Karmi's Musings & Tech

Abrahamic Religions and New York City

Zohran Mamdani appears to have won the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary, pending ranked-choice voting tabulation expected by July 1. Mamdani’s lead is considered substantial.

Right-wing news outlets and blogosphere are upset, with some claiming, “America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.” One blog commenter responded to me, stating:

Islam is incompatible with western civilization.

My original post had been:

New York City has been a disaster for decades. Ran by Jews and/or Christians during the whole time. Personally, I don’t believe a Muslim could run it any worse.

The Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—seem locked in an endless struggle over who “owns” God. Anthropomorphism aside, it’s likely that “God” doesn’t possess human traits, which is probably a good thing for humanity.

2025 New York City mayoral election

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Putin supports Iran over US & Israel – will Trump support Russia over Ukraine?

For decades Iran has chanted “Death to Americans!”

‘Americans think Trump backs Russia over Ukraine as he heads to NATO’ – I’m not sure “think” is the correct word especially after Trump has continued to blame Ukraine for Russia invading and then reinvading it.

Now we have this – ‘Putin vows to back Iran and condemns ‘groundless, unprovoked aggression’ following US strikes on nuclear facilities’.

Earlier we had this – ‘Russia taunts Trump with nuclear threat: Ex-president Dmitry Medvedev says ‘number of countries’ are now queuing up to hand the devastating weapons to Iran’.

Will Trump *CONTINUE* to support Russia over Ukraine?

‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN‘ (MIGA)

The Fordow nuclear facility was bombed by the United States on June 22, 2025 (Iran time) and/or June 21st, 2025 (EST). The strike was part of “Operation Midnight Hammer”, which also targeted other Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz and Isfahan.

Further details about the attack:

• The US used B-2 stealth bombers armed with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs (GBU-57s) to penetrate the underground facility.
• A total of 14 bunker-busters were dropped on Fordow and Natanz.
• Satellite images show at least six impact craters at the Fordow facility after the strikes.
• The effectiveness of the strikes and the extent of the damage are still being assessed.
• While US officials claim the attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions, some Iranian officials have downplayed the damage.

President Trump has likely been considering “Regime Change” as a potential benefit for Iranian citizens, and I agree it’s worth exploring.

Israel’s Attacks Leave Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Exposed

Israel’s strikes reveal Iran’s vulnerabilities, mirroring Russia’s exposure of its weaknesses through its reinvasion of Ukraine.

Israel’s attacks on Iran have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the Islamic Republic’s intelligence agencies and broader military apparatus.

Interestingly, Russia revealed strikingly similar weaknesses when it reinvaded Ukraine.

One nation’s vulnerabilities were exposed by being attacked, while the other’s were revealed through its attack on another country. Both nations, often described as autocratic, are led by long-entrenched leaders.

Israel *INSIDE* of Iran

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Israel vs Iran

Hamas is pinned down in Gaza. Hezbollah is struggling to recover from the pager attack in Lebanon. Bashar al-Assad has been ousted from Syria. The IAEA board has determined, for the first time in 20 years, that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations.

Iran has been stalling in nuclear talks with the United States while continuing to pursue a nuclear weapon. Israel, deeming time critical, decided to act against Iran following the IAEA’s finding that Iran was not complying with its nuclear obligations.

Operation “Rising Lion”

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LA Riots 2025: California *BURNING* … Again

California is burning again—and it didn’t take long! Just over five months ago, wildfires raged, and Governor Newsom struggled to manage the crisis. Mayor Bass faced similar challenges with the LA wildfires. The Democratic Party’s leadership is on full display with each disaster.

The Los Angeles Protests of 2025: A City in Turmoil

In June 2025, Los Angeles erupted in protests after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid to service criminal warrants based on a large criminal conspiracy ICE is/was investigating. The investigation related to:

• Money laundering.

• Tax evasion.

• Customs fraud.

• A company that under-declared over $80 million in goods and failed to pay $17 million in fees.

• A larger conspiracy involving numerous businesses potentially laundering money in Mexico and Colombia.

What Has Happened

On June 6, protests began peacefully but turned violent, with clashes near the Federal Building and 101 Freeway. Protesters burned Waymo cars, looted businesses, and threw rocks, while LAPD used tear gas and rubber bullets. Over 100 arrests occurred, including union leader David Huerta. President Trump federalized the California National Guard, deploying 2,000 troops, followed by 2,000 more and 700 Marines by June 9, costing $134 million. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass condemned the move, with Newsom suing the Trump administration for violating state sovereignty.

What Is Happening Now

As of June 10, protests continue but are less violent, with a peaceful City Hall rally. Sporadic looting persists, and 4,000 Guard troops and 700 Marines remain deployed. Newsom added 800 local officers, insisting they suffice. California’s lawsuit challenges the federal troop deployment, while immigrant communities face ongoing tension and businesses suffer losses.

Anticipated Outcomes

If peaceful protests continue and ICE raids ease, unrest may subside. The lawsuit’s outcome could limit federal overreach or embolden further interventions, possibly via the Insurrection Act. Politically, the divide deepens, with Democrats decrying Trump’s tactics and Republicans framing protesters as “insurrectionists.” LA’s Latino communities may demand aid to recover, and the protests could spark immigration reform debates or stricter enforcement.

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