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EarlG

(23,746 posts)
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 11:47 AM Feb 2026

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 Feb 2026 OP
Thanks for the perspective orangecrush Feb 2026 #1
Post removed Post removed Feb 2026 #19
Please take this down orangecrush Feb 2026 #20
Draft the ICEholesand send them over there to fight Wicked Blue Feb 2026 #2
But See BS told me that the Democrats failed to advance to bill dickthegrouch Feb 2026 #3
Watch the ending of the recent movie "civil war" Javaman Feb 2026 #4
I hope so JustAnotherGen Feb 2026 #34
Me too Javaman Feb 2026 #39
i hope that means the movie ended well MadameButterfly Feb 2026 #50
Very happy ending JustAnotherGen Feb 2026 #51
OK I'll watch it MadameButterfly Feb 2026 #55
You are not cynical... MiHale Feb 2026 #5
Yep, his War Lord Class donors are safe. Attilatheblond Feb 2026 #26
Whatever happens will be bad. A country deserves the leaders it elects, doesn't it? QueerDuck Feb 2026 #6
Those in positions of authority who represent the people..and NOT themselves. BattleRow Feb 2026 #18
we do not deserve the elected officials Elon picked Attilatheblond Feb 2026 #27
Exactly what Bush allowed. BradBo Feb 2026 #7
Don't think that any sane person popsdenver Feb 2026 #29
It's all a political calculation: change the subject from the Epstein files, make dems look bad for not supporting our Martin68 Feb 2026 #8
Kick dalton99a Feb 2026 #9
On his advice from Putin. multigraincracker Feb 2026 #10
Yep. calimary Feb 2026 #13
They wouldn't dare! Not with big, bad Donny Trump in the White House! tanyev Feb 2026 #11
Does that mean Noem is laid off? NameAlreadyTaken Feb 2026 #12
Nope. More like "gets laid" calimary Feb 2026 #16
She's currently showering with Lewandowski at 36,000 feet in their $70 million "Love Shack." NBachers Feb 2026 #37
It's not this post that needs an "Eeeeww" warning. calimary Feb 2026 #40
Trump has always thought things through..... SergeStorms Feb 2026 #14
Makes sense malaise Feb 2026 #15
Chump working overtime to seize control of midterms duckworth969 Feb 2026 #17
From your lips to God's ear. Nothing would make me happier. Katinfl Feb 2026 #21
Vance would carry on his legacy. And the fascists who wnylib Feb 2026 #57
Sadly, popsdenver Feb 2026 #32
not a stretch oldinmtdem92 Feb 2026 #22
LIHOP? Wednesdays Feb 2026 #23
Let's replay all the 'Wag The Dog' references they made! BidenRocks Feb 2026 #24
What could possibly COL Mustard Feb 2026 #25
How much time to you have? Attilatheblond Feb 2026 #28
Yup. COL Mustard Feb 2026 #30
Fear 'ground troops & support troops' on US bases in other countries in the area WILL be involved. Attilatheblond Feb 2026 #44
The movie was spot on. usonian Feb 2026 #31
Well see - I AM a cynical person JustAnotherGen Feb 2026 #33
Trump should be stuffed in a duffel bag and delivered to Iran Orrex Feb 2026 #35
Antarctica would be better. calimary Feb 2026 #41
Just one? BidenRocks Feb 2026 #49
If I were a cynical person, I would say - you just connected the last two dots, EG. yellow dahlia Feb 2026 #36
Good Sense gfarber Feb 2026 #38
Boy, gfarber, your work just gets better and better! calimary Feb 2026 #42
"This curious lapse in good sense." RandomNumbers Feb 2026 #43
Man...Kushner must be pissed purr-rat beauty Feb 2026 #45
They haven't even bothered to put out a terrorism advisory pat_k Feb 2026 #46
what if the existentially-threaten regime has plans to target mer de largo? Justice matters. Feb 2026 #47
That would be the best of worlds thinking, IMO... slightlv Feb 2026 #48
Maybe his bunker in what was formerly known as the East Room is completed. llmart Feb 2026 #52
Trump would love a 9/11 again here in the US. Irish_Dem Feb 2026 #53
trumpie wouid welcome demolition strikes in the U.S. Totally Tunsie Feb 2026 #54
Well done Earl G. Way to put it together. applegrove Feb 2026 #56
How long til US media points that out?? Would they say 'the buck stops with the president' or 'Democrats shut it down'? lostnfound Mar 2026 #58

Response to orangecrush (Reply #1)

dickthegrouch

(4,712 posts)
3. But See BS told me that the Democrats failed to advance to bill
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:11 PM
Feb 2026

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

MiHale

(13,237 posts)
5. You are not cynical...
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 12:59 PM
Feb 2026

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

(9,391 posts)
26. Yep, his War Lord Class donors are safe.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:09 PM
Feb 2026

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

QueerDuck

(2,035 posts)
6. Whatever happens will be bad. A country deserves the leaders it elects, doesn't it?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:02 PM
Feb 2026

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

(2,734 posts)
29. Don't think that any sane person
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:13 PM
Feb 2026

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

(28,154 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, 01:17 PM
Feb 2026

military, look tough, etc.

calimary

(91,179 posts)
16. Nope. More like "gets laid"
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:39 PM
Feb 2026

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

NBachers

(19,632 posts)
37. She's currently showering with Lewandowski at 36,000 feet in their $70 million "Love Shack."
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:35 PM
Feb 2026

Maybe this post needs an “Eeeeww” warning.

calimary

(91,179 posts)
40. It's not this post that needs an "Eeeeww" warning.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:01 PM
Feb 2026

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

SergeStorms

(20,949 posts)
14. Trump has always thought things through.....
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:37 PM
Feb 2026

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

(1,431 posts)
17. Chump working overtime to seize control of midterms
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:41 PM
Feb 2026

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

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

wnylib

(26,678 posts)
57. Vance would carry on his legacy. And the fascists who
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 11:51 PM
Feb 2026

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

popsdenver

(2,734 posts)
32. Sadly,
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:21 PM
Feb 2026

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

(23,322 posts)
23. LIHOP?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 01:59 PM
Feb 2026

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

(3,591 posts)
24. Let's replay all the 'Wag The Dog' references they made!
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:02 PM
Feb 2026

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

(9,391 posts)
44. Fear 'ground troops & support troops' on US bases in other countries in the area WILL be involved.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:34 PM
Feb 2026

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

(26,865 posts)
31. The movie was spot on.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:20 PM
Feb 2026

Wag the Dog



Now, send ICE, every last one of them.

Make Iran safe for McDonalds

JustAnotherGen

(38,163 posts)
33. Well see - I AM a cynical person
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:22 PM
Feb 2026

They will do anything for their White ChristoFascist Vision.

calimary

(91,179 posts)
41. Antarctica would be better.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:06 PM
Feb 2026

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

yellow dahlia

(6,709 posts)
36. If I were a cynical person, I would say - you just connected the last two dots, EG.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 02:33 PM
Feb 2026

Last edited Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:40 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

(278 posts)
38. Good Sense
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 03:24 PM
Feb 2026

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

(19,286 posts)
43. "This curious lapse in good sense."
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:33 PM
Feb 2026

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

(1,540 posts)
45. Man...Kushner must be pissed
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 04:40 PM
Feb 2026

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

(14,246 posts)
46. They haven't even bothered to put out a terrorism advisory
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 05:52 PM
Feb 2026

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.

(10,165 posts)
47. what if the existentially-threaten regime has plans to target mer de largo?
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 06:43 PM
Feb 2026

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

mmm?

slightlv

(8,100 posts)
48. That would be the best of worlds thinking, IMO...
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 07:17 PM
Feb 2026

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

(82,779 posts)
53. Trump would love a 9/11 again here in the US.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:11 PM
Feb 2026

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

Totally Tunsie

(12,125 posts)
54. trumpie wouid welcome demolition strikes in the U.S.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:50 PM
Feb 2026

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

applegrove

(133,457 posts)
56. Well done Earl G. Way to put it together.
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 11:49 PM
Feb 2026

Last edited Sun Mar 1, 2026, 06:30 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

(17,682 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, 11:13 AM
Mar 2026

Yeah, i know the answer to that.

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