As I said earlier, Jack, this is what happens when you our military is turned on it's citizens, this is exactly what trump wants, so he can deploy our troops into American Streets ‼️🤬 it's real hard to watch us go down the Nazi Road.... Thank You for reporting and will reStack ASAP 🙏
Once a leader starts pointing the military at his own people...you’re already halfway down a dark road...and today we saw how quickly it can get worse.
These Guardsmen should never have been used as political props.
They should never have been stationed where they were.
And none of this would be happening if Trump weren’t manufacturing the crisis he wants to “save” us from.
Thanks for the reStack , Karen...we push back...together.
Sadly, James...no matter how much I'd love to be able to point to exceptions...in the name of staying aligned with what I believe to be the truth...I can't. I can think of none. You. Are. Right.
I'm getting the same feeling with this incident that I had with the attempted "assassination" in PA. At that time, Trump's poll numbers weren't great and there wasn't a lot of excitement for the RNC that was to start in a couple of days. The attempted "assassination" happened and Trump wasn't really injured.
Honestly, if you watch (or have ever watched) the WWE, you know that fake blood is used all the time in lots of matches. Don't forget that Trump was actually a part of WWE in the past, and had matches against Vince McMahon (husband of Linda McMahon, who was SBA Director in Trump's first term, and now is the Sec. of Education) where fake blood was used by both Trump and McMahon. So, Trump supposedly had a graze wound from the bullet on his ear. He wore a bandage on his ear for a few days, but then didn't wear it anymore and his ear looked fine before the end of the RNC. That doesn't happen. I burned the top of my ear with a curling iron, and it took a couple months to heal completely.
Fast forward to today. Trump's poll numbers are the worst they've ever been. People don't like his agenda and the actions he's taken. Nothing he's doing is working. The courts are ruling against him over and over again. In fact, the deployment of the National Guard in DC was ruled to be illegal. The Trump administration has now filed an emergency request for a stay of the ruling while an appeal is being sought. In fact, Kegsbreath wants to have an additional 500 guardsmen activated to DC. The two guardsmen are in critical condition, as is the suspected shooter. The shooter isn't cooperating with authorities. No, I'm sure he isn't. He probably wasn't supposed to live, which would have made things cleaner for Trump.
This? This is a setup to change people's minds and hearts, as Jack has said. Honestly, the fact that I would even have to think these things about a president is disgusting. What Trump will do to gather and maintain power is also disgusting.
Last night while giving the fam the weekly news updates they only grudgingly tolerate, (but we won’t go there now), I felt obliged to add, “I got a feeling the shooting is going to start soon”. So I was not altogether surprised to see this, but it was more like the realization that everything you lay out is gonna happen. Appropriately enough, there’s a ballad from that era we won’t say aloud called “Two Soldiers”.
Unless I read the room wrong, it is a scenario in which lately, the worst case one is usually accurate. I anticipated an event like this has the potential to be the Fort Sumter moment, but you made me realize the how and why in painstaking, agonizing detail. But unprecedented, at least lately, and it seems the reaction could break a lot of different ways. But the first thing to mind was, “here we go, martial law”.
But then upon learning the Guardsmen were not killed it put into mind a few more possibilities that are as absurd as they are unlikely to happen- suppose they use the incident to speak out about the insanity of having to be there at all, and placed responsibility where it belongs. And maybe others will realize they’ve just been being used as bait this entire time.
My early source indicated they had both died. As in turns out...on my end...finding out they were still alive...didn't change anything. This administration will employ the strategies I've laid out...in exactly the same way.
A lot of people feel that hum in the air...that awful moment-before-the-moment where you just know something is going to snap.
And when the alert flashed across my screen...my first thought was the same:
“Here we go.”
Not because violence is inevitable...but because this is exactly the kind of flashpoint... authoritarian movements wait for.
A spark they can twist...amplify...weaponize.
But your point is so important:
the fact that these Guardsmen survived means the narrative is not settled.
It means they might still get the chance to speak...to say the one quiet thing no one is allowed to say out loud:
“We were used.”
If that truth ever comes out...from them or from others...it could break the spell.
It could puncture the myth Trump has wrapped around this deployment.
Thanks for the feedback and perspective, and your insight got there first as usual. I am not sure I’m looking forward to the news tomorrow, but what little I read (before descending into the world of Vince Gilligan) seems to suggest a rational reaction might bring some blowback from the shitstorm headed our way.
(The tune was covered by almost everyone. I couldn’t find the Garcia/Grisman version in time, that and Dylan’s seem to have more emotional punch.)
Jack, it sounds to me like this former Afghan soldier who put his life in the line, as well as his family’s, felt betrayed by Trump and his depraved policies.
First, his Surrender Agreement that left tens of thousands of Afghan soldiers, interpreters and civilians who helped us to defeat the Taliban, ISIS and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, as well as their families, feel betrayed.
And then his decision to revoke the asylum claims of most of the Afghans who made it to America. Nothing happens in a vacuum. Trump created conditions in which all our allies are feeling betrayed.
Bottom line, Trump has no loyalty to Americans or foreigners who risk their lives to help America achieve its foreign policy aims. And quite frankly, we shouldn’t be surprised by the results.
That said, I wish you and your family, as well as all those who follow your newsletter a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving. Be safe, and enjoy!😉
You are exactly right. It is going to be painful and maddening to watch them use this tragedy as propaganda. Of course they should never have been there.
Trump ordered National Guard troops to cities across the country, not to stabilize areas of unrest, not to protect federal law enforcement agents (who are quite capable of protecting themselves), but to intimidate the citizens who live in those cities. He sent National Guard troops to DC to fight crime. As military forces, they are not trained or Constitutionally authorized to “fight crime.” So, these troops were used to pick up trash, rake leaves and pose for photos with tourists.
Now two members of the WV Guard are fighting for their lives. I have been praying for their families and for their recovery.
The shooter supplied the weapon and the bullets. Trump provided the anger and fear that may have triggered this attack. In another moment of dementia fueled anger, Trump has ordered an additional 500 National Guard personnel to DC. I’m still waiting for him to express some kind of national GRIEF.
The shooter was granted admission, after having helped the US during the Afghan war. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if he had PTSD and viewed the NG as Taliban!
That being said, it just gives 🍊💩 more ammunition to ramp up its rhetoric, and its deployment of more military to a democratic city! It’s loving this! ☠️
Glad to finally be here Jack. Any chance you might think there’s more to this story? Feels very possible to me. There are signs that to me, point in that direction. Maybe I’m off base but one thing I know for certain. With them, there is no bottom and they needed a faster way to escalate. Would what’s happening with the special election in Tennessee have pushed them to devise a plan? Idk. Just occurred to me that maybe..
As I said earlier, Jack, this is what happens when you our military is turned on it's citizens, this is exactly what trump wants, so he can deploy our troops into American Streets ‼️🤬 it's real hard to watch us go down the Nazi Road.... Thank You for reporting and will reStack ASAP 🙏
You nailed it, Karen Scofield!
Once a leader starts pointing the military at his own people...you’re already halfway down a dark road...and today we saw how quickly it can get worse.
These Guardsmen should never have been used as political props.
They should never have been stationed where they were.
And none of this would be happening if Trump weren’t manufacturing the crisis he wants to “save” us from.
Thanks for the reStack , Karen...we push back...together.
-Jack
There is nothing this fascist regime won't do to remain in power and twist the narrative...
Sadly, James...no matter how much I'd love to be able to point to exceptions...in the name of staying aligned with what I believe to be the truth...I can't. I can think of none. You. Are. Right.
-Jack
I'm getting the same feeling with this incident that I had with the attempted "assassination" in PA. At that time, Trump's poll numbers weren't great and there wasn't a lot of excitement for the RNC that was to start in a couple of days. The attempted "assassination" happened and Trump wasn't really injured.
Honestly, if you watch (or have ever watched) the WWE, you know that fake blood is used all the time in lots of matches. Don't forget that Trump was actually a part of WWE in the past, and had matches against Vince McMahon (husband of Linda McMahon, who was SBA Director in Trump's first term, and now is the Sec. of Education) where fake blood was used by both Trump and McMahon. So, Trump supposedly had a graze wound from the bullet on his ear. He wore a bandage on his ear for a few days, but then didn't wear it anymore and his ear looked fine before the end of the RNC. That doesn't happen. I burned the top of my ear with a curling iron, and it took a couple months to heal completely.
Fast forward to today. Trump's poll numbers are the worst they've ever been. People don't like his agenda and the actions he's taken. Nothing he's doing is working. The courts are ruling against him over and over again. In fact, the deployment of the National Guard in DC was ruled to be illegal. The Trump administration has now filed an emergency request for a stay of the ruling while an appeal is being sought. In fact, Kegsbreath wants to have an additional 500 guardsmen activated to DC. The two guardsmen are in critical condition, as is the suspected shooter. The shooter isn't cooperating with authorities. No, I'm sure he isn't. He probably wasn't supposed to live, which would have made things cleaner for Trump.
This? This is a setup to change people's minds and hearts, as Jack has said. Honestly, the fact that I would even have to think these things about a president is disgusting. What Trump will do to gather and maintain power is also disgusting.
Your instincts aren’t off, Chris. Not at all.
The common thread between the Pennsylvania incident and today is this:
When Trump loses control of the political environment... a “shock event” suddenly appears...and the story is always ready before the facts are.
That’s NOT conspiracy-thinking.
That’s recognizing the architecture.
And you’re right...the WWE comparison isn’t trivial.
Trump learned decades ago how to manufacture spectacle...sell conflict...and script an emotional arc.
To him...everything is kayfabe... even politics.
Add to that:
collapsing polls
failed agenda
illegal deployment
hostile court rulings
a movement losing steam
…and a moment like this becomes a narrative accelerant.
Whether or not the event was staged...the use of the event is already following...the same playbook:
Create a sacred victim.
Declare a besieged nation.
Fuse obedience to the leader.
Target anyone outside the fold.
You’re not crazy.
You’re noticing the pattern.
Most people never do...not until it’s too late.
I like your instincts.
-Jack
Thank you so very much. I'm humbled, and grateful for this forum. It's great to be a part of this community.
Last night while giving the fam the weekly news updates they only grudgingly tolerate, (but we won’t go there now), I felt obliged to add, “I got a feeling the shooting is going to start soon”. So I was not altogether surprised to see this, but it was more like the realization that everything you lay out is gonna happen. Appropriately enough, there’s a ballad from that era we won’t say aloud called “Two Soldiers”.
Unless I read the room wrong, it is a scenario in which lately, the worst case one is usually accurate. I anticipated an event like this has the potential to be the Fort Sumter moment, but you made me realize the how and why in painstaking, agonizing detail. But unprecedented, at least lately, and it seems the reaction could break a lot of different ways. But the first thing to mind was, “here we go, martial law”.
But then upon learning the Guardsmen were not killed it put into mind a few more possibilities that are as absurd as they are unlikely to happen- suppose they use the incident to speak out about the insanity of having to be there at all, and placed responsibility where it belongs. And maybe others will realize they’ve just been being used as bait this entire time.
————————
Two Soldiers (trad)
He was just a blue-eyed Boston boy,
His voice was low with pain.
"I'll do your bidding, comrade mine,
If I ride back again.
But if you ride back and I am left,
You'll do as much for me,
Mother, you know, must hear the news,
So write to her tenderly.
https://youtu.be/YFDKK0CQPNw?si=cs2nKn4pqD5Jai6U
https://youtu.be/RNsNOEA57Ic?si=l164r4bSVAWp_dJo
Randy...You weren’t wrong to sense this coming.
My early source indicated they had both died. As in turns out...on my end...finding out they were still alive...didn't change anything. This administration will employ the strategies I've laid out...in exactly the same way.
A lot of people feel that hum in the air...that awful moment-before-the-moment where you just know something is going to snap.
And when the alert flashed across my screen...my first thought was the same:
“Here we go.”
Not because violence is inevitable...but because this is exactly the kind of flashpoint... authoritarian movements wait for.
A spark they can twist...amplify...weaponize.
But your point is so important:
the fact that these Guardsmen survived means the narrative is not settled.
It means they might still get the chance to speak...to say the one quiet thing no one is allowed to say out loud:
“We were used.”
If that truth ever comes out...from them or from others...it could break the spell.
It could puncture the myth Trump has wrapped around this deployment.
And that old ballad?
It fits.
Different century...same human cost.
-Jack
Thanks for the feedback and perspective, and your insight got there first as usual. I am not sure I’m looking forward to the news tomorrow, but what little I read (before descending into the world of Vince Gilligan) seems to suggest a rational reaction might bring some blowback from the shitstorm headed our way.
(The tune was covered by almost everyone. I couldn’t find the Garcia/Grisman version in time, that and Dylan’s seem to have more emotional punch.)
Thanks for laying out the motives behind the coming whitewash. Great analysis! Happy Turkey Day #HoldFast
You're welcome, Robert. Thank you. And here's wishing YOU a Happy Thanksgiving as well.
-Jack
You nailed it. Every step along the way.
I appreciate that, Roberta. Thank you.
-Jack
Thanks for the clarification & breakdown as always.. 💜✊🏻💜
Tina, you're most welcome. Thank YOU.
-Jack
Jack, you posted that shooter was granted asylum. Please provide details. Thanks
The alleged shooter, Julie..was granted asylum by DONALD TRUMP...in April of 2025. Yeah. THAT Donald Trump.
-Jack
Jack, it sounds to me like this former Afghan soldier who put his life in the line, as well as his family’s, felt betrayed by Trump and his depraved policies.
First, his Surrender Agreement that left tens of thousands of Afghan soldiers, interpreters and civilians who helped us to defeat the Taliban, ISIS and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, as well as their families, feel betrayed.
And then his decision to revoke the asylum claims of most of the Afghans who made it to America. Nothing happens in a vacuum. Trump created conditions in which all our allies are feeling betrayed.
Bottom line, Trump has no loyalty to Americans or foreigners who risk their lives to help America achieve its foreign policy aims. And quite frankly, we shouldn’t be surprised by the results.
That said, I wish you and your family, as well as all those who follow your newsletter a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving. Be safe, and enjoy!😉
You are exactly right. It is going to be painful and maddening to watch them use this tragedy as propaganda. Of course they should never have been there.
Thank you, Jack! #HOLDFAST
Trump ordered National Guard troops to cities across the country, not to stabilize areas of unrest, not to protect federal law enforcement agents (who are quite capable of protecting themselves), but to intimidate the citizens who live in those cities. He sent National Guard troops to DC to fight crime. As military forces, they are not trained or Constitutionally authorized to “fight crime.” So, these troops were used to pick up trash, rake leaves and pose for photos with tourists.
Now two members of the WV Guard are fighting for their lives. I have been praying for their families and for their recovery.
The shooter supplied the weapon and the bullets. Trump provided the anger and fear that may have triggered this attack. In another moment of dementia fueled anger, Trump has ordered an additional 500 National Guard personnel to DC. I’m still waiting for him to express some kind of national GRIEF.
The shooter was granted admission, after having helped the US during the Afghan war. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if he had PTSD and viewed the NG as Taliban!
That being said, it just gives 🍊💩 more ammunition to ramp up its rhetoric, and its deployment of more military to a democratic city! It’s loving this! ☠️
Glad to finally be here Jack. Any chance you might think there’s more to this story? Feels very possible to me. There are signs that to me, point in that direction. Maybe I’m off base but one thing I know for certain. With them, there is no bottom and they needed a faster way to escalate. Would what’s happening with the special election in Tennessee have pushed them to devise a plan? Idk. Just occurred to me that maybe..
Nothing was happening so tRump had to juice it didn’t he?!?!?! Was it one of the J6ers?!??