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OldnTired's avatar

As we've seen this week, Trump is not satisfied destabilizing a region; through his actions he continues to destabilize the entire world. Air strikes on boats only identified as 'drug boats' by some invisible person or persons; air strikes on sovereign land of another country we are not at war with; the deportation of innocents to almost certain death in some cases; and the declaration that the country may no longer support humanitarian efforts because it costs too much (and billionaires need more tax breaks). The encouragement of the growth of authoritarian leaders around the globe makes Trump happy. He wants to regard himself as their equal, or perhaps even their leader (what a joke). But the simple truth is that authoritarians cannot long tolerate being part of a group but each wants to grow and conquer the peoples around them AND their competitors.

Trump is a child playing with matches while sitting on the curb next to a gas pump. What could go wrong?

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Disgruntled Gardener's avatar

These companies have been documented importing Venezuelan crude for refining — meaning their refineries are set up to process heavy Venezuelan grades: https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Valero Energy Corp. – Major buyer/processor of Venezuelan crude in the U.S. Gulf Coast. https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Chevron USA – Refines Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries and/or sells to other refineries. https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

PBF Energy (e.g., Paulsboro Refining) – Independent refiner that purchases Venezuelan crude. https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Phillips 66 – Gulf Coast refiner that has taken Venezuelan barrels. https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Repsol Trading USA – Has imported Venezuelan crude for refining in U.S. refineries. https://www.ciperchile.cl/2025/12/24/la-geopolitica-de-estados-unidos-cuanto-importa-el-petroleo-de-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Exxon Mobil Oil – Has taken smaller volumes of Venezuelan barrels at some facilities.

These companies would benefit from bribing Trump to get them more Venezuelan crude for refining.

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James McConnel's avatar

Ole’ Leaky Bucket Trump reminds me of the story about the poker playing dog who could never win because when he thought he had a good hand he always wagged his tail. “Let ‘em eat lead” Trump also loves nothing better than beating down others with shiny toys or overwhelming force. He’ll probably come up with some reason for awarding himself The Medal of Honor: ETTT - Everything Trump Touches Tarnishes.

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Margaret L Anthony's avatar

Frank, thank you for your insight.

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GingerLee's avatar

that, right there, blabbing on the radio is laughable... he is a clown who cannot keep his mouth shut...It has always intrigued me that he boasts like he's a "boss" but he's really like nails on a chalkboard.. you know all those "businesses" of his are tied up tight by some unsavory people and not just oligarchs & multilillionaires...growing up the way I did makes me wonder who has really got him on a leash... no "mob" puts up with a blabbermouth like he is, except he always blabs in their favor.. aside from that, he governs like nero

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Derek Smith's avatar

It all comes down to money and oil.

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Carol Sundstrom's avatar

Trump is like a little boy who has been told a BIG SECRET and he can't help but let others know because it makes him feel SPECIAL. He has the maturity of a child, plus his extreme pathological narcissim--a recipe for disaster. His IQ level doesn't help either, with or without the onset of possible dementia. He is a major threat to America and should be removed.

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Karen Brownfield's avatar

Absolutely not intelligent, greedy, destroyed our country, destroyed our reputation worldwide, betrayed our allies, betrayed Ukraine which has huge consequences for our allies, abandoned NATO in their time of need. Genocide by canceling USAID and on and on

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Lynn Waldorf's avatar

Great article Frank! With Trump all you have to do is follow the money. Trumps corruption and incompetence is going to get worse and get people killed. The greed of this administration is unbelievable. I hope all of the politicians and people in this administration spend the rest of their lives in prison for treason. And whatever money this administration has stolen from taxpayers is recovered and leaves them all penniless .

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Karen Brownfield's avatar

I totally agree with you. This whole administration should be tried for treason. The MAGA Congress must be voted out of office SCOTUS 6 whatever it takes. They’ve ruined our country and our reputation all over the world. They’ve destabilized the whole world and started an illegal war with Venezuela for their OIL.

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