“We did not target any mosques. What we did target was destroyed. There is a mosque within 50 feet of that building that is still standing.” That was Col. John J. Thomas, a spokesman for the Central Command, responding to accusations that a US airstrike hit a mosque in Syria, and killed at least fifty people. At times it seem to be an innocuous distraction, so why is Trump’s incessant lying a big deal? This is why. Who in the world believes us when it really matters?

+ I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. The distractions are the story.

+ “Certainly we do not want for things to get to a military conflict. We’ve been quite clear on that in our communications. But obviously if North Korea takes actions that threaten the South Korean forces or our own forces, then that will be met with an appropriate response. Let me very clear: The policy of strategic patience has ended.” Secretary of State Tillerson, in one of his first international trips as Sec of State, warns of military option if North Korea continues push for nuclear weapons.