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Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:09 AM Apr 8

'Trump always chickens out'? NOT THIS TIME..... I don't think we should use that term tonight--

when the decision was clearly RIGHT, for once---- to not initiate a GENOCIDE against nearly 100 million people in Iran,
many of whom OPPOSE their current government,
and instead allow diplomacy to work, for once---

To say that he 'chickened out' is to imply that he
should have acted upon his promised threats--- which would have resulted in the deaths
of millions of innocent Iranians---- including those who oppose their current regime

wiping out their electric power plants and numerous bridges, with conventional weapons
as well as water plants would have effectively mimicked the results of a nuclear attack,
without using any nukes at all-- (minus the fallout)
but created a total humanitarian disaster in Iran....
and made the country "unlivable" --- no electricity, no clean water, no refridgeration of food....

and NO PRAISE of Trump here---- all his prior words are subject to condemnation and scorn!!!
(and are deserving of such)


BUT----- I don't think he should be 'mocked' for avoiding
committing a genocide which he threatened to commit,
before somebody talked him 'off the cliff'---

wait, I mean he possibly shouldn't be mocked for 'making the correct decision'---


Whether the orange geezer should be mocked for
having said those things in the first place,
that is a different thing and 'fair game' as I am concerned,
but it is a thin red line.....

(anybody recognize my movie reference there? story of the battles over Guadalcanal!)


Pardon my post--- I was seriously worried that the demented orange geezer
would initiate actions tonight which could precipitate World War Three---
so now I hope we have a reprieve of at least two weeks---
for which I am grateful!

(That's another two weeks for some Republicans to possibly come to their senses---
although I don't necessarily have much faith in that!)













40 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
'Trump always chickens out'? NOT THIS TIME..... I don't think we should use that term tonight-- (Original Post) Jack Valentino Apr 8 OP
That has been true every time the term TACO jas been used. Ms. Toad Apr 8 #1
OK..But If He Wears A Tan Suit or Melania Turns Out WizumbODaSage Apr 8 #9
Tan suit yes, Melania turns out to be a man - NO. Ms. Toad Apr 8 #13
I'm Talkin' 'Bout MAGA'S Post Pres Treatment of Obama WizumbODaSage Apr 8 #15
I draw the line at ridicule which hurts others who are forced to witness it - Ms. Toad Apr 8 #23
Do you really think he's doing the "right" thing by manipulating markets fujiyamasan Apr 8 #12
that's true...he only does the "right thing" agingdem Apr 8 #28
I didn't KNOW that he WOULDN'T try to go through with it---- he's getting Jack Valentino Apr 8 #37
The THREATS are WAR CRIMES too pat_k Apr 8 #2
I'm not a lawyer, so I won't dispute your supposition.... Jack Valentino Apr 8 #4
It was good to hear Lawrence make the point on Last Word last night. pat_k Apr 8 #30
quite apart from the fact that taunting the psychopath stopdiggin Apr 8 #3
He should be removed from office for making the statement. 1WorldHope Apr 8 #5
YES, he SHOULD HAVE been removed from office LONG ago, but too many Republicans Jack Valentino Apr 8 #6
At this point, he is pulling them down like an anchor. pat_k Apr 8 #32
He put himself into a lose/lose situation with his ludicrous, reckless threats HesNotHere Apr 8 #7
He Also Met His Match. Messianic Islamists Who WizumbODaSage Apr 8 #11
Not sure the late-night comedians will do that... Justice matters. Apr 8 #8
I don't think he was planning to follow through with this. LeftInTX Apr 8 #10
When I Read That B-52's Had Left The UK I Smelled A Rat DallasNE Apr 8 #14
Iran isn't the only one being threatened with bombardment I'm sure. Buddyzbuddy Apr 8 #16
Its simplistic messaging Cosmocat Apr 8 #17
Trump never intended... BH liberal Apr 8 #18
He should be mocked and criticized for the things he said in itself. JI7 Apr 8 #19
Threats like this are a form of "abuse". (I don't know if they meet the war crime level) LeftInTX Apr 8 #25
Good point about the sabre rattling fujiyamasan Apr 8 #34
It is primarily a verbal abuse against US citizens. LeftInTX Apr 8 #35
Trump is a bluffoon and... BH liberal Apr 8 #20
NPR has released this as part of their coverage of the so-called "deal"... BH liberal Apr 8 #21
That's crazy! LeftInTX Apr 8 #26
Seems that Trump threats work better against U.S. Republican politicians Jack Valentino Apr 8 #38
Not a fan of TACO Sea Turtle Apr 8 #22
I'm afraid he'll see the ridicule and decide to bomb them anyway to prove his manhood. Scrivener7 Apr 8 #24
It's accurate for the sake of accuracy. Torchlight Apr 8 #27
I was glad yesterday turned into TACO Tuesday MustLoveBeagles Apr 8 #29
TABO Johnny2X2X Apr 8 #31
Let's see if I understand Cirsium Apr 8 #33
NOT grateful TO the bully--- just glad that our country didn't commence a genocide Jack Valentino Apr 8 #39
Both Cirsium Apr 9 #40
not to mention that would immediately create a new global situation. One that is especially dark and where the themaguffin Apr 8 #36

Ms. Toad

(38,765 posts)
1. That has been true every time the term TACO jas been used.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:20 AM
Apr 8

Some of us have suggested it is counterproductive to ridicule him for finally doing the right thing.

WizumbODaSage

(40 posts)
9. OK..But If He Wears A Tan Suit or Melania Turns Out
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:24 AM
Apr 8

Last edited Wed Apr 8, 2026, 03:15 AM - Edit history (3)

to ... ... ... HUSH YO MOUTH! we hound him to his grave!

Ms. Toad

(38,765 posts)
13. Tan suit yes, Melania turns out to be a man - NO.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:38 AM
Apr 8

Ridiculing someone for being in a relationship with a trans person is trans hostile.

Ms. Toad

(38,765 posts)
23. I draw the line at ridicule which hurts others who are forced to witness it -
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 07:38 AM
Apr 8

like trans-hostility.

Have at it all you want with a tan suit.

fujiyamasan

(1,940 posts)
12. Do you really think he's doing the "right" thing by manipulating markets
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:37 AM
Apr 8

Or issuing constant threats in the first place?

He should be ridiculed for absolutely everything. I agree that it’s good he didn’t go through with “threatening to wipe out a civilization”. That’s a no brainer. Commiting genocide isn’t a good thing and no is saying he should have gone through with it.

That’s also completely besides the point. The reality is no one believes he’ll follow through with anything anyways. He did this exactly one year ago, and then backtracked once he saw how the markets reacted. This makes this country completely untrustworthy.

As his defense secretary has said, no quarter.

Fuck him. He never does the right thing. How about not issuing threats of genocide in the first place? Is the bar that low now?

agingdem

(8,940 posts)
28. that's true...he only does the "right thing"
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:53 PM
Apr 8

when he can make a profit or his mega donors start screaming or the threat of Section 4 of the 25th Amendment comes calling...

a senile Hitler wannabe started a war, sacrificed our sons and daughters, killed Iraqi school children, threatened genocide and he expects a good boy slap on the back...sorry, no can do..

Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
37. I didn't KNOW that he WOULDN'T try to go through with it---- he's getting
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 10:16 PM
Apr 8

crazier by the minute!

pat_k

(13,688 posts)
2. The THREATS are WAR CRIMES too
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:21 AM
Apr 8
Measures of intimidation or terrorism against the civilian population are prohibited, including acts or threats of violence, the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population.


See LymphocyteLover's post HERE

It bears repeating:
Acts or THREATS

Department of Defense Law of War Manual (pages 189-190, left panel thumbnails 217-218)

§ 5.5.2 Essentially Negative Duties to Respect Civilians and to Refrain From Directing Military Operations Against Them. In general, military operations must not be directed against enemy civilians. In particular:

• Civilians must not be made the object of attack;

• Military objectives may not be attacked when the expected incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and damage to civilian objects would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage expected to be gained;

• Civilians must not be used as shields or as hostages;

• Measures of intimidation or terrorism against the civilian population are prohibited, including acts or threats of violence, the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population.



Keep in mind that Trump's threats communicated in his tweets are themselves war crimes.

Scott Horton (@robertscotthorton.bsky.social) 2026-04-07T13:00:03.889Z

Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
4. I'm not a lawyer, so I won't dispute your supposition....
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:24 AM
Apr 8

but I like the arguments you presented!

stopdiggin

(15,597 posts)
3. quite apart from the fact that taunting the psychopath
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:23 AM
Apr 8

was probably never terribly clever in the first place.
(regardless the particular scenario - or self gratification involved)

1WorldHope

(2,113 posts)
5. He should be removed from office for making the statement.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:24 AM
Apr 8

Among the thousand other reasons that came before. He must be confined as soon as possible and removed from office. My god this has gone too far for too long!

Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
6. YES, he SHOULD HAVE been removed from office LONG ago, but too many Republicans
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:28 AM
Apr 8

and self-proclaimed 'christians' have been WORSHIPPING THEIR ANTICHRIST
for far too long !!!!!!


pat_k

(13,688 posts)
32. At this point, he is pulling them down like an anchor.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 01:35 PM
Apr 8

Who knows what the future may bring? Twenty or Republicans Senators may finally come to see they need to get behind removal -- not out of moral obligation (they've proven they have no morals), but to save the ass of the Republican Party.

As much as I would love to see such events unfold, I think even Republican support for removal it would be too little too last to save their asses

HesNotHere

(30 posts)
7. He put himself into a lose/lose situation with his ludicrous, reckless threats
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 01:56 AM
Apr 8

Ok, so maybe there was a magical chance that he would scare Iranians into full capitulation with his bluffs, but otherwise, he either war crimes or runs. He deserves absolute ridicule because he alone started this thing and made it like a gameshow with his tweets, while pumping/dumping the market repeatedly.

WizumbODaSage

(40 posts)
11. He Also Met His Match. Messianic Islamists Who
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:35 AM
Apr 8

Kill 7000 Protestors Aren't Gonna Go All Wobbly When the Loudmouth from Queens Waves a Stick At Em! Too bad the first days bombing was so successful. Maybe it would have been better if the Mullahs had been kidnapped en masse, locked in a secret bunker with 24 hour blaring recordings of Barney Frank, Pete Buttigieg, AOC, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders for six months then we could have run 'em as Democrats in the midterms!

Justice matters.

(9,984 posts)
8. Not sure the late-night comedians will do that...
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:14 AM
Apr 8

Just watched Jimmy Kimmel expose the orange war criminal and kid rapist with a big taco joke.

LeftInTX

(34,729 posts)
10. I don't think he was planning to follow through with this.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:29 AM
Apr 8

I think much of this was a "save face" deal which had been going on for several days under the veil of these threats.

DallasNE

(8,019 posts)
14. When I Read That B-52's Had Left The UK I Smelled A Rat
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:39 AM
Apr 8

I expected that the B-2's would be the primary bombers used and took that as the first clue that it was TACO time. All TACO time means to me is that Trump ran another bluff, and everybody now knows this is how Trump operates, so the tactic is meaningless - look at the Iran response.

Buddyzbuddy

(2,788 posts)
16. Iran isn't the only one being threatened with bombardment I'm sure.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 03:40 AM
Apr 8

I think he may finally be catching hell from those that have his ear. The billionaires, the Arab nations, some Republican "leadership". Television and radio pundits.

I guess he can get away with shooting somebody on 5th Ave. But don't mess with our oil supply or stock market and definitely don't praise Allah if you don't mean it.

Cosmocat

(15,456 posts)
17. Its simplistic messaging
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 04:40 AM
Apr 8

I totally get your point, personally view it the way you do.

But the VAST majority of our fellow countrymen and women are not as discerning as we are.

And Rs have LONG known that and used it to their advantage.

TACO is a simple and snappy quip people get and can agree on.

Dems have to get with the times and go this route A LOT more.

BH liberal

(135 posts)
18. Trump never intended...
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 05:34 AM
Apr 8

to go through with the bombing. This is just another ploy that includes a vague reference to "an Iranian official" agreeing to open the strait. The real story will begin to unfold today as we see whether the Iran government will actually open the waterway to all shipping or tell Trump to pound sand.

JI7

(93,812 posts)
19. He should be mocked and criticized for the things he said in itself.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 05:38 AM
Apr 8

Not because he didn't go through with it but because that's not a way to do things regardless of whether you support going to war or not.

LeftInTX

(34,729 posts)
25. Threats like this are a form of "abuse". (I don't know if they meet the war crime level)
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:19 PM
Apr 8

Why are they abuse? They scare people, they frighten people. He's like the abusive spouse. He's doing alot of this for attention. He gets the whole country worked up. Everyone is talking about him non-stop. That's what he wants.

As for Iran, I don't know what type of internet servcies they have and I don't know how much the average citizen knew.

The rulers in Iran knew it wasn't going to happen. The govt of Iran pretty much says the same threatening shit back.

fujiyamasan

(1,940 posts)
34. Good point about the sabre rattling
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 01:49 PM
Apr 8

We hear this rhetoric frequently from countries in the region (I.e. the “wipe you off” threats Iran makes to Israel every few months). We heard it from Putin in 2022 (not as much anymore since their adventure hasn’t gone as planned). We hear these kind of threats issued between India and Pakistan too when tensions flare up. Most of it is patriarchal machismo and blustering.

But we haven’t heard that typically from our own leaders. It’s not as common in stable western countries. Basically his rhetoric reflects what a typical strongman dictator would spout.

Him backing out of this doesn’t absolve him of this. He’s a street thug. With nukes.

LeftInTX

(34,729 posts)
35. It is primarily a verbal abuse against US citizens.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:59 PM
Apr 8

Because this goes against our norms and our rules of engagment and our perception of international relations, it is a threat to US citizens. It stokes fear and images of us engaged in a sudden nuclear war at the hands of imperialistic madman.

BH liberal

(135 posts)
21. NPR has released this as part of their coverage of the so-called "deal"...
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 06:12 AM
Apr 8

"...Iran's plan, as published by the Iranian Mehr news agency, consists of a set of conditions that Iran claims the U.S. administration has accepted. They include Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of its nuclear enrichment, the withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from the region, the lifting of all sanctions and U.N. resolutions against Iran, compensation of damages to Iran as well as cessation of war in all fronts, including in Lebanon.

NPR is working to independently verify if the plan provided to the U.S. administration is the same as the one published by Iranian state-controlled media."

Does anyone here believe that the Bump Administration has accepted these terms?

Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
38. Seems that Trump threats work better against U.S. Republican politicians
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 10:23 PM
Apr 8

than they do against Iran! LOL

Sea Turtle

(94 posts)
22. Not a fan of TACO
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 06:14 AM
Apr 8

If Trump says he is going to do something we don’t want him to do or we find outrageous and he doesn’t do it but rather changes his mind for any reason, shouldn’t we celebrate the win?

In other news, I am hearing the Iran was forcing women and children at gun point to surround the power plants, bridges, and other important infrastructure. That is beyond horrible. I don’t think Trump could take out anything under those conditions. It is good that he didn’t move forward and kill the people Iran in harms way.

Back to TACO, if he always chickens out and doesn’t do anything, then why is everyone so upset? You can’t have it both ways. Either he does stuff or he doesn’t. If he is a do nothing place holder, then what is all the fear about him doing anything when the TACO crowd says he never follows through?

Torchlight

(6,986 posts)
27. It's accurate for the sake of accuracy.
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 12:50 PM
Apr 8

I doubt he would be compelled to act one way or another because people on a message board have been calling him a boneless chicken for over a year now... his irrational and flawed decisions will be his alone regardless.

MustLoveBeagles

(17,059 posts)
29. I was glad yesterday turned into TACO Tuesday
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 01:22 PM
Apr 8

I was really scared 😳. I will never forgive this EVER.

Cirsium

(4,038 posts)
33. Let's see if I understand
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 01:36 PM
Apr 8

1. Bully threatens people
2. People stand up to bully
3. Bully backs down
4. We should be grateful to the bully for doing the right thing?

Jack Valentino

(5,193 posts)
39. NOT grateful TO the bully--- just glad that our country didn't commence a genocide
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 11:05 PM
Apr 8

which he swore to commit if he didn't get his way---

As far as being mocked and hopefully prosecuted for making the threats in the first place, ALL SYSTEMS GO!

But to call this another 'TACO' is to imply that Trump was
'too weak to commence with committing a genocide'.

In that context, I would hope that every decent human being
would be convicted of being "too weak" or even "chickening out" from commencing a genocide...
(not that I think that Trump is a decent human being!!!)
thus I think that using this particular meme in this ONE instance
is mistaken and wrongheaded, and could imply that we think he SHOULD have
taken out Iran's electricity and infrastructure, which of course we DON'T believe---


Now as far as being like an 'abused spouse' who didn't know
whether to believe Trump's ultimately false threat in this instance,
I plead guilty..... but as I read on another site about spousal abuse,
'maybe the time you don't take it seriously is just before you get killed'!!

I am well aware of all the times that Trump backed down from his many threats---
but he is clearly becoming so demented and mentally deranged that
he could eventually slip off from his own 'playbook'
and actually ORDER 'the thing' to be done which he threatened---
believing in his own lying rhetoric and forgetting that it was supposed to be
just a 'threat'---

and WHO in his hand-picked administration of yes-men/women and sycophants
would be there to tell him "no" ??


Oh well.... I can't stop the avalanche of TACO references now,
although I believe I am right in this ONE particular instance----

HOWEVER, it HAS made me extremely hungry for my home-made tacos,
which I have been planning to make for some time,
and believe to be superior (in my own taste)
to anything available commercially (and less expensive!)

Maybe tomorrow--- in which case it would be 'Taco Thursday' !















themaguffin

(5,309 posts)
36. not to mention that would immediately create a new global situation. One that is especially dark and where the
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 05:01 PM
Apr 8

US is weakened globally and not treated with any respect or a good guy. We would be subject to scary retribution on way or another.

If not already for the damage done.

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