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Friday Open Thread

I'm about to start my residence move. I take possession of my new place on Monday, and have the old place until the 30th. I haven't been able to blog much so far during August, and expect that to continue until the last week in August.

I'm considering it a "hiatus" but I'll try to keep some open threads going.

Moving is very stressful.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome. Please be civil.

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    Jeralyn (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 10:31:13 AM EST
    we greatly appreciate everything you do and I completely understand about stressful moving is. Good luck!

    We support (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 10:39:01 AM EST
    TRUTH over FACTS

    and

    Poor kids are just as smart as white kids.

    This is our nominee folks.  God help us.

    Charles Pierce just now on MSNBC (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:27:23 PM EST
    "I don't think this is a function of age.  I think it's a function of Joe Biden being a terrible presidential candidate".

    Parent
    not the nominee yet (none / 0) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 11:00:13 AM EST
    There's plenty of time for an undeniably disqualifying gaffe from Biden  before the primaries.

    Parent
    I hope so (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 11:29:25 AM EST
    He's the cat food... (none / 0) (#8)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 02:32:51 PM EST
    we're all going to eat.

    Parent
    If that's true (none / 0) (#10)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 03:36:54 PM EST
    then we're going to be doing the whole primary thing all over again in 4 years because you have to know Biden is going to have age related health problems during a first term.

    Parent
    All things considered, (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 03:57:35 PM EST
    that will be a nice problem.  Biden's vice president would have a leg up.

    Parent
    Yes, but VP's (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:48:37 PM EST
    don't have a great record of being elected president. I just feel with so many good candidates Biden is the last person we need to run against Trump and I'm not looking forward to another 4 years of begging the GOP to go along with some policy initiative.

    Parent
    If true, (none / 0) (#20)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:32:29 PM EST
    the VP slot will be more important than usual.  I could see a Pres. Biden doing an LBJ.

    Parent
    Biden's speech (none / 0) (#6)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 01:01:43 PM EST
    in Burlington, IA ("Trump fanned the flames of White Supremacy in the nation"} was good and delivered well.  But, then we wait and hold our breath. As you say, God help us.

    However, Biden may well be our nominee so I am reluctant to pile-on, since the media will surely do so, on steroids.  Biden is slipping (or slipped), while Trump just gets another "beautiful love letter" from the missile launching Kim or trashes Beto at the El Paso hospital while the current Mrs. Trump smiles...and that is just another Trump being Trump. Keep those tax cuts, de-regulations, and young right-wing judges coming.

    While another Democratic candidate may, hopefully, pass Biden by, especially if Biden does not do well in Iowa, it is my opinion that we would be wiser to promote Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren, rather than dwell on Biden's mis-steps....most of which we know what he really means. Our democracy is already on the ropes, and in another four years the country will be down for the count.

    Parent

    I do think (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 01:14:57 PM EST
    Simple verbal brain farts like the ones I mention may just not be as significant as they may have once been after 4 years of Trumps nonsense word salad diarrhea  

    Biden does seems to be well meaning.  That may be enough.

    Parent

    That may be key. (none / 0) (#32)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:42:10 PM EST
    I think most Democratic voters realize Joe Biden basically means well. I mean, I understood the point he was trying to make about poor kids having just as much natural ability to succeed as any other kid, all things being equal. But merciful heavens, why does his syntax have to be a perpetual exercise in the cringe-worthy?

    I still think we can do better than Joe Biden. But as most of us agreed earlier, we're voting blue no matter who. As gaffe-prone as he is, Biden would be a welcome respite from the current political equivalent of "Maleficent Meets Mr. Toad's Wild Ride."

    Aloha.

    Parent

    My home town, which voted for Obama (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:01:01 PM EST
    and then Trump.  

    Biden yrs ago sd he did not think the only way minority school kids could get a good education was to put them in school with his kids.

    Parent

    And yet (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:04:05 PM EST
    He opposed bussing?

    Parent
    Sorry (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:21:34 PM EST
    Read did not as DID

    So, of course he opposed bussing.

    Parent

    You know (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:45:23 PM EST
    Of that whole repulsive shi+ show the very worst part is this photo

    Just looking at his leering stupid face with his stupid tiny thumb in the air and his stupid wife holding an orphan that literally might not be an orphan if not for him makes me want to puke.  

    George Conway said it best.  "Would even Kim Jung Un do this?"

    Parent

    Yes, and the orphan (none / 0) (#19)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:04:57 PM EST
    baby was brought back to the hospital specifically for the photo op---the thumbs up Trump complete with moronic grin and the smiling current Mrs. Trump, who, no doubt, unloaded the infant as soon as the camera clicked. I was looking to see if she was wearing her "I don't care, do you?" outfit, but no, she was quite appropriate in widow wear.

    Parent
    Can it really get any worse? (none / 0) (#21)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:34:40 PM EST
    Answer:  Just wait until tomorrow.

    I am at the point that averting one's eyes from all things Trump is a good idea.

    BUT, the enablers, those who support racism for the tax cuts and judges, need more scrutiny, and shaming.

    Parent

    Christian Picciolini reformed neo nazi says (none / 0) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:49:45 PM EST
    Picciolini in on (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:18:56 AM EST
    With Joy Reid.  Pretty impressive guy.

    Parent
    That photo, and that stupid grin, (none / 0) (#45)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 08:41:05 PM EST
    reminded me, once again, of what a disgusting human being trump is (and his empty-headed Melania).  An obvious sociopath.

    Parent
    The weird thing is (none / 0) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 08:44:58 PM EST
    They both have the exact same stupid grin.  Like they each have a switch on their backs that have a "grin" setting.

    Parent
    If Warren is the Nominee, (none / 0) (#9)
    by RickyJim on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 03:02:49 PM EST
    we will have this great slogan, "Isn't Pocahontas preferable to Pinocchio?"

    Parent
    This whole thing (5.00 / 5) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 03:53:32 PM EST
    About how calling Trump a racist is an "insult" to his supporters which we should not do is total BS.

    Calling them racists if they support Trump is exactly what we should do.  We should tell them every time we gat the chance that he is a racist and a fascist and if they support them they are too.

    F'ck coddling these a-holes.  They need to know if they support him they own it.  And they will own it till the day they die.

    Snowflakes (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by jmacWA on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 05:06:10 AM EST
    And here I thought that the liberals were the snowflakes...

    Parent
    Exactly. (none / 0) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:12:51 PM EST
    They are never going to vote for us ever. I've already started doing it on social media and even the ones who say they don't support Trump but vote Republican I tell them they are Trump enablers and they might as well be Trump supporters since the elected Republicans seem incapable of going against Trump.

    Parent
    I did it today (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 04:16:49 PM EST
    With my MAGA lunch buddy.  He started the "I don't agree with the racism stuff but......"

    I tried to be a bit more diplomatic than above but I said no, no, no.  You don't get to do that.  People are dying.  You support him, you own it.  All of it.

    He was a bit taken aback I think.  Not pleased.  Seemed "hurt".  Sorry.  The truth hurts.  We will see if I hear from him again.

    I will live either way.

    Parent

    It's really (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:45:51 PM EST
    terrible that we knew all of this was going to happen. I think you and several other posters have predicted that there was going to be a mass murder of Hispanics though it didn't happen directly at the border.

    I seriously have cut a lot of people out of my life since 2016. I'll totally give credit to Trump to revealing who has black hearts among neighbors, high school classmates etc.

    Parent

    I have a 50 yr class reunion coming up (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:56:20 PM EST
    I've really been back and forth.  On one hand I may never see several of these people again so part of me wants to go.

    On the other I worry I can't keep my mouth shut.  It's getting really really hard for be to be civil to Trump supporters.  I stopped even trying to be civil to family members a while ago.  But, you know, a public place and all that.

    But I think I'm going.  I even ordered something to wear.

    I doubt everyone will get it.   But some will.

    Parent

    Perfect (none / 0) (#54)
    by jmacWA on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 05:09:07 AM EST
    It would be perfecter if you tie dyed it

    Parent
    Saturday, I saw a bumper sticker: (none / 0) (#97)
    by Jack E Lope on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 09:51:30 PM EST
    NIXON-PENCE

    The same car had another sticker, with one letter added on:

    GET OVER IT
     SHE WON

    Parent

    Cassidy from Preacher (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 06:51:46 AM EST
    I predicted people would end up dead somewhere (none / 0) (#26)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 05:57:12 PM EST
    after the whole "send them back" cr@p. I would have preferred to be wrong.

    Parent
    Update (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 11:17:50 AM EST
    I'm bowling with him on Wednesday

    Am I breaking thru?

    Who TF knows

    Parent

    I have zero qualms (none / 0) (#27)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:04:34 PM EST
    calling trumpenfuhrer supporters out. I'll publicly shame them if given the opportunity.

    I'm well known at work for my anti-crime family sentiments. I have a trumpturd on my desk facing the door. I have an ACLU sticker on my office door. I have a "Proud Democrat" sticker on the bulletin board behind my desk. I have a "trump traitor (with sickle and hammer) sticker back there as well. There is a sticker in the back window of my car that reads "If you still support Trump, stay back 500 feet. I don't trust your judgment."

    My car sits in a handicap spot right by the door into the building, so you can't miss it. I have a few comments expressing support. No one has complained to management or me personally about my messaging.

    I can be gruff and demanding at work. I don't tolerate incompetence. Because of that, a lot of the staff (junior to me) is somewhat afraid of me (or so I've been told). I think that helps in the lack of complaints.


    Parent

    Sounds like a terrible idea (none / 0) (#28)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:34:16 PM EST
    Makes your party look even more crazy.  Trump is counting on people doing what you're calling for.  

    Parent
    tRump (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by FlJoe on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:48:01 PM EST
    is counting on fools like you to ignore the torrent of cray-cray that flows from his mouth on a daily basis.

    It's so funny to watch you guys turn into such  fragile snowflakes.

    Parent

    McBain's comment (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:48:59 PM EST
    here is quite interesting upon reflection.

    There are any number of people for whom the Cheeto's racism and corruption is just rhetorical overkill.  They have so totally rationalized, often in more and more pretzel-like contortions, the facts.  They thus avoid all responsibility.

    Parent

    A really smart guy (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 09:21:53 PM EST
    said once that silence is complicity. If your friends support an unethical, low intelligent reprobate, don't be complicit, call them out.

    Parent
    That's funny (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by Yman on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 09:48:05 PM EST
    Your party is lead by a racist, bigot, misogynist, draft dodger and pathological liar who mocks war heroes and disabled people, defends white nationalists and neo-Nazis, brags about $exually assaulting women, etc, etc., and you think our party "looks crazy".

    Heh, heh, heh ...

    That's hilarious.

    Parent

    Wouldn't want to disappoint him (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:37:17 PM EST
    Or you.

    Parent
    no need to insult other commenters (none / 0) (#35)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:09:15 PM EST
    your next comment was deleted.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:13:21 PM EST
    Sorry

    That's what happens

    It's cocktail time

    Parent

    I'm (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by FlJoe on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:17:46 PM EST
    also sorry, please substitute "economically anxious"  for "fools" in #33.

    Parent
    "economically anxious" (none / 0) (#38)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:21:39 PM EST
    What a term.  I love the way you use it here.

    Parent
    The (none / 0) (#40)
    by FlJoe on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:34:34 PM EST
    Economically Anxious Snowflakes would make a fair to middling band name.

    Parent
    I prefer (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by smott on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 07:30:09 AM EST
    Substituting "mentally ill" for Economically Anxious ...

    Parent
    It is not about strategic (none / 0) (#34)
    by MKS on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 07:03:47 PM EST
    posturing.

    It is about simple decency....and truth.  Which is clear about the Cheeto.

    Parent

    Powerful forces (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 05:15:34 PM EST
    Marianne "depression is not a thing" Williamson says-

    But apparently there's some very powerful forces that want to make sure I'm not in that third debate

    They are called primary voters Marianne

    On a completely different note. (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 02:50:56 PM EST
    Stopped at a local produce stand today. Bought some PA peaches that were the size of softballs. I know GA and SC are supposed to be known for peaches, but these PA peaches sure are tasty.

    It's peach time all over (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 10:14:02 AM EST
    I think the unusually wet summer is producing some great peaches

    The local stand sign says "elbow drippin peaches"

    Parent

    Perseids peak tonight (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 08:33:59 AM EST
    I think it's supposed to rain here

    On one night every year those in the know take themselves into the wilderness with confidence that they will witness a sky full of shooting stars.

    That night is tonight. At midnight until about 5 a.m. wherever you are in the world (though it's best in the northern hemisphere), the famous Perseids meteor shower will peak. One of the most reliable such events of the year, it's expected to produce its usual 80 shooting stars per hour. However, that figure is for visibility under perfect night sky conditions.



    Seriously (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 08:41:51 AM EST
    Could white evangelicals do anything else to illustrate how utterly morally hollow they are?

    After all he has done and said the might "stay home" because he "takes the lords name in vain"?

    Evangelicals revolt against Trump as his rants spiral into increased profanity: `I might just stay home this time'



    White Evangelicals (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 06:21:27 PM EST
    shame and disgrace themselves and the country every day.

    Parent
    Speaking of morally hollow evangelicals, ... (none / 0) (#104)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 01:22:09 PM EST
    ... we saw "Them That Follow" last night. It stars Olivia Colman and Walter Goggins, and revolves around an Appalachian pastor and his devoted flock who collectively underscore the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s observation that "[n]othing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

    Parent
    Probably a spell correct thing but (none / 0) (#110)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 03:48:48 PM EST
    It's Walton Goggins.  Who BTW has a very prominent roll as a hysterically quaffed preacher in HBOs THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES which starts next Sunday.

    Walton

    Parent

    The name has a (none / 0) (#114)
    by jondee on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 06:12:18 PM EST
    Lord of the Rings-GOT ring to it..

    If he doesn't handle live rattlers, I'd be disappointed.

    Parent

    He is a great actor (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 06:15:54 PM EST
    A personal favorite.  What a range the guy has.  The two titles mentioned show that

    Parent
    He was great in the underrated cop show (none / 0) (#119)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 09:31:59 PM EST
    The Shield

    Parent
    I have always wanted to say this (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 09:57:42 PM EST
    To a man but never had the occasion and the nerve at the same time

    from PREDATORS

    Parent

    This (none / 0) (#109)
    by Zorba on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 03:34:52 PM EST
    is what's upsetting some of them?????  Taking the Lord's name in vain?
    Not adultery, not his boasting about p*ssy grabbing, not locking kids up.......
    Oy!

    Parent
    Sign the petition (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 05:12:59 PM EST
    Rename 5th Avenue in front of Trump Tower after Obama

    To be delivered to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Council

    We request the stretch of Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets be renamed "President Barack H. Obama Avenue." Any addresses on that stretch of Fifth Avenue should be changed accordingly.

    54,139 signatures. NEW goal - We need 75,000!



    That seems awfully petty. (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 05:45:39 PM EST
    But then, we're confronted with the awfully petty whims of a would-be tyrant who revels in his own d!ckitude. So why not? I'll sign.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Petty (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 11:19:10 AM EST
    BS

    It's perfect

    Parent

    More than (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 10:02:34 PM EST
    5,500 signatures since that comment

    Parent
    Now 66,000+ (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 11:18:15 AM EST
    They are close.  SIGN if you have not already

    Parent
    I just learned (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 04:42:25 PM EST
    They are going to deliver to me.  Which is great because the closest dispensary is almost a hour away.  Happy happy joy joy.

    The federal government announced plans to expand cannabis research Monday, paving the way for the robust clinical trials cannabis experts believe will force the government to downgrade marijuana's Controlled Substances Act classification.

    The decision comes just two days before a key deadline in a lawsuit against the agency brought by cannabis researcher Dr. Sue Sisley of the Scottsdale Research Institute. Sisley had sought to end three years of stalling by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

    Monday's regulatory filing, and the warm remarks from Attorney General William Barr that accompanied it in a press release, effectively mean Dr. Sisley's won. Coupled with Barr's ardently anti-pot predecessor Jeff Sessions' departure, progress toward looser federal treatment of cannabis may resume.

    The DEA just made a huge change to how the government treats medical marijuana



    Happy happy (none / 0) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 27, 2019 at 12:19:20 PM EST
    The new season of THE TERROR (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:36:38 PM EST
    Starts Monday on AMC.  It sounds great.  But I already learned 2 things I did not know.  There was a Japanese internment camp in Arkansas and for much of the 20th century Mexican Americans were classified as white in the US census.  Making a Mexican Japanese romance illegal interracial marriage.

    AVClub

    ... in the 1940s. Fred Korematsu, the plaintiff in the now-famous internment case Korematsu v. U.S., was born and rained in Oakland, CA and when the war broke out he had a white fiancee, Kathryn Pearson, who subsequently became his wife.

    When Fred was arrested in May 1942, Kathryn insisted upon accompanying him to Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah and was bodily removed from the train by the authorities because, after all, she was white and not of Japanese ancestry.

    (It should also be noted that Kathryn Pearson Korematsu was actually of Italian ancestry, and the U.S. was also at war with Italy in 1942. Just another point underscoring the fact that Executive Order No. 9066 had everything to do with racial animus, and nothing at all to do with any perceived threat to national security.)

    Anyway, the pre-war romance between Chester Nakayama (Derek Mio) and his Mexican girlfriend Luz (Cristina Rodlo) in California was certainly conceivable. However, she would never have been allowed to later join him in the internment camp, which happens in this miniseries.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    This is a plot point in the show (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 09:07:04 PM EST
    So I googled
    Unless i am misunderstanding this it was illegal in CA until 1948

    The repeal of anti-miscegenation laws, 1948-1967   
    Edit

    The constitutionality of anti-miscegenation laws only began to be widely called into question after World War II. In 1948, the California Supreme Court in Perez v. Sharp ruled that the Californian anti-miscegenation statute violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and was therefore unconstitutional. This was the first time since Reconstruction that a state court declared an anti-miscegenation law unconstitutional, and California was the first state since Ohio in 1887 to repeal its anti-miscegenation law.



    Parent
    Forgot the (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 09:08:25 PM EST
    You are correct. (none / 0) (#130)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 12:05:58 PM EST
    That didn't sound right, because ... (none / 0) (#131)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 01:36:48 PM EST
    ... I knew that Fred Korematsu and Kathryn Pearson had wed right after the war in 1946. So I looked the public record, and they were actually married in Michigan, because Fred had moved to Detroit to take a job as a draftsman. They only returned to Oakland in 1949. So I stand corrected. Thanks.

    Parent
    Five years ago today Michael Brown Jr. (none / 0) (#42)
    by McBain on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 08:17:47 PM EST
    was shot and killed.  His father is asking for a new investigation.
    Mr. Brown Sr. asked the prosecuting attorney to reopen the case at a news conference on Friday morning. Both state and federal prosecutors declined to charge Darren Wilson, the police officer, who resigned after the shooting.

    "As a father, I vowed to protect my children," the elder Mr. Brown said. "I could not protect him that day and it breaks my heart."

    "We're not stopping until we get justice," he added.

    I feel for Brown Sr. but I don't see the point of another investigation.  I'm hoping for a new, quality, in depth, documentary. I'd like to know more, if possible, about what went on during the grand jury proceedings.

    You think (none / 0) (#43)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 08:25:13 PM EST
    A documentary would produce more information than an investigation.

    Fascinating

    Probably be more entertaining for you.  I guess.


    Parent

    Who (none / 0) (#44)
    by FlJoe on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 08:27:46 PM EST
    needs justice when you have docu-justice?

    Parent
    A good documentary would cover (none / 0) (#61)
    by McBain on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 09:28:23 AM EST
    different aspects of saga than an investigation. Perhaps it would go into detail about the autopsy controversy.    

    Parent
    45 years ago today, ... (none / 0) (#48)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 09:12:51 PM EST
    ... President Gerald R. Ford took the oath of office in the White House East Room, and our long national nightmare was over.

    And our next long national nightmare began ... (none / 0) (#52)
    by Erehwon on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 11:30:44 PM EST
    with Nixon's pardon, the election of Reagan and Bush I, the selection of of Bush II, and the whatever of Trump.

    Parent
    If you get a chance (none / 0) (#50)
    by Peter G on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 09:25:13 PM EST
    watch "Free Meek" on Amazon TV (comes free with Prime). Excellent, honest, accurate presentation on how the criminal "justice" system keeps young black men down (and worse).

    Topped (none / 0) (#56)
    by jmacWA on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 08:16:05 AM EST
    Jeffery Epstein found dead in cell this morning.  Hopefully this does not mark the end of investigations tied to him

    To clarify (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 08:34:12 AM EST
    The justice department investigations will stop.  See Trump justice department.  The investigative journalism is going to take off like a rocket.  Just based on the information released so far.

    I think.

    Parent

    Pretty sure (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 08:25:52 AM EST
    It will just kick them into overdrive.   The stories the last few days about the men implicated in the information they have was pretty explosive.  Royalty don't like being dragged into s€x trafficking.  Or do people like Bill Richardson.

    It's funny.  I almost commented recently that I doubt he makes it into a courtroom.  It was becoming clear he simply could not be allowed to.

    Parent

    And I ain't buying (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 08:26:12 AM EST
    Suicide.

    Parent
    Assisted (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:44:10 AM EST
    suicide?

    Parent
    Or enabled (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:53:53 AM EST
    For some reason (none / 0) (#66)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:57:52 AM EST
    I keep picturing that Godfather scene between Tom Hagen and Frank Pantangeli in Federal Prison.

    Parent
    You know what's also weird (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:59:56 AM EST
    They keep saying, or suggesting, there is some question about whether his former "room mate" had a role in his previous brush with mortality.

    Seriously?  They don't know that yet?

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 11:02:44 AM EST
    It's said there should be video.  And how much they fight the release of that video might tell us a lot.

    Parent
    Well, (none / 0) (#70)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 12:27:02 PM EST
    Thank goodness Bill Barr is at the helm of DOJ.  He will get to the bottom of it.  He'l put that crack team that investigated Kavanaugh right on it.  

    Parent
    Since it seems (none / 0) (#71)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 01:03:34 PM EST
    Barr took him off of suicide watch it's likely that any video won't show anything other than Epstein taking himself out.

    Parent
    It will not be (none / 0) (#72)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 01:59:36 PM EST
    surprising if all the videos happen to have been malfunctioning.

    Parent
    So where is Ms Maxwell? (none / 0) (#69)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 12:19:51 PM EST
    somewhere lawyering-up like a mfer, as the Immortal Bard would say

    Parent
    Around (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 07:27:41 PM EST
    British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell in spotlight after Epstein's apparent suicide
    Aug. 10, 2019, 5:36 PM CDT

    She has a pretty interesting history.   Daughter of tabloid publisher Robert Maxwell who "fell off his yacht" (named after her) just before it was revealed he had looted the pension funds of several of his companies that then went bankrupt

    Parent

    Or (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 08:28:25 AM EST
    Assuming it's possible, who ever took him off suicide watch is going to have some splainin to do.

    Parent
    I think the big loser here (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:13:12 AM EST
    Might be the Maxwell woman.  There is going to be a lot of attention paid to what she knew, what she did, who she did it for etc etc

    She is the new star of this melodrama I think.

    Parent

    Wasn't some one recently talking (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 04:45:01 PM EST
    About the relentless bothsiderism of Velshi and Ruhle?


    Stephanie Ruhle

    @SRuhle
     Important to remember... Epstein's universe was NOT partisan



    Parent
    To be clear (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 04:46:26 PM EST
    That's true of course

    Just sort of hilariously typical THAT is the point she should feel she has to make today.

    Parent

    Biden may be the gaffe-o-matic (none / 0) (#73)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 04:40:52 PM EST
    But at least he's not spreading incendiary lies.

    Lizzy tells a whopper.

    I love it ... (5.00 / 3) (#79)
    by Yman on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 05:16:23 PM EST
    ... when Trumpers/Republicans start complaining about what they think are "incendiary lies", while they happily ignore the thousands of actual lies told by their orange buffoon.

    Parent
    Do we have to read (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by MKS on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 06:01:30 PM EST
    this kind of right wing, drive-by trolling all the way to the election?

    Parent
    I'm amazed (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 06:20:25 PM EST
    We haven't seen the #ClintonBodyCount yet today.

    Trump retweeted this-

    "Died of SUICIDE on 24/7 SUICIDE WATCH ? Yeah right! How does that happen, #JefferyEpstein had information on Bill Clinton & now he's dead. I see #TrumpBodyCount trending but we know who did this!"

    I would love to ask Cheeto if the Clintons are so good a killing people why is he still alive.

    Parent

    These people (5.00 / 3) (#83)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 06:39:23 PM EST
    are ridiculous. It never dawns on them to check schedules or anything before going off the deep end.

    But this is also why more and more people are figuring out that the GOP is nothing but nut jobs.

    I mean even Mr. Elf George Conway called this nonsense out.

    Parent

    One thing (5.00 / 2) (#82)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 06:36:34 PM EST
    you need to realize that conservatives have been completely discredited. The whole house of lies is collapsing on you and I for one couldn't be happier. Decades of lies and white supremacy are finally going to come crashing down on your lying head.

    Parent
    Gaffe-o-matic (5.00 / 2) (#85)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 07:36:28 PM EST
    What you call it when the President intentionally retweets nutbar conspiracy theory drool?

    Parent
    Barr should (none / 0) (#86)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 10:13:39 PM EST
    recuse himself from any DOJ investigation.  His "client's" retweet, not to mention his conflict of interest (protecting the reputation of his late father--who gave Epstein a questionable start) are more than enough to satisfy any reasonable ethical standards.

    The Trump retweet is abhorrent.  And, curious, in view of his psychological projections.

    Parent

    With this particular president, ... (none / 0) (#105)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 01:24:56 PM EST
    ... it's called "par for the course" - and even then, he likely cheated on his score.

    Parent
    What's needed (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 04:48:25 PM EST
    Is a really good documentary to sort this all out.

    Parent
    I hear that Dinesh D'Souza is available. (none / 0) (#106)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 01:26:26 PM EST
    ;-D

    Parent
    A real proof of faith (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 01:34:27 PM EST
    would be those Apalachian folks picking up Dinesh without being bitten.

    But, even they aren't that foolhardy.

    Parent

    Incendiary (none / 0) (#77)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 10, 2019 at 04:53:12 PM EST
    as in, stirring up again a previously volatile situation?

    Why would some drive-by jackass want to do that?

    Parent

    Harris did it as well (none / 0) (#102)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 10:30:06 AM EST
    Link
    Michael Brown's murder forever changed Ferguson and America. His tragic death sparked a desperately needed conversation and a nationwide movement. We must fight for stronger accountability and racial equity in our justice system.

    His death was tragic but the evidence did not support murder.  The nationwide movement got off to a very poor start.  By the time Obama's Justice Dept. came out with it's report, many people had made up their minds and weren't going to change them.

    Parent

    WaPo Gives 4 Pinnochios to Harris and Warren (none / 0) (#141)
    by RickyJim on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 06:07:56 PM EST
    Great article (none / 0) (#143)
    by McBain on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 06:54:47 PM EST
    Too bad it took so long for this information to come out. Hopefully, someday, we'll learn how the misinformation got out so quickly.  

    Parent
    New season of SUCCESSION (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 07:18:24 AM EST
    Starts tonight.  You won't find better on tv.

    `Succession' Season 2 Review: One of TV's Best Shows Just Got Even Better

    And next Sunday THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES which I'm really looking forward to.

    I think with (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 11:40:37 AM EST
    this Epstein suicide that the dam has burst on Trump. The media is even attacking him for passing conspiracy theories. On the heels of 3 mass shootings in a week and then this it just feels that way. It feels like the majority of the country is enough with the lies, enough with the shootings. Just enough of everything Trump and all the Trump apologists.

    I dunno (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 11:55:50 AM EST
    Kellyanne was just on CNN doubling down on the conspiracy tweet.  I would like to think the consensus is growing and I think it is.  Dam bursting?  Not sure.

    Not sure it will ever burst.

    Just saw that in spite of the carnage in the agriculture industry a survey of farmers says they still support him even with farm bankruptcies up 13% from last year.

    Will a few more dead brown people and the odd batshi+ conspiracy burst the dam?

    I'm not convinced.  

    Parent

    Agreed. (none / 0) (#90)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 12:33:17 PM EST
    But, electorally, we don't need a dam burst.  It may be that Trump has to nurture his 42% to make sure he doesn't lose (primarily, by staying aloof) a percent or two.  Any meaningful gun safety legislation is, accordingly, doomed save for, possibly, some smoke and mirrors.  And, it is not too likely either that Trump will be able to grow his 42% by more than a couple of points.  However, it will be contingent on Trump continually being called out on his white supremacy, racist and fascist policies and points of view.

    Parent
    Gun legislation (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 12:37:54 PM EST
    With bullets flying from every direction Schumer's solution is to regulate body armor

    Is it just me?  

    Parent

    Snatching defeat (none / 0) (#92)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 12:55:30 PM EST
    from the jaws of victory.  

    Parent
    As TR said (none / 0) (#94)
    by jondee on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 02:18:07 PM EST
    I could carve a better man out of a banana.

    Parent
    I saw Sen. Brian Schatz this week in HNL. (none / 0) (#107)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 01:32:20 PM EST
    I bluntly suggested that he should challenge Chuck Schumer for the Democratic caucus leadership. He just smiled the sort of smile that tacitly acknowledges the growing public frustration with Schumer, even though he can't say it out loud just yet.

    Parent
    I really (none / 0) (#96)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 03:50:47 PM EST
    meant the dam had burst with the press. That 40% Trump could shoot and they would attempt to get up and go vote for him.

    Parent
    The Voyage of the Damned (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 11, 2019 at 01:37:53 PM EST
    This movie has been showing on MAX.  I remember seeing it long ago and thinking it was very good.  And thinking it an odd thing to be put in heavy circulation being 43 years old.

    But a slow rainy Sunday afternoon has me watching it and understanding how relevant it really is to the headlines of the day.  

    a buttload of awards and nominations

    DescriptionBased on the true story of a ship carrying German-Jewish refugees which was sent to Havana in 1939 by the Nazis but was denied permission to land anywhere. The ship was eventually obliged to return to Germany, where certain death awaited its passengers. This terrible outcome had been cynically anticipated by the Nazis when granting permission for the voyage in the first place.



    That ship was the MS St. Louis, ... (none / 0) (#112)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 12, 2019 at 05:36:24 PM EST
    ... which was a German-flagged passenger liner ironically named after St. Louis, MO. In May 1939, three months before Nazi Germany's invasion and conquest of Poland, the St. Louis departed Hamburg for Havana with 937 passengers, almost all of them Jewish.

    While most modern history books say that these Jewish passengers were trying to escape the Holocaust, that's really not quite accurate since the matter of Jewish extermination was not formally adopted as an official Nazi policy until early 1942. While it is regrettably true that the overwhelming majority of them did not survive the war, their fate was not officially sealed until the Nazis' Jewish policy was amended several years after their return.

    Some further explanation is in order here. At the time the St. Louis departed Hamburg in May 1939, the Jewish population in greater Germany -- which included Austria and Czechoslovakia, both of which were absorbed into the Third Reich by March of that year -- was only about 500,000 out of an overall population of 85 million. In May 1939, Germany's policy regarding its Jews was disenfranchisement, relocation and expulsion. That policy is what facilitated the sad voyage of the MS St. Louis and her passengers.

    The Nazi hierarchy only first broached more extreme policies in late 1941 after Germany had conquered eastern Europe and most of European Russia, where some 9 million Jews resided and the former German policy of removal and relocation became rather problematic logistically. Accordingly on January 20, 1942, SS-Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler convened a now-infamous meeting at 56-58 Am Großen Wannsee, an SS-owned guesthouse just outside Berlin, to formally consider "The Final Solution to the Jewish Question."

    The Wannsee Conference was chaired by SS-Gruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich, who today is considered by most historians to have been the primary architect of the Final Solution. (He was assassinated four months later by Czechoslovak partisans in Prague, and so did not live to see his plan carried out.) Most attendees represented the German Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, and the Justice Ministry, including SS military administrators for the newly-conquered "Eastern Territories."

    The ever-devoted German bureaucracy unwittingly preserved the meeting's minutes for posterity, which were first discovered in May 1947 by U.S. and British attorneys who were investigating war crimes in behalf of the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg. Behold, the utter banality of evil, which in obvious hindsight is a truly chilling read, given what subsequently happened as a direct result of the Wannsee Conference.

    While Nazi racism was clearly the underlying factor, the actual catalyst for the Holocaust itself was the appallingly nonchalant determination by German bureaucrats that it was more efficient and cost-effective to simply exterminate Jews and other "undesirable" populations, than to continue relocating and / or expelling them from German-occupied territories.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I was thinking about what I wrote, ... (none / 0) (#133)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 03:13:50 PM EST
    ... and realized that the slippery slope of World War II-era Nazi ideology that I described above is embodied in the concept of "malignant normality," a term first coined by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton, M.D., in a 2017 article of the same name published in Dissent magazine.

    At the time, Dr. Lipton had been studying both doctors who participated in the murderous activities of Nazi Germany and those who were involved with torture during the Bush-Cheney administration, and how they managed to rationalize their appallingly amoral decisions and behavior in the service of those respective regimes.

    In Lipton's theory, malignant normality gradually occurs when a malignantly narcissistic leader regularly shares and imparts his or her own perception of reality upon society in general, and thus gradually alters the respective perceptions of everyone else as well. Inevitably, their own internal reality becomes enacted in the lived external reality of that society.

    "Nazi normality took shape around a genocidal ideology, originally put forward by Hitler himself. It was what I call a biomedical vision as a kind of explanation of history: namely, that the Nordic race had once been healthy and dominant as the only culture-creating race; that it became "infected" by destructive Jewish influence and rendered weak and ill; and that it could become healthy and strong again only by ridding it of that Jewish influence. That biomedical vision set the parameters for Nazi normality, and culminated in the mass murder of Jews.

    "Significantly, very few Nazi doctors believed fully in that ideological vision, the majority holding to little more than the existence of a 'Jewish problem' that somehow had to be 'solved.' Extreme ideologues do much to create a malignant normality, which comes to pervade most institutions, including medical ones. Then ordinary people who work in those institutions adhere to that normality, often aided by bits and pieces of the extreme ideology. The prevailing normality can be decisive because it excludes alternatives and provides strong pressures for destructive behavior.

    "Some Nazi doctors experienced a degree of psychological resistance to this reversal of medical function, but they eventually adapted to it. In the process they internalized much of the required 'normality': the sense that this is what one did as a doctor in Auschwitz."

    Lipton opined that this is how a national leader can come in and adversely influence society to the point of where its very mores and values are degraded. Anyway, his article is worth a read, if only that it helps us to understand how so many of Trump's followers reside in an altered state of reality which differs so much from our own.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Not the biggest Chris Cuomo fan (none / 0) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 07:36:45 AM EST
    Why it's awsum (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 10:01:45 AM EST
    Because right wingers do this shi+ all the time.  They threaten people they body slam people and slap them around for asking real legitimate questions and then they clutch their pearls and head for the fainting couch when a progressive pushes back.

    Good for Cuomo.  I hope this is a trend.

    Parent

    And (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 10:02:27 AM EST
    Good for CNN for backing him.

    Parent
    "Fredo" is not an ethnic slur. (none / 0) (#134)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 03:17:39 PM EST
    It's an obvious reference to the weak-kneed and self-indulgent son of "The Godfather" films. Personally, I'm not going to applaud immature behavior. Chris Cuomo is 49 years old, going on 14.

    Parent
    It can definately (none / 0) (#135)
    by jondee on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 03:24:50 PM EST
    be an ethnic slur if the implication is meant to be that a NY Italian-American in a position of influence must necessarily have mob ties - which was something I heard suggested about Mario more than once.

    Parent
    I think that's rather a stretch. (none / 0) (#138)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 05:44:57 PM EST
    When director Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" first aired on NBC in November 1974, the network felt compelled to run a disclaimer which stated that the violent and disreputable characters portrayed in the film should not be seen by viewers as reflective of the Italian-American community as a whole.

    But then again, that was also 45 years ago. Two generations of Americans have since been born and raised. Our country's criminal syndicates have evolved in the interim as well, as have representations of such in the media.

    Getting back to the present, "Full Frontal" host Samantha Bee has on more than one occasion publicly referred to Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump as "Sonny and Fredo." The analogy is obvious to anyone who remembers the rather glaring and problematic flaws in the respective personalities of Vito Corleone's two eldest sons.

    Whereas "Guinea," "Dago," "Guido" and "Wop" are actual ethnic slurs, it's far more likely that "Fredo" in this case was meant as a cinematic metaphor for a weak and vacillating offspring. Personally, I see the hot-headed and confrontational Chris Cuomo as more the "Sonny" type.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Not much of stretch (none / 0) (#144)
    by jondee on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 07:46:45 PM EST
    at all really, if you have any recollection of the type of whispering campaign and attempts to dig up dirt on Mario Cuomo that went on back in the day.

    Just google Mario Cuomo + mob ties to get a clearer idea of why Chris Cuomo might be a little hypersensitive.

    Parent

    Not impressed by either one in that clip (none / 0) (#132)
    by McBain on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 01:53:24 PM EST
    As for the real Fredo, John Cazale, he had a remarkable career before his untimely death.  All five of the films he appeared in were nominated for best picture....
    The Godfather I and II
    The Deer Hunter
    The Conversation
    Dog Day Afternoon

    I barely remember The Conversation.  Might have to watch that again.  

    There's a documentary about Cazale called I Knew It Was You

    Parent

    "The Conversation" is very good. (none / 0) (#139)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 05:56:36 PM EST
    First released in late 1974, it earned director Francis Ford Coppola the distinction of being the only modern director to have had two films simultaneously in the running for a Best Picture Oscar in the same year, since Coppola's "The Godfather, Part II" was similarly nominated (and ultimately won).

    "The Conversation" also has one of the great plot twists in cinema history, so please pay attention to the details when you watch it. Further, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised by the actress who played against type as the femme fatale.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I LMBO (none / 0) (#136)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 04:16:14 PM EST
    because that guy was backing down the minute Cuomo said something oh, I didn't know. Oh, I didn't mean it that way and I find this so indicative of conservatives in general because they are bullies and bullies always fold when they are challenged.

    Parent
    That was funny to watch. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 05:59:48 PM EST
    Still, I think Chris Cuomo is an immature blowhard. But in this instance, being a blowhard likely served him well.

    Parent
    There is a fire (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 11:03:15 AM EST
    In Hong Kong

    Like clockwork (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 11:51:52 AM EST
    Velshi & f'ing Ruhel are pushing the idea the "rioters" are in the wrong.

    Seriously.

    Parent

    Ruhel (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 11:55:23 AM EST
    "The protests are being no compared to terrorism"

    Only by you.  You f'Ing mouthpiece of fascism

    Parent

    In response to the (none / 0) (#137)
    by KeysDan on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 05:43:24 PM EST
    nuclear explosion in northern Russia, linked to work on an infinite range/low flying nuclear- powered missile intended to defeat US anti-missile systems, Trump may have revealed the existence of a secret US nuclear program (or, of course, he misunderstood, listening to his visual/illustrated briefing while tweeting about something like Chris Cuomo).

    Trump casually tweeted: "The US is learning much from the failed missile explosion in Russia.  We have similar, though more advanced technology.  The Russian 'Skyfall' explosion has people worried about the air around the facility and beyond, not good."

    The US explored nuclear-powered projectiles after World War II, Project Pluto at Livermore Laboratory in California ,was cancelled in 1964. The goal was to eliminate distance limitations, fly low, and weave around anti-missile shields. The missile with a mini-nuclear reactor was, at that time, found to be unstable and dangerous owing to it exhaust of radiation and shock waves while flying at low altitudes.

    Another project was undertaken at Dawson Forest, in Dawsonville, GA. north of Atlanta. The effort included the feasibility of a nuclear aircraft and effect of nuclear war on wildlife (definitely not good). The Lockheed Lab closed in 1971. The City of Atlanta purchased the 10,000 acre forest land (three of the acres are still "roped off") for a potential site of a second airport, but the site's topography was ill-suited for an airport.  

    A nuclear ram jet with nuclear power's limit to endurance is the lifetime of the nuclear fuel, measured in years. It can operate equally well at low or high altitudes, and its range is unlimited.

    However, the radiation is lethal to anybody in the vicinity, including people beneath its flight path when operating at low altitudes; its shock waves destroy buildings and injure those not killed by radiation.  

    The missile was designed to deliver one bomb or several bombs, and after the last bomb was dropped, the missile could be programmed to fly around enemy territory, destroying structures with shock waves and killing people with radiation. A real doomsday scenario.

    If the US has renewed efforts for a nuclear-powered missile in light of technological advances over the past 50 years (and a part of an unnecessary arms race) it would have to be among our top secrets.  

    It (none / 0) (#142)
    by FlJoe on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 06:54:15 PM EST
    sounds like a stupid weapon to me. Sea and land based cruise missiles could do the same job, even if by some miracle the untested ABM (that will probably never be close to 100% protection) does it's job.

    Parent
    The planet is heating up... (none / 0) (#145)
    by desertswine on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 10:33:21 PM EST
    the Siberian tundra is melting, the forests are burning...   and Russia is spending its resources working on nuclear powered missiles.  The stupidity.

    Parent
    Apparently Russia has (none / 0) (#146)
    by desertswine on Tue Aug 13, 2019 at 10:44:53 PM EST
    Macron (none / 0) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 09:45:48 AM EST
    Is the leader of the free world.

    That's the headline from this shi+show

    I like it.

    Trump (none / 0) (#148)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 09:50:12 AM EST
    Is currently explaining how Macron rand everything past HIM first and Macron is looking very zen.

    Parent
    The (third) First Lady (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 09:55:24 AM EST
    Also really really likes Kim Jung Un.

    So........

    This is so f'ing surreal

    Parent

    I have finally come to see Trump (none / 0) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 10:00:16 AM EST
    As entertainment.  I want him on tv 24/7 until Nov 20

    Parent
    HOLY HELL (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 10:21:23 AM EST
    Trump
    "Of course I care about what happens in the UK.  I own several properties in the UK"

    You can NOT make this up.

    Parent

    One more (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 10:34:39 AM EST
    Trump
    "I have probably produced more "environmental impact statements than anyone"

    I created, as the resident graphics person, in the 70s an "environmental impact statement" for Peabody Coal Co.  St Louis Mo.

    They are industry white wash and EVERYONE knows it.

    Trivia. Jus sayin

    Parent

    For certain (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by jmacWA on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 10:43:51 AM EST
    tRump has impacted my mental environment

    Parent
    Seeing him (none / 0) (#154)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 12:39:52 PM EST
    as entertainment is probably seriously good for mental health these days.

    Parent
    I just cannot (none / 0) (#155)
    by Zorba on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 01:12:01 PM EST
    see him as "entertainment."
    It doesn't entertain me, it worries me.

    Parent
    I can understand (none / 0) (#156)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 01:18:48 PM EST
    that. Truly mostly I have avoided watching him on TV and if he comes on, I change the channel. Reading about him and what he says and does doesn't seem to have the same effect on me.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 02:55:19 PM EST
    It "worries" me

    Parent
    A solid grounding (none / 0) (#169)
    by jondee on Thu Aug 29, 2019 at 09:33:18 PM EST
    in the horror/scifi genre probably helps.

    Parent
    Joe Walsh (none / 0) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 03:39:23 PM EST
    Everyone is scrambling to pile on Walsh because of the crazy racist things he has said.
    Fine.  I think they are missing the point.
    IMO Walsh has no illusion about winning.   When I said he is a threat to Trump that is not what I meant.
    He can be a threat exactly because of who he is.
    You may not even know who he is but there is a good chance your average Trump voter knows who he is.
    He is a right wing talk radio host who has Trumpers for a audience.
    He is in a unique position to sway a percent or two of Trumps support.
    Run Joe run.

    The funniest (none / 0) (#159)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 03:56:26 PM EST
    thing is I see wingers making the argument about how racist Walsh is and I wanna laugh. First of all when he was doing it they said nothing. Secondly it's all the same stuff Trump has said. He is really making them scream which has kind of surprised me. I guess they really see him as some sort of threat.

    Parent
    The last thing they want (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 04:00:59 PM EST
    Is a slime merchant just as willing to call names and roll in the mud as Trump.

    One who really doesn't even care about winning.

    Parent

    DailyBeast (none / 0) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 04:29:15 PM EST
    I'm bowling (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 26, 2019 at 05:19:17 PM EST
    With my Trump friend Wednesday

    Very curious about his view of the developing primary.

    Parent

    Memo to Andrea Mitchell (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 27, 2019 at 11:38:56 AM EST
    And various other bobble head tools

    Spending 20 minutes on the fact Trump said his third wife "knows" Kim is exactly what he wants you to do.

    Because then, Andrea (none / 0) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 27, 2019 at 11:43:43 AM EST
    Checkin out (none / 0) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 27, 2019 at 11:45:52 AM EST
    Spending the day slo-moing thru GODZILLA -KING OF MONSTERS on ppv  

    Parent
    One of Trump's best quips... (none / 0) (#168)
    by fishcamp on Wed Aug 28, 2019 at 12:37:18 PM EST
    'just nuke the hurricane".

    BTW, Ruffian I hope you have made your move to Denver since they are saying tropical storm Dorian may land near Orlando.

    Ruffian is moving back to Denver? (none / 0) (#170)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Aug 29, 2019 at 11:46:28 PM EST
    I must have missed that little tidbit.

    Parent