Iran war brings US close to net crude exporter for first time since World War Two…

And looks like oil’s going below $90 this morning. https://t.co/WBsgF5rKYI

— David Asman (@DavidAsmanfox) April 17, 2026

J.R., you NEVER argue with facts, just anger and insults. The barometer on your posts is always that you get angry when someone makes a good point, and angrier if they make two.


Everyone but you figured that out long ago .

So go ahead and scream, throw a tantrum, etc. We all know that it signals your inability to counter the argument.

whiterock said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Trump is absolutely nothing like Reagan. MAGA under Reagan was free trade, international alliances, sponsored amnesty, and respected our institutions. Reagan would not fit in MAGA.

Trump *******ized Reagan's logo.

---

I cast my first ever presidential vote for Reagan. In 1984, I entered on duty and served under him. Still have my Consular Commission with his signature.

Reagan threatened to cut off Japanese exports, forcing them to build plants here to produce here. (We studied how he did it in grad school class...tossing the textbooks to learn from current events. It's all about reordering the capital flows.....like Trump has done, using tariffs instead of quotas for leverage. Trump's first US Trade Representative was Reagan's USTR, Robert Lighthauser.)

Reagan fought hard and unsuccessfully to get Nato members to meet their 2% obligation. Yes, Nato goldbricking was a big deal back then, too. (In fairness, Reagan also had a Cold War to deal with and couldn't have pushed allies as hard as Trump could and did.)

Reagan was a rabble rouser for his day, notable union breaker, catching hell for walking away at Reykavik and demanding "Chairman Gorbachev, tear down this wall," etc... (and he got the same kind of relentless partisan attacks Trump has gotten. Hell, Democrats were still trashing him to redefine his legacy a decade after he was gone.)

You don't know Reagan very well.

---

You are so full of ***** You are a walking Trump Ad! Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes.

You can go into all the supposition you want. His record is his record.

He passed amnesty. He NEVER threatened to pull out of NATO if he didn't get what he wanted. He passed the VER policies with Japan. He used tariffs and quotas to enhance free and fair trade by directing them to specific products, not as a billy club to beat a Nation to get what he wants. There is a huge difference. He didn't tariff the world, that is a fact. He used them the way they were intended, not for revenue but against certain electronics.

Trumps economics are unique, they totally break with Republican, including Reagan's, positions. Trump is a bully and believes might makes right. That was not Reagan

But, keep spinning...

FLBear: " Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes."

Think I want to look closer at that claim. And context matters as much as style here.

Foreign Policy: Context matters a lot here, because the two men lived in different arenas. Reagan was facing the Soviets in the Cold War, and focused his policy to confront that threat. Trump faces multiple threats in multiple areas, and has used a variety of tools to wage that conflict. Reagan was more effective against the USSR than Trump was so far against China, but Reagan failed to rein in Iran and his mistakes in Central America are not often discussed but are still real. Trump re-established the Monroe Doctrine and has reformed European commitment to NATO, but at the cost of amity. Obviously, Trump's gamble with Iran remains to prove either wise of foolish. It should also be noted that Reagan was selective in where/when he would engage a foreign adversary, while Trump has engaged foreign issues in almost every place. The wisdom or folly of that stance will also prove itself in time.

Immigration: Kudos to FLBear for including this one, because Reagan flat failed this one. Reagan played nice with Democrats, signed on to a very foolish amnesty, and never really stopped the flow of illegals coming into the US. This is Trump's strongest win, sealing the border and enforcing deportations, especially violent criminals, even to the point of risking media attacks for enforcing the law.

Economic Policy: Reagan and Trump both advanced less-intrusive regulation and common-sense policies in Energy.

Institutional Respect: I am not quite sure what FLBear was referring to, but it seems to be approval of social and business leaders. Certainly Reagan was more effective in building relationships with individuals, but then he was accepted in his role as President in a way Trump has not received from many social leaders. The reader will have to decide why those leaders started as enemies of the President.

Communications: This is clearly Trump's weakest area, and Reagan's strongest. That said, Reagan received due criticism during his Presidency for sending messages that sometimes seemed to lack follow-through, while Trump's messages are sometimes tactical, meant to accomplish a practical goal even if it costs the President popularity in the short term.

Deregulations: Both Reagan and Trump promoted common-sense rules and removing unreasonable obstacles.

Lower Taxes: Both Reagan and Trump sought to lower taxes. Both dealt with a Congress which was often hypocritical in meeting its duties to the taxpayers.

Oldbear83 said:

---

FLBear: " Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes."

Think I want to look closer at that claim. And context matters as much as style here.

Foreign Policy: Context matters a lot here, because the two men lived in different arenas. Reagan was facing the Soviets in the Cold War, and focused his policy to confront that threat. Trump faces multiple threats in multiple areas, and has used a variety of tools to wage that conflict. Reagan was more effective against the USSR than Trump was so far against China, but Reagan failed to rein in Iran and his mistakes in Central America are not often discussed but are still real. Trump re-established the Monroe Doctrine and has reformed European commitment to NATO, but at the cost of amity. Obviously, Trump's gamble with Iran remains to prove either wise of foolish. It should also be noted that Reagan was selective in where/when he would engage a foreign adversary, while Trump has engaged foreign issues in almost every place. The wisdom or folly of that stance will also prove itself in time.

Immigration: Kudos to FLBear for including this one, because Reagan flat failed this one. Reagan played nice with Democrats, signed on to a very foolish amnesty, and never really stopped the flow of illegals coming into the US. This is Trump's strongest win, sealing the border and enforcing deportations, especially violent criminals, even to the point of risking media attacks for enforcing the law.

Economic Policy: Reagan and Trump both advanced less-intrusive regulation and common-sense policies in Energy.

Institutional Respect: I am not quite sure what FLBear was referring to, but it seems to be approval of social and business leaders. Certainly Reagan was more effective in building relationships with individuals, but then he was accepted in his role as President in a way Trump has not received from many social leaders. The reader will have to decide why those leaders started as enemies of the President.

Communications: This is clearly Trump's weakest area, and Reagan's strongest. That said, Reagan received due criticism during his Presidency for sending messages that sometimes seemed to lack follow-through, while Trump's messages are sometimes tactical, meant to accomplish a practical goal even if it costs the President popularity in the short term.

Deregulations: Both Reagan and Trump promoted common-sense rules and removing unreasonable obstacles.

Lower Taxes: Both Reagan and Trump sought to lower taxes. Both dealt with a Congress which was often hypocritical in meeting its duties to the taxpayers.

---

Where to start, by the way I appreciate the response. Thanks.

Let's start with Institutional Respect. That is not social and business, they are not institutions. The Supreme Court, Congress, and the Executive Branch, they are institutions. Trump holds checks and balances in distain. He thinks nothing of threatening Congress, intimidating the Supreme Court and places clowns in charge of the Government Agencies doing the Nations work. He gave Musk access to do what he wanted with DOGE. That is what I mean. It all starts there, he thinks he is above the Constitution and the law. He wants to be dictator.

Economic Policy - Reagan was free trade and used economic tools to address fairness issues, Trump is protectionist and uses tariff's as revenue generator and threats to get what he wants economic or not.

Immigration - Reagan didn't view immigrants as threats, even after Lebanon and Iran. Trump does.

Foreign Policy - As Oldbear said, different times. So, let's keep it simple. Trump is transactional, Reagan was not. Reagan understood that other Nations may not be in a position to help, like we weren't in the Falklands. He respected sovereignty of other NATO Nations. Trump is transactional and doesn't care, see Italy. He thinks he is personally owed loyalty or the US will not support, even if we have agreements others agreed in that position.

FLBear5630 said:

---

whiterock said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Trump is absolutely nothing like Reagan. MAGA under Reagan was free trade, international alliances, sponsored amnesty, and respected our institutions. Reagan would not fit in MAGA.

Trump *******ized Reagan's logo.

---

I cast my first ever presidential vote for Reagan. In 1984, I entered on duty and served under him. Still have my Consular Commission with his signature.

Reagan threatened to cut off Japanese exports, forcing them to build plants here to produce here. (We studied how he did it in grad school class...tossing the textbooks to learn from current events. It's all about reordering the capital flows.....like Trump has done, using tariffs instead of quotas for leverage. Trump's first US Trade Representative was Reagan's USTR, Robert Lighthauser.)

Reagan fought hard and unsuccessfully to get Nato members to meet their 2% obligation. Yes, Nato goldbricking was a big deal back then, too. (In fairness, Reagan also had a Cold War to deal with and couldn't have pushed allies as hard as Trump could and did.)

Reagan was a rabble rouser for his day, notable union breaker, catching hell for walking away at Reykavik and demanding "Chairman Gorbachev, tear down this wall," etc... (and he got the same kind of relentless partisan attacks Trump has gotten. Hell, Democrats were still trashing him to redefine his legacy a decade after he was gone.)

You don't know Reagan very well.

---

You are so full of ***** You are a walking Trump Ad! Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes.

You can go into all the supposition you want. His record is his record.

He passed amnesty.
and got screwed.
He NEVER threatened to pull out of NATO if he didn't get what he wanted.
Like I said, he had a Cold War to deal with and could not escalate. But that was not the case for Clinton, or Bush 43, or Obama. It took Trump to FINALLY do what was necessary to not only force the issue but get them to actually increase the target.
He passed the VER policies with Japan. He used tariffs and quotas to enhance free and fair trade by directing them to specific products, not as a billy club to beat a Nation to get what he wants.
Same policy. Even the same trade rep. Trump just got a LOT more because he used more pressure. Again, the timeframe matters. Reagan had Cold War alliances to manage, Trump did not. That gave Trump a lot more room to play.
There is a huge difference. He didn't tariff the world, that is a fact. He used them the way they were intended, not for revenue but against certain electronics.
So what if he tariffed the world! He got the trade deals we need and isolated China. We are better off, significantly so. Look at the new manufacturing numbers this month...2x projections. Exactly what his policy should have prompted.

Trumps economics are unique, they totally break with Republican, including Reagan's, positions. Trump is a bully and believes might makes right. That was not Reagan
Not only do you not know Reagan, you don't know economics.

But, keep spinning...

---

You are the one spinning friend, in the deep mud of deep ignorance of the subject material.

muddybrazos said:

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FLBear5630 said:

---

You work for MAGA, right?

---

Are you asking me if I work for Maga? No, I am pro America and no longer identify with the party of Mark Levin, Laura Loomer and Lindsey Graham.

---

While it's understandable not to support any political party, Trump's attack on Iran is unconstitutional. He needs congressional authorization for his actions.

whiterock said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

whiterock said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Trump is absolutely nothing like Reagan. MAGA under Reagan was free trade, international alliances, sponsored amnesty, and respected our institutions. Reagan would not fit in MAGA.

Trump *******ized Reagan's logo.

---

I cast my first ever presidential vote for Reagan. In 1984, I entered on duty and served under him. Still have my Consular Commission with his signature.

Reagan threatened to cut off Japanese exports, forcing them to build plants here to produce here. (We studied how he did it in grad school class...tossing the textbooks to learn from current events. It's all about reordering the capital flows.....like Trump has done, using tariffs instead of quotas for leverage. Trump's first US Trade Representative was Reagan's USTR, Robert Lighthauser.)

Reagan fought hard and unsuccessfully to get Nato members to meet their 2% obligation. Yes, Nato goldbricking was a big deal back then, too. (In fairness, Reagan also had a Cold War to deal with and couldn't have pushed allies as hard as Trump could and did.)

Reagan was a rabble rouser for his day, notable union breaker, catching hell for walking away at Reykavik and demanding "Chairman Gorbachev, tear down this wall," etc... (and he got the same kind of relentless partisan attacks Trump has gotten. Hell, Democrats were still trashing him to redefine his legacy a decade after he was gone.)

You don't know Reagan very well.

---

You are so full of ***** You are a walking Trump Ad! Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes.

You can go into all the supposition you want. His record is his record.

He passed amnesty.
and got screwed.
He NEVER threatened to pull out of NATO if he didn't get what he wanted.
Like I said, he had a Cold War to deal with and could not escalate. But that was not the case for Clinton, or Bush 43, or Obama. It took Trump to FINALLY do what was necessary to not only force the issue but get them to actually increase the target.
He passed the VER policies with Japan. He used tariffs and quotas to enhance free and fair trade by directing them to specific products, not as a billy club to beat a Nation to get what he wants.
Same policy. Even the same trade rep. Trump just got a LOT more because he used more pressure. Again, the timeframe matters. Reagan had Cold War alliances to manage, Trump did not. That gave Trump a lot more room to play.
There is a huge difference. He didn't tariff the world, that is a fact. He used them the way they were intended, not for revenue but against certain electronics.
So what if he tariffed the world! He got the trade deals we need and isolated China. We are better off, significantly so. Look at the new manufacturing numbers this month...2x projections. Exactly what his policy should have prompted.

Trumps economics are unique, they totally break with Republican, including Reagan's, positions. Trump is a bully and believes might makes right. That was not Reagan
Not only do you not know Reagan, you don't know economics.

But, keep spinning...

---

You are the one spinning friend, in the deep mud of deep ignorance of the subject material.

---

Actually, I am pretty close to what the norm believes, you MAGA outliers are the ones that are re-writing history. Trumps use of tariffs, transactional foreign policy and treatment of co-branches of Government are unique. Name one President that tried even one of the shenanigans Trump has done this year. Pick - DOGE, Tariffs, Bombing Iran, Threatening a NATO Allie for territory, kidnapping the sitting President of another Nation, using the military to blow up boats in the Caribbean, ICE... It is whack a mole, there is no strategy it is whatever shiny object gets the light of Epstein and his past. You really think this has been a successful Presidency?

As for knowing economics, what happened with Reagan's tariffs once the existing contracts ran out? Did the short term gains hold? No, they did not. Just like these won't, especially with what is going on in the Gulf. Protectionist policies get short term gains, pledges that are not followed through on and the debt keeps growing.

You really think China is coming out of this weaker and we are stronger in the world? China is the one isolated? How many new treaties and agreements does China have in the west now? Got news for you, we are the ones being isolated. How many allies could Trump muster to help with Iran? NONE, not even the Aussies.

If Iran didn't demonstrate how isolated we have become, I don't know what to tell you. I have news for you, Europe is not sending a task force to help us. They are sending it to make sure their ships get through our blockade. WE ARE CONSIDERED THE PROBLEM.

You can't keep using pressure campaigns, headline deals, and executive actions to get short term gains, jump to something else and expect a consistent business growth with alienated allies you just beat up. How long do you think "they have no choice" policies (your words) hold up?

FLBear demonstrates an effect common to anyone bringing up Reagan: He treats Ronald Reagan as the patron saint of Conservatives, and so only sees the halo and never the nitty-gritty of the actual man.

Ronald Reagan was a popular Hollywood star, who also enjoyed fame through his commercial endorsements. He learned to be suave and eloquent even before he became Governor of California. As a result, Reagan was eminently able to deliver quotable phrases and persuasive arguments long before he ran for President. Trump, for his part, came from a more functional background and commonly uses NYC brusqueness to demonstrate real-world attitudes. So just by their backgrounds and resumes, Reagan was going to be smoother and more popular in style than Trump.

I also noted the halo effect. Ronald Reagan was not always the happy, charming fellow we see in so many reflections of him. Reagan badly mishandled Lebanon, ignored Iran for the most part, allowed crimes to happen in El Salvador and other Central American countries, sometimes failed to foresee economic troubles and generally made the same kinds of missteps all Presidents make to some degree. But Ronald Reagan was clearly the most effective Republican President since Eisenhower, and voters who endured the Bushes. Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney certainly understand how great Reagan's accomplishments were in comparison. Trump, for his part, is a work in progress and he ran against the Establishment which Reagan was able to win over, so that difference in image needs to be kept in mind, especially given the people, including ostensible Republicans, who endlessly complain about Trump and attack him whenever they can, and regardless of the cost.

Now with regard to FLBear's clarification about 'Institutional Respect'. Turns out he meant the Separation of Powers (you'll have to ask him why he did not simply say Separation of Powers). I am of two minds on that point. Trump at times appears to let his temper speak instead of discretion, but I am a student of History, and I certainly recall that many Presidents have lost patience with a feckless Congress and Court.

FLBear: "Trump holds checks and balances in distain. He thinks nothing of threatening Congress, intimidating the Supreme Court and places clowns in charge of the Government Agencies doing the Nations work."

Sorry to be rude, but that is neither true nor intellectually honest. Trump has accepted a great many court decisions he dislikes, he is not ignoring the rulings (unlike California courts by the way, and Presidents Obama and Biden more than once). And only a complete fool would claim Congress has even tried to meet its duties on cutting spending, making elections secure from illegals voting, and addressing the key issues on tariffs, military conflicts or strategic minerals. As for appointments, Trump's appointments are as good or better than those by Biden, Obama, or the Bushes. Emotional antagonism is a poor standard for weighing decisions.

FLBear: "He gave Musk access to do what he wanted with DOGE."

DOGE was a clear success. The problem was getting Congress to act on the places where fraud and abuse was found. Trump made a mistake in promising the cuts that would come, but the main fault here lies with a Congress not interested in making even obvious corrections.

FLBear: "That is what I mean. It all starts there, he thinks he is above the Constitution and the law. He wants to be dictator."

That, emisssion, from FLBear is one hundred percent male bovine excrement.

FLBear: "Economic Policy - Reagan was free trade and used economic tools to address fairness issues, Trump is protectionist and uses tariff's as revenue generator and threats to get what he wants economic or not."

Oversimplification, and again based on biased starting opinions.

FLBear: "Immigration - Reagan didn't view immigrants as threats, even after Lebanon and Iran. Trump does."

Certainly it's true that Reagan did not focus on illegal immigration, but of course that was when we had far fewer illegals in the country, and this was before 9/11. Trump was never anti-immigration, but worked hard to address the loose borders and severe invasion by illegals. Not surprising someone who hates Trump would want to muddy the waters on that point.

FLBear: "Foreign Policy - As Oldbear said, different times. So, let's keep it simple. Trump is transactional, Reagan was not. Reagan understood that other Nations may not be in a position to help, like we weren't in the Falklands. He respected sovereignty of other NATO Nations. Trump is transactional and doesn't care, see Italy. He thinks he is personally owed loyalty or the US will not support, even if we have agreements others agreed in that position."

Amusing speech, and totally based on emotion. There is no reasonable doubt that our NATO 'allies' have been unwilling to pay their share, support US efforts when needed, or correct their behavior when contrary to US interests. That 'Trump doesn't care' lie is absolute bull-poop, as I observed in a prior point in this thread.

The plain fact is that Reagan ran into conflict with European 'allies' which opposed our deployment of troops and weapons (remember how far we had to go out of the way on the 1986 Libya bombing mission?) and diluted US influence. Many of the troubles Trump is facing now are the children of the same resistance from 'allies' which Reagan faced.

Don't forget as well, that US reputation suffered a great deal under George W Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Many of the friends the US knew under Reagan changed their leadership and doctrines since then, and Trump has had to deal with people hostile to US interests which Reagan did not face.

FLBear5630 said:

---

whiterock said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Trump is absolutely nothing like Reagan. MAGA under Reagan was free trade, international alliances, sponsored amnesty, and respected our institutions. Reagan would not fit in MAGA.

Trump *******ized Reagan's logo.

---

I cast my first ever presidential vote for Reagan. In 1984, I entered on duty and served under him. Still have my Consular Commission with his signature.

Reagan threatened to cut off Japanese exports, forcing them to build plants here to produce here. (We studied how he did it in grad school class...tossing the textbooks to learn from current events. It's all about reordering the capital flows.....like Trump has done, using tariffs instead of quotas for leverage. Trump's first US Trade Representative was Reagan's USTR, Robert Lighthauser.)

Reagan fought hard and unsuccessfully to get Nato members to meet their 2% obligation. Yes, Nato goldbricking was a big deal back then, too. (In fairness, Reagan also had a Cold War to deal with and couldn't have pushed allies as hard as Trump could and did.)

Reagan was a rabble rouser for his day, notable union breaker, catching hell for walking away at Reykavik and demanding "Chairman Gorbachev, tear down this wall," etc... (and he got the same kind of relentless partisan attacks Trump has gotten. Hell, Democrats were still trashing him to redefine his legacy a decade after he was gone.)

You don't know Reagan very well.

---

You are so full of ***** You are a walking Trump Ad! Reagan was not like Trump in Foreign Policy, immigration, economic policy, institutional respect and communications. Deregulations and lower taxes, yes.

You can go into all the supposition you want. His record is his record.

He passed amnesty. He NEVER threatened to pull out of NATO if he didn't get what he wanted. He passed the VER policies with Japan. He used tariffs and quotas to enhance free and fair trade by directing them to specific products, not as a billy club to beat a Nation to get what he wants. There is a huge difference. He didn't tariff the world, that is a fact. He used them the way they were intended, not for revenue but against certain electronics.

Trumps economics are unique, they totally break with Republican, including Reagan's, positions. Trump is a bully and believes might makes right. That was not Reagan

But, keep spinning...

---

We all love ya, Florida, but you do tend to go the extreme on anyone who might defend a Trump policy, whether they have also been critical of some of his policies or not.
Trump runs most people in public the wrong way. Schumer should have the same rep with his bumbling and outrageous claims against republicans of all types.
Trump is president because get along presidents have not been effective at stemming the far left wing of the Democrat party (which is charge of that party right now). He is also president because conservatives have a lot of pent up frustration over having to be publicly berated since Nixon, and having no real counter source to get their real viewpoints heard. Trump is a loud and obnoxious counter to old media and entertainment. The brick bat over the leftist mindset.
It isn't ideal, but it beats a bloody revolution.
Now if we can get Trump to quit posting Jesus images and being wishy washy about Epstein et. al…

Waco1947 said:

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muddybrazos said:

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FLBear5630 said:

---

You work for MAGA, right?

---

Are you asking me if I work for Maga? No, I am pro America and no longer identify with the party of Mark Levin, Laura Loomer and Lindsey Graham.

---

While it's understandable not to support any political party, Trump's attack on Iran is unconstitutional. He needs congressional authorization for his actions.

---

Trump's action in Iran is no different than Obama's action in Libya.

Were you on here saying that Obama's action was unconstitutional?

If you were, we can move on to the fact that the Supreme Court has not determined this kind of military action is unconstitutional, so take it up with them.

If you were not pointing it out then, you can go ahead and metaphorically sit down and shut your mouth.

Owning a car in America has never been this expensive:

The total cost of vehicle ownership in the US has risen +36% since January 2020.

Motor vehicle maintenance and repair costs have surged +50% over the same period, jumping +6.1% YoY in March alone.

Meanwhile, auto insurance… pic.twitter.com/bvQN4xP0Dm

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 17, 2026

Reagan is the bell weather for Conservatives. But, I do agree. He had his warts like anyone else, Iran-Contra? What I don't agree with is putting Trump in the Conservative discussion.

Trump is not a Conservative. He may be a Populist, a Authoritarian, and he is definity Autocratic.

Funny thing, I have no problem with those. We got what we elected as a better choice than Harris - The Apprentice.

I have trouble with you and Whiterock when you dress Trump up as a Conservative. He is not Pat Buchanon, Alan Keyes, William Buckley or Jack Kemp.

If you are good with the Autocrat, fine. But call it for what it is.

FLBear5630 said:

---

Reagan is the bell weather for Conservatives. But, I do agree. He had his warts like anyone else, Iran-Contra? What I don't agree with is putting Trump in the Conservative discussion.

Trump is not a Conservative. He may be a Populist, a Authoritarian, and he is definity Autocratic.

Funny thing, I have no problem with those. We got what we elected as a better choice than Harris - The Apprentice.

I have trouble with you and Whiterock when you dress Trump up as a Conservative. He is not Pat Buchanon, Alan Keyes, William Buckley or Jack Kemp.

If you are good with the Autocrat, fine. But call it for what it is.

---

Trump, in practical terms, is more conservative in policy than any President since Reagan.

As much as it obviously annoys you to hear, that's a fact.

I do prefer a number of other people to Trump, notably DeSantis and Rubio, but neither of them is President of the United States, and that is the main point for discussion.

Ahem…..

BREAKING: The S&P 500 closes at its highest level on record and officially posts its fastest recovery since 1982.

The S&P 500 has now added +$7.3 TRILLION since its low on March 30th. pic.twitter.com/MvY2MNGXjs

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 17, 2026

Oldbear83 said:

---

J.R., you NEVER argue with facts, just anger and insults. The barometer on your posts is always that you get angry when someone makes a good point, and angrier if they make two.


Everyone but you figured that out long ago .

So go ahead and scream, throw a tantrum, etc. We all know that it signals your inability to counter the argument.

---

No. bitter man. I argue in facts. You argue out your ass and whatever trump tells you. hey, that is obviously you, knock your maggot self out. Facts are your friend. Let me tick off a few for you Donnie. Deficit blowing up, inflation increase, near double gas price from a 1 person war who told you maggots, no more foreign wars. oh, speaking of wars. We are 0-3 for Piggy's very late objectives. 1)Destroy all Nuclear Capabilities-Strike 1, 2) Regime Change -Strike 2, obliterate all missiles- Strike 3. This costs how much? For what?. AI Jesus/Trump, Easter unthinkable tweet, Telling the Pope how to do his job. Piggy Cheeto's approval is currently 34%. Lowest ever. Even you MAGA people, Meagan Kelly, Rogan, ec. (all I know) have turned on him. Independents have soundly rejected him. He and you just embarrass yourselves daily. Those are facts. Facts are your friend.

J.R. said:

---

Oldbear83 said:

---

J.R., you NEVER argue with facts, just anger and insults. The barometer on your posts is always that you get angry when someone makes a good point, and angrier if they make two.


Everyone but you figured that out long ago .

So go ahead and scream, throw a tantrum, etc. We all know that it signals your inability to counter the argument.

---

No. bitter man. I argue in facts. You argue out your ass and whatever trump tells you. hey, that is obviously you, knock your maggot self out. Facts are your friend. Let me tick off a few for you Donnie. Deficit blowing up, inflation increase, near double gas price from a 1 person war who told you maggots, no more foreign wars. oh, speaking of wars. We are 0-3 for Piggy's very late objectives. 1)Destroy all Nuclear Capabilities-Strike 1, 2) Regime Change -Strike 2, obliterate all missiles- Strike 3. This costs how much? For what?. AI Jesus/Trump, Easter unthinkable tweet, Telling the Pope how to do his job. Piggy Cheeto's approval is currently 34%. Lowest ever. Even you MAGA people, Meagan Kelly, Rogan, ec. (all I know) have turned on him. Independents have soundly rejected him. He and you just embarrass yourselves daily. Those are facts. Facts are your friend.

---

Facts are a secondary element of your rhetoric, they do not take center stage.

D. C. Bear said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Oldbear83 said:

---

J.R., you NEVER argue with facts, just anger and insults. The barometer on your posts is always that you get angry when someone makes a good point, and angrier if they make two.


Everyone but you figured that out long ago .

So go ahead and scream, throw a tantrum, etc. We all know that it signals your inability to counter the argument.

---

No. bitter man. I argue in facts. You argue out your ass and whatever trump tells you. hey, that is obviously you, knock your maggot self out. Facts are your friend. Let me tick off a few for you Donnie. Deficit blowing up, inflation increase, near double gas price from a 1 person war who told you maggots, no more foreign wars. oh, speaking of wars. We are 0-3 for Piggy's very late objectives. 1)Destroy all Nuclear Capabilities-Strike 1, 2) Regime Change -Strike 2, obliterate all missiles- Strike 3. This costs how much? For what?. AI Jesus/Trump, Easter unthinkable tweet, Telling the Pope how to do his job. Piggy Cheeto's approval is currently 34%. Lowest ever. Even you MAGA people, Meagan Kelly, Rogan, ec. (all I know) have turned on him. Independents have soundly rejected him. He and you just embarrass yourselves daily. Those are facts. Facts are your friend.

---

Facts are a secondary element of your rhetoric, they do not take center stage.

---

refute the facts above .

JR imagines his screeching rants should be counted as 'facts'.

And he wonders why I compare him to the Democrats.

Sorry, on Trump you and Whiterock have blind spots. Trump has sold out this Country. Iran is Bibis war and we are paying

FACT

A fact is a statement, occurrence, or piece of information that is known to be true, has actually happened, or exists with evidence. It is an objective, verifiable realitysuch as historical events or scientific observationsthat can be tested and confirmed, distinguishing it from opinions, beliefs, or fiction.

Key characteristics of a fact include:

Verifiability: Facts can be proven true through research, observation, or measurement.

Objectivity: They remain true regardless of personal feelings, beliefs, or interpretations.

Evidence-Based: Facts are based on empirical evidence or direct observation.

Examples of Facts:
Scientific: Water freezes at 32 degrees at sea level.
Historical: The United States declared independence in 1776.
General: The Earth orbits the Sun.

In contrast, an opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be definitively proven true or false. "

FLBear5630 said:

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Sorry, on Trump you and Whiterock have blind spots. Trump has sold out this Country. Iran is Bibis war and we are paying

---

Did you get it all out?

You keep repeating that stuff as if it becomes true on the 50th or so repetition.

It's still just a whiny, untrue rant.

You sound like you live in Portland and wear a man bun.

Oldbear83 said:

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FLBear5630 said:

---

Sorry, on Trump you and Whiterock have blind spots. Trump has sold out this Country. Iran is Bibis war and we are paying

---

Did you get it all out?

You keep repeating that stuff as if it becomes true on the 50th or so repetition.

It's still just a whiny, untrue rant.

You sound like you live in Portland and wear a man bun.

---

Your loyalty to Donald Trump is breathtaking. Does your devotion and loyalty him make your wife jealous? Perhaps I am out of line. Maybe she loves him as much or more than you do.

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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Oldbear83 said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Sorry, on Trump you and Whiterock have blind spots. Trump has sold out this Country. Iran is Bibis war and we are paying

---

Did you get it all out?

You keep repeating that stuff as if it becomes true on the 50th or so repetition.

It's still just a whiny, untrue rant.

You sound like you live in Portland and wear a man bun.

---

Your loyalty to Donald Trump is breathtaking. Does your devotion and loyalty him make your wife jealous? Perhaps I am out of line. Maybe she loves him as much or more than you do.

---

Hard to say which is stranger - your idea that because I respect the office and the policies, that I am an idol worshipper of Trump when anyone paying attention knows - because I have said over and over - that I do not like the man or his style, that I voted for DeSantis in the Primary, and genuinely look forward to having someone better in the Oval Office after 2028;

Or your inability to post anything better than that same lying crap over and over, as if anyone is going to be fooled by it after the 50th time you throw it up there?

Even a yapping chihuahua stops after 20 seconds or so.

BREAKING: Meta to cut 8,000 jobs, 10% of workforce, in major bloodbath next month, per NYP

— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) April 18, 2026

Oldbear83 said:

---

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

Oldbear83 said:

---

FLBear5630 said:

---

Sorry, on Trump you and Whiterock have blind spots. Trump has sold out this Country. Iran is Bibis war and we are paying

---

Did you get it all out?

You keep repeating that stuff as if it becomes true on the 50th or so repetition.

It's still just a whiny, untrue rant.

You sound like you live in Portland and wear a man bun.

---

Your loyalty to Donald Trump is breathtaking. Does your devotion and loyalty him make your wife jealous? Perhaps I am out of line. Maybe she loves him as much or more than you do.

---

Hard to say which is stranger - your idea that because I respect the office and the policies, that I am an idol worshipper of Trump when anyone paying attention knows - because I have said over and over - that I do not like the man or his style, that I voted for DeSantis in the Primary, and genuinely look forward to having someone better in the Oval Office after 2028;

Or your inability to post anything better than that same lying crap over and over, as if anyone is going to be fooled by it after the 50th time you throw it up there?

Even a yapping chihuahua stops after 20 seconds or so.

---

The wife and I also voted for DeSantis in the primary. The shocking thing to me is that you still blindly support Trump. Please tell me what I have lied about. He can do no wrong in your eyes. Sorry to disappoint you, but this Chihuahua is going to keep yapping.

The first, obvious, lie by you is this:

I respect the fact that Trump, like him or not, is the duly-elected President of the United States, that means accepting he has authority to make decisions I may or may not like, and that my options are to support the plan and work for a good end, or work with America's enemies just to hurt Trump, maybe.

The people demanding I join their chorus of insults and in many cases lies from Iran, Democrats, et al, insult and defame anyone who doesn't join their poo-flinging sessions.

That's you, pal.

You used to be rational and understand that people can differ in opinion without belonging to extremes. I honestly have no idea where that sanity went, but it's gone.

And that's tragic.

What's funny is that I am in no way a Trump cheerleader. I know a lot of people far more supportive of Trump, including my wife, sister-in-law, and siblings. That I don't excoriate him in no way makes me a bootlicker.

But maybe that's beyond your scope of cognition by now.

Again, tragic.

Oldbear83 said:

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The first, obvious, lie by you is this:

I respect the fact that Trump, like him or not, is the duly-elected President of the United States, that means accepting he has authority to make decisions I may or may not like, and that my options are to support the plan and work for a good end, or work with America's enemies just to hurt Trump, maybe.

The people demanding I join their chorus of insults and in many cases lies from Iran, Democrats, et al, insult and defame anyone who doesn't join their poo-flinging sessions.

That's you, pal.

You used to be rational and understand that people can differ in opinion without belonging to extremes. I honestly have no idea where that sanity went, but it's gone.

And that's tragic.

What's funny is that I am in no way a Trump cheerleader. I know a lot of people far more supportive of Trump, including my wife, sister-in-law, and siblings. That I don't excoriate him in no way makes me a bootlicker.

But maybe that's beyond your scope of cognition by now.

Again, tragic.

---

Hmmmm. Okay. How bout them Astros???

Old and Magacheetotrupers are about to be done. Just look at this board for example. It is without question that Old 83, Little Johnny and Whitlock are definately outliers . Maggots have been reduced to the fringe which it is. One very important point is that Trump's overall approval rating is 35%-39% and is in absolute freewill. He's done, Maga is done. thank gawd.

J.R. said:

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Old and Magacheetotrupers are about to be done. Just look at this board for example. It is without question that Old 83, Little Johnny and Whitlock are definately outliers . Maggots have been reduced to the fringe which it is. One very important point is that Trump's overall approval rating is 35%-39% and is in absolute freewill. He's done, Maga is done. thank gawd.

---

um, try 43% by an actual accurate pollster
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration_second_term/prez_track_apr17

If you keep trying to claim the high ground, be accurate..

True on 1st rep. You guys keep pushing this narrative that everything Trump does is good and correct. So, someone has to push back or that is how narratives become perceived reality - no one is willing to push back.

You guys keep the shaming, discrediting, and name calling. But, what is going on in D.C. is a **** show, you know it, Whiterock knows it, and the others either know it or they get off on reality TV.

It is all right to admit Trump is NOT what we thought he would be. I know you guys are vested in the anti-Biden- Liberal-Obama thing. But, there were no other choices but to vote for Trump. He is the one that used us to get into power for his personal gain. No shame voting for him, but to keep acting like the emperor has clothes on?

(Personally, I think the difference is that Kelly is not there to keep him in line. I think he was physically scared of Kelly. He doesn't have anyone like that to shake him by the lapels. Too bad, his ideas are not bad...)

Fox: Home foreclosures jumped 26% in the first three months of this year. pic.twitter.com/8ItkiqlxXa

— FactPost (@factpostnews) April 17, 2026

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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Oldbear83 said:

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The first, obvious, lie by you is this:

I respect the fact that Trump, like him or not, is the duly-elected President of the United States, that means accepting he has authority to make decisions I may or may not like, and that my options are to support the plan and work for a good end, or work with America's enemies just to hurt Trump, maybe.

The people demanding I join their chorus of insults and in many cases lies from Iran, Democrats, et al, insult and defame anyone who doesn't join their poo-flinging sessions.

That's you, pal.

You used to be rational and understand that people can differ in opinion without belonging to extremes. I honestly have no idea where that sanity went, but it's gone.

And that's tragic.

What's funny is that I am in no way a Trump cheerleader. I know a lot of people far more supportive of Trump, including my wife, sister-in-law, and siblings. That I don't excoriate him in no way makes me a bootlicker.

But maybe that's beyond your scope of cognition by now.

Again, tragic.

---

Hmmmm. Okay. How bout them Astros???

---

Last place in the league, last I checked. But their manager is a nice guy, which is all some care about. Me, I care more about the results.

Walmart is officially going full force and is rolling out digital price tags in all 4,600 US stores, with digital screens replacing paper price tags by the end of 2026.

Every shelf. Every store.

All controlled remotely from one central system.

This gives Walmart the ability… pic.twitter.com/595Dh5HHeQ

— Mr. Nobody (@MmisterNobody) April 18, 2026

Oldbear83 said:

---

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

---

Oldbear83 said:

---

The first, obvious, lie by you is this:

I respect the fact that Trump, like him or not, is the duly-elected President of the United States, that means accepting he has authority to make decisions I may or may not like, and that my options are to support the plan and work for a good end, or work with America's enemies just to hurt Trump, maybe.

The people demanding I join their chorus of insults and in many cases lies from Iran, Democrats, et al, insult and defame anyone who doesn't join their poo-flinging sessions.

That's you, pal.

You used to be rational and understand that people can differ in opinion without belonging to extremes. I honestly have no idea where that sanity went, but it's gone.

And that's tragic.

What's funny is that I am in no way a Trump cheerleader. I know a lot of people far more supportive of Trump, including my wife, sister-in-law, and siblings. That I don't excoriate him in no way makes me a bootlicker.

But maybe that's beyond your scope of cognition by now.

Again, tragic.

---

Hmmmm. Okay. How bout them Astros???

---

Last place in the league, last I checked. Our President is not a nice guy, which is all some care about. Me, I care more about the results.

---

Your last sentence tells me that you see what is happening but are not willing to admit it. Not sure why.

Trump has done great sealing the border. Did a Hell of a job bringing those egg prices down! Just about everything else, not so much.

I am pulling for Trump to turn this ship around but he will never admit he made a mistake and be willing to go another direction. According to him, he has never been wrong about anything. Trump has surrounded himself with YES men and women. This certainly does not help matters.