Yeah that’s gonna happen in 3…2…1… Tillis gave his little speech about Putin to atone for confirming Secretary Sparkle Pony, so he’s probably calling it even. He’s said and done a few things I didn’t expect since he opted out of running again, but he’s still Thom Tillis. At best he’ll sign onto the “sternly worded letter” that will result from the “vigorous oversight” we’ve been promised (which is Congress Code for harrumphing about it for a few weeks hoping it all goes away, or waiting for the next outrage to replace it. Not every scandal can have the staying power of the Epstein Files™.)
Secretary Sparkle Pony? 😂 is that original or have I missed that nickname? This scandal CANNOT go away - it’s a blemish on the American soul that needs to be dealt with in more than just a “sternly worded letter” … 🕊️
A little of both in a way. I made that one up myself, mainly because I know he’d fucking HATE it if he heard it. He probably gets a chub out of being called “Whiskey Pete” or ”Pentagon Pete” or even ”Pissed Ol’ Pete”, because he probably thinks those make him sound tough. So I came up with the LEAST tough-sounding thing I could imagine, and “Sparkle Pony” seemed to be just the thing.
But I found out — after the fact — that the term “Sparkle Pony” (used in this context at least) originated at Burning Man, to label someone who shows up completely unprepared to spend a week in the desert, but figures everyone else should bail them out. So I suppose the Burning Man crowd deserves at least partial credit, even if that didn’t factor into my original thinking.
And yeah, the Not blowing up people in the water that are already off the board is actually SPECIFICALLY used as an example of thing sot NOT do in the DoD manual on things to NOT do in warfare. This appeared in The Bulwark this morning, citing Andrew McCarthy of National Review and Fox News:
‘In fact, every serious person knows that the second strike that reportedly took place to kill those two survivors of the original September 2 attack was illegal. Indeed, in its discussion of the duty to refuse illegal orders, the Department of Defense’s current law of war manual offers (in section 18.3.2.1) this instance of “Clearly Illegal Orders to Commit Law of War Violations:”
[here’s the money shot]
“For example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.”’
Not just “illegal”, but “CLEARLY Illegal” — right out of the DoD Law of War Manual itself. It’s so obviously illegal that not even somebody who writes for Fox News can find a way to make it play.
The Bulwark piece also links to McCarthy’s original article in National Review and he does not spare the whip. And he points out in several places that he wants to be on record as saying that the administration has a wispy to nonexistent defense of the strikes more broadly, but even if you could SOMEHOW manage to contort the law into a defensible position (which McCarthy is of the opinion you cannot, and I agree) that the double tap is absolutely indefensible.
Wholeheartedly agree. The cowardice in the Republic Party is unbelievable - Tillis included. Perhaps he can redeem himself to some little degree by growing a spine now.
And, on another note, it's always great to see 70s/80s Varnamtown referenced! REO Speedwagon, anyone?!
I will not bother to hold my breath waiting for maggot Thom to do anything remarkable. Over and over Tillis repeats his lack of morals, ethics and humanity. In another universe maybe?
Tillis has NO back bone! He's responsible for many horrific things, including this regime that He's been too weak to stand up to since day one! Seriously?! His legacy is criminal! He's a fraud!
“The September strike — and especially that nakedly lawless second hit — is a deep betrayal of American values. If we don’t respond firmly and follow the facts to their ultimate source, and wherever they lead in the chain of command, then it will also be a preview of where presidential power is headed. This time, the victims were foreigners in a decimated boat. Next time, the targets could be far closer to home.” Miles Taylor
It seems clear that Hegseth will be out before the 2027 Congress is sworn in, if not before the midterms. His continued presence alone may net the Democrats a handful of swing districts. I’m sure plenty of progressives want him impeached now, but that might backfire until we have more evidence of his complete moral unfitness.
Still, regarding Tillis, I can’t say how much a series of Susan Collins-style expressions of disappointment would move the needle. Resigning may be the only way Tillis could preserve some dignity.
Of course, that would help only if he did so, say, in May or June. Stein would have to pick a Republican to fill the vacancy and then schedule a special election for the final weeks of the term. Whatley and Cooper would be running twice within a few months of each other.
Maybe Tillis should say he’ll caucus with the Democrats for the rest of his term … and endorse Cooper.
How Tillis Failed Us and Enabled Hegseth to Give Illegal Orders
Tillis failed us when he voted yes on Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense.
Tillis failed us when he supported Hegseth’s firing of senior JAG officers and replacing them with political loyalists. The Republicans emphasized the need for loyalty and alignment with the President’s agenda. This change in JAG leadership helped Hegseth consolidate control over military legal oversight, reducing internal resistance to controversial, directives and enabling more aggressive operational policies..
The failed us when he supported legislation to codify the DoD name change to Department of War, aligning with President Trump’s executive order. This rebranding created a confusing effort to shift the Department of Defense culture, operations and norms from diplomacy and peacekeeping to executive loyalty and an aggressive warrior mindset.
Tillis failed us in October and again in November when he voted down the War Powers Resolutions. This would have provided Congress with the power to provide military oversight, including the power to approve or reject all military actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela.
So here we are - Hegseth’s alleged illegal orders and war crimes and no way to deescalate military operations in the Caribbean. Bad Tillis. Very bad.
Yeah that’s gonna happen in 3…2…1… Tillis gave his little speech about Putin to atone for confirming Secretary Sparkle Pony, so he’s probably calling it even. He’s said and done a few things I didn’t expect since he opted out of running again, but he’s still Thom Tillis. At best he’ll sign onto the “sternly worded letter” that will result from the “vigorous oversight” we’ve been promised (which is Congress Code for harrumphing about it for a few weeks hoping it all goes away, or waiting for the next outrage to replace it. Not every scandal can have the staying power of the Epstein Files™.)
Secretary Sparkle Pony? 😂 is that original or have I missed that nickname? This scandal CANNOT go away - it’s a blemish on the American soul that needs to be dealt with in more than just a “sternly worded letter” … 🕊️
A little of both in a way. I made that one up myself, mainly because I know he’d fucking HATE it if he heard it. He probably gets a chub out of being called “Whiskey Pete” or ”Pentagon Pete” or even ”Pissed Ol’ Pete”, because he probably thinks those make him sound tough. So I came up with the LEAST tough-sounding thing I could imagine, and “Sparkle Pony” seemed to be just the thing.
But I found out — after the fact — that the term “Sparkle Pony” (used in this context at least) originated at Burning Man, to label someone who shows up completely unprepared to spend a week in the desert, but figures everyone else should bail them out. So I suppose the Burning Man crowd deserves at least partial credit, even if that didn’t factor into my original thinking.
And yeah, the Not blowing up people in the water that are already off the board is actually SPECIFICALLY used as an example of thing sot NOT do in the DoD manual on things to NOT do in warfare. This appeared in The Bulwark this morning, citing Andrew McCarthy of National Review and Fox News:
‘In fact, every serious person knows that the second strike that reportedly took place to kill those two survivors of the original September 2 attack was illegal. Indeed, in its discussion of the duty to refuse illegal orders, the Department of Defense’s current law of war manual offers (in section 18.3.2.1) this instance of “Clearly Illegal Orders to Commit Law of War Violations:”
[here’s the money shot]
“For example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.”’
Not just “illegal”, but “CLEARLY Illegal” — right out of the DoD Law of War Manual itself. It’s so obviously illegal that not even somebody who writes for Fox News can find a way to make it play.
The Bulwark piece also links to McCarthy’s original article in National Review and he does not spare the whip. And he points out in several places that he wants to be on record as saying that the administration has a wispy to nonexistent defense of the strikes more broadly, but even if you could SOMEHOW manage to contort the law into a defensible position (which McCarthy is of the opinion you cannot, and I agree) that the double tap is absolutely indefensible.
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/we-intended-the-strike-to-be-lethal-is-not-a-defense/amp/
(I know, I can’t believe I’m citing National Review either.)
Makes a good argument but Tillis’ intransigence will outlive us all. Tired waiting
Wholeheartedly agree. The cowardice in the Republic Party is unbelievable - Tillis included. Perhaps he can redeem himself to some little degree by growing a spine now.
And, on another note, it's always great to see 70s/80s Varnamtown referenced! REO Speedwagon, anyone?!
I will not bother to hold my breath waiting for maggot Thom to do anything remarkable. Over and over Tillis repeats his lack of morals, ethics and humanity. In another universe maybe?
Tillis has NO back bone! He's responsible for many horrific things, including this regime that He's been too weak to stand up to since day one! Seriously?! His legacy is criminal! He's a fraud!
Totally agree. Will Tillis do the right thing? When has he before? 😂
Kegseth is a war criminal AND a murderer. No “or” is necessary.
It would be great if the cited links in your column weren’t paywalled.
Thomas unfortunately Tills is not going to read this column and take your wise advice unless someone mentions it to him. 🎯🎯🎯🎯 for this column
“The September strike — and especially that nakedly lawless second hit — is a deep betrayal of American values. If we don’t respond firmly and follow the facts to their ultimate source, and wherever they lead in the chain of command, then it will also be a preview of where presidential power is headed. This time, the victims were foreigners in a decimated boat. Next time, the targets could be far closer to home.” Miles Taylor
It seems clear that Hegseth will be out before the 2027 Congress is sworn in, if not before the midterms. His continued presence alone may net the Democrats a handful of swing districts. I’m sure plenty of progressives want him impeached now, but that might backfire until we have more evidence of his complete moral unfitness.
Still, regarding Tillis, I can’t say how much a series of Susan Collins-style expressions of disappointment would move the needle. Resigning may be the only way Tillis could preserve some dignity.
Of course, that would help only if he did so, say, in May or June. Stein would have to pick a Republican to fill the vacancy and then schedule a special election for the final weeks of the term. Whatley and Cooper would be running twice within a few months of each other.
Maybe Tillis should say he’ll caucus with the Democrats for the rest of his term … and endorse Cooper.
Do we really need “more evidence” of Kegseth’s unfitness to serve as Sec of DEFENSE?
To paraphrase Bob Dole, “You know and I know it, but I’m not sure enough of the American people know it” … yet.
Then again, maybe Hegseth is already circling the drain.
WaPo reports Trump saying Hegseth told him he didn’t order the second strike. Somebody is in deep doo-doo. (can’t post link yet)
Absolutely! Call him!
If Trump and Hegseth are so concerned about drugs killing Americans, why are they not bombing Purdue Pharma L. P. and the Sackler family?
How Tillis Failed Us and Enabled Hegseth to Give Illegal Orders
Tillis failed us when he voted yes on Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense.
Tillis failed us when he supported Hegseth’s firing of senior JAG officers and replacing them with political loyalists. The Republicans emphasized the need for loyalty and alignment with the President’s agenda. This change in JAG leadership helped Hegseth consolidate control over military legal oversight, reducing internal resistance to controversial, directives and enabling more aggressive operational policies..
The failed us when he supported legislation to codify the DoD name change to Department of War, aligning with President Trump’s executive order. This rebranding created a confusing effort to shift the Department of Defense culture, operations and norms from diplomacy and peacekeeping to executive loyalty and an aggressive warrior mindset.
Tillis failed us in October and again in November when he voted down the War Powers Resolutions. This would have provided Congress with the power to provide military oversight, including the power to approve or reject all military actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela.
So here we are - Hegseth’s alleged illegal orders and war crimes and no way to deescalate military operations in the Caribbean. Bad Tillis. Very bad.
Don't expect anything like a spine from the ALEC poster boy.