You speak in the past tense about events I'm unfamiliar with. What recent historical events are you referring to? Or is this some kind of rhetorical but obtuse

You speak in the past tense about events I'm unfamiliar with. What recent historical events are you referring to? Or is this some kind of rhetorical but obtuse way to speak about a hypothetical situation? I am confused but curious what you are talking about. Thanks. > Once they grasped the situation, they shoved incredible amounts of resources into "scenario-tree-root" hardening