When a person is kidnapped, beaten, and forced to work many months or years without pay, there should be criminal liability; surely businesses or individuals profiting from forced labor should pay compensation. Simply to free the slaves is not enough.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Friday, December 15, 2017
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Why's Democracy Bullshit? Count the Days
US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died 13 Feb 2016.
As required by the US Constitution, the President nominated Scalia's successor, but while Congress was in session the Republican-controlled Senate took no action for 326 days.
Another nominee from the new President was eventually confirmed -- but the important US Supreme Court seat was vacant for 420 days.
This type of tactic is improper; it taints semi-Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Expect the same delaying tactic with the recent democratic election of Doug Jones as US Senator for Alabama. Because Republican control of the Senate will be negatively impacted, they'll go slow.
Senator-elect Jones will only be able to take-up his seat after any recount is conducted, and "either campaign could request a recount. As long as that campaign is willing to put up a bond and pay to cover the cost, the state will recount the votes. Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who had been appointed to fill the seat until the special election, will remain Alabama's junior senator as long as the process takes." (link)
Rich scum ignore democracy as long as possible.
As required by the US Constitution, the President nominated Scalia's successor, but while Congress was in session the Republican-controlled Senate took no action for 326 days.
Another nominee from the new President was eventually confirmed -- but the important US Supreme Court seat was vacant for 420 days.
This type of tactic is improper; it taints semi-Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Expect the same delaying tactic with the recent democratic election of Doug Jones as US Senator for Alabama. Because Republican control of the Senate will be negatively impacted, they'll go slow.
Senator-elect Jones will only be able to take-up his seat after any recount is conducted, and "either campaign could request a recount. As long as that campaign is willing to put up a bond and pay to cover the cost, the state will recount the votes. Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who had been appointed to fill the seat until the special election, will remain Alabama's junior senator as long as the process takes." (link)
Rich scum ignore democracy as long as possible.
Withdrawal Method May Fizzle
The UK government under Theresa May seeks to favourably re-position the nation by withdrawing from the European Union.
Some segments of the populace may indeed benefit. But many others will suffer grievously.
Can Britain setup as a wholly independent player in a world where teamwork offers the many benefits of lower transaction costs and economies-of-scale? Much alarm has been generated by xenophobia - but surely the UK has much more to offer than deliberately painting itself out of a diseased world.
Decent people should be worried by Theresa May & Boris Johnson manipulations, and especially spiritual leader Nigel Farage and his UK Independence Party. The Theresa May government's use of half-truths is shocking. Sudden pie-in-the-sky assurances and gross dishonesty may keep them in office for more weeks, but the nation and even the world are put at risk by their deceits.
After months of vague & secretive backroom bunco, PM May's sudden explicit assurances are so much hot air aimed to save her job -- wholly unreliable. This historic process needs attention far beyond partisan politics or the conceit of a handful of individuals.
Mr & Mrs Anglican, please confirm from any Roman Catholic older & wiser: forget WITHDRAWAL -- it's both unfulfilling & unsafe.
Some segments of the populace may indeed benefit. But many others will suffer grievously.
Can Britain setup as a wholly independent player in a world where teamwork offers the many benefits of lower transaction costs and economies-of-scale? Much alarm has been generated by xenophobia - but surely the UK has much more to offer than deliberately painting itself out of a diseased world.
Decent people should be worried by Theresa May & Boris Johnson manipulations, and especially spiritual leader Nigel Farage and his UK Independence Party. The Theresa May government's use of half-truths is shocking. Sudden pie-in-the-sky assurances and gross dishonesty may keep them in office for more weeks, but the nation and even the world are put at risk by their deceits.
After months of vague & secretive backroom bunco, PM May's sudden explicit assurances are so much hot air aimed to save her job -- wholly unreliable. This historic process needs attention far beyond partisan politics or the conceit of a handful of individuals.
Mr & Mrs Anglican, please confirm from any Roman Catholic older & wiser: forget WITHDRAWAL -- it's both unfulfilling & unsafe.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Yes ICAN
Congratulations once again to ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
As reported here before, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was agreed last July. To a large extent, this was a response to nuclear non-proliferation agreements, where the nuclear powers pledged to cut-down and eventually eliminate their nuclear arsenals but instead have boosted them.
Here's a summary from the Nuclear Threat Initiative
UN links are confusing & incomplete; here's their best (PTNW)
Overview from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists noting media bias
Unfortunately, the nuclear weapons states tried to deflect attention from the UN Treaty efforts & boycott proceedings. The USA also pushed junior partner states such as Australia, Japan & Norway to help rubbish efforts toward nuclear prohibition. (Here's how the Treaty stands now - link)
This ignorant stance continues, as reportedly the US, UK and French ambassadors callously skipped last night's Nobel banquet in Oslo which honored ICAN.
They failed to disarm as promised. Now they hide. SCUM !
Two final links: on lapdog media and PTNW (treaty text)
As reported here before, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was agreed last July. To a large extent, this was a response to nuclear non-proliferation agreements, where the nuclear powers pledged to cut-down and eventually eliminate their nuclear arsenals but instead have boosted them.
Here's a summary from the Nuclear Threat Initiative
UN links are confusing & incomplete; here's their best (PTNW)
Overview from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists noting media bias
Unfortunately, the nuclear weapons states tried to deflect attention from the UN Treaty efforts & boycott proceedings. The USA also pushed junior partner states such as Australia, Japan & Norway to help rubbish efforts toward nuclear prohibition. (Here's how the Treaty stands now - link)
This ignorant stance continues, as reportedly the US, UK and French ambassadors callously skipped last night's Nobel banquet in Oslo which honored ICAN.
They failed to disarm as promised. Now they hide. SCUM !
Two final links: on lapdog media and PTNW (treaty text)
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Swing to the Flim Flam
The Sandwich, Massachusetts, Heritage Museum drove a flim flam now being challenged by local Cape Cod residents.
First -- Heritage Museum shouldn't be in the aerial adventure zipline business. Could the museum leadership have a dark plan to expand operations into off-topic activities, then cut-back & liquidate, taking away Cape Cod treasures? The zipline park attracts additional people, but strangely defines HERITAGE...
A big problem has become destruction of trust. Heritage initially listed the wrong permit application address (67 Grove Street), resulting in no neighbor notifications. The actual address for the aerial park is 0 Shawme Road and 0 Pocasset Road. Nearby neighbors & abutters had minimal chance to challenge the project.
First -- Heritage Museum shouldn't be in the aerial adventure zipline business. Could the museum leadership have a dark plan to expand operations into off-topic activities, then cut-back & liquidate, taking away Cape Cod treasures? The zipline park attracts additional people, but strangely defines HERITAGE...
A big problem has become destruction of trust. Heritage initially listed the wrong permit application address (67 Grove Street), resulting in no neighbor notifications. The actual address for the aerial park is 0 Shawme Road and 0 Pocasset Road. Nearby neighbors & abutters had minimal chance to challenge the project.
Terrible! ...this stinks. The adventure park is operated by Outdoor Venture Group of Connecticut, with a pattern of Continental trickery. The Connecticut firm partnered as well with TreeTop Adventures of Canton, MA whose address was also misrepresented, and for which their license to operate was subsequently ordered withdrawn (link). Many people reportedly are both distrustful and disgusted.
Make no mistake, Cape Cod justice should not be fooled
Make no mistake, Cape Cod justice should not be fooled
Any improper application should be rejected when incomplete or false (even if mistakenly first permitted).
Thursday, December 07, 2017
Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Promises promises
Keywords: President Trump, Native nations, Hawai'i, Land management, resource extraction, pipeline, Koch industries, US militarism, lying sack o' shit, forked tongue
Monday, December 04, 2017
Saturday, December 02, 2017
Cape Wind Greased
The Cape Cod Times reports the end of Cape Wind offshore renewable energy project. They quote Director of Public Policy Jack Clarke from the Massachusetts Audubon Society (which supported the project) "Over 50 lawsuits were filed by opponents, led by Bill Koch" - the Osterville property owner and primary financial backer of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound (link)
The New York Times identifies Koch as "a billionaire industrialist who made his fortune in fossil fuels."
Greenpeace is considerably less kind, labeling the Koch fortune "dirty money" (link to .pdf report)
Could Koch influence the many other people such as fishermen or the local Native American tribe who came to believe Cape Wind was problematic?
Sure!
How many of these people want to breathe coal smoke everyday? How many wish Cape Cod beaches were covered by the ooze of an oil spill, or hope to completely lose their homes & communities to rising seas or horror storms from global warming? Not a single person wants such suffering from any Koch industries.
The New York Times identifies Koch as "a billionaire industrialist who made his fortune in fossil fuels."
Greenpeace is considerably less kind, labeling the Koch fortune "dirty money" (link to .pdf report)
Could Koch influence the many other people such as fishermen or the local Native American tribe who came to believe Cape Wind was problematic?
Sure!
How many of these people want to breathe coal smoke everyday? How many wish Cape Cod beaches were covered by the ooze of an oil spill, or hope to completely lose their homes & communities to rising seas or horror storms from global warming? Not a single person wants such suffering from any Koch industries.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
They brought us disgrace...
Who knew?
Donald J. Trump is a dangerous psycopath.
Who knew?
Republican running-mate Mike Pence: "Gay Mikey"
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan: "Lil'Oscar"
Who knew?
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz: "Lyin' Ted"
Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio: "Little Marco"
Former Florida Republican Gov. Jeb Bush: "Low Energy Jeb"
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie: "Big Boy"
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain: "POWduh"
Former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Mitt Romney: "Vo Mitt"
Who knew?
Ivanka Trump:"Very Voluptuous"
Melania Knauss Trump: "Cheesecake-remake"
etc...
Donald J. Trump is a dangerous psycopath.
Who knew?
Republican running-mate Mike Pence: "Gay Mikey"
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan: "Lil'Oscar"
Who knew?
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz: "Lyin' Ted"
Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio: "Little Marco"
Former Florida Republican Gov. Jeb Bush: "Low Energy Jeb"
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie: "Big Boy"
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain: "POWduh"
Former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Mitt Romney: "Vo Mitt"
Who knew?
Ivanka Trump:"Very Voluptuous"
Melania Knauss Trump: "Cheesecake-remake"
etc...
Trump: Take a Haiku
Yesterday the President of the United States invited three highly-decorated military veterans - elderly "Navajo code talkers" - to join him up on the White House podium.
In front of a heroic portrait of Andrew Jackson, the draft-dodging US President was condescending. He tried to cleverly brandish the word "Chief" before he mocked & denigrated a political enemy (absent), doubting her family ancestry.
Of course, while a wealthy businessman for many years he did similarly to Pres. Obama in regard to birthplace and citizenship.
But now Trump is President.
Trump is a disgrace.
Those enabling Trump are horribly obscene.
They know they're doing wrong.
(Heartfelt Apologies to those peaceful Native American veterans)
Trump links the Navajo & Pocahontas.; very different peoples & cultures who both suffered. Physically separated 2100 miles (3400km; Dinétah or Farmington NM, to Jamestown VA), more than Beijing - Kathmandu, or Paris - Jerusalem.
In front of a heroic portrait of Andrew Jackson, the draft-dodging US President was condescending. He tried to cleverly brandish the word "Chief" before he mocked & denigrated a political enemy (absent), doubting her family ancestry.
Of course, while a wealthy businessman for many years he did similarly to Pres. Obama in regard to birthplace and citizenship.
But now Trump is President.
Trump is a disgrace.
Those enabling Trump are horribly obscene.
They know they're doing wrong.
(Heartfelt Apologies to those peaceful Native American veterans)
Trump links the Navajo & Pocahontas.; very different peoples & cultures who both suffered. Physically separated 2100 miles (3400km; Dinétah or Farmington NM, to Jamestown VA), more than Beijing - Kathmandu, or Paris - Jerusalem.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Betrayed
America's betrayed by its leadership.
We can each wish simplicity & unity might create a virtuous dynamic society. But it ain't gonna happen.
The leadership itself is deeply corrupt.
Difficult problems are deliberately hidden. Reality is ignored in favor of bullshit [talking nonsense in order to deceive].
We live in complex times. We rely upon many intricate and highly-technical systems everyday to survive. We've great need for quality control. Organizations such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, in the US Department of Commerce) have worked many decades to improve safety and reliability in products & services. Such operations are being cut-back (and some programs eliminated) via short-sighted greedy private interest lobbyists.
Low Taxes = Good?
Less Government = Good?
When you step outside and the concrete disintegrates around you due to shameless, poor quality insider contracting, don't complain. You gave government to idiots & swindlers.
We can each wish simplicity & unity might create a virtuous dynamic society. But it ain't gonna happen.
The leadership itself is deeply corrupt.
Difficult problems are deliberately hidden. Reality is ignored in favor of bullshit [talking nonsense in order to deceive].
We live in complex times. We rely upon many intricate and highly-technical systems everyday to survive. We've great need for quality control. Organizations such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, in the US Department of Commerce) have worked many decades to improve safety and reliability in products & services. Such operations are being cut-back (and some programs eliminated) via short-sighted greedy private interest lobbyists.
Low Taxes = Good?
Less Government = Good?
When you step outside and the concrete disintegrates around you due to shameless, poor quality insider contracting, don't complain. You gave government to idiots & swindlers.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
安倍政権? Abe's a Bum
The idea that Japan's PM Shinzō Abe has some fundamental policy vision to rescue Japan is bullshit. Japan is wonderful in many ways, but most national-level politicians are unhelpful. The cumbersome bureaucracy is a horribly expensive burden. Abe surely is more part of the problem than solution.
The dude has been Prime Minister for more than five years, and he's a bullshitter.
The promise of "Abenomics" is silly. Abe served one year in his first term, and will soon be five years in his second term. He's wholly ready to grasp credit for any systemic economic gains, but there've been almost none. He's a bum.
BUM
Sorry Japan
The dude has been Prime Minister for more than five years, and he's a bullshitter.
The promise of "Abenomics" is silly. Abe served one year in his first term, and will soon be five years in his second term. He's wholly ready to grasp credit for any systemic economic gains, but there've been almost none. He's a bum.
BUM
Sorry Japan
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Losing Internet in America
Americans: You elected aggressive predators who govern the nation.
Now these people are dismantling internet access protections.
Read details here (link) and Act Fast
Change your government, numskulls!
Forced to Brexit
Brexit. Sounds so glib & neat. Brexit is a huge boon to military spending and aggressive policies -- in service to Big Brother.
There's been deliberate misinformation about EU costs & benefits, and blatant lies promising how funds would be reallocated. Some voters have no confidence in the referendum process itself. Was it done fairly?
The process is far more important than the proclivities of individual politicos, but the inattentive failings of UK PM David Cameron are cited as acceptable if regrettable. Why?
Why couldn't long-term British expats vote? And while local voting by British residents is allowed in other EU nations, similar people in the UK were shutout from the Brexit poll.
Most of all it's surely odd how quickly any analysis becomes nasty. We're bullied to shut up. It's harshly demanded we "respect the democratic vote of the British people" - though world conditions are always changing, and are now different. Soon it's eighteen months since the 23 June 2016 referendum, and it's time we reconsider the Brexit error.
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