Real heroes don’t wear capes they wear dog tags. – Unknown

Today’s independent commentary deals with these people/issues:

• Iran & Trump
• NFL Wildcard Weekend
• One More Thing

IRAN & TRUMP:

It seems just about everyone has an opinion about President Donald Trump’s airstrike that killed General Qassem Soleimani who was a leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force. Here is mine!

Some in Iran called it an act of terrorism. Many in the USA called Soleimani a bad dude who needed to be terminated. People were pissed about how Trump did it. Some were pissed that he did it at all. Some are ringing World War III bells.

It would be great if politics was put aside in times like this, but that won’t happen.

In my opinion, I think that a President (even Trump) has the right to go after bad dudes and when we get the chance, go for it. I also believe Trump should brief the leadership of the House and Senate (both parties) of his intentions or very soon thereafter. The President does not need to ask for Congress’ permission unless he is planning on sending troops into harm’s way.

It is my hope that all Presidents surround themselves with experts who give them sound advice and advice that is not based on politics.

Trump did not brief congress for a few days. This is totally wrong. He did not tell the Speaker of the House or other Democrats until then. There’s a gang of eight that is normally told these things, like when President Obama authorized the mission to get Osama bin Laden.

This action shows Trump put partisanship ahead of the country.

What happens now is that we need to prepare for attacks. Iran and friends are coming for Americans – both here and abroad. We need to be on high alert.

Some people used social media to say that the killing of Soleimani was bigger than the killing of bin Laden. They were Trump supporters who were afraid he would not get the credit he deserves. That was pure bull. Trump will get the credit and he now owns what happens next.

Trump has tweeted about having several sites in Iran picked out in case there’s retaliation. It was stupid for him to tweet that. As a veteran of the U.S. military and a former advisor to a U.S. Senator on defense matters, I find Trump’s mapping out his military strategies via Twitter nutty.

One thing the airstrike did do, it took impeachment off the front pages for a day or two. Beam me up, Scotty!

NFL WILDCARD WEEKEND:

It was a great weekend for NFL football. There were four games – two on Saturday and two on Sunday.

The games were all pretty close, too.

On Saturday the Texans beat the Bills in overtime 22-19. The Patriots lost to the Titans 20-13 and now we can all ponder what Tom Brady (The G-O-A-T) will do.

On Sunday the Vikings went to New Orleans and whipped the Saints 26-20. The Seahawks beat the Eagles in Philly 17-9.

Of course, there were some bad calls and non-calls by the officials.

Next weekend (Jan. 11-12) is what I always call the best weekend of NFL football.

On Saturday (Jan 11) the Vikings take on the 49ers and the Titans take on the Ravens.

On Sunday (Jan. 12) the Texans head to Kansas City to take on my Chiefs. The Seahawks head to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to take on the Packers.

As an added bonus we have the FCS and FBS College Football Championships on Saturday and Monday!

ONE MORE THING:

There are reports that we are sending thousands of troops to the Middle East because of increased tensions with Iran.

Whether or not you agree with the President’s actions, please keep these military members and their families in your prayers. We sometimes forget that the military person being deployed leaves behind family members who watch the news and worry about their loved ones 24 hours a day until they return.

This should be one thing that is non-partisan.

 

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