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Page added on June 19, 2017
Kunstler: Absent Without Leave
It ain’t bragging if it’s true. I’ve said repeatedly on this blog for years that the federal government would only become more impotent, more incompetent, and more ineffectual as The Long Emergency rolled out. And here we are now, at just such pass in history.
The process has been well underway since the beginning of the century. Even the attempts to expand its scope and reach — such as the post 9-11 addition of God-knows-how-many new intelligence services — has only produced an epic clusterfuck of cross-purposed mission creep that threatens the federal government’s existential legitimacy.
After nearly a year of investigating, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, DHS, et. al. haven’t been able to leak any substantial fact about “Russian collusion” with the Trump election campaign — and, considering the torrent of leaks about all manner of other collateral matters during this same period, it seems impossible to conclude that there is anything actually there besides utterly manufactured hysteria.
Now, one might imagine that this intelligence community could have manufactured some gift-wrapped facts rather than just waves of hysteria, but that’s where the incompetence and impotence comes in. They never came up with anything besides Flynn and Sessions having conversations with the Russian ambassador — as if the ambassadors are not here to have conversations with our government officials. You’d think that with all the computer graphics available these days they could concoct a cineplex-quality feature film-length recording of Donald Trump making a “great deal” to swap Kansas for Lithuania, or Jared Kushner giving piggyback rides to Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. But all we’ve really ever gotten was a packet of emails from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta of the Clinton campaign gloating about how nicely they fucked over Bernie Sanders — and that doesn’t exactly reflect so well on what has evolved to be the so-called “Resistance.”
The net effect of all this sound and fury is a government so paralyzed that it can’t even pass bad legislation or execute its existing (excessive) duties. That might theoretically be a good thing, except what we’re seeing are individual departments just veering off on their own, especially the military, which now operates without any civilian control. Apparently General Mattis, the Secretary of Defense, pretty much decided on his own to dispatch another 8,000 US troops to Afghanistan to move things along there in the war’s 16th year. Or did he get President Trump to look up from his Twitter window for three seconds to explain the situation and get a nod of approval?
Perhaps you also didn’t notice the news item over the weekend that a US-led fighter plane coalition shot down a Syrian air force plane in Syrian airspace. In an earlier era that could easily be construed as an act of war. Who gave the order for that, you have to wonder. And what will the consequences be? Reasonable people might also ask: haven’t we already made enough deadly mischief in that part of the world?
With the US military gone rogue in foreign lands, and the intelligence community off-the-reservation at home, and the Trump White House all gummed up in the tarbaby of RussiaGate, and the House and Senate lost in the shuffle, you also have to wonder what anybody is going to do about the imminent technical bankruptcy of the USA as the Treasury Department spends down its dwindling fund of remaining cash money to pay ongoing expenses — everything from agriculture subsidies to Medicare. That well is going dry in the middle of the summer, and without any resolution to the debt ceiling debate, the country will not be able to borrow more to pretend that it’s solvent.
I don’t see any indication that the House and Senate will be able to bluster their way through this. Instead, the situation will compel extraordinary new acts of financial fraud via the central banks and its cadre of Too-Big-To-Fail associates. In the event, the likely outcome will be a spectacular fall in the value of the US dollar, and perhaps consecutively, the collapse of the equity and real estate markets.
The public may not give a shit about Syria, Afghanistan, or federal dairy supports, but they’ll sure perk up and notice that their money is going worthless. I doubt they’ll be clamoring for Hillary Clinton to be installed as the first US Caesar to fix it all.
34 Comments on "Kunstler: Absent Without Leave"
newfie on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 7:49 pm
A not so subtle dig at Hillary as usual.
makati1 on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 7:55 pm
America is like the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland. The whole country is going mad. Chaos is only getting worse, and even outside the U$, the government is making a laughing stock of itself. Twice in two months a U$ navy ship has hit a civilian ship in Asian waters. Both times, the U$ navy was at fault.
The MIC cannot even build a working fighter jet(F35) that has already cost hundreds of billions of dollars over 14 years, or an aircraft carrier that has cost $13 billion and cannot even launch planes. It would be funny if it was a comedy movie, but it is reality. So sad. Pass the popcorn, and, if you live in the lower 48, Buckle up!
makati1 on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 7:57 pm
Newfie, the world would be better off without ANY of the Clinton clan. Digging a big hole for them is a good thing. Maybe her health problem will be terminal soon? We can only hope.
TheNationalist on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 9:26 pm
I agree with you bigly Mak!
I believe this nonsense in the U.S. is a symptom of their economic and social inequalities.
The aristocracy is lashing out now and grasping at straws (russianists, islamists, northernkoreaists, environmentalists, tourists , dentists etc).
It seems they have finally realised their political leaders act like buffoons.
The world has been telling the yanks this for decades but being exceptionalist and everything they could ignore the planet.
makati1 on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 9:36 pm
The Nationalist, It is most obvious to those of us outside the US MSM Iron Curtain. We are not subjected to the brainwashing propaganda for 24 hours every day like they are. We see the real world, not that designed by TPTB for the American serfs. The best thing I ever did in my 73 years is to move out of the US nine years ago and to another part of the world, far from US shores. The Philippines may not be paradise, but it still has freedom and a nice lifestyle. The same cannot be said for the FSofA.
makati1 on Mon, 19th Jun 2017 10:35 pm
“Officially begun in 2001, with roots extending back to the late 1980s, the F-35 program is nearly a decade behind schedule, and has failed to meet many of its original design requirements. It’s also become the most expensive defense program in world history, at around US$1.5 trillion before the fighter is phased out in 2070.”
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/what-went-wrong-with-the-f-35-lockheed-martin-s-joint-strike-fighter-1.474049#.WUiUiVFLeUk
Graft and corruption worse than any 3rd world nation. The U$ government.
Plantagenet on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 1:13 am
I’ll believe Kunslter’s claim that he predicted the current gridlock in DC when he explains why he predicted we’d hit peak oil by now instead of the oil glut that actually happened.
Cheers!
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 1:44 am
Plant, peak oil as in barrels of oily things or Petroleum NET Energy peak? Anyone can play games with words if there is no facts to back them up. We hit the NET Energy Peak long ago in the petroleum world. All we count now are barrels of oily things that burn. Not long before they include rubbing alcohol and scotch whiskey in those numbers. LMAO
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 5:02 am
“The world has been telling the yanks this for decades but being exceptionalist and everything they could ignore the planet.”
Yea, agreed, but I looking at the rest of the world and I see stink. I see stink because I see a hypocritical world who is doing the same thing but pointing fingers at the US. It is a mirror thing and this is especially true of the Anglosphere countries. Accomplices who are complicit in crimes do the very same thing. They live in the lie of innocence. Anyone who agrees or supports makati is deep into unconscious agenda of this neurosis of anti-Americanism. It is a subtle attempt at criticism with self-promotion. The self-promotion comes by passing blame and making oneself look clean. The “complain” is the masturbation effect. Makati is an example of habitual masturbation. Yes, the US is a mess and failing but look around stupid people.
TheNationalist on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 5:59 am
I am not “anti american” . Almost all the real people I’ve met are cracking and we have a hell of alot in common being an anglo Aussie.
Same thing with Europe and the E.U. political system.
Do not confuse the warped elite political class with “fly over country” real America/Europe.
I tried to explain this to Cloggy once but he still thinks the anglosphere hates the Netherlands for some reason. Victim politics is very strong it seems?
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 6:33 am
Always, the rest of the world is going to fall apart because the ‘exceptional’ U$ is disintegrating. The flag waving ‘patriots’ like to think so, but have zero basis for their delusions. The mindset is, “If I cannot have a good life, then you cannot either”. There is absolutely no proof that the rest of the world is going to suffer as much, or more, than the American ‘indispensable’ serfs. What that mindset proves is that the 24/7/365 brainwashing propaganda has been very successful. About the only thing the U$ can do with any degree of sucess these days.
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 9:22 am
Makati, and a few others are the reason this board has an intellectually weak slant. It feels good to go to a board where similar personalities congregate and circle jerk in lies and distortions. The emotion of yes talking and thinking is wonderfully confirmational. Wonderful emotions of hate and discontent serve to satisfy the intellectually weak who fail to find enjoyment in the bland harshness of the truth. Blaming and complaining has so much possibility. Everyone can be blamed eventually leaving ourselves much room to hide behind such deceit.
Makati is an example of what is wrong in the world. It is like nationalist talked about with the elite political class using victimization as a social tool of control. This is also true of those not part of this class. It is the reason this despicable political class of elites has been so effective. This type of behavior offers power for people like makati and others here.
As long as this board has these people this board is not a high quality place to find the best information. The noise of the lower base emotions of blame drown out the truth. It is still a good place with some very intelligent people if you can wade through the shit and find the morsels of truth. Unfortunately there are people like makati who bring heavy propaganda and personal agenda to our discussions. Makati’s message has been a failure as long as I have been here. If you subscribe to makati’s message you too are warped.
GregT on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 12:34 pm
Intellectually dillusional, and emotionally transparent.
bobinget on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 1:03 pm
Fascism is Not the answer, only the symptom.
I’m saddened to see our old friend, Kunstler, is clearly unhinged.
Speaking of Nazis, some of you old farts might find theses excellent (colorized) photos interesting.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4617328/Incredible-colourised-photos-German-army.html
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 1:10 pm
Someone answered the call. lol
GregT on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 2:00 pm
The entire world is watching the empire implode Davy. If not for the enormous stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction and the propensity to continue to use them to murder millions of innocent people, it might be humorous, in a sick and tragic way. The American people have had plenty of opportunity to get their house in order, but it is the exceptionalists like yourself who have been the greatest hinderence.
bobinget on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 2:01 pm
“Cindy” is now a tropical storm. Overnight Cindy Will Cause Costal Flooding with up to 10 inches of rain from Fl panhandle to SE Texas.
Watch for refinery flooding along LA and TX coasts. This will be big test for Lake Charles, New Orleans pumps.
https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/tropical-storm-cindy-gulf-of-mexico
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 3:34 pm
RETARD HIPOCRIT CANADIAN can’t stand being told they are part of something bad. WTF, how do you dumbass Canadians, Australians, and English think you got so rich, yea, being part of it. You make me sick greg. You are the very worst of the worst having your dick up your ass. Vancouver is a sleaze hole of a place engaged in money laundering and other maleficence. It is one of the richest cities on earth and you dumbfucks point fingers at others and think you are squeaky clean. That is where you made your bones, slut. You took the dirty money and ran to the hills. I know what is going on with the US fucknut. I just refuse to lay down and be walked on by idiots from the Anglosphere like you and others here. You idiots want the Americans here to lay down and beg for mercy for our sins that are also your sins but you will not admit to them. Fuck you sluts. You are disgusting people and know it but just can’t admit it.
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 6:44 pm
GregT, We all will suffer some discomfort when the U$ implodes/crashes, but not as much as the America serfs who have lived spoiled lives and have no idea what is being done to them by TPTB. They will be kept dumbed down and entertained all the way to the slaughter.
You described the situation perfectly. The U$ is a country that allows their leaders to murder, rape and plunder the rest of the world to keep the goodies coming. Many millions have died in the name of capitalist profit. Many millions of Americans will soon die in the name of that same capitalist profit. Payback is a bitch.
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 6:49 pm
GregT, Davy .likes to show off his immaturity. He resorts to name calling when he has no facts to counter anyone’s comment that he doesn’t like.
“Rtard” “Dumbass” “Dumbfuck” “Slut” “Fucknut” etc.
He reminds me of the child that puts his fingers in his ears and chants “Nah Nah Nah! I can’t hear you!” LMAO
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 7:01 pm
This is fun makati. If you look back you will see you started this thread. You enjoy hate and discontent. It makes your day if the board is full of word violence. I find it particularly funny because the words I use your Canadian buddies use routinely. These are your best bud spuds but that’s ok because you guys are tight. You are disgusting makati but you are unable to see this because for you disgusting is normal.
GregT on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 7:56 pm
“I know what is going on with the US fucknut.”
Then the question that immediately comes to mind is; Why do you continually attack anybody that speaks out against it?
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:06 pm
GregT, good question! I will await his reply, but I bet he has none. Another fingers in the ears moment for the Missouri Mule.
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:08 pm
I attack those who attack unjustly like you and makati. People who are balanced and have manners have nothing to fear. I am always ready to discuss issues in a fair and balanced manner. Why do you destroy the peace? Is it because you need to feel something and the attacking gives you that jolt of pleasure?
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:09 pm
come on makati say something you sound like a dork.
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:35 pm
Davy, you attack anything I say here even when it is NOT aimed at you. Why don’t you just ignore me if I am so unimportant and wrong?
Answer: You cannot let someone point out things you disagree with, or don’t like, without trying to put them down. Well, there are about 7 billion plus humans on the planet that disagree with you. I am one of them. Too bad. Try using references to reliable sources to back up your point of view, if you can find any not paid for by the U$.
I have every right to state my view of the U$ and the world as you do. And I will continue to do so. Pointing out every negative about the U$ that I can. I hate bullies whether they are brainwashed serfs in the U$ or countries like the U$. Both should get what is coming to them.
I suggest you just ignore me. Simple, no? LOL
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:41 pm
“Leading the Multipolar Revolution: How Russia and China Are Creating a New World Order”
http://www.globalresearch.ca/leading-the-multipolar-revolution-how-russia-and-china-are-creating-a-new-world-order/5595360
”
The last thirty days have shown another kind of world that is engaging in cooperation, dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve important issues. The meeting of the members of the Belt and Road Initiative laid the foundations for a physical and electronic connectivity among Eurasian countries, making it the backbone of sustainable and renewable trade development based on mutual cooperation. A few weeks later, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Astana outlined the necessary conditions for the success of the Chinese project, such as securing large areas of the Eurasian block and improving dialogue and trust among member states. The following AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) meeting in ROK will layout the economical necessities to finance and sustain the BRI projects.”
Asia is moving forward. The U$ is moving backward. Even it’s allies are jumping ship more and more as the U$$ Empire sinks under its sea of debt, ignorance and self pity.
DMyers on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:49 pm
Kunstler sums it up nicely. We are completely bankrupt, yet still profligate with expenditures, and therefore a day of reckoning is inescapable. This will happen through the phenomenon of dollar collapse. Peter Schiff, et. al., are saying the same.
You can’t print your way to prosperity, someone has famously said. I’m waiting for a rational rebuttal to that assertion. What you can print your way to is an inflationary nightmare, that even WalMart will fail to undercut (Chinese manufacturing notwithstanding).
Davy on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 8:51 pm
Sorry, makati, you don’t get to spread hate and discontent without a price. Funny how we have had this conversation before. Show respect for others and you will get respect. It is as easy as that.
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 10:37 pm
Davy, All I ‘spread’ is the truth. All you spread is shit and misdirection, just like the U$ MSM propaganda machine. You have no respect for anyone who disagrees with you. Look in the mirror Davy.
makati1 on Tue, 20th Jun 2017 10:40 pm
BTW Davy, I seem to ‘get respect’ from all of the other contributors here. They may disagree, but their rebuttals are not laced this playground name calling. AND .. they usually reference a reputable source for their side of the argument. You NEVER do because you cannot.
GregT on Wed, 21st Jun 2017 1:07 am
“you don’t get to spread hate and discontent without a price.”
And what ‘price’ would that be Davy? Have you already forgotten your childhood lessons? Or have you still not yet mastered them?
Remember this one?
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”
Ask the kids about it during your next visitation. You might just learn something new.
makati1 on Wed, 21st Jun 2017 1:34 am
GregT, if you go back and check, I did not once even elude to Davy in my comments here, until he had to butt in and start putting me down. He doesn’t even see his own problems but likes to point out what he thinks are the problems of others. Typical American hypocrite.
All I can say is that boomerang of death and destruction the U$ has been throwing out for decades, is heading back home and about time. Buckle up!
Davy on Wed, 21st Jun 2017 6:02 am
What a pair, the stupid old man and the dumbass whining Canadian. What’s wrong guys did I upset you? The fact that I get both your attentions means I am enjoying the making of my point. The fact it takes two dumbasses makes the enjoyment even better. greg, go walk the dog you bum and makati go spend some time at the fantasy farm and do something.