"Mexico's cartels" Topic

So you are the president of Mexico and President Trump calls and asks "how can we help you?'

What do you tell him (presumably after talking with your military leaders).

Looks like the cartels have some effective anti-air capacity. Taking that out would be a place to begin.

Those cartels are better equipped than some armies, any assistance would probably be welcome.

Problem with cutting off the heads of the Mexican hydras is what grows in its place…..

The U.S. did aid with this one. So Mexico did accept our aid. The U.S. also provided the pressure to do so. Another goal of fentanyl reduction, along with border shutdown, drug ship attacks, removal of Venezuela's leader, agreement with Columbias leader…….

"Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, who was killed by the Mexican army on February 22, 2026, was considered one of the primary leaders responsible for the global fentanyl trade. At the time of his death, he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identifies alongside the Sinaloa Cartel as the two main organizations responsible for nearly all fentanyl trafficked into the United States.
BBC
BBC"

The U.S. provided critical intelligence support and "complementary information" to the Mexican military for the operation that killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on February 22, 2026.
BBC
BBC

While the raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, was planned and executed solely by Mexican special forces, the U.S. played a significant role through the following means:
Intelligence Collection: A newly formed, military-led Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel (JIATF-CC) provided a detailed "target package" to Mexican authorities.

Bilateral Cooperation: The operation was conducted under a framework of cooperation involving the U.S. Northern Command, which regularly coordinates with the Mexican military.

Financial Incentives: The U.S. State Department had maintained a $15 USD million reward for information leading to his capture, designating him a top target for his role in trafficking fentanyl into the U.S..

Strategic Pressure: The operation followed intense pressure from the Trump administration for Mexico to take more aggressive action against cartels, which included designating the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.
Reuters
Reuters

This operation follows the July 2024 arrest of another major leader, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who was taken into U.S. custody in Texas after being lured onto a plane by a rival faction. "

35thm yes, that the US helped get the kingpin was known. Question is, what help does Mexico ask for now? I'd say intell and suppression of cartel air defenses as a minimum. No US boots on the ground except air control personnel double teamed with Mexican military. Let the Mexicans select the targets, and announce that. Treat the cartels as belligerent nations and fight for regime change.

Doc

"35thm yes, that the US helped get the kingpin was known."

Actually probably by less than 65% of the U.S. population, even less elsewhere.

"1. Negative Sentiment in Media Coverage
Data from independent media watchdogs suggests that news coverage of the current administration has been overwhelmingly negative across major networks. 

* 92% Negative Coverage: A study by the Media Research Center (MRC) analyzed evening news on ABC, CBS, and NBC during the first 100 days of the administration's second term. It found that 92% of statements made by reporters and anchors about President Trump were negative.

* Stark Contrast to Predecessor: The same group found that during the first 100 days of the Biden administration, negative coverage stood at 41%, indicating a significantly different media tone.

* Topic-Specific Negativity: Even on topics where the administration has seen success or high public approval, the spin remained negative. For example, while the administration touts reduced border crossings, media coverage of immigration was 93% negative. Coverage of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was 97% negative. 
*
* ABC 33/40
 +3

2. Public Perception of Media Bias
Americans are acutely aware of this dynamic, though their views are deeply polarized along party lines.

* Belief in Media Fabrication: Roughly 46% of Americans believe the media frequently fabricates stories about President Trump.

* Perceived Relationship: A Pew Research Center survey found that 64% of U.S. adults describe the relationship between the administration and the media as "bad".

* Partisan Split on "Too Critical":Approximately 69% of Republicans believe the media is "too critical" of the president, compared to only 12% of Democrats. Conversely, 62% of Democrats feel the media has not been critical enough."
…
Hard to argue with those stats, although some will try. 🙄

The main problem is that Mexico has been a corrupt state for close to a century. The corruption is so embedded in the government and parts of the society that all these actions are of a transient nature.

As it stands today, Mexico is a marginally functional narco-state. And to truly eliminate the problem is going to require that the entire society acknowledges the true nature of the problem and has the courage to eradicate it. This will require a total societal shift.

It is solely up to the Mexican people to deal with the problem. And to date they haven't shown the wherewithal to do it.

Stone

"It is solely up to the Mexican people to deal with the problem. And to date they haven't shown the wherewithal to do it."

I've said similar about elsewhere, before. The Venezuelans, the Iranians, the Germans prior to World War II, the list is endless. They elect or raise in leaders who promise "bread and circuses" and all they get are "moldy crusts and fake side shows". But they never learn.

Stop and cut financial flow.
Eliminate ties to interantional terror groups and aid.
Eliminate Chicomm ties and supplies of precursors.
Expose tie to politicians and other countries.

A start.

Looks like a war zone. So well armed the government had to bring in air power.

Subject: Breanna Morello on X: "The same people doing this in Mexico are the same people ICE is trying to detain and deport. t.co/RpykB9YALd / X


link

a corrupt state for close to a century

Mexico became independent in 1810, and certainly inherited corruption from the Spanish colonial government -- and the Aztec regime that ruled before the Spanish was most likely as corrupt as it was bloodthirsty.

So I think more than a century, even if you're just counting modern Mexico.

The most pressing situation for we Americans are the American tourists stuck there. As one who taught NEO (Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations) the reports of Army troops in country is probably our Government's attempt to activate NEO propcedures. This is 100% what that plan was created for. Pray for all of our countrymen involved down there.

Mexico is failed Narco-state. Like many places in Central & South American, it is dominated/influenced by the cartels and gangs. Many in their gov'ts are on the take and corrupt. And they fear to do anything to upset the cartels, or they and/or their families will die probably horribly.

Will anything happen to the Mex. President. Is she or some in their gov't taking sides? Supporting one group of criminals killing off the another. Made a deal to have the military do the wet for one cartel vs. another ?

I'm pretty sure the US has made it clear if any US citizens are killed or taken hostage. There will be Hell to pay. They need to remember the Venezuelan Raid and the strikes on Iran's nuke facilities, etc.

That being said, the US pretty much knows where the cartel bosses live, the drug factories, the support, transport, supply, etc. locations. I and other have said this before With TLAMs, drones, etc. the US could remove most of the cartel and gangs. Which would be win for everyone but the criminals. Of course, especially some in Congress, the media, Europe, etc., etc. would once again, howl like banshees. If the POTUS does not go to Congress to declare war.

Which in reality it would be a series of strikes from primarily air and naval assets. Multiple air raids, missile strike, etc. Won't take more than 2 weeks(?) or so to cleanse the cartels and many gang targets off the face of the planet.

IMO, use our firepower and tech to remove Iran leaders, etc. from the board. And if need be, do the same with the Mex. cartels and gangs …

In both situations, the US has been too "nice" … News Flash … TLAMs, Drones, F22s, F35s, F/A18s, B52s, etc., are not very nice when deployed loaded for bear …

35thOVI, talk of drugs from Venezuela ceased as soon as the country's oil fields came under US control. And that's not surprising – drugs from that country accounted for a tiny share of the US market (no more than 10% of cocaine comes from the entire region). I doubt anyone even noticed the disappearance of even 5% of cocaine from the streets (in reality, even that much isn't there – the absence was immediately replaced by much more significant suppliers).
Let's be honest – Trump wasn't interested in drugs at all.

StoneMtnMinis, are you trying to change people's mentality with appeals and exhortations? It's impossible. Loyalty to corruption grows in poor countries, along with their children…

Legion 4, destroying drug cartel bases isn't a problem. But as soon as troops leave these territories, everything will start again… However, troops are also susceptible to corruption. The example of Afghanistan is before everyone. through the eyes:
link

"35thOVI, talk of drugs from Venezuela ceased as soon as the country's oil fields came under US control. And that's not surprising – drugs from that country accounted for a tiny share of the US market (no more than 10% of cocaine comes from the entire region). I doubt anyone even noticed the disappearance of even 5% of cocaine from the streets (in reality, even that much isn't there – the absence was immediately replaced by much more significant suppliers).
Let's be honest – Trump wasn't interested in drugs at all."

Caprum, incorrect. It makes news services ( Fox, web) daily, just not the MSM wasteland, who only concern themselves in bringing the administration down.

We almost daily see another narco boat hit. Yes still happening.

Venezuela was a cog in a larger strategy against the drug lords and drug leaders (Maduro in Venezuela). It seems to be working, But I explained that before.

It was a cog against China, Cuba, Iran and others. Cutting off oil products and other products. In attempts to increase pressure upon them.

It was a cog in reinforcing the Old Monroe Doctrine. A doctrine that many globalists administrations have forgotten. "The U.S. first and foremost".

And yes, it was about resources and access to them.

To say "it was only for oil" is the MSM simplistic anti Trump headlines.

As simplistic as saying "Russia is after only land in the Ukraine" or "Russia wants to conquer all of Europe". 🙂 everything is nuanced.

Be realistic))) If Trump had made the fight against drugs a top priority, he would have first blocked the gigantic quantities of fentanyl coming from Mexico and Canada…
Trump wants to control energy markets and maritime trade routes. This way, he can, essentially, dictate his terms to the entire world… He's already thinking about buying Russian gas and selling it to Europe via the restored Nord Stream pipeline… But at high, American prices. Brilliant)))

I am realistic Caprum. Look at what is going on in Mexico today and since he took office. Multiple top drug dealers killed or captured and sent to the U.S. for imprisonment. Look at the deal with the leader of Columbia since the capture of Venezuela Madero and what has started on that side of the drug arena.

The number of fentanyl deaths in the US decreased by 21% in 2025 and the potency of fentanyl decreased in 2025.

We closed the open border in 2025, decreasing those bringing it over.

It is a much broader picture.

Cutting off Cuba from both Venezuela and Iran again, may make another domino fall.

Regime change in Iran? Perhaps another.

As I said, there are multiple threads happening. Access to the resources of Venezuela is just one. I don't believe oil is the major resource the U.S. wants from there anyway.

Stopping China from receiving oil ?

That worked really well against Japan in 1941 …

"He's already thinking about buying Russian gas and selling it to Europe via the restored Nord Stream pipeline… But at high, American prices. Brilliant)))…

35thOVI and pals… is this true?…

Armand

Tango.

I'd say right now these are "questionable" rumors being spread by all sides in the Ukrainian war negotiations and very questionable sources all around.

Below is AI response to this question, read it yourself.

But you could watch tonight's State of the Union speech. Maybe he will let something slip.

As of February 24, 2026, reports indicate that Donald Trump is exploring a potential deal to revive the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. While the project was severely damaged by explosions in 2022 and remains non-operational, recent developments suggest a shift in policy from his previous opposition.
Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council
+2
Key details regarding these plans include:
Secret Negotiations: The Trump administration has reportedly been engaged in "unofficial" and "secret" talks in Switzerland with Russian representatives to discuss restoring gas flow. These discussions are reportedly led by Richard Grenell, Trump's former ambassador to Germany.

Proposed U.S. Control: A central part of the discussed deal involves U.S. investors acquiring a stake in or taking over the operating company, Nord Stream 2 AG, which is currently owned by Russia's Gazprom. This would effectively put the pipeline's operations under American control.

Geopolitical Strategy: The revival is allegedly being considered as part of a broader strategy to end the conflict in Ukraine. Proponents argue it could serve as a "carrot" to encourage Russian concessions.

Significant Hurdles:
Physical Damage: Only one of the pipeline's two strands is intact, and repairs could cost upwards of $100 USD million.

European Opposition: Germany and the European Union have expressed strong resistance, viewing a return to Russian gas as "economic imperialism" and a threat to their goal of energy independence from Russia.

Ah!… another Cuprum lie… thanks.

Armand

"Restoring the Nord Stream gas pipeline, destroyed by sabotage in September 2022, will cost €1.20 EUR–1.35 billion. This is a preliminary estimate by the project operator, Nord Stream AG."

"These calculations also include the cost of the gas (filling the pipes) lost as a result of the explosions, which clearly exceeds the cost of all repair and commissioning work."

"How feasible is the (restoration) idea from a purely technical standpoint, and most importantly, how economically feasible is it?

The answer is simple: repairs are entirely feasible, and experts have already calculated the potential costs," says Artem Deev, head of the analytical department at AMarkets. "Since the construction of Nord Stream cost Gazprom and its European partners approximately €17.00 EUR billion, restoring infrastructure with a combined capacity of up to 110 billion cubic meters per year seems economically feasible."

The article was written long before this idea emerged – in 2024.
link

The whole problem is the refusal to buy Russian gas… But as soon as the US pays for it, it will cease to be Russian)))
A very "tasty" and profitable deal…
Will Trump resist the temptation? Especially since it fits perfectly with his "energy superpower" concept – gaining control over the largest gas infrastructure in the world… After all, it could pump not only Russian gas, but also, for example, Central Asian gas…
Europe wants to destroy Russia, the US wants to defeat China. What is most important for the United States?

35thOVI, yes, I've heard about the successes in the fight against drugs. I welcome any efforts to combat this evil. But we are still a long way from defeating him…

I'm just surprised the Mexican forces could pull off the raid in the first place considering the amount of corruption and probable infiltration by cartels. I've heard the Mexican Marines are less effected and more successful against the cartels but not much confirmation that these were them.

Tango,

No, I did not say a lie. I said right now it is a story in the ozone, so to speak. Nothing substantial and very much nebulous still. Not near enough information out there to determine facts and especially intent. It could always be a carrot dangled in a potential peace deal.

Caprum,

yes the drug war is far from being defeated. As long as there are those who only care about their own pleasure and d#mn how it impacts others, there will always be those who will profit from their pleasure seeking. Sad, sad facts of life. 😔

destroying drug cartel bases isn't a problem. But as soon as troops leave these territories, everything will start again… However, troops are also susceptible to corruption. The example of Afghanistan is before everyone.

I know all that … No US troops have to occupy anything. If the Mex Pres. allowed the US to use its high-tech firepower and tactics. The cartels, gangs etc. would be decimated. Along with all their drugs, etc., etc. If they start up again. We have lots of ordinance. Just like militant islam … The US has a lot of bombs, missiles, etc. with their names on them.

As far as corruption … Mexico like many South and Central American states are failed or failing. Being run or influenced by the Narco-terrorists. Now that the POTUS designated them as terrorists. That allows the US to take more aggressive/kinetic measures. There is no other solution since the US has closed the border. Which in doing that has saved many US lives. If the cartels, gangs, etc. continue their crimes against the USA. Again like militant islam, the US have the assets to keep killing and blowing up their assets.

Stopping China from receiving oil ?

That worked really well against Japan in 1941 …

FWIW that was 1941 … many things have changed since then. Many, many things And again always cutting off enemies' supplies is a very effective tactic.

But militant Islam will never be eradicated, it is ingrained in the religion and its writings from its inception. Sadly, One can only suppress it temporarily and extinguish its current outbreaks.

As I have said before, many times actually … Like an insect infestation. If it is too hard to kill them all. We, however, can continue to attrite them to make it harder for them to do their terrorism, etc. No matter how long we have to continue to decimate their jihad, etc.

We can't talk to either of these enemies. They only understand strength, firepower, etc. No matter how many of them have to die. The WoD and GWoT are not over. We just have to continue seek and destroy with our advanced tech along with our resolve.

If they continue to be a threat … you mitigate that threat … We can no longer put up with these two threats to humanity.

Be realistic))) If Trump had made the fight against drugs a top priority, he would have first blocked the gigantic quantities of fentanyl coming from Mexico and Canada…

News Flash … he shut down the Southern border in 3 days or so after winning the WH. And increased the security on the Canadian Border. That border did not have the traffic that the Southern Border does. Plus blowing up many boats trying to move drugs. To the US, etc. Just sunk a few a couple of days ago.

We can't really stop the Chicoms from shipping drugs to the cartels. We can't tell the Chicoms anything. They are bent on becoming the #1 Superpower in the planet. They are 20% of the world's population. You couldn't kill enough of them off even if you wanted to. So the US continues to use other non-kinetic methods, etc.

However again the best way to stop those Chicom drugs from doing damage. Sink them enroute may be too hard to be effective. But destroying the drug supplies, factories, other assets, etc. and leadership. We know where they live … Once they get to e.g. somewhere in South & Central America and Mexico. If Mexico stopped them from coming across either of their borders that could go a long way to assisting in this. However, again … many of those gov't's leadership are corrupt, etc. Yes, including Mexico's.

Trump wants to control energy markets and maritime trade routes. This way, he can, essentially, dictate his terms to the entire world…

That is a bit too presumptive. He wants to save US lives and improve America's economy etc. And to dictate terms, etc., he does not have do those things you mentioned. There are other methods, techniques, etc. And those are way above my pay grade.

He's already thinking about buying Russian gas and selling it to Europe via the restored Nord Stream pipeline… But at high, American prices.

Wow did you see that on the SyFY Channel ? That is clearly propaganda, disinformation, etc.

Brilliant)))

Yes with what is going on with this POTUS in the WH. Future historians may call it brilliant. I'm not smart or well informed enough. And the ball is still in play …

German press, but unfortunately, by subscription:

link

Here are more details:

link

Trump wants to control energy markets and maritime trade routes. This way, he can, essentially, dictate his terms to the entire world

But "Trump" already "controls" the maritime trade routes. Which country already patrols ALL major maritime routes and guarantees safe passage in most of the world? The United States.

A large portion of the U.S. Navy is structurally oriented toward protecting global maritime trade, and about 15-20% of the US Navy is engaged in active protective escort duties in "hot spots" and critical choke points like the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf and Straights of Malacca. Most other navies do more local/regional patrols, so it is the US Navy that provides about 80% of global maritime trade patrols and protective duties.

You're welcome!

He's already thinking about buying Russian gas and selling it to Europe via the restored Nord Stream pipeline…

Interersting. Sounds like a win-win! Russia and Ukraine get a peace deal and the war, death and destruction can stop and rebuilding can begin. Russia can stop being as much of a pariah state and start selling energy to energy-starved European countries who destroyed their own domestic energy production with foolish green policies.

I don't quite understand this peace agreement you mention as "win-win"… Is the US going to buy gas from Russia in the middle of a war?… Or would they do it if Russia withdrew from the invaded territories?… What kind of peace agreement wouldn't benefit only one of the parties?…On the other hand… Europe no longer wants Russian gas…

Armand

Tango – Russia will not withdraw from the territories it has occupied. These territories were paid for in blood, and now they can only be taken back by paying in blood. And the longer the war continues, the more territory Russia will occupy.
But the war is not about territory – it is about ensuring Russia's security. And until this security is guaranteed by appropriate treaties, the war will not end.
The current government in Europe does not need Russian gas… But Soros's "fledglings" will not remain in power there forever. They will be replaced by far more sensible politicians who will be concerned with the prosperity of their own countries, not the chimerical ideas of left-wing globalists.

SBm +1

Tango +1

I don't quite understand this peace agreement you mention as "win-win"… Is the US going to buy gas from Russia in the middle of a war?…

@Tango, you did read my opening line that says "Russia and Ukraine get a peace deal and the war, death and destruction can stop and rebuilding can begin"

So -- peace deal, then gas.

On the other hand… Europe no longer wants Russian gas…

Ohhhh yes they do! You did realize that the EU's much celebrated deal with India was about RUSSIAN OIL AND GAS, yes? At that time, India was buying Russia oil and refining it and then the Europeans would but refined gas and petrol from INDIA to pretend it wasn't originally RUSSIAN oil.

But Trump stuck it to them with HIS India deal. India agreed to STOP buying and refining Russian oil, and instead buy oil from other sources including the US and … Venezuela.

Nice, eh? So the Europeans would leap at the chance to turn the Russian gas back on. In fact, some strategists have opined this has been their real reason for prolonging the war in Ukraine – to try and topple Putin and get a more pro-EU leader who would give them bargain deals on Russian resources.

How's that working out?

The grave mistake led by Merkel cannot simply vanish into thin air… it takes time.

So, the deal that's currently hanging in the air is Ukraine's surrender and acceptance of the loss of 20% of its original territory, a loss not accepted by the international community, except for the marginal remnants of certain barbaric, malevolent, and destructive countries.

As far as I can see… everything related to "working out" is up in the air and not working at all.

And the ridiculous phrase, "These territories were paid for in blood, and now they can only be taken back by paying in blood…" If that were the case, why isn't Nazi Russia occupying Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and many other countries it invaded by paying in blood?

Armand

Europe green policies are pretty healthy. Scotland's electrical power from renewables, mostly wind and some nuclear actually exceeded demand a couple of years ago. They expect to hit 50% renewable energy use overall by 2030. The US government works to bring back coal, favors oil, obstructs solar and wind. The 20th century is back!

Actually, I think with the tariffs, land grabs, attacks on LA
and graft POTUS is more locked into the late 19th Century.

Tariffs:

"Tariffs have been a core instrument of U.S. economic and foreign policy since the nation's founding, initially serving as the primary source of federal revenue before evolving into a tool for industrial protection and, more recently, geopolitical negotiation."

I can take or leave them, but am willing to see the results after 4 years, if they were actually allowed to stand.

Land grabs:

Pretty much since our inception, and actually since the original man. But… what land have we grabbed under the president?

Graft:

By the President? "Illegal", by the President? Please site examples, with convictions, "as President of the U.S."

"While there have been numerous investigations and civil findings regarding President Donald Trump's business practices and conduct, there has been no criminal conviction in a court of law for "graft"—typically defined as the illegal use of political influence for personal gain—for actions he took while in office."

Every lawsuit has been propagated by Democrats who despise him and all he does. The same ones:

Who ignored the "Biden Crime Family" completely.
Allowed the country to be in the hands of a man who was suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia for all 4 years and denied it to our faces.
Propagated the lie of "Russian Collusion".
Lied about the disastrous rout in Afghanistan.
Lied for 4 years that our border was secure.
Lied, by saying the border could not be secured because Republicans would not give them more money and that Donald Trump wanted the border open.

I know memories are short, but just some quickies:

"Family and Personal Business Dealings

Knowledge of Overseas Business: President Biden repeatedly claimed he never spoke to his son, Hunter Biden, about his overseas business dealings. Congressional investigations by the House Oversight Committee produced evidence, including witness testimony and photographs, suggesting he had met with his son's business associates and spoke with them via speakerphone.

Money from China: During the 2020 campaign and into his presidency, Biden stated his family "did not make money in China". Bank records later revealed that Hunter Biden and other family members received millions from Chinese entities.

Personal Income Claims: In 2024, Biden claimed he never earned more than $400,000 USD a year. Tax filings show his presidential salary is $400,000 USD, and he earned over $15 USD million in the years following his vice presidency.
U.S. Senate (.gov)
U.S. Senate (.gov)

Economic and Fiscal Claims
Inflation at Inauguration: President Biden falsely claimed multiple times that inflation was 9% when he took office in January 2021. Official data shows inflation was actually 1.4% at that time; it peaked at 9.1% in June 2022.

Deficit Reduction: Biden frequently claimed he "cut the federal deficit" by over $1 USD trillion. While the deficit did drop from record pandemic highs, analysts noted this was primarily due to the expiration of emergency COVID-19 spending rather than new policy, and that his administration's actions actually increased projected long-term deficits.

Job Creation Numbers: The administration often used a "19 million jobs" figure regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Fact-checkers noted only about 2.7 million of those jobs were attributed to the bill itself, with the rest being general economic recovery.
CNN
CNN

Policy and Miscellaneous Claims
Georgia Election Law: Biden claimed the 2021 Georgia election law "ends voting at 5 o'clock". Fact-checkers gave this a "Four Pinocchio" rating, as the law did not change the 7 p.m. closing time for polls.

Insulin Costs: Biden claimed seniors were paying $400 USD a month for insulin before his $35 USD cap. A Department of Health and Human Services study found the average out-of-pocket cost for Medicare patients was actually around $450 USD per year.

Troop Deaths: During a 2024 debate, Biden claimed he was the only president this century with no troops dying overseas. This ignored the 13 service members killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 and three killed in Jordan in early 2024.

Personal Anecdotes: Biden made several exaggerated personal claims, such as traveling 17,000 miles with Xi Jinping (a figure the White House could not verify) and suggesting his uncle was eaten by cannibals in New Guinea, which contradicted official military records."

Of course we know, if the Democrats regain power, they will make the Spanish Inquisition, look like a Sunday after church picnic. 😏

"Attacks on LA"?! Well only in the biased minds of the Democrats, the anti Trump MSM and those who listen and support them.

Personally I believe what we did there and elsewhere was necessary by his belief, because of the mismanagement of the politicians that run those states and those cities, lack of cooperation with law-enforcement, including ice. Corrupt DAs. Declarations of illegal sanctuary cities. protection of criminals over the innocent civilians that are supposed to be in their care. Etc etc.

I would not have sent the citizens of LA aid. They voted themselves the mess they have. I guess he is nicer than me.

Can't get them for LA but here you go

"During the weekend of February 20–22, 2026, Chicago recorded at least 18 people shot, six of them fatally, according to ABC7 Chicago. This reflects a slight decrease from the preceding weekend in mid-February, which saw 19 people shot."

@tortorella – hold up, wait a minute! You can't have a stable grid by "exceeding [electrical] demand a couple of years ago." An energy needs also include demands for industry and transportation, so Scotland can't survive or grow on intermmitent wind supplies. You need predictable steady state energy as the core -- you don't get that with any renewables.

And costs have gone to the Moon!

* In UK household electricity was about 7–8p per kWh in 2000. Adjusted for inflation alone, that would be roughly 13–15p per kWh today.

* Actual 2023–24 UK household rates were around 30–35p per kWh.

That means electricity prices are now more than double their inflation-adjusted 2000 level — over 200% of what simple inflation would imply. The same is true of petrol and natural gas costs – natural gas is 3x, while petrol is only a bit above inflation, and this means everthing is more expensive.

Ouch!

My bill in Scotland is nowhere near the rate you quote SB and I do not even have the cheapest plan. I live there part time and now pay double tax on my home there, though. I wear a Canadian T shirt at the pub, but cannot escape my true identity. Most frequent questions: How ? Why?

At any rate, I like a lot of different energy sources as a national security precaution. Except coal….

OVI +1

SBm +1

At any rate, I like a lot of different energy sources as a national security precaution.

Yes of course that is only prudent. However, wind and solar can't produce all the power required. Which is going increase with the widespread use of AI. Fossil fuels of all types at this time are still required. Some of those fossil fuel can be made cleaner. If enough $ is spent and tech evolves.

But still wind & solar if were everywhere still couldn't alone make all the power required.

Hydro-electrical schemes are more consistent than wind, and there are some of those in Scotland. And water storage schemes can pump water uphill in times of low demand and use it to cover peak demand.

The big rise in electricity bills came after Putin's invasion of Ukraine led to a reduction in imports of Russian gas and subsequent rise in gas prices. And a stupid (EU ?) rule that forces electricity purchasers to buy at the highest of the various production prices, rather than the lowest. This was evened out with various taxes and subsidies, but prices still went up. Funnily enough they haven't gone back down.

FWIW – I hope the cartels, gangs, etc. are watching the news … We can do similar to them as we did/are doing in Iran …