In the Making?

Are the Thunder a dynasty in the making? They play hard, smart, and well together. Their coach does not defeat his own players. They have skilled depth. They do not have a high-flying Michael Jordan, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is certainly a top three two (shooting) guard in today's NBA. I am NOT rooting for Oklahoma City but acknowledge they are a very good basketball team. 

Enjoy the Game

Perhaps the referees in the National Basketball Association are doing some moonlighting in the same job in professional wrestling. Now, some officials are challenging coaches in full view of the world. The one thing I can tell you is that almost nobody ever bought a ticket to a game to watch refs work. The NBA ought to tell those they select to officiate games to put their egos aside because the audience is NOT there to cheer a referee on but in spite of them interfering with the free flow of some of the world's greatest athletes. 

Absolutely Catastrophic Obstructionism

You would expect DemocRATS to attempt to block the implementation of the Trump agenda. You might not think the supposedly politically unbiased Courts would do the same. You certainly would be shocked if the Republican-controlled US Senate would work to thwart the President from their own political party but that is precisely what has been happening. 

Iran Might Sign

The Islamic Republic may well sign a peace treaty, but that does NOT mean they will abide by its terms. The mad mullahs want attacks against them to cease but have no intentions of giving up their Islamist notions. In any cessation of hostilities against the theocratic tyrants, there must be no trust but plenty of verification. 

Peace with Iran

A lasting treaty to end hostiles between the United States and Tehran is possible. It is only possible though if the mad mullahs are removed from power. The Islamic Republic is an implacable opponent to America, but it is also an enemy to decent and reasonable Iranians. 

The Corrupt Ones

Putin is one of the wealthiest people to ever live, if not the richest. He has systematically looted Russia. This is bad, but what the leaders of the Ukraine have done is arguably worse. They diverted aid meant to save their country from an invasion by the Russians to become richer than Croesus themselves. Let us never delude ourselves into thinking there are good guys leading either side. 

Ultimately No Compromise

Religious zealots can't be bargained with, because they are not merely fighting for territory, wealth, or power, but because God (the Lord of their perception) commands them to do so. The United States was never going to be able to make a "deal" with the Islamic Republic, because the mullahs that oppress Iran are Islamist fanatics, who would rather see Iran wiped out than give up their ambition of a worldwide Shiite caliphate.