The Granholm debacle

 

"How did we find out about this? Chris Wright, the new Secretary of Energy found it. And he was not happy. IMPORTANT NOTE: Next election, remember this. The Democrats don't care, not one inch, about your money. Jennifer Granholm should be put in irons for this breach of the public trust. The worst part was this - Biden was in la-la land and probably did not know anything about this theft."

Why to people get pissed off about how "public servants" handle their money? Is there not a tacit or blatant understanding or agreement that when in the public area, any employee would be a loyal trustee to the funds in which they have control? Is that not just called good stewardship? Joe Biden and his crew did not give a tinker's dam about your money folks. Did not give a wit. How so? Get ready to read and weep.

After the 2024 election, when Biden and company realized that their time was about over, Jennifer Granholm decided to raid the company treasury. With only 76 days in which to spread her evil mandates, Granholm gave away (yes, this was a gift to the unworthy), $93B in loans to "green" companies who presented zero business plans nor budgets. Why? As Energy Secretary, she did NOTHING for this country except impoverish it. Instead of "drill, baby drill", Granholm's motto was "graft, baby graft". 

How big of a deal is squandering (wasting) $93B in Granholm's final days? To put it into perspective, the Doge Team, by clawing back, and cutting back as much as they could have in four months, has saved only $170B. That is less than twice as much as Granholm gave to the grifters.

How did we find out about this? Chris Wright, the new Secretary of Energy found it. And he was not happy. IMPORTANT NOTE: Next election, remember this. The Democrats don't care, not one inch, about your money. Jennifer Granholm should be put in irons for this breach of the public trust. The worst part was this - Biden was in la-la land and probably did not know anything about this theft.

Trump needs to claw back as much of this $93B as possible. That is on his to-do list. What is on our to-do list? DON'T EVER LET THESE IDEALOGUES BACK INTO OFFICE! The gall, the hubris of these people are unmatched. 

Why Rubio is right on this issue

 

"Under Democrat control, America has been a patsy for far too long. Under Trump, fair is going to be fair. Not unfair dumped upon us. No more like it or lump it. We demand parity. Fairness. Respect."

When Donald Trump picked Marco Rubio to be his Secretary of State, he knew what he was doing. Sure, they had dustups during the 2016 campaign, but those days are long over. What Trump knew about Rubio in 2024, was that Marco was in charge of the Senate Intelligence Committee. In other words - Marco knows stuff!

Marco and the president are in lock step agreement about all these unvetted illegals running around the country. Marco is not in Homeland Security, so he has no purview in doing what Noem and company are doing. Rubio does however, as the Secretary of State, have jurisdiction over who gets visas and who does not. Especially student visas to study at our universities.

This week, Trump has lowered the hammer on Chinese students studying in our country. Why? Well known fact that many have ties to the CCP of China. Rubio is going to pull most of their visas and has instructed our embassy in China not to issue any more. WOW! In addition, Rubio has also instructed all embassies not to issue student visas until their social media accounts can be scrubbed. Any anti-American or troublesome posts, and they are OUT. Period. 

These are not the days of Obama, Kerry, Hillary or Biden. There is most definitely a new sheriff in town, with a host of new deputies. The old days are over. The days of leading from behind, turning the other cheek whilst the bad guys run rampant all over us - are OVER. It is one thing to talk tough, but Trump and his team ARE tough. They mean business. Chinese spies, no matter the age, have not place in the "Golden Age of America".

Under Democrat control, America has been a patsy for far too long. Under Trump, fair is going to be fair. Not unfair dumped upon us. No more like it or lump it. We demand parity. Fairness. Respect.

Getting over our sovereign borders or making through the visa process is going to be much, much tougher than it has been in the past. If you don't like it, go to Canada. They are after all, still patsies. 

    

Don't look now, but the future just arrived

 

"I read an article recently which stated that even the more rudimentary tasks performed in an AI company will be performed by an AI robot. In other words, the robots will soon be taking over just about everything. How is that for your Future Shock? We are rapidly approaching a world in which we have no clue in how to live there. We might all end up with some kind of PTSD."

Just as on schedule, the humanoid robots are coming. Or should I say they are already here. One robotic specialist was interviewed on the news and said he knew they were coming but had no idea they were already here. Not prototypes - but "go to market" robots. Brimming with AI and an affordable price tag, they are ready to join the workforce in 2025 and become part of your family in 2026. All for about a lease price of $100/month.

What is that you say? $100 a month is too much to spent on a gimmick? Here is some good news for the frugal - skip the humanoid and get a robot dog. Yes, many companies are making robotic dogs for "companionship" and security. I know, I know - why get a fake dog, when you can still get a real one? Hint one - fake dogs don't eat. Hint two - (and this is a big one) - fake dogs don't poop. As the former owner of two labs, that one is YUGE!

Back to the humanoid robots. There are almost 20 companies right now which are making them. They all look different but act mostly the same. Some cost more than others, and some have features the others don't have. That being said, the object of making these things is having good reliability without a giant price tag.

If you think this whole robot thing is only a passing fad - it is not. Robots are not only possible today, but they are also plausible. Our military as well as other militaries will soon be loaded with robotics in everything. From planes to ships to subs to tanks to soldiers. And our manufacturing will be full of robotics. Less humans - more robots. China is already making that transition.

By 2030, we will also have more self-driving cars and self-driving trucks. We are now a stone's throw away from the world that futurists such as Alvin Toffler warned us about. We will have less people needed to work in the factories, less people needed to serve in the military, less people needed to logistically move products from point to point - bottom line is we will need less people to run our society. And then what?

I read an article recently which stated that even the more rudimentary tasks performed in an AI company will be performed by an AI bot. In other words, the robots and AI will soon be taking over just about everything. How is that for your Future Shock? We are rapidly approaching a world in which we have no clue in how to live there. We might all end up laying in a fetal position suffering with some kind of PTSD. Or - we may adapt to this robotic world and live like kings and queens, ruling over this land of the robots.

In any event, no time to think or ponder this issue too long. It is not only right around the corner, but also already here. Me? I might have to go out and buy a Tesla Dog.      

Oh, Canada! Now what?

 

"My opinion, for what it is worth. I have zero interest in absorbing eastern Canada. I have said this before, I have done business in Toronto and Montreal. Not a fan of either. But - I love, love. love the western part of Canada. Great people, great scenery, great resources. And as far as Mark Carney is concerned, he can go back to the EU."

Don't look now, but the country of Canada is in danger of becoming two separate nations. Why? Socialism. The fierce independent westerners want no more of all this woke, climate hoax BS coming out of Ottawa. This PM of Alberta is something else. She is going "pell mell" full speed ahead in getting the legal arguments drawn up for a split in 2026. The providences of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia would make up the new Country of "Free Canada". The rest of the nation could wallow under socialism.

But there is a random variable. Donald Trump. Remember him? He has a new offer on the table for Mark Carney. It seems that Carney is highly interested in coming under the aegis of our new Golden Dome. And Trump agreed that Canada can participate. Either pony up with part of the cost, or (from the milk of human kindness), Canada can participate for free. According to Fox.com, Trump will let them be free riders in exchange for becoming our 51st state.

I would have loved to see the look on Carney's face when he got that offer! But here is the deal folks (per Joe Biden's expression) - Canada might not have much of a choice. If Canada became our 51st state, not only would it save Canada as a whole, but also it might be the only way that Canada can stay together (as a state). If Alberta splits and becomes sovereign, there goes Canada's money. The lefties in Ottawa may hate the oil business, but it sure pays the bills! If Canada became our 51st state, not only would it save Canada as a whole, but also get rid of their goofy system of governance.

My opinion, for what it is worth. I have zero interest in absorbing eastern Canada. I have said this before, I have done business in Toronto and Montreal. Not a fan of either. But - I love, love. love the western part of Canada. Great people, great scenery, great resources. And as far as Mark Carney is concerned, he can go back to the EU. No offense Mark, but your story is so very yesterday. Time to move on into the new tomorrow Mark - and you are not part of that story.

Oh, Canada - we love you. You need us. We will treat you right. The west, we will take as is. The east, however, might need a national lobotomy. And living under Donald Trump as your president? Can't beat it. Never a dull moment.  

A legacy of the lost

This is the legacy of the lost. Lost? Joe lost his mind. The DNC lost their way. The country lost its values. And Harris lost the election. Somebody was asked on the news this weekend if this scandal will rock the Democrats so hard, it will be generations before they find power again. We can only hope and pray that it is true - that they stay lost.

Wow! We seem to have a full-blown conspiracy on our hands. It seems, based on some of the recently released books, that Joe Biden was AWOL as president. Checked out. Incapacitated. Even though he was technically still the president, the levers of power were being pulled by other's hands. Unelected others. And what was happening during the tenure of POTUS 46, is just now coming to light. And it is not pretty.

I have said this many times since the disastrous debate with Donald Trump. Joe Biden was a shell of a man. He had almost zero cognition. The debate was summed up when Trump said, "I have no idea what he just said - and I don't think he does either." Bingo!  It is a miracle to this day that Putin, Xi, the Norks or Iran did not take advantage of this rudderless ship and nuke us. All I can say, is the Almighty had his hand of protection over us.

It is a more minor miracle that Biden's cabinet did not initiate an Article 25 on Biden during his last year of his term. But here was the problem - neither Biden nor Harris was capable of running the country. And the cabinet? Loony tunes and fruits. So, who was running the country then? People have their suspicions. Maybe Hunter. Maybe Jill. Maybe a cabal of others. But Joe did not care. He was in la-la land on some beach in Delaware.

Trump had a good point when asked about this issue. Trump said he did not know who was running the White House. All he knows is this - nobody in their right mind would have opened our borders to millions of questionable people. Nobody. The person(s) responsible for this was either nutty or nefarious. Or both. Could it have been Biden? Maybe on a good day. But I am guessing the cabal using the autopen. 

This is the legacy of the lost. Lost? Joe lost his mind. The DNC lost their way. The country lost its values. And Harris lost the election. Somebody was asked on the news this weekend if this scandal will rock the Democrats so hard, it will be generations before they find power again. We can only hope and pray that it is true - that they stay lost.

    

"A hill worth dying for..."

 

"The men and women who gave all, wanted only one thing for America. Keep on being free. Enjoy this great land. Go on a picnic, or up to the cabin this weekend. But in the midst of this enjoyment, take some time, just to remember. That freedom is not free. That all give some, and some gave all. That's it - just remember the fallen on this weekend."  

On May 16th, we honored the fighting men and women of our Armed Forces. It was their day. Come November 11th, we will honor the veterans of our Armed Services, as that is their day. But today, on Memorial Day, we honor only the fallen. It is their sacrifice which reminds me of the often-used motto today - "Home of the free, BECAUASE of the brave". And the sons and daughters who gave all, were brave indeed.

A tag line often used in the business world, is if something being worth the effort and/or the risk, a question is asked: "Is this a hill worth dying for?" In other words, are you willing to risk it all, fight like hell, just to win? To succeed? Our brave men and women, who raised their right hands to take the oath, often times did not know what was ahead for them. Some knew they were going to be combat soldiers, and others did not. But the bottom line was this - when you serve in the Armed Forces, you sign up to defend this great land. No matter what it takes. Why? Because this is the hill worth dying for.

I served for 21 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve. I never saw combat up close. But shortly after I went in, I had the honor to be with a bunch of men who had been wounded in Viet Nam, some severely. I was in Balboa Naval Hospital in 1969 getting a hernia repaired. I had been in boot camp all of a month and had my Navy experience was only being with a bunch of boots. But that changed when I got to Balboa. I was in a 60-man open ward, and over half were recovering from wounds received in combat.

Some were lightly wounded, and some had terrible wounds. The Marine who was in the bed next to me, had been burned over most of his body. It was touch and go for him every day. And every day, his young wife would be by his bedside, holding his hand and talking to him. I was 19 and the Marine was just a few years older than me. His life had changed in an instant. My visit to Balboa was short, so I never did find out if he lived or died. But that was my first opportunity to see what "some gave all" really meant. 

This is a day to pause and remember. The combat soldiers, who are at the tip of the spear, know that every day could be life or death. A friend of mine I met right out of high school, went in the Army the same time I went in the Navy. He was young, good looking and smart. He wanted to be a Warrant Officer and fly choppers. He knew to do so, that would probably put him in Viet Nam. He lived his dream of flying choppers until it ended in the Central Highland of Viet Nam. He snagged a wire coming in for a landing, crashed and burned.

The men and women who gave all, wanted only one thing for America. Keep on being free. Enjoy this great land. Go on a picnic, or up to the cabin this weekend. But in the midst of this enjoyment, take some time, just to remember. That freedom is not free. That all give some, and some gave all. That's it - just remember the fallen on this weekend.  

 

80 years ago this month

"Over half a million US soldiers, sailors and airmen were killed or wounded in Europe during World War II. Collectively, the world swore 'never again' to this kind of carnage. Really? Is that true? Right now, in our most current war in Europe, over the past three years there have been over 1,000,000 killed or wounded in Ukraine."

I listened to Donald Trump's address to the West Point graduating class yesterday. The day before, JD Vance had addressed the Midshipmen on their graduation. Both ceremonies were high class and well done. One the things President Trump brought up was what happened this month in Europe eight years ago. On May 8th we celebrate VE (Victory in Europe), the remembrance of the end of World War II. We recognize that day, but not as much as they do in Europe - it is a holiday over there. What Trump was amazed at was simply this - without the entrance of the United States into that war, today everybody in Europe would be speaking German or maybe Russian.

This was the second time the United States had gone overseas to Europe to save their bacon. The first was World War I - the "Great War". As we know from history, that war came to an end on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Now in America, we call that day Veteran's Day. But have no doubt - in both of the world wars, the United States spilled a lot of blood in Europe just to keep them free.

Trump made up his mind before the West Point event. He was going to make the victory in Europe for World War II a national holiday in America. But since we already have a non-working holiday in May (Memorial Day), World War II VE day will be a working holiday. On Memorial Day, we remember all the fallen from all the wars. On World War II VE, we will remember the victors of that war - both living and dead.

80 years ago, this month. That is when the horrors of World War II came to an end in Europe. On April 30th, 1945, one of the vilest men to walk on this planet ended his own life. That was the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. In those 80 years since Germany surrendered, Germany has re-unified and become a strong ally of the United States. A cornerstone of NATO. Ironically, both Japan and Germany, arch enemies of ours in World War II, are now strong allies. Friends. Trading partners. 

Over half a million US soldiers, sailors and airmen were killed or wounded in Europe during World War II. Collectively, the world swore "never again" to this kind of carnage. Really? Is that true? Right now, in our most current war in Europe, over the past three years there have been over 1,000,000 killed or wounded in Ukraine. But wait - what happened to the outrage resulting from World War II? The Soviet Union (Russia) alone had 27 million killed or wounded. 

Memories are short. I guess that is why we have the famous quote, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

The demise of "Uncle Sap"

 

"This tariff thing has been an eye opener to many. I know it was to me. Like, how much in tariffs we are paying other countries, and how little we are charging them. How many trade roadblocks there are in other countries which hurt our trade. Trump has decided to stop this madness."

There is an old saying, that every hole has a bottom to it. For decades now, the US of A, has been spending money like a drunken sailor on just about everything. We even send billions of dollars to nations who hate us. Why? Beats me. Now, reality is setting in. The money is running out. That is, our money is running out because of the way we manage it. Now what?

Enter Donald Trump as POTUS 47. This is a huge mystery to him. In his mind, this nation should be rolling in the dough. We are rich beyond measure in natural resources. We have some of the smartest minds in the world living here. But there is a problem. Call it guilt or culling our greed, we get screwed by most of the other countries in the world. Including our friends. 

This tariff thing has been an eye opener to many. I know it was to me. Like, how much in tariffs we are paying other countries, and how little we are charging them. How many trade roadblocks there are in other countries which hurt our trade. Trump has decided to stop this madness. No more "Uncle Sap". He has mandated that tariffs be equal between trading partners. Plus, if other countries make their products here, we will charge zero tariffs. How is that working so far? Not well. Many of our "friends" are screaming like we just stuck them with a shive, rather than wanting to be treated equally. But Trump is sticking to his guns.

NATO is the same way. For years, many of the member states were nothing but "free riders". When Trump told them they (at a minimum) had to pay the 2% of their GDP they promised to pay, Trump was the bad guy. Once again, the US had been played as "Uncle Sap". In fact, not too long ago, Trump said maybe we don't need a NATO anymore. Too many countries are not taking it seriously. Trump was right - we can't be the policeman in Europe and guard against China's adventurism at the same time. We don't have the resources.

We also can't afford to keep throwing good money after bad for things like climate scams. Illegal immigration. We have been played for suckers with both of these gushers during Biden's term. All of a sudden, we have a national debt of $36.2T - and growing. Meanwhile, many of our seniors and our vets - are hurting. They too, need money. Somehow, they got shoved to the end of the line, when all these other boondoggles came before them. Donald Trump thinks that is wrong and should be fixed.

Is this the demise of "Uncle Sap"? It better be, as if it is not, it will be the demise of the USA. It is as simple as that. MAGA!

  

"Feel with your heart, think with your brain"

 

"The next time you get in a discussion (argument) with somebody on the left, have patience. Even when patience is hard to come by. The folks on the left are wired wrong. The switch never flipped while growing up. That 'becoming a conservative thing' never happened."

I am betting that most of us have all heard this while growing up. "Think with your head, feel with your heart". Wise words for sure. Okay - then if most of us have heard this, what is the problem with many on the left today? Quit simply this - over the years, the left has forgotten about what the brain is for. They use their hearts to think, feel and act. What happened to them?

There is no doubt that we live in a confusing world today. Hands down fact. To ferret out what is what, takes total concentration. Good solid thinking. Constant re-evaluation on the "rightness" of our conclusions. Not a light task for sure. But in just about every political discussion (argument) I witness between the Republicans and Democrats (right vs. left), I see a battle between the brain and the heart.

Here is another example of a famous quote from yesteryear. Who is the original author is up for debate. "If you are not a liberal at 25, you have no heart. If you are not a conservative at 35, you have no brain." No matter whomever came up with this quote, it has been around for a while. Maybe an American came up with it, maybe not. In any event, most would agree there is a kernel of truth contained in it.

What we are seeing today on many of our more liberal campuses, are students who act like out-of-control spoiled brats. The art of debate has been replaced with slash and burn. Burn it all down (check out Minneapolis after the Floyd incident). And guess what? Things have not changed one iota since May of 2020. Our nation has become unhinged with wacky movements, and overrun with millions of illegal immigrants, some of which are very violent. The Republicans (using their brains) say this is wrong - unsustainable. Wacky movements as well as millions of illegals is just plain wrong. The Democrats (not using their brains) like what is going on. They rejoice in it. They believe it is good for our nation. SMH on this one!

The next time you get in a discussion (argument) with somebody on the left, have patience. Even when patience is hard to come by. The folks on the left are not wired like us. Their "switch" never flipped while growing up. That "becoming a conservative thing" never happened. They have stayed in the 1960's. Berkley. Revolution for the hell of it (Abbie Hoffman). Many act like spoiled brats.

Where do we go from here? The Republicans with their brains want nothing to do with Democrat and their hearts, many of which are not wired the right way. By the same token, the Democrats think Republicans and their brains are Neanderthal in nature. We are as different as the east is from the west. Nary the two shall meet. National divorce? Looking better all the time.

Is a wink as good as a nod to a blink horse?

"As I was deep in my musings yesterday, when it was touch and go if this bill was going to pass the House, I had this thought: Would it not be wonderful, if once - just once, the Republicans could vote in lock step like the Democrats do. If that were the case, all the drama would have been gone. Stefanik would have been in her office at the UN."

Somehow, in the middle of the night. the Big Beautiful Bill passed by the skin of its teeth. Passed the House by one vote. Who was the hero is getting this thing passed? Many, but one who is not getting any praise in the press was the cornerstone of this victory. Elise Stefanik, when after offering her the Ambassador to the UN post, Trump asked her not to take it. She might be needed in the House to get this very combustible bill passed. And she was.

Does it really matter how much it passed by? After all, as the old saying goes, "Is not a wink as good as a nod to a blind horse?" I mean, a year from now, will anybody care should this bill also pass the Senate and get signed into law? It should be (that would be a should be) easier in the Senate as the margin is bigger for the Republicans. Not that much bigger, but still bigger. The goal remains to have this bill through the House and Senate and then signed by the president NLT July 4th of this year.

As I was deep in my musings yesterday, when it was touch and go if this bill was going to pass the House, I had this thought: Would it not be wonderful, if once - just once, the Republicans could vote in lock step like the Democrats do. If that were the case, all the drama would have been gone. Stefanik would have been in her office at the UN. Passage of this bill through both the House and the Senate would have been a slam dunk.

But reality is simply this. As the president states, we have some "grandstanders" in our ranks. Rather than being team players, they like to be the "turd in the punchbowl". Perhaps the biggest turd in the punchbowl always seems to be Representative Massie of Kentucky. He pretends to be a deficit hawk, but in real life he is nothing but a grandstander. He is of zero help to the president or the party. The odd thing is, should he switch parties and become a Democrat, nobody would notice.

In the middle of all this high stakes poker, the Defense Department officially accepted the 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar. Now we can park one of our 40-year-old relic 747s in the back of the lot. Are the Democrats done screaming about this as yet? Not a chance - that will keep up until Trump's term is over. Why? Because Trump got to use it, and not Biden. Maybe that is because all is fair in love and war - and politics.   

 

Will the Golden Dome really work?

  

"I remember what Reagan said about Star Wars. He told the world he would share the technology for Star Wars once ours was complete. Why? It would make a nuclear war obsolete. Too bad it was just a ruse. If it was for real, and we had it, the Golden Dome would already be in place. But in the 1980's, the technology was not there. But it is today. But will it work?"

Most of us graybeards remember the days of Ronald Wilson Reagan with fondness. He did a great many good things when he was president. Taking down the Soviet Union (without firing a shot) was his greatest accomplishment. Plus - he did it with some subterfuge. What do you mean subterfuge? Star Wars. The "Golden Dome" of the 1980's. It was going to be space based and put an end to the threat of nuclear war. We would have it, and the Soviets would not. It was a grand plan, except for one minor flaw - it was all smoke and mirrors. There was no SDI or Star Wars system. But it spooked the Soviets enough to cry "Uncle" and then dissolve.

Now flash forward to today. Donald Trump has long been a fan of Israel's Iron Dome system. Although it does not work 100% of the time, it works enough of the time to spare Israel death and destruction from missiles and drones coming in from Iran and/or Iran's proxies. Trump, who always thinks big, started to wonder if Israel, the size of New Jersey, can have the Iron Dome to protect itself, why can't America have one much bigger? Thus, as soon as Trump was sworn in as POTUS 47, he instructed his Secretary of Defense (Hegseth) to come up with a plan for a Golden Dome to protect America. And he did.

Wait - what? Is this Golden Dome another canard just like Reagan's Star Wars? Or is the Golden Dome truly going to be the big brother to the Iron Dome? Hegseth has already picked a four-star general from the Space Force to be the project manager of this behemoth. It will cost somewhere between $175B and $500B over twenty years. The goal is to have the first part of the Golden Dome operational by the time Trump's term is up. But will it work? Even against the new hypersonic missiles? That is the $64,000 question.

The Chinese are already starting to complain about this Golden Dome. If we build it, and if China does not, it might tip the results should we ever go to war with each other. My response? Go ahead China - build your own (if you can). Or better yet, ensure that your country never goes to war with us. 

I remember what Reagan said about Star Wars. He told the world he would share the technology for Star Wars once ours was complete. Why? It would make a nuclear war obsolete. Too bad it was just a ruse. If it was for real, and we had it, the Golden Dome would already be in place. But in the 1980's, the technology was not there. But it is today. But will it work?

Maybe. Is sure is worth the gamble to build it. For the sake of our kids and grandies, we should build it. Let's take the entire nightmare of a nuclear war off the table.  

    

Time for the carrot and then the stick for Russia

"Going forward towards 2030, Putin is the wild card. He is unhinged and demented. At least Xi has enough common sense to look at the welfare of his people. Putin does not. It is after all, all about him. Not about the average Russian family, who already may have lost a son in this meatgrinder of a war."

There is an old saying - "So and so would like to move on but still has one foot stuck in the tar." Yesterday, Trump talked to Putin for two hours about a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine. It was a phone call, but sure was not "beautiful". What does Putin want? More than can be offered. The analogy is this - somebody breaks into your house when you are on vacation. That intruder was living there. He has control of your house AND your car. In a negotiation with law enforcement, the intruder agrees to give back your house, but not your car. That is where negotiations are right now. Russia wants to keep Crimea and the Donbas Area of Ukraine. You know - that whole "spoils of war" thing. Putin has one foot stuck in the tar of Ukraine. 

I have said this before about this war in Ukraine - Putin will not concede an inch if he believes he is winning. And even though the brave soldiers of Ukraine have fought valiantly, going forward it is strictly a numbers game. In other words, without the help of a third party (or parties), Ukraine cannot win. Russia will prevail and take Ukraine as its own. Why? Russia has more men and equipment than Ukraine does.

And because Russia has thousands of nukes at its disposal, should third parties enter to help Ukraine fend off the Russians, Putin could take the nuclear genie out of the bottle. Then we are in a real-life World War III. What can Trump do? What could he offer Russia to stand down? More sanctions? Putin just blows those off. With the carrot and the stick, neither seems to be working with Russia. Time is on Putin's side, and he is slowly turning Ukraine into dust.

Back to my analogy of the intruder. It galls many (including myself) to offer Putin ANYTHING since his gains in Ukraine are ill-begotten. Putin deserves NOTHING except maybe a trail in the Hauge. And honestly, if Russia did not have nukes, NATO would have driven him out of Ukraine months ago - maybe years ago. But Putin does have nukes, and besides thinking he can win in Ukraine, he also thinks his nukes could win World War III for him. And that is the real scary part.

Going forward towards 2030, Putin is the wild card. He is unhinged and demented. At least Xi has enough common sense to look at the welfare of his people. Putin does not. It is after all, all about him. Not about the average Russian family, who already may have lost a son in this meatgrinder of a war. What would be the ultimate stick for Putin since he has no interest in carrots? I think we all know the answer to that one. 

   

How House Republicans are perceived...

 

"Even Republican purists like Chip Roy might have to take one for the team. Vote to get this bill passed. Same with Rand Paul. Be a team player. Keep your eye on the prize. It we screw this up, after having control of the House, Senate and White House, the MAGA types who live on these fruited plains and fully support our President - will show no mercy in 2026 at the ballot box."  

In the picture above is what is known as a "cat nap". While the President is going 120 mph getting tons of stuff done for the American people, the typical House Republicans are perceived to be no more than this sleeping cat. Doing nothing. While the House Democrats continue to grandstand and gaslight (we would expect no more from them), House Republicans continue to snooze. Why? Good question. They have one job, and one job only. And they are not doing it. 

Maybe I should refresh what that one job is for the Republicans. Stick together like glue. Vote as a monolith to support the President's budget. Same with Senate Republicans. No more straying off the reservation. How do you vote like a monolith? Just copy the Democrats. It really is that easy.

Here is the problem with some of the Republican "Budget Hawks". They want more cuts in the "Big, Beautiful Bill". But here is the problem with that. Over the past few decades, we have allowed federal dollars to seep into every nook and cranny of everything. Hence, when cuts are made, it leaves holes in services that many people need. When that happens, the chattering class begins to howl, and the press is merciless on the Republicans who voted for the cuts. Thus, the "Big, Beautiful Bill" still has some fat in it. 

My solution is to pass this bill as it is. Get the Trump temporary tax cuts solidified going forward. Get the middle-class tax cuts etched in stone. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on social security. Once this bill is passed into law, then next year the focus can be different. Cuts need to be made, but with a sharp knife, not a hacksaw. 

Some of what the Democrats have been ranting about is starting to stick, however. The Tax Foundation estimates that the top 10% of the taxpayers pay 72% of all taxes collected. However, current polling suggests the wealthy are not paying enough taxes. Ergo, that is where the problem lies. And this "Big Beautiful Bill" will only give the rich more money. Nothing for the middle class - only the fat cats will benefit. And as most of the folks who have not been brainwashed realize - that is totally false.

Even Republican purists like Chip Roy might have to take one for the team. Vote to get this bill passed. Same with Rand Paul. Be a team player. Keep your eye on the prize. It we screw this up, after having control of the House, Senate and White House, the MAGA types who live on these fruited plains and fully support our President - will show no mercy in 2026 at the ballot box.  

 

The Legacy of the Raptor

"All I have to say is WOW! Even though I am a retired sailor, I have always been fascinated with fighter jets. Ever since the Viet Nam War, when the F-4 Phantom was the plane to be feared. Today, one can only wonder what is next."

An interesting thing happened on the way to replacing the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. Lockheed won the award for the replacement plane - a new sexy thing called the F-22 Raptor. It was quite the plane, and the Air Force wanted to buy almost 400 of them. But after building about half of the almost 400 Raptors, the budget thing happened again. Too expensive, so pull the plug. Lockheed ended up building 195 Raptors, of which about 100 are still in service today.

But this first of the fifth-generation fighter, was something more than just another plane. It was very, very special. A true game changer. Today, after being in service for 20 years, it can still fly rings around most of the other planes in the sky. But wait - if this plane was so special, why not build more of them? Because - that train has left the station. Right now, Lockheed is working on the F-35 (which they are selling many of them), and the upcoming sixth-generation fighter.

But wait a minute! Is not the first of the sixth-generation fighters going to be built by Boeing? The new F-47 NGAD? Yes and no. The Raptor has been so good, so special, Lockheed is planning on making a Super F-22 Raptor going forward. Taking this fifth-generation fighter and making it look and act more like a sixth-generation fighter. And by using an existing airframe like the existing F-22, Lockheed feels they can sell this to the Air Force, much cheaper than the F-47 NGAD.

But that is not all that is going on in the minds of Lockheed. The F-35 Lightening has been so very successful for Lockheed, the idea of modifying it into a dual engine version of the F-35 with some sixth-generation features is gaining some traction. Even Donald Trump is interested. What? Is there a problem here? Could a F-35 with two engines (to be called the F-55) be even more lethal? Sure could. But money. Where will the money come from to have the growing assortment of planes in our inventory?

I have said this before. Right now, more than any other time, we have an embarrassment of riches in top quality fighter jets. Hands down truth. And I am not even counting the new SR-72 Darkstar, which could also be used in combat as well as spying. Plus, the aging F-15 has been given new life as the F-15EX Golden Eagle. This plane is now the most capable fourth-generation fighter in the world. So, we need to throw that plane into the mix also.

All I have to say is WOW! Even though I am a retired sailor, I have always been fascinated with fighter jets. Ever since the Viet Nam War, when the F-4 Phantom was the plane to be feared. Today, one can only wonder what is next.

Rumor has it however, when and if a seventh-generation fighter is introduced, it will be dual purposed. What does that mean? It will be able to be "air breathing" and also have the ability to fly in low Earth orbit. A space plane? Stay turned - that might be next in the offering. 

  

  

"Time is running out for Iran"

 

"Time is running out for Iran. The world is moving on. Terrorism is nothing more than a relic from the past. Today, it is commerce over conflict. However, to get there, some conflict might still be needed. If Trump needs to act, it will be swift, complete, and overwhelming."

Iran may not know this right now, but Donald Trump has offered them the "Golden Ticket" (so to speak). All of Iran's past sins (and there are legions), will be forgiven. Donald Trump has his hand out, ready to give Iran a hand up. Join the league of nations in the Middle East. Make peace with Israel. Grow up - be normal. But this offer has a ticking clock attached to it. It is a perishable offer. Should Iran not accept this offer - well, all hell will break loose. And soon.

The speech he gave this week about his vision for the Middle East was wonderful. Syria also received a "Golden Ticket". All sanctions lifted. Again, redemption was present at that meeting. This former terrorist, who once had a huge bounty on his head, now the President of Syria, was given a new lease on life. However, if Syria's new leader "played us", and is not the change agent that Syria needs right now, Trump will show Syria the stick and not the carrot.

But Iran is the country looking down the barrel of the shotgun right now. We have 1/2 dozen B-2 bombers in the area right now, with the appropriate bunker busters which could turn Iran's nuclear dream into a nuclear nightmare. Both Netanyahu and Trump have been as clear as a bell on this issue - Iran will NOT be allowed to have a nuclear bomb. If they get within days of having enough enriched uranium to make a single nuke, Israel and the US will bomb Iran back into the stone ages. But that is the last resort for Trump.

Iran would be a fool not to take Trump's offer. Iran would be a bigger fool to play Trump by wasting time. Like Trump has said more than once - this is a perishable offer. Live in a new and regenerated Persian Empire or have lots of Iranian blood in your deserts. Have no doubt - if war is the only alternative, both Israel and the US will make sure that Iran's nuclear program is 100% eliminated. Period. 

Time is running out for Iran. The world is moving on. Terrorism is nothing more than a relic from the past. Today, it is commerce over conflict. However, to get there, some conflict might still be needed. If Trump needs to act, it will be swift, complete, and overwhelming. Iran - be smart going forward. Don't test Trump. Just ask General Soleimani if you doubt me.

 

 

One works for peace and prosperity; the other yearns for war and misery

 

"This week has been possibly the best week of Donald Trump's life in politics. It was win, win, win all the way. How was it for Putin? The same as always. An isolated guy with dirty oil to sell and a worn-down military, mired in an endless war with another country." 

Trump has said this more than once since he was sworn in as POTUS 47, he wants to be remembered as a peace maker. One who not only can maintain the peace, but where there is war, he wants to help end it. So far - so good. He is much the same as he was during POTUS 45, only his style and mannerisms are much better this time around. That bullet which almost took Trump's life - changed him. Mellowed him. Sharpened his focus. How much so? Just check out what Trump got done in one short week in the Middle East.

Trump wants to do whatever he can to help put an end to the killing in Ukraine. This is a "stupid war" (Trump's words) and should end right now. Way too many young men on both sides are dying horrible deaths. And Iran and its proxies - he has a plan for Iran. He wants Iran to be successful, and the USA stands ready to help. All Iran has to do is get rid of his nuclear bomb ambitions. Plus, stop funding its radical proxies. When the funding stops, the mayhem the proxies are unleashing on Israel will stop. But just to be clear - it is the carrot and the stick for Iran. Right now, Trump is offering the carrot. Should Iran continue on its present course, Trump has promised the stick. And he will use it.

Putin on the other hand, is the town bully. He has turned over the applecart in Europe. He has as much interest in peace, as he does having another colonoscopy. Just this week, Zelenskyy flew to Turkey to meet with Putin to discuss truce or a lasting peace. Putin was a no-show. Why? Maybe Putin thinks he is winning the war. Maybe he does not want peace - only an absolute victory. Trump was in the neighborhood and offered to meet with both of them. That never happened as Putin never showed. Poor form by a man who exhibits poor form every day.

Both Germany and Poland are afraid this war in Ukraine will not end well. Ukraine will fall, and then Russia will set its sights on the Balkans or maybe even Poland. After that, maybe Germany. By chasing war instead of peace, Putin is now isolated. Even Xi of China has just about had it with him. The deal Trump is making with the new Syria, excludes Russia. Period. Thus, Putin is an island. He is toxic. 

The contrast between Trump and Putin right now is stark. Trump is winning friends and winning business. Putin is losing just about everything. However, the stubborn part of Putin thinks he can still win the war with Ukraine. No matter the cost to Russia in blood and treasure. 

This week has been possibly the best week of Donald Trump's life in politics. It was win, win, win all the way. How was it for Putin? The same as always. An isolated guy with dirty oil to sell and a worn-down military, mired in an endless war with another country. 

There is one caveat about Donald Trump, however. Even though he sees himself as a peace maker and peacekeeper, there is an exception. {If I may paraphrase as bit}, "If you hurt my country, or the people who live there, or hurt our partners, our military will show you power you won't believe - and I won't even think twice about using it." Now that - is peace through strength.       

Our days of wine and roses

"This week might go down in history as the week which changed the world. Peace through strength. Trust yet verify. Commerence over conflict. No more endless wars. Armed conflict between nations is becoming so yesterday. Progress, using quantum computing, AI and robots - are the wave of our futures." 

It is hard to believe that just six months ago, our country was in such a mess. But no longer. The new motto of "commerce, not conflict" is spreading like wildfire throughout the land. Instead of pouring our tax dollars, trillions of them, down a dry hole called the "green new scam", Donald Trump is encouraging nations of the world to invest in our great land. Tariffs have helped, but the real driver on these new investments belong to one person - Donald Trump.

This week for sure has been the quintessential "days of wine and roses". Saudi Arabia, Qatar, our military base in Qatar and finally UAE. It has been nothing short of a love fest. The objective was to reset the board (so to speak), on the Middle East. Encourage more membership in the Abraham Accords. Recognize Syria as a new country with a new beginning. Encourage Iran to join the civilized world and ditch any plans to build a nuke. And while doing all of this, the president is going to bring home trillions of dollars in investments, a new Air Force One, and orders for Boeing and General Electric which are both YUGE!

Here is the ironic part of this trip. Joe Biden about drove this country into bankruptcy, brown outs and black outs to destroy our oil and gas industry and develop windmills instead. He insulted the Saudis and turned his back on the Middle East. But no thanks to Biden, Donald Trump had a great partnership meeting with the Saudis this week. The Saudis are going to become an AI powerhouse. To do that, data centers with LOTS of power will be needed. That LOTS of power will take oil, gas, nuclear, and yes - green energy. The Saudis will use all of them - without going bankrupt.

This week might go down in history as the week which changed the world. Peace through strength. Trust yet verify. Commerence over conflict. No more endless wars. Armed conflict between nations is becoming so yesterday. Progress, using quantum computing, AI and robots - are the wave of our futures. Tomorrow's miracles, using today's developing technologies, belong to all of us. Not just a few select countries or governments. 

It is ironic, that Lee Greenwood is along to sing Trump's signature song, "Proud to be an American". In my spare time this week, I have been "glued to the tube" to watch these historic meetings. Some of which have sent chills up my spine. It has been years since I have seen a real peacemaker in action. Seeing Donald Trump in action, truly makes me "proud to be an American."  

"Besties", for sure

 

"Love him or not, Donald Trump is reshaping the world. He is a Renaissance Man who loves to live and work with others of the same ilk. As Victor Davis Hanson has said, Trump is a once in a generation president. Time to sit back and enjoy the show, because what we have in the White House right now, is very special. Very special indeed." 

Well, the first leg of the trip is now history. Was it a success? All that and a whole bunch more! Trump came to the Arabian Peninsula bearing gifts. What kind of gifts? About half his cabinet, some of the smartest AI folks on the planet, and of course - himself. The gifts we brought we intangible. Friendship, opportunities, and vision. Why was this important? Because things are changing. The Saudis are changing. Opportunities are changing. And Trump is right on top of all of it.

Striking a deal, be it new or otherwise, can be daunting if your relationship with the other side is acerbic. Or even love/hate. However, if you have an excellent relationship, as does Trump and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, then things are very smooth. And both sides have to offer what the other side needs. Trump wants more Saudi investment in America. The Saudis want more AI knowledge. AI knowledge? For what?

Back to things are changing. The oil barons of the Middle East are now looking at other sources of energy to supplement oil. Why? Because the Saudis are looking over the horizon on what tomorrow will bring. Their desire is to be a world powerhouse in AI. As such, massive data centers will be required. These data centers will require a ton of power to operate. Initially, the Saudis will use their oil for power. But they also realize oil won't be enough. They want to explore all forms of energy. Smart move.

The Saudis have pledged just over 1/2 trillion in investments to the US. Trump is still trying to persuade them to up it to $1T. Maybe. With the addition of the Emirate as well at Qatar, the total investments coming out of the Peninsula will be close to $2T. As the expression goes, "That's not nothing, and it is much more than something!"

Trump continues to be full of surprises. The Saudis also invited the new head of Syria to attend this meeting. Trump met him and then informed him the US wants Syria to succeed. Therefore, he is removing all the punitive sanctions he had put on Syria since the bad old days. A new start, a fresh start for a reborn country. This was a perfect thing to do at this point in time. It pleased the Saudis - a lot.

What does this renewed friendship do to our relationship with Israel? Nothing. In fact, one of Trump's objectives during this term is to get another leg of the Abraham Accord signed. That would be the one between Israel and the Saudis. Can it happen? Probably, but the prolonged war in Gaza might be a stumbling block. The Saudis want peace in their neighborhood. Iran and its proxies are impediments to peace. 

Love him or not, Donald Trump is reshaping the world. He is a Renaissance Man who loves to live and work with others of the same ilk. As Victor Davis Hanson has said, Trump is a once in a generation president. Time to sit back and enjoy the show, because what we have in the White House right now, is very special. Very special indeed. 

All the money in the world...

"In any event, the powers that be are putting on the dog this week in the Middle East. Money will flow, and the pomp and circumstance will be in full bloom. It is expected the president will come home with a full bag of goodies for growing our growing domestic business base. Plus - he might just come home with a new Air Force One to boot."    

Here we are, with President Trump having his first real trip overseas since becoming POTUS 47. Can I just say this? It is only his first, and it is going to be a doozy. He is going to visit the Saudis (first), and then UAE and Qatar. What is the purpose of this meeting? Abraham Accord? Peace deal in Ukraine or Gaza? No and no. This is a business trip. A money trip. The three nations Trump is visiting are anxious to invest more in the American Dream, and many American businessmen are anxious to invest more in the Middle East. Sounds like a good marriage to me.

Can we just clear the air on this very important point first? The Saudis love Donald Trump. They loved him as POTUS 45 and maybe even more so as POTUS 47 Why? They speak the same language - money. Biden? The Saudis would not give him the time of day at 12 noon. Why? First off, he called the Saudi prince (MBS) a "pariah". Plus, Biden did not want any Saudi oil - only windmills and solar panels. Biden quickly became a non-factor in the Middle East. The great American MISTAKE.

Trump is expected to come home with over a trillion dollars of new business offerings. Business to set up shop in the US and employ thousands of Americans. By the same token, more American business opportunities are expected to be offered to the rich oil barons who populate the Middle East. Money will be flowing like water - or oil in this case. But there also might be a huge bonus in this entire trip.

As most know by now, Trump tried to upgrade both of the Air Force One 747's during his first term. He started the ball rolling, and Biden did nothing to keep it rolling. Boeing, who seems to have lost the recipe on how to build stuff, flubbed up the order. Bottom line - we have two forty-year-old jets used to haul our President and his staff around. Qatar got wind of this and had a solution.

The Royal Family of Qatar, who is rolling in the dough, has an extra 747-8 just sitting around. This luxury jet goes for about $400M. The Royal Family would like to gift this plane to the USA to be used for Trump's Air Force One. No strings attached - just a gift. It would need to go through some modifications, testing and a new paint job, but what a deal! But what does the Washington chattering class have to say about this?

"You are breaking the Emoluments Clause!" they are crying out. "You are corrupt" the Democrats are squealing. But here is the deal. This plane is not for Donald Trump. It is for our DOD. They are the ones who manage Air Force One duties. Trump can use it, but it will not belong to him. At the end of his term, the plane can be retired and sent to a museum - like Trump's Presidental Library. Will that satisfy the Trump haters in Washington? Absolutely not! 

In any event, the powers that be are putting on the dog this week in the Middle East. Money will flow, and the pomp and circumstance will be in full bloom. It is expected the president will come home with a full bag of goodies for our growing domestic business base. Plus - he might just come home with a new Air Force One to boot!    

Did China just blink first?

 

"Yes, China did blink first. And good on them for doing it. Now we can cross this natty issue off the list. Let's get India, Japan and South Korea done now. It is nice living in the Golden Age of America. The Democrats should join us - they might like it."      

To paraphrase that wi-fi commercial, "The stock market is BOOMING"! Yes folks, just when the Democrats thought they could earn some points by saying Trump is sowing chaos into our market, the Chinese (on the verge of economic collapse), just blinked in our trade war. And just like that, the market futures (DOW), up over 800 points this morning. 

What just happened? Both sides agreed with the sky-high tariffs they were charging each other, trade became almost impossible. Ships were hitting out west coast from China, basically empty. It was hurting us but killing the Chinese. Why? Without our market to sell to, other markets are small in comparison. Chinese workers were out of work. Factories were idle. To keep the lid on, China wanted to have some honest trade talks. 

This is not a final deal, but it could or should turn out that way. It is a 90 day pause with both parties going back to a normal tariff. That would be 10% charged by both sides. In addition, so long as fentanyl keeps coming in from China, an additional 20% will be charged by the US. But things will change. We will still onshore many items that China has made for us - especially our meds. Also, this IP theft has GOT TO STOP. I look for new language in the new trade agreement which will address that issue. 

None of these issues would have even been addressed with China if Trump had not declared Liberation Day. That is a cold hard fact. We already have a great deal with the UK and are on the path to an excellent deal with China. It has been leaked out by the Trump team that this week we could see a hand full or more deals get settled. PLUS - our negotiator in chief is meeting with the Saudis this week. It will be interesting to see what Doanld Trump comes home with.

Now a word about Steve Witkoff. This guy, even though he is not involved in the trade negotiations, is involved in the real tough nation against nation negotiations. He was just in Russia meeting with Putin (again) to try and put some meat on the bones of a better and more reliable peace agreement in Ukraine. And he probably had something to do with getting our last American hostage released from Hamas. Oh, and he might have had something to do with getting the India-Pakistan dust up resolved.

I look at the team that Donald Trump has put together in every category this time around and am amazed. He got the best of the best and everyone is a perfect fit for the job assigned. Even Hegseth? Just ask the Houthis (what is left of them) about Hegseth. He bombed them into submission. No more attacking our ships in the Red Sea. But if they do, the non-stop bombing will continue. 

Yes, China did blink first. And good on them for doing it. Now we can cross this natty issue off the table. Let's get India, Japan and South Korea done now. It is nice living in the Golden Age of America. The Democrats should join us - they might like it.      

Home of the free, land of the - robots?

"We are either at the beginning of the end or the beginning of the beginning of a new age. Work is only part of it. What we will learn in schools will have to be different than what is taught today. But here is the scary part. As AI evolves from AI to AGI, and onto ASI, robots will not only work repetitive jobs for us - they will also begin to think for us. And then what?" 

Saw an interesting interview with a young man who was just let go from Amazon. He lived a long way from the distribution center, so he would sleep in his car until the weekend. He worked hard and believed in the company. Then all of a sudden - he was let go. Why? Did he not work hard enough? He did, but he was replaced. By a robot.

We can talk all we want about adding thousands of well-paying jobs to our payrolls. This next week, our president will be in the Middle East trying to woo some more companies to come over and do business with us - here. Remember - no tariffs if they do. But here is where the clash of realities come together. Currently, we have many, thousands in fact, good jobs which are unfilled. Why? No takers. Or the takers who are interested do not have the right background, skill set, or attitude. Thus, many of these well-paying jobs go unfilled.

Buckle up for this one. This is only the beginning. Soon many jobs will be replaced by AI and robot fueled automation. Just about every futurist will parrot that fact. Jobs will come back to America, and some will be done by Americans. The others will be filled by non-humans. Robots, filled with AI. 

But don't we want as many manufacturing jobs brought back here as possible? Absolutely - it is part of our national security. But know that in all probability, these American manufacturing jobs will filled by a mixture of humans and non-humans. In addition, more and more jobs in agribusiness will be done by non-humans.

Can't we just turn back the clock, and have things the way they once were? Dad going to work at a factory, working a forty-hour week, maybe some occasional overtime? But that was then and this is now. Work is going to change. Society is going to change. Leisure time is going to change. Basically, once AI and robots become more prolific, everything will change. Even warfare will change.

We are either at the beginning of the end or the beginning of the beginning of a new age. Work is only part of it. What we will learn in schools will have to be different than what is taught today. But here is the scary part. As AI evolves from AI to AGI, and onto ASI, robots will not only work repetitive jobs for us - they will also begin to think for us. And then what? 

     

COFA for Greenland? Maybe...

"Greenland - for your sake and ours, let us hurry and get you in our orbit. Trust me, you need it. We need to have you. If Russia wants you instead of us, Russia will not be as nice about the way they go about it. Just ask the good people of Ukraine."  

Is Greenland "off the table" for the US? Maybe not. The wheels have been turning how to get Greenland in our orbit without ticking off everyone from the Danish to Greenland itself. As much as Donald Trump would like to tuck this very large island under our wing as a state or a territory, it is looking more and more like that will not happen. So, now what? Maybe a COFA?

What is a COFA? It stands for a Compact of Free Association. It is an agreement we would have with Greenland where we would provide Greenland with essential services, military protection, and duty-free trade. With all of that, Greenland would still maintain its independence. This is the important point - even though Denmark still thinks it has control over Greenland, Greenland wants independence. Ergo, that is why we have an agreement promising military protection. An independent Greenland would not be a part of NATO, even though Denmark is. 

We already have COFA agreements with places like the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands are important to us, thus the need for a COFA. Greenland is also important to us - very important. It seems that much of the future action will take place in the Artic. We have some Artic exposure with Alaska, Canada has a bunch, and so does Greenland. Get the picture? This is why Trump is leaning so hard on Canada, as well as Greenland. If we don't get much of the Artic secured near term, then it could be Russia or China making a play for it.

Having a COFA would also give us more leverage with future mineral deals with Greenland. We could mine valuable minerals and then split the proceeds with an independent Greenland. With that scenario, everybody wins. 

The world continues to change. Enemies from yesteryear are close allies today. Russia, who once was our "friend", is now the world's bad boy. And China, who helped us during WWII, is no longer to be trusted. Going forward, we need new friends. Close friends, who we can depend upon.

It is a very dangerous world. Look what just erupted between India and Pakistan. Our intelligence services are suspecting that Russia will launch a surprise offensive during the cease fire they called in Ukraine. And Gaza? Still a got mess.

Greenland - for your sake and ours, let us hurry and get you in our orbit. Trust me, you need it. We need to have you. If Russia wants you instead of us, Russia will not be as nice about the way they go about it. Just ask the good people of Ukraine.