DEFEND IT

[Orioles]

President Trump is simultaneously laying waste to our intelligence community and federal law enforcement apparatus based on a bogus personal vendetta while threatening to send US troops to forcibly displace Palestinians from their traditional homeland so he can build a resort there. This on top of appointing the laughably underqualified and actively dangerous Tulsi Gabbard to be our DNI/ spymaster AND signing an executive order allowing him to bestow the highest security clearance on any individual he wants WITHOUT a background check of any kind. Why on earth would any of our allies continue to share sensitive intelligence with us going forward? They would be idiots not to turn off the information spigot.

DEFEND THESE ACTIONS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP.

I know a good number of people in here are strong Trump supporters. Everything he's doing now is on you. Offer your defense, please.

I don't want to hear "what-abouts" or false equivalencies starting with "but Joe Biden..." To "root out the Deep State" is also not an acceptable answer.

Someone please explain (using reason) why this extremely stupid combination of domestic and diplomatic actions makes the United States safer from either domestic or foreign terrorism.

Please. Someone offer a reasonable defense of these actions.

P.S. If you only watch Fox News/ Newsmax/ OAN please YouTube more than just the clips they showed you on TV from his presser with Netanyahu before telling me he didn't say what I'm saying he said.

[BlueJays]

Fake sim baseball forum to get amped up about politics.

Bad look.

[Orioles]

Fake sim baseball forum to get amped up about politics.

Bad look.

Dude, this forum is called "the dumpster." Kind of a catch-all. If you're not interested, don't read it.

These are legitimate questions. Yours is the only response so far and, needless to say, it does not answer my question.

[Orioles]

Just trying to get any Trump supporter at all (who's not a twitter troll) to engage me with a serious defense of the recent actions of our newly elected president. Here's as good a place as any. So far, nobody has anything to say of note. Not surprising.

[Athletics]

Let's break down each of those points mentioned so far.

Turning Gaza into an oasis sounds way better than the current front line warzone run by Hamas terrorists and whom are being funded by the Mullahs in Iran. Also, this sounds like more nation building which every president has been involved in...so is this all that new? And if you look at the history books on the region, you won't like what you see, so I'm curious what map you might be using to justify a "Palestinian state".

As for appointments, career bureaucrats that were never elected are supposed to take direction from the executive office...they are being fired because they don't want to get inline. I'm not sure why you think they are unqualified unless you think merit doesn't mean anything and they have to meet a DEI quota?

Happy to go more in depth on any specific point rather than just your scatter plot of TDS and whining about all the awful things he hasnt really done but you feel butt hurt about.

And the DOGE audits have been great and continue to expose how wasteful our government is when un-elected leaders decide they are going to run a money laundering scheme at the taxpayer expense.

[Mets]

For those of us that have been part of this 'virtual world' for a length of time (about two decades for myself in IBC), it is just math that we are going to encounter different points of view, both within the baseball world as well as outside of it. For many, it's hobbies/passions such as these leagues that serve as an escape from the stressors of everyday life. Personally, I am a big believer of 'separating church and state', meaning, simulation baseball leagues (as an example) are a way for my brain to redirect and decompress. I'll never be mad about the passion; however, I would invite you to consider that not everyone comes to a pastime/hobbyist forum to engage in topics of a non-direct nature.

[Orioles]

Appreciate the response.

Let's break down each of those points mentioned so far.

Turning Gaza into an oasis sounds way better than the current front line warzone run by Hamas terrorists and whom are being funded by the Mullahs in Iran. Also, this sounds like more nation building which every president has been involved in...so is this all that new? And if you look at the history books on the region, you won't like what you see, so I'm curious what map you might be using to justify a "Palestinian state".

Removing a people forcibly from their homeland is an act of genocide. Using US troops to do it is unthinkable. Given the actions of the terrorist group Hamas, Israel was well within their rights to go to war and destroy this group. Because they used human shields, some degree of collateral damage was inevitable. While the 2-state solution seems like the most viable, I'm not sure what will solve this extremely complex problem. What will definitely not solve it is sending US troops into the region and enraging Iran and all the terrorist it funds by giving them a new cause to rally behind. The worst part is even though hopefully it won't happen, the idea of the US coming in and turning Gaza into an "oasis" is an absolute rallying cry for islamic jihadists. Idiotic thing to say, especially with Netanyahu smiling like he won the lottery next to him because as long as there is war he remains in power. THAT is a bad look.

And PS, Donald Trump specifically ran on "America First" and staying out of war around the globe, aka, specifically the opposite of "nation building."

As for appointments, career bureaucrats that were never elected are supposed to take direction from the executive office...they are being fired because they don't want to get inline. I'm not sure why you think they are unqualified unless you think merit doesn't mean anything and they have to meet a DEI quota?

It's hilarious that you went to DEI here, which has about as much to do with Trump gutting the CIA and FBI as it does with that plane crash in Washington. Career intelligence officers and FBI agents with expertise in critical areas are being removed for doing their jobs and prosecuting people who committed crimes. The ENTIRE CIA was offered buyouts. That is insane.

As for the underqualified nominees, if you look at these people's resumes and think they are in any way capable of doing the jobs they are being tasked with, you underestimate the kind of expertise it takes to run something like the Pentagon, which is basically a trillion dollar organization. Look at the resumes of literally every other nominee ever for these positions and you will see one of these things is not like the others. We did not become the greatest and most powerful nation on earth by putting unqualified cronies and television personalities in these extremely important roles. Contrary to what Trump would like you to believe, the US is not currently a "trash can" on the verge of total collapse.

And the DOGE audits have been great and continue to expose how wasteful our government is when un-elected leaders decide they are going to run a money laundering scheme at the taxpayer expense.

What exactly have they "exposed?" I haven't heard one thing except some 19 year old techies and the world's richest man (none of whom have ever been vetted) now have unfettered access to all the data from 11 different federal agencies. If you're worried about "unelected" parties, perhaps you should check out the South African billionaire who (along with Australian billionaire Rupert Murdoch) greatly impacted the election for his preferred candidate and has seemingly unlimited power while also having hundreds of millions in government contracts, and intense interest in the regulation of various industries. Seems unwise.

So far I'm not impressed. Again, anyone with an argument based on actual facts, or reason, as to why we are safer or better off after these actions, please chime in.

[Orioles]

For those of us that have been part of this 'virtual world' for a length of time (about two decades for myself in IBC), it is just math that we are going to encounter different points of view, both within the baseball world as well as outside of it. For many, it's hobbies/passions such as these leagues that serve as an escape from the stressors of everyday life. Personally, I am a big believer of 'separating church and state', meaning, simulation baseball leagues (as an example) are a way for my brain to redirect and decompress. I'll never be mad about the passion; however, I would invite you to consider that not everyone comes to a pastime/hobbyist forum to engage in topics of a non-direct nature.

Again. It's in "the Dumpster." Don't read it if you don't like it. This stuff is actually happening, no matter how uncomfortable it is to discuss (or defend).

[BlueJays]

Sounds like you just want to argue instead of hear someone’s opinion that doesn’t correlate with your own.

[Orioles]

Sounds like you just want to argue instead of hear someone’s opinion that doesn’t correlate with your own.

Really? I think it kinda sounds like exactly what I said. I'm looking for a single, viable, well-reasoned argument that the actions I outlined at the top of this thread were beneficial to this country, as opposed to harmful.

At least Stephen tried to render an opinion (which is exactly what it was - an opinion, not an argument based on evidence of any kind), which I do appreciate.

Still waiting for anyone at all to tell me why these things are a good idea, and not extremely dangerous to our national security.

[BlueJays]

What’s your background in policy issues and national security that makes you knowledgeable about the subject? What’s your resume?

[Orioles]

What’s your background in policy issues and national security that makes you knowledgeable about the subject? What’s your resume?

Umm. Seriously? I shouldn't even discuss these issues as a concerned citizen without a specific background in public policy but a weekend TV host should run the Pentagon? Do you realize how absolutely underqualified and not "knowledgeable" about things like the Constitution, world history and geography Mr. Trump is?

If you'd really like to know my credentials, I studied Government, History and English at Georgetown University and law at Boston University. I'm an employee of the State of Connecticut in the Office of the Secretary of the State, where I deal with all sorts of policy issues frequently. While all that makes me well-educated, none of it is necessary for me to observe and critique the actions of my President.

Dave, you have added zero substance to this conversation. Sounds like you want me to be wrong but have no actual argument why that is.

[BlueJays]

No I don’t want you to be wrong, I just want to lower your blood pressure a little.

Heart disease and heart attacks are the leading cause of death in America.

I’d hate to see you have one over Trump dismantling a terrorist hiding place to make a water park.

Oh, and CT is severely inflated with government employees and over spending.

I know because I lived there once and paid taxes there. Just worry about your own backyard with this type of energy first.



MAGA.

[Orioles]

MAGA.

Ok, thanks for playing. Way to go to bat for your guy.

Blind allegiance to "MAGA" is definitely one way to go, so good luck there.

[BlueJays]

MAGA.

Ok, thanks for playing. Way to go to bat for your guy.

Blind allegiance to "MAGA" is definitely one way to go, so good luck there.

Wait, you’re a lawyer for politicians? Your boss is a Democrat?

Say less, Danny.

Seems like the interest you have at stake is your own pockets. Daddy Trump shuts off the fed money to CT and everyone starts getting a little loopy.

Is there money that gets funneled your way or do you have to funnel the money up? I’m unsure of how the pyramid system works in the state government.

[Orioles]

Oh, and CT is severely inflated with government employees and over spending.

Actually CT has run a surplus the last few years, so I'd hesitate to say there's rampant "over spending."

The taxes are not ideal, but the education system, infrastructure and state government services in general are as good or better than any state in the union. As a bonus, with climate change we'll soon have a nice temperate Mediterranean climate. Minimal natural disasters comparatively. Great place to live.

[BlueJays]

Before you respond…

Just know, I’m here to help.

IMG_6399.jpeg (93.2 KiB) Viewed 800 times

[Orioles]

MAGA.

Ok, thanks for playing. Way to go to bat for your guy.

Blind allegiance to "MAGA" is definitely one way to go, so good luck there.

Wait, you’re a lawyer for politicians? Your boss is a Democrat?

Say less, Danny.

Seems like the interest you have at stake is your own pockets. Daddy Trump shuts off the fed money to CT and everyone starts getting a little loopy.

Is there money that gets funneled your way or do you have to funnel the money up? I’m unsure of how the pyramid system works in the state government.

Again, zero substance. For some reason firing away at my job (which you know nothing about), and spitting back the nonsensical things Trump told you on TV.

One more time, anybody have an actual argument why these actions are good for the country?

[Orioles]

Before you respond…

Just know, I’m here to help.



IMG_6399.jpeg

Once again, you have added nothing. Kudos.

C'mon guys! Own the lib! Here's your chance! Someone can do better than Dave, I'm sure (I hope).

Why should we not be extremely worried about our national security in light of Trump's evisceration of our intelligence agencies and the FBI?

[BlueJays]

Non sensical?

Danny!

I’m a local government employee as well! Just in a smaller but equally mismanaged setting.

I know how the system works.

[BlueJays]

Danny, get some rest.

We both have a long day of screwing over the taxpayers before the weeks end.

Goodnight

[Orioles]

Danny, get some rest.

We both have a long day of screwing over the taxpayers before the weeks end.

Goodnight

[Athletics]

Appreciate the response.

Let's break down each of those points mentioned so far.

Turning Gaza into an oasis sounds way better than the current front line warzone run by Hamas terrorists and whom are being funded by the Mullahs in Iran. Also, this sounds like more nation building which every president has been involved in...so is this all that new? And if you look at the history books on the region, you won't like what you see, so I'm curious what map you might be using to justify a "Palestinian state".

Removing a people forcibly from their homeland is an act of genocide. Using US troops to do it is unthinkable. Given the actions of the terrorist group Hamas, Israel was well within their rights to go to war and destroy this group. Because they used human shields, some degree of collateral damage was inevitable. While the 2-state solution seems like the most viable, I'm not sure what will solve this extremely complex problem. What will definitely not solve it is sending US troops into the region and enraging Iran and all the terrorist it funds by giving them a new cause to rally behind. The worst part is even though hopefully it won't happen, the idea of the US coming in and turning Gaza into an "oasis" is an absolute rallying cry for islamic jihadists. Idiotic thing to say, especially with Netanyahu smiling like he won the lottery next to him because as long as there is war he remains in power. THAT is a bad look.

And PS, Donald Trump specifically ran on "America First" and staying out of war around the globe, aka, specifically the opposite of "nation building."

As for appointments, career bureaucrats that were never elected are supposed to take direction from the executive office...they are being fired because they don't want to get inline. I'm not sure why you think they are unqualified unless you think merit doesn't mean anything and they have to meet a DEI quota?

It's hilarious that you went to DEI here, which has about as much to do with Trump gutting the CIA and FBI as it does with that plane crash in Washington. Career intelligence officers and FBI agents with expertise in critical areas are being removed for doing their jobs and prosecuting people who committed crimes. The ENTIRE CIA was offered buyouts. That is insane.

As for the underqualified nominees, if you look at these people's resumes and think they are in any way capable of doing the jobs they are being tasked with, you underestimate the kind of expertise it takes to run something like the Pentagon, which is basically a trillion dollar organization. Look at the resumes of literally every other nominee ever for these positions and you will see one of these things is not like the others. We did not become the greatest and most powerful nation on earth by putting unqualified cronies and television personalities in these extremely important roles. Contrary to what Trump would like you to believe, the US is not currently a "trash can" on the verge of total collapse.

And the DOGE audits have been great and continue to expose how wasteful our government is when un-elected leaders decide they are going to run a money laundering scheme at the taxpayer expense.

What exactly have they "exposed?" I haven't heard one thing except some 19 year old techies and the world's richest man (none of whom have ever been vetted) now have unfettered access to all the data from 11 different federal agencies. If you're worried about "unelected" parties, perhaps you should check out the South African billionaire who (along with Australian billionaire Rupert Murdoch) greatly impacted the election for his preferred candidate and has seemingly unlimited power while also having hundreds of millions in government contracts, and intense interest in the regulation of various industries. Seems unwise.

So far I'm not impressed. Again, anyone with an argument based on actual facts, or reason, as to why we are safer or better off after these actions, please chime in.

Of course you are unimpressed, you ignore the facts that counter your argument. To your second point, you do realize there were supposedly 51 intelligence agents that aligned with the Hunter Biden laptop is Russian dis info narrative, that conspiracy theory was proven true. Yet you seem to suggest those agents with so much historical knowledge should be retained. Why? Because they are good for the country as such honorable citizens?

Not to mention, in the last two weeks, DOGE has unearthed wasteful spending through USAID (which is a misnomer but the MSM media will push as an US aide agency rather than what they actually are, which is a Leftist NGO trust fund). While they might have a few useful projects, it seems to be eerily just a way for leftists to spend US taxpayer money to project a Leftist agenda (why are we wasting millions on the projects that have been revealed?). I can't wait until they unearth the potential 2-3 billion we could cut for the budget just because we are no longer pork barreling everything.

As for our military, I am pretty sure the local Palestinians would much prefer a home that equates to what is on the Israel side of the border compared to their third world shit hole because some terrorist org is using them as cover (Btw, if you read the plan, it would give them land ownership they could sell if they so hated the new area and customs). But sure, please place all that blame on the US/Israel nations defending and trying to "gentrify" versus the jihadists living in the stone age. I am sure Iran would much prefer a stone age era, or atleast the Mullahs would since 1970 Iran looks much more pleasant prior to them taking over and enacting their draconian Siryah Law.

But you be you, have that hateful TDS, I am sure you would so willingly move to Iran, North Korea, Russia, or China. Supposedly all those countries that hate us and the fact we are not kowtowing to their desires. Also, if you think there are Euro allies that are pissed, maybe you should read the room, the citizenry hate the illegals are much as we do, and they only took in 10% of what we did. Their citizens are fully aware that the globalist leaders don't give a fuck about them, which is why most of the EU will swing to the right (which isn't even as conservative as the US) just to save themselves.

I would suggest you travel about for a bit and actually learn how destructive the globalist agenda has been rather then being spoon fed the Leftist narrative via the MSM and your other news sites. Afterall, Politico and Reuters seem to exist only because the US taxpayer gave them a false revenue source through the USAID.

[Orioles]

Of course you are unimpressed, you ignore the facts that counter your argument. To your second point, you do realize there were supposedly 51 intelligence agents that aligned with the Hunter Biden laptop is Russian dis info narrative, that conspiracy theory was proven true. Yet you seem to suggest those agents with so much historical knowledge should be retained. Why? Because they are good for the country as such honorable citizens?

Supposedly huh? Show me evidence of any of this. There is absolutely none. Here's the truth - the Russians DID interfere in each of our last 3 elections on Donald Trump's behalf - this is a FACT. There is so much crying about some laptop from years ago and the gigantic conspiracy to cover it up that proves the existence of the Deep State yet not one shred of evidence. Not one indictment. All of the supposed impropriety by the CIA and FBI is a product of the accusations of exactly one man, Donald J. Trump, who is so angry that his actual actions led to legal consequences that he will invent a stolen election, or a CIA conspiracy, or a sudden unprecedented wave of partisanship in the FBI as long as he comes out the victim and not the perpetrator. It's foolish to continue to believe the words of a pathological liar (which he absolutely is, objectively, if you read his actual words and verify their truth or falsity).

Not to mention, in the last two weeks, DOGE has unearthed wasteful spending through USAID (which is a misnomer but the MSM media will push as an US aide agency rather than what they actually are, which is a Leftist NGO trust fund). While they might have a few useful projects, it seems to be eerily just a way for leftists to spend US taxpayer money to project a Leftist agenda (why are we wasting millions on the projects that have been revealed?). I can't wait until they unearth the potential 2-3 billion we could cut for the budget just because we are no longer pork barreling everything.

This is abjectly false. You have absolutely zero clue what USAID does or how important it is to our diplomatic efforts abroad. First of all, it has been around since 1961 and helped us win the Cold War - period. You only know that Musk doesn't like it (his latest insane conspiracy theory is that USAID funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, that killed millions). In actual fact, USAID has been a critical tool under numerous Republican Presidents for encouraging growth in developing nations by bringing in American businesses to invest billions along with the US government in various projects that end up yielding them a financial gain. Everybody wins. Not only is the USAID budget something like 1% of federal spending, but most of its workers are locals on the ground in their home countries making almost no income yet having a huge impact on the people who live there. It buys the US good will in many places in the world where the Chinese have been aggressively investing in infrastructure (ports, roads, rail) and increasing their global influence. It has traditionally had bipartisan support, outside of the occasional far-right isolationist voice calling for cutting all foreign aid willy nilly.

As for our military, I am pretty sure the local Palestinians would much prefer a home that equates to what is on the Israel side of the border compared to their third world shit hole because some terrorist org is using them as cover (Btw, if you read the plan, it would give them land ownership they could sell if they so hated the new area and customs). But sure, please place all that blame on the US/Israel nations defending and trying to "gentrify" versus the jihadists living in the stone age. I am sure Iran would much prefer a stone age era, or atleast the Mullahs would since 1970 Iran looks much more pleasant prior to them taking over and enacting their draconian Siryah Law.

Actually, they've said they would prefer not to be displaced from their homes and permanently relocated for the second time since 1948. You're absolutely clueless as to the actual historical situation there, and the fragility of the current state of play (with a ceasefire hanging in the balance). Nobody thinks Hamas should remain in charge or even in existence, but every time Trump threatens to take people from their homes and put them in another country they gain recruits (as do all of the jihadists). Very stupid thing to say.

But you be you, have that hateful TDS, I am sure you would so willingly move to Iran, North Korea, Russia, or China. Supposedly all those countries that hate us and the fact we are not kowtowing to their desires. Also, if you think there are Euro allies that are pissed, maybe you should read the room, the citizenry hate the illegals are much as we do, and they only took in 10% of what we did. Their citizens are fully aware that the globalist leaders don't give a fuck about them, which is why most of the EU will swing to the right (which isn't even as conservative as the US) just to save themselves.

Do I hate a man who has attempted a coup and tried to interrupt the lawful transfer of power in our country? Who has made it so my wife and son, still waiting for their green cards, have to carry their papers around with them lest they be confused for "illegals?" Absolutely. He is threatening the security of my country and my family with his actions. Iran, North Korea, China and Russia (our enemies) are now allies. Trump has a love affair with Putin and Kim Jong-Un. He admires them and considers them friends. The absolute greatest gifts we could give our enemies are to allow Putin to walk away with part of Ukraine and to destroy our own intelligence structure. Trump is doing both of those things.

It is regrettable that around the world, populist leaders are taking advantage of the age-old resentment among the middle and lower classes for the latest group of immigrants to enter the country. We have had many waves of immigrants before, and they too have been discriminated against when politicians use xenophobia to their political advantage. Nobody reasonable thinks that we should allow illegal immigrants who have committed crimes to run free in our country, but if you actually believe that a significant portion of the immigrants coming to our country are violent criminals and denizens of insane asylums and prisons, then I've got a bible and some ugly golden shoes to sell you. Stop believing what he says and find some actual evidence supporting anything at all he says. Crime rates among immigrants are lower than those among US citizens.

Donald Trump is openly racist. If you repeatedly make the statement that "Immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country," you are a racist. He has engaged with white supremacists like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. He has purposefully stoked fear of immigrants, especially in those parts of the country farthest from the border, where he threatens them with insane scenarios like the prospect of dangerous brown people coming to their town to eat their dogs and cats. "White Replacement Theory," an idea openly espoused by Tucker Carlson, is the idea that the left is trying to replace white Americans with foreigners of different ethnic backgrounds, which is as racist as it is ridiculous. Tucker Carlson happens to be pretty close buddies with Donald Trump (and Vladimir Putin, for that matter). Trump is pursuing a white supremacist agenda. For all of the failures of DEI, the idea behind it was sound (namely, offering additional opportunities to a group systematically discriminated against since being enslaved less than 200 yrs ago), so using it as a cudgel to criticize ALL hirings of non-whites and women is both racist and misogynist. Why not look into other ways to give marginalized people the same opportunities white people have always had, so that it truly IS based on merit? Trump talks a lot about merit for someone who named his son-in-law's father Ambassador to France, his son's ex-girlfriend as Ambassador to Greece, and put his son's wife in the RNC chair. Is that merit?

I would suggest you travel about for a bit and actually learn how destructive the globalist agenda has been rather then being spoon fed the Leftist narrative via the MSM and your other news sites. Afterall, Politico and Reuters seem to exist only because the US taxpayer gave them a false revenue source through the USAID.

Dude. Not sure if you're paying attention, but the right-wing media IS the MSM. The biggest social media platform for news? X - owned by Musk and clearly tilted to the right since his acquisition of it. He uses it as a way to personally communicate his favorite bogus conspiracy theories to hundreds of millions of people. Most if not all of the top 10 podcasts are right-wingers. The top rated news shows on TV are ALL on Fox. It's the only channel showing in huge swaths of the country. Destructive globalist agenda huh? So it should be replaced by Trump's isolationist/protectionist approach? That would be awesome if an isolationist/ protectionist foreign policy had ever succeeded in the history of human diplomacy since the dawn of organized statehood. My sources include all sorts of perspectives, including Fox (which I watch regularly, so I know how hard they cheerlead for Trump - I mean there's cabinet positions in it for them) so if anyone here can't get out of their media echo chamber and is relying on utter falsities for most of his argument, it's definitely you.

A solid attempt (well, an attempt), but still zero logical, evidence-based arguments for why Trump's actions that I described at the top are beneficial to our country and not EXTREMELY HARMFUL. I have heard nothing that qualifies as an actual answer. Supposed conspiracies that Donald Trump told you about do not count.

[Yankees]

I’m just blown away that screaming at people and calling them dumb didn’t manifest this into a wholesome political debate.

I’m progressive leaning in a conservative state and the one thing that I can promise is ‘you’re dumb because you believe that’ either explicitly said or wink-wink implied is the exact political strategy that got Democrats in this predicament in the first place.

And before you get super sanctimonious, not capitalizing The Bible is a choice made to demean people who believe in Jesus with the idea that all who do are dumb and vote for Trump.