On March 4, 2026 at 2:59 pm, Our Man Obsidian wrote:
I'm distressed to hear of your recent health setback. By all means follow medical advice and get better soon.
In all the chaos swirling in the Persian Gulf one would be forgiven for worrying about that shot in Sarajevo moment, that tipping point that sets dominoes tumbling and sets the World on fire. Off ramps better be ready. The troubling question is, who is there of sufficient power and credibility to act as broker?
On March 4, 2026 at 2:59 pm, Scott Schertzer wrote:
Dear Mark:
I had always wondered why the United States went to war with Iraq rather than Iran, who I believed to be our true enemy. Iran has created nothing but turmoil in the region since the Mullahs took control and have been more than a thorn in America's interests since then.
I don't know if Operation Epic Fury is the right move, but there was no better time than now in which to do it. Getting rid of Khamenei is a blessing and one can only hope that what follows turns out to be a significant improvement. Obviously, our track record in the region has been less than stellar and I pray that Donald Trump has no illusions regarding a military presence inside the country. I keep my fingers crossed that the majority of Iranians have had enough of the Ayatollah's and will do everything in their power to bring a secular, western aligned government into power... I hope that isn't merely wishful thinking.
I get the distinct feeling that you are not in favor of what's transpired these past several days. What do you think would have been a better option in dealing with Iran? I hope you get to my question before having another heart attack.
All joking aside, I am distressed at the latest news regarding your health. Please take good care of yourself as you're an invaluable voice. And besides, I've already put down a deposit for October's cruise!
Take good care,
Sincerely,
Scott Schertzer
Miami Beach
On March 4, 2026 at 2:59 pm, Paul Shanklin wrote:
Mark,
Maybe you could ask the members to provide alternative realistic names for our Previous, Current or Future operations. I think many of them came from Marvel or DC comic books myself.
Looking forward to today's show
On March 4, 2026 at 3:02 pm, Laurie Gordon wrote:
Do I recall correctly that a main driver of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was the actions of the U.S. to curtail their fuel supply?
If so, do you see any parallel with the likely reduction of China's access to oil because of the Venezuela "take-over" and now the Iranian "situation"? Appreciate your insights as always Mark. Stay well.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:04 pm, Texas Optimist wrote:
Hi Mark,
Your silence last week was troubling! I am thrilled that you are able to return to duty after your recent double event. Our prayers will likewise be redoubled.
For the sake of sanity, I like to consider limited success in Iran to be possible. Both Venezuela and Iran have been strategic partners of the Chinese Party. With these two partners neutralized, and the Chinese global trading system gone, I imagine that the Party's money and influence would decline.
If then the Party could not continue to pay-off western politicians and globalist billionaires, do you think there might be some small chance that the West would address the imminent threats to our freedom, like mass-immigration, novel pandemics, rigged elections, and more?
Is there a glimmer of hope?
On March 4, 2026 at 3:06 pm, David Blair wrote:
I understand the reticence to cheerlead for the current war in light of past experience and the lack of articulation of coherent war aims. However, besides pointing out the pitfalls and mis-steps and the need to prioritise the home front, I'd be interested to hear what you think the US and Israel should be doing in light of Iran's determination to obtain nuclear weapons. Thank you.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:12 pm, Patrick Geagan wrote:
Hello Mark, I hope you feel better today?
With the action that's going on in Iran at the moment shouldn't this show every nation in the western world how important it is to actually manufacture pretty much everything they can in their own nations?
We saw during Covid disruptions in the supply chains have disastrous effects on economies.
Your thoughts as usual.
Please feel better.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:16 pm, Chris from Michigan wrote:
The US is playing a massive power projection game that appears to be attempting to completely constrain China and its mini-me client Russia all around the world. When you look at tariffs, Panama, Greenland, Cuba, Venezuela, the effective emasculation of the Russian Ghost Fleet, trade moves with India, turning the Baltic into a NATO lake, and now the elimination of Iran as a significant power, it seems that China is now in trouble. This is amplified by serious internal economic and demographic problems.
However, the Europeans and even Canada seem to be unaware of the changing geopolitical reality. Do they have access to information that we don't know about, or are they just crazy?
On March 4, 2026 at 3:17 pm, Chris Davies wrote:
Mark,
I'm so sorry to hear you've been in the wars again. Fiona and I will pray for better times to come for you and yours.
I am very conflicted over Iran. There seems to be massive potential for mission creep and a lengthy and much wider geographical conflict than is desirable or necessary.
Given the US military's inability to win a war since World War II, it is imperative that the purpose of the conflict is kept strictly to ridding the country of the mullahs then leaving the Iranian people to determine their own future.
Do you think this is possible or are we facing yet another attempt by the US to impose democracy on a foreign land?
Keep well Mark.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:20 pm, Fred Jones wrote:
Dear Mark
Was troubled to hear about your bum ticker missing a beat or two from your auto accident. Hope you are able to remain calm and "stable" despite these historic Trump 2.0 developments.
Regardless of what you may think about the latest bomb-bomb-bomb, bomb Iran operation, if nothing else it has exposed the fiction of NATO and the idea that our EU allies are reliable partners. From Diego Garcia to Moron, Americans now realize the wisdom of Trump's desire to annex Greenland and to disregard the protests of our European "friends" (who are quickly being Islamized, so let's drop the pretense of collegiality). Clarity is always a good thing, an especially rare occurrence in foreign relations.
So we Americans are grateful for Queer Starmer and whatever the dude's name is in Spain, they've taught we Yanks an important lesson and revealed Trump's instinctive intelligence.
And one final point if I may: Trump is willing to use the US military as just another bargaining lever in his forever negotiations to MAGA, like tariffs. He's not interested in foreign interventions, nation-building or settling old scores, just leveraging our military and economic might to make the world safer and more prosperous for Americans.
It's old school "war is diplomacy by other means." There's a certain detachment with his approach that makes his wielding of power maximally effective in reaching deals that immediately profit America without prolonged investment of either our blood or treasure. It's so bald-faced and unapologetic it may be hard for the intellectual class to grasp, but average Americans and many of the globe's downtrodden certainly appreciate his approach, right?
On March 4, 2026 at 3:22 pm, Nicola Timmerman wrote:
So what do you think of PM Carney now saying he has some regret for making a statement supporting Israel and U.S. in war on Iran? Must have seen poll saying most liberals especially women don't support the war.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:38 pm, Dan Olsen wrote:
Good day Mark, best wishes to your health and peace of mind these days. I can't imagine what you are going through but we all do admire you for soldiering on. I hope I have your fortitude when I'm 137.
My question is about music, or the music industry. When an artist releases an album or song that has "Remastered" in parenthesis after the name, what does that mean? I see it not only on poplar rock 'n roll (Fleetwood Mac, The Who, etc.) but I also see it on my Pandora stations for Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald (yes I'm an old fogie who doesn't use Spotify, my kids mock me). The "Remastered" label seems ubiquitous these days but I've never known what it means as, to my ears at least, the recordings sound just like the originals.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:47 pm, Laurence Jarvik wrote:
Mark, I lived in DC during the Afghan war—the Bush administration decided early on to preserve the Taliban. That spelled doom from the get-go. I sincerely doubt that Trump or Hegseth are followers of that doctrine! Stop fighting the last war, please!
On March 4, 2026 at 3:51 pm, The Notorious Mr. J wrote:
An afterthought- you mentioned the notion of NATO as a bogus military alliance, and rather a military of one, with the others as "clients". I vaguely remember one luminary opining that in such a circumstance the USA should play Ancient Rome and demand tribute from its vassals. A harsh judgement, but relevant?
On March 4, 2026 at 3:52 pm, Pat Smith wrote:
Hi Mark,
We would all appreciate it if you would discontinue your reckless habit of involving yourself in car crashes, hesrt attacks, and other life threatening activities at least until the Pentagon gets a fresh supply of pins to mark the ever expanding targets of the current military action. They will also need a bigger map that includes Spain and Turkey.
My question concerns the 100 or so Americans concerned with soccer. Do you think FIFA will cancel the upcoming World Cup if Iran is unable to field a team? I don't see how the World Cup can go on without Iran's participation.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:53 pm, Glen Flint wrote:
Hi Mark,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your heart attack and car accident...
I'm hearing lots of good things about Tesla Full Self Driving. It might be worthwhile to trust your safety to Elon's robotic chauffeur. In the event of another heart attack you could say, "Take me to the closest hospital other than the sod-bollocking Vermont Medical Center!"
It might be possible to hook up a defibrillator so your Tesla could give you a jump start enroute to medical care.
We're all praying for a speedy and complete recovery!
Glen
On March 4, 2026 at 3:54 pm, Queen of the Jungle wrote:
Greetings Mark- Peace and good health be upon you!
I have been reading a number of articles lately wherein Germany is trying to re-migrate and deport the culture enriching Syrians back to their own country.
However, the officials in Damascus say that they are not ready yet to accept the return of so many of their own people, claiming that such return would be "premature" and could create problems for their country.
So what does this mean for Germany? I guess they didn't realize when they admitted all those highly skilled valedictorians, etc. that it would be forever.
On March 4, 2026 at 3:57 pm, eaglepatriotminuteman1776 wrote:
Dear Mark,
I am completely against this war, and I hope the Americans invade and get bogged down in Iran the way they did in Iraq and Afghanistan. Either that, or the Russians and Chinese should declare war on the United States.
The line has to be drawn somewhere, and this is it. Either the Chinese and Russians give an ultimatum to the Americans or watch the Yankees stomp about the world like a bull in a china shop another 20 years. It may result in nuclear war, but the United States cannot be allowed to use nuclear blackmail forever.
This regime on the Potomac is the most evil government that has existed since 1945. It getting leveled would solve half the world's problems.
William
On March 4, 2026 at 3:58 pm, Greg Warren wrote:
Mark, I think that you're underestimating the Pentagon. Look at their brilliant 20 year plan to arm the afgans to topple the pakistani regime.
Meanwhile, don't let the world's state ruin your health. They're both going to be bloody awful whatever we do.
On March 4, 2026 at 4:03 pm, SendMoneyNowDotCom wrote:
I'm not sure what's disturbing me more:
1) Worrying that things are going to escalate out of anyone's control.
2) Seeing Lindsey Graham on Fox News every fifteen minutes.
On March 4, 2026 at 4:04 pm, Drew Weber wrote:
Hello Mark,
Hope you are recovering from your recent travails.
Many opinions regarding the war in Iran, some absurd but others involve good faith differences. Much to be concerned with as there are few things less predictable than war.
Hard to see President Trump's decision being driven for political gain, as the risks are real, e.g., economy, blood and treasure. The anti-Trump crowd will never warm to any decision he makes. See the useful idiots marching in support of the mullahs. Democrat politicians find it difficult to mask their wishes that we fail.
The 24/7 news cycle has contributed the coarsening of civility in general. It is most absurd when covering a war. We have around the clock reels of the same bombs exploding. Reporters breathlessly trying to get a scoop after talking to someone who talked to someone else. So-called experts come out of the woodwork providing opinions based on little real and current information. Most of the network talking heads know even less about the military and foreign policy than the usual shtick they parrot. Then, we have the cheerleaders who see war as some type of sporting event. Of course, with virtual signaling as they wax on about the respect they have for our troops and their sacrifice. These words will mean nothing to those children, spouses and family members who won't be seeing their loved ones return home.
Best to tune out the news and hope our leaders in the know can execute their plan successfully and with time of the essence.
On March 4, 2026 at 4:06 pm, Brandy Edwards wrote:
Hi Mark!
No question from us. We just wanted to send you our love and let you know we are thinking of you and praying for your healing. Take care! Lots of love from Brandy and Wayne
On March 4, 2026 at 4:08 pm, Kelly Harbeson wrote:
Hope your homecoming gets better. A car accident and a heart attack sound like a terrible day. I will believe Trump has actually accomplished something in Iran when any of the "Persians" return to the country they fled. Not only is the US more promising than the old country, but nothing I've seen suggests that the Iranians have any desire for their prosperous Jews to return.
On March 4, 2026 at 4:09 pm, Mark Jensen wrote:
Dear Supreme Leader Mark... aren't you overdoing?? Please, this forever war well still be erupting along whilst you take some time to recover from your accident and further heart attacks! I beg you... take time off!
We'll still be here, weeks hence, sparring, arguing and disagreeing about it all while you take some much-needed time to relax.
We need you: your wit, your insight and your sod-bollocking, for many years to come.
Please be here for it.
Mark N Jensen
On March 4, 2026 at 4:11 pm, Willy Pete wrote:
Mark, speaking of DEI, did you hear the good news about the latest BSA merit badge, Citizenship in Society, it was recently discontinued by Pete Hegseth in a deal with the Pentagon to remove DEI language and policies. Every other merit badge ever required came with a pamphlet.
On March 4, 2026 at 4:12 pm, Teresa Maupin wrote:
"Some of you may recall the Italian doctor who advised me to leave town because the striking beauty of the ladies of Trieste was bringing on severe chest pains. That would have been a far more agreeable way to go than last week's alarums and excursions." Hahahaha. True that!!
On March 4, 2026 at 4:14 pm, Leonid wrote:
Mark, be well!
On March 4, 2026 at 4:25 pm, David P wrote:
Greetings Mark
Over the years you have frequently expressed the view that the pace of innovation is much slower in modern society than bygone eras.
That struck me as accurate.
However recently I have been spending some time digging into various AI applications. Some of them have blown my mind. And the pace of improvement is really staggering.
All of which led me to question whether in fact the thesis about stagnation of innovation might be overstated or incorrect.
It was seductive to pair decline in innovation with other declines: morality, social cohesion, cultural confidence, ... but when it comes to technology, is it really true?
By the way, last time you touched on this topic you were a tad dismissive. To take but one example, there is now a school that uses AI to teach kids at exactly the level they need, hard but not too hard. They spend 2 hours per day on academics with no homework and are getting top 2%. But the list of applications and the rate at which new products are evolving seems staggering to me.
Keen to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks
David
On March 4, 2026 at 4:25 pm, Stefan Bucek wrote:
Mark, welcome back and good health to you! At a men's group I attended this morning, someone asked if there were any Muslim-led countries that were democratic. No one could think of any, until one wag said, "Great Britain," to much laughter. But that raises a serious question. You've spoken for many sod-bollicking years about demography. Is it possible at some point in the future that the changing demography in England might force the extinction of any form of democracy there? Might Great Britain at some point become just another caliphate?
On March 4, 2026 at 4:25 pm, Toby Pilling wrote:
How hard a paper-round did the Glasgow stabby-stabber have, to look like that at twenty three?
On March 4, 2026 at 4:25 pm, Walt Trimmer wrote:
I don't remember that and I was in Afghanistan during the Obama surge.
