149 Comments
User's avatar
SteelJ's avatar

I agree with and appreciate your light-handed approach to culling comments. Better to err on the side of open dialogue than censorship. Some substack writers are thin-skinned to the point of not tolerating disagreement. Which tells you something about their lack of open-mindedness and so hurts their credibility.

Daniel Wirt's avatar

John Leake did not remove any comment or ban anyone. He warned a commenter (a repeat offender) to stop making threats of physical violence. Do you disagree with this action?

Chark's avatar

I was not astounded over the price of the piece of military hardware, or that little was made of it. Not when you consider that BILLION and BILLIONS of taxpayer funds have been wasted on fraudsters in social programs all across the country jut in the last couple of years! And apparently we don't have even the minimum of qualification , or verification to be sure that data is correct when we give out these monies. I will NOT BE SURPRISED TO SEE THAT MOST OF THE COUPLE OF PEOPLE CHARGED SERVE NO TIME either. We are a nation of stupid citizenry.

David Chere-Bolelwang's avatar

It seems like Ukraine is not being given the attention it deserves in terns of the cited, "stupid citizenry".. Could it be by reason that, " Ukranians are white like us?".. (from Johannesburg)

Kathy Christian's avatar

Probably not. I think they're being reserved for something worse.

Leelee317's avatar

100% couldn't agree more with your entire position and rationale on the war in Iran. It's nothing short of very stupid, totally belligerent, and completely insane. In plain language.

Benj's avatar
Apr 18Edited

OH - and by the way - TODAY the NY Times (!!!) heaped praise on Trump's Iran actions.

So.

Benj's avatar

"it's nothing short of three very totally completely different synonyms I came up with" 😂

Leelee317's avatar

wait, let me help you out:

Stupid: Lacking intelligence, understanding, or good judgment.

Belligerent: Hostile, aggressive, or inclined to argue or fight.

Insane: Mentally ill in a severe way; or, more loosely, extremely irrational or unreasonable.

Benj's avatar

Here, let me help you out:

Those literal differences lose all nuance in the context of your vomitous, ad-hominem-ladled TDS spew.

You're not trying to convey any idea or illustrate any truth; your words are no more than a vent for your emotional incontinence.

Leelee317's avatar

stupid, belligerent, and insane - you think those are synonyms? I'm the one laughing. But happy Saturday!

Chark's avatar

And I Love TRUMP despite a few weird proclivities. I look at a person's actions, and not so much what they say. I think he is doing his very best not to hurt the people of Iran which would devastate them to lose their power sources. I pray he is successful!

Forest Cat's avatar

Except Trumps proclivities reside in both his actions and his words. His unilateral approach to power serves as a warning that we are a country of constitution and laws and not authoritarianism of consolidated power to one man. It is a cautionary tale throughout history that so many so easily forget when their party is the one who holds the power. They forget how the pendulum swings back the other way.

David Chere-Bolelwang's avatar

I doubt you mean it.. (from Johannesburg))

Alan's avatar

THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN THE U.S. WITH TRAITOR TRUMP OWNED BY AN ILLEGAL FOREIGN NATION.

Mike's avatar

Caps locked. Another Boomer yelling on media. Lol

Alan's avatar

YABUT IT'S 100% TRUE! THAT LOUD ENOUGH FOR YA?🤣🥳

Sam's avatar

Opinions are like ass***es. Everyone's got one.

Alan's avatar

YOU TOO? 🤔🤣

Sam's avatar

Me? No way!! I never poo!

Mike's avatar

Lol, its getting late so you better run along now. The local buffets AARP discount is about to end. Don't forget to tip!

SteelJ's avatar

I've been supporting computer systems for 45 years, since the days your only choice was all caps. It's funny how often I sit at a PC and when I start typing, I have to turn caps lock off! And you have a point, it's usually one of my fellow boomers. Not many out there as old as me still pounding keyboards in offices, so maybe not boomers, but seniors anyway.

Alan's avatar

Just wanted to make sure the reading challenged jabbed folks might be able to see it.

Susie's avatar

It deserves all caps!

Kathy Christian's avatar

Yeah, if only we had China Joe back, huh?

Alan's avatar

Better than genocide Don

Douglas lyons McShane's avatar

I’ve visited the usa three times over the last twenty years and have witnessed the economic decline of the evil empire. I’ve yet to experience an unfriendly american! Is this still true? It would appear the average person has been reduced to tent dwellers. Why is the usa still trading with such a massive debt burden? In the U K it would be illegal to trade whilst insolvent! It reminds me of the old song “ buddy can you spare a dime “ war with Iran? “ heaven help you/us because you have upset the world’s economy and it will take years to recover. As they say in Scotland “stop talking the Donald”

Forest Cat's avatar

Unfortunately the US is showing to the world the version of the Ugly American. Trump hitting every point of the stereotype. Obnoxious, arrogant, narcissist, prideful, greedy, rude, and ignorant. As one can see from many of the comments from his followers, they primarily have these same characteristics.

Susie's avatar

All American flags should be lowered half-mast, permanently. Our government's rhetoric (completely destroy the Iranian civilization) and actions (targeting schools ,hospitals, bridges, apartment buildings) have left a permanent stain on America.

Forest Cat's avatar

It is unfortunate and needs to be reprehended with disgust that our government will threaten and carry out war crimes, especially in a war of their own making.

Douglas lyons McShane's avatar

I couldn’t agree more ! Ohh… my poor American friends, my heart bleeds for you!❤️

albert venezio's avatar

I agree War and violence should be a last resort. However speaking/writing Truth should not be curtailed as it leads to censorship which many are experiencing - especially if it does not apply to one group.

Daniel Wirt's avatar

Albert, John Leake did not remove any comment or ban anyone. He warned a commenter (a repeat offender) to stop making threats of physical violence.

albert venezio's avatar

Thank you for the clarification Daniel - that is never acceptable and could be grounds for banishment.

Mike's avatar

Yet another TDS post. Congratulations! Didn't you get your frustration out at the No Kings protest? As usual, you are missing the point. This is not about Iran. This is about who funds them and Israel. The City of London. Iran is just one of their proxies. Why didnt the UK join in? Its about power and they are losing it. Can't or won't see? You will.

Any news on health related topics? I mean, that's what most people who signed up for this substance want or need. Not some more political ideology rant....

Daniel Wirt's avatar

Not pertinent to health? War and genocide are all about public health, and very much in the preview of physicians, public health professionals and historians.

See that “MPH” after Dr. McCullough’s name?

What makes you think Dr. McCullough disagrees with John Leake’s posts? As a physician with an MPH, Dr. McCullough knows that issues of war, especially nuclear war are of the utmost concern to public health. And in case you haven’t noticed, we have a malignant narcissist psychopathic president who has started a war of aggression…

(TDS: Trump Delusional/Dead-ender Syndrome)

Dr. McCullough’s comment (April 9) on John Leake’s post “Israel Blows Up Lebanese Town of Naquora”:

“The current atrocities we are witnessing compounded by the recent tragedy in Gaza are clarifying among our readers who is who. As doctors, scientists, and historians, we are bringing you analysis and the spirit of compassion which is clashing with hard core, blood-thirsty barbarism. We are not among the victims, but is clear who they are. The Nakba, meaning "catastrophe" in Arabic, refers to the 1948 violent displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians during the creation of Israel, transforming them into refugees. Commemorated annually on May 15, this event resulted in the destruction of over 500 villages, widespread looting, and loss of life. The Nakba is central to Palestinian identity and considered an ongoing process of displacement.”

Zionist barbarism continues unabated. Witness the depraved psychopath Ben Gvir. Witness the rape of Palestinian prisoners by IDF soldiers (and the lack of objection by some majority of Israeli citizens). Witness the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank by Zionist settlers.

Susie's avatar

Yes, and health care, medicare, is now looked at for reduced funding to pay for war.

Benj's avatar

True that. Leake is leaking.

Mike's avatar

Disappointing more than anything. Wish he would turn his obsessive-compulsive disorder towards health. I think more than many would appreciate that effort. But, that truly is what people that suffer from TDS are all about....truly sad!

Daniel Wirt's avatar

Not pertinent to health? War and genocide are all about public health, and very much in the preview of physicians, public health professionals and historians.

See that “MPH” after Dr. McCullough’s name?

What makes you think Dr. McCullough disagrees with John Leake’s posts? As a physician with an MPH, Dr. McCullough knows that issues of war, especially nuclear war are of the utmost concern to public health. And in case you haven’t noticed, we have a malignant narcissist psychopathic president who has started a war of aggression…

(TDS: Trump Delusional/Dead-ender Syndrome)

Dr. McCullough’s comment (April 9) on John Leake’s post “Israel Blows Up Lebanese Town of Naquora”:

“The current atrocities we are witnessing compounded by the recent tragedy in Gaza are clarifying among our readers who is who. As doctors, scientists, and historians, we are bringing you analysis and the spirit of compassion which is clashing with hard core, blood-thirsty barbarism. We are not among the victims, but is clear who they are. The Nakba, meaning "catastrophe" in Arabic, refers to the 1948 violent displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians during the creation of Israel, transforming them into refugees. Commemorated annually on May 15, this event resulted in the destruction of over 500 villages, widespread looting, and loss of life. The Nakba is central to Palestinian identity and considered an ongoing process of displacement.”

Zionist barbarism continues unabated. Witness the depraved psychopath Ben Gvir. Witness the rape of Palestinian prisoners by IDF soldiers (and the lack of objection by some majority of Israeli citizens). Witness the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank by Zionist settlers.

Mike's avatar

Here we go again, another "Triggered" and triple boosted Boomer....

Daniel Wirt's avatar

Is ANonnyMouse Mike referring to Dr. McCullough? While Dr. McCullough and I may both be “triggered” by genocide and wars of aggression, I am neither primarily Covid vaccinated let alone “triple boosted”. You’ll have to ask Dr. McCullough about his Covid vaccination status, but I’d guess he is neither primarily vaccinated or boosted.

Alan's avatar

Aren't you a little overdue for your 16th covid booster and 15th flu shot...or are they what caused the damage? 🤣

YorktownOct19@protonmail.com's avatar

There is a grave threat from Islam to the entire world. They lost 3 9-11 battles before they won one; 9-11-1565, Malta; 9-11-1683, Vienna; 9-11-1697, the Battle of Zenta. October 7, 2023 was the 452nd anniversary of Lepanto, which they lost. The Ottoman Caliphate collapsed March 3, 2024, and only ignorance and the unproductivity of Islam has allowed people not to know of the 1400 year jihad to take over the world by force. Islam is not a religion; Islam is a totalitarian political ideology; Islam has drenched the world in blood for 1400 years. It was founded by a man who had a terrible childhood and became a psychopath. Muslims ape Mohammad; slavery and lying are approved in their koran. No Muslim is constitutionally eligible to take our oath of citizenship, let alone the oath of office, because under their law, Sharia, all non-Muslims are legally inferior to all Muslims; women are inferior to men, leaving Islam, criticizing their koran or Mohammad are death sentences. Our Constitution guarantees equal treatment under law, and our 1st Amendment freedom of speech and of religion.

Bush did us a grave disservice by saying "Islam means peace." NO. Islam means submission.

As for the British Empire, they took over huge areas of the world for their own enrichment. They invaded Ireland in 1169, dispossessed the Irish of their land, witnessed and allowed 3 million to starve because they had nothing to eat after they were dispossessed except potatoes, and the blight wiped out the potatoes; in 1916 they executed without trial leaders of the Easter Rebellion. Why did Britain have "interests in the Black Sea and Balkans"? Because they shamelessly took other peoples' lands and wealth.

Benj's avatar

Jeff Childers is brilliant.

Sam's avatar

Blind optimism. I stopped reading it.

Dena's avatar

Optimism yes, blind no. He’s been on target imo.

evergreen's avatar

$240MM. Now do you understand why IRGC head shed got wiped on Day 1 and its vaunted military pummeled, to the disbelief of every prognosticating armchair general?

You admire the "...diplomacy backed by naval strength..."

Well, what have we today in Trump? He'd like to iron out a diplomatic solution, but the "backed by naval strength" is the deciding factor for compliance, feigned or otherwise.

Hegseth can be whatever he is, but Trump is calling it, so don't ascribe evangelical zeal to Trump's military engagement.

Alan's avatar

Rump can't wipe his ass without permission from Tel aviv. Looks like he hasn't gotten permission to do even that in a long time!💩

denise ward's avatar

See this is what keeps getting coddled - the idea that someone tell you that you shouldn't "allow" certain speech on your articles is infantile and aggressive in itself! Who is anyone to tell another what to say? Why doesn't the emailer himself/herself respond to anything they find offensive? Rather than gang up on someone by getting you to agree, simply because of their kiddy sensitivities? Are we all to bend to someone's sensitivities? Does this make sense at all? I understand few have even thought of this but the reason for war is because we can't talk with each other. We have been stripped of our sovereignty, but we can get it back by confronting these infants who think what they want to hear is what others have to speak. I'm sorry John that you played along and babied him/her. If we want peace, we have to create the terrain for peace and you know what that is?

FREE SPEECH. So defend it with all your might. If someone doesn't like what is said, then duke it out in text or words. That way we learn how to be sovereign and shed our baby teeth at last.

Benj's avatar
Apr 16Edited

Ok - this is the crux - YES to free speech, AND/BUT free speech works best, and to its ultimate usefulness, when people can be reasoned, civil, and substantive - not spewing ad hominems and vomiting emotional reactions.

Remember the 1st Amendment ONLY applies to *freedom from government persecution of speech*. It does NOT apply to the consequences of saying stupid, inappropriate shit in public spaces.

denise ward's avatar

Forget about what's written, that is two-dimensional and we live in the multi-dimensional realm. Even if people use ad hominen and other vomit, the listeners can either ignore them or give them a good public schlapping. That way we learn how to do it better too. But we're learning nothing by preventing free speech. So what it's just talk. And any talk of threats, then we know who to keep out of our circles. And we must make this a big thing, advertise it so that others know who made the threat. Ad hominen in nothing, it just shows they don't have a case. We mustn't prosecute it but respond to it, or not respond and leave them in a social wasteland including their families. WE have the means to do this now with databases so we can know who did what. Constitutions and stuff like that is old school and doesn't work anymore. We need a truly deep, active, principled code to go by and free speech, even with it's flaws, will always result in better outcomes. Free speech makes the terrain unfavorable for those of ill will because we will know who they are. But right now, people are too scared to speak what they know, about celebrities and well known people. Although it's all coming out at last. We need to strenuously condemn anyone who promotes censorship. Free speech is our ticket out of the malaise. So simple I know.

Daniel Wirt's avatar

John Leake did not remove any comment or ban anyone. He warned a commenter (a repeat offender) to stop making threats of physical violence. Do you disagree with this action?

denise ward's avatar

Thanks for clarifying. No I don't disagree with that action and I think we ought to come down hard on anyone who makes threats.

Flash Gordon's avatar

The biggest contradiction of government rhetoric is that of showing concern that its people will be killed by this or that foreign power, weapon or action. Anyone who stops to think about this for two seconds - "Iran will get a nuke" - should be able to spot the lie immediately. If the government truly gave a damn about its citizens being killed it would act this way in all of its endeavors. It would not inject everyone with all manner of poison, feed it garbage, let fentanyl and other street drugs run wild, attack its female population's ability to reproduce or let in millions of illegals.

There are absolutely zero concerns about Iran having a nuclear weapon. It is an abject lie. Everything is about money. Everything. Even the pedos and child trafficking are about leverage and money.

Once you remove the "Iran can't have nukes" reasoning what are we left with? Control of the Middle East by USIsrael because...oil. Always has been, always will be. Oh, and per Doomberg, no, 20% of the world's energy supply does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. 5% does. So, they can't even keep their lies...straight.

Forest Cat's avatar

The noble lie that Iran "might" get nukes has been used for decades to prop up a straw man to push propaganda of irrational fear of a radical enemy who wants to destroy the world. We saw similar rhetoric used with Iraq and the WMD lie being told. They feed on the people's ignorance to conduct wars for ulterior reasons. Control of the Middle East and the resources that it contains. Iran sits on oil and is part of a distribution point for trade access. Iran is a strategic pillar to the belt and road initiative that will create trade routes with Iran and China. This is what this war is about is the control of Iran. Kleptocracy on full view for eyes to see.

Daniel Wirt's avatar

Exactly. In addition: “Greater Israhell - from the Nile to the Euphrates”

Forest Cat's avatar

Correct. Eretz Yisrael Hashlema (The Greater Israel project). The US hegemony has been following the script by helping to attack the countries that stand in the way of Israel's ambitious goals. Of course the US has their own motives for doing so, which aligns with Israel acting as a military state to administer over the region.

Flash Gordon's avatar

Well said. And I would modify the notion of appealing to people through "fear" of Iran getting a nuke. This isn't the psychology in play for most people. Most people are not afraid of other countries having nuclear weapons or else we would hear non-stop about Turkey, Russia, N. Korea and especially China having them. When is the last time any of these "Whoa, man, we can't let Iran have nukes. They are craaaaaaaazy!!!" people even mentioned China or N. Korea's nukes? Exactly never.

No, the appeal is toward people who just want to kill Iranians because...Muslim...Israel...psychosis. These people simply have bloodlust and think USIsrael are entitled to do it for...get this...God. Yep. What's home to the biggest, most violent "in the name of God" religious zealotry movement in the world? America, apparently. Maybe not man-for man, woman-for-woman population-wise but in terms of the power and the propaganda it uses to justify role-playing as the world's policemen? Probably the one with a leader who memes himself as Jesus.

Forest Cat's avatar

You hit the nail on the head. The fear propaganda pushed is that Iran getting nukes would mean world destruction. The reason why they push the propaganda of Iran getting nukes is that they know Iran can use them as a deterrent, which then Iran would be able to negotiate terms on a more level playing field. The USA doesn't want that and Israel most certainly doesn't want Iran on equal footing.

:Stuart-james.'s avatar

All wars are bankers wars for they’re the only ones that benefit, along with their investors. So losing a 240million via tax fraud is nothing!

denise ward's avatar

Do you have loans with banks? How about stop paying the interest portion? YOu know that portion is never entered into the economy? And how about you get another person to do it too? But don't keep it all for yourself, share 50% of it with someone you know who needs it. Someone you know, not an organization or charity so you can see how your hard won money is being used. Can you do that? Because that's what it is going to take to ward off these banker terrorists.

:Stuart-james.'s avatar

We need a complete change of currency that excludes these parasites.

taxpayer's avatar

Unfortunately, most loans involve some kind of asset, which would be confiscated should the borrower not pay as agreed.

:Stuart-james.'s avatar

All loans are corrupt contracts. For the identity used does not belong to the one who pays.

denise ward's avatar

Well that is your fear but I would say the banks wouldn't want this to spread and so they will shut up about it. Don't forget who actually takes your possessions away - people like you and me, they do it "because it's mah job". So we've got a lot of work to do to get that idea out of people's brains, this "it's mah job" nonsense. Soon they'll have nothing too because their jobs will be taken over by robots. Nonetheless Jews know that goyim will do anything for money and they exploit us with that no end. We need to get busy telling our friends and family to not go to war or work for bankers and companies that screw their own.

:Stuart-james.'s avatar

No fear, just fact. Any property registered is with an identity that is the property of the author / publisher. In the Uk that means the Crown.

We represent a very small minority, that means most folks fear change and loss of their life style that is dependant on fraudulent financial services.

Judy Dehaney's avatar

I strongly believe in Salisbury's quote: "All of the resources that the government spends on war could be used to do something creative and useful to strengthen Britain and the welfare of its people".

Tatiana Shariff's avatar

It's all total insanity. I have no idea what Trump is thinking except he is following/fool-owing the wishes of another country's 47 year old desires at our expense. It' depressing and distressing. The inmates are running the asylum. I think Hegseth is on a personal tirade and a danger to all. He seems to have no control.mechanism. .....a loose cannon. "By Jingo," .... 7 countries in 5 years or bust.