Pentagon Has Been ‘War Gaming’ for Economic Disaster Since Early ‘09
- Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:09am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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While we learned yesterday that the U.S. is preparing its domestic response to a potential economic collapse, the bigger story might be that the U.S. has been playing such “war games” for almost two years.
“The Pentagon sponsored a first-of-its-kind war game last month focused not on bullets and bombs — but on how hostile nations might seek to cripple the U.S. economy, a scenario made all the more real by the global financial crisis.” That’s how Politico reporter Eamon Javers (now with CNBC and who brought us Monday’s report) began an article dated April 9, 2009.
In that article, he describes how the U.S. first began preparing for an economic collapse. “Participants sat along a V-shaped set of desks beneath an enormous wall of video monitors displaying economic data,” he writes. “Their efforts were carefully observed and recorded by uniformed military officers and members of the U.S. intelligence community.”
The Office of the Secretary of Defense hosted the two-day event March 17 and 18, 2009, at the Warfare Analysis Laboratory in Laurel, MD.
The “game” didn’t end well for the United States: “the savviest economic warrior proved to be China.”
“We were allowed to fight with financial weapons only (stocks, bonds, currencies, gold, reserves, etc.) and no kinetic weapons,” James Rickards, who participated in the game, told The Blaze in an e-mail.
“This was an example of the changing nature of conflict,” Paul Bracken, a professor and expert in private equity at the Yale School of Management who attended the sessions, told Javers. “The purpose of the game is not really to predict the future, but to discover the issues you need to be thinking about.”
“Why would the military care about global capital flows at all?” asked another person who attended the game. “Because as the global financial crisis plays out, there could be real world consequences, including failed states. We’ve already seen riots in the United Kingdom and the Balkans.” That was in 2009, before European unrest began grabbing headlines weekly.
Those real-world consequences are exactly what the U.S. is preparing for. And according to a picture we stumbled upon, those consequences include civil unrest over lack of food caused by a financial crisis.
This picture, reportedly released by the Air Force, shows Alaska National Guard troops taking part in a training exercise. According the picture’s caption, “Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assist Anchorage Police to calm or detain rioters as part of the training scenario of exercise ‘Vigilant Guard.’” One actor is holding a sign saying, “FOOD NOW!”:
“America‘s intelligence community has said the global economic crisis is now the top threat to the nation’s security,” NPR reported in February ‘09. “The downturn could produce political instability and damage the ties that hold countries together. Countries might even be tempted to engage in financial warfare, officials say.”
Rickards was quoted in that piece saying the tempted could include a country such as China. “You can envision scenarios where they launch a financial attack, you know — a Pearl Harbor on the dollar, if you will,” he said. “And those are the things that I think national security professionals rightly think about. But it doesn’t even have to be that. It could just be China acting in its own best interests, in a way that causes interest rates to go up, the dollar to go down.”
Fox Business also reported on the war gaming in ‘09 and laid out a shockingly relevant scenario involving none other than China:
Picture this hypothetical dreamed up by a national security expert obsessed with economic catastrophe:
Angry that U.S. policies aimed at boosting the economy have devalued their $2 trillion of currency reserves, the Chinese decide to stop buying Treasurys just as America tries to finance its massive spending plans.
In response, the U.S. imposes trade sanctions against China, which in turn pushes for a global currency. From there, the U.S. accuses China of manipulating its own currency and things escalate further.
Without a shot being fired, those actions represent a type of unfriendly economic competition that some are very worried about.
At the time, Fox reported that the Pentagon would hold future war games. That seems to have happened last month as Javers recently reported.
The new war game, called Unfied Quest 2011, “is the Army Chief of Staff’s primary mechanism to explore enduring challenges and the conduct of operations in a future operational environment.”
“Army officials met outside Washington last week for a thought experiment about the implications of a large-scale economic breakdown that would force the Army to absorb significant funding cuts and prepare the service for an increased role in keeping domestic order amid civil unrest,” InsideDefense.com reported on the recent games.
The article says officials chose the global financial collapse scenario because “it was deemed a plausible course of events given the current global security environment.”
“In such a future,” it reports, “the United States would be broke, causing a domino effect that would push economies across the globe into chaos.”
The latest game included a grim outlook: cuts in defense and international relations, fragmentation of power, and consolidation of “common functions, like logistics, training, medical services and information systems.”
But there was one “sliver lining” according to the article: “The Army would have an influx of qualified recruits as the result of an unemployment rate between 25 percent and 30 percent.”
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Comments (163)
moreteaplease
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:52am@TXPILOT…I agree with your statement 100%. I too grew up around military and have lived my entire life in a military community and I don’t think for a minute that the members of our military would follow orders to attack U.S. citizens because that would go against everything they have sworn to do-which is protect the country and it’s citizens.
Report Post »@the_WEDGE
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:48am….and what’s really funny is these elitists have been planning this for a long, long time with all their great minds and endless resources to accomplish this plan of attack. And they still lose!
Report Post »xhippigranny
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:37amI agree with the other poster’s here on the Blaze who do Understand our Military who by the way has much more respect for our Country than the Commander and Theif…….I have Military in my family some serving as we speak. My grandad was a ww2 vet and my uncle was a Marine each of them have told me that most Milatary well not “fire on American’s” If push comes to shove by the power’s that be. What is bugging me is the fact that these situations are taking place at all! And we have to get groped and x-rayed at the airport we have to change our behavior all the while the terriosts are finding better ways to destroy us. It is truley become a sad situation here in ole America and the idiots who come and troll on the Blaze with these idiotic “Talking” points make me want to puke. Why don’t they get a job or join the Military, but so many trolls hide behind their Mommys skirt and wait for diaper changes and the Macarony and Cheese Mommy brings them in the basements where the dwell.
Report Post »SueDinNY
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:37amRight now our politicians and the federal reserve are our biggest enemies. They are taking America down. What’s the scenario for that?
Report Post »@the_WEDGE
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:36aml know these Elitists think Utopia is just around the corner and the “power” will be all theirs. But, little do they know that the Bible says otherwise. The joke is on the power hungry and God is still on the throne, Forever!!!!
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:31amReealllyyyy?
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:21amWell its clear that the Gov knows that this scenario is plausable and that China would win the game. We collapse. With that known, then they must take actions to avert this national security threat. Thats the job of the military but the problem is the military does not control matters of finance and such. The politicians do. So when the politicians do not act accordingly the military top brass will know who is the real and present danger.
Report Post »sdranger
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:17amHow does the military do this while taking a massive funding cut? The draft, all draft boards are still active and all registration is still mandatory. How do they get troops to carry out their orders? Move the troops to areas they are not from just like in Russia and China. New York troops will be sent to Florida, Florida troops sent to Oklahoma ect. ect. Troops will follow orders and most of the lower level troops will have a hard time deciding which order is lawful or not. Put yourself at 18 years old from South Dakota and patrolling inner Chicago. You see riots and people being hurt, your orders are to arrest and detain with a ROE (rules of engagement) which happens to say deadly force is authorized for your and other civillians safety. If you engage are you obeying lawful orders or unlawful?
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:56amMy thoughts exactly SDRANGER. Those of us who have been in the military know there will always be somone willing to do the dirty work. in this case shoot a civilian. Remember Kent State? That was isolated and unintentional but it happened. it will only take “the shot heard round the world” to start it. I remember serving with a couple of draftees during Nam who could not read, and write only their names but when it came to giving orders they had the mean streak. It’s called SURVIVAL. And WHEN the draft is reinstated, and it will be, be on the lookout for those guys.
Report Post »republitarian
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:48pmI agree that soldiers are good at following orders. But we are relying on officers in the command structure to not give those orders.
Report Post »Hill Country Patriot
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:17amTrust me folks, most of the military will not accept orders to take arms up against its own citizens. These people live in our communities, shop at the same stores, attend the same churches, and there kids attend the same schools–and they are in large measure, conservative.
You have no idea of the immense disgust for this administration that is building within the ranks–there is real anger and a true sense of betrayal brewing. These people read, watch the news, and are very loyal in defending the Constitution. If all hell breaks loose, you will find most will do the right thing and refuse to follow illegal, corrupt, or otherwise counter-intuitive orders.
Be watchful, be wary, and always PREPARE! The $hi+ storm is coming.
Report Post »KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:11amYet the government keeps letting foreign nationals mass immigrate our country. Every year just from student visas China sends 30% more to our colleges year on year, and pushes out American students at the same time. Chinese illegals have increased 1000% across the southern border not including the amounts from the northern border and shipping ports. Visa violations are never enforced, Chinese restaurants are safehavens for illegals, not to mention cities with some of the biggest Chinese communities are also known sanctuary cities and counterfeit bases not only of American goods but also counterfeit money. Most of these big cities have huge numbers of Chinese community run businesses for birth tourism called Yuezi centers. The do this to get around the one child policy in China and to take advantage of the American system. Because China does not have a Social security system when these children can sponsor their parents and grandparents they come to the US and leech off the taxpayer funded health care system.
In other news, The U.S. Embassy in London said Louis Susman’s visit to the East London Mosque (known for terrorist ties) was part of the Obama administration’s outreach to Muslims. usman, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, visited the mosque last week. He was given a tour of the facility and expressed his admiration for its work.He also invited young Muslims there to enroll in a cultural exchange program that would bring them to the U.S.
If it isn’t the Chinese, it will be the Muslims or a combination of both or many.
Report Post »Stop the foreign invasion of the USA NOW!
Silent_Majority
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:10amI’m sure that some are going to call me strange, but I have thought for some time that the current crisis was started from people that want to hurt us. I personally believe that it is coming from the Mid East, if you look back and see what happened with oil. Oil prices went through the roof pulling the economy one way, then without warning there was an “electronic” rush on our financial system in a opposite direction. All things being equal, we are very lucky we didn’t have a full collapse of the economy.
I do not have a problem at all with free markets, however we do need to protect our financial systems and “firewall” them. I’m so afraid that it will happen again….
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:07amUh huh…..bends over backwards for his Muslim brothers……won’t call them terrorists.
but…….
war games against American Citizens.
Its pretty clear to me. LOCK and LOAD.
Report Post »TheSitRep
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:01amAbout 6 years ago I started thinking that some bad shizit was coming.
So I bought some land and now live off grid. I stocked up on seeds, food, ammo, gold.
Now I raise ducks and am fixin to buy goats.
I just hope I can defend what I have.
It’s gonna be real tough for folks in big cities.
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:33amTo THESITREP; You’re right. I remember listening to Beck when he did skits and was a laugh a minute. I miss that. I’ll also miss this country, Already miss the way it was, there are too many fronts they attack from. They divide us, then at some point they will take us. I have chickens, and goats. A deep well and a generator hooked to the household necessities. I’m stocking up on things that will hold us for a while. Not sure if it will matter tho.
Report Post »ronmorgen
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 3:44pmFunny thing, 6 years ago I did the same. Bought land, off grid, fruit trees, another country. Maybe we were listening to he same voice. I too feel the metro areas will be hit first and hardest, and the USA the hardest.
Report Post »gtg723y
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:46pmThe zombiepocalypse TV shows and movies should be indicative of what it will be like in the cities. Not actual zombies of course, but mindless hordes scavenging what they can before moving out towards the country to steal what we have. I read on a different blog that the US military thinks we will lose close to 80% of our population in 1 year if the electrical grid goes down. Most of the casualties will be city dwellers. I am not as far as you, I have about 4 months worth of food but could stretch it to 6, same for the dogs and cats. I also live out in the middle of nowhere on five acres, I am going to build the vineyard and chicken houses this winter in preparation for the spring. Luckily no one in my house is on any medication, except for birth control, I am concerned about how many women will die in childbirth as doctors will be on short supply. There isn’t really a way for me to prepare for that.
Report Post »Shoemaker
Posted on December 10, 2010 at 12:32amYou will have more strength in numbers who are well-armed. I was reading about the economic collapse in Argentina, and it was described that crime in the city was frequent, a lot of muggings… Out in the farmland, crime was less frequent, but when it did happen, it was a lot more violent, with torture and slaughter. I’d still rather be self-sufficient in the country.
Report Post »Hefsmaster
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:58amNow who would have guessed of all things that the govt. would conjure up the idea that this country is nothing but an economic disaster waiting to implode. Did they get to the last chapter of that economic playbook of theirs. The one that reads like rome and greece. Must have been to busy face painting in the sixtys. We pay the price for undue diligence. In this case most here have these “officials” beat. As they now warn you of govt. war games in regard to social unrest. Most here already have been preparing for this. Is everyone ready to go? Go where and who knows what. Stay put or relocate. More so than any physical preparation you could do. You must be mentally prepared as well. The ability to improvise will make the difference. To many idiots out there for me not to prevail.
Report Post »Canyouhearus
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:53amThis isn’t anything new. The plans have been laid for quite sometime I’d guess.
Check these sites:
U.S. Military Preparing for Domestic Disturbances
http://www.infowars.com/us-military-preparing-for-domestic-disturbances/
Another: Bush Moving toward Martial Law
http://www.towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/911/
Or: Military Demands Details of Soldiers Private Guns
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=92395
Or Jerome Corsi on C-Span on artial Law from, I believe, in 2008:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pM1vPPKnRI
It would appear that it isn’t just Obama but government in general… It’s all over the internet… Could that be why they want to control it? Might have a fair amount to do with it. I remember when Obama spoke to the Graduating Class at West Point (?) … where he said we get too much news. But they just love us and want to protect us. Makes ya feel warm all over, eh?
Report Post »48
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:51amOur military and local police will not be standing along side our government if it happens. These are family members and they are just like all of us. LOL to anyone teaming up with the government at that point.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:06amI think you give far too much credit to the cops. The military I can see splitting with the majority on our side. The police, not so much.
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:28amThe police BELONG to the unions not the people. God bless them for the job they do, But they deal daliy with the dregs of society. That in itself changes their view of the average joe. When they see you coming down the street with protest signs and singing “down with tyrany”, Take back our Country” etc,, that‘s them you’re talking about. TO Deutscher
Report Post »Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:29am
@OZCHAMBERS. “You can’t be serious. So the entire military leadership is working to some evil end, and you think the weak link would be immigrant soldiers?” No one says it’s the entire military leadership. Look what they do to a single general who felt the war was being fought wrong. They just put those solders, who might be swayed, in another country. temporarily, Like Afghanastan, or Korea or the philipines before too long. Me thinks too many of you here are still of the opinion that WE THE PEOPLE will change everything just because we feel strongly about it. They have a machine, while we have a loud “voice”. Do you really believe that the truth shall set you free? Is that what our founders held to? In the end that wasn’t enough.
mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:33amHence, police unions.
Report Post »48
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:39pmI guess I can only speak of the cops I know. Hopefully there are many more with the same mind set.
Report Post »Mr.Nick
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 8:10pm@GhostOfJefferson
You’re absolutely 100% correct… The cops are the biggest threat. They commit the majority of tyrannical acts against the people and the Bill of Rights. They also commit tyrannical acts – not because they’re ordered to do so – but because they want to and get off on the authority..
Look no further than Waco or Ruby Ridge as proof of my assertions.. That wasn’t military – that was “law enforcement.” Also, similar events happen daily, but go unreported or misinterpreted.
Report Post »Jedi2112
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:44amAmen ProAmerican. I work with a lot of current and former military personnel, including those active the guard. The military, contrary to left-leaning and conspiracy theorists statements, is not evil. The overwhelming majority are conservative, American loving, people. They also know the difference lawful and unlawful orders. You need not worry about them. Worry instead about the civilian national security force Obama wants. One that is as, “well funded” as the military so “we don’t have to rely solely on our military.“ I am in law enforcement and law enforcement officers are not considered ”civilians,” so who is he talking about. Brown Shirts ring a bell for anyone?
Report Post »whitaker
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:26pmJust look into what HomeLand Security and FEMA have been doing for his “brown shirts.” They have been wargaming Rex 84 for years.
Report Post »Bob Mariner
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:53pmHe has his National Security Force. It is called the Transportation Security Agency, TSA.
Report Post »US_SOLDIER
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 7:36pm<=will not follow unlawful orders
Report Post »PROAMERICAN
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:27amI pray that Gods hand will rescue our Nation.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Report Post »If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (KJV)
TexasCommonSense
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:25amPlan for the worst and hope for the best…
Report Post »crossdraw
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:25amThis can’t happen until all privately owned guns are confiscated. Mostly through tax manuvering and April 15th. Ken and Barbie living in their expensive home with 21/2 kids, when faced with 10 years in a federal prison, will fall all over themselves giving their guns to the “authorities”, “in the interest of public safety of course.” As for me, and this is for the government lackeys who monitor this site for unAmerican activities, “You cannot make a law big enough nor tough enough, to make me give up my guns.” I WILL give my life for Freedom. It’s an OATH thing most would not understand. God Bless the ones who do.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:41amPlease, don’t fall into the leftist trap of condescending about swaths of humanity. People in suburbia are not idiots as a group. There are no laws that would make me turn in my weapons, but there might be some that would cause me to employ them.
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:36amGUNS: When you apply for a CC permit they know where you are and what you have. All I have is a pitchfork but come a little closer.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:10pmWhy would you apply for a permit to exercise a right? That’s anti-ethical to the notion of “rights”. Do you apply for permits to read the newspaper?
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:23pmYou GO Ghostman!! What was the name of that TV show about the civil war and the Leader ( a rebel) was call “The Grey Ghost” I believe. Hope for the best…
Report Post »Endstatism
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:53amIf just a few million defied a gun ban, arresting those people would completely and totally gridllock the federal judicial system for years. The DOJ would have to drop all prosecutions for other crimes to clear the backlog. And where would they get the prison space to house millions? Gun ownership in this country has risen to such a point that its almost become a third rail of politics. Not to say that the current leadership wont try to attack our Second Amendment rights,
Report Post »FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:23amTime really question will you be ready. The folks who will be running in the streets will be looking to take your food and anything else of value away. Pity the ones who can’t fend for themselves. The liberal progressives that have been calling for the handouts for years will not know what to do when they start having people breaking into their homes killing and taking what they have. Trying to “reason” with the rioters will not work………………VICTORY OR DEATH
Report Post »Strictlybusiness
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:06amThat’s what the ( DEMON-0-CRATS = DEMONOCRATS) are hoping for, Chaos and Anarchy! ! They are so stupid that they think they will be able to control it , but they won’t, it will be out of control within hours. The left knows nothing about what they are flirting with. They have DRASTICALLY UNDERESTIMATED THE RIGHT IN THIS COUNTRY, they have NO idea how prepared rural AMERICA is for this…..
Report Post »Strictlybusiness
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:07amVictory – or – death
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:39amStrictly business- your are absolutely right. Isn’t that why SKorea is “PRACTICING”.
Report Post »The left will never be able to hold it together. I wonder how many will actually chicken out when it (revolution) comes to life. Those who don‘t chicken out I’m sure don’t take direction well. atheistic“ values” hold narcissism higher than submission.
Get your copy of Chicken Soup for the Chaotic Soul!
FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:18amWhy does this surprise anyone. It is only a matter of time before this happen. When you start taking away the free rides as well as the regular folks don’t have work they will be rioting and looting. This is something that we should all expect to see in the near future……….VICTORY OR DEATH
Report Post »Strictlybusiness
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:53amHEY FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION…. Since all this was exposed just a matter of 3 weeks ago, this snow ball has REALLY been growing in size and scope on the left. All these ratical left winged wackos have organized at the top. Time to get ready for action better be ready to protect you and yours…I AM ! ! ! ….Victory or Death ! ! ! !
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:44amYou make a valid point. It will start in the cities because of the nature of the beast. LIMITED ACCESS TO VITAL RESOURCES. We will actually be for that because it will keep the crazies in the cities and not out in the countryside. So over a matter of time they’ll expand to the smaller bergs and use an excuse like PREVENTING a recuurance that the larger cities had. I mean Small Town USA will eventually be i the same situation resource wise. If 20 million people are prepared today, that leaves 280 milion people grasping for air! KISS = Keep It Simple S.
Report Post »Strictlybusiness
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:59amHEY , ZMAN173rd….There needs to be a way to have a network, I’m in the Pacific Northwest and I know the mind set here….. IT’S GOOD, Well armed and VERY WELL informed. I just don’t know the feel of the rest of the country at this time…..It would be nice to know just how well in sinc we all are on the right, in the different parts of the country ! ! !
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:17amGet a rope………….
Report Post »abc
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:52amTwo points: first, why are conservatives worried about the military war gaming around an economic crisis but not a climate change crisis? Conservatives have totally ignored the fact that the Pentagon started under Bush and Cheney to create war scenarios based upon scientific predictions of imminent climate change. If you lend credence to the economic war gaming why not the global warming kind? Why is that not hypocritical??
Second, a major economic crisis that precipitates an economic war with would cause the US to default on its foreign debt, so the US would get a 30% reduction in its debt instantly. Also, the US economy is still larger than China’s so we would likely do better in a massive trade war, since we depend on fewer imports than China (although we run the trade surplus). We have secured more foreign energy resources–thanks to the War in Iraq, which was all about oil, and thanks to resources in Mexico and off our own shores. Further, without a blue-water fleet, China will not be able to challenge our access to those resources for another 10-15 years. We also are totally self-sufficient for foot, unlike China. How China wins an “economic war” is beyond me.
Now, if by economic war, it is meant that during peacetime China will get richer than America, that is inevitable. The Chinese have more than 4 times as many people, and are way behind in terms of economic development, so they will continue to grow faster for a long time even as they simply copy what we’ve done in this country since the Civil War–build roads, buildings, upgrade infrastructure, open up factories, etc. And the fact that they have such cheap labor means that they have big advantages in selling on the global market. With that money, China will build a bigger military than ours and will push the US to number two on the world stage, so the US ought to start thinking about how to pursue our interests in a world in which it cannot maintain military hegemony.
In 2000, neo-cons like Wolfowitz and Cheney argued that the US had a unique opportunity as the world’s only superpower to ensure US dominance for a long period of time. This envisioned locking up global resources like oil–the reason we invaded Iraq. But those neo-cons sadly do not understand how the world economy works or what the history of empires looks like. The US cannot expect to remain the dominant power in the world and must start to accomodate rising powers that will rival and perhaps supercede the US. While the military should remain prepared for all scenarios, we should ensure that we as Americans are ready for the inevitable rise of China, which will force us to accommodate their interests and needs and values, not just our own. We might not like this future, but we will increasingly be powerless to stop it.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:01am@ABC
First, that’s a disingenuous argument. You‘re calling out people for not being against something they probably didn’t know happened in the first place. It’s a rather silly straw man. You have to know that, right?
Second, the reason China can dominate economically is partially outlined by you, however, if they had to abide by all of the bogus “eco laws” and “labor laws” and “a bajillion other laws” that we do, they’d never grow larger than the Netherlands, economically. I suspect that if we dumped a majority of the useless and confining regulations around our industry, we‘d stand a pretty good chance of putting a whoopin’ on the Chinese.
Report Post »Rn mom
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 5:16pmABC- We are more concerned with economic chaos rather than climate chaos because if we (for the sake of this argument) agree that both crisis’ are man made, we know that economic chaos is far more imminent. Why are you questioning conservatives? It’s the government that is war gaming an econ crisis- not an ecological crisis. Besides conservatives aren’t beholden to Greenies, we acknowledge that man-made climate change is purely hypothetical.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:13amtime to watch “RED DAWN” with Swayze again.
buy more soup and ammo.
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:20amNO, Time to watch 7 DAYS IN MAY.
Report Post »Lantern
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:32amLooks like Glenn was right again, darn it!
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:13amjust goes to show how long obama has been planning to destroy us and how he immediately began training our military AGAINST US.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:19amDREAM would fill our armed forces with immigrants who have no allegiance to citizens of the U.S. or our Constitution. They will likely follow ANY orders given.
Report Post »Deutscher
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:20amSurely you dont our military sit behind desks and plan how to destroy the economy and not how to defend the nation.
Report Post »grassroots
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:24amThe George Soros, Van Johnson etc are hoping we panic and cause civil unrest in our Country.
Report Post »If there is an economic breakdown we must remain calm and stick together as a united front
against them.WE can do this and we must do this and we will win in the end!
ron the veteran
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:25amthose are our kids, talk to them like i did my son who is serving. he knows who to shoot and who not to. they got their own plans that dont include shooting at us or going after anyone they all know its an order they will not obey.
Report Post »Deutscher
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:29am@OZCHAMBERS. You can’t be serious. So the entire military leadership is working to some evil end, and you think the weak link would be immigrant soldiers?
I think you need to adjust your tin foil hat and meet some military officers. You will be assured our fine military is not part of some evil plot.
Nostraquedeo
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:37amPosse Comitatus is a joke. It has more loop holes than the Tax code.
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:46amDare to prepare. Most of my friends and family I try to share this type of information with, think we are all kooks. BUT, what if we’re right???
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 10:48amAs a former military pilot coming from a heavily military family, I can say with confidence that if the government attempts to use our troops against us, they will soon have open rebellion within the ranks, because contrary to what they might believe, most members of our military are freedom loving patriots just like us, and they won’t stand for attacking us. Our military leaders especially, will not stain their souls with a traitorous act, such as attacking the very people they have sworn to defend.
Don’t buy into the lie that the Commies are in the majority……when in fact, we have them outnumbered by millions.
Report Post »guyperram
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:08amRon- I certainly hope you are right. We know that they have been “stacking the deck” with officers of the Liberal persusaion being in country, conservatives are mainly serving overseas..
Report Post »I wonder if they have wargamed what is actually happening, an internal coup? They can only win if they have the military. Hitler discovered that when he tried the “Beer Hall Putsch”. These guys have studied history, and have planned for decades, so they must have a plan to subvert the military.
@leftfighter
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:10amExactly my thought.
Very first thing that went through my mind was “What *else* happened in early 2009?” Answer would, of course, be that the Obama regime came to power.
Report Post »Buck Bagaw
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:13amThey should “train” on the Mexican Border, fighting Americans is not only not the job of the military, it is illegal. The clouds are forming and a hard rain is going to fall, get your heads outta your asses people!!
Report Post »GrannyATL
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:18amTXPilot, the National Guard were confining looters and those who were stampeding due to lack of food. I can absolutely believe that our servicemen have been indoctrinated to believe that they are protecting the law-abiding civilians by rounding up those who are looting.
I wouldn’t bet on the fact that the soldiers would rebel against their commanders. They will be well trained in seeing Americans as frantic and in need of a “calming” force that they must provide in order to prevent further chaos.
Mark my words…..
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:27am@Granny
That is exactly what will happen. TXPilot is right.
The US Military WILL NOT turn on its own citizens. If ordered to do so, they will turn on the Govt and we’ll have a Military Coup on our hands.
I have very reliable sources on this.
Report Post »CALIDUDE
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:43amI proudly served in the US Navy as a Corpsman. I served with kids from the inner city, the rural south and West, surfers from California, and not one would ever follow an illegal order to fire on American’s. For the most part our military is filled with kids, but, they know why they are their. I sure as hell did.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:44am@DEUTSCHER: I am not a hater of the military and I wear no Reynolds branded head gear. I am a veteran who served under Reagan and also during the Gulf War. My older brother is a vet, my younger brother currently serves and is on his way to Korea with his Carrier group, and my sister is serving with the Coast Guard. My stepfather served in the Navy and also retired recently from the CIA where he worked with and trained members of DELTA, SEALs, Force Recon as well as other US and international elite forces as co-founder of CIA’s Counter-Terrorism Tactical Team. He is the direct descendant of a member of Washington’s Army who served at Valley Forge and crossed the Delaware. My grandfather landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. I love the military and everything it stands for, but I also understand and realize that the military has all kinds of people serving. You have your head stuck in a hole if you dont believe there are some progressives involved in military leadership. Even General Powell has praised the virtues of International rule of law and is a supporter of Obama. John Kerry was an officer at one time, in case you forgot. The progressives do things incrementally, including changing the nature and makeup of our armed forces. We are currently at war with terrorism and yet the commercials and ad campaigns for our military sometimes resemble recruitment spots for relief organizations. DREAM would mean an incredible influx of non-citizens into all branches. I know that there are currently many in leadership who would refuse to obey such orders from anyone including their commander-in-chief. But just like in any other job, when an employee won’t do a job, they are fired and someone is promoted who WILL do the job needed. The real question is not whether they will simply disobey an unlawful order. If they wont, most will walk away or be relieved from their military posts. The real question is will they refuse the order(s), and refuse to relinquish their commands and will they be willing to make a stand in defiance even to the point of turning against the govt. of the U.S.? And will the enlisted under them be willing to do the same?
Report Post »nateums
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 11:56amthis isn’t new. when i was in during 99-05, we did occasional exercises that focused on these things as well.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:21pmThe training against Americans can be traced back even farther than just Obama administration; I have heard stories from the military of my family they were doing this back in the 80s and 90s as part of civil security protocols.
Report Post »SemperCivis4Ever
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 12:50pmTHE 100 YEAR CONSPIRACY – These Communists-Socialists-Anarchists got their strategy and talking points from a movement called DADA which merged with the Progressives in 1918. They have infiltrated government and academia;
FROM THE DADA MANIFESTO: “AFTER THE CARNAGE, WE ARE LEFT WITH THE HOPE OF A PURIFIED HUMANITY and “This task is not ordained by a supernatural force, but by a trust of ideas-merchants and academic monopolists”
The Progressive-Dada (their true name) politic and is fully explained here: http://www.marcrubin.com/dada2.ivnu. This online video and short essay, created by Marc Rubin, will open your eyes and connect the dots for you. The Artist has been fighting them for 35 years and learned about them from Salvador Dali, the front-line warrior since 1920.
THE META- CONSPIRACY SINCE 3000 BCE is the Progressive “framework”. See how it emerged as a consequence of the first wars of civilization.Listen: Israel National Radio interview of artist Marc Rubin at http://www.marcrubin.com/judean-eve.ivnu
Report Post »lketchum
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:16pmafter the Chicago meat packing strikes and subsequent murder of U.S. Citizens by federal forces, it was made illegal for federal troops to be used against the American people.
The act passed is called The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, and it makes illegal the use of the Army (armed forces) to enforce law, unless authorized by Congress, or as written into the Constitution – NOT/NOT the executive branch, its President or any of his officers, but the Congress!
Read, http://www.dojgov.net/posse_comitatus_act.htm
When Clinton, following his disastrous crime bill in 93 went after all the legal gun shows and the Branch Davidians (only one group they went after) in Texas and Oklahoma, he used federal forces to assist the ATF, which had been recently expanded and turned loose on the American people.
Most sadly, Branch Davidians, who traded with the local Sherrif’s department and whom also operated a class III weapons range the department used, became the focus. A group that had harmed no one since being formed in 1934, and who had a 70 year history of working with the local Sherrif and magistrate, were slaughtered for allegedly modifying weapons – it turns out that the weapons were modified for local and county law enforcement under a legal contract. That fact and the right for all citizens to use even deadly force if government uses excessive force in the execution of a warrant, is why ALL defendants who survived the slaughter were acquitted of all charges and also why they won their own civil lawsuits against the ATF and U.S. Government.
By law, Clinton and his AG should have been brought up on charges – along with a host of other officials.
Most tragically, the Waco incident and analysis conducted by the inventor of FLIR (IR Imagery) testified in federal court that the ATF and FBI lied under oath and that they had in fact machine gunned people trying to surrender once the ATF ignited a fire bomb, which produced cyanide gas that killed innocent women and their children – the kids, exposed to the resultant cyanide, had their spines snapped over backwards as their muscles contracted as so much CS gas was ignited, producing the gas.
McVeigh, a long standing trade show independent, witnessed this, attended the trial and after noting the crimes, planned his misguided and illegal attack. (murder and crime aren’t answers to murder and crime). McVeigh paid for his crimes and far from being the insane nut-job he was cast as being, he made his decisions for reasons. Reasons I don’t agree with at all, but reasons that are placed above criminal insanity. In my view, had there been a crime in Waco the Sherriff would have acted – he said as much, and had investigated many times and found nothing. Further, if a warrant was to have been served as the ATF alleged, why didn’t they just knock on the door – it’s not like Koresh was not in town daily, or seen almost daily, at the Sherriff’s office delivering modified receivers his branch was contracted to manufacture under license and within the law.
The Posse Comitatus Act was passed in order to set limits on executive powers and their use of federal armed forces against the people. To plan for such action is also a violation – as it signals “intent” and the Congress has authorized no specific use. The President (Obama) has not authority to order otherwise – which by the way, is why President Bush had to wait until the Governor of Louisiana asked for federal aid, before the President could ask the Congress for authorization and funds to send federal forces to assist in New Orleans following Katrina. President Bush obeyed the laws – all of them! President Obama does not seem to be in this case.
Report Post »roguetea
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:37pmrogue, This Exceptional America
On this historic date, we are reminded how our, parents and grandparents, stood up as one to face a threat from without. Our most formidable threat today may not exactly be from without. But it is certainly not a threat from within, either. The enemy may speak our language, share in our citizenship, education and economic positions. But the enemy is small, narrow minded, a slinger of lies with selfish hope intent on building social disaster, of world renowned infamy. We could be better prepared, however preparedness improves daily. The burden of this battle falls not primarily on the shoulders of our soldiers. Families and friends will unite this Christmas and New Years. It is a time to be reminded to extend help and peace to forge new starts. This is a keen and key month to focus on solution and resolution for the vast frontline of the days ahead. Winning the impending battle requires no surprise ambush, crafty timing, or diabolic power plot. Get ready, not with brace, but to embrace. Hug the future that unfolds, the common sense grasp of all best hope. Surround great need with kind provision. We are far more than a heap of cash. Cash is only a temporal medium, neither work nor caring. Work and care will freely endure, and richly thrive. Such is the American Experiment, Dream and Exceptionalism.
These days must make us focus on the close by, us, the local home-fronts of boots in ground-in-dirt. Personally, I live in rural America, conservative at that. Most of the plows and tillers have been put away or sold, but this fruited land, can grow again. Space, know-how, might and will surrounds me. I do not fear the local elected, hired and appointed heads. Our chosen leaders could improve, but should great need arise, dirty, sweaty, hands will join all around. If you are not so well blessed, do you have an escape rout? This is a good month to revisit, and reKINdle, almost forgotten blessings. True ‘we surround them’ but also, rural America surrounds you’ll. Thank God for our Military, but be blessed this joyous season knowing a victorious, God-fearing army works the frontlines everyday to prepare and improve.
Report Post »tea party, Own 2011, ROGUE ON
Sheeple
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:42pmThe government knows the consequences of letting our economy collapse, and they are obviously preparing for it. Is there a willful lack of appropriate action to prevent collapse, and for what ends? You decide.
Report Post »Spyder
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 2:47pmNot Obama, or Bush, or Clinton, or Reagan, or Carter, etc… It’s their “Masters.”
Report Post »http://www.radioliberty.com/stones.htm
Every horrific event of the past was considered a conspiracy, until it became reality. You may call it a conspiracy, but this monument is real and it lays out a pact on our soil. Symbolism is very prevalent today. Believe it or not; I really don’t care. I’m talking to all the ants; not the grasshoppers.
independentvoteril
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 3:22pmozchambers you have the only logical argument.. however.. remember we have a WHOLE lot of military that are NOT ILLEGALS.. we have retired vets.. etc.. IF it were to come about EVERYONE who has a family/friend in the military would hear QUICK.. as for our military over 80% are conservatives.. they KNOW when to follow order and when they are being told to do something that is NOT MORAL and AGAINST the Constitution.. I have been told the ONLY ones who would be rounded up would be the PROGRESSIVES.. they can’t stand OBAMA.. WHICH is why our military didn’t get their absentee ballots in some states they would have lost MORE seats in the last election.. IL being a BIG offender.. it only did them some good so they made sure all ballots got sent to the Democratic headquarters instead of the board of elections.. 2012 I will make sure I volunteer to get the ballots mailed to our military on time.. BTW the only trouble IL got in was a fine..
Report Post »Mikail_Husayn
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 3:35pmplease, do you think that when this happens, your heroic soldiers WONT follow orders? They will, because the government will feed and pay them and their families. There will be no other alternative for them because the system will be broken! the foundation of being a soldier is DOING WHAT YOU’RE TOLD. they do it to other country’s citizens, other human beings, and they will do it to you too when the time comes. and that is the price you will pay for your soldier worship.
Report Post »cbtpaymaster
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:24pmI’m on active duty. I guarantee that we will “ASSIST” the govt when asked to restore order. Katrina ring any bells. Welcome to the new Federal Dictatorship. The military WILL exercise deadly force to stop looting/riots. We will not target the innocent, we are sworn to protect them, along with the Constitution, but we will impose martial law when DEMANDED of us to preserve the life of those innocents.
Report Post »MadeInAmerica
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 5:28pm@Mikail_Husayn, with all due respect (NONE) GFY
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 5:43pmDon’t worry. Big Sis and Wal-Mart will save us all!
http://www.prisonplanet.com/wal-mart-invasion-part-of-larger-dhs-takeover-of-america.html
Report Post »http://drudgereport.com/flash2n.htm
http://www.prisonplanet.com/savage-slams-lunatic-big-sis-for-wal-mart-invasion.html
GreyGhost
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 5:52pmThere are more former military than active military in this country. Despite the possible watering down the constitutionalists within the military. Most would not rise against those that have gone before them and served there country honorably. I know of few that will follow those orders of this I am sure. They will not get the sixties again. Not this time comrades…This tact will not work.
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 8:43pmDuring times of civil unrest the POTUS now has the authority to set aside Posse Comatatis. Congress enacted it in 2007. He can operate for up to 6 months with Congress having no recourse to challange the POTUS. Those that think our military would not act against our own people, guess again. This has been studied many times. They will obey orders even though they totally disagree. Just look at the German death camp guards. There is a group called the Oathkeepers(google it) that have a list of things they will refuse to do. I would advise all military and police to become familiar with them. Remember those German guards were held accountable for “just following orders”. My brother is a deputy sheriff and their biggest fear is the gangs and drug cartels running rampant. There is not enough law enforcement to stop them. Just remember the first thing ‘authoraties’ will do is disarm law abiding citizens so they have no protection. Just look what they did during Katrina. Almost every town, municapality , city and state bans weapons of any kind if they declare an emergency. They want you helpless. Have one gun to turn over and a untracable one for protection. Look out for your self as no one else will. Are you prepared? Prepare for the worst and pray for the best.
Report Post »->Click For Brain Enema<-
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 8:53pmI am vet and I don’t have a problem with fighting some that needs their ass kicked but a market war sounds much more attractive then having to gun down people. Ether way though it will lead to real confrontation but for a minute it is fun to imagine accountants fighting all of our wars.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:20amIt‘s called ’riot squad’ training. Nothing more frustrating or embarrassing than to have the military or police trying to quash a riot in YOUR neighborhood that was not prepared. Despite the reason for your disapproval for such, look at what’s happening in the streets in other countries, ie, Britian with the rioting muslims. They need to be prepared. Incidentally, these riot squad members are also citizens living in surrounding neighborhoods,,,,they, like most of us, won’t support a system that strips the rights of citizens. They are just training.
Report Post »FutureVisionFutureFact
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 7:29amAlthough it would certainly appear this way, I would suggest that an Army response to economic protest is something we’ve seen in the past. In July, 1932, General Douglas McArthur lead infantry, cavalry and tanks against 20,000 Bonus Army protesters in Washington DC.
Report Post »http://www.historynet.com/the-bonus-army-war-in-washington.htm
I would also suggest that, although the Army is studying this problem and running exercises to devise a rational response to such contingencies, it is no guarantee that troops will follow orders which might be considered “illegal or unconstitutional” See http://oathkeepers.org
Finally, if you are a faithful follower of Glenn Beck, upon reflection, you will realize that the people rioting in the streets will be lead by Mr. Obama’s friends and associates like Van Jones. The result will be a revolutionary form of Kabuki theatre. Keep the faith, stay off the streets, let the socialists, communists and useful idiots get tear-gassed.