Rumbles

Iran strikes two air bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of one of their generals. Casualty data reports no deaths, and minor structural damage. Senator Graham declares the attack an act of war. The stock market calms.


So, what is it? An act of war or two bullies fighting on the playground?


I think the latter. Two bullies with the means to do real damage to their opponent. But they are limiting their strikes. They are minor. The deceased general was a real trouble maker and a worthy target. Whether he was legitimately in Iraq on innocent business, has not been established. If his purpose was terrorism against Iraq, Syria or the US, and if there is proof of that, then taking him out was legit. If not, Iran has every right to retaliate. And that is not an act of war, mr. graham.


News of the US assassination action caused the US stock markets to decline and boost the cost of oil on global markets. American gas pump prices were slow to rise. Then they fell. With Iran’s retaliation action, pump prices have spiked, but global oil markets are steady. The stock market slumped then recovered a bit. Today it is up modestly while overnight the futures were down 400 points. That prediction did not happen at the opening bell, however, and markets recovered.


So, the world community is taking the actions of two bullies seriously but not ‘bigly,’ to use a word of the white house occupant.


The bluster of American spokesmen is also in close review by the public. So far it appears the bluster is not believed. With good reason: the white house and republican leaders have told the public so many lies in the last few years no one is taking their oratory as truth. Or factual. In fact, fact checking denudes them every time.


Sad. If you want to know what’s going on, watch news channels for the footage and audio; avoid the opinion by reporters. Piece facts together and make a logical conclusion. Then talk it over with friends you trust who have a track record of studying issues seriously. Talk about the news in that environment.


I am encouraged to witness and learn that such discussions hold much logic and dutifully fact checked. Google makes this easy. The American public is not easily fooled by political rhetoric. By either parties. So Democrats, don’t get smug! Stick to the facts and take these matters seriously.


Too many people emptily support the trumpster. It will be hard work to remove him from office at the next election. Focus on that task and make it happen, people. The future we save is our own and our kids’.


Take deep breaths and do your homework. Act responsibly and remain calm and logical. And factual.


Thank you. That is all!


January 9, 2020