Don't forget the oil.

I'm sure that oil was the biggest factor in Bush II's Iraq invasion (which I opposed from before it began).

These days the U.S. doesn't need oil (it's an exporter), although many of its allies and enemies do, which is the rationale for a military presence in the Gulf.

The war on ISIS had nothing to do with any of this.  But you know that.

Also, as the world moves more towards sustainable energy sources, oil is having less of an effect on global policies, and tin pot dictators are losing their power.

When we no longer need it at all, many of these Middle Eastern countries will find themselves having to sort out their own problems.

We can disagree on how his words should be interpreted until the cows come home.  But some WILL interpret them in a way that best suits their own agenda and act.

This is why it is imperative that the President takes responsibility for his words, and makes sure they are not used to incite violence.

www.reuters.com

Plot to kidnap Michigan gov. stopped; 13 arrested | Reuters Video

[NFA] Thirteen people, including seven men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, have been arrested in a sweeping takedown of plots to kidnap the Michigan governor, attack the state capitol building and incite violence. This report produced by Chris Dignam.

www.abc.net.au

Michigan Governor accuses Trump of encouraging 'sick and depraved men' in kidnapping plot

Thirteen people, including seven militia group members, are arrested in a sweeping takedown of plots to kidnap the Michigan governor, attack the state capitol building and incite violence.

Read more from www.abc.net.au

Just more people who misunderstood Trump's words, I guess...

U.S.

Michigan to ban open carry of firearms at voting locations

Michigan will prohibit the open carrying of firearms at polling stations, clerk's offices and other places where absentee ballots are tabulated to prevent voter intimidation, state officials said on Friday.

Read more from U.S.

I don't think I've ever read about or seen anyone intimidating anyone with firearms at a polling place.  Maybe it does happen, I just haven't heard about it.  I personally have never seen any intimidation at our polling places.  I suppose it must happen somewhere. 

BTW, the photo you posted has nothing to do with gun carrying at a polling place.

FILE PHOTO: Protesters with long guns shelter from the heavy rain during a protest against Governor Gretchen Whitmer's extended stay-at-home orders intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Capitol building in Lansing, Michigan, U.S. May 14, 2020. REUTERS/Seth Herald/File Photo

katiek2 said:

I don't think I've ever read about or seen anyone intimidating anyone with firearms at a polling place. Maybe it does happen, I just haven't heard about it.

Until this election.  I do NOT want to say "I told you so".  Believe me, please.  I'd be happy to be wrong.  I'd love it of your election ran perfectly smoothly.

I just don't think it will.

And yeah, I figured it was a stock photo.

Anyway... Speaking of Whitmer...

U.S.

Trump blasts Michigan governor Whitmer; crowd chants 'lock her up'

U.S. President Donald Trump, who played down the coronavirus pandemic from its onset, criticized Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday for her policies to curb the outbreak, drawing shouts of "lock her up" from a rally crowd.

Read more from U.S.