The Laughing Wolf – Commentary, Punditry, and More

Trumping Iran

A very good read, as usual. I will join the chorus of those pointing out we have no vested interest in opening the Straights of Hormuz as our oil and such doesn’t flow through it. Been funny watching certain people and governments tumble to the fact we have no need and no desire to cover them this time. If they won’t step up, we will do what we need to for our purposes, but I doubt we will do any more than that. More thoughts on that after the weekend I hope. Have a Blessed weekend and stay safe.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Pilgrimage: Variety Of Prep

Sorry nothing up yesterday and today’s post is a bit short. Lots of things going on in the background, and I’m getting a bit frazzled as things seem to be accelerating faster than planned.

Yesterday, the most time-consuming item so far proved to be getting a new mobile phone. I promised you photos and perhaps even videos from the trip. The only way to do that was to upgrade my senior-citizen special several-years-old mobile to one with good photo and video capability. I got something that I think has a higher number of megapixels capability than the camera I took to Iraq. Amazing what they are doing with the sensors these days in terms of resolution and size. The phone I had wasn’t worth trading in, so I now have a spare at need. Came out right around budget: got a good price on the phone, and picked up a good case, screen protector, and charging system. Sad my old inductance charger doesn’t seem to work with it.

On the good news front, my senior citizen plan (which is actually grandfathered) has basic international roaming. Also, it turns out unlimited data and text means anywhere in the world. As long as I use data and text, I’m good. Calls are reasonable, and using wifi as much as possible is best. So, glad I don’t have to give up my senior citizen plan and can still get things done. Hoping nobody calls, and I plan to use texting a lot more than normal.

My International Driver’s License application is in, though they may make me retake the photo. Didn’t realize until today that there is not a white wall left in this house, and the automated system didn’t like my improvisation. We’ll see.

Ordered my plugs and adapters this morning, should be good on electrical as both laptop and mobile should work on the local current. If worse comes to worse, I can buy a local charger for the mobile there relatively inexpensively. Key will be making sure the laptop is good. Plan to go visit the store here soon to verify a couple of things.

The ScotteVest arrived yesterday and I’m already loving it. 23 pockets and you can effectively make it a Personal Area Network (PAN) I’m told. Do wish the RF-shielded pocket were larger, but it does give me options. More on this as I test it out. If anyone wants to send the jacket it is on the wish list…

The travel chef kit was not quite what I was expecting. Good knives, but the ‘light weight’ cutting board is heavy as all get out. Going to cut down some thin plastic cutting boards to fit, which will change that weight to about three ounces. Which will also allow me to get creative on what goes in that case. May share a picture or two here soon.

Have made the decision to go seriously minimalist on the pilgrimage, which is not how I usually pack for anything. Right now, looking at just minimal clothing, toiletries, and supplements/medicines along with the electronics. I will include some rope or paracord, but aside from that nothing for contingencies. Even looking at minimal on electronics, with just the mobile, laptop, cables, plugs/adapter, and one power pack. I may even decide to ship over the supplements and hair conditioner. Got to decide on that soon.

More soon, and thanks again to everyone who has donated so far. The Bleg has raised about a quarter of the goal, which is fantastic though any and all further help would be very, very much appreciated. Stay tuned, there is more to come.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Choke Points

There is a lot going on in the world right now, and I find it interesting how many people don’t get some of the layers involved. For all that Venezuela and Iran (and other actions) had a specific geographical focus, what lay behind each is multi-layered and aimed at hitting as many targets with one action as possible.

For example, Venezuela also hurt China on several fronts, and even Iran on more than one front. Cuba is also being taken out by the action(s), and has apparently event talked with the administration about change.

Which makes this thread by John Konrad over on X very interesting food for thought. Many of the actions by Trump and the administration that people have not understood, or in the case of certain politicians and pundits have deliberately pretended not to understand, all come together in interesting ways. I will also note that a hallmark of this administration is hitting as many targets with one action as possible. This is not an accident or happenstance, but very deliberate.

More to come, but check out John’s thread and chew on things a bit. More to come.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Quite A Century

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first launch of a liquid-fueled rocket. It literally was two seconds that changed the world.

Today, we have re-usable rockets and regular flights to orbit. Satellites have transformed communications, weather forecasting, intelligence gathering, and more. Research in space is unlocking secrets of the universe, transforming our understanding of matter, and setting the stage for us to get off this mudball and start on our way to the stars (to quote Glenn, “Faster, Please”).

Hard to believe that so much of the modern world started with just two seconds that didn’t even rate a mention in the local newspaper if I remember correctly. Then again, the leading intellectuals (or, at least one: one also wonders if over-credentialed idiots have always been a problem, hmmmm) of the day held forth that rockets would not work in space as there was nothing for them to push against.

I will not knock any of today’s people for they are doing amazing things. That said, they got quite a boost by standing on the shoulders of Goddard, Oberth, and Tsiolkovsky. I even seem to recall one or more members of von Braun’s team talking about what a debt they owed to them during a conversation. Each generation builds upon the previous; yet, there is always a starting point and a starting person. In many respects, when it comes to modern rocketry, Robert Goddard is that man. Salute.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Institutional Capture And Discourse

Over on X, there has been quite a tempest over the doxxing of a writer who goes by the nom-de-plume of Cynical Publius. He writes under that name at American Greatness and also holds forth on X. He uses a pseudonym because his (now former) job and general safety required it. Short version is he is a former military officer who has seen the elephant and makes suggestions based on reality as opposed to what is being passed around DC.

Recently, he joined Pete in suggesting that the War Colleges need some review and revamping (gasp! The Cad!). This led to some interesting exchanges with Radio Free Tom, who until recently was a part of that system (and in my opinion proof positive that said system needs major and serious reform starting with the removal of all the over-credentialed idiots like Tom who are a serious part of why we haven’t won a war in decades). However, in this case, it led to a rather nasty bit of politics in which Brad Duplessis, Ryan Evans, and War on The Rocks (no, no links to them, a single white feather to every individual associated with WOTR would be far more appropriate) doxxed Cynical Publius. I find it fascinating that they seem genuinely surprised there was blowback.

And there has been some substantial blowback, including a rather detailed examination of how WOTR has been captured by the swamp, with (one assumes) the willing help of Ryan Evans. For those interested, start here with Data Republican’s detailed exam with receipts; then read this by John Konrad on X (and then read some of his other articles on the situation); and, then, while it is not directly related (then again…) this article on pointing out mistakes and why the system can’t handle honest mistake fixing. Yes, I do think it applies to the doxxing and the surprise at the blowback. While I’m thinking about it, I commend to one and all Matthew Pierce’s work on persuasibility. I doubt Brad and Ryan will appreciate it, as I strongly suspect that their thoughts on CP and why he deserved harm (doxxing is ALWAYS intended to inflict harm) is a religious issue for them per the Doctrine of Persuasibility. It is a matter of faith that they are right and proper and everyone else is wrong, and no mere facts will alter that belief.

WOTR started as something good and needed; but, it has sunk into the mire and bears no resemblance to its former glory. It went rather rapidly from an outside and fresh perspective admired and respected by the troops, to being an arm of the establishment in amazingly rapid time. It is no longer worth time and I’ve even started unfollowing people on X who follow it for any reason. It, and all those behind it, need to shunned, shamed, and deprived of engagement (and the funds that come from such). The swamp will look after its own, so I suspect the founders and even any employees will find employment elsewhere at need.

Long-time readers may know, but back under Reagan I was a small part of a very large “Kitchen Cabinet” that advised him on any number of subjects. My area involved the Soviet Union and in particular their space and related military efforts — an area where he rightly had concerns about the intel and analysis coming from official sources. I do think Reagan had the largest Kitchen Cabinet of any modern President, though I do wonder if Trump might have something similar. I will simply warn them that low profile, and pseudonyms and such, are wise, as official DC does take note.

It was amazing how fast doors slammed shut after Reagan left office, and even where lines of communications stayed open they were also dark. Probably didn’t help that someone I worked with told a sitting President to “Go Bleep Yourself” Thing is, I’ve met a number of DC power players and a lot of wanna-be power players. Most of them were not worth a bucket of warm spit and have morals to make an alley cat seem virtuous and gentle. I’ve actually been thankful more than once that I did not get swept up in that game, as I’ve kept at least a small bit of virtue, honor, and integrity as a result. Maybe not much, but at least some.

It is easy to lose yourself in DC. The Swamp, The Blob, whatever you want to call it is ravenous and dedicated entirely to protecting itself and not the Republic. It can happen amazingly quickly. Looking at what’s happened here makes me glad that very few know who I am or what I’ve done. It also further reinforces that the new path I’m on is the right one for me. I’d far rather write about history and faith than politics, and have no need to secure my computer against intrusion (and interesting additions) quite as much.

As for Mr. Cynical Publius, I don’t really know him save through his work. The doxxing was a malicious and vicious act without honor or integrity in my book. I will say that if he gets this way, I’m glad to share coffee (or something stronger) with him (or Infantry Dort for that matter) and chat a bit. I will say that if Brad or Ryan were to show up, I would be most happy to discuss the concept of repentance and such with them.

Now, it is time to get back to “work” and the seminary class. Trying to get ahead a bit before going on the pilgrimage. So, more soon. Hopefully something fun that regular readers will enjoy. We will see, as sadly this year of 2026 seems determined to be interesting.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Pilgrimage: Finding Lodging

The good news is, I have reserved a place to use as my base of operations while on my pilgrimage. That is how I see it, rather than as a home or place to live. It is where I will lay my head, cook a meal or three, and have as a secure base as I go and explore.

When the idea of a pilgrimage first came up, I was considering doing a tour of every working monastery in Bulgaria. Take a train or fly into the east coast of Bulgaria, then work my way west staying at various monasteries along the way. That actually could be quite fun and educational; but, it would not be ideal for spiritual development and discernment. Didn’t take much to get me to reconsider that.

Basing in Sofia has a number of advantages. The Patriarchal Cathedral is there, and there have been some suggestions it would be good for me to spend some time there. There are also a number of other churches and sites to visit, and perhaps spend some time in contemplation. It is also a transportation hub with rail, bus, and air options for me to get around. Frankly, I’m looking at using the train as much as I can as fares are usually fairly inexpensive and the trips will let me see a lot more of the countryside as I go. More on that at some point later.

To be honest, I didn’t want much. My absolute requirements were a bed (pref. decent, but have slept on plywood and been grateful for it), a private bathroom, and a kitchen even if minimal. Being able to cook has a lot of advantages, and I want to make the most of them. I found a number of apartments and similar for short-term rental, and found a very good selection in the $25-$35 a day range. My ideal goal was $30 or less a day, in not too bad a neighborhood.

In my searching, I used Booking.com, RentHolidayHome.com, and a new one for me: CozyCozy.com. CozyCozy searches Booking, Air B&B, and several other sites and it ended up being very useful.

One of the things I appreciated about Booking.com is that on it’s listing, there is — way down the page — a detailed listing of what is available in a given apartment, etc. Several of the places that said they had a kitchen really had more of a kitchenette as it turned out. They might have a real oven, a toaster oven, or something else; but, quite often they did not have any form of cooktop. That detailed listing, along with the reviews from people who stayed at the property, turned into one of the most useful tools I had for comparing and evaluating properties.

When you are looking at such, do read as many of the reviews from the last 2-3 years as you can. I recommend all in the last 2 years at least. If there are trending issues, you can spot them. If appliances regularly are not working, there are leaks or other issues, it lets you know to keep looking. Not always, but quite often it’s the middle-of-the-road reviews that give you the most, or the most important, details. Caveat Emptor.

RentHolidayHomes.com was a good source as well. Different information set, but you could often find the same property on other sites and get a very good picture of things as a result. Can’t speak to booking through them, but at least for Europe they seem a very good choice for searching.

CozyCozy was one that I almost didn’t touch as the design and typography didn’t appeal to me all that much. However, I decided to give it a try given that it pulled from so many proven sources. As it worked out, I did find the apartment I’ve reserved through them.

Their search function is good, you get good info, and the ads are hosted on known/proven sites. I will be using them again if I get the chance to do more travel.

The listing I finally settled on was on Air B&B. I’ve never used them before, and have heard good and bad things about Air B&B. However, some of the bad comes from some sources who I suspect were more involved in creating the problem than admitted. So, I decided on a clean start and began reaching out to people I know for info. Net result was that all of them recommended using Air B&B, and given that some of them had used it for rentals in Europe, I decided to give it a try.

Not going to share too much information, yet, on the location but will share the following. The location is very close to ideal, in that I can easily walk to the Patriarchal Cathedral and a host of other sites in ten minutes or less (I think). There is a subway stop not very far away, and there is also bus and/or tram (looking into that) routes nearby. Going to be looking into a pass if I can, just to be safe.

I haven’t worked out the final cost per night yet (I got insurance and some optional extras), but it shouldn’t be too much above my target range if not in the upper range. Key things for me are that it has a real kitchen with cooktop, oven, hood, etc. Found out after I booked it even has an espresso machine, which I am looking forward to using. The bathroom looks very nice, and rather than being a studio it actually does have a bedroom.

Even better, the hosts are rated as superhosts and have excellent reviews, as does the property. My correspondence with them has been quite good and helpful. They seem genuinely happy to have me, and a little intrigued that I am on a pilgrimage. I’ve also been assured that their wifi is up to handling my online course, which will finish up while I’m on pilgrimage.

Oh, when I mentioned good location earlier, there are a number of markets, stores, restaurants, and the like all within easy walking distance. In fact, one of the largest markets in Sofia, with a lot of food/farm vendors, is one of them. Right now, I’m figuring that my first couple of days will be spent exploring the area and nailing down various transportation options. Should be a lot of fun.

So, deposit down and things seem off to a good start. If you are traveling somewhere and going to stay more than a couple of days, a short-term rental is a good way to go. Had some friends years back who did something similar each year in Paris. They used the apartment as a base, and got to go exploring all over. The links above will give you some good sites, and hopefully my experiences will help you along. I will be sharing more as things happen, and will let you know how things go.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Overton, Windows, Lists

X is a fun thing to watch some days. Not read, watch. There are patterns in the data flow, and it is an odd combination of annoying and amusing to watch when the word — and payments for same — goes out. And, yes, it is clear that quite a few of the influencer-types are bought and paid for.

Now, I’m not one of them. Not enough followers and such to get the status that gets the sweet, sweet engagement bucks, much less the under-the-table payments that go to those of easily negotiable virtue. While one is tempted to call them a five-letter name (six if you go plural) for participants in the second-oldest profession (politics truly is the oldest), such would be a serious slander of those (by comparison) relatively honest and reliable providers of various services involving passions of the flesh. Such people are by comparison honorable and possessed of an integrity far beyond the grifter/groyper/influencer class. Me, I’d rather be poor and dependent upon your kindness and generosity than to sell myself in such a way. Besides, even though it would be in service to the oldest profession, I look horrible in a miniskirt and crop top.

But, there are apparently plenty willing to do so. It is indeed fun some days to see how many left and allegedly-far-right are posting almost identical posts. Sometimes it is literally the same post, though one could not be faulted for suspecting most of those accounts are bots. What’s fun though is to see something strikingly similar in wording in the ‘big-name’ accounts left and allegedly far-right.

It’s happened twice recently in terms of the war with Iran. The sinking of the Iranian frigate was the first such incident, with the progressive left and the allegedly-right-wing decrying in very similar terms (and even wording) claiming that it was a violation of the rules of war. That is, of course, complete and utter hooey. But, the truth rarely matters (and is even a hindrance) when a particular narrative is being pushed by interesting people. Go see the work by Data Republican and others for detailed information on the people and funding behind it. It is a large amount of money, and what is scary is how much of it appears to be coming from defrauding the U.S. taxpayer.

The most recent version is “Lobstergate” wherein Pete Hegseth was once again targeted by the progressive left and the allegedly-right-wing group of grifters, groypers, and ‘influencers.’ Funny thing is, the attacks on Pete have convinced me of two things: he is indeed the right man for the job, and he scares the everliving out of some interesting and powerful people.

In the latest attempt to get him removed, the campaign went after the fact that the DoW (though it was phrased as if Pete himself had done the purchasing) bought lobster, crab, and steak in large and expensive amounts. Extravagant amounts with careful implication that it was for him and other senior officials. Note the implied, and how it was (and is) utilized in the campaign of lies.

Fact is, it is a long-standing tradition (here’s a hint, it happened under Clinton and Obama and was fine then) to give deployed troops and others a good ‘surf-and-turf’ meal once a week. It is also a tradition to give such a meal to those about to go into harms way. I’ve very much appreciated those putting up photos showing what civilians think is being served versus what the military actually provides (not even close to the same).

Have to admit, the first time I hit a military steak that had to be served well-done (food safety don’t you know) it was a bit of a shock. Under the circumstances, however, it was delicious even with fat and gristle. Since I can’t be charged, when I was with Cooking with the Troops I refused to cook the steaks we did well-done, and was grateful an Army cook backed me up in my lie about residual cooking one time. Story for another day.

What is most interesting about ‘Lobstergate” is the number of people who know very good and well about the tradition and are lying anyway, including some who served. Then again, I was not surprised one of them was a former Congresscritter who got his one term via running as a veteran (and is a huge Blue Falcon). The narrative is getting pushback online, but not nearly enough on broadcast outlets with CNN once again pushing a lie.

Nor is that CNNs only bit of propaganda this week. Look at their framing of the terrorist attack in NYC. Two jihadis throw explosive devices at people who are ‘far right’ according to CNN and the Associated Propaganda (AP)(love that name, stealing it) news, and almost all media frames it as an attack by the people that the terrorists attempted to murder on NYCs new mayor. CNN was roasted for one of the worst, ham-handed, attempts at such, and is still getting justifiably dragged over it.

Interesting thing is, all these efforts are being done for multiple reasons including shifting the Overton Windows in regards public perception. In the case of the sinking, the attempted shift is to change the laws and perceptions of war such that we can’t sink our enemies. In the case of ‘Lobstergate’ is yet another effort to shift the window to limit the scope and power of the SecWar in the future, even as it attempts to smear Pete as incompetent. In the third case, it is to shift the window towards attacks in the U.S. being both legitimate and the result of right-wing-extremism. While thinking about this, note that every politician or group outside of the far-left progressives is now identified as ‘right-wing’ or more likely ‘extreme-right-wing’ by corporate media such as AP, Reuters, CNN, etc.

Over on X, John Konrad has a very good post up on what is going on and the need to shift the window(s) back to the right. There is some very good food for thought in there, and worth the read to get to.

While it is clear that Journ-O-List ver. XX? is in play, it is also clear that a lot of money is being spent to push not just these narratives to the public, but the Overton Windows associated with them as far to the left as possible. All the more reason I don’t trust corporate media on any reporting, and a reminder of why I want to see the Save Act passed even if it means gutting Congressional alleged-leadership. I also want to see a speaking filibuster back and the end of the illegal, un-Constitutional, and cowardly blue slip practice. Probably a pipe dream, but one can hope.

Oh, and for the record, I think overall the Air Force has the best chow; Navy can come in a close second (depends on the mess); and, the Army is third. I will also say that when I was doing embeds in Iraq, I loved when the people working the chow halls (DFAC, whatever) were allowed to do their native dishes as a special event/treat. Given how many were Malay, Indonesian, etc. you got some amazingly good food though some could take the top of your head off with the heat. Beat the heck out of some of the regular, okay-at-best, chow.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Winter 26 Bleg Update

Well, it’s not quite like that, nor that bad, but I really do hate to ask for the help even though I still need to.

Before going any further, I want to thank everyone who has donated to the Bleg. Your support has been amazing, overwhelming, and — like each of you — very much appreciated. I have been able to pay off everything spent on the blog, pilgrimage, and the seminary course so far (sadly more expenses to come), and even paid this morning for most of the cost of the short-term apartment rental in Bulgaria (longer post on that soon).

Some of you have hit the Amazon Wish List and I thank each of you as well. For the former denizen of Indianapolis, got the note and Thank You! I do wish Amazon gave the the means to e-mail a thank you to all of you. As I noted before, I’ve listed the things for the pilgrimage as highest priority so if you search that way those will show up. Yes, there are a lot of supplements on there, and I hope to ship them over ahead of time. Have taken one or two things off as they are no longer needed or you’ve shown me some better options.

Again and again, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity, your encouragement, and your prayers. It truly is amazing and humbling.

That said, we still have a ways to go. The pilgrimage is likely to be a little over the estimated $7,250; I still need to upgrade the cell phone and service for the trip and get the prescription sunglasses and such at $2,435.00; plus remaining expenses for the seminary courses. I’ve got more detailed breakdowns in the original post.

So, the Bleg continues and I truly do thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support. It truly does make a huge difference, and is making it possible for me to continue to grow, recover, and pursue this new life. God Bless you all.

UPDATE I: A couple more items from the wish list arrived just after this post went up. I want to thank you for both of the items, and for your kind words on my writing. Thank you!

Musings On Yellowstone

The other day, the talented Leslie Eastman posted about the return of an acid geyser at Yellowstone and some of the subsurface activity going on. It’s a good article over there at Legal Insurrection, and touches on the fact that Yellowstone was and still is a supervolcano site. Go read the article, it is time well spent.

I will just add this, given that the activity seems to have some of the doomsayer guild members hyperventilating.

First up, from what has been determined of past activity, IF Yellowstone does anything it will likely to be volcanic rather than supervolcanic (if I am understanding things correctly). Volcanic will not be fun (especially if you are in the region) but survivable for most. It could be like Mount St. Helens, or it could be more towards a Krakatoa with worldwide weather and other effects. Key is, not pleasant, not fun. but survivable for most species including humanity.

Second up, if it does build and go off as a supervolcano, your best bet is to be south of the equator. Given that we should have some warning, I plan to suck up to Milei on X, flee to Argentina, and then bunker up. A supervolcanic eruption can be a true Extinction Level Event (ELE) for the world, and in particular for the northern hemisphere. Not much you can do in terms of individual preparation other than prayer (highly recommended) and maybe having travel options to get as far into the southern hemisphere as possible.

Fact is, odds of anything happening right now, or even anytime soon, seem to be pretty low. That said, this is 2026 and given how things are going, who knows. Me, I’m going to ignore the doomsayers guild members and enjoy the many blessings that are present in 2026. There are a lot of them, may even go over some of them in the days ahead. That’s a far better use of time than worrying about something over which you really can’t prepare for and is not likely to happen.

Just some thoughts. Before I go, some more thoughts on Iran and other things from The Scuttlebutt. Well worth the read.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Surprise, Response

The previous post reminded me of one I’ve needed to do for a while. Some of the posts I do are to share knowledge and experience, some to share humor or joy, and some to provoke some thought. Especially if I’m not sure that things are being done and I want to push things while I am here to push them. On the latter, my concerns about the ability of humans to reproduce in space and microgravity are a good example, as I want to be sure it is something being looked at as we urgently need permanent settlements off this glorious mudball ASAP.

Right now, I want to talk a bit about command and control in the face of surprise. It is something I really hope is being looked at by Pete and company as they are taking care of a lot of things; and by the administration from a higher level. In particular, I want to look at nuclear command and control in the current environment.

A lot of our current system traces back to the pre-SAC days when Nightwatch was in Maryland and it was estimated we could have hours of notice. Even as that shrunk down, we’ve kept a lot of the basic premises past what I consider the best-buy date. As a result, I think we really, really, need to look at things and try to come up with something new.

Without going into too much detail (much less things that should not be talked about openly) our current system presumes something on the order of 30-minutes to an hour of warning of a surprise attack on the U.S. SecWar is the second man to the President for all intents and purposes, and is either with POTUS or in touch with him. POTUS is briefed on what is going on, confidence in the intel, etc. and uses the current iteration of the Single (Strategic) Integrated Operations Plan (SIOP) to order a response to the situation.

As we’ve discussed on here before in the “shall we play the game” category, the response is boiled down to a short (less than 200 characters) message that is then sent to the National Military Communications Center (NMCC) at the Pentagon who then re-codes it after confirmation, and sends it out to SAC (new version) and some other interested parties such as the Navy TACOMO planes. SAC then re-codes the order (after confirmation) and sends it out to it’s audience.

All well and good, and the two-man rule applies throughout. Well, all well and good if there is time. Are there alternatives if POTUS isn’t available or such? I’m told yes, though I have no details. Nor do I want them.

The thirty-minute window was predicated on detecting Soviet missiles being launched. Flight time from there to here is roughly thirty minutes. If we saw them fueling (Soviets/Russians use a lot of liquid-fueled ICBMs), longer period for response. That was sufficient: thirty or forty years ago.

Even twenty years ago, depressed trajectory shots from subs not too far off the coast cut that time from detection to impact to about fifteen minutes. The assurances the subs couldn’t get that close, and would be detected if they did, were deafening, though reminding me a bit of toddlers drumming their feet and yelling while having their fingers in their ears.

Today, we have massive container ships plying the waters of our country. If I can figure how to put one or more land-attack cruise missiles into a container for launch, I guarantee you others have as well. When you look at more modern drones, boy howdy are you talking the ability to get things in the air and to target with little or no detection. Iran has the capability (or did) and China has been openly experimenting with it. For all the open, think iceberg and know others have as well, a lot of others.

Thing is, if you launch like that from say a bay (and major trade route) near a capital city, you are potentially talking as little as five minutes from launch to impact. By the time the launch alert (if launch is even detected by anyone other than direct observers) gets to the right people in the military, you already have impact.

One also needs to factor in surface attack. Our borders were incredibly porous for way too long, and it is suspected that a lot more than people and drugs could have made it through. Small delivery van making the rounds in DC, passing in front of the White House, Congress, Pentagon…

I really, really do hope someone is looking at this, and looking to update the system. What we have now was good enough maybe ten years ago. Now, however… Think we need to rethink a number of things including designated survivors. I hope the world is about to get a lot more peaceful; but, you never plan for best case/most optimistic case. I will even go so far as to say we need some new designated survival centers as Camp David, Mount Weather, etc. are too well known.

Just a thought.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!