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Thursday, December 15. 2016

Re today's image: Can I please have both?

U of Maryland Students Issue Demands to Protect 'Marginalized' Groups, Ban 'American Sniper'

Whatever Happened to ‘Go Outside and Play’?

Who are the dumbest Presidents?

Will The Trump Administration Tackle Government-Generated "Fake News"?

Tucker Carlson Takes on Idiot Huffpo Columnist Over Russian Hacking Claim

Clinton-Supporting Google Extends Conservative Outreach in Trump Meeting

CNN Anchor Calls Trump's Election a 'National Emergency'

Trump-Haters and Chocolate-Covered Raisins

Hating the election: America is held hostage by flyover states

The public doesn’t care about what obsesses pundits—and the president-elect knows it.

Jim Brown: He got my admiration because no one gave him a chance

My prediction: Trump wins the black vote in the next election

Buckle up — Trump’s era of disruption has only just begun

US Energy Department balks at Trump request for names on climate change

If they like their job, they will regret that

Liberals are suddenly concerned with the dangers of big government. It’s a holiday miracle!

A How-to Guide for Rolling Back Obama’s Regulatory State

Compare Thank-you events:

On December 15, Clinton is having a big party in Manhattan at the Plaza Hotel, once owned by Trump, for her campaign donors, as a sort of thank-you and keep-in-touch farewell. It is expected to cost more than $100,000 and be paid for with excess campaign funds. Clintonworld insiders will be interested to see if Abedin shows up or whether she chooses to skip the celebration to stay at home to nurse her wounds.

NYC girls still despondent about election

GOOD NEWS: Brilliant Patriot Stephen Miller Selected as Assistant and Sr. Advisor to Trump

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 04:48 | Comments (74) | Trackbacks (0)

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I agree. Those things are not mutually exclusive.

#1 NJSoldier on 2016-12-15 08:22 (Reply)

Faster horses,
Older Whiskey,
Younger Women,
More Money...Tom T. Hall (I think)

#1.1 rocdoctom on 2016-12-15 12:49 (Reply)

The Big House eats into the Lots of Money with heating and A/C. Got the car, working on the money, I'll be happy with 2 out of 3.

The gory details of the DOE questionnaire are given over at WUWT (https://wattsupwiththat.com/2016/12/10/the-doe-vs-ugly-reality/). Whoever came up with the questions was no amateur.

#2 Mike Anderson (Link) on 2016-12-15 08:28 (Reply)

Great link, Mike. I just hope they press on for the answers and make good use of them.

#2.1 mary on 2016-12-15 09:29 (Reply)

"The questionnaire was not authorized or part of our standard protocol. The person who sent it has been properly counseled," a Trump transition official told CNN Wednesday.

There are laws that protect government employees from retaliation for doing their jobs, including the Pendleton Act of 1883. The questionnaire could be seen as an attempt to either intimidate or eliminate career civil service employees for political purposes.

#2.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 09:44 (Reply)

Irrelevant.

zachriel quick with the straw man once again.

#2.1.1.1 DrTorch on 2016-12-15 12:20 (Reply)

DrTorch: Irrelevant.

Both points are relevant. Intimidation of civil service workers for doing their jobs is illegal. That the Trump organization repudiated the questionnaire emphasizes that point.

#2.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 12:38 (Reply)

Like that's never happened before.

#2.1.1.2 Sam L. on 2016-12-15 14:03 (Reply)

QUOTE:

Who are the dumbest Presidents?

A supporter once called out, "Governor Stevenson, all thinking people are for you!" And Adlai Stevenson answered, "That's not enough. I need a majority!"

#3 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 08:47 (Reply)

QUOTE:

Tucker Carlson Takes on Idiot Huffpo Columnist Over Russian Hacking Claim... I want to know how this happened how specifically to the influence the election by releasing these emails to have evidence that these emails sway the election results

Easy enough.

U.S. intelligence is confident that the Russians hacked and leaked documents from the DNC and Democratic operatives. The leaking of strategic documents (representing millions of dollars in effort) in itself created an unfair disadvantage for Democrats. Furthermore, we can look at media (Carlson's own Fox News, other major media, Maggie's Farm, etc.) during the run up to the election and see that the leaks, purposefully released in dribs and drabs, were used as cudgels by Democratic opponents, and often eclipsed other news. Did you really need citations? Does Carlson really need citations?

#4 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 09:10 (Reply)

Zack, why are these intelligence officials refusing to "show their work" to oversight committees?

That said, what is it you're whining about. Are you claiming that the information released to the public was false, or are you whining that the people shouldn't have the information in order to make decisions based on facts? Would that be "unfair" or something?

#4.1 Dale on 2016-12-15 09:29 (Reply)

Dale: why are these intelligence officials refusing to "show their work" to oversight committees?

The Intelligence Community is conducting a review at the request of the president, and "stands ready to brief Congress — and will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods"

Dale: Are you claiming that the information released to the public was false

Releasing strategic information creates an unfair playing field. Releasing private information to interfere with the election process is a violation of U.S. sovereignty, and undermines democratic institutions.

Seriously? You're defending Russian hacking and attempts to interfere with the U.S. elections?!

#4.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 09:34 (Reply)

Releasing private information to interfere with the election process ... undermines democratic institutions

By that standard, the Trump-Billy Bush tape should not have been released.

#4.1.1.1 Christopher B on 2016-12-15 10:01 (Reply)

Christopher B: By that standard, the Trump-Billy Bush tape should not have been released.

Not a good example. Trump was at his job, on a company bus, with other employees on board. While the conversation was edited out the show, the contents of the tape are still the property of the network.

Trump had no reasonable expectation of privacy. Gee whiz. He was wearing a microphone!!

#4.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 10:23 (Reply)

There was no hacking. It was all made up by sore losers. Your propaganda means nothing. 1-20-17.

#4.1.1.2 Joe Luke on 2016-12-15 10:22 (Reply)

Joe Luke: There was no hacking.

We know there was hacking. With the Podesta emails, we know how and when the hacking was done. We even have the URL used to phish his account.

http://bit.ly/2f0JHCC

#4.1.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 10:31 (Reply)

We don't know who.

#4.1.1.2.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-15 10:57 (Reply)

mudbug: We don't know who.

That is incorrect. Even if you refuse to accept the stated findings of the U.S. Intelligent Community, independent cyber-sleuths had been tracking Bitly for over a year because of previous hacking attempts, and have traced the Podesta hack to Fancy Bear, a Russian organization with known links to the Russian government. Given this, and the stated findings of the U.S. Intelligence Community, there can be little doubt at this point as to the source of the hacks, and the subsequent leaks.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 11:11 (Reply)

"of the U.S. Intelligent Community"

Sigmund Freud on Line #1!

The U.S. Intelligent Community's been collectively shitting its pants since the wee hours of November 11!

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Bill Carson on 2016-12-15 11:37 (Reply)

November 9! Evidently I am also part of this community!

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1 Bill Carson on 2016-12-15 11:39 (Reply)

Evidence of which they are not willing to share with the congressional committees charged with overseeing them.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2 mudbug on 2016-12-15 11:45 (Reply)

mudbug: Evidence of which they are not willing to share with the congressional committees charged with overseeing them.

The Intelligence Community is conducting a review at the request of the president, and "stands ready to brief Congress — and will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods"

As already pointed out, the findings have been supported by independent cyber-organizations. We provided details on the Podesta hack several times already.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 12:40 (Reply)

Hey, loser, Hillary isn't going to be president, except in your mind.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1 Will Bithers on 2016-12-15 13:04 (Reply)

This is just fake news. That report will conveniently be ready on Jan. 20 so the issue can hopefully fester in the press.

There's either evidence or there isn't. If they won't share what they know to the committees that oversee them, than it seems to me that they don't have anything worth reporting.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2 mudbug on 2016-12-15 13:04 (Reply)

mudbug: There's either evidence or there isn't.

Ignoring the evidence doesn't make it go away.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 13:26 (Reply)

Which evidence is that?

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-15 13:55 (Reply)

In reply to mudbug above:

Even if you refuse to accept the stated findings of the U.S. Intelligent Community, independent cyber-sleuths had been tracking Bitly for over a year because of previous hacking attempts, and have traced the Podesta hack to Fancy Bear, a Russian organization with known links to the Russian government. Given this, and the stated findings of the U.S. Intelligence Community, there can be little doubt at this point as to the source of the hacks, and the subsequent leaks.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 14:12 (Reply)

If they have evidence that is so determinative, then why won't they tell the intelligence committee what it is?

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-15 14:39 (Reply)

The Intelligence Community is conducting a review at the request of the president, and "stands ready to brief Congress — and will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods"

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 15:09 (Reply)

This is the way it works. There are committees in the House and Senate that have oversight responsibilities over different parts of the rest of the government. They will from time to time request information from the part of government they exercise oversight over. Normally, leaders of that part of the government will show up and either supply the requested information or they will stonewall, slow walk documents, prevaricate, or refuse to answer questions if they have something to hide. Waiting till they're ready to give the information is stonewalling. Their duty is to give the information that has been requested to the best of their ability.

This is pretty basic stuff. I realize that some of you are not from the US so maybe you aren't familiar with this. Maybe you can study up.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-15 23:07 (Reply)

mudbug: Their duty is to give the information that has been requested to the best of their ability.

That's right. There are seventeen agencies involved, and the President requested a review be completed by the end of his term. At that point, they have said they will provide that report.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:30 (Reply)

Right! That's stonewalling!

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-16 15:01 (Reply)

mudbug: That's stonewalling!

That's a reasonable delay due to the complexity involved. Are you claiming they will not provide a report by January.

#4.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-17 09:38 (Reply)

The source of the claims of intelligence organizations knowledge of and confirmation of Russian hackers seems to be leaks from congressmen or their offices and possibly some people at these intelligence agencies. This is problematic since if this is true it is a serious illegal act with serious consequences. Who would do this? They will probably be exposed at some point. They are deep into this scam for a hoped short term gain. Why?

There is considerable doubt that any of this is true. Probably it is true that Russia has hacked much/most of our government and has for years. Where was that concern last year and the year before and the year before that? But there is zero evidence that Russian hackers actually hacked any voting machines or anything that could directly or indirectly affect voting. There is no credible evidence that Russians hacked and then gave DNC data to wikileaks. Make no mistake Wikileaks hacked the DNC and Hillary's private server (as did everyone else in the world). It seems undeniable at this point that the meme that the Russians interfered in our election and pushed Trump into office is an intentional lie; outright propaganda from or own government. That fact is stunning! We are being played by the administration and Democrats in congress.

In the last two days congress demanded that the chiefs of these intelligence agencies testify before them and show either that there is evidence of Russian interference in our election or show that there is no evidence or proof of it at all. To put it nicely the intelligence agencies refused/revolted and are afraid to show up. The word "impeachment" comes to mind as does the phrase "special prosecutor". Someone has committed treason and is fomenting a constitutional crisis in an attempt at a palace coup. There is no other possible conclusion.

#5 GoneWithTheWind on 2016-12-15 09:55 (Reply)

Takes a special kind of stupid to be warned of vulnerable servers by the FBI, then not take it seriously because you're not sure it was the FBI.

Yep, they had their best and brightest running the show.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/us/politics/russia-hack-election-dnc.html?_r=1

#5.1 Jlawson on 2016-12-15 10:08 (Reply)

GoneWithTheWind: The source of the claims of intelligence organizations knowledge of and confirmation of Russian hackers seems to be leaks from congressmen or their offices and possibly some people at these intelligence agencies

Um, no.

Joint Statement from the Department Of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security: "The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations... These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process."

{And some wonder why we repeated ourselves.}

GoneWithTheWind: There is considerable doubt that any of this is true. Probably it is true that Russia has hacked much/most of our government and has for years.

It is presumed that other nations hack for intelligence purposes. What is different is that Russia strategically leaked the information in order to interfere with the U.S. election system.

GoneWithTheWind: There is no credible evidence that Russians hacked and then gave DNC data to wikileaks.

Joint Statement from the Department Of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security

GoneWithTheWind: Make no mistake Wikileaks hacked the DNC and Hillary's private server (as did everyone else in the world).

If WikiLeaks hacked, then they could be shut down.

While it is certainly possible Clinton's server was hacked, there is no evidence that it actually was hacked, but there is evidence that hacks were attempted.

GoneWithTheWind: To put it nicely the intelligence agencies refused/revolted and are afraid to show up.

The Intelligence Community is conducting a review at the request of the president, and "stands ready to brief Congress — and will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods"

{And some wonder why we repeated ourselves.}

#5.2 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 10:19 (Reply)

Who is paying you to troll this board?

#5.2.1 LWS on 2016-12-15 11:13 (Reply)

Our opinions are our own, and freely given. Maggie's Farm advertises itself as " inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist". Is that not correct?

We note that you entered a thread concerning the claim that knowledge of Russian hacks has come from leaks from U.S. legislators or officials. We pointed out that this is, in fact, false. Does the truth matter in a post-truth world?

--
"Come for the Dylan. Stay for the conversation." — Zachriel

#5.2.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 11:25 (Reply)

Well then Zach, here's some Dylan:

Bob Dylan - Christmas In The Heart | Merry Christmas album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC8OcwYR_IQ

#5.2.1.1.1 feeblmind on 2016-12-15 11:47 (Reply)

feeblmind: Well then Zach, here's some Dylan: Bob Dylan - Christmas In The Heart | Merry Christmas album

Well appreciated. Thanks.

#5.2.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 12:53 (Reply)

Your responses are classic examples of bait and switch. While it is likely true that Russians hacked the DNC and virtually everything else that they could your response conflated that with a unprovable conclusion that if Russia hacked the DNC therefore they gave it to Wikileaks and directed Wikileaks to relaese this information to disrupt the elections. Simply not true. Not even claimed by any responsible security agency. It is pure imagination and dreams by the left. It is an intentional lie. Yes Russia hacked everything including the DNC. NO they didn't give it to Wikileaks and direct the disruption of elections. A purposeful lie.

Regarding the intent of the intelligence agencies to wait until after a full investigation to brief congress: First of all that isn't their call. They are required to brief congress who has oversight responsibilty. Secondly it seems obvious that if they wait until after the electoral college votes that the entire goal of this scam will have succeeded. Clearly at this point the appointed directors of these intelligence organizations are part of the scam and are actively working to foment a constitutional crisis. Again I repeat it is time for impeachment and a special prosecutor. Our intelligence agencies are very powerful and there is no reason what so ever that they should ever take a position contrary to the good of the country and the intent of the constitution. This one fact is the most scary part of this insurrection. They should be called on the carpet NOW not next week not after Trump takes office but NOW. They are part of the attempted coup at this point and should be removed from their position of power.

#5.2.2 GoneWithTheWind on 2016-12-15 11:52 (Reply)

When I see Zackie-Baby's non-stop postings, I just go away, but…GoneWithThe Wind…

You might be interested in the fact that Democrat operative Seth Rich was murdered on July 10, the Wikileaks dump on Clinton and the foundation started July 22, followed by the Podesta files on October 7. The "fake media" meme took hold shortly thereafter, then the Russians/Putin meme when DJT took the election. No one complained when they thought the Trump organization would be the focus of Wikileaks. (As Assange said, everything about him is known.) Blame Anthony Wiener's laptop for some of this explosive news.

This is just another theatrical distraction to cover all the blatantly illegal activities of our present administration and its former members.

And while this is the season to be jolly and forgive our fellow man, Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi should be fired for encouraging her employees to cry and moan over DJT's victory, then bringing it public. What are snowflakes doing at a multi-billion dollar international corporation in an age where disasters are happening around the world and TRULY deserve attention? President-elect Trump was more than magnanimous for inviting her to his business round table for advice on the transition. She is a child.

#5.2.2.1 jma on 2016-12-15 12:28 (Reply)

GoneWithTheWind: While it is likely true that Russians hacked the DNC and virtually everything else that they could your response conflated that with a unprovable conclusion that if Russia hacked the DNC therefore they gave it to Wikileaks and directed Wikileaks to relaese this information to disrupt the elections. Simply not true. Not even claimed by any responsible security agency.

Gee whiz. We keep providing the citation. We even quoted the text.

Joint Statement from the Department Of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security: "The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations... These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process."

#5.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 12:47 (Reply)

Okay, I'm just a Canadian with no skin in the game, so to speak, but my observation is simply is that - regardless of who hacked and published those emails - they were THE REAL THING. That was, sadly, how the Democrats were operating - and how they fully expected to operate once their anointed candidate won the election. Were I an American, I would be ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS at the cynicism about and contempt for American voters that those emails disclosed. The flyover Americans were all "deplorables", and the DNC and affiliates didn't think of voters in other states as other than stooges to preserve the oligarchy of the elites.

#5.2.2.3 Frances on 2016-12-15 23:27 (Reply)

Frances: I'm just a Canadian with no skin in the game, so to speak, but my observation is simply is that - regardless of who hacked and published those emails - they were THE REAL THING.

Quite likely. The leaks disclosed strategic documents of the Democratic Party, which put them at an unfair disadvantage in the election. The leaking of the information was meant to interfere with the election campaign, sowing confusion. It succeeded.

Frances: Were I an American, I would be ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS at the cynicism about and contempt for American voters that those emails disclosed.

Shocked. Shocked, there is cynicism in politics. Geez.

#5.2.2.3.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:34 (Reply)

Z: "The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations... These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process."

Would this include DHS which tried to hack the election in Georgia?

#5.2.3 mudbug on 2016-12-15 12:13 (Reply)

mudbug: Would this include DHS which tried to hack the election in Georgia?

Because if you heard it in the right-wing echochamber, it must be true. There is no evidence that DHS hacked the server at issue. Perhaps more information will be made available later.

#5.2.3.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 12:51 (Reply)

Yeah, my "echo chamber" is the Secretary of State for Georgia.

QUOTE:

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office now confirms 10 separate cyberattacks on its network were all traced back to U.S. Department of Homeland Security addresses.

But wait there's more! Other states are claiming they've been hacked by DHS: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/more-states-confirm-cyber-attacks-sourced-to-dhs/476227320

I guess it's an echo chamber if you don't like it, but it's not if it's reported by the MSN.

#5.2.3.1.1 mudbug on 2016-12-15 13:10 (Reply)

How is the investigation of the murder of DNC national voter data director Seth Rich going? Crickets?

Seems kind of important in the context of all these allegations being thrown out, doesn't it? Especially when Assange strongly indicated he was a source.

#5.2.4 Jim on 2016-12-15 14:22 (Reply)

The best piece I have read on the alleged hacking is a piece found at sovereignman.com/trends/former-intelligence-officer-on-the-bogus-Russian-hack-20578 They actually discuss some of the software used and the vulnerabilities of the target.

#5.3 indyjonesouthere on 2016-12-15 20:42 (Reply)

indyjonesouthere: The best piece I have read on the alleged hacking is a piece found at sovereignman.com/trends/former-intelligence-officer-on-the-bogus-Russian-hack-20578 : "The hacks were executed using two types of malware known as Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear."

Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear aren't malware, but hacker groups likely associated with the Russian government.

#5.3.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:21 (Reply)

You didn't read the piece...there is no proof of who used the software. It was DNC sloppy security issues as usual. They had the same problem several years ago and the RNC even warned them that their email system was crappy...they just refuse to listen. That seems to be a systemic DNC problem.

#5.3.1.1 indyjonesouthere on 2016-12-17 13:16 (Reply)

The request for names from the DOE is a witch hunt, pure and simple, and not what one would hope for nowadays in a civilized and free nation. Perhaps in Stalinist Russia?

Whatever one may think of climate change theories, people frequently attend conferences to learn more about current developments in a field. Often required to for work. This whole business is reminiscent of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Oh, yes, Roy Cohn...

#6 Retriever on 2016-12-15 10:16 (Reply)

Is this information secret and should never be privy to the administration that is supposed to administer and oversee this department? Is there an actual threat that anyone intends to punish employees for "doing their job"? Is it possible that government employees knowingly went above and beyond "doing their job" and in the process misspent/misallocated billions in federal funds? Have cronies been rewarded and fraud been perpertrated? Inquiring minds want to know.

It seems odd to me when any government agency seeks to hide public records and work product from their boss. Kinda raises a red flag. It almost makes me think whoever wrote these carefully worded questions has evidence of wrong doing AND whoever is refusing these legal and justified requests is conspiring to interfere in an investigation.

If I as a DOE employee had attended a meeting on any job related functions I would be proud to present my schedule and my work products. What are they hiding? Clearly there are some things that have happened of which they are not too proud. I think the only correct response at this point would be a legal injunction against destroying any records prior to a full investigation. Something stinks here and I as a tax payer want to know what it is.

#6.1 IdahoBob on 2016-12-15 12:04 (Reply)

Me, too, IdahoBob. Somewhere along the growth of the government, people forgot that the government works for us, not the other way around.

I'm fed up with time, money and energy being spent on subjects no one wants to address, and the money going to "green" energy subsidies is never published while the EPA invades the personal property of citizen owners without rhyme or reason. I would like to know the what, the why and the whom that has taken control of our government.

And, of course, the media never covers the atrocities of law enforcement claiming assets of those they stop for supposed traffic violations because those entities get to keep the asset for use within their departments. Easy peasy money when the victim doesn't have the money to hire lawyers to correct the situation. That law, originally for catching drug lords' stash, ought to be deep-sixed fast.

I could go on…

#6.1.1 jma on 2016-12-15 12:42 (Reply)

Civil asset forfeiture laws just make my head explode. How the Supreme Court could uphold such laws, makes my whole body explode. Our justice system was founded on innocent until proven guilty. Fifth and sixth amendment rights should protect me from such invasions. I am no constitutional lawyer, just a mechanical engineer, but the words written in the text of the amendments are pretty plain to me. Is that how they get around the text ("...nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law"), because we are at war?

Anything goes with the war on drugs. Our government has been at war with her citizens since LBJ and his war on poverty. A war on words: War on drugs; War on terror; War on this, War on that. Never name the actual enemy, just a word.

#6.1.1.1 B. Hammer on 2016-12-15 14:36 (Reply)

I heard this somewhere: Some 500 plus years ago robbers roamed the roads of England and would lie in wait to rob travelers of their money and sometimes their life. The King of England decided to put soldiers on the highway to protect travelers and they were called "highwaymen". But the soldiers were not very well paid and took up the hobby of robbing a few travelers here and there and eventually replaced the civilian robbers on the Kings Highway. And that is supposed to be where the name highwaymen came from. The Kings own soldiers robbing the poor travelers because they could.

#6.1.1.1.1 SweetPea on 2016-12-15 21:42 (Reply)

Good piece by Wretch at Belmont Club on groupthink.

QUOTE:

But groupthink has advantages. For one it allows organizations to implement swarming tactics. People are attracted to such organizations because in exchange for submission it offers apparent power. It is no coincidence that Hillary's slogan of "stronger together" sounds like the "democratic centralism" of Lenin's day. It's essentially the same thing. Submit to the group and you will be part of an irresistible movement. Alone you are weak but as part of a swarm directed by a single mind you can overcome anything.

It has weaknesses too. The problem with swarms is their collective fate is tied to the network. Once the network is disrupted, hacked or collapses the whole swarm will fall apart or worse, commit collective suicide. The fate of the swarm is reliant on the signal which binds it.

"Stronger together" doesn't degrade gracefully. If the signal is corrupted the swarm dies. Once madness creeps into the talking points, "stronger together" becomes "crazy together." This often happens spontaneously. Militant ideologies initially expand unstoppably and attract individuals eager to join the bandwagon. Then it all goes wrong. Suddenly at the height of its triumph little tremors arise in the cloud. Bits of it start acting crazy. It starts turning against itself. Even the swarm members who sense the danger cannot break away, because they gave up the ability to find a coconut on Coconut Island until the Narrative told them where it was.

The swarm shivers and vibrates for a fatal instant. Then with a flash it's gone.

https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2016/12/14/james-t-putin/?singlepage=true

#7 feeblemind on 2016-12-15 11:25 (Reply)

My prediction: Trump wins the black vote in the next election

Hardly likely, but not really necessary. If he can persuade 15-20 percent of blacks to regularly vote GOP the Democrats will be hurting.

#8 Christopher B on 2016-12-15 13:16 (Reply)

Blacks are the worst hurt by illegal immigration, but they still vote Democrat. Go figure.

Union workers are the next biggest group. I suspect a lot of them voted for Trump despite what they may have been ordered to do by their union bosses.

#8.1 Jim on 2016-12-15 15:03 (Reply)

Jim: Blacks are the worst hurt by illegal immigration, but they still vote Democrat. Go figure.

Perhaps you should consider why that is. There's a history there.

#8.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 15:25 (Reply)

It's called, keep them ignorant, poor and on the plantation, and lie to them every four years about how you will be making things better and that their situation is all due to evil white people.

#8.1.1.1 Jim on 2016-12-15 16:24 (Reply)

Jim: It's called, keep them ignorant, poor and on the plantation

Truthy.

#8.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-15 17:06 (Reply)

Just speaking truth to power.

#8.1.1.1.1.1 Jim on 2016-12-15 20:44 (Reply)

You mean speaking truthy.

You're claiming that the vast majority of blacks are "ignorant, poor and on the plantation". There's a word for that.

There are historical reasons why African Americans moved to the Democratic Party. By refusing to even consider the reasons why that happened means you are the one who insists upon remaining "ignorant".

#8.1.1.1.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:27 (Reply)

As I recall. that's the party of Jim Crow laws and the KKK.

#8.1.1.2 Sam L. on 2016-12-15 20:02 (Reply)

Sam L: As I recall. that's the party of Jim Crow laws and the KKK

That's right. And yet blacks moved solidly to the Democratic Party over the 20th century. Perhaps you should consider why that happened. There's a history there.

#8.1.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:14 (Reply)

> Whatever Happened to ‘Go Outside and Play’?
That reminds me of Cat Stevens' question: Tell me, where do the children play?
Answer: You're looking at it.

#9 Daniel K Day on 2016-12-15 15:55 (Reply)

It's too bad Cat Stevens became a Muslim and dropped off the face of the planet. I thought he was very, very good and I liked almost everything he did. Kind of like Bob in his lyrics, but he could sing. (Hope I don't get banned for saying that.)

#9.1 Jim on 2016-12-15 16:28 (Reply)

to be sure, Morning has broken is a 19th century Anglo-Catholic hymn.

#9.1.1 Will Bithers on 2016-12-15 19:45 (Reply)

I wonder if that hymn would have faded into obscurity but for his version.

#9.1.1.1 Jim on 2016-12-15 20:51 (Reply)

Obama then:

Obama To Trump: ‘ Stop Whining’, ‘No Serious Person Would Suggest That You Could Even Rig America’s Elections’

http://nation.foxnews.com/2016/12/11/flashback-obama-trump-stop-whining-no-serious-person-would-suggest-you-could-even-rig

Obama now wanting to go to war against Russia:

"I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections, that we need to take action and we will — at a time and place of our own choosing,” Obama said in an interview with NPR set to air in full on Friday.

http://thehill.com/homenews/news/310680-obama-we-need-to-take-action-in-response-to-russian-hacking

What a pompous dishonest jackwagon.

#10 Jim on 2016-12-16 00:22 (Reply)

Jim: Obama To Trump: ‘ Stop Whining’, ‘No Serious Person Would Suggest That You Could Even Rig America’s Elections’

Obama was referring to the counting and tallying of votes. There is no evidence that the process was hacked. However, it is still possible the system could be hacked, and the threat should be taken seriously.

Jim: "I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections, that we need to take action and we will — at a time and place of our own choosing,” Obama said in an interview with NPR set to air in full on Friday.

This refers to the hacking and strategic leaking of private political information, which is a threat to U.S. sovereignty and American democracy.

#10.1 Zachriel on 2016-12-16 06:36 (Reply)

It is now the Trump era, how about "Tea for the Tillerson"?

#11 pocono pam on 2016-12-16 04:55 (Reply)

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Thursday, December 15. 2016

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