The Centrist and Independent Voice

150 U.S. troops have been wounded so far in the war with Iran, two sources familiar with the matter said.-Reuters

Here's a question for you:

Have you ever felt that you don't need reporters or commentators at channels like @cnbc.com or #FoxBusiness to help you understand the economy, since - unlike said upper-class reporters - you are seeing the data on the ground?

Here is a question that I have for #IndependentVoters:

How likely is it that billionaires are scared of independent voters, because of what such voters could do to curb their influence?

Here's something to consider:

When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerged in 1932, France, the UK, and other European powers recognized it for pragmatic reasons...one of which being a desire to placate their Muslim subjects in their colonies in Africa and Asia.

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Here is something to consider:

Whenever Trump plays golf, he always cheats.

If he has no qualms against cheating in a low-stakes game of golf, should it be ANY SURPRISE TO ABSOLUTELY NOBODY that he has no qualms against starting an illegal war in a volatile region of the world?

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The U.S. war against Iran has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, more than double the previous record set during the Middle East crisis of the 1950s, according to an analysis by consulting firm Rapidan Energy.

Read the full story: cnb.cx/4sa58T5

Here is something to consider:

There are about 0.5 million Iranian-Americans in the United States AND 2.2 million Russian-Americans.

Guess which group is LESS likely to have their patriotism to the United States be questioned in light of what is going on the world...and then guess why.

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Here is something to consider regarding the Founding Fathers:

For a group of landed men who had VARYING ideas on the legality of SLAVERY and citizenship status of Native Americans, this was ONE area in which their areas should be taken into account by modern Americans.

So they started a war to make money, remember they stole from a children's cancer charity. The family's depravity has no bounds!!!

Reuters: Syria's Kurds caution Iran's Kurds against aligning with US against Tehran

Today is #March9, 2026.

As of yesterday, the #WarInIran has been going on for at least one full week.

In addition, Iran has a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei (the son of Ali Khamenei).

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Nadwa Dawsari © @Ndawsari X.com #Houthis are reportedly evacuating some key infrastructure in Sanaa. This may indicate the group is about to join the fight in support of #Iran while trying to minimize damage from potential US or Israeli retaliatory strikes. #IranWar2026 § Translated from Arabic Sana'a.. Source: Partial evacuation of important facilities, including financial and economic headquarters in Sana'a.... 10:28 AM • 3/7/26 • 4 Views

@FaresALhemyari • Translated from Arabic by Grok Sana'a.. Source: Partial evacuation of important facilities, including financial and economic headquarters in Sana'a. *Fares Al-Humairi #Yemen Rate this translation: 3:51 PM • 3/6/26 • 83K Views

Map showing the Bab al-Mandab Strait

⚠️ Houthis could be entering the Iran War.

If so, transportation of oil and other goods through the Bab al-Mandab Strait will likely be affected, adding to the supply restrictions resulting from ships being targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.

Map of the United States of America displaying the number of residents with Iranian ancestry. Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/map-iranian-american-communities-in-the-united-states

Here is something to consider:

There are roughly half a million #IranianAmericans across the United States - making it the largest Iranian diaspora outside of Iran itself.

Which of these states' statistics of Iranian-Americans most surprises you?

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Here is something to consider:

Within the last 40 years, the United States has been involved in THREE separate conflicts in the Gulf region (the 1990-91 Gulf War against Iraq, the 2003-11 Iraq War, and now the 2026 #WarInIran).

Need I say more?

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Today is #March7, 2026.

Today marks the 7th day of Donald Trump's #WarInIran - meaning that as of tomorrow (March 8, 2026), the war will have lasted for one full week.

How long do you think it will go on for?

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For those interested in the evolution of Russia-Iran relations, my book comes out next month.

DM if you’re interested in an advanced copy and I can put you in touch with my publisher. www.hurstpublishers.com/book/russia-...

Waiting for the administration to say the spike in gas prices isn't actually a big deal because so many Americans are losing their jobs and won't have to drive to work anymore.

Indonesia suspends its participation in Board of Peace

“Indonesian FM Sugiono said the decision to suspend participation was taken because of the latest military escalation in the region, which has directly affected the foreign policy priorities of countries involved in the initiative”

We're at war in Iran, the president is already talking about another war with Cuba, and the White House and secretary of state are spending their time doing a roundtable on Name, Image, and Likeness rights in college sports?

@dcombes.bsky.social

In light of the #WarInIran, here is something to consider:

If this war drags on into 2028, whichever Republican candidate running for President in that year will have their campaign be impacted by whether they can end it.

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A while ago Trump paused its Ukraine aid to ensure it contributes to a solution. The order remains until Trump determines Ukraine’s commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, Putin gives Iran intelligence to target our troops. Perhaps Trump should reconsider helping Ukraine more. 🔄

Fox News poll says 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of ICE’s performance One pollster said that ICE’s activities in Minneapolis were partly responsible for the ‘sharp drop’ in approval of the agency

Fox News poll finds 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of Trump’s immigration agency and almost half want ICE funding cut

Azerbaijan has announced the arrest of IRGC operatives allegedly plotting terrorist activities within its borders. #Azerbaijan #Terrorism

Maybe next time, if there is one, we can stop electing game show hosts and recruiting talking heads from Fox.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar are discussing withdrawing from contracts with the U.S. and cancelling future investment commitments in the U.S.

Here is a question I have for you:

Do you think you can recognize the nonexistence of "good billionaires" WHILE ALSO (still) believing in the American Dream?

Alternatively, is the very existence of billionaires proof that the Dream is broken, if not fundamentally unrealistic to begin with?

RUSSIA GETS:
-Higher oil prices
-Reduced US economic pressure
-Bogged down US military
-Air defense assets not sent to Ukraine

US GETS:
-Indefinite war in pursuit of undefined outcome
-Weaker economy
-Frayed international partnerships
-Combat deaths

Consider this:

What do you think that it says about how we as a society are accustomed Trump's narcissism that Trump could say this...and have it be forgotten by tomorrow?

Can you imagine if ANY OTHER President said that?

“On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, the president would like to remind you the Dow is almost at 50K.”

Consider this:

This is one of MANY moments that make William T. Kelley (one of Trump's former Economics professors at Wharton) turning in his grave like a rotisserie chicken.