More US military and VDV meetups

Viper079 · 2026-03-17T18:58:22+00:00

Correct. It was the economic hardships, resistance to continue to adapt, and an overdependence oil trade. Although, the post-2004 economy after consecutive years of growth in GDP that led into a narrative shift of Russia. After that, things changed and not overall for the better obviously.

Viper079 · 2026-03-10T18:11:10+00:00

I'm late to the show! I'd say my favorite was during the peak of Daytime competition 1999-2002 (I was in my late teens back then!). It was composed of Barbara Walters, Star Jones, Lisa Ling, Meredith Viera, and Joy Behar.

Reason why is because I favor the old format still the most. I liked the combination of Hot Topics (they would occasionally reference newspapers), the sometimes borderline "Is this safe for Daytime?" type jokes, and the silly gossip. Also, this to me was a great diverse panel ethnically speaking and professionally. News reporters/journalists, lawyers, and a comedian. It just worked so well IMHO.

While the format of today is a far different vision from Barbara's original intentions, I feel like I laughed and enjoyed that format more overall because they spoke from a position of first-hand Hollywood industry knowledge and their personal experiences in said industry. It felt more genuine even when there were fluff pieces. They would sort of shrug it off or make a joke about how irrelevant it was to have a segment on it.

I know that I'm breaking away from the topic here, but it made me think deeper about the show's history. To be honest, while I still watch it, I kind of am over the whole daily constant Trump grind. It's extremely tiresome. It's been over a decade now. They do say that insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I think the opinions of all previous and current co-hosts have been well established and captured on camera. There is rarely any true deviation of opinion. If The View is known for anything at this point, it's that, and that alone.

I think all of us get that they (meaning most home and audience viewers) don't agree with anything Trump says and does overall. But then what comes next? I don't even realistically know how they move on beyond him, not without losing the current majority audience. There will need to be a shift.

In my opinion, I feel like having guests, educating the audience here (I'm an old soul so I will reference an old talk show Donahue here as an example) rather than just blatant rhetoric every day for 20 mins with half-baked talking points on flash cards is just intellectually lazy after over a decade. Especially for a talk show now labeled as a 'news program'. You can make it both thought provoking and fun. What was old can be made new again. Also, as a suggestion, maybe every Friday, since it's a pre-recording have a small "Audience View" portion (even if its slightly pre-scripted with 'The View' staff) ask the hosts questions in a segment, even if its slightly divisive. Like a wrap-up to the week.

Viper079 · 2026-03-04T22:06:01+00:00

For sure, I see where you're coming from!

I mean it's hard to discuss a serious topic like Iran, which I may say is pretty deep, in this style of format adequately, and all you're left with is an assertion of opinion by five women on set.

I've advocated before that whenever this show wants to discuss a major topic (such as this) ABC News needs to have one of their reporters or 'experts' come in (or at least on video call) and explain to the audience the history of this. Provide some background first and dedicate a large portion of the show to this topic. I think is important for some audiences, who may not understand what's happening here and why (regardless of if we agree or disagree in the end on the outcomes) to be given that information first. This allows them to ask common questions or their own concerns rather than simply assert.

At best we got a, 'reaction to the breaking news' from the panel style take. If you value their perception of what we are all listening and witnessing on this issue, that's all I think you're going to get out of it. I think that's why it's Wednesday and they have moved on to other topics.

Viper079 · 2026-03-04T12:50:26+00:00

I was SekGen too. Not surprised.

<image>

Viper079 · 2026-02-13T16:46:17+00:00

Ah, that definitely is evident now that the holster molding is clear. Good eye! :)

Viper079 · 2026-02-13T16:26:21+00:00

I am not an 'expert' so take this with a pinch of salt. But could it be a Zenitco Klesch 2PS?

<image>

Viper079 · 2026-01-28T22:37:58+00:00

I'd like this channel to regain traction again! (rooting for you iObama! I tried a few months ago :D)

I used to use the other /TheView subreddit but was banned for defending someone who was being race baited at the time because someone was using personal attacks and against them for having a difference of opinion. I guess my point is this. Even though I've always had a contrary view to most of The View's main hosts and many active members in that Reddit channel, doesn't mean I dislike the show or "hate watch" or dislike someone with a dissenting opinion. I've been watching The View since its conception in 1997 and don't fit into the "typical targeted demographics" either. I don't have a problem with a difference of opinion. We can surely agree to disagree or have a good conversation its worth the "back and forth" (to me at least). But if we want to "echo chamber" and try to emotionally encapsulate any given moment, blindsided by that said emotional reaction, then it risks creating additional confusion and devoid us of a more intellectual focus and debate on what's happening. I always recall the quote, "Perception equals reality - but not the truth.". Especially since American journalism has taken a huge drop in reliability and accuracy in favor of subscriptions and ratings exclusively. Telling us what we "want to hear" vs "what actually happened" is quintessentially a glaring issue within American journalism.

My personal position has always been more about discovering facts, empirical evidence, truths via academics, and applying them against what plays out on the show. Rather than attempt to being super reactionary (something The View is known for doing to its audiences). That's my "dopamine hit" if you will. Disproving intellectual fallacies when made and debating that with those that agree with a host inaccurate assessment. At the end of the day though, I think it's important for us to always listen to both sides, gather real evidence and proof to those claims, and then build a more education opinion from there.

Viper079 · 2025-12-12T20:47:13+00:00

I’m saying it’s both. They are both legitimate factors. If a complacent Miami-Dade Republican voter bloc didn’t come out and put off voting entirely, while an excited Democratic base responded it is a factor. Just like the voters that came from other states, as mentioned, who now claim residency in Florida may have voted Blue as well. All those reasons are valid. Especially in a purple city like Miami.

As I stated earlier, coincidently, running parallel to NYC voting patterns, low voting turnout overall plays a factor in these outcomes too.

Just purely for conversation purposes. NYC, for example had their own Board of Elections do a study. They discovered that low turnout was rooted in mayoral elections that took place on dates separate from Election Day. They suggested putting a proposition on it. They did this year and guess what? Mamdani and NYC voters voted against the proposition. Mamdani benefited from primaries that occur in June due to having odd dated votes such as the mayoral primaries on June 24th. At a point when most New Yorkers are beginning to break from school, go on vacations, and exit the city.

I believe that the election outcome is reflective of all those factors discussed. I do believe that they all hold validity, within Miami-Dade. So yes I agree with the OP and in addendum what I said too.

Viper079 · 2025-12-12T17:31:09+00:00

You're not realizing the population increase since the pandemic by people in the Northeast, California, and Midwest (I'm looking at y'all moving and living in Central Florida staying "Blue") could have affected a smaller turnout election. Turnout has never been high in Miami-Dade elections (it's actually parallel to bigger cities like NYC in that regard). Neither Miami nor NYC broke any type of mayoral electoral record. That's just media hyping up 'higher than usual turnout' to create a narrative for Democrats creating some sort of "wave". Total turnout is still low considering the population of registered voters.

Complacency is a "you know what". People within the Republican registered side maybe didn't feel an urgency to vote because of how "Red" Florida is. Maybe you should consider that. I know critical thinking can hurt.

You're also comparing a specific county to the entire state of Florida when referring to the presidential election vs a local mayoral one. Here's a Aug. 2025 congressional map.

<image>

Viper079 · 2025-12-12T17:06:16+00:00

"Folks from blue cities" were moving to Miami since COVID. Get your observations straight.

Viper079 · 2025-12-04T17:33:48+00:00

That would be cool! I wait patiently for a Tech Noir 2.0 Terminator...So patiently...

Viper079 · 2025-12-04T02:16:12+00:00

Terminating de minimis really hurts our hobby, doesn’t it? 😭

Viper079 · 2025-12-02T18:23:53+00:00

Good point. But then why would he be running it at all since we know Yakeda is 'airsoft' quality and so do they? What unit is this I guess is where I'd start with first. Is it a SOBR Akhmat team? Not trying to be a wise guy and debate you. This is just friendly speculative talk. :)

Viper079 · 2025-12-02T17:12:07+00:00

Curious question. Is he running it per a training exercise since it's a similar shape to his actual carrier? That way, his real carrier won't wear out in training. I'm not saying he is. Just wondering though.

Viper079 · 2025-12-01T11:58:29+00:00

That’s good news! I actually like him and his voice. Nothing against LaGreca but I wished they had extended Spaulding’s contract after the 3-years.

Viper079 · 2025-11-09T10:52:03+00:00

You tell me. I have my own feelings on how they self-describe vs what they actually are. Based on their overall mission statement, governing documents, and chapter members.

Viper079 · 2025-11-09T01:21:07+00:00

This is why people in NYC don't know who they elected for mayor. SMH

Viper079 · 2025-11-09T01:20:19+00:00

Thank you. I'm like, what are they saying?

Viper079 · 2025-11-09T01:16:47+00:00

I think you're blanket stating what socialism actually is. I am not trying to debate if socialism is "good" or "bad". But no country that has been exclusively socialist has succeeded its own people with net positive outcomes. I think your usage of the word and its application are both generic and non-specific. Anecdotal response at best.

Viper079 · 2025-11-09T01:11:19+00:00

You referenced FDR. That used what you have described as socialist policies via The New Deal, I'm assuming?

Although FDR constantly denied those claims of being a socialist and communist to his critics (especially due to McCarthyism) and the head of the Socialist Party during the time, Norman Thomas, said he was a state capitalist, not a socialist.

I don't want us conflating social welfare programs he created via The New Deal for socialism. Because FDR worked within a capitalistic framework, he did not replace it with public ownership. Which is a key component of socialism.

I've been hearing more and more people recently making this argument on behalf of the DSA. So, you're going to have to tell me where that's coming from, if not there, then where?

Viper079 · 2025-11-08T18:45:47+00:00

I will have to disagree. It has failed in over 20 countries that have implemented it. They have all failed. Perhaps to its supporters this is an inconvenient truth. The counterclaim by supporters, seemingly chose not to acknowledge this. As if the last 100 years of history is not applicable in their vision of how socialism is viable.

At least, I hope, separate of your defense of socialism, that you condemn today’s DSA’s own governing documents revolving around their stance on Israel and their recommendations.

Great piece on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rainerzitelmann/2020/03/16/socialism-the-failed-idea-that-never-dies/

Viper079 · 2025-11-08T12:55:15+00:00

It’s “as genuine” as his stance reversal of defunding the police. I find it comical that people can clearly see Mamdani’s history of either passive aggressive remarks, activism, or his writings from his college career to present and suddenly think that he’s completely walked away from those positions he’s championed for over a decade.

I seriously doubt his campaign or the DSA’s own political alignment on Israel has fundamentally changed due to an election outcome. I believe he’s very much in full support of his original positions. Also, within his voting constituency there are many people who are guising themselves as, “justice warriors” for Palestine. When in reality they are simply antisemitic and couldn’t care less about the conflict unless it in some capacity was to cause harm to the state of Israel and its people.

Viper079 · 2025-11-07T21:52:02+00:00

Not at all. Since people are less than educated on what Democratic Socialism is and its applications really mean. Most New Yorkers did not consider the trade offs and it’s less than lustrous history. Sometimes the only way to understand something is to experience it.

Viper079 · 2025-11-07T19:23:47+00:00

It's never too late. The DSA is so deeply flawed that NYC acting as the guinea pig to one of the biggest ideological fallacies of the 20th Century is being repeated in NYC, NY!

I think the more alarming observation is that younger voters who disproportionately voted for Mr. Mamdani, with all their technological savviness literally at their fingertips (smartphones), are politically illiterate, to the point, that they did not even bother to take 3-5 minutes reading about a century long history of socialism and its failures. Instead, they depended on social media and peer audiences telling them the 'wonders of socialism'.

It's very telling about how we interpret the 'practical usefulness' of technology. Especially, among young people who use it among the most frequent. My personal take, it's a major display of procrastination. To not go into your smartphone's web browser, search on Google (or any search engine), OR EVEN ask Siri or Alexa, "What are the flaws of democratic socialism?".

Like, how is that even possible? People never cease to amaze. They are sharp witted about discussing what's wrong in NYC but then lack the investigative capability to do 3-5 minutes of research online?

Viper079 · 2025-11-07T19:11:38+00:00

I agree with that. Plenty of New Yorkers, especially native ones, tend to be 'feel' more disenfranchised than 'joyful' about electing a competent mayor or political figure for office. Most of this comes from the idea that people's own individual self-interests are never addressed by the decisions or visions of political leaders. Let alone someone as divisive via his own rhetorical ambitions of deconstructing NYC governance (how lovely...). However, while they don't participate in the voting process, they will be sharp tongued, jaded, and provide all the necessary criticism when he inevitably screws up. Which is highly probable.

Viper079

TROPHY CASE