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Squatch’s Open Thread 17/12/2015

Posted by Lynn Squance at 4:10 am Open Thread, Politics

Dec 182015

Yesterday, I had pictures of bright sunny skies and snowcapped mountains from around my house. Today there was only a shroud of fog and gloom. While I was enjoying a lunch with some lady friends, I looked up and it was snowing. Later, the snow turned to rain. Tonight, we are likely to get freezing rain again and perhaps some snow. When I came home, it was time for a cat nap. Lona, I certainly enjoy your cat naps!

Puzzle — Today’s took me 3:02 (average 5:05). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes

The Nation — “There is stunning potential here,” said Gen. David Petraeus, then the head of US Central Command, speaking to The New York Times. US officials said that the deposits could sustain the Afghan economy and generate thousands of jobs, reducing corruption and reliance on foreign aid. Currently, with 60 percent of the country’s budget provided by foreign donors, outside investment is crucial. Acknowledging the inability of the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum to handle a burgeoning resource industry, the US government pledged to help implement accountability mechanisms. However, regulations like the mining law—revised in 2014 to bring greater transparency—have had little effect on illegal mining and the non-payment of royalties.

An Afghan boy works at a construction site behind a US Army soldier in Logar province, Afghanistan.

The warning signs were there. “This is a country that has no mining culture,” Jack Medlin, a geologist in the US Geological Survey’s international-affairs program, told the Times. During my visit to Afghanistan in May, I often heard from locals that the resource industry was never going to provide enough money to support the economy once foreign aid dried up. Afghan mining expert Javed Noorani told The Nation that President Ashraf Ghani is “more constrained in his actions against the criminal networks operating in the mining sector than President [Hamid] Karzai was. Today there is open plunder of gemstones by the partners in his government …

Sitting atop a vast store of minerals and gemstones, Afghanistan is unable, and perhaps unwilling, to effectively manage its resources. When foreign aid comes to a halt and there is insufficient to support the country, what will happen to Afghanistan? Will it descend into civil war, with countries like China coming in to pick up the pieces?

Daily Beast — A small European nation has stepped up where the Republican establishment, Beltway pundits and more than a dozen presidential candidates have failed.

Scotland is kicking Donald Trump’s butt.

Last week Scotland’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon, stripped Trump of his long-held ambassadorial role for the country of his ancestors. Today, her predecessor publicly denounced him as a “loser.”

Trump is a perfect example of how not to win friends and influence enemies! Go Scotland!

Politicususa — It was bound to happen sooner rather than later, but although everyone knew it was coming it was still a little disconcerting to hear an official Nazi call for idol worship and victory at a political rally for the Republican frontrunner for the party’s presidential nomination. Even though the candidate is running a campaign founded on hate, fear, and anger that America is not an Aryan Christian nation, or a fascist dictatorship, it is now clear that Donald Trump’s supporters know his plan for America mirrors Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler’s rule; and they are wild for its implementation. …

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It is disgusting that all of this racial animus and fond memories of Adolf Hitler and Nazi’s Aryan dream cannot be laid solely at the feet of Donald Trump. He owns the recent incitement to violence against people of color and the wrong religion, and the blatant embrace of Hitler’s Nazi tactics, but it is years of Republican indoctrination and hate-mongering about Hispanics, African Americans, and now Muslims destroying “white” America at the heart of the violence.

"…Donald Trump’s supporters know his plan for America mirrors Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler’s rule; and they are wild for its implementation." Do they not know that Hitler lost his war? Seventy-three years ago, a matter of 3 or 4 generations, Americans were engaged in a war to defeat Hitler and fascism. To use a paraphrase of George Santayana, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

My Universe —

My oldest boy, Primo, who thinks he is lord of the manor.

My youngest boy by 4 minutes only, Winnie, who I also call "my son, the doctor"!

My little girl, Annie, who is 4.5 months younger than the boys.

Republicans on Parade–12/17/2015

Posted by TomCat at 9:56 am Politics

Dec 172015

RepublicansOnParade

Here is the eighty-second article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is Texas Agricultural Commissioner, Sid Miller. He is so honored for his Republican approach to the season and other expressions of bigotry.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller may be taking the so-called “war on Christmas” a little too literally.

In a Facebook post [Republican delinked] on Wednesday, the Republican official said that he would “slap” anyone who wished him “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

“If one more person says Happy Holidays to me I just might slap them. Either tell me Merry Christmas or just don’t say anything,” Miller wrote.

The message included a photo of a cowboy riding a bull in front of a sign that read: “We Will Never Take Christ Out Of Christmas.”

The post had been liked over 7,000 times by Thursday morning.

However, hundreds of people responded to Miller’s post by wishing him Happy Holidays, including a GIF from the Texas Democratic Party.

The Houston Chronicle pointed out that Miller had a history of posting controversial remarks on Facebook. In one post, he called for nuking the “Muslim world.” In another post, he compared Syrian refugees to “rattlesnakes.”… [emphasis added]

Inserted from <Raw Story>

It’s hard to get more Republican than this. In advance, I wish you a Merry Christmas, or whatever holiday greeting suits you. I wish all Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christians (the opposite of authentic Christians), like this bigot, Happy Holidays!

Open Thread–12/17/2015

Posted by TomCat at 9:55 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Dec 172015

Things are a little crazy around here, because my power chair is scheduled to arrive today. Because I arranged my schedule for it to come a week from now, I’m going to have to do some appointment juggling.

Short Takes:

From Daily Kos: A Modesto, California pastor is recovering after being accidentally shot by his firearms-safety instructor during class:

During the course, Rushing was using a training gun, a rubber fake with no firing mechanism, said Heather Graves, Modesto Police Department spokeswoman. But as the class was ending, she said, he removed that prop from his holster and replaced it with his real handgun.

About that time, Graves said, a student asked Rushing to demonstrate what to do if attacked by someone armed with a knife. Smith volunteered to portray the attacker in a role-playing exercise.

“During the scenario, the instructor drew the firearm and it accidentally discharged,” she said. She did not know whether Rushing forgot he replaced the training gun or whether he knew he was drawing the real gun.

Oh those Republican Ammosexuals! If republicans were serious about addressing mental health issues, they’d disarm themselves.

From Upworthy: An amazing new trove of fossil fuel industry documents was released in summer 2015.

Check out this Russia Today segment, featuring Aaron Huertas from the Union of Concerned Scientists. It’s surprisingly zinger-filled for a discussion of corporate memos.

Pro tip: Listen for this phrase “cannot be denied." The part about employees leaking some of these documents starts at 1:48.

That’s 34 years of lies and destruction of our planet. Take them down, make them pay, and lock them up!!

From Alternet: I know, I know. You probably haven’t tuned in to MTV recently—unless you’re a big fan of teenage reality shows. But as it turns out, the music-less music television station is working to educate their audience on the racist origins of some commonly used phrases.

We’d better not let Republicans find out about these. They’ll use them more.

Cartoon:

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Squatch’s Open Thread 16/12/2015

Posted by Lynn Squance at 10:14 pm Open Thread, Politics

Dec 162015

That's right, it's . . .

After physio, I indulged in a drive about the area to take in some of the beauty that is too often wrapped in cloud and fog. A few pictures are below. I have a luncheon date tomorrow and after that a visit to the chiropractor to help the lungs to deal with this damn cold. If it is not one thing, it is another.

Puzzle — Today’s took me 2:53 (average 4:48). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes

Alternet — … they are doing what they can, right now, to transition away from fossil fuels and work toward an environmentally sustainable future.

We know that climate change and global warming are not hoaxes as many conservatives would have people believe. As cities and countries transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, we need to learn from each other and celebrate successes.

Politico — The field feels narrower all the time, with only Trump, Rubio and Cruz driving the race’s conversation. Chris Christie was at his best in Vegas, capping off a great month. But it wasn’t enough to siphon attention away from his better-polling rivals. And Jeb Bush had a moment, but not a lasting one.

I did not watch last night's Republican debate, but from what I have read in multiple articles, the winner was the Democrats while the clear loser was the American people. Certainly the latter sounds "as usual".

The Nation — The bottom line from the Kentuckian: “As commander-in-chief, I will do whatever it takes to defend America. But in defending America, we cannot lose what America stands for. Today is the Bill of Rights’ anniversary. I hope we will remember that and cherish that in the fight on terrorism.” …

When it comes to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the basic liberties that define America, the truth is still as Benjamin Franklin described it: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

For being a party that rails against Obama for not respecting the Constitution, there sure are a number of Republican candidates that would change its very life blood. Are they taking their cue from Baby Bush, Cheney and their neocon cabal?

My Universe —

You have heard me talk about the rain, and more rain . . . well this is what today looked like here — sunshine, clear skies, crisp temperatures . . . did I mention the sunshine? It rained last night which turned into freezing rain, but snow on the mountains. Tomorrow is scheduled for more rain and wind.

Fountain in Lafarge Lake

Local mountains that I view daily

Local mountains from the main road.

sunny day coquitlam river 16 12 15 Coquitlam River running high and fast as it descends from the mountains.

Poll Results–12/16/2015

Posted by TomCat at 9:48 am Blog News, Politics

Dec 162015

Here are the results of our “Terrorist Identification” poll. Politics Plus Polls are not scientific, because those who respond are not balanced according to demographic categories. Therefore, we do not accurately reflect the makeup of the US population. Nevertheless, our polls are usually factually accurate, and more often than not, they reflect thinking or will of the national majority.

1216Poll

Since our polling site no longer enables us to copy and paste your poll comments, you may read them here.

I voted with the majority that attending a religious service is not a terrorist act. Hate crimes are.

There is a new poll up. Please vote.

Open Thread–12/16/2015

Posted by TomCat at 9:47 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Dec 162015

Yesterday the Home Health Nurse came, and starting next week, I’ll be getting PT, OT, and a Bathing Aide at home. Then Terry and Sandi visited. I was doing prison volunteer work with them. Then JL A (aka Judi) visited. She was passing through Portland on the way to visit relatives for Christmas, so I ordered in Chinese, and we had a very present meal. She is one of the warmest people I have met.

Short Takes:

From Daily Kos: The stupid, it burns . . . . The worst of the lot? A former SCIENCE teacher that said she was afraid it would hurt nearby plants making them unable to photosynthesize . . . Woodland’s Planning Commission banned the solar farm on a 3-1 vote. That’s right, 75% of the planning commission was either too afraid to tell their stupid residents the actual scientific truth, or they’re just as stupid as their residents.

As detailed in this Roanoke Chowan News Herald story

Will I ever wake up from the stupidity of Republicans?

Bobby Mann said he watched communities dry up when I-95 came along and warned that would happen to Woodland because of the solar farms. [emphasis original]

Dang!! Thou shalt NOT commit TEAbuggery!!

From The New Yorker: Authorities were urging people to remain calm on Tuesday night after the broadcast of a chilling video that terrified millions.

The video, which was broadcast nationally on CNN, appeared to show nine extremists glaring into the camera and making a series of escalating threats.

The radicals’ increasingly violent rhetoric and palpable hatred rattled viewers across the nation, sources said.

Experts who viewed the video acknowledged that the words and images contained in it were alarming, but advised the public to remain calm until the extremists’ threats could be authenticated.

“At this point, there is no reason to believe that any of these individuals are credible,” one expert said.

Dang!! The previous item sounds more like Andy than Andy! I didn't even know there was a Clown Car Destruction Derby last night.

From Alternet: Another GOP debate, another steaming pile of half-truths, lies and pseudo-facts. The Republican Party seems to be almost entirely post-truth at this point, and if you call them out, you're the liberal media! It's a brilliant racket and one that led us to the current state of affairs where facts aren't just dispensable, but a political liability. Without further ado, here are the top lies and distortions from tonight's debate.

1. Ben Carson and Ted Cruz: "We cannot vet refugees."

A popular refrain in the wake of the Paris and San Bernadino attacks is that the U.S. government (or more specifically President Obama) cannot properly vet Syrian refugees. This has been repeatedly debunked as hysterical posturing, yet remains a popular trope among the far right. In addition to a rather thorough takedown by John Oliver two weeks ago, PoliticoFact rated this claim, "Mostly False" in its detailed analysis this evening.

2. Marco Rubio claims Assad created ISIS.

This is an old canard, and one that even nominally lefty outlets like Vox like to push, but it has little to do with reality. In an effort to shore up his neocon credentials, Rubio has doubled down on regime change in Syria while other GOP candidates like Paul and Cruz – as well as Bernie Sanders – have run away from this position. To do this Rubio has pushed the conspiracy theory that the reason ISIS grew in Syria is because the U.S. didn't back the rebels opposed to Assad when in fact the CIA, according to documents revealed by Edward Snowden, spent $1 billion a year arming, funding and assisting the opposition.

3. Donald Trump cites bogus poll that 25% of Muslims condone acts of violence.

A popular trope among the nativist wing of the Republican Party (aka the Republican Party), the bogus stat that 25% of Muslins support violence is thrown around quite often. But it originates from noted Islamophobic "think tank" Center for Security Policy. As the New York Times notes:

Mr. Trump vouched for the group at a rally on Monday night. But the poll — conducted by the Polling Company [pig poll delinked], a Republican firm — is in no way truly representative of all Muslim Americans because of its methodology. The poll was not based on a random sample, but included only people who chose to participate, and therefore is not representative of the population being studied. In addition, some of the questions were leading and biased.

I shared only the first three of the top ten Republican lies at the Clown Car Destruction Derby. Click through for the other seven.

Cartoon:

1216Cartoon

Squatch’s Open Thread 15/12/2015

Posted by Lynn Squance at 12:39 am Open Thread, Politics

Dec 162015

The specter of a few snowflurries still hangs in the air tonight (Tuesday), but the weatherperson has promised some sunshine for tomorrow before it starts to rain again. Today it rained hard and I got soaked again just walking from car to lab and back. After that, I spent most of the day in bed resting until I remembered that I had not finished this post.

Puzzle — Today’s took me 3:06 (average 5:26). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Fantasy Football

Just 3 more weeks of Fantasy Football left for the 2015 season. The playoffs are here. I've often wondered how the match ups are determined, or perhaps why they are done as they are. For example, #1 Monster Mashers is paired with #8 TomCat Teabag Trashers, and #2 BALCO Bombers is paired with #7 Purple Demon. Enquiring minds want to know!

I think I am about to have my Size 9's stomped by a Lefty Hillbilly! Have fun everyone!

Short Takes

Huffington Post — A U.S. presidential candidate has called for troops to be positioned along the Canadian border, as the American election becomes consumed by national-security fears.

Republican Ben Carson says he wants soldiers and national guard stationed along the Mexican border — and at certain unspecified spots along the Canadian border.

It's one of his Seven Steps to a Safer America, released Tuesday.

So much for the longest undefended border! That said, there are armed border patrols at various points. Paranoia certainly runs deep in the US, and as the author noted "…one security expert who cited the growing number of hijabs he saw in Canada." Between Trump and Carson, I don't know who is the bigger fruitcake.

Think Progress — The United States Army is temporarily allowing a Sikh soldier to grow a beard and wear a turban while serving, a dramatic shift that could usher in a new era of religious accommodation for Sikhs serving in the U.S. military.

Last Wednesday, the Army announced in a letter it would grant a religious exception to Simratpal Singh, a decorated Afghanistan veteran and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, temporarily allowing him to grow a beard and wrap his hair in a turban. Singh, a Sikh soldier who had been previously forced to shave his hair and beard, will be able to grow and publicly display both during the month-long trial period.

To me, this is a step forward in a country that has many people unwilling to accept such accommodations. This is partly what feedom of religion looks like.

Alternet — Reacting to news that a New York judge — who is a practicing Muslim — took her oath of office using the Koran, commenters flooded a Facebook announcement, calling it an “abomination” and saying she should be arrested.

Following her election last month, Carolyn Walker-Diallo was sworn in as a civil judge for the 7th Municipal District in a Brooklyn Borough hall last Thursday. She chose to take her oath using a Koran instead of a Bible.

My first reaction to this was "this is how it should be". Given that Walker-Diallo is a practising Muslim, an oath on a Bible would be meaningless. While she swore to support the Constitution, perhaps all judges should swear their oaths on the Constitution rather than a religious book. After all, Article VI, paragraph 3 of the Constitution states:

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

My Universe —

Thank goodness that is not me with one of my cats! My smallest is 10 kg (22 lbs).

The Exception to Good Faith

Posted by TomCat at 11:37 am Politics

Dec 152015

There has been much ado about how the recent climate deal reached in Paris is non-binding. The following article explains how that need not be important, because the parties involved made the commitment in good faith, and their reputation in the international community is tantamount. While I agree in principle, we must not forget the exception to good faith.

The Paris climate deal has been lauded as “historic,” “sweeping,” and “ambitious” — a way to lead the world into a post-fossil-fuel, less-than-2°C-warming future.

But it has also been ridiculed for being “non-binding.” That is to say that America and nearly 200 other countries all got together and agreed to try really, really hard to slow climate change and to submit ongoing progress reports, but didn’t set up penalties within the agreement.

Non-binding, though, does not mean meaningless.

It’s worth taking a moment and thinking about what a binding agreement is. If I offer to pick your child up from daycare Thursday afternoon, is that a binding agreement? You can’t, strictly speaking, punish me if I leave little Sarah sitting on the curb. But — and this is a big but — you can shame me. You can avoid me, distrust me, and not make any more social agreements with me.

This idea of social pressure and participation does not only apply to carpools. It also applies to the international community. Sure, China could renege on its promises to transition off coal. The United States could decide it’s not going to give any money to developing nations to help build renewable energy. But that would make for pretty bad foreign relations.

In fact, most international agreements rely on countries’ desire to continue having good relationships with their counterparts, Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, told ThinkProgress.

“International agreements operate under good faith,” Burger said. “Whether a country is an upstanding member of the international community is what’s at stake.”…

Inserted from <Think Progress>

The Republican Party does not give a rat’s ass for America’s reputation in the international community. They proved that when they defaulted on our debt in 2011, causing a drop in our credit rating. They are the exception to good faith, and they have seditiously tried to undermine these negotiations at every turn. So the future livability of our planet may well depend on who we elect in 2016.

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