brickhistory

Err, what the poster (me) meant to say was... When the Democrats ran the Congress under Obama, they ignored the GOP. When the Republicans gained back the House, then the Senate, they did squat all when Obama ignored them and ran riot with his executive actions. Ignore Congressional subpoenas regarding Fast & Furious? Not a problem. Find the Attorney General in contempt over that? No big deal since it drew a complete yawn from the Democrats and the press. Actually use those Constitutional powers to hold in check the Executive Branch? Not a thing done. Hence my "aiding and abetting" line. Today, the Democrats are in the minority and they got the Republicans to go with the Special Prosecutor. So either the Democrats are better at that whole wielding of power thing, or the GOP is colluding with them to get Trump gone. BTW, Barry, among many things, unilaterally signed the Paris Climate Change agreement. He never submitted it to the Senate per the Constitution. And Congress did squat about that. Ditto with the Iran deal. Essentially a treaty involving the U.S. and the President ignored the Congress. And they let him. And went wild with condemnation when Trump undid at least the Paris agreement with his executive action. That list of Obama actions that were unprecedented and ran roughshod over the Congress is much more extensive. But he's not POTUS anymore so no whining when Trump eventually goes that way. Which, to date, he really hasn't. He's talked a lot, but not taken likewise unprecedented actions.

I don't recall a lack of credit being placed on Obama by the media who were non-stop cheerleaders for him. Did I miss that? Did the special counsel investigate the IRS targeting political opponents and the massive destruction of evidence that followed? Or the extrajudicial killings (no matter how well deserved) of an American citizen? The cozy Dept of Energy loans to Administration-friendly solar panel companies? The election line of "Osama's dead and GM's alive" despite the executive action of literally ignoring established bankruptcy law? Leakers in the Obama administration were identified and prosecuted (in numbers higher than all previous administrations combined) whereas today they are "heroes and resistors." I don't recall the previous Attornies General recusing themselves from non-existent investigations into Fast and Furious or meeting the husband of a criminal investigation on an airport ramp. Imagine if Sessions were held in contempt of Congress like Holder was. Instead of a brief mention in a small paragraph on page C6 of the WaPo, how many days of front page, all of it, it would garner. Would that merit a newspaper putting a resistance slogan on its masthead? To name just a few. (There's a glimmer of hope that the unmasking of American citizens in NSA intercepts for political purposes might see some results, but for all the coverage on it, it might as well be moot as well) I don't recall debate moderators correcting him during various venues or even debating him instead of being impartial question-askers. Barry did all good, all the time according to the same press that is saying Trump is all bad, all the time. When, in fact, both men did some good things and some bad things. The difference is that one was aided by the legislature on both sides while one is not. Finally, and the frustrating thing about conveying ideas in short posts, is the idea that "keeping score" was my intent. Noting hypocrisy on the other hand... Which happens on both sides of the aisle. Shocking, I tell you. Shocking.

Negative on the "true believer" stuff unless you are referring to my anti-Hillary stance. However, my point holds regarding that I, and enough others, utterly rejected the business as usual candidates, and this is the important part, because it was not and is not working. He was the means, given the field of choices, to deliver said message. His run so far has been amusing, quizzical, and very bombastic. I am reveling in the consternation that he has wrought in the media and in normal political shenanigans. But I see far less actually ignoring the rule of law than his immediate predecessor. Which all those "mavericks" in Congress were content to let do so. Now that they've got a guy notionally on the same side, they suddenly find their "separate but equal branch of government" pants.

My point wasn't what I thought (more on that below), but rather on the obsession on absolutely everything (real or imagined) negative that is placed on Trump's skull. So why not the good things as well? (Not being serious, I realize why not) Trump is not a good politician. Trump is a successful tycoon. Those facts work both for and against him. The GOP still isn't comprehending why Trump defeated the other 16 career politicians that ranged from Democrats except for the identification to reasonable but ineffective at getting results Republicans in the primaries. Both sides of the aisle aren't comprehending why Trump beat the anointed one - Hildebeast. The heart and soul of the country was signaling that it is getting raped by a government run amuck; a media intent on assisting that rape; and a tidal wave of social ills that it wants fixed or not to progress (Go ahead, pick the nit on my wording...). Instead of absorbing the lessons learned, both sides, but especially the Republicans are choosing to reject that message. Instead of reversing those things that were specifically named as anathema to many people - Obamacare, unchecked illegal immigration, social engineering that tramples dissenting views, etc, etc, etc, the GOP postures and does nothing. Not even slow down the liberal, progressive train. Seven years to have a strategy and plan in place to repeal Obamacare "if only you'll vote for us" in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016. Even passing a repeal knowing Obama would veto it. But come an actual TOT and they whiffed. Badly. I have to give kudos to the Democrats. When they have the power, they use it. The Republicans are debating themselves as to who is more "mavericky" and standing up to Trump. McCain/Flake/Sasse, et al. I will donate money to any and all primary opponents. Not because I think Trump is the Messiah (however, he is a very naughty boy...). but because he is a means to an end and you refuse to cooperate on the important things while preening for MSNBC. A pox on both Houses

Since Trump gets blamed for, literally, everything in the world, I thought I'd throw this little bit of good news in: DOW JONES INDU AVERAGE NDX (Dow Jones Global Indexes:INDU) 22,016.24 Delayed Data As of 4:40pm ET +52.32 / +0.24% Now he may not be responsible for the number, but if he's gonna get the blame for everything, how about a little of the credit as well?

Still not Hillary.

Remind me again; who is in charge of flying wings? Of most MAJCOMs? Of Big Blue itself? Same as it ever was...

Bravo.

Although some very liberal states may now allow this, it is still against federal law...

You know, Nathan Johnson is right. Everyone who wants to serve should be allowed to. Blind? Sure, come on in. We can make allowances because you need to self-actualize. Crippled? Ditto; the welcome mat is out. Can't deploy? Can't fight? Can't do the job because a physical abnormality is going to cause you to be a long-term, very expensive ineffective round and you knew that coming into the service? I'm sure somebody can carry your load (sts...(or maybe not)) in order for you to feel included. Those individual needs should absolutely be catered to because when push comes to shove, those attributes are going to be useful in a fight. Heck, we oughta make sure those that want to be pilots but aren't currently allowed to due to whatever physical malady prevents them having the opportunity get a fair shake as well...

My nomination for "STS of the Year Award" on so many levels...

Worked with a guy who flew these missions. 3 X DFCs. He sent me the audio of one of them he had taped via his headset - he was an EWO. Holy sh1t doesn't come close to describing it.

So why not spin off space AND cyber into a thing? Staying at this public knowledge level, it would be akin to carnivores and herbivores in the air-breathing forces. Both rely on each other. Naturally, we can count on Big Gray and Big Green to give up their toys and people just like they did when the Air Service became the Air Corps which became the Army Air Forces which became Big Blue. Nothing in the history books about that. Or, if this happens, does the inevitable bloat and expanding staff mean it will eventually get its own seat on JCS? Obviously, a bigger committee makes for better, faster decisions. Or what about downgrading STRATCOM to a "nuclear corps?" (Pun intended...). Aside from a few other junk drawer missions that son of SAC has - EW - why is it a full-on combatant commander? The numbers assigned are small, the mission very specialized. Hey, if we're gonna reorganize, let's go the full monty. Must go lie down now...

Soooo, in this brave new world we're experiencing, are the 72 virgins gender-specific? Asking for a friend...

Errr, most WaPo/NYT/CBS/NBC/ABC/CNN, etc, etc, et-bloody-c, don't seem to be bothering with "well-sourced" so perhaps you reach too far? If the price of harpooning the Trumpster is the occasional retraction or correction, well that's only minor collateral damage.

Gives a little more meaning to: "Copy shot...pK miss." "Copy second shot...copy kill"

Or one of them didn't want to pay extra for the seatbelt?

And each was surrounded by a metric sh1t-ton of archie (AAA to you newbies) which is why Frank Luke was celebrated as a mad hero. Being so flammable and a static target, the Jerries (and Allies) put a ring of lead around each one. Brits never did issue parachutes for their balloonists (something about bonus' and being team players...). USAAF also categorized V-1 kills separately.

Comey knows best. What could possibly go wrong with an unelected official with law enforcement and government use of force power deciding he knows best?

I dunno. I know some kick-ass Morales. They live down the street... I kid... edited to note: nsplayer beat me to it by 7 hours.

This isn't about Trump, but it is highly political and very troubling. As this is the most political thread running, thought I'd put it here. https://circa.com/politics/declassified-memos-show-fbi-illegally-shared-spy-data-on-americans-with-private-parties

My theory is that chang, being an A1 "in the know" kinda guy, saw the most recent promotion board results and he didn't get something he thought he would. The timing of his "I now hate the Air Force" works out in that the list would have floated around the appropriate A1 shops prior to release so that some ducks could be arranged regarding HPO schools/assignments, etc. While I have no doubt his pain is/was real to him, Big Blue don't care. Took that kick in the junk for him to realize that.

Well, this oughtta take care of any more fly-bys...

Argh...I knew this wouldn't go well nor would I do a good job of asking the question, but to your point: IF the board sees finance officer leading a flight of 10-15 accountants and you flying as #1 in a 4-ship, what does it see? A leader vs. a technician. Just a quick, probably not very accurate example, but I am desperately trying not to get lost in minutiae or get out-lawyered. Concept vs. details. I am not agreeing with the premise of all things are equal, but if the underlying concept of a promotion board is "potential for leadership" and not "potential to become a mission commander" then one of those things is at a disadvantage. Hence the board results you are seeing. So how do you fix that? Promote by AFSC? Put it in the ADSC that along with the 10 year, soon to be more, commitment for UPT, you WILL get promoted at the appropriate time, i.e., guarantee promotion? Does it matter about that outstanding, but non-rated officer who busts his ass to support the mission, but he gets passed over yet a dirtbag (and there are those in the cockpit - see Rhatigan, et al threads) makes it? Something just not right to me about that scenario, but that's just me.

Agree 100%. But if the promotion boards don't see it that way, then what?