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Friday Evening Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 06:15:54 PM EST
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The view from my new balcony.

In the news: Edward Snowden writes Washington seeking clemency. His letter is here.

Tech companies say they are fighting back harder against Government snooping.

[More...]

My ballot came today. How to vote on the marijuana tax? It's a 15 percent excise tax on marijuana, plus 10 percent sales tax (on retail pot sales) to fund enforcement of the new legalization law. Tax and regulate. Isn't that what we asked for?

A Colorado judge has ruled that James Holmes' statements made at the scene of the Aurora theater shootings can be used against him, despite his not being Mirandized. Reason: the Public Safety exception. The order is here.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Friday Evening Open Thread | 40 comments (40 topical)

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    Is that the same excise that booze pays? (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Dadler on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 06:38:01 PM EST
    Just curious.

    The Snowden letter is odd, as is the whole situation. To Whom It May Concern? Strange choice there. He never actually asks for clemency, and he says "I hope to speak with you in your country," which almost makes it sound like a boilerplate from his asylum letter got pasted in by mistake. But maybe I'm dense. Wouldn't be the first time, and all that really matters is Snowden is being increasingly revealed as freedom's hero, and should not be treated as its enemy. Unless, of course, the American people are also considered the enemy. And that is certainly a quite arguable point.

    And great view! Enjoy your weekend.

    It wasn't a letter seeking clemency (5.00 / 5) (#5)
    by scribe on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:24:21 PM EST
    Rather, it was a letter he gave to a German parliamentarian who visited with him in Moscow yesterday.  It was directed to the German government, particularly their "Parliamentary Control Panel" - which performs oversight on their intelligence services - and to the German people as a whole.

    So, for example, it was translated directly into German by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, a Munich paper that leans SPD rather than CSU/CDU (and which I read regularly to keep my German sharp).  The lead in that linked article

    Von seinem Treffen mit dem Whistleblower Edward Snowden hat der Grünen-Politiker Hans-Christian Ströbele eine Nachricht an Deutschland mitgebracht. Der Brief in der Übersetzung.

    translates:

    The Green politician Hans-Christian Stroebele brought with him from his meeting with the Whistleblower Edward Snowden a message to Germany.  The letter, translated:

    And then they posted a pdf of an image of the original letter.

    In today's paper, they posted a great image illustrating the lead of their online edition.  

    When Snowden wrote about "I look forward to speaking to you in your country", he was talking about testifying to the German "Parliamentary Control Panel".  The Germans are extremely concerned by what the Americans have been doing, much of which is highly offensive to the Germans.  Since before the Merkel phone-bugging story broke, there has been serious talk about him testifying.  These discussions have intensified and are involving Very Serious Politicians (like their equivalent of Feinstein) about how to go about getting his testimony (while not exposing him to a snatch-and-grab or hit by the US, though this is left unsaid).  As it stands now, it's looking like they will have to go to Moscow to get his testimony.

    Parent

    I realize this about the Germans... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Dadler on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 07:59:51 AM EST
    ...and every other ally who is pissed, I think I was more reacting to the heading saying it was a clemency request, then getting no inkling of that really. I really feel sorry for this kid, because I don't think he'll ever live in peace again, no matter where he is. I agree with Daniel Ellsberg, Obama would've sought life in prison for him. (But your information, as always, is excellent and thanks for it.)

    Parent
    sought life in prison for Ellsberg, that is n/t (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Dadler on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 08:00:25 AM EST


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    Good job. (none / 0) (#7)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:40:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Thanks. (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by scribe on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 09:46:55 AM EST
    I do that German thing for money from time to time but it's still nice to get feedback on it (beyond a paycheck, which is itself quite nice).

    Parent
    meant to compliment your Deutsche, as well (none / 0) (#35)
    by Dadler on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 10:11:39 AM EST
    Danke. ;-)

    Parent
    Took a semester in high school (none / 0) (#37)
    by Dadler on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 10:12:19 AM EST
    When I though, screw Spanish in SoCal, I want to learn the Kaiser's tongue. Egad.

    Parent
    I think he is appealing to Germany (none / 0) (#4)
    by dissenter on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:22:52 PM EST
    to help them unravel the spying. That is at least what was reported today after a German member of parliament publicly stated they wanted his help.

    Parent
    Just love that ending... (none / 0) (#11)
    by gbrbsb on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 09:54:17 PM EST
    Yes, friend or foe must be a very "arguable point" for some. The same arguable point as for the UK and Canada, and since Snowden's yesterday release, Australia, which joins the list of junior partners aiding and abetting in the spying game. Only New Zealand left to complete this very Anglo clique !

    Parent
    New Zealand is a part of the clique (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by scribe on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 09:42:56 AM EST
    It's called FIVE EYES.  The members are the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.  There are a couple of subsidiary kinda-members:  Sweden (codenamed "SARDINE"), Israel ("RUFFLE") and Italy (codename not printed).

    Parent
    And don't forget (none / 0) (#42)
    by Visteo1 on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 01:03:43 PM EST
    sub-subsidary, kinda-kinda member Poland.  Some say it is code named the "Brown Eye".

    Parent
    Will Germany bite more than they can chew? (none / 0) (#44)
    by Politalkix on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 06:22:59 PM EST
    link

    Parent
    Glenn Greenwald writes Oct. 31... (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Edger on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:38:25 PM EST
    On leaving the Guardian

    As many of you know, I'm leaving the Guardian in order to work with Pierre Omidyar, Laura Poitras, Jeremy Scahill and soon-to-be-identified others on building a new media organization. As I said when this
    news was reported a couple of weeks ago, leaving the Guardian was not an easy choice, but this was a dream opportunity that was impossible to decline.

    We do not yet have an exact launch date for the new outlet, but rest assured: I'm not going to disappear for months or anything like that. The new site will be up and running reasonably soon.

    In the meantime, I'll continue reporting in partnership with foreign media outlets (stories on mass NSA surveillance in France began last week in Le Monde, and stories on bulk surveillance of Spanish citizens and NSA's cooperation with Spanish intelligence have appeared this week in Spain's El Mundo), as well as in partnership with US outlets. As I did yesterday when responding to NSA claims about these stories, I'll also periodically post on my personal blog - here - with an active comment section, as well as on our pre-launch temporary blog. Until launch of the new media outlet, the best way to learn of new stories, new posts, and other activity is my Twitter feed, @ggreenwald. My new email address and PGP key are here.

    I'm gratified by my 14-month partnership with the Guardian and am particularly proud of what we achieved together over the last five months. Reporting the NSA story has never been easy, but it's always been invigorating and fulfilling. It's exactly why one goes into journalism and, in my view, is what journalism at its crux is about.

    more...

    There will always be people who don't like journalism unless it's politically pragmatic in favor of their mindset and preferred narrative of course, but journalists like Greenwald, Omidyar, Poitras, and Scahill aren't doing journalism to curry favor with them anyway.

    I've had a stressed-out afternoon. (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 08:59:45 PM EST
    We were planning to leave this afternoon and spend the weekend in Hilo, but Elder Daughter borrowed my car right before lunch this morning, only to subsequently get broadsided by a driver who ran a stop sign while she headed up Nuuanu Ave. She is presently at The Queen's Medical Center with a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and a concussion.

    While my car is a complete loss, the good news is that she's going to be okay, and doctors expect to release her at about 6:00 p.m. this evening. I'm back at the office for a bit, waiting for The Spouse to pick me up so we can go back up to the hospital and take her home. Hilo can wait for another day.

    Take care, everyone -- and please drive safe, wherever you may be and go.

    Aloha.

    Too close. (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 10:11:12 PM EST


    Parent
    Glad to hear that she is safe (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by MO Blue on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 03:53:55 AM EST
    Cars can be replaced - daughters can't.

    May she have a speedy recovery.

    Parent

    Mahalo nui loa for the good thoughts. (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 04:23:19 AM EST
    Elder Daughter was finally released at 7:00 p.m. tonight, and is home safe, if not so sound. She's in a lot of pain and it hurts a lot to lay down, so she's sleeping in my recliner in the living room, with the cat snuggled up right next to her in the chair to keep her company.

    Our cat is a very loyal animal, and it's amazing how she can sense when you're not feeling good and / or are in physical distress, because she will then hang out with you to provide comfort and sympathy, and will not leave your side.

    Good night, everyone.

    Parent

    I am so sorry (none / 0) (#38)
    by Zorba on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 11:05:19 AM EST
    about the accident, and your daughter's injuries.   Many prayers and positive, healing thoughts go out to her, and to your whole family.  

    Parent
    Yikes! Happy ending, but the moments in (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Anne on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 08:23:19 AM EST
    between had to be the stuff of nightmares, the thing we parents worry will happen to our kids every time we know they're behind the wheel...

    Broken collarbones and ribs are extraordinarily painful - actually, the pain from a broken bone is significant in any event, but it's almost impossible to make a move of any kind and not jostle or tweak all the muscles that live in the collarbone/ribcage area - heck, turning or lifting your head makes it hurt.  No laughing or coughing allowed!

    As someone who survived two traumatic shoulder dislocations, with accompanying broken shoulders and surgical repairs thereof (thankfully, not at the same time - 5 years apart), the recliner was a good idea -it will also be easier for her to get out of.

    What's most amazing - and I said this both times - is how everything about your life can change in the blink of an eye.  You go from being an independent, strong person to being kind of helpless, not being able to do the most basic things, and it sucks.  Putting on and taking off clothes, taking a shower, fixing a sandwich - anything that normally requires two hands and doesn't usually send spasms of pain shooting through your body.

    It will get better, and the saving grace is that it could have been a lot - a lot - worse.

    Hope she makes a quick recovery - she does have youth on her side (not to mention attentive parents who will be there to help!).

    And eventually, Donald, when you go to bed at night, you will be able to close your eyes and not imagine what could have happened, but you will never stop being grateful that it didn't.

    Parent

    SO SORRY, DONALD (none / 0) (#12)
    by the capstan on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 10:10:03 PM EST
    for her aches and pains!  Hope she heals quickly!

    Parent
    Hope (none / 0) (#15)
    by ragebot on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 10:49:53 PM EST
    she gets well soon

    Parent
    Good news indeed that Elder D is going to be ok... (none / 0) (#16)
    by gbrbsb on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 11:28:52 PM EST
    Yes, we must all drive safe, but as my driving instructor told me many years ago, it's not only about how safe you drive but how safe the rest do, so drive expecting others to do something stupid at any time. A hunch that has served me to avoid more than one nasty accident the only problem it's unfortunately not fool proof !

    Parent
    That's always been my definition... (none / 0) (#18)
    by unitron on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 01:05:44 AM EST
    ...of defensive driving--"assume everybody else on the road is an idiot, and be ready for them to do something idiotic at any moment".

    That way, it's a pleasant surprise when they don't.


    Parent

    "Defensive driving" (none / 0) (#45)
    by gbrbsb on Sun Nov 03, 2013 at 01:39:52 AM EST
    Exactly. First time I heard a term for it.

    Parent
    Ouch (none / 0) (#19)
    by MKS on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 01:09:40 AM EST
    Sounds like she was near downtown.

    We will probably end up living on Nuuanu....

    Parent

    She was less than one mile from my office ... (none / 0) (#24)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 04:02:04 AM EST
    ... when she got hit. Nuuanu Valley is gorgeous, but its namesake avenue really leaves a lot to be desired from a driving perspective. Too many new high-rise condos on its upper end have increased traffic six-fold on a road that was first built in the 1880s, and hasn't been widened since the 1930s.

    Parent
    I'm glad to hear she's o.k, Donald (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by jondee on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 12:05:32 PM EST
    it's always something in' it?

    There's been times when I felt like I had to reach for the rosary beads every time my kids left the house..

    Peace.

    Parent

    We won't be on the upper end (none / 0) (#32)
    by MKS on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 09:04:08 AM EST
    so we are not part of at least that problem.

    Parent
    Oh no! (none / 0) (#21)
    by sj on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 02:54:55 AM EST
    I'm glad she is going to be okay, but it's still scare and painful. Blessings to your daughter and to your family.

    Parent
    Get well soon, Elder D (none / 0) (#36)
    by Politalkix on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 10:12:14 AM EST
    sending good thoughts and wishes..

    Parent
    Oh my gosh, Donald, that must have (none / 0) (#39)
    by caseyOR on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 11:12:45 AM EST
    been terrifying for Elder D and her parents. Glad to hear that she is home, even though in pain.

    Sending good thoughts for a swift healing for Elder D.

    Parent

    That 60 Minutes Benghazi story (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by Yman on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 09:23:11 PM EST
    Turns out their mystery witness (pseudonym "Morgan Jones") for this segment - who they said was an eyewitness to the attack who scaled the compound wall, disabled an extremist with his rifle butt and saw the Ambassador's body at the hospital - previously said he never got anywhere near the compound and found out about the ambassador's death via a friend's photograph.

    Oops.

    Laurie Anderson... (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by desertswine on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 10:21:51 PM EST
    has written a short but beautiful obit for Lou Reed.

    What a beautiful fall! Everything shimmering and golden and all that incredible soft light. Water surrounding us.

    AN AXE LENGTH AWAY, vol. 175 (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Dadler on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 08:09:56 AM EST
    When your DDS breaks bad and loses his chairside manner. (link)

    Volume 174
    Volume 173

    Hope you all have a sabado gigante, mi amigos. Or a poquito one, if that's what you'd prefer. Peace.

    No (none / 0) (#2)
    by dissenter on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:08:02 PM EST
    We agreed to a 15% tax to build schools. The taxes on this ballot initiative tax pot at a min of 25%. On top of that you will pay a city/county tax (5% is on the Denver ballot) plus you will have sales taxes on top of that. Retailers and wholesalers will also pay state and federal taxes.

    I also have a big problem with the fact that counties that have banned retail and medical MJ shops will get part of these taxes. Why should they? They have nothing to regulate.

    This is nothing but overreach on the part of the legislature. It will ensure that the black market continues and it will fund a whole new police/regulatory agency to lock up another set of people for something the people of Colorado said should be legal.

    For me, it is a bridge too far. If they had left the tax at 15% I would support it. I will not support the tax because I am sick and tired of the legislature attempting to undo the voters will. I voted for the original amendment to crush the black market, reduce crime and empty prisons.

    Should clarify one thing (none / 0) (#3)
    by dissenter on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 07:18:11 PM EST
    When I said additional sales taxes I meant the normal sales tax you pay in Denver for things you buy at any other retail outlet. I believe the 5% will be on top of that so in Denver it won't really be just a 5% sales on retail MJ. It will be 5% plus the excise tax (as it will be passed on to you), plus the dedicated MJ retail sales tax, plus regular Denver sales tax. If I am wrong someone can correct me but that is my reading of the situation.

    The Denver City Council is also going to outrageous lengths to criminalize people for new pot offenses. Last week they wanted to slap you with a $1000 fine and jail if you are caught smoking pot in your own backyard. I think they backed off that after the public outrage but there are still a lot of questionable regulations they are trying to pass. Hancock hates pot and he is going to do everything he can to write a whole new criminal code for it in the new climate.

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    It wouldn't have been an oppressive tax if... (none / 0) (#31)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Nov 02, 2013 at 08:47:04 AM EST
    ... if weed still cost the $15-$20/lid it cost during my misspent '70s era youth.  But $25% on top of today's medical marijuana prices, at least the ones visible on Craigslist, is an unhealthy chunk of change.

    Parent
    Just love that ending... (none / 0) (#10)
    by gbrbsb on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 09:51:25 PM EST
    Yes, friend or foe must be a very "arguable point" for some. The same arguable point as for the UK and Canada, and since Snowden's yesterday release, Australia, which joins the list of junior partners aiding and abetting in the spying game. Only New Zealand left to complete this very Anglo clique !

    Ooops... is misplaced repeat of reply to Dadlier (none / 0) (#17)
    by gbrbsb on Fri Nov 01, 2013 at 11:32:44 PM EST


    Parent
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