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Marc, I signed that petition. I've also got three handwritten letters ready to mail, to try persuading our Oregon representative and two senators to take a stand against the Trans Pacific Pirate Ship (as Mary so succinctly calls it). - AIW
DAnneMarc...Have been hobbling about in proverbial circles doing various chores all day and now am too scatterbrained to properly respond. Alas I have another day of the same sort of unpleasantness tomorrow, but (presumably) will be back here tomorrow evening to address both the language problem (which is one of the major contributors to the Moron Nation syndrome), and the issues you legitimately raise about socialism. My apology for the delay.
LB
Marc says "Socialism is a bad word that most people that hate it can't even spell it let alone define or explain why they hate it." From where I sit, Marc, "socialism" is a great word and an even better concept. It's all about the commons, something we don't have nearly enough of in this society. Most of our fellow bloggers here seem to get that the oligarchs are hellbent on stealing (er...privatizing) what little of the commons there is. But what's really, really bad is ignorance, exemplified by those who can't accurately define what socialism is let alone spell the word, yet have this hostile knee-jerk reaction to it anyway. When the mainstream media is nothing but a noise machine, designed to brainwash and dumb down the public, that's what we get. Instead of an informed electorate, we have a nation of numbskulls. - Aliceinwonderland
I'm gonna turn in guys. But before I go I must remind you all--if you haven't already--PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION. If you do nothing else tonight. PLEASE SIGN!
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-the-trans-pacific
Thank you! And Good Night!
STOP THE TPP!!
Akunard, try not to be a lying piece of shit. You just made that stuff up. Zimmerman didn't have "ZERO evidence of violence in his past", Zimmerman's violent past was ruled INADMISSIBLE in court. That's a major difference.
In 2005 he was arrested for "violently resisting a police officer" in a case of underage drinking by a companion. As part of the plea deal he went into alcohol rehab. Later that year his fiance sought a restraining order against him for domestic violence.
Two days after the Trayvvon Martin shooting a relative of Zimmerman, who pleaded for annonymity and thus was called witness no.9, called the police investigators of the case and tried to tell them of his violent history. She said that he molested her for ten years when they were children since she was 6. A Washington Post story reported, “I know George. And I know that he does not like black people,” she told a Sanford police officer during a telephone call in which she pleaded for anonymity. “He would start something. He’s a very confrontational person. It’s in his blood. Let’s just say that. I don’t want this poor kid and his family to just be overlooked.” At the end of the call, Witness No. 9 urged the officer to “get character reports from other people and see if he’s ever said anything about black people, about being racist or anything like that because I guarantee you there’s somebody out there who will say it.” Over a period of eight years Zimmerman made at least 46 calls to the Sanford police about suspicious activity by black males.
Akunard, we just don't like liars, you don't even try to make it sound good and remember what Stephen Colbert said about truth and reality, "Reality has a well known liberal bias.".
Mark Saulys ~ Very well said! Yet, you have to give him this much--he always manages to outdo himself.
N Z Sarah ~ I too have seen the YouTube videos and read articles on the HAARP project and all the conspiracy theories associated with it. The actual theory behind HAARP technology is based on Tesla theories and to some degree make a lot of sense. However, I seriously doubt that this technology is being used for this nefarious purpose. The reason for my conclusion is based on what you've said, show me the money. Show me the profit of damaging several nuclear power plants in Japan and risking rendering the entire northern hemisphere uninhabitable. Show me the profit of destroying Hawaii, Cancun, Haiti, the Midwest, New Orleans, Manhattan, and New Jersey. Show me the profit of destroying the Philippines and the coastline of Southeast Asia. Unless the Red Cross or FEMA have stock that has skyrocketed recently, it just doesn't make sense to me.
Chem trails and Geo-engineering, on the other hand, are very real, very stupid, and very dangerous. Imagine the desperation of seeking to perfect a way of controlled contamination of the atmosphere just to negate some of the effects of Global Warming and prolong the use of fossil fuels. Unbelievable! Almost funny, if it wasn't true. Although, from what I understand, this technology is only in the experimental phases at this time. (At least I hope it is.) Nevertheless, I too must second your suggestion that Thom does cover this technology in an upcoming segment because it very well may be a huge political issue in the near future; and, we as a planet need to make sure that this plan never sees the light of day. (Pardon the pun.)
PS I think covering the potential weather implications of the HAARP project may be a valid topic for discussion on the show as well. Today, a caller brought up HAARP in relation to the tornadoes over the weekend. Despite the fact that I discount the idea that the Government and corporations would use this technology to destroy property and people for profit it is entirely possible that the Defense Department could try--or have tried--to develop the technology as a weapon. In fact, the possibility that the idea has already occurred to the DOD is far more likely than not. It would be quite foolish to assume that it isn't being tested for to some extent for weapons applications. Exploring the topic--in my opinion--would be a good idea. From Thom's reaction to the caller it was obvious the Thom knew nothing about the potential weapon application of the HAARP project.
Marc, "piece of work" is all I said. I really am trying to desist from name-calling, tempting as it is when I read such silly posts. As for whatever point "akunard" was trying to make, only he can answer your question as to what he meant. But it sounds to me like your interpretation of his remarks is accurate. I wouldn't put it past him to suggest that believing Zimmerman's guilt makes one "far left". After all, he's said some pretty lame things. - AIW
Kend, your idiocy is unconsciounable, reprehensible and positively disgusting.
The earth hasn't been warming for 50 million years. There have been several instances of warming due to volcanic activity putting CO2 in the atmosphere which were also instances of MASS EXTINCTION.
You'd like Canada to have warmer weather, Kend? You are the picture of idiocy.
That's just it, Ducinni, of late (the last few years) we're breaking records relentlessly. All the winters and summers are the "hottest on record" and all the storms are category 10s or the biggest on record. You can take Prozac to deal with it as (I question your statistic of) "over half of the American population" or you can try to reduce carbon emissions if it isn't too late.
You can thank the influence of big pharma for overmedication. School children are medicated en masse as the school nurse comes to class every day to pass out meds. Schools are more like psych wards.
Aliceinwonderland ~ Did I miss something? You said he was a "piece of work." I said he was "a sick... person." Did someone call him a real name and edit it out? Also is he trying to imply that believing Zimmerman is guilty is some kind of a far left belief?
akunard ~ I apologize if you took offense at being called a sick... person. I wanted to call you a far worse name; but, controlled myself. After all, it was you who implied that pointing a loaded shotgun in a woman's face is a perfectly acceptable technique of stress management. With all due respect, I strongly disagree.
The prosecution spent big bucks in Florida digging dirt on Zimmerman, they found dust. Fliers, ads. the whole 9 yards.
Aliceinwonderland ~ Although one side of me really wants to disagree with that last sentence--I can't. However, I can't agree with it either. Remember, I watched the trial and I fell for Mr. Z's story too. I can see how a jury could have fallen for it quite easily without any racial feelings. However I now fully agree with your first statement. Especially after reading the interview with his wife. Quite amazing what he put her through. Quite amazing that she too thinks her husband is guilty. Who could argue with that? Threatening to pull a gun on his wife, and then aiming a shotgun at his girl friend's face? At that, a person nice enough--or dumb enough--to let him stay at her house? His wife stated that she didn't think there would have been any difference in the outcome if Trayvon was white. Apparently, in her opinion, Mr. Z was indeed a predator looking for any victim he could get that night. She said when he motioned to pull a gun on her that night that he had a look on his face like someone she "didn't know." Typical of a schizophrenic sociopath.
Anyway, Alice, thanks for the kind words; but, seriously, who could argue with all these new facts that have just come to light; and, that you were kind enough to point out the other day. Though short of a confession we may never be able to prove conclusively that Mr. Z murdered Trayvon there are two facts that I am now convinced of. 1) Mr. Z is a violent sociopath who needs to go on a long vacation from society; and, probably receive psychological treatment; and, 2) Karma is alive and well and doing it's thing.
As far as I am concerned, if Karma is forcing, or helping, this man to do all these stupid violent acts--a la O.J.--then the only logical conclusion is that he did indeed murder Trayvon Martin. I don't care how good of a liar you are you cannot fool Karma. Karma--unlike Mr. Z or our court system--doesn't make mistakes.
I have to agree with Akunarnd it is India and China who need to clean it up. Canada is responsible for 1.7 % of the worlds green house gases And we are reducing that every year We could cut it in half and it would barely change a thing
. The world has been warming for 50 million years I am not sure humans can change it.
I have to admit warming wouldn't be such a bad thing for Canada, longer growing season, less heat costs , hummm
No record of violence on Mr. Z's part, prior to Trayvon's death? I don't know where you get your information, but that's not what I heard.
The point is that prior to the circus there is NO evidence that Zimmerman was violent.
I would also like to note that at no time have I called any of you names. I also note truth and a view other than from the far left is not welcome here.
Akunard, anyone who would write a post like this has got to be one piece of work. Someone like Mr. Z, who beats up women and kills black kids, becomes the focus of a media circus and has to pay actual consequences, and can't feel safe going out for pizza anymore... is this supposed to be breaking mah heart? Wah.
akunard ~ Good question! First, I would do everything within my power to help the family of the victim. Then, I would spend a lot of time alone in meditation--possibly doing community service or starting a garden. I would never again touch a gun. I would read the Bible and try to seek inner forgiveness. I might even devote my life to a higher cause and join Green Peace or a monastery. I might even walk around black neighborhoods at night alone and unarmed--hoping someone would recognize me and put me out of my misery. I might even take my own life.
However, if you are suggesting for one minute that I would assault my father-in-law, threaten to shoot my wife, destroy her iPad--then shack up with another woman, attack her, smash her table and point a shotgun in her face... then my friend you are one sick... person! There is no way that you can convince me that Mr. Zimmerman is in anyway anything less than a violent prone antisocial psychotic. In my court that verdict has already been reached beyond a shadow of a doubt! This man should not be allowed to walk the street; and, I imagine that since the Judge didn't set bail, he probably feels the same way.
Marc, one of the things I love about you is your humility, your willingness to adjust your opinions to any new facts presented to you. This is a quality I highly value in those who possess it; one I've tried cultivating in myself as well. Where Mr. Z is concerned, I'm certain he is 100% responsible for Trayvon's death. The outcome of his trial highlights the sad fact that institutionalized racism is still alive and well in America.
As to the topic of the day, I don't have much to say about it except to point out the obvious: the price we pay for fossil fuel and excessive meat consumption goes well beyond what we pay in cash. If we continue to live as we do, disregarding the laws of nature, we do so at our peril. I'm no scientist, but most scientists would agree with that assessment. - Alice I.W.
Loren Bliss ~ I can see you'd prefer to think of capitalism as a malignant entity at any stage of existence. I can see how history would certainly support that contention. Our national history is nothing more than a series of cycles where the fatal flaws of capitalism allows its malignant symptoms to blow out of control like an overinflated balloon that eventually needs to be radically restrained, regulated and deflated in order to avoid economic catastrophe and potential revolution. The recovery brings about relative prosperity for another generation until the cancer once again comes out of remission and the scenario repeats itself. Each time the beast is subdued the people involved come away feeling that their problems are behind them forever and swiftly forget about it--having not learned nor achieved anything.
Aside from being very exploitative of the working class the capitalist system has proven itself to be very resilient and prosperous on the world scene. Communism, on the other hand--a system that might be perceived as being more favorable and worker friendly--has tumbled and succumb to capitalism in both Russia and China in less than a century. You have stated...
Quite frankly I'm curious as to what might be your thinking on "how we might otherwise reason ourselves out of the resultant impasse?" To me communism appears to have failed. Socialism is a bad word that most people that hate it can't even spell it let alone define or explain why they hate it. A recent guest on Thom's show, the highly acclaimed economist and author Ravi Batra, stated that he believed that our current system may evolve into one where business and "the means of production" become worker owned co-ops in the future. He explained that this was the case historically over and over again in other societies and inevitably leads to a golden age. The system is made up of workers who own tangible interest in the means of production. The wages in this system match production and production matches demand. This perpetual harmony benefits everyone; and, as Mr. Batra calls it, is the ideal economy. He didn't give very many details as to how and when such a system shift might occur or what the movement would be called; however, it certainly sounds like a great idea on paper; and, certainly should be explored. According to Mr. Batra the system would begin with workers moving in and taking control of the "means of production" that the failed upperclass will abandon. Seems like too simple of a scenario to me; but, Mr. Batra insists that such a scenario has already played out elsewhere and is a cyclical evolution in human history. He practically guaranteed it taking place in our near future. I am very optimistic and cynical at the same time about the idea. I'm wondering if you've heard about Mr. Batra's prediction and if you agree with it?
Mr. Batra insists that because our current system emphasizes production far beyond all levels of demand, it is debt dependent; and, as such, it is unsustainable; and therefore, is doomed to collapse. Quite frankly, I can't argue with that.
http://sincedutch.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/11102013-microwave-beam-into-west-pacific-new-rotation-develops-as-result/
//www.globalresearch.ca/solar-radiation-management-geoengineering-and-chemtrails/5356632
Is this 'record' weather man-ipulated weather? There are many posts on youtube showing the history of government data and records that confirm geoengineering is being used extensively to create and enhance serious record breaking weather events. It is big money and power to have this control. Follow the money and it leads back to the big corporations, who run our governments. Weather wars are a lot cheaper and more covert than the old way, especially when people will not believe that their governments would do or allow such actions. Two recent links on this subject avaliable above. I will sing and dance the day Thom starts talking about geoengineering. It must be soon if the IPCC are talking openly about not stopping it.
IPCC warns policymakers not to stop ‘solar radiation management’
Demand China and India to quit their pollution or we will either quit buying their cheap goods or bomb them back into the stone age. The UN wants the US to pay them to build clean factories so, we need to borrow more from China so we can help them clean their air.
It means a lot that Americans care about the TPPA. What we have been able to find out in New Zealand is that this secret document is designed to remove our rights to food and medicine choice, circumnavigate our laws and prevent the protection of our resources and environment.
Pretend you are Zimmerman:
1. You shot and killed some one. Read the police report, was sorry.
2. Trial, a media circus.
3. You might spend your life in jail.
4. Your government wants to re-try you.
5. A $10,000.00 bounty on your head, many blacks would like to kill you.
6. You will never be able to go out for a pizza, etc.
How would YOU handle that pressure?
I suggest that Bernie Sanders will offer no more than rhetoric! This because he appears only in media that has small audience. We'll recognize opportunity for real change when their words reach the great majority, or when one finally raises public attention to fact that large media fails to carry their messages to us. Bernie was one of the members of Congress, The Senate, former Presidential Cabinet members and other noted citizens who made repeated public appearances on MSNBC two years ago, reminding us that large public opinion holds history of forcing significant political change, and urging us to begin gathering such to that end. While watching I felt I was witnessing important history! Everyone I spoke to regarding their message seemed to endorse it. Had news media not kept it from the 99% I believe we might have better government today. Where once news media benefitted the nation as it's conscience, early warning system and reminder of past mistakes, it now benefits the big business that owns it all.