if you disagree with the GOP on this
the opposite is
"unlawful and unnecessary"
not
TROUBLING

What's frightening is that some GOP lawmakers call the boat strikes "lawful". Common sense (oh and the military code of conduct) cannot be more clear on this matter.

indeed. it is amazing what humans can rationalize

the Admiral had an hour to consider the second strike
and a third

even the first was illegal

The problem with the party is not messaging, it's the lack of character and courage of the leaders and pols in DC, as well as their policies..

21 hours ago, macphysto said:

Cap'n, you keep using "should" in your rebuttal, which, for me , makes your argument academic. Step outside your ivory tower and put on some sunglasses because the light that you are going toward is blinding you to How the World Really Is.

What people should do is very different from what people do, will do, or want to do. People should eat a "balanced diet" of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and chocolate chip cookies . . . okay, maybe not that last one. But do they?

People should drive with their hands at "ten and two," not "gun it" at a yellow light, and keep one car length for every 10 mph behind the car in front of them*. But do they?

People should "do unto others." But do they?

you realize that you are saying i "shouldn't" say what people "should or shouldn't do." It's a theme you keep circling back to, unnecessarily. We decided people "should" drive within the speed limit, and we enforce it. We say people should eat right, but don't enforce it, because we "shouldn't," so we don't. But we "should" continue to inform people what they "should" be eating for their physical and mental health.

our whole society rightly evolves by telling each other what we SHOULD do. And i will continue to do exactly that. It will include me telling me what i should do, as well as you, voters and politicians.

imo, you should focus your sharp mind on each new issue confronting us without wrestling with semantics shaped by, perhaps, past experiences. but it's just a suggestion. not a law. you're free to be you (the key, in my often expressed opinion, is separating from ego to connect with the real you, apart from your experiential programming)

"V.3
. . . It will include me telling me what i should do, as well as you, voters and politicians.

On 1/17/2026 at 3:58 PM, macphysto said:

Well, I, for one, am keenly interested in knowing how that modus vivendi works out for you, Cap'n. Has it actually been successful?

no.

well, actually, it does work pretty well on myself