caucus99percent

free-range politics, organic community

Italy Steps Up!

Italy recently blocked American use of airbases in Italy (Sicily) for the war with Iran. US Military Air planes can use the bases for other reasons, but not for the war. Go Italy!

I keep thinking of the iconic Italian anti-fascist song, Bella Ciao, humming it as work around the farm and so on. Hopefully, I won’t get in trouble… Heh!

Here’s a really good flashmob performance of Bella Ciao in France!

No need to post a link -- we now have a ceasefire and we have Trumps's word on its terms. Good news, sort of. Trump will now start bragging about how his tough talk worked.

I don't care why or how. This is less bad than what he promised.

Thoughts?

Something is not right;
Trump blows his own cover
https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/181000
“155 aircraft, including four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft, and more,” – Trump on the “Search and Rescue” in Iran.

Newsweek Magazine

Prediction markets tracking the likelihood that President Donald Trump could be removed from office under the 25th Amendment saw a steady climb this weekend, reflecting heightened public speculation as the Iran war intensifies and the president’s recent statements draw widespread scrutiny.

On Kalshi, one of the largest regulated prediction platforms, trading volume rose as users bet on whether Cabinet‑level action to declare the president unfit might occur.

The increase comes at a moment of global crisis, with the Iran war reshaping U.S. foreign policy and raising questions about decision‑making at the highest levels of government.

Why It Matters

The 25th Amendment is one of the most consequential constitutional mechanisms available, allowing the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unable to perform the duties of office.

Even small movements in prediction markets can influence political narratives, investor sentiment, and public perception of stability inside the executive branch.

While prediction markets do not forecast outcomes with certainty, they often reflect real‑time shifts in public expectations.

Happy Easter, Passover, and Spring

Here in NE Alabama the spring rebirth is well underway. I barely got my pruning done in time. We planted one batch of tomatoes last week, and I'm getting in a few more today before a much needed rain this evening. So, spring has sprung and we're off to the race to maintain the homestead. It's busy season, but we're in good shape for a change. However we are very dry, especially for this time of the year. We'll get to the news below the fold.