Chit Chat

By Peloni

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Comments that don’t relate to the post must go here.

Any person who contravenes this demand will be put on moderation. Also their offending comment will be trashed.

The reason for this demand is so that people who want to read comments which pertain to the post, don’t have to wade through the chatter.

Everyone will be happier.

April 16, 2020 | 9,504 Comments »

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59 Comments / 9504 Comments

  1. The dems immigration stance is an anachronistic straw man argument. The legal immigration debate belonged mostly to the Obama era. Since the illegal O’Biden regime opened the borders, the debate has been about illegal immigration as well as visas issued without proper vetting to dangerous individuals.

    Though, on a side note, its interesting that all of those who raise the alarm about dwindling, ageing work forces never discuss automation except to warn against it.

  2. Fox News: Israel quietly supported the U.S. rescue of a downed airman inside Iran, according to Fox News.

    Israeli officials shared intelligence with U.S. forces as the operation unfolded and helped limit Iranian air activity in the area during the roughly 36 hour rescue window.

    Osint613

  3. ?? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??????? — ???? ???????? ???????? ???? ????
    Both crew members of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle are safe. President Trump posted “?? ??? ???” on Truth Social Saturday night. The WSO — a Colonel — sustained injuries but is expected to make a full recovery. Now that the fog of war is clearing, here’s the full operational picture of the most dangerous combat search and rescue mission since Operation Epic Fury began.
    ??? ????????? — ????? ?, ????
    An F-15E Strike Eagle from the ????? ??????? ????????, deployed from RAF Lakenheath in the UK, was sh?t down by Iranian fire over southwestern Iran while conducting a deep strike mission — the kind of high-risk penetration run the F-15E was built for (Air & Space Forces Magazine). It was the ????? ?.?. ?????? ??????? ???? ???? ????? ????????? ?? ???? ?? ????? (Associated Press).
    The specific weapon system that brought it down has not been officially confirmed by the Pentagon. Iran claimed it used a “new air defense system” — analysts assess the most likely candidates are Iran’s ?????-??? long-range mobile system (domestically produced), the Russian-made ?-???, or the Russian-supplied ????? shoulder-fired MANPADS — one of Russia’s most advanced infrared-guided missile systems, capable of targeting low-flying aircraft and cruise missiles (NBC News, 19FortyFive). Iran initially claimed they’d downed an F-35 — wreckage photos confirmed it was an F-15E (The Aviationist).
    Both crew members — the pilot and the weapons systems officer — ejected safely and made contact via encrypted radio and emergency beacons. But they landed in separate locations in hostile, mountainous terrain. The clock was already ticking.
    ????? ?: ??? ????? ?????? — ????? ?, ????? ????? ????????
    U.S. special operations forces located the pilot first. ??? ???????? ??????????? — including HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters — went in to extract him from Iranian territory (http://Helis.com, Air & Space Forces Magazine).
    The extraction was not clean. During the rescue, Iranian forces ?????? ??? ?.?. ????????? ?????????? that was carrying the recovered pilot. Crew members on the helicopter were ??????? ?? ??? ??? — but the aircraft remained flyable and made it out with everyone on board (Axios, CBS News). The pilot was safe.
    Simultaneously, an ?-?? ??????? providing close air support for the CSAR mission was hit by Iranian fire. The pilot managed to nurse the damaged aircraft into ??????? ???????? before ejecting — the A-10 crashed in Kuwait. That pilot was also recovered safely (Fox News, Military Times). So within hours of the initial shootdown, the U.S. had ????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? running concurrently.
    ??? ???? ??? ??? ??? — ??+ ????? ?????? ????? ?????
    The weapons systems officer — a Colonel, whom Trump later called “? ?????? ????????? ???????” — was wounded after ejecting but ????? ????? ????. He did what decades of SERE training (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) prepared him for: he moved away from the wreckage, took cover in elevated mountainous terrain, activated his emergency beacon, and began evading capture (The War Zone, NBC News).
    He evaded for ???? ?? ????? in hostile territory. During that time, the IRGC and affiliated Basij militia units ???????? ?????? ??? on the ground. Armed tribesmen in the region joined the search (Turkiye Today). And then Iranian state television made it worse.
    An anchor on ??????? ?????-?????????? ?? went on the air and put a ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ????????: 10 billion toman, approximately $??,???, for anyone who captured the “????? ?????” alive and handed him to police (?????????? ????, Newsweek). A state broadcaster calling for the capture of a wounded American servicemember. That’s what he was evading.
    ??? ??? ?????? ????
    Before the rescue team went in, the ??? ???????? ? ????????? ???????? inside Iran — spreading disinformation that U.S. forces had already located the WSO and were conducting a ground exfiltration. While Iranian forces were confused and chasing phantom operations, the Agency used what a senior administration official called its “??????, ????????? ????????????” to actually find him (NBC News, Axios).
    “???? ??? ??? ???????? ?????? ?? ? ???????? — ??? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ? ????? ???????? ???? ?????? ? ???????? ???????, ????????? ??? ??? ???’? ????????????,” the official said (NBC News).
    ??? ?????????? — ??????? ?????????, ?????? ?????????, ???????? ????
    Late Saturday night (April 4 EST), a ??????? ?????????? ?????? ????? was inserted into Iran, linked up with the WSO, and began the exfiltration. They were not alone — ?????? ?? ???????? provided overhead cover, and U.S. Air Force jets conducted strikes against Iranian forces to prevent them from reaching the extraction zone (Trump statement, Al Jazeera, Fox News).
    Roads around the extraction area were ???????????? ????????? — cratering them to create massive traffic jams as IRGC units scrambled to respond. The bottleneck worked: Iranian forces couldn’t get through in time.
    Then things got complicated. ??? ?-??? ????????? ?????? that landed at a forward position inside Iran to carry the commandos and the rescued airman out ??? ????? ?? ??? ??????. Commanders made the call: fly in ????? ??????????? ?-???? for the extraction and ???? ?? ??? ??? ???????? ???????? ?? ????? rather than let them fall into Iranian hands (SOF News, CBS News). That’s American hardware destroyed by Americans on Iranian soil — because leaving it behind was not an option.
    A “??????? ?????????” occurred at the extraction site (Al Jazeera, CDM Press). Special operators engaged IRGC forces directly. Despite the ground combat, the stuck aircraft, and the IRGC forces closing in — ????? ???????? ???? ?? ??? ?????. Zero U.S. casualties in the WSO rescue operation.
    ??????’? ????
    Israel was not a bystander. Israeli intelligence ???????? ?????? ??? ?.?. ?????? the missing WSO — providing intelligence support during the search (Axios). And in a move that shows the depth of the operational coordination: ?????? ????????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ???? so as not to hamper the search and rescue efforts (Axios). The IDF paused its own combat operations to give the Americans a clear field. That’s an ally.
    ????? ??? ??? ????? ?????
    Trump was briefed immediately after the shootdown and monitored the operation throughout (Fox News). The White House deliberately withheld confirmation of the pilot’s rescue on Friday — Trump later explained: “?? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ?????????? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????????.” Operational security over headlines.
    When the WSO was finally extracted, Trump posted: “??? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????????? ?? ?.?. ???????, ??? ??? ?? ??? ?????????? ???? ?????? ???????, ??? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ? ?????? ????????? ???????.” He confirmed the Colonel “????????? ????????, ??? ?? ???? ?? ???? ????” (Truth Social).
    Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine held briefings throughout the crisis. Earlier in the campaign, Hegseth had stated that Iran’s missile volume was “???? 90%” and their drone capability “???? 95%” (C-SPAN briefing, March 31). The F-15E loss proved that even a degraded enemy retains dangerous capability — but the flawless execution of the rescue proved that American forces can operate deep inside hostile territory, take fire, lose aircraft, improvise under combat conditions, and still bring every person home.
    ??? ???? ??????????? ????
    In the 48 hours surrounding the shootdown and rescue:
    ? ?-??? ?????? ????? — sh?t down over southwestern Iran. Both crew rescued alive.
    ? ?-?? ??????? — hit by Iranian fire during CSAR, crashed in Kuwait. Pilot rescued alive.
    ? ????????? ?????????? — struck during pilot extraction, crew wounded, aircraft remained flyable.
    ? ?-??? ?????????? — stuck at forward position inside Iran, destroyed in place by U.S. forces.
    ? ??????????? ?-???? — flown in under fire to complete the extraction.
    ? ???????? ????? ????.
    The United States lost ???? ???????? (one shot down, one combat-damaged and crashed, two destroyed in place) and had a fifth damaged — and ??????? ????? ?????? ???????? ???? ?????. That is not a failure of airpower. That is a demonstration of what happens when a military prioritizes its people above its hardware.
    ???? ??? ???? ????. ???? ?????? ??????? ??? ? ??? ???? ? ?????? ?? ????? ????. ??? ??? ??? ? ????????? ????????? ?????? ? ??????? ???????. ??????? ????????? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ???. ???? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ????. ??? ???? ??????? ???????? ????.
    ????’? ??? ???????? ????????. ????’? ???? ???????? ????????.

  4. Firefights reported were not in the actual rescue but in the diversion created by the CIA. The diversion fooled the Iranians into thinking the airman was in another location from where was actually located.

      • @Rafi
        By now you will have seen Pres. Trump’s tweet. There was a large disinfo campaign produced to suggest that the airman had been captured by the Iranians, and in fact the large bounty placed on his head provided the motivation to move large numbers of bounty hunters, so to speak, towards the capture of the airman.

        Regarding AI bots, you are probably aware, but these are poor sources for confirmation of live events. They require a delayed period in which the information can be ‘learned’, as it were.

        0

        • To be precise, my social media had the report of the second airman being rescued around or prior to you typing it on Israpundit. So often social media reports end up being misinformation.

          The AI program I use had it also from social media but not mainstream reporting. Mainstream reporting is supposed to used verified reports.

          • @Rafi
            Journalist Jack Murphy broke the story before I posted it which is how I came to learn of the rescue mission. Also I was able to confirm the story independently before I posted my comment regarding the rescue.

            1

  9. I have no opinion about this theory on the merits but is it good for the Jews? 😀

    Times of Israel: “How the Exodus story subverts pharaonic texts to mock ancient Egypt
    According to Bar-Ilan University’s Joshua Berman, who curated the new hagaddah ‘Echoes of Egypt,’ the biblical narrative ‘culturally appropriates’ facets of Egyptian culture — by design

    By ROSSELLA TERCATIN FOLLOW
    1 April 2026, 4:32 pm”

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1254807770135013&set=a.304706481811818&type=3

  10. Paul Ben-Haim’s War Symphonies Get Just Desserts by Liran Gurkiewicz

    April 2, 2026

    “Performed at Carnegie Hall in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Ben-Haim’s two symphonies are foundational works within the Israeli art music tradition.”

    “…Ben-Haim’s two symphonies are foundational works within the Israeli art music tradition. Composed in Mandatory Palestine during World War II – Symphony No. 1 from 1939 to 1940 and Symphony No. 2, from 1942 to 1945 – they can be viewed as his “war symphonies.”

    “…In the program notes for the January 1941 premiere of Symphony No. 1, Ben-Haim reflects on the gravity of its composition: “It is self-evident that this work… is not free from the influence of contemporary events: the horrible terror of the forces of evil has certainly left its mark on my work.”

    While not strictly programmatic, the symphony captures the composer’s abstract reflections on a world in upheaval. These anxieties were literalized shortly after the premiere, when Italian bombings of Tel Aviv and Haifa claimed over 200 lives.

    Similarly, the 1945 premiere of his second symphony was punctuated by gunfire from battles in Jaffa during the lead-up to Israel’s 1948 War of Independence.

    Today, as a different conflict looms, these works offer a renewed opportunity to revisit Ben-Haim’s synthesis of heroic resolve and musical innovation…”

    “…Recent recordings by Shani and the IPO for Deutsche Grammophon …”

    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891948

  13. U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks will highlight the goals of the operation: “Destroying Iran’s deadly ballistic missiles and production facilities, annihilating its navy, ensuring its terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region, and guaranteeing that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon,” Daily Caller reports, citing a White House official.
    –Osint613

  17. This is a mistake, for Israel and for America.

    Israel is expected to propose to the U.S. the establishment of military bases on its territory, according to N12 News.

    —-Osint613

  18. Query: “could manna have been Reddiwip “ +9

    AI Overview:

    “Based on biblical descriptions and historical analyses, it is highly unlikely that manna was Reddi-wip, though it is often described as having a sweet, cream-like taste. While the idea is a humorous comparison, the properties of manna described in the Bible differ significantly from whipped cream.Here is how the two compare based on the evidence:Biblical Description of MannaAppearance: Described as “fine, flake-like” or “fine as frost on the ground,” similar to coriander seed and white in color.Taste: Described as “wafers made with honey” or “oiled sweet cake”.Consistency: It was solid enough to be gathered, ground in a hand mill, pounded in a mortar, boiled, or baked into cakes.Behavior: It melted when the sun grew hot.Why it wasn’t Reddi-wipSpoilage: Manna could not be stored overnight. If left for the next day, it would “breed worms and become foul,” whereas a processed topping like Reddi-wip would not.Daily Provision: It appeared on the ground as a daily phenomenon (except for the Sabbath) for 40 years.Physical Form: Manna was described as a substance that could be ground into flour, which is not possible with whipped cream.Leading Theories on Manna’s OriginHoneydew/Insect Excretion: Many researchers believe manna was a sweet, sugary substance secreted by aphids or insects (like Trabutina mannipara), which solidifies in the desert air.Lichen: Some suggest it was an edible, flaky lichen (Lecanora esculenta) that can be blown into large drifts, often called “manna lichen”.While the “sweet” and “white” aspects of Reddi-wip might fit the taste description, it does not match the physical, perishable, and structural descriptions of the biblical substance.”

    I dunno. Sounds rather flaky to me.

  22. Just for fun,

    I googled: bakesals and lemonade stands for ice and dhs +10

    and got:
    AI Overview:

    “Bake sales and lemonade stands are being utilized both as community protest

    tools against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and as symbols of child entrepreneurship needing protection from health department (DHS) regulations. Some bakeries sell “anti-ICE” cookies, while legislative efforts, such as “Lemon-Aid Laws,” aim to stop municipalities from shutting down lemonade stands.Lemonade Stands & “DHS” (Department of Health/Regulations)Permit Issues: Some municipalities have shut down child-run lemonade stands for operating without a health permit (sometimes called a DHS or Department of Health permit).Legislative Protection: Laws like New York’s “Brendan’s Lemon-Aid Law” (S837) seek to exempt stands operated by those under 16 from health department permits.”Save the Lemonade Stands” Bills: Efforts in various states (e.g., Utah, Arizona, Missouri) aim to protect the entrepreneurial spirit of minors from being “crushed” by licensing regulations.Corporate Support: Companies like Country Time have offered to pay for permits or fines.Bake Sales/Stands & ICE (Immigration Enforcement)Protest Sales: Certain businesses, such as a bakery in San Francisco, have sold “anti-ICE” cookies to protest immigration raids, with proceeds supporting community advocacy groups.Community Tension: Other bakeries have reported their business dropped by 30% due to fears and false rumors regarding their involvement with ICE.Fundraising: In some instances, similar stands have been used to raise money for victims of community tragedies.Note: The “DHS” in this context refers to local or state Departments of Health that regulate food safety, not the federal Department of Homeland Security (ICE’s parent agency), which oversees immigration enforcement.”

  24. But not to worry.

    “What Is ‘Dubai Chocolate’ and Why Is It Everywhere Right Now?”

    (Actually, it sounds absolutely disgusting, chocolate and phyllodough? Yuk! but I’m going to milk this joke until I can think of another one, making this a kind of milk chocolate, I guess.) –

    There’s really nothing we can do but wait since our leaders don’t want the enemy to know what they are doing.

    Hmmm. “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you are going to get.” – Forest Gump (Did I mention that I hate both chocolate and phyllodough?)

    How apt.

    Babylon Zorn

  26. I just saw the trailer for the Eurotrash-award winning movie, “Palestine ‘36” which AMC Theaters is showcasing. It’s a complete antisemitic pack of lies from start to finish.

  27. I know that Iran “hid” their nuclear material, but I can’t believe that we don’t know where it’s at. And if we truly did lose track of it, can’t it be detected somehow? In any case, the US needs to go in and remove it, at any cost, otherwise they will use it (or the threat of using it) on us (the civilized west) for generations to come. Did I say, “At any cost”? I meant that. Trump may be pleased as punch that he has destroyed Iran’s military with almost zero losses, but he started this war and if he thinks that he can finish it without taking some losses, he’s crazy.

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  28. So a couple of Muslim savages recently torched four Jewish ambulances in London. It was great loss to the entire Jewish community. Don’t you think that the entire Muslim community should be made to pay for it? (Don’t hold your breath.)

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  30. Query:

    U,S, negotiation with the confederacy 1864

    AI Overview: In 1864, U.S. negotiations with the Confederacy stalled due to Lincoln’s insistence on reunion and abolition versus Jefferson Davis’s demand for Southern independence. While unofficial peace feelers occurred, formal talks failed because the Confederacy would not accept unconditional surrender, and Lincoln would not recognize their sovereignty.
    Wikipedia
    Wikipedia
    +4
    Key 1864 Negotiation Aspects:
    The “To Whom It May Concern”” Letter: In July 1864, Lincoln wrote this letter to facilitate peace talks, stipulating that any proposal must include the restoration of peace, maintenance of the Union, and the abolition of slavery.
    Hampton Roads Conference (Prelude): Informal intermediaries met throughout the summer, but, as noted in The Atlantic, Davis insisted he would only accept terms that recognized Southern independence.
    Prisoner Exchange Halt: Gen. Ulysses S. Grant halted prisoner exchanges in April 1864, demanding that the Confederacy treat Black prisoners equally to white prisoners, as detailed in the Richmond National Battlefield Park archives.
    1864 Election Impact: The possibility of a negotiated peace was a major issue in the 1864 election, with Democrats running on a platform of immediate cessation of hostilities, as explained on Wikipedia. However, according to the American Battlefield Trust, Lincoln’s ultimate reelection on a “no compromise” platform secured a strategy of unconditional victory.
    National Park Service (.gov)
    National Park Service (.gov)
    +4

  31. Query:

    when did lincoln negotiate with the confederacy as a trick

    AI Overview:

    Abraham Lincoln engaged in a “negotiation” as a tactical maneuver on February 3, 1865, during the Hampton Roads Conference, by holding a four-hour meeting with Confederate officials. While not a “trick” in the dishonest sense, it was a calculated move to show he would not accept anything less than total reunification and abolition, while undermining Confederate morale and demonstrating their desperate situation.
    National Park Service (.gov)
    National Park Service (.gov)
    +4
    Key details of this tactical negotiation include:
    The Setting: The meeting occurred aboard the Union steamer River Queen in Hampton Roads, Virginia, with Confederate representatives including Vice President Alexander H. Stephens.
    Lincoln’s Strategy: Lincoln refused to recognize the Confederacy as a sovereign nation, insisted on the abolition of slavery, and demanded the restoration of national authority.
    The Outcome: The conference was a failure in terms of peace, but a success for Lincoln’s political goals. He used it to show Southern leaders that their only option was surrender, while also reinforcing to his own political critics that the South was unwilling to accept reasonable terms.
    “Tricking” the Opposition: The meeting helped silence critics of the war in the North, as Confederate leaders, including Alexander H. Stephens, realized the Union would not compromise on the abolition of slavery.
    The Wilson Quarterly
    The Wilson Quarterly
    +5

    Negotiation in a time of war: Abraham Lincoln and the 1865 Hampton Road Peace Conference

    with

    https://www.pon.harvard.edu/events/negotiation-in-a-time-of-war-abraham-lincoln-and-the-1865-hampton-roads-peace-conference/

    James B. Conroy,
    Author of Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln and the Hampton Roads Peace Conference of 1865

  35. Latest Iranian spy arrested in Israel was a reservist and Iron Dome operator. He reportedly provided Iran with base coordinates and personnel details. He should face the death penalty.

  38. I see that Iran lobbed a ballistic missile towards the Old City today. Thank G_d the Iron Dome intercepted it, although there were several injuries from schrapnel.
    If they do that again, wouldn’t it just be a crying shame if they hit Al Aqsa or the golden pimple on Har Habayit, or maybe both?

  39. Hezbollah fired several dozen rockets into northern israel. This was following israel’s call for mass evacuation from southern Lebanon. Most missiles were intercepted for hit empty fields.

  41. U.S. President Donald Trump says he is hearing that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not alive.

    “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” – NBC

  42. AI Overview The Chocolate Soldier” refers primarily to the 1908 Oscar Straus operetta based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Arms and the Man. It is also a 1941 MGM musical film starring Nelson Eddy and Risë Stevens, and a 19th-century idiom for a soldier who looks good but is too cowardly to fight.
    Wikipedia
    Wikipedia
    +2
    1908 Operetta (Der tapfere Soldat): A highly successful Viennese operetta. It centers on Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who carries chocolates instead of bullets.
    1941 Film: Directed by Roy Del Ruth, this film combines music from the Straus operetta with a plot loosely adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s play The Guardsman. It follows an opera singer who suspects his wife of infidelity and disguises himself to test her loyalty.
    Idiom and Origin: The phrase originated from Shaw’s 1894 play, Arms and the Man, where the protagonist is nicknamed the “chocolate cream soldier” due to his preference for sweets over war.
    Cultural Reference: A “chocolate soldier” was a popular chocolate-flavored beverage produced in the 1950s-1990s.
    Wikipedia
    Wikipedia
    +5

    This is all so dark, well, maybe 70 percent, so I decided to milk this for all it’s worth.

  43. “The next Godzilla movie, titled Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 26, 2027. It will be the sixth installment in Legendary’s “Monsterverse” series of giant monster films. The movie will be directed by Grant Sputore and written by Dave Callaham. The cast includes Dan Stevens, Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O’Connell, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Sam Neill, Matthew Modine, and Delroy Lindo. “

    Wow! I can hardly wait. It’s been so peaceful and boring lately..

  45. Khamenei’s luxury London homes purchased with loan from Israeli-British-owned company
    Shomrim investigation: Mojtaba Khamenei’s 2013 purchase of a luxury mansion and 12 homes on London’s ‘Billionaires’ Row’ was backed by a £36 million loan from an investment company owned by two British-Israeli brothers born in Ramat Gan.

    https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry411r1e9wg

  47. Massive missile attack from Lebanon. Word has been give that the next 24 hrs will shape the entire Lebanon front going forward with many long range attacks further north than previous.

  48. Spain’s ambassador is permanently recalled from Israel. Perhaps they should change their name from Spain back to Al-Andalus which was the name given to the territory of Spain and Portugal under the first Muslim occupation which lasted from the 8th til the 15th Centuries, til Spain was freed from its Muslim tyranny with the fall of Granada in 1492.

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