Holy shit, they're not even MARCHING in ORDER! They're just strolling along looking bored as shit!
And is it true the Army was playing "Fortunate Son", a antiWar protest song the whole time?!
A quick google says yes.
As for why, three factors come to mind:
- Protesting as far as they can. The orders to take part in this march were legal, so they have to obey. But only to the letter of the orders.
- When the suggestion for "Fortunate Son" was passed to a Trump loyalist, or maybe Trump himself, it was approved.
- The kinds of display Trump wanted wouldn't help in any combat zone, so they might not have been trained for such performances.
Holy shit, they're not even MARCHING in ORDER! They're just strolling along looking bored as shit!
And is it true the Army was playing "Fortunate Son", a antiWar protest song the whole time?!
A quick google says yes.
As for why, three factors come to mind:
- Protesting as far as they can. The orders to take part in this march were legal, so they have to obey. But only to the letter of the orders.
- When the suggestion for "Fortunate Son" was passed to a Trump loyalist, or maybe Trump himself, it was approved.
- The kinds of display Trump wanted wouldn't help in any combat zone, so they might not have been trained for such performances.
These are the same people who have for decades played "Born in the USA" without understanding what its about.
"May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk." - Ancient Egyptian Blessing
Ivanova is always right.
I will listen to Ivanova.
I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova is God.
AND, if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out! - Babylon 5 Mantra
bilateralrope wrote: 2025-06-14 03:49pmArresting and attempting to deport members of the other teams is one way for the US team to win. Unless they do the same to members of their team.
I'm sure that will go over splendidly with the fans.
*sigh* This is going to be the kind of clusterfuck that gets mentioned in the first chapter of history books talking about really important wars.
There are hardly any excesses of the most crazed psychopath that cannot easily be duplicated by a normal kindly family man who just comes in to work every day and has a job to do.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
Replace "ginger" with "n*gger," and suddenly it become a lot less funny, doesn't it?
-- fgalkin
bilateralrope wrote: 2025-06-14 03:49pmArresting and attempting to deport members of the other teams is one way for the US team to win. Unless they do the same to members of their team.
I'm sure that will go over splendidly with the fans.
*sigh* This is going to be the kind of clusterfuck that gets mentioned in the first chapter of history books talking about really important wars.
LadyTevar wrote: 2025-06-15 01:46pm
And is it true the Army was playing "Fortunate Son", a antiWar protest song the whole time?!
That is some solid gold right there. I needed a good laugh, thanks. :]
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? Y'know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! Y'know, I just do things..." --The Joker
Waiting for the re organization of the state militias, that is about the only way for towns and cities to prevent the gestapo thugs from terrorizing their citizens. Once that happens you know we are hitting midnight and its going to be bleeding kansas all over the US
Someone please explain why it seems Trump is talking about US Airstrikes on Iran, on top of the Israeli ones?
Nitram, slightly high on cough syrup: Do you know you're beautiful?
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP" -- Leonard Nimoy, last Tweet
LadyTevar wrote: 2025-06-19 08:19am
Someone please explain why it seems Trump is talking about US Airstrikes on Iran, on top of the Israeli ones?
Iran has like two facilities they can potentially use to make nuclear weapons. Those facilities are underground and hardened and really really hard to destroy from the outside. The US has bombs that can potentially do it, aka the MOAB (I don't know if that's exactly the right name). Said bombs are cartoonishly large and heavy and can only be carried by specialized bomber planes that the US has and Israel doesn't. The US and Israeli governments as collective entities have a strong shared desire to render Iran incapable of making nuclear weapons.
When you put it that way a better question might be why would Trump not be talking about launching US airstrikes on Iran. Even before considering other goals such as looking strong and inflicting suffering on people Trump doesn't like for painfunnies.
Minor compared to the previous reasons mentioned, but a certain minority of the MAGA base are the kind of Biblical literalist who believes that Israel needs to exist for the Rapture to happen. So supporting Isreal plays to them, so they can (they think) get into Heaven, which isn't a point anybody who actually believes that is going to compromise on for anything.
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? Y'know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! Y'know, I just do things..." --The Joker
Raw Shark wrote: 2025-06-19 03:06pm
Minor compared to the previous reasons mentioned, but a certain minority of the MAGA base are the kind of Biblical literalist who believes that Israel needs to exist for the Rapture to happen. So supporting Isreal plays to them, so they can (they think) get into Heaven, which isn't a point anybody who actually believes that is going to compromise on for anything.
As if ANYONE in the MAGA-cult is going to Heaven at this point.
Nitram, slightly high on cough syrup: Do you know you're beautiful?
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP" -- Leonard Nimoy, last Tweet
No, since heaven doesn't exist. BUT this particular subset of MAGA morons BELIEVES in the rapture AND that THEY WILLl go to heaven (and frankly, those people being removed from Earth wouldn't bother me overmuch, even if they go to a better place than they deserve) and thus WILL support protecting Israel at all costs (despite the modern nation havong virtually nothing to do with the biblical tribe).
'Next time I let Superman take charge, just hit me. Real hard.'
'You're a princess from a society of immortal warriors. I'm a rich kid with issues. Lots of issues.'
'No. No dating for the Batman. It might cut into your brooding time.'
'Tactically we have multiple objectives. So we need to split into teams.'-'Dibs on the Amazon!'
'Hey, we both have a Martian's phone number on our speed dial. I think I deserve the benefit of the doubt.'
'You know, for a guy with like 50 different kinds of vision, you sure are blind.'
Ralin wrote: 2025-06-19 08:55amThe US has bombs that can potentially do it, aka the MOAB (I don't know if that's exactly the right name). Said bombs are cartoonishly large and heavy and can only be carried by specialized bomber planes that the US has and Israel doesn't.
MOP is old tech. Even as far back as 2010, the USAF had a demand/desire for a weapon with 80% the penetration capability of MOP but on 1/3 the weight. They tested prototypes of the next generation penetrator in the late aughts -- but it's been radio silent since then. So the USAF (and/or Israel) likely has 15,000 lb class penetrators that could be carried by F-15s.
"If scientists and inventors who develop disease cures and useful technologies don't get lifetime royalties, I'd like to know what fucking rationale you have for some guy getting lifetime royalties for writing an episode of Full House." - Mike Wong
"The present air situation in the Pacific is entirely the result of fighting a fifth rate air power." - U.S. Navy Memo - 24 July 1944
MKSheppard wrote: 2025-06-20 07:12am
MOP is old tech. Even as far back as 2010, the USAF had a demand/desire for a weapon with 80% the penetration capability of MOP but on 1/3 the weight. They tested prototypes of the next generation penetrator in the late aughts -- but it's been radio silent since then. So the USAF (and/or Israel) likely has 15,000 lb class penetrators that could be carried by F-15s.
Do even they know for sure what the penetration capability of those things is in the first place? Way I understand it the physics of damaging a buried bunker with a dropped bomb are really prohibitive no matter how cartoonishly big you make them, and they can't have had many suitable underground facilities to test them on. Even with US military resources building a real life version of bin Laden's underground terror fortress to blow up would be prohibitive.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes.
His comments came after Iran's state-run Press TV reported that parliament had approved a plan to close the Strait but added that the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.
Any disruption to the supply of oil would have profound consequences for the economy. China in particular is the world's largest buyer of Iranian oil and has a close relationship with Tehran.
Oil prices rose following the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, with the price of the benchmark Brent crude reaching its highest level in five months.
"I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them [Iran] about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil," Rubio had said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
"If they [close the Straits]... it will be economic suicide for them. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours."
Around 20% of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with major oil and gas producers in the Middle East using the waterway to transport energy from the region.
Any attempt to disrupt operations in the Strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing.
Oil prices jumped briefly when trading began on Monday, with Brent climbing to $81.40 a barrel. However, it then slid back to around $78, up 1.4% on the day.
"The US is now positioned with an overwhelming defence posture in the region to be prepared for any Iran counter-attacks. But the risk for oil prices is the situation could escalate severely further," said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial.
The cost of crude oil affects everything from how much it costs to fill up your car to the price of food at the supermarket.
China in particular buys more oil from Iran than any other nation - with its imports from Iran surpassing 1.8 million barrels per day last month, according to data by ship tracking firm Vortexa.
Other major Asian economies, including India, Japan and South Korea, also rely heavily on crude oil that passes through the Strait.
Energy analyst Vandana Hari has said Iran has "little to gain and too much to lose" from closing the Strait.
"Iran risks turning its oil and gas producing neighbours in the Gulf into enemies and invoking the ire of its key market China by disrupting traffic in the Strait," Ms Hari told BBC News.
The US joined the conflict between Iran and Israel over the weekend, with President Donald Trump saying Washington had "obliterated" Tehran's key nuclear sites.
However, it is not clear how much damage the strikes inflicted, with the UN's nuclear watchdog saying it was unable to assess the damage at the heavily fortified Fordo underground nuclear site. Iran has said there was only minor damage to Fordo.
Trump also warned Iran that it would face "far worse" future attacks if the country did not abandon its nuclear programme.
On Monday, Beijing said the US strikes had damaged Washington's credibility and called for an immediate ceasefire.
China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong said all parties should restrain "the impulse of force... and adding fuel to the fire", according to a state-run CCTV report.
In an editorial, Beijing's state newspaper Global Times also said US involvement in Iran "had further complicated and destabilised the Middle East situation" and that it was pushing the conflict to an "uncontrollable state".
And now the US starts worrying about consequences. It's a bit too late for that.
I'd like to say that I'm surprised at how quickly this escalated directly to pants on head stupid, but I'm not.
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? Y'know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! Y'know, I just do things..." --The Joker
Solauren wrote: 2025-06-23 06:00pm
Closing the Strait of Hormuz is actually a brilliant tactical and political move.
Tehran just has to say 'when the US and Israel stop bombing us, we re-open the straight'
Now, anyone that uses that Strait will be putting pressure on the US and Israel.
Including several close allies, like South Korea and Japan. Not to mention China and India's massive economies.
Oman and the United Arab Emirates would also be putting pressure on, and getting their allies to do so as well.
Saudi Arabia would probably also put pressure on, as they probably send oil to Asia via the Strait.
I can imagine Qatar wants this wrapped up as quickly as possible, to avoid Iran missing US military targets and hitting civilians.
People may not be thrilled with the US's conduct in all this but the governments of countries like China will be well aware that Iran is the one closing the strait. Understanding why Iran is doing it will not likely trump their desire for Iran to stop doing it, now.
The Iranian government has to see this as a potential existential threat. That means they have to act rationally and don't have the luxury of being arrogant, dumb and out of touch with reality like Trump
Ralin wrote: 2025-06-24 03:27am
People may not be thrilled with the US's conduct in all this but the governments of countries like China will be well aware that Iran is the one closing the strait. Understanding why Iran is doing it will not likely trump their desire for Iran to stop doing it, now.
The Iranian government has to see this as a potential existential threat. That means they have to act rationally and don't have the luxury of being arrogant, dumb and out of touch with reality like Trump
I think my good friend Ali put it best when he said, "I grew up in Iran. And I got the fuck out of there as soon as my legs could carry me."
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? Y'know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! Y'know, I just do things..." --The Joker
A 21-year-old tourist has described the horrendous treatment he allegedly received after being denied entry to the USA due to a meme depicting JD Vance as bald being found on his phone
ByCarrington WalkerGAU Writer
14:59, 24 JUN 2025
A 21-year-old Norwegian tourist claims he was denied entry to the United States and harassed by ICE agents after they discovered a JD Vance meme on his phone.
Mads Mikkelsen arrived at New Jersey's Newark Airport on June 11 when he was pulled aside by border control and placed in a cell, he told Norwegian outlet Nordlys. Mads was travelling to the States to visit friends, first in New York and then in Austin, Texas, but suffered "harassment and abuse of power" at the hands of US immigration authorities.
"I felt prejudiced, suspected and simply humiliated even then, in front of many other people at the airport," The Tromsø native recounted. "They took me to a room with several armed guards, where I had to hand over my shoes, mobile phone and backpack."
Officers quizzed Mads about his visit, and his plans, before adopting a personal line of questioning. "They asked direct questions about drug smuggling, terrorist plans and right-wing extremism, completely without reason," he claimed.
"They demanded full information about everyone I was going to meet in the US, including name, address, phone number and what they did for work." Mads' mother was due to meet up with him a few weeks into his stay and the pair had planned to travel to several national parks.
"I had travelled for twelve hours, slept poorly, and was physically and mentally completely exhausted even before they started the questioning," he continued. A strenuous crackdown by U.S. Customs and Border Protection has followed President Donald Trump's return to office, with the service being allowed to search phones.
A French scientist was denied entry at the border earlier this year, in March, after officers unearthed messages criticising Trump on his phone. Mikkelsen explained: "They threatened me with a minimum fine of $5,000 or five years in prison if I refused to provide the password to my phone."
After handing over his password, Mads was told he would not be allowed to go through with his planned vacation after two images were not to the officers' liking. One image was of a meme showcasing JD Vance with a bald, egg-shaped head. Variations of the image were shared endlessly in March on social media, with the Vice President himself posting his own version.
The other picture showed Mads with a wooden pipe which he had made years prior. "Both pictures had been automatically saved to my camera roll from a chat app, but I really didn't think that these innocent pictures would put a stop to my entry into the country," the 21-year-old admitted.
Mads told Nordlys he tried to explain the images as being harmless and meant as jokes but the immigration authorities ignored his pleas. He claims he was then strip-searched, forced to give blood samples, a facial scan and fingerprints.
"Later I was taken back in, and the situation got even worse. I was pushed up against a wall and was strip-searched with a lot of force. They were incredibly harsh and used physical force the whole time," he claimed.
"I felt completely devastated and broke down, and was close to crying several times. I was on the verge of panic. It felt like I was a terrorist suspect where I was sitting. I tried to pull myself together several times, but in the end, I just wanted to get home again."
The Norwegian adds he was placed in a cell for a further five hours, refused food or water and placed on a plane back to Oslo the same day he arrived for the holiday of a lifetime. "I don't feel there is any point in contacting the State Department, nor do I think they have any power against such a powerful and strict country as the United States," Mads conceded.
Mathias Rongved, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned fellow Norwegians that it is their duty to be clued up on US regulations before entering the country. "Most trips to the US go without any particular problems," he said.
"Entry regulations can change at short notice, and it is the traveller's responsibility to have valid documents and be familiar with the current entry regulations. It is the immigration authorities upon arrival who decide whether you are rejected at the border. Norwegian authorities cannot intervene in this decision.
"It is also not necessarily the case that we receive a message either from other countries' border authorities or the Norwegian traveller if the person in question is not allowed to enter a country."
The image in question:
I guess Trump has decided that the US doesn't want any money from tourists.
