I’m always referred to as a “troll” when I submit a rebuttal. It’s Ok and here I go again…
Ah yes, the timeless internet defense mechanism: “You disagree with me? Clearly, you’re a troll, a Russian bot, or worse — someone who read past the headline.”
~ the pesky troll:
1. “Trump Released the Dogs of War Without Consent” — False and Misleading
The President of the United States, regardless of party, retains Article II powers as Commander in Chief to authorize targeted military action to defend U.S. personnel, deter imminent threats, and protect national interests — especially in a volatile theater like the Middle East. Reich omits the long-standing legal precedent under the War Powers Resolution that permits limited engagement without prior congressional approval, particularly in response to escalating threats.
Under Obama, airstrikes were carried out in Libya without a congressional vote. Under Clinton, military force was used in Kosovo the same way. Did Reich protest then? Or is it only unlawful when Trump does it?
2. “He’s Distracting from Domestic Failures” — Political Projection
Reich wants Americans to believe this is all a plot to “distract” from domestic policy setbacks. That’s not foreign policy analysis — that’s DNC talking points. Presidents don’t launch military operations on whims or Twitter tantrums. Trump’s national security team — including military brass and intelligence officials — briefed him on escalating threats and Iranian nuclear escalation. Pretending this is a solo decision made for headlines is not just unserious, it’s dangerous.
3. “No One Knows if Iran is Building a Bomb” — Dangerous Naivety
Let’s get real. The same intelligence community Reich selectively cites also confirms Iran has dramatically increased its uranium enrichment since Biden’s return to the flawed JCPOA talks. Iran has openly breached uranium purity limits and restricted IAEA access. The idea that “we don’t know” is wishful thinking at best — willful blindness at worst.
We’ve learned from Iraq what bad intelligence looks like. But we’ve also learned from North Korea and Pakistan what happens when rogue regimes are allowed to stall, lie, and build nuclear weapons behind a diplomatic smokescreen.
4. “Trump Purged Experts” — Laughable and Hypocritical
Reich mocks the advisers surrounding Trump as unqualified ideologues. Let’s remember: Reich was a Labor Secretary, not a defense analyst. Several of Trump’s current advisers are veterans, career diplomats, and national security professionals with real-world experience.
He forgets that Biden’s administration was full of partisan loyalists too — Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and Susan Rice, all of whom championed the failed Iran deal that emboldened Tehran in the first place.
Reich complains about loyalty to Trump — but what he really fears is loyalty to American interests that don’t fit his globalist, appeasement-first worldview.
5. “This Is Bush’s Iraq All Over Again” — False Equivalence
Iraq was a full-scale invasion predicated on regime change. The current action is not a war — it’s a targeted strike aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and preventing a wider regional catastrophe. Reich’s analogy is lazy and fear-mongering. It treats all military action as equal, which is an insult to both history and strategy.
6. “Iran Will Retaliate” — So We Should Do Nothing?
Reich suggests Iran might retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz or launching terrorist attacks. That’s precisely why deterrence matters. Weakness invites aggression. History shows that appeasement of hostile regimes does not buy peace — it breeds boldness. A strong, credible military posture is the best way to prevent escalation.
7. “Trump Will Use This to Gain Power” — Baseless Conspiracy
This isn’t analysis; it’s political fan fiction. Reich casts Trump as a cartoonish tyrant desperate for emergency powers. Yet it was Democrats — not Trump — who embraced prolonged lockdowns, censorship of dissenting views, and ever-expanding government power during COVID. Who’s really dreaming of authoritarianism?
8. “Congress Must Reclaim Power” — A Misguided Crusade
Congress has every right to assert its war powers. But to suggest this action was illegal or unprecedented is dishonest. Past presidents — Democrat and Republican — have exercised the same authority. If Congress wants a say, let them hold a vote. But let’s stop pretending this is a constitutional crisis just because a Republican is president.
Conclusion: Reich’s Real Goal Isn’t Peace — It’s Political Control
This entire piece isn’t about stopping war. It’s about stopping Trump — by any rhetorical means necessary. Reich weaponizes foreign policy to smear his political opponent, distort the facts, and sow public panic. He doesn’t offer solutions — just performative outrage.
We need serious debate on foreign policy, not partisan doomsaying from the ivory tower.
If Reich really wants to protect democracy, he should start by respecting constitutional powers, military realities, and the intelligence of the American people.
Let’s stop crying “dictator” every time a Republican acts decisively. It weakens the Republic more than any airstrike ever could.
I’m always referred to as a “troll” when I submit a rebuttal. It’s Ok and here I go again…
Ah yes, the timeless internet defense mechanism: “You disagree with me? Clearly, you’re a troll, a Russian bot, or worse — someone who read past the headline.”
~ the pesky troll:
1. “Trump Released the Dogs of War Without Consent” — False and Misleading
The President of the United States, regardless of party, retains Article II powers as Commander in Chief to authorize targeted military action to defend U.S. personnel, deter imminent threats, and protect national interests — especially in a volatile theater like the Middle East. Reich omits the long-standing legal precedent under the War Powers Resolution that permits limited engagement without prior congressional approval, particularly in response to escalating threats.
Under Obama, airstrikes were carried out in Libya without a congressional vote. Under Clinton, military force was used in Kosovo the same way. Did Reich protest then? Or is it only unlawful when Trump does it?
2. “He’s Distracting from Domestic Failures” — Political Projection
Reich wants Americans to believe this is all a plot to “distract” from domestic policy setbacks. That’s not foreign policy analysis — that’s DNC talking points. Presidents don’t launch military operations on whims or Twitter tantrums. Trump’s national security team — including military brass and intelligence officials — briefed him on escalating threats and Iranian nuclear escalation. Pretending this is a solo decision made for headlines is not just unserious, it’s dangerous.
3. “No One Knows if Iran is Building a Bomb” — Dangerous Naivety
Let’s get real. The same intelligence community Reich selectively cites also confirms Iran has dramatically increased its uranium enrichment since Biden’s return to the flawed JCPOA talks. Iran has openly breached uranium purity limits and restricted IAEA access. The idea that “we don’t know” is wishful thinking at best — willful blindness at worst.
We’ve learned from Iraq what bad intelligence looks like. But we’ve also learned from North Korea and Pakistan what happens when rogue regimes are allowed to stall, lie, and build nuclear weapons behind a diplomatic smokescreen.
4. “Trump Purged Experts” — Laughable and Hypocritical
Reich mocks the advisers surrounding Trump as unqualified ideologues. Let’s remember: Reich was a Labor Secretary, not a defense analyst. Several of Trump’s current advisers are veterans, career diplomats, and national security professionals with real-world experience.
He forgets that Biden’s administration was full of partisan loyalists too — Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and Susan Rice, all of whom championed the failed Iran deal that emboldened Tehran in the first place.
Reich complains about loyalty to Trump — but what he really fears is loyalty to American interests that don’t fit his globalist, appeasement-first worldview.
5. “This Is Bush’s Iraq All Over Again” — False Equivalence
Iraq was a full-scale invasion predicated on regime change. The current action is not a war — it’s a targeted strike aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and preventing a wider regional catastrophe. Reich’s analogy is lazy and fear-mongering. It treats all military action as equal, which is an insult to both history and strategy.
6. “Iran Will Retaliate” — So We Should Do Nothing?
Reich suggests Iran might retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz or launching terrorist attacks. That’s precisely why deterrence matters. Weakness invites aggression. History shows that appeasement of hostile regimes does not buy peace — it breeds boldness. A strong, credible military posture is the best way to prevent escalation.
7. “Trump Will Use This to Gain Power” — Baseless Conspiracy
This isn’t analysis; it’s political fan fiction. Reich casts Trump as a cartoonish tyrant desperate for emergency powers. Yet it was Democrats — not Trump — who embraced prolonged lockdowns, censorship of dissenting views, and ever-expanding government power during COVID. Who’s really dreaming of authoritarianism?
8. “Congress Must Reclaim Power” — A Misguided Crusade
Congress has every right to assert its war powers. But to suggest this action was illegal or unprecedented is dishonest. Past presidents — Democrat and Republican — have exercised the same authority. If Congress wants a say, let them hold a vote. But let’s stop pretending this is a constitutional crisis just because a Republican is president.
Conclusion: Reich’s Real Goal Isn’t Peace — It’s Political Control
This entire piece isn’t about stopping war. It’s about stopping Trump — by any rhetorical means necessary. Reich weaponizes foreign policy to smear his political opponent, distort the facts, and sow public panic. He doesn’t offer solutions — just performative outrage.
We need serious debate on foreign policy, not partisan doomsaying from the ivory tower.
If Reich really wants to protect democracy, he should start by respecting constitutional powers, military realities, and the intelligence of the American people.
Let’s stop crying “dictator” every time a Republican acts decisively. It weakens the Republic more than any airstrike ever could.
Executive summary - Dear Leader is always right. Suggestion: if you want to write this long, why not start your own Substack? It's free!