections were basically ignored by Maduro. TM, I’m coming around to your perspective!  And not shedding many tears for the guys on the boats but I am suspicious of how deep we’re willing to go. 

NOOOOOOO! Don't ever agree with me! Even if in some perverse universe that you come to the same conclusion on your own, don't ever admit that we have a similar point of view. Whatever I say, do, or think, do the exact opposite. It's the only way to keep in good standing on the board. This is the only advice you should ever listen to from me. 😁

TM

2
12/17/2025 11:21am
early wrote:
Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to...

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

2
early
Posts
10008
Joined
2/13/2013
Location
University Heights, OH, USA
12/17/2025 11:40am Edited Date/Time 12/17/2025 11:44am
early wrote:
Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to...

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

We are dedicating military resources to Venezuela at the same time we are withdrawing military resources from Ukraine a country that is being attacked by a shit hole cartel and a country we signed a defense agreement with. 

But it's easy to get gullible people to believe that's in the best interest of the USA.

The USA is becoming a shithole country who's deals and contracts are worthless.

5
4
byke
Posts
3083
Joined
8/12/2015
Location
Auburn, CA, USA
12/17/2025 11:50am
soggy wrote:

So funny how everything going into 2025 was we need to get out of foreign affairs and wars and now the complete opposite 😂. 

The inconsistency that we see from both parties is how we know that the masses today are waaaaaay more interested in idolatry than ideology. I know you're not a big fan of religion, but it's literally the first commandment. Everyone's out there looking to be "saved" by some public figure, it's crazy. Things like "In Trump We Trust"...? It's blasphemy. Trump's Chinese-made Bible mixed with the constitution? Not just blasphemy, but a national desecration. Every variation of the standard 50 state stars and stipes flag that has Trump, or an AR15, or red/blue lines, or one the ones that are weathered by design? Those are all desecrations of the US flag and against Federal law (albeit unenforced). The right and left have abandoned their ideologies. And this is why I've softened up on religion over the years, because everything that you see wrong today...bro it's in there, particularly the New Testament. 

1
3
12/17/2025 11:50am
early wrote:
Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to...

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

early wrote:
We are dedicating military resources to Venezuela at the same time we are withdrawing military resources from Ukraine a country that is being attacked by a...

We are dedicating military resources to Venezuela at the same time we are withdrawing military resources from Ukraine a country that is being attacked by a shit hole cartel and a country we signed a defense agreement with. 

But it's easy to get gullible people to believe that's in the best interest of the USA.

The USA is becoming a shithole country who's deals and contracts are worthless.

You keep telling yourself that.

TM

3
mvd61
Posts
1303
Joined
10/15/2021
Location
Brandon, SD, USA
12/17/2025 12:05pm
early wrote:
Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to...

Starting a war with Venezuela because they seized oil fields and refineries owned by US companies is just another way big US corporations are able to privatize profits and socialize losses. They knew the risk of running operations in shithole countries when they built them. It's like starting a war with China because they stole the designs of US companies that sent their production there to increase profits, that's what they do, don't be surprised when it happens to you.

LoudLove wrote:
Can’t be a “war”, per se. Meaning US forces cannot launch an offensive against Venezuelan forces. We can certainly respond, but this adventure’s goal is to...

Can’t be a “war”, per se. Meaning US forces cannot launch an offensive against Venezuelan forces. We can certainly respond, but this adventure’s goal is to financially pressure Maduro. The US voters have almost zero appetite for direct military engagement. 

Since when has the government cared what the people think?

2
1
JM485
Posts
5812
Joined
10/1/2013
Location
Davis, CA, USA
12/17/2025 12:55pm
ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they have to do is convince the general population that there is some sort of existential crisis that cannot be solved or even well defined, or that there is some poor population of people in a far off land living under servitude that we just must go liberate and bring democracy to, and next thing you know the same people who voted for “no new wars” are chomping at the bit to go start another one.  The playbook is old and worn but why come up with a new one if people just keep falling for it over and over and over again?

For those that are willing and able to go waste more of our money (that we don’t have) and thousands of innocent lives on a regime change war nobody asked for, can you point me to a single conflict since WW2 where the outcome has been better than before we went in?  $8T+ dollars of our money and millions of people have been killed in the Middle East since we started screwing around over there and we have nothing to show for it.  But ya, I’m sure it’s “different this time” just like it always will be. . .

14
3
cheesehead420
Posts
662
Joined
11/3/2020
Location
Manchester, CT, USA
12/17/2025 1:09pm
JM485 wrote:
I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they...

I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they have to do is convince the general population that there is some sort of existential crisis that cannot be solved or even well defined, or that there is some poor population of people in a far off land living under servitude that we just must go liberate and bring democracy to, and next thing you know the same people who voted for “no new wars” are chomping at the bit to go start another one.  The playbook is old and worn but why come up with a new one if people just keep falling for it over and over and over again?

For those that are willing and able to go waste more of our money (that we don’t have) and thousands of innocent lives on a regime change war nobody asked for, can you point me to a single conflict since WW2 where the outcome has been better than before we went in?  $8T+ dollars of our money and millions of people have been killed in the Middle East since we started screwing around over there and we have nothing to show for it.  But ya, I’m sure it’s “different this time” just like it always will be. . .

👍👍👍

1
2
LoudLove
Posts
2936
Joined
7/16/2010
Location
USA
12/17/2025 2:04pm
ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

JM485 wrote:
I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they...

I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they have to do is convince the general population that there is some sort of existential crisis that cannot be solved or even well defined, or that there is some poor population of people in a far off land living under servitude that we just must go liberate and bring democracy to, and next thing you know the same people who voted for “no new wars” are chomping at the bit to go start another one.  The playbook is old and worn but why come up with a new one if people just keep falling for it over and over and over again?

For those that are willing and able to go waste more of our money (that we don’t have) and thousands of innocent lives on a regime change war nobody asked for, can you point me to a single conflict since WW2 where the outcome has been better than before we went in?  $8T+ dollars of our money and millions of people have been killed in the Middle East since we started screwing around over there and we have nothing to show for it.  But ya, I’m sure it’s “different this time” just like it always will be. . .

Just chalk Venezuela up as “training”!  High-tempo ops help maintain standards and prepare for more serious encounters.  For those deployed it’s often more rewarding than routine training exercises, which can get dull and lead to complacency.

US military engagements are seldom without negative consequences. And many will question why those ops were conducted at all. It’s a valid question, and one that can never be effectively answered, as no one knows what would have happened otherwise. 

The fleet goes where the president tells it to go. Up to now there’s been zero engagement with the Venezuelan military, and with luck, it remains that way. 

2
12/17/2025 2:35pm
ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

JM485 wrote:
I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they...

I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they have to do is convince the general population that there is some sort of existential crisis that cannot be solved or even well defined, or that there is some poor population of people in a far off land living under servitude that we just must go liberate and bring democracy to, and next thing you know the same people who voted for “no new wars” are chomping at the bit to go start another one.  The playbook is old and worn but why come up with a new one if people just keep falling for it over and over and over again?

For those that are willing and able to go waste more of our money (that we don’t have) and thousands of innocent lives on a regime change war nobody asked for, can you point me to a single conflict since WW2 where the outcome has been better than before we went in?  $8T+ dollars of our money and millions of people have been killed in the Middle East since we started screwing around over there and we have nothing to show for it.  But ya, I’m sure it’s “different this time” just like it always will be. . .

Please tell us what this "war with Venezuela" would look like. Since you're so sure we are headed to there. What exactly is the "there"? Please elaborate how this will unfold with out using the term "war". What exactly is going to happen as you see it?

You know like asking people to explain "systemic racism" without using the term racism, and then all they say is "it's racist"

4
matt.3150
Posts
819
Joined
3/20/2015
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
12/17/2025 3:38pm
soggy wrote:

So funny how everything going into 2025 was we need to get out of foreign affairs and wars and now the complete opposite 😂. 

Well it’s pretty clear that you can’t fix stupid.  The old saying” You fool me once, shame on you; You fool me twice, shame on me” is now in the US as “ You fool me once, You fool me twice, You fool me three times, You fool me four times…………….”

1
3
cheesehead420
Posts
662
Joined
11/3/2020
Location
Manchester, CT, USA
12/17/2025 3:55pm
ToolMaker wrote:
"Starting a war with Venezuela"This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the...

"Starting a war with Venezuela"

This is how they frame it to change the conversation. Nobody is starting a war with Venezuela. This is all about the illegal cartel running what should be a very rich country that can flourish on their own. And, that same cartel is destroying lives in the US to enrich themselves. Take that Cartel down, let a government that will utilize the riches of the country to better the country and it's a win/win. But it's very easy for them to get gullible people to believe you're fighting Venezuela as the Cartel runs Venezuela. But they are NOT one and the same.

TM

JM485 wrote:
I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they...

I can’t believe grown adults still fall for this same bullshit over and over and over again as they lie us into another war.  All they have to do is convince the general population that there is some sort of existential crisis that cannot be solved or even well defined, or that there is some poor population of people in a far off land living under servitude that we just must go liberate and bring democracy to, and next thing you know the same people who voted for “no new wars” are chomping at the bit to go start another one.  The playbook is old and worn but why come up with a new one if people just keep falling for it over and over and over again?

For those that are willing and able to go waste more of our money (that we don’t have) and thousands of innocent lives on a regime change war nobody asked for, can you point me to a single conflict since WW2 where the outcome has been better than before we went in?  $8T+ dollars of our money and millions of people have been killed in the Middle East since we started screwing around over there and we have nothing to show for it.  But ya, I’m sure it’s “different this time” just like it always will be. . .

ToolMaker wrote:
Please tell us what this "war with Venezuela" would look like. Since you're so sure we are headed to there. What exactly is the "there"? Please...

Please tell us what this "war with Venezuela" would look like. Since you're so sure we are headed to there. What exactly is the "there"? Please elaborate how this will unfold with out using the term "war". What exactly is going to happen as you see it?

You know like asking people to explain "systemic racism" without using the term racism, and then all they say is "it's racist"

 
If this conflict continues to escalate and this “war” did occur, it would look like a bad movie. It would amount to the swindling of American taxpayers money and the swindling of Venezuelans citizens natural resources all for the benefit of international corporations. And then after it’s all over, we can send millions of dollars in “aid” to private military contractors to “keep the peace”. 
 

Maybe war wasn’t the best choice of words, but Increasingly this is what war looks like today. It’s political and economic. just another business enterprise. Another way for government to justify stealing 1/3 of my money and siphon it into the pockets of corporations. They don’t fool me none. I’m not worried about maduro, the biggest threat to me and mine, is my own government. 

Personally I don’t think it will get this far. I think Donald is just jerkin around. Obviously if we wanted Venezuela we could have it in a day. I’d rather have Greenland and Canada though and fuck it Mexico too, but deport to the lazy ones to somewhere else. 

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12/17/2025 5:02pm

What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well, unless you are familiar with other continents. So I still don't know what your describing as a "war". We spent money on military like drunken sailors to "out spend" Russia. We called it a cold war. What exactly are you trying to say is going to happen between the 2 countries? If a fighter gets shot down, is that "war"? What are you claiming is going to happen?

TM

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Chance1216
Posts
8797
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Location
Carson, CA, USA
12/17/2025 6:23pm

But, but, those boats were the only source of income for those drug dealers to provide for their families. 

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Bearuno
Posts
5478
Joined
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Location
AU
12/17/2025 7:34pm Edited Date/Time 12/17/2025 7:36pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Read up on the Venezuelan political opposition that’s made its way “out of country” and into the security of other nations…even being recognized with a Nobel…there’s...

Read up on the Venezuelan political opposition that’s made its way “out of country” and into the security of other nations…even being recognized with a Nobel…there’s change afoot. 

Maduro’s fucked. 

I watched this last night after bringing my Crazy Old Mum back from Hospital : Note, I learned that She's Very far from Crazy when compared to so many other Unfortunate people that were in the Geriatric Ward. 

https://youtu.be/ptJpPoupiaI

Brief, and, I daresay missing a fair few facts, but what a F**k up that has been performed on that country / it's people!

'If You're Listening' has some great reports / breakdowns on a lot of things. 

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TeamGreen
Posts
37259
Joined
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Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
12/17/2025 7:55pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Read up on the Venezuelan political opposition that’s made its way “out of country” and into the security of other nations…even being recognized with a Nobel…there’s...

Read up on the Venezuelan political opposition that’s made its way “out of country” and into the security of other nations…even being recognized with a Nobel…there’s change afoot. 

Maduro’s fucked. 

Bearuno wrote:
I watched this last night after bringing my Crazy Old Mum back from Hospital : Note, I learned that She's Very far from Crazy when compared...

I watched this last night after bringing my Crazy Old Mum back from Hospital : Note, I learned that She's Very far from Crazy when compared to so many other Unfortunate people that were in the Geriatric Ward. 

https://youtu.be/ptJpPoupiaI

Brief, and, I daresay missing a fair few facts, but what a F**k up that has been performed on that country / it's people!

'If You're Listening' has some great reports / breakdowns on a lot of things. 

California Stoke sent to yer mum. 🙂

12/17/2025 8:13pm
Chance1216 wrote:

But, but, those boats were the only source of income for those drug dealers to provide for their families. 

Inbetween catching fish

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Bearuno
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Location
AU
12/17/2025 8:30pm

Thanks mate!

Cripes Geriatric wards are sad, Sad places.

So many patients have no one to come see them / take them home.

As much as I project a "keep the **** away from me, I'm a nasty bastard" when I'm in public, I am a big sook, when it comes to most people.

Spent hours in the ward, when I could, talking to other patients, doing things / running errands / doing shopping for them. 

I can't fault the Wonderful Nurses, Doctors and Orderlies that work in the Ward - it's just that it seems so unrelenting, and, demanding. 

My sister in law drove to Mum's room mate, Irene's place to check it out, as she's been in hospital for 8 weeks. She was worrying about 'squatters' (a big part of her 'imaginings') - and S.I.L started sorting things for her.  And, let her neighbours know what had happened to her; they'd been taking care of the place for her since she 'disappeared'. 

As 'compice' as Irene seemed to me, she's been deemed to be very, very much in to Alzheimer's end faze, and, just can't go home. Even with our Home Care set ups we have, apparently. She's got No Family to take care of her.  My S.I.L is a Conveyancer / Legal Beagle, so she will find a suitable Legal Representative for Irene, to get control back from The State. I just can't remember the Gov bodies name that takes care of peoples finances etc, when they have No One to do so for them, but it's infamous for Really stuffing things up for people - not through malice, just through the labyrinthine and impersonal system. We'll try to make sure Irene get's the utmost from the sale of her property, so she can get the best possible ongoing care. 

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mvd61
Posts
1303
Joined
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Location
Brandon, SD, USA
12/18/2025 7:15am
ToolMaker wrote:
What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well...

What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well, unless you are familiar with other continents. So I still don't know what your describing as a "war". We spent money on military like drunken sailors to "out spend" Russia. We called it a cold war. What exactly are you trying to say is going to happen between the 2 countries? If a fighter gets shot down, is that "war"? What are you claiming is going to happen?

TM

Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat me when I was young so that’s why I beat my kids. At some point the cycle has to be broken. 

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12/18/2025 7:33am
ToolMaker wrote:
What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well...

What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well, unless you are familiar with other continents. So I still don't know what your describing as a "war". We spent money on military like drunken sailors to "out spend" Russia. We called it a cold war. What exactly are you trying to say is going to happen between the 2 countries? If a fighter gets shot down, is that "war"? What are you claiming is going to happen?

TM

mvd61 wrote:
Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat...

Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat me when I was young so that’s why I beat my kids. At some point the cycle has to be broken. 

Or, someone was such a shitty kid they got beat? Which came first? Being shitty or getting beat?

But you missed the point and went off topic, they are saying this will lead to "war". I asked them to explain what they mean by "war". Has nothing to do with your childhood. They have offered no explanation yet.

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soggy
Posts
8812
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
12/18/2025 7:47am Edited Date/Time 12/18/2025 7:49am
ToolMaker wrote:
What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well...

What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well, unless you are familiar with other continents. So I still don't know what your describing as a "war". We spent money on military like drunken sailors to "out spend" Russia. We called it a cold war. What exactly are you trying to say is going to happen between the 2 countries? If a fighter gets shot down, is that "war"? What are you claiming is going to happen?

TM

mvd61 wrote:
Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat...

Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat me when I was young so that’s why I beat my kids. At some point the cycle has to be broken. 

ToolMaker wrote:
Or, someone was such a shitty kid they got beat? Which came first? Being shitty or getting beat?But you missed the point and went off topic...

Or, someone was such a shitty kid they got beat? Which came first? Being shitty or getting beat?

But you missed the point and went off topic, they are saying this will lead to "war". I asked them to explain what they mean by "war". Has nothing to do with your childhood. They have offered no explanation yet.

See Afghanistan, see Iraq. 

Your grasping at straws here. Its involvement in foreign affairs the right said we needed to stay out of. 

And you can’t couch it in drug trade. We are there to goad Venezuela into a conflict to justify it. 

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mvd61
Posts
1303
Joined
10/15/2021
Location
Brandon, SD, USA
12/18/2025 8:03am
ToolMaker wrote:
What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well...

What exactly did you describe that's different than what's happened in many other countries in past decades? Countries with names nobody has even heard of? Well, unless you are familiar with other continents. So I still don't know what your describing as a "war". We spent money on military like drunken sailors to "out spend" Russia. We called it a cold war. What exactly are you trying to say is going to happen between the 2 countries? If a fighter gets shot down, is that "war"? What are you claiming is going to happen?

TM

mvd61 wrote:
Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat...

Just because it’s happened in other countries doesn’t mean it gives us the go ahead to do whatever we want. Thats like saying my dad beat me when I was young so that’s why I beat my kids. At some point the cycle has to be broken. 

ToolMaker wrote:
Or, someone was such a shitty kid they got beat? Which came first? Being shitty or getting beat?But you missed the point and went off topic...

Or, someone was such a shitty kid they got beat? Which came first? Being shitty or getting beat?

But you missed the point and went off topic, they are saying this will lead to "war". I asked them to explain what they mean by "war". Has nothing to do with your childhood. They have offered no explanation yet.

I didn’t get beat nor do I beat my kids. Just an analogy. What would Toolmaker call it if China came here and decided we needed a regime change? Their war ships along both our coasts? Stop justifying every single fucking thing Donald Trump does. It’s pathetic dude. I voted for this fuck head three times. I will never ever vote ever again. He gets credit for closing that border. Ohhhhh wowwwwwww thanks lord Donnie. You did the bare fucking minimum. The rest has been an absolute shit show. 

War is boots on the ground. 

Signed, a struggling small business owner who’s customers are being fucked by Lord Donald’s tariffs. 

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