USA Politics

[Karl Henning]

If it just took money to win elections, Bloomberg would be the Dem nominee.

[71 dB]

If it just took money to win elections, Bloomberg would be the Dem nominee.

Money is not 100 % of it, but it helps a lot. Do you think Bloomberg would have run if he wasn't a billionaire? He got quite high in the polls in same States despite of starting his run very late thanks to carpet-bombing the airwaves with adds wasting hundreds of millions of dollars he could have spent better, for example to fight homelessness. $500 million gets a lot of people under the a roof. Money didn't help Bloomberg more, because outside the establishment circles almost nobody wants president Bloomberg to micromanage their lives banning sodas etc.

Instead of money the left has grassroot enthusiams, volunteers knocking the doors and speading the progressive message.

[Herman]

wasting hundreds of millions of dollars he could have spent better, for example to fight homelessness. $500 million gets a lot of people under the a roof.

Instead of money the left has grassroot enthusiams, volunteers knocking the doors and speading the progressive message.

Too bad however these young progressives have a marked habit of not turning up on Election Day, because the candidate is just not 100% their thing, thereby giving the WH to a candidate who is 0% their thing.

[geralmar]

If it just took money to win elections, Bloomberg would be the Dem nominee.

I voted for Bloomberg in the primary because:

1.  The Democratic field was so exasperatingly weak.
2.  Bloomberg at least had political experience as a not a terrible mayor of New York.
3.  I concluded that the only candidate that would frighten a fake millionaire was a real billionaire.

[greg]

Students Support Socialism... Until It's Applied To Their GPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCPcM8GlptM



You know, I really don't like videos like this... title sounds great until you realize it's a false equivalency.

You can't inherit GPA. But you can inherit wealth. And you can be given "a small loan of a million dollars," or let's be more typical, a "small" loan of $50,000 or $100,000. Or a house.

But when you are given nothing and expected to provide everything (ie provide for a family), or hell, even just providing for oneself, it's an uphill battle all the way. You just aren't even in the competition if you start so far behind due to no fault of your own.

This is what the problem is: it's not meritocracy, at all. Wealth inheritance undermines that completely.

It's weird that conservative argue for meritocracy but have no problems with wealth inheritance. And that liberals argue that race/gender are more important, which is just as nonsensical.

In the US it's usually the case that when you graduate high school, you have to get a car to get a job. But to get a car, you need a job. And if your parents can't afford a car for you, then it's just a battle from the start. Meanwhile, the next guy down the road has everything paid for, school, a car, doesn't need to work so he can spend his free time starting up his own business or doing something else, while most of us spend 60-70 hours a week with school and work, and have to spend so many years just to get to the point where that guy started.

[arpeggio]

My wife and I were discussing the state of affairs and she has an interesting theory.  For generations we Americans thought we were the greatest nation in the world.  As a result of the current state affairs, especially with the way we have failed to deal with the virus, it has become clear that we are not longer on top.  Although there were some of us who saw this coming, many Americans are stunned and in denial.  I think she has a point.

[SimonNZ]

Just in case anyone doesn't already have enough podcasts to listen to...

The latest episode of The Nostalgia Trap is a fascinating interview with Kristin Kobes Du Mez about her book "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation":

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-nostalgia-trap/e/76723897?autoplay=true

[Todd]

Trump Signs Four Executive Orders For Economic Relief - Here Is How They Will Affect You

Trump takes bold unilateral action!  Now, when will he sign an executive order that helps me?  I want federal handouts as much as the next guy.

[Karl Henning]

I voted for Bloomberg in the primary because:

1.  The Democratic field was so exasperatingly weak.
2.  Bloomberg at least had political experience as a not a terrible mayor of New York.
3.  I concluded that the only candidate that would frighten a fake millionaire was a real billionaire.

Reasonable

[greg]

It's hard to make a 100% judgement based on this because of the censor blur, but based on what I can tell, they shot the guy within seconds after he answered the door.

He did have a gun, but didn't look like he was pointing it (hard to tell from the blur). He was trying to put it down, that much you can see.

I heard that he had it due to burglars in the area (anyone could say they are "Phoenix Police", then step away from the peephole so they aren't visible, and then ambush them, so he tried to put the gun away but wasn't given a chance).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49P9TuFLOQ


But there will be no large-scale protests about this. This isn't going to broadcast repeatedly on CNN (seems they haven't ran a story about it, which is probably why I didn't hear about this until now).

Why? Because he's white. Seems there is more profit in race baiting rather than police brutality, maybe?


The police arrived because it was a noise complaint (arguing and playing Crash Bandicoot too loud, which is a bit weird since it's not a very loud game). I mean, the "Road to Nowhere" level is hard enough to make you scream at top volume, of course, but getting murdered for it? Nah...

[Herman]

I voted for Bloomberg in the primary because:

1.  The Democratic field was so exasperatingly weak.
2.  Bloomberg at least had political experience as a not a terrible mayor of New York.
3.  I concluded that the only candidate that would frighten a fake millionaire was a real billionaire.

I loved his speech at the Hillary convention. "I know a con man when I see one."

[milk]

Noam Chomsky makes the case for Biden.
https://youtube.com/v/HhAU-YCk3Y0

[71 dB]

My wife and I were discussing the state of affairs and she has an interesting theory.  For generations we Americans thought we were the greatest nation in the world.  As a result of the current state affairs, especially with the way we have failed to deal with the virus, it has become clear that we are not longer on top.  Although there were some of us who saw this coming, many Americans are stunned and in denial.  I think she has a point.

If the US ever was on top it was long long ago. 1950s? 60s? It's simply amazing to see how unaware many Americans are about how badly they are screwed. When we non-Americans try to speak about these things we are called clueless. 

Coronavirus has been devastating to the whole World, but the US is among the countries where it has been especially devastating. If anything good comes out of this it's Americans realizing how sick their political system is. In what kind of country do Americans want to live in?

[arpeggio]

I really do not know what can be done to turn things around for us.  Even if Biden wins, it will take us years to undo the damage that has been done.

There have been several conservatives who have written books about the decline of the Republican party and conservative movement.  According to their analysis it is religion that has done us in.  At one time the Republican Party was a secular party.  Since the time of Reagan it has become a religious party dominated by fundamentalist Christians.  Although some of the conservatives have objected to me bringing this point up but the majority of Republicans do not believe in Darwin and think the world is only 10,000 years old.  I have relatives in North Carolina who believe this.  When we were driving to visit relatives in North Carolina we actually was a billboard thanking Jesus for making Trump President.

The Republicans who believe in science have boxed themselves into a corner.  They can not bring themselves to admit the fundamentalists have destroyed their party but can not bring themselves to realize that the Democrats and progressives in our county are not as evil as they think we are.

My brother, who is a big supporter of Trump, still believes that liberals have ruined the county even though conservatives have dominated this county for twenty-five years.  When I have tried to discuss this with him it is like talking to a brick wall.

These are people who believe they are carrying out the will of God.

My wife feels that these people may not admit it but they realize that Trump and their agenda have messed up our great country.

I think what has happened in the State of Virginia may be a sign of hope.  For decades modern conservatives have controlled the State Government.  There control has been gradually eroding to the point in the last state election liberals have taken control of the state house, the state senate, the attorney general, the lieutenant governor and the governor.  Our governor is an MD and as a result we have done a better job of controlling the virus than most states.

I live in Northern Virginia and it is still scary in my part of the state.  My wife and I are both in our seventies and as a cancer survivor I am at a high risk.  I have no problem admitting to the Trumpsters around here that I am scared.  And I do not think I am being paranoid about it.  It would be nice if they were only putting themselves at risk but their irresponsible behavior is putting at risk the life of my wife and me as well. 

I have already lost one friend to this disease.  How many of us have to die before the modern conservatives admit that their agenda is a bust.

[Herman]

How many of us have to die before the modern conservatives admit that their agenda is a bust.

it won't make any difference. They'll never admit they were wrong.

Stay safe, please.

[Que]

It's hard to make a 100% judgement based on this because of the censor blur, but based on what I can tell, they shot the guy within seconds after he answered the door.

He did have a gun, but didn't look like he was pointing it (hard to tell from the blur). He was trying to put it down, that much you can see.

I heard that he had it due to burglars in the area (anyone could say they are "Phoenix Police", then step away from the peephole so they aren't visible, and then ambush them, so he tried to put the gun away but wasn't given a chance).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49P9TuFLOQ


But there will be no large-scale protests about this. This isn't going to broadcast repeatedly on CNN (seems they haven't ran a story about it, which is probably why I didn't hear about this until now).

Why? Because he's white. Seems there is more profit in race baiting rather than police brutality, maybe?


The police arrived because it was a noise complaint (arguing and playing Crash Bandicoot too loud, which is a bit weird since it's not a very loud game). I mean, the "Road to Nowhere" level is hard enough to make you scream at top volume, of course, but getting murdered for it? Nah...

Handing out guns to civilians - of any colour - is not a smart idea...
It makes everybody, including the police, trigger prone...

You guys have basically weaponised your entire civic society. And this what happens. You are not going to "defend" yourself against intruders, but you are going to be gunned down by police during a random low key encounter or by another civilian over a parking space.

Q

[Herman]

And all of this because of the pernicious influence of the NRA on the GOP, which is turning out (surprise!) yet another fraud scheme....

Sometimes one thinks the entire right wing, or, if you will, conservative bloc (the GOP, the NRA, the media, the crazy churches), resembles the old Soviet elite, all dinosaurs intent on enriching themselves to the detriment of the population. Obviously the way in which the GOP encourages Putin's Russia to further its cause is no coincidence. They're the same. So who is going to say "Tear Down this Wall"?

[71 dB]

I really do not know what can be done to turn things around for us.  Even if Biden wins, it will take us years to undo the damage that has been done.

If you don't care you simply do nothing. If you do care you fight for better tomorrow. Money in politics is the main issue. The politician won't work for regular people as long as they are bought by the rich and big corporations. Check out https://wolf-pac.com/ for what can be done:

The Problem: The United States government is no longer accountable to the people.

The Solution: Add a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will ensure the integrity of the elections and establish a government accountable to the people.

There have been several conservatives who have written books about the decline of the Republican party and conservative movement.  According to their analysis it is religion that has done us in.  At one time the Republican Party was a secular party.  Since the time of Reagan it has become a religious party dominated by fundamentalist Christians.  Although some of the conservatives have objected to me bringing this point up but the majority of Republicans do not believe in Darwin and think the world is only 10,000 years old.  I have relatives in North Carolina who believe this.  When we were driving to visit relatives in North Carolina we actually was a billboard thanking Jesus for making Trump President.

The Republicans don't have anything to offer to regular people on economic issues. So, they offer conservatism on social issue meaning racism, religion, etc. things that make people feel special, better and "chosen" so that they are blind to what The Republican politicians are really about (money and power for themselves). Corporate Dems aren't much better, but offer social liberalism instead of conservatism which makes them a bit less shitty.

The Republicans who believe in science have boxed themselves into a corner.  They can not bring themselves to admit the fundamentalists have destroyed their party but can not bring themselves to realize that the Democrats and progressives in our county are not as evil as they think we are.

Well, humans are capable of upholding stunning cognitive dissonance... 

My brother, who is a big supporter of Trump, still believes that liberals have ruined the country even though conservatives have dominated this county for twenty-five years.  When I have tried to discuss this with him it is like talking to a brick wall.

As I wrote here, oligarchs have dominated the US for 40+ years. The Dems are insanely weak in fighting the Reps because ultimately they are after the same thing: "more money and power for the top 1 %". In fact Trump is good for Nancy Pelosi and helps her raising money!

These are people who believe they are carrying out the will of God.

Jesus would never approve the politics of the Republicans. Not even the pro-life nonsense, because the Bible is pro abortion, but of course the Republicans don't even know their "holy" book. The Republicans are pro fetus. After the birth they don't give a f**k.

My wife feels that these people may not admit it but they realize that Trump and their agenda have messed up our great country.

Trump has made a lot of damage, but things were already messy before Trump and that's why Trump happened. People are confused, frustrated and desperate so "outsider" Trump looks the solution for many.

I think what has happened in the State of Virginia may be a sign of hope.  For decades modern conservatives have controlled the State Government.  There control has been gradually eroding to the point in the last state election liberals have taken control of the state house, the state senate, the attorney general, the lieutenant governor and the governor.  Our governor is an MD and as a result we have done a better job of controlling the virus than most states.

The younger generations are much more open to lefty policies. In time things should get better, but unfortunately for example climate change is an issue requiring imminent actions. We don't have time.

I live in Northern Virginia and it is still scary in my part of the state.  My wife and I are both in our seventies and as a cancer survivor I am at a high risk.  I have no problem admitting to the Trumpsters around here that I am scared.  And I do not think I am being paranoid about it.  It would be nice if they were only putting themselves at risk but their irresponsible behavior is putting at risk the life of my wife and me as well.

You certainly live in a scary situation and being scared is a sign of undertanding the situation. Practise all the safety measures with your wife and stay safe.

I have already lost one friend to this disease.  How many of us have to die before the modern conservatives admit that their agenda is a bust.

Sorry about your lost! Some of the conservatives may see the light, but I'm afraid most of them will explain things to themselves in ways that don't reflect the reality.

[71 dB]

You guys have basically weaponised your entire civic society. 

Q

How many mass shootings (four or more people dead or injured) have there been in August alone in the US? The list doesn't go beyond August 5th, but has got no less than 12 entries. In August 4th there were no less than five mass shootings! Fortunately most victims of these shooting got only injured. In July 29th five people were killed when a man killed his wife and three children, aged 12, 10 and 6-years-old, and then himself in an apparent murder-suicide in Elyria, Ohio.

The US is practically a war-zone.

[Todd]

The US is practically a war-zone.

The press sensationalizes stories.  Online outlets amplify sensationalism.  Some people fall prey to what they consume.  They then create exaggerated and distorted views of the world.  They believe their own ideas.  Then they proselytize.  New age propaganda is the best.