CIRCLE WITH A DOT

@IanHill I have a family friend with a medical condition that causes slurred speech. She is regularly treated as if she is drunk. Surely some people have a similar situation with indicators that these systems monitor. Ok, don't buy a car newer than 2027, forever. What if she needs to rent one while on a trip?

@popcornreel I wonder if, in Trump's mind, that is why they attacked Venezuela first. Too bad theirs is almost all heavy and sour.

@GhostOnTheHalfShell @michelestrider Oh yeah, it's bad. I don't pretend to know exactly how bad but I think it is pretty clear most of the people saying "don't attack Iran" weren't doing it because they want the current government in place. It is because the sort of consequences you are pointing to are likely far worse. Having said that, no matter how unlikely, I hope we turn out to be wrong. The Iranian people have suffered so much.

@GhostOnTheHalfShell @michelestrider Also, I doubt the goal is truly regime change in Iran. Similar to Venezuela where they just took out the very top. They would be happy to see the whole regime fall, sure, but for the cost they are willing to settle for taking out the leader to accomplish many of the near-term goals I point to plus hope that the remaining leaders will be cowed even if they are still diametrically opposed to the US.

@GhostOnTheHalfShell @michelestrider Yes there are other near-term factors that also affected the timing. I guess my point could be better summed up as: "Why strike Iran?" Mostly the reasons you cite. "Why now?" All sorts of unrelated reasons completely unrelated to the situation vis-a-vis the US and Iran.

@GhostOnTheHalfShell @michelestrider The attack, yes. The timing? I'm guessing it is pretty related.