Strategic Culture

Mark Esper is expected to be confirmed in coming days as the new US Secretary of Defense. His appointment is awaiting final Congressional approval after customary hearings this week before senators. The 55-year-old nominee put forward by President Trump was previously a decorated Lieutenant Colonel and has served in government office during the GW Bush administration.

But what stands out as his most conspicuous past occupation is working for seven years as a senior lobbyist for Raytheon, the US’ third biggest military manufacturing company. The firm specializes in missile-defense systems, including the Patriot, Iron Dome and the Aegis Ashore system (the latter in partnership with Lockheed Martin).  Continue reading “New US Pentagon Chief – Vested Interest in War & Conflict”

The Guardian

With one of the highest divorce rates in western Europe, Denmark would like breaking up to be a little harder to do – while making sure that when it does happen, the fallout is made less painful for everyone concerned.

Until recently Danes could divorce by filling out a simple online form. But under a package of legislation that came into force in April, couples determined to split must wait three months and undergo counselling before their marriage can be dissolved.  Continue reading “Breaking up is harder to do in Denmark after divorce law changes”

Zero Hedge – by Tyler Durden

Update: Given the shocking and provocative nature of Iran’s claims to have penetrated and busted up a “CIA spy ring” — announcing Monday it sentenced some to death row while also claiming to present photos of their American “handlers” (many showing family and personal photos) — it didn’t take long for President Trump to bat down the claims directly. He slammed the statements of Iranian intelligence officials and state media as “totally false”… “Just more lies and propaganda”.  Continue reading “Iran Sentences “CIA Spy Ring” To Death; Publishes Video & Photos Of Americans”

Misanthrope

REAL ID is coming from the federal government near you. Although optional for now, it won’t be long before state driver’s license offices will have to comply with stricter standards before issuing identification documents.

Since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the high-ranking federal agency in charge of national security has been waging the War on Terror – which began the following day.  Continue reading “REAL ID Gives The Government Power Over Us”

“The secret to happiness is freedom… And the secret to freedom is courage.”

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”

“Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.”  Continue reading “Quotes from Thucydides, 460 bc – 400 bc”

Fox News

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents had to use tear gas and pepper spray early Saturday to stop nearly 50 “undocumented individuals” from illegally entering the U.S. after they stormed a port of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, officials said.

The incident at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge took place at around 4 a.m. The bridge is closed between midnight at 6 a.m., but CBP has had to construct temporary barriers in the middle of the span due to the large influx of migrants using the bridge at night.  Continue reading “Border agents use tear gas to stop nearly 50 undocumented migrants who stormed Rio Grande bridge”

The Daily Sheeple – by Sean Walton

Illegal immigrants are committing a staggering number of sex crimes against children in North Carolina and elsewhere, and experts believe the problem is likely far worse than they’re able to document.

James Johnson, who tracks arrest data for North Carolinians For Immigration Reform and Enforcement, told The Epoch Times he’s only able to collect data from less than a third of the state’s 100 counties, covering nearly 5 years since 2013. Continue reading “Illegals in NC commit sex crimes against children ‘at rate of four to one, compared to citizens’”

The Center Square – by Bethany Blankley

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is cracking down on the multi-billion dollar business of human trafficking in the U.S.

In June, 1,700 people were arrested nationwide for allegedly committing child sex and exploitation crimes as part of a nationwide DOJ initiative called, “Operation Broken Heart.”  Continue reading “Thousands indicted, arrested for human trafficking in nation-wide sweep”

Breitbart – by Amy Furr

A Massachusetts police department is asking potential criminals to forgo committing any crimes until a heatwave has passed.

“Folks. Due to the extreme heat, we are asking anyone thinking of doing criminal activity to hold off until Monday,” the Braintree Police Department wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. Continue reading “Massachusetts Police Advise Criminals to ‘Hold Off’ Until Heatwave is Over”