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EarlG

(23,560 posts)
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:47 AM Saturday

So the Department of Homeland Security is currently shut down

And yet Trump has started a war of regime change against a country that is potentially capable of guerilla strikes on American soil.

According to a CBS report from a few weeks ago, "The shutdown will affect the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency and other agencies within DHS that safeguard national security."

It seems to me that if you're going to start a major war with another country -- especially if you're going to force the leaders of that country into an existential crisis, meaning that literally everything is on the table in terms of their response -- it would make sense to have all those defense and security agencies operating at full strength. And yet here we are.

Of course, DHS itself, along with the rest of the Trump regime, has been describing this as the "Democrats' shutdown" because Republicans have refused to negotiate with Democrats, who simply want ICE to follow the Constitution.

Now, if I were a very cynical person, I might think that not only does Trump not care about an attack on American soil, but he'd actually welcome such a thing, because a) he could blame it on the Democrats for shutting down DHS, and b) it would give him the pretext he needs to declare a national emergency and assert federal control over the mid-term elections.

But gosh, one would really have to lose one's faith in the President of the United States to consider that he might do something so disgraceful, wouldn't one?

58 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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So the Department of Homeland Security is currently shut down (Original Post) EarlG Saturday OP
Thanks for the perspective orangecrush Saturday #1
Post removed Post removed Saturday #19
Please take this down orangecrush Saturday #20
Draft the ICEholesand send them over there to fight Wicked Blue Saturday #2
But See BS told me that the Democrats failed to advance to bill dickthegrouch Saturday #3
Watch the ending of the recent movie "civil war" Javaman Saturday #4
I hope so JustAnotherGen Saturday #34
Me too Javaman Saturday #39
i hope that means the movie ended well MadameButterfly Saturday #50
Very happy ending JustAnotherGen Saturday #51
OK I'll watch it MadameButterfly Saturday #55
You are not cynical... MiHale Saturday #5
Yep, his War Lord Class donors are safe. Attilatheblond Saturday #26
Whatever happens will be bad. A country deserves the leaders it elects, doesn't it? QueerDuck Saturday #6
Those in positions of authority who represent the people..and NOT themselves. BattleRow Saturday #18
we do not deserve the elected officials Elon picked Attilatheblond Saturday #27
Exactly what Bush allowed. BradBo Saturday #7
Don't think that any sane person popsdenver Saturday #29
It's all a political calculation: change the subject from the Epstein files, make dems look bad for not supporting our Martin68 Saturday #8
Kick dalton99a Saturday #9
On his advice from Putin. multigraincracker Saturday #10
Yep. calimary Saturday #13
They wouldn't dare! Not with big, bad Donny Trump in the White House! tanyev Saturday #11
Does that mean Noem is laid off? NameAlreadyTaken Saturday #12
Nope. More like "gets laid" calimary Saturday #16
She's currently showering with Lewandowski at 36,000 feet in their $70 million "Love Shack." NBachers Saturday #37
It's not this post that needs an "Eeeeww" warning. calimary Saturday #40
Trump has always thought things through..... SergeStorms Saturday #14
Makes sense malaise Saturday #15
Chump working overtime to seize control of midterms duckworth969 Saturday #17
From your lips to God's ear. Nothing would make me happier. Katinfl Saturday #21
Vance would carry on his legacy. And the fascists who wnylib Saturday #57
Sadly, popsdenver Saturday #32
not a stretch oldinmtdem92 Saturday #22
LIHOP? Wednesdays Saturday #23
Let's replay all the 'Wag The Dog' references they made! BidenRocks Saturday #24
What could possibly COL Mustard Saturday #25
How much time to you have? Attilatheblond Saturday #28
Yup. COL Mustard Saturday #30
Fear 'ground troops & support troops' on US bases in other countries in the area WILL be involved. Attilatheblond Saturday #44
The movie was spot on. usonian Saturday #31
Well see - I AM a cynical person JustAnotherGen Saturday #33
Trump should be stuffed in a duffel bag and delivered to Iran Orrex Saturday #35
Antarctica would be better. calimary Saturday #41
Just one? BidenRocks Saturday #49
If I were a cynical person, I would say - you just connected the last two dots, EG. yellow dahlia Saturday #36
Good Sense gfarber Saturday #38
Boy, gfarber, your work just gets better and better! calimary Saturday #42
"This curious lapse in good sense." RandomNumbers Saturday #43
Man...Kushner must be pissed purr-rat beauty Saturday #45
They haven't even bothered to put out a terrorism advisory pat_k Saturday #46
what if the existentially-threaten regime has plans to target mer de largo? Justice matters. Saturday #47
That would be the best of worlds thinking, IMO... slightlv Saturday #48
Maybe his bunker in what was formerly known as the East Room is completed. llmart Saturday #52
Trump would love a 9/11 again here in the US. Irish_Dem Saturday #53
trumpie wouid welcome demolition strikes in the U.S. Totally Tunsie Saturday #54
Well done Earl G. Way to put it together. applegrove Saturday #56
How long til US media points that out?? Would they say 'the buck stops with the president' or 'Democrats shut it down'? lostnfound Yesterday #58

Response to orangecrush (Reply #1)

dickthegrouch

(4,453 posts)
3. But See BS told me that the Democrats failed to advance to bill
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 11:11 AM
Saturday

It’s all propaganda and lies from every corner.
Only reliable news sources are BBC and the Guardian.

MiHale

(12,885 posts)
5. You are not cynical...
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 11:59 AM
Saturday

I think he is inviting an attack on American soil…now here’s where it gets nasty…I believe if Iran doesn’t we will have a false flag op.

Attilatheblond

(8,640 posts)
26. Yep, his War Lord Class donors are safe.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:09 PM
Saturday

The rest of us, not so much. But that IS the plan.

QueerDuck

(1,445 posts)
6. Whatever happens will be bad. A country deserves the leaders it elects, doesn't it?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:02 PM
Saturday

And a country must suffer the consequences as well. Lives will be lost, but maybe hard lessons will be learned too. (But for how long will the lessons be remembered?)

popsdenver

(2,091 posts)
29. Don't think that any sane person
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:13 PM
Saturday

wouldn't believe the evidence that Cheney/Rummy/FBI Director, enabled 9/11 to fulfill the Republican's wet dream, outlined in their late 90's manifesto: PNAC

And yet, here the Republicans are, yet again, setting the stage, having proved that a 9/11 Scenario would get everyone in the nation behind their atrocity...............

And would certainly take the heat off of the Republicans, Trump's Epstein situation, Putin's Ukraine situation, and Netanyahu's actions in GAZA..........

Martin68

(27,476 posts)
8. It's all a political calculation: change the subject from the Epstein files, make dems look bad for not supporting our
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:17 PM
Saturday

military, look tough, etc.

calimary

(89,626 posts)
16. Nope. More like "gets laid"
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:39 PM
Saturday

or gets to hear Trump “sweet-talking” her about such things.

NBachers

(19,359 posts)
37. She's currently showering with Lewandowski at 36,000 feet in their $70 million "Love Shack."
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:35 PM
Saturday

Maybe this post needs an “Eeeeww” warning.

calimary

(89,626 posts)
40. It's not this post that needs an "Eeeeww" warning.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:01 PM
Saturday

And what does she figure Cory Lewandowski can do for her? Or get for her?

SergeStorms

(20,382 posts)
14. Trump has always thought things through.....
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:37 PM
Saturday

for every contingency, so...................... screw it, I can't keep this charade up.

With tRump it's always been, "Ready.......shoot......AIM! He's a horse's ass.

duckworth969

(1,341 posts)
17. Chump working overtime to seize control of midterms
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:41 PM
Saturday

“state of emergency”, “foreign government interference in our elections”, “domestic terrorists”, etc.

JFC, can’t the Creature just die already?! 😡

wnylib

(25,606 posts)
57. Vance would carry on his legacy. And the fascists who
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:51 PM
Saturday

back Trump and Vance would make a sainted martyr out of the pedo slob.

popsdenver

(2,091 posts)
32. Sadly,
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:21 PM
Saturday

it is the 2025 assholes, UBER wealthy, and Corporations that are truly behind this, and if Trump should croak, they will put someone in there to replace him and continue the execution of their madness........These groups only care about themselves and THEIR children and grandchildren, all other's are expendable.............

WASF

Wednesdays

(22,287 posts)
23. LIHOP?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:59 PM
Saturday

Let it happen on purpose?


A 9/11-type attack on the USA would be TSF's wet dream. Poll numbers shooting up to 90 percent or more.

BidenRocks

(3,095 posts)
24. Let's replay all the 'Wag The Dog' references they made!
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:02 PM
Saturday

DHS isn't shut down as much as they are reloading with all the massive quantities of military equipment chump and noem have bought.

I don't know for a fact, but I think DHS military would be in the top 10 worldwide.

Remember the military helicopter violating city airspace in DC during George Floyd marches?

Chump has his private army loyal to only him.

Like the concentration camps he is building, those are meant for Liberal Thinking people. They will not stand empty!

We must derail this runaway train!

Attilatheblond

(8,640 posts)
44. Fear 'ground troops & support troops' on US bases in other countries in the area WILL be involved.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:34 PM
Saturday

And I would not be surprised by attacks here in the mainland US. Trump picked a fight with the wrong people. Jihadists could be anywhere.

usonian

(24,585 posts)
31. The movie was spot on.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:20 PM
Saturday

Wag the Dog



Now, send ICE, every last one of them.

Make Iran safe for McDonalds

JustAnotherGen

(37,926 posts)
33. Well see - I AM a cynical person
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:22 PM
Saturday

They will do anything for their White ChristoFascist Vision.

calimary

(89,626 posts)
41. Antarctica would be better.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:06 PM
Saturday

Too many “marks” in Iran he could still “work with”. And make empty but convincing promises to.

yellow dahlia

(5,472 posts)
36. If I were a cynical person, I would say - you just connected the last two dots, EG.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:33 PM
Saturday

Last edited Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:40 PM - Edit history (1)

But unfortunately - won't likely be the final dots.

Your analysis is cogent and frightening.

Rachel just did 20 Rhodes scholaresque minutes of connecting the dots.

gfarber

(249 posts)
38. Good Sense
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:24 PM
Saturday

There once was a shutdown of State,
With security running on “wait,”
Yet war drums were played,
And bold threats were made,
While Homeland was guarding the gate.

The TSA tightened no belts,
FEMA felt funding’s harsh welts,
The Coast Guard afloat
In a half-manned boat,
While cyberspace guarded itself.

A leader declared with a grin,
“It’s their fault we’re all in this spin!”
Though talks were refused,
And tempers were fused,
The blame found a partisan bin.

If cynics were prone to suppose
Some strategy hid in the throes,
They’d whisper, “An attack
Might help to give back
Emergency powers he chose.”

“But surely,” the faithful would cry,
“No president schemes such a lie!
To wager the land
For political hand—
That’s far too disgraceful,” they sigh.

So here stands the puzzle immense:
Make war while defunding defense.
One hopes in the end
Cooler heads will amend
This curious lapse in good sense.

> © 2026 Glen Farber. All Rights Reserved.

RandomNumbers

(19,141 posts)
43. "This curious lapse in good sense."
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:33 PM
Saturday

seems we've been in that "curious lapse" for a decade now.

With a brief respite for 4 years when the cooler heads slightly outvoted the insane asylum.

purr-rat beauty

(1,171 posts)
45. Man...Kushner must be pissed
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:40 PM
Saturday

His dreams of a Gaza Strip Club is gonna be real tough to bring to fruition once a new round of terrorists are born.

pat_k

(12,997 posts)
46. They haven't even bothered to put out a terrorism advisory
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:52 PM
Saturday

I would think going to war with Iran would require a heightened state of alert.

But what do I know?

I'm just a horrified, heartsick citizen.

https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system

Justice matters.

(9,651 posts)
47. what if the existentially-threaten regime has plans to target mer de largo?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 05:43 PM
Saturday

Or his damn golf courses around the world....

mmm?

slightlv

(7,698 posts)
48. That would be the best of worlds thinking, IMO...
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 06:17 PM
Saturday

I strongly believe they will try for the things that make the states what we used to be -- our institutions. But on one hand.. go ahead and bomb the White House. trump has already demolished a good sized chunk of it already... and is busy building a ballroom to provide cover for a deep bunker crypto warehouse underneath it. Bombing it now might be a real favor to the people!

I just hate he has so much collateral damage that doesn't mean anything to any PTB... not here, not there, not anywhere, it seems. We here in the US will suffer horribly because of his actions. And the people of Iran, who have wanted regime change but were too poor and too much a different color couldn't do anything diplomatically because trump is who trump is. I don't care if I get called out... trump has to die. By natural causes would be best at this point, no doubt. But with the damage he is doing to the entire world, I really don't care WHAT takes him out, as long as it also takes out his long line of traitorous minions, as well.

Irish_Dem

(80,682 posts)
53. Trump would love a 9/11 again here in the US.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 09:11 PM
Saturday

His popularity would soar, he could declare all kinds of special powers.
And continue with his lucrative crime spree.

Totally Tunsie

(11,748 posts)
54. trumpie wouid welcome demolition strikes in the U.S.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 09:50 PM
Saturday

They would save him a bundle on tearing down all the old US monuments so that he could build all new ones.

applegrove

(131,586 posts)
56. Well done Earl G. Way to put it together.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:49 PM
Saturday

Last edited Sun Mar 1, 2026, 05:30 AM - Edit history (1)



https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-bell-ca-rvc3&source=android-browser&q=cynical#ebo=0

Earl you are justly empathizing with the Trump regime. They are the cynical ones. Sometimes, quite often these days, you have to go there to the world they inhabit to understand them. It is not as if you can get a straight answer out of them. It is not as if ignoring the threat is an option.

cyn·i·cal
/ˈsinək(ə l/
adjective
1.
believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
"he was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun"
2.
concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them.

lostnfound

(17,472 posts)
58. How long til US media points that out?? Would they say 'the buck stops with the president' or 'Democrats shut it down'?
Sun Mar 1, 2026, 10:13 AM
Yesterday

Yeah, i know the answer to that.

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