Absolutely. The value of the intelligence is immeasurable. You also have to credit the ingenuity of the Ukrainians. We are also learning that the Russian military is not as powerful as we thought.
Great conversation with Charlie Sykes and Paul Rieckhoff. Much more in-depth analysis than one can get anywhere else. Paul was telling the real story of how America has failed in prior military engagements, as well as failing the men and women of the military in the past. Failing the veterans of today. He made a strong argument for the draft which I have always agreed with. I was drafted and served in Vietnam. Did I want to go, no. Would I have joined the military voluntarily, no. Do I think the draft into the military or mandatory public service for all 18 year olds is good policy, good for the country, good for the draftee, yes. It doesn’t have to be specifically the military, it can be structured public service programs where the inductees do 2 years service in a communal residential and working environment, working for the country. Bring young people from all walks of life, from every corner of the country for public service. The reward, free four years of state college.
I do not and never will support The Oath-Breaking SoB and the Federalist Society in their march into a neo-Nazi state.
I question his statement that the recent U.S. air strike "obliterated" Iran's nuclear weapons program and facilities. The Oath-Breaking SoB has publicly rejected the assessment of the U.S. National Security Council and the Director of National Intelligence (which incumbent is, in my opinion, problematic).
However, I ask: Was our air strike unconstitutional? Neither a formal Declaration of War (per Article I Section 8 of our Constitution) nor an Authorization for Use of Military Power (per the 1973 War Powers Resolution) was sought by the President.
Why do I ask this?
However, this is normal for us, not unusual.
We executed overwhelming military power in Serbia-Kosovo (President Clinton) and Libya (Presidents Obama & Trump) without seeking a Declaration of War or an Authorization for Use of Military Power.
I agree that our President should always comply with our Constitution or with, where applicable, the War Powers Resolution. It just seems historically moot presently, though.
But, to the subject. I agree with you. I’m old enough to remember everything you said about Vietnam and the minute the draft stopped. It was like ppl started putting that war on the back burner. Of course, I think the Watergate scandal was starting to take over the news. My late husband (3 years now, like Pete😢) had a draft card but thankfully his number didn’t come up. This may be terrible to say, but I wonder if the trumpers would be all in and in agreement with his actions if the draft was reinstated. Maybe that would help to break the fever of cultish following.
Absolutely. The value of the intelligence is immeasurable. You also have to credit the ingenuity of the Ukrainians. We are also learning that the Russian military is not as powerful as we thought.
Great conversation with Charlie Sykes and Paul Rieckhoff. Much more in-depth analysis than one can get anywhere else. Paul was telling the real story of how America has failed in prior military engagements, as well as failing the men and women of the military in the past. Failing the veterans of today. He made a strong argument for the draft which I have always agreed with. I was drafted and served in Vietnam. Did I want to go, no. Would I have joined the military voluntarily, no. Do I think the draft into the military or mandatory public service for all 18 year olds is good policy, good for the country, good for the draftee, yes. It doesn’t have to be specifically the military, it can be structured public service programs where the inductees do 2 years service in a communal residential and working environment, working for the country. Bring young people from all walks of life, from every corner of the country for public service. The reward, free four years of state college.
I do not and never will support The Oath-Breaking SoB and the Federalist Society in their march into a neo-Nazi state.
I question his statement that the recent U.S. air strike "obliterated" Iran's nuclear weapons program and facilities. The Oath-Breaking SoB has publicly rejected the assessment of the U.S. National Security Council and the Director of National Intelligence (which incumbent is, in my opinion, problematic).
However, I ask: Was our air strike unconstitutional? Neither a formal Declaration of War (per Article I Section 8 of our Constitution) nor an Authorization for Use of Military Power (per the 1973 War Powers Resolution) was sought by the President.
Why do I ask this?
However, this is normal for us, not unusual.
We executed overwhelming military power in Serbia-Kosovo (President Clinton) and Libya (Presidents Obama & Trump) without seeking a Declaration of War or an Authorization for Use of Military Power.
I agree that our President should always comply with our Constitution or with, where applicable, the War Powers Resolution. It just seems historically moot presently, though.
Just a reminder: Israel vetoed Iron Dome going to Ukraine.
Please don't give Trump and his adminstration more ideas on how to obliterate more of our American citizens.
https://open.substack.com/pub/deanblundell/p/the-strike-that-wasnt-trump-lied?r=eit6y&utm_medium=ios
I am in no way saying I hope the draft is brought back. Just thinking out loud.
But, to the subject. I agree with you. I’m old enough to remember everything you said about Vietnam and the minute the draft stopped. It was like ppl started putting that war on the back burner. Of course, I think the Watergate scandal was starting to take over the news. My late husband (3 years now, like Pete😢) had a draft card but thankfully his number didn’t come up. This may be terrible to say, but I wonder if the trumpers would be all in and in agreement with his actions if the draft was reinstated. Maybe that would help to break the fever of cultish following.
I have JUST now found this episode, Charlie. It’s mid-Wednesday morning and I’m not getting notifications when your podcasts drop. 🤷🏼♀️
One guy in our high school class got number 1 as his draft number and he literally fainted
There was a relief when that draft was abolished
The evangelical Christian nationalists influence him
They have him thinking and repeating that he was chosen from God
The 2025 architects have tremendous influence
Putin and Netanyahu have tremendous influence
Like your guest said there are a lot of inputs
Whoever is going give him the most power, the most adulation, and the most money.
Charlie, you are absolutely right about him thinking it’s a television show.!!
I have said that about him since he went in the White House the first time . Not really in reality.
I feel that there are more people awake and aware now than ever
Especially after getting on sub stack
I feel more optimistic
After the No Kings protests
Unfortunately, it has taken Trump and his crowd doing the most outrageous illegal things to wake people up and get them aware and caring
Literally zero guardrails you guys are so right
Pretty scary
Benjamin Netanyahu was also behind the message “ weapons of mass destruction” that prompted the United States to invade Iraq
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHzSr52fZLQ
https://www.c-span.org/clip/house-committee/user-clip-netanyahu-says-no-question-saddam-working-on-nuclear-weapons/4927483
Good conversation
Good point about what Donald Trump would do with emergency powers as a war time president