All apologies. I had decided to steer away from bigger issues and focus on my own, more personal stuff, like poetry and the upcoming graduation of my first grandchild from high school. I even submitted three poems to a local writer’s club and won a prize! Validation feels good.
And yet, America remains under siege, deeply divided, and over-extended, and no one with any real power seems able or willing to do anything about it. Congress is ineffectual, the Supreme Court is questionable, and POTUS is downright shameful.
Since February 28, We The People have watched virtually helplessly as the United States of Trump launched a “pre-emptive strike” against Iran, in cooperation with Israel. The one immediate and ongoing consequence was and is the crippling of one-fifth the world economy because Iran discovered it could close the Strait of Hormuz and hold all ships transiting through the Strait hostage. I labored under the false impression that Trump did not realize this would happen. I have changed my mind.
In considering military actions, we employ scenario builders. Their job is to consider outcome. They look for probable responses, including those off the battlefield. Every President who considered military action against Iran was warned that Iran could close the Strait. Trump was no different. The closure was not a surprise. I now believe it was exactly what Trump wanted.
Reverse engineering, or following the money, I think Trump fully understood that attacking Iran would close the Strait, and that closure would drive up the price of crude around the world, this means American crude would sell at the same inflated price as the rest of the world. Oil companies and investors would see massive profits, even on a short timeline. Coupled with Trump’s concerted efforts to control Venezuela oil, and his attempts to cripple green energy alternatives, it seems like the President is doubling down on a dwindling energy source for short-term gain. If so, did he collude to create this war and crisis? Is he guilty of insider trading? Has he put American soldiers in harm’s way for profit? Is he guilty of murder? Of treason?
Inquiring minds want to know.
