Almost the only difference between what you saw on television today and what you saw in 2003 is that Donald Trump didn’t put on a flight suit and land on an aircraft carrier to announce his Venezuelan “mission accomplished.”
Please continue talking about Epstein! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears when I turned on my computer this morning. I saw part of the news conference when it was repeated! I had to turn off the TV! It's all about the oil again! What else is new?
Lisa, it is also about global destabilization. Trump has just green-lighted Putin to go kidnap Zelenskyy as well as anyone on this planet to kidnap any leader. My friend's daughter is flying from the US to Europe and is afraid because she thinks US planes will be targets for terror attacks. I am worried about this too. Oil and global warming, and war as Trump takes over the Americas. Here is Former Danish Intelligence analyst Jacob Kaarsbo with his map of the World as divided by Trump, Putin and Xi. His map is in the article.
Thanks Sandra. My friend's daughter is checking into the airport right now. I hope her flight to Europe is smooth. My daughter is in Europe herself right now, because both she and her friend go to University here. My daughter spent the holidays here because we were here. I have a condition where I cannot fly right now so I am here. If I were in Chicago, I would be attending the 5pm rally at Federal Plaza against the war in Venezuela.
I am not worried about being an American in the EU, because I am also a German citizen. Actually, my German passport gives me more access than my US one, except to the US. Here is the passport power ranking.
Bevereley, it sucks! I am keeping an eye on the world too. I moved here in retirement and invested in upgrading an old house to make it energy efficient. Keeping on top of things locally as well as internationally.
You face the US attacking your borders in Canada, and we face the US supporting Russia attacking us. This is a piece I wrote last year and it still is relevant. It is called Germany Prepares for War.
I have also been saying it reminds me of Bush and Saddam Hussein. Both invaded and took/or killed the Brown-skinned leader to take the oil.
Let us hope that a difference is that no other country is supporting Trump in this and sending their troops in too. Or, will we be fated for history to keep repeating itself?
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I posted Wendy Sieglemans outstanding piece yesterday Linda , it detailed everything leading up to Trump’s murderous invasion and kidnappings… I found none of this morning’s invasion of Venezuela surprising, considering the military presence and bombing of multiple small boats the past few weeks.
The reports from the SEC were alarming. Considering Venezuela supplies crude to China, who also have a large investment in Venezuelan oil production, as does Rosneft, the Russian oil company. Sans mention of Iran, or the bolibourgeoisie…. today could well mark a historical moment for WWIII!
I’ve feared for my children and grandchildren after working with the DOD and defense contractors Robot… the industrial military complex along with many o the duly elected scare the hell out of me!
Patrick I did not find it surprising either, but shocking none the less. Some are noting in my Signal chat groups of Americans Abroad that this is provoking China. We shall see. I am going to pull myself away and read now to gain some perspective.
Also, can you give me a link to Wendy Siegelman's piece if you still have it?
That thought cracks me up. Unless there is actually a ground invasion of the USA, your elections are secure. Doesn't mean he will ever hold another one, though.
There is some truth to your statement Beverly… elections in the epoch are easily hacked, the software was stolen and was likely used in our most recent election,, oui?
Ellen, I have been watching different views off and on all day. It seems like the EU is waiting and seeing. This is global disaster so they had better be talking and thinking amongst themselves. Also, everyone wants to get their people out of Caracas and perhaps Venezuela altogether. I know that EU leadership is saying there should be restraint and pointing out that like the US, they did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. They say they are calling for deescalation and want a peaceful transition and they stand by the people of Venezuela. So, yada, yada, yada!
I think this caution about calling crazy Trump out is opening a door for Putin to kidnap Zelenskyy and say the same thing that he does not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Ukraine.
In Germany, they are careful to just describe the situation on the news, give us history, and not take a real position. Trump basically has green-lighted bad actors using this kind of action. Far right leader Meloni is supporting the action by Trump, and France's leader Macron is said it undermines Venezuela and no solution can be imposed from the outside. Merz is also saying yada, yada, yada! That is, the situation is complex (we know that), and wait and see, and the regime was not legitimately elected. So concern and caution and nothing.
I think we will know more tomorrow. I am taking breaks because all of my chats are discussing it all day, and it is night here, and friends are meeting at a local bar to discuss it too because everyone is so upset. I am at home and am going to read my novel to escape this madness. I worry about my husband flying right now, but there is nothing that one can do about it.
Also, the discussion of Trump expanding this war to other countries like Cuba, Colombia, Mexico is serious. As former Danish Intelligence analyst Jacob Kaarsbo shows us in his map there is a planned division of spheres of influence, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat says the same thing. Meidas Touch says it will expand into other American countries. It is alarming.
I think this caution about calling crazy Trump out is opening a door for Putin to kidnap Zelenskyy and say the same thing that he does not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Ukraine."
I fear the same thing although the actual legal facts are entirely different re Zelenskyy's legitimacy and Maduro's. Not that that would stop a Putin or Trump from claiming their version of the "truth".
Chief Justice John Roberts and his "conservative" cohort are 100% responsible for bringing this global disaster on the world.
Thank you Linda for your information.I am totally perplexed as to what Germany and other countries feel about this unfortunate situation and what may be done.
Right now, the EU is advocating deescalation and pointing out that they never recognized Maduro as the legitimate leader. They are saying they need to know more and stand with the people of Venezuela. Far right leader Meloni of Italy has clearly come out in support of Trump's actions, and Centrist leader Macron of France has come out clearly against. Merz the center right leader of Germany has come out saying, yada, yada, yada. In essence--it is a complicated situation--did not recognize Maduro--wants a stable orderly government in Venezuela, and not much of anything. A so called "expert" on ZDF television news last night said that Europe could not take on Trump because they need him to keep Putin in check, and to help Ukraine. He is doing neither, but apparently they don't know enough about Trump to recognize that. Europe is acting like it is once again in shock. There need to be bombs dropping on their own cities before anyone will really come out of the stupor of denial as far as I can see. It is quite frustrating. I have been predicting things since last year, so my eyes are still open. Last February I updated a piece I had written about Germany preparing for war. I am alternately hot and cold about Germany's preparations now.
Last time the US had the war in Iraq, European countries sent troops as NATO allies. I wonder how that will be handled now. I believe there will not be popular support for such an action now.
I also think that countries are thinking about supporting any citizens they have who are in Caracas, and Venezuela as a whole. Venezuela has a large German immigrant settlement since people from Germany have been immigrating there since the 1600s. Most of the Germans living there now are working for German companies in Venezuela. Obviously that means that Germany wants the country stabilized to do business in it. However, a lot of German companies have been taken over by the Venezuelan government, so we shall see.
Here is the story of a German-Venezuelan businessman in Venezuela, who left. Perhaps he will return now.
The view in Canada is that we need to join the EU and as quickly as we can. We do have agents in Finland now, studying how to manage a border with a hostile country.
As to voting: when I saw the “new and improved” post mark rules I was livid. I think grass roots movements should provide a service during the next election where we will go pick up mail in ballots and take them to drop off boxes.
Yup. We did not know then that Gore should not have graciously conceded but fought to the bitter end to get every vote counted. We would have a different SCOTUS and planet right now.
Not all states allow others to drop them for you. Democrats Abroad and Vote From Abroad are telling people to be sure to know the rules of their state. Lots are talking about mailing them to family and friends to drop into the box. Also, several countries are reducing their postal service so it is hard for it to get on time on both ends. The lucky people live in states that allow them to email or fax them in. Email is obviously better because who has a fax machine?
Some states allow it because postal systems are uneven around the world, and many are not so reliable. I wish my state allowed me to scan mine and email it, because we get our ballots by email. Last year I mailed my daughters and my ballots from the same post office at the same time going to the same place, and hers was recorded 10 days after mine. Go figure!
Brilliant! Replaying all the greatest hits of Bush/Cheney! You can't make this stuff up! Now we're certain to fail. By the end of 2026, we should be out of the top 25 wealthiest, most powerful nations in the world. Republicans, so great at governing... California will have a larger economy than the USA, especially after it secedes/joins Canada. Can't wait! Oops, have to get rid of Schiff and probably Padilla first. This is what happens when you vote to confirm t nominees to Cabinet positions.
Yup. And I vote for cold secession..blue states attorneys general (and governors) have been pondering this. So now we’re going to have open carry in California? Screw these guys.
Funny, but the image of Bush in a flight suit reminded me that the ONLY reason I don't think GWB is a total idiot is that he got through USAF flight school, flew the F-101, and managed to not kill a single American!
And in 2003 in the Chicago Tribune classified ads I offered $1000 reward for information leading to the finding of the infamous banner "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED". No response. I think the Navy burned it.
He didn’t kill any Americans??? What about those who went to his two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? I remember when, EVERY WEEK, we read aloud the names of the dead soldiers/marines/sailors killed in church. And all those who came home disfigured, brain-damaged and suffering from PTSD. Do they not count?
I meant as an AF/Air NG fighter pilot only, long before he was President. Military flying even in peacetime is very dangerous. Quite a few got killed in training while I was at Pensacola. That's why they get the "Big Bucks"/s/.
The Republicans in the House and Senate could stop this, just as they could stop all of Trump's crimes. We must put unceasing pressure on them. There's no point in criticizing Trump, because he is a hopeless insane idiot. The congressional Republicans are to blame, and they must be hammered with that fact until they do something.
Right on, Henry. The R-controlled Congress had four separate opportunities to stop this unlawful invasion, and it failed four times. Reported today by This Will Hold on Substack:
Timeline of Failed War Powers Efforts:
Oct 8, 2025 — Senate (boat strikes)⁷
What it tried to do: End or force debate to halt ongoing strikes on vessels off Venezuela absent congressional authorization
Result: Failed, 48–51
Nov 6, 2025 — Senate (prevent strikes on Venezuelan territory)⁸
What it tried to do: Prevent Trump from attacking Venezuela itself without congressional approval
Result: Failed, 51–49
Dec 17, 2025 — House (broader “terror orgs in Western Hemisphere”)⁹
What it tried to do: Require removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with any presidentially designated “terrorist organization” in the Western Hemisphere unless authorized
Result: Failed, 216–210
Dec 17, 2025 — House (Venezuela-specific)¹⁰
What it tried to do: Direct the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with or against Venezuela without authorization
Result: Failed, 213–211
Collectively, these failed votes underscore Congress’s continued abdication of its authority even as U.S. military actions against Venezuela expanded without formal authorization.
I agree, of course, but the congressional Republicans must go beyond stopping this crime and either impeach and convict or remove him under the 25th Amendment as "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Having sworn to uphold the Constitution, they have a duty to get rid of a president who has blatantly violated it uncountable times.
And this statement is helpful how? Make sure your voter registration is still valid and get others to register. Call your reps, especially if you live in a 'red state', and tell them to protect our elections.
Those bodies will be people who can’t find jobs. Though I must say, veterans have been warning other veterans, so we’ll see. They’ll want people in the military that just want to kill.
This regime is all and only about greed and graft. I think most of us knew immediately the action against Venezuela was not about drugs, it was always and only about money.
To kidnap anyone is so clearly illegal under any circumstances. If the world puts up with this and continues to remain silent as Trump, Xi and Putin run amok this world will be a living hell.
It all started with wilfully ignorant, uneducated voters who voted for Trump, believing what he said when the rest of us heard nothing but lies, along with the GOP that suppressed votes and used every dirty trick in their book to cheat the election. Then Congress totally failed the country in giving all the power to this despot who patterns himself after every other despot in the world.
If we get out of this and have a chance to recover from all this trauma it will be a miracle
For those who may not know much about the history of Latin America, we are dealing with a whole subcontinent of people all of whom MAY NOT like us for their history of US interference in their country's elections and governments. There is reason to believe that there are people form the COLOMBIAN 'anarchists' are in the hills of Venezuela who have supported Maduro for some time now and he has significant people in Caracas itself who are like the various insurgents who waylaid us in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's not as if the people of Venezuela are cheering the streets that this has happened either. None of the people Trump indicated standing behind him who will 'run' Venezuela have any clue of how to 'RUN' another country much less one of some 43 million people! Trump can count on one hand the countries in Latin America that MIGHT back him: Argentina (always wallowing in debt), El Salvador, maybe Honduras, maybe Chile with its right leaning new president but not Brazil or Colombia but not Peru or Ecuador or Uruguay! Not Costa Rica and not Nicaragua or Guatemala and never Mexico! NOT formerly French Guyana nor Surinam (Netherlands) or most of the tiny islands of the Caribbean! Do you want to send your fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, and children to take over this country????? SPEAK UP NOW
I'm familiarwith Caribbean and Latin American history, as I grew up in Puerto Rico. I was taught about it in grade school. They have every reason to hate and fear us. When we moved back, I was stunned on how little US students knew about it.
AND all this without the countries of CHINA and RUSSIA calling for an immediate invocation of the UN SECURITY COUNCIL today. Russia and China are both Venezuelan allies.
So now it's the "Donroe" Doctrine, and Piggy can seize the rest of the western hemisphere, leaving Europe to his buddy Vlad and Asia to the mysterious Xi. In his incoherent press cf Trump seemed to be saying that Columbia, Cuba and Mexico would be next. Then maybe he'll get to Canada. What could go wrong. As Rick James famously said, "cocaine is a hell of a drug."
Please continue talking about Epstein! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears when I turned on my computer this morning. I saw part of the news conference when it was repeated! I had to turn off the TV! It's all about the oil again! What else is new?
Lisa, it is also about global destabilization. Trump has just green-lighted Putin to go kidnap Zelenskyy as well as anyone on this planet to kidnap any leader. My friend's daughter is flying from the US to Europe and is afraid because she thinks US planes will be targets for terror attacks. I am worried about this too. Oil and global warming, and war as Trump takes over the Americas. Here is Former Danish Intelligence analyst Jacob Kaarsbo with his map of the World as divided by Trump, Putin and Xi. His map is in the article.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jacobkaarsbo/p/intel-brief-venezuela-and-beyond?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thanks, Linda, for the link. I hope your daughter stays safe.
Thanks Sandra. My friend's daughter is checking into the airport right now. I hope her flight to Europe is smooth. My daughter is in Europe herself right now, because both she and her friend go to University here. My daughter spent the holidays here because we were here. I have a condition where I cannot fly right now so I am here. If I were in Chicago, I would be attending the 5pm rally at Federal Plaza against the war in Venezuela.
I'd worry about being an American anywhere but the US or Russia.
I am not worried about being an American in the EU, because I am also a German citizen. Actually, my German passport gives me more access than my US one, except to the US. Here is the passport power ranking.
https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php
Canadian here with dual Irish (and thereby EU) citizenship. Just in case our borders get compromised before I die.
Bevereley, it sucks! I am keeping an eye on the world too. I moved here in retirement and invested in upgrading an old house to make it energy efficient. Keeping on top of things locally as well as internationally.
You face the US attacking your borders in Canada, and we face the US supporting Russia attacking us. This is a piece I wrote last year and it still is relevant. It is called Germany Prepares for War.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/germany-prepares-for-war-updated?r=f0qfn
Yes!
I have also been saying it reminds me of Bush and Saddam Hussein. Both invaded and took/or killed the Brown-skinned leader to take the oil.
Let us hope that a difference is that no other country is supporting Trump in this and sending their troops in too. Or, will we be fated for history to keep repeating itself?
U.S. citizens living, serving, or studying abroad—you can vote from wherever you are! 🌍 Visit https://votefromabroad.org to register and request your overseas ballot.
It’s quick, free, and valid for all elections in 2026. Need help? Write to help@votefromabroad.org.
Vote from Abroad volunteers are ready to assist you with any questions about requesting or returning your ballot. Don’t wait! Request your ballot today and make your voice heard! 🗳️
I posted Wendy Sieglemans outstanding piece yesterday Linda , it detailed everything leading up to Trump’s murderous invasion and kidnappings… I found none of this morning’s invasion of Venezuela surprising, considering the military presence and bombing of multiple small boats the past few weeks.
The reports from the SEC were alarming. Considering Venezuela supplies crude to China, who also have a large investment in Venezuelan oil production, as does Rosneft, the Russian oil company. Sans mention of Iran, or the bolibourgeoisie…. today could well mark a historical moment for WWIII!
The only thing I was uncertain was when he'd pull the trigger. And yes, world wars have started over less. See WW I as just one example.
I fear for my grandsons.
I’ve feared for my children and grandchildren after working with the DOD and defense contractors Robot… the industrial military complex along with many o the duly elected scare the hell out of me!
I was a contractor for DoD and VA for several years. I talked to a lot of other contractors and service people. It was...revealing.
We could likely share some horror stories Mon Ami!
Do not let them serve in the Führer's army.
Patrick I did not find it surprising either, but shocking none the less. Some are noting in my Signal chat groups of Americans Abroad that this is provoking China. We shall see. I am going to pull myself away and read now to gain some perspective.
Also, can you give me a link to Wendy Siegelman's piece if you still have it?
Done you may find this interesting as well
https://open.substack.com/pub/wendysiegelman/p/devin-nunes-and-others-linked-to?r=qvheo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thanks Patrick.
This piece may unlock other paths to the invasion https://www.narativ.org/p/trump-we-are-going-to-run-venezuela?r=qvheo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Yes. I was watching that too.
The Petro-dollar is well on its way to becoming a dinosaur Linda, OPEC nations and BRICS are pushing it off the cliff!
Then there’s always the Petro-dollar issue explained here https://youtu.be/bY5f_VQhy84?si=HhMuk1l4Jh7R2c6g
Yup, be prepared Linda, as you always are. Lettuce Prey that the mid-terms are not postponed until conditions are secure to do so. Like in 2044.
That thought cracks me up. Unless there is actually a ground invasion of the USA, your elections are secure. Doesn't mean he will ever hold another one, though.
There is some truth to your statement Beverly… elections in the epoch are easily hacked, the software was stolen and was likely used in our most recent election,, oui?
Linda, what's the view in Germany? The rest of Europe? Thanks, Ellen.
Ellen, I have been watching different views off and on all day. It seems like the EU is waiting and seeing. This is global disaster so they had better be talking and thinking amongst themselves. Also, everyone wants to get their people out of Caracas and perhaps Venezuela altogether. I know that EU leadership is saying there should be restraint and pointing out that like the US, they did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. They say they are calling for deescalation and want a peaceful transition and they stand by the people of Venezuela. So, yada, yada, yada!
I think this caution about calling crazy Trump out is opening a door for Putin to kidnap Zelenskyy and say the same thing that he does not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Ukraine.
In Germany, they are careful to just describe the situation on the news, give us history, and not take a real position. Trump basically has green-lighted bad actors using this kind of action. Far right leader Meloni is supporting the action by Trump, and France's leader Macron is said it undermines Venezuela and no solution can be imposed from the outside. Merz is also saying yada, yada, yada! That is, the situation is complex (we know that), and wait and see, and the regime was not legitimately elected. So concern and caution and nothing.
I think we will know more tomorrow. I am taking breaks because all of my chats are discussing it all day, and it is night here, and friends are meeting at a local bar to discuss it too because everyone is so upset. I am at home and am going to read my novel to escape this madness. I worry about my husband flying right now, but there is nothing that one can do about it.
Also, the discussion of Trump expanding this war to other countries like Cuba, Colombia, Mexico is serious. As former Danish Intelligence analyst Jacob Kaarsbo shows us in his map there is a planned division of spheres of influence, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat says the same thing. Meidas Touch says it will expand into other American countries. It is alarming.
Jacob Kaarsbo, see his map
https://open.substack.com/pub/jacobkaarsbo/p/intel-brief-venezuela-and-beyond?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
https://open.substack.com/pub/lucid/p/let-venezuela-make-america-great?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Meidas Touch
https://open.substack.com/pub/meidastouch/p/trumps-venezuela-press-conference?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
"Linda Weide
I think this caution about calling crazy Trump out is opening a door for Putin to kidnap Zelenskyy and say the same thing that he does not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Ukraine."
I fear the same thing although the actual legal facts are entirely different re Zelenskyy's legitimacy and Maduro's. Not that that would stop a Putin or Trump from claiming their version of the "truth".
Chief Justice John Roberts and his "conservative" cohort are 100% responsible for bringing this global disaster on the world.
Yes Judith! As well as both Bushes and Trump who are the 3 presidents who put these criminals on the highest court in the land.
Thank you Linda for your information.I am totally perplexed as to what Germany and other countries feel about this unfortunate situation and what may be done.
Right now, the EU is advocating deescalation and pointing out that they never recognized Maduro as the legitimate leader. They are saying they need to know more and stand with the people of Venezuela. Far right leader Meloni of Italy has clearly come out in support of Trump's actions, and Centrist leader Macron of France has come out clearly against. Merz the center right leader of Germany has come out saying, yada, yada, yada. In essence--it is a complicated situation--did not recognize Maduro--wants a stable orderly government in Venezuela, and not much of anything. A so called "expert" on ZDF television news last night said that Europe could not take on Trump because they need him to keep Putin in check, and to help Ukraine. He is doing neither, but apparently they don't know enough about Trump to recognize that. Europe is acting like it is once again in shock. There need to be bombs dropping on their own cities before anyone will really come out of the stupor of denial as far as I can see. It is quite frustrating. I have been predicting things since last year, so my eyes are still open. Last February I updated a piece I had written about Germany preparing for war. I am alternately hot and cold about Germany's preparations now.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/germany-prepares-for-war-updated?r=f0qfn
Last time the US had the war in Iraq, European countries sent troops as NATO allies. I wonder how that will be handled now. I believe there will not be popular support for such an action now.
I also think that countries are thinking about supporting any citizens they have who are in Caracas, and Venezuela as a whole. Venezuela has a large German immigrant settlement since people from Germany have been immigrating there since the 1600s. Most of the Germans living there now are working for German companies in Venezuela. Obviously that means that Germany wants the country stabilized to do business in it. However, a lot of German companies have been taken over by the Venezuelan government, so we shall see.
Here is the story of a German-Venezuelan businessman in Venezuela, who left. Perhaps he will return now.
https://www.dw.com/en/german-venezuelan-businessman-expresses-hope-for-homeland/a-47544723
The view in Canada is that we need to join the EU and as quickly as we can. We do have agents in Finland now, studying how to manage a border with a hostile country.
As to voting: when I saw the “new and improved” post mark rules I was livid. I think grass roots movements should provide a service during the next election where we will go pick up mail in ballots and take them to drop off boxes.
I’m afraid nothing is safe from election hacks Karen, in Bush v Gore SCOTUS refused to finish the vote count, awarding Bush the presidency!
Yup. We did not know then that Gore should not have graciously conceded but fought to the bitter end to get every vote counted. We would have a different SCOTUS and planet right now.
I remember this vividly. Hanging chads…. I may be wrong in my (vivid) memory, but I thought Gore basically bowed out after scotus got involved.
Gore had honor. He knew a fight would be destructive in the long run and conceded.
As compared to what actually happened: trump.
Exactly.
Not all states allow others to drop them for you. Democrats Abroad and Vote From Abroad are telling people to be sure to know the rules of their state. Lots are talking about mailing them to family and friends to drop into the box. Also, several countries are reducing their postal service so it is hard for it to get on time on both ends. The lucky people live in states that allow them to email or fax them in. Email is obviously better because who has a fax machine?
How could a facsimile of a ballot replace an original, hand-marked ballot?
Some states allow it because postal systems are uneven around the world, and many are not so reliable. I wish my state allowed me to scan mine and email it, because we get our ballots by email. Last year I mailed my daughters and my ballots from the same post office at the same time going to the same place, and hers was recorded 10 days after mine. Go figure!
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/living-abroad/voting.html
We are all up in arms about this new postmark rule as well, and it is being discussed in Indivisible Abroad.
Linda, bless you for your steadfast action reminding overseas voters to get on their hind legs and vote.
Thanks Joan. A big GOTV effort is beginning here because we need people registered in plenty of time to receive their ballots.
If your red state boards of elections allow your votes to count. They will try to stop you.
Yes BJ. We must be clever to get those votes in and counted.
He keeps talking about things 50 years ago as if they were 25 years ago because his brain is still stuck back around 1986.
Right, 1986. When TCF would go into Studio 54 to snort lines with Liza.
Bloated dimwit and his butt-licking toadies can't even run our own country. Can't wait to see what hell follows this latest idiotic move.
" Run Venezuela"?? Like we "ran" Iraq? The Venezuelan military will melt into the jungle and fight an insurgency. It's going to be a bloody mess.
Brilliant! Replaying all the greatest hits of Bush/Cheney! You can't make this stuff up! Now we're certain to fail. By the end of 2026, we should be out of the top 25 wealthiest, most powerful nations in the world. Republicans, so great at governing... California will have a larger economy than the USA, especially after it secedes/joins Canada. Can't wait! Oops, have to get rid of Schiff and probably Padilla first. This is what happens when you vote to confirm t nominees to Cabinet positions.
Nicely said Ellen!
Yup. And I vote for cold secession..blue states attorneys general (and governors) have been pondering this. So now we’re going to have open carry in California? Screw these guys.
To me Trump is no better than Putin!
They’re both equally soulless creatures, lacking any empathy… where they, and the power they hold over people are all that matters Doris!
Funny, but the image of Bush in a flight suit reminded me that the ONLY reason I don't think GWB is a total idiot is that he got through USAF flight school, flew the F-101, and managed to not kill a single American!
And in 2003 in the Chicago Tribune classified ads I offered $1000 reward for information leading to the finding of the infamous banner "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED". No response. I think the Navy burned it.
He didn’t kill any Americans??? What about those who went to his two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? I remember when, EVERY WEEK, we read aloud the names of the dead soldiers/marines/sailors killed in church. And all those who came home disfigured, brain-damaged and suffering from PTSD. Do they not count?
I meant as an AF/Air NG fighter pilot only, long before he was President. Military flying even in peacetime is very dangerous. Quite a few got killed in training while I was at Pensacola. That's why they get the "Big Bucks"/s/.
I feel the same about him. The F-102 was a challenging fighter.
He looked like such a dipshit in that flight suit
The Republicans in the House and Senate could stop this, just as they could stop all of Trump's crimes. We must put unceasing pressure on them. There's no point in criticizing Trump, because he is a hopeless insane idiot. The congressional Republicans are to blame, and they must be hammered with that fact until they do something.
Right on, Henry. The R-controlled Congress had four separate opportunities to stop this unlawful invasion, and it failed four times. Reported today by This Will Hold on Substack:
Timeline of Failed War Powers Efforts:
Oct 8, 2025 — Senate (boat strikes)⁷
What it tried to do: End or force debate to halt ongoing strikes on vessels off Venezuela absent congressional authorization
Result: Failed, 48–51
Nov 6, 2025 — Senate (prevent strikes on Venezuelan territory)⁸
What it tried to do: Prevent Trump from attacking Venezuela itself without congressional approval
Result: Failed, 51–49
Dec 17, 2025 — House (broader “terror orgs in Western Hemisphere”)⁹
What it tried to do: Require removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with any presidentially designated “terrorist organization” in the Western Hemisphere unless authorized
Result: Failed, 216–210
Dec 17, 2025 — House (Venezuela-specific)¹⁰
What it tried to do: Direct the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with or against Venezuela without authorization
Result: Failed, 213–211
Collectively, these failed votes underscore Congress’s continued abdication of its authority even as U.S. military actions against Venezuela expanded without formal authorization.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thiswillhold/p/trump-regime-invades-venezuela-president?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
I agree, of course, but the congressional Republicans must go beyond stopping this crime and either impeach and convict or remove him under the 25th Amendment as "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Having sworn to uphold the Constitution, they have a duty to get rid of a president who has blatantly violated it uncountable times.
Sadly, they haven’t got the guts. Prove me wrong, House Republicans! (Including my own useless Repuke congressman)
I now well and truly want to weep.
I felt that way at 5am today when I read the news on my phone
Follow the money behind Trump’s grift in attacking Venezuela for its oil with this interactive map
https://thedemlabs.org/2026/01/03/venezuela-maduro-trump-grift-oil-reserves/
Thanks for the article.
And how many of those 'bodies' will be the offspring of maga? And what will they do about it?
They'll thank veterans for their service...
Remember the Mom's of the dead in Iraq? Not a lot of 'thank-you's', if I remember. There's an election in 2026. Remind them.
You are delusional if you think there will be midterms.
And this statement is helpful how? Make sure your voter registration is still valid and get others to register. Call your reps, especially if you live in a 'red state', and tell them to protect our elections.
Hey, let's touch base again in November. Funny how everyone but Americans can see it.
It's a date.
Those bodies will be people who can’t find jobs. Though I must say, veterans have been warning other veterans, so we’ll see. They’ll want people in the military that just want to kill.
cheer
This regime is all and only about greed and graft. I think most of us knew immediately the action against Venezuela was not about drugs, it was always and only about money.
To kidnap anyone is so clearly illegal under any circumstances. If the world puts up with this and continues to remain silent as Trump, Xi and Putin run amok this world will be a living hell.
It all started with wilfully ignorant, uneducated voters who voted for Trump, believing what he said when the rest of us heard nothing but lies, along with the GOP that suppressed votes and used every dirty trick in their book to cheat the election. Then Congress totally failed the country in giving all the power to this despot who patterns himself after every other despot in the world.
If we get out of this and have a chance to recover from all this trauma it will be a miracle
For those who may not know much about the history of Latin America, we are dealing with a whole subcontinent of people all of whom MAY NOT like us for their history of US interference in their country's elections and governments. There is reason to believe that there are people form the COLOMBIAN 'anarchists' are in the hills of Venezuela who have supported Maduro for some time now and he has significant people in Caracas itself who are like the various insurgents who waylaid us in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's not as if the people of Venezuela are cheering the streets that this has happened either. None of the people Trump indicated standing behind him who will 'run' Venezuela have any clue of how to 'RUN' another country much less one of some 43 million people! Trump can count on one hand the countries in Latin America that MIGHT back him: Argentina (always wallowing in debt), El Salvador, maybe Honduras, maybe Chile with its right leaning new president but not Brazil or Colombia but not Peru or Ecuador or Uruguay! Not Costa Rica and not Nicaragua or Guatemala and never Mexico! NOT formerly French Guyana nor Surinam (Netherlands) or most of the tiny islands of the Caribbean! Do you want to send your fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, and children to take over this country????? SPEAK UP NOW
I'm familiarwith Caribbean and Latin American history, as I grew up in Puerto Rico. I was taught about it in grade school. They have every reason to hate and fear us. When we moved back, I was stunned on how little US students knew about it.
AND all this without the countries of CHINA and RUSSIA calling for an immediate invocation of the UN SECURITY COUNCIL today. Russia and China are both Venezuelan allies.
They may be considering their options.
And they hardly need the UN Security Council to throw their weight around.
None of those people appear to know how to run OUR country, let alone Venezuela, where I seriously doubt people want to be run by us.
You forgot not Canada, not Europe, not Australia. We don't support America's illegal invasion of Venezuela.
So now it's the "Donroe" Doctrine, and Piggy can seize the rest of the western hemisphere, leaving Europe to his buddy Vlad and Asia to the mysterious Xi. In his incoherent press cf Trump seemed to be saying that Columbia, Cuba and Mexico would be next. Then maybe he'll get to Canada. What could go wrong. As Rick James famously said, "cocaine is a hell of a drug."
Just watched "Shock and Awe" the movie by and with (the late) Rob Reiner a few days ago. A timely refresher to today's events.
Keep up the terrific reporting, Lucian!👊
Shock and Awe
https://share.google/9qVrdoyVjn7aA6cio