Is Anyone Paying Attention?

[Courtney G]

I expected the election tampering for a while. trump knows he can't win, so voter intimidation is the plan.

[Lori Dee ✅]

UN accuses US of breaching international law with deadly airstrikes on boats in Caribbean and Pacific
The attacks have killed over 60 people, according to U.S. officials.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/accuses-us-breaching-international-law-deadly-airstrikes-boats/story?id=127055548 🔗
ABC News - Mason Leath
October 31, 2025, 1:06 PM

The United Nations said Friday that U.S. airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean violate international human rights law and must stop.

In a statement to ABC News, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that the attacks breach international law and called for an investigation into the strikes.

"These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable. The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them," Türk said.

"Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort against individuals who pose an imminent threat to life," he added. "Based on the very sparse information provided publicly by the U.S. authorities, none of the individuals on the targeted boats appeared to pose an imminent threat to the lives of others or otherwise justified the use of lethal armed force against them under international law."

----------------------------------

"Since September, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have executed over a dozen military strikes against boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, arguing they are anti-drug and counter-terrorism measures.

Over 60 people have allegedly been killed in the strikes, according to U.S. officials."

And yet, no evidence of the "drug trafficker" claims has been publicly released. The White House admitted that they do not know the identities of the people who were killed. They are targets because they are suspected of having connections with "narco-terrorist organizations."

I don't doubt that some, if not all, were drug traffickers. But present the evidence that you are operating within the law. That should not be difficult. What are they hiding?

[Sephirah]

This smells of the whole WMD Iraq situation.

"It's true... trust me, bro!"

Trump is basically like a chimpanzee, pushing buttons on a panel at this point to see what will get people to like him.

I can't... I can't wholly condemn this though. And this will likely be my last post on this issue because I admit I am somewhat biased. I know how crafty the people in the drug trade can be. How it affects the lives of people who have to be in that environment. They are not above using innocent people to mask what they're doing. They literally would send pregnant women across the border from Mexico carrying packs of cocaine inside them because they thought no one would be suspicious. There's a reason these South American countries are so corrupt. Because the drug trade makes more money than anything they could make as an entire country through legitimate means, because places like the US are eager and willing buyers. So everyone in those countries is up for sale. Why sell coffee when you can make 10,000x more selling cocaine?

They do not play by the same rules that the UN plays by. And are all too willing to hide behind it to make their billions. Putting someone on trial is a noble thing... but in Colombia, judges literally had to wear balaclavas to mask their identities so they wouldn't get taken out by the cartels for presiding over the trial of a narcotics trafficker. A lot did anyway. Usually by a bomb of some kind. Go look at Pablo Escobar's war on his own country. That tells you how scary these people are when there are vast sums of money involved. They are not above using every dirty trick in the book.

Morality is great when everyone has the same idea of it and plays by the same rulebook. The US has been trying to take out the merest sniff of narcotics trafficking for over 40 years. They were just never as open about it until now. It was all secret ops by the CIA and DEA. Trump is just doing it for upvotes.

Part of me doesn't agree with it. You need better intelligence. You need to know who you're shooting at before you pull the trigger. To just say "trust me, bro!" isn't enough. But part of me thinks that you do need to pull the trigger, in some form. I don't like slippery slope arguments because it's a logical fallacy. You have to look at each issue on its own. Not "If you tolerate this, your children will be next." We already know Trump is not above going after Trans people. If anything, this latest thing is the lowest rung on the ladder.

The last thing I will say is that law doesn't work for the lawless. It just doesn't. Like I say, for something to be fair, you all have to play by the same rules. Sometimes that just isn't the case. Money, for some people, is more important than life. And they willingly sacrifice life to make money.

My Colombian friend tells me over and over that the US and the "West" plays by a whole different set of rules than the people they're trying to bring to "justice". Her uncle was beheaded and hung up from a motorway overpass as a message to deter people from defying the drug cartels. That was the last straw in her fleeing her country. I say this because sometimes you just can't see everyone as equal, when they don't see themselves as equal.

If people know that the US is going after these so-called "go-fast boats" and "narco-submarines" then if you're not in that line of work... just don't use them. If you know you're going to have a target on your back if you do... why would you? That's like saying "oh, hey, they're shooting everyone who flies a kite... let's not fly a kite for a while because if we do it's going to get shredded."

I don't trust US intelligence to have got it right, because they have form to just try and blow up whoever and whatever, but I also don't condemn them for trying to do something to stop this poisonous practice. "Imminent threat to life" is something said by people sat behind a desk, in an expensive suit, who have never had to face a longer term threat to many lives.

I will auction my soapbox now if anyone is interested, lol.

[Lori Dee ✅]

White House evidence doesn't prove Trump statement that California "rigged" election
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2025/nov/05/donald-trump/California-redistrict-Newsom-rigged-Congress/ 🔗
PolitiFact - Grace Abels, Amy Sherman
November 5, 2025

As Californians voted Nov. 4 for a new congressional map, President Donald Trump falsely said the process was rigged.

"The Unconstitutional Redistricting Vote in California is a GIANT SCAM in that the entire process, in particular the Voting itself, is RIGGED," Trump wrote Nov. 4 on Truth Social.

"All 'Mail-In' Ballots, where the Republicans in that State are 'Shut Out,' is under very serious legal and criminal review. STAY TUNED!" 

The White House's explanation misrepresented data about duplicate registrations, cherry-picked data about dead voter removals from registration rolls, pointed to one woman charged with voter fraud among about 23 million registered voters, and baselessly blamed San Francisco's allowance for noncitizen voting in school board elections.

---------------------------------

Like we didn't see that coming. 🤣

[Lori Dee ✅]

GOP Senators Block Resolution to Rein In Trump's Military Actions Against Venezuela
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/11/7/headlines/gop_senators_block_resolution_to_rein_in_trumps_military_actions_against_venezuela 🔗
Democracy Now! - November 07, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday the U.S. military struck another boat in the Caribbean, claiming without evidence it had killed three narcotraffickers on board. The latest killings bring the reported toll from U.S. attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 70 people aboard 18 boats. Hegseth's announcement came as Republican senators narrowly blocked a war powers resolution seeking to bar President Trump from taking military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization. Senator Chris Van Hollen spoke ahead of Thursday evening's vote.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen: "Quit engaging in illegal actions in the Caribbean and international waters, blowing up boats and people in an extrajudicial fashion. And when it comes to Venezuela, stop making these threats and amassing military assets off the shore and claiming you somehow have the authority to do that. The Constitution invests the authority to go to war with the United States Congress."

On Thursday, the former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, told the BBC the U.S. attacks on civilian vessels would be treated as crimes against humanity under international law.

------------------------------------

An attempt was made.

[Sephirah]

I find it hard to take anything seriously when it comes to US elections after the whole "Pregnant Chad" fiasco.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I haven't posted here in a while, and for good reasons. A lot has been going on that I find quite disturbing. It was never my intent to frighten anyone, but we need to be aware.

This country was founded by a small group of people who were fleeing tyranny and religious persecution. Although the framers of our Constitution were wealthy, white slave-owners, the words they chose were careful and designed to stand the test of time.

"All men are created equal" did not only apply to the wealthy elite, but implied that every human has basic rights that were the very first amendments, and specifically addressed in our Bill of Rights.

Over many decades of struggle, we realized that we talked the talk but did not walk the walk. Amendments were passed and became law that spelled out those rights and that they applied to women, people of all colors, immigrants, and natural-born citizens alike.

And now we have come to a time where those rights are ignored and attacked. Religion, by definition, is an ideology. Yet, some religions are being attacked. Freedom of expression for the individual and the media is being attacked as "ideology" as if it were somehow a threat to our national security.

Even our allies, friends, and neighbors are being threatened because of ego.

This reminds me of something that happened while I was in the service.

There was a group of us who were close friends. We looked out for each other. The group was truly a "Band of Brothers". It was based on friendship alone. The group consisted of the lowest-ranking Private, as well as sergeants, some with combat experience. None of that mattered.

A newer member of the group has recently transferred in. He was a big man and liked to throw his weight around. He bragged often and belittled some of our youngest members. The group stepped in and put him in his place. It was made clear to him that we do not attack each other; we stand up for each other against anyone who threatens a member of our group.

One night, we were all hanging out at a bar and shooting pool. This guy got drunk and started running his mouth. He was told to cool it. He didn't. He picked a fight with a guy who was not part of our group. They went outside, where members of another group gave him a beating. We stood by and watched.

Later, he asked us why we didn't jump in to help him. The answer was simple: he was wrong. He deserved what he got.

Not long after, he was no longer included in our group. We were happy to see him go.

What reminded me of this story was a recent event. Members of our group, our friends and allies, are being threatened. So far, the group has not taken any action: strong words and little more. And I have to wonder what the outcome might be.

I am deeply disturbed that a member of our group is threatening other members and threatening those who have been our friends, neighbors, and allies for hundreds of years. This does not sit well with me.

[Sephirah]

The other members of your group know that this newest member doesn't represent your group, Lori.

I only learned recently about what this blowhard has been saying. With regard to Afghanistan. I won't post anything here because... it's kind of personal to me. My brother went there, and to Iraq, to support US forces. I better stop there. As a Navy lass I was never boots on the ground, so to speak, in those theatres, but I have skin in the game.

Know this, Lori, I might get over-generalised sometimes, but the UK and US military will always be brothers and sisters-in-arms. We've trained together, laughed together, cried together, bled together. One ageing buffoon and his ego can't destroy that. Provided he doesn't try to destroy the world before he gets kicked out.. we can once again go back to what makes us strong. <3

[Lori Dee ✅]

Some of the best training exercises we ever did were NATO exercises. We got to train with Brits, Canadians, Danes, Germans, and the French. The one thing I learned is that we all have a common enemy: the French! (just kidding).

[Courtney G]

Know this, Lori, I might get over-generalised sometimes, but the UK and US military will always be brothers and sisters-in-arms. We've trained together, laughed together, cried together, bled together. One ageing buffoon and his ego can't destroy that. Provided he doesn't try to destroy the world before he gets kicked out.. we can once again go back to what makes us strong. <3

That's an ongoing hope of the educated, informed and reasonable Americans: that our friends around the world don't hold us personally responsible for this madness. Bad decisions are being make by a small group of powerful people at the top. A vocal minority (maybe 10-15%) of the populace supports their decisions while the rest of us look on, aghast. We do what we can to educate the ignorant but they don't read, don't learn, don't see what's going on and, worse, they get their "news" from TV personalities who are paid and controlled by the folks who stand to benefit the most from this. I've tried to share real information with friends who've been misled, but they quickly parrot the talking points they've been spoon fed. They have no stomach for charts, historical data and other useful into. They follow their "gut" and they follow a leader who follows his gut. But they're cannon fodder for this cause because of their ignorance and the existing biases they brought to this moment.

[Sephirah]

I don't think you need to worry, Courtney. I think once this current madness is over, things will get back to some semblance of normality. Because that's what everyone wants. And, honestly, I think most folks outside the US know and have US friends, real people to talk to about the current insanity. And I think probably everyone is thinking the same thing right now. "WTF?!"

You can't be held responsible for the decisions of the people who get put in power. That's silly. Power corrupts. In Trump's case, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Everyone is just waiting until your next elections when he gets dragged out screaming and kicking and, in the case of us Brits, we can get back to the light mocking of the differences in the language.

There's a saying. The smallest dogs bark the loudest. That's how it's always been with politics. The majority are too busy trying to work out how to live their lives with the latest rounds of cr*p forced on them. As a Brit, I look forward to the day this nonsense is done with and we can go back to being allies and friends. Differences make us stronger, not weaker. Maybe one day people in power will get that.

Some of the best training exercises we ever did were NATO exercises. We got to train with Brits, Canadians, Danes, Germans, and the French. The one thing I learned is that we all have a common enemy: the French! (just kidding).

LOL!!

They do make some mighty fine garlic bread.

As the old saying goes... we all bleed red. I was privileged enough to go on exercise with the crew of one of your US HK boats (the fast, non nuclear hunter subs). I have never met a more dedicated, focused, yet accommodating and willing to accommodate different tactics bunch of people. They also wanted me to get a tattoo. I vehemently refused. What is it with Navy people and tattoos? You serve your country but you also learn when you're being fed a bunch of garbage from above. It brings you together.

You might have to accede to your commander-in-chief, but that doesn't preclude you from thinking he's a grade-A moron.

The world doesn't want the US as an enemy. We've always been stronger together. Just need to get Trump out so you can heal.

[MaryT]

I don't think that the world will get back to normal after President Trump's tenancy is over, I am very sorry to say.  Ancient Romans and Persians, Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors, Dutch and British East India companies, 20th century German nationalists, all were normal human beings who decided that if you have enough power, you don't need to justify your actions to the rest of the world, you only need to convince your own people that they will be richer and stronger or, to put it another way, "more secure".

If America owns Canada and Greenland, it could be a match for its Eastern rivals without the need for Europe.  British historians regard the war of 1812 as an attempt to annex Canada.  After the Civil War, the USA threatened to annex Canada if Britain did not pay more money than existed in the world at the time.  Fortunately for Canada and Britain, most Americans were more tired of warfare than President Grant, so the USA accepted just a few million pounds from Britain, still a considerable sum at the time.

The British government now says that it has convinced President Trump to withdraw the threat of force to annex Greenland.  If the British government believes that they have convinced President Trump to do anything, I think that they are arrogant and delusional.  Shades of Neville Chamberlain and his "peace in our time".

Britain was one of the countries that sent troops to Greenland to show solidarity with European NATO members.  None the less, Starmer said that principle could not be ignored but Britain would be pragmatic.  That is rather cryptic but I take it to mean that if it comes to the crunch, Britain will side with America, "right or wrong", as the 1950s American slogan put it.  Britain's military support of America's extrajudicial hunting of ships that traded with Venezuela supports my view, I think.

Airstrip One is what George Orwell called Britain, Big Brother's island aircraft carrier in the war against Eurasia.  No offence, Big Brother across the Pond but next time around, I would feel safer being allied with Europe if it comes to the crunch. 

I would bet a lot on what I have written.

On the bright side, I am a born loser.

[Sephirah]

The thing is, we aren't living in the 19th or 20th century anymore. Where people are ill-informed and have no voice to really do anything. And it seems like Canada has a pretty loud voice of their own.

I won't argue with you that the UK government is arrogant and delusional, though, lol. But this isn't WW2, or any time before that. Could you link me where Starmer said that, Mary? As far as I know, what he's said with regard to Greenland is: "Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must determine the future of Greenland and nobody else," (source 🔗 [Link: reuters.com/world/uks-​starmer-​says-​greenlands-​future-​not-​others-​decide-​2026-​01-​05/]

From what I can gather, the only thing he's said about principles is in regard to China being a trading partner. Something the Orange Messiah has called "Dangerous" after we dared to talk to them, because of course he has. He doesn't like anyone playing with the other kids.

[Lori Dee ✅]

And now he has his cronies stoking dissent with Alberta separatists to convince them to join the U.S. as the 51st State. If he can't do it overtly, he will do it covertly. No scruples and no respect.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr57j780pgmo 🔗

[Sephirah]

And now he has his cronies stoking dissent with Alberta separatists to convince them to join the U.S. as the 51st State. If he can't do it overtly, he will do it covertly. No scruples and no respect.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr57j780pgmo 🔗

That's akin to him going to Scotland and saying "Yeah let's sign you up to the US just to screw the English!"

Like... why? This is the thing I don't understand. Why does Trump need to grab land? Because the US isn't big enough already? I think this is probably the thing most British people don't understand... and keep in mind this is coming from a country that has held more land than the Roman Empire in its time. I suspect it's because his ego is so large that he wants to be remembered in the same breath as Caesar when he's finally kicked out. He knows he's a scumbag so he wants to be the biggest scumbag who ever lived.

[MaryT]

The thing is, we aren't living in the 19th or 20th century anymore. Where people are ill-informed and have no voice to really do anything. And it seems like Canada has a pretty loud voice of their own.

I won't argue with you that the UK government is arrogant and delusional, though, lol. But this isn't WW2, or any time before that. Could you link me where Starmer said that, Mary? As far as I know, what he's said with regard to Greenland is: "Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must determine the future of Greenland and nobody else," (source 🔗 [Link: reuters.com/world/uks-​starmer-​says-​greenlands-​future-​not-​others-​decide-​2026-​01-​05/]

From what I can gather, the only thing he's said about principles is in regard to China being a trading partner. Something the Orange Messiah has called "Dangerous" after we dared to talk to them, because of course he has. He doesn't like anyone playing with the other kids.

The following article does not limit Britain's combination of principle and pragmatism to China, or even mention China, if I understand my "Find" function:

PM statement on international affairs and cost of living issues: 19 January 2026 🔗 [Link: gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-​remarks-​on-​greenland-​19-​january-​2026/]

The article pretty much summarises itself with

"Britain is a pragmatic country. We look for agreement. We believe in partnership. We prefer solutions to slogans.

And we will not indulge in commentary and gesture politics that harm the British people.

But being pragmatic does not mean being passive.

And partnership does not mean abandoning principle.

That is why it's important to be clear about who we stand with, what we stand for, and where our interests lie."

...
Britain was one of the countries that sent troops to Greenland to show solidarity with European NATO members.  None the less, Starmer said that principle could not be ignored but Britain would be pragmatic.  That is rather cryptic but I take it to mean that if it comes to the crunch, Britain will side with America, "right or wrong", as the 1950s American slogan put it.  Britain's military support of America's extrajudicial hunting of ships that traded with Venezuela supports my view, I think.
...

What I highlighted in red is my one sentence summary of the PM's statement in regard of Britain's foreign policy.  The rest of the paragraph is my interpretation, which, as I said, I think is supported by Britain's military support of The USA's campaign against Maduro's Venezuela.  I would add to my interpretation that it means that principle cannot be ignored but if it comes to the crunch, Britain would act in Britain's best interest and that currently means alliance with the USA, whatever action the USA takes that does not harm Britain.

My reservations about Britain's support of the Venezuelan campaign are not without reason, from what I gather from some sources.

US Says It Will Control Venezuela Oil Exports Indefinitely 🔗 [Link: finance.yahoo.com/news/us-​says-​control-​venezuela-​oil-​145310649.html/]

According to that article,

'Revenue from the sales will be held in US Treasury accounts, a move that would protect the proceeds from Venezuela's creditors, a person familiar with the matter said. The funds will benefit the American and Venezuelan people, Leavitt said.

"We're not stealing anyone's oil," Wright said during an interview with CNBC. "We're going to restart the selling of Venezuelan oil on global crude markets, put it in accounts in the name of Venezuela and bring those funds back into Venezuela for the benefit of the Venezuelan people."'

I don't think that the sale of seized Venezuelan oil should benefit American people at all, unless the world is returning to the practice of making defeated countries pay the victor's expenses.

I know that President Trump says that Venezuela stole the USA's oil but some dispute that:

BBC Verify has consulted several international energy law experts to assess Donald Trump's claim 🔗 [Link: bbc.co.uk/news/live/ckgx05erygvt/]

Whether or not the USA was justified, I think that Britain's immediate military support in helping the USA to enforce its embargo, without parliamentary debate or investigation of the USA's claims and motives, is an example of pragmatism taking priority over principle.  If you'll excuse another summary, "We may need them in a hurry so let's not hesitate to help them."  To be honest, that is also what my attitude would be if I were making the decisions today.

The thing is, we aren't living in the 19th or 20th century anymore. Where people are ill-informed and have no voice to really do anything. And it seems like Canada has a pretty loud voice of their own.

I won't argue with you that the UK government is arrogant and delusional, though, lol. But this isn't WW2, or any time before that.
...

We are indeed in century 21 but none of the wars going on right now, especially in Europe, make me think that we are any more enlightened than our ancestors.

I'm not a prophet though.  If we are having a bet, I hope that I lose.

[Sephirah]

If I've read that article correctly, Mary, Starmer says the following:

"On Greenland, the right way to approach an issue of this serious is through calm discussion between allies. Let's be clear, the security of Greenland matters and it will matter more as climate change reshapes the Arctic.

As sea routes open and strategic competition intensifies, the High North will require greater attention, greater investment, and stronger collective defence.

The United States will be central to that effort, and the UK stands ready to contribute fully alongside our allies through NATO.

But there is a principle here that cannot be set aside because it goes to the heart of how stable and trusted international cooperation works.

And so, any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. That right is fundamental, and we will support it."

Venezuela is an entirely different thing.

The most pointed word in all this is "Trusted". You need to trust people to have your back. Sadly people just don't trust America anymore. Not even the UK. Its most staunch ally through thick and thin. Because Trump changes his mind depending what day of the week it is.

[Lori Dee ✅]

He is using Climate Change and the security of the Northwest Passage as an excuse. His goal is to be remembered like Thomas Jefferson, who doubled the country's landmass. He is also a firm believer in the Monroe Doctrine, which proposed that the U.S. would dominate the entire Western Hemisphere. He has not been subtle about this. People have started calling his version the Don-roe Doctrine.

He is a dictator. He admires other dictators. He decorated the People's House (White House) in gold to make it look like a dictator's palace. He said the way it looked before was too plain. History be damned, demolish the entire East Wing without permission, for a ballroom that no one asked for.

[Sephirah]

Just have to keep the manchild placated for a few more years, then.. he's gone. And hopefully his cult with him.

The rest of the world has made MAGA into a different slogan. "Make America Go Away".

[Pema]

Asking why and ascribing motivations assumes a plan or a philosophy. He has none of that. It's narcissism and Dunning-Kruger effect, plain and simple.

Anyone want to wager that the ballroom never gets built and that all that really happens is that the east wing is demolished and a bunch of money disappears? That's been pretty much his MO for decades.