Random Political Thoughts

[JesusJuice]

[Humilia Lepus Foramen]

A couple of thoughts:
1) though I don't like the politics and machinations of much social media they are private companies (though, in some cases, have contracts and even inititial investment money from 'connected' entities to government agencies) so the 1st (and other) Amendments and "rights" don't apply, especially depending on their rules or whatever that, usually, one must agree to join said groups or software.
2) there is nothing new about the leftists wanting to curb speech (and other rights.) They only use or assert them when it benefits them and will be quick to curb it once they have gained power. They use the 'system' against itself but, ultimately, they want to undermine it. Gramsci, Frankfurt School, the Islamists, COMINTERN, Alinski, many in Hollywood, etc. Pick your poison.

Right.  As private companies they can do that. Just like the signs at restaurants say, "we have the right to refuse service to anyone." But by the same token I have the right not to patronize such companies.  It just sucks that when it comes to the youth demographic, the industries with the most cultural influence (social media, the entertainment industry, academia) for the most part all heavily lean left.  It's no wonder kids tend to be more or less liberal by the time they graduate college, as that is the narrative they have been taught growing up.  This was generally what happened in my case, so even though "the left" has used these authoritarian censorship tactics for ages, it takes some doing for youth to understand that much of what they have been taught growing up is a lie.  But we're slowly coming around, I know I am.  I think that's what you're seeing with the alt-right movement.

[albrecht]

Right.  As private companies they can do that. Just like the signs at restaurants say, "we have the right to refuse service to anyone." But by the same token I have the right not to patronize such companies.  It just sucks that when it comes to the youth demographic, the industries with the most cultural influence (social media, the entertainment industry, academia) for the most part all heavily lean left.  It's no wonder kids tend to be more or less liberal by the time they graduate college, as that is the narrative they have been taught growing up.  This was generally what happened in my case, so even though "the left" has used these authoritarian censorship tactics for ages, it takes some doing for youth to understand that much of what they have been taught growing up is a lie.  But we're slowly coming around, I know I am.  I think that's what you're seeing with the alt-right movement.

Although I disagree with them I wonder if things like Title XI, the various anti-discrimination rules etc that apply to businesses and in housing to "social media?" It would be interesting. Can a website or social media ban someone based on gender, race, political beliefs, religion, etc? I think, any business or property, if they get no public funding or tax-breaks should be able to do so but under the current law they can't. So why wouldn't social media businesses be held to the same standard?

Much of the problems is that parents have absolved responsibility, in many cases, in raising their children and rely on public schools, Hollywood via the 'electronic babysitter,' and internet devices on which they have no idea (or even maybe lack the capacity to understand) what their children are viewing/doing. Much of this is not the parent's fault (in many/most cases both parents much work and in this economy often several jobs) and the time commitment involved after a hard week's work to go to things like church, talk to their kids, check what their schools are teaching, take family vacations, get outdoors and visit our great national parks, go fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and unplug etc.

ps: one thing I actually liked in the so-called "socialist" European countries was that in many cases schools had a lot of outdoor time for the younger kids* and in some cases there was a legal thing that businesses had to pay salaries with a "13th month" that was paid out in the summer, basically a forced savings plan for a family vacation. And, bizarrely, even those on the government dole got it. And you HAD to take vacation. Now, I'm sure there would be ways around it but most people did use it for that purpose.
*Denmark even had some really interesting kindergartens that are exclusively outdoors letting kids climb trees, play in the woods, go swimming, play in the snow, etc.

[21st Century Man]

Our government at work confronting the greatest threat to humanity.

Terrorism?  No. Climate Change. :

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/07/22/john-kerry-climate-change-as-dangerous-as-terrorism

[Juan]

The EPA used that treaty to ban the manufacture of all effective asthma medicines.  The FDA said breathing the medicine directly into one's lungs was OK, but the EPA said breathing it back out would destroy the environment.  What cruel bastards - banning medicine.

[bateman]

[PrairieGhost]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxcAN0t6GrI

[Humilia Lepus Foramen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxcAN0t6GrI

"Minorities" not following their designated script is sure to fluster reporters. They short-circuit like you saw in the video. That poor honest journalist didn't have a chance.

[CornyCrow]

Our government at work confronting the greatest threat to humanity.

Terrorism?  No. Climate Change. :

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/07/22/john-kerry-climate-change-as-dangerous-as-terrorism

I agree with Kerry.  That was the last thing that put Hillary in the klinker for me.  She chose someone who is pro-fracking.  It's funny how important this issue is to liberals, except when election time comes around. 

[21st Century Man]

I agree with Kerry.  That was the last thing that put Hillary in the klinker for me.  She chose someone who is pro-fracking.  It's funny how important this issue is to liberals, except when election time comes around.

I have my questions about fracking as well but it has nothing to do with climate change.  As someone who has been a weather enthusiast for over 40 years,  I have not been convinced at all that man is the cause of climate change.  The climate has changed constantly and sometimes quickly over thousands of years with no or little contribution by mankind.  Most of the climate data reported is from the last 50 years and we simply can't make a judgement about man's contribution to climate change from such a small sample.  We will have our periods when the earth warms and when the earth cools.  That is just the way of things.  Politicians are eager to use anything to have more control over our lives.  They can't wait to tax us and tell us how to live.   Climate change is just a macguffin for them to increase their control.

[aldousburbank]

I have my questions about fracking as well but it has nothing to do with climate change.  As someone who has been a weather enthusiast for over 40 years,  I have not been convinced at all that man is the cause of climate change.  The climate has changed constantly and sometimes quickly over thousands of years with no or little contribution by mankind.  Most of the climate data reported is from the last 50 years and we simply can't make a judgement about man's contribution to climate change from such a small sample.  We will have our periods when the earth warms and when the earth cools.  That is just the way of things.  Politicians are eager to use anything to have more control over our lives.  They can't wait to tax us and tell us how to live.   Climate change is just a macguffin for them to increase their control.

I am a climate change enthusiast. Being a desert rat I like it when the cicadas are going off and melting their wirey sound into my brain when it's 100+ degrees. It makes me feel alive ok?  And cold? Screw that. Freezing is for suckers and snow is the deadliest white powder. I like it hot and hot likes me. So I guess that according to John Kerry you all need to crank your ac units down so that I can be comfortable.

[21st Century Man]

I am a climate change enthusiast. Being a desert rat I like it when the cicadas are going off and melting their wirey sound into my brain when it's 100+ degrees. It makes me feel alive ok?  And cold? Screw that. Freezing is for suckers and snow is the deadliest white powder. I like it hot and hot likes me. So I guess that according to John Kerry you all need to crank your ac units down so that I can be comfortable.

LOL. Snow can actually save you from the cold.  You can make a shelter from snow whenever it gets too cold and protect yourself from the elements.  I love the Southwest too but I'd like to live around Santa Fe where it has been known to snow from time to time.  Yuma is intolerably hot even though it is a dry heat.

[21st Century Man]

Bill's thinking,  "Heh, heh.  I really have these niggers suckered."

[aldousburbank]

You can make a shelter from snow whenever it gets too cold and protect yourself from the elements.

I am planning my life so that I am more likely to have to build myself a shelter of discarded panties to protect myself from the girls at a Justin Bieber concert. And I'm not going to a Justin Bieber concert but I may rethink that.

[21st Century Man]

I am planning my life so that I am more likely to have to build myself a shelter of discarded panties to protect myself from the girls at a Justin Bieber concert.

ROTF!!

[JesusJuice]

Bill's thinking,  "Heh, heh.  I really have these niggers suckered."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdSYhwLENvM

[albrecht]

http://www.theweek.com/speedreads/638322/6-months-before-leaves-office-obama-nixes-bill-trim-expresidents-pay
Obama, the man of the people, on Friday (of course) vetoes bill to limit ex-President's pay.

[Radio Activity]

[CornyCrow]

I have my questions about fracking as well but it has nothing to do with climate change.  As someone who has been a weather enthusiast for over 40 years,  I have not been convinced at all that man is the cause of climate change.  The climate has changed constantly and sometimes quickly over thousands of years with no or little contribution by mankind.  Most of the climate data reported is from the last 50 years and we simply can't make a judgement about man's contribution to climate change from such a small sample.  We will have our periods when the earth warms and when the earth cools.  That is just the way of things.  Politicians are eager to use anything to have more control over our lives.  They can't wait to tax us and tell us how to live.   Climate change is just a macguffin for them to increase their control.

I will trust the opinions of over 95% of scientists from multiple areas of science who are saying we are flirting with disaster.  I don't think they are in the pockets of some conspiratorial group that is fighting the growth of the US under a capitalist system.  This situation is not pretty, but burying our heads in the sand and believing what we'd LIKE to believe is not going to solve the problem, neither is it helpful to believe the bs of politicians who are only concerned with the short-termed decision making that favors them while THEY are in office. 

Fracking is lousy for the environment.  Not only does it poison water, but causes earthquakes.  That some politicians support such a disgusting practice should be a waring to all of us that their greed knows no bounds and we cannot trust them.  That includes Hillary AND Trump.  I think Trump puts blinders on and just will not hear things that sully his agenda.  Hillary knows better but is only out for herself.  Libertarians want no controls at all on industry, so fracking and polluting are effectively just fine with them.   

We should not be fooling around with this situation.  It's not some debating point that can be pulled back on later.  I would think, for those who are doubtful of climate change and our involvement, if there were just a CHANCE that this is true, why gamble with the future of all humanity on the planet?  Why not do the conservative and wise thing and discourage carbon based fuels?  It offers the best outcomes. 

Merely for the immediate health benefits, we should be rapidly moving away from fossil fuels.  Look at how the air has cleared in some of our cities.  Don't we believe this must result in better health for our fellow citizens?  People are dying in China and Delhi from emissions.  I cannot understand the support of this industry, except out of selfishness. 

[21st Century Man]

I will trust the opinions of over 95% of scientists from multiple areas of science who are saying we are flirting with disaster.  I don't think they are in the pockets of some conspiratorial group that is fighting the growth of the US under a capitalist system.  This situation is not pretty, but burying our heads in the sand and believing what we'd LIKE to believe is not going to solve the problem, neither is it helpful to believe the bs of politicians who are only concerned with the short-termed decision making that favors them while THEY are in office. 

Fracking is lousy for the environment.  Not only does it poison water, but causes earthquakes.  That some politicians support such a disgusting practice should be a waring to all of us that their greed knows no bounds and we cannot trust them.  That includes Hillary AND Trump.  I think Trump puts blinders on and just will not hear things that sully his agenda.  Hillary knows better but is only out for herself.  Libertarians want no controls at all on industry, so fracking and polluting are effectively just fine with them.   

We should not be fooling around with this situation.  It's not some debating point that can be pulled back on later.  I would think, for those who are doubtful of climate change and our involvement, if there were just a CHANCE that this is true, why gamble with the future of all humanity on the planet?  Why not do the conservative and wise thing and discourage carbon based fuels?  It offers the best outcomes. 

Merely for the immediate health benefits, we should be rapidly moving away from fossil fuels.  Look at how the air has cleared in some of our cities.  Don't we believe this must result in better health for our fellow citizens?  People are dying in China and Delhi from emissions.  I cannot understand the support of this industry, except out of selfishness.

You won't get an argument from me about fracking.  And yes, we should try and discover new ways of creating energy but in the meantime, we are reliant in oil, coal, natural gas and other fuels.  We have the technology today to minimize the pollution from these sources of energy with little damage to the environment.  I don't believe in so-called sin taxes and driving industries out of business.  Alternative energy is still way too expensive for the average American not to mention inefficient.  Maybe that won't be the case in a hundred years but until that time we have to make do with what we have.  I thank God that our cities are not polluted like they once were and I want to preserve the natural wonders of the country.

Believe me, (sounding like Trump, I know)  I have studied the weather situation for years and I see nothing that would make me conclude that man is changing the climate.  Sure, many glaciers are melting but there are also many that are growing on other parts of the Earth. All that says though is that the climate is continuously changing and it does not serve as evidence for man-made climate change.  I studied to become a meteorologist but had to drop out for health reasons.  I know my shit about this.  Politicians are using the issue as a macguffin to gain more control over our lives.  I don't like it and I will fight it where I can.

[21st Century Man]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdSYhwLENvM

I'm just merely pointing out Bill's thoughts and how he really feels about black people.  The comments doesn't reflect my view.

[whoozit]

Whigs, eminent domain, constitutionalists and town planning boards.

[CornyCrow]

You won't get an argument from me about fracking.  And yes, we should try and discover new ways of creating energy but in the meantime, we are reliant in oil, coal, natural gas and other fuels.  We have the technology today to minimize the pollution from these sources of energy with little damage to the environment.  I don't believe in so-called sin taxes and driving industries out of business.  Alternative energy is still way too expensive for the average American not to mention inefficient.  Maybe that won't be the case in a hundred years but until that time we have to make do with what we have.  I thank God that our cities are not polluted like they once were and I want to preserve the natural wonders of the country.

Believe me, (sounding like Trump, I know)  I have studied the weather situation for years and I see nothing that would make me conclude that man is changing the climate.  Sure, many glaciers are melting but there are also many that are growing on other parts of the Earth. All that says though is that the climate is continuously changing and it does not serve as evidence for man-made climate change.  I studied to become a meteorologist but had to drop out for health reasons.  I know my shit about this.  Politicians are using the issue as a macguffin to gain more control over our lives.  I don't like it and I will fight it where I can.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear 'bout your health problems, 21.  Maybe you should drop the cigarette?  I can't believe ALL these scientists are part of a vast liberal conspiracy.  I am sure most of them are just as sincere as are you. 

I agree, though, even if the situation is real, it is being used for convenience by both sides of the political spectrum.  Hillary has become lower than scum in my book, but Trump is there, about at the same level.  In my heart I don't believe he is honest and, like most politicians, would find reasons why he cannot do what he says he wants to - he's already laid the groundwork for that.  On the other hand, God, his mannerisms really DO remind me of Mussolini and I believe his ex - that he kept a copy of translated Hitler speeches at his bedside.  There is a reason why the Koch's and Adelson keep a distance from him.  He must have some sketchy reputation in those circles.

I cannot vote for either one and keep my conscience in tack.  I think all each of us can do is to vote our conscience on this one.  Let the chips fall . . .   

[21st Century Man]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear 'bout your health problems, 21.  Maybe you should drop the cigarette?  I can't believe ALL these scientists are part of a vast liberal conspiracy.  I am sure most of them are just as sincere as are you. 

I agree, though, even if the situation is real, it is being used for convenience by both sides of the political spectrum.  Hillary has become lower than scum in my book, but Trump is there, about at the same level.  In my heart I don't believe he is honest and, like most politicians, would find reasons why he cannot do what he says he wants to - he's already laid the groundwork for that.  On the other hand, God, his mannerisms really DO remind me of Mussolini and I believe his ex - that he kept a copy of translated Hitler speeches at his bedside.  There is a reason why the Koch's and Adelson keep a distance from him.  He must have some sketchy reputation in those circles.

I cannot vote for either one and keep my conscience in tack.  I think all each of us can do is to vote our conscience on this one.  Let the chips fall . . .   

Yep, I'm not far from where you're at but I'm going to vote for Trump.  God help me if my worst fears come to pass.  He does have a fascist air about him.  I can't deny that. As for my health problems, it had nothing to do with cigarettes but panic attacks, anxiety and sleep disorders. As a matter of fact, I don't even smoke.  Never have except for a few fags here and there throughout my life.  Never became addicted though.

[mikuthing01]

https://twitter.com/breaking911/status/757398530566807552

[Evil Twin Of Zen]

meanwhile....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJnCO-3oEFs

politics...left...right...alien invasion...exploding heads...comic relief from politics...laughing my ass off. 

[Evil Twin Of Zen]

https://twitter.com/breaking911/status/757398530566807552

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpIekmQCnNo

lightning is one hell of a weapon. the only problem is aiming it... 

[aldousburbank]

lightning is one hell of a weapon. the only problem is aiming it... 

The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right.
Mark Twain

[Evil Twin Of Zen]

The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right.
Mark Twain

thank goodness the asteroid is gonna fix all that....

[pate]

Let's be real, she's never gonna have a starting role in a movie again.

That's star8 outta sumtheen goin' on...