Texas is has almost the same population of Iraq (26mil v 33mil). And its people are about as radical. Why would anyone believe the US military would want to try to occupy THAT?
1
This exercise is located between California and Texas. Seems possible they are practicing for a major earthquake, Martial Law and the mass exodus from the west to Texas.
Very funny stuff. Kurt Vonnegut couldn't have made this up. Or did he? I think the Pogo quote should replace E Pluribus Unum on our money. So the Offense Dept. needs training fighting insurrection in towns...? Hmmm, I guess their recruits didn't get enough training in ten plus years in Mesdupotamia and the Graveyard of Empires. Oh, wait, we need to train new recruits because we broke the first troops with 5 deployments to avoid using the draft. Um, that's right, I always forget that re-election is more important than real national security and jingoistic flag-waving is better than reasoned argument, logic and honest assessment. Maybe we should practice war games in one of those "black site" torture countries we're friendly with, so ad not to upset our local patriots. On second thought, just shoot me. USA!USA! #1! #1!
It seems nobody in the comments here considered that Jade Helm 15 might be an exercise to practice DEFENDING the very areas it is run in, AGAINST hybrid warfare tactics.
Please think Eastern Ukraine. For some people there, sitting in the rubble of their communities, still the biggest problem is "the Nazi central Kiev government". "They wanted to bar us from speaking our language". See any similarities?
Please think Eastern Ukraine. For some people there, sitting in the rubble of their communities, still the biggest problem is "the Nazi central Kiev government". "They wanted to bar us from speaking our language". See any similarities?
The military men and women are not robots and they took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Both my sons are Marines and they would do just that which does not include taking the guns away from Americans. We all need to remember that these military men and women are our sons and daughters and they are not the enemy. There are countries where dictators install fear in the public through terrorist tactics which in no way would be allowed here. If you want to see Americans rise up in mass and overthrow a corrupt government just go ahead and try.
1
Like we would even want Texas. I have an idea. Let's swap it for Puerto Rico. That way we can keep the same number of stars on the flag.
3
Maybe they are going to deport 11 million people...
1
I wonder what the people who now think that the government wants to infiltrate Texas and place everybody in FEMA concentration camps thought when we went into Iraq? I'll bet they were all for it. I have spent some time in San Diego and every time I have been there I have seen lots of training activity on the Silver Strand within eyesight of the highway and the bike path, I have seen boats taking the Seals out for training, and other activities. The entire place is one big Navy site. I have always found it interesting and not threatening at all. Either you want a trained military or you don't. So for those folks in Texas that are so freaked out, I suggest with a lot of others that the bases be moved out of the south and to other states that would welcome the economic activity.
5
Really this is great for those Texans. They'll get to see what real well regulated militia looks like.
4
We live in the land of the uneducated and unwashed......
The only “foes” that threaten America are the enemies at home, otherwise known as the RepubliKKKlan Party, whose ignorance, superstition and incompetence is fueled by their radicalization of "their" Christian bible that is conveniently interpreted to justify their their bigotry and hatred of people who do not look like them or think like them.........
The only “foes” that threaten America are the enemies at home, otherwise known as the RepubliKKKlan Party, whose ignorance, superstition and incompetence is fueled by their radicalization of "their" Christian bible that is conveniently interpreted to justify their their bigotry and hatred of people who do not look like them or think like them.........
4
The amount of ignorance you shate is unbelievable. You really believe theres a difference in dems and repubs? Someone needs a wake up call. The only problem is when these people get their way I wont be able to say I told you so. Wake up.
I find it interesting how readily people will switch their opinion based upon whether a 'D' or 'R' sits in the Oval Office. If a 'R' was the president, I suspect everybody would switch roles (google: "Conspiracy theories aren’t just for conservatives").
Regardless, notice how the discussion has so easily shifted. Not long ago, training like this outside of designated forts, camps, bases, and ranges would have been unthinkable. Today we argue, not about that, but whether this is training or a real campaign because the military has been vague as to what the training is for. The military shouldn't be running exercises like this; especially on domestic soil. It's a dangerous president.
Regardless, notice how the discussion has so easily shifted. Not long ago, training like this outside of designated forts, camps, bases, and ranges would have been unthinkable. Today we argue, not about that, but whether this is training or a real campaign because the military has been vague as to what the training is for. The military shouldn't be running exercises like this; especially on domestic soil. It's a dangerous president.
"Dangerous president"... Freudian slip?
Everyday I am shocked by the level of ignorance present in not only the NY Times but the NY Times readership. You must live in one nice happy little bubble to not think that criminal organizations inside the government and military do not wish to control us. Jade Helm 15's "motto" is "Mastering the Human Domain". The NY Times has done such a propaganda piece that it totally ignores the true concerns over this operation. They would rather cherry pick the few loudmouth Texans to discredit all opposition. Does the NY Times even understand what "Mastering the Human Domain" means? Military have always done training exercises but they always did them inside military bases, which are quite numerous and large enough for any size operation. The only reason they are now operating on the streets is to condition the public and gather intel on every citizen - where they go, who they interact with, what their political views are, whether or not they own guns, etc. I'm very disappointed with the NY Times for intentionally misleading their readers. They are obviously just a government mouth piece used to put out soft propaganda. If you are a liberal who loves big government then you are not a liberal, you are a sucker. These people do not have our best interests at heart. This article wants people to believe that it is just a small minority of crazy ignorant gun-toting racist rednecks that are afraid of Obama taking away their guns because he's black. Do your research, look at the documents.
2
Actually, some of us do know something about this. I can categorically say that you're wrong, all you need to do is look up Robin Sage.
The truth is that the Governor of Texas and the various conspiracy theorists are simply wrong if they think Jade Helm is somehow new or unique.
Ignorance and paranoia are the problem here, nothing else.
The truth is that the Governor of Texas and the various conspiracy theorists are simply wrong if they think Jade Helm is somehow new or unique.
Ignorance and paranoia are the problem here, nothing else.
5
Unbelievable. Please get yourself a surplus '50s bomb shelter, crawl in it, and let the rest of move forward without having to step around your mental health conditions. Thanks.
3
Yet you could not debate these issues with any convincing arguments since you have no facts to back up your baseless conclusions.
5
There are a lot of wild conspiracies out there, however that does not take away the fact that government is conducting training exercises in the public sector. While the ignorance is high with several of the people generating these conspiracies, it is clear that there are an equally amount of ignorant people on the other side. If you think the federal government or military has never knowingly or willingly hurt the american people and its own military you are just as delusional and ignorant as the wild conspiracy theorists you ridicule. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. If you don't believe me go look at the nuclear testing and the people of St George Utah and their cancer statistics from 1950 to 1980 then do some of your own DD on this its all there for you to see. Here is some factual information on Jade Helm 15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cODBJ2zyfgQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cODBJ2zyfgQ
3
Oh, this is lovely! I mean, the people at the Onion must be livid, because even they can't come up with stuff that's as off-the-wall crazy as this! As scary as the wingnuts are, they're also hysterically funny. My sides are aching.
8
There is nothing un-justified paranoia to bring out previously hidden stupidity.
6
I don't mean to be glib; apologies if it sounds that way but -
the paranoid (or vigilant if you will) behavior sounds like mental illness to me. And, in truth - a lot of extreme right-wing talk and actions, as well as many sequences on Fox news come off as unhinged.
the paranoid (or vigilant if you will) behavior sounds like mental illness to me. And, in truth - a lot of extreme right-wing talk and actions, as well as many sequences on Fox news come off as unhinged.
9
What's it like living in a world where nothing bad can ever happen to you? Do you think the Germans saw the rise of the Nazis coming? Or the people in the Soviet Union thought millions would be put in death camps? Nooo, those were just crazy cooky conspiracy theories! Bad things never happen! You must be insane to be skeptical of an out-of-control power-hungry government that has been caught spying on its own citizens and funding terrorist groups overseas.
2
Germany saw the rise of the Nazis coming because the German people overwhelmingly supported them. The Nazis did not foist themselves on the German people, they were the German people.
6
There are always people who believe conspiracy theories (on the left and the right). The number of conspiracy believers appears to have increased somewhat in recent years, thanks in part to the internet, and these people are now more vocal. Many live in the South, a less erudite part of the country, but they are joined by others in all parts of the US who feel disenfranchised or are confused (and some of these people have provided comments on this article). But this is the loony fringe, not the majority. The Times needs to politely and with all due respect record that these people are insane.
1
Its you that are gonna get blindsided by this governments corruption and hunger for dominance. Wake up.
Why wait for them to secede--lets just expel them. We can keep Austin, and they could have, say, Alabama!
5
Having worked on a number of agreements for the short-term use of civilian facilities by the military, a clause where the military agrees to pay for any damage is pretty much boilerplate, and isn't an indication that anything nefarious will be going on.
In fact, there's a similar clause in the agreement I signed when I rented my apartment.
In fact, there's a similar clause in the agreement I signed when I rented my apartment.
1
And these are the people that want to carry a concealed firearm with them if they visit New Jersey or New York.
6
So when did America, the county that bravely fought in WWI and WWII, turn into a bunch of quaking leaves afraid of their own shadow? No thanks to right-wing talk radio for whipping up hysteria and fear. I'm a Texan and these people are nutso. Grow a pair and use your brains. You are scared of America's own military on training exercises? The only reason I hate these exercises is for the environmental damage they usually wreak.
8
I surprised all the 'freedom fighters' from Nevada didn't show up to 'supervise'.
3
For those who point out that Germany confiscated all the guns in France, please consider this: Germany was merely making the eventual takeover easier, sparing casualties among its own troops. Even if the French had kept their guns, exactly how long do you think they would have held out against Germany? Bring in a few tanks, there go all the little towns, flamethrowers eliminate the redoubts in the mountains...please remember who they were dealing with! And exactly how long does the Lone Star Republic think it could repel the forces of the US Army? AT this point in history, if Texas wanted to secede and become independent, it's more than likely that the rest of the country would be quite willing to let them do just that.
4
You say "the rest of the country" would let Texas secede? Well, they might welcome it, but "the rest of the country" fought the secessionists by order of the Fed. Gov't. It would take a Constitutional Amendment to allow Texas to become independent. Texas is about the third largest economies in the world, I think. It would never be allowed!
I heard that Bernie Sanders is going to Texas for rallies there. So the sane people of Texas have a place to go and see they are not alone in that crazy state..
5
“With Obama being in there,” he said, “with the way he’s already stomped all over the Constitution, pushing his presidential authority to the max, it would only be just the stroke of a pen for him to do away with that. This man is just total anti-U. S.”
For about 90 percent of Obama's Presidency, 41 Republican Senators have abused the Filibuster to the nth Degree, but our Texan friend sees nothing wrong with that. A Bill (S2569) that would have eliminated the Corp. Tax Break (yes, there is one) for shipping jobs and factories overseas, was killed via Filibuster on July 31, 2012. (By 41 GOP and one Dem Senator) It was also killed in July 2012.
Yes, that was the same Corporate Tax Break that Mitt Romney said did not exist in the First Presidential Debate of October 2012.
Then there was the Filibuster by 45 Senators that killed Background checks at Gun Shows, even after the Sandy Hook Massacre. Imagine if the TSA only screened for weapons 60 percent of the people who boarded a plane. would our Texan friend want to get on that plane? But some 40 percent of gun sales go to buyers without a background check.
And we are supposed to think that President Obama has "too much power". LOL.
For about 90 percent of Obama's Presidency, 41 Republican Senators have abused the Filibuster to the nth Degree, but our Texan friend sees nothing wrong with that. A Bill (S2569) that would have eliminated the Corp. Tax Break (yes, there is one) for shipping jobs and factories overseas, was killed via Filibuster on July 31, 2012. (By 41 GOP and one Dem Senator) It was also killed in July 2012.
Yes, that was the same Corporate Tax Break that Mitt Romney said did not exist in the First Presidential Debate of October 2012.
Then there was the Filibuster by 45 Senators that killed Background checks at Gun Shows, even after the Sandy Hook Massacre. Imagine if the TSA only screened for weapons 60 percent of the people who boarded a plane. would our Texan friend want to get on that plane? But some 40 percent of gun sales go to buyers without a background check.
And we are supposed to think that President Obama has "too much power". LOL.
25
At this point there are 1048 comments, most of them talking about how nutty Texans are (that is a *tiny handful of them* interviewed for the story), how *they* should be allowed to secede, etc.--proving, ironically, that the commenters are just as nutty since they are so willing to paint with too broad a brush a very diverse state with high tech industries, and several fine universities with professors from all over the world.
If you go looking for them (and often, even if you don't) you can find similar crazies in every state of the union. I've certainly encountered plenty of them here in blue Minnesota (also many examples of left leaning crazies).
This is just such a fine performance by all--starting with the reporters.
If you go looking for them (and often, even if you don't) you can find similar crazies in every state of the union. I've certainly encountered plenty of them here in blue Minnesota (also many examples of left leaning crazies).
This is just such a fine performance by all--starting with the reporters.
8
Well no not exactly. Does the govenor of Minnosota embrace this wingnut conspiracy. The answer is no. Only Texas Governor and Senator. So Texas is indeed very very special
6
About 50 years ago I first read the late historian Richard Hofstader's essay "The Paranoid Style in American Politics." Although his examples stretch back, it is still an excellent summary of the "nut fringe" of American politics. It's still worth reading: http://www.scribd.com/doc/79524680/The-Paranoid-Style-in-American-Politi...
3
I'm reading this with amazement that people in Texas think this could be done by the President, WOW these people have some real deep paranoia. It would be a kindness to give them some area wide therapy. By the way it concerns me that these people have guns with extra ammunition.
4
Your use of the words "extra ammunition" suggests that there's an amount which concerns you, and an amount which does NOT concern you. Could you please clarify, preferably using actual numbers?
Hitler did the same thing before he tried to take over the world. There is a difference between paranoia and reality.
1
Hitler whipped people into a frenzied hatred of their neighbors, what Republicans have been doing is very similar.
9
there is also a difference between paranoid fantasy and pathological delusion. I hope the guy that killed those Marines today in Chattanoga was not part of this Texas nightmare. If so, every one of their supporters should be called out by name.
1
Actually, and I'm not a Republican, I find that exactly the opposite is happening. Obama and progressives attack anyone that disagrees on anything they have to say or do regardless of data or history or facts. The hatred I read daily when it comes to moderates and right leaning citizens in this country is repulsive.
And who said that right-wing conservatives aren't easily manipulated and swayed by fear-mongering and scare tactics?
This would be absolutely hilarious if these good ol' boys and girls didn't get out and vote and put into office fellow crackpots...
This would be absolutely hilarious if these good ol' boys and girls didn't get out and vote and put into office fellow crackpots...
8
It wasn't long ago that Texas ruled textbook content because publishers folded before the demands of their largest customer.
Is that still the case? and how much of US dumbhood beyond Texas stemmed from dumbed down books?
Is that still the case? and how much of US dumbhood beyond Texas stemmed from dumbed down books?
6
Answer: these people are too old to be affected by that relatively recent decision to re-write textbooks, Texas-style. So you can count on more generations of the uneducated down the line.
Most readers cannot understand how relieved Californians are that the citizenry of the Great State of Texas are at their posts, protecting the entire nation from the Federal overreach of the Jade Helm military exercises.
While the exercise also spans six other states, it is only the citizens of Texas that have had the perspicacity to bury their spare weapons to keep them from the grasp of the nuclear weapons-empowered United States government. Without their vigilant watch and readiness to take aim at satellite-based laser weapons systems and low-flying drones, we might indeed be in danger of a slow news day.
While the exercise also spans six other states, it is only the citizens of Texas that have had the perspicacity to bury their spare weapons to keep them from the grasp of the nuclear weapons-empowered United States government. Without their vigilant watch and readiness to take aim at satellite-based laser weapons systems and low-flying drones, we might indeed be in danger of a slow news day.
10
Think about it, the gov is going to use nuclear weapons on this bunch of sad losers? I dont think even wildly out-of-bounds Obama is going to authorize use of nuclear weapons on US soil.....
Reader's Digest vocabulary winner again. Make sure you clean the dirt out first after you dig it up.
Always trust the government, they only have our interests in mind.
2
Personally, I'm tired of mindless suspicion.
10
Here in the U.S. we elect our representatives, we're the government.
1
So, just as hypothetical, let's say something does happen.
Do these people really think that their individual arsenals will hold up against the collective might of the United States military?
This is so stupid on so many stupid levels, seriously...
Do these people really think that their individual arsenals will hold up against the collective might of the United States military?
This is so stupid on so many stupid levels, seriously...
12
I don't know, the Iraqis and Afghanis were sure able to completely whip our military. Our general public has far more high powered weaponry and material to making far more powerful bombs than they did. If our military was never able to move openly and safely there, what makes you think they could do it in Texas? What percentage of our soldiers do you think would follow orders to attack US citizens?
"Dr. Campbell and others said much of the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 was the outgrowth of the anti-Obama sentiment that is widespread in Texas. "
It seems to me that this statement is a great illustration of the fact that seditious militias and violent racist organizations are fueled by the same hatred and paranoia. The Confederate rebellion continues in Texas and other states of the Deep South (and in some states outside of the Deep South).
Racism and sedition are alive and well in the United States.
We are going to have to deal with these problems sooner or later....better sooner than later.
It seems to me that this statement is a great illustration of the fact that seditious militias and violent racist organizations are fueled by the same hatred and paranoia. The Confederate rebellion continues in Texas and other states of the Deep South (and in some states outside of the Deep South).
Racism and sedition are alive and well in the United States.
We are going to have to deal with these problems sooner or later....better sooner than later.
7
Just remember when you need some one to come rescue you because of some storm, or something else. the Army will not come recuse you because you said you would shoot them.
8
In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, the authorities stole legally owned firearms from their owners, many of whom had to hire lawyers in order to get their property back. So, try and see things through other people's eyes, okay? By the way, the thefts eventually led to a law being passed to prevent it from happening again.
1
There are large scale training exercises here in Southern California on a fairly regular (not too frequent though) basis. I believe they may sometimes stretch into AZ - anyone from AZ can confirm?
NO problems, other than rare slow-downs in traffic due to large military vehicles. NO martial law, NO take-over; just a better-trained military.
NO problems, other than rare slow-downs in traffic due to large military vehicles. NO martial law, NO take-over; just a better-trained military.
10
I really miss Molly Ivens!
9
There is just no fixing or ameliorating this kind of crazed paranoia. If the people who believe President Obama wants to declare martial law are told they are incorrect and are provided lots of information to ensure them there is no martial law coming, they don't believe it. So, now, when martial law is not declared, they will take credit for thwarting martial law because they were there "just in case" - not because it never was going to happen.
People who are so easily taken in by propaganda are a significant threat to our country (or any country); just imagine what they would do if they though their fears were any closer to fruition.
People who are so easily taken in by propaganda are a significant threat to our country (or any country); just imagine what they would do if they though their fears were any closer to fruition.
10
DT (writing from a country next door to Ukraine): the potential problem is that someone from outside could try to manipulate those fears. If someone really believes that in DC the US-wide military dictatorship is being planned, the same type of a person is a sitting duck for an outside propaganda. Propaganda which might try to fracture the US federal structure. Of course such a propaganda would not be overtly "from outside". How hard it would be to buy one radio talk host or two?
This is very far-fetched, I would think most people in Texas are sane, political differences notwithstanding. But I would keep this in mind. In Ukraine it kinda worked.
This is very far-fetched, I would think most people in Texas are sane, political differences notwithstanding. But I would keep this in mind. In Ukraine it kinda worked.
4
Yes, the paranoia and conspiracy theories of rural folks and fear-mongering of hate radio dunces is entertaining- but seriously, would y'all welcome 8 weeks of Special Ops in your bergs? I live in a town where the recession had busted a neighborhood that was once a nice little place. The local police would come over with their riot gear and act like they were making some sort of drug bust at grandma's house, with those plastic shields and dogs. I kind of doubt this was happening in the wealthy part of town. The churches sent their young people over to practice--proselytize too.
So I am not sure that just because you live in a rural area that you should automatically be excited that special Ops guys need your land and have permission to "do suspicious things" (like what?) in your town and basically use locals as movie props.
So I am not sure that just because you live in a rural area that you should automatically be excited that special Ops guys need your land and have permission to "do suspicious things" (like what?) in your town and basically use locals as movie props.
4
There's a big difference between being annoyed at this kind of activity and claiming that the government boogey man is coming to get you.
1
DR: I am just responding to the eyeball rolling. You can still have a legitimate point even if you are spouting "government boogey man" stuff.
I kind of doubt T. Boone Pickens is offering his place for Special Ops operations and that is right in his neck of the woods so to speak. And why is that do you think?
I kind of doubt T. Boone Pickens is offering his place for Special Ops operations and that is right in his neck of the woods so to speak. And why is that do you think?
The main focus of this article is the crazy paranoia of the right-wing Obama-hating gun nuts who fear the government is coming after their weapons.
I think there are more important issues to consider.
In the last decade the federal government has spent nearly $5 billion dollars to militarize local police forces, including those in rural areas. They have been showered with armored vehicles, military-grade weapons sand grenade launchers, among other things.
Now we learn that Army Green Berets, Navy Seals and other Special Operations troops are going to be conducting what are essentially secret "exercises" across six states.
This is occurring simultaneously with the National Security Agency's virtually total surveillance of United States citizens.
Looking across the landscape, I see millions of Americans living lives of desperation, unable to support their families, watching their children go to bed hungry every night. A quarter of our children now live in poverty! Just how long are people going to put up with this intolerable situation?
At the same time, a small number of individuals own most of the nation's wealth and are using their money to tighten their grip on political power from city councils to Congress. They appear to want to end government programs that help people.
I fear my government is preparing to put down any insurrections that may occur if large numbers of Americans become desperate enough to seek redress of their grievances by "any means necessary."
I think there are more important issues to consider.
In the last decade the federal government has spent nearly $5 billion dollars to militarize local police forces, including those in rural areas. They have been showered with armored vehicles, military-grade weapons sand grenade launchers, among other things.
Now we learn that Army Green Berets, Navy Seals and other Special Operations troops are going to be conducting what are essentially secret "exercises" across six states.
This is occurring simultaneously with the National Security Agency's virtually total surveillance of United States citizens.
Looking across the landscape, I see millions of Americans living lives of desperation, unable to support their families, watching their children go to bed hungry every night. A quarter of our children now live in poverty! Just how long are people going to put up with this intolerable situation?
At the same time, a small number of individuals own most of the nation's wealth and are using their money to tighten their grip on political power from city councils to Congress. They appear to want to end government programs that help people.
I fear my government is preparing to put down any insurrections that may occur if large numbers of Americans become desperate enough to seek redress of their grievances by "any means necessary."
1
The military has always done these exercises. None of these people complained when a white guy was President.
1
I do wonder how many people in the 30's thought those yellow Star of David patches they had to sew on their clothes really meant nothing. Never confuse being vigilant with paranoia.
1
IMO, the first people to stand up and warn of the government plan to take their guns away *should* have their firearms revoked. They are suffering from a paranoid delusion and likely some other behavioral or mood disorder (at least) and should not possess any weapon other than a kitchen knife. They are a danger to themselves and others.
Stand up and be counted!
xD
Stand up and be counted!
xD
3
Talk about paranoid conspiracy theorists. But seriously, someone is going to get shot for real. Probably a soldier playing a terrorist role, and some "well meaning" citizen is going to shoot him, pretending he thought he was a real terrorist.
6
It's hard not agree with this observation: “If the government has an idea they can come in and take over, and take guns away, the stupidest place they could come is West Texas,” but for reasons other than the percentage of gun ownership.
I've yet to read an explanation of the wonders of West Texas that are so appealing to the Federal Government (which branch, I wonder) would want to take it over. If, as the theory goes, it's just for the thrill of "taking away our guns and stomping all over the Constitution," then wouldn't that be far more efficiently done where there is some population density? Maybe Hidalgo's will become the nerve center for the push into Dallas and Houston.
Taking over West Texas would have a worse cost/benefit ration than invading Iraq (either time). Could it be for the oil, as in Iraq? Or has someone discovered WMDs in West Texas? Or maybe it would be retaliation against the Texans that invaded Iraq. Inquiring minds want to know!
I've yet to read an explanation of the wonders of West Texas that are so appealing to the Federal Government (which branch, I wonder) would want to take it over. If, as the theory goes, it's just for the thrill of "taking away our guns and stomping all over the Constitution," then wouldn't that be far more efficiently done where there is some population density? Maybe Hidalgo's will become the nerve center for the push into Dallas and Houston.
Taking over West Texas would have a worse cost/benefit ration than invading Iraq (either time). Could it be for the oil, as in Iraq? Or has someone discovered WMDs in West Texas? Or maybe it would be retaliation against the Texans that invaded Iraq. Inquiring minds want to know!
6
There are many lessons here. One of the most important of them is that armed opposition and aggression inspires armed opposition and aggression. For many people looking for meaning and living in an atmosphere in which, on average, they've seen 20,000 hours of gun violence via TV and movies by the time they've reached their majority, and which provides them with scarce hope for happiness, arming themselves with guns and paranoia and following "messiahs" is the apparently the natural reaction. What would it look like if we viewed these people as our brothers and sisters instead of with derision? What would it look like to contemplate peace?
3
“If the government has an idea they can come in and take over, and take guns away, the stupidest place they could come is West Texas,” said Bill Ford, a commissioner in Tom Green County whose district includes Christoval. “There’s more guns and ammo here and more people willing to use them than any combat area they’ve fought in.”
___
Having lived in Houston and Dallas a combined 34 years and traveled extensively throughout every eastern part of the state, just like every other rural community, paranoia, religion and politics are the talk of the town. Texas having 254 counties and vast expanses of nothingness betwixt the cities in the western half of the state, these conversations include firearms and ammunition.
Life is simple for these "folk" and the least disruption in their daily routine can cause an Barney and Aunt Bea to fret over much ado about nothin'.
___
Having lived in Houston and Dallas a combined 34 years and traveled extensively throughout every eastern part of the state, just like every other rural community, paranoia, religion and politics are the talk of the town. Texas having 254 counties and vast expanses of nothingness betwixt the cities in the western half of the state, these conversations include firearms and ammunition.
Life is simple for these "folk" and the least disruption in their daily routine can cause an Barney and Aunt Bea to fret over much ado about nothin'.
3
Yeah, like CIA WMDs in Iraq. Complacency kills as quickly as ignorance.
Not sure which category you're in, but you are reading the right paper for reinforcement of the latter.
Also, minor point: they do get the NYT in west Texas, too. Seems the internet has reduced all that "betwixt the cities" by a couple of orders of magnitude.
Not sure which category you're in, but you are reading the right paper for reinforcement of the latter.
Also, minor point: they do get the NYT in west Texas, too. Seems the internet has reduced all that "betwixt the cities" by a couple of orders of magnitude.
1
Don't be so sure of your minor point! My supervisor just got back from taking a week off and going to her cabin on Lake Okoboji. She told me there was no NY Times, WSJ or WAPO to be found in ANY of the surrounding communities (http://www.vacationokoboji.com/lodging/) and she flew in/out of Minneapolis (180 miles) rather than Des Moines b/c it was an easier trip for both she and her kids going to different cities.
Right wing radio credo...
Tell a lie often enough and it will be perceived as the truth...
(Also...Never admit being wrong)
Tell a lie often enough and it will be perceived as the truth...
(Also...Never admit being wrong)
4
The Pentagon & Texas: now, there’s two such fine, gun-happy pieces of work….
2
Wait a second...
Aren't these supposed to be the same people who love the military without question; who pander to the military every chance they get; who think that the military is the greatest entity in the history of the civilization and that it should be funded with a blank check for the rest of eternity?
I guess you can't be a hypocrite if you don't know what the word means...
Aren't these supposed to be the same people who love the military without question; who pander to the military every chance they get; who think that the military is the greatest entity in the history of the civilization and that it should be funded with a blank check for the rest of eternity?
I guess you can't be a hypocrite if you don't know what the word means...
6
Let me ask my fellow Texas living (and arming themselves) in Christoval "just in case" - just in case WHAT?
What will happen when NOTHING HAPPENS? These folks on the lunatic fringe will then take the credit of it -"See, they backed down when they saw we were armed and ready to fight!!!"
One of the respondents in the article boiled it all down - the paranoia is an outgrowth of anti-Obama sentiment. A black guy became POTUS, so, naturally, Armageddon was imminent because . . . . BEHNGAZI!!!!
Apparently, rational thought is no longer welcome in my home state.
What will happen when NOTHING HAPPENS? These folks on the lunatic fringe will then take the credit of it -"See, they backed down when they saw we were armed and ready to fight!!!"
One of the respondents in the article boiled it all down - the paranoia is an outgrowth of anti-Obama sentiment. A black guy became POTUS, so, naturally, Armageddon was imminent because . . . . BEHNGAZI!!!!
Apparently, rational thought is no longer welcome in my home state.
6
Wasn't George W. Bush the gubnor of your home state?
Yeah, I think that says everything about Texas that anyone could possibly ever want to know.
Yeah, I think that says everything about Texas that anyone could possibly ever want to know.
Ignorance, ignorance and ignorance, that is if your world is through fox news lenses.. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Please get educated, there's a bigger world out there.
4
If there was ever any indicator of the hysteria and stupidity that will eventually put an end to this country, this is it! What a sad commentary on the decline of what once was one of the worlds greatest social/political achievements. But, then again, thats the story that has played out again and again throughout our existence of our species.
5
Jade Helm is the Right's catnip to an unfocused, confused group on the margins of reality. When you don't have much to live for outside "guns and beer," the paranoia surrounding Jade Helm is perfectly understandable. How else does one explain "Obama stomping all over the Constitution" and "playing dictator to the max?" These people checked out. long ago.
5
Why, oh why don't we just let these "free thinking people" just secede from the union -- and secede from all of the federal dollars we send to TX?
6
It is comforting to know that our paranoid citizens of the right wing believe that they are looking out for the rest of us in their inane suspicions of our military.
It is even more comforting to know their identities, where they live and accumulate.
American Exceptionalism, indeed!
It is even more comforting to know their identities, where they live and accumulate.
American Exceptionalism, indeed!
4
Trump's base.
2
Here's my question: Why is the United States Army conducting war games in a hostile foreign country? (When we do, it's usually with allies.)
2
Assuming ignorance really is bliss, Texas must be the happiest place in the U.S. these days. But, then again, there are many places in the country that would be equally happy on the basis of this singular criterion.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
3
So many fifty-gallon drums of industrial-strength crazy.
8
What's most striking about the article is the irony of it all!!
The military is simulating an exercise involving covert operations in hostile territory, right?! The natives, thinking they're imminently targeted for hostile occupation, in turn responds accordingly, unwittingly adding a unique touch of realism and intrigue to the exercise . . . !
Life imitating art! Yuh gotta love it!! It's like a modern day Orson Wells episode . . . and we didn't even need the Martians!
Score: Obama - ompteen, Fox and Friends - zilch!
The military is simulating an exercise involving covert operations in hostile territory, right?! The natives, thinking they're imminently targeted for hostile occupation, in turn responds accordingly, unwittingly adding a unique touch of realism and intrigue to the exercise . . . !
Life imitating art! Yuh gotta love it!! It's like a modern day Orson Wells episode . . . and we didn't even need the Martians!
Score: Obama - ompteen, Fox and Friends - zilch!
5
Wondering what reader response would be like if the same thematic exercises were to be held in Fairfield County?
1
One more thing comes to mind when reading the comments here. As fun as it is to jibe at some folks described in this article, Texas is still part of the US. So comments like "building that wall, but on the northern Texan border" seem to go a bit overboard.
Sorry for a remark from the outside, on US domestic issues.
Sorry for a remark from the outside, on US domestic issues.
4
Fortunately, thanks to these patriots' spotlight on their dastardly plans, Obama and the UN have been thwarted!
4
I think Donald Trump should campaign here. I think they would welcome his message.
2
..and just how are they going to stop commandos, tanks, helos etc from doing what ever they want if they decide to take over. The idea that we can resist our gov't when they have all of the above and more is stupid. We have long since lost the power to have a revolution, hell, we can not get people to conserve energy, water or stop spraying round up and now they want to elect folks like Trump, Walker, Cruz etc. People are deluding themselves. If they wanted to stop intrusion from evil they could simply stop consuming the crap being sold that is ruining our country and the world environment. Money and how one spends it, not voting or guns, is the fastest revolution. Withhold it and everything changes. Don't worry about the military in your town, worry about the products on the shelves and the pols who are telling you to worry about Gov't while trying to get elected to the same. Oh, and turn off your TV and open the window.
5
So what. Nuts everywhere, and more empowered and tolerated (by law) with each passing day. Next.
2
Paranoia will destroya.
3
The largest military in the world was prepared to take-over Texas, but then Dr. Jack Campbell purchased extra ammunition for the weapons he keeps in his home. The threat of martial law was averted. Generations of West Texas school kids will celebrate Campbell's act of bravery....
9
The people in the South do not trust the federal government because it is headed by a man who is not 100% white. They have many convoluted reasons to explain what in reality is simply racial animus. If you ask me this country has a long way to go to become a true democracy.
The American people voted (twice) for Mr. Obama to be our president, whether these bigots accept it or not.
The American people voted (twice) for Mr. Obama to be our president, whether these bigots accept it or not.
10
I can remember in the early 1960s living in Mineral Wells, TX about 45 miles west of Fort Worth having the primary helicopter school using surrounding ranches and farms for practice landings. No one seemed to be upset then. Even the cattle were lowing with no problems.
5
Paranoia should be designated as the "Texas Official State Mental Disorder".
10
Besides the paranoia and the racism, another thing that stands out for me about the Jade Helm objectors is their sense of marginalization. That is, they need to believe that Obama and the US Military are conspiring to take away their guns and invade their state in order to feel important and valued, when all evidence points that the people in that area are no more than an after thought.
7
Although for various reasons my votes for Obama in each election did not get through (administrative snags) I would have voted for him in each election. Now, I will never as long as breath enters my lungs and blood flows in my veins (excuse the flourish), I have resigned from the Democratic Party and question all their populist narratives and activities. I assume there are many like me. It is not 'racism' as you say (a designation that is only used by one side I should add) but rather anti-white animus that concerns me. To understand this requires looking into it. I accept that 'diversification' is a code-word. True, looking into these things leads to knotty issues. But the 'standard liberal narrative line' fails to see what is really happening right under our noses. I realise these are not popular opinions for the comment section of the Times. But there you have it.
The paranoia over this exercise points to failings of the Texas Department of Education and the idiocy of a far right government. With a state full of people led by bigots like Rick Perry(what's the name of his ranch again?) and Abbot, and the total abandonment of it's poorest residents(no Medicaid expansion, etc.), it is a prime candidate for a takeover by someone with some common sense, like the Democratic Party, which WILL happen sooner or later. But these conspiracy theories are completely insane.
3
What you see here is really a symptom of what scholars call a "democracy deficit" that is that to many of these people the US government might as well be coming from Mars they feel little to no connection with it. I do not think it is specifuc to Obams or him being black (although it probably doesnt help). Seeing Washington as this alien force is not a new sentiment it has existed for a very long time. It is not even disputed by academics that US government policy is largely driven by "special interest" , not the opinion of the general population. If people were more involved in setting policy,and public policy more closely followed public opinion they would be far less distrusting and hostile to "Washington" and "big government".
3
I could not agree more with my patriot brothers in Texas. I too fear a gubmint takeover here in NYC. I'm not waiting for jack-booted black helicopters to come knocking on my door. That's why I too am taking action. I have already buried my weapons. Of course, living here in blue state liberal land under the control of Commisar Dee Blassio, the only guns I can own shoot staples and cookie dough, but still, "just in case." In fact I realized that if guns are worth protecting then dadgummit so are the wife and kids. So I buried them too. Don't worry they'll be fine. I gave them enough slimjims and mountain dew to last a month. And of course, I thought of air. They have about a dozen balloons of air to breathe and I know it's safe because I personally blew them up. Nothing safer than daddy breath! Remember the Alamo! (Are they still renting cars?) USA! USA! USA!
8
I easily get discouraged by some activities of what it is easy to call "right wing nuts" and I am saddened by the blaming of Obama for disrespecting the Constitution and anything else people don't seem to like - it was easy to shake my head at the reaction of the survivalist mind set in Texas - but reading how this exercise will take place intermingling with the civilian population is a bit un nerving. I would be a bit creeped out watching tanks roll not far from my door - if that be the case. Protect us from ourselves -
It's been going on for years. It's really no big deal.
And then when there is no government takeover, these people, like the poodle who thinks that his barking from inside the house is what deters the mail carrier from breaking into the house every day, will imagine that it was only because of their vigilance.
9
This is a wonderful vignette of the American condition by Manny Fernandez. Some writers in Hollywood just have to put together a funny movie of this. Where is the great Carl Reiner when we need him?
All I can say is, our military got it right with this exercise. From Manny's article:
"Military maps show Texas and Utah as 'hostile,' other states as 'permissive,' and still others as uncertain but leaning hostile or friendly."
Evidently this is true.
All I can say is, our military got it right with this exercise. From Manny's article:
"Military maps show Texas and Utah as 'hostile,' other states as 'permissive,' and still others as uncertain but leaning hostile or friendly."
Evidently this is true.
4
Well now I understand how both Rick Perry and Ted Cruz got elected. Seriously though it is sad that these folks aren't focused on the real threat to their and our freedom - the ever increasing takeover of our political system by money and those who have it. Guess that is ok with them as long as they get their guns and beer.
8
The NYT photo accompanying this article says it all. When did the Lone Star State, long associated with the cult of rugged individuals/Marlboro Man/John Wayne, descend into such cartoonish, tin foil hat wearing paranoia?
5
The Marlboro man died of cancer. Wasn't John Wayne a draft dodger?
The whole rugged individual thing has always been a fairy tale.
The whole rugged individual thing has always been a fairy tale.
When this is all over and nobody had their guns confiscated, the nut jobs will say that it was only because of their vigilance and careful monitoring of the the exercise that this primary goal was undermined.
But, what is going to happen if some of this exercise takes place among civilians and some open carry yahoo pulls a gun with live ammunition, not blanks or paintball, and starts shooting?
But, what is going to happen if some of this exercise takes place among civilians and some open carry yahoo pulls a gun with live ammunition, not blanks or paintball, and starts shooting?
2
He will be considered a true patriot of the Lone Star state!
You don't know whether to laugh at or cry for these people. So deluded by propaganda from Fox, Rush, Glenn, Alex and the other screaming hatemongers that they actually believe that they can "defend" against an invasion by the US Army. What are they going to do, mount a spirited defense ala the Wolverines of Red Dawn?
Well, I have some advice for them, Patrick Swayze, Sylvester Stallone and Powers Boothe are not coming to lead them.
And if this idiocy is supported by the state government, perhaps it is time to grant the Governor and the others their wish, pull ALL federal spending from the state....no military bases, no Johnson Space Center, no contracts for Halliburton, no Medicare, no Social Security, no transportation funds, nothing.... Then they can enjoy their FREEEEDOM! without constraints from the evil federal government.
Well, I have some advice for them, Patrick Swayze, Sylvester Stallone and Powers Boothe are not coming to lead them.
And if this idiocy is supported by the state government, perhaps it is time to grant the Governor and the others their wish, pull ALL federal spending from the state....no military bases, no Johnson Space Center, no contracts for Halliburton, no Medicare, no Social Security, no transportation funds, nothing.... Then they can enjoy their FREEEEDOM! without constraints from the evil federal government.
13
I would laugh if these people didn't vote.
Unfortunately, these are exactly the type of anti-gubmint individuals that vote every single time there's an election, which is the reason Congress is half-filled with wingnuts and nutjobs.
As a result, I can't find this funny. I find it scary.
Unfortunately, these are exactly the type of anti-gubmint individuals that vote every single time there's an election, which is the reason Congress is half-filled with wingnuts and nutjobs.
As a result, I can't find this funny. I find it scary.
Stop calling them "conservative" bloggers. They aren't conservatives. They are right wing instigators. Also, follow the money trail. Who is paying them to stir up the paranoia of the predominately paranoid xenophobic gun owning segment of society?
Fear and uncertainly is profitable. It's how America generates a lot of business. Not only domestically, but abroad as well.
Fear and uncertainly is profitable. It's how America generates a lot of business. Not only domestically, but abroad as well.
4
I only wish our federal government would stop spending so much money in the state which hates our federal government more than any other state.
8
If and when crazy Texans start taking pot shots at US infantry on their exercises, who ultimately benefits? Answer, those who make their living making and selling guns and ammo, body armour, night goggles, survival bunkers, rations etc; those who enforce the law and lock 'em up; those who make a living as lawyers and clerks, as judges and all the rest. In the meantime, the shock-jocks increase their listeners amongst the fearful and the neurotic, the anxious and the obsessed. Even the pill poppers benefit as sales of this hypnotic and this sedative increase - plus alcohol and tobacco of course, to give Dutch courage and calm the nerves.
The USA only does paranoia for one reason - because it's good for business.
The USA only does paranoia for one reason - because it's good for business.
3
When HELM is over, the crazies will take credit for thwarting the take over of TX. Lunatics.
5
All of this paranoia about Obama/big government taking away our guns is the greatest marketing success in the history of "free enterprise". The gun manufacturers don't have to spend a penny on advertising, they just have to let t Fox News and hate radio do the fear mongering.
Gun and ammo sales have skyrocketed. There are actually bullet shortages. I know guys who wait at Walmart or Cabella's for the next delivery truck to arrive.This has been going on since Obama was elected despite the fact that he has done zero to restrict gun possession.
Gun and ammo sales have skyrocketed. There are actually bullet shortages. I know guys who wait at Walmart or Cabella's for the next delivery truck to arrive.This has been going on since Obama was elected despite the fact that he has done zero to restrict gun possession.
6
Why is there no option to edit one's comment? Some of us just aren't sufficiently alert this time of the morning to catch typos. We should have a second chance to make it right.
4
Someone I know spends hours a day stoking his paranoid fantasies related to the elaborate conspiracy theories surrounding the JFK assassination, moon landings , the 911 attack, vaccinations , Boston bombing, etc ... this guy is intelligent but, like many others who wallow in this nonsense, appears to suffer from some sort of emotional or mental disorder becoming at least a nuisance to their family and friends. Mix in some primal religion, guns, and lots of sun burned necks and people just get more bent.
8
Texans always seem to feel they are just a bit more important than other States. The rest of us really don't spend much time thinking about Texas. These operations are just regular military exercises, not an invasion, it's not about you, Texas, as much as you wish it was.
12
Assuming that JH turns out as badly as these ignorant paranoids think, what do they plan on doing about it?
3
These people are paranoid and delusional. So are the people making comments here that compare every person who owns a gun to these people. I am a veteran and I support the military 100%. I do my best to be a good citizen, I pay taxes and for the most part follow the rules that govern our society. Just like everybody else does. I own guns and enjoy shooting them. I also believe the second amendment gives me that right. I understand that many people disagree with me, I don't hate or even dislike them because they do. Please give the millions of gun owners this same courtesy. The vast majority of gun owners are good law abiding people that want our country to prosper. More and more liberals like me are enjoying the shooting sports.
5
I respect your position. Am I right in thinking that you also support sensible gun legislation?
They don't want to be caught off guard, says the good doctor. Sorry, Doc. Too late.
3
The "Paranoid Tendency" is alive and well in the Republican party. That the Republican governor of Texas has endorsed this insanity is a measure of just how far up wazoo today's Republican party is located.
13
The idea that the president would declare martial law has been a wild topic of fantasy and conversation on Tea Party blogs since 2009. The notion that the president is "other" than real Americans and "hates America" is rooted in racism. There is, of course, denial up the wazoo that race is a factor, but that segment of the population has hated him since election day 2008, i.e., long before he had actually done anything. Add all that to the natural (i.e., ingrained) paranoia about 'outsiders' stir in the swaggering bravado which goes as a root part of that cowboy gun toting culture, and there are bound to be a subset of the population proclaiming their intention to defend their homes and loved ones to the death against the (imagined) enemies.
29
Interesting that you limit the perception of Obama as "hating America" to racists. That's the most usual and easiest way to brush of criticism against him or his policies, but it doesn't explain why a growing number of people who voted for him, registered Democrats or not, have grown to believe the same thing. I can't speak to the reality of surveys conducted by serious poll organizations on large scales, but my own experience with my overwhelmingly Liberal surroundings tells me that most, if not all, of the people I know, who've voted for Obama and were exceedingly enthusiastic about him when he came to power, not only no longer endorse him, but say they feel deceived, and want him out. They distrust him. These aren't racist backwoods rednecks with a history of conspiracy theory fantasies; these are educated, still upper middle-class people with predominantly Liberal views. And they distrust not only Obama, but also government as a whole and obviously military and law enforcement. Interestingly enough, they held similar views under Bush, but not only didn't change their minds under Obama; he in fact managed to reinforce the distrust.
My hope is that the people described in this article are wrong, but I certainly wouldn't go ahead and blame them. Otherwise you'll have to acknowledge that some of the people arming up today may have been Obama sympathisers and Liberals....
My hope is that the people described in this article are wrong, but I certainly wouldn't go ahead and blame them. Otherwise you'll have to acknowledge that some of the people arming up today may have been Obama sympathisers and Liberals....
I'd like to think my own bluer-than-blue background affords me a much more nuanced world view -- one that leads me to dismiss these folks as crazies. Nevertheless, I must confess to a curiosity about Jade Helm. So much so, I've been watching the run-up to these events with increasing fascination for weeks now.
Through various amazing YouTube channels, I've discovered what can only be described as a secret network of concerned citizens, a kind of citizen journalism of unfiltered communications where ordinary citizens can update the rest of us with a steady stream of video feeds about Jade Helm (albeit ones that only fellow conspiracy theorists can actually comprehend).
I've actually learned some fascinating -- and highly practical-- things!
For example, many within the Jade Helm conspiracy community are so-called "preppers." These are folks preparing for the worst, and they're taking matters into their own hands. Like modern-day pioneers, they exercise self-sufficiency, practicality, and rugged individualism.
They teach others how to plan ahead, how to have generous supplies of necessities on hand ready to go, like food and water and batteries and radios and basic tools.
They have escape routes all mapped out, knowing that roads out of major cities are likely to be jammed or unavailable in time of crisis. I even learned about how to communicate with Hobo symbols as a kind of secret language -- to indicate to fellow travelers of trouble ahead.
Through various amazing YouTube channels, I've discovered what can only be described as a secret network of concerned citizens, a kind of citizen journalism of unfiltered communications where ordinary citizens can update the rest of us with a steady stream of video feeds about Jade Helm (albeit ones that only fellow conspiracy theorists can actually comprehend).
I've actually learned some fascinating -- and highly practical-- things!
For example, many within the Jade Helm conspiracy community are so-called "preppers." These are folks preparing for the worst, and they're taking matters into their own hands. Like modern-day pioneers, they exercise self-sufficiency, practicality, and rugged individualism.
They teach others how to plan ahead, how to have generous supplies of necessities on hand ready to go, like food and water and batteries and radios and basic tools.
They have escape routes all mapped out, knowing that roads out of major cities are likely to be jammed or unavailable in time of crisis. I even learned about how to communicate with Hobo symbols as a kind of secret language -- to indicate to fellow travelers of trouble ahead.
5
Way too much time on their hands.
5
Actually that is fundementally, delusionally silly. If the people that have alll that tech really want you, they are going to do it. But ask yourself why. the preppers or whatever they call themselves are just not that important that gazillions of tax dollars would be wasted rounding up the marginally functional
1
"Self-sufficiency and rugged indivudualism?" More than likely the majority would accept Social Security, Medicare, call emergency services like fire, search and rescue, law enforcement, etc. in an emergency, accept help from FEMA and expect the UNITED STATES military their homes and loved ones in invaded by the Russians (those bad Commies).
What a crock.
What a crock.
2
Seriously, why all the Texas Hate?! I don't get it? I grew up in Texas and there is just Texas Pride you wouldn't even know about it. Unless you are from Texas. Why does questioning the government ideas have to be interpreted as being unpatriotic? We still hAve the right to Bear Arms! Btw, I voted for Obama on social issues, but always a Texan First !!
2
How about that whole American citizen thing? We the people are the American government and to hate our government pretty much disses us (me) too. So threatening the military with wild gun-infused fantasy role playing games tends to annoy everyone else.
1
Anyone who buys into the Jade Helm conspiracy theories is a loony bird.
It has nothing to do with Texan Pride, but everything to do with common sense.
It has nothing to do with Texan Pride, but everything to do with common sense.
1
Perhaps it's the mean spirited and deranged politicians you elect or maybe it's the text books filled with revisionist history. Maybe it's the fact that so many of you rail against the federal government while happily accepting government money from the rest of us.
This sort of thing is so embarrassing. True, but embarrassing. For the record, not all Texans are gun-toting, right-wing nuts. Many of us voted for Obama, listen to NPR, and, well...read the New York Times. And yes, I was born here. Sigh.
39
Discussion of violence in defense of home and hearth is delusional if home and hearth is not under attack.This behavior most resembles high school locker room talk among young men that have never experienced intimacy with a member of the opposite sex. To hear them tell it, each is an expert in ways of the world.
This Texan fear of the federal government is not a recent phenomena. The conversation about meeting the Feds at their front door--with their guns-- has been going on for some time, just like the locker room talk
This Texan fear of the federal government is not a recent phenomena. The conversation about meeting the Feds at their front door--with their guns-- has been going on for some time, just like the locker room talk
17
Texans should be afraid but not of the military exercises. Fact based education, civil rights for all, ....scary ideas.
1
While the concern of some conservative types seems overboard, the actions of the military is getting a free pass. As some former servicemen have pointed out, there is little justification for these operations to conducted in civilian territory. Modeled after the French resistance? These are the army equivalent of fire drills? Who is the paranoid one here? The liberals who berate the military budget excesses are cooly going along as though the military is out on a no-expense-parade. Some NYT readers just love playing to the choir, and no matter what the issue, the meat of the comment always veers towards a lambasting of the conservative stereotype. Wake up, and leave your stereotypes and biases behind, and judge the entirety of the matter, not just the part that gives you a kick.
5
As many have noted, these kinds of exercises have been conducted before, in civilian areas. The change is that right-wing paranoia has reached a fever pitch, not that the military is doing something completely new.
5
I've lived in Texas for 20 years. I can't take these people seriously. Every time I ask questions such as, what exactly are the conservative values, or how is Obama destroying this country, or even why are you a Republican (as in how do your values/beliefs align with GOP), I get blustering, defensiveness, accusations of anti-Americanism and worse. But actual answers to my questions? Not so much.
3
I'm confused by the statements, both in the article and in this comment section, that only a handful of Texans are suffering from JHDS (Jade Helm Derangement Syndrome).
If it really is only a handful, how then to explain the election of officials—like Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Rafael Cruz and Rep. Louie Gohmert—whose comments have lent credibility to the conspiracy theorists?
If it really is only a handful, how then to explain the election of officials—like Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Rafael Cruz and Rep. Louie Gohmert—whose comments have lent credibility to the conspiracy theorists?
25
Texas elects loonies through gerrymandering, voter suppression & the Fright Wing Prpoganda Machine.
Because, sadly, the conspiracy theorists seem to be the only ones motivated enough to vote. The wackos don't come to power suddenly and out of nowhere. They get there by running for local positions and moving up the political ladder, voted in by only that handful of people that bother to show up for the polls. Once I realized that, I have not missed an election, and try to make others see how important it is to vote in all elections.
Geez, what can be said? Ignorant. They vote too.
9
These people are just very bored with their lives. So they cook up this conspiracy stuff and it becomes their cocaine. The more ludicrous the notion, the more mental gymnastics it requires to make it seem plausible. Like they are all tightrope walkers daring each other to raise the rope higher. In other quarters it's booze, it's religion... but in this part of Texas it's Dystopia Now.
13
Guns and paranoia about government makes America an unique country. Patriotic texans should chill out; no danger of a military takeover, yet. Remember the old joke going around Latin America in the 80s.
Q: Why a coup d'etat never happened in the US? A: Because there is no American embassy in Washington DC.
Q: Why a coup d'etat never happened in the US? A: Because there is no American embassy in Washington DC.
8
Allow me to entertain the logic.
They are afraid of Government Takeover and seizing of their firearms. So they BURY the guns??
But...remember Waco? The Alamo?? What happened to "a man's home is his castle" and "...from my cold, dead fingers?"
Some commenter here boasted about being crazy, armed and fearless. Seems you're only one for three.
They are afraid of Government Takeover and seizing of their firearms. So they BURY the guns??
But...remember Waco? The Alamo?? What happened to "a man's home is his castle" and "...from my cold, dead fingers?"
Some commenter here boasted about being crazy, armed and fearless. Seems you're only one for three.
13
I feel sorry for our patriotic brothers and sisters in Texas who seem to distrust all things American. In order to ease their minds, all U.S. military personnel should be removed from the state and all the bases closed. No point frightening folks.
41
Please don't feel sorry for us. These people exist, but they are vocal and colorful minority easily exploited by the media to create a story. If instead your impression of Texans comes from King of the Hill, well then, that is much closer true.
Of course when Jade Helm 15 is over and no government takeover had occurred these geniuses will then say that their refusal to "back down" caused the US military to run away with their tails between their legs. I can easily imagine the inflammatory diatribes of the right-wing radio hosts taking just that point of view. The US military will pay them no mind, or at least snicker at how ridiculous they are. Their pathetic little AK-47's will look like peashooters next to a few tank-mounted rocket launchers.
15
I watched all those Viet Namese take down tanks and helicopters with their "pea shooters". Sheer numbers of ideologues will beat a paid mercenary force every time.
A people willing to dig up a land mine designed not to be dug up brings up fear and respect. Booby traps made from trash.
I don't place a whole lot of faith in large mechanized military forces. Sure, I can look back at Viet Nam but at present I see the same thing taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's like watching ants overpower a beetle a hundred times bigger.
A people willing to dig up a land mine designed not to be dug up brings up fear and respect. Booby traps made from trash.
I don't place a whole lot of faith in large mechanized military forces. Sure, I can look back at Viet Nam but at present I see the same thing taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's like watching ants overpower a beetle a hundred times bigger.
The hysteria over this exercise is hilarious. It's also a little bit unsettling, because it makes one wonder how firm a grasp on reality some of these people have and how close they might be to tripping offline and doing something crazy.
Some will argue that this training is not necessary, or could be done on base. Nonsense. This type of "real-world" training and the immersion it provides are absolutely essential for our SOF Operators, particularly the guys serving as the "underground." It's essential that these guys be able to learn to operate in the open, to literally "hide in plain sight" as it were, and you just can't replicate that on base to the degree of realism and immersion necessary to make this training truly effective. And if these guys can't learn to operate "under the radar" in the U.S., how can we expect them to do that in some overseas location like Iraq, Syria or Yemen when we need them to?
It's a crazy world out there, and we need Operators who can pop into foreign locations, blend in with the locals and conduct irregular warfare operations without being detected, captured or killed. These exercises give them the ability to train for that mission in a way they simply couldn't do on base.
If people don't want our forces to conduct this type of training, my suggestion would be to put down the shovel you're using to bury your guns, and go to the polls and elect officials who won't constantly embroil us in situations that make this training necessary.
Some will argue that this training is not necessary, or could be done on base. Nonsense. This type of "real-world" training and the immersion it provides are absolutely essential for our SOF Operators, particularly the guys serving as the "underground." It's essential that these guys be able to learn to operate in the open, to literally "hide in plain sight" as it were, and you just can't replicate that on base to the degree of realism and immersion necessary to make this training truly effective. And if these guys can't learn to operate "under the radar" in the U.S., how can we expect them to do that in some overseas location like Iraq, Syria or Yemen when we need them to?
It's a crazy world out there, and we need Operators who can pop into foreign locations, blend in with the locals and conduct irregular warfare operations without being detected, captured or killed. These exercises give them the ability to train for that mission in a way they simply couldn't do on base.
If people don't want our forces to conduct this type of training, my suggestion would be to put down the shovel you're using to bury your guns, and go to the polls and elect officials who won't constantly embroil us in situations that make this training necessary.
21
Years ago when I lived on the north shore of Oahu, there were serious military training 'games' once a month, usually during the full moon. Many tanks and trucks full of soldiers in camo paint drove up to these mountainside grounds, right on the Kamehameha Hwy. in huge convoys. You could hear the sounds in the far distance of weaponry fire for hours. At first I found it unsettling but since it was done so often you actually got used to it somehow. I'm sure it happens in other places like perhaps Alaska. These practices did not seem to disturb anyone much. Matter of fact nobody ever really mentioned or talked about it at all. It was just an accepted part of life in this area. Lots of military activity in and around the Hawaiian Islands. No locals freaked out nor do I remember any of these activities given a code name. The public was not even given any prior notice. They just showed up and did their jobs. Oddly it gave me a sense of security knowing they were prepared if ever needed to respond locally to a real event.
11
I have another home in Emerald Isle NC about 15 miles from Camp Lejeune. Daily we listen to the tank cannons fire and are pretty used to it. What we never get used to is the howitzers. We have to secure the kitchen cabinets and dishes because the vibrations are so severe.
I was sure that we were living in the 21st century. This nation has more than one flag on the Moon but, after reading this article, I was haunted by a doubt.
16
For the first time in my life I am grateful to Texas for something -- a good laugh. This kind of lunacy can not be made up.
16
I find the Supreme Court's recent interpretation of the 2nd Amendment to be contributing to the paranoia in the "Heartland." In my view, the possession of arms were, in the 18th Century colonies, important to the State militias, which were a major part of the country's army. This is no longer the case. The notion that a bunch of middle aged men armed with M16s can be a match for the US Military.
10
The people who are worried about this exercise should be barred from owning firearms. If they resist, they should be locked up.
7
When I read comments such as the one by Bart S., I despair that so many are either ignorant of the concepts of civil liberties and the rule of law or they just don't care to apply those concepts to those they disagree with or hold in contempt.
6
"Civil liberty" does not include threatening US military personnel with weapons. That's "insurrection" - not liberty.
2
How about the rest of the country is concerned for the safety of our families if these lunatics spill over Texas borders and rampage elsewhere
What other industry breeds such fanatically loyal customers, so loyal their entire world revolves around your products?
The gun industry is a marvel.
Imagine if Seattle were to become swept by theories that the government was planning to send in the 101st Airborne to remove all coffee products, and locals were feverishly buying up as many bags of beans and Krups machines as they could find, and burying them out in their back yards for safety.
How's your beans?
My beans are dry, friend, my beans are dry.
The gun industry is a marvel.
Imagine if Seattle were to become swept by theories that the government was planning to send in the 101st Airborne to remove all coffee products, and locals were feverishly buying up as many bags of beans and Krups machines as they could find, and burying them out in their back yards for safety.
How's your beans?
My beans are dry, friend, my beans are dry.
28
Do these paranoid folks ever stop to ask themselves why the soldiers they claim to revere would participate in a government take over? Wouldnt these soldier speak out, refuse to follow orders, rebel, etc? Also, there are numerous military bases in Texas with far more military equipment and soldiers than will be participating in Jade Helm. If Obama was going to take over Texas wouldn't he just use these troops and facilities? Do these people really think a few hundred or even thousand soldiers are enough to take over, disarm, and establish martial law in an area as big as Texas? I mean the US couldn't do that in Iraq and Afghanistan with tens of thousands of troops and a decade to do it. Like most things that are spewed out of the right wing misinformation system, the Jade Helm conspiracy doesn't make any sense.
24
Why aren't Democrats using this as an opportunity to get southern support for cutting the military in half so that it can be defeated by overweight people with pop guns? Seems like this is something right wingers and left wingers could agree on at this time.
13
The US Army is "laying off" 40,000 personnel right now.
I used to say "Give it back to the Mexicans from whom we swiped it." Nothing so bad as that, I pray, for those people.
10
What do you have against the Mexicans?
Don't they have enough problems?
Don't they have enough problems?
There is more than meets the eye here. Some of these folks may be genuinely deluded and depressed. Their fears are real to them, they aren't dissuaded. If not already on the edge of reality about other matters, it might be easy to nudge them there with effective leverage, exploiting their fears, as from listening to "conservative" talk radio (full of suspicious thinking) for many hours each day.
9
The concerns of Texas citizens over jade helm correlates nicely with the ill-informed state population that ranks 45 out of 50 in spending on education. Good think there is plenty of money for the governor to spend on having the state National Guard watch the military and report to him in his little bunker.
It is kinda sad to think people are burying their little guns so they can use them against the US Military. Go ahead, make our day. If the military is comin' for ya, you do not have a gun to fight them off. Trust me. And if the military is comin' for ya, your bank account will be drained and your power and utilities shut off a looong time before you see them.
“There’s more guns and ammo here and more people willing to use them than any combat area they’ve fought in.” Uhh nope.
And why exactly would the US want to take over a state with so many ill informed wackos that we send 1.50 in federal services to for every 1.00 in federal taxes we get? Texas you flatter yourself.
How about this: we keep Austin and Kinky Freedman and you get to be your own country. Deal?
It is kinda sad to think people are burying their little guns so they can use them against the US Military. Go ahead, make our day. If the military is comin' for ya, you do not have a gun to fight them off. Trust me. And if the military is comin' for ya, your bank account will be drained and your power and utilities shut off a looong time before you see them.
“There’s more guns and ammo here and more people willing to use them than any combat area they’ve fought in.” Uhh nope.
And why exactly would the US want to take over a state with so many ill informed wackos that we send 1.50 in federal services to for every 1.00 in federal taxes we get? Texas you flatter yourself.
How about this: we keep Austin and Kinky Freedman and you get to be your own country. Deal?
24
I also want San Antonio and the hill country between them. They'd make nice Delaware or New Jersey sized state.
1
I don't believe that this is an exercise to impose martial law. However it is a rarity and any and all governments should be watched. Its called vigilance. I don't know whether I am more disturbed by the fear of the few off some of the commentary if the obviously liberal readership of the NYT. It seems acceptance and understanding of someone's views and situation is lost if it conflicts with anything related to less than complete obedience to government. The reason I left a long time democratic family is never lost on me. I don't and never will care to associate with hypocrites. I would much rather have a beer and a burger with a man who is honest and simple who expressed his fears than someone who has an ovoverblown ego from California or the Northeast who is not only arrogant but ill mannered and condescending.
I'm really tired of the media portraying the hucksters who provoke these ignorant people as "conservative". Nothing could be further from the truth. They're in it for the money and disgusting is what they are.
13
Poor, scared babies. Even the weapons they fetishize can't ease their fear of being governed.
10
If the conpiracy advocates are wrong, and Jade is indeed nothing more than a military exercise, I just know that those who been falsely warning us of impending disaster will have the honor and courage to forcefully apologize for the errors of.their wats. (Lol)
by the way, when Texas secedes
from Union, New Mexico calls dibs on El Paso, Fort Bliss and all the land in between.
by the way, when Texas secedes
from Union, New Mexico calls dibs on El Paso, Fort Bliss and all the land in between.
4
Q: Why are Republicans silent about the forces that are fueling this nutty paranoia? Many serve on committees that understand very well the kinds of new, asymmetric warfare the US needs to conduct exercises against.
A: Republicans in the US Congress allow the right-wing, wacko bird paranoia to fester because it serves their "government is bad" ideology. The irony in this is that the US military conducts exercises to be ready to protect every American, including talk-radio addicted, paranoid Texans. The Texas governor should know better enough to be grateful. Since he isn't, US Congressmen should be shutting his brand of wacko-bird talk down. Yet not a man among them is lifting a finger. Why?
A: Republicans in the US Congress allow the right-wing, wacko bird paranoia to fester because it serves their "government is bad" ideology. The irony in this is that the US military conducts exercises to be ready to protect every American, including talk-radio addicted, paranoid Texans. The Texas governor should know better enough to be grateful. Since he isn't, US Congressmen should be shutting his brand of wacko-bird talk down. Yet not a man among them is lifting a finger. Why?
10
It is telling that even the man quoted at the end of this article who says that fears of government invasion are far fetched, still reminds all of us that it would be crazy for the government to attempt a takeover, as Texas has lots of people, with lots of guns and lots of ammo.
7
Paranoia and guns do not mix well.
17
I don't know whether to laugh or weep. But I have hyper-Christian anti-government relatives and know how rooted this paranoia can become. And what hatred it can ferment.
Really! Really, the government is coming after you? Maybe I could guess so - if you were black, gay, or odd in any way living in Alabama, Mississippi, et al. Give me a break!
Really! Really, the government is coming after you? Maybe I could guess so - if you were black, gay, or odd in any way living in Alabama, Mississippi, et al. Give me a break!
10
The only question here is: Why would anybody want to invade Texas?
10
The number people in America who have paranoid delusions about the Federal government and who own many high-powered weapons is truly a frightening phenomenon. Many of them seem to ignore the words "a well-regulated" militia when they get together with like-minded wingnuts to form private armies which serve their hateful ideologies. Soldier-citizens with guns at home have a long and hallowed place in American history, but I question how well-regulated they are.
10
As a veteran, I take exception to the disrespect these paranoid individuals show the loyal and dedicated brave service woman and men who daily live up to their oath to our country and constitution. Perhaps these afflicted people want to close our military installations to the detriment of their fellow Texans whosee local economies otherwise prosper from their existance. Misguided fear and hate are corrosive to both the health and souls of those who suffer from them. I will pray for them.
16
Thank you for your service and for speaking up.
This is the GOP's problem. These are the people they face at their rallies. Imagine asking a crowd of 1000 such committed Conservatives to try thinking rationally about their Second Amendment rights and to try seeing that the Government doesn't really want to take over Amarillo.
Among 1000 people, it's reasonable to assume that 10% are carrying. Of those, let's say that half believe that the primary intent of being armed is to fight tyranny. Of those, let's say that five view the speaker as a potential tyrant, and that they would all agree that it is their duty as citizens to eliminate the threat.
And the politician addressing that crowd is talking with seven such gatherings this week.
Is it hard to understand why the Republicans fear their own voter base?
Among 1000 people, it's reasonable to assume that 10% are carrying. Of those, let's say that half believe that the primary intent of being armed is to fight tyranny. Of those, let's say that five view the speaker as a potential tyrant, and that they would all agree that it is their duty as citizens to eliminate the threat.
And the politician addressing that crowd is talking with seven such gatherings this week.
Is it hard to understand why the Republicans fear their own voter base?
8
It is a dress rehearsal for when/if water runs out. Of course, conservative commentators can't accept global warming as a problem.
7
If the Texas National Guard interferes with Jade Helm, Obama might have to federalize them as Ike federalized the Arkansas National Guard in '57. The sound of heads exploding in Texas would be deafening.
9
What does the conservative Texan worry about? What is their primary concern?
"The government is going to take our guns away!!"
Do they protest the loss of jobs & gutting of wages orchestrated by corporate oligarchs? Do they protest the rampant paving over of the Hill Country with cheap developer sprawl? (Lady Bird Johnson must be spinning in her grave) Do they protest the rewriting of science & history in the new textbooks approved by their Education propaganda wing? Do they worry that Exxon Mobil (and others) has spent millions to get politicians to lie about climate change? http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/exxon-mobil-gave-mill...
Have they given ANY thought to the new variety of flash floods with 30-40 ft surges of the type that recently visited Wimberly?
No. Guns are on their minds. Nihilism at its most extreme.
"The government is going to take our guns away!!"
Do they protest the loss of jobs & gutting of wages orchestrated by corporate oligarchs? Do they protest the rampant paving over of the Hill Country with cheap developer sprawl? (Lady Bird Johnson must be spinning in her grave) Do they protest the rewriting of science & history in the new textbooks approved by their Education propaganda wing? Do they worry that Exxon Mobil (and others) has spent millions to get politicians to lie about climate change? http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/exxon-mobil-gave-mill...
Have they given ANY thought to the new variety of flash floods with 30-40 ft surges of the type that recently visited Wimberly?
No. Guns are on their minds. Nihilism at its most extreme.
141
I voted for Obama because I hoped he would do away with Texas "with the stroke of a pen." That he hasn't yet done so has been a real disappointment to me. One among many that also include failing to close Gitmo and passing a healthcare bill that didn't go at all far enough. But his presidency is not over yet. Bye, bye, Texas!
9
The Doctor in this article is my husband and it is incredible and honestly heart breaking that you can be so cruel about something when you don’t even know what you are talking about!
He/We are not concerned about Jade Helm 15. The article you read does not give the whole story and shame on you for believing everything you read.
We live 2 1/2 hours from the Southern Border in a township (village) with no local law enforcement. It could take a significant amount of time before a county deputy could reach us in an emergency. We have guns to protect our self from, the drug cartels and who ever else decides they want to come across our border. The extra ammo was bought when we were told an ISIS cell is just over the border. Is it true….you tell me.
In 61 years of living, I have NEVER had military drills take place on the streets where I live, nor has any one I have talked with and while I do realize it is necessary it will be unsettling to look out the windows of my home and see active military performing this drill. We are told the guns are real but not the ammunition. Let me know where you live, since it isn’t a concern maybe they can visit your home next.
We are ALL Americans and while there are those who pride themselves in believing they are smarter than others, I choose to stand together and stop this rhetoric that is dividing our country, I hope you will join me, you can start by showing a little respect.
He/We are not concerned about Jade Helm 15. The article you read does not give the whole story and shame on you for believing everything you read.
We live 2 1/2 hours from the Southern Border in a township (village) with no local law enforcement. It could take a significant amount of time before a county deputy could reach us in an emergency. We have guns to protect our self from, the drug cartels and who ever else decides they want to come across our border. The extra ammo was bought when we were told an ISIS cell is just over the border. Is it true….you tell me.
In 61 years of living, I have NEVER had military drills take place on the streets where I live, nor has any one I have talked with and while I do realize it is necessary it will be unsettling to look out the windows of my home and see active military performing this drill. We are told the guns are real but not the ammunition. Let me know where you live, since it isn’t a concern maybe they can visit your home next.
We are ALL Americans and while there are those who pride themselves in believing they are smarter than others, I choose to stand together and stop this rhetoric that is dividing our country, I hope you will join me, you can start by showing a little respect.
6
Seriously, I can not stop laughing about the paranoia expressed. Is Texas a parallel universe or ?
What is the year in Christoval TX. 1780 , 1657 .... what year we are talking about.
What is the year in Christoval TX. 1780 , 1657 .... what year we are talking about.
9
Some quotes are apropos for these Texans:
“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
“Insanity is contagious.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
“The Texan turned out to be good-natured, generous and likable. In three days no one could stand him.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
“Insanity is contagious.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
“The Texan turned out to be good-natured, generous and likable. In three days no one could stand him.”
― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
10
This is especially funny if you pause to consider that Texans make up around 15% of the military. By the time you factor in enlistees from OK and the southern states, you've got a bunch of true blue conservatives who probably would not be willing to carry out the orders of a communist, Muslim, terroristic, illegitimately elected president to seize control of Texas and confiscate everyone's guns and bibles.
9
If you are that gullible and crazy then someone should take away your guns.
22
How can this ever be a successful and realistic military exercise if the soldiers are laughing their heads off during the practice?
12
If ya'll wanta hear Texans talk about Jade Helm, just tune into the Chris Krok show. He's got folks calling in from around Texas with Jade Helm reports. Apparently, men dressed all in black have been seen in some cities. By week's end, we'll likely be hearing about crop circles and cattle mutilations...
11
When it's over and no guns have been seized and no martial law has been declared and the army goes back to their bases, how many of the fearmongers will apologize and admit they were wrong? And how many will just move on to the next crazy conspiracy without any consideration to their error? How many will hold them to account and how many will keep listening?
I only worry that the radical conspiracy crazies will whip themselves up into such a froth that they create the problem they fear, and then point at the result as justification.
I only worry that the radical conspiracy crazies will whip themselves up into such a froth that they create the problem they fear, and then point at the result as justification.
14
Good point. For that matter how many Conservatives will admit they were wrong in predicting that if reelected, President Obama would cause the price of gas to over $5. a gallon, etc., etc.........? )-:
None of them will ever admit to being wrong.
We had some plumbing work done by a very nice man who is as far right as they come. Every time he showed up he'd breathlessly relate news about something big and awful that was about to happen because of President Obama. When the time for these catastrophes had passed I'd asked him for updates but he'd just talk about the newest disaster yet to come.
We had some plumbing work done by a very nice man who is as far right as they come. Every time he showed up he'd breathlessly relate news about something big and awful that was about to happen because of President Obama. When the time for these catastrophes had passed I'd asked him for updates but he'd just talk about the newest disaster yet to come.
Dear Texans,
We think you're nuts. But let me say this: if what you fear were actually to happen, the liberals you despise would take to the streets to defend you. No Obama voter I've ever met would countenance what you imagine the government is going to do to you. That's why the government is not going to do it.
We think you're nuts. But let me say this: if what you fear were actually to happen, the liberals you despise would take to the streets to defend you. No Obama voter I've ever met would countenance what you imagine the government is going to do to you. That's why the government is not going to do it.
18
Not funny, but I can't stop laughing. Respect is due for the catchy new "Homeland Eradication of Local Militants" meme.
7
Well, if the military needs to train to be in territories with hostile, suspicious populations, Texas seems to be giving them some good practice.
28
John Kerry has some free time now. Any chance of a negotiated settlement between Jade Helm and Texas?
8
Boy, is my face red. Here I have been thinking the military was using Texas as a staging area to sweep north and divide the nation in half by holding the middle ground. It's now obvious that the generals would want to occupy the entire west to prevent all the new Chinese aircraft carriers from unloading tens of millions of souls onto our beaches and taking up squatters' rights.
10
If there is a ruse - it would be to force Mexico to take texas back.
24
Why would the US Army want to take over this small insignificant piece of West Texas real estate? At the very least, one would assume the 'government' would want a bigger and more affluent place like Dallas. The people, a doctor no less, are delusional.
12
That Dr, is not delusional, his comments were taken out of context. We live 2 1/2 hours from the border in a township (village) with no local law enforcement. It some times takes an hour or more to reach us in an emergency situation. We have ISIS cells and Drug Cartels close to or coming over southern border.That is why we have guns and extra ammunition . Obviously we are encouraged by the military training, he said nothing about not trusting the military, he doesn't trust the Govt. No there is NO delusional Doctor here. The majority of people DO NOT think Jade Helm 15 has anything to do with a Govt take over. But it sure makes for a good story doesn't it!
1
"We have ISIS cells and Drug Cartels close to or coming over southern border. That is why we have guns and extra ammunition ."
Well, you are wasting your money because neither one of those groups are interested in attacking and/or selling to a small town in the middle of nowhere.
Well, you are wasting your money because neither one of those groups are interested in attacking and/or selling to a small town in the middle of nowhere.
5
If you have "ISIS cells" you should call 911 or the FBI. If you know that you have ISIS moving into your area, you know something that Homeland Security does not. "Drug cartels"? Most of the drug smuggling does not depend on people carrying 75 pound sacks on their backs through desert landscape. That would be a very poor method of bringing drugs into the country, because most of the people would either die in the desert or be caught.
Texans, like most people in rural areas, have had guns long, long before there was a mass immigration problem on the border. Come on. It seems like you think people reading here are stupid and will believe anything, just like some of the paranoid folks out on the plains.
Texans, like most people in rural areas, have had guns long, long before there was a mass immigration problem on the border. Come on. It seems like you think people reading here are stupid and will believe anything, just like some of the paranoid folks out on the plains.
5
"Jade Helm 15 has already caused disruptions." Jade Helm has "caused" no disruption whatsoever. What's disrupting is the idiotic, paranoid, racist 24/4 anti-Obama reaction to a legitimate federal undertaking.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
22
Even an M.D. (E.R. doc) is part of the 'nut brigade!'
14
Embarrassing that we have so many really nutty people in the U.S. Makes one question the foundation of democracy - an informed, intelligent/rational electorate!
21
BTW, what exactly are we going to do with Texas -- I mean, after we take it over and all? May I have Austin?
28
To quote Gen. Sheridan: "If I owned Texas and hell, I would rent out Texas and live in hell."
We could do the first part.The second part would come if the Republicans win the next election.
We could do the first part.The second part would come if the Republicans win the next election.
14
The governor of Texas, Abbott, fanned these flames when they were just starting by saying he could understand why people are concerned given that Obama is in the White House. These people play dirty all the time and then alter their story just a bit to make it appear that they are rational.
Fox News helps build up the paranoia too by claiming that Obama violates the Constitution or, when commentators aren't making the claim, continually running sound bites with people who do. G.W. Bush argued in "signing statements" he placed alongside legislation passed by Congress that he didn't have to follow any part of a bill he disapproved. Of course, the far right Republicans in far off west Texas towns had no problem with that. He was their man while everything Obama does is painted as ultimate evil.
There is a way out. All of those people posting here that the don't like Fox News and its propaganda can simply stop paying for it. As it stands now, independents, moderates, liberals and Democrats are all paying for Fox to spread propaganda. How? By subscribing to cable or satellite television.
Tell your cable or satellite provider that you won't pay for Fox News. If they won't take it out of your subscription tier, then the option is to cancel cable or satellite. There are plenty of alternatives available these days. Cancel Fox News. Don't pay for a propaganda channel.
Fox News helps build up the paranoia too by claiming that Obama violates the Constitution or, when commentators aren't making the claim, continually running sound bites with people who do. G.W. Bush argued in "signing statements" he placed alongside legislation passed by Congress that he didn't have to follow any part of a bill he disapproved. Of course, the far right Republicans in far off west Texas towns had no problem with that. He was their man while everything Obama does is painted as ultimate evil.
There is a way out. All of those people posting here that the don't like Fox News and its propaganda can simply stop paying for it. As it stands now, independents, moderates, liberals and Democrats are all paying for Fox to spread propaganda. How? By subscribing to cable or satellite television.
Tell your cable or satellite provider that you won't pay for Fox News. If they won't take it out of your subscription tier, then the option is to cancel cable or satellite. There are plenty of alternatives available these days. Cancel Fox News. Don't pay for a propaganda channel.
31
Texas is home to beaucoup USA military bases! Bastante! One heck of a lot! Dry your tears and calm your fears. No need to let the Abbott puppeteers jerk you around till you go all EMO. Face it. Texas is already "Occupied" by the military forces of the USA. Yep. It's true!
Makes me proud!
Makes me proud!
9
This bizarre and unjustified behavior is reflective of the sheer magnitude of untreated mental illness in this country. These people need help. Armed Texan citizens making comments like this is not a laughing matter. This is becoming a dangerous mental health issue.
28
I was thinking the same thing! A bunch of paranoid people with guns is a damn scarey scenario. One lunatic in a theater is bad enough, but a whole state full of them might warrant a militia moving in. Irony is mother of wisdom!
5
Raptor, I believe the incidence of untreated mental illness among the adult population of this country is the real story—one I'd love to see on the cover of the NYTImes Magazine sometime soon.
I aired this idea recently on a plane to New York, and a young Israeli man who is in the US studying psychiatry commented that it's personality disorders, not de facto mental illness, that we're seeing.
I aired this idea recently on a plane to New York, and a young Israeli man who is in the US studying psychiatry commented that it's personality disorders, not de facto mental illness, that we're seeing.
1
As you mention, the anti Jade Helm folks do have signs of organic mentall illness. Mental health officials can involuntarily commit people for 72 hours if they are a danger to themselves or to others. If we ever have mandatory background checks, they should show up on the mental health lists & not be able to buy or own guns.
1
The only variables which cannot be accounted for are
Economic Collapse, Celestial Catastrophe, or
Nuclear/EMP attack. If any or these, which could
come at any time, were to coincide with these drills,
then yes Martial Law would need be established.
Plus, we can only speculate on just what level
of Technology is available to our Military, from
Black Budget Projects. Just Sayin!!
Economic Collapse, Celestial Catastrophe, or
Nuclear/EMP attack. If any or these, which could
come at any time, were to coincide with these drills,
then yes Martial Law would need be established.
Plus, we can only speculate on just what level
of Technology is available to our Military, from
Black Budget Projects. Just Sayin!!
2
I've never been so mortified in my (long) life to call myself a Texan as I am now. I read that one of my fellow residents sent Greg Abbott some tin foil with a note: "This is for your hat, Gov. Thanks for making Texans look like idiots."
I gotta get outta this place,
If it's the last thing I ever do...
I gotta get outta this place,
If it's the last thing I ever do...
38
I'm sorry to say this but the ignorance is astounding. TDC below is right on. People who live in poverty without hope need their paranoia to rise above the anger and frustration that grips them.
15
Yep. Bury them-there assault rifles. I heard choppers today and figured we had some exercises going on. So what? If the Feds ever went after Bubba, he'd need more than his AR-15 to stop guys well supplied with choppers and tanks. This isn't 1775 and its not the Pak-Afghan border. No militia of fat boys in America could stop a modern and determined army.
Thus it's Bubba who scares me, with his sign on the door showing an AK-47, not our government. Bubba needs to up his skills and enter the 21st Century educated work-force, not pine for 1950. That's gone forever. Thank God.
Thus it's Bubba who scares me, with his sign on the door showing an AK-47, not our government. Bubba needs to up his skills and enter the 21st Century educated work-force, not pine for 1950. That's gone forever. Thank God.
37
If the government wanted to take over Texas, it would take about 20 minutes for air force planes to bomb the major cities and bring Texas to its knees. The loons burying the guns and ammo seem to think that the Army would come in for hand-to-hand combat. LOL Proof of how utterly brainwashed these people are what a tragedy it is that these people own guns. Their comments about the President and the Constitution are just the tip of their insanity, all generated by racism and the poison that we allow to be spread via talk radio, Fox News, and the internet websites that are nothing more than hate meeting rooms for the loonies.
My fear is that one of these fools will shoot a member of our military who is "armed" with a gun with blanks or paintballs because the lunatic thinks that the member of our military is a threat to him.
I live in a town with a large test facility for the FAA. Each day a large aircraft filled with electronic gear takes off and flies over our houses, part of the ocean, makes passes at landing at the airport etc. All the while testing various pieces of equipment that will be used in military and commercial aircraft. Suppose all of us in this area were nuts enough to think that the "guvmint" was using the plane to spy on us and was going to round us up and put is in the large hangar they use to test runway surfaces?
These people in Texas do not merit a story in the NY Times -- they need to be part of a case study for a psychiatric journal.
My fear is that one of these fools will shoot a member of our military who is "armed" with a gun with blanks or paintballs because the lunatic thinks that the member of our military is a threat to him.
I live in a town with a large test facility for the FAA. Each day a large aircraft filled with electronic gear takes off and flies over our houses, part of the ocean, makes passes at landing at the airport etc. All the while testing various pieces of equipment that will be used in military and commercial aircraft. Suppose all of us in this area were nuts enough to think that the "guvmint" was using the plane to spy on us and was going to round us up and put is in the large hangar they use to test runway surfaces?
These people in Texas do not merit a story in the NY Times -- they need to be part of a case study for a psychiatric journal.
37
From the footage I've seen of NRA rallies most of these guys wouldn't do well in hand to hand combat either. They look barely capable of heaving themselves out of their recliners.
If Obama wanted to take over Texas, why would he wait until the end of his presidency to do it? Why not do it right away and enjoy several years of humiliating Texans?
32
Am laughing so hard at Counter Jade Helm plans to have teams of volunteers follow Army vehicles and post their locations to its website. OMGosh can you imagine what these same conspiracy folks would be saying if it were a group of non whites, non Christians doing this?
Dr. Jack Campbell, 61 notes “If we had a government that we felt had our backs, I don’t think anybody would give it the time of day.” Someone explain where the government doesn't have the backs of we American citizens?
Are the citizens in the other states of Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Utah reacting like the folks in Texas? And I wonder if Mr. Degenaer, a Navy veteran was as upset when Nixon signed deals with the Chinese or Reagan signed deals with the former Soviet Union
Dr. Jack Campbell, 61 notes “If we had a government that we felt had our backs, I don’t think anybody would give it the time of day.” Someone explain where the government doesn't have the backs of we American citizens?
Are the citizens in the other states of Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Utah reacting like the folks in Texas? And I wonder if Mr. Degenaer, a Navy veteran was as upset when Nixon signed deals with the Chinese or Reagan signed deals with the former Soviet Union
29
Beneath Campbell's comments lies a sizable current of racism directed at Obama.
9
Wanna hear a conspiracy theory? Gutting education funding + Faux News + perpetuate racism to foster hate toward our first mixed race president = GOP gets votes. This is beyond embarrassing.
50
I see your conspiracy theory and raise you this: The entire history of the Confederate flag -- from War(+), to Reconstruction(-), to the birth of the KKK(+), to things dying down a little after Johnson(-) and before Pres. Obama(+):
All the (+)'s brought to us by 1%-er fraud/greed/trickster-ism, designed to draw their poorer white brethren into their corner with an Us v. Them argument. And by Us v. Them, I mean White v. Minority, and not the true Us v. Them, Rich v. Poor.
All the (+)'s brought to us by 1%-er fraud/greed/trickster-ism, designed to draw their poorer white brethren into their corner with an Us v. Them argument. And by Us v. Them, I mean White v. Minority, and not the true Us v. Them, Rich v. Poor.
10
I wish I thought this was an unbelievable conspiracy theory.
4
Alex Jones is a paranoid nutter and this whole thing is silly..but not totally silly.
We remember Waco. We remember Katrina when unconstitutional orders were issued to go house to house confiscating guns. Law enforcement agencies from all over America, men who know the constitution and civil rights carried out those orders against their fellow Americans. Elderly citizens were assaulted and injured. That was only ten years ago.
Better to be unnecessarily vigilant a hundred times and be wrong than falsely complaisant once.
We remember Waco. We remember Katrina when unconstitutional orders were issued to go house to house confiscating guns. Law enforcement agencies from all over America, men who know the constitution and civil rights carried out those orders against their fellow Americans. Elderly citizens were assaulted and injured. That was only ten years ago.
Better to be unnecessarily vigilant a hundred times and be wrong than falsely complaisant once.
As long as you lay off killing people, fantasy is just that
8
Hurricane Katrina was pretty bad and the feds committed plenty of sins -- but mostly by failing to do things they should have done -- like providing emergency food, shelter and housing -- not a whole lot of assaulting people -- especially the elderly -- at least that I heard of and I hang out in that area quite a bit and had property that was severely damaged.
2
Who was the President during Katrina?
I can't imagine any other governor in the U.S. asking his own National Guard to monitor a military training exercise without risking being removed from office for stupidity, paranoia, or both. Mr. Abbott only lends credibility to the insanity of the far right fringe of the Lone Star State by making such a request, and it shows that the "fringe" in Texas is a whole lot bigger than most people think. Seriously, politicians typically do what they think will please a significant amount of voters, and try to avoid affiliating with any group which looks as if they wear tin-foil hats to their meetings. The fact that the Republican Governor of Texas would do this speaks to a much bigger problem in Texas than a possible takeover by Washington. Sure, he's now backtracking a bit to appear sane to the rest of the nation (thinking 2020 Governor?), but this conspiracy theory drivel only further stirs up the unstable ones in Texas, and that appears to be a pretty sizable group. It would serve us all well to remember this great moment in Texas history if the good governor decides that he, too, wants to be king some day.
33
My friend in Austin.. her AC unit went out today, and she's been with out AC since about noon. We figure this is phase 1 of the Jade Helm Attack. They will hit everyone's AC and then.. the rest will be easy.
54
Let me make sure I understand this correctly. Scott Degenaer is an American Patriot who would shoot United States soldiers if threatened? There's a name for that and it's called treason.
60
You know these same sorts of people think Obama is the anti-Christ and so forth.
When Obama was elected there was a massive run on ammunition and guns (to the great pleasure of gun and ammo manufacturers).
So what happens when Obama leaves office and it turns out, he was not the anti-Christ? What happens when these people have even more guns and ammunition? What happens when Jade Helm turns out to be exactly what it was supposed to be - a simple military exercise?
I confess I am not surprised that Governor Abbott refuses to take principled stand against this sort of ignorance. His predecessor, Rick Perry, now a candidate for President, once tossed around the idea of Texas seceding. I guess he decided being "president" of Texas was not a big enough stage.
It is also very interesting that these self-style great patriots hate the government that runs the country they claim to worship.
Part of me says, "These clowns should just be ignored and allowed to peacefully suffer in their delusions." But then I look at Congress and realize these people, despite being a fringe, insane minority have an outsized effect on national policy.
You just have to throw your hands up.
When Obama was elected there was a massive run on ammunition and guns (to the great pleasure of gun and ammo manufacturers).
So what happens when Obama leaves office and it turns out, he was not the anti-Christ? What happens when these people have even more guns and ammunition? What happens when Jade Helm turns out to be exactly what it was supposed to be - a simple military exercise?
I confess I am not surprised that Governor Abbott refuses to take principled stand against this sort of ignorance. His predecessor, Rick Perry, now a candidate for President, once tossed around the idea of Texas seceding. I guess he decided being "president" of Texas was not a big enough stage.
It is also very interesting that these self-style great patriots hate the government that runs the country they claim to worship.
Part of me says, "These clowns should just be ignored and allowed to peacefully suffer in their delusions." But then I look at Congress and realize these people, despite being a fringe, insane minority have an outsized effect on national policy.
You just have to throw your hands up.
30
This is so sad. Thanks, Republicans. Your celebration of ignorance has really paid off.
46
And we trust these Texas people with an unlimited supply of firearms? The mind boggles.
24
This minority isn't 'paranoid'. They are really just excited to stir up an imaginary drama in which they can actually use their guns.
25
What can you say about Texas? They are strange. After all they did elect
Ted Cruz and Louis Gohmert. I rest my case.
Ted Cruz and Louis Gohmert. I rest my case.
23
Well the Army here has been trying for years to get land basically by imminent domain from 5th generation cattle ranchers in Southeast Colorado. They want to have huge amounts of acreage for war games, and have been hounding these people for years to sell their land/ get out the way. Our super-duper "conservative" Representative is trying to help them do it. Strange times.
4
Finally discovering that conservative government officials do not have your interests in mind? Well, it has been a long time coming, too long actually but better late than never.
4
As always the national media plays up the "paranoia" angle, and places NO responsibility at the feet of the government. I highly doubt African Americans would call it paranoid, nor would any Muslim American or immigrant. It seems the the main stream media does not understand actions have consequences. There was a war on Iraq, that killed tens of thousands of humans, that was was built on lies, lies the American media fully supported. I used to be one of those who saw the US government as honest and just, then again I used to believe in Santa Clause. This seems to be more about manipulation, than about informing, the idea that criminalizing Texans, is certainly nothing new, divide and conquer...at the same time they take away more and more of our rights, you will only notice when its your rights that are taken, and by then it will be far too late.
2
What rights are being taken away from you?
24
There is no parallel between these military exercises and Iraq. It's like blaming the rooster for the sunrise.
What is it you actually want? The military to not practice? What is it about these exercises (compared to the countless others they do) that is so offensive?
What is it you actually want? The military to not practice? What is it about these exercises (compared to the countless others they do) that is so offensive?
14
Which rights have you lost?
Curious.
Curious.
12
It is tragic that moneyed forces motivated by power and greed prey on the ignorance and fears of country rubes. There used to be a sense of decency in this country, sadly it is gone.
12
And we're surprised by the rhetoric of Republican candidates. These are many of the people they're trying to win over.
14
Texas should host a statewide ballot measure as to whether they do or do not want the military there. If they do not, I'm certain there are other states who would like the economic supports provided.
San Antonio alone hosts four military bases. If the military is no longer welcome in Texas, what's left will be NASA, Rice University, some oil, a few chip companies, and a bunch of gun-toting wahoos.
They've been living off the dole and complaining about it for too long.
San Antonio alone hosts four military bases. If the military is no longer welcome in Texas, what's left will be NASA, Rice University, some oil, a few chip companies, and a bunch of gun-toting wahoos.
They've been living off the dole and complaining about it for too long.
26
I, for one, will not be concerned about possible conspiracy theories appearing on the internet suggesting that the U.S. Government is about to take over regions of Texas, Louisiana, and other states in the U.S. southwest.
Everyone knows that these areas are already occupied by AFOS, or Aliens From Outer Space. The AFOS of Texas and Louisiana would not accept any intrusions or incursions wrought by humanoids. So we can all sleep at night without worrying about this situation.
Everyone knows that these areas are already occupied by AFOS, or Aliens From Outer Space. The AFOS of Texas and Louisiana would not accept any intrusions or incursions wrought by humanoids. So we can all sleep at night without worrying about this situation.
9
And I thought it was just Zombies that took over those states...
2
Uh, aren't the conspiracy theorists the AFOS? That would explain everything.
1
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep♫
Starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, they come
And take you away. . ♬
Into your life it will creep♫
Starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, they come
And take you away. . ♬
14
Jade Helm 1952 version: Operation Longhorn, 1952 Lampasas Texas
115,000 Army troops take part. Lampasas is "occupied" by the aggressor force "...of a mythical nation called the People's Republic and the Glorious Aggressor Nation. Its flag was a Lone Star on a triangular field of green." They close churches and "arrest" local officials.
"A message from the commander of the Aggressor Forces, Alton M. Shipnock, assured the people of Lampasas he and his troops were only there to "burst the bonds by which the filthy capitalistic Wall Street war mongers" had enslaved the people of Texas since 1845."
After a week of "occupation," the 82nd Airborne dropped @ 2,500 troops to "liberate" Lampasas.
There were "casualties," "A San Angelo columnist in 1999 wrote of Operation Long Horn: "Turkeys by the thousands died as a result of being frightened so badly they piled up and smothered to death."
The exercise was only conducted after extensive planning with the local communities involved, and after obtaining easements for use of private property. Lampasas and nearby communities participated out of patriotic zeal. Thousands gathered to watch the air drop.
Today, I think with the hysteria whipped up by hate radio and anti-govt yahoos, there would be actual blood spilled as many would try to repel what they would see as Obama storm troopers.
Pathetic.
Look it up: Operation Longhorn, 1952 Lampasas Texas
115,000 Army troops take part. Lampasas is "occupied" by the aggressor force "...of a mythical nation called the People's Republic and the Glorious Aggressor Nation. Its flag was a Lone Star on a triangular field of green." They close churches and "arrest" local officials.
"A message from the commander of the Aggressor Forces, Alton M. Shipnock, assured the people of Lampasas he and his troops were only there to "burst the bonds by which the filthy capitalistic Wall Street war mongers" had enslaved the people of Texas since 1845."
After a week of "occupation," the 82nd Airborne dropped @ 2,500 troops to "liberate" Lampasas.
There were "casualties," "A San Angelo columnist in 1999 wrote of Operation Long Horn: "Turkeys by the thousands died as a result of being frightened so badly they piled up and smothered to death."
The exercise was only conducted after extensive planning with the local communities involved, and after obtaining easements for use of private property. Lampasas and nearby communities participated out of patriotic zeal. Thousands gathered to watch the air drop.
Today, I think with the hysteria whipped up by hate radio and anti-govt yahoos, there would be actual blood spilled as many would try to repel what they would see as Obama storm troopers.
Pathetic.
Look it up: Operation Longhorn, 1952 Lampasas Texas
83
"The exercise was only conducted after extensive planning with the local communities involved, and after obtaining easements for use of private property." I have to think they must have failed to do this. How else would the local people be so uninformed about what is planned? Did they coordinate with the police departments in towns where troop units are going to be operating? We don't have parachute drops anymore, but there should be some large-scale helicopter-borne assaults -- did they get prior permission from the owners of the fields they expect to use? It sure sounds like they didn't. Actually, the lack of wide-spread publicity seems odd. Why haven't they been sending teams out to talk to people? They have plenty of money to spend on the major networks to sneak propaganda into regular news shows. Seems like they could have spent a little to whip up enthusiasm. Why haven't they?
They have communicated. There have been town hall meetings all over. One poor Lt. Col. spent a whole day in Bastrop being vilified by 200 crazies.
Smithville is another town where part of the exercise will be conducted on "...private property volunteered by property owners, and the U.S. Army says residents will have little contact with the military. The exercise is described as an unconventional yet realistic Army training operation that would have special forces troops traversing six states across the southwest."
"You just are not going to satisfy people," said Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape. "(The meeting) was not about changing anybody's mind. This was about sharing information."
That was in April, and you will find the permissions were well in advance of that.
http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/2015/04/27/bastrop-co-addresses-jad...
This is par-for-the-course fringe right wing hysteria, played to the hilt by irresponsible politicians like Cruz and TX gov Abbott. When the exercise is over and none of these dire predictions have taken place, they will say, "Thank God we were watching them and prevented them from implementing a take over of the USA!"
Having read about Operation Longhorn 1952, now lookup Operation Water Moccasin III in Georgia in 1963. Even better than Longhorn! Black UN troops wearing nose rings were going to occupy Georgia as the US military was handed over to the UN under Russian control.
You can't make this stuff up.
Smithville is another town where part of the exercise will be conducted on "...private property volunteered by property owners, and the U.S. Army says residents will have little contact with the military. The exercise is described as an unconventional yet realistic Army training operation that would have special forces troops traversing six states across the southwest."
"You just are not going to satisfy people," said Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape. "(The meeting) was not about changing anybody's mind. This was about sharing information."
That was in April, and you will find the permissions were well in advance of that.
http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/2015/04/27/bastrop-co-addresses-jad...
This is par-for-the-course fringe right wing hysteria, played to the hilt by irresponsible politicians like Cruz and TX gov Abbott. When the exercise is over and none of these dire predictions have taken place, they will say, "Thank God we were watching them and prevented them from implementing a take over of the USA!"
Having read about Operation Longhorn 1952, now lookup Operation Water Moccasin III in Georgia in 1963. Even better than Longhorn! Black UN troops wearing nose rings were going to occupy Georgia as the US military was handed over to the UN under Russian control.
You can't make this stuff up.
6
I suspect they didn't want a lot of rubbernecking gawkers following them around when they are practicing stealth operations. The Army got the permission from the State. I would think it would be up to them to disseminate the info to localities without causing panic. The fact that none of the other states being used for this training exercise are having a problem must be the lousy Texas education system
1
Um... don't we already own Texas?
19
If nothing else, this strange turn of affairs proves one thing - that an awful lot of America's people just don't trust our government anymore - not only on the federal level, but state and local as well.
And why should we not be surprised? After all, a government smear campaign that began in the late 1940s with congressional hearings that often roped in liberal non-conformists along with genuine Communist spies wasn't exactly heading down a very positive route. The Viet Nam debacle, ending up with some 57,000 dead Americans - mostly draftees - and a large number of exiles fleeing a war that history would prove to be based on lies - only made the process much worse. Add to that the astounding fact that at least FIFTY TWO foreign intelligence warnings were ignored in the months leading up to 9-11, and now the latest rush - led by our President and enthusiastically supported by the media and the misguided nations amongst our allies - to take virtually ALL sanctions off a belligerent country that appears hell-bent on building nuclear bombs and the missiles with which to deliver them - and just how much confidence would you seriously expect?
You can blame Fox News and its distortions, but the fact is that NOBODY in charge seems to be exactly aboveboard here. Especially in a nation that imprisons more people by far than any other on this planet, even with a huge DROP in violent or serious property crime.
Houston, we REALLY have a problem.
And why should we not be surprised? After all, a government smear campaign that began in the late 1940s with congressional hearings that often roped in liberal non-conformists along with genuine Communist spies wasn't exactly heading down a very positive route. The Viet Nam debacle, ending up with some 57,000 dead Americans - mostly draftees - and a large number of exiles fleeing a war that history would prove to be based on lies - only made the process much worse. Add to that the astounding fact that at least FIFTY TWO foreign intelligence warnings were ignored in the months leading up to 9-11, and now the latest rush - led by our President and enthusiastically supported by the media and the misguided nations amongst our allies - to take virtually ALL sanctions off a belligerent country that appears hell-bent on building nuclear bombs and the missiles with which to deliver them - and just how much confidence would you seriously expect?
You can blame Fox News and its distortions, but the fact is that NOBODY in charge seems to be exactly aboveboard here. Especially in a nation that imprisons more people by far than any other on this planet, even with a huge DROP in violent or serious property crime.
Houston, we REALLY have a problem.
3
As someone who was born in Texas, I can tell you that everything in Texas is bigger, including the paranoia.
24
Little do these Texans realize the real threat is coming from across the border in New Mexico, where the aliens housed in Roswell escaped and were last seen heading east, intending to desecrate the grave of Sam Houston.
To make matters worse, Obama is going to use the threat of the aliens as the excuse for a military takeover of Texas. Caught between the threat of the aliens and the threat of the Feds, I fully understand why Texans would want to stock up on ammo and Jim Beam.
I am sending in this comment (again!) before I put on my tin foil hat which, unfortunately, will disconnect me from the Times as well as protecting me from aliens' destructo rays and Fed spying. It is now clear that Obama was not born in Kenya or the Philippines but on Alpha Centauri.
Mary, quick quick, get the water away from the kids. It's got that commie flouride in it..................................................
To make matters worse, Obama is going to use the threat of the aliens as the excuse for a military takeover of Texas. Caught between the threat of the aliens and the threat of the Feds, I fully understand why Texans would want to stock up on ammo and Jim Beam.
I am sending in this comment (again!) before I put on my tin foil hat which, unfortunately, will disconnect me from the Times as well as protecting me from aliens' destructo rays and Fed spying. It is now clear that Obama was not born in Kenya or the Philippines but on Alpha Centauri.
Mary, quick quick, get the water away from the kids. It's got that commie flouride in it..................................................
27
It's easy and, I guess, fun to laugh at the poor paranoid Texans. There is definitely some paranoia in the exaggerated fears about the government coming to take guns away.
On the other hand, how many times has the military done horrific things to our own people that we only found out about much later? Didn't we just learn about secret chemical weapons testing on troops? Or if you want to talk about harm to civilians, let's consider the toxic pollution at various military sites, for example mustard gas in the soil of American University and the surrounding area. As an AU parent I was shocked to hear about that one.
I think the evidence shows that distrusting the government is not, by itself, stupid. The degree of the panic is what opens them to criticism. It seems very unlikely that the government would attempt to take guns from thousands of ready-to-fight armed gun fanatics. The Cliven Bundy episode made it look like our government is not willing to engage in a shoot-out with a large group of (white) militant armed citizens (even when they're in the wrong!).
I feel more endangered by the militant guns-rights people than from my government. But I admit that government overreach is a concern and it makes sense that this operation would trigger it, just not to this degree.
On the other hand, how many times has the military done horrific things to our own people that we only found out about much later? Didn't we just learn about secret chemical weapons testing on troops? Or if you want to talk about harm to civilians, let's consider the toxic pollution at various military sites, for example mustard gas in the soil of American University and the surrounding area. As an AU parent I was shocked to hear about that one.
I think the evidence shows that distrusting the government is not, by itself, stupid. The degree of the panic is what opens them to criticism. It seems very unlikely that the government would attempt to take guns from thousands of ready-to-fight armed gun fanatics. The Cliven Bundy episode made it look like our government is not willing to engage in a shoot-out with a large group of (white) militant armed citizens (even when they're in the wrong!).
I feel more endangered by the militant guns-rights people than from my government. But I admit that government overreach is a concern and it makes sense that this operation would trigger it, just not to this degree.
1
The same paranoid people were claiming that the CIA was reading their email and listening to their phone calls. They were, of course, wrong, it was the NSA. Viewed in the context of the Snowden papers, this is not right-wing paranoia; it's reasonable suspicion of a government that is paranoid enough to spy on all of its citizens.
3
Previous Jade Helm exercises are fairly well documented, and the origin of the name is apparent upon any casual investigation: it refers to the bright green ("jade") helmets worn by the fictional enemy soldiers during the exercises. Mystery solved.
6
Maybe the nefarious Federal Government should close all its military bases in Texas and terminate all military training within the borders of Texas. In this way the good people of Texas can be assured that there are no plans to take over West Texas or any of its towns. Wonder how that would go over with the Texas legislature and governor?
15
The right-wingers have a huge echo chamber led by Fox News and all the crazy talk show hosts and bloggers that operate in an alternate universe. They pump people with craziness 24 hours a day, and a lot of people who aren't the sharpest tools in the shed believe it. Then the Republican politicians, who are either so stupid that they believe the nonsense (unlikely) or they think they can score some political points, encourage such nonsense. This has happened many times with President Obama. A 2010 Harris Poll found that 67% of Republicans believe President Obama is a socialist, 61% said he wanted to take away Americans' right to own guns, 57% said he is Muslim, 51% said he wants to turn over the sovereignty of the United States to a one-world government, 51% said that that he has done many things that are unconstitutional, 45% believed he was not born in the United States and is therefore ineligible for the presidency, 45% believed he is a racist (42 percent), and 38% said he was doing many things Adolf Hitler did. in 2012, the birther nonsense, led by the Republican who is now the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, led some 64% of Republicans to believe the President wasn't born in the US. Also in 2012, 63% of Republicans thought WMD's were found in Iraq. This is all a result of the right-wing echo chamber from which many Republicans get their "news" and the Republican politicians who encourage them to believe the lies.
16
Because every invasion starts with a full disclosure of force strength, geographic reach and a map of friendly and enemy territory....
Sounds like some one needs something better to do with their time and imagination.
Sounds like some one needs something better to do with their time and imagination.
13
Do these people really think that, if came to it, they could take on and beat the American military? Now, thats paranoia.
8
We need to remove all of our military facilities put pf the southern states, fast.
8
I wonder if the reaction would be the same if the president's surname was Bush?
18
So at the end of this exercise, when nothing of what people have been afraid of actually happened, the propaganda machine will say: "We won! We stood firm and the Government did not dare to do what they had planned to do."
Reason does not have a chance against prejudice and idiocy.
Reason does not have a chance against prejudice and idiocy.
17
Time to close all those evil military bases. Then move the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter plant out of Fort Worth (1o,000 jobs), especially as the Texas Governor sees fit to undermine our military.
24
I'm curious as to the unemployment rate in communities such as Christoval where the paranoia is so prevalent. Busy, working people typically don't have the time to create and feed delusional fantasies.
12
Well the oil companies did take a hit out there so lots of layoffs.
Of course with Scott Degeanear- who knows? Consider the Source is usually a good idea.
Of course with Scott Degeanear- who knows? Consider the Source is usually a good idea.
1
I've been with country people and with city people. They will never agree.
You need to be in the country to appreciate the nation. They are good people who fear the future personified by the cities.
The freedom of the country is expansive while the cities are bastions of police empires and that is what the country people fear.
You need to be in the country to appreciate the nation. They are good people who fear the future personified by the cities.
The freedom of the country is expansive while the cities are bastions of police empires and that is what the country people fear.
2
Actually, there is more crime per capita in rural areas.I've lived in a rural area - there is also a huge pressure to conform or be rejected.
There are many, many fine rural people, and many of us in cities are also concerned about our futures.
There are many, many fine rural people, and many of us in cities are also concerned about our futures.
2
Cities are police empires? And what does this have to do with military exercises?
1
"You do realize the government has drones....you're taking guns to a drone fight"... Jim Jeffries
6
“If the government has an idea they can come in and take over, and take guns away, the stupidest place they could come is West Texas,” said Bill Ford,
I agree with that Bill Ford fella.
I agree with that Bill Ford fella.
5
In a horror movie, the protagonists (a conventionally attractive but not very bright young couple) would drive in to town from the main highway looking for a gas station or a rustic diner, and the next thing you know, they would be caught up in some hideous entanglement with the denizens of that little venue menacing them with guns and jail and crazy talk.
5
Sounds more and more like Dr. Campbell is ready to fight the US Army on imagined grounds that Texas about to be taken over. A remarkable case of paranoia, especially in a medical doctor, who is supposed to THINK.
16
I live right here in the middle of it. But nobody can explain to me why the conspiracy folks have stickers on their trucks saying "Support our Troops," and US flags in their front yards.
It's the same level of awareness that makes them love their Medicare and want the government to keep their hands off it.
In their hearts they must think the Jade Helm troops are sent by the UN, and Medicare is provided by the Easter Seal Society.
And I'm only talking about adults here -- the young people I know are so much smarter.
It's the same level of awareness that makes them love their Medicare and want the government to keep their hands off it.
In their hearts they must think the Jade Helm troops are sent by the UN, and Medicare is provided by the Easter Seal Society.
And I'm only talking about adults here -- the young people I know are so much smarter.
59
How about HELM stands for "Hilarious Elicitation of Loony Manifestations"
25
Texans have overlooked the obvious. A sizable portion of the Mexican military is poised withing a few hours drive of the border, nominally to address the on-going struggle with the cartels but in fact ready for deployment in Texas. President Obama has made a pact with Mexico to return Texas to Mexico in return for a variety of benefits. the United States gains preferred access to Mexican petroleum and other raw materials (including newly-nationalized Texas oil fields). Texas will become a preferred migration target for Mexicans; no need to go to Pennsylvania when new opportunities will await in Texas. And removing Texas from a pool of states likely to vote Republican makes a Republican winning sufficient electoral votes far more difficult. The United States military is merely to support Mexican expansion by making it more difficult for Texans to organize in their own defense and assure a swift takeover by Mexican authorities. The "escape" of Chapo Guzman was part of this plan as he will rally the cartels in favor of the intervention thanks to a pact between the cartels and the Mexican military. Politics may make strange bedfellows but this alliance of cartels, Mexican military, and the US armed forces will have a major impact on the future of American politics and return a rebellious province to the bosom of the Mexican republic.
All that remains is to negotiate the conditions on which those Texans seeking admission to the United States will be permitted to enter.
All that remains is to negotiate the conditions on which those Texans seeking admission to the United States will be permitted to enter.
18
I assume you are joking, right? How foolish is everyone going to feel when this exercise ends and the military packs up and goes home?
2
This looks like there might be an opportunity for the federal government to save some money. There are currently 15 military bases in Texas. Usually the local government lobbies against closing unnecessary military bases since they provide corporate welfare for government contractors and jobs programs for the middle class contractors and civil service workers even when the military no longer needs or wants that base and what it provides.
In this case, since Texas’ governor has joined in the conspiracy theories, as soon as the Jade Helm 15 exercises are finished, but while the rumors are still flying, the Pentagon should offer to reduce the military’s presence in Texas. With 15 bases, there are probably several that could be consolidated or closed. After that, the Pentagon could move on to the next state with a surplus of both military bases and paranoid citizens. Working to get support for closing unnecessary bases on the local level while rumors are flying should be much more effective than trying to get buy-in from Congressmen in Washington who are bought and paid for by defense contractors.
As jobs start to leave the state, I’m sure enough people would come to their senses long before the Pentagon gets to the list of critically needed sites. Win-win all around.
In this case, since Texas’ governor has joined in the conspiracy theories, as soon as the Jade Helm 15 exercises are finished, but while the rumors are still flying, the Pentagon should offer to reduce the military’s presence in Texas. With 15 bases, there are probably several that could be consolidated or closed. After that, the Pentagon could move on to the next state with a surplus of both military bases and paranoid citizens. Working to get support for closing unnecessary bases on the local level while rumors are flying should be much more effective than trying to get buy-in from Congressmen in Washington who are bought and paid for by defense contractors.
As jobs start to leave the state, I’m sure enough people would come to their senses long before the Pentagon gets to the list of critically needed sites. Win-win all around.
38
“I think there’s an overall distrust of the government now,” Dr. Campbell said."
No more than before Mr. Obama took office. What's different now in Texas, as in the other southern states, is the exacerbation of racism which was caused by the presence of Mr. Obama in the White House and the fact that he is a Democrat to boot. It's a pathetic state of affairs and Mr. Obama has done nothing to deserve the treatment he has gotten from the Republicans in Congress, Fox News and others on the right who are mired in the bleakest days of our past.
No more than before Mr. Obama took office. What's different now in Texas, as in the other southern states, is the exacerbation of racism which was caused by the presence of Mr. Obama in the White House and the fact that he is a Democrat to boot. It's a pathetic state of affairs and Mr. Obama has done nothing to deserve the treatment he has gotten from the Republicans in Congress, Fox News and others on the right who are mired in the bleakest days of our past.
64
It is time to pull all of the military bases out of Texas, taking the jobs that are supported by the bases with them. I'm sure other states would be delighted to have a new military base.
52
Dr. Campbell said that he had concerns about the exercise, and that he purchased extra ammunition for the weapons he keeps in his home. “Just in case,” added Dr. Campbell, an emergency physician in San Angelo, 20 miles away.
Trying to drum up business, doctor?
Trying to drum up business, doctor?
39
It's terrible that an educated MD (if he is as he says is) even has firearms. And to express such nonsense. Statistics show that firearms are the number one cause of preventable death in the US. Where does the Texas Medical Association stand?
5
These people are the ones who have seen their American dream vanish due to the politicians they elect - their jobs moving overseas, education being cut, never ending wars, etc.etc. It is hard for me to understand why these folks would vote against their own economic interests (i.e., vote for the GOP). Not being able to see a good future for them they cling to their guns, to their bibles, and their paranoia (which is fed by talk radio, Fox news, as well as their elected leaders, i.e., the governor of their state, their senator,...). Let us also not forget good old racism - there is a black man in the White House - where was all this fuss when Bush was in office and our constitution was trampled and swept under the rug? Add to this the hubris of Texans about them being "special". I find it hard to believe that these nuts feel they can take on the United States military if it came to that. There is no logic or reason in their belief. I feel very depressed when I think about the future of our country and ashamed when I read about these so called "patriotic Americans".
42
Having been born here and lived here most of my life, I fail to see what the clammer is all about concerning the military training exercise. It is a total embarrassment and so sad to see people react the way they are. Some of these nitwits who spew hatred have a lot of these poor and simple minded people in the palm of their hands. Didn't Europe have something similar happen in the 1930's? Are we seeing history trying to repeat itself??
30
Seems to me that a large part of the significance of the paranoid chatter around places like Christoval is simply that it makes the individuals in question feel important and that their little town is the focus of outside attention ...
17
And politicians want to campaign on the notion that the US is an exceptional country? There probably can be a case made that the flouride in the water, if there is any in west Texas, is causing these hallucinations.
13
The word that people from other nations use for "American exceptionalism" is most closely translated back to English as "dumb".
19
Everything that is wrong with this country in one story! The paranoia stems from lack of a quality education and pure bigotry. That they are allowed to carry weapons is a result of a poor interpretation of the Second Amendment. God help us!
51
The very people who shouldn't have guns, the paranoid delusional, have guns and conspiracy theories. Like a match and a stick of dynamite. All brought to us by the NRA and Fox News. Now, if we could only get them suspicious of Fox!
33
Looks like a good rumor something the arms industry may have cooked up to sell goods. But really Texas, we don't want to invade you or take possession of your weapons, personally most would prefer it if your state simply went away. Unfortunately I doubt if Mexico would want Texas back - perhaps France could annex the state?
19
The US gummint invasion is an attempt to make Texas a part of the United States.
28
Actually, this is pretty much a tradition in military practices going back to the 13th Century (1215 being the year of the Magna Carta). Tournaments were not two knights on horseback jousting in a romantic one-one-one contest (where neither has much risk of damage). That came much later. Rather, thousands of men or horseback combined with infantry fought each other as practice for coming conflicts. Often, locals got in the middle, were killed, tortured, and villages burned down. Tournaments were not confined to enclosed lists (rows) but spread over many square miles of ground including villages, woods, fields- all of which suffered "collateral" damage. All encouraged by the then head of state, Richard 1. I refer to a poem written in 1220;s ,L'Historie de Guillaume le Marechal (one of the heroes of the time), and a tip of the helmet to Danny Danzinger, author of the brilliant book"1215.", and the Magna Carta, Clause 51.
2
I find it scary and a bit amusing that Texas can have such a pathetic governor and large population mentally deficient citizens. Let's hope one of soldiers doesn't creep up behind one of them a go "Boo!"
35
These same people are, no doubt, the one's that applaud vets at ball games and parades and thank them for their service. What causes them to believe that these same soldiers will turn on them as an invading army? It's beyond ludicrous
46
@kevin, indeed. These are the same people who consider themselves super-patriots and instantly condemn anyone who questions American use of military power overseas, the same people who labeled those against wars as "dirty hippies" and peacenicks, many who claim to love democracy but hate anyone else who dares dissent from standardized behaviors. Oh, well.
Many Christian fundamentalists in the same part of the nation rejected the most deeply Christian president we've had in probably the last century, Jimmy Carter, but embraced the apparently superficially religious president, Ronald Reagan. Politics first, religion second? Many also don't accept our current president as a religious Christian. I guess we humans are defined by the contradictions we are willing to embrace without even thinking they are contradictory. Wonderful.
Many Christian fundamentalists in the same part of the nation rejected the most deeply Christian president we've had in probably the last century, Jimmy Carter, but embraced the apparently superficially religious president, Ronald Reagan. Politics first, religion second? Many also don't accept our current president as a religious Christian. I guess we humans are defined by the contradictions we are willing to embrace without even thinking they are contradictory. Wonderful.
26
Give me a break. Unless you have a stash of anti-tank rockets, a squadron of predator drones, and probably even a nuke or two your shotgun and AR-15 will not prevent the government from taking over your little town. Even Fox proclaims it the greatest army the world has ever known. Did you ever consider that first before going out in the backyard with a shovel and your guns?
44
I only hope that when the Jade Helm military exercise is completed without any attempt by the federal government to take away citizens' guns or interfere with local and state sovereignty, a mass mailing will be sent to west Texans thanking them for their cooperation and suggesting that they reconsider the credibility of the "news" sources that fuel their paranoia. Perhaps it could be signed by President Obama.
17
Oh no...what we'll get is, "If we hadn't been watching..." types of posts.
11
I fear they will be proved wrong and this is just a training exercise.
"Dope on the table"
Nope just lots and lots of illegal firearms and high explosives along with lots of Timmy McVeigh 's in training.
We can always hope they are correct
"Dope on the table"
Nope just lots and lots of illegal firearms and high explosives along with lots of Timmy McVeigh 's in training.
We can always hope they are correct
3
"The Army’s Green Berets, Navy SEALs and other Special Operations troops will be conducting drills on private property, military bases and some public facilities. According to military documents, more than 1,200 service members will participate in the operation in Texas, in more than a dozen mostly small towns and rural counties."
Hmmm. "American Sniper" was a pretty popular movie here in Texas. Guess special forces are only popular if they are killing people in the Middle East. I also wonder if they will be removing any of their "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers that seem so popular around here.
Hmmm. "American Sniper" was a pretty popular movie here in Texas. Guess special forces are only popular if they are killing people in the Middle East. I also wonder if they will be removing any of their "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers that seem so popular around here.
34
If Texans feel this way about the U.S. Military, might I put forth the idea of removing ALL federal military bases within the Texas borders.
49
What a great idea! I'm sure Texas doesn't really need any of that revenue . . .
23
And federal funds too.
21
President Obama is not going to round these people and confiscate their guns, but maybe someone should.
44
Do these paranoid, out of touch with reality, conspiracy theorist actually believe they can stop an invasion by the US military.
They have shotguns, rifles, pistols, and plenty of ammunition. The military has 50,0000 pounds bunker busting bombs, fighter jets, Navy SEALS and other other special operations troops, Tomahawk cruise missiles, tanks, APCs, and nuclear bombs.
Only someone who is so out of touch with reality will believe that their private weapon stash will cause members of the military to turn tail and run.
Moreover, the lack of leadership shown by Gov. Abbot borders on pathetic. Rather than telling people the truth, he decides to pander to their worst fears.
Seriously, I wonder if there would be such a fuss if the president was some White guy named Mitt Romney.
They have shotguns, rifles, pistols, and plenty of ammunition. The military has 50,0000 pounds bunker busting bombs, fighter jets, Navy SEALS and other other special operations troops, Tomahawk cruise missiles, tanks, APCs, and nuclear bombs.
Only someone who is so out of touch with reality will believe that their private weapon stash will cause members of the military to turn tail and run.
Moreover, the lack of leadership shown by Gov. Abbot borders on pathetic. Rather than telling people the truth, he decides to pander to their worst fears.
Seriously, I wonder if there would be such a fuss if the president was some White guy named Mitt Romney.
49
No, there would be no fuss if the president were some Republican white guy, Mitt Romney or otherwise. G.W.Bush dumped 2.7 trillion dollars into Iraq and Afghanistan and Texans from border to border cheered by large majorities. They consider this president "crazy" for trying to bring health care to more American citizens.
18
The main problem is the lack of credibility of our administration which is
quick to assure us there is not a smidgen of corruption in IRS operations,
our Ambassador was killed because of an old Internet video, and we will be overwhelmed with "shovel ready jobs". The list goes on.
quick to assure us there is not a smidgen of corruption in IRS operations,
our Ambassador was killed because of an old Internet video, and we will be overwhelmed with "shovel ready jobs". The list goes on.
2
Yes it does. The list of made-up meaningless nonsense 7 days a week from Fox et al, infecting the gulliable
22
Somehow, many of us knew President Obama would eventually be blamed for this!
Given what happened in Crimea and East Ukraine it makes sense for NATO / US Forces to train for such situations. Not sure why they could not use mock-ups of buildings and put them on military reservations but maybe it's more realistic to hold such exercises close to civilian facilities than on bases. The reaction of these people hysterical... but let's not be surprised if one of those Texan start shooting at helicopters.. especially after a few beers in his backyard.
7
Rick Perry is trying to tamp down the paranoia in the state he once governed. When Rick Perry is the most reasonable guy in the room, you know things have gotten out of control.
45
Oh Lord help US!!
The simple truth here is that these paranoid Texans need to go out of their house and have a vacation somewhere. Have a life.
14
Wake up Texas!! You were taken over by the United States a long time ago....You've been a state since then. What do you think it means that the federal government is going to take over your state?
13
I think you need to brush up on your American history...
1
Excellent point, Satchmo. Texas came into the American union because it desperately needed help against raids by the original American settlers, the people we have called Indians. Texas did not have the army or the money to fight back sufficiently and they were concerned also that Mexico might try to take the state back, so they begged for statehood. They lopped off the top portion of the territory of Texas and gave it to Oklahoma (the long, western panhandle that sits above what is now west Texas) so they could come in as a slave state. Unfortunately for our national history, the repeated the original sin of America's founding and the history of the state was largely defined by that decision until well into the 20th century.
3
Given that he operation is based on the French resistance, I suspect the Dutch wooden shoe in the logo is the famous "sabot" that gives us "sabotage:"
It derives from the Netherlands in the 15th century, when workers would throw their sabots (wooden shoes) into the wooden gears of the textile looms to break the cogs, fearing the automated machines would render the human workers obsolete.
wikipedia.com
It derives from the Netherlands in the 15th century, when workers would throw their sabots (wooden shoes) into the wooden gears of the textile looms to break the cogs, fearing the automated machines would render the human workers obsolete.
wikipedia.com
6
Normally I'm at the front of the line in mocking Texans, and anyone who flies a Confederate battle flag is showing his bone fides -" Yes let's celebrate the Southern heritage of racism and slavery and remember that Texas rebelled against Mexico mainly to retain slavery after Mexican emancipation"
Having said that, a large scale insurgency/counter-insurgency exercise is likely to cause significant disruption in the area, and anyone "conducting suspicious activities in civilian attire" in East Texas is living dangerously, particularly if they are Afro-American or Hispanic (sad but true).
You just hope that no military personnel pay the price because of Texan paranoia.
Having said that, a large scale insurgency/counter-insurgency exercise is likely to cause significant disruption in the area, and anyone "conducting suspicious activities in civilian attire" in East Texas is living dangerously, particularly if they are Afro-American or Hispanic (sad but true).
You just hope that no military personnel pay the price because of Texan paranoia.
5
Then that person or people that level a gun at a soldier much less hurt one should be rounded up and jailed for a very long time, and the people who ginned them up as co-conspiators and accessories Bundy got away with it, these guys should do serious time and learn the meaning of true friendship with all the people Texas has incarcerated over the years
8
Perhaps those of us who are not Texans should be concerned that Texans are going to create an incident that would give an excuse for Texas to declare war on the U.S. It's an old tactic that has been used repeatedly in many places.
This way the rest of us can also be paranoid.
This way the rest of us can also be paranoid.
8
There is a serious point behind your comment, I think, "Henry". If an incident were to occur, the re-telling of it would be bent to make it look like the military was wrong at the start and this would be used as justification for more hostility and wild rumor. In short, any problems would be seen as typical government "overreach" in which citizens were put at risk by an undisciplined government.
1
Isn't it nice to know that a bunch of people who are irrational and completely detached from reality have access to military-style firearms and large capacity magazines?
44
Why are so many of those in our country who exhibit such visceral concern regarding the Federal Government and its purported agenda to perpetrate tyranny on its own citizens typically (and ironically) the same individuals who repeatedly vote without question for those political factions whose agenda is to continually expand the military-industrial complex (at the expense of the middle class, no less)?
16
Let's dissect this:
1) Do these people believe that "liberals" who supposedly don't respect the military or like guns or violence want the military to impose martial law in Texas to take away their guns?
2) And the military, whose personnel are pro-gun, often own their own, tend to be conservative politically and socially, and many of whom are from Texas are going to go along with this?
Really?
1) Do these people believe that "liberals" who supposedly don't respect the military or like guns or violence want the military to impose martial law in Texas to take away their guns?
2) And the military, whose personnel are pro-gun, often own their own, tend to be conservative politically and socially, and many of whom are from Texas are going to go along with this?
Really?
16
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but the meaning behind the clog int he Jade Helm logo should be evident. The Dutch term for the wooden shoe is "sabot", from which it's been suggested we get the term "sabotage". The story goes that workers afraid of being made obsolete by technology threw their sabot into the cogs of newfangled machinery to break them.
2
There is just so little for the President and Congress and every arm of the military to do at the moment. This is the perfect time to swoop into Texas, declare martial law and strip the good people there of their firearms. After that, perhaps, maybe something will reveal itself in the world to refocus the government's attention.
6
Very entertaining read! This "invasion" is as likely as the ongoing zombie invasion of planet earth. But there will always be a few people who choose to believe such nonsense as it makes life simple and tidy. Nuance and analysis don't exist for those folk and it is probable that they haven't traveled far from home at any point in their lives.
11
More than 400,000 soldiers took part in the battle of Louisiana in 1940-41as preparation for the possibility of fighting Germany particularly in Tank warfare. Twenty six soldiers died in the maneuvers from various accidents. No civilians were harmed as I understand. I believe Texas will come out of these similar military exercises unscathed and our military will be better prepared to defend us from a similar environment if necessary.
13
Little do these Texans realize the real threat is coming from across the border in New Mexico, where the aliens housed in Roswell escaped and were last seen heading east, intending to desecrate the grave of Sam Houston.
To make matters worse, Obama is going to use the threat of the aliens as the excuse for a military takeover of Texas. Caught between the threat of the aliens and the threat of the Feds, I fully understand why Texans would want to stock up on ammo and Jim Beam.
To make matters worse, Obama is going to use the threat of the aliens as the excuse for a military takeover of Texas. Caught between the threat of the aliens and the threat of the Feds, I fully understand why Texans would want to stock up on ammo and Jim Beam.
19
Absolutely and I would futher direct people's attention to the wonderously fabulous Prime day at Amazon where tinfoil can be bought by the case - which will come in handy in wrapping bunkers
2
From what I've read in this article it seems the area chosen for Jade Helm 15 was selected because it most resembles a Third World Country. Further reading suggests they are correct.
50
I believe that if I were a member of the military participating in Jade Helm 15, I would be more wary of my fellow (right-wing, paranoid) Americans opening fire on me with one of their many, many hoarded weapons, than if I were part of an actual military operation elsewhere in the world. Don't mess with Texas, indeed: no need to, because it's already plenty messed up as it is.
46
We are all having a good laugh over this but it is really rather pathetic. A huge amount of blame belongs to the Texas State Government. These exercises are planned months if not years in advance. So the Army requested permission from the States that are involved and were granted it. Would that not have been the time to inform their citizens that this exercise was coming months hence. Surely they couldn't be stupid enough to believe that an invading force would ask permission months before their arrival? Or was it Perry who gave permission and it slipped his mind on he way out the door? Oops
1
These people are so far outside reality, often willfully so in their choice of ignorance, highly narcissistic and paranoid in believing they are so important and potent that the U.S government would notice and come after them, buying guns to keep others from taking away their guns (?). No, Texas, the rest of the country rolls its eyes at your lunacy but isn't thinking martial law. Get a grip.
28
And it doesn't help when Texas politicians feed off and encourage this type of paranoia
1
Note to Bill Ford: Bad things have already happened in West Texas. Perhaps you should check if it's the drinking water.
9
Of course, these sorts of drills have occurred for years in Texas and elsewhere. Its just that the tinfoil hat crowd didn't care until the black guy with the foreign sounding name moved into the White House.
51
I live in an area where Navy SEALs conduct their third phase training with weapons and tactics, at Camp Monsoor, including maneuvering in rural areas. No one here, in the many years they've been here, have ever been 'worried' or feel 'creepy' about their Navy SEALs, about whom they are rightly proud, using the area to improve their training.
The sound of their guns, some of them that make really big booms, can be heard from the firing range nearby. Blackhawks fly over, picking up or dropping off SEALs, particularly at dusk.
Nobody is being hunted, stalked, nor are they trying to spy or take anybody's guns away. The fact is, you NEVER see them, which is the whole point.
They specifically sought this area out because it's good for their training...there is a sparse population but the few houses and small communities here are part of their needs, since according to their own publication, they can "practice maneuvering patrols around homes and communities" without causing alarm or being seen, and with "a population with a low probability of interference or problems."
It's a patriotic lot here. They are proud to have them.
Exactly like Texas. Or as it was, I suppose.
What has happened to sanity?
Why would they think the Special Operations groups, filled with patriots, with a capital "P", sworn to defend us with their lives, would allow or countenance "gun grabbing" and "imprisoning in FEMA camps"?
What an insult to the soldiers they supposedly revere.
The sound of their guns, some of them that make really big booms, can be heard from the firing range nearby. Blackhawks fly over, picking up or dropping off SEALs, particularly at dusk.
Nobody is being hunted, stalked, nor are they trying to spy or take anybody's guns away. The fact is, you NEVER see them, which is the whole point.
They specifically sought this area out because it's good for their training...there is a sparse population but the few houses and small communities here are part of their needs, since according to their own publication, they can "practice maneuvering patrols around homes and communities" without causing alarm or being seen, and with "a population with a low probability of interference or problems."
It's a patriotic lot here. They are proud to have them.
Exactly like Texas. Or as it was, I suppose.
What has happened to sanity?
Why would they think the Special Operations groups, filled with patriots, with a capital "P", sworn to defend us with their lives, would allow or countenance "gun grabbing" and "imprisoning in FEMA camps"?
What an insult to the soldiers they supposedly revere.
53
The Texas women seem to recognize reality of this situation while the Texas men are acting out their paranoid delusions. Kind of a tradition in this Midwest state.
I wonder why more women in Texas aren't running things? It probably would be a less crazy state. But, oh right ... Texas women are supposed to stay home and guard the beer and guns from the gummint!
Maybe when the Supreme Court requires Texas to fully fund public education folks there will be able to escape the Middle Age mentality, after a couple generations.
I wonder why more women in Texas aren't running things? It probably would be a less crazy state. But, oh right ... Texas women are supposed to stay home and guard the beer and guns from the gummint!
Maybe when the Supreme Court requires Texas to fully fund public education folks there will be able to escape the Middle Age mentality, after a couple generations.
17
"conservative bloggers"
can we stop attributing political affiliation and start calling this what it it: "paranoid bloggers"
I think such a distinction is needed and elevates the clarity both here and in actual political news. this story is not political because some of the people who are behaving in a certain socially odd manner also happen to be "conservative"
can we stop attributing political affiliation and start calling this what it it: "paranoid bloggers"
I think such a distinction is needed and elevates the clarity both here and in actual political news. this story is not political because some of the people who are behaving in a certain socially odd manner also happen to be "conservative"
10
Nice try there. But those conservatives are behaving like paranoid fools because they have been brainwashed by their politicians ,radio shows and Faux news into believing that Obama is some kind of cross between the devil and a usurping tyrant who at the very least is a Muslim trying to introduce Sharia law,oust the elected government and have himself crowned King. Oh and he is going to bring on the End Days too.
One of these days they are going to go too far and something real bad and ugly is going to happen somewhere in the U.S.
One of these days they are going to go too far and something real bad and ugly is going to happen somewhere in the U.S.
1
this is yet another reason why in my opinion, Texas should secede from the Union. I also think any state that does business with Texas afterward, should be heavily fined, if possible and lose all Federal money. I just wonder if these right wing nuts supported George W Bush and his laws with which we all lost many of our rights and liberties. Just wondering.
21
See it didn't matter when it was a white guy that was president. They just became paranoid when Obama was elected.
It's depressing to hear people talk about their fellow Americans this way.
7
Alright, lest left-leaning readers feel *too* smug after this article, what was the equivalent conspiracy theory on the other fringe-end of the spectrum, say, during the G. W. Bush years? I confess I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but I assume there's something. Or, I guess, maybe conservative thinking is more fear-based than liberal thinking is, and this phenomenon is unique to the right. I suppose that could be true.
2
People on the left were so paranoid that they thought the government was monitoring their phone calls and email. Oh, that conspiracy theory turned out to be true unlike the nearly monthly stories that Obama or Eric Holder would confiscate guns (that helped gun merchants' sales) or the Affordable Care Act would lead to death panels or concentration camps or, going further back, the UN's black helicopter invasions. I lost track of all of Glenn Beck's unfounded conspiracy theories, many of which seemed designed to help the gold sellers he was shilling for. The long track record of false charges seems somehow not to affect these people's credibility.
1
There are brain scan studies that support just that.
2
I can't think of any equivalent conspiracy theory on the left during Bush. This level of hysteria is very strongly associated with the fringe right. See John Birch Society (Ike is an active, paid agent of the Soviets) and today's birthers, et al. As I posted earlier, this is just the latest in a 235 year old tradition of conspiracy hysteria in America, though conspiracy hysteria is certainly not confined to America - see Middle East.
See the 1960s book "Anti-Intellectualism in American Life" by Richard Hofstader. He could have written it yesterday.
About the only thing I can come up with is the recent left rejection of vaccinations. Then again, it was Michelle Bachmann who really kicked that off, and Rand Paul keeps it rolling today. But that concern does not approach this level of world domination and mass killing of opponents.
See the 1960s book "Anti-Intellectualism in American Life" by Richard Hofstader. He could have written it yesterday.
About the only thing I can come up with is the recent left rejection of vaccinations. Then again, it was Michelle Bachmann who really kicked that off, and Rand Paul keeps it rolling today. But that concern does not approach this level of world domination and mass killing of opponents.
10
Calm down people, Texas has been host to military training exercises in the past, in 1952 more than 100,000 US military invaded Lampasas Texas in Operation Longhorn,...they did enact martial law, shut down churches, closed movie theatre etc as an activity of the invading enemy.
Over 4,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne dropped from the skies, that's a lot more than the 1,200 that I'm hearing about.
How do I know? My Dad was in the 82nd Airborne and participated. http://3quarterstoday.com/2015/07/14/operation-longhorn-was-the-jade-hel...
Over 4,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne dropped from the skies, that's a lot more than the 1,200 that I'm hearing about.
How do I know? My Dad was in the 82nd Airborne and participated. http://3quarterstoday.com/2015/07/14/operation-longhorn-was-the-jade-hel...
11
Interesting read. Thanks for sharing!
The word "some" in the title line should be replaced by "a scant few"...
2
Hasn't Ron Paul been a frequent guest on the Alex Jones show ? As I remember they have a pretty close relationship.
4
Governor Abbott orders the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15, yet his spokesman says he is not worried & has no doubts that the exercise poses no risks. But let's keep the folks on my right mollified by issuing an order to keep an eye open on the situation.
7
"Jade Helm 15 has already caused disruptions" - yes, in the same way John Hinkley claimed Jodie Foster "caused disruptions".
“It stems from an absolute distrust with the Obama administration” - yes, they "distrust" the black man in the White House, think he's going to do to them what they want to do to him...
“It stems from an absolute distrust with the Obama administration” - yes, they "distrust" the black man in the White House, think he's going to do to them what they want to do to him...
29
It's soo sick that this mindless fear mongering proceeds unabated, which it will as long as the right wing has money. I wonder how much of the Republicans' adamant refusal to support the Iran treaty is tied to the Koch Brothers' desire to keep Iran out of the oil market. I hope it becomes clear, as a result of the Sanders campaign, that these Republican politicians are bought and paid for.
18
The Bernie Sanders campaign. A voice of reason. Go Bernie!
1
It's just not possible for people who live outside of Texas to comprehend the level of hate that exists here. It's everywhere. Free speech doesn't really exist here, as one will learn if they ever try to make a comment supporting President Obama or the Democrats. People here are always angry, always amped up by whatever it is that FoxNews has told them to hate today.
And once Jade Helm ends, instead of accepting the fact that they were wrong, the conspiracy mongers will believe that it was only their vigilance that stopped the takeover by the evil Obama forces.
And once Jade Helm ends, instead of accepting the fact that they were wrong, the conspiracy mongers will believe that it was only their vigilance that stopped the takeover by the evil Obama forces.
28
Hang in there. I'm sorry you have to deal with that.
2
Folks. I don't want your guns. Guns,where I grew up in what was then rural Delaware were one thing. Guns in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn are another.
I was an avid hunter and according to the US Army. a good shot
The NRA is not your friend.
Take it or leave it.
Take care.
I was an avid hunter and according to the US Army. a good shot
The NRA is not your friend.
Take it or leave it.
Take care.
15
I can’t help but think how self-absorbed parts of our nation have become; for them to even consider this a dry run for a government takeover is just beyond me. We really have slipped into a cesspool of vanity and selfishness to the likes I’ve never dreamed imaginable. This movement is an ugly bi-product of American “free range” freedom and excess to the point it has come full circle- and now they are creating imaginary demons in the form of federal agents and a rogue army. Have we completely lost our minds? This is truly the ugly side of our Democracy and our freedoms.
11
Lots of losers and sociopaths. Burying their guns. Good idea. There is a dark-skinned guy at the top. Nope, I'm sure that has nothing to do with this nope--nothing.
26
To all those conspiracy theorists out there: Do you really think that a government planning on invading itself to declare martial law would have given such lead time and warnings of impending activities? No, I think not. Jade Helm 15 is nothing more than an attempt to "be prepared" in case of invasion by a foreign invading force, something the right has been warning against for a long time. You'd think they would be welcoming such efforts.
19
I know people who still think the moon landing was faked. Who think that the cardinal in the backyard is a deceased relative. Who think that George Bush was going to declare martial law and refuse to relinquish power. Who think Barack Obama is going to do that. Who think that the towers were taken down by us or Israel or a combination. Why wouldn't some people think that this is what it is about? It be more unlikely if there wasn't a conspiracy theory.
4
well, I was relieved to actually have elections in 2008. Guess GWB was tired of the gig. Not Cheney, though.
Extreme views can serve a useful purpose. Really. While the rumor fed imaginings of many in far rural areas of Texas are laughable, we should not rule out any possibility of use of the military to "control" civilians in our country.
We have a grand constitution with a bill of rights that is properly the envy of millions around the world, but those rights quickly get shoved aside in emergencies. Further, since most people don't understand their rights, they are ever ready to go along with suppressive measures.
Take the "order" by Boston police and the mayor for the entire city to stay indoors after the Marathon bombing. Had someone gone outside or driven around, they would be have screamed at by police and probably threatened with arrest. Yet, you can't order a city to stay indoors. You can't order people to stop their normal activities, except in the limited cases and areas where they might be interfering with the police. City wide? No.
For a number of months after 9-11, 2001, National Guard troops were checking IDs at Boston's airport. In America, we have civilian control of the military, not military control of civilians. Overseas, in dictatorial nations and those that don't make a distinction between police and military, civilians often face harsh treatment.
Extreme positions, regardless of political origin, can serve as markers, bookends, for the rest of us and can help warn of potentials we haven't considered. Our rights only stand as long as they are respected.
We have a grand constitution with a bill of rights that is properly the envy of millions around the world, but those rights quickly get shoved aside in emergencies. Further, since most people don't understand their rights, they are ever ready to go along with suppressive measures.
Take the "order" by Boston police and the mayor for the entire city to stay indoors after the Marathon bombing. Had someone gone outside or driven around, they would be have screamed at by police and probably threatened with arrest. Yet, you can't order a city to stay indoors. You can't order people to stop their normal activities, except in the limited cases and areas where they might be interfering with the police. City wide? No.
For a number of months after 9-11, 2001, National Guard troops were checking IDs at Boston's airport. In America, we have civilian control of the military, not military control of civilians. Overseas, in dictatorial nations and those that don't make a distinction between police and military, civilians often face harsh treatment.
Extreme positions, regardless of political origin, can serve as markers, bookends, for the rest of us and can help warn of potentials we haven't considered. Our rights only stand as long as they are respected.
6
oh for heaven's sake. Half of Boston are students and the other half are pasty pale techies. Let them stay in and do their research and homework and let the cops do their manhunt. How hard is that? You're seeing bogeymen everywhere.
5
These folks think they are true patriots. In fact, they are traitors. They love the Confederate flag and believe the U.S. Government is out to get them.
Nothing wrong with owning a gun. However, instead of buying 20 more and 20,000 rounds of ammo, it would be nice if they spend the money educating their family. I cannot think of anything less productive in our society than someone who needs to have a 100 weapons around to make them feel safe from the U.S. military. You know, the guys with tanks, rockets, jet fighters... No your AR15 is not going to stop anything.
Nothing wrong with owning a gun. However, instead of buying 20 more and 20,000 rounds of ammo, it would be nice if they spend the money educating their family. I cannot think of anything less productive in our society than someone who needs to have a 100 weapons around to make them feel safe from the U.S. military. You know, the guys with tanks, rockets, jet fighters... No your AR15 is not going to stop anything.
22
And your AR15 is definitely not going to help you if it's buried in your yard (huh?!). There's some pretty messed up "thinking" going on in ol' Texas.
4
Recently we had a smaller version of an exercises like this at the closed-down army base at Fort Monmouth in NJ. It's a residential area, so some people were a bit disconcerted at the sounds of fake explosions coming from the fort, and helicopters zooming low through the skies late at night. Most people just found it mildly interesting however, and after a few nights it was over. I wonder how the people described in this story would have reacted?
2
Yes, since 911, there have been many training exercises in the NY-NJ-CT area. We kept our heads and didn't react with hysteria.
The perfect storm. A murky Special Ops exercise, under President Obama, in crazy-red parts of Texas.
But just because you are paranoid, it doesn't mean that they are NOT out to get you. This is, after all, the era of NSA spying and Total Information Awareness. I guess I don't blame these folks for being a little edgy. Perhaps we all ought to be, and not just because FAUX News tells us so.
But just because you are paranoid, it doesn't mean that they are NOT out to get you. This is, after all, the era of NSA spying and Total Information Awareness. I guess I don't blame these folks for being a little edgy. Perhaps we all ought to be, and not just because FAUX News tells us so.
3
You cannot be a real man unless you have a gun. Two guns makes you a bigger man. Stashing 20,000 rounds of ammo beneath your bed makes you a bona fide Man of War!!
Years ago, Korean farmers learned to defend themselves with gardening and hand held farming tools because they were not allowed to carry swords or rifles or face jail/arrest/death by the Japanese. They didn't have guns guns guns to defend themselves! Google the word "Tonfa" and see what you find. Also check out the history of Tae Kwon Do - when it began, why it was created, how it was applied. These Koreans were MEN who knew how to handle themselves.
You can bury your guns and guzzle all the beer you want. When the government wants to take your guns, it will. And there isn't a thing you can do to stop them.
Now would be a good time to seek out your local dojo, no?
Years ago, Korean farmers learned to defend themselves with gardening and hand held farming tools because they were not allowed to carry swords or rifles or face jail/arrest/death by the Japanese. They didn't have guns guns guns to defend themselves! Google the word "Tonfa" and see what you find. Also check out the history of Tae Kwon Do - when it began, why it was created, how it was applied. These Koreans were MEN who knew how to handle themselves.
You can bury your guns and guzzle all the beer you want. When the government wants to take your guns, it will. And there isn't a thing you can do to stop them.
Now would be a good time to seek out your local dojo, no?
5
Burying guns is almost as good as beating them into plowshares. Dare we hope that the gun planters might even forget their weapons over time? Might they learn to live without them? Perhaps something useful will grow out of this after all.
9
I tend to agree that all this is paranoid behavior. But there are a fair number of comments very dismissive of the fact that some people fear big government and see guns as an insurance policy against it. Without getting into whether we have too many guns and what societal ills result from them, we should at least acknowledge that many governments do trample on the rights of their citizens. This country was born through armed conflict against a non-representative government. In the scheme of things, this didn't even happen that long ago--it's recent history. I do not think it's hard to understand that people view freedom as a fragile and rare thing worth protecting at all costs, and I do not think it's unreasonable for those people to think that in order for a government to begin exercising repressive control over a population, it would first have to disarm those who would resist. Hence, guns. Personally, one may think these people are extreme, but you can understand what they think, and honestly, I think these more extreme views can be useful reminders of something that is fundamentally important to many Americans. Sure, many readers here might be happy to just trust that things will never go bad and chase their version of the American dream, but for others, their American dream is just living out there in Texas, independent of anything, ready to defend against governmental overreach.
28
They are in need of psychological help. Trying to justify such irrational behavior is both a disservice to them and dangerous.
8
No, it's just paranoia. The Feds don't have the desire, means or competence to control the population by any means. And the fact is that most people in the Government, whether it's because their scared of being targeted by the NRA or because of losing votes, would not support the Government taking away people's guns. If we couldn't even get any decent sensible gun control legislation after Sandy Hook and there's no further talk of gun control legislation after this latest disaster at the AME Church, why would anyone think that the Government is after the guns?
This is about playing the role of the victim and finding an excuse to get out and play military without taking the responsibility and the hard work of actually being in the military.
These people talk about the Federal Government like it's some external force, but the fact is that the Government is us. All these conservative congresspeople who decry what goes on in Washington are completely hypocritical because they're what goes on in Washington.
These people are still fighting the Civil War - they still can't stand the fact that the South lost the war. And it's easier to maintain delusions than to deal with facts because the delusions are much more fun and it's also an excuse as to why they're not more successful in life.
This is about playing the role of the victim and finding an excuse to get out and play military without taking the responsibility and the hard work of actually being in the military.
These people talk about the Federal Government like it's some external force, but the fact is that the Government is us. All these conservative congresspeople who decry what goes on in Washington are completely hypocritical because they're what goes on in Washington.
These people are still fighting the Civil War - they still can't stand the fact that the South lost the war. And it's easier to maintain delusions than to deal with facts because the delusions are much more fun and it's also an excuse as to why they're not more successful in life.
9
I have found that the people who profess this level of fear of "big government" subscribe to many other paranoid, unfounded theories that have nothing to do with the government.
It's a mental illness.
It's a mental illness.
5
One of reasons given for a no deal with Iran is because the people in the streets crying death to the west. With the folks in Texas do we really believe Iran has a monopoly on nut cases. Maybe we should stop all the preaching to the world and look in the mirror sometimes. Great deal of Americans think the President is an alien with a fake birth certificate.
9
Well, reading about this nutty paranoia explains how folks like Ted Cruz actually get elected.
13
The military has been conducting.. military exercises for at least the last 40 years in Texas. I remember doing one in El Paso back in 1987 I believe. It's because there is a lot of empty space out there and so few people per square mile.
This is not only NOT new.. it's NOT news either.
This is not only NOT new.. it's NOT news either.
3
Exactly,
They have explained why they are using this part of the country. There are comments about why aren't the politicians doing this in DC. If you can't understand why not, it's best to go buy as many guns as you can afford and hide them. Spread them out in different states though, just in case the feds take over one state, you can just travel out to another and still have a decent size of your stash available.
They have explained why they are using this part of the country. There are comments about why aren't the politicians doing this in DC. If you can't understand why not, it's best to go buy as many guns as you can afford and hide them. Spread them out in different states though, just in case the feds take over one state, you can just travel out to another and still have a decent size of your stash available.
There's no accounting for some people's fears. Some people are afraid of their shadows. Perhaps many of those in Texas are confusing the government's training exercise for their own fantasies of taking over a government they don't understand . . .
8
"Get your government hands off my Medicare"
— while benefittin' from said government-run Medicare
"Get your military boots out of my back yard"
— while supportin' wars of foreign aggression by said military
— while benefittin' from said government-run Medicare
"Get your military boots out of my back yard"
— while supportin' wars of foreign aggression by said military
10
Once again, by catering to the paranoid, lunatic fringe, the Republicans are reaping what they've sown.
I wonder when it will stop? Another civil war? Actually, since the progressive States are also the richer States transferring tax dollars to the likes of Alabama and Mississippi, this time we should just let them go. Texas can support 'em. Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts.
I wonder when it will stop? Another civil war? Actually, since the progressive States are also the richer States transferring tax dollars to the likes of Alabama and Mississippi, this time we should just let them go. Texas can support 'em. Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts.
7
Have we all calmed down yet? No? Okay then, guess I'll just stay in this hidey-hole filled with sane, rational people.
1
They do realize the Military has there own ammo and burying yours might make it difficult to use.
Honestly, the sign and the flags really are not helping Scott Degenaer.
They would just line up an A-10,, no need to use the locked door.. nothing would be left
Honestly, the sign and the flags really are not helping Scott Degenaer.
They would just line up an A-10,, no need to use the locked door.. nothing would be left
7
"Jade Helm 15, an eight-week military exercise that has generated paranoia for months..."
"Much of the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 ..."
"Mr. Degenaer, a Navy veteran, said that he saw a Black Hawk helicopter flying over Christoval on Sunday, and that he understood the paranoia that would lead some..."
Paranoia. Got it, Times.
(By the way, Times: have your heard? The president of the United States has publicly declared that he has the Constitutional right to have any one of us (Americans) killed and he wouldn't be obligated to tell the rest of us why.
And hundreds of witnesses - on land, on see, in the air -- swear they saw an orangey-yellow flare (some called it yellowy-orange) go up into the sky, there was a huge explosion, then burning debris from Flight 800 fell onto the surface of the Atlantic.
No, no, no said the FBI and CIA jointly (a first); the mind's a tricky thing, and what you really saw was an explosion first, then burning debris fall into the ocean. Never was an orangey-yellow flare, or yellowy-orange.
"Much of the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 ..."
"Mr. Degenaer, a Navy veteran, said that he saw a Black Hawk helicopter flying over Christoval on Sunday, and that he understood the paranoia that would lead some..."
Paranoia. Got it, Times.
(By the way, Times: have your heard? The president of the United States has publicly declared that he has the Constitutional right to have any one of us (Americans) killed and he wouldn't be obligated to tell the rest of us why.
And hundreds of witnesses - on land, on see, in the air -- swear they saw an orangey-yellow flare (some called it yellowy-orange) go up into the sky, there was a huge explosion, then burning debris from Flight 800 fell onto the surface of the Atlantic.
No, no, no said the FBI and CIA jointly (a first); the mind's a tricky thing, and what you really saw was an explosion first, then burning debris fall into the ocean. Never was an orangey-yellow flare, or yellowy-orange.
I have found that generic store brand tinfoil works as well as the more expensive brand. They both fold into hats that can protect the more sensitive parts of the brain from NSA thought beams
2
I am not sure how valid my opinion will be, however as someone who has been through similar training exercises in the past during my time in the navy and the army I can pretty much say that this type of training goes on all the time. In the 1980's I participated in Bold Alligator, where the amphibious navy would land marines on beaches in the Caorlinas and other states. As in a real war some of these beaches were considered hostile and the landing force would face resistance from other units. I also went to Joint Readiness Training at Fort Polk LA. There we had to operate in an area that represents a foreign nation where the army was stabilizing a region. There were actual villages, staffed with civilian role players, some villages were pro American, some were anti American, and some were neutral.one of the big goals was to turn the anti American villages into pro American allies. We faced a well trained, well armed Opposition Force who had benefits of local support. Just because the majority of Americans have not been exposed to this trainig does not make it scary.
My biggest fear is some nervous conspiracy nut, field by the Internet and false information is going to wind up shooting a member of the training mission
My biggest fear is some nervous conspiracy nut, field by the Internet and false information is going to wind up shooting a member of the training mission
11
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm still wondering why these exercises need logos (I can understand why they get named). Really, are we paying graphic designers to come up with logos? Tshirts? Mugs?
There are some sound arguments to be made against a large standing peacetime army, and the use of the military on American soil. The lines are eroding. You don't have to be paranoid to realize this is not a positive step for democracy and civil society.
Our large standing army is a HUGE part of our global dominance. Sure our economy is the biggest, but if we didn't have the most sophisticated military, a lot of the might we project would not work. It's not that complicated...
Paranoia driven by extreme right-wing wackos. There, I've said it. When will folks figure out these people are toxic.
7
Such yahoos! It's always amusing to hear about their antics. I'd love for Texas to once again leave the Union, but would it be worse to have them as neighbors?
3
Jamey- "Yahoo's" immediately came to mind when I read this story- Swift described them as " primitive creatures obsessed with "pretty stones" they find by digging in mud". In this case those "pretty stones" are fed to them by Fox and Cruz, as they then huddle under a confederate flag, posess an 8th grade education and clutch thier weapons.
The Dutch clogs on the logo are Sabots. They would stuff them into the gears of machinery and thereby Sabot-tage them. Sabotage training is an important part of Spec Ops training.
9
That is what AM radio and underfunded public education will get you. The arrogance of ignorance. These AM radio talking heads should be ashamed of themselves for Orson Welling these people in their chase for advertising dollars.
And for the record...The intermountain West (Northern Utah, South and Central Idaho, Western Wyoming, and Western Montana has far more guns per capita and much more rugged terrain than West Texas. But you are probably right that you guys are far more likely to be so paranoid of our federal government that you would do something so stupid and unpatriotic as to fire upon federal troops. Southern Utah (excluding Moab) on the other hand would likely be right there with you.
And for the record...The intermountain West (Northern Utah, South and Central Idaho, Western Wyoming, and Western Montana has far more guns per capita and much more rugged terrain than West Texas. But you are probably right that you guys are far more likely to be so paranoid of our federal government that you would do something so stupid and unpatriotic as to fire upon federal troops. Southern Utah (excluding Moab) on the other hand would likely be right there with you.
4
Kudos for turning "Orson Welles" into a verb. I was amused.
I'm a fifth-generation Texan and I've never been so ashamed of my state. We've been taken over by wackos, nutjobs, and folks whose family trees apparently don't branch enough.
Our legislature - particularly the Senate - has been co-opted by Tea Party Carpet Baggers with a penchant for the insane. State Senator Donna Campbell - a physician, no less - is convinced the United Nations is hell-bent on taking over the Alamo. (The Senator doesn't realize - or doesn't care - that naming the Alamo as a UNESCO World Heritage site is actually a good thing.)
Our Governor and Attorney General have told state employees they don't have to follow the law if it violates their religion. Mind boggling.
Even duct tape doesn't fix stupid-crazy, so I'm at a loss as to how to help my state. I sincerely hope we're not that far gone.
Our legislature - particularly the Senate - has been co-opted by Tea Party Carpet Baggers with a penchant for the insane. State Senator Donna Campbell - a physician, no less - is convinced the United Nations is hell-bent on taking over the Alamo. (The Senator doesn't realize - or doesn't care - that naming the Alamo as a UNESCO World Heritage site is actually a good thing.)
Our Governor and Attorney General have told state employees they don't have to follow the law if it violates their religion. Mind boggling.
Even duct tape doesn't fix stupid-crazy, so I'm at a loss as to how to help my state. I sincerely hope we're not that far gone.
15
I keep picturing you Austin dwellers picking up the whole tract of land and moving ;)
It's quite easy to dismiss our fellow citizens concerns as paranoia. And in treating to see how folks on both sides sway in their opinions about whether we are being dealt with truthfully based on what side of the political fence they are on. The only thing that is certain is that our elected officials have an extremely poor record when it comes to honesty. I'd say it's fair to take everything told to us with a grain of salt at this point. It's really anybody's guess what the purpose of these exercises are and guaranteed that whatever you think you know- you are probably wrong.
Business as usual.
Business as usual.
1
Oh please. There is no guesswork involved and you don't even need salt, or pepper or real NC vinegar based bbq sauce (notthat junk from Texas by the way). This is a a military excerise, If the military really and truly even thought about invading Texas they would first simply withhold this month's governemnt checks, unplug their cable and jam the AM stations. These guys would then do themselves in.
2
No it's not anybody's guess what the purpose of these searches are. That is 1 small step away from claiming nefariousness. Bottom line is, if same was happening with a conservative in the oval office, the nut jobs would be signing up to be part of the wargames. That makes it a bipartisan issue. Further to that, even if it was a liberal in the oval office, but not a black man, the hysteria would be slightly less. That makes it racist. The 2 things Texas is infamous for, bipartisan nonsense and racism...
1
I don't fear the military. They seem to be the only organization that claims to fight for our freedom, a common goal of the patriot movement.
However,........the paranoia is not unrealistic as the Federal Government used the military and their hardware to assault and kill the Christians in Waco Texas in 1993. The tanks and helicopters were from nearby Fort Hood in Texas as well. Additionally, there is a concerted effort by the White House and the Congress to supply military armaments to the nations Police "Forces" that are being used in instances that made it known.
The Patriots are absolutely right to be paranoid. Their fears are coming true. They are founded fears.
I know the patriots can never win against a nuclear armed military under government control ( they have used them and would again ), but they are a very effective public voice that deters the government.
However,........the paranoia is not unrealistic as the Federal Government used the military and their hardware to assault and kill the Christians in Waco Texas in 1993. The tanks and helicopters were from nearby Fort Hood in Texas as well. Additionally, there is a concerted effort by the White House and the Congress to supply military armaments to the nations Police "Forces" that are being used in instances that made it known.
The Patriots are absolutely right to be paranoid. Their fears are coming true. They are founded fears.
I know the patriots can never win against a nuclear armed military under government control ( they have used them and would again ), but they are a very effective public voice that deters the government.
When you state "the Christians in Waco, Texas," are referring to the small group of individuals that were lead by and supported a pedophile that twisted the Word of God to serve his own sick, perverted goals?
Because that's not really a group of Christians in my book.
Because that's not really a group of Christians in my book.
2
If you think Koresh was a Christian, you have a very odd view of Christianity.
While what happened in Waco was wrong it didn't just happen, there were some very real problems there.
Your so called patriots could be taken out by air power quite easily without anyone in the military having to break a sweat. The idea that they could deter anything other than tourism is a joke.
While what happened in Waco was wrong it didn't just happen, there were some very real problems there.
Your so called patriots could be taken out by air power quite easily without anyone in the military having to break a sweat. The idea that they could deter anything other than tourism is a joke.
I started to respond to this with some rational observations and decided not to waste my time
6
Tell me, for what purposes does the Military masquerade in civilian clothes, driving non-military vehicles, while infiltrating actual small US towns, while conducting blank-fire exercises have? Exactly what terrain are they planning this "Military Exercise" will prepare US Troops for, Canada or ?? You tell me.
2
I will respect opinions based on tangible evidence. Has any one of these people had any personal experience with the federal government that leads them to believe this stuff?
Sitting on your couch and watching Fox News, or listening to shock jocks while driving, does nor count as real experience. (Or maybe that's the whole point--for many Americans it does count as real experience!)
Sitting on your couch and watching Fox News, or listening to shock jocks while driving, does nor count as real experience. (Or maybe that's the whole point--for many Americans it does count as real experience!)
10
2015: “The Special Operations Command has assured Texas that this exercise poses no risk to anyone, and the governor sees no reason to worry or doubt them”
1912: "This ship, the Titanic, is absolutely unsinkable."
1929: "Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau."
2005: "Brownie, you're doing a helluva job."
Pardon me if I take the spokesman's comments with a grain of salt.
1912: "This ship, the Titanic, is absolutely unsinkable."
1929: "Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau."
2005: "Brownie, you're doing a helluva job."
Pardon me if I take the spokesman's comments with a grain of salt.
I can respect that. And once these operations are over and nothing has come from them, I'd expect you to also come back here and praise our President, his advisors and our military for conducting a thoroughly professional job.
You forgot one. " mission accomplished". Bush on the deck of aircraft carrier.
Years ago Alex Jones was a liberal, and when that didn't sell, he switched to being a conspiracy theorist. His radio tirades cover everything from flouridation to vaccinations to Obama's birthplace, the "Bildeberg conspiracy", to, now, a pending invasion of Texas. It's just plain loopy.
How anyone could take this stuff seriously is beyond me.
How anyone could take this stuff seriously is beyond me.
3
Just whom do the folks of Texas and elsewhere that believe in even a whiff of this silliness think is in the ranks and leadership positions of these military units ? They are our own sons and daughters sworn to uphold the constitution, not follow orders blindly. No member of the military is required to obey an order that is illegal. What graduate of the Citadel or Virginia Tech or West Point now serving as high ranking officers would trample on their own nation in this way ? The very idea is ludicrous. Our citizen soldiers are just that, our own citizens, not some mercenary army.
8
It's not the ground soldiers people are concerned with, it's the suit & tie corporate linked congressman that activate our patriotic men & women . problem is the activation of the military behemoth is at times done through deception and cajoling which causes the death and destruction of groups & nations elevated to the status of enemy. The U.S military in coordination with the C I A have done some pretty murderous things in order to gain political and economic power. Remember the MAINE [Set up] Lusitania [British & U.S spec ops]; TET Offensive [false flag] Allende assassination [US] Pearl Harbor [FDR knew it was coming] ** 9/11 ? [like Pearl Harbor it was aware of attack along with Zion secret service] * invasion of Iraq ? ? ? All good boys going into harms way but at whose command ? Media also under control of the BiG BoYzzz
I wish this comment had many more upvotes...
So disappointing that it does not.
So disappointing that it does not.
If the country has gone bad, Texans, part of the problem, contributed substantially. Texans’ too little, too late romantic, defamatory notions over a military exercise uselessly misses the point, shown by having no explicable idea why. Burying weapons may be the best contribution Texans could devise. My physician says alcohol is harmful; Texans exemplify proof. My gun nut relatives have fraudulently claimed for decades that government is about to confiscate civilian guns. Those claims, made during decades wherein civilian ownership of guns exploded like cancer and gun manufacturers thrived at the expense of gun owners, continue. These folks, who cannot see a forest for the trees and struggle with reality, are defaming the military, a few with faint praise.
Jade Helm 15 participants “may conduct suspicious activities” as part of their training and others “will be wearing civilian attire and driving civilian vehicles.” But why? Texas has the real thing.
Jade Helm 15 participants “may conduct suspicious activities” as part of their training and others “will be wearing civilian attire and driving civilian vehicles.” But why? Texas has the real thing.
7
The level of paranoia runs deeper than even alleged here -
It was noted in today's online edition of Army Times that more than a few residents have determined that "Blue Bunny ice cream trucks allegedly traveling near military vehicles were theorized as mobile morgues."
It was noted in today's online edition of Army Times that more than a few residents have determined that "Blue Bunny ice cream trucks allegedly traveling near military vehicles were theorized as mobile morgues."
12
Seriously?
Beautiful! You should google the haarp ionosphere conspiracy theory; that's a hoot too.
Do these Texans realize that there are already 100,000 other Military personnel ALREADY in Texas on bases? Invade? They already occupy Texas and Texas NEEDS the money they spend IN Texas. Ridiculous and the Governor should be called out for even having anything to do with this stupidity.
20
So distracted by illusionary fear of black people in office they cannot recognise that the real threat is lies told by ambitious political tools.
16
Here is how you can tell how seriously Alex Jones takes the threat of this imagined federal invasion and takeover of several entire US states: Infowars has limited it's coverage of this story to a small video in the middle of a list of other stories.
You would think Jade Helm, on the day it started, would be "above the fold" on Infowars at least...
You would think Jade Helm, on the day it started, would be "above the fold" on Infowars at least...
This kind of paranoia began with conservative talk radio. The adage, if you tell lie enough times, it becomes the truth.
Halfway between Pueblo, Colorado and the Kansas line, is an area which the US Army uses for military training. There is a huge Army base in Colorado Springs, thus this reserved area is used fro Artillery, and tank training. They have been using this place fro years.
A few years ago, the Army want to expand the area they use. When That was announced, came the rumours of the Army taking over Colorado, taking guns away, and various type of paranoia describe din this article.
This all goes back to when Mr. Obama took office. Besides the birth certificate issue, they other story was Mr. Obama will take everyone's guns away. I heard this "rumor" not only here, but in Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio. There are even web sites, still in existence, that claim Mr. Obama is going to take your guns away; arm up before he does so.
As a result of this "rumor" gun and ammunition went up greatly. There was ammunition shortages, also blamed on the government. Truth was, they were not making bullets fast enough for the demand. I know several people who armed themselves; again over this "rumor".
No one is coming to take people's guns away. No one is going to declare marshal law, unless a situation arises (US Civil War was the last time).
We as a nation value free speech, but that freedom should be used responsibly.
Halfway between Pueblo, Colorado and the Kansas line, is an area which the US Army uses for military training. There is a huge Army base in Colorado Springs, thus this reserved area is used fro Artillery, and tank training. They have been using this place fro years.
A few years ago, the Army want to expand the area they use. When That was announced, came the rumours of the Army taking over Colorado, taking guns away, and various type of paranoia describe din this article.
This all goes back to when Mr. Obama took office. Besides the birth certificate issue, they other story was Mr. Obama will take everyone's guns away. I heard this "rumor" not only here, but in Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio. There are even web sites, still in existence, that claim Mr. Obama is going to take your guns away; arm up before he does so.
As a result of this "rumor" gun and ammunition went up greatly. There was ammunition shortages, also blamed on the government. Truth was, they were not making bullets fast enough for the demand. I know several people who armed themselves; again over this "rumor".
No one is coming to take people's guns away. No one is going to declare marshal law, unless a situation arises (US Civil War was the last time).
We as a nation value free speech, but that freedom should be used responsibly.
6
If the locals are concerned about the military, let's just remove all the military bases from Texas and relocate them someplace else. That should fix the problem, right?
While we are at it, we could also move all the military bases out of South Carolina, so as to reduce the risk that it will sink under their weight, never to be heard from again.
While we are at it, we could also move all the military bases out of South Carolina, so as to reduce the risk that it will sink under their weight, never to be heard from again.
8
Wouldn't it be just grand if, instead of locals and federal troops rattling their sabres to try to scare each other, they join forces and invade northern Mexico and wipe out the drug cartels? I mean, there are more pressing concerns along that border.
2
The federal military forces aren't doing the Jade 15 exercises to "rattle sabres." It's actual field military training. Because you don't want to send an untrained or inappropriately trained force anywhere.
Something tells me this wouldn't be an issue if the president was white.
22
To fully grasp the folly -- and the utter, horrific absurdity -- of these misguided Texans, or anti-American Texans, watch some Youtube videos documenting the Syrian Civil War released by the combatants. They show all manner of mayhem amid unbelievable destruction. And as you do, don’t forget for a moment that these Texans want to bring that violence here. That it would be a catastrophe for them and the rest of us matters not at all, nor does the fact that any attack on the government's armed forces by them is doomed from the outset. The idea itself is ludicrous on its face, but that also makes no impression on these Texans because they don't inhabit the same universe as the rest us.
Even so, they fantasize about it, actively discuss it, prepare and plan for it. Ultimately, they will attempt it, as we saw with Tim McVeigh, the Oklahoma City Bomber.
Talking and planning about a revolution against "government tyranny” is more than dangerous fantasizing. It's ultimately self-fulfilling, because they will inevitably act it. These deluded people are a menace to themselves and the rest of us. That it's also treason is a side-point unaccountably sidestepped by state authorities. One might expect those responsible for maintaining public order and safety in Texas would confiscate their weapons to safeguard the community. But Texas being Texas, perhaps that asks too much, until after the inevitable happens as we recently saw in Charleston, South Carolina.
Even so, they fantasize about it, actively discuss it, prepare and plan for it. Ultimately, they will attempt it, as we saw with Tim McVeigh, the Oklahoma City Bomber.
Talking and planning about a revolution against "government tyranny” is more than dangerous fantasizing. It's ultimately self-fulfilling, because they will inevitably act it. These deluded people are a menace to themselves and the rest of us. That it's also treason is a side-point unaccountably sidestepped by state authorities. One might expect those responsible for maintaining public order and safety in Texas would confiscate their weapons to safeguard the community. But Texas being Texas, perhaps that asks too much, until after the inevitable happens as we recently saw in Charleston, South Carolina.
10
This is what the political strategy pursued by the Republican Party, fueled by FOX and right wing radio, funded by conservative billionaires has brought us. We now have a significant proportion of the population living in a paranoid alternate universe, heavily armed, ready to go to war with their own government - because they don't believe its theirs any more.
While Texas seems to be producing more than it's share of right-wing extremist policticians (Cruz, Gohmert, etc.), the contagion is spreading. (Hi there, Tom Cotton.) Every day they hear the President is out to get them, that liberals are destroying the country, there's a flood of drug-crazed rapists pouring over the border, and millions of Americans refuse to work because they have it too good with government handouts. The poor have too much, while the rich are suffering. And terrorists are everywhere just waiting to strike. Go figure.
This is how the GOP motivates their base. This is how the billionaires buying up politicians like IPOs get the tools to ram their agenda through. (And a big shout-out to Scott Walker!) It's how they paralyze democracy - by filling people's brains with contradictory 'facts' and outright lies.
While Texas seems to be producing more than it's share of right-wing extremist policticians (Cruz, Gohmert, etc.), the contagion is spreading. (Hi there, Tom Cotton.) Every day they hear the President is out to get them, that liberals are destroying the country, there's a flood of drug-crazed rapists pouring over the border, and millions of Americans refuse to work because they have it too good with government handouts. The poor have too much, while the rich are suffering. And terrorists are everywhere just waiting to strike. Go figure.
This is how the GOP motivates their base. This is how the billionaires buying up politicians like IPOs get the tools to ram their agenda through. (And a big shout-out to Scott Walker!) It's how they paralyze democracy - by filling people's brains with contradictory 'facts' and outright lies.
17
If I were in the business of selling guns or ammo I would certainly help spreading these rumors... just saying... Maybe we should be looking at who really benefits from all these.
10
I can see it now.
When the Federal takeover doesn't happen, the line will be that it was only prevented by the vigilance and guns of the good people of West Texas.
When the Federal takeover doesn't happen, the line will be that it was only prevented by the vigilance and guns of the good people of West Texas.
10
Get out the popcorn.
No, not to watch the Jade Helm exercises, which I imagine will take place in remote areas, but rather to watch the utter bizarre and yet predictable gyrations by the good 'ol boys. Those folks really ought to get out more and turn off Alex Jones and Fox News.
No, not to watch the Jade Helm exercises, which I imagine will take place in remote areas, but rather to watch the utter bizarre and yet predictable gyrations by the good 'ol boys. Those folks really ought to get out more and turn off Alex Jones and Fox News.
5
Muddy thinking and paranoia among gun people is consistent with long-term, low level lead exposure.
8
Let them bury their guns. It's the best idea anyone in the paranoid faction ever had.
9
They have a serious problem with Abbott. He is a lunatic who just vetoed a popular bipartisan bill to improve mental health care.
This Jade Helm 15 business is just more of the same. Sad, actually.
This Jade Helm 15 business is just more of the same. Sad, actually.
5
"fears of a military takeover have been the talk of this West Texas town, southeast of Midland."
Ah, Midland--where George W. Bush grew up and spent most of his youth, sandwiched in between his New England birthplace of New Haven, CT and his opulent New England high school (Phillips Academy in Andover, MA) and then even more ridiculously opulent New England college (Yale) and graduate school (Harvard Biz).
I'd bet money that on the morning September 12, 2001 the residents of Christoval and Midland were practically praying that military rule and martial law would be imposed on the USA with George W. Bush as virtual dictator. They probably cheered as if at a high school football game when US armed forces carried out a virtual unilateral invasion of Iraq in March 2003 on Bush's orders.
What has changed the attitude of these people in the years since?
Ah, Midland--where George W. Bush grew up and spent most of his youth, sandwiched in between his New England birthplace of New Haven, CT and his opulent New England high school (Phillips Academy in Andover, MA) and then even more ridiculously opulent New England college (Yale) and graduate school (Harvard Biz).
I'd bet money that on the morning September 12, 2001 the residents of Christoval and Midland were practically praying that military rule and martial law would be imposed on the USA with George W. Bush as virtual dictator. They probably cheered as if at a high school football game when US armed forces carried out a virtual unilateral invasion of Iraq in March 2003 on Bush's orders.
What has changed the attitude of these people in the years since?
11
"Military organizers have not explained the meaning of the exercise’s name, its slogan (“Master the Human Domain”) or its logo, which features a Dutch wooden clog at the center of two intersecting arrows and a sword."
"Local officials who have been briefed on the exercise say it is modeled after the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II."
A Dutch wooden clog is known as a "sabot," which is the genesis of the word "sabotage." So, my guess is that the logo (and the slogan) refer to non-uniformed opposition forces who blend in with the general population.
Look at Afghanistan, Iraq, Crimea, Pakistan, and all the other hot spots in the world: doesn't it make a lot of sense to engage in this type of training rather than just focusing on traditional military tactics between official armed forces?
"Local officials who have been briefed on the exercise say it is modeled after the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II."
A Dutch wooden clog is known as a "sabot," which is the genesis of the word "sabotage." So, my guess is that the logo (and the slogan) refer to non-uniformed opposition forces who blend in with the general population.
Look at Afghanistan, Iraq, Crimea, Pakistan, and all the other hot spots in the world: doesn't it make a lot of sense to engage in this type of training rather than just focusing on traditional military tactics between official armed forces?
3
Ignorance, fear and delusional thinking. Does anyone seriously think that they and 500 of their deer rifle toting buddies stand a chance against an armored division with close air support? Besides, if the military were to stage a coup and take over the country, Texas would probably be the LAST place they'd need to "invade".
7
What type of narcissistic paranoia shapes the mind of some. Do we really think that any government would spend many millions if not billions to go to war with some guy living in a shack in the scrublands?
7
"According to military documents, more than 1,200 service members will participate in the operation in Texas, in more than a dozen mostly small towns and rural counties."
Dear Texas, if you are worried about your entire state being taken over by only two infantry battalions, that really says something about your perception of your own weaknesses...
Dear Texas, if you are worried about your entire state being taken over by only two infantry battalions, that really says something about your perception of your own weaknesses...
20
Every "small town" in Texas should be more worried about being "taken over" by "illegal border-crossers". The "illegals" seem to be a permanent fixture, but the military will be gone in a few days. Pick which you prefer and which should be changed...............
Do these people spend a lot of time in the sun?
Is it maybe the water?
Is it no wonder that Ted Cruz landed in Texas?
Seriiously wacked out!
Is it maybe the water?
Is it no wonder that Ted Cruz landed in Texas?
Seriiously wacked out!
12
I ssem to remember the good people of Texas and their Governor weren't so suspicious of the United States Government a few months ago when the central part of the state was awash with rainwater and they appealed to the Government for Disaster Relief. I don't mind if they are fiercely independent, just so they are consistently independent in the face of adversity. The paranoia and hypocrisy are rampant in this state.
579
Good point. If the guv'mint wanted to take over Texas, doing so under the guise of providing flood relief would be a lot easier. Hard to dig up all those buried guns if they're under three feet of mud.
But logic and reason have little place in this discussion.
But logic and reason have little place in this discussion.
1
Nor were they so suspicious of military exercises when George Bush was in the White House. You don't think it could be because of racist opposition to Obama, do you?
1
Bingo! The Federal government is only good when it can provide assistance in time of disaster.
Would you like to know how the world sees America? I suggest reading a very entertaining zombie novel "Apocalypse Z: the Wrath of the Just" by the Spanish writer Manel Loureiro ( I know zombies are not everybody's cup of tea but I appeal to the closet fans of "The Walking Dead"). In this novel the post-Apocalyptic America is a fascist white-supremacist state run by a crazed evangelical preacher sprouting the same kind of talk you hear from the Texans interviewed in this article. Of course, he gets his just deserts from our brave, secular, liberal European heroes. You might say: so what? But remember that you and your kids are going to live in a global world where your livelihood witll depend on cooperation/competition with Asia and Europe. I don't care what some Texan redneck says or does. But I do care that I have to explain his madness to my colleagues outside the U.S. who look at me with pity.
7
I think it's great that paranoia has consumed the larger than life chic ken hawks of the "lone star state". That they blame it on distrust of the current administration is schadenfreude at it's highest degree. Between the heat and the noise of those Helicopters doing night exercises, may the cowboys and cowgirls stock up on some No Doz.
3
It looks like that if anyone from outside wanted to attack/subvert Texas using hybrid warfare methods, half of the job is already done. Population distrustful or even hostile to own army. Great going...
I will spare you detailed stories from my own country (Poland), 3 centuries ago. We also had an extreme distrust of a central government back then. We have starved it, on purpose, by keeping taxes low, among other things. Then we had to fight over 120 years to have own government back again.
I will spare you detailed stories from my own country (Poland), 3 centuries ago. We also had an extreme distrust of a central government back then. We have starved it, on purpose, by keeping taxes low, among other things. Then we had to fight over 120 years to have own government back again.
19
Molly Ivins would have a field day with this! (sigh) Lest you think this is just a handful of loons in West Texas, I just had a conversation with an acquaintance who started in about Jade Helm in conspiratorial tones. When I pushed back about how crazy and inane the fears were, he changed his tune. And he's just a regular guy!
These are not cases of double-think; it's more like triple- or quadruple-think. Proud to be Texan (Secede!), proud to be 'Murican (Yeah, George Bush the Native Son), glad to have all the military bases and jobs, hate all the durn Mexican immigrants, fearful of the Feds (of which the Border Patrol is one). It's dizzying.
Maybe we should close all the Air Force Bases and turn Fort Hood into a nature preserve.
These are not cases of double-think; it's more like triple- or quadruple-think. Proud to be Texan (Secede!), proud to be 'Murican (Yeah, George Bush the Native Son), glad to have all the military bases and jobs, hate all the durn Mexican immigrants, fearful of the Feds (of which the Border Patrol is one). It's dizzying.
Maybe we should close all the Air Force Bases and turn Fort Hood into a nature preserve.
22
Expect more of this when Texas successfully bans the teaching of critical thinking from their public schools.
18
When???
What's to ban?
It's a good thing the Army doesn't have access to metal detectors. They'll never find those buried guns now! As a taxpayer I DEMAND the Army take any buried guns for their own use, thus marginally reducing my tax burden.
5
Texas: Get over yourself.
25
On the bright side, the sale of tin foil hats has gone through the roof.
33
I find this delusion fascinating because these groups of these paranoid people are buying up ammo, freaking out over this training exercise, trading stories about UN helicopters and equipment movements within the US, trying to track the military movements by HAM, talking about strange sounds coming off the horizons and even talk about Russian ships porting in Cuba, not to mention Russian subs off the Texas Coast.
These are grand campfire stories for folks who are camped out on crazy land. Because lets entertain the notion that Obama, and the Communist world are about to just take Texas, what would stop them if they were actually going to do it? These parnoid people have thousands of rounds of ammo, abunch of assault rifles and shotguns. Maybe some other less legal defenses, but given the power and dominace of the US Military, even if you took away 40k troops just now, is strong enough to take on most countries around the world combined, that have tanks, missles, troops, planes, and all kinds of cool military stuff. What I am saying is, if we were actually going to take over Texas and take their guns, they would lose faster than Santa Anna did against Houston. It would be over in minutes...
These are grand campfire stories for folks who are camped out on crazy land. Because lets entertain the notion that Obama, and the Communist world are about to just take Texas, what would stop them if they were actually going to do it? These parnoid people have thousands of rounds of ammo, abunch of assault rifles and shotguns. Maybe some other less legal defenses, but given the power and dominace of the US Military, even if you took away 40k troops just now, is strong enough to take on most countries around the world combined, that have tanks, missles, troops, planes, and all kinds of cool military stuff. What I am saying is, if we were actually going to take over Texas and take their guns, they would lose faster than Santa Anna did against Houston. It would be over in minutes...
4
This says it all: "The exercise is being conducted in rural Texas because the military needed “large areas of undeveloped land with low population densities with access to towns,” and wanted soldiers to adapt to unfamiliar terrain as well as social and economic conditions, according to Army documents."
No one will convince those who live on fear and fantasy any different than they already believe. Even if this exercise is completely uneventful, they will still smell something rotten in Denmark (even though some of them have no clue where or what Denmark is).
No one will convince those who live on fear and fantasy any different than they already believe. Even if this exercise is completely uneventful, they will still smell something rotten in Denmark (even though some of them have no clue where or what Denmark is).
11
It is highly likely that nothing untoward will come from Jade Helm. However, when it is over and done, it will be sold to the gullible as a "test run" for the introduction of martial law and the confiscation of guns. "They were out there practicing! Now they know how many troops they need and how the take over will be conducted!"
We do not have martial law in America. It is expressly forbidden by law and there is no mechanism for the suspension of constitutional rights that would be required.
We do not have martial law in America. It is expressly forbidden by law and there is no mechanism for the suspension of constitutional rights that would be required.
These people are mentally unbalanced yet purposely and shamelessly exploited by the GOP.
When will the GOP's appetite for gullibility be satiated?
When will the GOP's appetite for gullibility be satiated?
10
I just wanted everyone to know that not all Texans are crazy.
13
Thank you. Now please prove it by voting for a sane person for governor.
Already did. Some of us old folks that still believe in sane, democratic government vote, in spite of Repressive ID laws and gerrymandering. I hope that a lot more Texans wake up and start participating, too. I for one am getting tired of being silenced by a loud, well-financed radical minority.
Wow! If someone wrote a fiction story with this exact same scenario, he/she would be declared nuts, but this is reality? Wow!
5
"Much of the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 is the outgrowth of an anti-Obama sentiment that is widespread in Texas and parts of the Southwest."
Unfortunately, the "anti-Obama sentiment" explains much of the problem not only in Texas but in most of the other former slave-owning states, where working people and the poor consistently vote against their self-interest and strongly oppose "Obamacare."
Unfortunately, the "anti-Obama sentiment" explains much of the problem not only in Texas but in most of the other former slave-owning states, where working people and the poor consistently vote against their self-interest and strongly oppose "Obamacare."
18
This is the moment we have all been waiting for. The American military is going to take over Texas. Can you imagine what will happen next? The state will be brought into the union. Citizens will receive federal benefits including federal disaster relief when there are floods. Millions of dollars will go into constructing and maintaining military bases for the army and air force. Texans will be permitted to carry guns wherever they go, even into churches. Yes, I know Texans will miss their beloved independence, but I know they will adjust.
17
I hope no soldiers are allowed to leave their units. They are liable to be shot by some wacko "patriot."
Incidentally, why is Fort Hood in Texas named after a Confederate general?
Incidentally, why is Fort Hood in Texas named after a Confederate general?
4
My sister has lived in small West Virginia town since 1978. During the Bush administration (GW), the same type of military exercise was carried out in and around her town. It lasted approximately one month and took place in locations as different as remote hills/mountains and in the downtown area. The military chose their location because it best mimicked a certain town in the Middle East that was going to be attacked by the US military. The townspeople watched the goings on with ease and curiosity. My sister was dating the chief of police at the time, and the two of them would sit out on the porch at night, watching helicopters, infrared beams, foot soldiers, etc. The military came, practiced and left.
224
Yes, but lets not forget the military left when a good ole' white boy was President. Now that we have a secret Muslim that hates America, it's a different story.
1
The exercises were held in the swamps here in Louisiana to mimic the terrain in Vietnam back in the 70s.
1
Well, that was different, don't you see that?
See, when that happened back then, the President was being a Republican. And it happened when the President was being WHITE! Okay, I said it.
It's like when a man in Mississippi was asked on TV why he hated President Obama. "Because his name's Obama. The President should be an American -- not a Muslim".
We need to realize that some people will never accept Obama as President since they are Racist.
BTW, I am writing this while I'm being White.
See, when that happened back then, the President was being a Republican. And it happened when the President was being WHITE! Okay, I said it.
It's like when a man in Mississippi was asked on TV why he hated President Obama. "Because his name's Obama. The President should be an American -- not a Muslim".
We need to realize that some people will never accept Obama as President since they are Racist.
BTW, I am writing this while I'm being White.
I've simply come to the conclusion that there is something in the conservative mind that, in some instances, simply precludes ration and evidence taking hold. Just this morning I heard two co-workers lamenting the state of the nation because of marriage equality and the removal of the Confederate flag, both of which affect neither of them in the least. But it is a sign, to them, that we are in the end of days. It must be terribly sad to live with this mindset, in which everyone is out to get what you have, your country is unrecognizable, and the government is pure evil. I may be a middle-aged white southern man myself, like many of those mentioned in this article, but I thank God everyday for giving me intelligence and empathy and an open mind.
37
This article focuses on the most extreme attitudes from West Texas precisely because they are shocking and fascinating at the same time. Then the commentators on this board make these completely uninformed sweeping allegations that demonstrate their own left-wing paranoia and biases. I am a native Texas and a gun-owning Republican. I have lived all over the world and the United States and I can say with absolute certainty that Texas has the best standard of living anywhere. There is no state income tax. We have inexpensive real estate, and great growth industries in the "Silicon Prairie". Our medical research centers are leading the world. We have more top-ranked national universities than any other state. In addition, we have friendly culture, kind people and great food. Houston is America's most diverse multi-cultural city with world class museums, symphony, and opera. I know what it is like to live in NYC, Chicago, LA and San Francisco. I also know why those residents are leaving for Texas in droves. So you all can keep your post-modernistic liberal prejudices in your tiny apartments and with you 40% tax rates. Good luck.
2
Whatever. Look at who you voted for governor. These politicians had help getting into office.
"We have more top-ranked national universities than any other state."
Only one quibble: Please explain what a national university is. (If you mean "nationally ranked universities", Texas does not even make the top 10. US News & World Report lists Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Chicago, MIT, Duke, U of Pennsylvania, Caltech, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Washingon U, Cornell, Brown, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt before it lists RICE at number 19).
Since you got that wrong, why should we believe taht you are not all hat and no cattle?
Only one quibble: Please explain what a national university is. (If you mean "nationally ranked universities", Texas does not even make the top 10. US News & World Report lists Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Chicago, MIT, Duke, U of Pennsylvania, Caltech, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Washingon U, Cornell, Brown, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt before it lists RICE at number 19).
Since you got that wrong, why should we believe taht you are not all hat and no cattle?
Keep up the nonsense and alll those nice jobs will go elsewhere
1
Doesn't it seem like there's a larger issue here having to do with mental health? It's not normal to be so paranoid, and be so obsessed with something. Why stress out so much about something? And even if the military or police came around and asked you to hand over your guns, I'm SURE you could hide them somewhere, maybe hand over your least favorite few guns as a ruse. But I'm not sure if this is a cultural brainwashing, or something is in then water or food causing paranoia. Too much sun maybe? The heat? Doesn't it seem like anywhere there is a lot of sun and heat, the people seem paranoid and gun crazy?
15
NRA has argued several times that we ought not to focus on guns but on mental health. Emptily argued for NRA never focuses on mental health. It might not know where to begin. It might not know how to begin. There might be no end to what it does not know.
For crying out loud Texas, we're not that into you.
59
Can we please help them secede?
38
If only we had Jade Helm 15 exercises back in 1984, we might not have needed to rely on a small band of teenagers called "the Wolverines" to combat invading Soviet/Cuban forces. Texas should learn from our past...
3
Maybe now you can understand why the South seceded because of an irrational fear that Lincoln wanted to end slavery.
Paranoia is the natural downside to halcyon fantasies about the glories of Mayberry.
Everyone wants to shatter their paradise. Wouldn't you be angry too?
Paranoia is the natural downside to halcyon fantasies about the glories of Mayberry.
Everyone wants to shatter their paradise. Wouldn't you be angry too?
2
Alex Jones, a libertarian-leaning talk radio host from Texas, suggested Helm was an acronym for Homeland Eradication of Local Militants.
But what if JADE means Just Another Dumb Exercise?
But what if JADE means Just Another Dumb Exercise?
18
THE best reason for increased funding for, and access to, mental health services.
17
There wouldn't be outrage from the Texas GOP wackos if Dubya were still president, I guarantee it.
20
In all the careful planning by the aggrevied menfolk of Texas planning redefend the Alamo, they are forgetting one key element. They need to hide the wimmins.
11
Quizz Google Earth on Christoval, Texas and maybe you will understand why the thinking of ceratin individuals is the way it is.
1
Anti-government paranoia and endless supplies of guns/ammunition, combined with massive, organized military exercise = lethal combination. Someone is going to get hurt.
7
"Two flags flapped in the breeze on his porch: an American flag and a Confederate battle flag."
Pretty much tells you all you need to know about the people mentioned in this article. They really do live in a parallel universe.
Pretty much tells you all you need to know about the people mentioned in this article. They really do live in a parallel universe.
22
Time to move Hood & Sam Houston out of Texas.
5
Many great comments here. My observation about the obvious regional "paranoia" every one is commenting on, is the right wing media, and yes, media in general. Which begins, virtually, every story about how we should be very afraid of something. (Pick your topic.)
It's a technique to keep eyes on the screen, and watch the intermittent commercials. The fall out, is uneducated Texans who have taken it all, way too, seriously, or at least, without a healthy dose of skepticism. Critical thinking is very sadly missing from these narrow minded one hundred percent Republicans who have undo influence on their region and the country. It's an almost infantile fear, of these grown ups, who think there is a bogey man under their beds.
It's a technique to keep eyes on the screen, and watch the intermittent commercials. The fall out, is uneducated Texans who have taken it all, way too, seriously, or at least, without a healthy dose of skepticism. Critical thinking is very sadly missing from these narrow minded one hundred percent Republicans who have undo influence on their region and the country. It's an almost infantile fear, of these grown ups, who think there is a bogey man under their beds.
10
There’s a scene in the movie “Michael Clayton” that applies: a financier is apprehensive at home, after fleeing his hit-and-run. He is startled by a late-night phone call.
“Is it the police?” the financier asks.
“The police don’t call” lawyer Michael Clayton responds.
Neither does the military.
“Is it the police?” the financier asks.
“The police don’t call” lawyer Michael Clayton responds.
Neither does the military.
5
Says the bearded guy with guns: "Throughout the interview, Mr. Degenaer was skeptical whether the reporter and photographer who spoke with him were members of the news media and wondered if they were part of Jade Helm 15. “Spec Ops grows beards,” he said, referring to the photographer’s facial hair. “Y’all got a military ID?”
So what we must surmise is that Mr. Degenaer is really PART OF JADE HELM 15!!!
So what we must surmise is that Mr. Degenaer is really PART OF JADE HELM 15!!!
9
In practical terms, this gun confiscation obsession is pretty stupid. The government's military branch has weapons ten thousand times more powerful than firearms. Jet powered drones organized via satellite, tanks, fuel-air bombs, aircraft, cruise missiles.
The government could close off any county or state in America in 30 minutes and there is nothing you could do about it, small arms or no small arms.
If you want to reduce government power, vote. Otherwise we'll continue to look like the cave men we are, tossing rocks at jets.
The government could close off any county or state in America in 30 minutes and there is nothing you could do about it, small arms or no small arms.
If you want to reduce government power, vote. Otherwise we'll continue to look like the cave men we are, tossing rocks at jets.
9
A famous writer once wrote, Beer is great, God is good and people are crazy. :)
5
Only in Texas, it certainly is another country down there. I do however love our enlightened fellow citizens.
1
With this piece, I think the NYT is mostly providing titillation to New York salons with the hope that Texas spontaneously provides more story material.
5
It all makes me think about a Robert Parker line about someone who feared "America is being taken over by Americans."
16
Most Texans are only vaguely aware that Operation Jade Helm exists. Texas has the nation's largest military installations. All the Army's major installations would fit inside Fort Bliss with room to spare. Fort Hood is the nation's largest military installation in terms of personnel.
2
Then it really is a pity that some very vocal Texans don't trust the military.
I guess its fun to rile up our most ignorant citizens with this kind of nonsense. But when someone gets hurt is someone going to sue Fox News and Alex Jones? This is beyond silly...
12
They're worried they'll lose their guns and ammo!? Great! All the gun control laws in the land haven't put a dent in the gun violence culture of Texas. Let 'em worry. Now they know what it's like to live in fear that some gun-toting paranoid fanatic is going to interrupt your lunch with a spray of gunfire. I hope their guns stay buried. And while we're on the subject, maybe they should dismantle death row. Never know what the US military might do with THAT. And these people call themselves patriots?! Pathetic.
5
Ah also if I may go meta about this, this incident is part of why democracy is not working well in our country. Democracy can work very well when the overwhelming majority of the population is informed, fairly intelligent, interested in the issues, and capable of logical analysis. As these people demonstrate, probably in America a slight majority is uninformed, not too intelligent, unaware of the issues, and incapable of logic or analysis.
And that's why our Congress can achieve nothing, and pretty looking dolts get elected, and our nation goes into pointless wars, and we haven't managed to get a permanent space station or moonbase or anything impressive (the Pluto flyby was a one-off, not that impressive).
These people are, in short, the best case for returning to a monarchy that I can see.
And that's why our Congress can achieve nothing, and pretty looking dolts get elected, and our nation goes into pointless wars, and we haven't managed to get a permanent space station or moonbase or anything impressive (the Pluto flyby was a one-off, not that impressive).
These people are, in short, the best case for returning to a monarchy that I can see.
5
Given the powerful partisan hostility in the country -- with the Democrats increasingly aligned to the left and the Republicans to the right, wouldn't it have made sense in the interest of social cohesion and as a preventative against paranoia to have at LEAST ONE of these military exercises in a Blue State? The planning appears to have been grossly insensitive; anyone with half a brain could imagine that it would be of concern to many alienated from the government.
1
Which blue state has the kind of geography that Texas has?
Dr. New Mexico is "Blue", with it's 2 Senators (d), and 2 out of 3 Members of Congress (d). Dr. I'm sorry but Gov. Martinez (r), and a single southern state Congressman (r), do not make our minority-majority state a red state.
DR, New Mexico, esp the southern part, is much like Texas. NM, a minority-majority state, has Gov. Martinez (r) and a southern state congressman, also (r), but it's 2 Senators (d), it's other two US Representatives (d), and it's long time voting record,' D', make it both "Blue", and a part of this exercise as well.
The right wing is out of control. Any norm right wingers, this is how the world sees you. And this is why we can't trust you to run our country. That the governor of Texas entertained this is absolute proof of Republicans pandering to these lunatics. We will not be held hostage to right wing fanaticism any longer. Get a grip. Seriously. Just get a grip.
12
It's quite hard to choose, but this is among the more pathetic conspiracy theories Republicans have cooked up.
There is literally only one reason people believe this garbage: we have a Black president. Fact.
There is literally only one reason people believe this garbage: we have a Black president. Fact.
22
people in Texas are like what Toby Esterhase said to George Smiley about Russians. they "think the butterflies are spying on them"
6
Before you star calling names and puting the good people of Texas down. For being concerned about what's going on in their own backyards. Maybe you should do a little more research on Jade helm 15. consider the size of this exercise. look at all the military and government organizations involved in these exercises. read about the overview and guidelines of the exercises. and the part that concerns me most is the person in charge of the whole operation. He's retired from United States military, and runs a private security company. The Media is down playing this exercise.
1
This is a great example of how constant extremist propaganda can shape peoples psyche. I guess we can thank Reagan for eliminating the media requirement for equal time given to opposing views. This has resulted in Texans only voting for an individual with an R next to the name and we now have a former governor that's been indicted and a sitting AG who is facing a felony criminal indictment.
13
Not entirely true.
Texas is among the more egregiously gerrymandered of states, with a Democratic:Republican popular-vote ratio far higher than its Congressional representation would appear to suggest.
Texas is among the more egregiously gerrymandered of states, with a Democratic:Republican popular-vote ratio far higher than its Congressional representation would appear to suggest.
I think a lot of the folks here who are (understandably) ridiculing all things Texas in these comments should study a bit of history...such as the history of a right-wing movement in Germany in the 1920s.
That said, I'd also pose this to all those Texans who are so upset about the possibility of a military takeover of Texas: you aren't upset about how Texas came to be part of the US, are you? Stolen at gun-point, the history of which you are proud of. Right down to the Alamo - a battle in which soldiers-of-fortune were seeking to solidify the expansion of slavery. Yes, the history of Texas, the true history, is nothing to be proud of. But then, quite a few of the founding fathers of this country were slave-holders.
That said, I'd also pose this to all those Texans who are so upset about the possibility of a military takeover of Texas: you aren't upset about how Texas came to be part of the US, are you? Stolen at gun-point, the history of which you are proud of. Right down to the Alamo - a battle in which soldiers-of-fortune were seeking to solidify the expansion of slavery. Yes, the history of Texas, the true history, is nothing to be proud of. But then, quite a few of the founding fathers of this country were slave-holders.
4
Only in Texas. This is on place on earth that I have never visited nor plan to visit ever. This non sense is the result of Fox News, WSJ, Tea Party and Bibble Thumpers. But ignorance never ceases.
11
Is this what happens when Texas writes the school text books for the rest of the country?
This is an education problem, and it is scary.
This is an education problem, and it is scary.
18
"All they’re worried about is their beer and their guns."
THAT statement explains a LOT... like how Texas elects the likes of Perry or Bush, or how Trumpo is 'leading' in some polls, why Texas leads the nation in people with no health insurance, or why some people consistently vote against THEIR OWN best interests!
THAT statement explains a LOT... like how Texas elects the likes of Perry or Bush, or how Trumpo is 'leading' in some polls, why Texas leads the nation in people with no health insurance, or why some people consistently vote against THEIR OWN best interests!
12
I have been to Texas, and from what I saw, most of it is not worth keeping in the U.S. anyway. Some of the most polluted cities like El Paso, and miles of open land with noting but scraggly bushes.
I am sure there must be some sane rational people in the state, it had a progressive agenda at one time, but it has been taken over by some kind of virus called conservatism. Not the conservatism of William Buckley, but the radical conservatism of white supremacists, supporters of the Confederate states, oil barons and publicity seeking politicians who want to bomb Iran, and other misfits.
No matter the outcome, no matter that these paranoid predictions will not occur, these people will continue to believe these prognosticators of doom and destruction. We saw the same kind of mentality on Europe in the 1930s which led to WWII. These are the "True Believers" of Eric Hoffers tome, they will not be deterred from continuing to believe what ever they are told, they "know" these things are true, and no amount of reason or failure to occur will deter them from their mental aberrations.
Unfortunately, this also makes them a danger to the peace and security of the rest of us. As we have seen, they frequently commit acts of violence against those the suspect of being their enemy.
I am sure there must be some sane rational people in the state, it had a progressive agenda at one time, but it has been taken over by some kind of virus called conservatism. Not the conservatism of William Buckley, but the radical conservatism of white supremacists, supporters of the Confederate states, oil barons and publicity seeking politicians who want to bomb Iran, and other misfits.
No matter the outcome, no matter that these paranoid predictions will not occur, these people will continue to believe these prognosticators of doom and destruction. We saw the same kind of mentality on Europe in the 1930s which led to WWII. These are the "True Believers" of Eric Hoffers tome, they will not be deterred from continuing to believe what ever they are told, they "know" these things are true, and no amount of reason or failure to occur will deter them from their mental aberrations.
Unfortunately, this also makes them a danger to the peace and security of the rest of us. As we have seen, they frequently commit acts of violence against those the suspect of being their enemy.
23
To sum it up, Hillary will lose in Texas.
I have no doubt Hillary will lose in Texas, and Bush will win the state. They would vote for Walker if he gets the nomination, but I would bet against that happening.
They would vote for a Chimpanzee in Texas if you dyed it red.
They would vote for a Chimpanzee in Texas if you dyed it red.
1
This strikes me as a good example of Washington DC-centrism. A major exercise is cooked up in Washington to be conducted out West, an area far removed from D.C. in culture and distance and where there is more suspicion of centralized government power than, say, Maryland or K Street. Did the planners really do enough PR and outreach given what they should know about the human terrain (the buzzword on which they wasted hundreds of millions of dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan)? One wonders. After all, we are talking about the same people who blundered into Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and other places with completely unrealistic ideas of local culture, languages, fault lines, political views, history, etc.
37
"Did the planners really do enough PR and outreach given what they should know about the human terrain (the buzzword on which they wasted hundreds of millions of dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan)? One wonders. After all, we are talking about the same people who blundered into Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and other places with completely unrealistic ideas of local culture, languages, fault lines, political views, history, etc. "
so Texas is Afganistan or Iraq? How backwards, exactly, do you think DC "elites" view Texas as?
so Texas is Afganistan or Iraq? How backwards, exactly, do you think DC "elites" view Texas as?
Right. They should be doing the exercises in downtown DC.
2
Texas is host to some major military bases, and yet you don't really hear anyone screaming about how the soldiers at Ft. Hood are going to steal their guns...
1
There will always be people in every state susceptible to the most irrational conspiracy theories. Shame on them for not being able to differentiate between fantasy and reality. But more shame should be heaped on the cynical politicians and media people who play on these irrational fears for purely personal gain.
The wide open ranges of Texas apparently attract not only military exercises but also people prone to conspiracy fantasies. Maybe we do need a Border Wall... But move it a little farther north.
I have great sympathy for the rational Texans who seem to be held hostage to the conspiracy theorists.
The wide open ranges of Texas apparently attract not only military exercises but also people prone to conspiracy fantasies. Maybe we do need a Border Wall... But move it a little farther north.
I have great sympathy for the rational Texans who seem to be held hostage to the conspiracy theorists.
11
But in Texas, we are talking about MOST people.
So I guess the residents who worry about their "guns and beers" will be taking off their "support the army" stickers from their vehicles.
9
So if this really were a government takeover of selected states, why on earth would they announce it in advance and give the "resistance " time to both work themselves into a frenzy and prepare for it?
9
Craziest thing in the 4,000 odd years the universe has existed! :-)
9
Although I do not live in Texas I too am suspicious of what is going on. The OBama administration has shown such great contempt for US laws and people who disagree with then, that I simply do not trust anything they do in the US.
And YES I firmly believe that Obama would try and put his opponents in detention camps to break opposition to this immigration plans. I think that is what this is all about - immigration. ANd Obama desire to destroy America through immigration by the most undesirable in the world.
And YES I firmly believe that Obama would try and put his opponents in detention camps to break opposition to this immigration plans. I think that is what this is all about - immigration. ANd Obama desire to destroy America through immigration by the most undesirable in the world.
But your beliefs aren't rooted in fact.
Why be fearful if you don't have evidence to be so?
What's the point?
Why be fearful if you don't have evidence to be so?
What's the point?
1
Be sure to have your automatic weapon ready when somebody knocks on your door at midnight. Or just leave for Texas right now!
Stupid, stupid, stupid, people. Just amazing. Let's bury our guns, because, you know, the entire government doesn't have a single metal detector.
7
Ha! Ha! Ha! I can't stop laughing at the paranoia! Really? I'm embarrassed to live in TX.
12
Did not the Governor say he would "monitor" these excercises? I think you should be more embarassed about that!
I was born in TX and I love my state. I also proudly wore a navy uniforms for 28 years including a tour in Vietnam. Sometimes, and this is one of those times, I am very, very embarrased by the words & actions of some of my fellow Texans, including our elected officials.
402
fortunately you are not alone. That gives TX hope!
1
Thank you very much, both for your service to our country, and for your sanity (and your willingness to stand up for it publicly, especially in the columns of "the liberal New York Times").
I am in your debt. sir.
I am in your debt. sir.
1
You are not alone, brother.
As a native Texan I look at my state right now and wonder what the hell has happened. We are not, all of us, cuckoos on the lunatic fringe.
- Embroiderista, USN 1997 - 2005
As a native Texan I look at my state right now and wonder what the hell has happened. We are not, all of us, cuckoos on the lunatic fringe.
- Embroiderista, USN 1997 - 2005
I was stationed in Fort Lewis Wa from 1963-65. During that time we held a military exercise in the rain forest there. The OPFORas to take over a logging comunity in the forest.
Even after meeting with the army team explaining what was to happen, there was still great apprehension. It was a week long exercise. All went well as i recall.
Even after meeting with the army team explaining what was to happen, there was still great apprehension. It was a week long exercise. All went well as i recall.
1
Yes, just imagine US troops doing a house-to-house search for weapons, employing drone strikes on Texans, and heavy street fighting with those who refuse to give up their automatic weapons. And supporting the population will be the Texas cops with their armored surplus Humvees, Bradleys, and APCs. What is wrong with these guys?
Everything South of the Mason-Dixon Line suffers great fear and paranoia. They buy 20,000 rounds of ammunition in fear of some cataclysmic event and neighbor to neighbor distrust. Southern pathology coincided with Jefferson Davis and his "Lost Cause". Elected State and county officials can quote more scripture from Revelations scripture than text from the U.S. Constitution. Texas suffers from deep distrust of everything and everybody evidence the two GOP candidates from there. Guns and grits, cowboy boots and dusty roads mixed with oil and high school football concussions makes for permanent personality disorders.
7
I'm puzzled that many of you cavalierly write off the militia culture as paranoids.
History is rife with government takeovers of their own nations and these "paranoid people" are out there acting as a deterrent, as minutemen ready to fight for your freedom and mine.
They are a very effective deterrent enabled by the very freedom they profess to protect.
Even the New York Times should be grateful for their century plus existence because of patriots like this who always deterred the government from taking away our freedom.
It's freedom we take for granted when we vilify these so called "Paranoid people".
History is rife with government takeovers of their own nations and these "paranoid people" are out there acting as a deterrent, as minutemen ready to fight for your freedom and mine.
They are a very effective deterrent enabled by the very freedom they profess to protect.
Even the New York Times should be grateful for their century plus existence because of patriots like this who always deterred the government from taking away our freedom.
It's freedom we take for granted when we vilify these so called "Paranoid people".
Snap quiz time on your claims:
1) Can you provide a single example when a militia stopped a 'government takeover' in the US in its 200+ year history?
2) Can you provide a single example when a militia stopped a 'government takeover' in ANY country in the past 200 years?
1) Can you provide a single example when a militia stopped a 'government takeover' in the US in its 200+ year history?
2) Can you provide a single example when a militia stopped a 'government takeover' in ANY country in the past 200 years?
2
Like Bundy. Seriously like Bundy. These guys are not patriots, they wave their confederate battle flags and republic of Texas flags and whatever. and threaten the President, the military and whoever else their hearts desire
1
"History is rife with government takeovers of their own nations and these "paranoid people" are out there acting as a deterrent, as minutemen ready to fight for your freedom and mine."
you are thinking about 3rd world nations. In the developed nations this has not happened for at least 50 years (and even then in only a tiny minority)!
"It's freedom we take for granted when we vilify these so called "Paranoid people"."
I think what we are taking for granted is our lack of functioning education system. You are aware that, also, about 43% of Americans believe evolution to be a myth and about 1/6 believe the world is 6,000 years old. Those statistics are surely much higher in TX. Considering that TX is near the bottom with respect to state testing results this is no surprise.
you are thinking about 3rd world nations. In the developed nations this has not happened for at least 50 years (and even then in only a tiny minority)!
"It's freedom we take for granted when we vilify these so called "Paranoid people"."
I think what we are taking for granted is our lack of functioning education system. You are aware that, also, about 43% of Americans believe evolution to be a myth and about 1/6 believe the world is 6,000 years old. Those statistics are surely much higher in TX. Considering that TX is near the bottom with respect to state testing results this is no surprise.
3
Come to think of it, so long as the soldiers loyal to the U.S. are in Texas, maybe they should go ahead and confiscate all the guns. For sure if Gov. Perry's National Guard decides something is fishy about the exercise and fires on the federal troops.
Shouldn't Waco, TX be spelled Wacko? The Texan anti-government paranoia is symptomatic of much deeper animosity and fear. Much of the blame can be attributed to public servants who take advantage of such anxieties. Fear is a great motivator. It can garner votes and popular support for policies that run contrary to the public interest. It can stop debate and the vetting of important issues. It can elect a future president.
8
I hope no military personnel get shot by a paranoid Texan.
3
Houston is in Texas right NASA the internet et al? Yet there are those still comfortable living in a very closed world of fear.
Never going to get rid of them best to ignore.
Those in the Northeast don't get so high and mighty. Remember the story in Jersey when the bowling ball league closed down because someone it was rumoured just came back from west Africa during the Ebola scare and handled a bowling ball.
Never going to get rid of them best to ignore.
Those in the Northeast don't get so high and mighty. Remember the story in Jersey when the bowling ball league closed down because someone it was rumoured just came back from west Africa during the Ebola scare and handled a bowling ball.
1
Let's see; the Governor of Texas, rather than taking a leadership role to quell the "tin foil hat" brigade in Texas has acted to actually humor them by "monitoring" the exercise with the Texas "Guard". We've got a bunch of local officials so driven by their blind hatred for Obama that they can neither see or think straight. They just have this "belief" that Obama can, with the stroke of a pen, invade Texas. They've already got 3 major Army posts (Ft. Hood, Ft. Bliss and Ft Sam Houston), Naval air stations with Marines, several Air Force bases and probably a bunch of Coast Guard stations along the Gulf Coast. They've already been "invaded" and the the invaders go to school there, vote there, shop there and in general live their lives there. The utter and monumental stupidity (or possibly venality) exhibited by officials like Greg Abbot is shameful. While I understand the feelings of folk who hold up metropolitan areas like Austin of examples of what Texan could be, the fact is that not enough people bother to vote. The motivated loonies that see Jade Helm through the lens of a giant conspiracy have been allowed to take over the State. If energy prices fall much more Texas will be on the brink of a failed State and honestly the more this sort of thing becomes publicly visible corporate planners will likely be rethinking any considerations to relocate there. At some point, living in a dark paranoid delusional fantasy world will have consequences.
3
if the governor went against the "tine foil crowd" he would lose the next election. TX is just that type of state!
1
These people have been carefully taught by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Fox News and other media outlets to fear and loathe the President of the United States. President Obama has always been a moderate, but media hysterics, greedy for attention, have painted him as the Anti-Christ. Paranoia and mistrust of the president is so strong that it extends to the entire federal government and the US military. Incredibly, Donald Trump is ahead in the polls. What has become of this great country, and what can people of good will do to stop the insanity?
11
One of the most stunning facts of all this nonsense is that, after the fact, there will be no repercussions for the conspiracy theorists, hate radio talkers or the tea party activists. They will just move unto the next far fetched fiction about the first black President and none of their followers will ever take a step back and wonder "Am I being played here.". One of the benefits of being a sentient human being is that you can learn from your past mistakes. But these people don't because their hatred trumps even short term memory of being played for fools. Governor Abbott will tell you he was trying to assuage people's fear when, in fact, he was stoking their paranoid fantasies. He is a despicable Republican legislator, but I'm being redundant.
19
Maybe if we're lucky, they'll forget where they buried their guns!
533
I think they are trying to grow 'gun trees".
3
I grew up in Texas and left after completing college. I'm still working through the impacts of growing up there. I would never go back even if I was offered an amazing career opportunity paying me more money than I could ever spend.
Texas bred paranoia is one reason why I wouldn't return to the state. The deep seated paranoia of many residents manifests in numerous ways including a love of GOP politics (read here reductionist child-like thinking that seeks an "Other" to heap blame on) and easy access to guns. I've seen some individuals make comments that Texas should secede. Given its regressive politics and the warped version of Christianity practiced by many I would be supportive of it once again becoming a nation as it was from 1836 to 1845.
Texas bred paranoia is one reason why I wouldn't return to the state. The deep seated paranoia of many residents manifests in numerous ways including a love of GOP politics (read here reductionist child-like thinking that seeks an "Other" to heap blame on) and easy access to guns. I've seen some individuals make comments that Texas should secede. Given its regressive politics and the warped version of Christianity practiced by many I would be supportive of it once again becoming a nation as it was from 1836 to 1845.
23
I've seen some individuals make comments that Texas should secede.
many prominent TX politicans have done so. Even candidates currently running for the Presidency of the US. Yet this does not disqualify them. Apparantly their views are not limited to just TX.
many prominent TX politicans have done so. Even candidates currently running for the Presidency of the US. Yet this does not disqualify them. Apparantly their views are not limited to just TX.
I'm in Florida surrounded by military bases. We get aggravated now and then by "the sound of freedom" as they all like to call it, flying over our homes every night practicing their drills. This is part of being an American, we are so lucky to have our military. The Texans need to calm down and get a grip. The world has changed. These drills are necessary. I do believe but not for a certain president from the state of Texas we would not be in such a predicament.
9
don't worry, the Governor of TX is monitoring the excercise. Hence all is well.
My fellow Texans would be kissing the boots of the U.S. military if the troops had been ordered to perform the very same Jade Helm by a redneck reactionary Republican president.
35
The sad state of paranoia exists because of the unceasing efforts of those on the extreme right to frighten the credulous with narratives of the imminent destruction of the Republic by Socialist/communist thugs and their black leader, Barack Obama.
Frankly this is a disgusting example of the deep rooted bigotry and ignorance that is carefully tended by the Right.
Frankly this is a disgusting example of the deep rooted bigotry and ignorance that is carefully tended by the Right.
33
This represents the culmination of the conservative vision. Everyone hiding in their own castle ever fearful of the outside world. All of the hate and fear mongering combined with ever looser gun regulations leads to a world where individuals perceive endless threats to themselves. So they buy guns and ammo to protect themselves against non existent threats. They believe that what they have is so valuable that others are intent on taking it. What kind of a philosophy drives a person to be so fearful that they hang a sign up threatening to shoot intruders.
14
Military drills and war games like these have been taking place in Texas since WWII and we had similar exercises prior to the invasion of Iraq. Our military officers have explained the full extent of the military exercises and members of congress have explained it as well.
The landscape and topography of West Texas and neighboring states is perfect for training regular troops and special forces for fighting in the middle east. The fact the conservative media adds fuel to the nut job flames is irresponsible and is a threat to our national security.
At some point, the FCC needs to hold them responsible for spread propaganda instead of being a news source.
The landscape and topography of West Texas and neighboring states is perfect for training regular troops and special forces for fighting in the middle east. The fact the conservative media adds fuel to the nut job flames is irresponsible and is a threat to our national security.
At some point, the FCC needs to hold them responsible for spread propaganda instead of being a news source.
18
Why on earth would the powers that be call the exercise "Jade Helm" which sounds ominous and suspicious, like something out of a James Bond film.
26
All military operations have code names, AT.
Don't be so afraid of letters.
Don't be so afraid of letters.
3
Do you really think it's a matter of semantics? As if calling it, say, "Operation We Love America" would assuage the paranoid delusions of the tinfoil hat crowd.
2
Maybe precisely to mess with Texas. Watch them squirm.
2
Most of us here, where this lunacy is happening, are repulsed, to say the least (some of the harshest criticism of the governor & paranoids is from republican politicians believe it or not) but it is nonetheless a sad statement about the powerful effect of bigotry... 10 years ago this same collection of people would have been apoplectic in murderous fury at the 'treason' being proposed by anyone who wanted to follow around training US troops & report their activities on the internet.
452
Dismayed - You nailed it that the Counter Jade Helm group, who plans to report on the activities of these exercises, are treasonous themselves.
Yes and what was the key variable that was different 10 years ago? we had a white Texan president. that just left the other 49 states something to be paranoid about.
Texas regiments were among the most tested and victorious U.S. fighting men in WWII. The great rescue of American POW's just after the end when defeated Japanese soldiers were about to massacre them was accomplished by Texans with wonderful Philippine support. How embarrassed, how shamed the last of that Greatest Generation of Texans must feel now. Too many grandchildren of heroes are gun-hiding paranoiacs, demented squirrels afraid of shadows, and unworthy descendants of brave and successful American soldiers. Not one gun has been illegally seized by Obama, not one conspiracy uncovered, not one step taken against a squirrely gun guy. "The land of the free and home of the brave" that granddad fought for is still there. Turn off Faux News. You'll hear America singing, my vigilantes.
I wonder how many of these folks who are cock-sure that the US Army is about to overrun their homes, steal their guns, and turn the nation into a police state (likely controlled by the tri-lateral commission) have "support our troops" stickers on the backs of their pick-ups?
44
many of them have voted for politicians (including Governor) who are monitoring the event. Does that make you feel more comfortable?
20 years of listening to the constant stream of lies from the GOP propaganda wing and you wonder why people think nutty thoughts?
29
Let's move all the military bases out of Texas. We should move NASA, too. Then Texans would have less to be paranoid about.
62
[[Jade Helm 15, a seven-state training exercise that the Army and local officials say is no cause for alarm, has generated paranoia.]]
The paranoia already existed. Jade Helm just gave people something on which to focus.
I'll say it again, some "blacks" in urban areas and some "whites" in suburban rural areas actually regard police similarly.
The paranoia already existed. Jade Helm just gave people something on which to focus.
I'll say it again, some "blacks" in urban areas and some "whites" in suburban rural areas actually regard police similarly.
Can the 1A and 2A exist as they do now in today's environment? I think it's a legitimate question we have to ask ourselves. The 2A was changed dramatically after Heller was it not, yet we allow FOX, radio shows, Politicians, Christian Religious Leaders to stoke and stoke the flames. We have no mental health infrastructure. What then is the answer. I fear the answer is ugly. I've been trite in my other musings, warranted I think, but after hearing the President talk there are two things EU nations do differently hate speech and guns. We as a country do this all the time, we put the cart before the horse. Guns everywhere, but let's not curb or hold people accountable for what they say or preach. In the meantime we have ALEC running around making concerted efforts to dumb us down. Hey it's a question.
2
Why does the federal government want the guns, again? Just to have them?
2
Obama want to collect them in the White House's basement.
WHy do liberals not understand?
WHy do liberals not understand?
This is a visceral reaction to a powerful black man. It defies logic and sense, and must therefore arise from deeply rooted fears. What is sad is that there are insufficient people around these paranoid individuals to model reason and logic. Instead, they reinforce each others' delusions. There are not enough people in their immediate worlds who will say to them: "You realize you are talking crazy, don't you, and sounding ridiculous?"
65
Boy I sure miss Molly Ivins!
It's not the idiotic politicians I find deplorable, it is the uneducated, paranoiac, easily duped, heavily-armed citizenry who ELECTED these fools I worry about...
It's not the idiotic politicians I find deplorable, it is the uneducated, paranoiac, easily duped, heavily-armed citizenry who ELECTED these fools I worry about...
71
Wish they'd do some of these exercises down on the border. But I guess that would be politically incorrect.
1
Rita: Are you aware they we have CIA and drones in Mexico to fight the War on Drugs that you folks on the right demanded and keep demanding that we escalate? By the way, when are you folks planning to win that war? Because that war is what's causing most of our problems on the border.
1
In 2000, east Texas went into an absolute panic over the supposed computer glitch that was going to cause every system in the world to fail, but didn't. I know of this panic from details sent by friends and relatives and, most specifically, my older brother who is closely attuned to the rumor mill. It took years for people to admit that the panic was "silly".
When Barack Obama was elected, the gun stores across the state were selling out of ammunition (most people didn't need guns, they had plenty). This rumor filled panic went on for months and continued with his reelection to the presidency.
Having lived in Texas and Oklahoma for slightly more than half my years leading to age 21, with my parents born there and most of my extended family in the state, I can say that a considerable amount of the paranoia is fed by fear of the outside world, fear of the unknown. One would think with all our communications capacities we would be beyond such rumor mongering fears, but we are not.
Texas possesses an unusual helping of this kind of fear, but, as others have noted, it is not alone.
Rumors are constantly circulated on Facebook and through emails, rumors that have no basis in fact. People believe the stupid stuff they read because they have no counter information and no way to push the falsehoods out of their heads. The "fear of Obama" is stoked by politicians, including Gov. Abbot's prior statements, who know how to increase irrationality and use it for their own purposes.
When Barack Obama was elected, the gun stores across the state were selling out of ammunition (most people didn't need guns, they had plenty). This rumor filled panic went on for months and continued with his reelection to the presidency.
Having lived in Texas and Oklahoma for slightly more than half my years leading to age 21, with my parents born there and most of my extended family in the state, I can say that a considerable amount of the paranoia is fed by fear of the outside world, fear of the unknown. One would think with all our communications capacities we would be beyond such rumor mongering fears, but we are not.
Texas possesses an unusual helping of this kind of fear, but, as others have noted, it is not alone.
Rumors are constantly circulated on Facebook and through emails, rumors that have no basis in fact. People believe the stupid stuff they read because they have no counter information and no way to push the falsehoods out of their heads. The "fear of Obama" is stoked by politicians, including Gov. Abbot's prior statements, who know how to increase irrationality and use it for their own purposes.
21
These folks have been whipped up into a frenzy due to a shock-jock trying to boost his ratings. The military should have done a better job of educating the public about their intentions. These town folks don't even appreciate the boon to their local economies with the military coming to their towns. This could easily turn into a paranoid local, with a shotgun, taking out some young soldier whom they believe is a member of "Obama's army".
So unnecessary.
So unnecessary.
8
Although this is obviously ridiculous, do people really believe they have enough arms to hold off a military that accounts for more than 90 percent of all military spending in the world as a whole if it WERE to attack them? They must be drinking more than just beer.
36
they probably think they have GOd on their side. If you did you would think the same thing.
"“If the government has an idea they can come in and take over, and take guns away, the stupidest place they could come is West Texas,”"
Whoooaaaa! He stumbled into the truth there, hey?
Whoooaaaa! He stumbled into the truth there, hey?
23
These crazies wave the flag as American "patriots" at the same time that they preach Texas secession. They even opine on education, any kind of which seems to have eluded them. Cognitive illusion on steroids.
22
How long does the "silly season" last in Texas? Is it now, like Daylight Savings Time, nearly a year round thing?
Given the level of voluntary participation from the local communities, this entire story seems devoted to highlighting a crazed few and the spineless politicians who cater to them. Perhaps because they are armed, or perhaps because the politicians are prisoners to the ad absurdum logic of their expansive Second Amendment views, the Texas governor is stuck wasting state funds and making himself and the Lone Star Republic into a national laughing stock.
If the U.S. Army, or President Obama acting in his capacity of Commander-in-Chief, was prepared to defy the Constitution, or just the federal posse comitatus law, and seize Texans' firearms (while leaving those in every other state untouched), why have such a public and multi-month build up? And isn't it amazing that all the people who would need to keep this operation secret have all done so? If that local politician who trusts the Army but not the President, actually thought about what he was saying, then wouldn't this nefarious plot have been leaked a long time ago by some latter day Paul Revere warning of the President's betrayal.
Given the level of voluntary participation from the local communities, this entire story seems devoted to highlighting a crazed few and the spineless politicians who cater to them. Perhaps because they are armed, or perhaps because the politicians are prisoners to the ad absurdum logic of their expansive Second Amendment views, the Texas governor is stuck wasting state funds and making himself and the Lone Star Republic into a national laughing stock.
If the U.S. Army, or President Obama acting in his capacity of Commander-in-Chief, was prepared to defy the Constitution, or just the federal posse comitatus law, and seize Texans' firearms (while leaving those in every other state untouched), why have such a public and multi-month build up? And isn't it amazing that all the people who would need to keep this operation secret have all done so? If that local politician who trusts the Army but not the President, actually thought about what he was saying, then wouldn't this nefarious plot have been leaked a long time ago by some latter day Paul Revere warning of the President's betrayal.
14
The funny thing is that when Jade Helm is over and nothing happens, these same bloggers and paranoiacs will take credit, convinced that their activism prevented the military from carrying out its real plans...and so the merry-go-round continues...
27
It's really disrespectful to the men in uniform. . . and I am more worried about them taking my beer away.
5
Just when you think it can't get any worse, a new definition of "paranoid stupidity" from the formerly great state of Texas.
9
Unfortunately, such addled thinking is not limited to Texas. I once interned at a Democratic Congressman’s regional office in Binghamton, NY and had a man walk in with copies of a flyer that he asked me to put up in the building. It was titled “Time to Hate” and was filled with paranoid ramblings, like that Fidel Castro came to power by confiscating citizens’ guns and so any American politician looking for gun regulations is likewise about to become a dictator. “Just some political information” he said to me with a smile.
7
With the president having less than two years left in office, the NRA, which is really just a marketing organization, is running out of opportunities to scare up sales of guns and ammo. Who's so afraid of grand ma Hillary that they will run to their local arms mart to add a couple more ak47s to their bunker? The fall off in gun prices and the looming bankruptcy of a major manufacturer shows clearly that we have passed through the "peak gun" period induced by the artificial Obama fear sales tactic.
7
Is it possible that this unprecedented exercise is a front for how the fearful 1% and their bought-and-paid-for "representatives" will deal with any coming revolution in this country? Citizen rage against elected "representatives" and the 1% is ever closer to the tipping point. One can see how the powers-that-be in this country might be planning how to deal with a homeland populace in full revolt.
2
The military has already had More than 10 years of exercises in putting down a homeland populace in full revolt...in Iraq and Afghanistan.
3
Considering that this will be the 15th time the Jade Helm exercise is being held, I don't think "unprecedented" means what you think it means.
The short answer to your question is "no."
The short answer to your question is "no."
why do so many readers of the NY Times mock the PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE fear the residents have of a federal takeover. They need to remember that even the Governor of Texas, an elected official, has worries (as do Presidential candidates such as Ted Cruz).
Why do liberals not understand?
Why do liberals not understand?
26
The Governor of Texas and Senator Cruz are craven politicians playing to their base.
Liberals understand that.
Liberals understand that.
21
WHY?
1. Perry.
2. Cruz
1. Perry.
2. Cruz
6
Probably because a federal takeover of some middle-of-nowhere poke town in Texas makes no sense, whatsoever. It's especially ridiculous to think that they would do anything in West Texas while the rest of of Texas and the country at large are left alone. Even if the government did want to do something like this, they wouldn't be stupid enough to do it a few communities at a time...
I hope you're not serious, but I honestly can't tell
I hope you're not serious, but I honestly can't tell
5
I can't decide who is crazier, Texas, which is intrinsic, or the military for doing this there.
Either way it seems like kicking a skunk to me.
Either way it seems like kicking a skunk to me.
1
I'm a Yankee who retired to Central Texas more than 10 years ago. I'm telling you there's something in the water. That's why I only drink the bottled stuff.
13
How about the United States keeps Austin and the rest of Texas can become its own country? They don't trust us, respect the law, or want anything to do with the US Government. Good news for them: they already have a flag and a slogan.
10
I would never think that people with this sort of paranoid mentality live in the United States where education is very high. Perhaps not so in Texas, but I did meet some with closed minds while on active duty.
8
Heavily armed, deeply misinformed, paranoid, quick to believe conspiracy theories, unhinged from reality on several levels..... what could possibly go wrong.
25
So if something goes wrong and somebody gets hurt or worse, just bring back that former governor (name escapes me) to declare on every radio and television station in the state: "Oops"!
2
One part of the reaction to Jade Helm strikes me as very wise.
If you own a bunch of guns and are worried that the government is coming to take them away, yes! I strongly encourage you to bury them as deeply as possible!
If you own a bunch of guns and are worried that the government is coming to take them away, yes! I strongly encourage you to bury them as deeply as possible!
3
Pre Gulf war and Iraq war there was an operation in our remote County called Roving Sands. It was great. GPS had just come out and I impressed a Major that I could find their hidden Scuds. I was just developing mapping software and the use of imagery.
I found a few Scuds and he berated his team and asked why they couldn't do that.
We didn't have too many problems. Special Forces cut a few fences and the cattle got mixed up. Special Forces doesn't take direction well.
I was fun to see all the troops and the jets above ejecting chaff.
We enjoyed the whole thing. I guess they were getting ready for something. The exercise had the word sands in it. This one has the word Jade.
Hmmm?
I found a few Scuds and he berated his team and asked why they couldn't do that.
We didn't have too many problems. Special Forces cut a few fences and the cattle got mixed up. Special Forces doesn't take direction well.
I was fun to see all the troops and the jets above ejecting chaff.
We enjoyed the whole thing. I guess they were getting ready for something. The exercise had the word sands in it. This one has the word Jade.
Hmmm?
7
Jade Helm is not a typical military exercise. Not in size, nor in scope, nor in the type of targets used. When you look at what the military is practicing to face, you don't see battlefields or anything like a foreign land. Instead you see a typical American town, complete with shops, homes, schools, and churches. If you look at this and are not alarmed, you have to be smoking something very strong.
1
The face of modern warfare is largely no longer a traditional battlefield, but towns, cities, roads and all sorts of terrain, such as desert, jungle, mountains.
Have you ever seen Christoval? No way to be alarmed!
Wow. That's it. Just. Wow.
Note to the farmer who bought 20,000 rounds of ammunition. The average battle ratio of rounds expended to enemy dead averages 10,000-to-1. Do the math there pardner. And while you're at it there big guy – bear in mind one well-placed shot into your ammo stash puts you out of business in pretty short order.
Note to the farmer who bought 20,000 rounds of ammunition. The average battle ratio of rounds expended to enemy dead averages 10,000-to-1. Do the math there pardner. And while you're at it there big guy – bear in mind one well-placed shot into your ammo stash puts you out of business in pretty short order.
7
To these people the sky has been falling for quite some time and now they have proof, if people who have faith based world views ever needed proof. They will believe everything their own kind proclaims and nothing anyone else says.
If by some miracle, none of the Counter Jade Helm people launch a preemptive strike and all goes quietly as planned, the conspiracy for them will have deepened. The Government will go underground and the danger ever more real. Keep your guns. Hoard your food. Prepare your people for the battle that is coming. That's the gospel of that church and you can't do anything about it except maybe have the people they worship share some of their "god given wealth" so they can get decent jobs, their kids go to proper schools, and maybe become a member of modern society.
If by some miracle, none of the Counter Jade Helm people launch a preemptive strike and all goes quietly as planned, the conspiracy for them will have deepened. The Government will go underground and the danger ever more real. Keep your guns. Hoard your food. Prepare your people for the battle that is coming. That's the gospel of that church and you can't do anything about it except maybe have the people they worship share some of their "god given wealth" so they can get decent jobs, their kids go to proper schools, and maybe become a member of modern society.
7
Can you say stupid? Martial law? The government can't even impose martial law when it should be imposed (i.e., when people are rioting and burning stuff down) and these folks think the military (most of whom are Republicans) are going to waltz in and impose martial law out of the blue in some podunk Texas towns? On Obama's orders? Gimme a break! These folks say they have a great mistrust of the Obama administration, yet on military matters, deportation of immigrants, gun control, and cozying up to Wall Street he is much less liberal and less "Democratic" than the Clintons. Yet these people never thought good ole boy Bubba would impose martial law (even after he pushed through the assault weapons ban). Obviously the mistrust of Obama has deeper roots that these folks (understandably) are reluctant to discuss in polite company. I'm sure they're all sad to see the Battle Flag taken down too. These folks should stop fighting the last (civil) war.
4
It is entirely appropriate for the benighted folks who live in Texas and gave the world Bush 1, Bush 1 and 1/2, Ted Cruz, Rick Perry et al., ad nauseum, would be burying their guns. After all, a scary black man holds the President's office and the Good Lord only knows what shenanigans he's up to now.
11
I assume that these poor, deluded people will be voting for Donald Trump next year--or Wayne LaPierre.
7
I would love for reporters to ask each candidate for the Republican nomination their opinion on this, along the lines of "Do you believe that US Citizens who think that Jade Helm 15 is actually a planned military takeover of Texas are complete nincompoops or what?" This would be a great litmus test to see just how much nonsense they are willing to humor in order to curry favor from the nincompoop contingent.
11
Rand Paul said he'd check into it. Ted Cruz called the Pentagon so he could assure the his people that it was just in fact an exercise.
Our own modern-day version of "Through The Looking-Glass".
You feel sorry for these lost individuals in their distorted (but passionate) reality, at least up to the point where you realize that many of them vote.
You feel sorry for these lost individuals in their distorted (but passionate) reality, at least up to the point where you realize that many of them vote.
9
If Texans are going to get paranoid about a military training exercise, how are the going to cope with troops armed and lined up to protect the border? Get a grip, Texas.
9
War games are standard operating procedure for the United State military. How are soldiers to be trained if they don't receive a facsimile of real world training?! Fire fighters have training wherein houses are built and set afire. Different fire scenarios prepare firefighters so they'll be able to conduct their jobs when confronted with the unexpected. It is important that these scenarios be as 'real' as possible. EMTs have training, as do police officers and other emergency responders. As a (gratefully) former Texan, I can safely say that Texas is a bastion of ignorance, down from its least, educated gun burying citizen to its politicians to play on their fear. Texas wants to secede. It's not a bad idea.
7
These people are nut cases. They scare me way more than our government ever could. They can't think critically at all or even try to see nuance in life. They are extremists. I don't fear our foreign enemies as much as I fear our domestic ones.
13
This absurdity is the result of 20 years of right-wing noise machine nonsense about the federal government. And, by the way, a total abdication of responsible leadership by leading GOP politicians.
14
The real question is, once the exercise is over and absolutely no negative consequences resulted, will these people be able to admit that they were paranoid, ignorant, and foolish? Will it get them to rethink their other paranoid, ignorant, and foolish ideas, like racism, or that vaccines make you stupid, or that the moon landings never happened, and on and on?
I'd guess probably not, that once this is over they will just seize on the next invented conspiracy and get all paranoid and ignorant about something else. And this is why these people shouldn't be paid attention to, they're like the peasants of yore, always believing in something idiotic and never producing solutions to actual problems nor doing anything particularly useful.
I'd guess probably not, that once this is over they will just seize on the next invented conspiracy and get all paranoid and ignorant about something else. And this is why these people shouldn't be paid attention to, they're like the peasants of yore, always believing in something idiotic and never producing solutions to actual problems nor doing anything particularly useful.
9
Admit it? They will pat themselves on the back and believe they prevented the takeover.
1
If they're so afraid of the government invading, declaring martial law, and taking their guns, can't they just use those guns against the invaders? I thought that was the reason these states passed open carry, concealed carry, and stand your ground laws in the first place, so that they'd be prepared for the government takeover. Gee whiz. Why are the whining?
163
I'd like to see one of these militia's defend itself from a drone attack with their consumer grade hardware.
Texas: "The Tin Foil Hat State"
Next 4th of July Parade: The Circular Firing Squad
Next 4th of July Parade: The Circular Firing Squad
Conservatives are usually the ones who love to increase Military spending, even as they remain paranoid that that SAME Military may be out to ''get" them.
Am I the only one who sees a contradiction in there?
Am I the only one who sees a contradiction in there?
I've always been fascinated by the fact that rightwingers are so pro-military and funding of a giant American militia, yet also seem to claim their guns are needed to protect against the US govt if needed. How exactly does that work?
These people are ignorant beyond comprehension, and on so many levels. Truly scary they get to vote just like everyone else. This should be another embarrassment for conservatives, up their with support for Palin or Trump... but sadly it won't be.
These people are ignorant beyond comprehension, and on so many levels. Truly scary they get to vote just like everyone else. This should be another embarrassment for conservatives, up their with support for Palin or Trump... but sadly it won't be.
10
Honestly, articles like this make me pretty convinced never to visit states like Texas. It's just about another country, and not one I want to be part of.
11
Colorado is the state you want.
To all the sane people in Texas: The rest of the country will be glad to take you.
10
As the Magliozzi brothers used to say, "...both of you."
Ft Hood has about 40,000 soldiers stationed there year-round. And Texans are worried about another 1,200?
40
And if Obama really wanted to take them out it'd be done already for Christmas sake.
Seems to me that our friends in west Texas have a somewhat elevated opinion of themselves. Not exactly sure why anyone would want to waste time invading. Beer is available much closer to civilization.
7
While South Carolina is "too small to be a republic - too large to be an insane asylum" Texas appears to be a perfect fit
13
Would never happen. Fortunately we have quite a number of ex-vets who still have their weapons, hunters who have weapons and civilians who have weapons. In other words, even if lawless Obama tried to "control" Texas by sending in troops from Northern States (much like China suppressed the protests in the 80s by sending in troops from the countryside to put down the city riots) they would be outnumbered and in some cases out-gunned.
And once that happened one would then see an armed "1,000,000 man march" on the WH to place the clown in office under house arrest.
And once that happened one would then see an armed "1,000,000 man march" on the WH to place the clown in office under house arrest.
1
You have nuclear weapons?
From the Houston Chronicle: " ... shortly after the beginning of Obama's second term, more than 100,000 people signed a petition asking for the president to kindly excuse Texas from the union of states." But *surely* there's no connection. Same as with the U.S. military exercises in Texas like Jade Helm, which were fine when Perry was Governor ... and George W. Bush was president. (Note that the majority of Texans are not buying into this paranoid nonsense, as indicated by the comments following the article below.)
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/texas-secession-na...
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/texas-secession-na...
1
This is a classic example of paranoia and ignorance fueled by political polarization. These are the first people who will be complaining if a terrorist attack occurs. These exercises have been taking place as part of military exercises forever. They train in variable areas and climates to prepare for possible terrorist attacks. The ironic part is that a large portion of Texas' economy is the military industrial complex. Watch what would happen if those military bases were pulled out of Texas. Screaming would be heard all the way to the east coast.
444
Fine, except for the idea that they're preparing for "terrorist attacks." The variable areas and climates have to do with preparing to attack countries all over the planet.
Why would anyone want to invade and take over Christoval, Texas? It's like Crawford, Texas. Why did Dubya want to spend such a large percentage of his many vacations "clearing brush" in that ugly, unappealing place? These people have no sense and no taste.
6
A few years ago I was driving across Texas from the southeast up to Dallas. Tuning the radio to various AM stations, I stopped on, guess what?, a far right wing show. (Is there any other kind in Texas? The only other obsessive coverage I've heard there is constant COWBOYS, COWBOYS, COWBOYS, the team.)
Listening to this AM station, I couldn't believe the rumor mongering and fear mongering I was hearing. I drove along thinking, "Wow, they put a lot of rightwing nut cases on the air around here." Then, when the guest was finished, the host of the show said, "Thank you, Congressman, for coming on." I couldn't believe had been listening to the words of an elected member of Congress.
The spreading of fear about Jade Helm has an actual, dangerous potential. Wars have started over false rumors around the world and some variation on war could occur by a "misunderstanding" of what is happening. This is actually, potentially deadly dangerous.
Those who stoke such fears on rightwing radio and through Fox News will take no responsibility for the deaths that might occur in this or future situations. They don't care because they are just "reporting" what's going around. This is not just a case of those Texans in far rural areas thinking the end of the world is coming. Such fears could have deadly consequences.
By the way, has anyone told the people in Texas that WE DON'T HAVE MARTIAL LAW IN AMERICA, EVER, the actions of the Boston police not withstanding after the Marathon bombing?
Listening to this AM station, I couldn't believe the rumor mongering and fear mongering I was hearing. I drove along thinking, "Wow, they put a lot of rightwing nut cases on the air around here." Then, when the guest was finished, the host of the show said, "Thank you, Congressman, for coming on." I couldn't believe had been listening to the words of an elected member of Congress.
The spreading of fear about Jade Helm has an actual, dangerous potential. Wars have started over false rumors around the world and some variation on war could occur by a "misunderstanding" of what is happening. This is actually, potentially deadly dangerous.
Those who stoke such fears on rightwing radio and through Fox News will take no responsibility for the deaths that might occur in this or future situations. They don't care because they are just "reporting" what's going around. This is not just a case of those Texans in far rural areas thinking the end of the world is coming. Such fears could have deadly consequences.
By the way, has anyone told the people in Texas that WE DON'T HAVE MARTIAL LAW IN AMERICA, EVER, the actions of the Boston police not withstanding after the Marathon bombing?
18
It's nice to know that Texas crackpots have a forum in the NYT. But what about the poor crackpots in New York? Don't they deserve coverage, too? I can't help but think this article is more of the NYT indulging in its favorite hobby -- Texas bashing.
I question journalistic integrity when anecdotal hearsay ("One resident said a friend of his, a Vietnam veteran, started burying some of his firearms to hide them.") in one part of the story becomes enlarged fact in a picture caption ("Scott Degenaer . . . said he understood the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 that led some residents to bury their firearms.") It seems to me the NYT is whipping up this story like so much frosting on a cake.
I question journalistic integrity when anecdotal hearsay ("One resident said a friend of his, a Vietnam veteran, started burying some of his firearms to hide them.") in one part of the story becomes enlarged fact in a picture caption ("Scott Degenaer . . . said he understood the paranoia over Jade Helm 15 that led some residents to bury their firearms.") It seems to me the NYT is whipping up this story like so much frosting on a cake.
I can name a couple of people who do no justice to the Texas name.... Louis Gohmert, Ted Cruz, Rick Perry, Gregg Abbott, CJ Grisham, Kory Watkins. Jade Helm, CC carrying on Texas Public Univ. Campuses is pretty crazy considering almost anyone with a brain including 72% of the voters opposed it, and how about the new text books. No I wouldn't blame the NYT's on this.
1
Texas, you can have Texas.
7
Thank you. And you can have NYC. Now see how civil we all can be.
And yet, no forces lining the border with Mexico
2
Except for the largest contingent of Border Patrol agents in American history.
This is a perfect example of what happens when people lack education, and the GOP is doing its best to keep them barefoot, pregnant and scared on the farm. Just look at the politicians they vote into office. Texas is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the whole country.
416
It's tiring to hear so much anti-Texas rhetoric. Why some in this country are so suspicious of and condescending to fellow Americans is baffling. The politicalized and balkanized U.S. is ripe with hate and distrust among its citizens, creating a perfect storm for undermining our freedoms right under our noses.
I miss Molly Ivins.
3
I miss her too.
2
I was involved in military exercises in the Army. We did them on Army Bases because they are DANGEROUS. Low flying aircraft, troop movements, heavy equipment, etc. At one exercise at Fort Ord we had an APC run over a Humvee, a tank throw a track and another tank go sideways down a ravine... all that happened within 300 yards of where I was sitting with a radio.
The U.S. has plenty of military bases to do these exercises on. They don't need to do them in civilian populations. Conspiracy? It's unnecessary. So why are they doing it? What if someone shoots at them? What if someone is shooting at a coyote within earshot of them? What if someone wrecks their car because there's a "cool helicopter" overhead? It's just stupid for them to be doing this.
And yes, if there is a revolution it will start in Texas. I've live here my whole life and we are heavily armed, crazy and fearless.
The U.S. has plenty of military bases to do these exercises on. They don't need to do them in civilian populations. Conspiracy? It's unnecessary. So why are they doing it? What if someone shoots at them? What if someone is shooting at a coyote within earshot of them? What if someone wrecks their car because there's a "cool helicopter" overhead? It's just stupid for them to be doing this.
And yes, if there is a revolution it will start in Texas. I've live here my whole life and we are heavily armed, crazy and fearless.
83
I've lived in Texas my whole life, too. Our main difference seems to be that I've read some history books--and I don't hate my country. As the Army has tirelessly repeated, these are standard maneuvers and have been done for decades. In fact, Gen. George Patton was in command of an Army group that held maneuvers just prior to WWII that covered Texas and parts of Arkansas and Louisiana. So please, don't make Texas synonymous with "heavily armed, crazy and fearless."
22
A revolution in Texas? Could you start with equal rights for all citizens, gun control, elimination of federal subsidies, increased medical care for all citizens, higher graduation rates, increased spending for education, and separation of church and state? How about closing some military bases and moving them to a state that actually doesn't pout and threaten revolution with private firearms. Geez.
35
"Fearless"? From this article it seems Texans are full of (completely irrational) fear.
32
Why would we invade Texas? We already have their oil.
64
Responses like these make me still live most of my fellow citizens. This is hysterical!
1
We want to take away their guns, tanks, and grenade launchers and force their state to have a 38.2% Latino population. Wait, wait a minute, their population is already 38.2% Latino. Doncha see that proves my point. Like oil paranoia strikes deep and into their lives it will creep. Born crazy, still crazy after all these years. Texas. Is that a gun in your pocket or are you glad to see me?
1
The Texans are wrong, but it's actually an excellent idea. They keep producing gun nuts and ridiculous politicians, and it's the home of the most evil petro companies in the world.
It's time to give them a little discipline. Otherwise, they will remain in the 19th century.
It's time to give them a little discipline. Otherwise, they will remain in the 19th century.
21
The irony here is that a substantial portion of Texas' economy is based upon two industries; oil and the military industrial complex. If the next round of military base closings disproportionately impacted Texas, you would hear these very same people squealing all the way to Washington DC.
236
So true ... So true
1
Military, how do I fear the? Let me count the ways.
Joint Base San Antonio
Ft. Sam Houston And there are a number of
Lackland AFB other small facilities with limited
Randolph AFB staffs.
Dyess AFB, Abilene
Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo
Laughlin AFB, Del Rio
Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
NAS Kingsville
This is a lot of federal dollars supporting these communities through facilities operating expenses, civilian employment and active and retired personnel financial compensation.
Joint Base San Antonio
Ft. Sam Houston And there are a number of
Lackland AFB other small facilities with limited
Randolph AFB staffs.
Dyess AFB, Abilene
Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo
Laughlin AFB, Del Rio
Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
NAS Kingsville
This is a lot of federal dollars supporting these communities through facilities operating expenses, civilian employment and active and retired personnel financial compensation.
In fact, you already did. Rep. John Carter (R-TX-31) released a statement on the 9% troop reduction at Ft. Hood: “Targeting the brave men and women of our military is the absolute wrong approach to cutting government spending, and I believe Texas is unfairly taking the biggest beating."
Hey, bozos, this is the same Army!
Hey, bozos, this is the same Army!
Hey Texas, we get a lot of military exercises up here. Especially along the Artic circle line. No need to sweat anything unless you have one young f-16 jockey trying to impress the girls on the beach.
In that case, hold on to your sun umbrellas.
In that case, hold on to your sun umbrellas.
29
This gives the chance for the Rabid Right to show their paranoid delusions in all their glory. And when it's all over and the Army goes back home and nothing bad has happened, they'll say, "We stood up to them and that was the only reason they abandoned their plans." Just wait and see. A delusion is impervious to reality.
249
You are correct. That is exactly what will happen.
2
The old media (newpapers and network radio and TV) had serious editors who genuinely guided their audience. Since the end of the fairness doctrine, we have moved away from the old media, and what arose instead are myriad voices egging the stupidest ideas on. They do so for audience share only. The commenters moslty know better but they are hooked on the applause from frightened fools.
66
This has become a real danger to our society. I know I sound dramatic but these are dramatic times.
1
Bravo. You hit the nail on the head. The right wing kooks get fed a steady stream of propaganda and disinformation from right-wing radio, Rush Limbaugh, and Fox News, with little opposing viewpoint, something that would not happen if we still had the Fairness Doctrine, and it applied to cable broadcast news. Abolishing the Fairness Doctrine created the current atmosphere of partisanship, on steroids, because people are not hearing both sides of the issue, so they get snookered by people like Limbaugh, and adopt extremist views.
6
The downfall of the Fairness Doctrine perhaps marks the beginning of the end for sanity in American politics. As it stood then these nut cases could lie all day on the air, then the victims of the lies could have 5 minutes to give a truthful response. It worked. Reagan killed it with the 'stroke of a pen'. I guess Degenaer isn't concerned with that one.
Now those 5 minutes of truth telling are gone, much to our detriment.
We are seeing the base of the base in W TX. It's sad, embarrassing, upsetting, you name it.
Now those 5 minutes of truth telling are gone, much to our detriment.
We are seeing the base of the base in W TX. It's sad, embarrassing, upsetting, you name it.
1
There was a time about a decade and a half ago when conservative politicians also recognized independent militias as groups of armed and dangerous paranoid people. Now they view them as groups of citizens with "legitimate fears and concerns." When you are willing to do anything to garner votes, you make dangerous and destructive choices that lead to consequences like this.
83
You win the internet. For a good example of an extreme result see the Balkans. The political leaders there exulted and exploited extreme prejudice which resulted in one of the bloodiest 'small' wars of the century.
1
I can see it now. Tea Party Headlines about how Gov Abbott headed off an invasion of Texas. I submit that if you are so paranoid that the government is going to take your firearms, that you purchase more firearms or move them to a bunker, you probably are one of the ones who shouldn't be allowed to own them in the first place.
95
Boy, you ain't just a-whistlin' Dixie!
1
GG,
Exactly what will happen.
'They called it off because of our vigilance'.
It's how paranoia works.
Exactly what will happen.
'They called it off because of our vigilance'.
It's how paranoia works.
1
For some people, guns are a lifestyle and violence is a recurring fantasy. They wish for the opportunity to commit violence in an act of defense. They aren't "worried" as much as hopeful that someone will come and try to do ill towards them so that their weapons don't just collect dust.
273
Thank you.
21
My concern is that some of those that are paranoid about the exercises will, indeed, do harm of some sort if they encounter anyone who is participating in Jade Helm 15. A scary thought because then they will have been justified (in their mind) and saved their home or property or town or community center from the 'takeover'. Our great state of Texas is and will always be a great state. We just have to maintain some clarity when it comes to the individuals who are paranoid (of many things). I'm hopeful.
10
I can expect this coming from a hippie in Seattle, a city where drug use, suicide and violence is at an all time high in your city. Worry about your city sir and the problems that plague your city, not us down here in Texas, we have everything under control.
2
I actually feel badly for people who live with such paranoia. I also feel badly for their kids who must feel trapped or burdened by the pressure of such constant, negative thought. Regardless, I don't think that buying and burying weapons really does anything to mitigate paranoia.
321
Their kids, sadly, are not feeling trapped. They are indoctrinated from an early age, so this is all they know. Sure maybe 1 out of a 100 will realize the madness, and hopefully get the crap out of Texas and somewhere normal, but the rest will just perpetuate the cycle...
1
Feel bad for the Koch Bros. Their father, Fred, was one of the founders of the John Birch Society. The same group that accused Ike of being a traitorous agent of the Kremlin. The Bros have gone on to be major supporters of the modern day version of the JBS, the Tea Party.
The uneducated and dangerously under-educated paranoia on display over this operation is staggering. I weep for the children raised in these ares who have no hope of understanding or contact with the more enlightened and prosperous world around them.
The flagrant racism that underlies most of these beliefs, that Obama has personally decided to take over small-town Southern America as if he even had that kind of authority, further reinforces my attitude that this country still has so much work ahead to join other more civilized nations as equals.
These book-burning, gun-toting, creationism-espousing, tinfoil hat-wearing Luddites need a wake up call.
The flagrant racism that underlies most of these beliefs, that Obama has personally decided to take over small-town Southern America as if he even had that kind of authority, further reinforces my attitude that this country still has so much work ahead to join other more civilized nations as equals.
These book-burning, gun-toting, creationism-espousing, tinfoil hat-wearing Luddites need a wake up call.
85
This is something straight out of The Turner Diaries, a right-wing anti-semitic and racist screed that posits that the U.S. Government seizes all firearms under a law called the "Cohen Act."
It's not surprising that Texas has an imbecile for a Governor, especially since he's not the first one they've elected.
It's not surprising that Texas has an imbecile for a Governor, especially since he's not the first one they've elected.
69
Shame on Texas' leaders and their failure to counteract such conspiracy nonsense. What a colossal waste of time and thought! The state would, in fact, benefit from some 'federal intervention' in the realm of education and mental health benefits.
27
They've already -- and long since -- gotten the right response to that concept, I'm afraid:
"Lost Cause."
"Lost Cause."
With any luck they will forget where their guns are buried. Thank you for this incredible story. The paranoia of these conspiracy theorists is both astonishing and sad. I'm glad I don't spend my life holed up in my house, armed to the gills, and waiting for the bogey-man.
38
The paranoia and ignorance displayed for the world by these Chicken Littles in west Texas is just unbelievable--and not a little laughable. If the Feds wanted to confiscate peoples' weapons, they'd already have done it.
22
Take a look at Texas, and you realize why the need for a high quality education for our citizens is so important.
89
Texas is routinely ranked at, or near the top, of the 50 states in economic health. So I am wondering if you do any reading at all, or are just prone to uneducated prejudice.
1
I hope you follow up on this story when the exercise is over, and the sky has not fallen.
17
Why would the US want to take over Texas? Would be better to return it to Mexico.
96
If we did that, Dick Cheney would pop up with evidence that Mexico is stockpiling WMDs.
1
Stop listening to conservative bloggers and talk-show hosts and get a life, it can actually be fun.
18
You forget, this is rural Texas. I think this is as fun as it gets :)
1
Just watch. Once the operation is over and nothing the fear-mongers predicted has come true, they'll claim the government didn't declare martial law and confiscate guns because Obama's nefarious plan was exposed in advance.
53
I was visiting someone in Oklahoma last summer and during that time met some people from Texas. To say it was a bizarre experience is an understatement. They seemed relatively intelligent and were successful business people, yet, they ALL expressed this enormous paranoia about a revolution that was coming and in doing so, they were stockpiling weapons.
The only response I could give was, HUH?
The only response I could give was, HUH?
2
It seems that long term efforts to forbid the teaching of critical thinking
in American schools is finally paying off.
in American schools is finally paying off.
459
"When critical thinking is outlawed...only outlaws will think critically"
1
And Texas is the poster child for revisionist American history textbooks. That is, for those of their kids actually being taught to read....
Very timely piece from NPR on how the Texas legislature re-wrote history curriculum rules for Texas students.
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/07/13/421744763/how-textbooks-can-te...
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/07/13/421744763/how-textbooks-can-te...
The party of Trump and Palin has done a fine job brainwashing its voting base.
This is just another "false flag" special ops FEMA re-eduction camp fodder to them.
This is just another "false flag" special ops FEMA re-eduction camp fodder to them.
33
Irrational fears and hatreds are the heart and soul of the conservative mindset, to the extreme detriment of the rest of us. Just another case in point.
30
If anybody needs watching, it is our quasi-treasonous Texas politicians, who feed and fan their wacko base. Is it any surprise that the ill-educated and hateful Texans have been influenced by the steady drumbeat of insult, insolence and downright lying about President Obama?
The reality here is nothing short of a deliberate campaign to poison the public view of the Federal government, and encourage widespread disobedience of any laws that "impugn" Texas. The recent spectacle of our AG Abbott advising county clerks to ignore the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, is but one example.
(Did I mention the plan to move Texas gold reserves to a "safer" location in Texas - presumably so it cannot be confiscated by the Feds!)
The reality here is nothing short of a deliberate campaign to poison the public view of the Federal government, and encourage widespread disobedience of any laws that "impugn" Texas. The recent spectacle of our AG Abbott advising county clerks to ignore the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, is but one example.
(Did I mention the plan to move Texas gold reserves to a "safer" location in Texas - presumably so it cannot be confiscated by the Feds!)
66
But wait. Did I read that Texans are burying their guns? Maybe this is all just a clever way for conservatives bloggers to advocate a strange kind of gun control without offending the NRA.
13
If there isn't an app yet that generates Texas conspiracies, there should be. Could be a free download for anyone who donates $100 or more to the Cruz campaign.
18
I'm a conservative who lives in West Texas. Everyone I know thinks that this whole situation is based on a handful of people with over-active imaginations being stirred up by the crazy-ies on talk radio. Additionally, EVERYONE is embarrassed by the Governor's statements a few weeks ago that disrespected our military.
867
Thank you for substantiating that not all conservatives are crazy. Maybe you could host a talk show...
1
And yet, as a conservative, did you vote for him? Will you again?
4
Apparently not "everyone", since there seem to be at least pockets of crazies who believe Obama is coming to get their guns. Is there any political pressure for the governor to retract his statement?
5
Apparently, no child left behind is a myth in some areas of West Texas. Guns and ammo seem to be the answer for people's fears rather than common sense and logic. It is not the end of the world if you are a conservative and live under a democratic presidency. One would do well to remember the old adage, "live by the gun, die by the gun".
16
This is part of why I honestly HATE republicans. These "war games" have been held in Texas for YEARS. The ONLY thing different now is that Obama is a Black President. The lies and especially the hypocrisy of the right wing makes me want a civil war -- so there!!!! Maybe we can turn this into "not a game." I can't stand you people.
Jill Duncan
Denver, CO
Jill Duncan
Denver, CO
270
Thank you, Jill.
Testify, sister!!
The fact that Gov. Greg Abbott is legitimizing this crazy conspiracy theory by having the Texas State Guard monitor Jade Helm 15, is absolutely mind boggling. This man has no business being in office.
490
It's like, how low can a Republican governor go to pander to the extremist fringe of the extremist wing of the once GOP?
Greg Abbott, and most politicians - R and D - these days, don't have one iota of leadership capabilities in their bones.
A rational governor would try to educate his state's citizens about what was actually happening rather than reinforcing the insanity they are hearing on talk radio - thanks to the lack of a Fairness Doctrine.
Greg Abbott, and most politicians - R and D - these days, don't have one iota of leadership capabilities in their bones.
A rational governor would try to educate his state's citizens about what was actually happening rather than reinforcing the insanity they are hearing on talk radio - thanks to the lack of a Fairness Doctrine.
1
Maybe he'll run for President.
Don't forget that he beat Wendy Davis by 20 points. He clearly represents Texas....
Why do these people hate our military men and women?
42
We must always question authority, especially when they are conducting massive intelligence-gathering exercises.
It's for your protection, citizen.
It's for your protection, citizen.
2
This excercise demonstrates how much we need a national health care system - there are apparently whole towns and communities in Texas in desperate need of psychiatric care.
I am sorry that I will not there to see the expressions on their faces when one of them realizes that the U.S. military has metal detectors and can easily locate burried weapons.
I am sorry that I will not there to see the expressions on their faces when one of them realizes that the U.S. military has metal detectors and can easily locate burried weapons.
2
If I want your protection I'll ask for it.
1
It must be a great disappointment that none of Limbaugh's dire predictions have come true yet. Obama has 25.000 guillotines sitting in a secret warehouse in Boise gathering dust. Some tyrant!
21
I am sure glad Scalia made every American their own walking, talking individual militia certainly improves the mood of America.
21
That segments of a population are delusion, suspicious and paranoid is not the core issue here. The core issue the grotesquely irresponsible cadre of conservative media outlet that exploit this situation for trivial gain of ratings and market share.
These media producers know exactly what they are doing and are shameless in its pursuit. "I'm not saying the U.S. military is engaging in tactical and psychological operations aimed at the eventual takeover of *our* country, I am just asking the questions."
Ignoring reality conservative media outlets push and amplify the demented agenda of fringe groups who take it as affirmation of their paranoid meandering conspiracy theories. And the circle of crazy perpetuates.
Kooks exist and always will. An entire media apparatus designed to create and sustain them is a new more insidious entity.
These media producers know exactly what they are doing and are shameless in its pursuit. "I'm not saying the U.S. military is engaging in tactical and psychological operations aimed at the eventual takeover of *our* country, I am just asking the questions."
Ignoring reality conservative media outlets push and amplify the demented agenda of fringe groups who take it as affirmation of their paranoid meandering conspiracy theories. And the circle of crazy perpetuates.
Kooks exist and always will. An entire media apparatus designed to create and sustain them is a new more insidious entity.
212
Roberto, you have stated the problem correctly. The conservative media are as responsible for this insanity as are the paranoid people who dream up these doomsday scenarios. Fox News and its carnival barkers as well as right-wing radio and conservative websites are all about making money, and they need a gullible, frightened, angry audience to accomplish it. They are so effective that they've even sucked in many of the elected officials in Texas who were already delusional. This current crop of Republican presidential candidates also fuel the paranoia in search for money and votes. I fear things will get much worse before they get better.
2
Very eloquently said. I could not agree more.
Of course the lack of Obamacare "death panels" or FEMA "concentration camps" doesn't keep these people from believing the next crazy conspiracy theory that comes along.
48