OlDawg

A lot more going on here than just pardons for drug traffickers. The U.S. has neglected Central & South America for a long time. Under the Reagan Administration, the U.S. paid special attention to the region, and helped bolster democracies. Interesting that a Democratic Congress that constantly harassed Reagan politically, and tried to sabotage him at every opportunity, almost allowed Communism to flourish in Central/South America all those decades ago for simple political gain at home. Since Reagan, it's been kind of a back-burner issue, and issues have grown to a point where they HAVE to be addressed for REAL National Security purposes. What has happened since? Nicaragua--where we helped the Contras battle the Sandinistas/Communists and establish a democracy--is now a full blown dictatorship under Ortega. In 40 years, he moved the country from a birthing democracy to autocratic rule with help from who? The Sandinistas. Honduras--recent election barely beat back the Marxist/Communist party. Trump succeeded in helping keep the communist party at bay for now. But, he may have opened a can of worms by basically presenting the Executive Branch as above the legal system with his pardon of JOH. Venezuela--no explanation required. Panama/Costa Rica--Still somewhat stable. But, China is exerting a great deal of influence in Panama, and CR--as the historically most stable democracy in Central America--is under economic duress. El Salvador--Recently (July '25) rescinded Presidential term limits. Generally, a first step towards an Autocratic government. These are just a few of the issues. China and Russia are focusing on, and making diplomatic and economic inroads in the region. The Panama Canal is basically being operated by Hutchison Holding (controlled by the CCP), and Panama has joined the Belt & Road Initiative. At any one time, three or four countries in the region flip between Marxism/Communism, Autocracies, or corrupted Democracies. Lately, through neglect by the U.S., the liberal Marxists have taken a real, tangible foothold in the entire region economically, and politically. Russia and China both have military presences in the region now. It appears the Trump Administration has recognized the issues, and is trying to address again. Thus, the pardon. Debatable if it was a good move or not. That's up to smarter people than me and history. But, it appears to have been a way to curb Honduras from becoming another Marxist regime at least temporarily. Sometimes, there aren't any 'good choices.' There's just bad, and worse. That's what happens with neglect and appeasement. As it was when I was more directly involved, if we aren't careful, Mexico will be the only thing standing between us and a Communist China/Russia satellite region called Central America. As I said in the beginning of this post, there's a lot more going on here than drug traffickers.

The JAG in charge of directly advising would have given their opinion, their opinion would then go up the chain. Many missions of this type (in the past) would eventually wind their way to direct consultation with DOJ, as they work hand-in-hand on key SpecOp activities. If DOJ isn’t involved, the activity is typically ‘off book’, and the operators won’t be uniformed, direct associate DOD personnel. Yes on the pardon statement.

lol An active JAG wouldn’t make that comment, which means they are no more than someone else with an agenda. You really do get suckered in, don’t you?

Hard to believe she won the county that includes Nashville when she bad-mouthed Nashville.

Without getting into specific details, I’ll just remind folks that SpecOps operate under different ROE’s than conventional military units. Yes. They still operate under international laws and rules of combat while in uniform, or under the flag of the U.S. But, rules are vastly more flexible. Typically, a USN vessel assisting in deterring criminal activity will replace their fleet flags with a Coast Guard flag, and thus—technically—be under CG control with the legal protections offered. It can be debated if designating a group a terrorist organization makes them a military or criminal target. I don’t have details on the attack in September. If true SpecOps, much of what you’re hearing from the chattering class is inaccurate/incomplete due to their lack of knowledge of the incident, and in the different ROE’s. Rest assured, when uniformed DOD personnel are involved, JAG is also involved at every level in the chain. They are the experts in military law. Not civilian lawyers, pundits, or politicians. If Congress wants to change something, they need to pass a resolution of some sort defining when/how POTUS can use force. History has shown—all the way back to Jefferson and the Barbary pirates—that POTUS has the authority to defend the U.S. and it’s interests with military force. ‘Defending the U.S.’ is the gray area in this case just as it was with many previous Presidents, including Obama and Libya, and Biden and the Houthis. Finally, I’d be especially concerned how leaks from military operations were still occurring.

A lot better than NRG to me. I think it’s better when a smaller venue is packed vs a less than 1/2 full stadium.

Winter gasoline blends also have a higher RVP. They need less additives. So, they’re cheaper to produce. Typically, that savings is passed on to the consumer. Diesel prices are the better price to track for economic factors, and costs. They are what affect commerce.

Town Kegger Refreshments

BH Yellow Dog PAM Yellow Dog

BTW, here's exactly what I said about BH vs. Weiss. You tell me how far off-base I was. (Except for the obvious wrong winner pick, which came down to a botched snap on a tying FG in OT.) 'To me, BH has a chance because of a fairly well balanced O. Maybe they can keep Weiss a little off balance on D. At the least, Weiss will have to respect the BH pass game, and won’t be able to just load the box. BH’s issue will be if Weiss plays up tempo all game, and doesn’t give the BH D a chance to sub or rest. Their tempo can be a killer. They snap the ball with less than 10 seconds gone on the play clock, and catch your D with poor matchups and a tired secondary. I see the winner needing to score in the 40’s at a minimum. Both teams may be in the 40’s! Should be a fun game to watch. Which team gets more possessions may be the key. These are just my observations from watching both teams. I will say Simper knows how to play a shoot out coming from the Cy district. So, the BH staff won’t be caught flat-footed. I’m still going with Weiss. But—barring TO’s—I don’t see it being easy. Weiss is still a young team though. I keep waiting for them to make some youthful mistakes. So far, they really haven’t.'

SV also has a district rematch. So, you’re correct. You never know. SV beat the unicorns 27-14 in district early in the year. In fact, 3 of the 4 Regional Final games are district rematches. Pretty interesting year. Any team playing Thanksgiving or beyond is good. SV is still the defending State Champion.

LP didn't deserve to win. No saltiness at all. I'm not the one predicting the PAM blowout. I haven't predicted a winner. (Although, all things being equal, I'd go with PAM.) I've watched all of y'all multiple times now. SV is playing very good ball. Y'all are playing very good ball. BH is somewhat hobbled. My observation is, if y'all can't win the game--against a hobbled BH in your own backyard--by a decisive margin, SV will be a loss. That's my opinion. Sorry if you don't like it.

I wasn't singing any song. I don't remember even commenting on the previous BH/PAM matchup this year. I was busy with 11-5A stuff. I'll predict this though: If y'all don't beat BH by at least 3 TD's, I don't see you having any chance against SV.

So, with the superior talent PAM typically has, when was the last undefeated regular season again?

PAM usually lays an egg at least once a year. Haven't yet. BH was lucky enough to lay theirs on the same day as their opponent decided to lay their own. You can't outcoach talent. But, given PAM's history, this game isn't a gimme' by any means. It's not as if the Eagles don't have some talent of their own. I hope the weather holds up for--probably--the biggest game in Beaumont in many years.