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Colin's Last Stand, Episode 3: Syria, SCOTUS, and the Folly of Political Expediency (Patreon)

Published:
2017-04-10 16:17:48
Edited:
2018-03-17 07:27:13
Imported:
2022-01

Content

Hey Guys and Gals,

Here's today's episode. It was a lot of fun to make; I hope you enjoy it.

Otherwise, I hope Monday finds you all well! I'll be back later this afternoon (or in the very early evening) with a News Burst, to answer some messages, and interact a bit with y'all in the various comments.

Until then, be good! And, as always, thank you for your kind and generous support. -Colin

Files

Syria, SCOTUS, and the Folly of Political Expediency -- Colin's Last Stand (Episode 3)

Launching missiles at Syria and changing the rules of the Senate to push a SCOTUS nominee through are just a couple of recent examples of how the drive for political expediency at all costs has failed us. And it will fail us until we, as a people, demand better. Colin's Last Stand is free of baked-in ads, product placement, and other obnoxious forms of advertising because of your support. Please consider subscribing to CLS' Patreon to show your support for independent historical and political content: http://www.patreon.com/colinslaststand Twitter: @notaxation Instagram: @clsmoriarty Facebook: /colinslaststand Reddit: /r/ColinsLastStand Still images in this video were acquired from the following sources, for which Colin's Last Stand is thankful: ABC News, AOL, BBC, Buford US History, Cloud Point Technology, Democracy Now, Deutsche Welle, Encyclopedia Britannica, Forbes, Fox News, Free Beacon, History.com, National Review, NBC News, New York Magazine, NPR, Reuters, Slate, South Front, The Atlantic, The Independent, The Telegraph, University of Texas, Wikimedia, Wikipedia, and Wilson Center. Further Reading/Bibliography: America Dropped 26,171 Bombs in 2016: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/09/america-dropped-26171-bombs-2016-obama-legacy Brian Williams Thinks Syria Bombing is Beautiful: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/04/07/brian-williams-images-us-airstrikes-on-syria-are-beautiful.html Congress Approval Ratings: http://www.gallup.com/poll/1600/congress-public.aspx Countries Where Homosexuality May Be Punished By Death: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/?utm_term=.58031247e5e6 How is Syria Still Using Chemical Weapons?: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/04/syria-chemical-weapons-attack/521883/ How Many Boots on the Ground Would it Take to Defeat ISIS?: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/syria-boots-on-the-ground-isis-390 Inside Putin's and Assad's War Against ISIS: http://www.newsweek.com/putin-isis-assad-syria-palmyra-russia-war-islamic-state-441497 Joe Biden Argued For Delaying SCOTUS Picks in 1992: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/us/politics/joe-biden-argued-for-delaying-supreme-court-picks-in-1992.html McConnell Says No Scalia Replacement Under Obama: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/mitch-mcconnell-antonin-scalia-supreme-court-nomination-219248 MH17 Shot Down by Rebels With Russian Missile: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/mh17-russia-ukraine-rebels-responsible-downing-malaysia-airlines-plane-prosecution-charges-vladimir-a7334246.html Obama Seeks Approval by Congress for Strike in Syria: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/world/middleeast/syria.html Russia Officially Annexes Crimea: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-annexes-crimea-away-from-ukraine-with-signature-from-vladimir-putin/ Saudi Arabia's Oppression of Women: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/10/28/saudi-arabias-oppression-of-women-goes-way-beyond-its-ban-on-driving/?utm_term=.639396be1e30 Senate GOP Triggers Nuclear Option: http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/06/politics/senate-nuclear-option-neil-gorsuch/ Senate Guts Filibuster Power: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/191042-dems-reid-may-go-nuclear-thursday Syria Refugee Crisis Facts You Need to Know: https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/syria-refugee-crisis-war-facts The Confused Person's Guide to the Syrian Civil War: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/10/syrian-civil-war-guide-isis/410746/ The War in Syria, Explained: http://www.vox.com/2017/4/8/15218782/syria-trump-bomb-assad-explainer Tom Udall Proposes Gorsuch, Garland Nominated Together: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/27/mark-udall-trying-get-both-supreme-court-nominees-/ Top Republicans Who Opposed Syria Praise Trump's Strikes: http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/07/politics/kfile-top-republicans-syria-trump/index.html Trump's Syria Strike Opens Rift on Left: http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/4/7/15218644/democrats-trump-syria-left Tweets Show Hypocrisy with Trump's Missile Launch: https://www.romper.com/p/tweets-show-the-hypocrisy-with-trumps-missile-launch-the-syrian-refugees-49712 Vietnam War Casualty Statistics: https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war/casualty-statistics.html

Comments

Anonymous

#ColinIsAndForeverWillBeRight

JoTu 22

I agree with this point of view but what is the solution? We the American people continue to vote people in that do things for headlines, political expediency, but more for their donors. It's like a corporation disguised as a government. I'm tired of it and I don't see a bright future with the congress now or any recent congress in the past. In actually our system of government is the absolute best but when corrupted, when electing the same people/family over and over again nothing changes, nothing positive gets accomplished. We need to start from the bottom up! People need to be involved in local and state election. Keep fighting the good fight Colin!

Bryan Finck

Great stuff Colin, for my money this is the best type of stuff you do, when you are just riffing on the topic, giving your opinion, etc. Its what made me a fan of your stuff at KF. Keep up the awesome work, you are killing it!

Anonymous

Great episode!

Anonymous
>>4642116

Installing Congressional term limits and repealing the 17th amendment would be a great start. That goes right along with placing the focus on state and local elections.

Anonymous

Just watching the episode, which is great btw but my Wife says " I love Colin cause it's like, I don't like politics or have interest in this, but he speaks in a way I can understand, it makes sense and I want to listen". Believe me Colin, this is high praise indeed, it even kept her away from Sons of Anarchy for a whole 17 mimutes. Keep up the great work.✌

Jeremy Meyer

I second this. Wifes like Colin.

Anonymous

Damn! Political rant for the win! Everything I wanted to say/hear. Great stuff Colin! As always.

Stephen J Seidler

Great and timely topic, as usual! Sadly, I think the plan in Washington, such as it is, is based on a rather cynical goal; neither party believes in the basic legitimacy of the other, and both envision an ideal situation in which they are the *permanent* majority. Currently, Republicans see themselves as being in the best position to actually accomplish this, given their dominance of Congress and the 30 or so states they effectively control and gerrymander, but to be honest the Democrats would certainly covet the same if given the chance. The end-game is nothing less then one-party rule which, as Colin has pointed out, is the hallmark of a totalitarian state. There is now, perhaps to a level not seen since the Civil War, a genuine desire, in both Washington and in our society, for one half of the country to unilaterally control the lives of the other half legally, and perhaps even by force, rather than compromise; a word now considered synonymous with "weak". Until this changes, our path will not change, to the peril of us all.

Anonymous

Amazing episode!

Anonymous

I think you once again hit the nail on the head, great episode. I really liked the feel of this video. I really think it fell neatly between the scripted and free form video, which is perfect for me, and I have to say the audio was much more consistent this time around, and I think you were more in focus throughout the vid as well. Thanks again Colin, keep it up!

Anonymous

Posted this over in the YT comments section, but thought I'd drop it here too: I agree entirely that the single bombing of the Syrian airfield was tactically inconsequential in a military sense, but I do wonder what strategic implications it might have. During my time in the Air Force, I was a Pashto Linguist and an all-source Intelligence Analyst. As you might expect, we'd frequently see the larger piece of the proverbial iceberg hidden beneath the water in incidents like this. Beyond politics, I can almost guarantee that there is a deeper level of military posturing at play here. I'd be very interested to know where Mattis is attempting to steer us, and I suspect it's towards another traditional ground campaign to fight ISIS. Outside of the military implications, I also think this gave Trump an opportunity to try to prove that he's not "in bed" with Putin by taking an action the Kremlin had expressly condemned.

Anonymous

Great episode, made me think about the current news in a different way. Thank you for the insight!

Kyle Conaway

Fantastic video, keep this up! Read through these credits as well as the first two videos and didn't find my name at the end. Is there anything I can do on my end? Everything checks out on the $25 donation. Been on that level since the start. Thanks Colin,

Anonymous

This was just terrific, Colin. Your best effort yet. And the production value is on point! A big step up from last week in that regard.

Brad Russell [Toukz]

Great episode Colin, you always have a refreshing take on things that others are afraid to express. Thanks for keeping it real. ~Brad

Chris Eboli

Love the difference in production value. I enjoyed your point about not understanding the end game prior to making the first move. It reminds me of sports where people clamor for and the team/university ultimately fires their coach without having an idea of who they have coming in to replace them. Very rarely works out better

Michael Schofield (making Audio Dramas)

Damn Colin you are on - point. I admit I was a little trepidatious clicking play (I'm a tad left of center), but holy moly do I agree. So pleased with what you're carving out for yourself. Beyond.

Jeremy Meyer

Colin's Last Stand, weaving plotlines together like Larry fucking David. Very thoughtful rant. Exceeded expectations.

Jeremy Meyer

General Mattis, as a professional, will never show his cards. How are we supposed to assess geopolitical strategies when we are balls deep in the fog of war?

Anonymous

Hi Colin. Best episode yet! Perfect blend of speaking from the heart and great research giving badly needed perspective and context. Loved the first two episodes and I love the two formats, but this one really felt to me as good as any of your best moments from 'Conversation..' or 'GOG'. I really think its coming together!

Marc Boggio

My full name in the credits!!! Thanks Colin! Great episode too- very good objective, long lens view of the situation. Within the year I'll be back on two legs (one robotic) and ready to fight, and here's hoping it won't be for a useless proxy war that Canada gets roped into, which has no long term gain.

Dan Phillips

Fantastic Colin. I couldn't wait to hear your thoughts on these two current issues. You don't disappoint. Keep the current event talk coming

Christopher Hopkins

Interesting points, it's difficult for me to not get swept up in the patriotic good feelings that come with bitch smacking a dictator. I can almost forget that I am not one that thinks we should be "Team America World Police". This world is a mess it's always been a mess and it always will be a mess, I'm often torn between my personal desire to help right wrongs and bring justice to crimes perpetrated on humanity but also remain stoic and set apart as a nation not policing a world we cannot control, nor building an Empire.

Anonymous

I truly believe this attack in Syria is twofold. I believe this is Trump showing the word he is willing to flex the military might he has at is disposable. And second, this is Trump and the Republications telling people to get off the Russian train by attacking a Russian ally. I know there is much more to this and perhaps in the future, more information will come to light. But right now, if you want to get out of the wars and put America first, like Trump campaigned, he is just failing. As for the Supreme Court, I feel both parties are just ripping themselves apart. Over and over again these parties are only looking out for themselves. The consequences, and the American people, be dammed. No one wants to have a conversation and work to a compromise. Government is designed to move at a snail’s pace because we should be having those conversations and consider many viewpoints, some you may not have considered. Instead, the party “in power” disregards any dissenting ideas as being the enemy and need to be made to submit. The fact that they can just change the rules is nothing more than people acting like bullies saying to the minority “Shut Up, Submit, or Die. Also, very good episode, please keep it up and your passion for this is really shining through. =)

Anonymous

As a member of the military, I can't agree with you more here Colin. Playing with people's lives for the sake of politics has no long term benefit. It is a waste of lives, money and resources only fueling ill will and our debt addiction. I find it funny that many people claiming to be constitutionalists also find themselves supporting these strikes from the Trump administration.

Anonymous

Good stuff Colin. I loved the way you weaved the two issues together. Keep up the great work!

BettyAnn Moriarty

I'm learning so much with each episode, my boy. Thank you for explaining things (that I sometimes find confusing and difficult to wrap my head around) in easy to understand terms. It excites in ways that I didn't think possible and me and makes me want more and more history and politics! 👏🏻🤓

Anonymous

Excellent work Colin. This is best video by far. Your personality and passion really came out in this one and I'm looking forward to more like this.

Anonymous

Enjoyed listening over lunch. Good stuff.

Anonymous

Colin. .you are the best I don't comment that often but the last 3 episodes have been amazing. ..

Anonymous

Thank you for doing what you do, and have I been introduced to # rubin report because of you ....thank you $ will stay and be solid you deserve the best#

Anonymous

God bless you Colin

Anonymous

Btw can you tweet a picture of the shelf behind you?? Just to see the books

Jordan Durrant
>>4644026

I agree. The events in Syria seem to conveniently distance the Trump administration from accusations of collusion with the Kremlin.

Anonymous

Nice work. About the "come together and make a deal" for the supreme court noms. Can either side really be trusted enough to strike such a deal? All it takes is one change in leadership and old agreements are virtually in the past. I found that the supreme court issue last year was a good example of checks and balances where the shift in power over the mid election cycle capped the presidents current power due to public response. However, I do think that a hearing should have happened as a sign of respect to the process.

Mike Smith

Colin, with all due respect, your idea about nominating Gorsuch and Garland simultaneously is fantastical. Democrats did not actually want Garland on the Supreme Court. The only reason Obama nominated him was to put pressure on the Republicans for not granting a hearing to a "moderate" candidate (although there is strong circumstantial evidence that Garland would vote to overturn DC v. Heller). Garland would not be an acceptable substitute for Ginsburg or Breyer to Democrats. That would make the Court more conservative. As you said, Gorsuch is well qualified and well in the judicial mainstream. The Democrats invented the judicial filibuster when they (successfully) filibustered Miguel Estrada in 2003. The Gang of 14 tried to come up with a way to save the judicial filibuster, but that proved to be a failed experiment. That was the attempt at compromise. It didn't work. Once Chuck Schumer foolishly decided to filibuster Gorsuch to satiate the most radical factions of his base, he left McConnell no choice but to invoke the nuclear option. There was no compromise to be had here.

Mike Smith
>>4646172

Also, Obama doesn't "get his nominee" just because he was President when Scalia died. The Senate has to consent. And the Senate wisely chose to withhold consent to save the Second Amendment and other rights.

Anonymous

Nice, this video was well done. Your audio quality is really good. It's a little echoey in that room but the fidelity is great. The content was spot on. You'll get a real flow going eventually. Keep experimenting.

Anonymous

You are wrong Russia did not shoot down that plane over Ukraine & Russia already had a Navel base in Crimea they did not invade Ukraine they where already there

Anonymous

Another interesting topic, thanks!

Ryan Berry

Feedback: I think you do much better in these "off the cuff" style videos with someone else to discuss with. Especially people you don't agree with, but respect. Would like to see more thoughts from the audience (and Colin?) on not only the political repercussions, but also the true opportunity cost for actions like these. I.e. Cost of military "labor" and materials or what sorts of bills/other political work can be done in lieu of filibustering this kind of thing, and what impact that may have on the greater public.

Ryan Berry
>>4648157

Naval*. A navel base is what happens when you pull out.

Anonymous

Russian Navy base was already in Crimea before this happened

BruceWayneBrady

Very happy to see that you chose these topics. I was wondering over the weekend what you might have to say on these things. I notice a significantly better lighting in this video, and it's the best looking one so far. Nicely done! As an adult man, I feel like no matter how much news I read, I don't understand the sources of current conflicts. HUGE THANKS for you breaking things down, early on and not assuming we all have this knowledge. I also understand why this works better as a video only presentation. The visuals help me to comprehend these topics much more.

Stigma

I really liked this episode. A non-scripted rant about topical world events. I don't really have the time to research these very important issues as much as I would like. It is great to have a rational and reasonable voice I can trust to get some thoughts on these things in a quick video.

Hansel Tjia

Totally agree with you that we need more adults in government. The way they are treating each other is basically treating down to our culture and kids growing up think it's ok to be petty because our governing body does this all the time.

John Quinn

Great video man, very informative. Hit the nail on the head in several places. I would love a more mature government that uses their brains, plans things, and makes smart decisions for the country as a whole.

Eric Iverson

Excellent episode, Colin! I agree with you on both topics.

Anonymous

Great episode Collin. It's really a shame how Congress has devolved into a "do whatever it takes to keep my office" mindset. I remember reading once, that originally congressman really didn't like serving, as it took time away from their farm or whatever their actual profession was. I wish we could get back to that. I also wish the solution was as simple as electing better representatives, but unfortunately, even when we do, even they eventually fall into the DC status quo. But anyway, keep up the great work, looking forward to next episode!

Timothy Monnig

Alas, I agree with you, Colin, especially given that this was a rant about the myopia of political expediency. I have a couple other nuggets regarding the topics themselves that I'd like your thoughts on. First, Syria: I completely agree that the attack was largely a failure (satisfying though it is to punish a bad man doing bad things, even though, theoretically, Assad could have been baiting this hook with the use of chemical weapons, which he has less and less reason to do given that he's been winning the war for over a year, to test a new President's resolve...but why given that a week ago, the administration was telling the world that they were giving Assad a pass). Bryan Suits, host of the Dark, Secret Place, has some insightful thoughts on this, as, while not a botched effort militarily, but a dubiously ineffective one, e.g. we had to give the Russians advanced notice so they could vacate their troops (and naturally they'd inform their Syrian allies), and we made no effort to destroy the airfields themselves, which they made a point to show operational the next day on Russian TV. Plus, the Syrians get to accuse the U.S. in the international community of killing Syrian children (on a military installation…not impossible, but strange). Given the emptiness of this debacle, it’s easy to see the wisdom of the Obama Doctrine, as declared by Jeffrey Goldberg in the Atlantic (<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/)," rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/),</a> which details the lonely process of a leader bucking all the conventional wisdom to do what was right in the interests of Americans. I believed him earnest in these positions as he had already learned those hard lessons in Libya. Obama pitching the ball to Congress can rightly be considered a delay tactic, especially given he did not consult them regarding the Libyan strikes, in which time was allegedly a factor (lessons learned or all politics?). Congress, of course, did the politically expedient thing and did nothing to approve further action in Syria (lest they imposed a target on themselves ala the invasion of Iraq), and handed the quagmire and Obama’s red line back to him. I’m not intending to give Obama a pass in general; I had enormous issue with the amount of drone strikes that were carried out in his administration (Did they kill some terrorists? Certainly, but they certainly create some, too.). This was never going to be a conflict we could control. It was a quagmire from go, and was exacerbated by our long-standing failures in Iraq, which many believe once ISIS is destroyed, will disintegrate into it’s own civil war (<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/iraq-uncovered/)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/iraq-uncovered/).</a> Not getting involved was the best move we had, as awkward and unnatural as it felt at the time. Of course, there’s a compelling argument that our inaction created the vacuum that allowed Russia to assume the power, that making this war their quagmire never would have been effective, since they tend to lack our typical moral imperatives. This argument for intervention is optimistic, but I think its heart is in the right place. I also think the Russian argument that Assad, despite his horrible crimes, is probably the person we’d want in charge when the dust settles, as a secularist, has some real validity. If we really felt like we could have picked a horse that would not have later kicked us (like the Mujahideen in Afghanistan), we might have had more resolve. Instead is it more favorable to pick Assad, the lesser of all available evils? I think the problem with Syria as it pertains to the US is that we were always damned if we did and damned if we didn’t, but we could never fully deny our influence given the shitstorm we created next door. We’ll never be able to know what would have happened if we leaned into the conflict back when Assad was on the ropes, but we can be sure of one thing: The Obama Doctrine is dead, Jeffrey Goldberg said so (<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/04/the-obama-doctrine-rip/522276/)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/04/the-obama-doctrine-rip/522276/).</a> Second: The Court I applaud your balanced view of this, and the acknowledgement that it was a dereliction of duty on the part of Senate Republicans to not even give Merrick Garland a hearing. The idea of a two Justice compromise is appealing to me as one who is Center-Left -Libertarian (thanks, Political Compass). I’ve been frustrated to see the Democrats foment their fury over Gorsuch, as if it were a shock that the Republicans would nominate a Republican, if for no other reason than it denies certain endangered Democratic Senators bipartisan cred for 2018 (assuming that matters at all). They should have let Gorsuch squeak by and leave the filibuster in place out of respect for the Chamber (the deployment nuclear option was inevitable for the next, possibly less moderate, nomination). I agree that he is eminently qualified for the office, but the notion that he’s a moderate is a bit of a fallacy, given that he’s an Originalist, but he is an Establishment Republican, which I guess passes as moderate these days. Regardless, Democrats needed to be smarter than this, but they took a play from the most recent Republican playbook (obstruct, obstruct, obstruct), largely to appease their base, and it risks costing them moderate votes, of whom there are many who will sour on Trump sooner or later. Instead, the Senate will continue its slide away from being the most deliberative body, where true compromise is possible (since they must appeal to broader constituencies), to just another partisan Thunderdome. We’ll see how the legislative filibuster survives…. I did want to take a moment to defend Harry Reid’s use of the nuclear option. I always disliked him, as well, but, under McConnell, the Republican use of the filibuster, or more specifically the use of cloture motions, was supercharged beyond reason. (<a href="https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/cloture_motions/clotureCounts.htm)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/cloture_motions/clotureCounts.htm).</a> I can sympathize with the impulse by Reid to reach for the nuclear option, even though I find it lamentable. I will concede, however, that this blame-thrower reaches back decades, with each side holding its share of the blame. Institutional memory is as dangerous as political expediency it seems. Another argument for term limits?

AndyofCT

Colin- I like the content, but don't like the set. I know this is all part of the stuff you're working out, but for these non-TelePrompter videos, how about a club chair a la Fireside Chat. It's more casual than the other type of video but avoids any Vlogy comparisons. Keep killing it son!

Anonymous

Another great episode. Thank you

Anonymous

I really like your content. I remember you from IGN, and after the Rubin Report episodes showing what happened, I wanted to support you. The episodes have been quite informative so far. I did want to give one suggestion though. Frequently in politics, people argue over definitions, as much as the concepts themselves, so perhaps give the working definition of some phrases? It doesn't have to be anything crazy, especially in a world of google, but frequently it helps a viewership that doesn't have as much time to do outside research (which is why they find a channel like yours to discuss topics!) with a usability toward your content. Just my two cents! (Or more accurately, a friend who I've been explaining terms like Expediency to during your video.)

Simon Winstanley

Loved this, first time I feel like I've really learned something watching a video like this. This is what has really made me believe in your vision! You're doing great things Colin - I love it! (But please, don't forget - Keep fuckin' that Chicken.... sorry.)

Kamil Arakeljan

I like all the videos so far. But I am really confused by some of your statements in this video, because you said before that media can't be trusted anymore. However, it look like you believe eventing they say. Because you believe that Assad is to blame for chem.att and Russia is to blame for shooting down the public airline in Ukraine, which is what western media constructed.